Battery module

Abstract

Provided is a battery module in which a pressure deviation inside a battery cell of the battery module is controlled. The battery module includes a case, a plurality of battery cells disposed inside the case, and a pressure regulator configured to control an internal pressure of each of the plurality of battery cells.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0166826, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on November 27, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0003] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a battery module. Background art

[0004] As the demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, cameras, and mobile phones has rapidly increased and robots, electric vehicles, etc. have been seriously commercialized, research on high - performance secondary batteries capable of being repeatedly charged and discharged has been actively carried out.

[0005] In small devices (such as portable electronic devices) and medium - to - large - sized devices (such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS)), secondary batteries are widely used for driving or storing energy. In the case of medium - to - large - sized devices, a battery module is composed of a plurality of battery cells electrically connected to each other to increase the output and / or capacity of the battery.

[0006] In a related - art battery module, durability is maintained by applying a certain level of surface pressure to battery cells via a housing structure installed around the battery cells. However, in the housing structure, when a swelling phenomenon occurs in which the battery cells expand due to rapid charging, over - charging, over - discharging, short - circuiting, or high - temperature storage, a pressure deviation occurs inside the battery cells.

[0007] The above - mentioned information disclosed in the technology forming the background of the present disclosure is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background of the present disclosure and may therefore include information that does not constitute related art. Summary of the invention

[0008] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure aim to provide a battery module capable of reducing a pressure deviation caused by the expansion of battery cells.

[0009] These and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will be described in the following description of some embodiments of the present disclosure or will be apparent from the following description of some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] According to one or more embodiments, a battery module includes: a housing; a plurality of battery cells disposed inside the housing; and a pressure regulator configured to control the internal pressure of each of the plurality of battery cells.

[0011] Each battery cell may include: a can; an electrode assembly disposed inside the can and spaced apart from the inner surface of the can; and a fixing guide for supporting the electrode assembly.

[0012] According to a first embodiment of the fixing guide, the fixing guide may include a fixing pad attached to the inner wall of the can to support the electrode assembly, and the fixing pad includes an elastic material.

[0013] According to a second embodiment of the fixing guide, the fixing guide may include a fixing spring mounted on the inner wall of the can and having elasticity, and the fixing guide may include a fixing bracket supported by the fixing spring and holding the electrode assembly.

[0014] The pressure regulator may include: a control line connected to each battery cell to control the internal pressure of the battery cell; and a supply line connected to the control line to supply fluid to the battery cell.

[0015] A first embodiment of the control line may include: a supply flow path connecting the battery cell and the supply line and configured to supply fluid to the battery cell; a supply valve formed on the supply flow path and configured to control the supply amount of the fluid; and a storage unit connected to the supply flow path and configured to temporarily store the fluid.

[0016] The first embodiment of the control line may further include: a discharge flow path connecting the battery cell and the supply line and configured to discharge fluid from the battery cell; and a discharge valve formed on the discharge flow path and configured to control the discharge amount of the fluid.

[0017] The first embodiment of the control line may further include: a sensor configured to detect the internal pressure of the battery cell; and a controller configured to operate the supply valve and the discharge valve according to a detection signal from the sensor.

[0018] A second embodiment of the control line may include: a supply flow path connecting the battery cell and the supply line and configured to supply fluid to the battery cell; a supply valve formed on the supply flow path and configured to control the supply amount of the fluid; a main storage unit formed on the supply flow path and configured to temporarily store the fluid; and a sub-storage unit formed on the supply flow path, configured to temporarily store the fluid, and disposed between the main storage unit and the supply valve.

[0019] The second embodiment of the control line may further include a switching valve formed on the supply flow path, disposed between the main storage unit and the sub-storage unit, and configured to open and close the supply flow path.

[0020] When the pressure of the fluid stored in the sub-storage unit is greater than the pressure of the fluid stored in the main storage unit, the switching valve can open the supply flow path.

[0021] The second embodiment of the control circuit may further include: a discharge flow path connecting the battery cell and the supply line and configured to discharge the fluid from the battery cell; and a discharge valve formed on the discharge flow path and configured to control the fluid discharge amount.

[0022] The second embodiment of the control circuit may further include: a sensor configured to detect the internal pressure of the battery cell; and a controller configured to operate the supply valve and the discharge valve according to the detection signal from the sensor.

[0023] The third embodiment of the control circuit may include: a supply flow path connecting the battery cell and the supply line and configured to supply the fluid to the battery cell; and a storage unit connected to the supply flow path and configured to temporarily store the fluid.

[0024] The third embodiment of the control circuit may further include: a discharge flow path connecting the battery cell and the supply line and configured to discharge the fluid from the battery cell; and a discharge valve formed on the discharge flow path and configured to control the fluid discharge amount.

[0025] The third embodiment of the control circuit may further include: a sensor configured to detect the internal pressure of the battery cell; and a controller configured to operate the discharge valve according to the detection signal from the sensor.

[0026] The supply line may include: a supply flow path whose two ends are connected to the control circuit to circulate the fluid; a supply pump formed on the supply flow path and configured to discharge the fluid; and a supply tank formed on the supply flow path and configured to store the fluid.

[0027] The supply line may further include a supply cooler formed on the supply flow path and configured to cool the fluid.

[0028] The supply line may include: a fire detector configured to detect a fire inside the battery module; and a fire extinguishing agent supply unit connected to the supply flow path and configured to supply the fire extinguishing agent according to the detection signal from the fire detector.

[0029] The supply line may further include a selection valve formed on the supply flow path and configured to selectively supply the fluid provided from the supply tank and the fire extinguishing agent provided from the fire extinguishing agent supply unit to the supply flow path.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressure regulator can control the pressure inside the battery cell to provide a uniform pressure to the electrode assembly.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the pressure inside the canister is increased by the pressure regulator, even when the canister is deformed, uniform pressure can be applied to the electrode assembly.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the electrode assembly is disposed to be spaced apart from the inner surface of the canister by the fixing guide, even when the electrode assembly expands, separation between the electrode assembly and the canister can be maintained, and thus the pressure inside the canister can be stably controlled.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cooler can cool the fluid and the cooled fluid can be introduced into the battery cell, so that the inside of the battery cell can be cooled.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the fire detector detects a fire inside the battery module, the fire extinguishing agent supplied from the fire extinguishing agent supply unit can be input into the battery module through the supply flow path to quickly extinguish the fire.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery pack manufactured using a battery having an improved structure and a vehicle including the battery pack can be provided.

[0036] The effects obtainable by the present disclosure are not limited to the effects described herein, and other technical effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The drawings attached to this specification illustrate some embodiments of the present disclosure and further describe aspects and features of the present disclosure together with the detailed description of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the drawings:

[0038] Figure 1 is a view schematically showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 2 is a view schematically showing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 3 is schematically showing Figure 2 a first embodiment of the fixing guide in;

[0041] Figure 4 is schematically showing Figure 2 a second embodiment of the fixing guide in;

[0042] Figure 5 is a view schematically showing a pressure regulator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 6 is a view schematically showing Figure 5 a first embodiment of the control circuit in;

[0044] Figure 7 is a view schematically showing Figure 5 a second embodiment of the control circuit in;

[0045] Figure 8 is a view schematically showing Figure 5 a third embodiment of the control circuit in;

[0046] Figure 9 is a view schematically showing a supply line according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 10 is a view schematically showing Figure 9 a movement path of the fluid in; and

[0048] Figure 11 is a view schematically showing Figure 9 a movement path of the fire extinguishing agent in. Detailed Embodiments

[0049] Here, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to the ordinary meaning or dictionary meaning, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventor can be his / her own lexicographer to appropriately define the term concept.

[0050] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are provided as some example embodiments of the present disclosure, and do not represent all the technical ideas, aspects, and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, it will be understood that there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace or modify the embodiments described herein at the time of filing this application.

[0051] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or there can be one or more intervening elements or layers. When an element or layer is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. For example, when a first element is described as being “coupled” or “connected” to a second element, the first element can be directly coupled or connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly coupled or connected to the second element via one or more intervening elements.

[0052] In the drawings, for clarity of illustration, the sizes of various elements, layers, etc. may be exaggerated. The same reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Further, when describing embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of “may” refers to “one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.” When following a list of elements, phrases such as “at least one of” and “any of” modify the entire list of elements and not individual elements of the list. When phrases such as “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “at least one selected from the group consisting of A, B, and C,” or “at least one selected from among A, B, and C” are used to denote a list of elements A, B, and C, the phrase can refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C; A and B; A and C; B and C; or A and B and C. As used herein, the terms “use,” “using,” and “being used” can be considered to be synonymous with the terms “utilize,” “utilizing,” and “being utilized,” respectively. As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as approximate terms and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0053] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, or portion. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or portion discussed below can be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or portion without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0054] For ease of description, spatial relationship terms such as "under", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figures. It will be understood that the spatial relationship terms are also intended to cover different orientations of the device during use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as "under" or "below" another element or feature will be oriented "above" or "over" the other element or feature. Thus, the term "under" can cover both the upper and lower orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relationship descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0055] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular form "a" is also intended to include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that when used in this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes" and / or "including" specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0056] In addition, any numerical range disclosed and / or recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges of the same numerical precision subsumed within the recited range. For example, the range "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all sub-ranges between the recited minimum value 1.0 and the recited maximum value 10.0 (and including the recited minimum value 1.0 and the recited maximum value 10.0), i.e., all sub-ranges having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limitation recited herein is intended to include all lower numerical limitations subsumed therein, and any minimum numerical limitation recited in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limitations subsumed therein. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to modify this specification (including the claims) to expressly recite any sub-ranges subsumed within the ranges expressly recited herein.

[0057] Two compared elements, features, etc. being referred to as "the same" may mean that they are "substantially the same". Thus, the phrase "substantially the same" may include cases having a deviation considered low in the art (e.g., a deviation of 5% or less). In addition, when a certain parameter is said to be uniform in a given region, this may mean that it is uniform in terms of the average value.

[0058] Throughout the specification, each element may be singular or plural unless otherwise stated.

[0059] When any element is referred to as being arranged (or positioned or located) “above (or below)” or “on (or under)” a component, this may mean that the any element is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, and may also mean that another component may be interposed between the component and any element arranged (or positioned or located) on (or under) the component.

[0060] In addition, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “coupled”, “linked” or “connected” to another element, these elements may be “coupled”, “linked” or “connected” directly to each other, or there may be one or more intermediate elements therebetween, and the element may be “coupled”, “linked” or “connected” to the other element through the one or more intermediate elements. In addition, when a part is referred to as being “electrically coupled” to another part, the part may be directly electrically connected to the other part, or there may be one or more intermediate parts therebetween such that the part and the other part are indirectly electrically connected to each other.

[0061] Throughout the specification, when stating “A and / or B”, this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise specified. That is, “and / or” includes any or all combinations of the recited items. When stating “C to D”, this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise specified.

[0062] The terms used in this specification are for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0063] Figure 1 is a view schematically showing a battery module 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The battery module 1 includes a housing 10, battery cells 20, and a pressure regulator 30.

[0064] The housing 10 may have a frame shape for setting the battery cells 20 therein. A plurality of battery cells 20 may be arranged in rows. The battery cells 20 may be in close contact with each other or may be spaced apart at a predetermined interval. The battery cells 20 may be unit structures for storing and supplying electric power, and may be wound with an insulating diaphragm between a positive electrode and a negative electrode.

[0065] The pressure regulator 30 may control the internal pressure of each of the plurality of battery cells 20. The pressure regulator 30 may be supplied with fluid, or fluid may be discharged from the pressure regulator 30 such that the internal pressure of each battery cell 20 is uniformly maintained.

[0066] Figure 2is a view schematically showing a battery cell 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The battery cell 20 may include a can (outer case) 21, an electrode assembly 22, and a fixing guide 23.

[0067] The can 21 includes a metallic material, and the electrode assembly 22 may be disposed inside the can 21. A plurality of electrode assemblies 22 may be stacked and spaced apart from the inner surface of the can 21.

[0068] The fixing guide 23 may support the electrode assembly 22. The fixing guide 23 may be disposed inside the can 21 and coupled to the electrode assembly 22 to maintain the electrode assembly 22 in a state spaced apart from the can 21. The fixing guide 23 may support the electrode assembly 22 such that even if the electrode assembly 22 expands, the electrode assembly 22 does not contact the inner surface of the can 21.

[0069] Figure 3 is a view schematically showing Figure 2 a first embodiment of the fixing guide 23 in. The fixing guide 23 may include a fixing pad 231. The fixing pad 231 may be attached to the inner wall of the can 21 to support the electrode assembly 22, and may include an elastic material. The fixing pad 231 may be disposed on at least one inner wall of the hexahedron-shaped can 21. The fixing pad 231 may be attached to the inner wall of the can 21 with an adhesive. The fixing pad 231 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the inner wall of the can 21. One fixing pad 231 may support a plurality of electrode assemblies 22 at the same time. The fixing pad 231 may be formed of an elastic material or rubber capable of recovering its shape after contraction.

[0070] Figure 4 is a view schematically showing Figure 2 a second embodiment of the fixing guide in. In this embodiment, the fixing guide 23 may include a fixing spring 235 and a fixing bracket 236.

[0071] The fixing spring 235 may be mounted on the inner wall of the can 21 and may have the shape of an elastic helical spring. The fixing spring 235 may be disposed corresponding to each electrode assembly 22.

[0072] The fixing bracket 236 may be supported by the fixing spring 235 and may hold the electrode assembly 22. The fixing bracket 236 may be coupled to each electrode assembly 22 and supported by the fixing spring 235 to maintain the electrode assembly 22 in a state spaced apart from the inner wall of the can 21.

[0073] Figure 5 is a view schematically showing a pressure regulator 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The pressure regulator 30 may include a control line 40 and a supply line 50.

[0074] The control line 40 is connected to each battery cell 20 to control the internal pressure of the battery cell 20. The interior of each battery cell 20 can be maintained at a set pressure through the control line 40. When the interior of the battery cell 20 is maintained at the set pressure, even when the electrode assembly 22 in the battery cell 20 expands, external deformation of the can 21 can be suppressed.

[0075] The supply line 50 can be connected to the control line 40 to supply fluid. The control line 40 is connected to both the left and right sides of the battery cell 20, and both ends of the supply line 50 can be connected to the control line 40. The supply line 50 can supply fluid to the control line 40 and recycle the fluid that has passed through the battery cell 20. The fluid provided from the supply line 50 can be an inert gas such as nitrogen or helium.

[0076] Figure 6 is a view schematically showing Figure 5 a first embodiment of the control line 40 in. The control line 40 can include a supply flow path 110, a supply valve 120, and a storage unit 130.

[0077] The supply flow path 110 can connect the battery cell 20 and the supply line 50 and supply fluid to the battery cell 20. The supply flow path 110 can connect the first side 211 of the can 21 and the supply line 50 such that the fluid provided from the supply line 50 can be supplied to the first side 211 of the can 21. The fluid supplied into the battery cell 20 can provide uniform pressure to the electrode assembly 22.

[0078] The supply valve 120 can be formed on the supply flow path 110 and can control the supply amount of the fluid. The supply valve 120 can be provided on the supply flow path 110 connecting the first side 211 and the supply line 50 to open and close the supply flow path 110.

[0079] The storage unit 130 can be connected to the supply flow path 110 and can temporarily store fluid. The storage unit 130 can be provided on the supply flow path 110 connecting the first side 211 and the supply valve 120. When the pressure of the fluid stored in the can 21 or in the supply flow path 110 connecting the can 21 and the supply valve 120 exceeds the set pressure, the fluid can be introduced into the storage unit 130. In addition, when the pressure of the fluid stored in the can 21 or in the supply flow path 110 connecting the can 21 and the supply valve 120 is lower than the set pressure, the fluid stored in the storage unit 130 can be discharged into the supply flow path 110.

[0080] In the above structure, when the supply valve 120 is opened and fluid is supplied to the tank 21 and the internal pressure of the tank 21 reaches the set pressure, the supply valve 120 closes the supply flow path 110. In addition, the fluid can be introduced into or flow out of the storage unit 130 depending on the change in the internal pressure of the tank 21 due to the expansion or contraction of the electrode assembly 22, so that the set pressure can be maintained in the tank 21.

[0081] The control line 40 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a discharge flow path 140 and a discharge valve 150.

[0082] The discharge flow path 140 may connect the battery cell 20 and the supply line 50 and discharge fluid from the battery cell 20. The discharge flow path 140 may connect the second side 212 opposite to the first side 211 and the supply line 50 and guide the discharge of the fluid supplied to the tank 21.

[0083] The discharge valve 150 may be formed on the discharge flow path 140 and may control the fluid discharge amount. The discharge valve 150 may be provided on the discharge flow path 140 connecting the second side 212 and the supply line 50. When the pressure of the fluid in the discharge flow path 140 exceeds the set pressure, the discharge valve 150 may open the discharge flow path 140.

[0084] When the storage unit 130 cannot relieve excessive fluid pressure, the above structure can maintain the set pressure in the tank 21 by discharging the fluid stored in the tank 21 via the discharge valve 150.

[0085] The control line 40 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a sensor 160 and a controller 170.

[0086] The sensor 160 may detect the internal pressure of the battery cell 20. The sensor 160 may be installed inside the tank 21 and may measure the pressure caused by the injection of fluid into the tank 21.

[0087] The controller 170 may operate the supply valve 120 and the discharge valve 150 according to the detection signal from the sensor 160. That is, the controller 170 may receive the detection signal from the sensor 160 in real time and actively supply or discharge fluid so that the internal pressure of the tank 21 is uniform.

[0088] Figure 7 is a view schematically showing Figure 5 a second embodiment of the control line in. In this embodiment, the control line 40 may include a supply flow path 210, a supply valve 220, a main storage unit 230, and a sub-storage unit 240.

[0089] The supply flow path 210 can connect the battery cell 20 and the supply line 50 and supply fluid to the battery cell 20. The supply flow path 210 can connect the first side 211 of the tank 21 and the supply line 50 such that the fluid provided from the supply line 50 can be supplied to the first side 211 of the tank 21. The fluid supplied into the battery cell 20 can provide uniform pressure to the electrode assembly 22.

[0090] The supply valve 220 can be formed on the supply flow path 210 and can control the fluid supply amount. The supply valve 220 can be disposed on the supply flow path 210 connecting the first side 211 and the supply line 50 to open and close the supply flow path 210.

[0091] The main storage unit 230 can be formed on the supply flow path 210 and can temporarily store fluid. The main storage unit 230 can be disposed on the supply flow path 210 between the first side 211 and the supply valve 220.

[0092] The sub-storage unit 240 can also be formed on the supply flow path 210 and can temporarily store fluid. The sub-storage unit 240 can be disposed on the supply flow path 210 between the main storage unit 230 and the supply valve 220.

[0093] When the pressure of the fluid stored in the tank 21 or in the supply flow path 210 connected to the tank 21 exceeds the set pressure, the fluid can be introduced into at least one of the main storage unit 230 and the sub-storage unit 240. In addition, when the pressure of the fluid stored in the tank 21 or in the supply flow path 210 connected to the tank 21 is lower than the set pressure, the fluid stored in at least one of the main storage unit 230 and the sub-storage unit 240 can be discharged into the supply flow path 210. The main storage unit 230 can be disposed closer to the first side 211 than the sub-storage unit 240 is to the first side 211.

[0094] In Figure 7 In the depicted structure, when the supply valve 220 is opened and fluid is supplied to the tank 21 and the internal pressure of the tank 21 reaches the set pressure, the supply valve 220 closes the supply flow path 210. In addition, the fluid can be introduced into at least one of the main storage unit 230 and the sub-storage unit 240 or flow out from at least one of the main storage unit 230 and the sub-storage unit 240 depending on the change in the internal pressure of the tank 21 due to the expansion or contraction of the electrode assembly 22. Accordingly, the set pressure can be maintained in the tank 21.

[0095] The control line 40 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a switching valve 250. The switching valve 250 may be formed on the supply flow path 210, may be disposed between the main storage unit 230 and the sub-storage unit 240, and may open and close the supply flow path 210. The switching valve 250 may open the supply flow path 210 such that the fluid in the sub-storage unit 240 or the fluid supplied to the supply flow path 210 is supplied to the main storage unit 230 and the tank 21.

[0096] Each of the main storage unit 230 and the sub-storage unit 240 may be provided with a pressure sensor. When the pressure of the fluid stored in the sub-storage unit 240 is greater than the pressure of the fluid stored in the main storage unit 230, the switching valve 250 may open the supply flow path 210. That is, when the supply valve 220 and the switching valve 250 are opened and the initial fluid filling is completed, the supply valve 220 and the switching valve 250 close the supply flow path 210. Then, the main storage unit 230 supplies the fluid stored therein to the tank 21 to control the internal pressure of the tank 21. When the pressure in the main storage unit 230 becomes lower than the pressure in the sub-storage unit 240, the switching valve 250 may be opened so that the fluid stored in the sub-storage unit 240 is replenished into the main storage unit 230.

[0097] The control line 40 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a discharge flow path 260 and a discharge valve 270.

[0098] The discharge flow path 260 may be connected to the battery cell 20 and the supply line 50 and discharge the fluid from the battery cell 20. The discharge flow path 260 may be connected to the second side 212 (opposite to the first side 211) and the supply line 50 and guide the fluid supplied to the tank 21 to be discharged.

[0099] The discharge valve 270 may be formed on the discharge flow path 260 and may control the fluid discharge amount. That is, the discharge valve 270 may be disposed on the discharge flow path 260 connecting the second side 212 and the supply line 50. When the pressure in the discharge flow path 260 exceeds the set pressure, the discharge valve 270 may open the discharge flow path 260.

[0100] When the main storage unit 230 and the sub-storage unit 240 cannot relieve excessive fluid pressure, the above structure may maintain the set pressure in the tank 21 by discharging the fluid stored in the tank 21 via the discharge valve 270.

[0101] The control line 40 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a sensor 280 and a controller 290.

[0102] The sensor 280 can detect the internal pressure of the battery cell 20. The sensor 280 can be installed inside the tank 21 and can measure the pressure caused by the fluid injected into the tank 21.

[0103] The controller 290 can operate the supply valve 220 and the discharge valve 270 based on the detection signal from the sensor 280. That is, the controller 290 can receive the detection signal from the sensor 280 in real time and actively supply or discharge the fluid so that the internal pressure of the tank 21 is uniform. The controller 290 can directly control the switching valve 250.

[0104] Figure 8 is a view schematically showing Figure 5 a third embodiment of the control circuit in. The control circuit 40 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure may include a supply flow path 310 and a storage unit 320.

[0105] The supply flow path 310 can connect the battery cell 20 and the supply line 50 and supply fluid to the battery cell 20. The supply flow path 310 can connect the first side 211 of the tank 21 and the supply line 50 so that the fluid provided from the supply line 50 can be supplied to the first side 211 of the tank 21. The fluid supplied into the battery cell 20 can provide uniform pressure to the electrode assembly 22.

[0106] The storage unit 320 can be connected to the supply flow path 310 and can temporarily store the fluid. The storage unit 320 can be provided on the supply flow path 310 connecting the first side 211 and the supply line 50. When the pressure of the fluid stored in the tank 21 or in the supply flow path 310 connecting the tank 21 and the supply line 50 exceeds the set pressure, the fluid can be introduced into the storage unit 320. In addition, when the pressure of the fluid stored in the tank 21 or in the supply flow path 310 connected to the tank 21 is lower than the set pressure, the fluid stored in the storage unit 320 can be discharged into the supply flow path 310.

[0107] In the above structure, when the supply line 50 supplies fluid and the internal pressure of the tank 21 reaches the set pressure, the forced supply of fluid through the supply line 50 is stopped. In addition, the fluid can be introduced into or flow out of the storage unit 320 depending on the change in the internal pressure of the tank 21 due to the expansion or contraction of the electrode assembly 22. Therefore, the set pressure can be maintained in the tank 21.

[0108] The control circuit 40 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a discharge flow path 330 and a discharge valve 340.

[0109] The discharge flow path 330 can be connected to the battery cell 20 and the supply line 50 and discharge fluid from the battery cell 20. The discharge flow path 330 can be connected to the second side 212 (opposite to the first side 211) and the supply line 50 and guide the discharge of fluid from the tank 21.

[0110] A discharge valve 340 can be formed on the discharge flow path 330 and can control the amount of fluid discharged. That is, the discharge valve 340 can be provided on the discharge flow path 330 connecting the second side 212 and the supply line 50. When the pressure of the fluid in the discharge flow path 330 exceeds a set pressure, the discharge valve 340 can open the discharge flow path 330.

[0111] When the storage unit 320 cannot relieve excessive fluid pressure, the above structure can maintain the set pressure in the tank 21 by discharging the fluid stored in the tank 21 via the discharge valve 340.

[0112] The control line 40 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure can further include a sensor 350 and a controller 360.

[0113] The sensor 350 can detect the internal pressure of the battery cell 20. The sensor 350 can be installed inside the tank 21 and can measure the pressure caused by the injection of fluid into the tank 21.

[0114] The controller 360 can operate the discharge valve 340 according to the detection signal from the sensor 350. That is, the controller 360 can receive the detection signal from the sensor 350 in real time and actively supply or discharge fluid so that the internal pressure of the tank 21 is uniform. The controller 360 can directly control the supply line 50 so that fluid is actively supplied.

[0115] Figure 9 is a view schematically showing a supply line according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 10 is a view schematically showing the movement path of fluid, Figure 11 is a view schematically showing the movement path of the fire extinguishing agent. The supply line 50 can include a supply flow path 51, a supply pump 52, and a supply tank 53.

[0116] The supply flow path 51 can have both ends connected to the control line 40 to circulate fluid. The control line 40 can be connected to the first side 211 and the second side 212 of each tank 21, and the supply flow path 51 can be connected to each control line 40.

[0117] The supply pump 52 can be formed on the supply flow path 51 and can discharge fluid. The supply pump 52 can be a pump for pumping fluid when powered on and can be driven by a motor.

[0118] The supply tank 53 may be formed on the supply flow path 51 and may store fluid. The supply tank 53 may have a flow path connected to the supply flow path 51, and a valve is provided on the flow path to open and close the flow path. In addition, when the supply flow path 51 itself is filled with fluid, the supply tank 53 may be omitted.

[0119] The supply line 50 may further include a supply cooler 54. The supply cooler 54 may be formed on the supply flow path 51 and may cool the fluid. The fluid cooled by the supply cooler 54 may be supplied to the tank 21 to prevent overheating of the electrode assembly 22.

[0120] The supply line 50 may further include a fire detector 55 and a fire extinguishing agent supply unit 56. The fire detector 55 may detect a fire inside the battery cell 20. In particular, the fire detector 55 may be provided inside the tank 21 to detect flames or heat. The fire extinguishing agent supply unit 56 may be connected to the supply flow path 51 and may supply a fire extinguishing agent according to a detection signal from the fire detector 55. In the fire extinguishing agent supply unit 56, a space for storing the fire extinguishing agent may be formed, a flow path connected to the supply flow path 51 may be provided, and a valve may be provided on the flow path to open and close the flow path.

[0121] The supply line 50 may further include a selection valve 57. The selection valve 57 may be formed on the supply flow path 51 and may selectively supply the fluid provided from the supply tank 53 or the fire extinguishing agent provided from the fire extinguishing agent supply unit 56 to the supply flow path 51. The selection valve 57 may be a four-way valve connecting the flow path of the supply tank 53 and the flow path of the fire extinguishing agent supply unit 56. The selection valve 57 may open the supply flow path 51 to allow the fluid to circulate through the supply flow path 51 as needed. The selection valve 57 may connect the supply flow path 51 and the supply tank 53 so that the fluid stored in the supply tank 53 is replenished as needed. The selection valve 57 may connect the supply flow path 51 and the fire extinguishing agent supply unit 56 so that the fire extinguishing agent stored in the fire extinguishing agent supply unit 56 is introduced into the tank 21 through the supply flow path 51 as needed.

[0122] Refer to Figure 10 When the fluid is supplied to the supply flow path 51 through the supply tank 53, the supply pump 52 is driven to supply the fluid to each tank 21 of the battery cells 20 of the battery module 1. When the pressure of the fluid supplied to each tank 21 increases and the fluid is discharged from the tank 21, the fluid may be cooled in the supply cooler 54 and then re-introduced into the tank 21.

[0123] Refer to Figure 11, when a fire occurs due to overheating inside the battery cell 20, the fire detector 55 can detect the fire, and the fire extinguishing agent supplied from the fire extinguishing agent supply unit 56 can be supplied into the tank 21 along the flow path. Therefore, the fire extinguishing agent is guided to the battery cell 20 to extinguish the fire.

[0124] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, these embodiments are merely illustrative, and it should be understood that those skilled in the art can derive various modifications and other equivalent embodiments based on the embodiments.

[0125] Therefore, the technical scope of the present disclosure should be defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: case; A plurality of battery cells are arranged inside the housing; as well as A pressure regulator is configured to control an internal pressure of each of the plurality of battery cells.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the battery cells comprises: Can; an electrode assembly disposed inside the can and spaced apart from an inner surface of the can; and A guide is fixed to support the electrode assembly.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The fixing guide includes a fixing pad attached to an inner wall of the can to support the electrode assembly, the fixing pad including an elastic material.

4. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The fixed guide member comprises: a fixing spring installed on the inner wall of the tank and having elasticity; and A fixing bracket is supported by the fixing spring and holds the electrode assembly.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The pressure regulator comprises: a control circuit connected to each of the battery cells to control the internal pressure of each of the battery cells; and A supply line is connected to the control line to supply fluid.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein: Each of the control lines comprises: a supply flow path connecting the battery cell and the supply line and configured to supply the fluid to the battery cell; a supply valve formed on the supply flow path and configured to control a supply amount of the fluid; and A storage unit is connected to the supply flow path and is configured to temporarily store the fluid.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein: Each of the control lines further comprises: a drain flow path connecting the battery cell and the supply line and configured to drain the fluid from the battery cell; and A discharge valve is formed on the discharge flow path and is configured to control a discharge amount of the fluid.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein: Each of the control lines further comprises: a sensor configured to detect the internal pressure of the battery cell; and A controller is configured to operate the supply valve and the discharge valve according to the detection signal from the sensor.

9. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein: Each of the control lines comprises: a supply flow path connecting the battery cell and the supply line and configured to supply the fluid to the battery cell; a supply valve formed on the supply flow path and configured to control a supply amount of the fluid; a main storage unit formed on the supply flow path and configured to temporarily store the fluid; and A sub storage unit, formed on the supply flow path, is configured to temporarily store the fluid and is disposed between the main storage unit and the supply valve.

10. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein: The control circuit further includes a switch valve formed on the supply flow path, disposed between the main storage unit and the sub storage unit, and configured to open and close the supply flow path.

11. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein: The switching valve opens the supply flow path when a pressure of the fluid stored in the sub-storage unit is greater than a pressure of the fluid stored in the main storage unit.

12. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein: Each of the control lines further comprises: a drain flow path connecting the battery cell and the supply line and configured to drain the fluid from the battery cell; and A discharge valve is formed on the discharge flow path and is configured to control a discharge amount of the fluid.

13. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein: Each of the control lines further comprises: a sensor configured to detect the internal pressure of the battery cell; and A controller is configured to operate the supply valve and the discharge valve according to the detection signal from the sensor.

14. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein: Each of the control lines comprises: a supply flow path connecting the battery cell and the supply line and configured to supply the fluid to the battery cell; and A storage unit is connected to the supply flow path and is configured to temporarily store the fluid.

15. The battery module according to claim 14, wherein: Each of the control lines further comprises: a drain flow path connecting the battery cell and the supply line and configured to drain the fluid from the battery cell; and A discharge valve is formed on the discharge flow path and is configured to control a discharge amount of the fluid.

16. The battery module according to claim 15, wherein: The control circuit further comprises: a sensor configured to detect the internal pressure of the battery cell; and A controller is configured to operate the discharge valve according to the detection signal from the sensor.

17. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein: The supply line comprises: a supply flow path having an end connected to each of said control lines to circulate said fluid; a supply pump formed on the supply flow path and configured to discharge the fluid; and A supply tank is formed on the supply flow path and is configured to store the fluid.

18. The battery module according to claim 17, wherein: The supply line further includes a supply cooler formed on the supply flow path and configured to cool the fluid.

19. The battery module according to claim 17, wherein: The supply line comprises: a fire detector configured to detect a fire inside the battery module; and A fire extinguishing agent supply unit is connected to the supply flow path and is configured to supply the fire extinguishing agent according to the detection signal from the fire detector.

20. The battery module according to claim 19, wherein: The supply line further includes a selector valve formed on the supply flow path and configured to selectively supply the fluid provided from the supply tank and the fire extinguishing agent provided from the fire extinguishing agent supply unit to the supply flow path.

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