Battery Module

Abstract

The technical problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide a battery module that is equipped with a fire extinguishing cartridge inside a housing, and that can spray fire extinguishing fluid from the fire extinguishing cartridge onto the battery cell in response to changes in environmental factors (temperature, voltage) of the battery cell, thereby enabling early response and preventing the spread of fire to adjacent battery cells. [Solution] The present disclosure provides a battery module comprising a housing, a battery cell accommodated inside the housing, a fire extinguishing cartridge disposed inside the housing and filled with fire extinguishing liquid, a percussion unit that causes the fire extinguishing liquid in the fire extinguishing cartridge to be released into the battery cell, and a control unit that controls the percussion unit in response to an abnormal condition of the battery cell.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module. [Background technology]

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which cannot be recharged, secondary batteries are batteries that can be charged and discharged. 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 motor drive power sources and power storage batteries in hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, and the like. Such secondary batteries include an electrode assembly consisting of a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a case that houses the electrode assembly, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly.

[0003] The secondary battery may be used as a battery module or a battery pack formed of a number of unit battery cells connected in series and / or parallel to provide high energy density. The battery module or battery pack may be formed by connecting electrode terminals of a number of unit batteries to each other to meet a required amount of power, for example, to realize a high-power secondary battery for an electric vehicle.

[0004] The above information disclosed in the background of the invention is intended to enhance understanding of the background of the invention and may therefore include information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery module that is equipped with a fire extinguishing cartridge inside a housing and can spray fire extinguishing fluid from the fire extinguishing cartridge onto a battery cell in response to changes in the environmental factors of the battery cell, thereby enabling early response and preventing the spread of fire to adjacent battery cells.

[0006] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the technical problems, a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a housing, a battery cell accommodated inside the housing, a fire-extinguishing cartridge disposed inside the housing and filled with fire-extinguishing liquid, a percussion unit that releases the fire-extinguishing liquid from the fire-extinguishing cartridge to the battery cell, and a control unit that controls the percussion unit according to an abnormal condition of the battery cell.

[0008] The abnormal condition of the battery cell may be that the internal temperature of the battery cell is equal to or higher than a set temperature.

[0009] The fire extinguishing cartridge may be provided on top of the battery cell.

[0010] The fire-extinguishing cartridge may include a guide portion that facilitates drawing out the fire-extinguishing liquid when the fire-extinguishing liquid is released by the percussion portion.

[0011] The guide portion may be provided on a bottom surface of the fire-extinguishing cartridge and may be formed to be inclined toward a vent hole of the battery cell.

[0012] The fire extinguishing cartridge may include a material that melts at a set temperature when a fire occurs in the battery cell.

[0013] The percussion unit may include a percussion frame provided between the fire extinguishing cartridge and the battery cell, a piercing member elastically supported on the percussion frame by an elastic member, and a percussion control unit that restricts percussion of the piercing member and causes the piercing member to be percussed against the fire extinguishing cartridge by the elastic member when an abnormal condition of the battery cell occurs.

[0014] The piercing member may be cone-shaped with a diameter that decreases in the direction toward the fire extinguishing cartridge.

[0015] The piercing member may be formed with a discharge passage for guiding the fire-extinguishing liquid from the fire-extinguishing cartridge.

[0016] The percussion control unit may include a connecting unit electrically connected to the control unit, and a variable unit provided on the connecting unit to fix the piercing member and release the fixed state of the piercing member when current is applied from the control unit, so that the piercing member is percussed against the fire extinguishing cartridge by the elastic member.

[0017] The variable portion may fix the piercing member to the connecting portion and may include a material that melts when a current is applied from the control portion.

[0018] The variable portion may be soldered.

[0019] The control unit may include a sensor unit that senses the temperature of the battery cell.

[0020] The battery cell may be provided in a plurality of pieces, and the percussion unit may be provided in a plurality of pieces corresponding to the battery cells.

[0021] The control unit may activate a firing unit corresponding to the battery cell in which an event occurs among the battery cells.

[0022] The fire extinguishing cartridge may include a partition member that partitions an internal space into a plurality of sections corresponding to the battery cells, and the percussion unit may be provided in a plurality of sections corresponding to the battery cells.

[0023] The battery cells may be provided in a plurality, the extinguisher cartridge may include a frame forming a storage space divided into a plurality of spaces corresponding to the battery cells, and a fire extinguisher filling bag detachably provided in the storage space of the frame, and the percussion unit may be provided in a plurality of spaces corresponding to the fire extinguisher filling bag.

[0024] The control unit may activate a firing unit corresponding to the battery cell in which an event occurs among the battery cells. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a fire extinguishing cartridge is provided inside the housing, and the fire extinguishing liquid in the fire extinguishing cartridge can be sprayed onto the battery cell in response to changes in environmental factors (temperature, voltage) of the battery cell, allowing for early response and preventing the fire from spreading to adjacent battery cells.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a fire extinguishing cartridge filled with a fire extinguishing liquid is provided on the upper part of the battery cell, and can be sprayed in a concentrated manner on the opposing parts in a face-to-face manner, thereby improving the efficiency of fire suppression.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fire extinguishing cartridge is composed of a fire extinguishing filling bag corresponding to each battery cell, so that the fire in the battery cell can be suppressed, and the spent fire extinguishing filling bag can be replaced, which has the effect of reducing costs.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fire extinguishing cartridge is made of a material that melts due to the heat of the fire when a fire occurs in the battery cell, so that the fire can be suppressed even when the percussion unit is not activated.

[0029] However, the effects obtained through the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other technical effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and together with the detailed description of the invention to be given later, serve to further understand the technical concept of the present invention, so the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to only the matters depicted in such drawings.

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a percussion unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a percussion unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the discharge of fire-extinguishing liquid by the percussion unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a modified example of the perforating member according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the discharge of fire-extinguishing liquid by a modified example of the perforating member according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a modified example of the fire extinguishing cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14]FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram for explaining the operation of the control unit of the battery module according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the battery module according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a modified example of the fire extinguishing cartridge according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a battery module according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a front cross-sectional view schematically showing a battery module according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a side cross-sectional view schematically showing a battery module according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms and phrases used in the specification and claims should not be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in terms that correspond to the technical concepts of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe his or her invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concepts of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may exist as of the time of filing this application. Furthermore, as used in this specification, the words "comprise," "include," and / or "comprising," "including," specify the presence of a stated shape, number, step, operation, member, element, and / or group thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other shapes, numbers, operations, members, elements, and / or groups. Furthermore, when describing an embodiment of the present invention, the words "may" and "may" can include "one or more embodiments of the present invention."

[0033] In order to facilitate understanding of the invention, the accompanying drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated. In addition, the same reference numerals may be used to refer to the same components in different embodiments.

[0034] When two comparison objects are referred to as "identical," it means that they are "substantially identical." Therefore, "substantially identical" can include deviations that are considered low in the art, for example, deviations within 5%. Furthermore, "uniformity in a certain parameter" within a given region can mean "uniformity on average."

[0035] Even if terms such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, it is understood that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, the first component may also be the second component.

[0036] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specified to the contrary, each element may be singular or plural.

[0037] It can be understood that when an arbitrary structure is placed "on (or under)" a component or "above (or below)" a component, it not only means that the arbitrary structure is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of the component, but also that other structures may be interposed between the component and the arbitrary structure placed on (or below) the component.

[0038] Furthermore, when a component is described as being "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly coupled or connected to each other, or that other components may be "interposed" between the components, or that each component may be "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" through other components. Furthermore, when a component is said to be electrically coupled to another component, this includes not only direct coupling, but also coupling via other elements in between.

[0039] Throughout the specification, when "A and / or B" is mentioned, it means A only, B only, or A and B, unless specifically stated to the contrary. That is, "and / or" includes all or any combination of the listed items. When "C through D" is mentioned, it means at least C and at most D, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0040] When syntax such as "at least one of A, B and C," "at least one of A, B or C," "at least one selected from the group A, B and C," or "at least one selected from A, B and C" is used to specify a list of elements A, B, and C, the syntax can refer to any and all compatible combinations.

[0041] The term "use" may be considered synonymous with the term "utilize." As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation, not terms of degree, and are intended to account for inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize.

[0042] In this specification, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, but these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, drawing layer, or cross section from another element, component, region, drawing layer, or cross section. Thus, a first element, component, region, level, or section discussed below can be referred to as a second element, component, region, level, or section without departing from the definition of an exemplary embodiment.

[0043] As shown in the drawings, spatially relative terms such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like may be used herein to easily describe the relationship of one element or feature to another. Spatially relative positions should be understood to encompass different orientations of the device during use or operation other than the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the drawings is inverted, elements described as "beneath" or "below" other elements would be understood to be "above" or "upper" of the other elements. Thus, the term "beneath" can encompass all orientations of above and below.

[0044] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 2.

[0046] 1 to 5, a battery module 100 according to this embodiment may include a housing 110, battery cells 120, and a control unit .

[0047] The housing 110 may function as a component that supports the battery cells 120 and protects the battery cells 120 from external impacts and foreign objects. The housing 110 may provide a space for accommodating the battery cells 120 therein.

[0048] The housing 110 may include a housing body 112 and a housing cover 114 .

[0049] The housing body 112 may be formed to have a box shape with an open interior and one side open. For example, the open side of the housing body 112 may be arranged to face upward. The battery cells 120 may be provided inside the housing body 112.

[0050] The housing cover 114 may be coupled to the housing body 112 to close the interior space of the housing body 112. For example, the housing cover 114 may be formed to have a generally plate-like shape. The housing cover 114 may be disposed to face an open side of the housing body 112, for example, an upper surface of the housing body 112.

[0051] The housing cover 114 can be fixed to the housing body 112 by various types of connection methods, such as bolting, welding, or fitting.

[0052] The housing cover 114 may form a space in which the fire extinguishing cartridge 140 and the percussion unit 150, which will be described later, are installed. That is, the housing cover 114 may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape with an open bottom, and the fire extinguishing cartridge 140 and the percussion unit 150 may be stacked in the internal space.

[0053] The battery cells 120 may function as unit structures for storing and supplying power in the battery module 100 .

[0054] The battery cell 120 refers to a secondary battery including an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, a cell case, etc. The battery cell 120 may be designed in various shapes such as a rectangular, circular, or oval shape.

[0055] In the drawings, the battery cells 120 are illustrated as being provided in one row based on the X axis and two rows based on the Y axis, but this may be varied in various ways depending on the space, electrical capacity, power size, etc. of the device to which it is applied.

[0056] Although not shown in the drawings, the battery cells 120 may be electrically connected by bus bars made of electrically conductive metal material.

[0057] The battery cell 120 may also be provided with a vent hole 122 that can open and close in response to changes in the internal pressure of the cell case. The vent hole 122 may remain closed during normal operation to seal the inside of the cell case. The vent hole 122 may open when the internal pressure of the cell case rises above a predetermined level due to overcharging of the battery cell 120 or the occurrence of a fire, and may allow flames, gas, smoke, etc. generated inside the cell case to be exhausted to the outside of the cell case.

[0058] The control unit 130 can function as a component that controls and protects the battery module 100.

[0059] The control unit 130 may include at least one of a BCU (Battery Control Unit), a BMS (Battery Management System), and a BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit), and may measure, for example, the voltage, SOC (State Of Charge), temperature, etc. of the battery module 100, and may cut off the power supply, etc., if an abnormality such as an overcurrent or overvoltage state occurs.

[0060] The control unit 130 is particularly sensitive to moisture since it includes electronic components, circuits, etc. Therefore, the control unit 130 may be provided outside the housing 110.

[0061] If the control unit 130 and the battery cells 120 are arranged in the same space, for example, condensation water generated due to a sudden change in temperature of the battery cells 120 may affect the control unit 130, causing the control unit 130 to malfunction. Also, cooling air for cooling the battery cells 120 may affect the control unit 130, causing an abnormality in the control unit 130.

[0062] A fire extinguishing cartridge 140 filled with a fire extinguishing liquid may be provided inside the housing 110. The fire extinguishing cartridge 140 may be provided on top of the battery cell 120.

[0063] 3, the fire extinguishing cartridges 140 may be arranged to correspond to a plurality of battery cells 120. As shown in the drawing, each area of ​​the housing 110 may be divided into four regions, and four fire extinguishing cartridges 140 may be arranged to correspond to each region. Although not shown, a single fire extinguishing cartridge 140 may be provided to correspond to the top of all the battery cells 120.

[0064] The fire extinguishing cartridge 140 is made of a plastic material, and the extinguishing liquid filled therein may be compressed inside the fire extinguishing cartridge 140, so that when the extinguishing liquid is discharged by the percussion unit 150 described below, it can be easily discharged by the internal pressure.

[0065] The fire extinguishing cartridge 140 may be made of a material that melts when a set temperature is reached in the event of a fire occurring in the battery cell 120. In this embodiment, the fire extinguishing cartridge 140 is made of a plastic material that melts at a set temperature, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be made of various materials that melt at a set temperature.

[0066] The fire extinguishing cartridge 140 may be provided on the upper surface of the battery cell 120 so as to face the battery cell 120, and a percussion part 150 may be provided between the fire extinguishing cartridge 140 and the battery cell 120.

[0067] The percussion unit 150 can function as a component for discharging the fire-extinguishing liquid of the fire-extinguishing cartridge 140 into the battery cell 120. As shown in Fig. 3, the percussion unit 150 can be arranged to correspond to a plurality of battery cells 120. As shown in the drawing, four percussion units 150 can also be arranged to correspond to four fire-extinguishing cartridges 140.

[0068] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a schematic view of a percussion unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic view of a percussion unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a view showing the discharge of fire-extinguishing liquid by the percussion unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] 6 to 8, the percussion unit 150 may include a percussion frame 152 provided between the fire-extinguishing cartridge 140 and the battery cell 120, a piercing member 154 elastically supported by the percussion frame 152, and a percussion control unit 156 that controls the percussion of the piercing member 154.

[0070] Here, the percussion means that the percussion member 154, which is elastically supported by the percussion frame 152 through the elastic member 155, resiliently moves by the elastic force of the elastic member 155 to perforate the fire-extinguishing cartridge 140.

[0071] The firing frame 152 may function as a support when the piercing member 154 is resilient due to the elastic member 155. The firing frame 152 may form a space with an exposed top so that the piercing member 154 is seated and exposed.

[0072] The height of the percussion frame 152 may be set to a height that does not allow the upper end of the piercing member 154 to protrude. This means that the piercing member 154 is housed inside the percussion frame 152, and the protruding upper end of the piercing member 154 prevents the upper end of the piercing member 154 from contacting the bottom surface of the fire extinguishing cartridge 140, thereby preventing unintentional piercing of the fire extinguishing cartridge 140.

[0073] The firing frame 152 may serve to support the fire extinguishing cartridge 140 from the top surface of the battery cell 120 .

[0074] The piercing member 154 mounted on the percussion frame 152 is elastically supported by an elastic member 155, and the percussion may be restricted by a percussion restricting portion 156. For example, the elastic member 155 may be a coil spring that elastically supports the piercing member 154 from the percussion frame 152.

[0075] The piercing member 154 may be formed in a cone shape that narrows toward the fire extinguishing cartridge 140. In this embodiment, the piercing member 154 is illustrated as a cone shape, but is not limited thereto and may be changed to various shapes such as a triangular pyramid or a square pyramid. Various modifications are possible within the same technical concept of being able to pierce the fire extinguishing cartridge 140 by striking the elastic member 155.

[0076] The percussion control unit 156 may include a connecting unit 157 electrically connected to the control unit 130 and a variable unit 158 ​​that fixes the piercing member 154 to the connecting unit 157 and releases the fixed state of the piercing member 154 when a current is applied from the control unit 130.

[0077] The connecting portion 157 may be formed on the firing frame 152 and may be electrically connected to the control unit 130. The connecting portion 157 may be made of a metal material that is electrically connected to the control unit 130. More specifically, the connecting portion 157 may be made of an aluminum material.

[0078] The variable part 158 ​​fixes the piercing member 154 to the connecting part 157 and may include a material that melts when a current is applied by the control part 130. As an example, the variable part 158 ​​may be made of solder that connects the piercing member 154 and the connecting part 157 and prevents the piercing member 154 from moving.

[0079] In this embodiment, the variable part 158 ​​is made of solder, but this is not limited to this, and various types of variable part 158 ​​can be used within the technical idea of ​​being activated by the application of current from the control part 130 and releasing the constraint of the piercing member 154.

[0080] The control unit 130 may control the percussion unit 150 according to an abnormal condition of the battery cell 120. In this embodiment, the abnormal condition of the battery cell 120 occurs when the internal temperature of the battery cell 120 is equal to or higher than a set temperature.

[0081] To this end, the control unit 130 may include a sensor unit 135 that senses the temperature of the battery cell 120 .

[0082] When an abnormal condition of the battery cell 120 detected by the sensor unit 135 occurs, the control unit 130 applies current through the connection unit 157 that electrically connects the control unit 130 and the piercing member 154, and the application of current causes the variable unit 158 ​​to melt, thereby releasing the restraint of the piercing member 154.

[0083] As an example, the abnormal condition of the battery cell 120 may be a change in the voltage of the battery cell 120 .

[0084] When an event such as a short circuit of the battery cell 120 occurs, the change in the voltage of the battery cell 120 is detected and the trigger unit 150 can be activated through the control unit 130.

[0085] When the constraint on the piercing member 154 is released, the piercing member 154 is resilient due to the elastic member 155, and as shown in FIG. 8, the internal fire-extinguishing liquid can be sprayed toward the battery cell 120 by piercing the fire-extinguishing cartridge 140.

[0086] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a modified example of the perforating member according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the discharge of fire-extinguishing liquid by the modified example of the perforating member according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] 9 to 11, the piercing member 154 may be formed in a cone shape that narrows toward the fire-extinguishing cartridge 140. The piercing member 154 may be formed with a discharge flow path 154a that guides the extinguishing liquid of the fire-extinguishing cartridge 140.

[0088] The discharge channels 154a may be formed in a plurality of pieces penetrating the piercing member 154 from the top to the bottom (see FIG. 10).

[0089] That is, the discharge passage 154a is formed by a plurality of through holes, and when the percussion unit 150 is actuated to cause the piercing member 154 to pierce the fire-extinguishing cartridge 140, the extinguishing liquid inside the fire-extinguishing cartridge 140 can be sprayed onto the battery cell 120 through the periphery of the piercing member 154 and the discharge passage 154a of the piercing member 154.

[0090] The discharge flow path 154a allows the extinguishing liquid to be ejected more smoothly, which prevents the piercing member 154 from blocking the hole in the extinguishing cartridge 140 created by the ballistic motion of the piercing member 154 and preventing the ejection of the extinguishing liquid.

[0091] In this embodiment, the discharge flow path 154a is shown as a through hole formed in the vertical direction of the perforating member 154, but various design modifications are possible, such as a groove formed on the peripheral surface of the perforating member 154, so that the extinguishing liquid of the fire extinguishing cartridge 140 can be smoothly sprayed out.

[0092] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a modified example of the fire extinguishing cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 12, the fire-extinguishing cartridge 140 according to this embodiment may include a guide portion 145 that facilitates drawing out the fire-extinguishing liquid when the fire-extinguishing liquid is discharged by the percussion portion 150.

[0094] The guide portion 145 may be formed on the bottom surface of the fire-extinguishing cartridge 140 and may be formed to be inclined toward the vent hole 122 of the battery cell 120.

[0095] Since the fire extinguishing cartridge 140 is made of a plastic material, the bottom surface of the fire extinguishing cartridge 140 is formed with an inclined surface that slopes downward in the center, and when the fire extinguishing cartridge 140 is pierced by the percussion part 150, the fire extinguishing liquid inside can be easily sprayed along the guide part 145.

[0096] In particular, the fire extinguishing liquid is guided along the guide portion 145 to the vent hole 122 of the battery cell 120, thereby improving the fire suppression effect.

[0097] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a battery module according to the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram for explaining the operation of a control unit of a battery module according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a battery module according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] 13 to 16, a battery module 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of percussion units 150.

[0099] A plurality of percussion units 150 may be provided to correspond to the battery cells 120. That is, the percussion units 150 may be provided between the fire extinguishing cartridge 140 and the battery cells 120 in a number that corresponds one-to-one with the battery cells 120.

[0100] This allows the fire extinguishing liquid of the fire extinguishing cartridge 140 to be sprayed directly and concentratedly onto the battery cell 120 where the event occurred, thereby enabling early response and maximizing the efficiency of fire suppression.

[0101] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the temperature of each battery cell 120 can be sensed by a sensor unit 135 provided in the battery cell 120.

[0102] Also, when the internal temperature of the battery cell 120 is equal to or higher than a set temperature, the control unit 130 may activate the percussion unit 150 corresponding to the battery cell 120 .

[0103] The control unit 130 applies a current to the connecting part 157 electrically connected to the piercing member 154, and the application of the current melts the variable part 158 ​​made of solder, and the constraint of the piercing member 154 can be released. When the constraint of the piercing member 154 is released, the elastic motion of the piercing member 154 pierces the fire extinguishing cartridge 140, and the fire extinguishing liquid can be sprayed into the vent hole 122 of the battery cell 120.

[0104] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a modified example of the fire extinguishing cartridge according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 17, the fire-extinguishing cartridge 240 may include a partition member 245 that partitions the internal space into a plurality of sections corresponding to the battery cells 120 .

[0106] A certain amount of fire-extinguishing liquid may be filled in the individual spaces partitioned by the partition member 245. A plurality of percussion units 150 may be provided to correspond to the battery cells 120. Therefore, each individual space partitioned by the partition member 245 may correspond to a percussion unit 150 one-to-one.

[0107] This allows the fire extinguishing liquid of the fire extinguishing cartridge 240 to be sprayed directly and concentratedly onto the battery cell 120 where the event occurred, making it possible to respond early and maximize the efficiency of fire suppression.

[0108] Furthermore, since only a fixed amount of fire extinguishing liquid filled in the individual spaces separated by the partition member 245 is used, more fire extinguishing liquid than necessary is not consumed, which has an economical effect.

[0109] In addition, the worn-out individual spaces can be filled with fire-extinguishing liquid, and the perforations made by the percussion part 150 can be repaired and reused.

[0110] FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a battery module according to a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 19 is a front cross-sectional view schematically showing a battery module according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 20 is a side cross-sectional view schematically showing a battery module according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] 18 to 20, a battery module 100 according to a third embodiment of the present invention may include a fire-extinguishing cartridge 340 including a plurality of fire-extinguishing filling bags 344 and a plurality of percussion units 150.

[0112] As an example, the fire extinguishing cartridge 340 may include a frame 342 that forms a storage space 343 divided into multiple compartments to correspond to the battery cells 120, and a fire extinguishing filling bag 344 that is detachably attached to the storage space 343 of the frame 342.

[0113] A plurality of percussion units 150 may be provided to correspond to the battery cells 120. That is, the percussion units 150 may correspond to the respective accommodation spaces 343 of the frame 342 and may be provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the respective fire-extinguishing filling bags 344.

[0114] This allows the fire extinguishing liquid from the fire extinguishing filling bag 344 to be sprayed directly and concentratedly onto the battery cell 120 where the event occurred, making it possible to respond early and maximizing the efficiency of fire suppression.

[0115] The sensor unit 135 provided in each battery cell 120 senses the temperature of the battery cell 120, and when the internal temperature of the battery cell 120 is equal to or higher than a set temperature, the control unit 130 can activate the firing unit 150 corresponding to the battery cell 120.

[0116] The control unit 130 applies current to the connecting part 157 electrically connected to the piercing member 154. When the application of current causes the variable part 158 ​​to melt and the piercing member 154 to be released from its restraint, the elastic movement of the piercing member 154 pierces the fire-extinguishing filling bag 344, thereby spraying the fire-extinguishing liquid into the vent hole 122 of the battery cell 120.

[0117] The fire extinguishing filling bag 344 may be made of a plastic material, and since the frame 342 allows it to maintain its shape, it may be made of a soft synthetic resin bag.

[0118] Furthermore, due to the structure that allows the fire extinguishing filling bag 344 to be stored in the storage space 343 of the frame 342, only a certain amount of the filled fire extinguishing liquid is used, so more fire extinguishing liquid than necessary is not consumed, which has an economical effect, and the consumed fire extinguishing filling bag 344 can be replaced and reused.

[0119] As described above, according to the present invention, a fire extinguishing cartridge is provided inside a housing, and the battery cell can spray the fire extinguishing liquid from the fire extinguishing cartridge in response to changes in environmental factors (temperature, pressure) of the battery cell, enabling early response and preventing the spread of fire to adjacent battery cells. Furthermore, the fire extinguishing cartridge filled with the fire extinguishing liquid is provided on the top of the battery cell, allowing the liquid to be sprayed in a concentrated manner on the areas facing each other, thereby improving the efficiency of fire suppression.

[0120] In addition, the fire extinguishing cartridge is composed of a fire extinguishing bag corresponding to each battery cell, making it possible to suppress a fire in the battery cell, and since the used-up fire extinguishing bag can be replaced, there is a cost-saving effect.The fire extinguishing cartridge is made of a material that melts due to the heat of the fire when a fire occurs in the battery cell, making it possible to suppress the fire even when the percussion unit is not activated.

[0121] As described above, the present invention has been described using limited examples and drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that various modifications and variations can be made by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains within the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 100: Battery module 110: Housing 112: Housing body 114: Housing cover 120: Battery cell 122: Vent hole 130: Control unit 135: Sensor section 140, 240, 340: Fire extinguishing cartridges 145: Guide section 150: Percussion unit 152: Fire Frame 154: Perforated member 154a: Discharge channel 155: Elastic member 156: Firing Control Department 157: Connection part 158: Variable section 245: Compartment member 342: Frame 343: Containment Space 344: Fire extinguishing filling bag

Claims

1. Housing and a battery cell housed inside the housing; a fire extinguishing cartridge disposed inside the housing and filled with a fire extinguishing liquid; a percussion unit that releases the fire-extinguishing liquid from the fire-extinguishing cartridge into the battery cell; a control unit that controls the percussion unit according to an abnormal condition of the battery cell.

2. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the abnormal condition of the battery cell is that the internal temperature of the battery cell is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature.

3. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the fire extinguishing cartridge is provided on an upper portion of the battery cell.

4. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the fire-extinguishing cartridge includes a guide portion that facilitates drawing out the fire-extinguishing liquid when the fire-extinguishing liquid is discharged by the percussion portion.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein the guide portion is provided on a bottom surface of the fire-extinguishing cartridge and is formed to be inclined toward the vent hole of the battery cell.

6. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the fire-extinguishing cartridge includes a material that melts at a predetermined temperature when a fire occurs in the battery cell.

7. The percussion unit includes a percussion frame provided between the fire-extinguishing cartridge and the battery cell; a piercing member elastically supported on the firing frame by an elastic member; 2. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: a percussion restricting portion that restricts the percussion of the piercing member so that the piercing member is percussed against the fire-extinguishing cartridge by the elastic member when an abnormal condition of the battery cell occurs.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein the piercing member has a cone shape whose diameter decreases toward the fire extinguishing cartridge.

9. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein the perforating member is formed with a discharge channel for guiding the fire-extinguishing liquid of the fire-extinguishing cartridge.

10. The percussion control unit includes a connection unit electrically connected to the control unit; 10. The battery module of claim 7, further comprising: a variable portion provided at the connecting portion to fix the piercing member and to release the fixed state of the piercing member when a current is applied from the control portion, thereby allowing the piercing member to be fired at the fire extinguishing cartridge by the elastic member.

11. The battery module of claim 10 , wherein the variable part fixes the piercing member to the connecting part and includes a material that melts when a current is applied by the control part.

12. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein the variable portion is soldered.

13. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit comprises a sensor unit that senses an internal temperature of the battery cell.

14. The battery cell is provided in a plurality of pieces, The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the percussion unit is provided in a plurality to correspond to the battery cells.

15. The battery module according to claim 14, wherein the control unit activates a percussion unit corresponding to the battery cell in which an event occurs among the battery cells.

16. the fire extinguishing cartridge includes a partition member that partitions an internal space into a plurality of sections corresponding to the battery cells; The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the percussion unit is provided in a plurality to correspond to the battery cells.

17. The battery cell is provided in a plurality of pieces, The fire extinguishing cartridge includes a frame that defines a plurality of storage spaces that are partitioned to correspond to the battery cells; a fire-extinguishing filling bag detachably provided in the accommodation space of the frame, The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the percussion unit is provided in a plurality to correspond to the fire-extinguishing filling bag.

18. The battery module according to claim 17, wherein the control unit activates a percussion unit corresponding to the battery cell in which an event occurs among the battery cells.

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