Battery module and battery pack including same

Abstract

According to the present disclosure, there may be provided a battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cell units, each battery cell unit comprising a battery cell and a battery cell housing, the battery cell housing surrounding at least a portion of the battery cell and comprising one or more through holes; the one or more supporting parts are inserted into the one or more through holes and are configured to support the plurality of battery cell units; and a fire extinguishing agent supply part connected with the one or more support parts and configured to supply a fire extinguishing agent to the one or more support parts. Each of the one or more support members includes: a spray hole located within the one or more through holes; and an inner space connected with the injection hole and configured to provide a path for the fire extinguishing agent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Technologies and embodiments in this patent document generally relate to a battery module and a battery pack including the battery module, the battery module including a support member including a spray hole. Background Art

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be recharged and discharged many times, making them suitable for a wider range of devices such as digital cameras, mobile phones, laptop computers, hybrid cars, electric cars, energy storage systems (ESS), etc. The type of secondary batteries may be lithium-ion batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, or nickel-hydrogen batteries. Summary of the invention

[0003] 1. Technical issues to be resolved

[0004] The disclosed technology can be implemented in some embodiments to provide a battery module, which includes a plurality of battery cells, each of which includes a battery cell and a battery cell housing supporting the battery cell. In an embodiment, the battery module can prevent thermal runaway or heat propagation by inhibiting the heat, gas or flame generated in one of the plurality of battery cells from spreading to other battery cells.

[0005] The disclosed technology may be implemented in some embodiments to provide a battery module capable of delivering a fire extinguishing agent to a battery cell through a support member supporting a plurality of battery cell units.

[0006] The disclosed technology may be implemented in some embodiments to provide a battery module that is capable of delaying the spread of fire.

[0007] The battery modules and battery packs based on some embodiments of the disclosed technology can be widely used in green technology fields such as electric vehicles, battery charging stations, other solar power generation and wind power generation using batteries, etc. In addition, the battery modules and battery packs implemented based on some embodiments of the disclosed technology can be used in eco-friendly electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles that prevent climate change by reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0008] (II) Technical solution

[0009] In aspects of the disclosed technology, a battery module may include: a plurality of battery cell units, each battery cell unit including a battery cell and a battery cell housing, the battery cell housing surrounding at least a portion of the battery cell and including one or more through holes; one or more support members inserted into the one or more through holes and configured to support the plurality of battery cell units; and a fire extinguishing agent supply member connected to the one or more support members and configured to supply a fire extinguishing agent to the one or more support members. Each of the one or more support members may include: a spray hole located in the one or more through holes and configured to guide the fire extinguishing agent to the battery cell; and an internal space connected to the spray hole and configured to provide a path for the fire extinguishing agent.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the fire extinguishing agent supply component may further include: one or more fastening components connecting the one or more supporting components to the fire extinguishing agent supply component. Each of the one or more fastening components may include: an outer surface including at least a portion including a thread contacting each of the one or more supporting components; and an inner surface contacting the fire extinguishing agent supply component and forming a fluid path hole.

[0011] According to one embodiment, each of the fastening members may include: a head surrounding at least a portion of the fire extinguishing agent supplying member; and a protrusion extending from the head and inserted into the inner space of each of the one or more supporting members.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the fire extinguishing agent supply component may include: an inlet configured to receive the fire extinguishing agent from outside the battery module; and a discharge port configured to supply the fire extinguishing agent to the one or more supporting components.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the device may further include: a fire extinguishing agent tank connected to the fire extinguishing agent supply component and configured to contain the fire extinguishing agent.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the invention may further include: a cover member disposed in the injection hole. A first melting point of the cover member may be lower than a second melting point of the support member.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the support component and the fire extinguishing agent supply component may be configured to contain at least a portion of the fire extinguishing agent in a normal state of the battery cell. In some embodiments, the term "normal state" refers to a situation where there is no fire.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the method may further include: a valve connected to the fire extinguishing agent supply component and configured to control the flow of the fire extinguishing agent from the fire extinguishing agent supply component to the one or more supporting components.

[0017] According to one embodiment, it may further include: a sensor module configured to sense information of the battery module, the information including one of the following: a flame, a spark, a gas inside the battery module, or a temperature of the battery module; and a processor configured to control opening and closing of the valve based on the information of the battery module sensed by the sensor module.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the fire extinguishing agent may flow through the fire extinguishing agent supply component, the internal space, and the injection holes to reach the battery cells.

[0019] According to one embodiment, it may further include: end plates disposed on both sides of each of the plurality of battery cell units and including fastening holes configured to receive the support components.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the battery cell housing may include: a first battery cell housing portion; and a second battery cell housing portion spaced apart from the first battery cell housing portion. The one or more through holes may include: at least one first through hole formed in the first battery cell housing portion; and at least one second through hole formed in the second battery cell housing portion. The one or more support components may include: at least one first support component inserted into the at least one first through hole; and at least one second support component inserted into the at least one second through hole.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the battery cell may include: an electrode assembly; a pouch including: an electrode accommodating portion accommodating the electrode assembly; and a sealing portion sealing at least a part of the periphery of the electrode accommodating portion; and an electrode tab connected to the electrode assembly. The battery cell housing may surround at least a part of the pouch.

[0022] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, a battery pack may include: a plurality of battery modules; and a battery pack frame configured to accommodate the plurality of battery modules. Each battery module of the plurality of battery modules may include: a plurality of battery cell units, each of the plurality of battery cell units including a battery cell and a battery cell housing surrounding at least a part of the battery cell and including through holes; one or more support components inserted into the one or more through holes and configured to support the plurality of battery cell units; and a fire extinguishing agent supply component connected to the one or more support components and configured to supply a fire extinguishing agent to the one or more support components. Each of the support components may include: an injection hole located within the one or more through holes and configured to direct the fire extinguishing agent to the battery cell unit; and an internal space connected to the injection hole and configured to provide a path for the fire extinguishing agent.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the invention may further include: a fire extinguishing agent tank connected to the fire extinguishing agent supply component and configured to contain the fire extinguishing agent; and a pump configured to generate pressure for moving the fire extinguishing agent from the fire extinguishing agent tank to the fire extinguishing agent supply component.

[0024] (III) Beneficial effects

[0025] A battery module implemented based on an embodiment of the disclosed technology can extinguish a fire before it spreads.

[0026] In embodiments of the disclosed technology, heat propagation between battery cells may be prevented or delayed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The following detailed description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrates characteristic aspects, features and advantages of the disclosed technology.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery cell according to the embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2 It is a plan view of a battery cell unit according to the embodiment.

[0030] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of a battery module according to the embodiment.

[0031] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 5 It is a perspective view for explaining the connection between the support member and the fire extinguishing agent supply member according to the embodiment.

[0033] Figure 6 It is a diagram for explaining the spray path of the fire extinguishing agent to the battery cell unit according to the embodiment.

[0034] Figure 7 It is a perspective view of the fastening member according to the embodiment.

[0035] Figure 8 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fastening member according to an embodiment.

[0036] Fig. 9 It is a perspective view of the support member according to the embodiment.

[0037] Fig.10a is a cross-sectional view of a supporting member according to the embodiment. Fig.10b is a cross-sectional view of a supporting member according to another embodiment.

[0038] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram of a battery module in a normal state according to an embodiment.

[0039] Fig.12 It is a schematic diagram of a battery module in a combustion state based on an embodiment.

[0040] Fig.13 It is a schematic diagram of a battery module in a normal state based on an embodiment.

[0041] Fig.14 It is a schematic diagram of a battery module in a combustion state based on an embodiment.

[0042] Fig.15 It is a perspective view of a battery pack based on an embodiment.

[0043] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0044] 100: battery cell 310: support member

[0045] 200: battery cell unit 320: fire extinguishing agent supply member

[0046] 210: battery cell housing 330: fastening member

[0047] 300: battery module 340: end plate Detailed description of the specific embodiment

[0048] Hereinafter, the disclosed technology will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is merely exemplary, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated by way of example.

[0049] The disclosed technology can be implemented in some embodiments to provide a battery module and a battery pack including the battery module, the battery module including a support member, the support member including injection holes.

[0050] The following disclosure provides a detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments are not only examples, and the disclosed technology is not limited to the specific embodiments.

[0051] The lithium secondary battery can be manufactured as a flexible pouch-type battery cell, a rigid prismatic battery cell, or a cylindrical can-type battery cell. A plurality of battery cells can be stacked to form a battery cell assembly. The battery cell assembly can be disposed inside a housing to form a battery module, and a plurality of battery modules can be disposed in a battery pack housing to form a battery pack. The battery pack can be used in various applications such as an automobile or an energy storage system.

[0052] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a battery cell based on an embodiment.

[0053] Refer to Figure 1, the battery cell 100 may include a bag 110, an electrode assembly 120, and an electrode tab 130. The battery cell 100 may be a secondary battery. For example, the battery cell 100 may be a lithium-ion battery, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the battery cell 100 may be a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a nickel-hydrogen battery capable of multiple charge and discharge.

[0054] The bag 110 may form at least a portion of the appearance of the battery cell 100. The bag 110 may include an electrode receiving portion 111 receiving the electrode assembly 120 and a sealing portion 115 for sealing at least a portion of the periphery of the electrode receiving portion 111. The electrode receiving portion 111 may provide a space for receiving the electrode assembly 120 and an electrolyte.

[0055] The sealing portion 115 may be formed by joining at least a portion of the periphery of the bag 110. The sealing portion 115 may be formed in the form of a flange extending outward from the electrode receiving portion 111 used as a container for the electrode, and may be arranged along at least a portion of the periphery of the electrode receiving portion 111. In one embodiment, the sealing portion 115 may include a first sealing portion 115a provided with an electrode tab 130 and a second sealing portion 115b not provided with an electrode tab 130. A portion of the electrode tab 130 may be drawn out from the outside of the bag 110 or exposed to the outside of the bag 110. At the position where the electrode tab 130 is drawn out, the insulating film 140 may cover the electrode tab 130 to improve the sealing of the first sealing portion 115a while maintaining an electrically insulating state. The insulating film 140 may include a thinner film material than the electrode tab 130 and may be attached to both sides of the electrode tab 130.

[0056] In one embodiment, the electrode tabs 130 may be disposed on both sides of the length direction of the battery cell 100 and facing opposite directions. For example, the electrode tabs 130 may include: a positive tab 130a having a first polarity (e.g., a positive electrode) and facing one side of the length direction of the battery cell 100; and a negative tab 130b having a second polarity (e.g., a negative electrode) and facing the other side of the length direction of the battery cell 100. Figure 1 In the illustrated exemplary configuration, the sealing portion 115 may include two first sealing portions 115a provided with electrode tabs 130 and one second sealing portion 115b not provided with the electrode tab 130. The electrode tab 130 may be referred to as an electrode lead.

[0057] The orientation of the electrode tab 130 can be selectively designed. In one embodiment (for example, Figure 1 ), the electrode tab 130 may include a positive electrode tab 130a and a negative electrode tab 130b located in the opposite direction of the positive electrode tab 130a based on the electrode assembly 120. Figure 1As shown, in some embodiments, electrode tabs 130 are provided on both sides of the length direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) of the battery cell 100 and facing opposite directions, but the structure of the electrode tabs 130 is not limited thereto. For example, the two electrode tabs 130 may be arranged substantially in parallel along the length direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) of the battery cell 100.

[0058] On the other hand, the bag 110 is not limited to Figure 1 The structure shown is a structure in which a packaging material is folded and sealing portions 115 are formed on three surfaces.

[0059] In one embodiment of the disclosed technology, at least a portion of the sealing portion 115 can be folded at least once. By folding at least a portion of the sealing portion 115, the bonding reliability of the sealing portion 115 can be improved, and the area of ​​the sealing portion 115 can be minimized. In the sealing portion 115 based on the embodiment, the second sealing portion 115b not provided with the electrode tab 130 can be folded twice and then fixed by an adhesive component (not shown). The angle of the second sealing portion 115b bending or the number of bendings can be adjusted. For example, in an embodiment, the second sealing portion 115b can be folded at 90° relative to the first sealing portion 115a.

[0060] The electrode assembly 120 may include a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator. The separator may prevent the positive electrode plate from contacting the negative electrode plate. In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 120 may be manufactured using a variety of methods. In an embodiment, the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator may be repeatedly arranged to form an electrode assembly. In some embodiments, the electrode assembly may be a winding type, a stacking type, a z-folding type, or a stack-folding type.

[0061] Figure 1 The structure of the battery cell 100 shown is only an example. Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the battery cell 100 is described as a pouch-type battery cell, but the structure of the battery cell 100 is not limited thereto. For example, the battery cell 100 may be a cylindrical battery cell or a prismatic battery cell.

[0062] Figure 2 It is a plan view of a battery cell according to the embodiment.

[0063] Reference Figure 2 The cell unit 200 may include a cell housing 210 and a battery cell 100 coupled to the cell housing 210. Figure 1 At least a portion of the description of the battery cell 100 in Figure 2 The battery cells are 100.

[0064] The cell housing 210 may contain and hold the cell 100 in place. The cell housing 210 may provide a hollow space for containing the cell 100. The cell housing 210 may surround at least a portion of the bag 110 of the cell 100. The cell housing 210 may protect the cell 100 from impacts from the outside of the cell unit 200. The cell housing 210 may form at least a portion of the appearance of the cell unit 200. Due to the cell housing 210, a battery module (e.g., Figure 3 In one embodiment, the cell housing 210 may be referred to as a cell cartridge.

[0065] In an embodiment, the battery module 300 includes one or more housings 210. The one or more housings 210 may include a first cell housing 210a and a second cell housing 210b disposed adjacent to each other in the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells 100. In an embodiment, the cell housing 210 may include a plurality of cell housing portions separated from each other. For example, each of at least one of the one or more cell housings 210 may include a first cell housing portion 211; and a second cell housing portion 212, separated from the first cell housing portion 211. In an embodiment, the first cell housing portion 211 surrounds at least a portion of the battery cell 100, and the second cell housing portion 212 surrounds at least another portion of the battery cell 100. For example, the first cell housing portion 211 is disposed on the upper side of the battery cell 100, and the second cell housing portion 212 is disposed on the lower side of the battery cell 100.

[0066] The cell housing 210 may be connected to a supporting member (eg, Figure 4 For example, the cell housing 210 may include a through hole 213 for accommodating the support member 310 by allowing the support member 310 to be inserted and held by the through hole 213. In one embodiment, the cell housing 210 may include different through holes 213 for accommodating different support members 310. For example, the through hole 213 may include: at least one first through hole 213a formed in the first cell housing portion 211; and at least one second through hole 213b formed in the second cell housing portion 212.

[0067] In an embodiment of the disclosed technology, the cell case 210 accommodates one or more battery cells 100, but the number of battery cells 100 accommodated in the cell case 210 may vary. For example, in an embodiment, the cell case 210 may accommodate a plurality of battery cells 100 (eg, two or more battery cells 100).

[0068] Figure 3It is a perspective view of a battery module according to the embodiment. Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment. Figure 5 It is a perspective view for explaining the connection between the support member and the fire extinguishing agent supply member according to the embodiment. Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the spray path of the fire extinguishing agent to the battery cell unit according to the embodiment. Figure 6 In the figure, for the convenience of explanation, some components of the battery module 300 such as the end plate 340 and a portion of the battery cell unit 200 are omitted.

[0069] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and / or Figure 6 The battery module 300 may include a plurality of battery cells 200, a support member 310, a fire extinguishing agent supply member 320, a fastening member 330, and an end plate 340. Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 At least a portion of the description of the battery cell 100 and the battery cell unit 200 may be applicable to Figure 3 , Figure 4 and / or Figure 6 The battery cell 100 and the battery cell unit 200 are provided.

[0070] The support component 310 can support a plurality of battery cell units 200. For example, the support component 310 can be inserted into the through hole 213 of each of the plurality of battery cell units 200. The positions of the plurality of battery cell units 200 can be fixed by the support component 310. In one embodiment, the support component 310 can be referred to as a stay bar. The plurality of battery cell units 200 fixed by the support component 310 can be referred to as a sub-battery module 201.

[0071] The support member 310 may be made of a material for maintaining the rigidity of the battery module 300. For example, the support member 310 may include stainless steel.

[0072] A plurality of support members 310 may be provided. In one embodiment, the support member 310 may include a plurality of support members 310a, 310b supporting the first cell housing portion 211 and the second cell housing portion 212. For example, the support member 310 may include: at least one first support member 310a, inserted into at least one first through hole 213a formed in the first cell housing portion 211; and at least one second support member 310b, spaced from the first support member, and inserted into at least one second through hole 213b formed in the second cell housing portion 212. The number of support members 310 may be selectively designed.

[0073] The fire extinguishing agent may be moved to the battery cell unit 200 through the support member 310 that carries and moves the fire extinguishing agent. For example, the support member 310 may include one or more spray holes 311 to allow the fire extinguishing agent to leave the support member 310 so that the fire extinguishing agent can reach the battery cell unit 200 to extinguish the fire at the battery cell unit 200. Figure 6 As shown, one or more injection holes 311 may be located in the through hole 213 of the cell housing 210 , while other injection holes 311 may be located at other positions of the support member 310 .

[0074] The support member 310 may be configured to guide the flow of the fire extinguishing agent along the support member 310. For example, the support member 310 may include a hollow internal conduit having an internal space 310 for providing a path for the fire extinguishing agent to flow inside the support member 310. The support member 310 may be formed in a tubular shape. For example, the support member 310 may include a first end 318 facing the fire extinguishing agent supply member 320 and / or the fastening member 330 and a second end 319 opposite to the first end 318. At least a portion of the fire extinguishing agent received from the first end 318 may be transferred to the second end 319 along the internal space 312 of the support member 310. The internal space 312 may be a hollow space formed inside the support member 310. The fire extinguishing agent may be transferred to the battery cell 100 through the internal space 312 and the injection hole 311 of the support member 310. The support member 310 may be connected to the fire extinguishing agent supply member 320 using the fastening member 330. For example, the support member 310 may receive the fire extinguishing agent through the fire extinguishing agent supply member 320 and the fastening member 330. The received fire extinguishing agent may be transferred to the battery cell 100 of the battery cell unit 200 through the injection hole 311 of the support member 310. For example, at least a portion of the fire extinguishing agent injected from the injection hole 311 is transferred to the gap 215 between the bag 110 and the battery cell case 210. This allows any fire occurring in the battery cell 100 to be suppressed. For example, the fire extinguishing agent may be dispersed by the pressure passing through the injection hole 311 and toward the center of the battery cell 100.

[0075] The support member 310 may include an inner surface forming an inner space 312. At least a portion of the inner surface of the support member 310 may be in contact with the fastening member 330. The inner surface may be formed with threads for coupling with the fastening member 330. In one embodiment, the fastening member 330 may be a pipe tapered thread.

[0076] The fire extinguishing agent supply component 320 may provide a path for delivering the fire extinguishing agent to the support component 310. The fire extinguishing agent supply component 320 may receive the fire extinguishing agent. For example, the fire extinguishing agent supply component 320 may include a fire extinguishing agent tank (e.g., Fig.15The fire extinguishing agent supply component 320 may transfer the fire extinguishing agent to the support component 310. For example, the fire extinguishing agent supply component 320 may include an outlet 322 toward the support component 310. In one embodiment, the fire extinguishing agent supply component 320 may be referred to as a fire extinguishing agent supply pipe.

[0077] The fastening member 330 may connect the support member 310 and the fire extinguishing agent supply member 320. For example, the fastening member 330 may be connected to the first end portion 318 of the support member 310 and the discharge port 322 of the fire extinguishing agent supply member 320.

[0078] The fastening member 330 may allow the fire extinguishing agent to move through the fastening member. For example, the fastening member 330 may include a fluid path hole (e.g., Figure 7 The fire extinguishing agent may be transferred to the supporting member 310 through the fire extinguishing agent supplying member 320 and the fastening member 330 .

[0079] The fastening component 330 may be connected to both ends 318, 319 of the support component 310. For example, the fastening component 330 may include: a first fastening component 330a connected to the first end 318 of the support component 310; and a second fastening component 330b connected to the second end 319 of the support component 310. The first fastening component 330a may connect the support component 310 and the fire extinguishing agent supply component 320. In one embodiment, the second fastening component 330b may connect the second end 319 of the support component 310 to a pipe not shown. In another embodiment, the second fastening component 330b may seal the second end 319 without providing a fluid path hole. The structure of the fastening component 330 is Figure 6 and Figure 7 Further explanation in.

[0080] The end plate 340 may form at least a portion of the appearance of the battery module 300. For example, the end plate 340 may be disposed on both sides of the sub-battery module 201. The end plate 340 may include: a first end plate 340a located on one side of the sub-battery module 201; and a second end plate 340b located on the other side of the sub-battery module 201.

[0081] In one embodiment, the end plate 340 may include a fastening hole 341 for accommodating the support member 310. A portion of the support member 310 may be located in the fastening hole 341 of the end plate 340. The support member 310 may be inserted into the through hole 213 of the cell housing 210 of each of the plurality of cell units 200 and the fastening hole 341 of the end plate 340. A portion (e.g., an end portion) of the support member 310 may be exposed to the outside of the end plate 340 through the through hole 213 and the fastening hole 341. In another embodiment, the fastening hole 341 of the end plate 340 may accommodate the fastening member 330.

[0082] For the convenience of explanation, some components are omitted or exaggerated in some embodiments of the disclosed technology. For example, the number of battery cells 100 can be selectively designed.

[0083] In an embodiment not shown, the battery module 300 may include a bus bar electrically connected to the electrode tabs 130 of the battery cells 100 .

[0084] Figure 7 It is a perspective view of the fastening member according to the embodiment. Figure 8 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fastening member according to an embodiment.

[0085] Reference Figure 7 and / or Figure 8 as well as Figure 5 and Figure 6 The fastening member 330 can connect the supporting member 310 and the fire extinguishing agent supplying member 320. Figure 4 , Figure 5 and / or Figure 6 At least a portion of the description of the fastening component 330 may be applicable to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The fastening component 330 is provided.

[0086] The fastening member 330 may be connected to the support member 310. For example, the fastening member 330 may include an outer surface 332 in contact with the support member 310. The outer surface 332 may include a thread 332a. A portion of the fastening member 330 is inserted into the inner space 312 of the support member 310, and the thread 332a of the fastening member 330 is fastened to a thread (not shown) formed on the inner surface of the support member 310.

[0087] The fastening member 330 may provide a fluid path hole for the fire extinguishing agent. The fastening member 330 may include a fluid path hole 331 for the flow of the fire extinguishing agent. The fluid path hole 331 may be a hollow space formed by an inner surface 333 of the fastening member 330. The fire extinguishing agent received from the fire extinguishing agent supply member 320 may move to the support member 310 through the fluid path hole 331.

[0088] The fastening component 330 may be connected to the fire extinguishing agent supply component 320. For example, the fastening component 330 may include a connector 334 configured to be connected to the discharge port (eg, Figure 4 The connector 334 may be formed as a quick connector structure to be connected to the fire extinguishing agent supply component 320. The shape of the connector 334 shown in the drawings is only an example. In an embodiment not shown, the discharge port 322 of the fire extinguishing agent supply component 320 may be press-fitted into the fastening component 330.

[0089] In one embodiment, the fastening member 330 may include a sealing member (not shown) for preventing leakage of the fire extinguishing agent. The sealing member may seal a gap between the supporting member 310, the fire extinguishing agent supplying member 320 and / or the fastening member 330.

[0090] The fastening member 330 may be formed in a bolt shape. For example, the fastening member 330 may include a head 335 and a protrusion 336 extending from a portion of the head 335. At least a portion of the protrusion 336 may be inserted into the inner space 312 of the support member 310. The thread 332a of the fastening member 330 may be formed on the protrusion 336. The protrusion 336 may be inserted into the inner space 312 of the support member 310. The protrusion 336 may be fastened to the support member 310 using the thread 332a.

[0091] Fig. 9 It is a perspective view of the support member according to the embodiment. Fig.10a is a cross-sectional view of a support member according to one embodiment. Fig.10b is a cross-sectional view of a supporting member according to another embodiment.

[0092] Reference Fig. 9 , Fig.10a and / or Fig.10b , the support member 310 may include a spray hole 311 and an inner space 312. Figure 4 , Figure 5 and / or Figure 6 The description of the support member 310 may be applicable to Fig. 9 , Fig.10a and Fig.10b Support component 310.

[0093] The spray hole 311 of the support member 310 may be connected to the internal space 312. For example, the fire extinguishing agent flowing into the internal space 312 may be sprayed to the outside of the support member 310 through the spray hole 311.

[0094] The shape of the support member 310 can be selectively designed. The shape of the support member 310 is not limited, as long as the shape of the support member 310 is consistent with the shape of the battery cell housing (for example, Figure 2 The through hole of the cell housing 210 (eg, Figure 2 The through hole 213) corresponds to the through hole 213).

[0095] In the embodiments (for example, Fig.10a ), the support member 310 may spray the fire extinguishing agent at a plurality of points on substantially the same plane. The support member 310 may include a plurality of (eg, four) spray holes 311 located on a cross section of the support member 310 .

[0096] In the embodiments (for example, Fig.10b ), the support member 310 may have a structure for spraying the fire extinguishing agent in a specified direction. For example, the support member 310 may include a single spray hole 311 located on a cross section of the support member 310. By spraying the fire extinguishing agent in a specified direction (e.g., the gap 215 between the battery cell case 210 and the bag 110) through the spray hole 311, the spraying efficiency of the fire extinguishing agent can be improved.

[0097] In one embodiment (e.g., Fig. 9 and Fig.10a ), the support member 310 may be formed to have a substantially circular cross-section. In one embodiment (eg, Fig.10b ), the support member 310 may be formed to have a substantially quadrilateral cross-section and a circular inner space 312.

[0098] However, the shape of the support member 310 is not limited thereto. For example, the support member 310 may be formed to have a polygonal (eg, triangular, quadrilateral, pentagonal, or hexagonal) cross section. Figure 2 The through hole 213 of the cell case 210 may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the cross-section of the support member 310 .

[0099] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram of a battery module in a normal state according to an embodiment. Fig.12 is a schematic diagram of a battery module in a combustion state according to an embodiment.

[0100] Reference Fig.11 and Fig.12 The battery module 300 may include a supporting member 310, a fire extinguishing agent supplying member 320, a fastening member 330, and a fire extinguishing agent tank 350. Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and / or Figure 6 At least a portion of the description of the battery module 300, the support member 310, the fire extinguishing agent supply member 320, and the fastening member 330 may be applied to Fig.11 and Fig.12 The battery module 300, the support member 310, the fire extinguishing agent supply member 320 and the fastening member 330. Fig.11 and Fig.12 In the figure, for the convenience of illustration, some components of the battery module 300 such as the battery cell unit 200 and the end plate 340 are omitted.

[0101] In the embodiments (for example, Fig.11 and 12 ), the fire extinguishing agent EA of the battery module 300 can be located inside the support component 310, the fire extinguishing agent supply component 320 and the fire extinguishing agent tank 350. Fig.11 and Fig.12 The battery module 300 may be referred to as a first type or wet type battery module 300 .

[0102] The battery module 300 may include a fire extinguishing agent tank 350 that accommodates a portion of the fire extinguishing agent EA. The fire extinguishing agent tank 350 may accommodate at least a portion of the fire extinguishing agent EA. The fire extinguishing agent EA may be optional as long as it is a material for extinguishing a fire occurring in the battery module 300. For example, the fire extinguishing agent EA may include at least one of water, an insulating coolant, a foam extinguishing agent, a powder extinguishing agent, or a fire extinguishing gas.

[0103] The fire extinguishing agent tank 350 may be connected to the fire extinguishing agent supplying part 320. For example, the fire extinguishing agent EA contained in the fire extinguishing agent tank 350 may be transferred to the supporting part 310 through the fire extinguishing agent supplying part 320.

[0104] In the embodiments (for example, Fig.11 and Fig.12 ), the battery module 300 may include a cover member 313, and the cover member 313 is disposed in the injection hole 311 of the support member 310. For example, the support member 310 may include a plurality of injection holes 311 and a plurality of cover members 313 respectively disposed in the plurality of injection holes 311. In a state where no fire occurs in the battery module 300 (for example, Fig.11 In a normal state (in a normal state of the support component 310), the support component 310 and the fire extinguishing agent supply component 320 can accommodate at least a portion of the fire extinguishing agent EA. The cover component 313 can seal the injection hole 311 of the support component 310. The cover component 313 can prevent the fire extinguishing agent EA from leaking through the injection hole 311 of the support component 310. In one embodiment, the cover component 310 can be called a sealing component.

[0105] The cover member 313 may be in a normal state (eg, a state where no fire has occurred in the battery module 300). Fig.11 ) seal the injection hole 311 below.

[0106] In the interior of the battery module 300 (for example, Figure 2 A state where a fire occurs in the battery cell 100 (for example, Fig.12 ), the cover member 313 may melt before the support member 310. When the cover member 313 melts, the fire extinguishing agent EA located in the support member 310 may be sprayed to the outside of the support member 310 through the spray hole 311 of the support member 313. The first melting point of the cover member 313 may be lower than the second melting point of the support member 310. In one embodiment, the cover member 313 may include a low melting point substance (e.g., a polymer), and the support member 310 may include a metal (e.g., aluminum or stainless steel). The first melting point of the cover member 313 may be about 100 degrees to 300 degrees.

[0107] In one embodiment, the plurality of cover members 313 may be melted starting from the cover member 313 adjacent to the battery cell 100 where the fire occurs, so that the fire extinguishing agent EA may be concentrated to the point where the fire occurs. For example, at least a portion of the fire extinguishing agent EA may be sprayed to the outside of the support member 310 through the spray hole 311 opened due to the melted cover member 313 among the plurality of cover members 313. A portion of the fire extinguishing agent EA sprayed from the support member 310 may be referred to as spray agent SA. By concentrating the spray agent SA to the point where the fire occurs, the fire extinguishing efficiency may be improved.

[0108] Fig.13 is a schematic diagram of a battery module in a normal state according to an embodiment. Fig.14 is a schematic diagram of a battery module in a combustion state according to an embodiment.

[0109] Reference Fig.13 and Fig.14 The battery module 300 includes a supporting component 310 , a fire extinguishing agent supplying component 320 , a fastening component 330 , a fire extinguishing agent tank 350 , a valve 360 ​​, a sensor module 370 , and a processor 380 .

[0110] right Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and / or Figure 6 At least a portion of the description of the battery module 300, the support member 310, the fire extinguishing agent supply member 320, and the fastening member 330 may be applied to Fig.11 and Fig.12 The battery module 300, the support member 310, the fire extinguishing agent supply member 320 and the fastening member 330. Fig.13 and Fig.14 In the figure, for the convenience of illustration, some components of the battery module 300 such as the battery cell unit 200 and the end plate 340 are omitted.

[0111] In the embodiments (for example, Fig.13 and Fig.14), the fire extinguishing agent EA of the battery module 300 can be located in the fire extinguishing agent tank 350. Fig.13 and Fig.14 The battery module 300 of the embodiment of the present invention may be referred to as a second type or dry type battery module 300 .

[0112] The battery module 300 may include a fire extinguishing agent tank 350 containing a fire extinguishing agent EA. The fire extinguishing agent tank 350 may contain at least a portion of the fire extinguishing agent EA. The fire extinguishing agent EA may be optional as long as it is a material for extinguishing a fire occurring in the battery module 300. For example, the fire extinguishing agent EA may include at least one of water, an insulating coolant, a foam extinguishing agent, a powder extinguishing agent, or a fire extinguishing gas.

[0113] The fire extinguishing agent tank 350 may be connected to the fire extinguishing agent supplying part 320. For example, the fire extinguishing agent EA contained in the fire extinguishing agent tank 350 may be transferred to the supporting part 310 through the fire extinguishing agent supplying part 320.

[0114] The valve 360 ​​can control the flow of the fire extinguishing agent EA. For example, the valve 360 ​​can be located between the fire extinguishing agent tank 350 and the fire extinguishing agent supply component 320 or between multiple fire extinguishing agent supply components 320. The fire extinguishing agent EA contained in the fire extinguishing agent tank 350 can be transferred to the support component 310 by opening the valve 360.

[0115] The sensor module 370 may sense information of the battery module 300. In one embodiment, the sensor module 370 may sense flames, sparks, and / or a specified type of gas inside the battery module 300. In one embodiment, the sensor module 370 may sense the temperature of the battery module 300. The information of the battery module 300 may be whether there is flame, sparks, or gas inside the battery module 300 and / or the temperature of the battery module 300. In one embodiment, the sensor module 370 may be a fire sensor.

[0116] The arrangement structure of the sensor module 370 is only an example. In an embodiment, the sensor module 370 may be mounted on the battery module 300 or disposed in a battery pack (eg, Fig.15 inside the battery pack 400).

[0117] The processor 380 may control the opening and closing of the valve 360 ​​based on the information of the battery module 300 sensed by the sensor module 370. For example, when the temperature sensed by the sensor module 370 is greater than or equal to a specified value, the processor 380 may open the valve 360. As another example, when the sensor module 370 senses a flame, a spark, and / or a specified type of gas, the processor 380 may open the valve 360.

[0118] The processor 380 can drive the pump (e.g., Fig.15 For example, when the temperature sensed by the sensor module 370 is greater than or equal to a specified value, the processor 380 may drive the pump 351. As another example, when the sensor module 370 senses a flame, a spark, and / or a specified type of gas, the processor 380 may drive the pump 351.

[0119] Due to the driving of the pump 351 and the opening of the valve 360, the fire extinguishing agent EA in the fire extinguishing agent tank 350 can be transferred to the support member 310. The fire extinguishing agent EA transferred to the support member 310 can be transferred to the outside of the support member 310 (for example, Figure 2 A portion of the fire extinguishing agent EA sprayed from the spray hole 311 of the support member 310 may be referred to as a spray agent (SA).

[0120] The arrangement structure of the processor 380 is exemplary. In an embodiment, the processor 380 may be mounted on the battery module 300. In an embodiment, the processor 380 may be arranged on a battery pack frame (e.g., Fig.15 The processor 380 may be located inside the battery pack frame 410 of the battery pack. For example, the processor 380 may be included in a battery management system (BMS). In an embodiment, the processor 380 may be located outside the battery pack 400. For example, the processor 380 may be installed on a vehicle including the battery pack 400 or an energy storage system including the battery pack 400.

[0121] In one embodiment, Fig.13 and Fig.14 The battery module 300 shown can be used with Fig.11 and Fig.12 The battery modules 300 shown are used in combination. For example, in one embodiment, Fig.13 and Fig.14 The battery module 300 may include a cover member (eg, Fig.11 In one embodiment, Fig.11 and Fig.12 The battery module 300 may include Fig.13 and Fig.14 valve 360, sensor module 370 and / or processor 380.

[0122] Fig.15 It is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment.

[0123] Reference Fig.15 and Figure 4, the battery pack 400 may include a battery pack frame 410 , a battery pack cover 420 , a fire extinguishing agent supplying member 320 , and a fire extinguishing agent tank 350 .

[0124] The battery pack 400 may accommodate a plurality of battery modules (eg, Figure 4 For example, the battery pack 400 may include: a battery pack frame 410 accommodating a plurality of battery modules 300; and a battery pack cover 420 covering the battery pack frame 410 and the plurality of battery modules 300. The battery pack frame 410 and the battery pack cover 420 may form at least a portion of the appearance of the battery pack 400.

[0125] The fire extinguishing agent supply component 320 may provide a path for the refrigerant (e.g., fire extinguishing agent) to flow. For example, the fire extinguishing agent supply component 320 may be connected to the fire extinguishing agent tank 350 and / or the pump 351. The fire extinguishing agent supply component 320 may be connected to the supporting components (e.g., Figure 4 The supporting member 310 is connected.

[0126] In one embodiment, a plurality of fire extinguishing agent supply components 320 may be provided. For example, the fire extinguishing agent supply component 320 may include at least a portion of a first flow channel 325 connected to the pump 351 and the battery module 300, a second flow channel 326 connected to the battery module 300 and the fire extinguishing agent tank 350, and a third flow channel 327 connected to the pump 351 and the fire extinguishing agent tank 350.

[0127] The position of the fire extinguishing agent tank 350 may be optional. For example, in one embodiment, the battery module 300 may include the fire extinguishing agent tank 350. In one embodiment, the fire extinguishing agent tank 350 may be provided as a separate component from the battery module 300. For example, the fire extinguishing agent tank 350 may be included in the battery pack 400, a vehicle not shown, or an energy storage system. The fire extinguishing agent tank 350 may be connected to at least one battery module 300.

[0128] The pump 351 may generate a refrigerant (e.g., Fig.11 The pump 351 can generate a pressure difference for the fire extinguishing agent to flow from the fire extinguishing agent tank 350 to the fire extinguishing agent supply component 320. The pump 351 can increase the pressure to circulate the refrigerant in the fire extinguishing agent supply component 320. The pump 351 can be connected to the fire extinguishing agent supply component 320 and / or the fire extinguishing agent tank 350. The position of the pump 351 as described above is only an example.

[0129] The above contents are merely examples of applying the principles of the disclosed technology, and other configurations may also be included without departing from the scope of the disclosed technology.

[0130] The disclosed technology can be used to manufacture battery packs with rechargeable secondary cells, which are widely used in battery-powered devices or systems, such as digital cameras, mobile phones, laptops, hybrid cars, electric cars, uninterruptible power supplies, battery energy storage stations, and battery energy storage including for solar panels, wind turbines and other green technology generators. In particular, the disclosed technology can be implemented in some embodiments to provide improved electrochemical devices, such as battery packs for various power sources and power supplies, thereby mitigating climate change related to the use of power sources and power supplies. Battery packs based on the disclosed technology can be used to address various adverse effects such as air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions by powering electric vehicles (EVs) as an alternative to cars using fossil fuel engines and storing renewable energy such as solar and wind energy through battery-based energy storage systems (ESS).

[0131] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure are described above, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure recorded in the claims. For example, the disclosed technology can be implemented by omitting certain components in the above embodiments, or by combining multiple embodiments.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: A plurality of battery cell units, each of the plurality of battery cell units comprising a battery cell and a battery cell housing, the battery cell housing surrounding at least a portion of the battery cell and comprising one or more through holes; One or more supporting members configured to support the plurality of battery cells; as well as a fire extinguishing agent supply component connected to the one or more supporting members and configured to supply the fire extinguishing agent to the one or more supporting members, Each of the one or more support members comprises: an internal duct for carrying and moving said extinguishing agent; A spray hole is formed at one side of the one or more supporting members to allow the fire extinguishing agent to be discharged and is disposed in one or more through holes of a corresponding cell case of a corresponding cell unit.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: one or more fastening components configured to connect the one or more support components to the fire extinguishing agent supply component, Each of the one or more fastening components comprises: an outer surface including at least a portion including threads that contacts each of the one or more support members; and The inner surface contacts the fire extinguishing agent supply component and forms a fluid path hole.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: Each of the one or more fastening components comprises: a head portion surrounding at least a portion of the fire extinguishing agent supply component; and A protrusion extends from the head and is inserted into the inner space of each of the one or more support members.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The fire extinguishing agent supply component comprises: an inlet configured to receive the fire extinguishing agent from outside the battery module; and The discharge port is configured to supply the fire extinguishing agent to the one or more supporting members.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: The fire extinguishing agent tank is connected to the fire extinguishing agent supply component and is configured to contain the fire extinguishing agent.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: a cover member disposed in the injection hole, The first melting point of the cover member is lower than the second melting point of the one or more support members.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein: The one or more supporting members and the fire extinguishing agent supplying member are configured to contain at least a portion of the fire extinguishing agent in a normal state in which no fire exists in the battery cell.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: A valve is connected to the fire extinguishing agent supply component and is configured to control the flow of the fire extinguishing agent from the fire extinguishing agent supply component to the one or more supporting components.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, further comprising: a sensor module configured to sense information of the battery module, the information comprising at least one of the following: flame, spark, gas inside the battery module or temperature of the battery module; as well as A processor is configured to control the opening and closing of the valve based on the information of the battery module sensed by the sensor module.

10. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The fire extinguishing agent is configured to flow through the fire extinguishing agent supplying part, the internal space, and the injection hole to reach the battery cell.

11. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: The end plates are disposed at both sides of each of the plurality of battery cell units and include fastening holes configured to receive the one or more support members.

12. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The battery cell housing comprises: a first cell housing portion; and a second battery cell housing portion, separated from the first battery cell housing portion; The one or more through holes include: at least one first through hole formed in the first battery cell housing portion; and at least one second through hole formed in the second battery cell housing portion, The one or more support members include: at least one first supporting member inserted into the at least one first through hole; and At least one second supporting member is inserted into the at least one second through hole.

13. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The battery cell comprises: Electrode assembly; A bag comprising: an electrode receiving portion configured to receive the electrode assembly; and a sealing portion configured to seal at least a portion of a periphery of the electrode receiving portion; and The electrode tab is connected to the electrode assembly. The cell casing surrounds at least a portion of the bag.

14. A battery pack comprising: Multiple battery modules; as well as a battery pack frame configured to accommodate the plurality of battery modules, Each of the plurality of battery modules comprises: A plurality of battery cell units, each of the plurality of battery cell units comprising a battery cell and a battery cell housing, the battery cell housing surrounding at least a portion of the battery cell and comprising one or more through holes; one or more supporting members inserted into the one or more through holes and configured to support the plurality of battery cell units; and a fire extinguishing agent supply component, configured to be connected to the one or more supporting components and configured to supply the fire extinguishing agent to the one or more supporting components, Each of the one or more support members comprises: a spray hole located in the one or more through holes and configured to direct the fire extinguishing agent to the battery cell unit; and An inner space is connected to the spray hole and is configured to provide a path for the fire extinguishing agent.

15. The battery pack according to claim 14, further comprising: a fire extinguishing agent tank connected to the fire extinguishing agent supply component and configured to contain the fire extinguishing agent; as well as A pump is configured to generate pressure to move the fire extinguishing agent from the fire extinguishing agent tank to the fire extinguishing agent supply component.

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