Battery module

Abstract

A battery module is disclosed. The battery module includes a cell array comprising multiple battery cells and multiple busbars electrically connecting the multiple battery cells. A housing accommodates the cell array, and a cover is attached to the housing to cover the cell array. A fire extinguishing section is disposed between the cell array and the cover. The fire extinguishing section includes a fire extinguishing disc configured to emit a fire extinguishing agent and a heat-conducting layer configured to conduct heat throughout the fire extinguishing disc. Therefore, the stability of the battery module is improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which cannot be recharged, secondary batteries are rechargeable and dischargeable. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in small portable electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptops, digital cameras, and camcorders, while high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources for motors in hybrid and electric vehicles and as energy storage batteries. A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly containing positive and negative electrodes, a housing for the electrode assembly, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly.

[0003] The information disclosed in this section is intended only to improve the understanding of the background of this disclosure and may therefore include information that does not constitute prior art. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a battery module with improved stability.

[0005] However, the technical problems to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those described herein, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description of the disclosure other problems not mentioned.

[0006] Other aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed embodiments presented.

[0007] One aspect of this disclosure provides a battery module, the battery module comprising: a cell array including a plurality of battery cells and a plurality of busbars electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells; a housing housing the cell array; a cover attached to the housing to cover the cell array; and a fire extinguishing section disposed between the cell array and the cover, wherein the fire extinguishing section includes a fire extinguishing disc configured to emit a fire extinguishing agent and a heat-conducting layer configured to conduct heat throughout the fire extinguishing disc.

[0008] In one embodiment, the extinguishing disc can be positioned to overlap the entire area of ​​the single-unit array.

[0009] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of battery cells may include a vent hole on its surface, and the fire extinguishing disc may include an opening through which the vent hole is exposed.

[0010] In an embodiment, the individual unit array may further include wiring electrically connected to the busbar, and the fire extinguishing disc may be positioned to overlap with the wiring.

[0011] In one embodiment, multiple battery cells can be arranged in multiple rows parallel to each other, and wiring can be positioned between the rows.

[0012] In one embodiment, the lower surface of the extinguishing disc may have the same shape as the upper surface of the individual element array.

[0013] In one embodiment, the fire extinguishing pad can be positioned between the individual unit array and the heat-conducting layer.

[0014] In one embodiment, the thermally conductive layer may be bonded to the cover.

[0015] In one embodiment, the heat-conducting layer may be located inside the fire extinguishing plate, and the heat-conducting layer may include at least one heat-conducting wire.

[0016] In an embodiment, the fire extinguishing pad may include 40 wt% to 60 wt% of fire extinguishing agent.

[0017] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a housing for accommodating the plurality of battery cells; a cover for being attached to the housing; and a fire extinguishing section disposed between the plurality of battery cells and the cover, wherein the fire extinguishing section includes a fire extinguishing disc configured to emit a fire extinguishing agent and a heat-conducting layer configured to conduct heat throughout the fire extinguishing disc, wherein the fire extinguishing disc comprises 40 wt% to 60 wt% of the fire extinguishing agent.

[0018] In one embodiment, the fire extinguishing disc may be positioned to overlap the entire area of ​​multiple battery cells.

[0019] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of battery cells may include a vent hole on its surface, and the fire extinguishing disc may include an opening through which the vent hole is exposed.

[0020] In an embodiment, the battery module may further include a plurality of busbars electrically connecting individual battery cells and wiring electrically connected to the busbars, and the fire extinguishing pad may be positioned to overlap with the wiring.

[0021] In one embodiment, individual battery cells can be arranged in multiple rows parallel to each other, and wiring can be positioned between the rows.

[0022] In an embodiment, the battery cells and busbars can form a cell array, and the lower surface of the fire extinguishing disc can have the same shape as the upper surface of the cell array.

[0023] In one embodiment, the fire extinguishing plate can be positioned between the battery cell and the heat-conducting layer.

[0024] In one embodiment, the thermally conductive layer may be bonded to the cover.

[0025] In one embodiment, the heat-conducting layer may be located inside the fire extinguishing plate, and the heat-conducting layer may include at least one heat-conducting wire.

[0026] In one embodiment, the fire extinguishing disc includes at least two fire extinguishing discs spaced apart from each other, wherein the heat-conducting layer may be stacked with the at least two fire extinguishing discs.

[0027] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the battery module includes a fire extinguishing disc and a thermally conductive layer that allows heat to diffuse throughout the fire extinguishing disc. Therefore, if the battery module experiences localized thermal runaway, a fire extinguishing agent is released from the entire fire extinguishing disc to extinguish any fire within the battery module in the initial stages of the thermal runaway and to prevent the thermal runaway from spreading throughout the entire battery module. This improves the stability of the battery module. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description of the present disclosure below, serve to further elucidate the technical concept of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the matters described in the drawings.

[0029] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain disclosed embodiments will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 2 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 A perspective view of an example battery cell in a battery module;

[0032] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A schematic sectional view taken by section line III-III';

[0033] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating another example of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating another example of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 6 It is shown schematically. Figure 5 A perspective view of part A;

[0036] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating yet another example of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating yet another example of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 9An exploded perspective view schematically illustrating another example of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0039] Figure 10 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a cover portion of a battery module including a thermally conductive layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Referring now to the embodiments, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals always refer to the same elements. In this respect, the presented embodiments may have different forms and should not be construed as limited to the description set forth herein. Therefore, the embodiments are described below with reference to the drawings to explain various aspects. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as “at least one of…” modify the entire list of elements when following a list of elements, without modifying any individual element in that list.

[0041] The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted as consistent with the technical concept of this disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of the terms in order to best interpret his or her own utility model. Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the constructions shown in the accompanying drawings are merely some of the most preferred embodiments of this disclosure and do not represent all the technical concepts of this disclosure. It should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may exist that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0042] Additionally, when the words “comprising,” “including,” and / or variations thereof are used herein, it indicates the presence of the stated features, quantities, steps, operations, components, elements, and / or groups thereof, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, components, elements, and / or groups thereof.

[0043] Additionally, to aid in understanding the disclosure, the accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated. Furthermore, the same reference numerals may be assigned to the same components in different embodiments.

[0044] Although the terms first, second, etc., are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specifically stated, it will be understood that a first component can also be a second component.

[0045] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0046] Any construction placed "on" (or below) a component or above (or below) a component can refer not only to any construction placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, but also to other constructions that can be placed between the component and any construction placed on (or below) the component.

[0047] Furthermore, when a component is referred to as being "connected" or "joined" to another component, it should be understood that not only can these components be directly connected or joined to each other, but also that intermediary elements can be "placed" between these components, or that individual components can be "connected" or "joined" through other components. Moreover, when a part is referred to as being electrically joined to another part, this refers not only to the case where these parts are directly connected, but also to the case where these parts are connected to another element sandwiched between them.

[0048] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery module 100 may include a cell array 30, which includes a plurality of battery cells 10 arranged in a plurality of parallel rows. A plurality of busbars 20 electrically connect adjacent battery cells 10.

[0050] Each battery cell 10 may include a first terminal 11, a second terminal 12, and a vent 13, through which gas generated inside is discharged. The first terminal of one battery cell and the second terminal of another adjacent battery cell are electrically connected to each other via a busbar 20.

[0051] The first terminal 11 can be either a positive or a negative terminal. When the first terminal 11 is a positive terminal, the second terminal 12 can be a negative terminal, and vice versa. That is, the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 are configured to have different polarities, and are not limited to a specific polarity.

[0052] A first terminal 11 of a battery cell 10 can be electrically connected to a second terminal 12 of another adjacent battery cell 10 via a busbar 20, and the second terminal 12 of that battery cell 10 can be electrically connected to the first terminal 11 of yet another adjacent battery cell 10 via another busbar 20. Although Figure 1 A series connection is shown, but this disclosure is not limited to this structure, and the battery module 100 according to this disclosure can adopt various connection structures as needed. Furthermore, the number and arrangement of the battery cells 10 are not limited to this. Figure 1 The structure and configuration shown are as described, and the battery cell 10 can be changed as needed.

[0053] The battery module 100 may include a housing 115 that accommodates the cell array 30 and a fire extinguishing section 170 disposed on the cell array 30. Additionally, the battery module 100 may include a cover 140, which is attached to the housing 115 to cover the cell array 30 and the fire extinguishing section 170. The housing 115 and the cover 140 may be connected together by fastening members such as bolts. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and any method may be used as long as it provides a connection between the housing 115 and the cover 140. That is, the housing 115 and the cover 140 may be connected to define an internal space therein, and the cell array 30 and the fire extinguishing section 170 may be accommodated within the internal space. Therefore, the materials of the housing 115 and the cover 140 may have properties that protect the cell array 30 and the fire extinguishing section 170 from mechanical or thermal shock.

[0054] The materials of the outer shell 115 and the cover 140 may include, but are not limited to, any of durable and heat-resistant materials such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), aluminum, or stainless steel.

[0055] The fire extinguishing section 170, disposed between the individual unit array 30 and the cover 140, may include a fire extinguishing disc 160 configured to release a fire extinguishing agent at a certain temperature or higher. The fire extinguishing section 170 may also include a heat-conducting layer 150 configured to conduct heat throughout the fire extinguishing disc 160. The fire extinguishing disc 160 may be disposed on the individual unit array 30. Furthermore, the fire extinguishing disc 160 may be activated by high-temperature gas or flame emitted through the vent 13 when the temperature of the battery module 100 rises. Specifically, the fire extinguishing disc 160 disposed above the vent 13 may be melted by the high-temperature gas or flame emitted through the vent 13. Therefore, the fire extinguishing agent contained within the fire extinguishing disc 160 may be released toward the battery module 100 to extinguish any fire within the battery module 100.

[0056] In some embodiments, the extinguishing disc 160 may include a vulnerable portion having a lower melting point than the surrounding area, stacked with the vent 13. When the temperature of a battery cell 10 rises and high-temperature gas or flame is emitted through the vent 13, causing the extinguishing disc 160 adjacent to the vent 13 to melt, the vulnerable portion can melt more easily. Therefore, the extinguishing disc 160 can release extinguishing agent around the vulnerable portion, thereby effectively suppressing thermal runaway of the battery module 100.

[0057] In another example embodiment, the extinguishing disc 160 may include an opening through which the vent 13 is exposed. When the extinguishing disc 160 includes such an opening, the opening can serve as a channel for discharging high-temperature gas or flame emitted through the vent 13, allowing the high-temperature gas or flame emitted through the vent 13 to directly contact the thermally conductive layer 150 (described below), thereby allowing the heat generated in the battery module 100 to diffuse throughout the extinguishing disc 160. Therefore, even if localized thermal runaway occurs in the battery module, heat can diffuse throughout the extinguishing disc 160 through the thermally conductive layer 150. As heat diffuses throughout the extinguishing disc 160, extinguishing agent can be released from the entire extinguishing disc 160 to extinguish fires in the battery module 100 in the early stages of thermal runaway, thereby improving the stability of the battery module 100.

[0058] The extinguishing agent and extinguishing method of the fire extinguishing disc 160 can be varied. For example, the extinguishing agent included in the fire extinguishing disc 160 can be a material that blocks oxygen in the battery module 100 and extinguishes the fire by asphyxiation. In an example embodiment, the extinguishing agent can be a solid aerosol included in capsule form. In other example embodiments, the extinguishing agent included in the fire extinguishing disc 160 can include, but is not limited to, NOVEC. TM (Dodecano-2-methylpentan-3-one) or materials that reduce the temperature of the battery module 100 to cool the battery module 100 and extinguish any ignition of the coolant in the battery module 100.

[0059] The ratio of the total weight of the extinguishing agent to the total weight of the extinguishing disc 160 can be in the range of 40% to 60%. That is, the extinguishing disc 160 can include 40wt% to 60wt% of the extinguishing agent. When the weight percentage of the extinguishing agent is less than 40wt%, the extinguishing effect on the battery module 100 may be insufficient. When the weight percentage of the extinguishing agent exceeds 60wt%, it may be difficult to manufacture the extinguishing disc 160 containing the extinguishing agent.

[0060] In some embodiments, the fire extinguishing disc 160 may include two or more types of extinguishing agents or may be formed as a multilayer structure. For example, the fire extinguishing disc 160 may include extinguishing agents that are activated at different temperatures, or the fire extinguishing disc 160 may include a first layer adjacent to the monomer array 30 and a second layer on the first layer. The first layer adjacent to the monomer array 30 may include an extinguishing agent with a relatively low activation temperature, and the second layer on the first layer may include a second extinguishing agent with a higher activation temperature than the extinguishing agent.

[0061] When the extinguishing disc 160 comprises two or more types of extinguishing agents or has a multi-layered structure, different types of extinguishing agents can work sequentially according to the temperature and quantity of the gas discharged through the vent 13. Furthermore, based on this dual operation of the extinguishing disc 160, the extinguishing disc works sequentially according to the temperature and generation time of the gas, allowing the extinguishing agents to be discharged continuously.

[0062] The heat-conducting layer 150 can be positioned between the fire extinguishing disc 160 and the cover 140. When the temperature of a battery cell 10 rises, the fire extinguishing disc 160 positioned above the battery cell 10 can melt. And when the heat-conducting layer 150 is positioned above the fire extinguishing disc 160, the heat-conducting layer 150 can diffuse the heat generated in one of the battery cells 10 throughout the fire extinguishing disc 160.

[0063] Two or more fire extinguishing discs 160 can be provided, spaced apart from each other, and the heat-conducting layer 150 is positioned to overlap all the fire extinguishing discs 160. For example, as Figure 1 As shown, the fire extinguishing disc 160 may include a first fire extinguishing disc 161 and a second fire extinguishing disc 162. The heat-conducting layer 150 may be positioned to overlap with both the first fire extinguishing disc 161 and the second fire extinguishing disc 162.

[0064] Therefore, when thermal runaway occurs in a single battery cell 10, the thermally conductive layer 150 allows heat to diffuse throughout the extinguishing disc 160. As a result, the extinguishing agent is released from the entire extinguishing disc 160 to extinguish fires in the battery module 100 in an early stage, thereby preventing thermal runaway from spreading throughout the entire battery module 100. This improves the stability of the battery module 100. If the thermally conductive layer 150 is omitted and the extinguishing agent is released only from the area of ​​the extinguishing disc 160 above one of the battery cells 10, the fire extinguishing efficiency of the battery module 100 may be reduced. Furthermore, even if the extinguishing agent is released only from a portion of the extinguishing disc 160, the entire extinguishing disc 160 needs to be discarded, which may result in material waste.

[0065] The thermally conductive layer 150 may include a material with excellent thermal conductivity. For example, the thermally conductive layer 150 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of copper, silver, gold, aluminum, and graphite.

[0066] The shape of the thermally conductive layer 150 can be varied. In some embodiments, the thermally conductive layer 150 may include a fractured portion in the region overlapping with the vent 13, which may be fractured due to thermal shock or mechanical impact. When the thermally conductive layer 150 includes such a fractured portion, when the temperature of a battery cell 10 rises and high-temperature gas is released through the vent 13, the fractured portion of the thermally conductive layer 150 may fracture to form a channel for discharging the high-temperature gas.

[0067] In another example embodiment, the heat-conducting layer 150 may include an opening corresponding to the vent 13 in the region overlapping with the vent 13. When the heat-conducting layer 150 includes such an opening, an exhaust channel for high-temperature gas emitted through the vent 13 can be formed. Furthermore, the cover portion 140 disposed above the heat-conducting layer 150 may also include a gas exhaust channel corresponding to a gas exhaust channel that may be formed in the heat-conducting layer 150.

[0068] When the thermally conductive layer 150 includes a crackable portion or opening and the cover 140 also includes a gas exhaust channel, the high-temperature gas is discharged through the exhaust port 13, and the thermal energy of the high-temperature gas can be discharged to the outside of the battery module 100 through the high-temperature gas exhaust channel.

[0069] Figure 2 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 A perspective view of an example battery cell in a battery module, and Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A schematic sectional view taken from section line III-III'.

[0070] Refer to together Figure 2 and Figure 3 According to an embodiment, the battery cell 10 may include at least one electrode assembly 210, in which a positive electrode 211 and a negative electrode 212 are wound with a separator 213 placed between them as an insulator. The electrode assembly 210 is housed in a housing 15.

[0071] The battery cell 10 according to this embodiment is shown as a prismatic lithium-ion battery cell. However, this disclosure is not limited to such an example, and this disclosure can be applied to various types of battery cells such as lithium polymer battery cells or cylindrical battery cells.

[0072] Both the positive electrode 211 and the negative electrode 212 may include a coated portion, which is a region on a current collector formed of a thin metal foil, where an active material is applied. The positive electrode 211 and the negative electrode 212 may also include uncoated portions 211a and 212a, which are regions where no active material is applied.

[0073] The positive electrode 211 and the negative electrode 212 are wound with a diaphragm 213 placed between them as an insulator. However, this disclosure is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the electrode assembly 210 can be formed in a structure in which the positive and negative electrodes, both made of stacked sheets, are alternately laminated with a diaphragm placed between them.

[0074] The housing 15 forms the overall appearance of the battery cell 10 and can be made of a conductive metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. Additionally, the housing 15 provides space for accommodating the electrode assembly 210.

[0075] The battery cell 10 may include a cover 17 covering an opening in the housing 15, and both the housing 15 and the cover 17 are formed of a conductive material. A first terminal 11 and a second terminal 12, each electrically connected to a positive electrode 211 or a negative electrode 212, may be mounted to protrude outwards through the cover 17. The circumferential surfaces of the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 protrude outwards through the cover 17 as upper posts and may be threadedly connected and fastened to the cover 17 with a nut. However, this disclosure is not limited to such a configuration. In other embodiments, the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 may be formed by a riveting structure and may be riveted or welded to the cover 17.

[0076] The cover plate 17 may be formed of a thin plate and may engage with an opening in the housing 15. The cover plate 17 may be provided with an electrolyte injection port 14 in which a sealing plug may be installed, and the cover plate 17 may include a vent hole 13 with a notch.

[0077] The first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 can be electrically connected to current collectors including a first current collector 240 and a second current collector 250 (hereinafter referred to as the positive current collector and the negative current collector) soldered to the positive electrode uncoated portion 211a or the negative electrode uncoated portion 212a, respectively. For example, the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 can be soldered to the positive current collector 240 and the negative current collector 250, respectively. However, this disclosure is not limited to such a configuration, and the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 can be integrally formed with the positive current collector 240 and the negative current collector 250, respectively.

[0078] An insulating member may be positioned between the electrode assembly 210 and the cover plate 17. The insulating member may include a first lower insulating member 260 and a second lower insulating member 270, each of which may be installed between the electrode assembly 210 and the cover plate 17.

[0079] Additionally, according to embodiments of this disclosure, one end of the separating member can be mounted facing the electrode assembly 210 and can be positioned between the insulating member and the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12. The separating member may include a first separating member 280 and a second separating member 290.

[0080] Therefore, the ends of the first separating member 280 and the second separating member 290 can be positioned on the side facing the electrode assembly 210, and can be positioned between the first lower insulating member 260 and the first terminal 11 and between the second lower insulating member 270 and the second terminal 12, respectively.

[0081] The first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 can be soldered to the positive current collector 240 and the negative current collector 250, respectively, and can be connected to the end of the first separating member 280 and the end of the first lower insulating member 260, as well as the end of the second separating member 290 and the end of the second lower insulating member 270, respectively.

[0082] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating another example of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] Reference Figure 4 The battery module 400 may include a cell array 430 and a fire extinguishing section 470 positioned above the cell array 430. The fire extinguishing section 470 may include a fire extinguishing plate 460 and a heat-conducting layer 450. The fire extinguishing plate 460 may be disposed between the cell array 430 and a cover (not shown).

[0084] The fire extinguishing disc 460 can, for example, be positioned to overlap the entire area of ​​the individual unit array 430. That is, the fire extinguishing disc 460 can be in the form of covering the entire upper part of the individual unit array 430. For example, the fire extinguishing disc 460 can be rectangular in shape with an area corresponding to the entire area of ​​the individual unit array 430, but this disclosure is not limited to such a construction. In addition, the fire extinguishing disc 460 can be manufactured separately from the battery module 400 and then placed on the individual unit array 430.

[0085] When the fire extinguishing disc 460 covers the entire upper part of the cell array 430, as the temperature of the battery module 400 rises, the fire extinguishing disc can release a large amount of extinguishing agent toward the battery module 400 to effectively control or prevent thermal runaway. Furthermore, since the fire extinguishing disc 460 covers the entire upper part of the cell array 430, even if the temperature of any single battery cell rises to the point of emitting high-temperature gases or flames, the extinguishing agent can still be released from the entire fire extinguishing disc 460 to extinguish any fire in the battery module 400. Therefore, when the fire extinguishing disc 460 covers the entire upper part of the cell array 430, it can effectively address any or all fires in the battery cells 10.

[0086] A heat-conducting layer 450 can be positioned on the fire extinguishing disc 460. When the temperature of a single battery cell 10 rises, the heat-conducting layer 450 can diffuse the heat throughout the entire fire extinguishing disc 460. Therefore, the fire extinguishing disc 460 can release the extinguishing agent not only in the localized area where heat is generated, but also throughout the entire fire extinguishing disc 460, thereby effectively extinguishing the fire in the battery module 400.

[0087] Because the heat-conducting layer 450 is configured to diffuse heat throughout the entire fire extinguishing plate 460, the shape of the heat-conducting layer 450 can correspond to the shape of the fire extinguishing plate 460. Furthermore, the heat-conducting layer 450 can be manufactured separately from the battery module 400 and then placed on the fire extinguishing plate 460.

[0088] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating another example of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 6 It is shown schematically. Figure 5 Perspective view of part A.

[0089] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The battery module 500 may include a cell array 530 and a fire extinguishing unit 570. Additionally, the cell array 530 may include wiring 535 electrically connected to the busbar 520. The fire extinguishing unit 570 may include a fire extinguishing disc 560 and a heat-conducting layer 550.

[0090] Multiple battery cells 510 can be arranged in multiple rows parallel to each other, and wiring 535 is positioned between said multiple rows. Wiring 535 can be electrically connected to busbars 520 that electrically connect the battery cells 510.

[0091] Terminals for temperature measurement and / or terminals for voltage measurement can be connected to busbar 520, and wiring 535 can be connected to terminals for temperature measurement and / or terminals for voltage measurement.

[0092] Heat generation in the battery module 500 can occur not only in the individual battery cells 510 but also due to short circuits in the wiring 535. Furthermore, heat generated in the wiring 535 could lead to thermal runaway in adjacent battery cells 510. Therefore, a fire extinguishing disc 560 is positioned in the area overlapping with the wiring 535, and when the temperature of the wiring 535 rises, the fire extinguishing disc 560 can release extinguishing agent toward the wiring 535 to reduce its temperature or extinguish any fire within it. This prevents heat transfer to the entire battery module 500.

[0093] Wiring 535 may include a material with excellent thermal conductivity. Therefore, when the fire extinguishing disc 560 is formed to extend in the same direction as the length direction of wiring 535, heat conduction is also generated through wiring 535, so the fire extinguishing disc 560 can be operated as a whole.

[0094] When the fire extinguishing disc 560 is positioned on the cell array 530, it has the advantage of easily extinguishing fires occurring in the cell array 530. However, defects such as pinching may occur in the protruding wiring 535. Additionally, when the fire extinguishing disc 560 is positioned on the cell array 530, foreign objects inside the battery cell 510 may damage the wiring 535 during thermal runaway, leading to secondary thermal runaway. However, when the fire extinguishing disc 560 is positioned in an area covering the wiring 535, secondary thermal runaway caused by the wiring 535 being pinched or damaged by foreign objects inside the battery cell 510 can be prevented. Therefore, in some embodiments, the battery module 500 may be equipped with both a fire extinguishing disc (not shown) positioned on the cell array 530 and a fire extinguishing disc 560 positioned overlapping the wiring 535.

[0095] A heat-conducting layer 550 can be positioned on the fire extinguishing disc 560. The heat-conducting layer 550 allows heat to diffuse throughout the entire fire extinguishing disc 560. Therefore, the fire extinguishing disc 560 can operate not only in the localized area where heat is generated, but also throughout its entire area. Thus, fires in the battery module 500 can be effectively extinguished. In embodiments of this disclosure, the heat-conducting layer 550 is formed to cover the entire fire extinguishing disc 560. For example, the heat-conducting layer 550 can be formed to have an area larger than the area of ​​the fire extinguishing disc 560. When the wiring 535 is arranged in multiple rows, the fire extinguishing discs 560 can be positioned on each wiring 535, and the heat-conducting layer 550 can be formed to cover all of the multiple fire extinguishing discs 560 spaced apart from each other. The heat-conducting layer 550 can be manufactured separately from the battery module 500 and then placed on the fire extinguishing disc 560.

[0096] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating another example of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] Reference Figure 7 The battery module 700 may include a cell array 730 and a fire extinguishing section 770 on the cell array 730. The fire extinguishing section 770 may include a fire extinguishing disc 760 and a heat-conducting layer 750. The fire extinguishing disc 760 may be positioned on the cell array 730. The fire extinguishing disc 760 may include an opening 765 that exposes an exhaust port 713 on the top of the battery cell 710. The opening serves as a channel for discharging high-temperature gas emitted through the exhaust port 713, allowing the high-temperature gas or flame emitted through the exhaust port 713 to directly contact the heat-conducting layer 750. Therefore, the heat generated in the battery module 700 can diffuse throughout the fire extinguishing disc 760.

[0098] The heat-conducting layer 750 can be positioned on the fire extinguishing disc 760. As the temperature of the battery module 700 rises, the heat-conducting layer 750 can diffuse heat throughout the entire fire extinguishing disc 760. Therefore, the fire extinguishing disc 760 can release the extinguishing agent not only from the localized area where heat is generated, but also from the entire fire extinguishing disc 760, thereby effectively extinguishing the fire in the battery module 700.

[0099] To ensure that heat can be diffused throughout the entire fire extinguishing disc 760, the shape of the heat-conducting layer 750 can correspond to the shape of the fire extinguishing disc 760. An opening 755 corresponding to the opening 765 can be formed in the fire extinguishing disc 760. When the fire extinguishing disc 760 and the heat-conducting layer 750 each include an opening 765 and an opening 755, the openings can form exhaust channels for high-temperature gas emitted through the exhaust vents.

[0100] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating another example of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0101] Reference Figure 8 The battery module 800 may include a cell array 830 and a fire extinguishing unit 870 positioned on the cell array 830. Additionally, the fire extinguishing unit 870 may include a fire extinguishing disc 860 and a heat-conducting layer 850.

[0102] In embodiments of this disclosure, the fire extinguishing disc 860 can be a layer formed by applying a liquid fire extinguishing agent to the cell array 830 (e.g., battery cell 810 and busbar 820) and then drying the fire extinguishing agent. In this way, the fire extinguishing disc 860 can be formed to be in close contact with the upper surface of the cell array 830. Therefore, the lower surface of the fire extinguishing disc 860 can have the same shape as the upper surface of the cell array 830. That is, the fire extinguishing disc 860 can include irregular portions corresponding to the irregular portions of the cell array 830. In addition, since the fire extinguishing disc 860 is in close contact with the upper surface of the cell array 830, in the event of thermal runaway of the battery module 800, fragments of the battery cell 810 or the cover (not shown) can be prevented from entering the gap between the fire extinguishing disc 860 and the cell array 830 and thereby causing a short circuit.

[0103] A heat-conducting layer 850 can be positioned on the fire extinguishing disc 860. As the temperature of the battery module 800 rises, the heat-conducting layer 850 allows heat to diffuse throughout the entire fire extinguishing disc 860. Therefore, the fire extinguishing disc 860 can release the extinguishing agent not only from the localized area where heat is generated, but also from the entire fire extinguishing disc 860. Thus, fires in the battery module 800 can be effectively extinguished.

[0104] Figure 8An example is shown where the area of ​​the fire extinguishing disc 860 corresponds to the entire area of ​​the single-unit array 830. However, this disclosure is not limited to such a construction. For example, Figure 8 The 860 fire extinguishing disc can be used as... Figure 5 As shown and described in the example, it has a shape that extends in one direction along the wiring 835 to overlap with the wiring 835. In such a case, by making the fire extinguishing disc 860 in close contact with the wiring 835, it is possible to effectively prevent the wiring 835 located between the battery cells 810 from being clamped, and it is also possible to prevent foreign objects from damaging the wiring 835.

[0105] In another example, Figure 8 The fire extinguishing disc 860 can be formed by coating a liquid extinguishing agent along the wiring 835 so as to overlap with the wiring 835, and has the following characteristics: Figure 1 Fire extinguishing discs of various shapes shown and described (such as...) Figure 1 The 160 can be additionally set in other areas of the single-unit array 830.

[0106] Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating another example of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0107] Reference Figure 9 The battery module 900 may include a cell array 930 and a fire extinguishing unit 970 on the cell array 930. The fire extinguishing unit 970 may include a fire extinguishing disc 960 and a heat-conducting layer 950. The heat-conducting layer 950 may be located inside the fire extinguishing disc 960. Inserting the heat-conducting layer 950 into the fire extinguishing disc 960 facilitates the integration of the battery module 900.

[0108] The heat-conducting layer 950 may include at least one heat-conducting wire 952 having an area smaller than that of the fire extinguishing disc 960. The heat-conducting wire 952 may be formed, for example, a grid pattern. However, this disclosure is not limited to such a construction. The heat-conducting wire 952 may have various shapes and constructions as long as the heat-conducting layer 950 is positioned inside the fire extinguishing disc 960 and the heat-conducting wire 952 allows heat to diffuse throughout the entire fire extinguishing disc 960.

[0109] Thermally conductive wiring 952 may include, but is not limited to, materials with excellent thermal conductivity, such as copper, silver, gold, aluminum, or graphite.

[0110] Although Figure 9 The fire extinguishing disc 960 is shown as having an area corresponding to and around the vent 913, such that the opening 965 exposes the vent 913, but the heat-conducting layer 950 can of course be positioned on the fire extinguishing disc (such as...). Figure 1 (160 in the middle, as described above) inside.

[0111] Figure 10This is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a cover portion of a battery module including a thermally conductive layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0112] Reference Figure 10 The cover portion 1040 covering the battery module may include a thermally conductive layer 1050 comprising an opening 1055 corresponding to an exhaust port. The thermally conductive layer 1050 may be attached to the cover portion 1040, thereby simplifying the manufacturing of the battery module.

[0113] When thermal runaway occurs in the battery module, strong vibrations may occur, potentially causing misalignment between the fire extinguishing disc (not shown) and the thermally conductive layer 1050. In such a case, areas of the fire extinguishing disc not overlapping with the thermally conductive layer 1050 may not experience heat diffusion, and therefore, the fire extinguishing disc may not fully release the extinguishing agent. However, when the cover 1040 includes the thermally conductive layer 1050 and the thermally conductive layer 1050 is fixed to the cover 1040, even if thermal runaway occurs in the battery module, the thermally conductive layer 1050 can be fixed in a position that is not misaligned relative to the fire extinguishing disc. Therefore, even if thermal runaway occurs in the battery module and strong vibrations occur, the positions of the thermally conductive layer 1050 and the fire extinguishing disc remain aligned, allowing the entire area of ​​the fire extinguishing disc to function effectively to extinguish any fire in the battery module.

[0114] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the battery module includes a fire extinguishing disc and a thermally conductive layer that allows heat to diffuse throughout the fire extinguishing disc. Therefore, if the battery module experiences localized thermal runaway, a fire extinguishing agent is released from the entire fire extinguishing disc to extinguish any fire within the battery module in the initial stages of the thermal runaway and to prevent the thermal runaway from spreading throughout the entire battery module. This improves the stability of the battery module.

[0115] However, the effects that can be obtained through this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the description provided herein other technical effects not mentioned.

[0116] Although this disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments and accompanying drawings, this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Various modifications and variations are possible by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical concept of this disclosure.

[0117] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are descriptive and not for limiting purposes. The description of features or aspects within each embodiment should generally be considered applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. Although one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized in that, The battery module includes: A cell array includes multiple battery cells and multiple busbars that electrically connect the multiple battery cells; A housing that contains the single-unit array; A cover portion, which is attached to the outer shell to cover the monolithic array; and The fire extinguishing unit is disposed between the individual unit array and the cover. The fire extinguishing unit includes a fire extinguishing disc and a heat-conducting layer configured to conduct heat throughout the fire extinguishing disc, wherein the fire extinguishing disc includes a fire extinguishing agent.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fire extinguishing disc is positioned to overlap the entire area of ​​the single-unit array.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of battery cells includes an vent hole on its surface, and The fire extinguishing disc includes an opening, through which the vent is exposed.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The single-unit array also includes wiring electrically connected to the plurality of busbars, and the fire extinguishing disc is positioned to overlap with the wiring.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The plurality of battery cells are arranged in a plurality of rows parallel to each other, and the wiring is positioned between the plurality of rows.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower surface of the fire extinguishing disc has the same shape as the upper surface of the single-unit array.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fire extinguishing plate is positioned between the individual unit array and the heat-conducting layer.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thermally conductive layer is bonded to the cover.

9. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat-conducting layer is located inside the fire extinguishing plate, and the heat-conducting layer includes at least one heat-conducting wire.

10. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fire extinguishing pad comprises 40 wt% to 60 wt% of the fire extinguishing agent.

11. A battery module, characterized in that, The battery module includes: Multiple battery cells; The outer casing houses the plurality of battery cells; The cover, which is attached to the outer shell; and The fire extinguishing unit is disposed between the plurality of battery cells and the cover. The fire extinguishing unit includes a fire extinguishing disc and a heat-conducting layer configured to conduct heat throughout the fire extinguishing disc. The fire extinguishing disc includes a fire extinguishing agent. The fire extinguishing pad comprises 40 wt% to 60 wt% of the fire extinguishing agent.

12. The battery module according to claim 11, characterized in that, The fire extinguishing disc is positioned to overlap the entire area of ​​the plurality of battery cells.

13. The battery module according to claim 11, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of battery cells includes a vent hole on its surface, and the fire extinguishing disc includes an opening through which the vent hole is exposed.

14. The battery module according to claim 11, characterized in that, The battery module also includes multiple busbars that electrically connect the multiple battery cells and wiring that electrically connects the multiple busbars. The fire extinguishing disc is positioned to overlap with the wiring.

15. The battery module according to claim 14, characterized in that, The plurality of battery cells are arranged in a plurality of rows parallel to each other, and the wiring is positioned between the plurality of rows.

16. The battery module according to claim 14, characterized in that, The plurality of battery cells and the plurality of busbars form a cell array, and The lower surface of the fire extinguishing disc has the same shape as the upper surface of the single-unit array.

17. The battery module according to claim 11, characterized in that, The fire extinguishing plate is positioned between the plurality of battery cells and the heat-conducting layer.

18. The battery module according to claim 11, characterized in that, The thermally conductive layer is bonded to the cover.

19. The battery module according to claim 11, characterized in that, The heat-conducting layer is located inside the fire extinguishing plate, and the heat-conducting layer includes at least one heat-conducting wire.

20. The battery module according to claim 11, characterized in that, The fire extinguishing discs include at least two fire extinguishing discs spaced apart from each other, and The heat-conducting layer is stacked with the at least two fire extinguishing discs.

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