Battery pack with self-extinguishing function

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery, and more specifically, to a battery pack having a self-extinguishing function to enable rapid fire suppression in the event of a fire in a battery pack comprising a plurality of battery modules. The invention is characterized by comprising: a case having a predetermined space capable of accommodating a plurality of battery modules; a cover coupled to the top of the case; and a fire extinguishing pad coupled to the inside of the cover to cover the upper surface of the battery modules, containing a fire extinguishing agent that discharges the fire extinguishing agent in the event of a fire.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery, and in particular, to a battery pack having a self-extinguishing function to enable rapid fire suppression in the event of a fire in a battery pack comprising a plurality of battery modules. Background Technology

[0003] A wide variety of batteries are in use, with different types and sizes depending on the application. In particular, most industries are pursuing eco-friendliness due to a sense of crisis caused by climate change, such as severe droughts, torrential rains, and sea level rise resulting from excessive carbon dioxide emissions.

[0004] The automotive industry is a prime example of an industry reflecting this situation, with electric and hybrid vehicles capable of replacing internal combustion engines selling rapidly.

[0005] In particular, since electric vehicles operate solely on electricity stored in large-capacity batteries without using any fossil fuels, the importance of the battery is immense.

[0006] Among various types of batteries, lithium-ion batteries are widely used in mobile phones, wearable devices, energy storage systems (ESS), and electric vehicles, but problems caused by thermal runaway are occurring.

[0007] It is known that thermal runaway in batteries can occur due to causes such as defects in the battery itself, external impact, overcharging, and over-discharging. In the case of vehicles, it is difficult to extinguish the fire because a large number of batteries are concentrated, and there are many cases where the vehicle is completely burned down.

[0008] As such, there is a high need to reduce material and human damage caused by battery fires, and it is essential to be able to achieve rapid and efficient extinguishment in the early stages of the fire. Prior art literature

[0010] Republic of Korea Registered Patent No. 10-2615920 The problem to be solved

[0011] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a battery pack having a self-extinguishing function in which a fire can be rapidly suppressed by incorporating a fire extinguishing pad inside the battery pack, thereby allowing the fire extinguishing agent to be discharged as the outer shell of the fire extinguishing pad is damaged by the high heat and flames that occur during a fire. means of solving the problem

[0013] A battery pack having a self-extinguishing function according to the present invention for achieving the objectives as described above is characterized by comprising: a case having a predetermined space capable of accommodating a plurality of battery modules; a cover coupled to the top of the case; and a fire extinguishing pad coupled to the inside of the cover to cover the upper surface of the battery modules, the pad containing a fire extinguishing agent, wherein the fire extinguishing agent is discharged in the event of a fire.

[0014] Preferably, the inner side of the cover is characterized by having a concave insertion groove into which the fire extinguishing pad can be inserted.

[0015] Preferably, a plurality of support rods are provided in the insertion groove at predetermined intervals, and a through hole is formed in the fire extinguishing pad in an upward and downward direction corresponding to the position of the support rod, and after inserting the fire extinguishing pad into the insertion groove, a fastening means is connected to the end of the support rod passing through the through hole to restrain it.

[0016] Preferably, a concavely recessed installation groove is formed on the inner bottom surface of the case, and a floor fire extinguishing pad is installed in the installation groove to cover the lower surface of the battery module and to discharge the fire extinguishing agent in the event of a fire, and a grid-shaped support capable of supporting the battery module is disposed on the floor fire extinguishing pad.

[0017] Preferably, the case or cover is characterized by having an inlet formed therein that communicates with the interior, allowing a fire extinguishing agent to be injected through the inlet when necessary. Effects of the invention

[0019] The battery pack having a self-extinguishing function according to the present invention has the effect of minimizing casualties and property damage by installing a fire extinguishing pad containing a fire extinguishing agent as a component during the manufacturing of the battery pack, so that when a fire occurs inside the battery pack, the fire extinguishing pad is damaged by the flames and high heat, and the fire extinguishing agent is discharged, thereby quickly extinguishing the fire inside the battery pack. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a battery pack having a self-extinguishing function according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cover seen from the bottom. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a fire extinguishing pad. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the case. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the case. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the lower surface of the support. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack having a self-extinguishing function according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is an exemplary diagram showing the case and cover forming the present invention in which an inlet is formed. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0022] Hereinafter, a battery pack having a self-extinguishing function according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the drawings and specific descriptions provided are intended to illustrate one feasible example according to the technical concept of the present invention, and the technical scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a battery pack having a self-extinguishing function according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cover viewed from the bottom, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a extinguishing pad, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a case, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a case, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the lower surface of a support, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack having a self-extinguishing function according to the present invention, and FIG. 8 is an example diagram showing a case in which an inlet is formed in the case and cover constituting the present invention.

[0026] As described, the battery pack having a self-extinguishing function of the present invention includes a case (100), a cover (200), and a extinguishing pad (300) as main components, and the battery pack may be manufactured in various sizes depending on the application.

[0027] The battery pack (1) may be composed of a plurality of battery modules (10), and each battery module (10) may be composed of a plurality of battery cells.

[0028] A plurality of battery modules (10) must be accommodated inside the case (100), and accordingly, the case (100) can be modified into various sizes as needed and a concave predetermined space is formed inside.

[0029] In the case of the present embodiment, the case (100) is formed in a shape such as a square box, and preferably, the case (100) is made of a metallic material.

[0030] The upper surface of the case (100) is concavely sunken to a predetermined depth, excluding the edges, to form a predetermined space, and a cover (200) is attached to the top of the case (100) to ensure sealing.

[0031] In particular, a fire extinguishing pad (300) is installed on the inner side of the cover (200) to cover the upper surface of the battery module (10), and the fire extinguishing pad (300) is preferably formed in a plate shape of a predetermined thickness, and a predetermined amount of fire extinguishing agent is contained in the fire extinguishing pad (300) so that when a fire occurs, the outer shell of the fire extinguishing pad (300) is damaged by high heat and flames, and the fire extinguishing agent is discharged so that the fire can be quickly suppressed.

[0032] More specifically, a concave insertion groove (210) into which a fire extinguishing pad (300) can be inserted is formed on the inner side of the cover (200), and the fire extinguishing pad (300) is installed in the insertion groove (210). It is preferable that the depth of the insertion groove (210) be formed slightly deeper than the thickness of the fire extinguishing pad (300) so that direct contact with the top of the battery module (10) embedded in the case (100) does not occur.

[0033] The fire extinguishing pad (300) installed in the insertion groove (210) must not sag downward and must be able to maintain a stable state. Preferably, a plurality of support rods (220) are formed in the insertion groove (210) provided in the cover (200) so that they protrude downward while standing upright at predetermined intervals.

[0034] The number of support rods (220) may vary depending on the area of ​​the insertion groove (210), and a through hole (310) is formed in the vertical direction corresponding to the position of the support rod (220) in the fire extinguishing pad (300) to be inserted into the insertion groove (210). Basically, a predetermined fire extinguishing agent is sealed and embedded in the fire extinguishing pad (300), and the through hole (310) area is also formed to be shielded from the inside of the fire extinguishing pad (300).

[0035] The fire extinguishing pad (300) may consist of an inner layer having sealing properties and an outer layer surrounding the inner layer, and a predetermined amount of fire extinguishing agent is injected into the internal space formed by the inner layer to form a shape similar to a mat of a predetermined thickness. A plurality of through holes (310) formed in the fire extinguishing pad (300) are fitted with a somewhat rigid tube (320) to receive force when fixed, and a support rod (220) is allowed to penetrate the tube (320).

[0036] When inserting the fire extinguishing pad (300) into the insertion groove (210) of the cover (200), the support rods (220) pass through the tube (320) that is fitted into the through hole (310), and a fastening means (230) is connected to the end of the support rod (220) to secure the fire extinguishing pad (300) so that it does not detach from the insertion groove (210). Various fastening means (230) may be applied, and in the case of this embodiment, a nut may be used, and a male screw to which the nut can be fastened may be formed at the end of the support rod (220).

[0037] More preferably, an installation groove (110) that is concavely recessed can be formed in the inner bottom surface (101) of the case (100). A floor fire extinguishing pad (400) is installed in this installation groove (110) to cover the lower surface of the battery module (10) and to discharge the fire extinguishing agent in the event of a fire.

[0038] As the floor fire extinguishing pad (400) is placed in the installation groove (110) of the case (100), stable support of the battery module (10) installed inside the case (100) is required, and considering this requirement, a grid-shaped support body (500) capable of supporting the battery module (10) is placed on the floor fire extinguishing pad (400).

[0039] Since the battery modules (10) are of considerable weight, they must be stably installed inside the case (100) and must be kept separated from the floor fire extinguishing pad (400) inserted into the installation groove (110). Therefore, a grid-shaped support (500) is installed so that the battery modules (10) are installed horizontally inside the case (100) and, in the event of a fire, the fire extinguishing agent of the floor fire extinguishing pad (400) acts on the battery modules (10).

[0040] The support body (500) forms a grid shape, and the multiple grid holes (510) that open at the top and bottom can be manufactured in various shapes and sizes, such as squares and circles.

[0041] In addition, it is desirable to form a plurality of support legs (520) at predetermined intervals on the lower surface of the support body (500) so that the lower ends of the support legs (520) come into contact with the installation groove (110) to prevent deformation even when a vertical load is applied.

[0042] In the present embodiment, the support body (500) has a plurality of grid holes (510) formed in a plate-like body having a predetermined thickness, and the edge portion of the installation groove (110) has a seating groove (120) corresponding to the thickness of the support body (500) formed so that when the support body (500) is installed, the support body (500) and the inner bottom surface (101) of the case (100) can be level.

[0043] More preferably, to secure the support member (500) that is mounted to cover the installation groove (110) formed in the case (100), a bolt hole (530) is formed on the edge of the support member (500) placed in the seating groove (120) so that the support member (500) can be secured in the seating groove (120). Of course, a tap (121) corresponding to the bolt hole (530) is also formed in the seating groove (120).

[0045] Meanwhile, preferably, the case (100) or cover (200) may be provided with at least one inlet (600), and such inlet (600) may be connected to the inside and outside of the battery pack (1) so that a fire extinguishing agent can be introduced through the inlet (600).

[0046] More specifically, the inlet (600) may be provided to communicate with the interior through one side of the case (100) and / or cover (200), which are the main components of the battery pack having a self-extinguishing function. In the present embodiment, one inlet (600) is provided in each of the case (100) and the cover (200) so that in the event of a fire, a fire extinguishing agent can be supplied through the two inlets (600) to enable faster fire suppression.

[0047] Meanwhile, the inlet (600) formed in the case (100) and / or cover (200) constituting the battery pack (1) may have different extension lengths depending on the target for which the battery pack (1) is used, and may be able to inject a fire extinguishing agent into the inlet (600) through simple operation in an emergency situation.

[0048] Preferably, the inlet (600) is equipped with a predetermined shut-off valve (610) so that the shut-off valve (610) remains closed under normal circumstances, and in the event of a fire, the shut-off valve (610) is opened to allow the injection of a fire extinguishing agent.

[0049] In addition, the extinguishing agent mentioned in the present invention may utilize various known extinguishing agents, such as expanded glass, expanded vermiculite, and expanded perlite, which are used as extinguishing agents for metal fires. In some cases, in addition to these extinguishing agents, ammonium diphosphate, stone powder, white carbon, etc., may be used together.

[0050] In the case of expanded glass, it can provide a suffocating effect by melting at high temperatures to form a glass film and blocking the oxygen supply, and the expanded glass has numerous pores inside, allowing harmful gases generated during a fire to be captured in the pores.

[0051] Meanwhile, ammonium diphosphate, stone powder, and white carbon are fire extinguishing agents that provide a cooling effect, enabling the safe and rapid suppression of battery fires through the interaction of suffocation and cooling actions. Industrial applicability

[0053] The battery pack having a self-extinguishing function according to the present invention can be applied to high-capacity battery packs that exhibit rapid explosive fire characteristics, and in particular, by applying it to battery packs that form the core of electric vehicles, it can reduce the difficulty of extinguishing fires caused by electric vehicle fires and minimize damage to human life and property, making it a very useful technology.

[0054] No content Explanation of the symbols

[0055] 100 : Case 101 : Bottom surface 110 : Installation groove 120 : Seating groove 121 : Tab 200 : Cover 210 : Insertion groove 220 : Support rod 230 : Fastening means 300 : Fire extinguishing pad 310 : Penetration hole 320 : Tube 400 : Floor fire extinguishing pad 500 : Support 510 : Grid hole 520 : Support leg 530 : Bolt hole 600 : Inlet 610 : Shut-off valve 1 : Battery pack 10 : Battery module

Claims

Claim 1 A battery pack having a self-extinguishing function, comprising: a case having a predetermined space capable of accommodating a plurality of battery modules; a cover coupled to the top of the case; and a fire extinguishing pad coupled to the inner side of the cover to cover the upper surface of the battery modules, containing a fire extinguishing agent that discharges the fire extinguishing agent in the event of a fire, wherein a concave insertion groove is formed on the inner side of the cover into which the fire extinguishing pad can be inserted, and a plurality of support rods are provided in the insertion groove at predetermined intervals, and through holes are formed in the fire extinguishing pad in the vertical direction corresponding to the positions of the support rods, and a fastening means is connected to the end of the support rod passing through the through hole after the fire extinguishing pad is inserted into the insertion groove to be secured. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A battery pack having a self-extinguishing function according to claim 1, wherein a concavely recessed installation groove is formed on the inner bottom surface of the case, a bottom fire extinguishing pad is installed in the installation groove while covering the lower surface of the battery module and containing a fire extinguishing agent, through which the fire extinguishing agent is discharged in the event of a fire, and a grid-shaped support capable of supporting the battery module is disposed on the bottom fire extinguishing pad. Claim 5 A battery pack having a self-extinguishing function, characterized in that, in claim 1 or 4, the case or cover has an inlet formed therein that can communicate with the interior, allowing a fire extinguishing agent to be injected through the inlet when necessary.

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