Battery module containing fire extinguishing cartridges

Abstract

The present invention discloses a battery module with enhanced safety using an improved frame structure and extinguishing cartridge. The battery module according to one aspect of the present invention includes a module housing including a top frame and forming an internal space, one or more cell assemblies including one or more battery cells housed in the internal space of the module housing, and a extinguishing cartridge disposed on the top frame and configured to release an extinguishing agent when a trigger condition for activation is met.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0081162, filed on July 1, 2022, and the entire contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of that application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module, and more particularly to a battery module having enhanced safety using an improved frame structure and a fire extinguishing cartridge disposed therein. [Background technology]

[0003] As demand for portable electronic products that use electricity as a power source, such as laptops, video cameras, and mobile phones, has grown rapidly and mobile robots, electric bicycles, electric carts, and electric cars have become widely commercialized, active research is being conducted into high-performance secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged.

[0004] Currently commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Among them, lithium secondary batteries have the advantage of being freely chargeable and dischargeable since they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, and have an extremely low self-discharge rate. In addition, they have the characteristics of high energy density and high operating voltage. Therefore, more intensive research is being conducted on lithium secondary batteries than on other types of secondary batteries, and they are being applied more extensively to actual products.

[0005] Recently, secondary batteries have been widely used not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices but also in medium- to large-sized devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS).

[0006] In this case, a battery module in which a plurality of electrically connected secondary batteries are housed together inside a module case is mainly applied, and further, when high power or high capacity is required, a battery pack in which a plurality of such battery modules are electrically connected is also applied.

[0007] Although secondary batteries with these advantages are being increasingly used in various forms, their operational characteristics may involve problems such as swelling, application of rush current, overheating due to Joule heating, or thermal runaway due to decomposition of the electrolyte, and ensuring safety against these problems may be an important issue.

[0008] Battery modules and battery packs may be more vulnerable to thermal events due to the spatially intensive packing of multiple secondary batteries (battery cells) or multiple battery modules. In particular, if thermal runaway occurs inside a battery module, high-temperature gas, flame, heat, etc. may be generated. If these are not quickly controlled, thermal propagation may cause a chain reaction fire or explosion in the battery module itself or in adjacent battery modules.

[0009] In the case of medium- to large-sized battery packs used in vehicles such as electric cars, which are used by users, a large number of battery cells and battery modules are installed in a more concentrated manner to increase output and capacity. This raises concerns about the possibility of large-scale fires and even personal injuries, so there is a high need for more rigorous measures to prevent risk situations such as fires that may occur in battery modules from the early stages. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The present invention has been created to solve the above-mentioned problems under the above-mentioned background, and aims to provide a battery module and the like with improved safety through a structure for enhancing the durability of the battery module as well as a fire extinguishing cartridge configuration that is organically connected to the improved structure.

[0011] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] To achieve the above-mentioned object, one aspect of the present invention provides a battery module including a module housing having a top frame and forming an internal space, one or more cell assemblies housed in the internal space of the module housing and including one or more battery cells, and a fire extinguishing cartridge disposed on the top frame and configured to release a fire extinguishing agent when a trigger condition for activation is met.

[0013] Here, the trigger condition may be when the internal temperature is equal to or greater than a reference temperature or when the internal pressure is equal to or greater than a reference pressure.

[0014] Specifically, the top frame of the present invention may include an upper plate, a lower plate spaced apart from the upper plate and facing the cell assembly downward, and a vertical portion that physically supports the upper plate and the lower plate so that a plurality of mounting spaces are provided between the upper plate and the lower plate, and in this case, the fire extinguishing cartridge may be disposed in any one or more of the plurality of mounting spaces.

[0015] The vertical portion of the present invention may also be configured to be arranged in a longitudinal direction corresponding to the cell assembly.

[0016] Depending on the embodiment, the lower plate of the present invention may be made of a material having a lower elastic modulus or a higher heat transfer coefficient or thermal expansion coefficient than the upper plate.

[0017] Furthermore, the mounting space may be configured to communicate with a vent hole through which vent gas generated in the cell assembly is discharged to the outside, forming a flow path.

[0018] Furthermore, the lower plate of the present invention may have an opening formed in a location corresponding to the mounting space.

[0019] In this case, it is preferable that the battery module according to the present invention further includes a stopper that is disposed in the opening and is configured to open the opening when the temperature or pressure of the internal space reaches or exceeds a certain level.

[0020] More preferably, the stopper of the present invention may have a needle-like protrusion at its upper portion so as to perforate the fire-extinguishing cartridge when moved upward by pressure, or may have a tapered wedge shape at its upper portion and be made of an elastic material.

[0021] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to another aspect of the present invention, a battery pack includes a battery module according to the present invention, and in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to yet another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle includes a battery module according to the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] In the present invention, by making simple structural improvements, it is possible to not only increase the durability of the battery module, but also to easily install a fire extinguishing cartridge in the improved structure for increased durability, thereby further improving ease of assembly and ease of use.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, critical changes in internal environmental factors (temperature, pressure, etc.) can be naturally integrated into the operation of the fire extinguishing cartridge, making it possible to respond more quickly to the occurrence of risk factors at the outset.

[0024] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the extinguishing agent of the fire extinguishing cartridge can be directed to be sprayed intensively at the location where the cell assemblies face to face (plane to plane), thereby not only increasing the efficiency of fire suppression, but also more effectively preventing the chain reaction of fire spreading to other adjacent battery modules or cell assemblies.

[0025] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0026] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further understand the technical concepts of the present invention as well as the content of the invention, and therefore the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to only the matters described in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating an overall appearance of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal configuration of the battery module shown in FIG. [Figure 3]FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an overall appearance of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal configuration of the battery module shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 shows a top frame in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention in which a fire extinguishing cartridge is deployed. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 shows a top frame according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which a fire extinguishing cartridge is deployed. [Figure 7] 10 shows an embodiment of a lower plate in which openings are provided. FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a stopper disposed in the opening shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a stopper according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a stopper according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a top frame according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration for discharging extinguishing agent according to the embodiment of FIG. 12. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms and words used in the specification and claims should not be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be construed as having meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical ideas of the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventors themselves can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best explain the invention.

[0029] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and that there may be various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted therefor at the time of this application.

[0030] Furthermore, although this specification may include a wide variety of embodiments, each embodiment will be described with an emphasis on the differences, and detailed descriptions of other embodiments will be omitted if they are applicable in the same or similar manner.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overall appearance of a battery module 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an internal configuration of the battery module 1000 shown in FIG.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery module 1000 includes a module housing 1100 that functions as a case, and a cell assembly 1200 that is disposed inside the module housing 1100 and includes one or more battery cells 1210.

[0033] As illustrated in the drawings, the module housing 1100 may comprise a top frame 1500 located at the top (based on the Z axis) and a base frame 1600 coupled to the top frame 1500. As with other embodiments of the present invention described below with reference to Fig. 3, it goes without saying that the module housing 1100 of the present invention may be realized in various structures and forms, including the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, depending on the shape, structure, size, number of components to be coupled, etc.

[0034] The battery cell 1210 refers to a secondary battery including an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, a battery case, etc., and the drawings show a pouch-type secondary battery, which has high energy density and is easy to stack, as an example, but it goes without saying that a cylindrical or prismatic secondary battery can also be used as the battery cell 1210.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the cell assembly 1200 may be configured in such a manner that battery cells 1210, etc., with their minor axes aligned vertically (Z-axis in the drawing), are arranged (stacked) in a horizontal direction (X-axis in the drawing).

[0036] The drawings show an example in which cell assemblies 1200 (G1) and 1200 (G2) consisting of a 1x2 matrix based on the vertical (X-axis) and horizontal (Y-axis) axes are housed in module housing 1100, but cell assemblies 1200 having various combinations of arrangements, such as 1x1, 2x4, and 3x2 matrices, can be arranged in module housing 1100 depending on the spatial characteristics, electrical capacity, and power level of the device to be applied.

[0037] Although not shown, the cell assemblies 1200 may be electrically connected by bus bars made of electrically conductive metal material.

[0038] The module housing 1100 is a component for accommodating one or more cell assemblies 1200, and may be made of a highly rigid and durable metal material or a plastic material such as ABS resin to physically and chemically protect the battery cells 1210 installed inside.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown, the module housing 1100 may be formed with one or more vent holes 150a, 150b, 150c, 150d that function as a type of outlet for discharging venting gas generated from the battery cells 1210 to the outside.

[0040] Depending on the embodiment, vent holes 150a, 150b, 150c, and 150d may be provided with a membrane that bursts above a certain pressure. In this case, the membrane structure may burst due to vent gas generated inside, opening vent hole 150, which is normally closed, and allowing the vent gas generated inside to be discharged to the outside.

[0041] It goes without saying that the number and location of the vent holes 150 can be configured differently from the illustrated example depending on the embodiment, and it is preferable that they be placed in a location where the discharge of vent gas is directed in a specific direction to minimize damage.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery module 1000 according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal configuration of the battery module 1000 shown in FIG.

[0043] It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 4 differ from the previously described embodiments only in terms of shape or external structure, and that the essential functions, etc. are substantially the same, and therefore the same reference symbols are used for corresponding components, but this does not necessarily mean that the two embodiments are physically identical.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a module housing 1100 that forms an internal space may include a top frame 1500, a base frame 1600, and side frames 1610 to 1640.

[0045] The top frame 1500 is located at the top of the module housing 1100, the base frame 1600 can be arranged below the top frame 1500 at a predetermined distance from the top frame 1500, and the side frames 1610 to 1640 can be arranged with their upper and lower ends connected between the top frame 1500 and the base frame 1600.

[0046] The top frame 1500, the base frame 1600 and / or the side frames 1610 to 1640 may be formed in a plate shape, but may also be formed in a polyhedron (for example, a rectangular parallelepiped) shape having a certain thickness or more.

[0047] In order to realize the main technical idea of ​​the present invention, the top frame 1500, among the frame structures constituting the module housing 1100 of the present invention, is configured to have an appropriate thickness or height (based on the Z axis) so as to provide a space therein for arranging one or more fire extinguishing cartridges 1300. Details of this will be described later.

[0048] At least some of the top frame 1500, base frame 1600, and side frames 1610 to 1640 may be formed in an integrated shape. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, of the four side frames 1610 to 1640, the right frame 1610 and the left frame 1620 may be formed in an integrated shape with the base frame 1600. In this case, the right frame 1610, the left frame 1620, and the base frame 1600, which are integrated with each other, may be referred to as a U-frame or other term depending on their shape characteristics.

[0049] In this case, the front frame 1630 and the rear frame 1640 are end frames that can be connected to the front and rear open ends of the U-frame, respectively, and the top frame 1500 can be connected to the upper open end of the U-frame. Needless to say, the connection between adjacent frames can be achieved by bolting with flanges, laser welding, ultrasonic welding, or the like.

[0050] In the battery module 1000 shown in FIG. 4, two cell assemblies 1200 are disposed inside the module housing 1100, and each of these cell assemblies 1200 includes one or more battery cells 1210.

[0051] In the embodiment previously described based on FIG. 2, cell assemblies 1200 consisting of a 1×2 matrix based on the vertical (X-axis) and horizontal (Y-axis) directions are arranged in the module housing 1100, and in the battery module 1000 of the embodiment described based on FIG. 4, cell assemblies 1200 consisting of a 2×1 matrix based on the vertical (X-axis) and horizontal (Y-axis) directions are arranged in the module housing 1100.

[0052] 4, as described above, one or more vent holes 150a, 150b, 150c through which vent gas is discharged may be formed in the top frame 1500 and / or the side frame 1610. In particular, the vent holes may be formed only in the top frame 1500. That is, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the vent hole 150B formed in the side frame 1610 may be eliminated. In such an embodiment, by discharging the vent gas only to the top frame side, the response capability of the fire extinguishing cartridge 1300 using the vent gas can be more reliably ensured.

[0053] It goes without saying that the inner surfaces of the top frame 1500, the base frame 1600 or the side frames 1610 to 1640, as well as one or more of the upper plate 1510 and the lower plate 1520 described below as components that make up the top frame 1500, are made of clad metal, or can be fitted with a flame-retardant material such as glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP).

[0054] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the illustrated axes, terms referring to those axes, and terms indicating directions such as upper, lower, front, rear, vertical, and top that are described based on those axes are merely intended to provide a relative reference for describing embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to specify a certain direction or position based on an absolute reference, and may vary relatively depending on the position of the target object, the position of the observer, the view direction, etc. For example, in the present invention, a top frame may also be referred to as a side frame or a base frame depending on the mounting form and rotation state of the battery module or battery pack.

[0055] As mentioned above, the following describes embodiments of the present invention by defining the Z axis as the reference for the up / down or vertical direction, and from a corresponding perspective, the following describes embodiments of the present invention by defining the Y axis as the reference for the front or rear, and the X axis as the reference for the left or right.

[0056] FIG. 5 illustrates a top frame 1500 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, on which the fire extinguishing cartridge 1300 is deployed.

[0057] 5, the fire extinguishing cartridge 1300 of the present invention is disposed in an interior space provided by a top frame 1500. The fire extinguishing cartridge 1300 is configured to release a fire extinguishing agent when a trigger condition for activation is met, as will be described below.

[0058] As shown in the figure, the top frame 1500 of the present invention can specifically be configured to include an upper plate 1510, a lower plate 1520, and a vertical portion 1530.

[0059] The upper plate 1510 is a plate located on the top of the top frame 1500, and may be formed of a plate-like body or a polyhedron having volume as shown in the figure.

[0060] In addition, in order to effectively provide physical protection for the internal components, the upper plate 1510 may be made of a metal material such as high-strength stainless steel (SUS), a plastic material such as ABS resin (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer) which is highly heat-resistant, temperature-resistant, and impact-resistant, or other types of plastic material, and it goes without saying that depending on the embodiment, the upper plate 1510 may be made of different materials in different parts.

[0061] The lower plate 1520 is a plate disposed vertically apart from the upper plate 1510 and faces the cell assembly 1200 disposed in the internal space provided by the module housing 1100 below (Z-axis reference).

[0062] The lower plate 1520 may also be made of a material corresponding to that of the upper plate 1510, but is preferably made of a material with a low modulus of elasticity (elastic coefficient) or a high coefficient of heat transfer or thermal expansion so that it can quickly respond to factors such as temperature and pressure in the internal space in which the cell assembly 1200 is deployed and effectively transmit these to the fire extinguishing cartridge 1300 deployed on top.

[0063] If the lower plate 1520 is made of a material with a relatively low elastic modulus or a high thermal expansion coefficient, when the internal pressure or internal temperature of the module housing 1100 containing the cell assembly 1200, particularly the base frame 1600, increases due to the cell assembly 1200, the lower plate 1520 may be easily and significantly displaced (upward) accordingly. This allows the physical displacement due to changes in the internal pressure / temperature to be more effectively transmitted to the fire extinguishing cartridge 1300. In contrast, the upper plate 1510 does not easily deform due to heat or pressure, and therefore the overall shape of the battery module can be stably maintained.

[0064] Depending on the embodiment, the fire extinguishing cartridge 1300 may be configured to release the internal fire extinguishing agent, fire extinguishing substance, etc. when a pressure or external force exceeding a standard value is applied, causing the finishing material or exterior material to break (burst) or the sealing means (cap, plug, etc.) to come off.

[0065] In connection with this activation method, as described above, if the physical displacement of the lower plate 1520 is induced to occur greatly and easily, the activation mechanism of the fire extinguishing cartridge 1300 can be realized more reliably, and problems such as delayed release of fire extinguishing agent or failure to activate at all in conventional battery modules with fire extinguishing functions can be effectively resolved.

[0066] As described above, from the perspective of corresponding to the form of effectively transmitting physical displacement (change), when the internal temperature rises due to the cell assembly 1200, it is preferable that the lower plate 1520 be formed from a material with a high heat transfer coefficient so that the resulting thermal change can be transmitted more quickly and reliably to the fire extinguishing cartridge 1300.

[0067] Depending on the embodiment, the fire extinguishing cartridge 1300 may contain a fire extinguishing agent in the form of a capsule, for example, of powdered calcium carbonate, a halogen compound, or the like, that expands when heated above a certain temperature, and may contain a substance that releases a fire extinguishing gas (such as carbon dioxide) at high temperatures.

[0068] In addition, the fire extinguishing cartridge 1300 may be configured so that the internal fire extinguishing agent, fire extinguishing substance, etc. can be released when the finishing material or exterior material undergoes a physical change (breakage, rupture, melting, etc.) at a temperature above a reference temperature, or when the sealing means (cap, plug, etc.) made of a material such as paraffin undergoes a phase transition.

[0069] In relation to this operating method, as described above, if the lower plate 1520 is made of a material with a high heat transfer coefficient, the internal temperature change (temperature increase) can be quickly transferred to the fire extinguishing cartridge 1300, thereby more reliably realizing the operating mechanism of the fire extinguishing cartridge 1300 and effectively resolving conventional problems such as delayed or inoperative release of the fire extinguishing agent. In addition, the upper plate 1510 has a relatively low heat transfer coefficient, thereby preventing heat from the battery module from being transferred to other battery modules or devices located above it, or to passengers.

[0070] In this way, the fire extinguishing cartridge 1300 is configured to release the fire extinguishing agent stored therein when a trigger condition, which is a condition for starting operation, is met, and the trigger condition may be one or more of the following, as in the above-described embodiment: the internal temperature is equal to or higher than a reference temperature; or the internal pressure is equal to or higher than a reference pressure.

[0071] The extinguishing agent (fire extinguishing material) placed inside the fire extinguishing cartridge 1300 may be any of a wide variety of substances known at the time of filing of the present invention, including ammonium phosphate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, ammonium phosphate, etc., and may be in a solid state such as powder, or in a liquid or gaseous state. In addition, the exterior material or case of the fire extinguishing cartridge 1300 may be made of a material that melts at a reference temperature or higher, or a material that tears or bursts / ruptures when an external force is applied.

[0072] The fire extinguishing cartridge 1300 may be configured to be filled with a separate inert high-pressure gas in addition to the fire extinguishing agent. In this configuration, the fire extinguishing agent inside the fire extinguishing cartridge 1300 can be ejected with stronger pressure under a trigger condition, thereby more effectively suppressing a fire and blocking ignition.

[0073] In order to effectively realize the technical concept of the present invention described above, it is preferable that the lower plate 1520 be formed from a material having a relatively low elastic modulus, or a relatively high thermal expansion coefficient or heat transfer coefficient, compared to one or more of the base frame 1600 or side frames 1610-1640 constituting the module housing 1100, and the upper plate 1510 constituting the top frame 1500.

[0074] It goes without saying that the characteristic values ​​of the lower plate 1520, such as the elastic coefficient, thermal expansion coefficient, and heat transfer coefficient, can be set by comprehensively considering not only the above-mentioned contents but also the installation environment of the battery module 1000, product specifications, the number of cell assemblies or battery cells, or safety standards.

[0075] As illustrated in the drawings, the lower plate 1520 may have a guide wall portion 1523 formed integrally or coupled to the entire or part of its outer periphery, and depending on the embodiment, the guide wall portion 1523 may be formed on the upper plate 1510 in a shape extending vertically downward from the entire or part of the outer periphery of the upper plate 1510.

[0076] The vertical portion 1530, which is one of the components of the top frame 1500, is a component that corresponds to a wall portion located between the upper plate 1510 and the lower plate 1520 in an upright position, and as shown in the figure, forms the space between the upper plate 1510 and the lower plate 1520 as multiple mounting spaces S in which fire extinguishing cartridges 1300 are accommodated.

[0077] In addition, the vertical portion 1530 is configured to physically support the upper plate 1510 and the lower plate 1520 and structurally enhance the overall physical rigidity or durability of the top frame 1500 like a kind of H-beam.

[0078] Using this configuration, the battery module 1000 of the present invention can not only physically protect the battery module 1000 itself even if external forces are applied from the outside, but can also effectively prevent the fire extinguishing cartridge 1300 housed in the mounting space S from being unintentionally activated due to unintended external factors.

[0079] The mounting space S of the present invention is preferably configured to form a flow path that communicates with the vent holes 150a, 150c through which vent gas generated in the cell assembly 1200 is discharged to the outside.

[0080] Although the mounting space S of the present invention is formed by the vertical portion 1530, it is preferable that the mounting space S is not a closed structure, but rather that a separation space 1531 is formed between the vertical portion 1530 and the guide wall portion 1523, as illustrated in the enlarged view of Fig. 5, so as to form a flow path in relation to the vent hole 150 formed in the upper plate 1510, etc. By using such a configuration of the present invention, vent gas generated inside can be effectively discharged through the top frame 1500.

[0081] As a method for forming a flow path between the mounting space S and the vent hole 150, various methods can be applied, including a configuration in which the guide wall portion 1523 and the vertical portion 1530 are separated from each other, as illustrated in the drawing, a method in which one or more openings are formed in the vertical portion 1530, and a method in which the vertical portion 1530 itself is divided into two or more parts and a space is formed between them.

[0082] FIG. 6 shows a top frame 1500 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, in which a fire extinguishing cartridge 1300 is mounted.

[0083] The vertical portion 1530 of the present invention, which provides physical support between the lower plate 1520 and the upper plate 1510 and forms the mounting space S in which the fire extinguishing cartridge 1300 is deployed, can be configured to have a shape that extends in a longitudinal direction corresponding to the long axis direction of the top frame 1500, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0084] 6 shows one embodiment of this, in which two vertical sections 1530 are arranged side by side with an appropriate gap (based on the X axis) and extending in the longitudinal direction (Y axis). The lower vertical section 1530 (based on FIG. 6) is divided into two parts as described above. The arrangement of the vertical sections 1530 corresponds to the direction in which the cell assemblies 1200 are arranged (see FIG. 4), and it is preferable that the extension or arrangement direction of the vertical sections 1530 themselves also corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the long axis of the cell assemblies 1200 or the battery cells 1210.

[0085] With this configuration, when the extinguishing agent is ejected or released from the fire extinguishing cartridge 1300 in response to a trigger condition, the extinguishing agent can be released toward the cell assembly 1200 located below (based on the Z axis) relative to the lower plate 1520. The extinguishing agent can be induced to be ejected intensively toward the location where the cell assembly 1200 or battery cell 1210 where the incident occurred faces face-to-face (plane-to-plane). This not only increases the efficiency of fire suppression, but also more effectively prevents the fire from spreading to other adjacent battery cells, battery modules, or cell assemblies 1200.

[0086] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a lower plate 1520 in which an opening 1521 is provided.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 7, one or more openings 1521 may be formed in the lower plate 1520 in an area or location corresponding to the mounting space S where the fire-extinguishing cartridge 1300 is disposed.

[0088] When the extinguishing agent is a gas such as carbon dioxide, the opening 1521 does not need to be limited to a specific position, but as shown in the figure, it is preferable that the opening 1521 is formed in the lower plate 1520 corresponding to the mounting space S so that the extinguishing agent is directed to be sprayed directly below the extinguishing cartridge 1300, thereby further increasing the efficiency of temperature reduction and fire suppression.

[0089] It goes without saying that the number, shape, size, etc. of the openings 1521 can be varied as long as the extinguishing agent inside the extinguishing cartridge 1300 can be released into the cell assembly 1200 located below the lower plate 1520, and depending on the embodiment, the area corresponding to the mounting space S in the lower plate 1520 can be configured to be mesh-like in whole or in part.

[0090] With reference to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, it is preferable that the openings 1521 are also arranged in multiple lines in the longitudinal direction corresponding to the cell assembly 1200 so that the extinguishing agent can be sprayed in a concentrated manner at the locations where the cell assembly 1200 or the battery cell 1210 face each other (plane vs. plane).

[0091] 8-10 show an embodiment of the present invention relating to a stopper 1700 disposed in the opening 1521 shown in FIG.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 8, one or more openings 1521 formed in the lower plate 1520 may be provided with a stopper 1700 that normally functions as a kind of plug or cap to block the opening 1521.

[0093] The stopper 1700 may be made of a material such as paraffin that melts above a certain temperature, and configured to automatically open the opening 1521 when the internal temperature rises. Also, the stopper 1700 and the opening 1521 may be provided in the opening 1521 in a physically interlocking manner, rather than being fixedly coupled, so that the stopper 1700 can be released from the opening 1521 (upward based on the X-axis) when the internal pressure rises above a certain level.

[0094] Also, as shown in FIG. 9, the stopper 1700 of the present invention may have a kind of wedge shape tapered upward and may be made of an elastic material.

[0095] In this way, when stopper 1700 has a wedge shape or the like, stopper 1700 can effectively maintain its function of blocking and sealing opening 1521 up to an appropriate level of pressure, and can also condense the pressing force that presses stopper 1700 upward, so that as soon as the internal pressure reaches a threshold value, it can be rapidly released from opening 1521 with a strong release force.

[0096] In this way, if the stopper 1700 is configured to be rapidly released upward with a strong release force, such physical displacement can be used as a trigger to more reliably rupture or break the outer casing of the fire extinguishing cartridge 1300 arranged in the mounting space S of the lower plate 1520, and this can be used to more reliably realize the operating mechanism for releasing the fire extinguishing agent.

[0097] From a corresponding perspective, the stopper 1700 of the present invention may be provided with a needle-like protrusion or a similar physical structure on its upper portion so that a hole is formed in the fire extinguishing cartridge 1300 when the stopper 1700 is moved upward by pressure, as illustrated in FIG.

[0098] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a top frame 1500 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] 11, the top frame 1500 may be formed with a plurality of mounting spaces S1 to S5 separated by vertical portions 1530 to accommodate the fire extinguishing cartridges 1300. In this case, the vent hole 150a may be formed in a mounting space different from the opening 1521. For example, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 11, the top frame 1500 may be provided with five mounting spaces S1 to S5. In this case, the openings 1521 may be formed in four mounting spaces S1, S2, S4, and S5. In addition, the vent hole 150a may be formed in the remaining mounting space, i.e., space S3.

[0100] According to this embodiment of the present invention, vent gas, etc., flowing in through the opening 1521 can flow a long path inside the top frame 1500. Therefore, while the vent gas flows through the path inside the top frame 1500, the contact area with the fire-extinguishing cartridge 1300 can be increased, thereby ensuring stable operation performance of the fire-extinguishing cartridge 1300 and increasing the possibility of contact with the fire-extinguishing agent. In addition, in this case, the temperature of the vent gas can be further reduced before it flows out through the vent hole 150a, further preventing particles such as sparks and flames contained in the vent gas from escaping.

[0101] 11, multiple vertical portions 1530 are included between the upper plate 1510 and the lower plate 1520, and at least some of the vertical portions 1530 may be configured to extend in different directions. In particular, two or more vertical portions 1530 may extend in directions perpendicular to each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, some vertical portions 1530 may extend in the X-axis direction, and other vertical portions 1530 may extend in the Y-axis direction.

[0102] According to this embodiment, the vertical portion 1530 can secure more mounting space for the fire extinguishing cartridge 1300. This is advantageous for concentrated fire extinguishing in each area of ​​the fire extinguishing cartridge 1300 in the area where a thermal event such as thermal runaway occurs. Furthermore, the above embodiment improves the complementary effect of the structural rigidity of the vertical portion 1530. In particular, impacts may be applied from various directions of the battery module 1000, for example, from either side of the X-axis or Y-axis. In this case, the vertical portion 1530 can support external forces from various directions.

[0103] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, the path from the opening 1521 to the vent hole 150a is further lengthened, and multiple bends can be formed in the path. That is, the vent gas that flows into a specific mounting space of the fire-extinguishing cartridge 1300 can pass through multiple mounting spaces and then be discharged to the outside through the vent hole 150a. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 11, the vent gas that flows into the S2 space can further pass through two mounting spaces (the S1 space and the S3 space) before being discharged to the vent hole 150a. This further improves the cooling effect of the vent gas inside the top frame 1500 and the suppression effect of the emission of sparks and the like.

[0104] Fig. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a portion of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a fire extinguishing agent discharge configuration for the embodiment of Fig. 12.

[0105] 12, a rupture portion, designated by P1, may be provided in the internal space of the top frame 1500 housing the fire extinguishing cartridge 1300. The rupture portion P1 may be configured to rupture the fire extinguishing cartridge to release the fire extinguishing agent under a trigger condition, such as thermal runaway, that is met. In particular, the rupture portion P1 may be formed in a needle-like shape so as to be able to damage the exterior material of the fire extinguishing cartridge 1300.

[0106] For example, the fire extinguishing cartridge 1300 may contain a sealed fire extinguishing agent therein and may have a polymer outer casing that can be ruptured by a needle-shaped object, etc. In addition, the fire extinguishing cartridge 1300 may be formed in a variety of shapes that can hold a fire extinguishing agent and release the fire extinguishing agent when a trigger condition is met.

[0107] 12, the rupture portion P1 may assume a shape spaced a predetermined distance from the fire-extinguishing cartridge 1300. For this purpose, the fire-extinguishing cartridge 1300 may be placed on the upper surface of the lower plate 1520, and the rupture portion P1 may be provided on the lower surface of the upper plate 1510 and spaced apart from the upper surface of the fire-extinguishing cartridge 1300.

[0108] In this embodiment, if vent gas is discharged from the cell assembly 1200 due to thermal runaway or the like, the lower plate 1520 may be pressed upward and move at least partially upward, as shown by arrow A1 in Fig. 13. At this time, the fire extinguishing cartridge 1300 placed on the lower plate 1520 may also move upward and rupture at rupture portion P1. Then, the extinguishing agent released from the fire extinguishing cartridge 1300 may be injected into the cell assembly 1200 located at the lower side through opening 1521, as shown by arrow A2.

[0109] In this embodiment, it is more advantageous to employ a configuration in which the lower plate 1520 includes a material having a lower elastic modulus and / or a higher thermal expansion coefficient than the upper plate 1510. That is, as shown by arrow A1 in Fig. 13, when vent gas is applied, the lower plate 1520 can bend upward due to the pressure and / or heat of the vent gas. This allows the fire-extinguishing cartridge 1300 to rupture at the rupture portion P1.

[0110] 12 and 13, the opening 1521 may be formed in a portion of the lower plate 1520 where the fire-extinguishing cartridge 1300 is not placed. In particular, the fire-extinguishing cartridge 1300 may be placed in a portion of the lower plate 1520 where deformation occurs most actively when a trigger condition is met, for example, when pressure or temperature increases. The opening 1521 may be located in a portion of the lower plate 1520 where deformation occurs relatively less than the portion where the fire-extinguishing cartridge 1300 is placed.

[0111] For example, the fire extinguisher cartridge 1300 may be located in a portion of the lower plate 1520 that is most movable upward when vent gas is generated from the cell assembly 1200. The opening 1521 may be located in a portion of the lower plate 1520 that does not move upward or that is least movable upward. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , the fire extinguisher cartridge 1300 may be mounted in the center of the lower plate 1520, and the opening 1521 may be provided in a portion of the lower plate 1520 that is a predetermined distance horizontally away from the portion where the fire extinguisher cartridge 1300 is mounted, for example, on a side portion, particularly on both sides, of the fire extinguisher cartridge 1300.

[0112] According to this embodiment of the present invention, when the outer casing of the fire extinguishing cartridge 1300 ruptures and the extinguishing agent contained therein is released, the outer casing can be prevented from blocking the opening 1521. Therefore, in this case, the extinguishing agent can be smoothly injected into the cell assembly 1200.

[0113] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, when the lower plate 1520 is deformed due to a situation such as thermal runaway, the extinguishing agent discharged from the fire extinguishing cartridge 1300 can move smoothly toward the opening 1521 by gravity. This improves the amount and speed of the extinguishing agent injected into the cell assembly 1200.

[0114] 12 and 13, in an embodiment in which the distance between the upper plate 1510 and the lower plate 1520 is shortened by pressure or heat, at least a portion of the vertical portion 1530 may not contact the upper plate 1510 or the lower plate 1520 in a normal state. In this case, the space between the vertical portion 1530 and the upper plate 1510 or the lower plate 1520 may provide a space in which the upper plate 1510 or the lower plate 1520 can deform in an abnormal state.

[0115] A battery pack according to the present invention may include one or more of the above-described battery modules according to the present invention. In addition to the battery modules, the battery pack according to the present invention may further include various other components, such as battery management systems (BMS), bus bars, pack housings, relays, current sensors, and other battery pack components that are known at the time of filing of the present invention.

[0116] In addition, in the battery pack according to the present invention, the module housing described above may serve as the pack housing. In this case, battery pack components such as a BMS, bus bars, and relays may be included inside the module housing. In this case, the battery module according to the present invention described above may serve as the battery pack according to the present invention. In addition, a battery pack of this type may be called a cell-to-pack in view of the fact that the battery cells are directly accommodated in the pack housing. For example, the components shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 may represent a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] The battery module according to the present invention can be applied to automobiles such as electric automobiles and hybrid automobiles. That is, the automobile according to the present invention may include the battery module according to the present invention or the battery pack according to the present invention. Furthermore, the automobile according to the present invention may further include, in addition to the battery module or battery pack, various other components included in the automobile. For example, the automobile according to the present invention may further include, in addition to the battery module according to the present invention, a vehicle body, a motor, a control device such as an electronic control unit (ECU), and the like.

[0118] Although the present invention has been described above using limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited to these, and it goes without saying that various modifications and variations can be made by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains within the technical spirit of the present invention and the scope of equivalents of the claims.

[0119] The accompanying drawings for explaining the present invention and illustrating the embodiments thereof may be shown in a somewhat exaggerated form to emphasize and highlight the technical content of the present invention, but it should be understood that it is obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of modified application forms can be adopted in consideration of the above-mentioned content and illustrated matters. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 1000 Battery Module 1100 Module Housing 1200 Cell Assembly 1210 battery cell 1300 Fire Extinguishing Cartridge 1500 top frame 1510 Upper Plate 1520 Lower Plate 1521 Opening 1523 Guide wall 1530 Vertical Section 1531 Separate space 150a, 150b, 150c, 150d Vent holes 1600 base frame 1610 Right side frame (side frame) 1620 Left side frame (side frame) 1630 Front frame (side frame) 1640 Rear frame (side frame) 1700 Stopper S Installation space

Claims

1. a module housing including a top frame and defining an interior space; one or more cell assemblies housed in the interior space of the module housing and including one or more battery cells; a fire extinguishing cartridge disposed on the top frame and configured to release a fire extinguishing agent when a trigger condition for activation is met; Including, The top frame is The upper plate and a lower plate spaced apart from the upper plate and facing the cell assembly in a downward direction; a vertical portion that physically supports the upper and lower plates so that a plurality of mounting spaces are provided between the upper and lower plates; Including, The fire extinguishing cartridge comprises: The mounting space is disposed in one or more of the mounting spaces, The lower plate is made of a material having a lower elastic modulus or a higher heat transfer coefficient or thermal expansion coefficient than the upper plate.

2. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the trigger condition is at least one of an internal temperature being equal to or higher than a reference temperature and an internal pressure being equal to or higher than a reference pressure.

3. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the vertical portion is disposed in a longitudinal direction corresponding to the cell assembly.

4. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the mounting space is connected to a vent hole through which vent gas generated in the cell assembly is discharged to the outside, forming a flow path.

5. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the lower plate has an opening formed in a location corresponding to the mounting space.

6. A module housing including a top frame and forming an interior space; one or more cell assemblies housed in the interior space of the module housing and including one or more battery cells; a fire extinguishing cartridge disposed on the top frame and configured to release a fire extinguishing agent when a trigger condition for activation is met; Including, The top frame is The upper plate and a lower plate spaced apart from the upper plate and facing the cell assembly in a downward direction; a vertical portion that physically supports the upper and lower plates so that a plurality of mounting spaces are provided between the upper and lower plates; Including, The fire extinguishing cartridge comprises: The mounting space is disposed in one or more of the mounting spaces, an opening is formed in the lower plate at a location corresponding to the mounting space; The battery module further includes a stopper disposed in the opening and configured to open the opening when the temperature or pressure of the internal space reaches or exceeds a certain level.

7. The battery module according to claim 6 , wherein the stopper has a needle-like protrusion on an upper portion thereof so that a hole is formed in the fire-extinguishing cartridge when the stopper is moved upward by pressure.

8. The battery module according to claim 6 , wherein the stopper has a wedge shape tapered upward and is made of an elastic material.

9. A battery pack comprising the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A motor vehicle comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images