Battery module, and battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a module frame configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells; an electrical component configured to be electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells; and a spray assembly configured to spray a cooling medium toward the electrical component.

Description

Battery modules, battery packs containing the same, and vehicles

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0093986, filed on July 16, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Secondary batteries, which boast high electrical properties such as high energy density and easy applicability across a wide range of product categories, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electrical power sources. These batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, not only because they can dramatically reduce fossil fuel use, but also because they produce no byproducts from energy use.

[0004] Commonly used secondary battery types today include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. When high output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery module or battery pack. Furthermore, to increase charge / discharge capacity, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery module or battery pack.

[0005] When connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel to form a battery pack, it's common to first construct a battery module containing at least one battery cell, and then use this at least one battery module to add other components to form a battery pack or battery rack. Recently, battery packs in the cell-to-pack form, where multiple battery cells are housed directly in a pack housing or other device, without modularization, have also been manufactured.

[0006] Meanwhile, in conventional battery modules, when high currents are applied during rapid charging of the battery module, the temperature of electrical components such as module terminals increases significantly. To address this issue, the thickness or width of electrical components such as module terminals is increased. However, this method reduces the space utilization of the battery module (10) and increases costs.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to develop a structure that can suppress the temperature rise of electrical components such as module terminals during rapid charging of a battery module.

[0008] Accordingly, the present invention has been created to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a battery module capable of suppressing temperature rise of electrical components such as module terminals during rapid charging of the battery module, and a battery pack and automobile including the same.

[0009] However, the problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0010] To solve the above problem, the present invention provides a battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a module frame configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells; an electrical component configured to be electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells; and an injection assembly configured to inject a cooling medium toward the electrical component.

[0011] The above injection assembly may be configured to inject the cooling medium when the temperature of the electrical component is above a specific temperature.

[0012] The cooling medium injected from the injection assembly may be configured to evaporate and cool the electrical component.

[0013] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the electrical component.

[0014] The cooling medium may be configured to be sprayed from the spray assembly when the temperature of the electrical component measured by the temperature sensor is above a specific temperature.

[0015] The above injection assembly may have a storage unit configured to store the cooling medium, and an injection nozzle configured to spray the cooling medium stored in the storage unit toward the electrical component.

[0016] The above injection assembly may include a pump configured to move the cooling medium from the storage to the injection nozzle.

[0017] The storage unit may be configured to recover the cooling medium sprayed toward the electrical component.

[0018] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a busbar frame configured to cover at least one side of the plurality of battery cells and having the electrical components, wherein the busbar frame may have a partition configured to suppress movement of a cooling medium sprayed by the spray assembly.

[0019] The above injection assembly may be configured to inject at least one of a first cooling medium and a second cooling medium having different boiling points.

[0020] The above injection assembly may include a first storage configured to store the first cooling medium, and a second storage configured to store the second cooling medium, and provided separately from the first storage.

[0021] The above injection assembly may be configured to control whether at least one of the first cooling medium and the second cooling medium is injected depending on the temperature of the electrical component.

[0022] The above injection assembly may have a valve configured to open and close a path through which the first cooling medium moves.

[0023] The above injection assembly may be configured such that the first cooling medium and the second cooling medium are injected in a first temperature range, and the second cooling medium is injected in a second temperature range higher than the first temperature range.

[0024] The first cooling medium may include acetone, and the second cooling medium may include water.

[0025] In addition, the present invention provides a battery pack characterized by including a battery module according to the present invention.

[0026] And, the present invention provides an automobile characterized by including a battery module according to the present invention.

[0027] According to one aspect of the present invention, by spraying a cooling medium onto an electrical component such as a module terminal, the electrical component such as the module terminal can be cooled by the latent heat of vaporization thereof, so that a temperature rise of the electrical component such as the module terminal can be effectively suppressed during rapid charging of the battery module.

[0028] Moreover, according to one aspect of the present invention, since different types of cooling media having different boiling points are sprayed depending on the temperature of electrical components such as module terminals, the cooling media can be evaporated more quickly.

[0029] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present invention, the thickness and width of the module terminal can be minimized, thereby increasing the space utilization of the battery module. Consequently, the energy efficiency of the battery module can be increased.

[0030] In addition, the present invention may have various other effects, which will be described in each embodiment configuration, or an explanation of effects that can be easily inferred by a person skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0031] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a drawing schematically illustrating the main components included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a drawing schematically illustrating the configuration of an injection assembly included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of an injection assembly included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing illustrating the configuration of an injection assembly included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of an injection assembly included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a busbar frame included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 9 is a schematic drawing illustrating the configuration of an injection assembly included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of an injection assembly included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining an example of operation of an injection assembly in a first temperature range in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining an example of the operation of an injection assembly in a second temperature range in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that aligns with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0047] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0048] Furthermore, the present invention includes various embodiments. For each embodiment, redundant descriptions of substantially identical or similar components will be omitted, and the differences will be described.

[0049] Meanwhile, in the present invention, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used, but it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are only for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0050] For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, the X-axis direction shown in the drawing may mean the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction may mean the front-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and the horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction may mean the up-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, i.e., the height direction of the battery cell.

[0051]

[0052] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a drawing schematically illustrating main components included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery module (10) according to the present invention includes a battery cell (100), a module frame (200), an electrical component (300), and an injection assembly (400).

[0054] A battery cell (100) may include an electrode assembly, a cell case that accommodates the electrode assembly, and an electrode lead (120) that is connected to the electrode assembly and extends outward from the cell case to function as an electrode terminal.

[0055] At this time, the shape of the cell case can be configured in various ways, and depending on the shape of the cell case, the battery cell can be classified into a pouch-type cell, a cylindrical cell, a square cell, etc. Since the types of these battery cells (100) were widely known at the time of filing of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Although the drawings of the present specification illustrate a pouch-type battery cell, the present invention is applicable to all types of secondary batteries known at the time of filing of the present invention, and is not limited to a specific type of secondary battery.

[0056] A plurality of battery cells (100) may be provided. Here, the battery cell (100) may refer to a single secondary battery or a battery group comprising multiple secondary batteries. In this specification, the battery cell (100) is described as representing a single secondary battery.

[0057] A plurality of battery cells (100) may be configured in a form in which they are stacked in one direction. For example, a plurality of battery cells (100) may be stacked in a form in which they are arranged in a parallel manner in the left-right direction (±X-axis direction).

[0058] The above module frame (200) may be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells (100). Specifically, the module frame (200) may be configured to have a receiving space formed therein, and to accommodate a plurality of battery cells (100) in the receiving space. For example, the module frame (200) may be configured to have a rectangular parallelepiped shape formed by combining multiple parts. The module frame (200) may be at least partially composed of metal and / or plastic materials.

[0059] The module frame (200) may include a case body (210) and end plates (220) positioned on the front and rear sides of the case body (210).

[0060] The case body (210) may be configured in a square tube shape having an open end with both longitudinal ends open and a hollow structure with an empty interior. For example, the case body (210) may be configured in a tube shape having an upper surface, a lower surface, a left surface, and a right surface, and having openings formed at the front and rear ends, respectively.

[0061] In addition, the case body (210) may be formed in various other shapes. For example, the case body (210) may be formed in a form in which the left plate, the right plate, and the lower plate are integrated with each other. In this case, the integrated case portion may be referred to as a U-frame. The U-frame may be formed in a tubular shape by welding a top plate to the upper surface. Alternatively, the case body (210) may be provided with a box-shaped lower case in which the left plate, the right plate, the front plate, and the rear plate are integrated, and an upper cover that closes the upper open end of the lower case.

[0062] The end plate (220) may be configured to be coupled to the open end of the case body (210). For example, the end plate (220) may be formed of an insulating material on the inside (the side facing the open end) and a metal material on the outside (the side forming the exterior of the battery module (10)). In addition, the end plate (220) may be partially provided with holes or slits to expose components that need to be exposed to the outside, such as the positive terminal and negative terminal of the battery module (100) or a connector.

[0063] Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawing, the module frame (200) may have a venting hole formed on at least one side thereof to discharge venting gas generated from the battery cell (100) to the outside of the module frame (200).

[0064] The electrical component (300) may be configured to be electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells (100). In particular, the electrical component (300) may be configured to be electrically connected to the electrode leads (120) of the battery cells (100). Through this electrical connection, the electrical component (300) may be configured to transmit status information about the battery cells (100) to an external component. For example, the electrical component (300) may be configured to transmit voltage information of the battery cells (100) to an external control device, such as a BMS (Battery Management System).

[0065] The above-described spray assembly (400) may be configured to spray a cooling medium (C). The spray assembly (400) may be configured to spray the cooling medium (C) toward the electrical component (300). The cooling medium (C) may be a liquid. The cooling medium (C) may be sprayed to wet the electrical component (300).

[0066] When a battery module (10) is rapidly charged, a high current may be applied, causing the temperature of the electrical component (300) to rise significantly. However, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the electrical component (300) can be cooled by spraying a cooling medium (C) onto the electrical component (300). Accordingly, the temperature rise of the electrical component (300) can be effectively suppressed.

[0067] In addition, since there is no need to increase the thickness or width of the electrical component (300) to suppress the temperature rise of the electrical component (300), the space utilization of the battery module (10) can be increased. Accordingly, the energy efficiency of the battery module (10) can be increased.

[0068]

[0069] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 2, the electrical component (300) may include a bus bar (310) and a module terminal (320). The bus bar (310) may be configured to be in contact with the electrode lead (120). The bus bar (310) may be provided on the inside of the vented electrode lead (120) of the battery cell (100). A plurality of bus bars (310) may be provided.

[0070] The bus bar (310) may be made of an electrically conductive material for transmitting electrical signals. For example, the bus bar (310) may be made of a material such as copper or aluminum.

[0071] The bus bar (310) may be configured in a form that ensures a sufficient contact area with the electrode lead (120). For example, the bus bar (310) may be formed in the form of a bar that extends vertically and has a flat inner surface.

[0072] The module terminal (320) may be configured to be connected to the bus bar (310) provided at the outermost side among the plurality of bus bars (310). Two module terminals (320) may be provided on both sides in the width direction of the battery module (10). At least a portion of the module terminal (320) may be configured to be exposed to the outside of the module frame (200). The exposed portion of the module terminal (320) may be electrically connected to another battery module (10).

[0073] In particular, the injection assembly (400) may be configured to inject the cooling medium (C) toward the module terminal (320). For example, two module terminals (320) may be provided on both sides in the width direction of the battery module (10), and two injection assemblies (400) may also be provided on both sides in the width direction of the battery module (10).

[0074]

[0075] The injection assembly (400) may be directly or indirectly connected to the electrical component (300). The injection assembly (400) may be electronically or mechanically actuated depending on the temperature of the electrical component (300).

[0076] That is, the injection assembly (400) may be configured to inject the cooling medium (C) depending on the temperature of the electrical component (300). The injection assembly (400) may be configured to inject the cooling medium (C) when the temperature of the electrical component (300) is above a specific temperature. Here, the specific temperature may refer to the temperature of the electrical component (300) at which a problem may occur during rapid charging of the battery module (10).

[0077] In particular, the cooling medium (C) sprayed from the spray assembly (400) may be configured to evaporate and cool the electrical component (300). That is, the cooling medium (C) may be configured to evaporate and absorb heat from the electrical component (300) to suppress a temperature rise of the electrical component (300).

[0078] In this case, the specific temperature may refer to the boiling point of the cooling medium (C). For example, when the cooling medium (C) is water, the specific temperature may be approximately 100°C. That is, when the temperature of the electrical component (300) rises and reaches the boiling point of the cooling medium (C), the sprayed cooling medium (C) may evaporate and cool the electrical component (300).

[0079]

[0080] As an example, referring to FIG. 3, a battery module (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a temperature sensor (500). The temperature sensor (500) may be configured to directly or indirectly measure the temperature of the electrical component (300). The temperature sensor (500) may be configured to measure the temperature surrounding the electrical component (300).

[0081] Meanwhile, the battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a control unit (600). The control unit (600) may be configured to be electrically or communicatively connected to a temperature sensor (500). The control unit (600) may be configured to receive temperature information of the electrical component (300) measured by the temperature sensor (500). The control unit (600) may be configured to transmit the information to an external control device, such as a BMS (Battery Management System).

[0082] In addition, the battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to spray a cooling medium (C) from the spray assembly (400) when the temperature of the electrical component (300) measured by the temperature sensor (500) is above a specific temperature. At this time, the control unit (600) may be configured to be electrically or communicatively connected to the spray assembly (400).

[0083] That is, the control unit (600) may be configured to receive the temperature of the electrical component (300) measured by the temperature sensor (500) and operate the injection assembly (400) when the measured temperature is higher than a specific temperature. Accordingly, the injection assembly (400) may inject a cooling medium (C) toward the electrical component (300).

[0084]

[0085] FIG. 4 is a drawing schematically illustrating the configuration of an injection assembly included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of an injection assembly included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the configuration of the injection assembly (400) will be described in detail. The injection assembly (400) may be provided at least partially on the outside of the module frame (200). A portion of the injection assembly (400) may be provided to penetrate the module frame (200) and face the electrical component (300).

[0087] More specifically, the injection assembly (400) may have a storage unit (420) and an injection nozzle (410).

[0088] The storage unit (420) may be configured to store a cooling medium (C). The storage unit (420) may be configured in a rectangular box shape. The storage unit (420) may be provided inside the module frame (200). The storage unit (420) may be provided on one side of the electrical component (300). For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the storage unit (420) may be provided on the lower side of the electrical component (300).

[0089] This storage unit (420) can be configured to be removable. This can improve the convenience of managing the battery module (10).

[0090] The above-described spray nozzle (410) may be configured to be connected to a storage unit (420). The spray nozzle (410) may be configured to face the electrical component (300). The spray nozzle (410) may be configured to spray the cooling medium (C) stored in the storage unit (420) toward the electrical component (300).

[0091] The injection nozzle (410) may be provided with a portion outside the module frame (200). Additionally, the remaining portion of the injection nozzle (410) may be provided to penetrate the module frame (200) and point toward the electrical component (300).

[0092] Additionally, the injection assembly (400) may include a pump (430). The pump (430) may be configured to be connected to a storage unit (420). Additionally, the pump (430) may be configured to be connected to a spray nozzle (410). The pump (430) may be configured to move a cooling medium (C) from the storage unit (420) to the spray nozzle (410). The pump (430) may be provided on the outside of the module frame (200).

[0093] The injection assembly (400) may be provided with a connecting pipe (440) configured to connect the pump (430) and the storage unit (420). The connecting pipe (440) may be provided on the outside of the module frame (200). As a specific example, the storage unit (420) may be provided with a discharge hole, and the connecting pipe (440) may be configured to be connected to the discharge hole.

[0094] Accordingly, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the cooling medium (C) provided in the storage unit (420) can be moved to the pump (430) through the connecting pipe (440) and sprayed to the electrical component (300) through the spray nozzle (410).

[0095]

[0096] FIG. 6 is a drawing schematically illustrating the configuration of an injection assembly included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of an injection assembly included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] As another embodiment, referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the injection assembly (400) may be configured to recycle and use the injected cooling medium (C). Specifically, referring to portion A of FIG. 6 and the bold arrow of FIG. 7, the storage unit (420) may be configured to recover the injected cooling medium (C).

[0098] For example, cooling medium (C) sprayed from the spray nozzle (410) that is not evaporated may be recovered to the storage unit (420) in a liquid state. Alternatively, cooling medium (C) sprayed from the spray nozzle (410) may be evaporated and remain as a gas, and then cooled below a certain temperature to become liquefied again, and may be recovered to the storage unit (420).

[0099] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, even if the cooling medium (C) is not supplied to the storage unit (420), a certain amount of the cooling medium (C) is filled in the storage unit (420), so that the management efficiency of the battery module (10) can be secured. In addition, by filling only the minimum amount of the cooling medium (C) in the storage unit (420), the risk of the cooling medium (C) overflowing from the storage unit (420) and causing a short circuit can be minimized.

[0100]

[0101] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 2 and 7, the battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a busbar frame (700). The busbar frame (700) may be provided inside the module frame (200). The busbar frame (700) may be configured to cover at least one side of the plurality of battery cells (100). The busbar frame (700) may be positioned on the side from which the electrode leads (120) of the battery cells (100) are drawn out. For example, the busbar frame (700) may be coupled to the front and rear of the plurality of battery cells (100). The busbar frame (700) may be provided with slits through which the electrode leads (120) of the battery cells (100) may be drawn out in the front-back direction.

[0102] The busbar frame (700) may be equipped with an electrical component (300). The busbar frame (700) may be configured such that the electrical component (300) can be attached to the outer surface. The busbar frame (700) may be made of a material having electrical insulation properties, such as a plastic material.

[0103] The electrode leads (120) of the battery cells (100) pass through the slits of the busbar frame (700) and are drawn out to the outside of the busbar frame (700), and the portion drawn out in this way can be attached to the surface of the busbar (310) by welding or the like.

[0104] In addition, the battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a guide member (800). The guide member (800) may be configured to guide the cooling medium (C) sprayed from the spray nozzle (410) and recovered to the storage unit (420) to the storage unit (420). The guide member (800) may be provided on the outer surface of the busbar frame (700). In addition, the guide member (800) may be provided on the inner side of the upper surface of the module frame (200). The guide member (800) may be provided on the upper portion of the electrical component (300).

[0105] Referring to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the guide member (800) may have a lower surface configured in a diagonal shape. The guide member (800) may be configured in a shape in which the lower surface slopes downward in a direction away from the electrical component (300). In particular, the guide member (800) may be configured in a shape in which the lower surface slopes downward in a direction away from the bus bar (310).

[0106] Accordingly, the cooling medium (C) sprayed through the spray assembly (400) can move to the outside of the busbar frame (700) along the lower surface of the guide member (800). Thus, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when the cooling medium (C) is recovered to the storage unit (420), the cooling medium (C) may not be directed toward the electrical component (300), particularly the busbar (310), so that the occurrence of a short circuit can be minimized. Thus, the safety of the battery module (10) can be ensured.

[0107]

[0108] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a busbar frame included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] If the cooling medium (C) sprayed by the spray assembly (400) moves to a part other than the electrical component (300), there is a risk of a short circuit occurring. To address this, the busbar frame (700) may be provided with a partition wall (710). The partition wall (710) may be configured to suppress the movement of the cooling medium (C) sprayed by the spray assembly (400).

[0110] For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, a partition wall (710) may be provided between the module terminal (320) and another bus bar (310). The partition wall (710) may be configured to protrude outward from the outer surface of the bus bar frame (700). The partition wall (710) may be configured to suppress the cooling medium (C) sprayed on the module terminal (320) from moving toward the other bus bar (310) or the other electrode lead (120).

[0111] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the busbar frame (700) is provided with a partition wall (710), the cooling medium (C) sprayed from the spray assembly (400) is prevented from moving to other components, thereby minimizing the occurrence of a short circuit. As a result, the safety of the battery module (10) can be secured.

[0112]

[0113] FIG. 9 is a drawing schematically illustrating the configuration of an injection assembly included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of an injection assembly included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] As another embodiment, the injection assembly (400) may be configured to inject multiple types of cooling media (C) rather than just one type. For example, the injection assembly (400) may be configured to inject multiple types of cooling media (C) having different boiling points. For example, as in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the injection assembly (400) may be configured to inject at least one of a first cooling medium (C1) and a second cooling medium (C2) having different boiling points.

[0115] Accordingly, at least one of the first cooling medium (C1) and the second cooling medium (C2) can be sprayed and selectively evaporated depending on the temperature of the electrical component (300). Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the electrical component (300) can be cooled more quickly and effectively by the cooling medium (C).

[0116] In this case, the injection assembly (400) may have a first storage unit (421) and a second storage unit (422). The first storage unit (421) may be configured to store a first cooling medium (C1). The first storage unit (421) may be configured to be connected to a pump (430). The injection assembly (400) may have a first connecting pipe (440) configured to connect the first storage unit (421) and the pump (430).

[0117] The second storage unit (422) may be configured to store a second cooling medium (C2). The second storage unit (422) may be provided separately from the first storage unit (421). The second storage unit (422) may be configured to be connected to a pump (430). The injection assembly (400) may be provided with a second connecting pipe (440) configured to connect the second storage unit (422) and the pump (430).

[0118]

[0119] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining an example of operation of an injection assembly in a first temperature range in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining an example of operation of an injection assembly in a second temperature range in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the injection assembly (400) may be configured to control whether to inject at least one of the first cooling medium (C1) and the second cooling medium (C2) depending on the temperature of the electrical component (300). That is, the temperature sensor (500) senses the temperature of the electrical component (300), and the control unit (600) may be configured to determine the type of cooling medium (C) to be injected by the injection assembly (400) based on the temperature of the electrical component (300) transmitted to the control unit (600).

[0121] Accordingly, in the injection assembly (400), only one of the first cooling medium (C1) and the second cooling medium (C2) may be injected, or both the first cooling medium (C1) and the second cooling medium (C2) may be injected.

[0122] Meanwhile, the injection assembly (400) may be provided with a valve (450). The valve (450) may be configured to open and close a path through which the first cooling medium (C1) moves. The valve (450) may be provided between the first storage unit (421) and the pump (430). The valve (450) may be provided in the first connection pipe (440). The valve (450) may be configured to open at a specific temperature by the control unit (600). When the valve (450) is opened at a specific temperature, the first cooling medium (C1) may be injected, and when the temperature is lower than the specific temperature, the valve (450) may be maintained in a closed state so that the first cooling medium (C1) may not be injected.

[0123]

[0124] In particular, the injection assembly (400) can inject a first cooling medium (C1) and a second cooling medium (C2) in a first temperature range. In addition, the injection assembly can be configured to inject a second cooling medium (C2) in a second temperature range. That is, the injection assembly can be configured so that the first cooling medium (C1) is not injected in the second temperature range. In this case, the second temperature range can be set higher than the first temperature range.

[0125] For example, the first temperature range may be defined as a temperature above the boiling point of the first cooling medium (C1) and below the boiling point of the second cooling medium (C2). If the temperature of the electrical component (300) corresponds to the first temperature range, the valve (450) may be opened (ON) so that the first cooling medium (C1) may move to the spray nozzle (410). Accordingly, the spray assembly (400) may spray the first cooling medium (C1) and the second cooling medium (C2) together. In this case, the first cooling medium (C1) may evaporate, and the second cooling medium (C2) may not evaporate. The second cooling medium (C2) that has not evaporated in this way may be recovered to the second storage unit (422).

[0126] Additionally, for example, the second temperature range may be defined as a temperature higher than the boiling point of the second cooling medium (C2). If the temperature of the electrical component (300) corresponds to the second temperature range, the valve (450) may be closed (OFF) so that the first cooling medium (C1) may not move to the spray nozzle (410). Accordingly, the spray assembly (400) may spray only the second cooling medium (C2). In this case, the second cooling medium (C2) may evaporate and absorb the heat of the electrical component (300), thereby cooling the electrical component (300).

[0127] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, whether to spray the first cooling medium (C1) is determined based on the boiling points of the first cooling medium (C1) and the second cooling medium (C2), so that a cooling medium (C) capable of better cooling the electrical component (300) can be sprayed based on the temperature of the electrical component (300). As a result, the temperature rise of the electrical component (300) can be more effectively suppressed.

[0128] For example, the electrical component (300) may have a temperature of approximately 50 to 100°C depending on the current application situation. The cooling medium (C) may include a substance having a temperature and a boiling point similar to that of the electrical component (300). As a specific example, the first cooling medium (C1) may include acetone (CH3COCH3), and the second cooling medium (C2) may include water (H2O). The boiling point of acetone is approximately 56.1°C, and the boiling point of water is approximately 100°C.

[0129] That is, the first temperature range can be set to 56.1°C or higher and less than 100°C. When the temperature of the electrical component (300) corresponds to the first temperature range, the valve (450) is opened so that acetone moves from the first storage unit (421) to the spray nozzle (410), and acetone and water can be sprayed together from the spray nozzle (410). At this time, only acetone evaporates, and the water can be recovered to the second storage unit without evaporating. Accordingly, the electrical component (300) can be cooled by the latent heat of vaporization of acetone in the first temperature range.

[0130] Additionally, the second temperature range may be set to 100°C or higher. When the temperature of the electrical component (300) corresponds to the second temperature range, the valve (450) is not opened, so acetone is not sprayed, and only water may be sprayed from the spray nozzle (410). Accordingly, in the second temperature range, the electrical component (300) may be cooled by the latent heat of vaporization of water.

[0131]

[0132] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 13, a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery modules (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention as described above. In addition, the battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a pack case (2). The pack case (2) may be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery modules (10). The pack case (2) may be formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped box.

[0134] Additionally, although not shown in the drawing, the pack case (2) may be configured to accommodate components such as a BMS (Battery Management System), a current sensor, and a fuse for integrated control of charging and discharging of one or more battery cells (100) therein.

[0135]

[0136] Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 14, a vehicle (3) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (3) according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle (3) may include a four-wheel vehicle and a two-wheel vehicle. The vehicle (3) may operate by receiving power from a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0138]

[0139] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to 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 idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells; A module frame configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells; An electrical component configured to be electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells; and A battery module characterized by comprising an injection assembly configured to inject a cooling medium toward the electrical component.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the injection assembly is configured to inject the cooling medium when the temperature of the electrical component is above a specific temperature.

3. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the cooling medium sprayed from the spray assembly evaporates and is configured to cool the electrical component.

4. In paragraph 1, A battery module further comprising a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the electrical component.

5. In paragraph 4, A battery module characterized in that the cooling medium is sprayed from the spray assembly when the temperature of the electrical component measured by the temperature sensor is above a specific temperature.

6. In paragraph 1, The above injection assembly A storage unit configured to store the above cooling medium, A battery module characterized by having a spray nozzle configured to spray a cooling medium stored in the storage unit toward the electrical component.

7. In paragraph 6, The above injection assembly A battery module characterized by having a pump configured to move the cooling medium from the storage unit to the injection nozzle.

8. In paragraph 6, The above storage unit A battery module characterized in that it is configured to recover a cooling medium sprayed toward the electrical component.

9. In paragraph 1, further comprising a busbar frame configured to cover at least one side of the plurality of battery cells and having the electrical components; A battery module characterized in that the busbar frame has a baffle configured to suppress movement of the cooling medium sprayed by the spray assembly.

10. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the above injection assembly is configured to inject at least one of a first cooling medium and a second cooling medium having different boiling points.

11. In paragraph 10, The above injection assembly A first storage unit configured to store the first cooling medium; A battery module characterized by having a second storage unit that is provided separately from the first storage unit and configured to store the second cooling medium.

12. In paragraph 10, The above injection assembly A battery module characterized in that it is configured to control whether at least one of the first cooling medium and the second cooling medium is sprayed depending on the temperature of the electrical component.

13. In paragraph 10, The above injection assembly A battery module characterized by having a valve configured to open and close a path through which the first cooling medium moves.

14. In paragraph 10, The above injection assembly In the first temperature range, the first cooling medium and the second cooling medium are sprayed, A battery module characterized in that the second cooling medium is configured to be sprayed in a second temperature range higher than the first temperature range.

15. In paragraph 10, A battery module, characterized in that the first cooling medium includes acetone and the second cooling medium includes water.

16. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. A vehicle characterized by including a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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