Battery module

Abstract

Provided is a battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cell units, each battery cell unit having a plurality of battery cells connected in parallel in a first direction, the plurality of battery cell units being aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a case accommodating the plurality of battery cell units, the case including a bottom plate; a first plate between the plurality of battery cell units and the bottom plate, the first plate including a first flow path; and a second plate between the plurality of battery cell units, the second plate including a second flow path connected to the first flow path, in which the same fire extinguishing agent flows in the first flow path and the second flow path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery module. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which are non-rechargeable, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in portable, small electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptops, digital cameras, and camcorders, while high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources for motors in hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, etc., and as batteries for storing electrical energy. A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly containing a cathode and an anode, a housing of the electrode assembly, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly.

[0003] The information disclosed in this background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background information disclosed, and therefore may contain information that does not form related technology known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiment includes a battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cell units, each battery cell unit having a plurality of battery cells connected in parallel in a first direction, the plurality of battery cell units being aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a housing housing the plurality of battery cell units, the housing including a base plate; a first plate between the plurality of battery cell units and the base plate, the first plate including a first flow path; and a second plate between the plurality of battery cell units, the second plate including a second flow path connected to the first flow path, wherein the same extinguishing agent flows in the first flow path and the second flow path.

[0005] The battery module may also include a supply unit connected to the first flow path, which supplies fire extinguishing agent.

[0006] The battery module may also include a pressure sensor between the supply section and the first flow path.

[0007] The pressure sensor can be located at the outlet of the first flow path.

[0008] The second flow path can extend between multiple battery cells in a direction parallel to the first direction, and the second flow path is fixed to the second plate.

[0009] The second flow path can be exposed to the outside of the second plate.

[0010] The second flow path can be between 30% and 90% of the height of each of the multiple battery cells.

[0011] The second plate may also include multiple insulation units that partially cover the second flow path, with the multiple insulation units spaced apart.

[0012] The second board can be perpendicular to the first board.

[0013] The second flow path can be configured to spray extinguishing agent.

[0014] The embodiment includes a battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cell units, each battery cell unit having a plurality of battery cells connected in parallel in a first direction, the plurality of battery cell units being aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a housing housing the plurality of battery cell units, the housing including a base plate; a first plate between the plurality of battery cell units and the base plate, the first plate including a first flow path for the flow of extinguishing agent; a supply unit connected to the first flow path, the supply unit supplying extinguishing agent; and a pressure sensor between the supply unit and the outlet of the first flow path.

[0015] The battery module may also include a second plate between multiple battery cells, the second plate including a second flow path connected to the first flow path.

[0016] The second board can be perpendicular to the first board.

[0017] The same extinguishing agent flows in both the first and second flow paths.

[0018] The second flow path can extend between multiple battery cells in a direction parallel to the first direction, and the second flow path is fixed to the second plate.

[0019] The second flow path can be exposed to the outside of the second plate.

[0020] The second flow path can be between 30% and 90% of the height of each of the multiple cell units.

[0021] The second plate may also include multiple insulation units that partially cover the second flow path, with the multiple insulation units spaced apart.

[0022] The temperature of the extinguishing agent flowing at the inlet side of the first flow path is lower than the temperature of the extinguishing agent flowing at the outlet side of the first flow path.

[0023] The first and second plates may include heat dissipation materials. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, serve to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure; therefore, the present disclosure is not to be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0025] Features will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a battery module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 2 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 A perspective view of an example battery cell in a battery module; Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a single battery cell taken from line III-III'; Figure 4 It is an illustrative representation of... Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of the supply section connected to the first board in a battery module; Figure 5 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of the first and second boards in a battery module; Figure 6 It is shown schematically. Figure 5 A perspective view of part A of the examples; Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the second plate and the second flow path as seen in the first direction (X-axis direction); Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the second plate and the second flow path as seen in the first direction (X-axis direction); and Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing yet another example of the second plate and the second flow path as seen in the first direction (X-axis direction). Detailed Implementation

[0026] Example embodiments will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, they may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art.

[0027] In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. It will also be understood that when a layer or element is referred to as "on" another layer or substrate, the layer or element may be directly on the other layer or substrate, or there may be intervening layers. Furthermore, it will be understood that when a layer is referred to as "below" another layer, the layer may be directly below the other layer, and one or more intervening layers may be present. Additionally, it will be understood that when a layer is referred to as "between two layers," the layer may be the only layer between the two layers, or one or more intervening layers may be present. The same reference numerals always refer to the same elements.

[0028] 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 or dictionary meaning, but rather interpreted based on its meaning and concept corresponding to the technical aspects of this disclosure, on the basis of the principle that allows the inventors to appropriately define the terms for best interpretation. Therefore, the description presented herein is merely a preferred example for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the 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.

[0029] Additionally, it will be understood that when the terms “comprising or including” and / or variations thereof are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of the stated features, quantities, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0030] Additionally, to aid in understanding the disclosure, the accompanying drawings are not shown to scale, but rather some component dimensions may be exaggerated. Furthermore, the same elements in different embodiments may be given the same reference numerals.

[0031] Ordinal expressions such as "first" and "second" indicate 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 may be the second element.

[0032] As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form.

[0033] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on" (or below) another element, the element may be positioned to contact the upper (or lower) surface of the other element, but another element may be positioned between the element and the other element that is on (or below) the element.

[0034] It will also be understood that when elements are referred to as “connected,” “joined,” or “engaged” to another element, these elements may be directly connected or engaged to each other, but an intermediary element may be present between them, or the elements may be “connected,” “joined,” or “engaged” to each other through another element. It will also be understood that when elements are referred to as “electrically joined” to another element, the element may be directly electrically joined to the other element, or an intermediary element may be present.

[0035] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a battery module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2It is an illustrative representation of including Figure 1 A perspective view of an example battery cell in a battery module, and Figure 3 It is schematically shown along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a single battery cell taken from line III-III'.

[0036] Reference Figures 1 to 3 A battery module 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure includes: a plurality of battery cells 10 arranged in parallel in a first direction (X-axis direction); and a busbar that electrically connects any one of the battery cells 10 and adjacent battery cells 10 to each other.

[0037] Each battery cell 10 may include a battery casing 15, an electrode assembly 210 housed within the battery casing 15, and an electrolyte. The electrode assembly 210 and the electrolyte can undergo an electrochemical reaction to generate energy.

[0038] The terminal portions 11 and 12 are electrically connected to the busbar, and the vent 13 serves as a passage for the gas generated in the battery cell (see...). Figure 3 ) can be located on one side of the battery cell 10 (e.g., Figure 2 (Top side in the orientation shown). The terminal portions 11 and 12 of the battery cell 10 may have a first terminal 11 and a second terminal 12 with different polarities. For example, when the first terminal 11 is a positive electrode terminal, the second terminal 12 may be a negative electrode terminal; in other embodiments, when the first terminal 11 is a negative electrode terminal, the second terminal 12 may be a positive electrode terminal. That is, the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 are formed to have different polarities.

[0039] The terminal portions 11 and 12 of adjacent battery cells 10 can be connected in series and / or in parallel via busbars. For example, the first terminal 11 of one battery cell 10 can be electrically connected to the second terminal 12 of an adjacent battery cell 10 via a busbar, and the second terminal 12 of the aforementioned battery cell 10 can be electrically connected to the first terminal 11 of another adjacent battery cell 10 via another busbar.

[0040] Furthermore, the plurality of battery cells 10 can be arranged parallel to each other in a first direction (X-axis direction), such that the larger surfaces of the battery cells 10 face each other. Additionally, the battery module 100 may include battery cell units 110 arranged in multiple columns in a second direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction (X-axis direction) along which the plurality of battery cells 10 are arranged. For example, the battery module 100 may include, as... Figure 1 The two columns of battery cell units 110 shown can be varied as needed, but the number and arrangement of battery cells 10 can be changed.

[0041] Multiple battery cells 10 can be housed in a housing 60. The housing 60 may include a pair of end plates 61, 62 facing the larger surface of the battery cells 10, and a side plate 63 and a bottom plate 64 connecting the pair of end plates 61, 62 to each other.

[0042] Side plate 63 supports the side surface of battery cell 10, and bottom plate 64 supports the bottom surface of battery cell 10. Furthermore, the pair of end plates 61, 62, side plate 63, and bottom plate 64 can be joined together by means such as bolts, but can be joined together in any manner as long as fastening can be achieved.

[0043] When the battery cell 10 expands due to the charging / discharging operation of the battery cell 10, the end plate 61 applies pressure to the battery cell 10 or absorbs the pressure caused by the expansion of the battery cell 10 in order to prevent the performance of the battery cell 10 from degrading and improve the structural stability of the battery module 100.

[0044] Additionally, the battery module 100 may also include a cover portion 140 covering a plurality of battery cell units 110, and a first plate 120 located between the plurality of battery cell units 110 and the base plate 64 and including a first flow path 125 (see Figure 1 and Figure 4 ), and a second plate 130 disposed between multiple battery cell units 110 and including a second flow path 135 connected to the first flow path 125 (see Figure 1 and Figure 5 Furthermore, the second plate 130 can be arranged perpendicular to the first plate 120.

[0045] The housing 60 and the cover portion 140 can be joined together by fastening members such as bolts, but can be joined by any type of fastening method. The housing 60 and the cover portion 140 can be joined together to form an internal space, and a plurality of battery cells 10, a first plate 120 and a second plate 130 can be accommodated in the internal space.

[0046] Therefore, the housing 60 and the cover portion 140 may include materials that can protect the multiple battery cells 10, the first plate 120, and the second plate 130 from mechanical or thermal shock. Materials included in the housing 60 and the cover portion 140 may include, for example, one of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), aluminum, or stainless steel.

[0047] Additionally, the first plate 120 and the second plate 130 can be heat dissipation plates to disperse the heat generated in the battery module 100. The individual battery cells 10 may generate heat during the charging / discharging process. When heat accumulates, the performance of the individual battery cells 10 deteriorates, and thermal runaway may occur in the battery module 100.

[0048] In the above situation, when the first plate 120 and the second plate 130 can disperse the heat generated in the battery module 100, they can prevent a single battery cell 10 from overheating and can maintain the temperature in the battery module 100 evenly, thereby improving the stability of the battery module 100.

[0049] Therefore, the first plate 120 and the second plate 130 may include materials with excellent heat dissipation and excellent thermal conductivity. For example, the first plate 120 and the second plate 130 may include at least one of aluminum, copper, polyamide (PA), PC or PP, but the materials may vary.

[0050] Additionally, the battery cell 10 according to the embodiment may include at least one electrode assembly 210 and a battery housing 15. The electrode assembly 210 is formed by winding a positive electrode 211 and a negative electrode 212, and a separator 213 is located between the positive electrode 211 and the negative electrode 212. The separator 213 is an insulator, and the electrode assembly 210 is embedded in the battery housing 15.

[0051] The following description illustrates that the battery cell 10 according to an embodiment is a lithium-ion battery cell and is an example of a angular shape. However, this disclosure can be applied to various types of battery cells (such as lithium polymer battery cells, cylindrical battery cells, etc.).

[0052] Both the positive electrode 211 and the negative electrode 212 may include a coated portion and an uncoated portion 211a or 212a of active material. The coated portion is the area of ​​the current collector including the metal foil coated with active material, and the uncoated portion 211a or 212a is the area without active material coating.

[0053] While the diaphragm 213 is disposed between the positive electrode 211 and the negative electrode 212, the positive electrode 211 and the negative electrode 212 are wound together with the diaphragm 213, which serves as an insulator. However, the electrode assembly 210 may have a structure in which positive and negative electrodes, each comprising multiple sheets, are alternately stacked and the diaphragm is located between the positive and negative electrodes.

[0054] The battery casing 15 forms the overall appearance of the battery cell 10 and may include a conductive metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. Furthermore, the battery casing 15 can provide space for accommodating the electrode assembly 210.

[0055] The battery cell 10 may include a cover 17 that covers an opening in the battery housing 15, and the battery housing 15 and the cover 17 may include conductive materials. Here, a first terminal 11 electrically connected to the positive electrode 211 and a second terminal 12 electrically connected to the negative electrode 212 may be mounted to protrude outward after passing through the cover 17.

[0056] Furthermore, the outer periphery of the upper post of each of the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 protruding beyond the cover plate 17 can be threaded and can be secured to the cover plate 17 via a nut.

[0057] However, both the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 may have a rivet structure to be riveted or welded to the cover plate 17.

[0058] In addition, the cover plate 17 includes a thin plate and can be coupled to an opening in the battery housing 15, and the cover plate 17 may have an electrolyte injection port 14 in which a sealing cap can be installed and a vent hole 13 with a notch.

[0059] The first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 can be electrically connected to the current collector, which includes a first current collector 240 bonded to the uncoated portion 211a of the positive electrode active material via welding and a second current collector 250 bonded to the uncoated portion 212a of the negative electrode active material via welding (hereinafter referred to as the positive electrode current collector and the negative electrode current collector).

[0060] For example, the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 can be bonded to the positive electrode current collector 240 and the negative electrode current collector 250 via welding. However, the first terminal 11, the second terminal 12, and the positive electrode current collector 240 and the negative electrode current collector 250 can be integrally formed with each other.

[0061] In addition, insulating components can be installed between the electrode assembly 210 and the cover plate 17. Here, the insulating components may include a first lower insulating component 260 and a second lower insulating component 270, and both the first lower insulating component 260 and the second lower insulating component 270 can be installed between the electrode assembly 210 and the cover plate 17.

[0062] Furthermore, according to an embodiment, the end of a separator member that can be mounted facing one side surface of the electrode assembly 210 can be mounted between the insulating member and the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12.

[0063] Here, the separating member may include a first separating member 280 and a second separating member 290.

[0064] Therefore, the end of the first partition member 280, which can be mounted to face one surface of the electrode assembly 210, can be mounted between the first lower insulating member 260 and the first terminal 11, and the end of the second partition member 290, which can be mounted to face one surface of the electrode assembly 210, can be mounted between the second lower insulating member 270 and the second terminal 12.

[0065] Therefore, the first terminal 11, which is welded to the positive electrode current collector 240, can be connected to the end of the first separating member 280 and the first lower insulating member 260, and the second terminal 12, which is welded to the negative electrode current collector 250, can be connected to the end of the second separating member 290 and the second lower insulating member 270.

[0066] Figure 4 It is an illustrative representation of... Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of the supply section connected to the first board of the battery module. Figure 5 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of the first and second plates in a battery module. Figure 6 It is shown schematically. Figure 5 A perspective view of part A in the example, and Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of an example of the second plate and the second flow path as seen in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0067] Reference Figures 4 to 6 The battery module 100 may further include a supply unit 150 connected to a first flow path 125 to supply fire extinguishing agent. The first plate 120 may also include an inlet 121 and an outlet 122, through which the fire extinguishing agent flows in and out. Specifically, the supply unit 150 may supply cold fire extinguishing agent to the first flow path 125 via the inlet 121, which is connected to the inlet flow path 151.

[0068] The cold extinguishing agent supplied through inlet 121 can circulate along the lower surface of the plurality of battery cell units 110 via a first flow path 125 that circulates in the first plate 120.

[0069] Specifically, the first flow path 125 can extend in a first direction (X-axis direction) between the plurality of battery cell units 110 and the base plate. Then, when the first flow path 125 reaches one end of the first plate 120, the first flow path 125 can bend in a direction parallel to the second direction (Y-axis direction), and then extend in a direction parallel to the first direction (X-axis direction) (e.g., -X-axis direction). Furthermore, the first flow path 125 extends in a direction parallel to the first direction (X-axis direction) (e.g., -X-axis direction), and then, when the first flow path 125 reaches the other end of the first plate 120, the first flow path 125 bends in a direction parallel to the second direction (Y-axis direction), and then extends again in the first direction (X-axis direction). That is, the first flow path 125 can be formed in a Z-shaped form between the plurality of battery cell units 110 and the base plate.

[0070] As described above, when the first flow path 125 forms a Z-shape between the plurality of battery cell units 110 and the base plate 64, the extinguishing agent flowing through the first flow path 125 can circulate in a Z-shape between the plurality of battery cell units 110 and the base plate along the first flow path 125. Therefore, the battery cells 10, whose temperature has increased due to the heat generated during the charging / discharging process of the battery cells 10, are cooled by the cold extinguishing agent by a heat exchange method, thereby improving the stability of the battery module 100.

[0071] Additionally, refer to Figure 5 The first plate 120 may further include a first connector 127a and a second connector 127b connecting the first flow path 125 and the second flow path 135 to each other. The first flow path 125 may be connected to the first connector 127a after circulating through half of the first plate 120. The first connector 127a bends from a first direction (X-axis direction) in a third direction (Z-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction (X-axis direction) and the second direction (Y-axis direction), and then bends again in a direction parallel to the first direction (X-axis direction) (e.g., -X-axis direction) to connect to the second flow path 135. Here, the extinguishing agent can have increased potential energy by flowing via the first connector 127a in the third direction (Z-axis direction). The increased potential energy of the extinguishing agent can be supplied by the pressure supplied to the extinguishing agent from the supply section 150. In an alternative embodiment, the first connector 127a may include means for supplying work. For example, the first connector 127a may include a pump that can increase the potential energy of the extinguishing agent.

[0072] The second flow path 135 can be implemented in multiple battery cell units 110 (see...) Figure 4 The second flow path 135 extends between the plurality of battery cells 110 in a direction parallel to the first direction (X-axis direction) (e.g., -X-axis direction). However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the second flow path 135 may have any kind of shape, as long as the second flow path 135 passes through the plurality of battery cells 110 between the plurality of battery cells 110.

[0073] Additionally, the extinguishing agent flowing through the first flow path 125 and the second flow path 135 may include a material that absorbs heat as latent heat of vaporization to cool the battery module 100 when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 100. Optionally, the extinguishing agent may include an asphyxiating extinguishing material that extinguishes fire by blocking oxygen.

[0074] The first flow path 125 and the second flow path 135 are the flow paths through which the extinguishing agent circulates, and the first flow path 125 and the second flow path 135 can be melted by heat during the thermal runaway of the battery cell 10. Therefore, the first flow path 125 and the second flow path 135 may include materials having a melting point lower than the thermal runaway temperature of the battery cell 10. For example, the first flow path 125 and the second flow path 135 may include at least one of polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethersulfone (PES), or polyimide (PI).

[0075] When the first flow path 125 and the second flow path 135 include materials having a melting point lower than the thermal runaway temperature of the battery cell 10, the first flow path 125 and the second flow path 135 melt around the battery cell 10 in which thermal runaway has occurred, and the corresponding battery cell 10 can be immersed in the extinguishing agent flowing through the first flow path 125 and the second flow path 135.

[0076] Specifically, the first flow path 125 is located on the lower surface of the battery cell 10, and therefore, when thermal runaway occurs in a battery cell 10, the first flow path 125 melts and immerses the corresponding battery cell 10 in the extinguishing agent to extinguish the thermal runaway of the battery cell 10. Furthermore, because the second flow path 135 extends between the plurality of battery cell units 110, the second flow path 135 melts during thermal runaway of a battery cell 10 and sprays the extinguishing agent into the battery cell 10 in which thermal runaway has occurred to extinguish the thermal runaway of the battery cell 10.

[0077] As described above, because the battery module 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure includes a first flow path 125 and a second flow path 135 in which the same extinguishing agent circulates, the battery module 100 can immediately extinguish thermal runaway, thereby improving the stability of the battery module 100.

[0078] Additionally, the second flow path 135 can be arranged within a range of 30% to 90% of the height of the battery cell 10. Because the second flow path 135 is arranged within a range of 30% to 90% of the height of the battery cell 10, the second flow path 135 can immediately melt around the specific battery cell 10 in which thermal runaway has occurred, and can spray the extinguishing agent onto the corresponding battery cell 10 to reduce the temperature. Then, the fire can be extinguished and heat transfer to adjacent battery cells 10 can be blocked.

[0079] Additionally, the second flow path 135 can be fixed to the second plate 130. Furthermore, the second flow path 135 can be exposed outside the second plate 130. For example, as... Figure 7 As shown, the second plate 130 may include a first region 130a and a second region 130b, a second flow path 135 is disposed on the first region 130a, and the second region 130b covers the second flow path 135.

[0080] The shape of the upper surface of the first region 130a can engage with the shape of the lower surface of the second flow path 135, allowing the second flow path 135 to be stably positioned thereon. That is, the shape of the upper surface of the first region 130a can be concave downwards. Furthermore, the shape of the lower surface of the second region 130b can engage with the shape of the upper surface of the second flow path 135, allowing the second region 130b to cover the second flow path 135 and, together with the first region 130a, fix the second flow path 135 in place.

[0081] As described above, because the second flow path 135 is exposed outside the second plate 130, when thermal runaway occurs in any of the battery cells 10, the second flow path 135 melts rapidly and sprays extinguishing agent onto the battery cell 10 to extinguish the fire.

[0082] Additionally, the extinguishing agent passing through the second flow path 135 between the multiple battery cell units 110 can flow to the first flow path 125 after passing through the second connector 127b connected to the second flow path 135. The shape of the second connector 127b can be symmetrical to the shape of the first connector 127a described above, based on a virtual line in a third direction (Z-axis direction).

[0083] As described above, the extinguishing agent flowing into the first flow path 125 circulates in a zigzag pattern between the plurality of battery cell units 110 and the base plate along the first flow path 125, and then can flow through the outlet 122 in the direction toward the supply unit 150. In addition, the outlet 122 and the supply unit 150 can be connected to each other via the outlet flow path 152.

[0084] Additionally, the extinguishing agent flowing into the supply unit 150 can flow out of the supply unit 150 via inlet flow path 151, inlet 121, first flow path 125, second flow path 135, outlet 122, and outlet flow path 152. In this case, the heat generated during the charging and discharging process of the battery cell 10 can be absorbed by the extinguishing agent to cool the battery cell 10. Therefore, the extinguishing agent flowing in the first flow path 125 on the inlet 121 side can have a lower temperature than the extinguishing agent flowing in the first flow path 125 on the outlet 122 side. Therefore, the supply unit 150 can include a cooling device for cooling the extinguishing agent that has circulated through the battery module 100.

[0085] As described above, the extinguishing agent can cool multiple battery cells 10 together with the first plate 120 and the second plate 130, which perform the heat dissipation function. Therefore, thermal runaway of multiple battery cells 10 can be prevented in advance, and the stability of the battery module 100 can be improved.

[0086] Additionally, the battery module 100 according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure may further include a pressure sensor 153 located between the supply section 150 and the first flow path 125, and a controller disposed in the supply section 150. The pressure sensor 153 may be located on the outlet 122 side of the first flow path 125. For example, the pressure sensor 153 may be located on the outlet flow path 152 that connects the supply section 150 to the first flow path 125, and may measure the pressure of the extinguishing agent flowing in the outlet flow path 152. However, the pressure sensor 153 may be located at different locations along the flow path in which the pressure of the extinguishing agent flows may be measured.

[0087] When thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell 10, as described above, the first flow path 125 and the second flow path 135 can melt to spray the extinguishing agent flowing therein into the battery cell 10. In this case, because the extinguishing agent flowing in the first flow path 125 and the second flow path 135 is sprayed, the pressure of the extinguishing agent flowing in the outlet flow path 152 can be reduced. That is, the pressure of the extinguishing agent flowing in the outlet flow path 152, as measured by the pressure sensor 153, can be reduced.

[0088] When the pressure of the extinguishing agent flowing in the outlet flow path 152 decreases, the pressure sensor 153 can transmit a signal to the controller in the supply unit 150 indicating that the measured pressure of the extinguishing agent has decreased. Therefore, the controller receiving the above signal can identify that thermal runaway has occurred in the battery cell 10, and can command the supply unit 150 to supply more extinguishing agent to the first flow path 125 and the second flow path 135.

[0089] Therefore, a large amount of extinguishing agent flows from the supply section 150 into the first flow path 125 and the second flow path 135. Then, a large amount of extinguishing agent can be sprayed towards the battery cell 10 where thermal runaway has occurred, and the extinguishing agent can effectively extinguish the thermal runaway. As described above, because the battery module 100 according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure includes a pressure sensor 153 located between the supply section 150 and the first flow path 125, and a controller in the supply section 150, thermal runaway in the battery cell 10 can be sensed immediately without the use of additional sensors such as gas sensors. Then, the supply of extinguishing agent to the first flow path 125 and the second flow path 135 can be automatically increased, and thermal runaway can be quickly controlled, thereby improving the stability of the battery module 100.

[0090] Furthermore, the second plate 130 may also include a plurality of insulation units 137 that partially cover the second flow path 135 and are spaced apart from each other. The plurality of insulation units 137 may include, but are not limited to, materials with excellent insulation properties, such as, at least one of polyurethane, closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam (e.g., polystyrene foam), mica, silica aerogel, ceramic fiber, or polyimide.

[0091] For example, multiple insulation units 137 may be attached to the second plate 130 to partially cover the second flow path 135. Figure 6 A plurality of heat insulation units 137 are shown formed as rectangular films and attached to the second plate 130; however, the plurality of heat insulation units 137 can have any kind of shape and arrangement, as long as the second flow path 135 can be partially covered by the heat insulation units 137. In another example, the plurality of heat insulation units 137 may be arranged to partially surround the second flow path 135.

[0092] As described above, when the second plate 130 includes a plurality of heat insulation units 137, the region 138 in the second flow path 135 not covered by the plurality of heat insulation units 137 can be intensely melted. Therefore, the region 138 near the battery cell 10 in which thermal runaway occurs is intensely melted, and the extinguishing agent flowing in the second flow path 135 can be sprayed at high pressure onto the battery cell 10 with thermal runaway, and then the thermal runaway can be effectively extinguished.

[0093] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the second plate and the second flow path as seen in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0094] Reference Figure 8 as well as Figure 4 and Figure 5According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery module may include a second plate 830 comprising a plurality of second flow paths 825 extending between a plurality of battery cell units 110 in a direction parallel to the direction (X-axis direction) along which the plurality of battery cell units 110 are arranged. For example, the second plate 830 between the plurality of battery cell units 110 may be arranged to contact two of the second flow paths 825 respectively. Furthermore, the two second flow paths 825 may be fixed to the second plate 830, and the second flow paths 825 may serve as channels through which fire extinguishing agents flow.

[0095] For example, two second flow paths 825 can be inserted into one side 831 of the second plate 830 and the other side 832 of the second plate 830, respectively. The second plate 830 may also include a recessed portion 835 recessed into the second plate 830 to allow the insertion of the second flow paths 825. Furthermore, the two second flow paths 825 may be exposed outside the second plate 830, respectively.

[0096] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The described first connector 127a can branch into two first connectors. Therefore, the first flow path 125 can be connected to two second flow paths 825 via the two first connectors. That is, the extinguishing agent passing through the first flow path 125 can branch and flow into the two second flow paths 825. Furthermore, the two second flow paths 825 can each contact a plurality of battery cell units 110.

[0097] In this configuration, the exposed area of ​​the second flow path 825 outside the second plate 830 can be increased. Therefore, when thermal runaway occurs in a battery cell 10, the second flow path 825 exposed outside the second plate 830 melts rapidly, spraying the extinguishing agent flowing in the second flow path 825 onto the battery cell 10, effectively extinguishing the thermal runaway. Furthermore, since both second flow paths 825 contact multiple battery cell units 110 respectively, the thermal runaway of the battery cell 10 in which it occurs is immediately extinguished, improving the stability of the battery module.

[0098] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, there are two second flow paths 825 arranged between multiple battery cell units 110; however, multiple (i.e., more than two) second flow paths 825 may be provided as needed.

[0099] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the second plate and the second flow path as seen in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0100] Reference Figure 9 as well as Figure 4 and Figure 5 According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery module may include a second plate 930 comprising two second flow paths 925 and two spacers 950 fixing the second flow paths 925. The second flow paths 925 extend between a plurality of battery cell units 110 in a direction parallel to the direction along which the plurality of battery cells 10 are arranged (X-axis direction) (X-axis direction or -X-axis direction). The two second flow paths 925 may be channels through which fire extinguishing agents flow.

[0101] Two spacers 950 may be arranged between the plurality of battery cells 110 to contact one side 931 and the other side 932 of the second plate 930. Furthermore, the spacers 950 may be located between the plurality of battery cells 110. Additionally, the spacers 950 may extend in the direction along which the battery cells 10 are arranged (X-axis direction) to correspond to the length of the battery cell 110.

[0102] Additionally, each of the two spacers 950 may include a mounting portion 955 on which the second flow path 925 can be stably mounted. The shape of the mounting portion 955 may engage with the shape of the lower surface of the second flow path 925.

[0103] As described above, when two spacers 950, on which two second flow paths 925 can be disposed, are arranged between multiple battery cell units 110, the additional process of forming grooves in the second plate 930 for inserting or fixing the second flow paths 925 can be omitted. Therefore, the manufacturing process of the battery module can be simplified.

[0104] Furthermore, because the spacer 950 fixes the second flow path 925, the risk of interference between the second flow path 925 and other components in the battery module can be reduced when the second flow path 925 is assembled with the battery module, thus improving the structural stability of the battery module. Additionally, the spacer 950 is disposed between the battery cell units 110, therefore, in the event of thermal runaway in one of the battery cell units 110, heat transfer to the other battery cell unit 110 can be prevented.

[0105] According to embodiments of this disclosure, since the battery module includes a first plate and a second plate, the first plate includes a first flow path in which the extinguishing agent circulates, and the second plate includes a second flow path in which the extinguishing agent circulates, the extinguishing agent can be immediately sprayed from the first flow path and the second flow path during thermal runaway of the battery module, thereby extinguishing the thermal runaway in the battery module and improving the stability of the battery module.

[0106] In addition, because the first and second plates contain materials with excellent heat dissipation properties, the heat dissipation performance of the battery module can be improved.

[0107] The effects obtainable through this disclosure are not limited to those described above. Other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the accompanying description.

[0108] This disclosure has been described in detail. However, it should be understood that while the detailed description and specific examples indicate preferred embodiments of the disclosure, they are given by way of illustration only, and various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

[0109] Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specific terminology has been used, it is used and interpreted in a general and descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes. In some instances, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, unless specifically stated otherwise, the features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with particular embodiments may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with other embodiments up to the date of this application. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery module, the battery module comprising: Multiple battery cell units, each battery cell unit comprising multiple battery cells connected in parallel in a first direction, the multiple battery cell units being aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; A housing that accommodates the plurality of individual battery cells, the housing including a base plate; A first plate is located between the plurality of battery cells and the base plate, and the first plate includes a first flow path; as well as A second plate, situated between the plurality of battery cells, includes a second flow path connected to the first flow path. The same extinguishing agent flows in both the first and second flow paths.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the battery module further comprises a supply unit connected to the first flow path, the supply unit supplying the fire extinguishing agent.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein the battery module further comprises a pressure sensor between the supply section and the first flow path.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein, The pressure sensor is located at the outlet of the first flow path.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The second flow path extends between the plurality of battery cells in a direction parallel to the first direction, and the second flow path is fixed to the second plate.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein, The second flow path is exposed to the outside of the second plate.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The second flow path is between 30% and 90% of the height of each of the plurality of battery cells.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The second plate also includes a plurality of heat insulation units that partially cover the second flow path, the plurality of heat insulation units being spaced apart.

9. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The second plate is perpendicular to the first plate.

10. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The second flow path is configured to spray the extinguishing agent.

11. A battery module, the battery module comprising: Multiple battery cell units, each battery cell unit having multiple battery cells connected in parallel in a first direction, the multiple battery cell units being aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; A housing that accommodates the plurality of individual battery cells, the housing including a base plate; A first plate is located between the plurality of battery cells and the base plate, and the first plate includes a first flow path for the flow of fire extinguishing agent. A supply unit, connected to the first flow path, supplies the extinguishing agent; as well as A pressure sensor is located between the supply section and the outlet of the first flow path.

12. The battery module of claim 11, further comprising a second plate between the plurality of battery cells, the second plate including a second flow path connected to the first flow path.

13. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein, The second plate is perpendicular to the first plate.

14. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein, The same extinguishing agent flows in both the first and second flow paths.

15. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein, The second flow path extends between the plurality of battery cells in a direction parallel to the first direction, and the second flow path is fixed to the second plate.

16. The battery module according to claim 15, wherein, The second flow path is exposed to the outside of the second plate.

17. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein, The second flow path is between 30% and 90% of the height of each of the plurality of battery cells.

18. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein, The second plate also includes a plurality of heat insulation units that partially cover the second flow path, the plurality of heat insulation units being spaced apart.

19. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein, The first plate and the second plate include heat dissipation material.

20. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein, The temperature of the extinguishing agent flowing at the inlet side of the first flow path is lower than the temperature of the extinguishing agent flowing at the outlet side of the first flow path.

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