Battery module

Abstract

A battery module is disclosed. A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a case defining an internal space, a plurality of battery cells located inside the case and stacked in the left-right direction, a fire extinguishing tank located between the plurality of battery cells and the case and defining an internal space, a fire extinguishing pipe communicating with the fire extinguishing tank and extending in the left-right direction, a spray nozzle communicating with the fire extinguishing pipe and protruding toward the plurality of battery cells, and a sealing member that seals the spray nozzle.

Description

Technical Field

[0007]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0090626 filed on July 12, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application are incorporated into this application.

Background Art

[0003] As the demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, video cameras, and mobile phones has grown rapidly, and as the commercialization of robots, electric vehicles, etc. has become full-scale, research on high-performance secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged has been actively conducted.

[0004] Currently, commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among these, lithium secondary batteries have attracted attention because they can be freely charged and discharged because they hardly exhibit a memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, have a very low self-discharge rate, and have a high energy density.

[0005] Such lithium secondary batteries mainly use a lithium-based oxide and a carbon material as a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material, respectively. A lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate coated with such a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode plate coated with a negative electrode active material are arranged with a separator interposed therebetween, and an exterior material, for example, a battery case, that hermetically stores the electrode assembly together with an electrolytic solution.

[0006] Generally, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into a can-type secondary battery in which an electrode assembly is housed in a metal can and a pouch-type secondary battery in which an electrode assembly is housed in a pouch made of an aluminum laminate sheet according to the shape of the exterior material.

[0007] In recent years, secondary batteries have been widely used not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices, but also in medium and large-scale devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS), for propulsion and energy storage. These secondary batteries are electrically connected and housed together inside a module case to form a single battery module. Furthermore, multiple such battery modules are connected to form a single battery pack.

[0008] However, when multiple secondary batteries (battery cells) or multiple battery modules are densely packed into a small space, they can be vulnerable to thermal events. In particular, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in one battery cell, high-temperature gases, flames, and heat may be generated. If such gases, flames, and heat are transferred to other battery cells contained within the same battery module, an explosive chain reaction such as thermal propagation can occur. Furthermore, such a chain reaction can not only cause accidents such as fires and explosions in the battery module in question, but can also cause fires and explosions in other battery modules.

[0009] Furthermore, in the case of medium to large battery packs, such as those found in electric vehicles, the risk of chain reactions is even higher because they contain a large number of battery cells and battery modules in an attempt to increase output and / or capacity. Moreover, in the case of battery packs installed in electric vehicles, there may be users such as drivers in the vicinity. Therefore, if a thermal event occurring in a particular battery cell or module cannot be properly controlled and a chain reaction occurs, it could lead to not only significant property damage but also loss of life.

[0010] Therefore, if a thermal event occurs in a battery cell, immediate measures such as deploying fire extinguishing materials are necessary. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] The present invention aims to solve the problems described above and other problems.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery module that can immediately deploy a fire extinguishing component when a thermal event occurs.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery module that can minimize the amount of fire extinguishing material remaining in the fire extinguishing tank when a thermal event occurs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] To achieve the above objective, a battery module according to one aspect of the present invention includes a case defining an internal space, a plurality of battery cells located inside the case and stacked in the left-right direction, a fire extinguishing tank located between the plurality of battery cells and the case and defining an internal space, a fire extinguishing pipe communicating with the fire extinguishing tank and extending in the left-right direction, a spray nozzle communicating with the fire extinguishing pipe and protruding toward the plurality of battery cells, and a sealing member that seals the spray nozzle.

[0015] Furthermore, the fire extinguishing pipe and the spray nozzle may be configured to have electrical insulating properties.

[0016] Furthermore, the sealing member may be configured to melt when a thermal event occurs.

[0017] The system may further include a pressurizing member located between the fire extinguishing tank and the case, configured to pressurize the fire extinguishing tank.

[0018] The battery module may further include an elastic member positioned between the pressurizing member and the case.

[0019] Further, the fire extinguishing tank may be configured to be foldable.

[0020] Further, the fire extinguishing tank may include a rigid portion connected to the fire extinguishing pipe and a flexible portion coupled to the rigid portion and made of a flexible material.

[0021] Further, the pressurizing member may be plate-shaped and configured to be in surface contact with the fire extinguishing tank.

[0022] Further, the fire extinguishing pipe may include a first fire extinguishing pipe located in front of the plurality of battery cells, and the injection nozzle may include a first injection nozzle protruding toward the terrace portion of the plurality of battery cells.

[0023] [[ID=I5]] Further, the fire extinguishing pipe may include a second fire extinguishing pipe located above the plurality of battery cells, and the injection nozzle may include a second injection nozzle protruding toward the central portion of the plurality of battery cells.

[0024] Further, the fire extinguishing tank may include a first fire extinguishing tank located on the right side of the plurality of battery cells and a second fire extinguishing tank located on the left side of the plurality of battery cells.

[0025] Further, the injection nozzle may include a metal mesh provided at one end, and the sealing member may seal the metal mesh.

[0026] Further, the injection nozzle may be composed of a plurality of nozzles, and the sealing member may seal the plurality of nozzles.

[0027] A battery pack according to another aspect of the present invention includes a battery module according to an aspect of the present invention.

[0028] An automobile according to still another aspect of the present invention includes a battery module according to an aspect of the present invention.

Advantages of the Invention

[0029] According to one aspect of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in a battery module, a fire extinguishing component can be immediately deployed to improve thermal safety.

[0030] According to one aspect of the present invention, the fire extinguishing material can be introduced into the fire extinguishing tank in such a way that the amount of fire extinguishing material remaining in the tank is minimized.

[0031] The following drawings accompanying this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and are intended to facilitate a better understanding of the technical concept of the invention, along with the detailed description of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be construed as being limited solely to what is shown in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0032] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This diagram shows a disassembled view of a portion of the battery module in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing a magnified view of a part of the configuration in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This figure schematically shows a portion of the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' in Figure 1. [Figure 5] This figure schematically shows a portion of the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' in Figure 1 when a thermal event occurs. [Figure 6] This figure shows the deformation of the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' in Figure 1. [Figure 7] This figure shows the deformation of the cross-sectional structure along the cutting line A-A' in Figure 1 when a thermal event occurs. [Figure 8] This figure shows a modified form of a part of the configuration in Figure 2. [Figure 9] This figure schematically shows the deformation of the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' in Figure 1. [Figure 10] This figure shows the injection nozzle of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11]This figure shows another embodiment of the injection nozzle for a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This figure shows yet another embodiment of the injection nozzle of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This figure shows yet another embodiment of the injection nozzle of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This figure shows yet another embodiment of the injection nozzle of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and in the claims shall not be interpreted in a manner limited to their general and dictionary meanings, but in accordance with the principle that inventors themselves may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their invention, and shall be interpreted in a manner and concept corresponding to the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0034] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings represent only one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the invention. It should be understood that there are various equivalents and modifications that can substitute for them at the time of this application.

[0035] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery module of Figure 1 in an exploded view. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a case 100, a battery cell 200, a fire extinguishing tank 300, a fire extinguishing pipe 400, a spray nozzle 500, and a sealing member 700.

[0036] Case 100 may define an internal space. Case 100 may be rectangular in shape. Case 100 may include a frame 120, a front cover 110, and a rear cover 130. Frame 120 may be rectangular in shape with an open front and rear. Frame 120 may consist of four side plates. Frame 120, the front cover 110, and the rear cover 130 may consist of multiple parts. Multiple parts may form case 100 by fastening, joining, welding, attaching, or fixing.

[0037] The battery cell 200 may be located inside the case 100. Multiple battery cells 200 may be provided, and multiple battery cells 200 may be housed in the case 100. In this case, the battery cell 200 may mean a secondary battery. The battery cell 200 may also be a pouch-type battery cell 200. The battery cell 200 may be rectangular parallelepiped or pouch-shaped. Multiple battery cells 200 may be stacked. Multiple battery cells 200 may be stacked along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0038] The fire extinguishing tank 300 may be located inside the case 100. The fire extinguishing tank 300 may define an internal space. The fire extinguishing tank 300 may be located between a plurality of battery cells 200 and the case 100. For example, the fire extinguishing tank 300 may be located between the outermost battery cell 200 of the plurality of battery cells 200 and the side plate of the case 100. The fire extinguishing member 600 may be housed or filled inside the fire extinguishing tank 300. The fire extinguishing member 600 may be a liquid. For example, the fire extinguishing member 600 may be Novec® 1230.

[0039] The fire extinguishing pipe 400 may communicate with the fire extinguishing tank 300. The fire extinguishing pipe 400 may extend along the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction, or the stacking direction of the multiple battery cells 200.

[0040] The spray nozzle 500 may communicate with the fire extinguishing pipe 400. Alternatively, the spray nozzle 500 may extend from or protrude from the fire extinguishing pipe 400. The spray nozzle 500 may protrude toward a plurality of battery cells 200. Multiple spray nozzles 500 may be provided. Each spray nozzle 500 may protrude toward a plurality of battery cells 200. For example, the spray nozzles 500 may be arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the battery cells 200.

[0041] The sealing member 700 can seal the spray nozzle 500. The sealing member 700 can seal or cover the nozzle opening or end of the spray nozzle 500. For example, the sealing member 700 may be made of a material such as paraffin.

[0042] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, the fire extinguishing member 600 can be injected into the battery cell 200. When a thermal event occurs, the sealing member 700 can melt due to flammable particles such as vent gas or sparks. As a result, the fire extinguishing member 600 filled in the fire extinguishing tank 300 can be injected through the injection nozzle 500 through which the sealing member 700 has melted. Therefore, the fire extinguishing member 600 can be rapidly injected and heat propagation can be suppressed without electrical or mechanical control. This improves the thermal safety of the battery module.

[0043] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the fire extinguishing pipe 400 and spray nozzle 500 of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to have electrical insulation properties.

[0044] According to this configuration of the present invention, the electrical stability of the battery module can be improved.

[0045] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the sealing member 700 of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to melt when a thermal event occurs. The melting of the sealing member 700 may cause the nozzle or end of the injection nozzle 500 to open.

[0046] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, the sealing member 700 melts, allowing the fire extinguishing member 600 to be injected into the battery cell 200. Therefore, the fire extinguishing member 600 can be injected rapidly without electrical or mechanical control, suppressing heat propagation. This improves the thermal safety of the battery module.

[0047] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a part of the configuration in Figure 2, and Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' in Figure 1. Furthermore, Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' in Figure 1 when a thermal event occurs. Referring to Figures 3 to 5, a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a pressurizing member 800 located between the fire extinguishing tank 300 and the case 100 and configured to pressurize the fire extinguishing tank 300. The pressurizing member 800 can pressurize the fire extinguishing tank 300 regardless of the melting of the sealing member 700. While the sealing member 700 is sealing the spray nozzle 500, the fire extinguishing member 600 is not injected into the battery cell 200 even if the pressurizing member 800 pressurizes the fire extinguishing tank 300. On the other hand, if the sealing member 700 melts due to a thermal event and the injection nozzle 500 opens, the pressurizing member 800 pressurizes the fire extinguishing tank 300, allowing the fire extinguishing member 600 to be injected into the battery cell 200.

[0048] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, the fire extinguishing member 600 can be quickly injected into the battery cell 200. Therefore, the fire extinguishing member 600 can be rapidly injected without electrical or mechanical control, thereby suppressing heat propagation. This improves the thermal safety of the battery module.

[0049] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include an elastic member 900 located between the pressurizing member 800 and the case 100. The elastic member 900 may be located between the pressurizing member 800 and the side plate of the case 100. For example, the elastic member 900 may be a spring 900. The spring 900 may be maintained in a compressed state between the pressurizing member 800 and the case 100. As a result, the restoring force of the spring 900 may act in a direction that pushes the pressurizing member 800 toward the fire extinguishing tank 300.

[0050] With this configuration of the present invention, the elastic member 900 provides a restoring force to the pressurizing member 800, enabling the fire extinguishing member 600 to be quickly introduced into the battery cell 200. Furthermore, the elastic member 900 can appropriately maintain the pressurizing force of the pressurizing member 800 even after the introduction of the fire extinguishing member 600 has begun.

[0051] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, a fire extinguishing tank 300 of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a rigid part 311 connected to a fire extinguishing pipe 400, and a flexible part 312 connected to the rigid part 311 and made of a flexible material. The rigid part 311 and the flexible part 312 may form the internal space of the fire extinguishing tank 300. The flexible part 312 may be fastened, attached, coupled or fixed to the rigid part 311. The flexible part 312 may be contracted or folded by the pressurizing member 800 and the elastic member 900. The flexible part 312 may also be contracted or folded as the fire extinguishing member 600 is introduced.

[0052] According to this configuration of the present invention, the flexible portion 312 facilitates the insertion of the fire extinguishing member 600. This improves the thermal safety of the battery module.

[0053] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, the pressurizing member 800 of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention is plate-shaped and can be configured to make surface contact with the fire extinguishing tank 300. The pressurizing member 800 can make surface contact with one side of the fire extinguishing tank 300. The pressurizing member 800 can also make surface contact with the flexible portion 312 of the fire extinguishing tank 300. The pressurizing member 800 can transmit the restoring force of the elastic member 900 to the flexible portion 312. While the sealing member 700 seals the spray nozzle 500, the flexible portion 312 can be maintained without deformation. When a thermal event occurs, the spray nozzle 500 is opened, and the pressurizing member 800 can fold, pressurize, move, or contract the flexible portion 312 toward the rigid portion 311.

[0054] With this configuration of the present invention, the flexible portion 312 and the pressurizing member 800 enable the rapid and easy introduction of the fire extinguishing member 600. Furthermore, the fire extinguishing member 600 can be introduced in such a way that the amount of fire extinguishing member 600 remaining in the fire extinguishing tank 300 is minimized. This improves the thermal safety of the battery module.

[0055] Figure 6 shows the deformed form of the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' in Figure 1, and Figure 7 shows the deformed form of the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' in Figure 1 when a thermal event occurs. Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the fire extinguishing tank 300 of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention can be configured to be foldable. The fire extinguishing tank 300 can be configured with a wrinkled structure. When the fire extinguishing member 600 is filled into the fire extinguishing tank 300, the wrinkles of the fire extinguishing tank 300 can be maintained in an unfolded state. When the fire extinguishing member 600 is introduced, the wrinkles of the fire extinguishing tank 300 can be folded by the pressurizing member 800.

[0056] According to this configuration of the present invention, the fire extinguishing tank 300 can be easily folded or retracted. This allows for quick and easy loading of the fire extinguishing material 600. This improves the thermal safety of the battery module.

[0057] Figure 8 shows a modified form of a part of the configuration in Figure 2. Referring to Figure 8, the fire extinguishing pipe 400 of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first fire extinguishing pipe 410 located in front of a plurality of battery cells 200, and the spray nozzle 500 may include a first spray nozzle 510 protruding toward the terrace portion 201 of the plurality of battery cells 200. The first fire extinguishing pipe 410 and the first spray nozzle 510 may be located at a distance from the battery cells 200. The first spray nozzle 510 may be located adjacent to the terrace portion 201 of the battery cells 200.

[0058] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, the first injection nozzle 510 can be exposed to vent gas and flammable particles. This causes the sealing member 700 to melt, enabling the injection of the fire extinguishing member 600.

[0059] Referring to Figure 8, the fire extinguishing pipe 400 of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a second fire extinguishing pipe 420 located above a plurality of battery cells 200, and the spray nozzle 500 may include a second spray nozzle 520 projecting toward the upper central portion 202 of the plurality of battery cells 200. The second fire extinguishing pipe 420 and the second spray nozzle 520 may be located at a distance from the battery cells 200. The second spray nozzle 520 may be located adjacent to the upper terrace portion 201 of the battery cell 200.

[0060] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, the second injection nozzle 520 can be exposed to vent gas and flammable particles. This causes the sealing member 700 to melt, enabling the injection of the fire extinguishing member 600.

[0061] Referring to Figure 8, the fire extinguishing pipe 400 of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a third fire extinguishing pipe 430 located behind a plurality of battery cells 200, and the injection nozzle 500 may include a third injection nozzle 530 protruding toward the terrace portion 201 of the plurality of battery cells 200. The third fire extinguishing pipe 430 and the third injection nozzle 530 may be located at a distance from the battery cells 200. The third injection nozzle 530 may be located adjacent to the terrace portion 201 of the battery cells 200. Furthermore, the first fire extinguishing pipe 410, the second fire extinguishing pipe 420, and the third fire extinguishing pipe 430 may be collectively referred to as the fire extinguishing pipe 400. Furthermore, the first injection nozzle 510, the second injection nozzle 520, and the third injection nozzle 530 may be collectively referred to as the injection nozzle 500.

[0062] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, the third injection nozzle 530 can be exposed to vent gas and flammable particles. This causes the sealing member 700 to melt, enabling the injection of the fire extinguishing member 600.

[0063] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing a modified form of the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' in Figure 1. Referring to Figure 9, the fire extinguishing tank 300 of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first fire extinguishing tank 310 located to the right of the plurality of battery cells 200, and a second fire extinguishing tank 320 located to the left of the plurality of battery cells 200. The first fire extinguishing tank 310 and the second fire extinguishing tank 320 may be connected through a fire extinguishing pipe 400. The first fire extinguishing tank 310 and the second fire extinguishing tank 320 may each be pressurized by a pressurizing member 800.

[0064] According to this configuration of the present invention, the amount of fire extinguishing material 600 filling the battery module is increased. This improves the thermal safety of the battery module.

[0065] Figure 10 shows an injection nozzle 500 of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10(a) is a front view of the injection port of the injection nozzle 500, and Figure 10(b) is a side view of the injection nozzle 500. Referring to Figure 10, the injection port or one end of the injection nozzle 500 of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may be sealed by a sealing member 700. The sealing member 700 may seal the injection port of the injection nozzle 500 and at least a portion of the side surface of the injection nozzle 500. Furthermore, at least a portion of the sealing member 700 may be located inside the injection nozzle 500.

[0066] According to this configuration of the present invention, the sealing member 700 can stably seal the injection nozzle 500 as long as no thermal events occur. This improves the thermal safety of the battery module.

[0067] Figure 11 shows another embodiment of the injection nozzle 500 of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11(a) is a front view of the injection port of the injection nozzle 500, and Figure 11(b) is a side view of the injection nozzle 500. Referring to Figure 11, the injection nozzle 500 of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include internally formed irregularities 502. Furthermore, at least a portion of the sealing member 700 may be located inside the injection nozzle 500 and may be coupled, attached to, or fixed to the irregularities 502.

[0068] According to this configuration of the present invention, the bonding force between the sealing member 700 and the injection nozzle 500 is increased. As a result, the sealing member 700 can stably seal the injection nozzle 500.

[0069] Figure 12 shows yet another embodiment of the injection nozzle 500 of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12(a) is a front view of the injection port of the injection nozzle 500, and Figure 12(b) is a side view of the injection nozzle 500. Referring to Figure 12, the injection nozzle 500 according to one embodiment of the present invention may consist of a plurality of nozzles. Each of the plurality of nozzles may include indentations 502 formed on the inside. The sealing member 700 may seal all of the plurality of nozzles. At least a portion of the sealing member 700 may be located inside the plurality of nozzles and may be coupled, attached to, or fixed to the indentations 502.

[0070] According to this configuration of the present invention, the injection openings of the multiple nozzles are formed to be small, which increases the bonding force between the sealing member 700 and the multiple nozzles. As a result, the sealing member 700 can stably seal the multiple nozzles.

[0071] Figure 13 shows yet another embodiment of the injection nozzle 500 for a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13(a) is a front view of the injection port of the injection nozzle 500, and Figure 13(b) is a side view of the injection nozzle 500. Referring to Figure 13, the injection nozzle 500 for a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a metal mesh 501 provided at one end, and a sealing member 700 can seal the metal mesh 501. At least a portion of the sealing member 700 is located inside the injection nozzle 500 and can be coupled, attached to, or fixed to the metal mesh 501.

[0072] According to this configuration of the present invention, the bonding force between the sealing member 700 and the injection nozzle 500 is increased. As a result, the sealing member 700 can stably seal the injection nozzle 500.

[0073] Figure 14 shows yet another embodiment of the injection nozzle 500 for a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14(a) is a front view of the injection port of the injection nozzle 500, and Figure 14(b) is a side view of the injection nozzle 500. Referring to Figure 14, the injection nozzle 500 for a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a plurality of holes 503 at one end. The sealing member 700 can seal the plurality of holes 503. At least a portion of the sealing member 700 is located inside the injection nozzle 500 and can be coupled, attached to, or fixed to the plurality of holes 503.

[0074] According to this configuration of the present invention, the bonding force between the sealing member 700 and the injection nozzle 500 is increased. As a result, the sealing member 700 can stably seal the injection nozzle 500.

[0075] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the battery module according to the embodiment of the present invention described above. Furthermore, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a variety of other components in addition to the battery module according to the embodiment of the present invention described above, such as a battery management system (BMS), busbars, pack case, relays, current sensors, and other components of a battery pack known at the time of filing of the present invention.

[0076] An automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the battery module according to the present embodiment of the present invention described above. The battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may be applied to automobiles such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. Furthermore, an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a variety of other components included in the automobile in addition to such a battery module, such as a vehicle body, motors, and control devices such as an electronic control unit (ECU).

[0077] On the other hand, while terms indicating direction such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification, these terms are used for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that they can change depending on the position of the object being examined, the position of the observer, etc.

[0078] As described above, the present invention has been explained with limited embodiments and drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited thereto, and that various modifications and variations are possible within the equivalent scope of the technical idea and claims of the present invention by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0079] 100 cases 110 Front Cover 120 frames 130 Rear Cover 200 battery cells 201 Terrace Section 202 Upper central part 300 fire extinguishing tanks 310 First Fire Extinguishing Tank 311 Rigid part 312 Flexibility Section 320 Second Fire Extinguishing Tank 400 Fire pipe 410 First fire pipe 420 Second fire pipe 430 Third fire pipe 500 spray nozzles 501 Metal Mesh 502 Unevenness 503 holes 510 First injection nozzle 520 Second injection nozzle 530 Third injection nozzle 600 Fire extinguishing components 700 Sealing member 800 Pressurizing member 900 Elastic member

Claims

1. Cases that define the interior space, Located inside the aforementioned case, a plurality of battery cells are stacked in the left-right direction, A fire extinguishing tank is located between the plurality of battery cells and the case, defining the internal space, A fire extinguishing pipe that communicates with the aforementioned fire extinguishing tank and extends in the left-right direction, A spray nozzle that communicates with the aforementioned fire extinguishing pipe and protrudes toward the plurality of battery cells, A sealing member for sealing the injection nozzle, A battery module including this.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the fire extinguishing pipe and the spray nozzle are configured to be electrically insulating.

3. The battery module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sealing member is configured to melt when a thermal event occurs.

4. The battery module according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a pressurizing member located between the fire extinguishing tank and the case and configured to pressurize the fire extinguishing tank.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, further comprising an elastic member positioned between the pressurizing member and the case.

6. The fire extinguishing tank is configured to be foldable, as described in claim 4.

7. The aforementioned fire extinguishing tank is A rigid part connected to the aforementioned fire extinguishing pipe, A flexible part, which is connected to the rigid part and is made of a flexible material, The battery module according to claim 4, including the following:

8. The aforementioned pressurizing member is The battery module according to claim 4, which is plate-shaped and configured to be in surface contact with the fire extinguishing tank.

9. The fire extinguishing pipe includes a first fire extinguishing pipe located in front of the plurality of battery cells, The battery module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the injection nozzle includes a first injection nozzle that protrudes toward the terrace portions of the plurality of battery cells.

10. The fire extinguishing pipe includes a second fire extinguishing pipe located above the plurality of battery cells. The battery module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the injection nozzle includes a second injection nozzle that protrudes toward the central portion of the plurality of battery cells.

11. The aforementioned fire extinguishing tank is A first fire extinguishing tank located to the right of the aforementioned plurality of battery cells, A second fire extinguishing tank located to the left of the aforementioned plurality of battery cells, A battery module according to claim 1 or 2, including the following:

12. The injection nozzle includes a metal mesh provided at one end, The battery module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sealing member seals the metal mesh.

13. The injection nozzle is composed of a plurality of nozzles, The battery module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sealing member seals the plurality of nozzles.

14. A battery pack comprising the battery module according to claim 1 or 2.

15. An automobile comprising the battery module according to claim 1 or 2.

Images