Fire extinguishing agent injection device and method for battery module, and injection unit for injection device

Abstract

The invention relates to a fire extinguishing agent injection apparatus and method for a battery module and an injection unit for the injection apparatus. The apparatus includes an injection unit including an injection tube configured to supply a fire extinguishing agent into a battery module through an internal passage, and a plug configured to block the internal passage and be separated from the injection tube by an external force. The fire extinguishing agent supply unit is connected to the injection pipe through a reagent supply pipe, and the fire extinguishing agent supply unit is configured to supply a fire extinguishing agent to the injection pipe such that the fire extinguishing agent pushes the plug out of the injection pipe and injects the plug into the battery module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a spraying apparatus and method for spraying extinguishing agents onto battery modules, and more specifically, to a spraying apparatus and method for spraying extinguishing agents onto battery modules and a spraying unit for the spraying apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which cannot be recharged, secondary batteries are rechargeable and dischargeable. Low-capacity batteries are used in small portable electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptops, digital cameras, and camcorders. High-capacity batteries are widely used as power sources for motors in hybrid electric vehicles, electric vehicles, etc., and as energy storage batteries. A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly containing positive and negative electrodes, a housing of the electrode assembly, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly.

[0003] Multiple batteries can be combined to form an energy storage device with extended voltage and / or current capacity. The energy storage device may include battery modules / packs for vehicles or electrical appliances.

[0004] In the event of a fire inside a module or when there is a fire risk, there is a need for equipment and methods capable of rapid response. One technique for extinguishing fires inside battery modules is to install a tube inside the module and spray a fire extinguishing agent through the tube. However, for this conventional fire extinguishing device, it is difficult to install the tube inside the module, and the tube is expensive.

[0005] The information disclosed in this background section is intended to enhance the understanding of the background art of this disclosure and may therefore contain information that does not constitute related (or prior art). Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure aims to provide a fire extinguishing agent spraying device and method for battery modules, as well as a spraying unit for the spraying device, which can automatically operate to take immediate action in the presence of fire risk or in the event of a fire and can be easily installed in a simple structure.

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a fire extinguishing agent spraying device is provided in a battery module, the device comprising: a spraying unit including a spray tube and a plug, the spray tube being configured to supply fire extinguishing agent to the battery module through an internal channel, the plug being configured to (i) block the internal channel and (ii) be separated from the spray tube by external force; and a fire extinguishing agent supply unit connected to the spray tube via a reagent supply tube, the fire extinguishing agent supply unit being configured to supply fire extinguishing agent to the spray tube such that the fire extinguishing agent pushes the plug out of the spray tube and sprays it into the battery module.

[0008] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided for spraying extinguishing agent into a battery module using a fire extinguishing agent spraying device, the fire extinguishing agent spraying device comprising: a spray pipe having an internal channel through which the fire extinguishing agent is sprayed into the battery module; a plug blocking the internal channel of the spray pipe and being separated from the spray pipe by external force; a fire extinguishing agent supply unit supplying the fire extinguishing agent to the spray pipe such that the fire extinguishing agent pushes the plug out of the spray pipe and sprays it into the battery module; and a pipe heating unit transferring heat to the plug to melt the plug, thereby accelerating the separation of the plug from the spray pipe, the method comprising: a monitoring operation monitoring at least one of the temperature and voltage of at least one battery inside the battery module; a fire extinguishing agent supply operation supplying the fire extinguishing agent to the spray pipe when at least one of the temperature and voltage of the at least one battery is outside a normal range; and an opening acceleration operation using the pipe heating unit to accelerate the opening of the spray pipe.

[0009] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a spraying unit for a fire extinguishing agent spraying device is provided, the spraying unit comprising: a spraying tube configured to be mounted outside a battery module and configured to spray fire extinguishing agent supplied from an external fire extinguishing agent supply unit through a reagent supply tube into the battery module; a plug blocking the passage of the spraying tube and configured to separate from the spraying tube by the pressure of the fire extinguishing agent; and a heating element configured to generate heat by externally supplied electricity to heat the plug, thereby accelerating the separation of the plug from the spraying tube.

[0010] The aspects and features of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following presentation of the disclosure other aspects and features not specifically mentioned herein. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure, and aspects and features of the present disclosure are further described together with the detailed description thereof. The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments depicted in the drawings: Figure 1 A pouch-type battery is shown schematically. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical battery; Figure 3A This is a top perspective view showing the exterior of the prismatic battery; Figure 3B It is along Figure 3A A sectional view of line A-A'; Figure 4 This is an exemplary view of a battery module in which batteries are arranged; Figure 5 This is a view illustrating the construction of a fire extinguishing agent spraying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 6This is a perspective view showing the exterior of an injection unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 7 This is a view illustrating a modified example of a fire extinguishing agent spraying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 8 This is a view illustrating another modified example of a fire extinguishing agent spraying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 9 This is a partial cross-sectional view used to describe the internal structure of an injection unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the catheter and plug shown; Figures 11 to 15 This is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating various modified examples of an injection unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 16 This is a flowchart describing a method for spraying extinguishing agents according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0012] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims will not be interpreted narrowly according to their general or dictionary meaning, but should be interpreted as having meanings and concepts consistent with the technical concept of the present disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor, as his / her own lexicographer, can appropriately define the concepts of the terms to best describe his / her invention.

[0013] The embodiments described in this specification and the constructions shown in the accompanying drawings are merely some embodiments of this disclosure and do not represent all aspects, features, and embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may exist to replace or modify one or more embodiments or features described herein.

[0014] It will be understood that if an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "bonded to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly bonded to said other element or layer, or one or more intermediary elements or layers may be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly bonded to" another element or layer, no intermediary element or layer is present. For example, if a first element is described as being "bonded" or "connected" to a second element, the first element can be directly bonded to or directly connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly bonded to or indirectly connected to the second element via one or more intermediary elements.

[0015] In the figures, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc., may be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals are assigned to the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Furthermore, the use of "may" in describing embodiments of this disclosure refers to "one or more embodiments of this disclosure." If expressions such as "at least one of..." and "any one of..." follow a list of elements, they modify the entire list of elements without modifying individual elements within that 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 of A, B, and C," or "at least one selected from A, B, and C" are used to specify a list of elements A, B, and C, the phrase may refer to any suitable combination (or subset) of A, B, and C and all suitable combinations (or subsets), such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the term "use" and its variations may be considered synonymous with the term "utilize" and its variations, respectively. As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as approximations rather than terms of degree and are intended to explain the inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0016] 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 are not 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. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, first component, first region, first layer, or first portion discussed below may be referred to as a second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second portion.

[0017] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” and “above” may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element(s) shown in the figure. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figure, the spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features will subsequently be oriented “above” or “above” said other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can cover both above and below orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0018] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “an” are also intended to include the plural forms. It will also be understood that if the terms “comprising,” “including,” and / or variations thereof are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of the stated features, integers (whole), steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers (whole), steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0019] Any numerical range disclosed and / or described herein includes all subranges with the same numerical precision contained within the described range. For example, the range “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include all subranges between the described minimum value of 1.0 and the described maximum value of 10.0 (and includes both the described minimum value of 1.0 and the described maximum value of 10.0), i.e., having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit described herein includes all lower numerical limits contained therein, while any minimum numerical limit described in this specification includes all higher numerical limits contained therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification (including the claims) to expressly describe any subranges contained within the range expressly described herein.

[0020] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc., as “identical” can mean that they are “substantially identical.” Therefore, the phrase “substantially identical” can include cases with deviations considered low in the art (e.g., 5% or less). Additionally, if a parameter is said to be uniform in a given region, this can mean that it is uniform in terms of average value.

[0021] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0022] Arranging any element "above (or below)" or "on (below)" another element can mean that the arbitrary element can contact the upper (or lower) surface of the element, and that the other element can be placed between the element and the arbitrary element located on (or below) the element.

[0023] Additionally, it will be understood that if a component is referred to as “linked,” “combined,” or “connected” to another component, then these components can be directly “combined,” “linked,” or “connected” to each other, or another component can be “placed” between these components.

[0024] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, if "A and / or B" is stated, it means A, B, or A and B. That is, "and / or" includes any or all combinations of the listed items. When "C to D" is stated, unless otherwise stated, it means C or greater and D or less.

[0025] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 1 A pouch-type secondary battery is shown schematically.

[0027] The pouch-type secondary battery 11 includes an electrode assembly 11a and a pouch 11k that houses the electrode assembly 11a.

[0028] The first electrode tab 11c and the second electrode tab 11d of the electrode assembly 11a can be electrically connected to the corresponding external first terminal lead 11f and second terminal lead 11g by soldering. Each of the first terminal lead 11f and the second terminal lead 11g may be attached with a tab film 11h for insulation from the bag 11k.

[0029] The bag 11k can be sealed by bringing the sealing portions 11m into contact with each other at their edges, and the electrode assembly 11a is housed within the bag 11k, in which case a seal can be achieved, and the connecting piece film 11h is placed between the sealing portions 11m. The sealing portions 11m of the bag 11k can all be made of a hot-melt material that typically has weak adhesion to metals. Therefore, the electrode assembly 11a can be fused to the bag 11k by placing the thin connecting piece film 11h between the sealing portions 11m.

[0030] Figure 2 A cylindrical secondary battery 13 is shown. (Example) Figure 2 As shown, the secondary battery includes an electrode assembly 13a, a housing 13p in which the electrode assembly 13a and an electrolyte are contained, a cover assembly 13v connected to an opening in the housing 13p to seal the housing 13p, and an insulating plate 13n positioned inside the housing between the electrode assembly 13a and the cover assembly 13v.

[0031] Electrode assembly 13a may include a diaphragm 13d disposed between the first electrode 13e and the second electrode 13c. Electrode assembly 13a may be wound into a so-called core shape.

[0032] The first electrode 13e includes a first substrate and a first active material layer on the first substrate. A first lead tab 13j can extend outward from a first uncoated portion of the first substrate where the first active material layer is not disposed, and the first lead tab 13j can be electrically connected to the cover assembly 13v.

[0033] The second electrode 13c includes a second substrate and a second active material layer on the second substrate. A second lead tab 13k extends outward from a second uncoated portion of the second substrate where the second active material layer is not located, and the second lead tab 13k can be electrically connected to the housing. The first lead tab 13j and the second lead tab 13k can extend in opposite directions.

[0034] The first electrode 13e can be used as a positive electrode. In such an embodiment, the first substrate can be made of, for example, aluminum foil, and the first active material layer can include, for example, a transition metal oxide. The second electrode 13c can be used as a negative electrode. In such an embodiment, the second substrate can be made of, for example, copper foil or nickel foil, and the second active material layer can include, for example, graphite.

[0035] The separator 13d allows lithium ions to move between the first electrode 13e and the second electrode 13c while preventing short circuits between them. The separator 13d can be made of, for example, a polyethylene membrane, a polypropylene membrane, or a polyethylene-polypropylene membrane.

[0036] The housing 13p houses the electrode assembly 13a and, together with the cover assembly 13v, forms the appearance of a secondary battery. The housing 13p may have a generally cylindrical body portion 13r and a bottom 13q connected to one side (e.g., one end) of the body portion 13r. An inwardly deformed rolled portion (e.g., rolled edge) 13f may be formed in the body portion 13r, and an inwardly bent crimped portion (e.g., crimp portion) 13g may be formed at the open end of the body portion 13r.

[0037] The rolled edge portion 13f reduces or prevents movement of the electrode assembly 13a within the housing 13p and facilitates the placement of the gasket 13h and the cover assembly 13v. The crimp portion 13g securely holds the cover assembly 13v in place by pressing the edge of the housing 13p against the gasket 13h. The housing 13p may be formed of, for example, nickel-plated iron.

[0038] The cover assembly 13v can be secured to the interior of the crimped portion 13g via a gasket 13h to seal the housing 13p. The cover assembly 13v may include an upper cover 13w, a safety vent 13s, a lower cover 13t, an insulating member, and a daughter plate 13u. However, this disclosure is not limited to the depicted construction and can be modified in various ways.

[0039] The top cover 13w may be located on top (or at the topmost part) of the cover assembly 13v. The top cover 13w may include an upwardly projecting terminal portion that connects to an external circuit. The top cover 13w may also include an outlet arranged around the terminal portion for venting gas.

[0040] The safety vent 13s may be located below the top cover 13w. The safety vent 13s may include a downwardly projecting protrusion that connects to the sub-plate 13u. One or more recesses may be formed around the protrusion in the safety vent.

[0041] When gas is generated due to overcharging or abnormal operation of the secondary battery, the protrusion deforms upward under pressure and separates from the sub-plate 13u, while the safety vent 13s is cut off (e.g., ruptured or torn) along the notch. The cut safety vent 13s prevents the secondary battery from exploding by allowing gas to escape to the outside of the battery.

[0042] The lower cover 13t may be located below the safety vent 13s. The lower cover 13t may have a first opening formed therein for exposing a protrusion of the safety vent 13s and a second opening for venting gas. An insulating member may be positioned between the safety vent 13s and the lower cover 13t to insulate the safety vent 13s from the lower cover 13t.

[0043] Subplate 13u can be located below lower cover 13t. Subplate 13u can be fixed to the lower surface of lower cover 13t to block the first opening of lower cover 13t, and the protruding portion of safety vent 13s can be fixed to subplate 13u. First lead connector 13j extending from electrode assembly 13a can be fixed to subplate 13u. Therefore, upper cover 13w, safety vent 13s, lower cover 13t, and subplate 13u can be electrically connected to the first electrode 13e of electrode assembly 13a.

[0044] An insulating plate 13n may be positioned below the rolled edge portion 13f to contact the electrode assembly 13a. The insulating plate 13n may have a first lead tab 13j with an opening through which it extends. A cover assembly 13v, electrically connected to the first electrode via the first lead tab 13j, may face the electrode assembly, and the insulating plate 13n is positioned between the cover assembly 13v and the electrode assembly, thereby providing insulation (e.g., electrical insulation) between the cover assembly 13v and the electrode assembly 13a due to the insulating plate 13n. For insulation between the electrode assembly 13a and the bottom 13q of the housing 13p, another insulating plate 13m may be included.

[0045] Figure 3A This is a top perspective view of a prism-shaped secondary battery 15 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] The housing 15a defines the overall appearance of the prismatic secondary battery. The housing 15a can be made of a conductive metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. Additionally, the housing 15a can provide space within it for housing the electrode assembly.

[0047] The cover assembly 15b may include a cover plate 15c that covers the opening of the housing 15a. In some examples, the housing 15a and the cover plate 15c may be made of a conductive material. The first terminal 15d and the second terminal 15e may be electrically connected to corresponding positive and negative electrodes (or negative and positive electrodes) inside the housing and may be mounted to protrude outward through the cover plate 15c.

[0048] The cover plate 15c may include an electrolyte injection port 15f formed therein and a sealing plug (or sealing pin) installed therein. The vent port 15h may be formed with a notch 15g for venting gases generated inside the secondary battery.

[0049] Figure 3B According to some embodiments of this disclosure Figure 3A The sectional view taken by line AA.

[0050] like Figure 3B As shown, the prismatic secondary battery may include an electrode assembly 15r, a first current collector 15m, a first terminal 15d, a second current collector 15n, a second terminal 15e, a housing 15a, and a cover assembly 15b.

[0051] Electrode assembly 15r can be formed by winding or stacking a first electrode plate, a diaphragm, and a second electrode plate into a thin sheet or film. When electrode assembly 15r is a wound stack, the winding axis can be parallel to the length direction of housing 15a. In some other embodiments, electrode assembly 15r is stacked rather than wound, and the shape of electrode assembly 15r is not limited in this disclosure. Alternatively, electrode assembly 15r can be a Z-stacked electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate are placed on both sides of a diaphragm and then bent into a Z-stack. Additionally, one or more electrode assemblies can be stacked such that the long sides of the electrode assemblies are adjacent to each other and housed in a housing. The number of electrode assemblies in the housing is not limited in this disclosure. The first electrode plate of the electrode assembly can be used as a negative electrode, and the second electrode plate can be used as a positive electrode. Of course, the reverse is also possible.

[0052] The first electrode plate can be formed by coating a first electrode active material, such as graphite or carbon, onto a first electrode current collector formed of a metal foil, such as copper, copper alloy, nickel, or nickel alloy. The first electrode plate may include a first electrode tab 15p (e.g., a first uncoated portion) as a region where the first electrode active material is not coated. The first electrode tab 15p can serve as a current flow path between the first electrode plate and the first current collector 15m. In some embodiments, when manufacturing the first electrode plate, the first electrode tab 15p is formed by being cut to protrude to one side of the electrode assembly 15r, or, without separate cutting, the first electrode tab 15p may protrude much further to one side of the electrode assembly 15r than the diaphragm (e.g., protruding much further to one side of the electrode assembly 15r than the diaphragm or protruding beyond the diaphragm to one side of the electrode assembly 15r).

[0053] The second electrode plate can be formed by coating a second electrode active material, such as a transition metal oxide, onto a second electrode current collector formed of a metal foil such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The second electrode plate may include a second electrode tab 15q (e.g., a second uncoated portion) as a region where the second electrode active material is not coated. The second electrode tab 15q can serve as a current flow path between the second electrode plate and the second current collector 15n. In some embodiments, when manufacturing the second electrode plate, the second electrode tab 15q can be formed by being cut to protrude to the other side (e.g., opposite side) of the electrode assembly, or, without separate cutting, the second electrode tab 15q can protrude much further to the other side of the electrode assembly than the diaphragm (e.g., far more to the other side of the electrode assembly than the diaphragm or protruding beyond the diaphragm to the other side of the electrode assembly).

[0054] The separator prevents or substantially reduces short circuits between the first and second electrodes while allowing lithium ions to move between them. The separator can be made of, for example, polyethylene membranes, polypropylene membranes, or polyethylene-polypropylene membranes.

[0055] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 15r is housed together with the electrolyte in the housing 10.

[0056] In the electrode assembly 15r, the first current collector 15m and the second current collector 15n can be welded and connected to the first electrode terminal 15p extending from the first electrode plate and the second electrode terminal 15q extending from the second electrode plate, respectively. In some embodiments where the first electrode terminal 15p and the second electrode terminal 15q are located at the top of the electrode assembly 15r, the first current collector and the second current collector are located at the top of the electrode assembly 15r.

[0057] like Figure 3BAs shown, the first current collector 15m and the second current collector 15n are respectively connected to the first terminal 15d and the second terminal 15e via connecting members 15k. In some embodiments, the connecting members 15k may each have a threaded outer peripheral surface, so that they can be tightened to the first terminal 15d and the second terminal 15e by screwing. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the connecting members 15k may also be riveted or welded to the first terminal 15d and the second terminal 15e.

[0058] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a secondary battery module 17 in which multiple secondary batteries are arranged according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. With the increasing demand for secondary battery capacity for powering electric vehicles, energy storage systems (ESS), etc., secondary battery modules can be manufactured by arranging multiple secondary batteries laterally and / or longitudinally and connecting them together. The multiple secondary batteries can be arranged in a space defined by a pair of facing end plates 17a, 17b and a pair of facing side plates 17e, 17f. The secondary batteries can be arranged in a certain orientation and number to obtain desired voltage and current specifications.

[0059] Due to various reasons, there is often a risk of fire and explosion of the battery module 17. The fire extinguishing agent spraying device 50 of this disclosure, which will be described below, has a structure for rapidly spraying fire extinguishing agent into the battery module for more effective fire extinguishing.

[0060] Figure 5 This is a view illustrating the construction of a fire extinguishing agent spraying device 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the exterior of a spraying unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The spraying unit 60 according to this embodiment will be described together with the fire extinguishing agent spraying device 50.

[0061] Figure 5 The extinguishing agent spraying device 50 shown includes a spraying unit 60, a battery management system (BMS) 51, a power supply unit 51a, an extinguishing agent supply unit 54, a controller 58, and a pressure regulator 56.

[0062] The spraying unit 60 guides and sprays the extinguishing agent supplied by the extinguishing agent supply unit 54 into the battery module 17. The spraying unit 60 may include a spray pipe 65 and a plug 67 (see [link to product description]). Figure 9 An embodiment of the injection unit 60 has... Figure 9 and Figure 10 The construction shown.

[0063] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the injection unit 60 may include an injection pipe 65, a plug 67, a heating element 69, and a housing 61.

[0064] The spray nozzle 65 can be installed outside the battery module 17 and can spray extinguishing agent supplied from the extinguishing agent supply unit 54 into the battery module 17. The spray nozzle 65 is a straight pipe with a constant diameter, and its front end can be inserted into the battery module 17. The front end is the end that sprays the extinguishing agent. The size of the spray nozzle 65 can vary depending on the size of the battery module 17.

[0065] The connector 65a can be located at the rear end of the spray pipe 65. The connector 65a is the part that connects to the reagent supply pipe 55. The reagent supply pipe 55 is the pipe that connects the extinguishing agent supply unit 54 to the spray pipe 65. The connection between the reagent supply pipe 55 and the spray pipe 65 can be achieved in various ways.

[0066] The spray nozzle 65 can be used as a nozzle to spray the extinguishing agent supplied through the reagent supply tube 55 into the battery module. The spray nozzle 65 can be made of a metal with good thermal conductivity. For example, the spray nozzle 65 can be made of copper or aluminum. Since the extinguishing agent used in this specification is generic and such extinguishing agents are known in the art, a description of the extinguishing agent will be omitted.

[0067] The plug 67 is a fusible plastic component securely attached to the front end of the injection tube 65. The plug 67 can melt when heat is applied. As described below, the plug 67 can be melted by heat conducted and received via the injection tube 65. The reason for melting the plug 67 is to make it easier to separate the plug 67 from the injection tube 65.

[0068] The plug 67 can block the passage of the spray nozzle 65 and can be separated from the spray nozzle 65 due to the pressure of the extinguishing agent in the direction of arrow a. When the plug 67 is removed from the spray nozzle 65, the extinguishing agent can be sprayed into the battery module 17. The pressure in the direction of arrow a can be greater or less than the frictional force of the plug 67 against the spray nozzle 65. When the pressure of the extinguishing agent is greater than the frictional force, the plug 67 is pushed out by the supply pressure of the extinguishing agent alone. However, when the pressure of the extinguishing agent is less than the frictional force, the plug 67 can melt in the event of a fire. When the plug 67 melts, the plug 67 can be pushed out by the extinguishing agent at a lower pressure. The supply pressure of the extinguishing agent can be adjusted by the pressure regulator 56. Preferably, the plug is configured to melt so that the pressure of the extinguishing agent required to push out the plug 67 can be lower. This can be advantageous because the higher the pressure of the extinguishing agent, the greater the noise when the plug 67 separates.

[0069] Heating element 69 can generate heat using electricity applied from power supply unit 51a, thereby heating injection tube 65. The heat transferred to injection tube 65 is conducted to plug 67, melting the plug. Heating element 69 is connected to power supply unit 51a via power line 52. Heating element 69 may be a coil wound around injection tube 65. Heating element 69 can melt plug 67 to accelerate separation of plug 67 from injection tube 65. Here, "accelerate" means at a lower pressure (…). Figure 10 The pressure in the direction of arrow a causes plug 67 to separate.

[0070] The heating element 69 and the power supply unit 51a are tube heating units that transfer heat to the plug 67 via the injection pipe 65 to partially melt the plug 67, thereby accelerating the separation of the plug 67 from the injection pipe 65. Any type of tube heating device capable of heating the injection pipe 65 can be used.

[0071] In addition, such as Figure 9 As shown, the injection unit 60 may further include a housing 61. The housing 61 is a box-shaped member that houses the heating element 69 and a portion of the injection pipe 65, and is fixed to the outer surface of the battery module 17. An insulator 63 may be installed inside the housing 61. The insulator 63 surrounds the heating element 69, thereby preventing heat loss from the heating element 69.

[0072] like Figure 5 As shown, the extinguishing agent supply unit 54 can be connected to the spray pipe 65 via the agent supply pipe 55. The extinguishing agent supply unit 54 can pressurize and deliver extinguishing agent toward the spray pipe 65. The pressurized extinguishing agent travels along... Figure 10 The direction of arrow a compresses the plug 67. For example, the extinguishing agent pushes the molten plug 67 out and sprays it into the battery module. In another embodiment, the plug 67 can be separated from the spray nozzle by increasing the pressure of the extinguishing agent, in which case the plug 67 will not melt.

[0073] Pressure regulator 56 may be further installed on reagent supply line 55. Pressure regulator 56 can regulate the flow pressure of the extinguishing agent supplied to spray line 65. Pressure regulator 56 may be a fluid pump. Pressure regulator 56 may be controlled by controller 58. Therefore, controller 58 can increase or decrease the reagent supply pressure.

[0074] The power supply unit 51a can be connected to the heating element 69 via the power line 52 and can supply power to the heating element 69 to heat it. The heating element 69 can be operated via the BMS 51. However, the heating element 69 can also be operated independently of the BMS 51. The BMS 51 monitors the status of the battery module 17 in real time, controls charging and discharging, and protects the battery module from risks such as overcharging, over-discharging, and overheating.

[0075] Figure 7 This is a view illustrating a modified example of a fire extinguishing agent spraying device 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] Hereinafter, the same reference numerals as those in the above figures indicate the same components having the same function.

[0077] As shown in the figure, a first valve 73 can be further installed on the reagent supply line 55. The first valve 73 can be located between the injection unit 60 and the pressure regulator 56. The first valve 73 opens and closes to supply and block the extinguishing agent through the reagent supply line 55. The first valve 73 is controlled by a controller 58.

[0078] Additionally, a compressed air pipe 71a can be connected between the injection unit 60 and the first valve 73, and an air compressor 71 is installed at the end of the compressed air pipe 71a. The air compressor 71 can inject compressed air into the compressed air pipe 71a when the first valve 73 is closed. The air injected into the compressed air pipe 71a enters the injection pipe 65 and travels along... Figure 10 The direction of arrow a in the diagram compresses plug 67. Therefore, compressed air can be used to eject plug 67 from the injection pipe 65.

[0079] Additionally, a second valve 76 can be installed on compressed air pipe 71a. The second valve 76 can open when the first valve 73 is closed and close when the first valve 74 is open. The second valve 76 can also be controlled by controller 58.

[0080] Figure 8 This is a view illustrating another modified example of a fire extinguishing agent spraying device 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] As shown in the figure, the accumulator 75 can be further installed on the compressed air pipe 71a. The accumulator 75 is located between the second valve 76 and the air compressor 71, accumulating the air supplied from the air compressor 71, and then supplying all the accumulated air at once to the injection pipe 65. Through the accumulator 75, compressed air at a higher pressure can be supplied to the injection pipe 65.

[0082] Additionally, a pressure sensor 57 is installed between the first valve 73 and the pressure regulator 56. The pressure sensor 57 can detect the internal pressure of the reagent supply tube 55. The pressure information detected by the pressure sensor 57 is sent to a controller 58 that controls the pressure regulator 56 based on the pressure information received from the pressure sensor 57. By using the pressure sensor 57, the pressure regulator 56 can be driven more precisely.

[0083] The suction body 81 can be installed on the side of the battery module 17 opposite to the spray unit 60. The suction body 81 receives negative pressure from the vacuum pump 83. Multiple suction holes (not shown) can be formed in the suction body 81. The suction body 81 draws in gas inside the battery module 17 when the extinguishing agent is sprayed from the spray pipe 65. When the vacuum pump 83 provides negative pressure to the suction body 81, the gas inside the battery module 17 (heated air, heated gas, etc.) is discharged to the outside of the battery module 17. When the suction action of the suction body 81 is provided, the extinguishing agent can be sprayed more rapidly.

[0084] Figures 11 to 15 This is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating various modified examples of the injection unit according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For convenience, housing 61 and insulator 63 are omitted.

[0085] Figure 11 The injection tube 65 shown has a support groove 65b formed in its inner circumferential surface. The support groove 65b has an annular shape extending in the circumferential direction along the inner circumferential surface. Additionally, a locking protrusion 67a is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the plug 67. The locking protrusion 67a may be a triangular protrusion inserted into the support groove 65b. The outer circumferential surface of the plug 67, including the locking protrusion 67a, can be melted by heat transferred from the heating element 69.

[0086] The internal thread portion 65c is formed in Figure 12 An external thread 67b is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the injection tube 65 onto the plug 67. The plug 67 is kept engaged by threading the external thread 67b onto the internal thread 65c. Furthermore, the engagement area of ​​the plug 67's threads relative to the injection tube 65 can be adjusted by rotating the plug 67 clockwise or counterclockwise. Naturally, the smaller the engagement area, the less force is required to push the plug 67 out of the injection tube 65.

[0087] Figure 13 The plug 67 can be in the form of a headless bolt. Additionally, an actuator groove 67c is formed in the plug 67 into which the end of the actuator can be inserted. By rotating the plug 67 using the actuator, the engagement area of ​​the plug 67 relative to the injection tube 65 can be adjusted.

[0088] Figure 14 The injection unit 60 shown has a heating tube 66 between the plug 67 and the heating element 69. Additionally, the plug 67 is provided with a metal retainer 67d. The metal retainer 67d is a hollow cylinder made of aluminum or copper and is connected to one end of the heating tube 66.

[0089] Heating tube 66 connects plug 67 to heating element 69, and transfers some heat from heating element 69 to plug 67 via metal retainer 67d positioned at the center of plug 67. Some heat output from heating element 69 is transferred to plug 67 via jet tube 65, and the remaining heat is transferred directly to plug 67 via heating tube 66. Therefore, heat can be applied from both the outside and inside of plug 67 simultaneously, causing plug 67 to melt more quickly.

[0090] Specifically, the heating tube 66 can be deformed by external force. For example, when the plug 67 separates in the direction of arrow c due to the pressure of the pressurized extinguishing agent, the plug 67 can be physically deformed. That is, the bent portion of the heating tube 66 can unfold due to external force. Therefore, the heating tube 66 will not interfere with the removal of the plug (i.e., when the plug is pulled out in the direction of arrow c, the heating tube 66 will not interfere with the removal of the plug).

[0091] like Figure 15 As shown, a heat receiver 68 can be mounted on a plug 67. The heat receiver 68 can be located inside the battery module 17. The heat receiver 68 can absorb heat generated inside the battery module and transfer the absorbed heat to the plug 67. The heat receiver 68 can be in the form of a heat sink and can be threaded onto the plug 67. The structure of the heat receiver 68 can be any form, as long as it transfers heat from inside the battery module to the plug 67.

[0092] Figure 16 This is a flowchart describing a method for spraying extinguishing agents according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The method for spraying extinguishing agents can utilize the extinguishing agent spraying equipment described above.

[0093] The extinguishing agent injection method according to this embodiment includes a monitoring operation 101, an extinguishing agent supply operation 103, an accelerated opening operation 105, an air propulsion operation 107, and a reagent supply stop operation 109.

[0094] Monitoring operation 101 is a process of using BMS 51 to monitor at least one of the temperature and voltage of the battery inside battery module 17.

[0095] If an anomaly occurs during monitoring operation 101, fire extinguishing agent supply operation 103 is initiated. The anomaly could be, for example, a battery temperature exceeding a set value or an output voltage exceeding the allowable range.

[0096] The fire extinguishing agent supply operation 103 is the process of supplying fire extinguishing agent from the fire extinguishing agent supply unit 54. The supplied fire extinguishing agent flows into the spray pipe 65 through the agent supply pipe 55 and along... Figure 10 The direction of arrow a in the diagram is used to squeeze the plug 67. During the supply of extinguishing agent operation 103, the pressure regulator 56 can also be used to adjust the flow pressure of the agent.

[0097] The accelerated opening operation 105 is a process of accelerating the opening of the spray pipe 65 by heating the spray pipe 65 using the pipe heating unit. That is, the power supply unit 51a and the heating element 69 melt the plug 67. In other words, the accelerated opening operation 105 is a process of melting the plug 67 so that the plug 67 can be more easily separated from the spray pipe 65 by pressure from the extinguishing agent.

[0098] The subsequent propulsion air operation 107 is to close the first valve 73 (see...). Figure 8 With the second valve 76 open, the air compressor 71 is driven to supply compressed air to the injection pipe 65, and air pressure is applied to the plug 67. Even if the accelerated opening operation 105 is performed but the plug 67 does not disengage, the air propulsion operation 107 can be performed. Depending on the situation, the air propulsion operation 107 may not be performed.

[0099] When plug 67 is removed via accelerated opening operation 105 and propulsion air operation 107, extinguishing agent is sprayed into battery module 17. The sprayed extinguishing agent extinguishes fires already in progress, and prevents fires from igniting by cooling the battery when there are signs of fire.

[0100] When actions such as fire extinguishing or cooling are completed through the above process, the agent supply is stopped (operation 109). The agent supply stop operation 109 is the process of stopping the operation of the fire extinguishing agent supply unit 54. After the supply of fire extinguishing agent is stopped by the agent supply stop operation 109, the battery module 17 is then processed.

[0101] The fire extinguishing agent spraying device and method in the battery module disclosed herein can operate automatically based on temperature and voltage change data of the battery in the module to take immediate action when there is a fire risk or when a fire event occurs.

[0102] In addition, since the fire extinguishing agent spraying device disclosed herein is installed outside the battery module, it does not occupy space in the module and does not hinder the compactness of the module.

[0103] Although this disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, this disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments. Various modifications and variations can be made to it within the spirit of this disclosure by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A fire extinguishing agent injection apparatus for a battery module, the fire extinguishing agent injection apparatus comprising: an injection unit including an injection pipe configured to supply a fire extinguishing agent to the battery module through an internal passage, and a plug configured to (i) block the internal passage and (ii) be separated from the injection pipe by an external force; and a fire extinguishing agent supply unit connected to the injection pipe through an agent supply pipe, the fire extinguishing agent supply unit being configured to supply the fire extinguishing agent to the injection pipe such that the fire extinguishing agent pushes the plug out of the injection pipe and injects into the battery module. 2.The fire extinguishing agent injection apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pipe heating unit configured to transfer heat to the plug through the injection pipe, thereby melting the plug and accelerating separation of the plug from the injection pipe, the injection pipe is made of metal, and the plug is made of a meltable plastic material. wherein the pipe heating unit includes:

3. The fire extinguishing agent injection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a heating element fixed to an outer peripheral surface of the injection pipe; and a power supply unit connected to the heating element through a power line and configured to apply power to the heating element to heat the heating element. the agent supply pipe includes:

4. The fire extinguishing agent injection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a pressure regulator configured to adjust a flow pressure of the fire extinguishing agent supplied to the injection pipe; a pressure sensor configured to detect an internal pressure of the agent supply pipe; and a controller connected to the pressure sensor and configured to control the pressure regulator. 5.The fire extinguishing agent injection apparatus of claim 4, further comprising: an air compressor configured to inject compressed air into a compressed air pipe; and a valve that opens or closes the agent supply pipe, the valve being installed between the injection unit and the pressure regulator, wherein the compressed air pipe is connected between the injection unit and the valve, and wherein the air compressor is configured to inject the compressed air into the compressed air pipe when the valve is closed. the valve is a first valve, and wherein the compressed air pipe includes:

6. The fire extinguishing agent injection apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a second valve that opens when the first valve is closed and that closes when the first valve is opened; and an accumulator configured to accumulate air provided from the air compressor and to supply the accumulated air to the injection pipe. 7.The fire extinguishing agent injection apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a suction body installed on the battery module and configured to suck air inside the battery module when the fire extinguishing agent is injected from the injection pipe; and a vacuum pump configured to provide negative pressure to the suction body. the injection unit further includes a housing that accommodates a portion of the injection pipe and the heating element and is fixed to an outside of the battery module. 9.The fire extinguishing agent injection apparatus of claim 8, further comprising an insulator disposed inside the housing and surrounding the heating element. ​ 8. The fire extinguishing agent spraying apparatus according to claim 3, wherein ​ ​ 10.The fire extinguishing agent injection apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a heating tube connecting the plug to the heating element, the heating tube configured to transfer heat from the heating element to the plug. 11.The fire extinguishing agent injection apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a heat receiver configured to receive heat from inside the battery module and transfer the heat to the plug. 12.An injection unit for a fire extinguishing agent injection apparatus, the injection unit comprising: an injection tube configured to be installed outside a battery module and to inject a fire extinguishing agent supplied from an external fire extinguishing agent supply unit through an agent supply tube into the battery module; a plug plugging a passage of the injection tube and configured to be separated from the injection tube by pressure from the fire extinguishing agent; and a heating element configured to generate heat to heat the plug by external supplied electric power to accelerate separation of the plug from the injection tube. 13.The injection unit of claim 12, further comprising a housing accommodating a portion of the injection tube and the heating element, the housing configured to be fixed to an outside of the battery module. 14.The injection unit of claim 13, further comprising an insulator disposed inside the housing and surrounding the heating element. 15.The injection unit of claim 12, further comprising a heating tube connecting the heating element to the plug and configured to transfer heat from the heating element to the plug. 16.The injection unit of claim 15, further comprising a metal holder incorporated to the heating tube and positioned at a center portion of the plug, the metal holder configured to apply heat transferred from the heating tube to the plug. 17.The injection unit of claim 12, further comprising a heat receiver configured to receive heat from inside the battery module and apply the heat to the plug. an injection tube having an internal passage through which the fire extinguishing agent passes and the injection tube injects the fire extinguishing agent into the battery module; 18. A method of spraying a fire extinguishing agent into a battery module using a fire extinguishing agent spraying apparatus, the fire extinguishing agent spraying apparatus comprising: a plug plugging the internal passage of the injection tube and being separated from the injection tube by an external force; a fire extinguishing agent supply unit supplying the fire extinguishing agent to the injection tube so that the fire extinguishing agent pushes the plug out of the injection tube and injects into the battery module; and a tube heating unit transferring heat to the plug to melt the plug to accelerate separation of the plug from the injection tube, the method comprising: a monitoring operation monitoring at least one of a temperature and a voltage of at least one battery inside the battery module; a fire extinguishing agent supply operation supplying the fire extinguishing agent to the injection tube when at least one of the temperature and the voltage of the at least one battery is outside a normal range; and an accelerated opening operation accelerating opening of the injection tube using the tube heating unit. ​ 19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising a propellant air operation after the acceleration opening operation, the propellant air operation driving an air compressor to supply compressed air to the injection pipe and to apply air pressure to the plug, wherein a pressure regulator is installed on a reagent supply pipe to regulate a flow pressure of the extinguishing agent supplied to the injection pipe, a first valve is installed between an injection unit and the pressure regulator to open and close the reagent supply pipe, a compressed air pipe is connected to the injection unit and the first valve, and when the first valve is closed, the air compressor injects the compressed air to the compressed air pipe, and wherein the propellant air operation is performed when the first valve is closed.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising a propellant air operation after the acceleration opening operation, the propellant air operation driving an air compressor to supply compressed air to the injection pipe and to apply air pressure to the plug, a pressure regulator is installed on a reagent supply pipe to regulate a flow pressure of the extinguishing agent supplied to the injection pipe, a first valve is installed between an injection unit and the pressure regulator to open and close the reagent supply pipe, a compressed air pipe is connected to the injection unit and the first valve, and when the first valve is closed, the air compressor injects the compressed air to the compressed air pipe, and wherein the propellant air operation is performed when the first valve is closed.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising a propellant air operation after the acceleration opening operation, the propellant air operation driving an air compressor to supply compressed air to the injection pipe and to apply air pressure to the plug, a pressure regulator is installed on a reagent supply pipe to regulate a flow pressure of the extinguishing agent supplied to the injection pipe, a first valve is installed between an injection unit and the pressure regulator to open and close the reagent supply pipe, a compressed air pipe is connected to the injection unit and the first valve, and when the first valve is closed, the air

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