Fire extinguishing agent spraying device and spraying method within a battery module, and spraying unit for the spraying device.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fire extinguishing agent spraying device and spraying method for a battery module, and a spraying unit for the spraying device, and enables the device to automatically operate and take rapid action when there is a risk of fire occurring in the battery module or when a fire has occurred, based on temperature and voltage change data of the cells inside the module. [Solution] The fire extinguishing agent spraying device includes a spraying unit having a spraying tube that allows a fire extinguishing agent supplied from the outside to pass through and spray into the inside of the battery module, and a plug that waits with the internal passage of the spraying tube blocked and is separated from the spraying tube by an external force, and a fire extinguishing agent supply unit that is connected to the spraying tube through an agent supply pipe and pressurizes the fire extinguishing agent to the spraying tube side so that the fire extinguishing agent pushes out the plug and is sprayed into the inside of the battery module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an injection device and an injection method for injecting a fire extinguishing agent into a battery module, and more particularly, to a fire extinguishing agent injection device and an injection method for a battery module, and an injection unit for the injection device.

Background Art

[0002] A battery or a secondary battery is a battery that can be charged and discharged, unlike a primary battery that cannot be charged. Low-capacity batteries are used in portable small electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, notebook computers, digital cameras, and video cameras, and high-capacity batteries are widely used as power sources for motor drives such as hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles, and as batteries for power storage. Such a battery includes an electrode assembly composed of a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a case that houses this, electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly, and the like.

[0003] In addition, a number of batteries can be assembled to form an energy storage device in a form in which the voltage and / or current capacity is increased. The category of energy storage devices may include battery modules / packs used in products such as automobiles and electric devices.

[0004] As a technique for suppressing a fire during an internal fire of the battery module, a method of installing a tube across the inside of the module and injecting a fire extinguishing agent through the tube is known. However, such a conventional fire extinguishing device has problems that it is difficult to install a tube in the module and the price of the tube itself is high. There is a need for a device and method that can respond promptly during a fire or when there is a risk of fire inside the module.

[0005] The above-described information disclosed in the technology that is the background of such an invention is only for improving the understanding of the background of the present invention, and therefore may include information that does not constitute the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention was created to solve the aforementioned problems and aims to provide a fire extinguishing agent spraying device and spraying method within a battery module, as well as a spraying unit for the spraying device, which can operate automatically and take rapid action when there is a risk of fire or when a fire occurs, has a simple structure and is easy to install. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A battery module internal fire extinguishing agent spraying device according to one feature of the present invention for solving the aforementioned problems includes a spraying unit having a spraying tube that allows a fire extinguishing agent supplied from the outside to pass through and spray into the inside of the battery module, and a plug that waits with the internal passage of the spraying tube blocked and is separated from the spraying tube by an external force, and a fire extinguishing agent supply unit that is connected to the spraying tube through a chemical supply pipe and pressurizes the fire extinguishing agent to the spraying tube side so that the fire extinguishing agent pushes out the plug and is sprayed into the inside of the battery module.

[0008] Furthermore, a fire extinguishing agent spraying method according to another feature of the present invention for solving the above problems is a method for spraying a fire extinguishing agent into a battery module using a fire extinguishing agent spraying device comprising: a spray tube that allows a fire extinguishing agent provided from the outside to pass through and spray into the inside of a battery module; a plug that waits with the internal passage of the spray tube blocked and is separated from the spray tube by an external force; a fire extinguishing agent supply unit that pressurizes the fire extinguishing agent to the spray tube side so that the fire extinguishing agent pushes out the plug and is sprayed into the inside of the battery module; and a tube heating unit that transfers heat to the plug and partially melts the plug, thereby promoting the separation of the plug from the spray tube, the method comprising: a monitoring step of monitoring at least one of the temperature and voltage of the cells inside the battery module; a fire extinguishing agent supply step of pressurizing the fire extinguishing agent to the spray tube when at least one of the temperature and voltage of the cells falls outside the normal range; and an opening promotion step of promoting the opening of the spray tube through the tube heating unit.

[0009] Furthermore, an injection unit with yet another feature of the present invention for solving the aforementioned problems comprises: an injection tube installed on the outside of the battery module that ejects a fire extinguishing agent supplied from an external fire extinguishing agent supply unit through an agent supply pipe into the inside of the battery module; a fusible plug that blocks the passage of the injection tube but can be separated from the injection tube by the pressure of the fire extinguishing agent; and a heating element that generates heat from externally applied electricity to heat the plug, thereby facilitating the separation of the plug from the injection tube.

[0010] However, the technical problems and solutions that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other problems and solutions not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The battery module fire extinguishing agent spraying device and spraying method of the present invention, as described above, can automatically operate and take rapid action if there is a risk of fire or if a fire occurs, based on temperature and voltage change data of the cells inside the module.

[0012] Furthermore, since the fire extinguishing agent spraying device of the present invention is installed outside the battery module, it does not occupy space within the module and does not hinder the miniaturization of the module.

[0013] However, the effects that can be obtained through the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other technical effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] The following drawings accompanying this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention that follows, serve to further illustrate the technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as being limited solely to what is shown in the drawings. [Figure 1] A pouch-type battery is shown in a schematic diagram. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical battery. [Figure 3a] This is a top perspective view showing the appearance of a rectangular battery. [Figure 3b] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 3a. [Figure 4] This is an example diagram of a battery module with batteries arranged in a grid. [Figure 5] This is a drawing showing the configuration of a fire extinguishing agent spraying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view illustrating the external appearance of an injection unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This drawing illustrates a modified example of a fire extinguishing agent spraying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]It is a drawing illustrating another modification of the fire extinguishing agent injection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the internal configuration of an injection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view of the conductive tube and plug illustrated in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] It is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating various modifications of an injection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] It is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating various modifications of an injection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] It is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating various modifications of an injection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] It is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating various modifications of an injection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] It is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating various modifications of an injection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] It is a flowchart for explaining a fire extinguishing agent injection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and the claims should not be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. The inventor should interpret them in a meaning and concept that conforms to the technical idea of the present invention in accordance with the principle that the concept of the terms can be appropriately defined in order to explain his invention in the best way. Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only some of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. It should be understood that there can be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0016] Furthermore, as used herein, “comprise, include” and / or “comprising, including” identify the shape, figure, stage, action, member, element, and / or group thereof mentioned, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other shapes, figures, actions, members, elements, and / or group thereof.

[0017] Furthermore, to aid in understanding the invention, the accompanying drawings are not shown to actual scale, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated. Also, the same component may be assigned the same reference numeral in different embodiments.

[0018] The statement that two comparison subjects are "identical" means that they are "substantially identical." Therefore, substantially identical may include deviations that are considered low in the industry, for example, deviations of 5% or less. Also, the uniformity of certain parameters in a given domain may mean uniformity in terms of the average.

[0019] For example, terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, but it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are simply used to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise stated, the first component may be the second component.

[0020] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, each component may be singular or plural.

[0021] To place any component "above (or below)" or "above (or below)" a component means not only that the component is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, but also that other components may be interposed between the component and any component placed above (or below) it.

[0022] Furthermore, when a component is described as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected or linked to each other, but may also be “interposed” between each component, or each component may be “connected,” “coupled,” or “linked” through other components.

[0023] As used herein, the terms “and / or” include any and all combinations of one or more related listed items. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the invention, the use of “may also” refers to “one or more embodiments of the invention.” Statements such as “one or more” and “one or more” preceding an element list modify the entire element list, not individual elements of the list.

[0024] Throughout the specification, when "A and / or B" is used, it means A only, B only, or A and B unless otherwise specified, and when "C to D" is used, it means C or greater and D or less unless otherwise specified.

[0025] 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 suitable combinations.

[0026] The term “use” may be considered synonymous with the term “utilize.” As used herein, “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as approximations, not terms of degree, to account for the inherent variability of measured or calculated values ​​as perceived by the general art in question.

[0027] In this specification, terms such as first, second, third, etc., 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 section from other elements, components, regions, drawing layers, or sections. Accordingly, the first elements, components, regions, layers, or sections discussed below may be named second elements, components, regions, layers, or sections without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0028] As illustrated in the drawings, spatial relative terms such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” may be used in the specification for ease of explanation to describe the relationship between one element or feature and other elements or features. Spatially relative positions will be understood to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figure. For example, if the device in the drawing is turned upside down, the other elements will be understood as “below” or “below,” and the described element as “above” or “upper” of the other elements. Thus, the term “below” can encompass both up and down directions.

[0029] The terms used herein are for describing embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0030] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the pouch-type battery 11.

[0031] A pouch-type battery may consist of an electrode assembly 11a and a pouch 11k that houses the electrode assembly 11a.

[0032] The first electrode tab 11c and the second electrode tab 11d of the electrode assembly 11a, as shown in Figure 1, can be electrically connected by welding to the external first terminal lead 11f and the second terminal lead 11g, respectively. Tab films 11h may be attached to the first terminal lead 11f and the second terminal lead 11g for insulation from the pouch 11k.

[0033] The pouch 11k can be sealed by having the sealing portions 11m at its edges come into contact with each other while the electrode assembly 11a is housed inside. In this case, the sealing can be performed with a tab film 11h interposed between the sealing portions 11m. The sealing portions 11m of the pouch 11k are made of a heat-sealable material, and since heat-sealable materials generally have weak adhesion to metals, they can be fused to the pouch 11k with a thin film-like tab film 11h interposed between them.

[0034] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical battery 13. The cylindrical battery includes an electrode assembly 13a, a case 13p that houses the electrode assembly 13a and electrolyte inside, a cap assembly 13v that is coupled to the opening of the case 13p and seals the case 13p, and an insulating plate 13n that is located inside the case 13p between the electrode assembly 13a and the cap assembly 13v.

[0035] The electrode assembly 13a may include a separator 13d and a first electrode 13e and a second electrode 13c positioned on either side of the separator 13d, and may be wound in the form of a jelly-roll.

[0036] The first electrode 13e includes a first substrate and a first active material layer located on the first substrate. In the first blank portion of the first substrate where the first active material layer is not located, the first lead tab 13j may extend outward, and the first lead tab 13j may be electrically connected to the cap assembly 13v.

[0037] The second electrode 13c includes a second substrate and a second active material layer located on the second substrate. In the second blank portion of the second substrate where the second active material layer is not located, the second lead tab 13k may extend outward, and the second lead tab 13k may be electrically connected to the case 13p. The first lead tab 13j and the second lead tab 13k may extend in opposite directions to each other.

[0038] The first electrode 13e can function as a positive electrode. In this case, the first substrate may be made of, for example, aluminum foil, and the first active material layer may include, for example, a transition metal oxide. The second electrode 13c can function as a negative electrode. In this case, the second substrate may be made of, for example, copper foil or nickel foil, and the second active material layer may include, for example, graphite.

[0039] The separator 13d functions to prevent short circuits between the first electrode 13e and the second electrode 13c while allowing the movement of lithium ions. The separator 13d may be made of, for example, a polyethylene film, a polypropylene film, or a polyethylene-polypropylene film.

[0040] The case 13p houses the electrode assembly 13a and the electrolyte, and together with the cap assembly 13v, forms the outer shape of the battery. The case 13p may include a substantially cylindrical body 13r and a bottom 13q connected to one side of the body 13r. A beading portion 13f deformed inward can be placed on the body 13r, and a crimping portion 13g bent inward can be placed on the open end of the body 13r.

[0041] The beading portion 13f can prevent the electrode assembly 13a from moving inside the case 13p, and facilitate the installation of the gasket 13h and the cap assembly 13v. The crimping portion 13g can press the edge of the cap assembly 13v through the gasket 13h, thereby firmly securing the cap assembly 13v. The case 13p may be made of, for example, nickel-plated iron.

[0042] The cap assembly 13v is secured inside the crimping portion 13g through the gasket 13h, thereby sealing the case 13p. The cap assembly 13v may include, but is not limited to, a cap up 13w, a safety vent 13s, a cap down 13t, an insulating member, and a subplate 13u, and is highly modifiable.

[0043] The cap up 13w can be positioned at the very top of the cap assembly 13v. The cap up 13w may bulge outwards and protrude upwards, and may include terminals for connection to an external circuit, with outlets for venting gas around the terminals.

[0044] The safety vent 13s can be positioned below the cap-up 13w. The safety vent 13s may include a projection that bulges outwards and protrudes and connects to the subplate 13u, and at least one notch located around the projection.

[0045] If gas is generated due to battery overcharging or malfunction, the protrusion is deformed upward by the pressure and separated from the subplate 13u, while the safety vent 13s can be cut along the notch. The cut safety vent 13s can release the gas to the outside, preventing the battery from exploding.

[0046] The cap-down 13t can be positioned below the safety vent 13s. The cap-down 13t may have a first opening for exposing the protrusion of the safety vent 13s and a second opening for gas discharge. An insulating member can be placed between the safety vent 13s and the cap-down 13t to insulate them.

[0047] The subplate 13u can be positioned below the cap-down 13t. The subplate 13u can be fixed to the underside of the cap-down 13t so as to close the first opening of the cap-down 13t, and the projection of the safety vent 13s can be fixed to the subplate 13u. The first lead tab 13j drawn out from the electrode assembly 13a can be fixed to the subplate 13u. Thus, the cap-up 13w, safety vent 13s, cap-down 13t, and subplate 13u can be electrically connected to the first electrode 13e of the electrode assembly 13a.

[0048] The insulating plate 13n may be positioned below the beading portion 13f so as to be in contact with the electrode assembly 13a, and the insulating plate 13n may be provided with a tab opening for pulling out the first lead tab 13j. The cap assembly 13v, electrically connected to the first electrode 13e by the first lead tab 13j, faces the electrode assembly 13a across the insulating plate 13n, and the insulating plate 13n maintains insulation from the electrode assembly 13a. On the other hand, another insulating plate 13m may be included for insulation between the electrode assembly 13a and the bottom 13q of the case 13p.

[0049] Figure 3a is a top perspective view showing the appearance of the rectangular battery 15.

[0050] The case 15a forms the overall appearance of the prismatic battery and may be made of a conductive metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. The case 15a can also provide space for housing the electrode assembly.

[0051] The cap assembly 15b may include a cap plate 15c that covers the opening of the case 15a. In some embodiments, the case 15a and the cap plate 15c may be made of a conductive material. Here, a first terminal 15e and a second terminal 15d may be electrically connected to internal positive and negative electrode tabs, respectively, and installed to be exposed on the outside of the cap plate 15c.

[0052] An electrolyte inlet 15f may be formed in the cap plate 15c, and a gas discharge hole 15g may be opened, to which a vent, i.e., a gas discharge device 15h, may be joined. The gas discharge device 15h is opened by the gas generated inside the battery and performs a degassing action.

[0053] Figure 3b is a cross-sectional view of line AA in Figure 3a, illustrating the internal structure of the rectangular battery and the structure of the cap assembly 15b.

[0054] The electrode assembly 15r may be formed by winding or stacking a first electrode plate, a separator, and a second electrode plate, which are formed in the form of a plate or film. When the electrode assembly 15r is in a winded form (also known as a jelly roll), the winding axis may be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the case. Alternatively, the electrode assembly 15r may be of a stacked type instead of a winded type. However, the present invention does not limit the shape of the electrode assembly 15r.

[0055] Furthermore, the electrode assembly 15r may be a Z-stack electrode assembly in which a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate are inserted on both sides of a separator bent in a Z-stack. Also, the electrode assembly 15r may be housed inside the case by stacking one or more electrode assemblies so that both sides are adjacent to each other, but the present invention does not limit the number of electrode assemblies. The first electrode plate of the electrode assembly 15r can act as a negative electrode, and the second electrode plate can act as a positive electrode, and vice versa.

[0056] The first electrode plate is formed by coating a first electrode active material, such as graphite or carbon, onto a first electrode substrate made of a metal foil such as copper, a copper alloy, nickel, or a nickel alloy, and may include a first electrode tab (or first blank area) which is an area where the first electrode active material is not coated. The first electrode tab 15p can serve as a passage for the flow of current between the first electrode plate and the first current collector plate 15m. In some embodiments, the first electrode tab 15p can be formed by cutting it to protrude to one side during the manufacturing of the first electrode plate, or it may protrude further to one side beyond the separator without any further cutting.

[0057] The second electrode plate is formed by coating a second electrode active material, such as a transition metal oxide, onto a substrate made of a metal foil, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and may include a second electrode tab (or second untouched area) 15q, which is an area where the second electrode active material is not coated. The second electrode tab 15q can serve as a current passage between the second electrode plate and the second current collector plate 15n. In some examples, the second electrode tab 15q can be formed by cutting it in advance to protrude to the other side when manufacturing the second electrode plate, or it may protrude further to the other side of the separator without any further cutting.

[0058] In Figure 3b, the first electrode tab 15p and the second electrode tab 15q are shown positioned on the right and left sides of the electrode assembly 15r, respectively. However, in some other embodiments, both the first electrode tab 15p and the second electrode tab 15q may be positioned on either the right or left side of the electrode assembly 15r.

[0059] Here, for the sake of explanation, the left and right sides of the electrode assembly 15r are based on the battery shown in Figure 3b. The left side refers to the vertical surface of the electrode assembly 15r to which the second current collector plate 15n is attached, and the right side refers to the opposite surface to which the first current collector plate 15m is attached. Therefore, the terms left side and right side of the electrode assembly 15r used above may change when the battery rotates left and right or up and down.

[0060] The separator functions to prevent short circuits between the first and second electrode plates while allowing the movement of lithium ions. The separator may be made of, for example, polyethylene film, polypropylene film, polyethylene-polypropylene film, etc.

[0061] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 15r can be housed in the case 15a together with the electrolyte.

[0062] In the electrode assembly 15r, the first electrode tab 15p and the second electrode tab 15q protruding from the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate can be connected to the first current collector plate 15m and the second current collector plate 15n, respectively.

[0063] The first current collector plate 15m and the second current collector plate 15n are electrically connected to the first terminal 15e and the second terminal 15d, respectively, as described in Figure 1, via a connecting member 15k. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the connecting member 15k may be threaded and fastened to the first terminal 15e and the second terminal 15d via screw connections. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the connecting member 15k may be connected to the first terminal 15e and the second terminal 15d, respectively, by riveting or welding.

[0064] Figure 4 is an illustrative diagram of a battery module 17 with arranged batteries. For applications such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS), a battery module is manufactured by arranging and connecting a large number of battery cells laterally and / or vertically. A large number of batteries can be arranged in the space formed by a pair of opposing end plates 17a, 17b and a pair of opposing side plates 17e, 17f. When arranging the batteries, the arrangement direction and number can be designed to obtain the desired voltage and current specifications.

[0065] On the other hand, the aforementioned battery module 17 is at risk of fire or explosion due to various causes. The fire extinguishing agent spraying device 50 of this embodiment, which will be described later, has a configuration that rapidly sprays a fire extinguishing agent into the inside of the battery module to more effectively suppress the fire.

[0066] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a fire extinguishing agent spraying device 50 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating the external appearance of the spraying unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. The spraying unit 60 according to this embodiment will be discussed together with the fire extinguishing agent spraying device 50 as it is explained.

[0067] The fire extinguishing agent spraying device 50 shown in Figure 5 includes a spraying unit 60, a battery management system (BMS) 51 (hereinafter referred to as BMS 51), a power supply unit 51a, a fire extinguishing agent supply unit 54, a controller 58, and a pressure regulator 56.

[0068] The spray unit 60 can pass the fire extinguishing agent supplied from the fire extinguishing agent supply unit 54 through and spray it into the battery module 17. The spray unit 60 may include a spray tube 65 and a plug 67. The basic form of the spray unit 60 has the configuration shown in Figures 9 and 10.

[0069] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the injection unit 60 may include an injection tube 65, a plug 67, a heating element 69, and a case 61.

[0070] The spray tube 65 is installed on the outside of the battery module 17 and can spray the fire extinguishing agent supplied from the fire extinguishing agent supply unit 54 into the inside of the battery module 17. The spray tube 65 is a straight pipe with a certain diameter, and its tip can be installed to enter the inside of the battery module 17. The tip is the end from which the fire extinguishing agent is sprayed. The size of the spray tube 65 may vary depending on the size of the battery module 17.

[0071] Furthermore, a connecting portion 65a may be provided at the rear end of the spray tube 65. The connecting portion 65a is the part to which the chemical supply pipe 55 is connected. The chemical supply pipe 55 is a pipe that connects the fire extinguishing agent supply unit 54 and the spray tube 65. Various methods can be implemented for connecting the chemical supply pipe 55 to the spray tube 65.

[0072] The spray tube 65 can act as a nozzle, for example, to eject the supplied fire extinguishing agent into the battery module through the agent supply pipe 55. The spray tube 65 can be made of a metal with good thermal conductivity. For example, it can be made of copper or aluminum. The fire extinguishing agent described in this explanation is a general one, and further explanation is omitted.

[0073] The plug 67 is a fusible plastic component that is driven into and fixed to the tip of the injection tube 65. The plug 67 can be melted by applying heat. As will be described later, the plug 67 can be melted by heat conducted through the injection tube 65. The reason for melting the plug 67 is to make it easier to remove the plug 67 from the injection tube 65.

[0074] The plug 67 blocks the passage of the injection tube 65, but can be separated from the injection tube 65 by the pressure of the fire extinguishing agent being injected in the direction of arrow a. When the plug 67 is dislodged from the injection tube 65, the fire extinguishing agent can be ejected into the battery module 17. The pressure in the direction of arrow a may be greater than or less than the frictional force of the plug 67 against the injection tube 65.

[0075] If the pressure of the fire extinguishing agent is greater than the frictional force, the plug 67 can be pushed out by the supply pressure of the fire extinguishing agent alone. However, if the pressure of the fire extinguishing agent is less than the frictional force, the plug 67 must be melted. Melting the plug allows it to be pushed out with less pressure. The supply pressure of the fire extinguishing agent is adjustable through the pressure regulator 56. Preferably, it is better to melt the plug and maintain the injection pressure of the fire extinguishing agent at a lower level. This is because the higher the injection pressure of the fire extinguishing agent, the louder the noise when the plug 67 comes out.

[0076] The heating element 69 generates heat in response to the power applied from the power supply unit 51a, thereby heating the injection tube 65. The heat transferred to the injection tube 65 is then transferred to the plug 67 through conduction, melting the plug. The heating element 69 is connected to the power supply unit 51a via the power line 52. The heating element 69 may be a coil around which the injection tube 65 is wound. The heating element 69 can melt the plug 67, thereby facilitating the separation of the plug from the injection tube. "Facilitating" means detaching the plug 67 with less pressure (pressure in the direction of arrow a in Figure 10).

[0077] The heating element 69 and the power supply unit 51a are a tube heating unit that transfers heat to the plug through the injection tube, partially melting the plug and thereby promoting the separation of the plug from the injection tube. As long as the injection tube can be heated, any variety of tube heating devices can be applied.

[0078] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the injection unit 60 may further include a case 61. The case 61 is a box-shaped member that houses the heating element 69 and a portion of the injection tube 65, and is fixed to the outer surface of the battery module 17.

[0079] Furthermore, an insulating material 63 may be installed inside the case 61. The insulating material 63 surrounds the heating element 69, preventing heat from escaping to the outside.

[0080] On the other hand, the fire extinguishing agent supply unit 54 can be connected to the spray tube 65 through the agent supply pipe 55, as shown in Figure 5. The fire extinguishing agent supply unit 54 can pump the fire extinguishing agent to the spray tube 65. The pumped fire extinguishing agent pressurizes the plug 67 in the direction of arrow a in Figure 10. The fire extinguishing agent pushes out the plug 67 while it is melted and is ejected into the inside of the battery module. In other embodiments, the pressure of the fire extinguishing agent can be increased while the plug 67 is not melted to separate the plug from the spray tube.

[0081] A pressure regulator 56 may be further installed in the chemical supply pipe 55. The pressure regulator 56 can adjust the flow pressure of the fire extinguishing agent supplied to the spray tube 65. The pressure regulator 56 may be a fluid pump. The pressure regulator 56 is controllable by a controller 58. Through the controller 58, the supply pressure of the chemical can be further increased or decreased.

[0082] The power supply unit 51a is connected to the heating element 69 via the power line 52, and power is supplied to the heating element to heat it up. The heating element 69 may be contained within the BMS 51. However, the heating element 69 may be operated separately from the BMS 51. The BMS 51 monitors the status of the battery module 17 in real time, controls charging and discharging, and protects the battery module from hazards such as overcharging, over-discharging, and overheating.

[0083] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of a fire extinguishing agent spraying device 50 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] Hereafter, the same drawing reference numerals as those mentioned above indicate the same component with the same function.

[0085] As shown in the diagram, a first valve 73 may be further attached to the chemical supply pipe 55. The first valve 73 may be located between the spray unit 60 and the pressure regulator 56. By opening and closing the first valve 73, the supply and interruption of fire extinguishing agent through the chemical supply pipe 55 can be controlled. The first valve 73 is controlled by the controller 58.

[0086] Furthermore, a compressed air pipe 71a may be connected between the injection unit 60 and the first valve 73. An air compressor 71 is installed at the end of the compressed air pipe 71a. The air compressor 71 can inject compressed air into the compressed air pipe 71a when the first valve 73 is closed. The air injected into the compressed air pipe 71a enters the injection tube 65 and pressurizes the plug in the direction of arrow a in Figure 10. Compressed air can be used when the plug cannot be unplugged (the plug comes out in the direction of arrow a in Figure 10) by the pressure of the chemical alone.

[0087] A second valve 76 may be installed in the compressed air pipe 71a. The second valve 76 can be opened when the first valve 73 is shut off and shut off when the first valve is opened. The second valve 76 can also be controlled by the controller 58.

[0088] Figure 8 is a drawing illustrating yet another modified example of the fire extinguishing agent spraying device 50 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] As shown in the diagram, an accumulator 75 may be further installed in the compressed air pipe 71a. The accumulator 75 is located between the second valve 76 and the air compressor 71 and, after pressurizing the air supplied from the air compressor 71, supplies it to the injection tube 65 all at once. Through the accumulator 75, compressed air at a higher pressure can be supplied to the injection tube 65.

[0090] Furthermore, a pressure sensor 57 is installed between the first valve 73 and the pressure regulator 56. The pressure sensor 57 can sense the pressure inside the drug supply pipe 55. The pressure information sensed by the pressure sensor 57 is transmitted to the controller 58. The controller 58 controls the pressure regulator 56 based on the pressure information transmitted from the pressure sensor 57. By applying the pressure sensor 57, the pressure regulator 56 can be driven more accurately.

[0091] On the other side of the battery module 17, a suction body 81 is installed. The suction body 81 is located opposite the injection unit 60 and receives negative pressure from the vacuum pump 83. The suction body 81 may have numerous intake holes (not shown). The suction body 81 draws in gas from inside the battery module 17 when the fire extinguishing agent is ejected from the injection tube 65. When the vacuum pump 83 provides negative pressure to the suction body 81, gas (such as heated air or gas) inside the battery module 17 is expelled to the outside of the battery module. Naturally, the suction action of the suction body 81 enables faster injection of the fire extinguishing agent.

[0092] Figures 11 to 15 are partial cross-sectional views illustrating various modified examples of the injection unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. For convenience, the case 61 and the heat insulating material 63 have been omitted.

[0093] The injection tube 65 shown in Figure 11 has a support groove 65b on its inner circumferential surface. The support groove has a ring shape that extends along the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface. A locking projection 67a is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the plug 67. The locking projection 67a may be a triangular projection and can be inserted and supported in the support groove 65b. The outer circumferential surface of the plug 67, including the locking projection 67a, can be melted by the heat transmitted from the heating element 69.

[0094] The inner circumferential surface of the injection tube 65 in Figure 12 has a female threaded portion 65c, and the plug 67 is provided with a male threaded portion 67b. The plug 67 is maintained in a connected state by screwing the male threaded portion 67b to the female threaded portion 65c. Furthermore, the engagement area of ​​the threads of the plug 67 with respect to the injection tube 65 can be adjusted by rotating the plug 67 clockwise or counterclockwise. Naturally, the smaller the engagement area, the less force is required to push out the plug 67.

[0095] The plug 67 in Figure 13 may have the form of a threaded rod. The plug 67 may also have a driver groove 67c into which the end of a screwdriver is inserted. The plug 67 can be rotated using a screwdriver to adjust the engagement area of ​​the plug with respect to the injection tube 65.

[0096] On the other hand, the injection unit 60 shown in Figure 14 has a heat pipe 66 between the plug 67 and the heating element 69. The plug 67 is also equipped with a metal holder 67d. The metal holder 67d is a hollow cylinder made of aluminum or copper and is connected to one end of the heat pipe 66.

[0097] The heat pipe 66 connects the plug 67 and the heating element 69, transferring some of the heat from the heating element to the plug. Some of the heat emitted from the heating element 69 is transferred to the plug 67 via the injection tube 65, and the remaining heat is immediately transferred to the plug 67 through the heat pipe 66. Heat can be applied to both the outside and inside of the plug 67 simultaneously. Because heat is applied to both the outside and inside at the same time, faster melting may be possible.

[0098] In particular, the heat pipe 66 can be deformed by external forces. For example, it can be physically deformed when the plug 67 is pulled out in the direction of arrow c due to the pressure of the fire extinguishing agent being injected. In other words, the bent portion of the heat pipe 66 can be straightened out by external forces. The heat pipe 66 does not interfere with the unplugging of the plug (the plug being pulled out in the direction of arrow c).

[0099] As shown in Figure 15, a heat receiver 68 may be attached to the plug 67. The heat receiver 68 can be located inside the battery module 17. The heat receiver 68 can absorb the heat generated inside the battery module and transfer it to the plug 67. The heat receiver 68 may have the form of a heat sink 68b and can be screw-connected to the plug 67. The structure of the heat receiver 68 can be modified into various forms as long as it can transfer the heat from inside the battery module to the plug.

[0100] Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating a fire extinguishing agent spraying method according to one embodiment of the present invention. This fire extinguishing agent spraying method utilizes the fire extinguishing agent spraying device described above.

[0101] As shown in the diagram, the fire extinguishing agent spraying method according to this embodiment includes a monitoring stage 101, a fire extinguishing agent supply stage 103, an opening promotion stage 105, an air pushing stage 107, and a chemical supply discontinuation stage 109.

[0102] Monitoring step 101 is the process of monitoring at least one of the cells temperature and voltage inside the battery module 17 using the BMS 51.

[0103] If an abnormality occurs during the monitoring stage 101, the fire extinguishing agent supply stage 103 proceeds. The occurrence of the aforementioned abnormality may mean that the cell temperature becomes higher than the set value or the output voltage falls outside the acceptable range.

[0104] The fire extinguishing agent supply stage 103 is the process of supplying fire extinguishing agent from the fire extinguishing agent supply unit 54. The supplied fire extinguishing agent flows into the spray tube 65 via the agent supply pipe 55, and then pressurizes the plug 67 in the direction of arrow a in Figure 10. During the fire extinguishing agent supply stage 103, the flow pressure of the agent may be adjusted through the pressure regulator 56.

[0105] The opening acceleration step 105 is a process that accelerates the opening of the injection tube by heating the injection tube 65 using the tube heating unit, i.e., the power supply unit 51a and the heating element 69, to melt the plug. In other words, it is a process that melts the plug so that the plug can be more easily removed from the injection tube 65 by the pressure of the fire extinguishing agent.

[0106] The subsequent air-pushing stage 107 is a process in which, with the first valve (73 in Figure 8) closed and the second valve 76 open, the air compressor 71 is driven to supply compressed air to the injection tube and apply air pressure to the plug. The air-pushing stage 107 may be performed if the plug 67 does not come out despite the opening acceleration stage 105 being performed. Depending on the situation, the air-pushing stage 107 may not be performed.

[0107] Once the plug 67 is removed through the opening acceleration step 105 and the air pushing step 107, the fire extinguishing agent is sprayed into the battery module 17. The sprayed fire extinguishing agent will suppress the fire if one has already occurred, or cool the cells to prevent a fire from starting if there are signs of a fire.

[0108] If measures such as fire suppression and cooling have been completed through the above process, the agent supply discontinuation stage 109 is performed. The agent supply discontinuation stage 109 is the process of stopping the fire extinguishing agent supply unit 54. After the supply of fire extinguishing agent is stopped through the agent supply discontinuation stage 109, subsequent processing for the battery module 17 is carried out.

[0109] Although the present invention has been described above, for example, with limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and of course, a wide range of modifications and variations are possible within the equivalent scope of the technical concept of the present invention and the claims described below by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 11: Pouch-type battery 11a, 13a, 15r: Electrode assembly 11c, 15p: First electrode tab 11d, 15q: Second electrode tab 11f: First terminal lead 11g: Second terminal lead 11h: Tab film 11k: Pouch 11m: Sealing section 13: Cylindrical battery 13e: First electrode 13d: Separator 13c: Second electrode 13f: Beading section 13g: Crimping section 13h: Gasket 13j: First lead tab 13k: Second lead tab 13m, 13n: Insulating board 13p, 15a, 61: Case 13q: bottom 13r: Torso 13s: Safety vent 13t: Cap down 13u: Subplate 13V, 15B: Cap Assembly 13w: Cap up 15: Rectangular battery 15c: Cap plate 15e: Terminal 1 15d: Terminal 2 15f: Electrolyte inlet 15g: Gas vent 15h: Gas discharge device 15k: Connecting member 15m: First current collector plate 15n: Second current collector plate 17: Battery Module 17a, 17b: End plates 17e, 17f: Side Plates 50: Fire extinguishing agent spraying device 51: BMS (Battery Management System) 51a: Power supply section 52: Power lines 54: Firefighting Agent Supply Department 55: Drug supply pipe 56: Pressure regulator 57: Pressure sensor 58: Controller 60: Injection Unit 63: Insulation 65: Spray tube 65a: Connection part 65b: Support groove 65c, 67f: Female thread section 66: Heat pipe 67: Plug 67a: Locking protrusion 67b, 68a: Male threaded portion 67c: Driver groove 67d: Metal holder 68: Heat receiver 68b: Heatsink 69: Heating element 71: Air compressor 71a: Compressed air pipe 73: First valve 75: Accumulator 76: Second valve 81: Suction body 83: Vacuum pump

Claims

1. A spray unit having a spray tube that allows a fire extinguishing agent supplied from an external source to pass through and eject into the battery module, and a plug that waits with the internal passage of the spray tube blocked and is separated from the spray tube by an external force, A fire extinguishing agent spraying device for a battery module, comprising: a fire extinguishing agent supply unit connected to the spraying tube via a chemical supply pipe, which pressurizes the fire extinguishing agent toward the spraying tube so that the fire extinguishing agent pushes out the plug and is sprayed into the interior of the battery module.

2. The injection tube is made of metal, and the plug is made of a plastic material that can be melted by heat. The battery module internal fire extinguishing agent spraying device according to claim 1, further comprising a tube heating unit that promotes the separation of the plug from the spraying tube by transferring heat to the plug through the spraying tube and melting the plug.

3. The aforementioned tube heating section is A heating element is tightly fixed to the outer surface of the injection tube, The battery module internal fire extinguishing agent spraying device according to claim 2, further comprising a power supply unit connected to the heating element via a power line to supply power to the heating element so that the heating element heats up.

4. The aforementioned drug supply pipe is A pressure regulator for adjusting the flow pressure of the fire extinguishing agent supplied to the injection tube, A pressure sensor that senses the internal pressure of the drug supply pipe, The battery module-based fire extinguishing agent spraying device according to claim 1, further comprising a controller connected to the pressure sensor for controlling the pressure regulator.

5. A first valve for opening and closing the chemical supply pipe is installed between the injection unit and the pressure regulator. A compressed air pipe is connected between the injection unit and the first valve. The battery module internal fire extinguishing agent spraying device according to claim 4, further comprising an air compressor for injecting compressed air into a compressed air pipe while the first valve is closed.

6. The aforementioned compressed air pipe is A second valve which is opened when the first valve is shut off, and which is shut off when the first valve is opened, The battery module internal fire extinguishing agent spraying device according to claim 5, further comprising a pressure accumulator that stores air supplied from the air compressor and supplies it to the spraying tube.

7. A suction body is attached to the battery module and, when the fire extinguishing agent is ejected from the spray tube, draws in gas from inside the battery module. The battery module internal fire extinguishing agent spraying device according to claim 1, further comprising a vacuum pump that provides negative pressure to the suction body.

8. The injection unit is The battery module internal fire extinguishing agent spraying device according to claim 3, further comprising a case that houses the heating element and a portion of the spraying tube and is fixed to the outside of the battery module.

9. The battery module internal fire extinguishing agent spraying device according to claim 8, further comprising an insulating material surrounding the heating element inside the case.

10. The battery module internal fire extinguishing agent spraying device according to claim 3, further comprising a heat pipe that connects the plug and the heating element and transmits a portion of the heat from the heating element to the plug.

11. The aforementioned plug is The battery module internal fire extinguishing agent spraying device according to claim 3, further comprising a heat receiver that receives heat from inside the battery module and transmits it to the plug.

12. A spray tube is installed on the outside of the battery module and sprays the fire extinguishing agent, which is supplied from an external fire extinguishing agent supply unit through an agent supply pipe, into the inside of the battery module. A fusible plug that blocks the passage of the injection tube, but is detachable from the injection tube by the pressure of the fire extinguishing agent, A spray unit for a fire extinguishing agent spraying device, comprising: a heating element that generates heat by an externally applied power supply, thereby heating the plug and promoting the separation of the plug from the spray tube.

13. The spray unit for a fire extinguishing agent spraying device according to claim 12, further comprising a case that houses the heating element and a part of the spraying tube and is fixed to the outside of the battery module.

14. The spray unit for a fire extinguishing agent spraying device according to claim 13, further comprising a heat insulating material surrounding the heat-generating element inside the case.

15. The spray unit for a fire extinguishing agent spraying device according to claim 12, further comprising a heat pipe that connects the heating element and the plug and transmits the heat of the heating element to the plug.

16. The spray unit for a fire extinguishing agent spraying device according to claim 15, wherein a metal holder is installed in the center of the plug, which is coupled to the heat pipe and applies the heat transmitted from the heat pipe to the plug.

17. The spray unit for a fire extinguishing agent spraying device according to claim 12, wherein a heat receiver is attached to the plug that receives heat transfer from inside the battery module and applies it to the plug.

18. A method for injecting a fire extinguishing agent into a battery module using a fire extinguishing agent injection device comprising: an injection tube through which a fire extinguishing agent supplied from an external source passes and is ejected into the interior of a battery module; a plug that waits with the internal passage of the injection tube blocked and is separated from the injection tube by an external force; a fire extinguishing agent supply unit that pressurizes the fire extinguishing agent toward the injection tube so that the fire extinguishing agent pushes the plug out and is ejected into the interior of the battery module; and a tube heating unit that transfers heat to the plug, partially melting the plug and thereby promoting the separation of the plug from the injection tube, wherein the fire extinguishing agent is injected into the battery module using the fire extinguishing agent injection device, A monitoring step in which at least one of the temperature and voltage of the cells inside the battery module is monitored, When at least one of the temperature and voltage of the cell falls outside the normal range, the fire extinguishing agent supply step involves pressurizing the fire extinguishing agent into the injection tube. A method for spraying a fire extinguishing agent, comprising: an opening acceleration step that accelerates the opening of the spray tube through the tube heating section.

19. The system further comprises: a pressure regulator installed in the agent supply pipe to adjust the flow pressure of the fire extinguishing agent supplied to the spray tube; a first valve installed between the spray unit and the pressure regulator to open and close the agent supply pipe; a compressed air pipe connected between the spray unit and the first valve; and an air compressor that injects compressed air into the compressed air pipe when the first valve is closed. The method for spraying a fire extinguishing agent according to claim 18, further comprising an air pushing step, which, while the first valve is closed, drives the air compressor to supply the compressed air to the spray tube and apply air pressure to the plug.

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