Battery pack having ignition delay structure

Abstract

A battery pack having an ignition delay structure according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: at least one battery module; a housing for accommodating the battery module; a cooling unit for cooling the battery module while cooling water moves; and a spray unit for spraying the cooling water to the battery module.

Description

Battery pack with ignition delay structure

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack, and more particularly, to a battery pack having an ignition delay structure utilizing coolant.

[0002] Secondary batteries, unlike primary batteries that cannot be recharged, are batteries that can be charged and discharged. They are used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) that are driven by electrical power sources.

[0003] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells, i.e., unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5 V to 4.6 V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Furthermore, depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be set in various ways depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0004] When configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel, it is common to first configure a battery module comprising at least one battery cell, preferably multiple battery cells, and then use at least one such battery module and add other components to configure the battery pack. Here, a battery module refers to a component in which multiple battery cells are connected in series or parallel, and a battery pack refers to a component in which multiple battery modules are connected in series or parallel to increase capacity and output, etc.

[0005] Typically, a battery pack (10) has a structure in which a plurality of battery modules (1) are accommodated within a pack housing (11) as illustrated in FIG. 1, and in order to maintain structural stability, a plurality of battery modules (1) or battery module assemblies can generally be arranged on the same plane.

[0006] However, in the case of overcharging, etc. in such a battery pack (10), an explosion or fire may occur due to swelling of the battery module (1), and such an explosion or fire may cause a greater risk of causing casualties.

[0007] Therefore, as shown in Fig. 2, there is a need to find a way to provide a battery pack that can delay ignition and prevent chain ignition when some battery modules (1) within the battery pack (10) ignite.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a battery pack having an ignition delay structure that can delay the heat transfer rate when some battery modules in the battery pack ignite and prevent chain ignition of adjacent battery modules.

[0009] A battery pack having an ignition delay structure according to the present invention is characterized by including: one or more battery modules; a housing accommodating the battery modules; a cooling unit for cooling the battery modules while moving coolant; and an injection unit for spraying the coolant onto the battery modules.

[0010] In addition, a battery pack having an ignition delay structure according to the present invention further includes a coolant inlet through which coolant flows into the battery pack; and a coolant outlet through which coolant flows out from the battery pack.

[0011] Additionally, the cooling water inlet and the cooling water outlet are respectively disposed in the housing.

[0012] Additionally, in normal times, the coolant flows into the cooling unit, and in the event of an ignition, the coolant does not flow into the cooling unit, but flows into the injection unit.

[0013] Additionally, the cooling unit includes a cooling channel through which the cooling water flows, and the injection unit includes an injection channel through which the cooling water flows.

[0014] In addition, the battery pack of the present invention further includes a valve for selectively supplying coolant flowing from the coolant inlet to the cooling channel or the injection channel.

[0015] Additionally, the cooling unit is disposed at the bottom of the housing.

[0016] Additionally, the injection unit is disposed on the upper surface of the housing.

[0017] In addition, the injection unit further includes an injection nozzle disposed in the injection path through which the cooling water is injected.

[0018] Additionally, the battery pack according to the present invention further includes a first valve for controlling the inflow of coolant into the cooling channel.

[0019] Additionally, the battery pack according to the present invention further includes a second valve for controlling the inflow of coolant into the injection path.

[0020] Additionally, the first valve is opened and the second valve is closed so that the coolant flows into the cooling passage, and the first valve is closed and the second valve is opened so that the coolant flows into the injection passage.

[0021] Additionally, the coolant flowing in from the coolant inlet is introduced into the cooling passage by opening the first valve and closing the second valve, and the coolant flowing in from the coolant inlet is introduced into the injection passage by closing the first valve and opening the second valve.

[0022] In addition, the battery pack according to the present invention further includes a first coolant inlet passage for guiding the coolant flowing in from the coolant inlet to the cooling channel; and a second coolant inlet passage for guiding the coolant flowing in from the coolant inlet to the injection channel.

[0023] Additionally, the first valve is disposed in the first coolant inlet passage, and the second valve is disposed in the second coolant inlet passage.

[0024] Additionally, the second coolant inlet passage is connected to the first coolant inlet passage.

[0025] Additionally, the second coolant inlet passage is connected to the first coolant inlet passage on the upstream side of the first valve.

[0026] In addition, it further includes a first coolant outlet passage for guiding the coolant from the cooling channel to the coolant outlet; and a second coolant outlet passage for guiding the coolant from the injection channel to the coolant outlet.

[0027] Additionally, the second coolant outlet passage is connected to the first coolant outlet passage.

[0028]

[0029] A battery pack having an ignition delay structure according to the present invention has the effect of delaying the heat transfer rate when some battery modules in the battery pack ignite and preventing chain ignition of adjacent battery modules.

[0030] Figure 1 is a drawing illustrating a conventional battery pack,

[0031] Figure 2 is a drawing showing the ignition of some battery modules in Figure 1.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a battery pack having an ignition delay structure according to the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a battery module in the present invention.

[0034] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module in the present invention.

[0035] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a battery cell in the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing coolant being sprayed in a battery pack having an ignition delay structure according to the present invention.

[0037] Figure 8 is a drawing showing the cooling line of the cooling unit and the injection line of the injection unit as the flow path of the coolant in the present invention.

[0038] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Accordingly, in some embodiments, well-known process steps, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not specifically described to avoid ambiguity in the interpretation of the present invention. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0039] In order to clearly represent multiple layers and regions in the drawings, the thickness may be enlarged. Similar parts are designated by the same drawing reference numerals throughout the specification. When an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "over" another element, this includes not only the case where it is "directly over" that element but also the case where there are other elements in between. Conversely, when an element is said to be "directly over" another element, this means that there are no other elements in between. Furthermore, when an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "under" another element, this includes not only the case where it is "directly under" that element but also the case where there are other elements in between. Conversely, when an element is said to be "directly under" another element, this means that there are no other elements in between.

[0040] A battery pack (2000) having an ignition delay structure according to the present invention is described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a battery pack having an ignition delay structure according to the present invention, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a battery module in the present invention, FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module in the present invention, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a battery cell in the present invention, FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating coolant being sprayed in a battery pack having an ignition delay structure according to the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a cooling line of a cooling unit and an injection line of an injection unit as a flow path of coolant in the present invention.

[0042] A battery pack (2000) having an ignition delay structure according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery modules (1000) and a housing (2100) that accommodates the battery modules (1000).

[0043] The housing (2100) can accommodate a plurality of battery modules (1000) and can include a bottom portion (2110), a side portion (2120), and a top portion (top cover, 2130) as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7.

[0044] The bottom portion (2110) of the housing (2100) can form the bottom of the housing (2100) in the form of a plate extending horizontally.

[0045] The side portion (2120) of the housing (2100) forms the side of the housing (2100), and may include a left side portion (2121) forming the left side of the housing (2100), a right side portion (2122) forming the right side of the housing (2100), a front portion (2123) forming the front of the housing (2100), and a rear portion (2124) forming the rear of the housing (2100).

[0046] Accordingly, the left side portion (2121) and the right side portion (2122) of the side portion (2120) can be positioned at the left and right edges of the bottom portion (2110), respectively, and the front portion (2123) and the rear portion (2124) can be positioned at the front and rear edges of the bottom portion (2110), respectively.

[0047] In this embodiment, the housing (2100) is depicted as having a square box shape as shown, but is not limited thereto and may be configured in various shapes, including polygons.

[0048] The top cover (2130) is positioned on the upper part of the housing (2100) and can cover the inside of the housing (2100) in the form of a plate extending horizontally. The top cover (2130) can be connected to the upper part of the side part (2120), and specifically, the edge of the top cover (2000) can be connected to the upper parts of the left side part (2121), the right side part (2122), the front part (2123), and the rear part (2124) constituting the side part (2120) using bolts or the like.

[0049] And, although not shown, a bulkhead (not shown) may be placed between each battery module (1000) on the bottom (2110).

[0050] The above battery module (1000) may include a battery cell stack (100) in which a plurality of battery cells (110) are stacked along one direction, a module case (200) that accommodates the battery cell stack (100), a bus bar frame (300) positioned on the front and / or rear surface of the battery cell stack (100), an end plate (400) that covers the front and / or rear surface of the battery cell stack (100), and a bus bar (310, 320) mounted on the bus bar frame (300).

[0051] The above battery cell stack (100) may be formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells (110) along one direction, and the plurality of battery cells (110) may be electrically connected. The direction in which the plurality of battery cells (110) are stacked may be the X-axis direction (or -X-axis direction) in FIG. 5.

[0052] The direction from the front to the rear of the battery cell stack (100), or the opposite direction, may be defined as the longitudinal direction of the battery cell stack (100), and may be the Y-axis direction in the drawing. In addition, the direction from the upper surface to the lower surface of the battery cell stack (100), or the opposite direction, may be defined as the width direction of the battery cell stack (100), and may be the Z-axis direction in the drawing.

[0053] The longitudinal direction of the battery cell stack (100) may be substantially the same as the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110). The electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) may be positioned on the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (100), and the bus bars (310, 320) of the battery module (1000) may be positioned close to the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (100) to easily form an electrical connection with the electrode leads (111, 112).

[0054] The battery cell (110) may be provided as a pouch-shaped battery cell, and the number of pouch-shaped battery cells stacked per unit area may be maximized. However, the battery cell (110) does not necessarily have to be provided as a pouch-shaped battery cell, and may be provided in a square, cylindrical, or other various shapes.

[0055] A battery cell (110) provided in a pouch type may include an electrode assembly and a cell case (115) that accommodates the electrode assembly (see FIG. 6).

[0056] The cell case (115) of the battery cell (110) may be a pouch-type cell case (115) for accommodating the electrode assembly. The cell case (115) includes a lower case and an upper case covering the lower case, and the upper and lower cases may be formed as a single piece. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the connecting portions of the upper and lower cases may be formed in a structure in which they are bent and folded. In addition, as illustrated, the upper case may completely cover the lower case, and a sealing portion (114) may be formed at the periphery.

[0057] Both the upper and lower cases can be formed of a laminate structure including an inner covering layer, a metal layer, and an outer covering layer. The inner covering layer is located on the inside of the cell case (115) based on the metal layer and is in direct contact with the electrode assembly, so it must have insulation and electrolytic resistance. In addition, in order to seal it from the outside, the sealing portion where the inner layers are thermally bonded must have excellent thermal bonding strength. The metal layer is located between the inner covering layer and the outer covering layer and serves as a barrier layer that prevents moisture or various gases from penetrating into the battery from the outside. A preferable material for the metal layer in contact with the inner covering layer is an aluminum (Al) thin film that is lightweight and has excellent formability. The outer covering layer is located on the outside of the cell case (115) based on the metal layer, and this outer covering layer can use a heat-resistant polymer with excellent tensile strength, moisture permeability, and air permeability to protect the electrode assembly while ensuring heat resistance and chemical resistance. For example, nylon or polyethylene terephthalate can be used.

[0058] A receiving groove (116) can be formed in each of the upper and lower cases, and an electrode assembly can be accommodated in the receiving groove (116) of the upper and lower cases.

[0059] The electrode assembly housed in the cell case (115) may be one of a group consisting of a jelly-roll type electrode assembly having a structure in which a separator is interposed between long sheet-shaped positive and negative electrodes and then rolled up, a stack type electrode assembly having unit cells having a structure in which rectangular positive and negative electrodes are stacked with a separator interposed between them, a stack-folding type electrode assembly in which the unit cells are rolled up by a long separator film, and a lamination-stack type electrode assembly in which the unit cells are stacked with a separator interposed between them and attached to each other.

[0060] Additionally, the electrode assembly may include two electrode tabs and two electrode leads (111, 112) each connected to the electrode tabs by a weld.

[0061] One of the two electrode leads (111, 112) may be a positive lead connected to the positive tab, and the other electrode lead (111, 112) may be a negative lead connected to the negative tab.

[0062] A lead film (113) may be attached to each of the electrode leads (111, 112). The lead film (113) coupled to the electrode leads (111, 112) is positioned between the electrode leads (111, 112) and the cell case (115), thereby preventing a short circuit from occurring between the electrode leads (111, 112) and the cell case (115) and improving the sealing force, thereby preventing leakage of the electrolyte, etc.

[0063] The two electrode leads (111, 112) are shown as being arranged on each side of the electrode assembly, but may be arranged on only one side of the electrode assembly depending on the arrangement of the electrode tabs.

[0064] The above module case (200) may be for protecting the battery cell stack (100) and electrical components connected thereto from external physical impact, and the module case (200) may accommodate the battery cell stack (100) and electrical components connected thereto in the internal space of the module case (200).

[0065] The structure of the module case (200) may vary, and for example, the structure of the module case (200) may be a mono-frame structure. Here, the mono-frame may be in the form of a metal plate having an upper surface, a lower surface, and both side surfaces that are integrated. The mono-frame may be manufactured by extrusion molding. As another example, the structure of the module case (200) may be a structure in which a U-shaped frame and an upper plate (upper surface (201)) are combined. In the case of a structure in which a U-shaped frame and an upper plate are combined, the structure of the module case (200) may be formed by combining an upper plate on the upper side of a U-shaped frame, which is a metal plate having a lower surface and both side surfaces that are combined or integrated, and each frame or plate may be manufactured by press molding. In addition, the structure of the module case (200) may be provided as an L-shaped frame structure in addition to a mono-frame or a U-shaped frame, and may be provided as various structures not described in the above-described examples.

[0066] The structure of the module case (200) may be provided in an open form along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell stack (100). The front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (100) may not be covered by the module case (200). The electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cells (110) may not be covered by the module case (200). The front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (100) may be covered by a bus bar frame (300), an end plate (400), or bus bars (310, 320) to be described later, and through this, the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (100) may be protected from external physical impacts, etc.

[0067] A compression pad (150) may be positioned between one side of the inner surface of the battery cell stack (100) and the module case (200).

[0068] The compression pad (150) can be arranged to face the battery cell (110) at the outermost end of the battery cell stack (100) in the y-axis direction in the drawing.

[0069] Also, although not shown, a thermally conductive resin may be injected between the inner surface of the battery cell stack (100) and the module case (200), and a thermally conductive resin layer (not shown) may be formed between one side of the inner surface of the battery cell stack (100) and the module case (200) by the injected thermally conductive resin. At this time, the thermally conductive resin layer may be positioned on the Z-axis of the battery cell stack (100), and the thermally conductive resin layer may be formed between the battery cell stack (100) and the bottom surface positioned on the -Z-axis of the module case (200).

[0070] The above busbar frame (300) is positioned on one side of the battery cell stack (100), and can cover one side of the battery cell stack (100) and simultaneously guide the connection between the battery cell stack (100) and an external device. Specifically, the busbar frame (300) can be positioned on the front or rear side of the battery cell stack (100) as illustrated. At least one of a busbar (310, 320) and a module connector can be mounted on the busbar frame (300). As illustrated in FIG. 5, one side of the busbar frame (300) is connected to the front or rear side of the battery cell stack (100), and the other side of the busbar frame (300) can be connected to the busbar (310, 320).

[0071] The busbar frame (300) may include an electrically insulating material. The busbar frame (300) may limit contact between the busbars (310, 320) and other parts of the battery cells (110) other than the parts where the busbars are connected to the electrode leads (111, 112), thereby preventing electrical short circuits from occurring.

[0072] The busbar frame (300) may be positioned on the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (100), respectively.

[0073] The busbar (310, 320) is mounted on one side of the busbar frame (300) and may be used to electrically connect the battery cell stack (100) or battery cells (110) and an external device circuit. The busbar (310, 320) is positioned between the battery cell stack (100) or busbar frame (300) and the end plate (400), thereby being protected from external impacts, etc., and minimizing the deterioration of durability due to external moisture, etc.

[0074] The bus bar (310, 320) can be electrically connected to the battery cell stack (100) through the electrode lead (111, 112) of the battery cell (110).

[0075] Specifically, the electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cells (110) can be bent and connected to the bus bars (310, 320) after passing through the slits formed in the bus bar frame (300). The battery cells (110) constituting the battery cell stack (100) can be connected in series or in parallel by the bus bars (310, 320).

[0076] The busbars (310, 320) may include terminal busbars (320) for electrically connecting one battery module (1000) to another battery module (1000). At least a portion of the terminal busbars (320) may be exposed to the outside of the end plate (400) to be connected to another battery module (100), and the end plate (400) may be provided with terminal openings (410) for this purpose.

[0077] The terminal bus bar (320) may further include a protrusion protruding upward, unlike other bus bars (310), and the protrusion may be exposed to the outside of the battery module (1000) through the terminal opening (410). The terminal bus bar (320) may be connected to another battery module (1000) or a BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit) by the protrusion exposed through the terminal opening (410), and may form an HV (High voltage) connection with them.

[0078] The end plate (400) may be used to seal the open surface of the module case (200) to protect the battery cell stack (100) and electrical components connected thereto from external physical impact. To this end, the end plate (400) may be manufactured from a material having a predetermined strength, and for example, the end plate (400) may include a metal such as aluminum.

[0079] The end plate (400) can be combined with the module case (200) while covering the busbar frame (300) or busbars (310, 320) located on one surface of the battery cell stack (100). Each corner of the end plate (400) can be combined with a corresponding corner of the module case (200) by a method such as welding. In addition, an insulating cover (500) for electrical insulation can be positioned between the end plate (400) and the busbar frame (300). The insulating cover (500) can include an electrically insulating material and can block the busbars (310, 320) from contacting the end plate (400). It can be positioned on the inner surface of the end plate (400) and can be in close contact with the inner surface of the end plate (400), but this is not necessarily the case.

[0080] The end plates (400) can be positioned on the front and rear sides of the module case (200) to cover the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (100).

[0081] In addition, the battery pack (2000) according to the present invention may further include a coolant inlet (2200), a coolant outlet (2300), a cooling unit (2400) for cooling the battery module (1000), and a spray unit (2500) for spraying coolant to the battery module (1000).

[0082] The above coolant inlet (2200) is intended to allow coolant to flow into the battery pack (2000) from the outside, and coolant flows into the battery pack (2000) through the coolant inlet (2200) from the outside. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the coolant inlet (2200) may be positioned on one side of the side portion (2120) of the housing (2100), but may also be positioned on the upper surface (2130) or the bottom portion (2110) as another example.

[0083] The above coolant outlet (2300) is intended to allow coolant to flow out from the battery pack (2000) from the outside, and coolant flows out from the battery pack (2000) to the outside through the coolant outlet (2300). As illustrated in FIG. 3, the coolant outlet (2300) may be arranged on one side of the side portion (2120) of the housing (2100), and may be arranged on one side of the housing (2100) where the coolant inlet (2200) is arranged. However, as another example, it may be arranged on the upper surface (2130) or the bottom portion (2110).

[0084] The above cooling unit (2400) can cool a battery module (1000) accommodated inside a battery pack (2000), and can include a cooling path (2410) through which cooling water introduced from a cooling water inlet (2200) flows.

[0085] The cooling path (2410) is formed as a path through which coolant moves, and the battery module (1000) can be cooled as the coolant moves through the cooling path (2410). The cooling path (2410) may have a zigzag shape as illustrated in FIG. 8, and may also be formed in the form of a duct or pipe.

[0086] The cooling unit (2400) including the cooling channel (2410) may be disposed in the bottom portion (2110) as illustrated in FIG. 7. The cooling unit (2400) may be disposed in the lower portion of the bottom portion (2110) as illustrated in FIG. 7. In addition, as another example, the cooling unit (2400) may be disposed inside the bottom portion (2110) or on the upper portion of the bottom portion (2110), or may be disposed on the side portion (2120) or the upper surface portion (2130).

[0087] In addition, a first coolant inlet passage (2210) may be arranged between the coolant inlet port (2200) and the coolant passage (2410), and a first valve (2220) may be arranged in the first coolant inlet passage (2210).

[0088] The first valve (2220) can open and close the first coolant inlet passage (2210) and control the inflow of coolant into the cooling passage (2410).

[0089] Referring to FIG. 8, the process of introducing coolant into the cooling unit (2400) in the present invention will be described. Coolant introduced through the coolant inlet (2200) flows into the cooling unit (2400) through the first coolant inlet passage (2210) arranged between the coolant inlet (2200) and the cooling passage (2410) of the cooling unit (2400). The coolant introduced into the cooling passage (2410) cools the battery module (1000) while moving along the cooling passage (2410), and then the coolant can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack (2000) through the coolant outlet (2300) through the first coolant outlet passage (2310) arranged between the coolant outlet (2300) and the cooling passage (2410).

[0090] The first coolant inlet passage (2210), the cooling channel (2410), and the first coolant outlet passage (2310) can be connected to each other to form a single coolant movement passage, and the first coolant inlet passage (2210), the cooling channel (2410), and the first coolant outlet passage (2310) can be formed in the form of a duct or a pipe.

[0091] The above injection unit (2500) may include an injection path (2510) through which coolant flowing from a coolant inlet (2200) flows, and may inject coolant into the battery module (1000) in the event of an ignition of the battery module (1000).

[0092] The injection path (2510) is formed as a path through which coolant moves, and one or more injection holes or injection nozzles (2520) for spraying coolant may be arranged in the injection path (2510). Accordingly, as the coolant moves through the injection path (2510), the coolant may be sprayed onto the battery module (1000) through the injection holes or injection nozzles (2520). A plurality of injection holes or injection nozzles (2520) may be arranged spaced apart from each other along the injection path (2510), and may be arranged above each battery module (1000).

[0093] The injection flow path (2510) may include a zigzag shape as shown in FIG. 8, and may also be formed in the form of a duct or pipe, etc.

[0094] The injection unit (2500) including the injection path (2510) may be disposed on the upper side of the battery module (1000) inside the battery pack (2000) as illustrated in FIG. 7. The injection unit (2500) may be disposed spaced apart from the upper surface (2130) as illustrated in FIG. 7, or may be disposed below the upper surface (2130). In addition, as another example, the injection unit (2500) may be disposed on the side surface (2120) or the bottom surface (2110).

[0095] In addition, a second coolant inlet passage (2240) may be arranged between the coolant inlet port (2200) and the injection passage (2510), and a second valve (2230) may be arranged in the second coolant inlet passage (2240). As illustrated in FIG. 8, one end of the second coolant inlet passage (2240) may be connected to the first coolant inlet passage (2210), and the other end of the second coolant inlet passage (2240) may be connected to the injection passage (2510).

[0096] The portion (P) where the second coolant inlet passage (2240) is connected to the first coolant inlet passage (2210) may be a portion upstream of the first valve (2220).

[0097] The second valve (2230) can open and close the second coolant inlet passage (2240) and control the inflow of coolant into the injection passage (2510).

[0098] Referring to FIG. 8, the process of introducing coolant into the injection unit (2500) in the present invention will be described. Coolant introduced through the coolant inlet (2200) flows into the injection unit (2510) of the injection unit (2500) through the second coolant inlet passage (2240) arranged between the coolant inlet (2200) and the injection passage (2510) of the injection unit (2500). The coolant introduced into the injection passage (2510) moves through the injection passage (2510) and through the second coolant outlet passage (2320) arranged between the coolant outlet (2300) and the injection passage (2510) so that the coolant can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack (2000) through the coolant outlet (2300). The second coolant outlet passage (2320) can be connected to the first coolant outlet passage (2310).

[0099] The second coolant inlet passage (2240), the injection passage (2510), and the second coolant outlet passage (2320) can be connected to each other to form a single coolant movement passage, and the second coolant inlet passage (2240), the injection passage (2510), and the second coolant outlet passage (2320) can be formed in the form of a duct or a pipe.

[0100] In the present invention, in a normal state where the second valve (2230) is closed and the first valve (2220) is open, the coolant introduced through the coolant inlet (2200) flows into the cooling channel (2410) through the first coolant inlet passage (2210), and while the coolant moves through the cooling channel (2410), it cools the battery module (1000) and then flows out through the first coolant outlet passage (2310) and the coolant outlet (2300).

[0101] In the event of an event such as ignition, abnormal temperature or pressure increase, or heat detection, the first valve (2220) switches from an open state to a closed state, and the second valve (2230) switches from a closed state to an open state. In this way, when the first valve (2220) is closed and the second valve (2230) is open, the coolant flows into the second coolant inlet passage (2240) and then into the injection passage (2510). While moving along the injection passage (2510), the coolant is sprayed into the battery module (1000) through the injection hole or nozzle (2520), and the remaining coolant can flow out through the coolant outlet (2300) via the second coolant outlet passage (2320).

[0102] The battery pack (2000) according to the present invention has an ignition delay structure as described above, so that the battery module (1000) is cooled by the coolant moving through the cooling path (2410) in normal times, and in the event of an ignition or the like, the coolant is directly sprayed onto the battery module (1000) by moving through the injection path (2510), thereby delaying the heat transfer phenomenon and preventing chain ignition.

[0103] In the above-described embodiment, the coolant introduced through the coolant inlet port (2200) by opening and closing the first valve (2220) and the second valve (2230) is introduced into the cooling passage (2410) or the injection passage (2510). However, in another embodiment, the coolant may be introduced into the cooling passage (2410) or the injection passage (2510) by a single valve. In this case, a valve may be arranged at a portion (P) where the second coolant inlet passage (2240) is connected to the first coolant inlet passage (2210), and a two-way valve may be used as this valve.

[0104] Meanwhile, the battery pack (2000) according to the present invention may further include a sensor, and the sensor may be a temperature sensor, a heat detection sensor, a pressure sensor, etc. Through such a sensor, ignition can be detected, and when ignition is detected, coolant can be directly injected into the battery module (1000) as described above.

[0105] In addition, in the present invention, it has been described that the coolant introduced through the coolant inlet (2200) flows into the cooling unit (2400) and the injection unit (2500) and moves there. However, instead of the coolant, a refrigerant may be introduced and move through the cooling unit (2400) and the injection unit (2500) to perform the same function.

[0106] The battery pack according to the present invention may additionally include various control and protection systems such as a BMS (Battery Management System) and a cooling system.

[0107] The battery module (1000) and battery pack (2000) according to the present invention can be applied to various devices. Specifically, they can be applied to means of transportation such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles, or ESS (Energy Storage Systems), but are not limited thereto and can be applied to various devices capable of using secondary batteries.

[0108] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments as described above, it is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains within a scope that does not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

[0109] The present invention provides a battery pack capable of delaying the heat transfer rate when some battery modules within the battery pack ignite and preventing chain ignition of adjacent battery modules.

Claims

1. One or more battery modules; A housing accommodating the above battery module; A cooling unit that cools the battery module as coolant moves; and An injection unit for injecting the coolant into the battery module; A battery pack having an ignition delay structure, including:

2. In paragraph 1, a coolant inlet for introducing the coolant into the battery pack; and A coolant outlet through which the coolant flows out from the battery pack; A battery pack having an ignition delay structure, further comprising:

3. In paragraph 2, A battery pack having an ignition delay structure, wherein the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet are respectively disposed in the housing.

4. In paragraph 1, Normally, the above cooling water flows into the above cooling unit, A battery pack having an ignition delay structure in which, in an event involving ignition, the coolant does not flow into the cooling unit but flows into the injection unit.

5. In paragraph 1, The above cooling unit includes a cooling channel through which the cooling water flows, A battery pack having an ignition delay structure, wherein the injection unit includes an injection path through which the coolant flows.

6. In paragraph 5, A battery pack having an ignition delay structure further including a valve for selectively supplying coolant flowing in from a coolant inlet to the cooling channel or the injection channel.

7. In paragraph 5, A battery pack having an ignition delay structure, wherein the cooling unit is disposed at the bottom of the housing.

8. In paragraph 5, A battery pack having an ignition delay structure, wherein the injection unit is disposed on the upper surface of the housing.

9. In paragraph 5, A battery pack having an ignition delay structure, wherein the injection unit further includes an injection nozzle disposed in the injection path through which the coolant is injected.

10. In paragraph 5, A battery pack having an ignition delay structure, further comprising a first valve for controlling the inflow of coolant into the cooling channel.

11. In paragraph 10, A battery pack having an ignition delay structure, further comprising a second valve for controlling the inflow of coolant into the injection path.

12. In paragraph 11, The first valve is opened and the second valve is closed so that the coolant flows into the cooling passage, A battery pack having an ignition delay structure in which the first valve is closed and the second valve is opened so that the coolant flows into the injection path.

13. In paragraph 12, The cooling water flowing in from the cooling water inlet is introduced into the cooling passage by opening the first valve and closing the second valve, A battery pack having an ignition delay structure in which the coolant flowing in from the coolant inlet flows into the injection path by closing the first valve and opening the second valve.

14. In paragraph 5, A first cooling water inlet passage that leads the cooling water introduced from the cooling water inlet to the cooling channel; and A battery pack having an ignition delay structure, further comprising a second coolant inlet passage that guides the coolant introduced from the coolant inlet port to the injection path.

15. In paragraph 14, A battery pack having an ignition delay structure, wherein the second coolant inlet passage is connected to the first coolant inlet passage.

16. In paragraph 14, A first valve for controlling the inflow of coolant into the above cooling channel; and Further comprising a second valve for controlling the inflow of coolant into the above injection path; The above first valve is arranged in the first cooling water inlet passage, A battery pack having an ignition delay structure, wherein the second valve is disposed in the second coolant inlet passage.

17. In paragraph 16, A battery pack having an ignition delay structure, wherein the second coolant inlet passage is connected to the first coolant inlet passage on the upstream side of the first valve.

18. In paragraph 5, A first cooling water discharge passage that leads the cooling water from the cooling path to the cooling water outlet; and A battery pack having an ignition delay structure, further comprising a second coolant outlet passage for guiding the coolant from the injection path to the coolant outlet.

19. In paragraph 18, A battery pack having an ignition delay structure, wherein the second coolant outlet passage is connected to the first coolant outlet passage.

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