Battery module

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention discloses a battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a cooling plate located on the plurality of battery cells and including a main flow path; a first supply unit for supplying a refrigerant to the main flow path; and a second supply unit for supplying a fire extinguishing liquid to the main flow path, wherein the refrigerant and the fire extinguishing liquid are optionally supplied to the main flow path.

Description

Technology Field

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

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which cannot be recharged, secondary batteries are batteries capable of both charging and discharging. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in small portable electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptop computers, digital cameras, and camcorders, while high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources for motor drive systems and power storage batteries in hybrid and electric vehicles. Such secondary batteries include an electrode assembly consisting of a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a case housing the assembly, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly.

[0003] The information described above disclosed in the background technology of this invention is intended only to enhance understanding of the background of the present invention and may therefore include information that does not constitute prior art. The problem to be solved

[0004] The present invention provides a battery module with improved ignition suppression and extinguishing functions.

[0005] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. means of solving the problem

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention discloses a battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells, a cooling plate located on the plurality of battery cells and including a main flow path, a first supply unit for supplying a refrigerant to the main flow path, and a second supply unit for supplying a fire extinguishing liquid to the main flow path, wherein the refrigerant and the fire extinguishing liquid are optionally supplied to the main flow path.

[0007] In the present embodiment, the battery module may further include a first flow path connecting the main flow path and the first supply unit, and a second flow path connecting the main flow path and the second supply unit.

[0008] In the present embodiment, the battery module further includes a third flow path through which the refrigerant circulating in the main flow path flows out and which is connected to the first supply unit, and the first supply unit, the first flow path, the main flow path, and the third flow path can form a closed loop.

[0009] In this embodiment, a first valve, a second valve, and a third valve may be located in the first fluid path, the second fluid path, and the third fluid path, respectively.

[0010] In the present embodiment, the battery module may further include a pressure sensor that measures the pressure of the main flow path and a control unit that controls the operation of the first valve, the second valve, and the third valve based on the pressure sensed by the pressure sensor.

[0011] In this embodiment, the first valve and the third valve may operate in the opposite manner to the second valve.

[0012] In the present embodiment, the cooling plate includes a first region and a second region, and the melting point of the first region may be higher than the melting point of the second region.

[0013] In the present embodiment, the plurality of battery cells each include a vent, and the second region may be positioned to overlap with the vent.

[0014] In this embodiment, the second region may be positioned at a location overlapping with the main flow path.

[0015] In the present embodiment, the plurality of battery cells each include a terminal portion, and the cooling plate may include a plurality of holes through which the terminal portion is positioned.

[0016] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses a battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells each including a vent and a cooling plate positioned on the plurality of battery cells, wherein the cooling plate includes a first region and a second region, the second region is positioned to overlap with the vent, and the melting point of the first region is higher than the melting point of the second region.

[0017] In this embodiment, the second region may include a first layer having a different material along the height direction of the cooling plate and a second layer on the first layer.

[0018] In this embodiment, the cooling plate includes a main flow path inside, and the second region may be located overlapping with the main flow path.

[0019] In the present embodiment, the battery module includes a first supply unit that supplies a refrigerant to the main flow path and a second supply unit that supplies a fire extinguishing liquid to the main flow path, and the refrigerant and the fire extinguishing liquid may be optionally supplied to the main flow path.

[0020] In the present embodiment, the battery module may further include a first flow path connecting the main flow path and the first supply unit, and a second flow path connecting the main flow path and the second supply unit.

[0021] In the present embodiment, the battery module further includes a third flow path through which the refrigerant circulating in the main flow path flows out and which is connected to the first supply unit, and the first supply unit, the first flow path, the main flow path, and the third flow path can form a closed loop.

[0022] In this embodiment, a first valve, a second valve, and a third valve may be located in the first fluid path, the second fluid path, and the third fluid path, respectively.

[0023] In the present embodiment, the battery module may further include a pressure sensor that measures the pressure of the main flow path and a control unit that controls the operation of the first valve, the second valve, and the third valve based on the pressure sensed by the pressure sensor.

[0024] In the present embodiment, the plurality of battery cells each include a terminal portion, and the cooling plate may include a plurality of holes through which the terminal portion is positioned.

[0025] In this embodiment, an insulating layer may be disposed on the inner surface of each of the plurality of holes. Effects of the invention

[0026] According to embodiments of the present invention, the cooling plate includes a first region and a second region having different melting points, and when the battery temperature rises, the melting of the second region releases a refrigerant and a extinguishing liquid, thereby lowering the internal temperature and extinguishing the fire. This prevents the spread of thermal runaway throughout the entire battery module, thereby improving the stability of the battery module.

[0027] However, the effects obtainable through the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned technical effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0028] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a battery cell of the battery module of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the III-III' section of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a fire extinguishing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the II-II' section of FIG. 5. Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the battery cell and cooling plate of Figure 1. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0029] 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 claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Instead, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best describe their invention, they should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely some of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical spirit of the present invention. It should be understood that various equivalents and modifications capable of replacing them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0030] Additionally, as used herein, “comprise, include” and / or “comprising, including” specify the presence of the mentioned features, numbers, steps, actions, parts, elements, and / or groups thereof, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, actions, parts, elements, and / or groups.

[0031] Additionally, to aid in understanding the invention, the attached drawings are not drawn to actual scale, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated. Furthermore, the same reference numerals may be assigned to identical components in different embodiments.

[0032] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless specifically stated otherwise, the first component may also be the second component.

[0033] Throughout the specification, unless specifically stated otherwise, each component may be singular or plural.

[0034] The fact that any configuration is placed on the "upper (or lower)" of a component or on the "upper (or lower)" of a component may mean not only that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of said component, but also that another configuration may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0035] Furthermore, where it is stated that one component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while said components may be directly connected or connected to each other, another component may be "interposed" between each component, or that each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" through another component. Additionally, when it is stated that a part is electrically coupled with another part, this includes not only cases where they are directly connected but also cases where they are connected with another component in between.

[0036] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a battery cell of the battery module of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of the III-III' section of FIG. 2.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery module (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of battery cells (10) arranged in one direction and a cooling plate (200) located on the battery cells (10) and including a main flow path (300).

[0038] A plurality of battery cells (10) can be arranged in one direction such that the wide surfaces of the battery cells (10) face each other, and the arranged plurality of battery cells (10) can be fixed by a housing (61, 62, 63, 64).

[0039] The above housing (61, 62, 63, 64) may include a plurality of end plates (61, 62) facing the wide surface of the battery cell (10), side plates (63) and bottom plate (64) connecting the plurality of end plates (61, 62).

[0040] The above side plates (63) support the sides of the battery cell (10), and the above bottom plate (64) can support the bottom surface of the battery cell (10). Additionally, the plurality of end plates (61, 62), the side plates (63), and the bottom plate (64) can be connected by a member such as a bolt (65).

[0041] Each of the plurality of battery cells (10) may be provided with a terminal portion (11, 12) and a vent (13) which is a passage for discharging gas generated inside. The terminal portions (11, 12) of the battery cell (10) may be a first terminal (11) and a second terminal (12) having different polarities. For example, if the first terminal (11) is a positive terminal, the second terminal (12) may be a negative terminal, and conversely, if the first terminal (11) is a negative terminal, the second terminal (12) may be a positive terminal. That is, the first terminal (11) and the second terminal (12) are formed with different electrical polarities and are not limited to a specific polarity.

[0042] After a cooling plate (200) is placed on the battery cells (10), adjacent battery cells (10a, 10b) can be electrically connected in series or in parallel by a connection tab (20). Although a series connection is illustrated in FIG. 1, the structure is not limited to this, and various connection structures can be adopted as needed. Furthermore, the number and arrangement of battery cells are not limited to the structure shown in FIG. 1 and can be changed as needed.

[0043] The battery module (100) includes a connection tab (20) connecting one battery cell (10a) and another battery cell (10b) adjacent thereto, and a protection circuit module (30) having one end connected to the connection tab (20).

[0044] The protection circuit module (30) may be a Battery Management System (BMS). The connection tab (20) includes a body portion that contacts the terminal portions (11, 12) of the battery cell (10) and an extension portion that extends from the body portion and is connected to the protection circuit module (30).

[0045] The protection circuit module (30) can be equipped with electronic components and protection circuits, and can be electrically connected to the connection tab (20).

[0046] The above protection circuit module (30) includes a first protection circuit module (30a) and a second protection circuit module (30b) extending at different locations along the direction in which a plurality of battery cells (10) are arranged, wherein the first protection circuit module (30a) and the second protection circuit module (30b) are spaced apart at a certain distance but positioned parallel to each other and can be electrically connected to each adjacent connection tab (20).

[0047] For example, the first protection circuit module (30a) is formed extending to one side of the upper portion of the plurality of battery cells (10) along the direction in which the plurality of battery cells (10) are arranged, and the second protection circuit module (30b) is formed extending to the other side of the upper portion of the plurality of battery cells (10) along the direction in which the plurality of battery cells (10) are arranged, and the second protection circuit module (30b) is positioned at a certain distance from the first protection circuit module (30a) with the vent (13) in between, but can be arranged parallel to the first protection circuit module (30a).

[0048] In this way, the two protection circuit modules (30a, 30b) are spaced apart from each other in parallel along the direction in which the plurality of battery cells (10) are arranged, thereby minimizing the unnecessary area of ​​the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) constituting the protection circuit module (30).

[0049] Additionally, the first protection circuit module (30a) and the second protection circuit module (30b) can be connected to each other by a conductive connecting member (50). At this time, one side of the connecting member (50) is connected to the first protection circuit module (30a), and the other side is connected to the second protection circuit module (30b), thereby allowing for an electrical connection between the two protection circuit modules (30a, 30b).

[0050] The above connection may be made by methods such as soldering, welding, for example, resistance welding, laser welding, projection welding, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0051] Also, the connecting member (50) may be, for example, an electric wire, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the connecting member (50) may be made of a material having elasticity or flexibility. Through this connecting member (50), the voltage, temperature, and current of a plurality of battery cells (10) can be checked and managed to ensure they are normal.

[0052] That is, information such as voltage, current, and temperature received by the first protection circuit module (30a) from the adjacent connection taps (20) and information such as voltage, current, and temperature received by the second protection circuit module (30b) from the adjacent connection taps (20) can be integrated and managed by the protection circuit module (30) through the connection member (50).

[0053] In addition, when the battery cell (10) swells, the shock is absorbed by the elasticity or flexibility of the connecting member (50), thereby preventing damage to the first and second protection circuit modules (30a, 30b).

[0054] Meanwhile, the shape and structure of the connecting member (50) are not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 1.

[0055] In this way, by providing the protection circuit module (30) as a first and second protection circuit module (30a, 30b), the area of ​​the PCB constituting the protection circuit module (30) can be minimized, thereby enabling space to be secured inside the battery module (100). This improves work efficiency by making it easier to perform the fastening work connecting the connection tab (20) and the protection circuit module (30), as well as repairs when an abnormality is detected in the battery module (100).

[0056] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the battery cell (10) may consist of a battery case (15), an electrode assembly (210) housed within the battery case (15), and an electrolyte. The electrode assembly (210) and the electrolyte react electrochemically to generate energy.

[0057] The above battery cell (10) may include at least one electrode assembly (210) wound with an insulating separator (213) interposed between a positive electrode (211) and a negative electrode (212), and a case (15) in which the electrode assembly (210) is housed.

[0058] The battery cell (10) according to the present embodiment is described as being rectangular in shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the present invention can be applied to various types of battery cells, such as pouch battery cells or circular battery cells.

[0059] The positive electrode (211) and the negative electrode (212) may include a coated portion, which is an area where an active material is applied to a current collector formed of a thin metal foil, and an uncoated portion (211a, 212a), which is an area where an active material is not coated.

[0060] The positive electrode (211) and the negative electrode (212) are wound after interposing an insulator separator (213) between them. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the electrode assembly (210) described above may be structured such that a positive electrode (211) and a negative electrode (212), each made of a plurality of sheets, are alternately stacked with a separator (213) between them.

[0061] The case (15) forms the overall exterior of the battery cell (10) and may be formed of a conductive metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. Additionally, the case (15) may provide a space for accommodating the electrode assembly (210).

[0062] The battery cell (10) may include a cap plate (17) covering an opening of a case (15), and the case (15) and the cap plate (17) may be made of a conductive material. Here, a first terminal (11) and a second terminal (12) electrically connected to a positive electrode (211) or a negative electrode (212) may be installed to protrude outwardly through the cap plate (17).

[0063] Additionally, the outer surface of the upper column of the first terminal (11) and the second terminal (12) protruding outward from the cap plate (17) can be screw-machined and secured to the cap plate (17) with a nut.

[0064] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first terminal (11) and the second terminal (12) may be formed with a rivet structure and joined by rivet, or may be joined by welding to the cap plate (17).

[0065] Additionally, the cap plate (17) may be made of a thin plate and may be coupled to the opening of the case (15), and the cap plate (17) may have an electrolyte injection port (14) formed therein where a sealing plug may be installed, and a vent (13) with a notch may be installed.

[0066] The first terminal (11) and the second terminal (12) can be electrically connected to a current collector comprising first and second current collectors (240, 250) (hereinafter referred to as positive and negative current collectors) that are welded to the positive non-positive portion (211a) or the negative non-positive portion (212a).

[0067] For example, the first terminal (11) and the second terminal (12) may be joined to the positive and negative current collectors (240, 250) by welding. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first terminal (11) and the second terminal (12) and the positive and negative current collectors (240, 250) may be formed by being joined integrally.

[0068] Additionally, an insulating member may be installed between the electrode assembly (210) and the cap plate (17). Here, the insulating member may include first and second lower insulating members (260, 270), and each of the first and second lower insulating members (260, 270) may be installed between the electrode assembly (210) and the cap plate (17).

[0069] In addition, according to the present embodiment, one end of a separating member that can be installed opposite to one side of the electrode assembly (210) may be installed between the insulating member and the first terminal (11) and the second terminal (12).

[0070] Here, the separating member may include first and second separating members (280, 290).

[0071] Accordingly, one end of the first and second separating members (280, 290), which can be installed opposite to one side of the electrode assembly (210), may be installed between the first and second lower insulating members (260, 270) and the first terminal (11) and the second terminal (12).

[0072] Ultimately, the first terminal (11) and the second terminal (12), welded to the positive and negative current collectors (240, 250), can be coupled to one end of the first and second lower insulating members (260, 270) and the first and second separating members (280, 290).

[0073] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a fire extinguishing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 4, the battery module (100) may include a cooling plate (200) including a main flow path (300), a first supply unit (T1) for supplying a refrigerant to the main flow path (300), and a second supply unit (T2) for supplying a fire extinguishing liquid to the main flow path (300). The refrigerant and the fire extinguishing liquid may optionally be supplied to the main flow path (300).

[0075] The cooling plate (200) may be made of a material having high thermal conductivity and rigidity, such as stainless steel, to cool the battery module (100) to a constant temperature, but is not limited thereto. The refrigerant may circulate along the main flow path (300) formed within the cooling plate (200) and cool the battery by flowing through the interior.

[0076] The battery module (100) may further include a first flow path (310) connecting the main flow path (300) and the first supply unit (T1), and a second flow path (320) connecting the main flow path (300) and the second supply unit (T2). The first flow path (310) and the second flow path (320) may be connected to the main flow path (300) through an inlet through which a refrigerant and a fire extinguishing liquid flow into the cooling plate (200).

[0077] Accordingly, the refrigerant supplied from the first supply unit (T1) can circulate through the cooling plate (200) via the first flow path (310) and the main flow path (300), and the extinguishing liquid supplied from the second supply unit (T2) can circulate through the cooling plate (200) via the second flow path (320) and the main flow path (300).

[0078] The battery module (100) may further include a third flow path (330) connected to a first supply unit (T1) through which the refrigerant circulating in the main flow path (300) flows out. The refrigerant is supplied from the first supply unit (T1) and flows into and circulates into the cooling plate (200) through the first flow path (310) and the main flow path (300), thereby exchanging heat with the inside of the battery module (100). The refrigerant that has absorbed heat flows out of the cooling plate (200) through the third flow path (330) and can be connected to the first supply unit (T1). The refrigerant can be cooled in the first supply unit (T1) and then move again through the first flow path (310).

[0079] That is, the first supply section (T1), the first Euro (310), the main Euro (300), and the third Euro (330) can form a closed loop.

[0080] Meanwhile, a first valve (V1), a second valve (V2), and a third valve (V3) may be located in the first Euro (310), the second Euro (320), and the third Euro (330), respectively. Each valve may be, for example, a solenoid valve that automatically opens and closes the Euro according to an electrical signal, but is not limited thereto.

[0081] The battery module (100) may further include a pressure sensor (60) for measuring the pressure of the main flow path (300). Each valve may be opened and closed by a preset pressure, and may further include a control unit (70) for this purpose.

[0082] For example, when the temperature of the battery module (100) rises, a refrigerant may be injected at a high flow rate. At this time, a pressure sensor (60) may detect the pressure of the main flow path (300) to control whether the first valve (V1), the second valve (V2), and the third valve (V3) are opened or closed. As the refrigerant is injected, the flow rate decreases and the pressure of the main flow path (300) drops, and when the pressure drops below a certain level, the control unit (70) may determine whether to open or close each valve.

[0083] For additional extinguishing, the third valve (V3) can be closed, the refrigerant supply from the first supply unit (T1) can be stopped, and the second valve (V2) can be opened after closing the first valve (V1). Accordingly, by opening the first valve (V1), the supply of refrigerant supplied through the first path (310) is stopped, and by opening the second valve (V2) to supply extinguishing liquid through the second path (320), the temperature rise and fire propagation of the battery module (100) can be suppressed.

[0084] At this time, the first valve (V1) and the third valve (V3) can operate in the opposite manner to the second valve (V2). Accordingly, the second valve (V2) can be opened after the first valve (V1) and the third valve (V3) are closed. This is to ensure that the refrigerant supplied through the first path (310) and the fire extinguishing liquid supplied through the second path (320) are sprayed without mixing and without a time delay. Additionally, by blocking the third valve (V3), backflow is prevented, and the fire extinguishing liquid can move and spray smoothly.

[0085] If the temperature does not drop or rises again even after the extinguishing liquid is sprayed, the second valve (V2) is closed, and the first valve (V1) and the third valve (V3) can be opened again. At this time, the first supply unit (T1) supplies a refrigerant at a lower temperature, and additional refrigerant can be sprayed through the first flow path (310). Through this, the battery module (100) and the pack can be extinguished.

[0086] As an optional embodiment of the present invention, a valve may be located at the point where the first flow path (310), the second flow path (320), and the main flow path (300) intersect. The valve may be, for example, a three-way valve for classifying fluid, but is not limited thereto.

[0087] Normally, the valve is open in the direction connecting the first flow path (310) and the main flow path (300), allowing refrigerant to circulate through the cooling plate (200) and cool the battery module (100). When an event occurs, the valve can be adjusted to open in the direction connecting the second flow path (320) and the main flow path (300) so that the extinguishing fluid can move. By determining whether to open or close the valve, the type and direction of the fluid flowing in the first flow path (310), the second flow path (320), and the main flow path (300) can be selectively controlled.

[0088] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 5, a battery module (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of battery cells (10), each including a vent (13).

[0090] Meanwhile, the cooling plate (200) may include a first region (120) and a second region (220). The melting point of the first region (120) may be higher than the melting point of the second region (220). Additionally, the second region (220) may be positioned to overlap with the main flow path (300).

[0091] In the event of a fire, a portion of the second region (220) with a low melting point may melt and a hole may occur in the cooling plate (200). Since the second region (220) is located overlapping with the main flow path (300), refrigerant can be released through this region, and the internal temperature of the battery can be lowered primarily. After a certain amount is released, the first valve (V1) is blocked through the pressure sensor (60) and the control unit (70), and the second valve (V2) is opened so that extinguishing liquid can be released through the same region, and secondarily, fire suppression and propagation can be inhibited.

[0092] That is, in the event of thermal runaway or fire in a plurality of battery cells (10) and / or a battery module (100) through a battery module (100) in which a refrigerant and a fire extinguishing liquid are selectively supplied to the main flow path (300), an initial fire can be suppressed and extinguished.

[0093] Additionally, the second region (220) may be positioned to overlap with the vent (13), and the vent (13) may be positioned at the bottom of the battery cell. That is, the terminal portions (11, 12) of the plurality of battery cells (10) may be positioned at the bottom and the vent (13) may be positioned at the top, and the second region (220) of the cooling plate (200) may be positioned on the vent (13) so as to overlap with the vent (13).

[0094] In the event that thermal runaway occurs in any one of the battery cells (10), high-temperature gas and flames may be emitted from the vent (13) of the battery cell (10). The second region (220) is positioned to overlap with the vent (13), so that it can be heated and deformed, and can melt first because it has a lower melting point than the first region (120). As a result, the refrigerant and fire extinguishing liquid circulating inside the cooling plate (200) can be sprayed toward the battery cell to suppress the fire. That is, by positioning the vent (13) and the second region (220) to overlap, the purpose of fire extinguishing can be achieved more efficiently.

[0095] The shape of the main flow path (300) is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, and the main flow path (300) can have various shapes as long as the circulating refrigerant can be injected by overlapping the second region (220) and some regions.

[0096] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the II-II' section of FIG. 5.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 6, the cooling plate (200) may include a first region (120) and a second region (220), and the second region (220) may include a first layer (220a) and a second layer (220b) on the first layer (220a) having different materials in the height direction of the cooling plate (200).

[0098] The first layer (220a) may form the outer surface of the cooling plate (200) that is in direct contact with the vent (13) of the battery cell, and the second layer (220b) may form the inner surface of the cooling plate (200) that is in direct contact with the refrigerant.

[0099] When the temperature of the battery rises, the first layer (220a) may preferentially melt in response to the high-temperature gas emitted from the vent (13). Subsequently, the second layer (220b), which is weaker at high temperatures but stronger at low temperatures than the first layer (220a), may melt, and finally, the refrigerant may be sprayed. The material of the second layer (220b) may have physical properties that are resistant to impact, thereby improving the durability of the cooling plate (200).

[0100] The first layer (220a) may be a material that is resistant to high temperatures and resistant to low temperatures, such as PTE, but is not limited thereto. The second layer (220b) may be a material that is resistant to impact and resistant to low temperatures, such as HDPE, but is not limited thereto.

[0101] Fig. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the battery cell and cooling plate of Fig. 1.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 7, a battery module (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of battery cells (10) each including terminal portions (11, 12), and a cooling plate (200) may include a plurality of holes (H) through which the terminal portions (11, 12) are positioned.

[0103] A plurality of holes (H) present in the cooling plate (200) are assembled in a manner that penetrates and is inserted into the terminal portions (11, 12) of the battery cells (10), so that the cooling plate (200) can be positioned on top of the battery cells (10). That is, the terminal portions (11, 12) can be positioned to penetrate a part of the cooling plate (200) and protrude outward.

[0104] This structure allows for efficient cooling by bringing the battery cell (10) and the cooling plate (200) into direct contact under normal conditions, and can react quickly to and melt in response to a rise in temperature in the event of a fire.

[0105] Afterward, the protruding terminal portions (11, 12) can be electrically connected. For example, the terminal portions (11, 12) can be connected via a bus bar and can be welded together.

[0106] At this time, the inner surfaces of the plurality of holes (H) surrounding the terminal portions (11, 12) and the spaces between adjacent holes (H) may be coated with an insulator to form an insulating layer, thereby preventing leakage current during electrical connection of the terminal portions (11, 12). For example, the inner surfaces of the holes (H) may be coated with PVC, but are not limited thereto.

[0107] Conventional battery temperature management systems, such as cooling plates and fire suppression systems, were designed separately, making it difficult to control rapid temperature rise and suppress fires. Existing cooling plates were used solely for regulating battery temperature, and since the fire suppression system operated via a separate route, it required additional devices within the battery module. In contrast, the present invention combines these components to inject and discharge refrigerant and fire extinguishing liquid through the same flow path, thereby providing a fire suppression function that is fast and offers improved space and energy efficiency.

[0108] Although the present invention has been described above by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

Claims

Claim 1 A battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a cooling plate located on the plurality of battery cells and including a main flow path; a first supply unit for supplying a refrigerant to the main flow path; and a second supply unit for supplying a fire extinguishing liquid to the main flow path, wherein the refrigerant and the fire extinguishing liquid are optionally supplied to the main flow path. Claim 2 In claim 1, the battery module further comprises a first flow path connecting the main flow path and the first supply unit, and a second flow path connecting the main flow path and the second supply unit. Claim 3 In paragraph 2, the battery module further comprises a third flow path through which the refrigerant circulating in the main flow path flows out and which is connected to the first supply unit, wherein the first supply unit, the first flow path, the main flow path, and the third flow path form a closed loop. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, a battery module in which a first valve, a second valve, and a third valve are located in the first Euro, the second Euro, and the third Euro, respectively. Claim 5 In paragraph 4, the battery module further comprises a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the main flow path and a control unit for controlling the operation of the first valve, the second valve, and the third valve based on the pressure sensed by the pressure sensor. Claim 6 In paragraph 5, the first valve and the third valve operate in opposition to the second valve. Battery module. Claim 7 A battery module according to claim 1, wherein the cooling plate comprises a first region and a second region, and the melting point of the first region is higher than the melting point of the second region. Claim 8 In claim 7, the plurality of battery cells each include a vent, and the battery module is positioned such that the second region overlaps with the vent. Claim 9 In claim 8, the second region is a battery module positioned at a location overlapping with the main Euro. Claim 10 In claim 7, the plurality of battery cells each include a terminal portion, and the cooling plate includes a plurality of holes so as to be positioned through the terminal portion. Claim 11 A battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells each including a vent; and a cooling plate positioned on the plurality of battery cells; wherein the cooling plate includes a first region and a second region, the second region is positioned to overlap with the vent, and the melting point of the first region is higher than the melting point of the second region. Claim 12 In claim 11, the battery module comprising a second region having a first layer and a second layer on the first layer having different materials along the height direction on the cooling plate. Claim 13 In claim 11, the cooling plate includes a main flow path inside, and the second region is a battery module located overlapping with the main flow path. Claim 14 In paragraph 13, the battery module comprises: a first supply unit for supplying a refrigerant to the main flow path; and a second supply unit for supplying a fire extinguishing liquid to the main flow path; wherein the refrigerant and the fire extinguishing liquid are optionally supplied to the main flow path. Claim 15 In claim 14, the battery module further comprises a first flow path connecting the main flow path and the first supply unit, and a second flow path connecting the main flow path and the second supply unit. Claim 16 In claim 15, the battery module further comprises a third flow path through which the refrigerant circulating in the main flow path flows out and which is connected to the first supply unit, wherein the first supply unit, the first flow path, the main flow path, and the third flow path form a closed loop. Claim 17 In paragraph 16, a battery module in which a first valve, a second valve, and a third valve are located in the first Euro, the second Euro, and the third Euro, respectively. Claim 18 In claim 17, the battery module further comprises a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the main flow path and a control unit for controlling the operation of the first valve, the second valve and the third valve based on the pressure sensed by the pressure sensor. Claim 19 In claim 11, the battery module wherein the plurality of battery cells each include a terminal portion, and the cooling plate includes a plurality of holes so as to be positioned through the terminal portion. Claim 20 A battery module according to claim 19, wherein an insulating layer is disposed on the inner surface of each of the plurality of holes.

Images