Battery module

Abstract

A battery module includes: a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction and parallel to each other; a case accommodating the plurality of battery cells; and a fire extinguishing tube in the housing and extending in the first direction. The fire extinguishing tube includes a plurality of metal knit yarns between an inner surface and an outer surface of the fire extinguishing tube, the plurality of metal knit yarns extending in a first direction and spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the fire extinguishing tube.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a battery module. BACKGROUND

[0002] Secondary batteries are designed to be repeatedly charged and discharged, unlike primary batteries that are designed to be non-rechargeable. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used for portable small-sized electronic devices such as smart phones, feature phones, laptop computers, digital cameras, and camcorders, while large-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources for driving electric motors in hybrid electric vehicles, electric vehicles, and the like, and for storing electric power. A secondary battery generally includes an electrode assembly including a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a case accommodating the electrode assembly, and an electrode terminal connected to the electrode assembly.

[0003] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancing the understanding of the background of the present disclosure, therefore, it can include information that does not form the related (or prior) art. SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a battery module that exhibits improved stability.

[0005] However, aspects and features of the present disclosure are not limited to the above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other aspects and features not mentioned herein from the disclosure below.

[0006] Additional aspects and features will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the description and the drawings that follow.

[0007] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery module includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction and parallel to each other, a case accommodating the plurality of battery cells, and a fire extinguishing tube extending within the case and in the first direction. The fire extinguishing tube includes a plurality of metal knit yarns between an inner surface and an outer surface of the fire extinguishing tube, the plurality of metal knit yarns extending in the first direction and spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the fire extinguishing tube.

[0008] The plurality of battery cells can form a plurality of cell units arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a separator can be arranged between the plurality of cell units, and the fire extinguishing tube can be fixed to the separator.

[0009] The separator can include a lower separator, an upper separator above the lower separator and spaced apart from the lower separator, and a plurality of guide portions connecting the lower separator and the upper separator to each other. The plurality of guide portions can fix a position of the fire extinguishing tube, and the guide portions can each have a convex shape to at least partially surround the outer surface of the fire extinguishing tube and face the battery cells.

[0010] The plurality of guide portions can include first and second guides having a convex shape and facing the monomer cells at opposite sides with respect to the fire extinguishing pipe, and the first and second guides can be alternately arranged.

[0011] The fire extinguishing pipe can be disposed at a point in a range of 30% to 90% of the height of the battery monomer.

[0012] The battery module can further include a second separator between the battery monomers.

[0013] The battery module can further include a pair of end plates pressing the plurality of monomer cells in the first direction, and a stopper in at least one of the pair of end plates, and the fire extinguishing pipe is coupled to the stopper. The stopper can be on an outer surface of at least one of the pair of end plates to define a position of the fire extinguishing pipe.

[0014] The fire extinguishing pipe can include at least one of polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyether ketone ketone (PEKK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethersulfone (PES), and polyimide (PI).

[0015] The fire extinguishing pipe can be located on an upper surface of the separator.

[0016] The upper surface of the separator can have a shape consistent with an outer surface of the fire extinguishing pipe.

[0017] The height of the separator can be in a range of 30% to 90% of the height of the battery monomer.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the disclosure, a battery module includes: a plurality of monomer cells each including a plurality of battery monomers arranged in a first direction and parallel to each other, the plurality of monomer cells being arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a separator extending in the first direction between the plurality of monomer cells; and a fire extinguishing pipe on an upper surface of the separator.

[0019] The upper surface of the separator can have a shape consistent with an outer surface of the fire extinguishing pipe.

[0020] The height of the separator can be in a range of 30% to 90% of the height of the battery monomer.

[0021] The fire extinguishing pipe can include a plurality of metal knit yarns between an inner surface and an outer surface of the fire extinguishing pipe, and the plurality of metal knit yarns can extend in the first direction and can be spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the fire extinguishing pipe.

[0022] The battery module may further include a second separator between the plurality of battery cells.

[0023] Fire extinguishing pipes include at least one of polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethersulfone (PES), and polyimide (PI).

[0024] Multi-strand metal knitting yarns can include three or more metal knitting yarns.

[0025] The battery module may further include a pair of end plates that press the plurality of individual cells in a direction parallel to the first direction.

[0026] The battery module may further include a stop in at least one of a pair of end plates, and a fire extinguishing pipe is coupled to the stop. The stop may be on the outer surface of at least one of the pair of end plates to define the position of the fire extinguishing pipe. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, provide a further understanding of the aspects and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not to be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0028] The above and other aspects and features of the embodiments of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2 Is included Figure 1 A perspective view of the individual battery cells in the battery module shown;

[0031] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the battery cells and fire extinguishing pipe in the battery module shown;

[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the fire extinguishing pipe and stop shown;

[0033] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of the fire extinguishing pipe shown;

[0034] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the battery module shown;

[0035] Figure 7 Is included Figure 6A perspective view of the separators in the battery module shown;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a battery module according to another example of this disclosure; and

[0037] Figure 9 Is included Figure 8 A perspective view of the separators in the battery module shown. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals always denote the same elements. In this respect, the illustrated embodiments may take different forms and should not be construed as limited to the description set forth herein. Therefore, embodiments are described below only with reference to the accompanying drawings to explain aspects and features of this disclosure. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as “at least one of…” modify the entire list of elements when following it, and do not modify individual elements of the list.

[0039] In the following, one or more embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terminology used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to its general and dictionary meanings, but rather should be interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of this disclosure, on the principle of allowing the inventors to appropriately define the terms to obtain the best interpretation. Therefore, the description presented herein is merely an example for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure; thus, it should be understood that other equivalents and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0040] Furthermore, it will be further understood that the terms "comprising or including" and / or "comprising or including..." are used in this specification to specify the presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. When describing embodiments, the use of "may" indicates "at least one embodiment".

[0041] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings may not be shown to scale to aid in understanding this disclosure, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated.

[0042] The term "equal" means "substantially equal." Therefore, substantially equal can include deviations considered low in the relevant technical field, such as approximately 5% or less. Furthermore, the uniformity parameter in a region can refer to uniformity from an average viewpoint.

[0043] Expressions including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" denote various elements, but the above expressions do not limit the elements. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another, and unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the first element can be the second element.

[0044] As used in this article, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0045] It should be understood that when an element is referred to as "on (or below) another element" or "above (or below) another element," it can be positioned to contact the upper (or lower) surface of that other element, but the other element can be positioned between the element and the other element on (or below) the element.

[0046] It will be further understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected,” “joined,” or “engaged” to another element, the elements can be directly connected or engaged with each other, but there may be an intermediate element between them or they can be “connected,” “joined,” or “engaged” to each other through another element. It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being “electrically joined” to another element, the element can be directly electrically joined to that other element, or there may be an intermediate element.

[0047] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise defined, the term "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B. That is, the term "and / or" includes all or various combinations of related and arranged items. Unless otherwise described, the term "C to D" means C or more and D or fewer. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, or c" indicates only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof. As used herein, the terms "use," "using," and "being used" may be considered synonymous with the terms "utilize," "exploiting," and "being exploited," respectively.

[0048] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0049] The embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, the same or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 Is included Figure 1 The diagram shows a perspective view of the battery cell 110 in the battery module. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the battery cell 110 and the fire extinguishing pipe 120 in the battery module 100 shown.

[0051] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery module 100 may include a plurality of battery cells 110 arranged in one direction, a fire extinguishing pipe 120, and housings 130, 135, and 170 that house the plurality of battery cells 110 and fire extinguishing pipes 120.

[0052] refer to Figure 1 Multiple battery cells 110 can be arranged in one direction and parallel to each other, such that the larger surfaces of the battery cells 110 face each other, and the multiple battery cells 110 can be secured by housings 130, 135, and 170. Housings 130, 135, and 170 may include a pair of end plates 170 facing the larger surfaces of the battery cells 110, a side plate 130, a bottom plate, and a top plate 135 connecting the pair of end plates 170 to each other. The side plates 130 can support the side surfaces of the battery cells 110, the bottom plate can support the bottom surface of the battery cells 110, and the top plate 135 can support the upper surface of the battery cells 110. Furthermore, the pair of end plates 170, the side plates 130, and the bottom and top plates 135 can be connected via components such as bolts.

[0053] refer to Figure 2 The battery cell 110 may include a battery casing 15 and an electrode assembly and an electrolyte housed within the battery casing 15. The electrode assembly and electrolyte can undergo an electrochemical reaction to generate energy. Terminal portions 11 and 12, an exhaust port 13 serving as a channel for venting excess gas generated internally, and an electrolyte injection port 14 for injecting electrolyte into the battery casing 15 may be provided on one side of the battery cell 110. The terminal portions 11 and 12 of the battery cell 110 may include a positive terminal 11 and a negative terminal 12 having different polarities from each other, and the terminal portions 11 and 12 of adjacent battery cells 110 may be electrically connected in series or in parallel via connecting tabs. Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and various connection structures may be employed as needed. Moreover, the number and arrangement of battery cells are not limited to these. Figure 1 The structure shown is not fixed, but can be changed.

[0054] refer to Figure 3 Multiple battery cells 110 can be arranged in one direction such that the larger surfaces of the battery cells 110 face each other and can form a cell unit 140, that is, a collection of multiple battery cells 110 arranged in a row.

[0055] The battery module 100 may include a plurality of individual cells 140, which are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the plurality of battery cells 110 are arranged. For example, the battery module 100 may include two individual cells 140.

[0056] The fire extinguishing pipe 120 is housed in the battery module 100 and can extend in the direction in which the battery cells 110 are arranged. The fire extinguishing pipe 120 may be located between the individual cells 140 or between the individual cells 140 and the side panel 130.

[0057] The extinguishing pipe 120 is a conduit through which the extinguishing agent flows and can be an assembly that moves and sprays the extinguishing agent when one or more of the battery cells 110 experience thermal runaway. The extinguishing pipe 120 extends into the battery module 100 and, when a battery cell 110 experiences thermal runaway, melts around the respective battery cell 110 to immerse it in the extinguishing agent. The temperature of the battery cell 110 immersed in the extinguishing agent decreases, thus exhibiting an effect of extinguishing thermal runaway and preventing heat transfer to adjacent battery cells 110.

[0058] Fire extinguishing tube 120 may include (for example, may have) an insulating material. For example, fire extinguishing tube 120 may include polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethersulfone (PES), or polyimide (PI). In some embodiments, fire extinguishing tube 120 may include a material having a melting point of about 260°C or lower.

[0059] The fire extinguishing pipe 120 may be positioned at a point within approximately 30% to approximately 90% of the height of the battery cell 110 (e.g., at a height within approximately 30% to approximately 90% of the height of the battery cell 110). Because the fire extinguishing pipe 120 is positioned at a height within approximately 30% to approximately 90% of the height of the battery cell 110, the fire extinguishing pipe 120 rapidly melts near the battery cell 110 undergoing thermal runaway, and then the corresponding battery cell 110 is immersed in the extinguishing agent to reduce its temperature, the fire can be extinguished, and heat transfer to adjacent battery cells 110 can be blocked.

[0060] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The perspective view of the fire extinguishing pipe 120 and the stop 180 shown. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the fire extinguishing pipe 120.

[0061] When assembling the fire extinguishing pipe 120 into the battery module 100, the fire extinguishing pipe 120 can be pushed from one side of the battery module 100 to the other. For example, the fire extinguishing pipe 120 can be pushed from the end plate 170 on one side of the battery module 100 (see example). Figure 1 ) extends to the end plate 170 on the opposite side of the battery module 100 (see, for example) Figure 1 ).

[0062] A pair of end plates 170 (see example) Figure 1 Multiple battery cells 110 can be pressed in the direction in which they are arranged. Because the end plate 170 presses the battery cells 110 while facing the larger surface of the battery cells 110, the volume expansion of the battery cells 110 due to the expansion effect of the battery cells 110 can be limited, and the performance degradation of the battery cells 110 can be mitigated or prevented.

[0063] In addition, the battery module 100 may further include, for example, Figure 4 The stop 180 shown is used to define (e.g., set) the position of the fire extinguishing pipe 120. The stop 180 may be located on the end plate 170 (see example...). Figure 1 The stop 180 may be located in the end plate 170 (see example). Figure 1 On the outer surface of the battery module 100, the position of the stop 180 corresponds to the position where the fire extinguishing pipe 120 extends to the outside of the battery module 100.

[0064] For example, stop 180 is provided on a pair of end plates 170 (e.g., see reference). Figure 1 At least one of the outer surfaces of the end plates 120 is used to secure the fire extinguishing pipe 120. For example, the outer surface of at least one of the pair of end plates 170 may include a groove for receiving a stop 180. The stop 180 contacts the sidewall of the groove in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the fire extinguishing pipe 120 extends (e.g., is disposed on the sidewall of the groove) and may define the position of the fire extinguishing pipe 120.

[0065] The stop 180 extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the fire extinguishing pipe 120 extends and secures the fire extinguishing pipe 120 to the housing of the battery module 100 to improve structural stability.

[0066] Furthermore, the fire extinguishing tube 120 is configured to melt in the region near the battery cell 110 undergoing thermal runaway within the battery module 100, but not on the exterior of the battery module 100. Therefore, the fire extinguishing tube 120 extending beyond the stop 180 on the exterior of the battery module 100 may comprise a material having a higher melting point than the material in the fire extinguishing tube 120 within the battery module 100, so as not to melt due to thermal runaway of the battery cell 110.

[0067] The material of the stop 180 may be the same as that included in the fire extinguishing pipe 120 outside the battery module 100, and may have a higher melting point than the melting point of the fire extinguishing pipe 120 in the battery module 100 so as not to melt due to thermal runaway.

[0068] The materials used in (e.g., included in or forming the fire extinguishing pipe 120) (e.g., PA, PC, etc.) are flexible, therefore the fire extinguishing pipe 120 may sag or bend. Therefore, when the fire extinguishing pipe 120 is assembled into the battery module 100, it may come into contact with other internal components of the battery module 100 (e.g., battery cells 110, separators, etc.). Figure 6 150 and Figure 8 Interference from components such as 160) may occur, and it may be difficult to align the fire extinguishing pipe 120 in the precise position. As mentioned above, if defective assembly occurs due to interference between the fire extinguishing pipe 120 and other internal components, the fire extinguishing pipe 120 may fail to extinguish the fire, and another problem such as a short circuit may occur due to external damage to the battery cell 110.

[0069] However, according to embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 5 As shown, the fire extinguishing tube 120 may have multiple metal knitting yarns 125 between its inner surface 121 and outer surface 123, thus increasing the rigidity of the fire extinguishing tube 120. Therefore, even with an increased length of the fire extinguishing tube 120, problems such as sagging can be prevented. Consequently, interference between the fire extinguishing tube 120 and other components in the battery module 100 can be prevented during assembly, and the fire extinguishing tube 120 can be aligned in a precise position.

[0070] The materials in the fire extinguishing tube 120, other than the metal knitted yarn 125, may include PA, PC, etc., and can perform fire extinguishing function during the thermal runaway of the battery cell 110.

[0071] Metal knitted yarns 125 may extend within the fire extinguishing tube 120 in the direction in which multiple battery cells 110 are arranged (e.g., they may extend through the fire extinguishing tube 120). Furthermore, multiple metal knitted yarns 125 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other at intervals (e.g., a fixed interval or repeated intervals) in the circumferential direction of the fire extinguishing tube 120 between the inner surface 121 and the outer surface 123 of the fire extinguishing tube 120. In one embodiment, three or more metal knitted yarns 125 may be arranged within the fire extinguishing tube 120.

[0072] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the battery module 100 shown. Figure 7 Is included Figure 6 A perspective view of the separator 150 in the battery module 100 shown.

[0073] refer to Figure 6According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery module 100 may include two individual units 140 (each individual unit 140 includes a plurality of battery cells 110 arranged in one direction), a spacer 150 located between the two individual units 140, a fire extinguishing pipe 120 extending at the center of the spacer 150 in the direction in which the battery cells 110 are arranged, a pair of end plates 170 pressing the two individual units 140 in the direction in which the plurality of battery cells 110 are arranged, and a stop 180 located on the outer surface of at least one of the end plates 170 to define the position of the fire extinguishing pipe 120.

[0074] The fire extinguishing pipe 120 is fixed to a spacer 150 located between two individual cell units 140 and extends in the direction in which the battery cells 110 are arranged, and can then extend beyond the end plate 170 to the outside of the battery module 100. Because there are two individual cell units 140 in the illustrated embodiment, the fire extinguishing pipe 120 extends through the center of a pair of end plates 170, such that the position of the fire extinguishing pipe 120 can be defined by a stop 180 on the outer surface of the end plate 170.

[0075] The spacer 150 is located between the plurality of individual cell units 140 and may have a thickness corresponding to the gap between the individual cell units 140. In addition, the spacer 150 may extend in the direction in which the battery cells 110 are arranged to correspond to the length of the individual cell units 140.

[0076] The fire extinguishing pipe 120 extending in the direction in which the battery cell 110 is arranged can be fixed to a portion of the barrier 150. For example, the fire extinguishing pipe 120 can be fixed to the barrier 150 at a point located within a range of about 30% to about 90% of the height of the battery cell 110.

[0077] The separator 150 secures the fire extinguishing pipe 120 to reduce the risk of interference when assembling the fire extinguishing pipe 120 into the battery module 100 and to improve structural stability. The separator 150 is positioned between the individual cell units 140, thus reducing or preventing heat transfer to the other cell unit 140 should thermal runaway occur in one of the battery cells 110 included in the cell unit 140.

[0078] refer to Figure 7 The spacer 150 may include a lower spacer 151, an upper spacer 153 located above and spaced apart from the lower spacer 151, and a plurality of guide portions 155 connecting the lower spacer 151 to the upper spacer 153.

[0079] The lower separator 151 and the upper separator 153 structurally separate the monomer units 140, so that when thermal runaway occurs in one of the monomer units 140, heat transfer to the other monomer unit 140 can be reduced or prevented.

[0080] Multiple guide sections 155 connect the lower isolation barrier 151 and the upper isolation barrier 153 to each other and can secure the fire extinguishing tube 120 to the isolation barrier 150. The multiple guide sections 155 can be located within about 30% to about 90% of the height of the battery cell 110, so that the fire extinguishing tube 120 can exhibit improved fire extinguishing effect by rapidly melting during thermal runaway and allowing the battery cell 110 to be rapidly immersed in the extinguishing agent to reduce the temperature.

[0081] Multiple guide portions 155 may have a convex shape to at least partially surround the outer surface of the fire extinguishing tube 120 (e.g., extend around the outer surface of the fire extinguishing tube 120) and may face adjacent battery cells 110. For example, a portion of the fire extinguishing tube 120 may be exposed to the battery cells 110.

[0082] For example, the plurality of guide portions 155 may include a first guide 156 and a second guide 157, the first guide 156 and the second guide 157 having a convex shape and facing the individual unit 140 on the opposite side of the barrier 150 relative to the fire extinguishing pipe 120, respectively. The first guide 156 and the second guide 157 are arranged alternately to facilitate engagement with the fire extinguishing pipe 120 and to stably support the fire extinguishing pipe 120.

[0083] In the example, when the spacer 150 is viewed from the direction extending from the spacer 150, the first guide 156 and the second guide 157 may have a semi-circular shape that is repeatedly arranged on the right and left sides of the spacer 150.

[0084] By appropriately adjusting the thickness of the first guide 156 and the second guide 157, as well as the separation gap between the first guide 156 and the second guide 157, the fire extinguishing tube 120 can be guided through the barrier 150 to reduce the risk of interference, and the fire extinguishing tube 120 can be rapidly melted during thermal runaway to improve its fire extinguishing effect.

[0085] Although not in Figure 6 As shown, however, the battery module 100 may further include a second separator 190. The second separator 190 may be disposed between battery cells 110 included in a single cell 140 (e.g., between adjacent battery cells 110). The second separator 190 is located between the battery cells 110 and may reduce or prevent heat transfer from one battery cell 110 to adjacent battery cells 110 in the event of thermal runaway.

[0086] The second spacer 190 can improve the stability of the battery cells 110 by electrically and thermally insulating them from each other. Furthermore, the second spacer 190 is installed to support one side surface of the battery cells 110, thus facilitating the alignment of the battery cells 110 during the assembly of the battery module 100 and preventing warping of the battery cells 110, thereby improving structural stability.

[0087] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a battery module according to another embodiment, and Figure 9 Is included Figure 8 A perspective view of the separator 160 in the battery module shown.

[0088] Figure 8 A separator 160 according to another embodiment is shown. The battery module according to the illustrated embodiment may include two individual cell units 140 (each individual cell unit 140 includes a plurality of battery cells 110 arranged in one direction), a separator 160 located between the two individual cell units 140, a fire extinguishing tube 120 extending on the upper surface of the separator 160 in the direction in which the battery cells 110 are arranged, a pair of end plates 170 pressing the two individual cell units 140 in the direction in which the plurality of battery cells 110 are arranged, a stop 180 located on the outer surface of at least one of the end plates 170 to define the position of the fire extinguishing tube 120, and a second separator 190 between the battery cells 110.

[0089] The spacer 160 is located between the individual cells 140 and may have a thickness corresponding to the gap between the individual cells 140. Furthermore, the spacer 160 may extend in the direction in which the battery cells 110 are arranged to correspond to the length of the individual cells 140.

[0090] The fire extinguishing pipe 120 is disposed on the upper surface of the separator 160 located between the two individual cell units 140, and extends in the direction in which the battery cells 110 are arranged, and can extend beyond the end plate 170 to the outside of the battery module 100. In the illustrated embodiment, because there are two individual cell units 140, the fire extinguishing pipe 120 extends through the center of a pair of end plates 170, such that the position of the fire extinguishing pipe 120 can be defined by a stop 180 on the outer surface of the end plate 170.

[0091] The height of the separator 160 can be set to approximately 30% to approximately 90% of the height of the battery cell 110, thereby achieving a fire extinguishing effect, i.e., the fire extinguishing tube 120 melts rapidly during thermal runaway, and the corresponding battery cells 110 are immersed in the extinguishing agent to reduce their temperature. For example, the fire extinguishing tube 120 can be positioned at a point within the range of approximately 30% to approximately 90% of the height of the battery cell 110.

[0092] The isolation element 160 can provide the same as the above reference. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The described isolator 150 has the same or substantially the same effect.

[0093] End plate 170 can press two individual cell units 140 in the direction in which multiple battery cells 110 are arranged. End plate 170 may have the same characteristics as referenced above. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The effects described are the same or substantially the same, and the stop 180 can be set in the same position.

[0094] The second separator 190 can be disposed between the battery cells 110.

[0095] The fire extinguishing pipe 120 is located on the upper surface of the barrier 160, and the upper surface of the barrier 160 may have a shape consistent with the outer surface of the fire extinguishing pipe 120, so that the fire extinguishing pipe 120 can be stably located thereon.

[0096] For example, the fire extinguishing pipe 120 has a circular cross-sectional shape in the direction perpendicular to its length, and the separator 160 may have a recessed portion 163 on its upper surface so that the fire extinguishing pipe 120 can be stably placed thereon.

[0097] The recessed portion 163 can guide the fire extinguishing pipe 120 to reduce the risk of interference. Furthermore, a portion of the fire extinguishing pipe 120 is exposed to the battery cell 110 to maximize the fire extinguishing effect. In one embodiment, the recessed portion 163 may have a semi-circular shape.

[0098] This disclosure has been described in detail. However, it should be understood that while the detailed description describes embodiments of this disclosure, it is for illustrative purposes only, as various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art based on this detailed description.

[0099] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, since the fire extinguishing pipe is located in the battery module, when thermal runaway occurs in a battery cell, the thermal runaway of the corresponding battery cell can be extinguished immediately, thereby improving the stability of the battery module.

[0100] In addition, the fire extinguishing tube includes metal knitted yarn to increase its rigidity, thereby improving the structural stability of the battery module.

[0101] The aspects and features of this disclosure are not limited to those described above. Other unmentioned aspects and features will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description.

[0102] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are to be considered descriptive and not for limiting purposes. Descriptions of features or aspects within each embodiment should generally be considered applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. While one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1.A battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction and in parallel to each other; a case accommodating the plurality of battery cells; and a fire extinguishing tube extending in the case and in the first direction, the fire extinguishing tube including a plurality of metal knit yarns between an inner surface and an outer surface of the fire extinguishing tube, the plurality of metal knit yarns extending in the first direction and spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the fire extinguishing tube. 2.The battery module of claim 1, further comprising a separator, wherein the battery cells of the plurality of battery cells form a plurality of cell units arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the separator is arranged between the plurality of cell units, and wherein the fire extinguishing tube is fixed to the separator. 3.The battery module of claim 2, wherein the separator includes a lower separator, an upper separator above the lower separator and spaced apart from the lower separator, and a plurality of guide portions connecting the lower separator and the upper separator to each other, wherein the plurality of guide portions fix a position of the fire extinguishing tube, and wherein the guide portions each have a convex shape to at least partially surround the outer surface of the fire extinguishing tube and face the battery cells. 4.The battery module of claim 3, wherein the plurality of guide portions include a first guide and a second guide having a convex shape and facing the cell units at opposite sides with respect to the fire extinguishing tube, respectively, and wherein the first guide and the second guide are alternately arranged. 5.The battery module of claim 2, wherein the fire extinguishing tube is fixed at a point in a range of 30% to 90% of a height of the battery cells. 6.The battery module of claim 2, further comprising a second separator between the battery cells within one of the plurality of cell units. 7.The battery module of claim 2, further comprising: a pair of end plates pressing the plurality of cell units in the first direction; and a stopper in at least one of the pair of end plates and the fire extinguishing tube is incorporated into the stopper, wherein the stopper is on an outer surface of at least one of the pair of end plates to define a position of the fire extinguishing tube. 8.The battery module of claim 1, wherein the fire extinguishing tube includes at least one of polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyether ketone ketone (PEKK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethersulfone (PES), and polyimide (PI). 9.The battery module of claim 2, wherein the fire extinguishing tube is on an upper surface of the separator. 10.The battery module of claim 9, wherein the upper surface of the separator has a shape coinciding with the outer surface of the fire extinguishing tube. ​ ​ 11.The battery module of claim 10, wherein a height of the separator is in a range of 30% to 90% of a height of the battery cell. 12.A battery module comprising: a plurality of cell units each including a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction and parallel to each other, the plurality of cell units arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a separator extending in the first direction between the plurality of cell units; and a fire extinguishing tube on an upper surface of the separator. 13.The battery module of claim 12, wherein the upper surface of the separator has a shape coinciding with an outer surface of the fire extinguishing tube. 14.The battery module of claim 12, wherein a height of the separator is in a range of 30% to 90% of a height of the battery cell. 15.The battery module of claim 12, wherein the fire extinguishing tube includes a plurality of metal knit yarns between an inner surface and an outer surface of the fire extinguishing tube, and wherein the plurality of metal knit yarns extend in the first direction and are spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the fire extinguishing tube. 16.The battery module of claim 12, further comprising a second separator between the plurality of battery cells. 17.The battery module of claim 12, wherein the fire extinguishing tube includes at least one of polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyether ketone ketone (PEKK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethersulfone (PES), and polyimide (PI). 18.The battery module of claim 15, wherein the plurality of metal knit yarns includes three or more metal knit yarns. 19.The battery module of claim 12, further comprising a pair of end plates pressing the plurality of cell units in a direction parallel to the first direction. 20.The battery module of claim 19, further comprising a stopper in at least one of the pair of end plates and the fire extinguishing tube is coupled to the stopper, wherein the stopper is on an outer surface of at least one of the pair of end plates to define a position of the fire extinguishing tube. ​

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