Fire extinguishing structure of battery module

Abstract

To provide a fire extinguishing structure of battery module including a housing, a battery pack, an airflow guiding channel, a fan and an intumescent insulation layer.SOLUTION: In a fire extinguishing structure 1 of a battery module, an inlet 11 of a housing 10 is disposed on a first end face 101, an outlet 12 is disposed on a second end face 102, and an accommodation space 13 is in communication between the inlet and the outlet. A battery pack 20 is accommodated in the accommodation space. An airflow guiding channel 30 communicates the first end face, the accommodation space and the second end face and guides an airflow F along an airflow direction (X axis direction) from the first end face to the second end face. A fan 40 is disposed adjacently to the inlet or the outlet, generates the airflow (F) flowing through the airflow guiding channel and the accommodation space to dissipate heat generated by the battery pack. An intumescent insulation layer 51-54 is arranged on a side wall of the airflow guiding channel and configured to react and expand under a reaction temperature to seal the airflow guiding channel. An included angle α formed between a normal direction N and the airflow direction is 90 degrees or more.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an assembly structure of a battery, and in particular, by arranging an expansion heat insulating material layer corresponding to the side wall of an air flow passage, when abnormal heating occurs, the expansion heat insulating material layer expands to block the air flow. In addition, due to the arrangement of the expansion heat insulating material layer, malfunction caused by an internal heat source is prevented, and the heat dissipation performance due to normal air flow is not affected. The present invention relates to a fire extinguishing structure of a battery module.

Background Art

[0002] Current electronic cabinets are often equipped with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and the battery energy storage system provides a Backup Battery Unit (BBU). Conventional backup battery units include a battery pack and a DC / DC module. Since heat dissipation of internal components is required, a fan is attached to the front end or the rear end of the module, and air holes are provided on the front and rear sides of the module housing. When internal components of the battery energy storage system undergo a thermal runaway reaction, high-temperature combustible gas is generated along with flames. The high-temperature combustible gas and the accompanying flames may leak from the ventilation openings in front of and behind the backup battery module. However, if the naked fire escapes, the risk of external ignition of the system and fire in the computer room increases. Due to the safety requirements of the battery energy storage system, it is necessary to avoid the escape of naked fire when internal components undergo a thermal runaway reaction.

[0003] Therefore, in order to solve the drawbacks of the prior art, by arranging the expansion heat insulation material layer corresponding to the side wall of the air flow guide path, when abnormal heating occurs, the expansion heat insulation material layer expands to block the air flow. In addition, due to the arrangement of the expansion heat insulation material layer, malfunction caused by internal heat sources is prevented, and the heat dissipation performance due to normal air flow is not affected. It is necessary to provide a fire extinguishing structure for the battery module.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to arrange the expansion heat insulation material layer corresponding to the side wall of the air flow guide path, so that when abnormal heating occurs, the expansion heat insulation material layer expands to block the air flow. In addition, due to the arrangement of the expansion heat insulation material layer, malfunction caused by internal heat sources is prevented, and the heat dissipation performance due to normal air flow is not affected. To provide a fire extinguishing structure for the battery module that prevents the outflow of fire.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fire extinguishing structure for the battery module. An expandable flame retardant sticker is adopted as the expansion heat insulation material layer. Since the initial thickness of the expandable flame retardant sticker is in the range of 0.51 mm to 0.54 mm, it can be easily pasted on the air flow guide assembly composed of the air guiding iron material inside the data backup battery unit, and is symmetrically arranged on the opposite side walls of the air flow guide path, without affecting the heat dissipation performance due to normal air flow in the air flow guide path. Furthermore, due to the characteristics of the expandable flame retardant sticker, the expandable flame retardant sticker expands during abnormal heating, seals the air flow guide path, and prevents the outflow of flames. The reaction temperature of the expandable flame retardant sticker is in the range of 200°C to 550°C. When the abnormal temperature reaches 200°C or more, rapid carbonization occurs, it expands to form a protective layer, and can effectively block the combustion-supporting gas in the sealed space. Also, when the internal temperature rises, the reactive material of the expandable flame retardant sticker expands more rapidly into at least 30 times the flame retardant layer, and a good flame retardant effect is obtained by the porous flame retardant layer.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fire extinguishing structure for a battery module. By installing an air flow guiding path formed by an air flow guiding assembly, the air flow can be smoothly guided through the inside of the housing, effectively dissipating the heat generated by the battery pack. At the same time, an expansion heat insulating material layer can be easily attached thereto. The angle formed between the normal direction of the expansion heat insulating material layer and the air flow direction is 90 degrees or more. Thereby, the expansion heat insulating material layer can be attached to the side baffle or the central diversion curved plate of the air flow guiding assembly in a direction away from the accommodation space toward the front end face without affecting the normal air flow in the air flow guiding path, preventing the heat source generated by the battery pack and internal components from accidentally activating the protection mechanism by the expansion heat insulating material layer. Also, due to the characteristics of the expansion heat insulating material layer, the expansion heat insulating material layer expands during abnormal heating to seal the air flow guiding path near the air inlet, cut off the supply of air flow, and effectively exert a flame retardant effect.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To achieve the above object, in a broad embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a fire extinguishing structure for a battery module including a housing, a battery pack, an air flow guiding path, a fan, and an expansion heat insulating material layer. The housing includes a first end face and a second end face facing each other, an air inlet, an air outlet, and an accommodation space. The air inlet is disposed on the first end face, the air outlet is disposed on the second end face, and the accommodation space communicates between the air inlet and the air outlet. The battery pack is accommodated in the accommodation space. The air flow guiding path communicates between the first end face and the accommodation space and / or between the second end face and the accommodation space, and is configured to guide the air flow along the air flow direction from the first end face to the second end face. The fan is disposed adjacent to the air inlet or the air outlet, and is configured to generate an air flow through the air flow guiding path and the accommodation space to dissipate the heat generated by the battery pack. The expansion heat insulating material layer is installed on the side wall of the air flow guiding path, configured to react and expand at a reaction temperature to seal the air flow guiding path, and the angle formed between the normal direction of the expansion heat insulating material layer and the air flow direction is 90 degrees or more.

[0008] In one embodiment, the expansion heat insulating material layer includes a pair of expansion heat insulating material layers respectively installed on opposite side walls of the air flow guiding passage, and the angle formed between the normal direction of the pair of expansion heat insulating material layers and the air flow direction is 90 degrees.

[0009] In one embodiment, the pair of expansion heat insulating material layers are symmetrically installed on the upper and lower side walls of the air flow guiding passage, and / or on the left and right side walls of the air flow guiding passage respectively.

[0010] In one embodiment, the pair of expansion heat insulating material layers each have an initial thickness, the air flow guiding passage has an air flow guiding interval between opposite side walls, and the air flow guiding interval is 30 times or less the initial thickness.

[0011] In one embodiment, the expansion heat insulating material layer is an expandable flame retardant sticker, and the reaction temperature is in the range of 200°C to 550°C.

[0012] In one embodiment, the fire extinguishing structure of the battery module further includes an air flow guiding assembly. The air flow guiding assembly is installed between the first end face and the accommodation space, and / or between the accommodation space and the second end face, and is configured to form an air flow guiding passage communicating between the first end face and the accommodation space, and / or between the accommodation space and the second end face.

[0013] To achieve the above object, in a broad embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a fire extinguishing structure for a battery module including a housing, an air guiding assembly, a battery pack, a fan, and an expanded heat insulating material layer. The housing includes a first end face and a second end face facing each other, an air inlet, an air outlet, and an accommodation space. The air inlet is disposed on the first end face, the air outlet is disposed on the second end face, and the accommodation space communicates between the air inlet and the air outlet. The air guiding assembly is installed between the first end face and the accommodation space and is configured to form an air guiding path communicating between the first end face and the accommodation space. The battery pack is accommodated in the accommodation space and is disposed between the air guiding assembly and the second end face. The fan is disposed adjacent to the air inlet or the air outlet and is configured to generate an air flow passing through the air guiding path and the accommodation space along the air flow direction from the first end face to the second end face to dissipate the heat generated by the battery pack. The expanded heat insulating material layer is attached to the air guiding assembly, reacts and expands at a reaction temperature, and is configured to seal the air guiding path. The angle formed by the normal direction of the expanded heat insulating material layer and the air flow direction is 90 degrees or more.

[0014] In one embodiment, the air guiding assembly includes a pair of baffles obliquely disposed on and extending inwardly from the inner surface of the housing. The first ends of the pair of baffles are connected to the housing, the second ends of the pair of baffles are inclined toward the accommodation space, the pair of baffles have an outer inclined surface and an inner inclined surface, the outer inclined surface faces the first end face, and the inner inclined surface faces the accommodation space. The pair of baffles form an acute angle with the inner surface of the housing, the expanded heat insulating material layer is installed on the outer inclined surface and faces away from the accommodation space, and the angle formed by the normal direction of the expanded heat insulating material layer and the air flow direction is greater than 90 degrees.

[0015] In one embodiment, the air guiding assembly further includes a pair of extending portions respectively extending from the second ends of the pair of baffles toward the accommodation space. The angle formed by the pair of extending portions and the inner surface of the housing is smaller than the acute angle formed by the pair of baffles and the inner surface of the housing.

[0016] In one embodiment, the air flow guiding assembly includes a pair of baffles installed perpendicular to the inner surface of the housing and extending inwardly. The pair of baffles has an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface faces the first end face, and the inner surface faces the accommodation space. The expansion heat insulating material layer is installed on the outer surface and faces away from the accommodation space. The angle formed between the normal direction of the expansion heat insulating material layer and the air flow direction is 180 degrees.

[0017] In one embodiment, the air flow guiding assembly includes a curved plate installed between the pair of baffles and the first end face. The convex surface of the curved plate faces the first end face, and the concave surface of the curved plate faces the pair of baffles and the accommodation space.

[0018] In one embodiment, the air flow guiding assembly includes a pair of baffles and a curved plate. The pair of baffles is installed perpendicular to the inner surface of the housing and extends inwardly. The pair of baffles has an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface faces the first end face, and the inner surface faces the accommodation space. The curved plate is installed between the pair of baffles and the first end face. The convex surface of the curved plate faces the first end face, and the concave surface of the curved plate faces the pair of baffles and the accommodation space. The expansion heat insulating material layer is installed on the convex surface of the curved plate and faces away from the accommodation space. The angle formed between the normal direction of the expansion heat insulating material layer and the air flow direction is 180 degrees.

[0019] In one embodiment, the air flow guiding assembly includes a pair of baffles and a curved plate. The pair of baffles is installed perpendicular to the inner surface of the housing and extends inwardly. The pair of baffles has an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface faces the first end face, and the inner surface faces the accommodation space and the curved plate. The curved plate is installed between the pair of baffles and the accommodation space. The concave surface of the curved plate faces the pair of baffles and the first end face, and the convex surface of the curved plate faces the accommodation space. The expansion heat insulating material layer is installed on the concave surface of the curved plate and faces away from the accommodation space. The angle formed between the normal direction of the expansion heat insulating material layer and the air flow direction is 180 degrees.

[0020] In one embodiment, the pair of expansion heat insulating material layers is an expandable flame retardant sticker, and the reaction temperature ranges from 200°C to 550°C.

[0021] In one embodiment, the volume expansion ratio of the expanded heat insulating material layer at the reaction temperature exceeds 30 times.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] The following detailed description of the present invention and schematic diagrams of embodiments are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the above content and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0023]

Figure 1

[0024]

Figure 2

[0025]

Figure 3

[0026]

Figure 4

[0027]

Figure 5

[0028]

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0029] Some exemplary embodiments demonstrating the features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following explanations. It should be understood that the present invention can have various variations in different aspects, all without departing from the scope of the present invention, and the descriptions and drawings are essentially used for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the present invention. For example, in the following content of the present invention, when it is described that a first feature is installed above or over a second feature, embodiments where the installed first feature is in direct contact with the second feature are included, and by installing additional features between the first feature and the second feature, embodiments where the first feature is not in direct contact with the second feature are also included. Further, in different embodiments of the present invention, overlapping reference numerals and / or symbols can be used. These overlaps are used for the purpose of simplification and clarification and are not used to limit the relationship between each embodiment and / or the above-mentioned external structures. Also, for the purpose of simply describing the relationship between a component or feature element in the drawing and other component(s) or feature element(s), for example, spatial-related terms such as "inside", "outside", "front", "rear", "above", "below", "left", "right", and similar terms can be used. In addition to the orientation shown in the drawing, spatial-related terms are used to include different orientations of the device during use or operation. The device may be positioned separately (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or positioned in another orientation), and the descriptions of the spatial-related terms used accordingly should be interpreted. Furthermore, when one component is said to "connect" or "couple" to another component, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other component, or intervening components may exist. Additionally, terms such as "first", "second", etc. can be used to describe different components in the claims, but these components should not be limited by these terms, and it should be understood that these components described in the embodiments are indicated by different component symbols. These terms are for distinguishing different components. For example, the first component can be referred to as the second component, and similarly, the second component can also be referred to as the first component, without departing from the scope of the embodiments.As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0030] FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a fire extinguishing structure of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the fire extinguishing structure 1 of the battery module is applied to, for example, a data backup battery unit (Backup Battery Unit, BBU) in a battery energy storage system (Battery Energy Storage System, BESS), and includes a housing 10, a battery pack 20, an air flow guide path 30, a fan 40, and an expansion heat insulating material layer 50. The housing 10 is, for example, a battery module housing (Module housing / chassis), and includes a first end face 101 and a second end face 102 facing each other, an air inlet 11, an air outlet 12, and an accommodation space 13. The housing 10 is, for example, in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, and the first end face 101 and the second end face 102 are the front end face and the rear end face of the rectangular parallelepiped, respectively. In this embodiment, the air inlet 11 is disposed on the first end face 101, the air outlet 12 is disposed on the second end face 102, and the accommodation space 13 communicates between the air inlet 11 and the air outlet 12. Of course, the size, type, quantity, and arrangement of the air inlet 11 and the air outlet 12 can be adjusted according to actual application requirements, and the present invention is not limited thereto. The battery pack 20 includes, for example, a plurality of battery cells arranged in an array and accommodated in the accommodation space 13. The air flow guide path 30 includes, for example, a front air flow guide path 31 communicating between the first end face 101 and the accommodation space 13, and / or a rear air flow guide path 32 communicating between the second end face 102 and the accommodation space 13. Thereby, the air flow guide path 30 can be configured to guide the air flow F along the air flow direction from the first end face 101 to the second end face 102 (i.e., the X-axis direction).

[0031] In this embodiment, the fan 40 is embedded in the housing 10, provided adjacent to the air outlet 12, and configured to generate an air flow F through the air guiding channel 30 (front air guiding channel 31 and rear air guiding channel 32) and the accommodation space 13 to dissipate the heat generated by the battery pack 20. In other embodiments, the fan 40 can also be arranged adjacent between the air inlet 11, the air inlet 11, and the air outlet 12, or as long as it can generate an air flow F through the air guiding channel 30 (front air guiding channel 31 and rear air guiding channel 32) and the accommodation space 13 to dissipate the heat generated by the battery pack 20, it can be applied to the present invention. For the convenience of description, in the following embodiments, only the fan 40 arranged adjacent to the air outlet 12 or the air inlet 11 will be described, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, the expansion heat insulating material layer 50 is installed on at least one side wall of the air guiding channel 30 (front air guiding channel 31 or rear air guiding channel 32), configured to react and expand at the reaction temperature to seal the air guiding channel 30 (front air guiding channel 31 or rear air guiding channel 32). The angle α formed between the normal direction N of the expansion heat insulating material layer 50 and the air flow direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) is 90 degrees or more.

[0032] In this embodiment, the thermal insulation layer 50 includes, for example, a pair of thermal insulation layers 51 and 52 disposed on opposite side walls above and below the front air flow path 31, and may include a pair of thermal insulation layers 53 and 54 disposed on opposite side walls above and below the rear air flow path 32. In this way, the normal direction N of the thermal insulation layers 50, 51, 52, 53, and 54 is parallel to the Z-axis direction, for example, that is, the angle α formed between the normal direction N of the thermal insulation layers 50, 51, 52, 53, and 54 and the air flow direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) is 90 degrees. In other embodiments, the pair of thermal insulation layers 50 are respectively installed on opposite side walls on the left and right of the front air flow path 31 and the rear air flow path 32. In this way, the normal direction N of the thermal insulation layer 50 is parallel to the Y-axis direction, for example, that is, the angle α formed between the normal direction N of the thermal insulation layer 50 and the air flow direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) is 90 degrees. In other embodiments, the pair of thermal insulation layers 50 are symmetrically installed on the upper and lower side walls of the air flow path 30 and / or the left and right side walls of the air flow path 30, respectively. Since the angle α formed between the normal direction N of the thermal insulation layer 50 and the air flow direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) is maintained at 90 degrees or more, the thermal insulation layer 50 is attached to any side wall of the air flow path 30 and does not affect the flow of the normal air flow F in the air flow path 30. The air flow F generated by the fan 40 can effectively discharge the heat generated by the battery pack 20.

[0033] In this embodiment, the expanded heat-insulating material layer 50 is, for example, an intumescent fire retardant sticker with an initial thickness T in the range of 0.51 mm to 0.54 mm and a reaction temperature in the range of 200°C to 550°C. By adopting an intumescent fire retardant sticker as the expanded heat-insulating material layer 50, since the initial thickness T of the intumescent fire retardant sticker is in the range of 0.51 mm to 0.54 mm, it is easy to be symmetrically arranged on the opposite side walls of the air flow guide path 30 and does not affect the flow of the normal air flow F in the air flow guide path 30. Also, due to the characteristics of the intumescent fire retardant sticker, the expanded heat-insulating material layer 50 expands when abnormally heated, seals the air flow guide path 30, and prevents the outflow of flames. Further, the reaction temperature of the expanded heat-insulating material layer 50 is in the range of 200°C to 550°C. When the abnormal temperature reaches 200°C or higher, the expanded heat-insulating material layer 50 rapidly carbonizes and expands to form a protective layer, and can effectively block the combustion-supporting gas in the sealed space. In this embodiment, the air flow guide path 30 (front air flow guide path 31 or rear air flow guide path 32) has an air flow guide interval D between the upper and lower opposite side walls. Preferably, the air flow guide interval D is 30 times or less of the initial thickness T. The volume expansion rate of the expanded heat-insulating material layer 50 due to the reaction at the reaction temperature exceeds 30 times. As the abnormal temperature rises, the reactive material of the expanded heat-insulating material layer 50 expands more rapidly into at least a 30-fold fire-retardant layer, and the porous fire-retardant layer can reliably seal the front air flow guide path 31 or the rear air flow guide path 32 to form a sealed space, achieving a good fire-retardant effect.

[0034] Incidentally, the air flow path 30 (front air flow path 31 or rear air flow path 32) can be configured by the air guiding iron material inside the data backup battery unit. In the present embodiment, the fire extinguishing structure 1 of the battery module is installed between the first end face 101 and the accommodation space 13, and further includes an air flow guiding assembly 60 configured to form a front air flow path 31 communicating between the first end face 101 and the accommodation space 13. The fire extinguishing structure 1 of the battery module may further include an air flow guiding assembly 70 installed between the accommodation space 13 and the second end face 102 and configured to form a rear air flow path 32 communicating between the accommodation space 13 and the second end face 102. The air flow guiding assemblies 60 and 70 are not limited to those configured by the same or different air guiding iron materials. Of course, the installation of the air flow path 30 can also be adjusted according to the actual application requirements. In the present invention, an expandable flame retardant sticker is adopted as the expandable heat insulating material layer 50, and the installation can be completed without affecting the flow path of the normal air flow F in the air flow path 30.

[0035] FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the fire extinguishing structure of the battery module according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the present invention provides a fire extinguishing structure 1a of a battery module applied to a data backup battery unit in a battery power storage system, which includes a housing 10, an air guiding assembly 80, a battery pack 20, a fan 40, and an expanded heat insulating material layer 50a. The housing 10 has a first end face 101 and a second end face 102 facing each other, an air inlet 11, an air outlet 12, and an accommodation space 13. The housing 10 is, for example, in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, and the first end face 101 and the second end face 102 are the front end face and the rear end face of the rectangular parallelepiped, respectively. In this embodiment, the air inlet 11 is arranged on the first end face 101, the air outlet 12 is arranged on the second end face 102, and the accommodation space 13 communicates between the air inlet 11 and the air outlet 12. Of course, the size, type, quantity, and arrangement of the air inlet 11 and the air outlet 12 can be adjusted according to actual application requirements, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Further, the air guiding assembly 80 is installed between the first end face 101 and the accommodation space 13 and is configured to form an air guiding path 30 communicating between the first end face 101 and the accommodation space 13. The battery pack 20 includes, for example, a plurality of battery cells arranged in an array, accommodated in the accommodation space 13, and arranged between the air guiding assembly 80 and the second end face 102. The fan 40 is embedded in the housing 10, arranged adjacent to the air outlet 12, and configured to generate an air flow F flowing along the air flow direction from the first end face 101 to the second end face 102 (i.e., the X-axis direction). The air flow F enters the air guiding path 30 from the air inlet 11, flows through the accommodation space 13, and then is discharged from the air outlet 12, effectively dissipating the heat generated by the battery pack 20. Of course, the fan 40 may be embedded in the housing 10 and arranged adjacent to the air inlet 11, and the description thereof is omitted here. In this embodiment, the expanded heat insulating material layer 50a is attached to the air guiding assembly 80, and the angle α formed between the normal direction N of the expanded heat insulating material layer 50a and the air flow direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) is 90 degrees or more, which does not affect the flow of the air flow F in the air guiding path 30, and expands in response when the abnormal reaction temperature is 200°C to 550°C, and can seal the air guiding path 30.

[0036] In this embodiment, the air flow guiding assembly 80 is obliquely installed on the inner surface of the housing 10, extends inwardly, and includes a pair of baffles 81 that are symmetric with respect to each other. The first ends 813 of the pair of baffles 81 are connected to the inner surface of the housing 10, and the second ends 814 of the pair of baffles 81 are inclined toward the accommodation space 13. In this way, the pair of baffles 81 forms an outer inclined surface 811 and an inner inclined surface 812. The outer inclined surface 811 faces the first end surface 101, and the inner inclined surface 812 faces the accommodation space 13. In this embodiment, the pair of baffles 81 forms an acute angle A with the inner surface of the housing 10, and the expanded heat insulating material layer 50a is installed on the outer inclined surface 811 and faces away from the accommodation space 13. In other words, the angle α formed between the normal direction N of the expanded heat insulating material layer 50a and the air flow direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) is greater than 90 degrees. Thus, when a thin expandable flame retardant sticker is adopted as the expanded heat insulating material layer 50a, it can be easily attached to the outer inclined surface 811 of the pair of baffles 81 without affecting the flow of the normal air flow F in the air flow guiding path 30. Further, the expanded heat insulating material layer 50a faces away from the accommodation space 13, preventing a heat source generated from the battery pack 20 or internal components from accidentally activating the protection mechanism by the expanded heat insulating material layer 50a. The expanded heat insulating material layer 50a reacts and expands only when the abnormal heating temperature reaches 200°C, seals the air flow guiding path 30 near the air inlet 11, cuts off the supply of the air flow F, and effectively exerts a flame retardant effect.

[0037] FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the fire extinguishing structure of the battery module according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the fire extinguishing structure 1b of the battery module is similar to the fire extinguishing structure 1a of the battery module shown in FIG. 2, and the same reference numerals represent the same components, structures, and functions, and the description thereof will be omitted here. In this embodiment, the air flow guiding assembly 80a configured to form the air flow guiding path 30 further includes a pair of extending portions 815. The pair of extending portions 815 respectively extend from the second ends 814 of the pair of baffles 81 toward the accommodation space 13. The angle B formed by the pair of extending portions 815 with respect to the inner surface of the housing 10 is smaller than the acute angle A formed by the pair of baffles 81 with respect to the inner surface of the housing 10. By installing the extending portions 815, the air flow guiding path 30 can further enhance the heat dissipation effect of the battery pack 20 in the accommodation space 13 by the air flow F, and reduce the possibility that the heat source generated from the battery pack 20 and internal components accidentally activates the protection mechanism by the expansion heat insulating material layer 50a. Of course, the extending length and angle range of the extending portions 815 can be adjusted according to actual application requirements, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0038] FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a fire extinguishing structure of a battery module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the fire extinguishing structure 1c of the battery module is similar to the fire extinguishing structure 1a of the battery module shown in FIG. 2, and the same reference numerals represent the same components, structures, and functions, and the description thereof will be omitted here. In the present embodiment, the air flow guide assembly 80b configured to form the air flow path 30 includes a pair of baffles 82 that are vertically installed on the inner surface of the housing 10 and extend inward. The pair of baffles 82 are symmetric with each other, and each baffle 82 has an outer surface 821 and an inner surface 822. The outer surface 821 faces the first end surface 101, and the inner surface 822 faces the accommodation space 13. In the present embodiment, the expansion heat insulating material layer 50b is installed on the outer surface 821 and faces the side opposite to the accommodation space 13. Thus, the angle α formed between the normal direction N of the expansion heat insulating material layer 50b and the air flow direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) is 180 degrees. Thereby, when a thin expandable flame retardant sticker is adopted as the expansion heat insulating material layer 50b, it can be easily attached to the outer surface 821 of the pair of baffles 82 without affecting the flow of the normal air flow F in the air flow path 30. Further, the expansion heat insulating material layer 50b faces the side opposite to the accommodation space 13, and it is possible to prevent a heat source generated from the battery pack 20 or internal components from accidentally activating the protection mechanism by the expansion heat insulating material layer 50b. The expansion heat insulating material layer 50b reacts and expands only when the abnormal heating temperature reaches 200°C, seals the air flow path 30 near the air inlet 11, shuts off the supply of the air flow F, and effectively exhibits a flame retardant effect.

[0039] In this embodiment, the air flow guiding assembly 80b further includes a curved plate 83 installed between a pair of baffles 82 and the first end face 101. The convex surface 831 of the curved plate 83 faces the first end face 101, and the concave surface 832 of the curved plate 83 faces the pair of baffles 82 and the accommodation space 13, so as to adjust or divide the air flow F. Furthermore, by installing the curved plate 83, the expanded heat insulating material layer 50b after abnormal heating expansion is filled between the pair of baffles 82 and the curved plate 83, sealing the air flow guiding path 30 near the air inlet 11, blocking the supply of the air flow F, and helping to effectively exert the flame retardant effect. Of course, the size and arrangement position of the curved plate 83 can be adjusted according to actual application requirements, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0040] FIG. 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a fire extinguishing structure of a battery module according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the fire extinguishing structure 1d of the battery module is similar to the fire extinguishing structure 1a of the battery module shown in FIG. 2, and the same reference numerals represent the same components, structures, and functions, and the description thereof will be omitted here. In the present embodiment, an air flow guide assembly 80b configured to form an air flow path 30 includes a pair of baffles 82 and a curved plate 83. The pair of baffles 82 are installed perpendicular to the inner surface of the housing 10, extend inward, and have an outer surface 821 and an inner surface 822. The outer surface 821 faces the first end face 101, and the inner surface 822 faces the accommodation space 13. In the present embodiment, the curved plate 83 is installed between the pair of baffles 82 and the first end face 101. The convex surface 831 of the curved plate 83 faces the first end face 101, and the concave surface 832 of the curved plate 83 faces the pair of baffles 82 and the accommodation space 13. In the present embodiment, the expansion heat insulating material layer 50c is installed on the convex surface 831 of the curved plate 83 and faces the side opposite to the accommodation space 13. In other words, the angle α formed between the normal direction N of the expansion heat insulating material layer 50c and the air flow direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) is 180 degrees. Thereby, when a thin expandable flame retardant sticker is adopted as the expansion heat insulating material layer 50c, it can be easily attached to the convex surface 831 of the curved plate 83 without affecting the flow of the normal air flow F in the air flow path 30, and it is possible to prevent a heat source generated from the battery pack 20 or internal components from accidentally activating the protection mechanism by the expansion heat insulating material layer 50c. The expansion heat insulating material layer 50c reacts and expands only when abnormally heated within the reaction temperature range, seals the air flow path 30 near the air inlet 11, shuts off the supply of the air flow F, and effectively exhibits a flame retardant effect.

[0041] FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the fire extinguishing structure of the battery module according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the fire extinguishing structure 1e of the battery module is similar to the fire extinguishing structure 1d of the battery module shown in FIG. 5. The same reference numerals represent the same components, structures, and functions, and the description thereof will be omitted here. In this embodiment, the fan 40a is embedded in the housing 10, provided adjacent to the air inlet 11, and configured to generate an air flow F that is discharged from the air inlet 11 through the air flow guide path 30 and the accommodation space 13 and finally from the air outlet 12 to dissipate the heat generated by the battery pack 20. Of course, in other embodiments, the fan 40a may be disposed adjacent between the air outlet 12, the air inlet 11, and the air outlet 12, or may be applied to the present invention as long as it can generate the air flow F passing through the air flow guide path 30 and the accommodation space 13. Further, in this embodiment, the air flow guide assembly 80c configured to form the air flow guide path 30 includes a pair of baffles 82 and a curved plate 84. The pair of baffles 82 are installed perpendicular to the inner surface of the housing 10 and extend inwardly, having an outer surface 821 and an inner surface 822. The outer surface 821 faces the first end face 101, and the inner surface 822 faces the accommodation space 13 and the curved plate 84. That is, the curved plate 84 is installed between the pair of baffles 82 and the accommodation space 13 to divide the air flow F. The concave surface 841 of the curved plate 84 faces the pair of baffles 82 and the first end face 101, and the convex surface 842 of the curved plate 84 faces the accommodation space 13. In this embodiment, the expanded heat insulating material layer 50d is installed on the concave surface 841 of the curved plate 84 and faces the side opposite to the accommodation space 13. Similarly, the angle α formed by the normal direction N of the expanded heat insulating material layer 50d and the air flow direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) is 180 degrees. Thus, when a thin expandable flame retardant sticker is adopted as the expanded heat insulating material layer 50d, it can be easily attached to the concave surface 841 of the curved plate 84 without affecting the normal air flow F in the air flow guide path 30, and it is possible to prevent the heat source generated from the battery pack 20 and internal components from accidentally activating the protection mechanism by the expanded heat insulating material layer 50d.When the expanded heat-insulating material layer 50d is abnormally heated within the reaction temperature range, it rapidly reacts and expands, fills the space between the pair of baffles 82 and the curved plate 84, seals the air flow path 30 near the air inlet 11, cuts off the supply of the air flow F, and effectively exerts the flame-retardant effect.

[0042] As can be seen from the above, in the above embodiment, the expanded heat-insulating material layers 50, 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d are all arranged adjacent to the side wall of the air flow path 30, and the angle α formed by the normal direction N of the expanded heat-insulating material layers 50, 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d and the air flow direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) is 90 degrees or more. Thereby, it is easy to install the expandable flame-retardant sticker, and while maintaining the smooth flow of the air flow F, the problem of the protection mechanism being accidentally activated is solved. When the resistance ability of the battery system against the spread of thermal runaway is actually tested using the expandable flame-retardant sticker, it is found that the expanded heat-insulating material layers 50, 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d installed in the fire extinguishing structures 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d of the battery module can all effectively block the air flow path 30, prevent the outflow of the flame, and allow a large amount of combustible gas to dissipate from the front air inlet 1.

[0043] As described above, in the present invention, by arranging the expansion heat insulation material layer corresponding to the side wall of the air flow guiding path, when abnormal heating occurs, the expansion heat insulation material layer expands to block the air flow. In addition, due to the arrangement of the expansion heat insulation material layer, malfunction caused by an internal heat source is prevented, and the heat dissipation performance due to normal air flow is not affected, providing a fire extinguishing structure for the battery module. In the present invention, an expandable flame retardant sticker is adopted as the expansion heat insulation material layer. Since the initial thickness of the expandable flame retardant sticker is in the range of 0.51 mm to 0.54 mm, it can be easily attached to the air flow guiding assembly composed of the air guiding member inside the data backup battery unit, and is symmetrically arranged on both opposite side walls of the air flow guiding path, without affecting the heat dissipation performance due to normal air flow in the air flow guiding path. Further, due to the characteristics of the expandable flame retardant sticker, the expandable flame retardant sticker expands during abnormal heating, seals the air flow guiding path, and prevents the outflow of flames. The reaction temperature of the expandable flame retardant sticker is in the range of 200°C to 550°C. When the abnormal temperature reaches 200°C or more, rapid carbonization occurs, it expands to form a protective layer, and can effectively block the combustion-supporting gas in the sealed space. Also, when the internal temperature rises, the reactive material of the expandable flame retardant sticker expands more rapidly into at least 30 times the flame retardant layer, and a good flame retardant effect is obtained by the porous flame retardant layer. By installing the air flow guiding path formed by the air flow guiding assembly, the air flow can be smoothly guided through the inside of the housing, and the heat generated by the battery pack can be effectively dissipated. At the same time, the expansion heat insulation material layer can be easily attached thereto. The angle formed between the normal direction of the expansion heat insulation material layer and the air flow direction is 90 degrees or more. Thereby, the expansion heat insulation material layer can be attached to the side baffle or the central diversion curved plate of the air flow guiding assembly in a direction away from the accommodation space toward the front end surface without affecting the normal air flow in the air flow guiding path, preventing the heat source generated by the battery pack or internal components from accidentally activating the protection mechanism by the expansion heat insulation material layer. Also, due to the characteristics of the expansion heat insulation material layer, the expansion heat insulation material layer expands during abnormal heating, seals the air flow guiding path near the air inlet, cuts off the supply of air flow, and effectively exerts the flame retardant effect.

[0044] While those skilled in the art can make various modifications, they will not depart from the scope defined by the claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0045] 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e: Fire extinguishing structure of battery module 10: Housing 101: First end face 102: Second end face 11: Air inlet 12: Air outlet 13: Accommodation space 20: Battery pack 30: Air flow guide path 31: Front air flow guide path 32: Rear air flow guide path 40, 40a: Fan 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d: Expanded heat insulation material layer 60, 70: Air flow guide assembly 80, 80a, 80b, 80c: Air flow guide assembly 81: Baffle 811: Outer inclined surface 812: Inner inclined surface 813: First end 814: Second end 815: Extension part 82: Baffle 821: Outer surface 822: Inner surface 83: Curved plate 831: Convex surface 832: Concave surface 84: Curved plate 841: Concave surface 842: Convex surface A: Acute angle B: Angle D: Air flow guide interval F: Air flow N: Normal direction T: Initial thickness X, Y, Z: Axes α: Angle

Claims

1. A fire extinguishing structure for a battery module including a housing, a battery pack, an air flow guide path, a fan, and an expandable heat insulating material layer, wherein the housing includes a first end face and a second end face facing each other, an air inlet, an air outlet, and an accommodation space, the air inlet is disposed on the first end face, the air outlet is disposed on the second end face, and the accommodation space communicates between the air inlet and the air outlet, the battery pack is accommodated in the accommodation space, the air flow guide path communicates between the first end face and the accommodation space and / or between the second end face and the accommodation space, and is configured to guide an air flow along an air flow direction from the first end face to the second end face, the fan is disposed adjacent to the air inlet or the air outlet, and is configured to generate the air flow passing through the air flow guide path and the accommodation space to dissipate heat generated by the battery pack, the expandable heat insulating material layer is installed on a side wall of the air flow guide path, reacts and expands at a reaction temperature, and is configured to seal the air flow guide path, and an angle formed between a normal direction of the expandable heat insulating material layer and the air flow direction is 90 degrees or more, A fire extinguishing structure for a battery module.

2. The expandable heat insulating material layer includes a pair of expandable heat insulating material layers respectively installed on opposite side walls of the air flow guide path, and an angle formed between the normal direction of the pair of expandable heat insulating material layers and the air flow direction is 90 degrees. The fire extinguishing structure for a battery module according to claim 1.

3. The pair of expandable heat insulating material layers are symmetrically installed on an upper side wall and a lower side wall of the air flow guide path and / or on a left side wall and a right side wall of the air flow guide path respectively. The fire extinguishing structure for a battery module according to claim 2.

4. The pair of expandable heat insulating material layers each have an initial thickness, the air flow guide path has an air flow guide interval between the opposite side walls, and the air flow guide interval is 30 times or less of the initial thickness. The fire extinguishing structure for a battery module according to claim 2.

5. Further including an air flow guide assembly, the air flow guide assembly is installed between the first end face and the accommodation space and / or between the accommodation space and the second end face, and is configured to form the air flow guide path communicating between the first end face and the accommodation space and / or between the accommodation space and the second end face. The fire extinguishing structure for a battery module according to claim 1.

6. A fire extinguishing structure for a battery module including a housing, an air guiding assembly, a battery pack, a fan, and an expanded heat insulating material layer, wherein the housing includes a first end face and a second end face facing each other, an air inlet, an air outlet, and an accommodation space, the air inlet is disposed on the first end face, the air outlet is disposed on the second end face, and the accommodation space communicates between the air inlet and the air outlet; the air guiding assembly is installed between the first end face and the accommodation space and is configured to form an air guiding path communicating between the first end face and the accommodation space; the battery pack is accommodated in the accommodation space and is disposed between the air guiding assembly and the second end face; the fan is disposed adjacent to the air inlet or the air outlet and is configured to generate an air flow passing through the air guiding path and the accommodation space along the air flow direction from the first end face to the second end face to dissipate heat generated by the battery pack; the expanded heat insulating material layer is attached to the air guiding assembly, reacts and expands at a reaction temperature, and is configured to seal the air guiding path, and an angle formed between a normal direction of the expanded heat insulating material layer and the air flow direction is 90 degrees or more. A fire extinguishing structure for a battery module.

7. The air guiding assembly includes a pair of baffles obliquely disposed on and extending inwardly from an inner surface of the housing; a first end of the pair of baffles is connected to the housing, a second end of the pair of baffles is inclined toward the accommodation space, the pair of baffles has an outer inclined surface and an inner inclined surface, the outer inclined surface faces the first end face, and the inner inclined surface faces the accommodation space; the pair of baffles forms an acute angle with the inner surface of the housing, the expanded heat insulating material layer is installed on the outer inclined surface and faces away from the accommodation space, and an angle formed between the normal direction of the expanded heat insulating material layer and the air flow direction is greater than 90 degrees. The fire extinguishing structure for a battery module according to Claim 6.

8. The air flow guiding assembly further includes a pair of extending portions respectively extending from the second ends of the pair of baffles toward the accommodation space, and the angles formed by the pair of extending portions with respect to the inner surface of the housing are smaller than the acute angles formed by the pair of baffles and the inner surface of the housing. The fire extinguishing structure of the battery module according to claim 7.

9. The air flow guiding assembly includes a pair of baffles vertically installed on the inner surface of the housing and extending inward. The pair of baffles have an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface faces the first end face, the inner surface faces the accommodation space, the expansion heat-insulating material layer is installed on the outer surface, and faces away from the side opposite to the accommodation space. The angle formed by the normal direction of the expansion heat-insulating material layer and the air flow direction is 180 degrees. The fire extinguishing structure of the battery module according to claim 6.

10. The air flow guiding assembly includes a curved plate installed between the pair of baffles and the first end face. The convex surface of the curved plate faces the first end face, and the concave surface of the curved plate faces the pair of baffles and the accommodation space. The fire extinguishing structure of the battery module according to claim 9.

11. The air flow guiding assembly includes a pair of baffles and a curved plate. The pair of baffles are vertically installed on the inner surface of the housing, extend inward, have an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface faces the first end face, and the inner surface faces the accommodation space. The curved plate is installed between the pair of baffles and the first end face. The convex surface of the curved plate faces the first end face, and the concave surface of the curved plate faces the pair of baffles and the accommodation space. The expansion heat-insulating material layer is installed on the convex surface of the curved plate and faces away from the side opposite to the accommodation space. The angle formed by the normal direction of the expansion heat-insulating material layer and the air flow direction is 180 degrees. The fire extinguishing structure of the battery module according to claim 6.

12. The air flow guiding assembly includes a pair of baffles and a curved plate. The pair of baffles are vertically installed on the inner surface of the housing, extend inward, have an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface faces the first end face, and the inner surface faces the accommodation space and the curved plate. The curved plate is installed between the pair of baffles and the accommodation space. The concave surface of the curved plate faces the pair of baffles and the first end face. The convex surface of the curved plate faces the accommodation space. The expanded heat insulating material layer is installed on the concave surface of the curved plate, facing away from the accommodation space. The angle formed by the normal direction of the expanded heat insulating material layer and the air flow direction is 180 degrees. The fire extinguishing structure of the battery module according to claim 6.

13. The expanded heat insulating material layer is an expandable flame retardant sticker, and the reaction temperature is in the range of 200°C to 550°C. The fire extinguishing structure of the battery module according to claim 1 or 6.

14. The volume expansion ratio of the expanded heat insulating material layer at the reaction temperature exceeds 30 times. The fire extinguishing structure of the battery module according to claim 6.

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