BATTERY PACK FOR ONE VEHICLE

Abstract

A battery pack (1) for a vehicle may include: a plurality of battery modules arranged on a plane, a lower case (3) forming an accommodation space surrounding the lower and side portions of the plurality of battery modules (MD), a pack cover (7) coupled to the upper portion of the lower case (3) to cover the upper portion of the accommodation space, a plurality of interior members provided in the accommodation space to separate the plurality of battery modules (MD), and a heat block provided between the pack cover and the interior members to thermally insulate the battery modules (MD) separated by the interior members.

Description

BACKGROUND1. Area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a structure of a battery pack installed in a vehicle. 2. Description of related technology

[0002] An electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle is equipped with a battery that supplies energy to a drive motor, which provides propulsion for the vehicle. The battery is typically mounted on the vehicle body in the form of a battery pack that houses multiple battery modules, each of which is configured as a plurality of battery cells.

[0003] A battery cell can ignite for a variety of reasons, and when this happens, flames can spread to neighboring battery cells, resulting in thermal runaway.

[0004] In addition, as described above, a fire in one battery module can spread to other neighboring battery modules, resulting in thermal runaway of the entire battery pack.

[0005] The foregoing discussion of related art is intended merely to facilitate understanding of the background of the present disclosure. Therefore, the foregoing is not intended to imply that the present disclosure falls within the scope of the prior art already known to those skilled in the art. BRIEF EXPLANATION

[0006] The present disclosure was made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art. One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a battery pack (e.g., also called a battery pack) for a vehicle that, in the event of an ignition within the battery pack, can structurally block the spread of flames to other adjacent battery modules. As a result, the configuration effectively delays heat transfer between the battery modules and thermal runaway of the battery pack.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery pack for a vehicle may include: a plurality of battery modules arranged on a plane, and a lower case forming an accommodation space surrounding lower and side portions of the plurality of battery modules. The battery pack may further include: a pack cover (e.g., a lid; hereinafter referred to as a pack cover) coupled to an upper portion of the lower case to cover the upper portion of the accommodation space, and a plurality of interior members provided in the accommodation space to separate the plurality of battery modules (e.g., from each other). In addition, the battery pack includes a heat block (e.g., a heat barrier).Heat transfer barrier (hereinafter referred to as heat blocking) provided between the pack cover and the plurality of internal elements to thermally insulate (e.g., from each other) the plurality of battery modules separated by the plurality of internal elements.

[0008] For example, the lower housing may include a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of side walls connecting two (respective) ends of the front wall and the rear wall in the front-rear direction. The plurality of interior elements may include a longitudinal element (e.g., a longitudinal beam or longitudinal partition) mounted to extend in the front-rear direction of the lower housing, and a transverse element (e.g., a transverse beam or transverse partition) mounted to extend in the transverse direction (e.g., at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) of the lower housing and intersecting with the longitudinal element.

[0009] For example, at least one of the front wall, the rear wall, and the pair of side walls of the lower case may have a vent mechanism for discharging the gas (e.g., exhaust gas such as combustion exhaust gas) generated by the plurality of battery modules to the outside.

[0010] The heat blocking may, for example, be provided to extend along a longitudinal direction of an inner member of the plurality of inner members and above the inner member.

[0011] The heat blocking means may be configured, for example, as a channel portion of the pack cover formed by bending a portion of the pack cover downward toward the inner member.

[0012] The heat blocker may be configured, for example, as a blocking bracket or blocking bar (hereinafter referred to as blocking bracket) having a plurality of partition walls projecting from the pack cover toward the inner member and shaped to extend along the longitudinal direction of the inner member, and coupled to the lower surface (e.g., inner side surface) of the pack cover.

[0013] For example, the blocking bracket may be shaped to have a trapezoidal cross-section, and both ends of the trapezoidal cross-section may be coupled to the lower surface of the pack cover.

[0014] The heat blocking may, for example, be configured as a blocking panel having a single partition wall projecting from the pack cover toward the inner member and shaped to extend along the longitudinal direction of the inner member and coupled to a lower surface of the pack cover.

[0015] The heat blocking element may be configured, for example, as a flame arrestor element installed between the pack cover and the inner element. An element guide supporting the flame arrestor element may be provided at least on / in one of a lower portion of the pack cover and an upper portion of the inner element.

[0016] For example, the height of the inner element above which the heat blocking is not provided may be equal to or less than the height of a module outlet (e.g. for fluid communication) of a battery module of the plurality of battery modules in the plurality of inner elements.

[0017] The heat blocking device can be configured, for example, as a heat-resistant pad (e.g., cushion, block, etc.) installed between the pack cover and the inner element. The heat-resistant pad can be attached (e.g., secured) to at least one side of the pack cover and the inner element.

[0018] For example, a module outlet of a battery module of the plurality of battery modules may be arranged in the direction of the heat block. The heat block may be divided into corresponding sections between adjacent module outlets.

[0019] For example, a battery module of the plurality of battery modules may include a module cover that covers the tops of the overlapping battery cells and forms a module outlet that is open toward the heat blocking.

[0020] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a battery pack for a vehicle may include: a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of side walls forming an accommodation space for accommodating a plurality of battery modules. The battery pack may include: a longitudinal member extending between the front wall and the rear wall to partition the accommodation space, and a transverse member extending between the pair of side walls to partition the accommodation space. The battery pack may include: a pack cover coupled to upper portions of the front wall, the rear wall, and the pair of side walls to cover the accommodation space, and a plurality of battery modules arranged in the accommodation space partitioned by the longitudinal member and the transverse member.A battery module of the plurality of battery modules may include a module cover that covers the upper portions of the overlapping battery cells and has a module outlet leading into the receiving space. The pack cover has a pack projection that protrudes downward toward the receiving space.

[0021] The module outlet formed on the module cover of the battery module may, for example, be arranged to face the pack projection of the pack cover.

[0022] For example, the packing projection of the packing cover may be formed at least in a shape extending toward the front wall and the rear wall, or in a shape extending toward the pair of side walls.

[0023] The packing projection of the packing cover may, for example, extend above the longitudinal element or transverse element along a longitudinal direction of the longitudinal element or transverse element, so that gas movement on both sides of the packing projection relative to each other is restricted (e.g. no gas movement occurs across the packing projection).

[0024] The battery module may, for example, include a plurality of battery cells overlapping each other between two end plates on both sides, and sensor blocks provided on the front and back of the two end plates and configured to establish electrical connection between the battery cells and measure voltage. The battery module may, for example, also include a module cover coupled to the two end plates or sensor blocks to cover the upper portions of the overlapping battery cells, for example, to limit heat transfer to the outside. The battery module further includes a fireproof panel disposed between the battery cells and extending toward the bottom of the module cover to delay heat transfer between the battery cells.

[0025] The fireproof panel may form a plane perpendicular to the module outlet of the module cover and may be provided between the battery cells.

[0026] The fire-resistant panel may have a connecting groove at its upper part which is locally spaced from the underside of the module cover.

[0027] The present disclosure can structurally block the spread of flames to other adjacent battery modules when ignition occurs within a battery pack. As a result, the configuration effectively delays heat transfer between the battery modules and thermal runaway of the battery pack. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure should become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a battery pack for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a structure of the battery pack in Fig. 1 shows in more detail, Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a structure of a battery module used in the battery pack in Fig. 1 is recorded, Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a first battery module in an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 5 a cross-sectional view along the line F5-F5 in Fig. 4 is, Fig. 6 a cross-sectional view along the line F6-F6 in Fig. 4 is, Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a second battery module in an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 8 a cross-sectional view along the line F8-F8 in Fig. 7 is, Fig. 9 a cross-sectional view along the line F9-F9 in Fig. 7 is, Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a battery pack in which a first battery module is housed in an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 11 a cross-sectional view along the line F11-F11 in Fig. 10 is, Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a battery pack in which a second battery module is incorporated in an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 13 a cross-sectional view along the line F13-F13 in Fig. 12 is, Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of a heat blocker in an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an inverted state of the pack cover in Fig. 14 shows, Fig. 16 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of a heat block in an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an inverted state of the pack cover in Fig. 16 shows, Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a third embodiment of a heat block in an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an inverted state of the pack cover in Fig. 18 shows, Fig. 20 is a diagram showing a fourth embodiment of a heat block in an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 21 is a diagram showing a fifth embodiment of a heat block in an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 22 and Fig. 23 are diagrams each showing an embodiment in which a heat block is divided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same or similar elements will be denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, so that duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0030] The terms "... module" and "... unit" used for the elements in the following description are provided only for convenience in writing the description or are used interchangeably and do not have different meanings or roles in and of themselves.

[0031] In describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, detailed descriptions of relevant prior art technology are omitted when they are determined to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. Furthermore, any changes, modifications, or substitutes thereof are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] Terms that have an atomic number such as "first...", "second...", or similar can be used to describe different elements, but the elements are not limited to these terms. The above terms are used only to distinguish one element from another.

[0033] When an element is described as "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it should be understood that another element may be provided between them and that the element may be directly connected or coupled to the other element. In contrast, when an element is "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, it should be assumed that no other element is present between them.

[0034] A singular expression may include a plural expression unless they are clearly distinct in a context.

[0035] As used herein, the terms "comprise" or "have" are intended to indicate the presence of the mentioned features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof. These terms are not to be understood as excluding the possible presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0036] When a component, device, element, or the like of the present disclosure is described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, or the like, the component, device, or element should be considered herein as being "configured" to fulfill that purpose or perform that operation or function.

[0037] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a battery pack 1 for a vehicle according to the present disclosure. A lower case 3 accommodates a plurality of battery modules MD therein, and an upper pack cover 7 is coupled thereto, forming an accommodation space that, together with the lower case 3, accommodates and protects the internal battery modules MD.

[0038] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the structure of the battery pack 1 in Fig. 1 shows in more detail. A front wall 13, a rear wall 15, and side walls 17 are combined on a bottom plate 9 and a metal plate 11 to form a receiving space S for receiving the battery modules MD. A plurality of internal members 19 are arranged to separate the received battery modules MD.

[0039] Fig. 3 is an exploded view showing the structure of a battery module MD used in the battery pack 1 in Fig. 1. A plurality of battery cells 23 are arranged between two end plates 21 to overlap each other. A sensor block 25 is provided at the front and rear of the battery module MD to establish electrical connection between the battery cells 23 and measure the voltage or the like.

[0040] In the present disclosure, the battery module MD includes two types of battery modules, namely a first battery module MD1 and a second battery module MD2, which are identified by the module cover CV on the top of the module.

[0041] In Fig. 3 shows a battery module MD in an exploded view, but the module cover CV is shown for comparison purposes as both the first module cover CV1 and the second module cover CV2.

[0042] In other words, the first battery module MD1 is provided with the first module cover CV1, as shown in Fig. 4 to 6, so that both ends of the module cover CV are coupled to the two end plates 21. Furthermore, a module outlet 27 is formed between the module cover CV and the sensor block 25 at the front and rear sides thereof.

[0043] In addition, the second battery module MD2 is provided with the second module cover CV2, as shown in Fig. 7 to 9, so that the front and rear ends of the module cover CV are coupled to the sensor block 25. In addition, a module outlet 27 is formed between the module cover CV and the end plate 21 on both sides.

[0044] According to Fig. 1 to 21, the battery pack 1 for a vehicle according to the present disclosure is configured to include a plurality of battery modules MD arranged in a plane, and a lower case 3 forming an accommodation space S surrounding the lower and lateral sides of the plurality of battery modules MD. The battery pack also includes a pack cover 7 coupled to the top of the lower case 3 to cover the upper portion of the accommodation space S, and a plurality of inner members 19 provided in the accommodation space S to separate the plurality of battery modules MD. In addition, the battery pack 1 includes a heat block 29 provided between the pack cover 7 and the plurality of inner members 19 to thermally insulate the battery modules MD separated by the inner members 19.

[0045] In other words, the battery pack 1 of the present disclosure is configured such that a plurality of battery modules MD are accommodated in the accommodation space S formed by the lower case 3 and the pack cover 7. A plurality of internal members 19 are provided to ensure the rigidity of the battery pack 1 while separating and supporting the battery modules MD accommodated in the accommodation space S. The heat block 29 is provided between the pack cover 7 and the internal members 19 to effectively suppress the spread of flames to other adjacent battery modules MD in the event of ignition in any one battery module MD.

[0046] The lower case 3 is configured to include a front wall 13, a rear wall 15, and both side walls 17 connecting two ends of the front wall 13 and the rear wall 15 in the front-rear direction. The interior members 19 include longitudinal members 31 extending in the front-rear direction (i.e., a longitudinal direction) of the lower case 3, and transverse members 33 installed in the transverse direction (i.e., a widthwise direction) of the lower case 3 and crossing each other.

[0047] The lower housing 3 may be coupled to the (respective) lower portions of the front wall 13, the rear wall 15, and the two side walls 17 to support the lower portions of the battery modules MD. A metal plate 11 that will not fail (e.g., melt) in the event of a fire of the battery modules MD may also be provided. Additionally, a lower plate 9 may be coupled to the lower portion of the metal plate 11 to overlap it.

[0048] In addition, a thermal interface material (TIM) 35 may be provided on the metal plate 11 of the lower housing 3 to facilitate heat transfer between the battery modules MD and the metal plate 11.

[0049] In addition, a cooling channel may be provided below the metal plate 11 through which a refrigerant or coolant can flow to cool the battery modules MD, although this is not shown.

[0050] A venting mechanism 37 capable of discharging gas generated by the accommodated battery modules MD to the outside may be provided on at least one of the front wall 13, the rear wall 15 and the two side walls 17 of the lower case 3.

[0051] For illustration purposes, show Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a venting mechanism 37 is provided on the front wall 13 and the rear wall 15. Each venting mechanism 37 may be configured as a valve device that prevents moisture or foreign matter from entering the battery pack 1 under normal circumstances. Furthermore, each venting mechanism 37 is configured to discharge the gas escaping from the battery cells 23 to the outside in the event of a fire in the internal battery modules MD. The heat block 29 is provided in the upper portions of the internal members 19 so as to extend along the longitudinal direction of the internal members 19.

[0052] The battery pack 1 of an embodiment of the present disclosure may, for example, be configured to accommodate only the first battery modules MD1, as shown in Fig. 10, or may be configured to accommodate only the second battery modules MD2, as shown in Fig. 12 shown.

[0053] In the embodiment in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, the heat blocking 29 is provided only above the transverse elements 33 of the inner elements 19 and not above the longitudinal elements 31, since the module outlet 27 of the first battery module MD1 is open to the front and rear.

[0054] In the embodiment in Fig. 12 and Fig. 13, the heat blocking 29 is provided only over the longitudinal elements 31 of the inner elements 19 and not over the transverse elements 33, since the module outlet 27 of the second battery module MD2 is open in the transverse direction.

[0055] In other words, the heat blocking 29 is selectively provided only at positions capable of blocking the gas escaping from the module outlet 27 of the respective battery modules MD.

[0056] The height of the internal elements 19, above which the heat blocking 29 is not installed, is arranged to be lower than the height of the module outlet 27 of the battery modules MD, thereby ensuring a smooth gas flow.

[0057] In other words, in the embodiment in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, the height of the longitudinal elements 31 is set to be equal to or less than the height of the module outlets 27 of the first battery modules MD1, since the heat blocking 29 is installed only above the transverse elements 33. In the embodiment in Fig. 12 and Fig. 13, the height of the transverse elements 33 is arranged to be equal to or less than the height of the module outlets 27 of the second battery modules MD2, since the heat blocking 29 is installed only above the longitudinal elements 31.

[0058] Although the heat blocking 29 in the embodiment in the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 over the entire length of the cross elements 33 and in the embodiment in the Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 is installed over the entire length of the longitudinal elements 31, the heat blocking 29 can be installed so that it is as shown in the Fig. 22 and Fig. 23 shown.

[0059] In other words, the heat blocking 29 may be provided to be divided into corresponding sections between adjacent module outlets 27.

[0060] In the case of Fig. 22, the heat blocking 29 installed above the cross members 33 is arranged to be divided (e.g., exposed) into corresponding sections between the module outlets 27 of the adjacent first battery modules MD1.

[0061] In the case of Fig. 23, the heat blocking 29 installed above the longitudinal elements 31 is arranged to be divided (e.g., freed) into corresponding sections between the module outlets 27 of the adjacent second battery modules MD2.

[0062] When the divided heat block 29 is installed as described above, gas can flow through the divided sections of the heat block 29, thereby enabling faster discharge of the gas.

[0063] In the case of the above-described division of the heat block 29, it is desirable that the length of a division portion of a heat block 29 be set to 90% or more of a width of a module outlet 27 of a battery module. This configuration reduces the flow resistance of the gas escaping from the module outlet 27 while ensuring the gas barrier effect.

[0064] Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 show in detail a heat block 29 above an inner element 19 between two sections of battery modules (MD). As in Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 in detail, the heat block 29 may be configured as a channel portion 39 of the pack cover 7 formed by bending a portion of the pack cover 7 downward toward the inner member 19.

[0065] In other words, a channel portion 39 is formed to protrude downward from the pack cover 7 by bending downward a portion of the pack cover 7 above the inner member 19 as shown in the drawings, so that the channel portion 39, together with the inner member 19, forms thermal insulation between the battery modules MD arranged on both sides of the inner member 19.

[0066] Thermal insulation between the battery modules MD means that if heat and gas are released because a fire occurs in one or more battery cells 23 that form the battery module MD on one side, the heat transfer to adjacent battery modules MD is blocked by convection, conduction or radiation.

[0067] In the case where the channel portion 39 formed integrally with the pack cover 7 serves as a heat blocker 29, as in this embodiment, it is possible to block all heat transfer by convection, conduction, and radiation if the channel portion 39 projects very close to the top of the inner member 19.

[0068] Fig. 16 and Fig. 17 show in detail another embodiment in which a heat block 29 is arranged above an inner element 19 between two sections of battery modules (MD). According to Fig. 16 and Fig. 17, the heat blocker 29 is configured as a blocking bracket 41 having a plurality of partition walls projecting from the pack cover 7 toward the inner member 19 and extending along the longitudinal direction of the inner member 19. The plurality of partition walls of the blocking bracket 41 are coupled to the lower surface of the pack cover 7.

[0069] The blocking bracket 41 is shaped to have a trapezoidal cross section, and the two ends of the trapezoidal cross section are coupled to the lower surface of the pack cover 7 by welding or the like.

[0070] In this case, the blocking bracket 41, like the channel portion 39, can block all heat transfer by convection, conduction, and radiation between adjacent battery modules MD, and can be attached even when it is difficult to machine the channel portion 39 on the pack cover 7. Furthermore, the blocking bracket 41 is more advantageous for ensuring the rigidity of the battery pack 1.

[0071] Fig. 18 and Fig. 19 show in detail another embodiment in which a heat block 29 is arranged above an inner member 19 between two sections of battery modules (MD). Referring to Fig. 18 and Fig. 19, the heat blocker 29 is configured as a blocking panel 43 having a single partition wall projecting from the pack cover 7 toward the inner member 19 and formed to extend along the longitudinal direction of the inner member 19 and coupled to the lower surface of the pack cover 7.

[0072] In this case, the upper end of the blocking panel 43 may be coupled to the lower surface of the pack cover 7 by welding or the like.

[0073] The blocking panel 43 can block any heat transfer between adjacent battery modules MD by convection, conduction, and radiation. Furthermore, the blocking panel 43 can also be used in cases where it is difficult to machine the channel section 39 on the pack cover 7.

[0074] Furthermore, the blocking panel 43 has the advantage that it can be used to avoid interference with other components in cases where there is not enough space between two adjacent battery modules MD or where other components are located above the internal elements 19.

[0075] In a further embodiment, the heat blocking means 29 may be configured as a flame arresting element 45 installed between the pack cover 7 and the inner member 19.

[0076] Fig. Fig. 20 shows an example in which the flame arresting member 45 is provided as the above-described heat block 29. It is desirable to provide a member guide 47 to hold the flame arresting member 45 at least at one of the lower part of the pack cover 7 and the upper part of the inner member 19.

[0077] The flame arrester element 45 refers to a configuration made of a wire mesh or a porous sintered metal configured to allow the flow of gas while extinguishing a flame by rapidly absorbing heat through a large surface area when combustion gas flows therethrough.

[0078] In this case, the heat blocking device 29 configured as a flame arrester element 45 is also capable of effectively blocking the heat transfer between the battery modules MD due to convection, conduction and radiation.

[0079] In a further embodiment, the heat blocker 29 may be configured as a heat-resistant pad 49 installed between the pack cover 7 and the inner member 19.

[0080] Fig. 21 shows that a heat-resistant pad 49 is used as a heat block 29.

[0081] The heat-resistant pad 49 may be attached to at least one side of the pack cover 7 and the inner member 19 with an adhesive or the like. Furthermore, it is desirable that the heat-resistant pad 49 be compressed (e.g., deformed, e.g., elastically deformed) between the pack cover 7 and the inner member 19 when the pack cover 7 is coupled to the lower case 3 to a certain extent, thereby securely fixing its position.

[0082] As mentioned above, each battery module MD is provided with a module cover CV that covers the tops of the overlapping battery cells 23 and forms a module outlet 27 open to a heat block 29.

[0083] In other words, see Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, a first battery module MD1, which is a kind of battery module MD, has a module outlet 27 in the front-rear direction, and the heat block 29 is provided above the cross member 33, so that the module outlet 27 of the first battery module MD1 is open in the direction of the heat block 29 above the cross member 33.

[0084] Therefore, when gas and heat are discharged through the module outlet 27 due to a fire in one of the first battery modules MD1, the gas and heat are blocked by the heat blocker 29 above the cross member 33, thereby preventing the fire from spreading to other adjacent first battery modules MD1.

[0085] In other words, in the case of the battery pack 1 in which the first battery module MD1 is accommodated, as in Fig. 10, when gas is generated from the respective first battery modules MD1, the gas flows along the path indicated by the arrow to be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1 through the vent mechanism 37.

[0086] In addition, a second battery module MD2, which is another type of battery module MD, has a module outlet 27 in the transverse direction, and the heat block 29 is provided above the longitudinal member 31, so that the module outlet 27 of the second battery module MD2 is open in the direction of the heat block 29 above the longitudinal member 31.

[0087] Therefore, when gas and heat are discharged through the module outlet 27 due to a fire in one of the second battery modules MD2, the gas and heat are blocked by the heat blocker 29 above the longitudinal member 31, thereby preventing the fire from spreading to other adjacent second battery modules MD2.

[0088] In other words, in the case of the battery pack 1 in which the second battery module MD2 is accommodated, as in Fig. 12, the gas, when generated from the respective second battery modules MD2, flows along the path indicated by the arrow to be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1 through the vent mechanism 37.

[0089] The present disclosure described above can also be expressed as follows.

[0090] In other words, a battery pack 1 for a vehicle according to the present disclosure is configured to include a front wall 13, a rear wall 15, and two side walls 17 that form an accommodation space S for accommodating a plurality of battery modules MD. The battery pack 1 is further configured to include a longitudinal member 31 that extends between the front wall 13 and the rear wall 15 to partition the accommodation space S, and a transverse member 33 that extends between the two side walls 17 to partition the accommodation space S. The battery pack 1 is further configured to include a pack cover 7 that is coupled to the upper portions of the front wall 13, the rear wall 15, and the two side walls 17 to cover the upper portion of the accommodation space S.The battery pack 1 is also configured to include the plurality of battery modules MD arranged in the receiving space S divided by the longitudinal member 31 and the transverse member 33.

[0091] Furthermore, the battery module MD is configured to have a module cover CV covering the upper portion of the overlapping battery cells 23 and having a module outlet 27 configured to lead to the accommodating space S. The pack cover 7 is configured to have a pack protrusion protruding downward toward the accommodating space S.

[0092] The packing projection is arranged in a configuration corresponding to the heat blocking 29.

[0093] The module outlet 27 formed by the module cover CV of the battery module MD is arranged to face the packing projection of the packing cover 7.

[0094] The packing projection of the packing cover 7 may be formed at least in a shape extending toward the front wall 13 and the rear wall 15, or in a shape extending toward the two side walls 17.

[0095] The packing projection of the packing cover 7 is shaped to extend above the longitudinal member 31 along the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal member 31 or is shaped to extend above the transverse member 33 along the longitudinal direction of the transverse member 33, so that the gas movement on both sides of the packing projection is restricted to each other.

[0096] The battery module MD is configured to include a plurality of battery cells 23 overlapping each other between the two end plates 21 on both sides, and sensor blocks 25 provided at the front and back of the two end plates 21 for establishing electrical connection between the battery cells 23 and measuring voltage. The battery module is also configured to include a module cover CV coupled to the end plates 21 or the sensor blocks 25 to cover the upper portions of the overlapping battery cells 23 and thereby restrict heat transfer to the outside of the battery module MD. Furthermore, the battery module is configured to include a fireproof panel 51 provided between the battery cells 23 and extending toward the bottom of the module cover CV to delay heat transfer between the battery cells 23.

[0097] For illustration purposes, Fig. 3 also a front module cover 53 and a rear module cover 55, which are provided on the outer sides of the sensor blocks 25. Fig. 3 also shows a lower bracket 57 provided under the battery cells 23 and the end plates 21 to connect and fix two end plates 21.

[0098] In the Fig. In the first battery module MD1 shown in Figures 4 to 6, the fireproof panel 51 is configured to form a plane perpendicular to the module outlet 27 of the module cover CV and to be arranged between the battery cells 23.

[0099] Accordingly, when gas is generated due to a fire in a battery cell 23, the gas can be easily discharged to the module outlet 27 along the passage formed between the fireproof panel 51, the module cover CV, and the battery cell 23, thereby effectively preventing the fire from spreading to adjacent battery cells 23.

[0100] In the second battery module MD2, which is located in the Fig. 7 to 9, the fireproof panel 51 is adapted to have formed in its upper portion a connecting groove 59 which is locally spaced from the lower surface of the module cover CV.

[0101] Thus, if gas forms in any part of the battery cell 23, the gas can flow through the connecting groove 59 and then be discharged through the module outlet 27, thereby effectively delaying the spread of the fire to other sections of the battery cell 23.

[0102] It may also be desirable that the connecting grooves 59 of all the fireproof panels 51 provided in the second battery module MD2 communicate with each other along the transverse direction of the second battery module MD2 in order to easily discharge the gas through the connecting groove 59 as described above.

[0103] For illustrative purposes, it is preferable that arrows, without other markings in the drawing, show the flow of gas escaping in the event of a fire in the battery cell 23.

[0104] Although the present disclosure has been described and shown in connection with certain embodiments, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various improvements and modifications can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the technical spirit of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

[1] A battery pack (1) for a vehicle, the battery pack (1) comprising: a plurality of battery modules (MD) arranged in one plane, a lower housing (3) forming a receiving space (S) surrounding lower and side portions of the plurality of battery modules (MD), a packing cover (7) coupled to an upper portion of the lower housing (3) to cover the upper portion of the receiving space (S), a plurality of internal elements (19) provided in the receiving space (S) to separate the plurality of battery modules (MD), and a heat blocker (29) provided between the pack cover (7) and the plurality of internal members (19) and configured to thermally insulate the plurality of battery modules (MD) separated by the plurality of internal members (19). [2] The battery pack (1) according to claim 1, wherein the lower case (3) has a front wall (13), a rear wall (15), and a pair of side walls (17) connecting two ends of the front wall (13) and the rear wall (15) of the lower case (3) in a front-rear direction, and wherein the plurality of internal members (19) includes a longitudinal member (31) installed to extend in the front-rear direction of the lower case (3) and a transverse member (33) installed to extend in a transverse direction of the lower case (3) to intersect with the longitudinal member (31). [3] The battery pack (1) according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the front wall (13), the rear wall (15) and the pair of side walls (17) of the lower case (3) has a vent mechanism (37) configured to discharge gas generated by the plurality of battery modules (MD) to the outside. [4] Battery pack (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat block (29) is arranged to extend along a longitudinal direction of an inner member (19) of the plurality of inner members (19) and above the inner member (19). [5] Battery pack (1) according to claim 4, wherein the heat block (29) is configured as a channel portion (39) of the pack cover (7) formed by bending a portion of the pack cover (7) downward toward the inner member (19). [6] The battery pack (1) according to claim 4, wherein the heat blocker (29) is configured as a blocking bracket (41) having a plurality of partition walls projecting from the pack cover (7) toward the inner member (19) and formed to extend along the longitudinal direction of the inner member (19), and coupled to a lower surface of the pack cover (7). [7] Battery pack (1) according to claim 6, wherein the blocking bracket (41) has a trapezoidal cross section and the ends of the trapezoidal cross section are coupled to the lower surface of the pack cover (7). [8] The battery pack (1) according to claim 4, wherein the heat blocker (29) is configured as a blocking panel (43) having a single partition wall projecting from the pack cover (7) toward the inner member (19), and wherein the blocking panel (43) is shaped to extend along the longitudinal direction of the inner member (19) and is coupled to a lower surface of the pack cover (7). [9] The battery pack (1) according to claim 4, wherein the heat blocker (29) is configured as a flame arrester member (45) installed between the pack cover (7) and the inner member (19), and wherein an element guide (47) supporting the flame arrester member (45) is provided in at least one of a lower portion of the pack cover (7) and an upper portion of the inner member (19). [10] The battery pack (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein a height of the inner member (19) among the plurality of inner members (19) above which the heat block (29) is not provided is equal to or smaller than a height of a module outlet (27) of a battery module of the plurality of battery modules (MD). [11] The battery pack (1) according to claim 4, wherein the heat blocker (29) is configured as a heat-resistant pad (49) installed between the pack cover (7) and the inner member (19), and wherein the heat-resistant pad (49) is attached to at least one of a side of the pack cover (7) and the inner member (19). [12] Battery pack (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein a module outlet (27) of a battery module of the plurality of battery modules (MD) is arranged in the direction of the heat block (29), and wherein the heat block (29) is divided into corresponding sections between adjacent module outlets (27). [13] Battery pack (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein a battery module of the plurality of battery modules (MD) has a module cover (CV) covering the tops of the overlapping battery cells (23) and forming a module outlet (27) open toward the heat block (29). [14] A battery pack (1) for a vehicle, the battery pack (1) comprising: a front wall (13), a rear wall (15) and a pair of side walls (17) forming a receiving space (S) for receiving a plurality of battery modules (MD), a longitudinal element (31) arranged to extend between the front wall (13) and the rear wall (15) to divide the receiving space (S), a transverse element (33) arranged to extend between the pair of side walls (17) to divide the receiving space (S), a packing cover (7) coupled to upper portions of the front wall (13), the rear wall (15) and the pair of side walls (17) to cover the receiving space (S), and a plurality of battery modules (MD) arranged in the receiving space (S) which is divided by the longitudinal element (31) and the transverse element (33), wherein a battery module (MD) of the plurality of battery modules (MD) has a module cover (CV) configured to cover upper portions of overlapping battery cells (23) and has a module outlet (27) leading to the receiving space (S), and wherein the packing cover (7) has a packing projection which projects downwards towards the receiving space (S). [15] Battery pack (1) according to claim 14, wherein the module outlet (27) formed on the module cover (CV) of the battery module (MD) is arranged to face the pack projection of the pack cover (7). [16] The battery pack (1) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the pack projection of the pack cover (7) is formed in at least one of a shape extending toward the front wall (13) and the rear wall (15) and a shape extending toward the pair of side walls (17). [17] Battery pack (1) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the packing projection of the packing cover (7) extends above the longitudinal member (31) or transverse member (33) along a longitudinal direction of the longitudinal member (31) or transverse member (33) so that the gas movement on both sides of the packing projection is restricted to each other. [18] Battery pack (1) according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the battery module (MD) comprises a plurality of battery cells (23) overlapping each other between two end plates (21) on both sides, Sensor blocks (25) provided on the front and rear of the two end plates (21) and arranged to establish an electrical connection between the battery cells (23) and to detect a voltage, a module cover (CV) coupled to the two end plates (21) or sensor blocks (25) to cover the upper portions of the overlapping battery cells (23) so as to limit heat transfer to the outside of the battery module (MD), and a fireproof panel (51) provided between the battery cells (23) and extending toward a lower surface of the module cover (CV) to delay heat transfer between the battery cells (23). [19] Battery pack (1) according to claim 18, wherein the fireproof panel (51) is arranged to form a plane perpendicular to the module outlet (27) of the module cover (CV) and is arranged between the battery cells (23). [20] Battery pack (1) according to claim 18, wherein the fireproof panel (51) has at its upper part a connecting groove (59) which is locally spaced from the lower surface of the module cover (CV).

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