Battery structure

Abstract

A battery structure is provided, including a frame having an accommodation space, a battery cell accommodated in the accommodation space, a busbar connected to the battery cell, and a heat-dissipating fire-extinguishing element above the battery cell. The heat-dissipating fire-extinguishing element is configured to absorb heat generated by the busbar connected to the battery cell, and configured to spray a fire-extinguishing material to the battery cell in response to the heat-dissipating fire-extinguishing element being heated to a predetermined level or higher. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a battery structure configured to prevent or at least mitigate thermal runaway.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which are not designed for (re)charging, secondary (or rechargeable) batteries are designed to discharge and be recharged. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in portable small electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptops, digital cameras, and camcorders, while high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources for driving motors in hybrid and electric vehicles and for storing electricity (e.g., household and / or utility-scale power storage). A secondary battery typically comprises an electrode assembly consisting of positive and negative electrodes, a housing that houses the electrode assembly, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly.

[0003] When a secondary battery is discharging or charging, it may generate heat. If the heat continues to be generated without diminishing, the secondary battery may experience thermal runaway, which can lead to a fire in a device or system that includes or is installed with the secondary battery.

[0004] In addition, battery cells are connected to each other by busbars, which can easily transfer heat between adjacent battery cells, thereby increasing the degree of degradation and reducing the life of the battery cells.

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

[0006] This disclosure relates to various embodiments of battery structures configured to prevent or at least mitigate thermal runaway.

[0007] These and other aspects and features of this disclosure will be described in or will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of this disclosure.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the battery structure may include: a frame having a receiving space; a battery cell housed in the receiving space; a busbar connected to the battery cell; and a heat dissipation and fire extinguishing element above the battery cell. The heat dissipation and fire extinguishing element is configured to absorb heat generated by the busbar connected to the battery cell and is configured to spray fire extinguishing material onto the battery cell in response to being heated to a predetermined level (temperature) or higher.

[0009] In some embodiments, the heat dissipation fire extinguishing element may include: a housing having fire extinguishing material stored therein; and a nozzle on a first surface of the housing opposite to the battery cell, and configured to open in response to the internal pressure of the housing being at a predetermined level (pressure) or greater to spray the fire extinguishing material.

[0010] In some embodiments, the housing may be on the busbar and may include a thermally conductive plastic material to absorb the heat generated by the busbar.

[0011] In some embodiments, the extinguishing material may include an extinguishing agent that expands in volume in response to heat transferred to it, thereby increasing the internal pressure of the housing.

[0012] In some embodiments, the nozzle may be located above the vent of the battery cell, and the nozzle may be configured to spray fire extinguishing material toward the vent.

[0013] In some embodiments, the number of nozzles may be equal to the number of battery cells below the heat dissipation extinguishing element.

[0014] In some embodiments, the nozzle may be recessed inward from a first surface of the housing, making the nozzle thinner than other areas of the housing.

[0015] In some embodiments, the nozzle may have an X-shaped notched groove on the surface opposite to the exhaust port of the battery cell and is configured to spray extinguishing material into the exhaust port in response to being opened.

[0016] In some embodiments, the thickness of each nozzle can be selected such that the nozzle is configured to open at substantially the same temperature as the exhaust port of the battery cell.

[0017] In some embodiments, the nozzle may include a material with a melting point lower than the temperature of the gas ejected from the exhaust port of the battery cell.

[0018] In some embodiments, the battery structure may further include a connector plate on the housing, the connector plate being configured to transfer heat generated by the busbar to the fire extinguishing material.

[0019] In some embodiments, the connector plate can be on the busbar of the battery cell.

[0020] In some embodiments, the connector plate may include a metal with a thermal conductivity substantially equal to or greater than that of the busbar.

[0021] In some embodiments, the connector plate extends through the housing such that its first surface contacts the extinguishing material.

[0022] In some embodiments, the extinguishing material may include an extinguishing agent, which may be non-conductive, thereby insulating the junction plates.

[0023] In some embodiments, the battery structure may also include an insulating pad between the busbar and the connector plate to provide electrical insulation.

[0024] In some embodiments, the insulating pad may include a thermally conductive resin to transfer heat generated by the busbar to the connector plate.

[0025] In some embodiments, each of the insulating pads may have a shape corresponding to the shape of each of the busbars.

[0026] In some embodiments, the heat dissipation extinguishing element may further include tips, each tip being configured to move by means of gas released from a corresponding vent in the vent of the battery cell to strike and open a corresponding nozzle in the nozzle.

[0027] In some embodiments, the housing may include a tip support that protrudes from the first surface and along a peripheral portion of the nozzle, such that the tip can be received in the tip support.

[0028] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a heat dissipation fire extinguishing element can be connected to a busbar connected to a battery cell to absorb heat generated by the busbar.

[0029] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a heat-dissipating fire extinguishing element can be configured to spray extinguishing material to extinguish a fire on a battery cell in response to the heat-dissipating fire extinguishing element being heated to a predetermined level (temperature) or higher.

[0030] However, the aspects and features of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the detailed description below that other aspects and features not mentioned will be present. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The following accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the detailed description of the present disclosure, aspects and features of the present disclosure are further described. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 A perspective view of a battery structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0033] Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of a battery structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0034] Figure 3 A perspective view of a heat dissipation fire extinguishing element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0035] Figure 4 It shows along Figure 3 The cross section taken by line AA.

[0036] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a battery structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0037] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a heat-dissipating fire extinguishing element depicting a battery structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0038] Figure 7 A perspective view of a heat-dissipating fire extinguishing element according to other embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0039] Figure 8 It shows along Figure 7 The cross section taken by line BB.

[0040] Figure 9 An exploded perspective view of a battery structure according to other embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0041] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of a battery structure according to other embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0042] Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of a heat-dissipating fire extinguishing element of a jet fire extinguishing material, illustrating a battery structure according to other embodiments of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0043] Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of a battery structure according to other embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0044] Figure 13 A cross-sectional view is shown of a heat-dissipating fire extinguishing element that sprays fire extinguishing material in a battery structure according to other embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0045] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims are not to be construed as having their usual or dictionary meaning, but should be interpreted as consistent with the technical spirit of the present disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor may use appropriately defined terms to best describe his / her utility model.

[0046] The embodiments described in this specification and the constructions shown in the accompanying drawings are merely some embodiments of this disclosure and do not represent all the technical spirit, aspects, and features of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may exist to replace or modify the embodiments described herein at the time of filing this application.

[0047] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "bonded to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly bonded to the other element or layer, or one or more intermediary elements or layers may be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly bonded to" another element or layer, no intermediary element or layer is present. For example, when a first element is described as being "bonded" or "connected" to a second element, the first element can be directly bonded to or directly connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly bonded to or indirectly connected to the second element via one or more intermediary elements.

[0048] In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc., may be exaggerated for clarity of illustration. The same reference numerals denote the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of this disclosure, the use of "may" refers to "one or more embodiments of this disclosure." Expressions such as "at least one of..." and "any one of..." modify the entire list of elements when following a list, without modifying individual elements within that list. When a list of elements A, B, and C is specified using phrases such as “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “at least one of the groups selected from A, B, and C,” or “at least one of A, B, and C,” the phrase may refer to any suitable combination (or subset) of A, B, and C and all suitable combinations (or subsets), such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the term “use” and its variations may be considered synonymous with the term “utilize” and its variations, respectively. As used herein, the terms “basically,” “about,” and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree and are intended to account for inherent biases in measurements or calculations that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0049] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, or portion. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, first component, first region, first layer, or first portion discussed below may be referred to as a second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second portion.

[0050] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature as shown in the figure and another element(s). It will be understood that, in addition to the orientation shown in the figure, the spatial relative terms are intended to also cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features will subsequently be oriented “above” or “above” other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can encompass both above and below orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0051] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “an” are also intended to include the plural forms. It will be further understood that when the terms “comprising,” “including,” and / or variations thereof are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of the stated features, integers (whole), steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers (whole), steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0052] Any numerical range disclosed and / or described herein includes all subranges with the same numerical precision contained within the described range. For example, the range “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include all subranges between the described minimum value of 1.0 and the described maximum value of 10.0 (and includes both the described minimum value of 1.0 and the described maximum value of 10.0), i.e., having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit described herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, while any minimum numerical limit described in this specification includes all higher numerical limits contained therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification (including the claims) to expressly describe any subranges contained within the range expressly described herein. Any such range is intended to be inherently described in this specification.

[0053] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc., as “identical” can mean that they are “substantially identical.” Therefore, the phrase “substantially identical” can include cases with deviations considered low in the art (e.g., 5% or less). Additionally, if a parameter is said to be uniform in a given region, this can mean that it is uniform in terms of average value.

[0054] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0055] Arranging any element "above (or below)" or "on (below)" another element can mean that the arbitrary element can be configured to contact the upper (or lower) surface of the element, and that the other element can be positioned between the element and the arbitrary element disposed on (or below) the element.

[0056] Additionally, it will be understood that when components are referred to as “linked,” “combined,” or “connected” to another component, these components can be directly “combined,” “linked,” or “connected” to each other, or another component can be “placed” between these components.

[0057] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, when “A and / or B” is stated, it means A, B, or A and B. That is, “and / or” includes any or all combinations of the listed items. When “C to D” is stated, unless otherwise stated, it means C or greater and D or less.

[0058] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] Now refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery structure 10 may include a frame 20 having a receiving space, a plurality of battery cells 30 received in the receiving space of the frame 20, and a heat extinguishing element 100 above the battery cells 30.

[0060] The battery structure 10 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure has an electrode unit, which includes battery cells 30 arranged in one direction, a busbar 32 connecting the battery cells to adjacent battery cells, and a protection circuit module having one end connected to the busbar 32. The protection circuit module may include a battery management system (BMS).

[0061] Each battery cell 30 may include a battery casing, an electrode assembly housed (or contained) within the battery casing, and an electrolyte. The electrode assembly and electrolyte undergo an electrochemical reaction to store and release (e.g., generate) energy. Terminal portions electrically connected to the busbar 32 and an exhaust port 31 serving as a venting channel for gases generated within the battery casing may be located on one side (e.g., the upper side) of the battery cell 30. The terminal portions of the battery cell 30 may be positive and negative terminals with different polarities, and the terminal portions of adjacent battery cells may be electrically connected in series or parallel to each other via the busbar 32, as will be described in more detail below. Although a series connection has been described as an example, the connection structure is not limited to this, and various connection structures may be employed as desired or necessary. Furthermore, the number and arrangement of battery cells are not limited to this. Figure 1 The structure shown can be modified as desired or necessary.

[0062] The battery cells 30 can be arranged in one direction (e.g., stacked in one direction) such that the wide surfaces of the battery cells 30 face each other, and the battery cells 30 can be fixed by the frame 20.

[0063] The battery casing can form the overall appearance of the battery cell 30, and the battery casing can be formed of a conductive metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. The battery casing can provide space to accommodate electrode assemblies. Although the battery casing is shown as a prismatic casing and the battery cell 30 is shown as a prismatic battery cell, the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto. The battery cell 30 can be a battery cell of any shape (e.g., angular, cylindrical, or pouch-shaped).

[0064] A cover plate 33 can be attached to the open end of the battery housing to seal the battery housing. The battery housing and cover plate 33 can be formed of a conductive material. According to some embodiments, the top of the battery housing can be open, and the cover plate 33 can seal the open top of the battery housing. A positive terminal electrically connected to the positive electrode and a negative terminal electrically connected to the negative electrode can be attached to the cover plate 33. A vent 31 can be provided on the cover plate 33. The vent 31 can be configured to open in response to an internal pressure in the battery cell 30 equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold pressure.

[0065] The battery cell 30 can be a lithium-ion battery cell, a sodium-ion battery cell, etc. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the battery cell 30 can include any cell capable of repeatedly providing power through charging and discharging. In some embodiments where the battery cell 30 is a lithium-ion battery cell, the battery cell 30 can be used in electric vehicles (EVs) due to the excellent lifespan characteristics and high rate capability of lithium-ion battery cells. For example, the battery cell 30 can be used in hybrid vehicles such as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Lithium-ion battery cells can be used in applications requiring large amounts of energy storage. For example, lithium-ion battery cells can be used in electric bicycles, power tools, etc.

[0066] Busbar 32 can be electrically connected to battery cell 30. A busbar bracket supporting busbar 32 and a circuit board electrically connected to busbar 32, including various circuits and components, can be further provided.

[0067] The negative and positive terminals located on the cover plate 33 can be electrically connected to the busbar 32. The number and arrangement of the battery cells 30 are not limited to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structures shown are provided, and they can be modified as needed.

[0068] Busbar 32 can electrically connect the positive and negative terminals. Busbar 32 can connect battery cells 30 in series and / or in parallel. Multiple busbars 32 can be configured. According to some embodiments, each of the busbars 32 can electrically connect the positive terminal of one battery cell 30 to the positive or negative terminal of another battery cell 30. Each of the busbars 32 can also electrically connect the negative terminal of one battery cell 30 to the positive or negative terminal of another battery cell 30. Busbar 32 can be connected to the positive and / or negative terminals, for example, by soldering. Areas of the battery cell 30 other than the positive and negative terminals can be insulated from the busbar 32 by a busbar bracket. Busbar 32 can be electrically connected to a circuit board. The circuit board can be equipped with various components configured to measure state information of the battery cell 30 (such as the voltage and / or temperature of the battery cell 30), and various components or circuits configured to control and / or manage the battery cell 30. The circuit board may include a battery management system (BMS).

[0069] A heat-dissipating fire extinguishing element 100 may be located above the battery cell 30. The heat-dissipating fire extinguishing element 100 may be configured to absorb heat generated by the busbar 32 connected to the battery cell 30 and to spray extinguishing material onto the battery cell 30 in response to being heated to a predetermined level (temperature) or higher. In one or more embodiments, the heat-dissipating fire extinguishing element 100 may be in direct contact with the busbar 32 to absorb heat generated by the busbar 32. For example, the bottom surface of the heat-dissipating fire extinguishing element 100 may be in direct contact with at least a portion of the top surface of the busbar 32. In one or more embodiments, the heat-dissipating fire extinguishing element 100 may be connected to the busbar 32 via an intermediate heat conductor to absorb heat generated by the busbar 32. The heat-dissipating fire extinguishing element 100 may have extinguishing material stored or contained therein, and the stored extinguishing material may be configured to absorb and dissipate heat transferred from the busbar 32. In response to the extinguishing material of the heat dissipation extinguishing element 100 being heated to a predetermined level or higher by absorbing heat, the extinguishing material can be sprayed outward to extinguish the fire on the battery cell 30.

[0070] The aforementioned heat dissipation and fire extinguishing element 100 can be configured to perform a heat dissipation function by absorbing heat within a predetermined temperature range transferred from the busbar 32. Furthermore, in response to events such as thermal runaway occurring in the battery cell 30, the heat dissipation and fire extinguishing element 100 can extinguish a fire in the battery cell 30 by spraying fire extinguishing material onto the battery cell 30.

[0071] Figure 3 A perspective view illustrating a heat-dissipating fire extinguishing element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, and Figure 4 It shows along Figure 3 The cross-section taken by line AA. Additionally, Figure 5 A cross-sectional view illustrating a battery structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, and Figure 6 A cross-sectional view is shown of a heat-dissipating fire extinguishing element of a jet fire extinguishing material, illustrating a battery structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] Now for reference Figures 3 to 6 According to an embodiment, the heat dissipation fire extinguishing element 100 may include a housing 110 and a nozzle 120 on the housing 110. The housing 110 has fire extinguishing material 111 stored or contained therein, and the nozzle 120 is configured to spray the fire extinguishing material 111.

[0073] The outer casing 110 can be formed to have cavities or chambers for storing or containing fire extinguishing material 111. In addition, the outer casing 110 can be on the busbar 32 of the battery cell 30 and can be formed of a material capable of absorbing the heat generated by the busbar 32.

[0074] Because the housing 110 is on the busbar 32, the housing 110 can be formed of a non-conductive material to provide electrical insulation between the busbars 32. Alternatively, the housing 110 can be formed of a highly thermally conductive material to absorb heat generated by the busbars 32. In one or more embodiments, the housing 110 can be formed of a thermally conductive plastic material. The material of the housing 110 is not limited to this and can be any thermally conductive but non-conductive material.

[0075] The extinguishing material 111 is configured to be stored or contained within the housing 110 and to absorb heat transferred to the housing 110. In response to the manifold 32 being heated to a predetermined temperature range, the housing 110 may initially absorb heat, and the extinguishing material 111 may absorb heat from the heated housing 110 to cool the manifold 32.

[0076] Furthermore, the extinguishing material 111 may include an extinguishing agent that expands in volume in response to heat transferred to it. In some embodiments, the extinguishing agent may include an aqueous reagent or Novec™. The extinguishing agent is not limited thereto, and it may have any form or shape that can expand in volume upon heat transfer.

[0077] The extinguishing material 111 is configured to expand by receiving heat from the housing 110, thereby increasing the pressure inside the housing 110. In response to the pressure inside the housing 110 increasing to a predetermined level or higher, the nozzle 120 opens (e.g., bursts or breaks) to spray the extinguishing material 111 stored in the housing 110.

[0078] The nozzle 120 is disposed on a first surface of the housing 110 facing the battery cell 30 and is configured to open (e.g., rupture or break) in response to a predetermined pressure (pressure) or higher within the housing 110 to spray extinguishing material 111. The nozzle 120 is positioned above the vent 31 of the battery cell 30 such that, in response to the nozzle 120 opening (e.g., rupture or break), the extinguishing material 111 can be sprayed toward the vent 31.

[0079] Additionally, the number of nozzles 120 may correspond to the number of battery cells 30 below the heat dissipation extinguishing element 100. In one or more embodiments, the nozzles 120 may be located above the vent 31 of the battery cell 30. The nozzles 120 may open (e.g., rupture or break) in response to the vent 31 opening. In one or more embodiments, even when the vent 31 remains closed (e.g., shut), the nozzles 120 may open (e.g., rupture or break) due to increased pressure within the housing 110 caused by heat generated from the busbar 32.

[0080] In some embodiments, the nozzle 120 may be recessed inward from a first surface of the housing 110, such that the nozzle 120 is thinner than other areas of the housing 110. Therefore, in response to an increase in pressure within the housing 110, stress can be concentrated in the relatively thin nozzle 120, thereby making the nozzle 120 relatively easy to break.

[0081] Additionally, in one or more embodiments, each of the nozzles 120 has an X-shaped notched groove 121 on a surface opposite to the exhaust port 31 of the battery cell 30, such that extinguishing material 111 can be sprayed into the exhaust port 31 in response to the nozzle 120 being disrupted. That is, in response to an increase in pressure within the housing 110, stress concentrates in the notched groove 121 of the nozzle 120, and the nozzle 120 can open (e.g., break or break) along the notched groove 121. Therefore, the point at which the nozzle 120 is configured to break or break can be predetermined, allowing the extinguishing material 111 to be sprayed more accurately into the exhaust port 31.

[0082] In some embodiments, each nozzle 120 may have a thickness such that the nozzle 120 is configured to open (e.g., rupture or break) at the same or substantially the same temperature as the opening temperature of the vent 31 of the battery cell 30 (i.e., the vent 31 of the battery cell 30 and the nozzle 120 of the heat dissipation extinguishing element 100 may be configured to open at the same or substantially the same temperature). In response to the temperature inside the battery cell 30 rising to a predetermined temperature or higher, the vent 31 may open to allow gas to escape from the interior to the exterior. The thickness of the nozzle 120 may be set by setting the temperature at which the vent 31 is configured to open and calculating the internal pressure of the housing 110 in response to being heated to the set temperature, such that the nozzle 120 may be configured to open (e.g., rupture or break) at the calculated pressure (or substantially at the calculated pressure). In this way, in response to the opening of the vent 31 of the battery cell 30, the nozzle 120 may spray extinguishing material 111 toward the vent 31 to prevent a fire.

[0083] In some embodiments, the nozzle 120 may be formed of a material with a melting point lower than the temperature of the gas injected into the exhaust port 31 of the battery cell 30. When the exhaust port 31 is open, hot gas can be blown toward the nozzle 120 to melt the nozzle 120, making the nozzle 120 more susceptible to damage. As a result, the nozzle 120 may be damaged more quickly when the exhaust port 31 of the battery cell 30 is open.

[0084] Figure 7 A perspective view of a heat-dissipating fire extinguishing element according to other embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 8 It shows along Figure 7 The cross-section cut by line BB, and Figure 9An exploded perspective view illustrating a battery structure according to other embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Additionally, Figure 10 A cross-sectional view illustrating a battery structure according to other embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, and Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of a heat-dissipating fire extinguishing element of a jet fire extinguishing material, illustrating a battery structure according to other embodiments of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0085] Reference Figures 7 to 11 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a heat dissipation fire extinguishing element 200 may include: a housing 210 having fire extinguishing material 211 stored or contained therein; a nozzle 220 on the housing 210 configured to spray the fire extinguishing material 211; and a plurality of connector plates 230 on the housing 210 configured to transfer heat absorbed from the busbar 32 of the battery cell 30 to the fire extinguishing material 211.

[0086] The outer casing 210 may be formed with cavities or chambers to store the extinguishing material 211 therein. Additionally, the outer casing 210 may be formed of a highly thermally conductive material, such that in response to heating of the extinguishing material 211 stored therein, the outer casing 210 can transfer heat from the extinguishing material 211 to the outside. In one or more embodiments, the outer casing 210 may be formed of a thermally conductive plastic material. The material of the outer casing 210 is not limited thereto and may be any material that is thermally conductive but not electrically conductive.

[0087] The extinguishing material 211 is configured to be stored or contained within the housing 210 and to absorb heat transferred from the busbar 32 to the connector plate 230. In response to the busbar 32 being heated to a predetermined temperature range, the housing 210 may initially absorb heat, and the extinguishing material 211 may absorb heat from the heated housing 210 to cool the busbar 32.

[0088] Additionally, the extinguishing material 211 may include an extinguishing agent configured to expand in volume in response to heat transferred thereto. In some embodiments, the extinguishing agent may include an aqueous agent or Novec™. The extinguishing agent is not limited thereto, and it may have any form or shape configured to expand in volume upon heat transfer.

[0089] The extinguishing material 211 expands by receiving heat from the housing 210, thereby increasing the pressure inside the housing 210. In response to the pressure inside the housing 210 increasing to a predetermined level (pressure) or higher, the nozzle 220 is configured to open (e.g., rupture or break) to spray the extinguishing material 211 stored in the housing 210.

[0090] The nozzle 220 is located on the first surface of the housing 210 facing the battery cell 30 and is configured to open (e.g., rupture or break) in response to a predetermined pressure level (pressure) or higher within the housing 210 to spray extinguishing material 211. The nozzle 220 is positioned above the exhaust port 31 of the battery cell 30 such that, in response to the nozzle 220 being opened (e.g., rupture or break), the extinguishing material 211 can be sprayed toward the exhaust port 31.

[0091] Additionally, in one or more embodiments, each of the nozzles 220 has an X-shaped notched groove 221 on a surface opposite the exhaust port 31 of the battery cell 30, such that extinguishing material 211 can be sprayed into the exhaust port 31 in response to the nozzle 220 being opened (e.g., broken or damaged). That is, in response to an increase in pressure within the housing 210, stress concentrates in the notched groove 221 of the nozzle 220, and the nozzle 220 can open (e.g., break or damage) along the notched groove 221. Therefore, the point at which the nozzle 220 is configured to open (e.g., break or damage) can be predetermined, allowing the extinguishing material 211 to be sprayed more precisely into the exhaust port 31. The nozzle 220 can be compared with a reference... Figures 3 to 6 The nozzle 120 described has the same construction.

[0092] Connector plate 230 may be adjacent to nozzle 220 on housing 210 and may extend through a first surface of housing 210 such that the first surface (e.g., upper surface) of connector plate 230 contacts extinguishing material 211. Additionally, each of connector plates 230 may be configured such that a second surface (e.g., lower surface) of connector plate 230 protrudes outward from housing 210 and (e.g., directly or indirectly) rests on busbar 32 of battery cell 30 to absorb heat generated by busbar 32 and transfer it to extinguishing material 211. To achieve this configuration, connector plate 230 may be integrally formed with housing 210 such that connector plate 230 extends through the first surface of housing 210 via insert injection molding.

[0093] Furthermore, because the connector plate 230 is configured to contact the busbar 32 and transfer the heat generated by the busbar 32 to the extinguishing material 211, the connector plate 230 can be formed of a metal with a thermal conductivity substantially equal to or greater than that of the busbar 32. In some embodiments, the connector plate 230 can be formed of a highly thermally conductive metal (such as copper or aluminum). The material of the connector plate 230 is not limited to metal and can be any material with high thermal conductivity.

[0094] The connector plate 230 can be on the busbar 32 of the battery cell 30. In some embodiments, such as Figure 9As shown, in an embodiment where the heat dissipation extinguishing element 200 is disposed on four battery cells 30, eight connector plates 230 may be disposed on the housing 210. The number of connector plates 230 is not limited thereto, and two connector plates may be disposed on opposite sides of the nozzle 220 and extend longitudinally in the same direction to contact multiple busbars. The connector plates 230 may be constructed in any shape and number, as long as the connector plates 230 are configured to contact the busbars 32 of the battery cells 30.

[0095] In some embodiments where the connector plate 230 is formed of a material such as a conductive metal, the extinguishing material 211 may include a non-conductive extinguishing agent that insulates the connector plates 230 from each other. The connector plate 230 may contact the busbar 32 of the battery cell 30 outside the housing 210 and the extinguishing material 211 inside the housing 210. Therefore, if the extinguishing material 211 is conductive, an internal short circuit may occur. Therefore, the extinguishing material 211 may include a non-conductive extinguishing agent, such as Novec™.

[0096] In some embodiments, an insulating pad 240 may be disposed between the connector plate 230 and the busbar 32 to provide electrical insulation between them. In such embodiments, the extinguishing material 211 may include a conductive extinguishing agent. Additionally, the insulating pad 240 may be formed of a thermally conductive resin configured to transfer heat generated by the busbar 32 to the connector plate 230. That is, because the insulating pad 240 is configured to provide electrical insulation between the connector plate 230 and the busbar 32 and to transfer heat generated by the busbar 32 to the connector plate 230, the insulating pad 240 may be formed of a thermally conductive resin. The material of the insulating pad 240 is not limited thereto, and they may be any material that is thermally conductive but not electrically conductive.

[0097] Additionally, the insulating pad 240 can be configured to correspond (or substantially correspond) to the shape of the busbar 32, such as... Figure 9 As shown in the diagram. The insulating pad 240 can be placed on the top surface of the busbar 32 to cover the busbar 32, so that the busbar 32 is not exposed to the outside. The shape of the insulating pad 240 is not limited to this, and they can be any shape that can insulate the junction plate 230 from the busbar 32.

[0098] In one or more embodiments, each of the insulating pads 240 may be in the form of a gel pad with adhesive properties. As a result, the insulating pads 240 can prevent or at least mitigate the detachment of the connector plate 230 from the busbar 32. Additionally, the insulating pads 240 can be used to attach the connector plate 230 to the busbar 32, such that the connector plate 230 is positioned above the busbar 32.

[0099] With this configuration, the heat generated by the busbar 32 can be transferred through the insulating pad 240 to the connector plate 230, which can then transfer the heat to the fire extinguishing material 211 stored or contained in the housing 210 to cool the battery cell 30.

[0100] Figure 12 A cross-sectional view illustrating a battery structure according to other embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, and Figure 13 A cross-sectional view is shown of a heat-dissipating fire extinguishing element that sprays fire extinguishing material in a battery structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0101] Now refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13 The battery structure according to embodiments of this disclosure may further include, in reference to... Figures 7 to 11 The pointed part 251 in the construction of the described heat dissipation fire extinguishing element 200.

[0102] Each of the tips 251 can be configured to move by means of gas released from the vent 31 of the battery cell 30 to impact and destroy the nozzle 220. In some embodiments, the tips 251 can be configured as a conical shape with an upwardly projecting tip. In response to the high-pressure gas ejected through the vent 31, the pressure of the gas ejection can cause the tips 251 to move toward the nozzle 220 (e.g., upward), such that the tips of the tips 251 can impact and destroy the nozzle 220. With this configuration, in response to an event such as thermal runaway, the vent 31 can be opened to release gas, thereby causing the tips 251 to impact the nozzle 220 to spray the extinguishing material 211 toward the vent 31. At this time, the extinguishing material 211 stored in the housing 210 has expanded due to the heat generated by the manifold 32 and transferred through the connector plate 230, and the pressure inside the housing 210 has increased. Therefore, in embodiments where the tips 251 impact the nozzle 220, the nozzle 220 can be opened (broken or destroyed) more easily.

[0103] In some embodiments, the housing 210 may include a pointed support 252 protruding from a first surface (e.g., the lower surface) and along a peripheral portion of the nozzle 220, such that a pointed object 251 is received within the pointed support 252. The pointed object 251 may be spaced a predetermined distance from the nozzle 220 and received within the pointed support 252. In this state, in response to gas ejected through the exhaust port 31, the pointed object 251 may move along the pointed support 252 and impinge on the nozzle 220. That is, the pointed support 252 may be configured to guide the movement of the pointed object 251 to more accurately impinge on the nozzle 220. The housing 210 may also be configured without the pointed support 252 and with the pointed object 251 positioned above the exhaust port 31.

[0104] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating embodiments and aspects thereof, this disclosure is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains can make various modifications and variations within the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents.

[0105] Description of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0106] 10: Battery Structure

[0107] 20: Framework

[0108] 30: Battery cell

[0109] 31: Exhaust port

[0110] 32: Busbar

[0111] 33: Cover plate

[0112] 100, 200: Heat dissipation and fire extinguishing elements

[0113] 110, 210: Outer shell

[0114] 111, 211: Fire extinguishing materials

[0115] 120, 220: Nozzle

[0116] 230: Connector plate

[0117] 240: Insulating mat

[0118] 251: Spike

[0119] 252: Pointed object support.

Claims

1. A battery structure, characterized in that, The battery structure includes: The framework includes the space to accommodate it; Multiple battery cells are housed in the housing space; Multiple busbars are connected to the multiple battery cells; and A heat-dissipating fire extinguishing element is positioned above the plurality of battery cells, wherein the heat-dissipating fire extinguishing element is configured to absorb heat generated by the plurality of busbars connected to the plurality of battery cells and to spray fire extinguishing material onto the plurality of battery cells in response to being heated to a predetermined temperature or higher.

2. The battery structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat dissipation and fire extinguishing element includes: The housing, including the fire extinguishing material stored within the housing; and Multiple nozzles are located on a first surface of the housing opposite the multiple battery cells, and the multiple nozzles are configured to open in response to the internal pressure of the housing being at a predetermined level or greater to spray the fire extinguishing material.

3. The battery structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The extinguishing material includes an extinguishing agent configured to expand in volume in response to heat transferred to the housing, thereby increasing the internal pressure of the housing.

4. The battery structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plurality of nozzles are above the plurality of exhaust ports of the plurality of battery cells, and wherein the plurality of nozzles are configured to spray the fire extinguishing material toward the plurality of exhaust ports.

5. The battery structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The number of the plurality of nozzles corresponds to the number of the plurality of battery cells below the heat dissipation fire extinguishing element.

6. The battery structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plurality of nozzles are recessed inward from the first surface of the housing, such that the plurality of nozzles are thinner than other areas of the housing.

7. The battery structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plurality of nozzles include a plurality of X-shaped recesses on the surface of the housing opposite to a plurality of exhaust ports of the plurality of battery cells, wherein the plurality of X-shaped recesses are configured to spray the extinguishing material into the plurality of exhaust ports in response to being opened.

8. The battery structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The thickness of each of the plurality of nozzles is selected such that the plurality of nozzles are configured to open at substantially the same temperature as the plurality of exhaust ports of the plurality of battery cells.

9. The battery structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The battery structure also includes a plurality of connector plates on the housing, the plurality of connector plates being configured to transfer heat generated by the plurality of busbars to the fire extinguishing material.

10. The battery structure according to claim 9, characterized in that, The plurality of connector plates are on the plurality of busbars of the plurality of battery cells.

11. The battery structure according to claim 9, characterized in that, The plurality of connector plates extend through the housing such that the first surfaces of the plurality of connector plates contact the extinguishing material.

12. The battery structure according to claim 9, characterized in that, The battery structure also includes a plurality of insulating pads between the plurality of busbars and the plurality of connector plates, the plurality of insulating pads providing electrical insulation.

13. The battery structure according to claim 12, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of insulating pads has a shape corresponding to the shape of each of the plurality of busbars.

14. The battery structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heat dissipation and extinguishing element also includes a pointed object, each of which is configured to move by means of gas released from a corresponding vent in one of the plurality of vents of the plurality of battery cells to strike and open a corresponding nozzle in one of the plurality of nozzles.

15. The battery structure according to claim 14, characterized in that, The housing also includes a plurality of pointed supports that protrude from the first surface along the peripheral portion of the plurality of nozzles, wherein the plurality of pointed objects are housed within the plurality of pointed supports.

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