Battery module including cartridge for extinguishing

Abstract

The present invention discloses a battery module with enhanced safety through an improved frame structure and a fire extinguishing cartridge. A battery module according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a module housing including a top frame and forming an internal space; one or more cell assemblies accommodated in the internal space of the module housing and comprising one or more battery cells; and a fire extinguishing cartridge provided on the top frame and configured to release a fire extinguishing agent when a trigger condition for initiating operation is met.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, and more specifically, to a battery module with enhanced safety through an improved frame structure and a fire extinguishing cartridge provided therein. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid increase in demand for portable electronic products that use electricity as a power source, such as laptops, video cameras, and mobile phones, and the widespread commercialization of mobile robots, electric bicycles, electric carts, and electric vehicles, research on high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging is actively underway.

[0003] Commercialized rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium, nickel-hydrogen, nickel-zinc, and lithium batteries. Among these, lithium batteries possess the advantages of allowing for free charging and discharging with almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based batteries, as well as a very low self-discharge rate. Furthermore, due to their high energy density and high operating voltage, they are being researched more intensively than other types of rechargeable batteries and are being applied more extensively in actual products.

[0004] Recently, secondary batteries are being widely used not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices, but also in medium to large devices such as electric vehicles and Energy Storage Systems (ESS).

[0005] In this case, battery modules in which multiple electrically connected secondary batteries are housed together inside a module case are primarily used, and furthermore, when high power or large capacity is required, battery packs in which multiple such battery modules are electrically connected are also applied.

[0006] Although the use of secondary batteries with such advantages is expanding in various forms, due to their operating characteristics, they may be accompanied by swelling, the application of rush current, overheating caused by joule heating, or thermal runaway caused by the decomposition reaction of the electrolyte, so ensuring safety can be an important issue.

[0007] Battery modules or battery packs may be more vulnerable to thermal events because multiple secondary batteries (battery cells) or multiple battery modules are densely packed in a spatially intensive manner. In particular, if thermal runaway occurs within a battery module, high-temperature gases, flames, and heat are generated; if these are not promptly controlled, thermal propagation can cause a chain reaction of fires or explosions, affecting not only the affected battery module but also adjacent modules.

[0008] In the case of medium-to-large battery packs applied to vehicles such as electric vehicles used by users, a large number of battery cells and modules are more intensively mounted to increase output and capacity. This can lead to large-scale fires and even human casualties; therefore, it can be said that there is a great need to more robustly suppress hazardous situations, such as fires occurring in battery modules, in the initial stages. The problem to be solved

[0009] The present invention was devised to solve the aforementioned problems against the background described above, and aims to provide a battery module with further enhanced safety through structural improvements to enhance the durability of the battery module, as well as the configuration of a fire extinguishing cartridge organically integrated with the improved structure.

[0010] Other objects and advantages of the present invention may be understood from the description below and will become more clearly known from the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, the objects and advantages of the present invention may be realized by the configurations set forth in the claims and combinations thereof. means of solving the problem

[0011] A battery module according to one aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose comprises: a module housing that includes a top frame and forms an internal space; one or more cell assemblies that are accommodated in the internal space of the module housing and include one or more battery cells; and a fire extinguishing cartridge provided on the top frame and configured to release a fire extinguishing agent when a trigger condition for the initiation of operation is met.

[0012] Here, the above trigger condition may be configured such that the internal temperature is above the reference temperature or the internal pressure is above the reference pressure.

[0013] 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 in a downward direction; and a vertical portion that physically supports the space between the upper and lower plates so that the space between the upper and lower plates becomes a plurality of mounting spaces, and in this case, the fire extinguishing cartridge may be provided in one or more of the plurality of mounting spaces.

[0014] In addition, the vertical portion of the present invention may be configured to be arranged in a longitudinal direction corresponding to the cell assembly.

[0015] According to an 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 compared to the upper plate.

[0016] Furthermore, the mounting space may be configured to form a flow path by being connected to a venting hole through which the venting gas generated in the cell assembly flows out to the outside.

[0017] In addition, the lower plate of the present invention may have an opening formed in the portion corresponding to the mounting space.

[0018] In this case, it is preferable that the battery module according to the present invention further includes a stopper provided in the opening, configured to open the opening when the temperature or pressure of the internal space becomes above a certain level.

[0019] More preferably, the stopper of the present invention may be provided with a needle-like projection on its upper side to cause a perforation in the fire extinguishing cartridge when it moves upward due to pressure, or may have a wedge shape tapered upward and be made of an elastic material.

[0020] A battery pack according to another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose includes a battery module according to the present invention, and a vehicle according to yet another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose includes a battery module according to the present invention. Effects of the invention

[0021] According to the present invention, the durability of the battery module can be increased through simple structural improvements, and a fire extinguishing cartridge can be simply installed in the improved structure for increased durability, thereby further improving ease of assembly and convenience of use.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, critical changes in internal environmental factors (temperature, pressure, etc.) can be naturally incorporated into the operation of the fire extinguishing cartridge, thereby enabling a more rapid initial response to the occurrence of risk factors.

[0023] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the extinguishing agent of the fire extinguishing cartridge can be induced to be ejected intensively at the area where the cell assembly faces the plane-to-plane, thereby increasing the efficiency of fire suppression and more effectively suppressing phenomena such as the sequential spread of fire to adjacent battery modules or cell assemblies.

[0024] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the accompanying drawings. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0025] 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 a perspective view illustrating the overall appearance of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the internal configuration of the battery module shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the overall appearance of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the internal configuration of the battery module shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a top frame according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is equipped with a fire extinguishing cartridge. FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a top frame according to another embodiment of the present invention, which is equipped with a fire extinguishing cartridge. FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating an embodiment of a lower plate having an opening. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a stopper provided in the opening shown in FIG. 7. FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10 are cross-sectional views illustrating a stopper according to other embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a top frame according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the fire extinguishing agent release configuration for the embodiment of Figure 12. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0026] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail 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, and should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0027] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely some of the most preferred embodiments of the invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the invention, and that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0028] In addition, this specification may include various embodiments. Each embodiment is described with a focus on the differences, and detailed descriptions are omitted where the description of other embodiments can be applied identically or similarly.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal configuration of the battery module (1000) shown in FIG. 1.

[0031] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery module (1000) includes a module housing (1100) that functions as a case and a cell assembly (1200) provided inside the module housing (1100) and including one or more battery cells (1210).

[0032] As illustrated in the drawing, the module housing (1100) may consist of 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 later with reference to FIG. 3, etc., the module housing (1100) of the present invention may be implemented in various structures and forms, including the embodiment illustrated in the drawing, depending on the shape, structure, size, number of coupled members, etc.

[0033] A battery cell (1210) refers to a secondary battery comprising an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a battery case, and while a pouch-type secondary battery with high energy density and easy stacking is shown as an example in the drawing, it is obvious that a cylindrical or prismatic secondary battery can be applied as a battery cell (1210).

[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 2, etc., the cell assembly (1200) can be configured such that battery cells (1210), which are installed in the vertical direction (Z-axis in the drawing), are arranged (stacked) side by side in the left-right direction (X-axis in the drawing).

[0035] Although the drawing illustrates an example in which a cell assembly (1200) (G1, G2) composed of a 1×2 matrix based on the vertical (X-axis) and horizontal (Y-axis) is accommodated in a module housing (1100), depending on the spatial characteristics, electrical capacity, power size, etc. of the device to which it is applied, a cell assembly (1200) having various combination arrangements such as a 1×1, 2×4, or 3×2 matrix may be provided in the module housing (1100).

[0036] Additionally, although not shown in the drawing, the cell assembly (1200) can be electrically connected by a bus bar made of an electrically conductive metal material or the like.

[0037] The module housing (1100) is configured to accommodate one or more cell assemblies (1200) and may be made of a metal material or a plastic material such as ABS resin that has high rigidity and durability to physically or chemically protect the battery cell (1210) provided inside.

[0038] Additionally, as shown in the drawing, one or more venting holes (150a, 150b, 150c, 150d) may be formed in the module housing (1100) to function as a type of outlet for discharging venting gas generated from the battery cell (1210) to the outside.

[0039] Depending on the embodiment, the venting holes (150a, 150b, 150c, 150d) may be provided with a membrane that ruptures at a pressure above a certain level. In this case, the venting holes (150), which are normally blocked, may be opened as the membrane structure ruptures due to the venting gas generated inside, and the venting gas generated inside may be discharged to the outside.

[0040] The number and location of the venting holes (150) may be configured differently from the example shown in the drawing depending on the embodiment, and it is preferable that they be provided in a location where the discharge of venting gas is guided 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. 3.

[0043] It is obvious that the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 differ from the previously described embodiments only in form or external structure, but their essential functions correspond substantially, and therefore the same reference numerals are used for each corresponding component, and this does not mean that the two embodiments are physically identical.

[0044] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the module housing (1100) forming the internal space may be configured to include a top frame (1500), a base frame (1600), and side frames (1610 to 1640).

[0045] The top frame (1500) is located on the upper part of the module housing (1100), and the base frame (1600) can be positioned at the lower part of the top frame (1500) at a predetermined distance from the top frame (1500), and the side frames (1610~1640) can be positioned with their upper and lower ends respectively connected between the top frame (1500) and the base frame (1600).

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

[0047] In order to implement the main technical concept of the present invention, the top frame (1500) in particular 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 that a space for installing one or more fire extinguishing cartridges (1300) is provided therein. Specific and detailed information regarding this will be described later.

[0048] At least some of the top frame (1500), base frame (1600), and side frames (1610–1640) may be configured in a form integrated with one another. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, among the four side frames (1610–1640), the right frame (1610) and the left frame (1620) may be configured in a form integrated with the base frame (1600). In this case, the right frame (1610), the left frame (1620), and the base frame (1600) that are integrated with one another may be referred to by terms such as U-frames according to their shape characteristics.

[0049] In this case, the front frame (1630) and the rear frame (1640) can be connected to the front and rear openings of the U-frame, respectively, as end frames, and the top frame (1500) can be connected to the upper opening of the U-frame. Of course, the connection between adjacent frames can be achieved not only by flange and bolt fastening, but also by laser welding or ultrasonic welding.

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

[0051] In the embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 2, a cell assembly (1200) consisting of a 1×2 matrix based on the vertical (X-axis) and horizontal (Y-axis) is provided in the module housing (1100), and in the battery module (1000) of the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 4, a cell assembly (1200) consisting of a 2×1 matrix based on the vertical (X-axis) and horizontal (Y-axis) is provided in the module housing (1100).

[0052] In the battery module (1000) illustrated in FIG. 4, as previously described, one or more venting holes (150a, 150b, 150c) through which venting gas is discharged may be formed in the top frame (1500) and / or the side frame (1610). In particular, the venting holes may be formed only in the top frame (1500). That is, the venting hole (150b) formed in the side frame (1610) in the embodiment of FIG. 4 may be removed. In such an embodiment, by ensuring that the venting gas is discharged only toward the top frame, the ability of the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) to respond to the venting gas can be more stably secured.

[0053] Of course, one or more of the upper plate (1510) and lower plate (1520) described later as components forming the top frame (1500), base frame (1600), or side frame (1610~1640), may have their inner surfaces made of clad metal or flame-retardant materials such as GFRP attached.

[0054] It is self-evident that the axis depicted in the drawing, the term referring to that axis, and terms signifying directions such as upper, lower, front, rear, vertical, top, etc., described based on that axis, are intended merely to provide a relative standard for describing the embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to specify any direction or position based on an absolute standard; furthermore, it is obvious that they may vary relatively depending on the position of the object to be examined, the position of the observer, or the viewing direction. For example, in the present invention, the top frame may be referred to as a side frame or a base frame depending on the mounting form or rotational state of the battery module or battery pack.

[0055] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described by defining the Z-axis as the standard for the up-down or vertical direction as previously explained, and embodiments of the present invention will be described by defining the Y-axis as the standard for the front or rear and the X-axis as the standard for the left or right from a corresponding perspective.

[0057] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a top frame (1500) according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is equipped with a fire extinguishing cartridge (1300).

[0058] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) of the present invention is provided in the internal space provided by the top frame (1500). The fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) is configured to release a fire extinguishing agent when a trigger condition for the initiation of operation is met, as described below.

[0059] The top frame (1500) of the present invention may be configured to specifically include an upper plate (1510), a lower plate (1520), and a vertical section (1530) as shown in the drawing.

[0060] The upper plate (1510) is a plate located on the upper part of the top frame (1500) and may be made of a plate-like shape or a polyhedron having volume, as shown in the drawing.

[0061] In addition, the upper plate (1510) may be made of a metal material such as SUS (stainless steel) with high strength, or a plastic material such as ABS resin (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer) with high heat resistance, temperature resistance, and impact resistance, or other types of plastic materials in order to effectively provide physical protection for internal components. Of course, depending on the embodiment, the upper plate (1510) may be made of different types of materials in different parts.

[0062] The lower plate (1520) is a plate installed spaced apart in a vertical direction from the upper plate (1510) and faces the cell assembly (1200) installed in the internal space provided by the module housing (1100) downward (based on the Z-axis).

[0063] The lower plate (1520) may also be made of a material corresponding to that of the upper plate (1510), but it is preferable that it be made of a material having a low elastic modulus (elastic modulus) or a high heat transfer coefficient or thermal expansion coefficient in order to respond sensitively to factors such as temperature and pressure in the internal space where the cell assembly (1200) is provided and to effectively transmit this to the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) provided on the upper part.

[0064] If the lower plate (1520) is made of a material with a relatively low elastic modulus or a high coefficient of thermal expansion, the internal pressure of the module housing (1100) in which the cell assembly (1200) is housed, particularly on the side of the base frame (1600), increases or the internal temperature rises, thereby easily and significantly inducing physical displacement (upward) of the lower plate (1520). Therefore, physical displacement caused by changes in internal pressure / temperature, etc., can be transmitted more effectively to the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300). On the other hand, the upper plate (1510) does not easily deform even under heat or pressure, so the overall shape of the battery module can be maintained stably.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) may be configured so that when pressure or external force exceeding a standard value is applied, the finishing material or exterior material may be damaged (ruptured) or the sealing means (cap, stopper, etc.) may be detached, thereby allowing the internal fire extinguishing agent, fire extinguishing substance, etc. to be released.

[0066] In relation to this mode of operation, if the physical displacement of the lower plate (1520) is induced to be large and easily occur as described above, the operating mechanism of the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) can be implemented more reliably, thereby effectively resolving problems such as delayed release of the fire extinguishing agent or failure of operation itself in conventional battery modules that include a fire extinguishing function.

[0067] As described above, in terms of the form corresponding to effectively transmitting physical displacement (change), it is preferable that the lower plate (1520) be made of a material with a high heat transfer coefficient so that when the internal temperature is raised by the cell assembly (1200), the resulting thermal change can be transmitted more quickly and reliably to the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300).

[0068] According to an embodiment, the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) may include a fire extinguishing agent formed in the form of a capsule, such as calcium carbonate in powder form or a halogen compound, which expands by heat above a reference temperature, and may include a substance that releases fire extinguishing gas (carbon dioxide, etc.) at high temperatures.

[0069] Additionally, the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) may be configured so that the fire extinguishing agent, fire extinguishing substance, etc. inside can be released when the finishing material or exterior material, etc. is physically changed (broken, ruptured, melted, etc.) at a temperature above the reference temperature, or when the sealing means (cap, stopper, etc.) made of a material such as paraffin undergoes a phase transition.

[0070] In relation to this mode of operation, as described above, if the lower plate (1520) is made of a material with a high heat transfer coefficient, the internal temperature change (temperature rise) is rapidly transmitted to the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300), thereby enabling the operation mechanism of the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) to be implemented more reliably, effectively resolving conventional problems such as delayed release of the fire extinguishing agent or failure to operate. Additionally, the upper plate (1510) has a relatively low heat transfer coefficient, thereby suppressing the transfer of heat from the battery module to other battery modules or devices located on the upper side, or to the passenger side.

[0071] In this way, the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) is configured to release a fire extinguishing agent provided inside when a trigger condition, which is a condition for the start of operation, is met. The trigger condition may be configured as one or more of the cases where the internal temperature is above a reference temperature or the internal pressure is above a reference pressure, as described in the previously described embodiment.

[0072] The extinguishing agent (extinguishing substance) provided inside the extinguishing cartridge (1300) may be various substances known at the time of filing the present invention, including ammonium phosphate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, ammonium phosphate, etc., and may be in a solid state such as powder, as well as in a liquid or gaseous state. In addition, the outer material or case of the extinguishing cartridge (1300) may be made of a material that melts above a reference temperature, or a material that tears or ruptures / breaks when an external force is applied.

[0073] 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. When configured in this way, the fire extinguishing agent inside the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) can be ejected at a stronger pressure under trigger conditions, thereby enabling more effective fire suppression and ignition prevention.

[0074] In order to effectively implement the technical concept of the present invention described above, the lower plate (1520) is preferably composed of 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 frame (1610~1640) constituting the module housing (1100) and the upper plate (1510) constituting the top frame (1500).

[0075] It goes without saying that characteristic values ​​such as the elastic modulus, thermal expansion coefficient, and heat transfer coefficient of the lower plate (1520) can be set by comprehensively considering the installation environment of the battery module (1000), product specifications, the number of cell assemblies or battery cells, or safety standards, in addition to the previously described contents.

[0076] As illustrated in the drawing, a guiding wall (1523) may be formed integrally or combinedly on the entire or part of the outer circumference of the lower plate (1520), and according to the embodiment, the guiding wall (1523) may be formed on the upper plate (1510) in a form that extends vertically downward from the entire or part of the outer circumference of the upper plate (1510).

[0077] The vertical section (1530), which is a component of the top frame (1500), is a component corresponding to a wall section located between the upper plate (1510) and the lower plate (1520) in an erected form, and as shown in the drawing, the space between the upper plate (1510) and the lower plate (1520) is formed into a plurality of mounting spaces (S) in which fire extinguishing cartridges (1300) are accommodated.

[0078] In addition, the vertical section (1530) is configured to physically support the upper plate (1510) and the lower plate (1520) to structurally enhance the overall physical rigidity or durability of the top frame (1500) like a type of H-beam.

[0079] Through such a configuration, the battery module (1000) of the present invention can physically protect the battery module (1000) itself even if external force is applied from the outside, and can also effectively prevent the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) stored in the mounting space (S) from operating unnecessarily due to unintended external factors.

[0080] It is preferable that the mounting space (S) of the present invention be configured to form a flow path connected to a venting hole (150a, 150c) through which venting gas generated in the cell assembly (1200) flows out to the outside.

[0081] Although the mounting space (S) of the present invention is formed by the vertical section (1530), it is preferable that rather than being a closed structure, a gap space (1531) is formed between the vertical section (1530) and the guiding wall section (1523) as illustrated in the enlarged view of FIG. 5, thereby forming a flow path in relation to the venting hole (150) formed in the upper plate (1510), etc. Through such a configuration of the present invention, the venting gas generated inside can be effectively discharged through the top frame (1500).

[0082] Various methods can be applied to form a flow path between the mounting space (S) and the venting hole (150), such as a configuration in which the guiding wall section (1523) and the vertical section (1530) are spaced apart as illustrated in the drawing, a method of forming one or more openings in the vertical section (1530), or a method of dividing the vertical section (1530) itself into two or more parts to form a space between them.

[0084] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a top frame (1500) according to another embodiment of the present invention, which is equipped with a fire extinguishing cartridge (1300).

[0085] The vertical part (1530) of the present invention, which physically supports the space between the lower plate (1520) and the upper plate (1510) and forms a mounting space (S) equipped with a fire extinguishing cartridge (1300), can be configured to be extended in a longitudinal direction corresponding to the long axis direction of the top frame (1500) as shown in FIG. 6.

[0086] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment thereof, showing two vertical sections (1530) arranged at appropriate intervals (based on the X-axis) having a shape extended in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis). The lower vertical section (1530) (based on FIG. 6) is divided into two parts as previously described. The arrangement of the vertical sections (1530) corresponds to the direction in which the cell assembly (1200) is arranged (see FIG. 4), and it is preferable that the extension or arrangement direction of the vertical sections (1530) itself also corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the cell assembly (1200) or the battery cell (1210).

[0087] When configured in this manner, when a fire extinguishing agent is ejected or discharged from the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) by means of a trigger condition, the fire extinguishing agent can be discharged to a cell assembly (1200) located downward (based on the Z-axis) relative to the lower plate (1520). Additionally, the fire extinguishing agent can be concentrated on the area where the cell assembly (1200) or battery cell (1210) where the event occurred faces face-to-face (plane vs. plane). Therefore, not only can the efficiency of fire suppression be increased, but phenomena such as the spread of fire to adjacent battery cells, battery modules, or cell assemblies (1200) can also be more effectively suppressed.

[0089] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating an embodiment of a lower plate (1520) having an opening (1521).

[0090] In the area or portion corresponding to the mounting space (S) in the lower plate (1520) where the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) is provided, one or more openings (1521) may be formed as shown in FIG. 7.

[0091] When the extinguishing agent is composed of a gas such as carbon dioxide, the opening (1521) may not need to be limited to a specific location, but it is preferable that the opening (1521) be formed in the lower plate (1520) corresponding to the mounting space (S) so that the efficiency of temperature reduction, fire suppression, etc. can be further increased by inducing the extinguishing agent to be sprayed directly below the extinguishing cartridge (1300) as shown in the drawing.

[0092] If the fire extinguishing agent inside the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) can be discharged into the cell assembly (1200) located at the bottom of the lower plate (1520), the number, shape, size, etc. of the opening (1521) can be varied, and depending on the embodiment, the area corresponding to the mounting space (S) of the lower plate (1520) can be configured to be in the form of a mesh, either wholly or partially.

[0093] Based on the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, it is preferable that the opening (1521) also be arranged in multiple numbers in the longitudinal direction corresponding to the cell assembly (1200) so that the fire extinguishing agent can be concentratedly ejected at the area where the cell assembly (1200) or battery cell (1210) faces plane-to-plane.

[0095] FIGS. 8 to 10 are drawings illustrating embodiments of the present invention regarding a stopper (1700) provided in the opening (1521) shown in FIG. 7.

[0096] As illustrated in FIG. 8, one or more openings (1521) formed in the lower plate (1520) may be provided with a stopper (1700) that functions as a kind of plug or cap to block the opening (1521) under normal circumstances.

[0097] The stopper (1700) may be made of a material that melts above a certain temperature, such as paraffin, and configured so that the opening (1521) naturally opens when the internal temperature rises. Additionally, the stopper (1700) and the opening (1521) may be provided in the opening (1521) in a manner such as being physically fitted together rather than fixedly connected, so that the stopper (1700) can be detached (upward relative to the X-axis) from the opening (1521) when the internal pressure rises above a certain level.

[0098] In addition, the stopper (1700) of the present invention may have a wedge shape that is tapered at the top, as shown in FIG. 9, and may be made of an elastic material.

[0099] In this way, when the stopper (1700) is formed in a wedge shape or the like, the stopper (1700) can effectively maintain the function of blocking or sealing the opening (1521) up to an appropriate level of pressure, and the stopper (1700) can condense the pressure applied upward, so that when the internal pressure reaches a critical value, it can be rapidly detached from the opening (1521) with a strong detachment force.

[0100] In this way, if the stopper (1700) is configured to rapidly detach upward with a strong detachment force, the outer material of the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) provided in the mounting space (S) of the lower plate (1520) can be more reliably ruptured and broken using this physical displacement as a trigger, and thereby the operating mechanism for releasing the fire extinguishing agent can be more reliably implemented.

[0101] In a corresponding view, the stopper (1700) of the present invention may be provided with a needle-like projection or a physical structure equivalent thereto on its upper side so that a perforation occurs in the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) when it moves upward due to pressure, as illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0103] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a top frame (1500) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 11, a plurality of mounting spaces (S1 to S5) separated by vertical sections (1530) may be formed in the top frame (1500) to accommodate a fire extinguishing cartridge (1300). At this time, a venting hole (150a) may be formed in a mounting space different from the opening (1521). For example, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 11, five mounting spaces (S1 to S5) may be provided in the top frame (1500). At this time, the opening (1521) may be formed in four mounting spaces, S1, S2, S4, and S5. And, a venting hole (150a) may be formed in the remaining one mounting space, namely space S3.

[0105] According to this embodiment of the present invention, venting gas introduced through the opening (1521) can flow along a long path inside the top frame (1500). Accordingly, while the venting gas flows along the internal path of the top frame (1500), the contact area with the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) is 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 can be further lowered before the venting gas is discharged into the venting hole (150a), and the discharge of particles such as sparks or flames contained within the venting gas can be further suppressed.

[0106] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 11, a plurality of vertical sections (1530) are included between the upper plate (1510) and the lower plate (1520), and at least some of the vertical sections (1530) may be configured with different extension directions. In particular, two or more vertical sections (1530) may have extension directions that are orthogonal to each other. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, some vertical sections (1530) may extend in the X-axis direction, and other vertical sections (1530) may extend in the Y-axis direction.

[0107] According to this embodiment, more mounting space for the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) can be secured by the vertical section (1530). Therefore, it may be advantageous for concentrated fire extinguishing by the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) in areas where thermal events, such as thermal runaway, have occurred. In addition, in the case of the above embodiment, the structural rigidity reinforcement effect of the vertical section (1530) can be improved. In particular, impact may be applied to the battery module (1000) in various directions, such as the X-axis or Y-axis direction, and in this case, external force support from various directions by the vertical section (1530) can be made possible.

[0108] In addition, according to the above embodiment, the path from the opening (1521) to the venting hole (150a) can be made longer, and many bends can be formed in the path. That is, the venting gas introduced into a specific mounting space of the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) can be discharged to the outside through the venting hole (150a) after passing through many mounting spaces. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 11, the venting gas introduced into the S2 space can be discharged through the venting hole (150a) after passing through two additional mounting spaces (S1 space and S3 space). Accordingly, the cooling effect of the venting gas and the effect of suppressing the discharge of sparks, etc., inside the top frame (1500) can be further enhanced.

[0110] FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the configuration of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing the fire extinguishing agent release configuration for the embodiment of FIG. 12.

[0111] First, referring to FIG. 12, a rupture portion may be provided in the internal space of the top frame (1500) in which the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) is housed, as indicated by P1. The rupture portion (P1) may be configured to rupture the fire extinguishing cartridge and release the fire extinguishing agent when a trigger condition for the release of the fire extinguishing agent is satisfied, such as thermal runaway. In particular, the rupture portion (P1) may be formed in a needle-like shape so as to be able to damage the outer material of the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300).

[0112] For example, the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) may be equipped with an outer casing made of a polymer material that can be ruptured by a needle-like body, while sealing and containing a fire extinguishing agent inside. In addition, the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) may be configured in various forms capable of holding a fire extinguishing agent and discharging the fire extinguishing agent when a trigger condition occurs.

[0113] In a normal state, the rupture portion (P1) may have a shape spaced apart from the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) by a predetermined distance, as shown in FIG. 12. To this end, the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) is seated on the upper surface of the lower plate (1520), and the rupture portion (P1) is provided on the lower surface of the upper plate (1510) and can be spaced apart from the upper surface of the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300).

[0114] In this embodiment, when venting gas is discharged from the cell assembly (1200) side due to thermal runaway or the like, the lower plate (1520) is pressurized in the upward direction as indicated by arrow A1 in FIG. 13 and can move at least partially to the upper side. At this time, the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) seated on the lower plate (1520) also moves in the upward direction and can be ruptured by the rupture part (P1). Then, the fire extinguishing agent discharged from the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) can be injected into the cell assembly (1200) located on the lower side through the opening (1521) as indicated by arrow A2.

[0115] In the case of such an embodiment, a configuration in which the lower plate (1520) described above comprises a material having a lower elastic modulus and / or a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than the upper plate (1510) may be more advantageously applied. That is, when venting gas is applied as indicated by arrow A1 in FIG. 13, the lower plate (1520) can be bent upward due to the pressure and / or heat of the venting gas. And, as a result, the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) can be easily ruptured by the rupture part (P1).

[0116] Additionally, as illustrated in the embodiments of FIGS. 12 and 13, the opening (1521) may be formed in the lower plate (1520) in a portion where the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) is not seated. In particular, the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) may be seated in the portion of the lower plate (1520) where the most deformation occurs when a trigger condition is satisfied, such as when pressure or temperature increases. Also, the opening (1521) may be located in the portion of the lower plate (1520) where relatively less deformation occurs compared to the portion where the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) is seated.

[0117] For example, the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) may be located in the part of the lower plate (1520) that can move the most in the upward direction when venting gas is generated from the cell assembly (1200). And, the opening (1521) may be located in the part of the lower plate (1520) that cannot move in the upward direction or can move the least. As a more specific example, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) may be seated in the central part of the lower plate (1520), and the opening (1521) may be provided in a part of the lower plate (1520) that is spaced a predetermined distance horizontally from the part where the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) is seated, such as the side of the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300), particularly on both sides.

[0118] According to this embodiment of the present invention, when the outer casing of the fire extinguishing cartridge (1300) ruptures and the fire extinguishing agent contained therein is discharged, the outer casing can be prevented from blocking the opening (1521). Therefore, in this case, the fire extinguishing agent can be smoothly injected into the cell assembly (1200).

[0119] In addition, according to the above embodiment, when the lower plate (1520) is deformed in a situation such as thermal runaway, the extinguishing agent discharged from the extinguishing cartridge (1300) can move smoothly toward the opening (1521) by gravity. Accordingly, the amount and speed of the extinguishing agent injected toward the cell assembly (1200) can be improved.

[0120] Meanwhile, in the case of an embodiment configured such that the distance between the upper plate (1510) and the lower plate (1520) can be reduced by pressure or heat, as in the embodiment of FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, at least a portion of the vertical part (1530) may not come into contact with the upper plate (1510) or the lower plate (1520) in a normal state. In this case, the gap between the vertical part (1530) and the upper plate (1510) or the lower plate (1520) may provide a space where the upper plate (1510) or the lower plate (1520) can be deformed in an abnormal state.

[0122] A battery pack according to the present invention may include one or more battery modules according to the present invention as described above. In addition, a battery pack according to the present invention may further include various other components in addition to such battery modules, such as components of a battery pack known at the time of filing the present invention, such as a BMS, a busbar, a pack housing, a relay, a current sensor, etc.

[0123] 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, components of the battery pack, such as a BMS, busbar, or relay, may be included inside the module housing. In this case, the battery module according to the present invention described above may become the battery pack according to the present invention. Furthermore, a battery pack of this type may be referred to as a Cell-to-Pack in that the battery cells are directly housed in the pack housing. For example, the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2 may be said to represent a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0124] The battery module according to the present invention may be applied to a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. That is, the vehicle according to the present invention may include a battery module according to the present invention or a battery pack according to the present invention. In addition, the vehicle according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the vehicle in addition to such a battery module or battery pack. For example, the vehicle 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 ECU (electronic control unit), etc.

[0125] 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.

[0126] Although the drawings and other accompanying materials for the description of the present invention and the illustration of embodiments thereof may be depicted in a somewhat exaggerated form to emphasize or highlight the technical content according to the present invention, it should be interpreted as obvious to a person skilled in the art that various modified application examples are possible by considering the aforementioned descriptions and the details illustrated in the drawings. Explanation of the symbols

[0127] 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: Guiding wall 1530: Vertical section 1531: Spacing space 150a, 150b, 150c, 150d: Venting holes 1600: Base frame 1610: Right frame (side frame) 1620: Left frame (side frame) 1630: Front frame (side frame) 1640: Rear frame (side frame) 1700: Stopper S: Mounting space

Claims

Claim 1 A battery module comprising: a module housing that includes a top frame and forms an internal space; one or more cell assemblies that are accommodated in the internal space of the module housing and include one or more battery cells; and a fire extinguishing cartridge provided on the top frame and configured to release a fire extinguishing agent when a trigger condition for the start of operation is met, wherein the top frame comprises: an upper plate; and a lower plate that is spaced apart from the upper plate and faces the cell assembly in a downward direction, wherein the lower plate is made of a material having a lower elastic modulus or a higher heat transfer coefficient or thermal expansion coefficient compared to the upper plate, and is configured to transmit internal thermal changes to the fire extinguishing cartridge. Claim 2 A battery module according to claim 1, wherein the trigger condition is one or more of the cases where the internal temperature is above a reference temperature or the internal pressure is above a reference pressure. Claim 3 A battery module according to claim 1, wherein the top frame further includes a vertical portion that physically supports the space between the upper and lower plates so that the space between the upper and lower plates becomes a plurality of mounting spaces, and the fire extinguishing cartridge is provided in one or more of the plurality of mounting spaces. Claim 4 A battery module according to paragraph 3, wherein the vertical portion is arranged in a longitudinal direction corresponding to the cell assembly. Claim 5 delete Claim 6 A battery module according to paragraph 3, wherein the mounting space is connected to a venting hole through which venting gas generated in the cell assembly flows out to the outside, thereby forming a flow path. Claim 7 A battery module according to paragraph 3, wherein the lower plate has an opening formed in the portion corresponding to the mounting space. Claim 8 A battery module according to claim 7, further comprising a stopper provided in the opening, configured to open the opening when the temperature or pressure of the internal space exceeds a certain level. Claim 9 A battery module according to claim 8, characterized in that the stopper is provided with a needle-like projection on its upper side so as to cause a perforation in the fire extinguishing cartridge when it moves upward due to pressure. Claim 10 A battery module according to claim 8, wherein the stopper has a wedge shape tapered at the top and is made of an elastic material. Claim 11 A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of paragraphs 1 through 4 and paragraphs 6 through 10. Claim 12 An automobile comprising a battery module according to any one of paragraphs 1 through 4 and paragraphs 6 through 10.

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