Battery pack with improved safety and energy storage system including battery pack

Abstract

Disclosed is a battery pack capable of securing safety even when a thermal event occurs. According to one aspect of the utility model, the battery pack comprises a battery module and a battery module, wherein the battery module comprises one or more battery monomers; a control module coupled to the battery module to manage the battery module; and a fire extinguishing tank having a fire extinguishing agent, the fire extinguishing tank being coupled to the battery module and / or the control module, and including a rupture member capable of rupture under predetermined conditions such that the fire extinguishing agent can flow out.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery, and more particularly, to a battery pack and the like configured to ensure safety even when a thermal event occurs.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0187845 filed in Korea on December 24, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries and lithium secondary batteries. Among them, compared with nickel-based secondary batteries, lithium secondary batteries have attracted much attention due to their advantages such as free charge and discharge, extremely low self-discharge rate, high energy density and low memory effect.

[0004] These lithium secondary batteries mainly use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as positive electrode active materials and negative electrode active materials, respectively. The lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly, in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate coated with such positive electrode active materials and negative electrode active materials are respectively provided, and a separator is provided between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate, and the external material is used to seal and contain the electrode assembly and the electrolyte together.

[0005] Generally, lithium secondary batteries may be divided into can-type secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is embedded in a metal can and pouch-type secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of an external material.

[0006] These secondary batteries are widely used not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices, but also in medium and large devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS), and their use is rapidly increasing. In addition, in recent years, residential energy storage systems have been widely used to store and supply electricity for use in buildings such as houses or commercial buildings. In addition, the core component of such residential energy storage systems may be a battery pack.

[0007] In various battery packs, such as those used in such residential ESS, a plurality of battery cells (secondary batteries) are included to increase capacity and / or output. In particular, in order to increase the energy density of the battery pack, a large number of battery cells are often densely arranged in a very narrow space.

[0008] In this battery pack configuration, one of the most important issues is safety. In particular, when a thermal event occurs in one of the multiple battery cells included in the battery pack, it is necessary to suppress the event from spreading to other battery cells. In addition, the battery cell that has thermal runaway or the like may eject exhaust gas, and the exhaust gas may cause thermal runaway or the like of other battery cells, resulting in heat propagation.

[0009] In addition, a plurality of battery cells included in a battery pack may exist in the form of being grouped into two or more battery modules. At this time, it is necessary to suppress a thermal runaway event generated inside a specific battery module from propagating to other battery modules.

[0010] If the heat propagation between battery cells or battery modules is not properly suppressed, this may expand into a thermal event for several battery cells or all battery modules included in the battery pack, which may lead to larger problems such as overall fire or battery pack explosion. In addition, a fire or explosion in the battery pack may cause significant damage to nearby people or property. In particular, in the case of a battery pack for a house, if a fire or explosion occurs, it may endanger the safety of people living in the house and may cause significant damage by spreading to a house fire. Utility Model Content

[0011] Technical issues

[0012] The present disclosure is intended to solve the problems of the related art, and thus the present disclosure is intended to provide a battery pack having an improved structure to properly control thermal events generated therein.

[0013] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above problems, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other problems not mentioned from the present disclosure described below.

[0014] Technical Solution

[0015] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, a battery pack according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a battery module having at least one battery cell; a control module, which is connected to the battery module and is configured to manage the battery module; and a fire extinguisher tank, which contains a fire extinguishing agent, and is connected to at least one of the battery module and the control module, and has a rupture member, which is configured to rupture under predetermined conditions so that when the rupture member ruptures, the fire extinguishing agent flows out.

[0016] Preferably, the fire extinguisher tank can be installed between the battery module and the control module.

[0017] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the rupture member may be configured to be detachable from the fire extinguisher tank.

[0018] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the fire extinguishing tank may include tank fastening portions which are respectively provided at an upper end and a lower end and are configured to be coupled to the control module and the battery module.

[0019] In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the battery module may include a blocking member contacting the fire extinguishing tank or the control module to seal a ventilation path.

[0020] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the fire extinguishing tank may be located above the battery module so that the fire extinguishing agent freely falls toward the battery module.

[0021] Preferably, the fire extinguishing agent may contain at least one of antifreeze, salt water and insulating oil.

[0022] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, two or more battery modules may be included.

[0023] Preferably, the fire extinguishing tank may be configured such that the fire extinguishing agent is individually injected into each of the two or more battery modules.

[0024] In particular, the rupture member can be embodied as a glass bulb.

[0025] In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the battery module may have an opening formed to communicate with an internal space thereof.

[0026] Here, the rupture member may be configured such that at least a portion thereof is inserted into the opening of the battery module.

[0027] Preferably, the fire extinguishing tank may have a ventilation path formed such that when the exhaust gas is discharged from the opening, the exhaust gas moves through the ventilation path.

[0028] In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the fire extinguishing tank may include a plurality of fire extinguishing tank units configured to respectively correspond to the battery modules.

[0029] Preferably, each of the fire extinguisher tank units may be configured to have an independent accommodation space.

[0030] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an energy storage system according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a battery pack according to the present disclosure.

[0031] Beneficial effects

[0032] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a battery pack having improved safety may be provided.

[0033] In particular, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, even if a thermal event occurs inside a battery pack, the thermal event can be quickly controlled.

[0034] Furthermore, when exhaust gas or the like is generated due to thermal runaway in some of the plurality of battery cells included in the battery pack, the temperature of the corresponding battery cells may be rapidly lowered by injecting a fire extinguishing agent.

[0035] Therefore, according to this aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to effectively prevent a thermal runaway condition or the like from propagating to other battery cells or other battery modules or causing a fire due to heat or exhaust gas.

[0036] Furthermore, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, even if a fire occurs inside the battery pack, a fire extinguishing agent, such as a liquid fire extinguishing agent, can be injected, thereby being able to immediately extinguish the fire.

[0037] Therefore, according to this aspect, damage to people and property due to the spread of fire can be prevented or reduced.

[0038] In addition, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the fire extinguishing performance of the fire extinguishing agent can be stably ensured even when used under various external environments such as temperature or humidity. For example, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the fire extinguishing agent is not easily frozen even when exposed to sub-zero temperatures for a long time, the battery pack can be installed and used outdoors.

[0039] Therefore, according to this aspect of the present disclosure, it can be more advantageously applied to a battery pack for outdoor use, particularly a battery pack for housing use.

[0040] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when a thermal event occurs in a specific battery module in a battery pack including a plurality of battery modules, a fire extinguishing agent may be injected only with respect to the corresponding battery module.

[0041] Therefore, according to this aspect of the present disclosure, the battery module in which the accident occurred among the multiple battery modules can be centrally and effectively controlled. In addition, according to this aspect of the present disclosure, the battery module in which the accident did not occur can continue to be used, so that a certain level or higher level of continuous power supply can be achieved.

[0042] In addition, various additional effects can be achieved through various embodiments of the present disclosure. Various effects of the present disclosure will be described in detail in each embodiment, or descriptions of effects that can be easily understood by those skilled in the art will be omitted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, are used to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure, and thus the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] Figure 1 is a combined perspective view schematically showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the structure.

[0046] Figure 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration in which a fire extinguisher tank is removed from a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 4 The fire extinguisher tank and Figure 3 A view of the battery pack construction assembled together.

[0048] Figure 5 is a lower perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a control module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 6 and Figure 7 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the shape of a fire extinguishing tank according to an embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from the top and the bottom.

[0050] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing some configurations of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of a partial cross-sectional configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the front.

[0052] Fig.10 is a view showing a partial cross-sectional configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the top.

[0053] Fig.11 is a view schematically showing a partial cross-sectional configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the side.

[0054] Fig.12 is a view showing a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from the top.

[0055] Fig.13 Is used to describe Fig.12 A view of the state of the battery pack before a thermal event occurs.

[0056] Fig.14 Is used to describe only Fig.12 A view of the status of thermal events occurring in some battery modules in a battery pack.

[0057] Fig.15 is used to describe Fig.12 A view of the status of thermal events occurring in other battery modules in the battery pack. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terms used in the specification and the appended claims should not be interpreted as limited to the general and dictionary meanings, but are interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure on the basis of the principle that the inventor is allowed to appropriately define the terms to obtain the best interpretation.

[0059] Therefore, the descriptions presented herein are merely preferred examples for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, and it should be appreciated that other equivalents and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0060] Meanwhile, in the present specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used, but these terms are for convenience of description only, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that they may vary depending on the position of the target object or the position of the observer.

[0061] Figure 1 is a combined perspective view schematically showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the structure.

[0062] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the battery pack according to the present disclosure includes a battery module 100 , a control module 200 and a fire extinguishing tank 300 .

[0063] The battery module 100 may include at least one battery cell. Here, each battery cell may refer to a secondary battery. The secondary battery may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a battery case. In addition, the battery cell included in the battery module 100 may be a pouch-type secondary battery. However, other types of secondary batteries, such as cylindrical batteries or prismatic batteries, may also be used in the battery module 100 of the present disclosure.

[0064] In addition, the battery module 100 may include a module housing for accommodating a battery cell. In particular, the module housing has a hollow space inside so that a plurality of battery cells can be accommodated in the hollow space. Figure 1 As shown, the module housing may be formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and stand upright along a Z-axis direction perpendicular to the ground.

[0065] The control module 200 may control the overall operation of the battery pack. In particular, the control module 200 may be electrically connected to the battery module 100. In addition, the control module 200 may be configured to manage the battery module 100. In particular, the control module 200 may be configured to control the charging operation or discharging operation of the battery module 100. In addition, the control module 200 may be configured to measure, calculate, receive or control various electrical, physical and chemical properties of the battery module 100, the battery cells included therein or their surroundings. For example, the control module 200 may measure, calculate or control the voltage, current, temperature, SOC (state of charge), SOH (state of health), internal resistance, etc. of the battery cells or battery module 100.

[0066] The control module 200 may receive operating power from the battery module 100 to manage the battery module 100. In addition, the control module 200 may exchange various data with the battery module 100 or other external devices through a wired or wireless communication network.

[0067] The control module 200 may include various electrical components, such as a battery management system (BMS), a relay, and a current sensor. In addition, the control module 200 may include a control housing for accommodating such electrical components.

[0068] In addition, the control module 200 may include a battery pack terminal. Such a battery pack terminal may be configured to be connected to a battery pack and an external charging or discharging device. For example, the battery pack terminal may include a socket, a plug, a connector, etc. to be connected to a commercial power supply or a load. In this case, the control module 200 may have a power path for exchanging charging power and discharging power with the battery module 100. The power path can be used as a path for exchanging charging power and discharging power between the battery pack terminal and the battery module 100.

[0069] The fire extinguishing tank 300 may contain a fire extinguishing agent. Here, as the fire extinguishing agent, various substances capable of suppressing or extinguishing a fire or lowering a temperature may be used. In addition, the fire extinguishing tank 300 may include a tank housing for containing the fire extinguishing agent in an internal space.

[0070] The fire extinguishing tank 300 may be coupled to at least one of the battery module 100 and the control module 200. For example, the fire extinguishing tank 300 may be coupled to the battery module 100. In addition, the fire extinguishing tank 300 may be coupled to the control module 200.

[0071] In particular, the fire extinguishing tank 300 may be configured to be detachable. For example, the tank housing of the fire extinguishing tank 300 may be configured to be mounted to and detached from the module housing of the battery module 100. In addition, the tank housing of the fire extinguishing tank 300 may be configured to be mounted to and detached from the control housing of the control module 200.

[0072] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the fire extinguishing tank 300 is installed in a battery pack including a battery module 100 and a control module 200, safety can be greatly improved. In particular, when an abnormal situation occurs in the battery pack, for example, when a thermal runaway situation occurs inside the battery module 100 or when a fire occurs in the battery module 100 or the control module 200, a fire extinguishing agent can be used to suppress the occurrence of a fire or extinguish the resulting fire. In addition, by lowering the temperature of the battery module 100 or the control module 200, a thermal runaway situation or an overheating situation can be prevented. Therefore, the risk of a fire or the like spreading to other components outside the battery pack due to an abnormal situation such as a fire or an overheating situation of the battery pack can be prevented.

[0073] The fire extinguishing tank 300 may be installed between the battery module 100 and the control module 200. In particular, the battery module 100 may be located below the control module 200. In this case, the fire extinguishing tank 300 may be located above the battery module 100 and below the control module 200.

[0074] According to this embodiment of the present disclosure, in a battery pack including a battery module 100 and a control module 200, the fire extinguishing tank 300 can be disposed adjacent to both the battery module 100 and the control module 200. Therefore, when a thermal event occurs in the battery module 100 and the control module 200, the thermal event can be dealt with quickly and effectively.

[0075] Here, the control module 200 may be configured to be detachable from at least one side of the battery module 100. Figures 3 to 5 Describe in more detail.

[0076] Figure 3 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration in which the fire extinguishing tank 300 is removed from the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 The fire extinguishing tank 300 is schematically shown Figure 3 A view of the battery pack structure assembled together. Figure 5 2 is a lower perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the control module 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] First, refer to Figure 3 ,and Figure 1 Unlike the configuration shown, the fire extinguishing tank 300 may not be placed between the control module 200 and the battery module 100. In addition, the control module 200 may be installed directly above the battery module 100 without the fire extinguishing tank 300 being located below. In addition, after the control module 200 is installed above the battery module 100, the control module 200 may be configured to be separated again.

[0078] To this end, the battery module 100 and the control module 200 may have configurations for being electrically and mechanically coupled to each other.

[0079] For example, in the fire extinguishing tank 300, a module connector for electrical connection may be provided at the upper portion, such as Figure 4 In addition, the control module 200 may have a control connector disposed at the bottom, such as Figure 5 As shown in E2 in . In this case, the control connector E2 can be configured to be directly connected to the module connector E1. In particular, the module connector E1 and the control connector E2 can be electrically connected to each other so that charging and discharging power or electrical signals (data) can be transmitted. In particular, the battery module 100 and the control module 200 can each independently include a power connector for exchanging charging and discharging power and a communication connector for exchanging electrical signals.

[0080] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown in C1 of FIG. 1 , the battery module 100 may have a module fastening portion formed thereon. Figure 5 As shown in Figure C2, the control module 200 may have a control fastening portion formed thereon. Here, the control fastening portion C2 and the module fastening portion C1 may be configured to be connected to each other and fixed to each other. For example, the module fastening portion C1 and the control fastening portion C2 may be configured to be fastened to each other by bolt connection. In addition, by such fastening or disconnection between the module fastening portion C1 and the control fastening portion C2, the control fastening portion C2 may be directly mounted to the module fastening portion C1 or separated from the module fastening portion C1.

[0081] In this way, the battery module 100 and the control module 200 can be configured to be directly mechanically and electrically coupled to each other. In particular, the control module 200 can be coupled to the battery module 100 in an insertion manner, wherein the electrical connection is made while the control module 200 is placed on the battery module 100. However, in the case of a battery pack according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the fire extinguishing tank 300 can be placed between the battery module 100 and the control module 200, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown by the dotted line in .

[0082] In particular, even if the battery pack is manufactured to be able to Figure 3 Using the form shown, the battery pack according to one aspect of the present disclosure may also be implemented such that the fire extinguishing tank 300 is inserted and installed between the battery module 100 and the control module 200 .

[0083] According to this embodiment of the present disclosure, the safety of the fire extinguishing tank 300 can be ensured while maximizing the use of the existing battery pack structure or production line. In particular, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, for a battery pack configuration in which the battery module 100 and the control module 200 are directly mounted, the fire extinguishing tank 300 can be configured to be placed between the battery module 100 and the control module 200, thereby ensuring safety against thermal events.

[0084] The fire extinguishing tank 300 may be configured to be mechanically coupled to the battery module 100 and / or the control module 200. To this end, the fire extinguishing tank 300 may include a tank fastening portion. This will refer to Figures 6 to 8 Describe in more detail.

[0085] Figure 6 and Figure 7 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the shape of the fire extinguishing tank 300 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from the top and bottom. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing some configurations of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, it can be said that Figure 8 Shown along Figure 1 The cross-sectional structure of the A1-A1' line.

[0086] First, refer to Figure 6 The fire extinguishing tank 300 may have a tank fastening portion for coupling with the control module 200 at the top, as shown in C32. The tank fastening portion C32 is a fastening portion provided in the tank housing of the fire extinguishing tank 300 and may be configured to couple with the control module 200. For example, Figure 5 As shown, when the control fastening portion C2 is disposed on the bottom of the control module 200, the tank fastening portion C32 formed on the top of the fire extinguishing tank 300 may be configured to be coupled to the control fastening portion C2. More specifically, the tank fastening portion C32 disposed on the top of the fire extinguishing tank 300 may be configured to be connected to the control fastening portion C2 by bolts. For example, Figure 8 As shown in A2 in the figure, the tank fastening part C32 and the control fastening part C2 can be connected together by bolts. In addition, the control module 200 and the fire extinguishing tank 300 can be fixed to each other by the bolt connection between the control fastening part C2 and the top tank fastening part C32.

[0087] In particular, as described in the previous embodiment, the control module 200 may be prepared to be directly placed on the battery module 100. In this case, the control fastening portion C2 may be initially configured to be connected to the module fastening portion C1 of the battery module 100. However, in the battery pack according to the present disclosure, the tank fastening portion C32 provided in the fire extinguishing tank 300 may be configured to be connected to the control fastening portion C2. To this end, the tank fastening portion C32 may have the same shape and horizontal position as the module fastening portion C1. That is, the tank fastening portion C32 may be configured to have compatibility with replacing the module fastening portion C1 relative to the control fastening portion C2.

[0088] In addition, the fire extinguishing tank 300 may have a tank fastening portion to be coupled with the battery module 100 at the bottom. Figure 7 , the tank fastening portion shown as C31 may be provided at an edge portion of the bottom of the fire extinguishing tank 300 and coupled to the battery module 100. For example, Figure 4 As shown, when the module fastening portion C1 is formed on the top of the battery module 100 , the tank fastening portion C31 disposed at the bottom of the fire extinguishing tank 300 may be configured to be coupled with the module fastening portion C1 .

[0089] More specifically, the tank fastening portion C31 may be configured to be connected to the module fastening portion C1 by bolts. Figure 8 As shown in A2' in FIG. 1 , the tank fastening portion C31 and the module fastening portion C1 may be bolted to each other. In addition, the battery module 100 and the fire extinguishing tank 300 may be fixed to each other by bolting between the module fastening portion C1 and the tank fastening portion C31.

[0090] In addition, as described in the previous embodiment, the battery module 100 may be configured to be directly coupled to the control module 200. In this case, the module fastening portion C1 may be initially configured to be coupled to the control fastening portion C2 of the control module 200. However, in the battery pack according to the present disclosure, the tank fastening portion C31 provided in the fire extinguishing tank 300 may have the same shape and horizontal position as the control fastening portion C2 so as to be coupled to the module fastening portion C1. That is, the tank fastening portion C31 may be configured to have compatibility with replacing the control fastening portion C2 relative to the module fastening portion C1.

[0091] According to this embodiment of the present disclosure, for a battery pack in which the battery module 100 and the control module 200 are directly connected, a configuration for assembling the fire extinguishing tank 300 in a space between them can be easily implemented. In particular, in this case, the fire extinguishing tank 300 can be compatibly used without changing the configuration of the existing battery module 100 or the control module 200.

[0092] Furthermore, in the case of a battery pack according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the battery module 100, the fire extinguishing tank 300, and the control module 200 may be configured in a form of being sequentially stacked in an upward direction, and according to an embodiment, such a stacked state may be maintained stable.

[0093] Meanwhile, in addition to this, for stable connection and convenient assembly, the fire extinguishing tank 300 may have various types of fastening components for mechanically connecting with the battery module 100 and / or the control module 200. For example, the fire extinguishing tank 300 may be mechanically connected to the battery module 100 and / or the control module 200 in various ways such as hooking, inserting, riveting, etc.

[0094] The fire extinguishing tank 300 may include a connecting member 330, such as Figure 8 Here, the connecting member 330 is a component for electrically connecting the battery module 100 and the control module 200. In particular, the connecting member 330 may be placed between the module connector E1 provided in the battery module 100 and the control connector E2 provided in the control module 200 to connect them. In addition, both ends of the connecting member 330 may be coupled to the module connector E1 and the control connector E2 so that charging and discharging power and / or electrical signals may be transmitted.

[0095] As a specific example, the connection member 330 may be configured in the form of a cable extending long in one direction so that power or an electrical signal can be transmitted. In addition, the connection member 330 may have tank connectors at both ends thereof. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the connection member 330 may have a tank connector at the bottom. In addition, the tank connector E31 may be connected to the module connector E1 of the battery module 100. In addition, the connection member 330 may have a tank connector at the top, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 and Figure 8 In addition, the tank connector E32 can be connected to the control connector E2 of the control module 200.

[0096] The fire extinguishing tank 300 may include an inner tank 310 and an outer tank 320. Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown. Here, the inner tank 310 has a hollow space therein, and the fire extinguishing agent can be directly contained in the hollow space. In particular, the inner tank 310 can be configured in a sealed form to contain the fire extinguishing agent. For example, the inner tank 310 can be configured to have an airtight performance of IP grade 55 or higher, so that the fire extinguishing agent and the like will not leak under normal conditions. In addition, the outer tank 320 can be configured to be larger than the inner tank 310 to contain the inner tank 310 in the internal space. Therefore, it can be said that the fire extinguishing tank 300 has at least a partial double structure.

[0097] Fig.12 is a view showing a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from the top.

[0098] refer to Fig.12 In one aspect of the present disclosure, the fire extinguishing tank 300 may include a plurality of fire extinguishing tank units T, which are configured to correspond to the plurality of battery modules 100, respectively. More specifically, the inner tank 310 may include a plurality of fire extinguishing tank units T, which are configured to correspond to the plurality of battery modules 100, respectively.

[0099] For example, refer to Fig.12 The fire extinguishing tank 300 includes a plurality of fire extinguishing tank units T, and the plurality of fire extinguishing tank units T may be configured to correspond to the plurality of battery modules 100, respectively. That is, the first fire extinguishing tank unit T1 may be configured to correspond to the upper portion of the first battery module M1, and the second fire extinguishing tank unit T2 may be configured to correspond to the upper portion of the second battery module M2.

[0100] Preferably, each fire extinguisher tank unit T can be configured to have an independent accommodation space. Fig.12 , the first fire extinguishing tank unit T1 and the second fire extinguishing tank unit T2 may be configured to have independent accommodation spaces. That is, the first fire extinguishing tank unit T1 may be sealed by itself and accommodated in the inner tank 310. In addition, the second fire extinguishing tank unit T2 may be sealed by itself and accommodated in the inner tank 310. In addition, each fire extinguishing tank unit T may contain a certain amount of fire extinguishing agent. The amount of fire extinguishing agent may be sufficient to suppress or prevent the spread of thermal events of each battery module 100.

[0101] According to this structure, since each space for accommodating the fire extinguishing agent is divided, even if a thermal event occurs at a predetermined time difference in a plurality of battery modules 100, the thermal event can be controlled for all battery modules 100. That is, according to the present disclosure, even if a thermal event first occurs in a certain battery module 100 and the fire extinguishing agent is discharged, the fire extinguishing agent for other battery modules 100 can be reserved. Figures 13 to 15 The effects of the present disclosure are described in more detail.

[0102] Fig.13 Is used to describe Fig.12 A view of the battery pack state before a thermal event occurs, Fig.14 is used to describe Fig.12 A view of the state of thermal events occurring in only some of the battery modules in the battery pack, and Fig.15 is used to describe Fig.12 A view of the status of thermal events occurring in the battery pack or even other battery modules.

[0103] Fig.13 FIG. 1 shows the battery module 100 in a state where no thermal event occurs. Fig.14 As shown, when a thermal event such as exhaust or flame first occurs in the first battery module M1, the first glass bulb G1 ruptures and the fire extinguishing agent of the first fire extinguishing tank unit T1 can be injected into the first battery module M1. Therefore, the thermal event of the first battery module M1 can be quickly controlled.

[0104] At the same time, reference Fig.15 , at a specific time point after the thermal event of the first battery module M1 is suppressed, a thermal event that generates exhaust or flame may also occur in the second battery module M2. Therefore, the second glass bulb G2 may rupture. At this time, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the first fire extinguishing tank unit T1 and the second fire extinguishing tank unit T2 are configured to have independent accommodation spaces, the fire extinguishing agent required for suppressing the thermal event of the second battery module M2 can be retained in the second fire extinguishing tank unit T2. Therefore, the fire extinguishing agent of the second fire extinguishing tank unit T2 can be injected into the second battery module M2. As a result, the thermal event of the second battery module M2 can also be effectively controlled.

[0105] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the inner tank 310 and the outer tank 320 may be configured to be at least partially spaced apart. Figure 8 In the embodiment of the present invention, the inner tank 310 and the outer tank 320 may be configured to be at least partially spaced apart in the left-right direction. For example, a hollow space may be formed between the side wall of the inner tank 310 and the side wall of the outer tank 320, as shown in A5.

[0106] In this case, the fire extinguishing agent in the fire extinguishing tank 300 can be more safely stored. In particular, even if an impact or the like is applied to the side of the fire extinguishing tank 300, the transmission of the impact can be mitigated by the double-layer structure of the outer tank 320 and the inner tank 310 and the hollow space formed therebetween. Therefore, by preventing the fire extinguishing tank 300, especially the inner tank 310, from being damaged by impact or vibration, abnormal leakage of the fire extinguishing agent can be prevented.

[0107] In this embodiment of the fire extinguishing tank 300, the connecting member 330 may be located in the space between the inner tank 310 and the outer tank 320. Figure 8 In the embodiment of the present invention, a hollow space may be formed between the right wall of the inner tank 310 and the right wall of the outer tank 320. Moreover, the connecting member 330 may be located in the hollow space. In addition, a hollow space having a similar form may be formed between the left wall of the inner tank 310 and the left wall of the outer tank 320, and the connecting member 330 may be located therein.

[0108] According to this embodiment, the connection member 330 may not directly contact the fire extinguishing agent inside the fire extinguishing tank 300. Therefore, problems such as corrosion of the connection member 330 or current leakage due to the fire extinguishing agent may be prevented.

[0109] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the fire extinguishing tank 300 may be located above the battery module 100. In addition, the fire extinguishing agent discharged from the fire extinguishing tank 300 may be configured to freely fall toward the battery module 100.

[0110] That is, the fire extinguishing tank 300 does not require a separate power source to move the fire extinguishing agent toward the battery module 100, and the fire extinguishing agent can be quickly injected. Figure 2 In the embodiment, as shown by arrow A3, the fire extinguishing agent is injected into the battery module 100, and the injection process can be naturally performed in a free-fall manner. Therefore, according to this embodiment of the present disclosure, thermal control of the battery cell whose temperature rises due to thermal runaway, etc. can be effectively performed.

[0111] The fire extinguishing agent may include a liquid material. That is, the fire extinguishing tank 300 may contain a liquid material as the fire extinguishing agent in the inner space of the inner tank 310. For example, the fire extinguishing agent may be water, a mixture of water and at least one additive, or a liquid containing the at least one additive.

[0112] The liquid fire extinguishing agent can be easily injected into the battery module 100 located below by free fall. In addition, the liquid fire extinguishing agent can help reduce the temperature of the battery module 100 and suppress the fire. In addition, in this configuration, the fire extinguishing agent can flow into the battery module 100 quickly and smoothly, especially into the lower part of the battery module. In addition, the liquid fire extinguishing agent can suppress the flow of oxygen into the battery module, especially into the battery cell where the event has occurred.

[0113] In addition, the fire extinguishing agent may include at least one of antifreeze, salt water and insulating oil. That is, the fire extinguishing tank 300 may hold antifreeze, salt water and / or insulating oil as the fire extinguishing agent, or may additionally contain other materials together with such liquid materials.

[0114] This embodiment may be more conducive to outdoor installation of the battery pack. In particular, the battery pack for residential ESS or industrial ESS can be used outdoors. At this time, when antifreeze, salt water, insulating oil, etc. are used as a fire extinguishing agent, as in this embodiment, it is possible to maintain a liquid state without freezing even at low temperatures. Therefore, in the case where the fire extinguishing agent must be injected into the battery module 100, the problem of being unable to inject the fire extinguishing agent due to freezing can be prevented. In addition, in this case, the volume can be prevented from changing according to the external temperature, thereby preventing the fire extinguishing tank 300 and the like from freezing and bursting. In addition, even if the insulating oil is input into the battery module 100, the insulating oil can also have insulation resistance properties. Therefore, this embodiment of the present disclosure can be more advantageously applied to a residential battery pack or a residential energy storage system (ESS).

[0115] The fire extinguishing tank 300 may include a rupture member 340. Here, the rupture member 340 may be ruptured under certain conditions. In addition, when the rupture member 340 is ruptured, the fire extinguishing agent may flow out.

[0116] To this end, the rupture member 340 may be configured to communicate with the inner space of the fire extinguishing tank 300. In particular, when the inner tank 310 and the outer tank 320 are disposed in the fire extinguishing tank 300, the rupture member 340 may communicate with the inner space of the inner tank 310. For example, the inner tank 310 may be formed in a substantially sealed form and may have an input hole. In addition, the rupture member 340 may be inserted into the input hole to close the input hole. Moreover, when the rupture member 340 is ruptured, the input hole may be opened so that the fire extinguishing agent contained in the inner tank 310 flows out.

[0117] The rupture member 340 may be located below the fire extinguishing tank 300. In this case, when the rupture member 340 is ruptured, the fire extinguishing agent may be more smoothly injected into the battery module 100. In particular, the fire extinguishing agent may be injected into the battery module 100 in a free-falling manner.

[0118] At least one rupture member 340 may be provided in one fire extinguishing tank 300. For example, Figure 7 As shown, four rupture members 340 may be provided in one fire extinguishing tank 300 .

[0119] In addition, the rupture member 340 may be configured to be damaged by conditions such as temperature or pressure. For example, the rupture member 340 may be configured to be ruptured under conditions of a certain temperature or higher and / or a certain pressure or higher.

[0120] In particular, the rupture member 340 may be configured to be ruptured by exhaust gas. That is, when an event such as thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 100, exhaust gas may be generated and discharged from the battery module 100. At this time, the rupture member 340 may be made of a material or shape that can be ruptured by the heat or pressure of the exhaust gas.

[0121] The rupture member 340 may be implemented as a glass bulb. For example, an input hole may be formed in the fire extinguishing tank 300, and the glass bulb may be inserted and fastened into the input hole. In addition, when the glass bulb comes into contact with the exhaust gas, the glass bulb may be damaged, thereby causing the fire extinguishing agent inside the fire extinguishing tank 300 to be sprayed to the outside, particularly toward the battery module 100.

[0122] According to this embodiment, although the fire extinguishing tank 300 is simply constructed, the structure of injecting the fire extinguishing agent into the battery module 100 can be made smoother. In addition, according to this embodiment, it is easier to provide a structure in which the rupture member 340 is ruptured by the exhaust gas generated from the battery module 100.

[0123] In addition, the rupture member 340 may be implemented in various materials or shapes that can be ruptured according to changes in conditions such as heat or pressure. For example, the rupture member 340 may be implemented in the form of a vinyl material or an injection molded product. More specifically, the rupture member 340 may include a vinyl material or a plastic material. For example, when the temperature rises due to the exhaust gas generated from the battery module 100 and exceeds a specific temperature, the vinyl or plastic having a low melting point melts and ruptures, and the fire extinguishing agent may be discharged from the fire extinguishing tank 300.

[0124] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the rupture member 340 may be configured to be detachable from the fire extinguishing tank 300. For example, the rupture member 340 may be detachable from an input hole provided in the fire extinguishing tank 300.

[0125] According to this structure, the rupture member 340 can be replaced with a rupture member having a different rupture temperature so that the rupture member 340 can be ruptured at a desired temperature. For example, by replacing glass bubbles that rupture at 70°C with glass bubbles that rupture at 100°C, the fire extinguishing agent discharge temperature of the fire extinguishing tank 300 can be easily controlled. Alternatively, the fire extinguishing tank 300 can be configured to discharge the fire extinguishing agent at a lower temperature by replacing the glass bubbles with a vinyl or plastic injection molding material having a low melting point or softening point.

[0126] Furthermore, according to this structure, a battery pack into which the fire extinguishing agent is injected at various temperatures can be constructed by replacing only the rupture member 340 without separately manufacturing the fire extinguishing tank 300 .

[0127] Furthermore, according to the structure of the present disclosure, even after the rupture member 340 is ruptured, a new rupture member 340 can be easily installed, and thus the fire extinguishing tank 300 can be recovered.

[0128] An opening may be formed in the battery module 100 to communicate with the internal space thereof. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 01 , an opening may be formed at the top of the battery module 100. In addition, the opening O1 may communicate with the inner space of the module housing where the battery cells are located.

[0129] Here, at least a portion of the rupture member 340 may be configured to be inserted into the opening O1 of the battery module 100. Figure 8 As shown in A4 and A4 ′ in FIG. 1 , the rupture member 340 may be inserted into the inner space of the battery module 100 through the opening O1 .

[0130] According to this embodiment of the present disclosure, the fire extinguishing agent can flow into the internal space of the battery module 100. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively deal with thermal events occurring inside the battery module 100, such as thermal runaway, gas injection, fire, etc. In addition, the battery cell that is the direct target of the thermal event can be located in the internal space of the battery module 100. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the fire extinguishing agent can be directly injected into the battery cell. Therefore, it is more advantageous for suppressing or preventing fire, etc.

[0131] In addition, according to this embodiment of the present disclosure, the rupture member 340 such as a glass bubble can cope with exhaust gas more quickly. That is, when exhaust gas is generated in the internal space of the battery module 100, the exhaust gas can be discharged to the outside of the battery module 100 through the opening O1. In other words, the opening O1 can be used as an outlet for the exhaust gas in the battery module 100. In addition, when the opening O1 is located on the upper side of the battery module 100, a large amount of exhaust gas can be discharged toward the opening O1 located on the upper side of the battery module 100.

[0132] At this time, if the glass bubble is located at the portion where the exhaust gas is discharged, the glass bubble will break quickly when the exhaust gas is generated. Therefore, when a thermal event occurs, the fire extinguishing agent can be injected more quickly. In addition, in this case, since the fire extinguishing agent can be directly injected into the exhausted exhaust gas, the temperature of the exhaust gas can be lowered, and the emission of external ignition sources such as flames or sparks contained in the exhaust gas can be suppressed.

[0133] Meanwhile, the opening O1 formed in the battery module 100 may not necessarily be provided for exhausting exhaust gas, etc. For example, Figure 2 The opening O1 at the top of the battery module 100 shown may be provided for transportation of the battery module 100. That is, the opening O1 may be configured to provide a space into which a worker or a carrying device may insert fingers or a gripping tool to grip the battery module 100 when transporting the battery module 100. Alternatively, the opening O1 may be configured to insert the control module 200 or the fire extinguishing tank 300.

[0134] In the fire extinguishing tank 300, a ventilation path configured to allow exhaust gas to move may be formed. That is, when exhaust gas is discharged from the opening O1 of the battery module 100, a ventilation path may be formed inside and / or outside the fire extinguishing tank 300 so that the exhaust gas is discharged to a specific portion. The ventilation path may be formed by the fire extinguishing tank 300 alone or together with other components. This will refer to Fig. 9 and Fig.10 Together with Figure 8 Further description is given.

[0135] Fig. 9 This is an enlarged view of a partial cross-sectional structure of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from the front. Fig. 9 Can be called Figure 8 A4 part of the enlarged view. In addition, Fig.10 is a view showing a partial cross-sectional configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from the top. Fig.10 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line A6-A6'.

[0136] First, refer to Fig. 9 In a state where the fire extinguishing tank 300 is mounted on the top of the battery module 100, the fire extinguishing tank 300 and the battery module 100 may be configured to be partially separated from each other. In addition, the separation space may be communicated with the opening O1 of the battery module 100 and used as a ventilation path. For example, Fig. 9 As shown in A7 in FIG. 1 , a hollow space may be formed between the top of the battery module 100 and the bottom of the fire extinguishing tank 300. Moreover, the exhaust gas discharged through the opening O1 may be discharged to the outside through the separation space A7 between the battery module 100 and the fire extinguishing tank 300, as shown by arrow A8. That is, in this embodiment, the separation space A7 between the battery module 100 and the fire extinguishing tank 300 may be set as a ventilation path. In addition, the ventilation path formed between the battery module 100 and the fire extinguishing tank 300 may be connected to the outside of the battery pack so that the exhaust gas inside the battery pack may be discharged to the outside.

[0137] Furthermore, a ventilation path may be formed inside the fire extinguishing tank 300. In particular, when the inner tank 310 and the outer tank 320 are included in the fire extinguishing tank 300, a hollow space may be formed between the inner tank 310 and the outer tank 320. Figure 8 As shown in A5 in FIG. 1 , the inner tank 310 and the outer tank 320 may be spaced apart from each other, and the corresponding spaces may be used as ventilation paths.

[0138] In addition, the separation space A5 between the inner tank 310 and the outer tank 320 may be communicated with the opening O1 of the battery module 100. In addition, the ventilation path formed between the inner tank 310 and the outer tank 320 may be connected to the outside of the battery pack so that the exhaust gas inside the battery pack can be discharged to the outside.

[0139] In addition, a gap may be formed between the fire extinguishing tank 300 and the battery module 100 (eg Fig. 9 A8 in FIG. 3 ) and between the outer tank 320 and the inner tank 310 (as shown in FIG. Figure 8 In addition, these ventilation paths can be communicated with each other and connected to the opening O1 and the external space.

[0140] In this embodiment, the exhaust gas discharged from the inside of the battery module 100 to the opening O1 may damage the rupture member 340, such as the glass bulb located in the opening O1, so that the fire extinguishing agent may flow into the battery module 100. Fig.10As shown by arrows A9 and A9' in FIG. 1 , the exhaust gas can be discharged to the outside of the battery module 100 while passing through the space between the fire extinguishing tank 300 and the battery module 100 and the ventilation path formed between the outer tank 320 and the inner tank 310, respectively. More specifically, referring to Fig.10 In the embodiment, the exhaust gas can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack by moving in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) and then moving backward (+Y-axis direction) in the internal space of the fire extinguishing tank 300. At this time, in the battery pack, the outlet of the ventilation path can be located at the rear of the battery pack.

[0141] According to this embodiment, since an exhaust gas discharge structure is provided by the fire extinguishing tank 300 installed on the battery module 100, the exhaust gas inside the battery module 100 can be smoothly discharged to the outside, thereby preventing explosion or the like caused by an increase in the internal pressure of the battery module 100.

[0142] In addition, according to this embodiment, the direction of the exhaust gas discharged from the battery module 100 can be effectively controlled by the fire extinguishing tank 300. In particular, in this embodiment, the exhaust gas can be caused to flow toward the rupture member 340. Therefore, when the exhaust gas is generated, the rupture member 340 can be quickly ruptured. In addition, in this embodiment, the exhaust gas can move to the rear side of the battery pack, such as Fig.10 Therefore, it is possible to prevent the exhaust gas from being directly exposed to a user or other components located on the front side of the battery pack.

[0143] Two or more battery modules 100 may be included in the battery pack. In this case, the fire extinguishing tank 300 may be configured to inject the fire extinguishing agent into each of the two or more battery modules 100 individually. This will be further referred to Fig.11 Describe in more detail.

[0144] Fig.11 Schematically shows a partial cross-sectional structure of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from the side. For example, Fig.11 Can be along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line A10-A10'.

[0145] refer to Fig.11 In the example above, two or more battery modules 100 may be included in the battery pack. In addition, the fire extinguishing tank 300 may be configured to be assembled with two or more battery modules 100. In this case, the fire extinguishing tank 300 may include at least two rupture members 340 so as to be spaced apart from each other in the stacking direction of the battery modules 100. In addition, the plurality of rupture members 340 may be respectively inserted into the openings O1 of different battery modules 100. For example, in Fig.11In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the first glass bubbles G1 may be inserted into the opening O1 of the first battery module M1 , and the second glass bubbles G2 may be inserted into the opening O1 of the second battery module M2 .

[0146] In addition, in this configuration, each of the glass bubbles G1, G2 can allow the fire extinguishing agent to be injected into different battery modules 100 (M1, M2). For example, when exhaust gas or flame is generated from the first battery module M1, as the first glass bubble G1 ruptures, the fire extinguishing agent in the fire extinguishing tank 300 can be injected into the first battery module M1 as indicated by the arrow D1. As another example, when exhaust gas or flame is generated from the second battery module M2, as the second glass bubble G2 ruptures, the fire extinguishing agent in the fire extinguishing tank 300 can be injected into the second battery module M2 as indicated by the arrow D2.

[0147] According to this embodiment of the present disclosure, the fire extinguishing agent can be directly injected into each battery module 100 in a battery pack including a plurality of battery modules 100. In particular, according to this embodiment, the fire extinguishing agent can be injected only for the battery module 100 where the event occurs. Therefore, the other battery modules 100 into which the fire extinguishing agent is not injected can continue their operation. For example, when an event occurs in the first battery module M1, the first glass bulb G1 is damaged, and the fire extinguishing agent can be injected only into the first battery module M1. At this time, since the second glass bulb G2 is not damaged, no fire extinguishing agent is injected into the second battery module M2, so that the second battery module M2 can continue to be used. Therefore, even if a problem occurs in some battery modules 100, the problem that the entire battery pack cannot be used can be prevented.

[0148] At the same time, Fig.11 , one rupture member 340 is shown to be inserted into one battery module 100, but two or more rupture members 340 may be inserted into one battery module 100. For example, Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the fire extinguishing tank 300 may include two or more rupture members 340 respectively located in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. In this case, the two rupture members 340 arranged in the left-right direction may be inserted into one battery module 100 together.

[0149] In an embodiment where the battery pack includes a plurality of battery modules 100, the ventilation path may be separated between each battery module 100. For example, a protrusion may be formed between the first battery module M1 and the second battery module M2, such as Fig.11 The protrusion is provided on the top of the battery module 100 in an upwardly protruding shape and can contact the bottom of the fire extinguishing tank 300 .

[0150] In this case, the protrusion can prevent exhaust gas and the like from flowing to other battery modules 100. For example, when exhaust gas is ejected through the opening O1 in the first battery module M1, the exhaust gas can flow in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) along the ventilation path formed between the upper part of the first battery module M1 and the lower part of the fire extinguisher tank 300, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 As shown. However, due to the protrusion W1 formed between the first battery module M1 and the second battery module M2, the exhaust gas discharged from the first battery module M1 may not move to the second battery module M2. That is, the protrusion W1 formed between the first battery module M1 and the second battery module M2 may serve as a barrier to prevent the exhaust gas from moving therebetween. In particular, the central protrusion W1 may be made of an elastic material such as rubber, silicone, or urethane to ensure sealing performance.

[0151] Such a protrusion W1 may be formed to be elongated in a horizontal direction (X-axis direction) that is orthogonal to the stacking direction of the battery module 100. Fig.10 As shown, the protrusion as a stopper may be located between the first battery module M1 and the second battery module M2 as shown by W2 , but is formed to be elongated in the left-right direction (X-axis direction).

[0152] According to this embodiment of the present disclosure, the ventilation direction of the exhaust gas can be more reliably controlled. In addition, in this case, the exhaust gas discharged from some battery modules 100 can be prevented from flowing into other battery modules 100, thereby preventing the thermal runaway from propagating between the modules. In addition, according to this embodiment, the problem that the rupture member 340 is damaged by the exhaust gas discharged from another battery module 100 and the fire extinguishing agent is injected into the normal battery module 100 can be prevented.

[0153] In addition, blocking members may also be formed on the outer sides of the plurality of battery modules 100. Fig.11 The portion shown by W3 in FIG. 1 may also be provided at the front top edge of the first battery module M1 located at the front side with a protrusion (front protrusion) as a blocking member that contacts the fire extinguishing tank 300 and seals the ventilation path. Fig.11 As shown in W3' in FIG, at the rear top edge of the second battery module M2 located at the rear side, a protrusion (rear protrusion) may also be provided as a blocking member that contacts the fire extinguishing tank 300 and seals the ventilation path. In addition, the front protrusion W3 and the rear protrusion W3' may be made of an elastic material such as rubber, silicone or urethane to ensure sealing performance.

[0154] According to this embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealing force of the ventilation path formed between the battery module 100 and the fire extinguishing tank 300 can be ensured so that the exhaust gas can be discharged only in the intended direction. Fig.10 The exhaust gas can be prevented from moving in the directions indicated by arrows A9 and A9' in the figure, and can be prevented from moving in other directions, such as toward the front side of the battery pack.

[0155] The fire extinguishing tank 300 may further include a cover portion configured to protrude toward the battery module 100 at an edge portion coupled to the battery module 100. Figure 7 and Fig.11 , as shown in the portion indicated by A11, a cover portion extending in a direction further downward than the top of the battery module 100 may be formed on the bottom of at least a portion of the edge portion of the fire extinguishing tank 300. In addition, when the fire extinguishing tank 300 is mounted to the battery module 100, the cover portion may be configured to cover the outside of the battery module 100.

[0156] According to this embodiment of the present disclosure, the coupling characteristics between the fire extinguishing tank 300 and the battery module 100 can be further improved. In addition, according to this embodiment, when the fire extinguishing agent is sprayed from the fire extinguishing tank 300, the fire extinguishing agent can be well injected into the battery module 100, and the fire extinguishing agent can be suppressed from leaking to the outside of the battery pack.

[0157] In addition, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent exhaust gas from leaking in an undesirable direction. For example, the cover portion may be formed at edge corner portions of three sides (i.e., the front side, the left side, and the right side) of the lower edge of the fire extinguishing tank 300. In this case, the exhaust gas introduced between the fire extinguishing tank 300 and the battery module 100 may be caused to flow out toward the rear side of the battery pack, and leakage to the front side, the left side, or the right side may be prevented.

[0158] In addition, the fire extinguishing tank 300 may further include a sealing member located at an edge portion coupled to the battery module 100 and / or the control module 200. For example, the fire extinguishing tank 300 may include an upper sealing member and an upper sealing member configured in a ring shape. Moreover, the upper sealing member may be disposed on an upper edge of the fire extinguishing tank 300, and the lower sealing member may be disposed on a lower edge of the fire extinguishing tank 300. The sealing member may be made of an elastic material, such as rubber, silicone, or urethane.

[0159] According to this configuration, it is possible to ensure sealing performance relative to the connection portion with other components (battery module, control module) at the upper end and / or lower end of the fire extinguishing tank 300. Therefore, it is possible to prevent leakage of exhaust gas or penetration of foreign matter such as water, moisture or dust through the corresponding portion.

[0160] In the battery pack according to the present disclosure, the fire extinguishing tank 300, the battery module 100, the control module 200, etc. may be configured to be coupled and fixed to a wall of a building (e.g., a house) or an office building. For example, the fire extinguishing tank 300 may have a fixing hole formed in the rear surface, and the fire extinguishing tank 300 may be fixed to the wall through the fixing hole. Alternatively, the battery pack according to the present disclosure may also include a fixing unit configured to be coupled to a wall, etc. The fixing unit may be fastened to a component such as a fire extinguishing tank 300 or a battery module 100, so that the battery pack can be fixed to a wall.

[0161] The energy storage system according to the present disclosure includes one or more battery packs according to the present disclosure. In addition, in addition to the battery pack, the energy storage system according to the present disclosure may also include common components included in the energy storage system. In particular, the energy storage system according to the present disclosure may be an energy storage system for a house (building), for storing energy in a house or building.

[0162] The present disclosure has been described in detail. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of example only, because various changes and modifications within the scope of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art who refer to this specification.

[0163] List of reference numerals:

[0164] 100: Battery module

[0165] M1: first battery module, M2: second battery module

[0166] 200: Control module

[0167] 300: Fire extinguisher

[0168] 310: Inner tank

[0169] 320: Outer tank

[0170] 330: Connecting components

[0171] 340: Cracked component

[0172] C1: module fastening part, C2: control fastening part,

[0173] C31, C32: Tank fastening part

[0174] E1: module connector, E2: control connector

[0175] E31, E32: Tank connector

[0176] T: Fire extinguisher unit

[0177] T1: First fire extinguisher unit

[0178] T2: The second fire extinguisher tank unit.

Claims

1. A battery pack, characterized in that include: A battery module, wherein the battery module has at least one battery cell; a control module connected to the battery module and configured to manage the battery module; as well as A fire extinguishing tank containing a fire extinguishing agent, the fire extinguishing tank being connected to at least one of the battery module and the control module and having a rupture member, the rupture member being located below the fire extinguishing tank and being configured to rupture under a predetermined condition so that the fire extinguishing agent flows out when the rupture member ruptures.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fire extinguisher tank is installed between the battery module and the control module.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rupture member is configured to be detachable from the fire extinguisher tank.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fire extinguishing tank includes tank fastening portions which are respectively provided at an upper end and a lower end of the fire extinguishing tank and are configured to be coupled to the control module and the battery module.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery module includes a blocking member that contacts the fire extinguishing tank or the control module to seal a ventilation path.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fire extinguishing tank is located on the top of the battery module so that the fire extinguishing agent freely falls toward the battery module.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fire extinguishing agent includes at least one of antifreeze, salt water and insulating oil.

8. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: comprising two or more battery modules, and The fire extinguishing tank is configured such that the fire extinguishing agent is injected into each of the two or more battery modules respectively.

9. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rupturing member is a glass bubble.

10. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery module has an opening formed to communicate with an inner space thereof, and The rupture member is configured such that at least a portion thereof is inserted into the opening of the battery module.

11. The battery pack according to claim 10, characterized in that: The fire extinguisher tank has a ventilation path formed so that the exhaust gas moves through the ventilation path when the exhaust gas is discharged from the opening.

12. The battery pack according to claim 8, characterized in that: The fire extinguishing tank includes a plurality of fire extinguishing tank units, and the plurality of fire extinguishing tank units are configured to correspond to the battery modules, respectively.

13. The battery pack according to claim 12, characterized in that: Each of the fire extinguisher tank units is configured to have an independent accommodation space.

14. An energy storage system, characterized in that Comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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