Battery module

Abstract

A battery module includes: a housing; a first battery cell in the housing; a second battery cell in the housing and spaced apart from the first battery cell; a fire extinguishing member between the first battery cell and the second battery cell, and configured to eject a fire extinguishing material on the first battery cell and the second battery cell; and a support member in the housing and supporting the fire extinguishing member. According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a fire extinguishing member directly injects a fire extinguishing material into a first battery cell and a second battery cell in a housing, and can improve fire extinguishing efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure relate to battery modules. Background Art

[0002] Generally, as demand for portable electronic products such as notebook computers, video cameras, and portable phones rapidly increases and commercialization of robots, electric vehicles, etc. urgently begins, research on high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charge and discharge is actively underway.

[0003] Secondary batteries are widely used not only for driving devices or energy storage in small devices such as portable electronic devices, but also in medium- and large-scale devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). In particular, in the case of medium- and large-scale devices, battery modules can be formed in the form of electrically connecting multiple battery cells to increase the output power and capacity of the battery.

[0004] A fire extinguishing pipe can be installed in the battery module to spray fire extinguishing materials to suppress the fire in the event of a fire. However, when such a fire extinguishing pipe is located outside the module housing, the fire extinguishing efficiency is reduced and it may become clogged or damaged due to flames, gas, foreign matter, etc. discharged through the exhaust port of the battery cells.

[0005] The above information disclosed in the art forming the background of the present disclosure is provided to enhance understanding of the background of the present disclosure and therefore may include information that does not constitute related art. Utility Model Content

[0006] According to aspects of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery module is provided that improves fire extinguishing efficiency and is easy to install and replace.

[0007] The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will be described in or will be apparent from the following description of some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments, a battery module includes: a housing; a first battery cell in the housing; a second battery cell in the housing and spaced apart from the first battery cell; a fire extinguishing member between the first battery cell and the second battery cell and configured to spray a fire extinguishing material onto the first battery cell and the second battery cell; and a support member in the housing that supports the fire extinguishing member.

[0009] The fire extinguishing member may include: a fire extinguishing pipe including a first end portion and a second end portion; an end cap connected to the first end portion to seal the fire extinguishing pipe; and a supply port connected to the second end portion to supply the fire extinguishing material to the fire extinguishing pipe.

[0010] The fire extinguishing pipe can be melted when heated to above a set temperature.

[0011] The fire extinguishing pipe may be elastically deformable.

[0012] The end cap may include: a cap head facing the first end portion; a cap body extending from the cap head and inserted into the first end portion; and a cap flange extending from the cap body and contacting (e.g., tightly contacting) an inner surface of the first end portion.

[0013] The supply port may include: a fixed bracket facing the second end portion and connected to the housing; a first port body extending from the fixed bracket, inserted into the second end portion, and connected to the internal space of the second end portion; a port flange extending from the first port body and contacting (e.g., in tight contact) the inner surface of the second end portion; and a second port body extending from the fixed bracket, protruding outward from the housing, and connected to the first port body.

[0014] The supporting member may include a bracket body between the first battery cell and the second battery cell; a guide rail passing through the bracket body and into which the fire extinguishing member is inserted; and a sleeve connected to the bracket body and surrounding the fire extinguishing pipe.

[0015] The bracket body may include a first surface facing the first battery cell and a second surface facing the second battery cell, and the sleeve may include a first sleeve connected to the first surface and surrounding one side of the fire extinguishing pipe and a second sleeve connected to the second surface and surrounding the other side of the fire extinguishing pipe.

[0016] The first sleeve and the second sleeve may be provided as a plurality of first sleeves and a plurality of second sleeves, and the plurality of first sleeves and the plurality of second sleeves may be arranged in a longitudinal direction of the guide rail.

[0017] The first sleeve and the second sleeve may be alternately arranged in a longitudinal direction of the guide rail.

[0018] The first sleeve may include a first support ring between the first battery cell and the first surface and a first extrusion member protruding from the first support ring toward the fire extinguishing pipe, and the second sleeve may include a second support ring between the second battery cell and the second surface and a second extrusion member protruding from the second support ring toward the fire extinguishing pipe.

[0019] The first pressing member may include a plurality of first pressing protrusions arranged in a circumferential direction of the first support ring, and / or the second pressing member may include a plurality of second pressing protrusions arranged in a circumferential direction of the second support ring.

[0020] The first pressing member may include a first pressing ring extending in a circumferential direction of the first support ring, and / or the second pressing member may include a second pressing ring extending in a circumferential direction of the second support ring.

[0021] The support member may further include an end sleeve spaced apart from the bracket body and supporting the end cap.

[0022] The end sleeve may include: a sleeve body extending from the housing toward the bracket body and into which the end cap is inserted; and a seat portion disposed in the sleeve body and in contact with an end portion of the end cap.

[0023] The seat portion may include an inclined surface arranged obliquely with respect to an extending direction of the sleeve body.

[0024] The end sleeve may include: a sleeve body extending from the housing toward the bracket body and into which the end cap is inserted; and a snap-fit ​​portion protruding from an inner surface of the sleeve body and contacting the end cap.

[0025] The end cover may include a cover head facing the first end portion, a cover body extending from the cover head and inserted into the first end portion, and a cover flange extending from the cover body and contacting (e.g., in tight contact) with the inner surface of the first end portion, and the snap-fit ​​portion may be inserted between the cover flange and the cover head.

[0026] The battery module may further include a channel in the housing to guide a flow of the fire extinguishing material ejected from the fire extinguishing member.

[0027] The channel may include a first channel between a bottom surface of the housing and the first battery cell; and a second channel between the bottom surface of the housing and the second battery cell. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The accompanying drawings attached to this specification illustrate some embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description of the present disclosure, further describe aspects and features of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the accompanying drawings.

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

[0030] Figure 2 This is an example based on Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional perspective view of a configuration of a battery module of an embodiment;

[0031] Figure 3 This is an example based on Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional plan view of a configuration of a battery module of an embodiment;

[0032] Figure 4 This is an example based on Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the configuration of a fire extinguishing member of an embodiment;

[0033] Figure 5 This is an example based on Figure 1 A schematic enlarged view of the configuration of the end cap of an embodiment;

[0034] Figure 6 This is an example based on Figure 1 A schematic enlarged view of an installation state of a supply port of an embodiment;

[0035] Figure 7 This is an example based on Figure 1 A schematic enlarged view of the configuration of the supply port of an embodiment;

[0036] Figure 8 This is an example based on Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a configuration of a support member of an embodiment;

[0037] Figure 9 It is an example from Figure 8 Another perspective of viewing Figure 1 A perspective view of a configuration of a support member of an embodiment;

[0038] Figure 10 This is an example based on Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a configuration of a support member of an embodiment;

[0039] Figure 11 This is an example based on Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the configuration of the sleeve of an embodiment;

[0040] Figure 12 This is an example based on Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the configuration of the first sleeve of an embodiment;

[0041] Figure 13 and Figure 14 This is an example Figure 11 and Figure 12A view of a modified example of the first pressing protrusion and the second pressing protrusion shown in FIG;

[0042] Figure 15 and Figure 16 This is an example Figure 11 and Figure 12 1 and 2; 2 and 3. Views of other modified examples of the first extrusion protrusion and the second extrusion protrusion shown in FIG. 1;

[0043] Figure 17 This is an example based on Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the configuration of the end sleeve of an embodiment;

[0044] Figure 18 This is an example based on Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the configuration of the end sleeve of an embodiment;

[0045] Figure 19 This is an example based on Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a channel configuration of an embodiment;

[0046] Figure 20 This is an example based on Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a state in which a fire extinguishing material of an embodiment is introduced into a first channel;

[0047] Figure 21 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the configuration of a first extrusion member and a second extrusion member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 22 This is an example based on Figure 21 A schematic front view of the configuration of the first extrusion member and the second extrusion member of the embodiment;

[0049] Figure 23 This is an example based on Figure 21 A schematic cross-sectional view of a configuration of a first extrusion member of an embodiment of FIG.

[0050] Figure 24 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an end sleeve according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0051] Figure 25 and Figure 26 This is an example Figure 24 2 is a view of a modified example of the engaging portion shown in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Herein, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to common or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted as having meanings and concepts consistent with the technical ideas of the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventor can be his / her own lexicon compiler to appropriately define term concepts.

[0053] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are provided as some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and do not necessarily represent all technical ideas, aspects, and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace or modify the embodiments described herein at the time of filing this application.

[0054] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. For example, when a first element is described as being “coupled to” or “connected to” a second element, the first element can be directly coupled or connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly coupled or connected to the second element via one or more intervening elements.

[0055] In the accompanying drawings, for clarity of illustration, the sizes of various elements, layers, etc. may be exaggerated. The same reference numerals indicate the same or similar elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items. Further, the use of "may" when describing embodiments of the present disclosure relates to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure." Expressions such as "at least one of..." and "any one of..." modify the entire list of elements when before / after a list of elements, without modifying individual elements in the list. When phrases such as "at least one of A, B, and C," "at least one selected from the group of A, B, and C," or "at least one selected from among A, B, and C" are used to specify a list of elements A, B, and C, the phrase may refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the terms "use" and "are used for" may be considered synonymous with the terms "utilize" and "are utilized for," respectively. As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation rather than terms of degree, and are intended to take into account the inherent variations in measurements or calculations that one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize.

[0056] It should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. may be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0057] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "below," "under," "down," "above," "on," etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figures. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figure is turned over, an element or feature described as being "below" or "below" other elements or features may be oriented as being "above" or "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" may encompass both above and below orientations. The device may be positioned in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0058] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form "a" and "an" are also intended to include the plural form. It should be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms "comprise" and / or "comprising" specify the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof.

[0059] In addition, any numerical range disclosed and / or listed herein is intended to include all subranges of the same numerical precision contained within the listed range. For example, the range of "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all subranges between the listed minimum value of 1.0 and the listed maximum value of 10.0 (and including the listed minimum value of 1.0 and the listed maximum value of 10.0), that is, a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, for example, such as 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit listed herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit listed in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification, including the claims, to explicitly list any subranges contained within the range explicitly listed herein.

[0060] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc. as "the same" may mean that they are identical or substantially identical. Thus, the phrases "identical" or "substantially identical" may include conditions with what is considered in the art to be low variance, for example, 5% or less. Furthermore, when a parameter is referred to as being consistent in a given region, this may mean that it is consistent with respect to the average value.

[0061] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specified, each element may be in the singular or in the plural.

[0062] When any element is referred to as being arranged (or positioned or placed) "on (or under)" or "on (or under)" a component, this may mean that the element is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, or it may mean that another component may be interposed between the component and any element arranged (or positioned or placed) on (or under) the component.

[0063] Furthermore, it should be understood that when an element is referred to as being “coupled,” “linked,” or “connected” to another element, the elements may be directly “coupled,” “linked,” or “connected” to each other, or one or more intermediate elements may be present therebetween, and the element may be “coupled,” “linked,” or “connected” to the other element via one or more intermediate elements. Furthermore, when a part is referred to as being “electrically coupled” to another part, the part may be directly electrically connected to the other part, or one or more intermediate parts may be present therebetween, such that the part and the other part are indirectly electrically connected to each other.

[0064] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise indicated, when "A and / or B" is stated, it means A, B, or A and B. In other words, "and / or" includes any or all combinations of the listed items. Unless otherwise indicated, when "C to D" is stated, it means C or more and D or less.

[0065] The terms used in this specification are used to describe the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0066] Figure 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 This is an example based on Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional perspective view of a configuration of a battery module of an embodiment, and Figure 3 This is an example based on Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional plan view of the configuration of a battery module of an embodiment.

[0067] refer to Figures 1 to 3 , the battery module according to the present embodiment includes a case 100 , a first battery cell 200 , a second battery cell 300 , a fire extinguishing member 400 , and a support member 500 .

[0068] The outer case 100 may accommodate therein a first battery cell 200 and a second battery cell 300 to be described below, and may protect the first battery cell 100 and the second battery cell 300 from external foreign matter, impact, and the like.

[0069] The housing 100 may include a bottom plate 110 , a top plate 120 , side plates 130 , and end plates 140 .

[0070] The bottom plate 110 and the top plate 120 may form the lower and upper appearances of the housing 100. In one embodiment, a cooling plate (not shown) in which cooling water for cooling the first battery cell 200 and the second battery cell 300 circulates may be mounted on the bottom plate 110. Bus bars (not shown) electrically connected to the first battery cell 200 and the second battery cell 300 may be mounted on the top plate 120. However, the specific shapes of the bottom plate 110 and the top plate 120 are not limited to Figures 1 to 3 , and its design may be changed in various ways according to the size, shape, etc. of the housing 100 .

[0071] The side panels 130 may be provided as a pair of side panels 130. The pair of side panels 130 may form two side appearances of the housing 100. The lower end portion and the upper end portion of the side panels 130 may be respectively coupled to the bottom panel 110 and the top panel 120 by welding, bolting, etc. However, the specific shape of the side panels 130 is not limited to Figures 1 to 3 , and its design may be changed in various ways according to the size, shape, etc. of the housing 100 .

[0072] The end plates 140 may be formed as a pair of end plates 140. The pair of end plates 140 may form the front and rear appearances of the housing 100. The lower and upper end portions of the end plates 140 may be coupled to the bottom plate 110 and the top plate 120, respectively, by welding, bolting, etc. The left and right end portions of the end plates 140 may be coupled to the pair of side plates 130 by welding, bolting, etc. However, the specific shape of the end plates 140 is not limited to Figures 1 to 3 , and its design may be changed in various ways according to the size, shape, etc. of the housing 100 .

[0073] The longitudinal direction of the housing 100 described below may be parallel to the longitudinal direction based on Figures 1 to 3 The direction of the X-axis is the direction perpendicular to the pair of end plates 140. In addition, the width direction of the housing 100 may be parallel to the direction based on Figures 1 to 3 The Y-axis direction is a direction perpendicularly passing through the pair of side plates 130 .

[0074] The first battery cell 200 and the second battery cell 300 may serve as a unit structure for storing and supplying power in a battery module.

[0075] An example of each of the first battery cell 200 and the second battery cell 300 may be a prismatic secondary battery, in which an electrode assembly (not shown) including a positive electrode plate (not shown) and a negative electrode plate (not shown) located on both sides or opposite sides of a separator (not shown) is disposed in a housing (not shown) and can charge and discharge a certain amount (e.g., a predetermined amount) of electricity. In one embodiment, the electrode assembly may be formed into a wound type in which the separator, the positive electrode plate, and the negative electrode plate are wound into a core type or a stacked type in which the separator, the positive electrode plate, and the negative electrode plate are stacked on each other.

[0076] The first battery cell 200 and the second battery cell 300 may be provided as a plurality of first battery cells 100 and a plurality of second battery cells 300. The plurality of first battery cells 200 may be arranged in a longitudinal direction of the housing 100 (ie, parallel to the direction of the battery cell 100 based on the longitudinal direction of the housing 100). Figures 1 to 3 The plurality of second battery cells 300 may be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the housing 100. In one embodiment, the number of the first battery cells 200 and the number of the second battery cells 300 may be the same.

[0077] The first battery cell 200 and the second battery cell 300 may be disposed in a width direction of the housing 100 (ie, parallel to the width direction of the housing 100). Figures 1 to 3 Therefore, a space in which the fire extinguishing member 400 and the support member 500 can be installed can be ensured between the first battery cell 200 and the second battery cell 300.

[0078] The lower surfaces of the first battery cell 200 and the second battery cell 300 may be disposed so as to be spaced apart from the upper surface of the bottom plate 110 by a distance (e.g., a predetermined distance). In this case, the first battery cell 200 and the second battery cell 300 may be seated on a support portion (not shown) extending from the side plate 130 or the like, thereby maintaining the first battery cell 300 and the second battery cell 200 spaced apart from the upper surface of the bottom plate 110.

[0079] The fire extinguishing member 400 can spray the fire extinguishing material onto the first battery cell 200 and the second battery cell 300 in response to the temperature increase of the first battery cell 200 or the second battery cell 300. That is, the fire extinguishing member 400 can extinguish a fire that occurs in the first battery cell 200 or the second battery cell 300. In this case, examples of the fire extinguishing material may include any of various substances, such as Novec 1230, water, Halon 1211, Halon 1301, a loaded stream agent, and soda acid, all of which have a fire extinguishing function.

[0080] The fire extinguishing member 400 may be provided between the first and second battery cells 200 and 300. Therefore, malfunction of the fire extinguishing member 400 due to flames and foreign matter discharged through exhaust ports of the first and second battery cells 200 and 300 may be prevented or substantially prevented.

[0081] The fire extinguishing member 400 can be inserted into the housing 100 from the outside of the housing 100 or separated from the inside of the housing 100 to the outside of the housing 100 by passing through the end plate 140 of the pair of end plates 140. Therefore, when the fire extinguishing member 400 sprays the fire extinguishing material or is damaged, the fire extinguishing member 400 can be easily replaced from the housing 100.

[0082] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the configuration of a fire extinguishing member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] refer to Figure 4 The fire extinguishing member 400 may include a fire extinguishing pipe 410 , an end cover 420 , and a supply port 430 .

[0084] The fire extinguishing pipe 410 may be formed in a hollow tube shape. The fire extinguishing pipe 410 may be disposed between the first battery cell 200 and the second battery cell 300. The longitudinal direction of the fire extinguishing pipe 410 may be disposed parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing 100. A portion of the entire circumferential surface of the fire extinguishing pipe 410 may be disposed to face the side surface of the first battery cell 200, and the remaining portion of the entire circumferential surface of the fire extinguishing pipe 410 may be disposed to face the side surface of the second battery cell 300. The position of the fire extinguishing pipe 410 may be fixed between the first battery cell 200 and the second battery cell 300 by a support member 500 to be described below.

[0085] The fire extinguishing material supplied through the supply port 430 described below can fill the interior of the fire extinguishing pipe 410. In one embodiment, the fire extinguishing pipe 410 can be melted when heated to a certain temperature (e.g., a set temperature) or above. Therefore, the fire extinguishing pipe 410 can melt when the temperature of the first battery cell 200 and the second battery cell 300 rises or a flame occurs, and the fire extinguishing material filled in the interior of the fire extinguishing pipe 410 can be sprayed to the outside. In one embodiment, the fire extinguishing pipe 410 can be provided to be elastically deformed. For example, the fire extinguishing pipe 410 can be formed of a synthetic resin material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc. In this case, the certain temperature (e.g., the set temperature) can be changed in various ways to a value within a range of approximately 80°C to 300°C during the design stage.

[0086] The fire extinguishing pipe 410 may include a first end portion 411 and a second end portion 412 .

[0087] The first end portion 411 and the second end portion 412 may form the appearance of two or opposite end portions of the fire extinguishing pipe 410. The first end portion 411 and the second end portion 412 may be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the fire extinguishing pipe 410. When the fire extinguishing pipe 410 is fully inserted into the housing 100, the first end portion 411 and the second end portion 412 may be arranged to face the pair of end plates 140. In the first end portion 411 and the second end portion 412, the sides facing the end plates 140 may be formed to be open.

[0088] The end cap 420 is connected to the first end portion 411 and seals the fire extinguishing pipe 410. That is, the end cap 420 may prevent or substantially prevent the fire extinguishing material from leaking from the fire extinguishing pipe 410 when the first and second battery cells 200 and 300 operate normally.

[0089] Figure 5 is a schematic enlarged view illustrating the configuration of an end cap according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] refer to Figure 5 The end cover 420 may include a cover head 421 , a cover body 422 and a cover flange 423 .

[0091] The cap 421 may be provided to face the open side of the first end portion 411. The inner surface of the cap 421 may be in close contact with the open surface of the first end portion 411. The cross-sectional area of ​​the cap 421 may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first end portion 411. Therefore, the cap 421 may prevent the fire extinguishing material from leaking to the outside of the fire extinguishing pipe 410 through the open side of the first end portion 411. However, the specific shape of the cap 421 is not limited to Figure 5 , and its design may be changed in various ways within the technical spirit of the shape capable of sealing the open side of the first end portion 411 .

[0092] The cover body 422 may extend from the cover head 421 and may be inserted into the first end portion 411. The cover body 422 may have a cylindrical shape extending from the inner surface of the cover head 421 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the fire extinguishing tube 410. The cross-sectional area of ​​the cover body 422 may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first end portion 411. When the cover head 421 contacts the open surface of the first end portion 411, the cover body 422 may be inserted into the first end portion 411 through the opening of the first end portion 411.

[0093] The cover flange 423 may extend from the cover body 422 and may be in close contact with the inner surface of the first end portion 411. That is, the cover flange 423 may prevent or substantially prevent the cover body 422 from being separated from the first end portion 411 by the contact force between the cover flange 423 and the first end portion 411. Therefore, the cover flange 423 may firmly maintain the contact force between the cover head 421 and the first end portion 411.

[0094] The cover flange 423 may protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the cover body 422 in the radial direction of the cover body 422. In one embodiment, the cover flange 423 may extend continuously in the circumferential direction of the cover body 422 and may be formed into a generally circular ring shape. When the cover body 422 is inserted into the first end portion 411, the cover flange 423 may press against the inner surface of the first end portion 411 in the radial direction of the fire extinguishing tube 410. In one embodiment, the cover flange 423 may use this squeezing force to elastically deform a portion of the first end portion 411 in the radial direction of the fire extinguishing tube 410, and may come into close contact with the inner surface of the first end portion 411 and form a hook connection. In one embodiment, the cover flange 423 may be formed so that its width decreases toward the end portion. Thus, the cover flange 423 can further increase the squeezing force acting between the cover flange 423 and the inner surface of the first end portion 411.

[0095] The cover flange 423 may be provided as a plurality of cover flanges 423. The plurality of cover flanges 423 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a certain distance (e.g., a set distance) in the longitudinal direction of the cover body 422. However, the number, distance, etc. of the cover flanges 423 may be varied in various ways depending on the length, cross-sectional area, etc. of the cover body 422.

[0096] The supply port 430 is connected to the second end portion 412, and the fire extinguishing material is supplied to the fire extinguishing pipe 410 through the supply port 430. That is, the supply port 430 may allow the fire extinguishing material supplied from the outside of the housing 100 to flow to the inside of the fire extinguishing pipe 410.

[0097] Figure 6 is a schematic enlarged view illustrating an installation state of a supply port according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0098] Figure 7 is a schematic enlarged view illustrating the configuration of a supply port according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 In one embodiment, the supply port 430 may include a fixing bracket 431 , a first port body 432 , a port flange 433 , and a second port body 434 .

[0100] The fixing bracket 431 may be formed into a generally flat plate shape and disposed facing the open side of the second end portion 412. The fixing bracket 431 may be in close contact with the open surface of the second end portion 412. The fixing bracket 431 may be disposed outside the housing 100 and coupled to the outer surface of the housing 100, that is, the end plate 140 through which the fire extinguishing pipe 410 is inserted. In this case, the fixing bracket 431 may be detachably coupled to the end plate 140 by bolting, assembly, or the like.

[0101] The first port body 432 may extend from the inner surface of the fixing bracket 431 facing the end plate 140. The first port body 432 may be formed in a hollow tube shape with both sides or opposite sides thereof open. The longitudinal direction of the first port body 432 may be set to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the fire extinguishing pipe 410. When the fixing bracket 431 contacts the open surface of the second end portion 412, the first port body 432 may be inserted into the second end portion 412. The end portion of the first port body 432 may pass through the fixing bracket 431 and communicate with the second port body 434, which will be described below. The other end portion of the first port body 432 may communicate with the internal space of the second end portion 412.

[0102] The port flange 433 may extend from the first port body 432 and may be in close contact with the inner surface of the second end portion 412. That is, the port flange 433 may prevent or substantially prevent the first port body 432 from being separated from the second end portion 412 using contact force between the port flange 433 and the second end portion 412.

[0103] The port flange 433 may protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the first port body 432 in a radial direction of the first port body 432. In one embodiment, the port flange 433 may extend continuously in the circumferential direction of the first port body 432 and may be formed into a generally circular ring shape. When the first port body 432 is inserted into the second end portion 412, the port flange 433 may press against the inner surface of the second end portion 412 in a radial direction of the fire extinguishing tube 410. In one embodiment, the port flange 433 may elastically deform a portion of the second end portion 412 in the radial direction of the fire extinguishing tube 410 and may come into close contact with and hook into the inner surface of the second end portion 412. The port flange 433 may be formed so that its width decreases toward the end portion. Thus, the port flange 433 may further increase the compressive force acting between the port flange 433 and the inner surface of the second end portion 412.

[0104] The port flange 433 may be provided as a plurality of port flanges 433. The plurality of port flanges 433 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a certain distance (e.g., a set distance) in the longitudinal direction of the first port body 432. However, the number of the port flanges 433 and the distances therebetween may be varied in various ways depending on the length, cross-sectional area, etc. of the first port body 432.

[0105] The second port body 434 may extend from an outer surface of the fixing bracket 431 that is disposed to face the external space of the housing 100. The second port body 434 may be formed in the shape of a hollow tube with both sides open. The longitudinal direction of the second port body 434 may be arranged to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first port body 432. An end portion of the second port body 434 may protrude outward from the housing 100. The end portion of the second port body 434 may receive fire extinguishing material supplied from the outside of the housing 100 via a pipe, hose, etc. The other end portion of the second port body 434 may pass through the fixing bracket 431 and communicate with the first port body 432. Therefore, the fire extinguishing material supplied from the outside of the housing 100 may be sequentially delivered to the fire extinguishing pipe 410 through the second port body 434 and the first port body 432.

[0106] The support member 500 is provided in the housing 100 and supports the fire extinguishing member 400. The support member 500 may allow the fire extinguishing member 400 to be correctly positioned in the housing 100 and guide the fire extinguishing member 400 to be inserted into or separated from the housing 100.

[0107] Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a configuration of a supporting member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 9 It is an example from Figure 8 A perspective view of a configuration of a support member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from another perspective; and Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a supporting member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] refer to Figures 8 to 10 , the support member 500 may include a bracket body 510 , a guide rail 520 and a sleeve 530 .

[0109] In one embodiment, the bracket body 510 can be disposed between the first battery cell 200 and the second battery cell 300 and can fully support the guide rail 520 and the sleeve 530 to be described below. The upper end portion of the bracket body 510 can be coupled to the top plate 120. The lower end portion of the bracket body 510 can be disposed to be spaced apart from the bottom plate 110 by a distance (e.g., a predetermined distance). The longitudinal direction of the bracket body 510 can be disposed to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing 100. Both or opposite end portions of the bracket body 510 in the longitudinal direction can be spaced apart from the inner surfaces of the pair of end plates 140 by a distance (e.g., a predetermined distance).

[0110] A first surface 511 facing the first battery cell 200 and a second surface 512 facing the second battery cell 300 may be formed on both sides or opposite sides of the bracket body 510. The first surface 511 and the second surface 512 may be disposed parallel to and facing side surfaces of the first battery cell 200 and the second battery cell 300.

[0111] The guide rail 520 may be formed to pass through the bracket body 510 and may provide a path through which the fire extinguishing member 400 is inserted into or separated from the housing 100. In one embodiment, the guide rail 520 may be formed in the shape of a hole that vertically passes through the first surface 511 and the second surface 512 of the bracket body 510. The longitudinal direction of the guide rail 520 may be set to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing 100. The two or opposite end portions of the guide rail 520 in the longitudinal direction may pass through the two end portions of the bracket body 510 in the longitudinal direction. The height of the guide rail 520 may be greater than the diameter of the cover head 421. Therefore, the fire extinguishing member 400 can be inserted into the guide rail 520 by passing through the end plate 140. When the fire extinguishing member 400 is fully inserted into the guide rail 520, the end cover 420 may protrude outward from the guide rail 520 through the end portion of the guide rail 520.

[0112] The sleeve 530 may be connected to the bracket body 510 and disposed to surround the fire extinguishing pipe 410. That is, the sleeve 530 may guide the fire extinguishing member 400 to move through the guide rail 520 and arrange a relative position of the fire extinguishing member 400 with respect to the guide rail 520.

[0113] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a sleeve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] refer to Figures 8 to 11 , the sleeve 530 may include a first sleeve 531 and a second sleeve 532 .

[0115] The first sleeve 531 may be connected to the first surface 511 of the bracket body 510 and disposed around one side of the fire extinguishing pipe 410 (e.g., to surround one side of the fire extinguishing pipe 410). The first sleeve 531 may be provided as a plurality of first sleeves 531. The plurality of first sleeves 531 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a distance (e.g., a set distance) in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 520.

[0116] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a first sleeve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0117] refer to Figures 8 to 12 , the first sleeve 531 may include a first supporting ring 531 a and a first pressing member 531 b.

[0118] The first support ring 531a can form a schematic appearance of the first sleeve 531 and can be arranged between the first battery cell 200 and the first surface 511. In one embodiment, the first support ring 531a can be formed in a semi-circular ring shape. The two or opposite end portions of the first support ring 531a can be fixed to the first surface 511 of the bracket body 510. The two or opposite end portions of the first support ring 531a can be vertically spaced apart from each other, with the guide rail 520 arranged therebetween. The central axis of the first support ring 531a can be set to be coaxial with the central axis of the fire extinguishing pipe 410. The inner surface of the first support ring 531a can be set to be the circumferential surface facing the side of the fire extinguishing pipe 410 facing the side surface of the first battery cell 200. The radius of the first support ring 531a can be greater than the radius of the fire extinguishing pipe 410, or can be formed to correspond to the radius of the fire extinguishing pipe 410.

[0119] The first pressing member 531b may protrude from the first supporting ring 531a toward the fire extinguishing tube 410 and press the circumferential surface of the fire extinguishing tube 410 on the side facing the side surface of the first battery cell 200. In one embodiment, the fire extinguishing tube 410 may be elastically deformed by the pressing force applied from the first pressing member 531b and may be in contact with (e.g., in strong and tight contact with) the first pressing member 531b.

[0120] The first pressing member 531 b may include a plurality of first pressing protrusions 531 c .

[0121] The first extrusion protrusion 531c may protrude from the inner surface of the first support ring 531a toward the central axis of the first support ring 531a and the fire extinguishing tube 410. The first extrusion protrusion 531c may be formed so that its width decreases toward the end portion (e.g., gradually decreases). Thus, the first extrusion protrusion 531c may increase the magnitude of the extrusion force applied to the fire extinguishing tube 410. In one embodiment, the first extrusion protrusion 531c may be formed into a substantially hemispherical shape.

[0122] The plurality of first extrusion protrusions 531c may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a distance (eg, a set distance) in the circumferential direction of the first support ring 531a. In one embodiment, the angle between a pair of adjacent first extrusion protrusions 531c may be 45° or 90°.

[0123] The second sleeve 532 can be connected to the second surface 512 of the bracket body 510 and disposed around the other side of the fire extinguishing pipe 410 (e.g., to surround the other side of the fire extinguishing pipe 410). In other words, the second sleeve 532 can be disposed around the remaining circumferential surface of the fire extinguishing pipe 410 not surrounded by the first sleeve 531 (e.g., to surround the remaining circumferential surface of the fire extinguishing pipe 410 not surrounded by the first sleeve 531). In one embodiment, the second sleeve 532 can be provided as a plurality of second sleeves 532. The plurality of second sleeves 532 can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a distance (e.g., a set distance) in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 520.

[0124] The second sleeve 532 may include a second support ring 532 a and a second pressing member 532 b .

[0125] The second support ring 532a may form the appearance of the second sleeve 532 and may be disposed between the second battery cell 300 and the second surface 512. In one embodiment, the second support ring 532a may be formed in a semi-circular ring shape. The two or opposing end portions of the second support ring 532a may be fixed to the second surface 512 of the bracket body 510. The two or opposing end portions of the second support ring 532a may be vertically spaced apart from each other, with the guide rail 520 interposed therebetween. The central axis of the second support ring 532a may be coaxial with the central axis of the fire extinguishing tube 410. The inner surface of the second support ring 532a may be disposed to face the circumferential surface of the other side of the fire extinguishing tube 410 that faces the side surface of the second battery cell 300. The radius of the second support ring 532a may be greater than the radius of the fire extinguishing tube 410, or may be formed to correspond to the radius of the fire extinguishing tube 410.

[0126] The second pressing member 532b may protrude from the second supporting ring 532a toward the fire extinguishing tube 410 and press the circumferential surface of the fire extinguishing tube 410 on the other side facing the side surface of the second battery cell 300. In one embodiment, the fire extinguishing tube 410 may be elastically deformed by the pressing force applied from the second pressing member 532b and may be in strong and close contact with the second pressing member 532b.

[0127] In one embodiment, the second pressing member 532b may include a plurality of second pressing protrusions 532c.

[0128] The second extrusion protrusion 532c can protrude from the inner surface of the second support ring 532a toward the central axis of the second support ring 532a and the fire extinguishing tube 410. The second extrusion protrusion 532c can be formed so that its width decreases toward the end portion (e.g., gradually decreases). Therefore, the second extrusion protrusion 532c can increase the magnitude of the extrusion force applied to the fire extinguishing tube 410. In one embodiment, the second extrusion protrusion 532c can be formed into a substantially hemispherical shape.

[0129] The plurality of second extrusion protrusions 532c may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a distance (eg, a set distance) in the circumferential direction of the second support ring 532a. In one embodiment, the angle between a pair of adjacent second extrusion protrusions 532c may be 45° or 90°.

[0130] The first sleeves 531 and the second sleeves 532 can be alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 520. That is, any one of the second sleeves 532 can be arranged between a pair of adjacent first sleeves 531. Therefore, when the fire extinguishing tube 410 is inserted into or separated from the guide rail 520, the first extrusion member 531b and the second extrusion member 532b can prevent or substantially prevent two or opposing circumferential surfaces of the fire extinguishing tube 410 from contacting the guide rail 520 simultaneously, thereby preventing or substantially preventing the movement of the fire extinguishing tube 410 from being restricted. Furthermore, when the fire extinguishing tube 410 is fully inserted into the guide rail 520, the first extrusion member 531b and the second extrusion member 532b support different portions of the circumferential surface of the fire extinguishing tube 410, thereby preventing or substantially preventing the fire extinguishing tube 410 from separating from the guide rail 520.

[0131] Figure 13 and Figure 14 This is an example Figure 11 and Figure 12 ] is a view of a modified example of the first and second pressing protrusions shown in FIG.

[0132] refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14 In one embodiment, the plurality of first pressing protrusions 531 c and the second pressing protrusions 532 c may each be formed in a semi-cylindrical shape with a longitudinal direction thereof being set parallel to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 520 .

[0133] Figure 15 and Figure 16 This is an example Figure 11 and Figure 12 2 is a view of other modified examples of the first pressing protrusion and the second pressing protrusion shown in FIG.

[0134] refer to Figure 15 and Figure 16In one embodiment, the plurality of first pressing protrusions 531c and the second pressing protrusions 532c may be formed in a rod shape extending from the inner surfaces of the first support ring 531a and the second support ring 532a in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 511 and the second surface 512, respectively. The plurality of first pressing protrusions 531c may extend from the inner surface of the first support ring 531a to be perpendicular to the first surface 511 and the second surface 512, and their end portions may be disposed to face the guide rail 520. In addition, the plurality of second pressing protrusions 532c may extend from the inner surface of the second support ring 532a to be perpendicular to the first surface 511 and the second surface 512, and their end portions may be disposed to face the first pressing protrusions 531c with the guide rail 520 interposed therebetween.

[0135] The supporting member 500 according to the present embodiment may further include an end sleeve 540 .

[0136] The end sleeve 540 is spaced apart from the bracket body 510 and supports the end cap 420. Therefore, the end sleeve 540 can prevent or substantially prevent the fire extinguishing tube 410 from being bent due to the weight of the end cap 420 protruding outward from the guide rail 520.

[0137] Figure 17 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a configuration of an end sleeve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an end sleeve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0138] refer to Figure 17 and Figure 18 , the end sleeve 540 may include a sleeve body 541 and a seat portion 542 .

[0139] The sleeve body 541 can extend from the housing 100 toward the bracket body 510. The sleeve body 541 can extend from the inner surface of the end plate 140 facing the end cover 420 of the pair of end plates 140 toward the bracket body 510. The sleeve body 541 can have a hollow cylindrical shape with one side open. The longitudinal direction of the sleeve body 541 can be set to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 520. The open side of the sleeve body 541 can be set to face the bracket body 510, and can be spaced apart from the end portion of the guide rail 520 (from which the end cover 420 protrudes) by a distance (e.g., a predetermined distance) and face the end portion. The end cover 420 can be inserted into the sleeve body 541 through the open side of the sleeve body 541.

[0140] The seat portion 542 may be provided in the sleeve body 541 and may contact the end portion of the end cap 420 inserted into the sleeve body 541. The seat portion 542 may be provided at an inner corner side of the sleeve body 541. The seat portion 542 may extend in a generally annular shape in the circumferential direction of the sleeve body 541. In one embodiment, the seat portion 542 may be formed of an elastically deformable material such as rubber or silicone.

[0141] The seat portion 542 may include an inclined surface 543 arranged obliquely relative to the extension direction of the sleeve body 541. The inclined surface 543 may be provided on the boundary surface between the seat portion 542 and the sleeve body 541. When the end cap 420 is inserted into the sleeve body 541, the inclined surface 543 may contact the corner side of the end portion of the cover head 421. In one embodiment, the seat portion 542 may be deformed and contracted by the reaction force generated between the inclined surface 543 and the cover head 421. Since the inclined surface 543 is arranged obliquely relative to the longitudinal direction of the sleeve body 541, the seat portion 542 may press the cover head 421 toward the central axis of the end cap 420. Therefore, the end cap 420 and the sleeve body 541 can be kept coaxially aligned.

[0142] The battery module according to the present embodiment may further include a channel 600 provided in the housing 100 and guiding the flow of the fire extinguishing material sprayed from the fire extinguishing member 400 .

[0143] Figure 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a channel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0144] refer to Figure 19 , the channel 600 may include a first channel 610 and a second channel 620 .

[0145] The first channel 610 may be provided between the bottom surface of the housing 100 (i.e., the upper surface of the bottom plate 110) and the lower surface of the first battery cell 200. For example, since the lower surface of the first battery cell 200 and the upper surface of the bottom plate 110 are spaced apart from each other, an example of the first channel 610 may be an empty space formed between the lower surface of the first battery cell 200 and the upper surface of the bottom plate 110. The longitudinal direction of the first channel 610 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the housing 100. In one embodiment, the first channel 610 may be provided to face all lower surfaces of the plurality of first battery cells 200. The width of the first channel 610 may be greater than the width of the first battery cell 200. The end portion of the first channel 610 may be in communication with the space between the side surface of the first battery cell 200 and the bracket body 510.

[0146] Figure 20FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which a fire extinguishing material is introduced into a first passage according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0147] refer to Figure 20 , when a fire occurs in any one of the first battery cells 200 , the fire extinguishing material sprayed from the fire extinguishing pipe 410 toward the side surface of the first battery cell 100 can be introduced into the first channel 610 through the space between the side surface of the first battery cell 220 and the bracket body 510 .

[0148] The fire extinguishing material introduced into the first channel 610 can flow in the longitudinal direction of the first channel 610 and cool the first battery cell 200 located adjacent to the first battery cell 200 where the fire occurred. Therefore, the first channel 610 can prevent or substantially prevent the fire occurring in the first battery cell 200 from spreading to the adjacent first battery cell 200.

[0149] The second channel 620 may be provided between the bottom surface of the housing 100 (i.e., the upper surface of the bottom plate 110) and the lower surface of the second battery cell 300. For example, since the lower surface of the second battery cell 300 and the upper surface of the bottom plate 110 are spaced apart from each other, an example of the second channel 620 may be an empty space formed between the lower surface of the second battery cell 300 and the upper surface of the bottom plate 110. The longitudinal direction of the second channel 620 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the housing 100. Therefore, the second channel 620 may be provided to face all lower surfaces of the plurality of second battery cells 300. The width of the second channel 620 may be greater than the width of the second battery cell 300. The end portion of the second channel 620 may be in communication with the space between the side surface of the second battery cell 300 and the bracket body 510.

[0150] When a fire occurs in any one of the second battery cells 300 , the fire extinguishing material sprayed from the fire extinguishing pipe 410 toward the side surface of the second battery cell 300 may be introduced into the second channel 620 through the space between the side surface of the second battery cell 300 and the holder body 510 .

[0151] The fire extinguishing material introduced into the second channel 620 can flow in the longitudinal direction of the second channel 620 and cool the second battery cell 300 located adjacent to the second battery cell 300 where the fire occurred. Therefore, the second channel 620 can prevent or substantially prevent a fire occurring in any one second battery cell 300 from spreading to an adjacent second battery cell 300.

[0152] Herein, a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0153] The battery module according to the present embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided such that the configurations of the first and second pressing members 531 b and 532 b are different from those of the battery module according to the previously described embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0154] Therefore, when describing the battery module according to the present embodiment of the present disclosure, only the detailed configurations of the first and second pressing members 531 b and 532 b that are different from those of the battery module according to the previously described embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0155] The description of the case 100 , the first battery cell 200 , the second battery cell 300 , the fire extinguishing member 400 , the support member 500 , and the channel 600 of the battery module according to the previous embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied to the remaining components of the battery module according to the present embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0156] Figure 21 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the configuration of a first pressing member and a second pressing member according to the present embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 22 This is an example based on Figure 21 A schematic front view of the configuration of the first extrusion member and the second extrusion member of the embodiment; and Figure 23 This is an example based on Figure 21 Schematic cross-sectional view of the configuration of the first extrusion member of the embodiment.

[0157] refer to Figures 21 to 23 , the first pressing member 531 b according to the present embodiment may include a first pressing ring 531 d , and the second pressing member 532 b may include a second pressing ring 532 d .

[0158] The first extrusion ring 531d may protrude from the inner surface of the first support ring 531a toward the central axis of the first support ring 531a and the fire extinguishing pipe 410. The first extrusion ring 531d may extend continuously in the circumferential direction of the first support ring 531a. Therefore, in one embodiment, the first extrusion ring 531d may have a substantially semicircular cross-sectional shape. In one embodiment, the first extrusion ring 531d may be formed so that the width decreases (e.g., gradually decreases) toward the end portion.

[0159] The second extrusion ring 532d may protrude from the inner surface of the second support ring 532a toward the central axis of the second support ring 532a and the fire extinguishing tube 410. In one embodiment, the second extrusion ring 532d may extend continuously in the circumferential direction of the second support ring 532a. Therefore, in one embodiment, the second extrusion ring 532d may have a substantially semicircular cross-sectional shape. In one embodiment, the second extrusion ring 532d may be formed so that its width decreases (e.g., gradually decreases) toward the end portion.

[0160] Herein, a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0161] The battery module according to the present embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided such that the detailed configuration of the end sleeve 540 is the same as that according to Figure 1 The detailed configuration of the battery module of the embodiments is different.

[0162] Therefore, when describing the battery module according to the present embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery module according to the present invention will be described. Figure 1 The detailed configuration of the battery module of the embodiment is different from the detailed configuration of the end sleeve 540.

[0163] according to Figure 1 The description of the case 100 , the first battery cell 200 , the second battery cell 300 , the fire extinguishing member 400 , the support member 500 , and the channel 600 of the battery module of the embodiment may be applied to the remaining components of the battery module according to the present embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0164] Figure 24 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the end sleeve according to the present embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0165] refer to Figure 24 According to this embodiment, the end sleeve 540 may include a sleeve body 541 and a snap-fit ​​portion 544 .

[0166] The engaging portion 544 may protrude from the inner surface of the sleeve body 541 and may contact the end cap 420. In one embodiment, the engaging portion 544 may be formed into a convex shape that protrudes from the inner surface of the sleeve body 541 toward the central axis of the sleeve body 541. In one embodiment, when the end cap 420 is fully inserted into the sleeve body 541, the engaging portion 544 may be inserted between the cap head 421 and the cap flange 423, or between a pair of adjacent cap flanges 423. Therefore, the engaging portion 544 may prevent or substantially prevent the end cap 420 from being separated from the sleeve body 541 using the engaging force between the engaging portion 544 and the cap head 421 or the cap flange 423.

[0167] Figure 25 and Figure 26 This is an example Figure 24 2 is a view of a modified example of the engaging portion shown in .

[0168] refer to Figure 25 and Figure 26 , the engaging portion 544 may be provided as a plurality of engaging portions 544. The plurality of engaging portions 544 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a distance (e.g., a set distance) in the circumferential direction of the sleeve body 541. In one embodiment, the plurality of engaging portions 544 may be arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the sleeve body 541. For example, Figure 25 As shown in , the snap-fit ​​portion 544 may be provided as a pair of snap-fit ​​portions 544, and the angle between the pair of snap-fit ​​portions 544 may be 180°. Figure 26 As shown in , the engaging portion 544 may be provided as four engaging portions 544 , and an angle between a pair of adjacent engaging portions 544 may be 90°.

[0169] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the fire extinguishing member directly sprays the fire extinguishing material to the first and second battery cells in the housing, and fire extinguishing efficiency can be improved.

[0170] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the fire extinguishing member is detachably mounted in the supporting member, and when the fire extinguishing member fails or is damaged, only the fire extinguishing member can be replaced, thereby reducing the cost of discarding the entire module.

[0171] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the first sleeve and the second sleeve are alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail, so that the supporting force on the fire extinguishing member can be ensured, and the fire extinguishing member can smoothly or easily move through the guide rail.

[0172] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the phenomenon that the end portion of the fire extinguishing member sags due to its weight can be prevented or substantially prevented by the end sleeve, and the supporting force on the fire extinguishing member can be further increased.

[0173] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, when a fire occurs in any one of a first battery cell and a second battery cell, it is possible to prevent or substantially prevent the fire from spreading to an adjacent first battery cell or second battery cell.

[0174] However, aspects and effects obtainable through the present disclosure are not limited to the above aspects and effects, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other technical aspects and effects not mentioned from the following description of the present disclosure.

[0175] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to some embodiments shown in the drawings, these embodiments are merely illustrative, and it is understood that those skilled in the art can derive various modifications and other equivalent embodiments based on the embodiments.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized in that: include: shell; a first battery cell in the housing; a second battery cell in the housing and spaced apart from the first battery cell; a fire extinguishing member between the first battery cell and the second battery cell and configured to spray a fire extinguishing material onto the first battery cell and the second battery cell; as well as A support member is in the housing and supports the fire extinguishing member.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The fire extinguishing component comprises: a fire extinguishing pipe comprising a first end portion and a second end portion; an end cap connected to the first end portion to seal the fire extinguishing tube; and A supply port is connected to the second end portion to supply the fire extinguishing material to the fire extinguishing pipe.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The fire extinguishing pipe melts when heated to a temperature above a set temperature.

4. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The fire extinguishing pipe is elastically deformable.

5. The battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The end cap comprises: a cover head facing the first end portion; a cap body extending from the cap head and inserted into the first end portion; and A cover flange extends from the cover body and contacts the inner surface of the first end portion.

6. The battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The supply port includes: a fixing bracket facing the second end portion and coupled to the housing; a first port body extending from the fixing bracket, inserted into the second end portion, and communicating with an interior space of the second end portion; a port flange extending from the first port body and contacting an inner surface of the second end portion; and The second port body extends from the fixing bracket, protrudes outward from the housing, and is communicated with the first port body.

7. The battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The support member comprises: a bracket body, between the first battery cell and the second battery cell; a guide rail passing through the bracket body, and the fire extinguishing member is inserted into the guide rail; and A sleeve is connected to the bracket body and surrounds the fire extinguishing pipe.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, characterized in that: The bracket body includes a first surface facing the first battery cell and a second surface facing the second battery cell, and The sleeve includes a first sleeve connected to the first surface and surrounding one side of the fire extinguishing pipe, and a second sleeve connected to the second surface and surrounding the other side of the fire extinguishing pipe.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first sleeve and the second sleeve are provided as a plurality of first sleeves and a plurality of second sleeves, and The plurality of first sleeves and the plurality of second sleeves are arranged in a longitudinal direction of the guide rail.

10. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein: The first sleeves and the second sleeves are alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail.

11. The battery module according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first sleeve includes a first support ring between the first battery cell and the first surface and a first pressing member protruding from the first support ring toward the fire extinguishing tube, and The second sleeve includes a second support ring between the second battery cell and the second surface, and a second pressing member protruding from the second support ring toward the fire extinguishing tube.

12. The battery module according to claim 11, characterized in that: The first pressing member includes a plurality of first pressing protrusions arranged in a circumferential direction of the first support ring; and / or the second pressing member includes a plurality of second pressing protrusions arranged in a circumferential direction of the second support ring.

13. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein: The first extrusion member includes a first extrusion ring extending in a circumferential direction of the first support ring; and / or the second extrusion member includes a second extrusion ring extending in a circumferential direction of the second support ring.

14. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein: The support member further includes an end sleeve spaced apart from the bracket body and supporting the end cap.

15. The battery module according to claim 14, characterized in that: The end sleeve comprises: a sleeve body extending from the housing toward the bracket body, and the end cap being inserted into the sleeve body; and A seat portion is in the sleeve body and contacts the end portion of the end cap.

16. The battery module according to claim 15, characterized in that: The seat portion includes an inclined surface that is arranged obliquely with respect to an extending direction of the sleeve body.

17. The battery module according to claim 14, wherein: The end sleeve includes: a sleeve body extending from the housing toward the bracket body and into which the end cap is inserted; and a snap-fit ​​portion protruding from an inner surface of the sleeve body and contacting the end cap.

18. The battery module according to claim 17, wherein: The end cap includes: a cap head facing the first end portion; a cap body extending from the cap head and inserted into the first end portion; and a cap flange extending from the cap body and contacting the inner surface of the first end portion, and The engaging portion is inserted between the cover flange and the cover head.

19. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The battery module further includes a channel in the housing to guide the flow of the fire extinguishing material ejected from the fire extinguishing member.

20. The battery module according to claim 19, wherein: The channel includes: a first channel between the bottom surface of the housing and the first battery cell; and A second channel is between the bottom surface of the housing and the second battery cell.

Images