Housing of temperature sensor, temperature sensor, battery, and electric apparatus

Abstract

The present application discloses a housing of a temperature sensor, a temperature sensor, a battery, and an electric apparatus. The housing of a temperature sensor comprises: a body portion, wherein an accommodating space is formed inside the body portion, an opening is formed in one end of the body portion, and the opening is communicated with the accommodating space; and a connecting portion located outside the body portion and connected to the body portion, wherein the connecting portion and the body portion jointly define a slot structure, a connecting structure is formed on the inner surface of the wall of the slot, and the connecting structure is used for limiting the movement of the body portion in the insertion direction of the slot structure. The slot structure of the housing is connected to a tab by means of insertion, and a part of the tab is located in the slot. Compared with the structure in which the housing is mounted on one side of the tab, the mounting space on two sides of the tab can be fully utilized to mount the housing, so as to save the mounting space.

Description

Temperature sensor housing, temperature sensor, battery and electrical device

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application 202420288953.1, filed on February 7, 2024, entitled “Housing of temperature sensor, temperature sensor, battery and electrical device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a temperature sensor housing, a temperature sensor, a battery, and an electrical device. Background Art

[0004] This section merely provides background information related to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

[0005] When the battery is working, the temperature of the battery needs to be monitored. When the temperature sensor is placed on the tab (the electrical connection component between two battery cells) inside the battery, since there is a battery cell below the tab and an insulating cover above the tab, the distance between the insulating cover and the end cover of the battery cell and the tab is small. Due to the limitation of the space above and below the tab, it is inconvenient to install the temperature sensor. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present application provides a temperature sensor housing, a temperature sensor, a battery, and an electrical device.

[0007] A first aspect of the present application provides a housing of a temperature sensor, comprising:

[0008] A main body portion, wherein a receiving space is formed inside the main body portion, and an opening is formed at one end of the main body portion, the opening being communicated with the receiving space;

[0009] The connecting portion is located outside the main body and is connected to the main body. The connecting portion and the main body jointly enclose a slot structure. The inner surface of the slot wall of the slot structure is formed with a connecting structure. The connecting structure is used to connect to the target connector to limit the movement of the main body relative to the target connector along the plug-in direction of the slot structure.

[0010] During the installation of the shell, the target connector can be the battery tab. The slot structure of the shell is plugged into the tab so that part of the tab is located in the slot. Compared with the structure in which the shell is installed on one side of the tab, the installation space on both sides of the tab can be fully utilized to install the shell, thereby saving installation space.

[0011] In some embodiments, the connecting part includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part, the first connecting part is connected to the main body part, and the end of the first connecting part facing away from the main body part is connected to the second connecting part. The first connecting part, the second connecting part and the main body part together form a slot structure, and along the plug-in direction of the slot structure, the connecting structure and the first connecting part are spaced apart.

[0012] When the slot structure of the shell is plugged into the tab, the second connecting part and the main body are located on both sides of the tab. The second connecting part can be set between the tab and the insulating cover, and the main body can be set between the tab and the battery cell, or the second connecting part can be set between the tab and the battery cell, and the main body can be set between the tab and the insulating cover, so that the shell can make full use of the space on both sides of the tab to improve space utilization; at the same time, the first connecting part can limit the insertion depth of the slot structure, that is, when the slot structure is inserted to the maximum depth, the first connecting part abuts against one edge of the tab, so that the shell can be installed at the predetermined position of the tab, thereby facilitating the connection between the shell and the tab.

[0013] In some embodiments, a connection structure is formed on the surface of the second connecting portion facing the main body, or a connection structure is formed on the surface of the main body facing the second connecting portion. Compared to a structure in which the connection structure is formed on the first connecting portion, this facilitates connection of the connection structure to the battery tab when applied to the battery.

[0014] In some embodiments, the connecting portion includes two first connecting portions and two second connecting portions, the two first connecting portions are respectively located on opposite sides of the main body portion, the two second connecting portions are respectively located on opposite sides of the main body portion, the two first connecting portions are respectively connected to the main body portion, each first connecting portion is connected to the second connecting portion, and on the same side of the main body portion, the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion and the main body portion are jointly combined to form a slot structure, and the connecting structure is spaced apart from the first connecting portion along the plugging direction of the slot structure.

[0015] When the shell and the bar are installed, a notch can be set on one side of the bar, and the shell can be inserted into the notch through the slot structure. When the first connecting part abuts against the side of the bar, it is connected to the bar through the connecting structure, and is plugged into the bar through the slot structure on both sides of the shell. Compared with the structure in which the shell is installed on one side of the bar, the space on both sides of the bar can be fully utilized, and the shell can be installed on the bar to improve space utilization.

[0016] In some embodiments, the main body includes a first part and a second part, an accommodating space is formed inside the first part, and the first part is connected to the second part on both sides along the first direction. The first direction is the same as the spacing direction of the two first connecting parts. On the same side of the main body, the first part, the second part, the first connecting part and the second connecting part are together combined to form a slot structure. Along the plug-in direction of the slot structure, the connecting structure is spaced apart from the first connecting part.

[0017] Therefore, the slot structure formed on both sides of the main body can be plugged into the bar with a notch. Along the thickness direction of the bar, the two ends of the main body can be located on both sides of the bar respectively, and the shell can be installed using the space above and below the bar. Compared with the structure in which the main body is installed on one side of the bar, the shell can be installed by making full use of the limited space on both sides of the bar to improve space utilization.

[0018] In some embodiments, a connection structure is formed on a surface of the second connection portion facing the second part, or a connection structure is formed on a surface of the second part facing the second connection portion. The connection structure is provided on the second connection portion to facilitate fixing of the housing.

[0019] In some embodiments, the connection structure includes a snap-fit ​​protrusion.

[0020] During use, a slot can be provided on the surface of the tab, and the elastic deformation of the second connecting portion can be used to snap the engaging protrusion into the slot of the tab. Therefore, the provision of the engaging protrusion can realize quick disassembly and assembly of the temperature sensor, facilitating installation and maintenance.

[0021] In some embodiments, the material of the connecting portion includes an elastic material, thereby enabling the connection and removal of the engaging protrusion and the tab to be achieved by utilizing the elastic deformation of the connecting portion.

[0022] In some embodiments, the connection structure includes a connection hole extending through the wall of the slot in which the connection hole is located, with the axis of the connection hole being arranged at an angle to the wall of the slot in which the connection hole is located. Thus, the housing can be attached to the battery tab via the snap-fitting protrusion, or the housing can be fixed to the tab via screws through the connection hole, facilitating installation and removal of the housing.

[0023] In some embodiments, the connection structure includes a connection hole extending through the wall of the slot in which the connection hole is located, with the axis of the connection hole being arranged at an angle to the wall of the slot in which the connection hole is located. Thus, the housing can be attached to the battery tab via the snap-fitting protrusion, or the housing can be fixed to the tab via screws through the connection hole, facilitating installation and removal of the housing.

[0024] A second aspect of the present application provides a temperature sensor, comprising:

[0025] Temperature measuring components;

[0026] In the housing of the temperature sensor of the first aspect, the temperature measuring component is disposed in the accommodation space.

[0027] Since the temperature sensor includes the housing of the first aspect, the effects are the same as those described above and will not be described in detail here.

[0028] In some embodiments, the temperature sensor further includes a glue layer, the temperature measuring component is spaced apart from the inner wall of the main body, and the glue layer is filled between the temperature measuring component and the inner wall of the main body.

[0029] Thus, the temperature measuring component can be separated from the main body by the adhesive layer, thereby protecting the temperature measuring component and enabling the temperature sensor to work more reliably.

[0030] A third aspect of the present application provides a battery, comprising:

[0031] Battery cells;

[0032] The tab is a target connector and is electrically connected to the electrode terminals of the battery cell;

[0033] In the temperature sensor of the second aspect, part of the tab is inserted into the slot structure and connected to the connection structure, and the insertion direction of the slot structure is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the tab.

[0034] The connection structure includes a snap-fit ​​protrusion. An embedded structure is formed on the surface of the tab along the thickness direction of the tab, and the snap-fit ​​protrusion is located in the embedded structure.

[0035] Since the battery includes all the technical features of the above-mentioned temperature sensor, the effects are the same as above and will not be described in detail here.

[0036] In some embodiments, the connection structure includes a snap-fit ​​protrusion. An embedded structure is formed on the surface of the tab along its thickness, with the snap-fit ​​protrusion located within the embedded structure. The snap-fit ​​protrusion and tab are locked together, making assembly and disassembly of the housing more convenient than screwing or gluing.

[0037] In some embodiments, the connecting portion includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, the first connecting portion is connected to the main body portion, and the end of the first connecting portion facing away from the main body portion is connected to the second connecting portion. The first connecting portion, the second connecting portion and the main body portion together form a slot structure, and along the thickness direction of the bar piece, the second connecting portion and the main body portion are located on both sides of the bar piece.

[0038] When the slot structure of the shell is plugged into the tab, the second connecting part and the main body are located on both sides of the tab. The second connecting part can be set between the tab and the insulating cover, and the main body can be set between the tab and the battery cell, or the second connecting part can be set between the tab and the battery cell, and the main body can be set between the tab and the insulating cover, so that the shell can make full use of the space on both sides of the tab to improve space utilization; at the same time, the first connecting part can limit the insertion depth of the slot structure, that is, when the slot structure is inserted to the maximum depth, the first connecting part abuts against one edge of the tab, so that the shell can be installed at the predetermined position of the tab, thereby facilitating the connection between the shell and the tab.

[0039] In some embodiments, a notch is formed at one end of the tab, and the side edges of the notch include two oppositely arranged first side edges, each first side edge is formed with an embedded structure, the embedded structure includes a card slot, the connecting portion includes two first connecting portions and two second connecting portions, the two first connecting portions are respectively located on opposite sides of the main body portion, the two second connecting portions are respectively located on opposite sides of the main body portion, the two first connecting portions are respectively connected to the main body portion, each first connecting portion is connected to the second connecting portion, and on the same side of the main body portion, the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion and the main body portion are jointly enclosed into a slot structure, each first side edge is located in the slot structure, and the snap-fit ​​protrusion is located in the card slot.

[0040] When the shell and the bar are installed, a notch can be set on one side of the bar, and the shell can be inserted into the notch through the slot structure. When the first connecting part abuts against the side of the bar, it is connected to the bar through the connecting structure, and is plugged into the bar through the slot structure on both sides of the shell. Compared with the structure in which the shell is installed on one side of the bar, the space on both sides of the bar can be fully utilized, and the shell can be installed on the bar to improve space utilization.

[0041] The fourth aspect of the present application provides an electrical device, comprising the battery of the third aspect, wherein the battery is used to provide electrical energy to the electrical device.

[0042] Since the electrical device includes all the technical features of the above-mentioned battery, the effects are the same as those described above and will not be described in detail here.

[0043] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present application. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present application, it can be implemented in accordance with the contents of the specification. In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present application are listed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an electric device that is a vehicle according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0045] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a battery according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0046] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a battery cell according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0047] FIG4 is an axonometric view of a temperature sensor according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0048] FIG5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG4 ;

[0049] FIG6 is an isometric view of a temperature sensor according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0050] FIG7 is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG4 ;

[0051] FIG8 is an isometric view of a temperature sensor according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0052] FIG9 is an isometric view of a temperature sensor according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0053] FIG10 is an isometric view of a temperature sensor according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0054] FIG11 is an exploded view of the connection between a temperature sensor and a tab in a battery according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0055] FIG12 is an axonometric view of a battery center tab according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0056] FIG13 is an isometric view of a battery center tab and a temperature sensor connected in accordance with some embodiments of the present application;

[0057] FIG14 is a partial cross-sectional view of a longitudinal section of a battery according to some embodiments of the present application, wherein the longitudinal section is parallel to the thickness direction of the tab and the spacing direction between the two electrode terminals of the battery cell;

[0058] FIG15 is a partial enlarged view of point I in FIG14;

[0059] FIG16 is a partial cross-sectional view of a longitudinal section of a battery according to some embodiments of the present application, wherein the longitudinal section is parallel to the thickness direction of the tab and the spacing direction between the two electrode terminals of the battery cell;

[0060] FIG17 is a partial enlarged view of point II in FIG16 .

[0061] The reference numerals are as follows:

[0062] 1000. Vehicle;

[0063] 100. Battery;

[0064] 200, controller;

[0065] 300, motor;

[0066] 10. Box body; 11. Lower box body; 12. Upper cover;

[0067] 20. Battery cell; 21. End cap; 211. Electrode terminal; 22. Housing; 23. Electrode assembly; 231. Positive tab; 232. Negative tab;

[0068] 30. Temperature sensor; 31. Housing; 311. Main body; 3111. First portion; 3112. Second portion; 312. Connecting portion; 3121. First connecting portion; 3122. Second connecting portion; 313. Slot structure; 314. Connecting structure; 3141. Snap-fit ​​protrusion; 3142. Connecting hole; 32. Adhesive layer; 33. Temperature measuring component; 34. Wiring harness;

[0069] 40. tab; 41. embedded structure; 42. notch; 421. first side;

[0070] 50. Insulation cover;

[0071] 60. Connecting screws;

[0072] X, plugging direction; Y, thickness direction; Z, first direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0073] The following embodiments of the technical solution of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present application and are therefore only examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application.

[0074] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs; the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application; the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application and the above-mentioned figure descriptions are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0075] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the quantity, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, the meaning of "plurality" is more than two, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0076] References herein to "embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0077] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "and / or" is simply a description of the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent the following three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0078] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the term "multiple" refers to more than two (including two). Similarly, "multiple groups" refers to more than two groups (including two groups), and "multiple pieces" refers to more than two pieces (including two pieces).

[0079] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the technical terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0080] When the battery is working, it is necessary to monitor the battery temperature, and a temperature sensor is placed on the internal tab of the battery. The battery case contains multiple battery cells. The tab is a component that is connected in series or in parallel between two battery cells. A temperature sensor can be installed on the tab to monitor the operating temperature of the battery. Because an insulating cover is installed above the tab, the insulating cover is located in the case and covers multiple battery cells and is spaced apart from the tab. The distance between the tab and the end cap of the battery cell is small. If the temperature sensor is installed between the tab and the end cap, the distance is too small to be convenient for installation. If the temperature sensor is installed between the insulating cover and the tab, the height of the insulating cover will be increased, thereby increasing the space occupied by the case. Therefore, in a limited space, it is inconvenient to install the temperature sensor due to the space above and below the tab.

[0081] In view of this, the present application provides a shell for a temperature sensor, in which a slot structure is provided on the main body and the connecting part, and the slot structure is plugged into the tab along a thickness direction parallel to the tab, so that a part of the tab is located in the slot structure. The limited space on both sides of the tab can be used to install the shell to improve space utilization.

[0082] In addition to being used for measuring the temperature of batteries, the temperature sensor provided in this application can also be used for measuring the temperature of other devices or electrical appliances. For example, the temperature sensor can be used in, but is not limited to, devices such as air conditioners or heaters.

[0083] An embodiment of the present application provides an electrical device, including a battery, which is used to provide electrical energy to the electrical device.

[0084] Electrical devices may include, but are not limited to, electric toys, electric tools, battery vehicles, electric cars, ships, spacecraft, etc. Electric toys may include fixed or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc. Spacecraft may include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc.

[0085] For the convenience of description, the following embodiments are described by taking a vehicle 1000 as an example of an electrical device in some embodiments of the present application.

[0086] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle 1000 provided in some embodiments of the present application. Vehicle 1000 can be a fuel vehicle, a gas vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle can be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or an extended-range vehicle, among others. A battery 100 is disposed within vehicle 1000. Battery 100 can be located at the bottom, front, or rear of vehicle 1000. Battery 100 can be used to power vehicle 1000. For example, battery 100 can serve as an operating power source for vehicle 1000. Vehicle 1000 can also include a controller 200 and a motor 300. Controller 200 is used to control battery 100 to power motor 300, for example, to meet the power requirements of vehicle 1000 during startup, navigation, and driving. In some embodiments of the present application, battery 100 can serve not only as an operating power source for vehicle 1000, but also as a driving power source for vehicle 1000, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for vehicle 1000.

[0087] Please refer to Figure 2, which is an exploded view of a battery 100 provided in some embodiments of the present application. The battery 100 includes a housing 10 and at least one battery cell 20, which is housed within the housing 10. The housing 10 is used to provide a storage space for the battery cell 20 and can have various structures. In some embodiments, the housing 10 can include a lower housing 11 and an upper cover 12. The lower housing 11 and the upper cover 12 cover each other, and together define a storage space for the battery cell 20. The upper cover 12 can be a hollow structure with an inlet at one end, and the lower housing 11 can be a plate-like structure. The lower housing 11 covers the inlet side of the upper cover 12, so that the lower housing 11 and the upper cover 12 jointly define a storage space. Alternatively, the lower housing 11 and the upper cover 12 can each be a hollow structure with an inlet on one side, with the inlet side of the lower housing 11 covering the inlet side of the upper cover 12. Of course, the lower box body 11 formed by the lower box body 11 and the upper cover 12 can be in various shapes, such as T-shape, rectangular parallelepiped, etc.

[0088] In the battery 100, there may be multiple battery cells 20. The multiple battery cells 20 can be connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid manner through tabs. Hybrid means that the multiple battery cells 20 are connected both in series and in parallel. The multiple battery cells 20 can be directly connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid manner, and then the entire battery cell 20 is housed in the lower case 11. Of course, the battery 100 can also be formed by first connecting multiple battery cells 20 in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid manner to form a battery module, and then the multiple battery modules are connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid manner to form an entire battery cell and housed in the lower case 11. The battery 100 may also include other structures. For example, the battery 100 may also include a busbar component for electrically connecting the multiple battery cells 20.

[0089] Each battery cell 20 may be a secondary battery or a primary battery, and may also be a lithium-sulfur battery, a sodium-ion battery, or a magnesium-ion battery, but is not limited thereto. The battery cell 20 may be cylindrical, flat, rectangular, or in other shapes.

[0090] Please refer to Figure 3, which is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a battery cell 20 provided in some embodiments of the present application. A battery cell 20 is the smallest unit that makes up a battery. A battery cell 20 includes an end cap 21, a housing 22, an electrode assembly 23, and other functional components.

[0091] The end cap 21 is a component that covers the inlet of the outer shell 22 to isolate the internal environment of the battery cell 20 from the external environment. The shape of the end cap 21 can be adapted to the shape of the outer shell 22 to match the outer shell 22. Optionally, the end cap 21 can be made of a material with a certain hardness and strength (such as an aluminum alloy). This prevents the end cap 21 from deforming when subjected to compression or collision, thereby providing the battery cell 20 with higher structural strength and improved safety. The end cap 21 can be provided with functional components such as electrode terminals 211. The electrode terminals 211 can be used to electrically connect to the electrode assembly 23 for outputting or inputting electrical energy into or out of the battery cell 20. In some embodiments, the end cap 21 can also be provided with a pressure relief mechanism for relieving internal pressure when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery cell 20 reaches a threshold. The end cap 21 can also be made of a variety of materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc., and this embodiment of the present application does not impose any specific limitations on this. In some embodiments, an insulating member may be provided inside the end cap 21 to isolate the electrical connection components in the housing 22 from the end cap 21 to reduce the risk of short circuit. For example, the insulating member may be made of plastic, rubber, or the like.

[0092] The outer shell 22 is a component that cooperates with the end cap 21 to form the internal environment of the battery cell 20. This internal environment can be used to accommodate the electrode assembly 23, electrolyte, and other components. The outer shell 22 and the end cap 21 can be separate components. An inlet port can be provided on the outer shell 22, and the end cap 21 covers the inlet port to form the internal environment of the battery cell 20. Alternatively, the end cap 21 and the outer shell 22 can be integrated. Specifically, the end cap 21 and the outer shell 22 can form a common connection surface before other components are inserted into the shell. When the interior of the outer shell 22 needs to be enclosed, the end cap 21 is then closed over the outer shell 22. The outer shell 22 can have a variety of shapes and sizes, such as a rectangular parallelepiped, a cylinder, a hexagonal prism, etc. Specifically, the shape of the outer shell 22 can be determined based on the specific shape and size of the electrode assembly 23. The outer shell 22 can be made of a variety of materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, etc., and this embodiment of the present application does not impose any particular limitations on this.

[0093] The electrode assembly 23 is a component in the battery cell 20 where electrochemical reactions occur. One or more electrode assemblies 23 may be contained in the housing 22. The electrode assembly 23 is mainly formed by winding or stacking positive and negative electrode sheets, and a separator is usually provided between the positive and negative electrode sheets. The parts of the positive and negative electrode sheets with active materials constitute the main body of the electrode assembly, and the parts of the positive and negative electrode sheets without active materials each constitute a tab. The positive tab 231 and the negative tab 232 may be located together at one end of the main body or respectively at both ends of the main body. During the charge and discharge process of the battery, the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material react with the electrolyte, and the tabs connect the electrode terminals to form a current loop.

[0094] For the convenience of description, the following embodiments are described with reference to FIG. 4 to FIG. 10 , taking the housing 31 of a temperature sensor 30 of the present application as an example.

[0095] The housing 31 of the temperature sensor 30 includes a main body 311 and a connecting portion 312. The main body 311 has an internal storage space, and one end of the main body 311 has an opening that communicates with the storage space. The connecting portion 312 is located outside the main body 311 and is connected to the main body 311. The connecting portion 312 and the main body 311 together enclose a slot structure 313. The inner surface of the slot structure 313's slot wall is formed with a connecting structure 314. The connecting structure 314 is used to connect to a target connector to limit the movement of the main body 311 relative to the target connector along the insertion direction X of the slot structure 313.

[0096] Optionally, the main body 311 and the connecting portion 312 can be integrally formed. Specifically, the main body 311 and the connecting portion 312 can be integrally formed by injection molding or welding. The main body 311 and the connecting portion 312 can also be connected by, but not limited to, bonding or riveting.

[0097] Optionally, the main body 311 may be, but is not limited to, a square box, a circular box, or a polygonal box.

[0098] The connection structure 314 is used to limit the movement of the main body 311 along the plugging direction X of the slot structure 313, which means that the connection structure 314 can fix the main body 311 or the connection part 312 on the installed component to limit the movement of the shell 31 along the plugging direction X of the slot structure 313. The installed component can be but is not limited to the battery tab 40 and other components connected to the shell 31.

[0099] When the shell 31 of the temperature sensor 30 is applied to the tab 40 of the battery, the slot structure 313 of the shell 31 is plugged into the tab 40, so that a part of the tab 40 is located in the slot. Compared with the structure in which the shell 31 is installed on one side of the tab 40, the installation space on both sides of the tab 40 can be fully utilized to install the shell 31, thereby saving installation space.

[0100] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 4 and 5, the connecting part 312 includes a first connecting part 3121 and a second connecting part 3122, the first connecting part 3121 is connected to the main body part 311, and the end of the first connecting part 3121 facing away from the main body part 311 is connected to the second connecting part 3122, the first connecting part 3121, the second connecting part 3122 and the main body part 311 are together enclosed to form a slot structure 313, along the plug-in direction X of the slot structure 313, the connecting structure 314 is spaced apart from the first connecting part 3121.

[0101] The connection method between the first connection portion 3121 and the main body portion 311 and the connection method between the second connection portion 3122 and the second connection portion 3122 include but are not limited to welding, bonding or integral molding by injection molding.

[0102] Optionally, the structure formed by the first connecting portion 3121 and the second connecting portion 3122 may be an L-shaped bent plate.

[0103] When the slot structure 313 of the shell 31 is plugged into the tab 40, the second connecting portion 3122 and the main body 311 are located on both sides of the tab 40. The second connecting portion 3122 can be set between the tab 40 and the insulating cover 50, and the main body 311 can be set between the tab 40 and the battery cell 20. Alternatively, the second connecting portion 3122 can be set between the tab 40 and the battery cell 20, and the main body 311 can be set between the tab 40 and the insulating cover 50, so that the shell 31 can make full use of the space on both sides of the tab 40 to improve space utilization; at the same time, the first connecting portion 3121 can limit the insertion depth of the slot structure 313, that is, when the slot structure 313 is inserted to the maximum depth, the first connecting portion 3121 abuts against one edge of the tab 40, so that the shell 31 can be installed at a predetermined position of the tab 40, thereby facilitating the connection between the shell 31 and the tab 40.

[0104] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 6 , a connection structure 314 is formed on a surface of the second connection portion 3122 facing the main body portion 311 , or a connection structure 314 is formed on a surface of the main body portion 311 facing the second connection portion 3122 .

[0105] The connection structure 314 may be a connection hole 3142 or a snap-fit ​​protrusion 3141 .

[0106] Compared with the structure in which the connection structure 314 is formed on the first connection portion 3121 , when applied to a battery, it is more convenient to connect the connection structure 314 to the tab 40 of the battery.

[0107] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 9, the connecting part 312 includes two first connecting parts 3121 and two second connecting parts 3122, the two first connecting parts 3121 are respectively located on opposite sides of the main body part 311, and the two second connecting parts 3122 are respectively located on opposite sides of the main body part 311, the two first connecting parts 3121 are respectively connected to the main body part 311, and each first connecting part 3121 is connected to the second connecting part 3122. On the same side of the main body part 311, the first connecting part 3121, the second connecting part 3122 and the main body part 311 are together enclosed to form a slot structure 313, and along the plug-in direction X of the slot structure 313, the connecting structure 314 is spaced apart from the first connecting part 3121.

[0108] The two first connection parts 3121 are respectively connected to the main body part 311 by, but not limited to, welding, screw connection, bonding, or integrally formed by injection molding.

[0109] When the shell 31 and the tab 40 are installed, a notch 42 can be set on one side of the tab 40, and the shell 31 is inserted into the notch 42 through the slot structure 313. When the first connecting portion 3121 is against the side of the tab 40, it is connected to the tab 40 through the connecting structure 314, and is plugged into the tab 40 through the slot structure 313 on both sides of the shell 31. Compared with the structure in which the shell 31 is installed on one side of the tab 40, the space on both sides of the tab 40 can be fully utilized, and the shell 31 can be installed on the tab 40 to improve space utilization.

[0110] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 9. The main body 311 includes a first part 3111 and a second part 3112. A accommodating space is formed inside the first part 3111. The first part 3111 is connected to the second part 3112 on both sides along the first direction Z. The first direction Z is the same as the spacing direction of the two first connection parts 3121. On the same side of the main body 311, the first part 3111, the second part 3112, the first connection part 3121 and the second connection part 3122 are together enclosed to form a slot structure 313. Along the plug-in direction X of the slot structure 313, the connection structure 314 is spaced apart from the first connection part 3121.

[0111] The connection between the first part 3111 and the second part 3112 includes, but is not limited to, welding, bonding, screw connection, or integral molding by injection molding.

[0112] Therefore, the slot structure 313 formed on both sides of the main body 311 can be plugged into the tab 40 with the notch 42. Along the thickness direction Y of the tab 40, the two ends of the main body 311 can be located on both sides of the tab 40 respectively, and the shell 31 can be installed using the space above and below the tab 40. Compared with the structure in which the main body 311 is installed on one side of the tab 40, the limited space on both sides of the tab 40 can be fully utilized to install the shell 31, thereby improving space utilization.

[0113] In some embodiments, a connection structure 314 is formed on the surface of the second connection portion 3122 facing the second part 3112, or a connection structure 314 is formed on the surface of the second part 3112 facing the second connection portion 3122. Compared with a structure in which the housing 31 is mounted on one side of the tab 40, the housing 31 is mounted on the tab 40 to fully utilize the space on both sides of the tab 40, thereby improving space utilization.

[0114] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 , the connection structure 314 includes a snap-fit ​​protrusion 3141 .

[0115] In one exemplary embodiment, the engaging protrusion 3141 is formed at the end of the second connecting portion 3122 facing away from the first connecting portion 3121, and the engaging protrusion 3141 and the second connecting portion 3122 form a snap-fit ​​structure. In another exemplary embodiment, the engaging protrusion 3141 is formed between the end of the second connecting portion 3122 facing away from the first connecting portion 3121 and the first connecting portion 3121. During use, a slot can be provided on the surface of the tab 40, and the engaging protrusion 3141 can be snapped into the slot of the tab 40 by utilizing the elastic deformation of the second connecting portion 3122.

[0116] By providing the snap-fit ​​protrusion 3141 , the temperature sensor 30 can be quickly disassembled and assembled, making maintenance and installation convenient.

[0117] In some embodiments, the material of the connecting portion 312 includes an elastic material. Optionally, the material of the connecting portion 312 can be stainless steel, copper, or plastic. The second connecting portion 3122, the first connecting portion 3121, and the main body 311 can be made of the same material or different materials.

[0118] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 6 , the connection structure 314 includes a connection hole 3142 , which passes through the groove wall where the connection hole 3142 is located. The axis of the connection hole 3142 is arranged at an angle to the groove wall where the connection hole 3142 is located.

[0119] Exemplarily, the tab 40 is provided with a threaded hole, the axis of the threaded hole is the same as the thickness direction Y of the tab 40. When the slot structure 313 is plugged into the tab 40, the threaded hole and the connecting hole 3142 are arranged opposite to each other. A connecting screw 60 is provided in the connecting hole 3142, which is threadedly connected to the threaded hole through the connecting screw 60. The connecting screw 60 can be but is not limited to a countersunk screw.

[0120] The angle between the axis of the connecting hole and the groove wall where the connecting hole 3142 is located is greater than 0° and less than or equal to 90°.

[0121] Illustratively, the axis of the connecting hole 3142 is substantially perpendicular to the groove wall where the connecting hole 3142 is located, which facilitates the manufacture of the connecting hole 3142 and the installation of the housing 31 , and can be specifically determined according to actual application scenarios.

[0122] Thus, the connecting hole 3142 fixes the housing 31 to the tab 40 via screws, so as to facilitate the installation and removal of the housing 31 .

[0123] For the convenience of description, the following embodiments are described with reference to FIG. 4 to FIG. 10 , taking a temperature sensor 30 of the present application as an example.

[0124] The temperature sensor 30 includes a temperature measuring component 33 and a housing 31 . The temperature measuring component 33 is disposed in a receiving space of the housing 31 .

[0125] The temperature measuring component 33 is a component that can convert temperature into an electrical signal. For example, the temperature measuring component 33 includes a thermistor. Since the resistance of the thermistor changes with temperature, the corresponding relationship between temperature and resistance can be used to measure temperature.

[0126] Optionally, the shell 31 may be made of metal or plastic.

[0127] Optionally, the temperature sensor 30 further includes a wiring harness 34 , which is electrically connected to the temperature measuring component 33 , and is used to transmit signals from the temperature measuring component 33 .

[0128] 4 , 6 and 9 illustrate that the temperature sensor 30 is a single-ended lead sensor (the sensor connection line is led out from one end), and FIG. 8 and 10 illustrate that the temperature sensor 30 is a patch sensor.

[0129] Since the temperature sensor 30 includes all the technical features of the housing 31 of the temperature sensor 30 in the above embodiment and its functions are the same as those described above, they will not be described in detail here.

[0130] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 5 , the temperature sensor 30 further includes a glue layer 32 , the temperature measuring component 33 is spaced apart from the inner wall of the body 311 , and the glue layer 32 is filled between the temperature measuring component 33 and the inner wall of the body 311 .

[0131] Exemplarily, the temperature measuring component 33 further includes a circuit board, which is located in the housing 31 . An adhesive layer 32 is filled between the circuit board and the housing 31 to encapsulate the temperature measuring component 33 .

[0132] Thus, the temperature measuring component 33 can be separated from the main body 311 by the adhesive layer 32 , thereby protecting the temperature measuring component 33 and allowing the temperature sensor 30 to work more reliably.

[0133] For the convenience of explanation, the following embodiments are described with reference to Figures 4 to 17 , using a battery of the present application as an example.

[0134] The battery includes a battery cell 20, a tab 40, and the temperature sensor 30 described in the above embodiment. The tab 40 serves as the target connector in the above embodiment, and is electrically connected to the electrode terminal 211 of the battery cell 20. A portion of the tab 40 is inserted into a slot structure 313 and connected to a connection structure 314. The insertion direction X of the slot structure 313 is perpendicular to the thickness direction Y of the tab 40.

[0135] The thickness direction Y of the tab 40 refers to the thickness direction Y of the portion of the tab 40 that is plugged into the slot structure 313 .

[0136] The connection between the tab 40 and the connection structure 314 includes, but is not limited to, one or more combinations of snap connection, screw connection, and bonding.

[0137] Since the battery includes all the technical features of the temperature sensor 30 described above, the effects are the same as those described above and will not be described in detail here.

[0138] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 4, 9, 11, 12 and 13. The connecting structure 314 includes a snap-fit ​​protrusion 3141. Along the thickness direction Y of the tab 40, an embedded structure 41 is formed on the surface of the tab 40, and the snap-fit ​​protrusion 3141 is located in the embedded structure 41.

[0139] The embedded structure 41 can be a snap-fit ​​hole or a groove, and the embedded structure 41 can accommodate the snap-fit ​​protrusion 3141 and confine the snap-fit ​​protrusion 3141 therein. Taking the embedded structure 41 as an example of a snap-fit ​​hole, the snap-fit ​​hole is a rectangular hole, and the snap-fit ​​protrusion 3141 is a strip-shaped protrusion, which is located inside the rectangular hole.

[0140] The snap-fitting protrusion 3141 is snap-fitted to the tab 40 , which makes assembly and disassembly more convenient than installing the housing 31 by screws or bonding.

[0141] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 4 and 11, the connecting part 312 includes a first connecting part 3121 and a second connecting part 3122, the first connecting part 3121 is connected to the main body part 311, and the end of the first connecting part 3121 facing away from the main body part 311 is connected to the second connecting part 3122, the first connecting part 3121, the second connecting part 3122 and the main body part 311 together form a slot structure 313, along the thickness direction Y of the bar piece 40, the second connecting part 3122 and the main body part 311 are located on both sides of the bar piece 40.

[0142] When the slot structure 313 of the shell 31 is plugged into the tab 40, the second connecting portion 3122 and the main body 311 are located on both sides of the tab 40. The second connecting portion 3122 can be set between the tab 40 and the insulating cover 50, and the main body 311 can be set between the tab 40 and the battery cell 20. Alternatively, the second connecting portion 3122 can be set between the tab 40 and the battery cell 20, and the main body 311 can be set between the tab 40 and the insulating cover 50, so that the shell 31 can make full use of the space on both sides of the tab 40 to improve space utilization; at the same time, the first connecting portion 3121 can limit the insertion depth of the slot structure 313, that is, when the slot structure 313 is inserted to the maximum depth, the first connecting portion 3121 abuts against one edge of the tab 40, so that the shell 31 can be installed at a predetermined position of the tab 40, thereby facilitating the connection between the shell 31 and the tab 40.

[0143] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 9, 12 and 13. A notch 42 is formed at one end of the tab 40. The side edges of the notch 42 include two oppositely arranged first side edges 421. Each first side edge 421 is formed with an embedded structure 41. The embedded structure 41 includes a card slot. The connecting portion 312 includes two first connecting portions 3121 and two second connecting portions 3122. The two first connecting portions 3121 are respectively located on opposite sides of the main body 311. The two second connecting portions 3122 are respectively located on opposite sides of the main body 311. The two first connecting portions 3121 are respectively connected to the main body 311. Each first connecting portion 3121 is connected to the second connecting portion 3122. On the same side of the main body 311, the first connecting portion 3121, the second connecting portion 3122 and the main body 311 are together enclosed to form a slot structure 313. Each first side edge 421 is located in the slot structure 313, and the snap-fit ​​protrusion 3141 is located in the card slot.

[0144] When the shell 31 and the tab 40 are installed, a notch 42 can be set on one side of the tab 40, and the shell 31 is inserted into the notch 42 through the slot structure 313. When the first connecting portion 3121 is against the side of the tab 40, it is connected to the tab 40 through the connecting structure 314, and is plugged into the tab 40 through the slot structure 313 on both sides of the shell 31. Compared with the structure in which the shell 31 is installed on one side of the tab 40, the space on both sides of the tab 40 can be fully utilized, and the shell 31 can be installed on the tab 40 to improve space utilization.

[0145] In a first optional embodiment of the battery, please refer to Figures 4, 11, 14 and 15. The battery includes a temperature sensor 30, a battery cell 20 and a tab 40. The tab 40 is electrically connected to the electrode terminal of the battery cell 20. The temperature sensor 30 includes a temperature measuring component 33 and a shell 31. The temperature component is located in the accommodating space of the shell 31 and is spaced apart from all the side walls in the shell 31. A glue layer 32 is filled between the temperature measuring component 33 and the side walls of the shell 31. The shell 31 includes a main body 311 and a connecting part 312. A accommodating space is formed inside the main body 311. An opening is formed at one end of the main body 311. The opening is connected to the accommodating space. Glue can be injected into the accommodating space through the opening to solidify the glue to form the above-mentioned glue layer 32. The connecting portion 312 includes a first connecting portion 3121 and a second connecting portion 3122. The first connecting portion 3121 is connected to the main body 311. The end of the first connecting portion 3121 facing away from the main body 311 is connected to the second connecting portion 3122. The first connecting portion 3121, the second connecting portion 3122, and the main body 311 together form a slot structure 313. Along the insertion direction X of the slot structure 313, the connecting structure 314 is spaced apart from the first connecting portion 3121. The connecting structure 314 includes a snap-fitting protrusion 3141 formed on the second connecting portion 3122. An embedded structure 41 is formed on the surface of the tab 40, and the snap-fitting protrusion 3141 is located within the embedded structure 41.

[0146] In a second optional embodiment of the battery, please refer to Figures 9, 12 and 13. Different from the first optional embodiment, a notch 42 is formed at one end of the tab 40. The side edges of the notch 42 include two oppositely arranged first side edges 421. Each first side edge 421 is formed with an embedded structure 41. The embedded structure 41 includes a card slot. The connecting portion 312 includes two first connecting portions 3121 and two second connecting portions 3122. The two first connecting portions 3121 are respectively located on opposite sides of the main body 311, and the two second connecting portions 3122 are respectively located on opposite sides of the main body 311. The two first connecting portions 3121 are respectively connected to the main body 311, and each first connecting portion 3121 is connected to the second connecting portion 3122. On the same side of the main body 311, the first connecting portion 3121, the second connecting portion 3122 and the main body 311 together form a slot structure 313. Each first side edge 421 is located in the slot structure 313, and the snap-fit ​​protrusion 3141 is located in the card slot.

[0147] In the first and second optional embodiments mentioned above, the shell 31 and the tab 40 can be plugged in through the slot structure 313, and the shell 31 and the tab 40 can be snap-fitted and fixed through the snap-fit ​​protrusion 3141. Through this connection method, on the one hand, the narrow space on both sides of the tab 40 can be fully utilized to install the temperature sensor 30, so as to improve the space utilization rate of the battery box; on the other hand, it is convenient for disassembly and assembly.

[0148] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and they should all be included in the scope of the claims and specification of the present application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any way. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions that fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A housing of a temperature sensor, wherein: include: a main body portion, wherein a receiving space is formed inside the main body portion, and an opening is formed at one end of the main body portion, wherein the opening is communicated with the receiving space; The connecting portion is located outside the main body and is connected to the main body. The connecting portion and the main body jointly enclose a slot structure. The inner surface of the slot wall of the slot structure is formed with a connecting structure. The connecting structure is used to connect to the target connector to limit the movement of the main body relative to the target connector along the plug-in direction of the slot structure.

2. The housing of the temperature sensor according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting part includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part, the first connecting part is connected to the main body part, and the end of the first connecting part facing away from the main body part is connected to the second connecting part. The first connecting part, the second connecting part and the main body part together form the slot structure, and along the plug-in direction of the slot structure, the connecting structure is spaced apart from the first connecting part.

3. The housing of the temperature sensor according to claim 2, wherein: The connection structure is formed on a surface of the second connection portion facing the main body portion, or the connection structure is formed on a surface of the main body portion facing the second connection portion.

4. The housing of the temperature sensor according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting part includes two first connecting parts and two second connecting parts, the two first connecting parts are respectively located on opposite sides of the main body, the two second connecting parts are respectively located on opposite sides of the main body, the two first connecting parts are respectively connected to the main body, and each first connecting part is connected to the second connecting part. On the same side of the main body, the first connecting part, the second connecting part and the main body together form the slot structure, and along the plug-in direction of the slot structure, the connecting structure is spaced apart from the first connecting part.

5. The housing of the temperature sensor according to claim 4, wherein: The main body includes a first part and a second part, the accommodating space is formed inside the first part, and the first part is connected to the second part on both sides along the first direction. The first direction is the same as the spacing direction of the two first connecting parts. On the same side of the main body, the first part, the second part, the first connecting part and the second connecting part are together enclosed to form the slot structure.

6. The housing of the temperature sensor according to claim 5, wherein: The connection structure is formed on a surface of the second connection portion facing the second part, or the connection structure is formed on a surface of the second part facing the second connection portion.

7. The housing of the temperature sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The connecting structure includes a snap-fit protrusion; Alternatively, the connection structure includes a connection hole, the connection hole passes through the groove wall where the connection hole is located, and the axis of the connection hole is arranged at an angle to the groove wall where the connection hole is located.

8. The housing of the temperature sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The material of the connecting portion includes elastic material.

9. A temperature sensor, wherein: include: Temperature measuring components; The housing of the temperature sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the temperature measuring component is arranged in the accommodating space.

10. The temperature sensor according to claim 9, wherein The temperature sensor further includes a glue layer. The temperature measuring component is spaced apart from the inner wall of the main body, and the glue layer is filled between the temperature measuring component and the inner wall of the main body.

11. A battery, wherein: include: Battery cells; A tab, which is the target connector and is electrically connected to the electrode terminal of the battery cell ； According to the temperature sensor as described in claim 9 or 10, part of the bar is inserted into the slot structure and connected to the connecting structure, and the insertion direction of the slot structure is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the bar.

12. The battery according to claim 11, wherein The connection structure includes a snap-fit protrusion. An embedded structure is formed on the surface of the tab along the thickness direction of the tab, and the snap-fit protrusion is located in the embedded structure.

13. The battery according to claim 12, wherein The connecting part includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part, the first connecting part is connected to the main body part, and the end of the first connecting part facing away from the main body part is connected to the second connecting part, the first connecting part, the second connecting part and the main body part together form the slot structure, and along the thickness direction of the bar piece, the second connecting part and the main body part are located on both sides of the bar piece.

14. The battery according to claim 12, wherein A notch is formed at one end of the tab, and the side edges of the notch include two oppositely arranged first side edges, each first side edge is formed with the embedded structure, and the embedded structure includes a card slot, and the connecting portion includes two first connecting portions and two second connecting portions, the two first connecting portions are respectively located on opposite sides of the main body portion, and the two second connecting portions are respectively located on opposite sides of the main body portion, and the two first connecting portions are respectively connected to the main body portion, and each first connecting portion is connected to the second connecting portion, and on the same side of the main body portion, the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion and the main body portion are together enclosed to form the slot structure, each first side edge is located in the slot structure, and the snap-in protrusion is located in the card slot.

15. An electrical device, wherein: The battery comprises the battery according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the battery is used to provide electrical energy to the electrical device.

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