Module cover, battery pack, and vehicle

Abstract

A panel shape is disclosed which has an area that can cover together multiple battery modules adjacent to each other with a crossbeam in between, and a fixing portion is formed in the part corresponding to the crossbeam, and the module cover, battery pack, and vehicle are connected to the crossbeam through the fixing portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a module cover, a battery pack, and a vehicle that can prevent the transfer of fire between adjacent modules when a fire or the like occurs in a battery module, can reduce the number of module covers to save production costs, can improve assembly efficiency, and can reduce assembly tolerances.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, technologies for carbon reduction have been actively developed to solve environmental problems such as abnormal temperatures. In order to reduce carbon, it is necessary to produce energy in an environmentally friendly way instead of producing energy from fossil fuels, store the produced energy in the form of electrical energy, and use the stored electrical energy in vehicles, various industrial sites, and homes.

[0003] In order to utilize electrical energy for carbon reduction, it is essential to use a battery that can store and draw out electrical energy. Therefore, ensuring the performance of the battery is essential in order to sufficiently store electrical energy and use it without inconvenience.

[0004] Batteries mainly utilize the redox reaction of metal ions, use metal ions at high density to increase the capacity, charge-discharge performance, and efficiency of the battery, and much research has been done on substances constituting the electrolyte and solid electrolytes. However, generally, there is a problem that the stability decreases as the performance of the battery develops.

[0005] In the case of batteries used in vehicles, industries, homes, etc., they are manufactured in a physical unit called a pack. The battery pack incorporates a large number of battery cells inside a battery case and seals them to prevent the transfer of fire to the outside even in case of an accident such as thermal runaway of the battery, and performs a function of protecting the internal battery cells from deterioration due to the influence of the external environment or damage for physical reasons.

[0006] A battery pack contains numerous battery cells in a form intermediate between modules and assemblies (CMAs, Cell module assemblies). In the case of battery modules or assemblies, numerous battery cells are assembled into a single module or assembly, and these modules are fastened together inside the pack case, completing the battery pack. During battery maintenance, maintenance is made easier by performing maintenance on these module or assembly units.

[0007] The numerous unit battery cells that make up a module or assembly consist of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte. Since battery cells generate heat during charging and discharging, effective heat dissipation is necessary. Furthermore, from the perspective of battery modules, assemblies, and battery packs, efficient heat dissipation design is essential to prevent safety accidents.

[0008] On the other hand, batteries can deteriorate due to manufacturing errors, excessive charging and discharging, and aging. If battery deterioration continues, it can eventually lead to a fire. Therefore, it is necessary to take precautions to prevent fires from occurring due to batteries. To this end, it is important to continuously sense the battery's condition and to recognize and respond to any problems in advance, so that damage can be minimized in the event of an unexpected problem.

[0009] In particular, battery modules vent gases and flames through their module covers. However, if the module cover detaches or a gap is created due to the venting of the module in question, fire can easily spread to other battery modules adjacent to that gap.

[0010] This ultimately leads to a fire in the battery pack itself, spreading the damage caused by the fire. Therefore, a technology was needed that would allow for smooth venting, where such module covers are necessary, while reliably preventing the fire from spreading to adjacent battery modules.

[0011] The matters described above as background technology are intended to enhance understanding of the background of the present invention and should not be interpreted as constituting prior art already known to those with ordinary skill in this field. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0012] This invention was proposed to solve these problems and aims to provide a module cover, battery pack, and vehicle that can prevent fire transfer between adjacent modules in the event of a fire in a battery module, reduce the number of module covers to save production costs, improve assembly efficiency, and reduce assembly tolerances.

[0013] The technical problems that this invention aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those with ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains from the description below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] To achieve the above objective, the present invention includes a pack case in which a plurality of crossbeams spaced apart from each other are formed in the internal space; a battery module positioned between adjacent crossbeams and having a flange protruding outward, which is coupled to the crossbeams through the flange; and a module cover having a panel shape with an area that can cover a plurality of adjacent battery modules together, with a fixing portion formed in the portion corresponding to the crossbeam, which is coupled to the crossbeam through the fixing portion.

[0015] The pack case can be arranged so that the crossbeams form a grid, and multiple battery modules can be installed in a matrix shape with rows and columns.

[0016] Module covers are joined together to correspond to each row of battery modules, and one module cover may cover all the battery modules included in one row.

[0017] Both sides of the crossbeam face the battery modules, and the ends of the crossbeam exposed between the battery modules on both sides can be connected to the flanges of the battery modules.

[0018] Multiple flanges are formed on each of the battery modules on either side of the crossbeam, spaced apart from one another, and the flanges of the battery modules on both sides can be arranged alternately to connect with the crossbeam.

[0019] The crossbeam is formed to be lower in height than the battery module, and the flange and module cover of the battery module can be connected to the ends of the crossbeam.

[0020] The flange and module cover of the battery module can be fastened together to the crossbeam through the same fastening mechanism.

[0021] The module cover may include a planar cover portion that covers the battery module, and a fixing portion that is recessed between adjacent cover portions and connected to the crossbeam.

[0022] The cover portion may have a vent section that allows gases and flames generated by the battery module to be discharged.

[0023] The fixed portion may have through-holes through which fastening mechanisms that connect to the crossbeam pass.

[0024] The fixing part of the module cover and the flange of the battery module are penetrated together through a fastening mechanism, and the fastening mechanism can be fastened to the cross beam after penetrating the fixing part of the module cover and the flange of the battery module.

[0025] The end of the cross beam arranged between adjacent battery modules can be covered by the fixing part of the module cover.

[0026] The end of the cross beam and the fixing part of the module cover can be in a planar shape facing each other.

[0027] A plurality of flanges of the battery module can be coupled to the end of the cross beam in a spaced-apart state.

[0028] A spacer is arranged between the plurality of spaced-apart flanges and can fill the empty space between the flanges.

[0029] The flange and the spacer are in the same plane and can contact the fixing part of the module cover.

[0030] The end of the cross beam is covered by the fixing part of the module cover, and a protrusion for filling the empty space between the plurality of spaced-apart flanges can be formed on the fixing part.

[0031] A bracket is provided outside the fixing part of the module cover. The bracket is fastened to the cross beam together with the fixing part of the module cover. A pressing part for pressing the fixing part of the module cover between the plurality of spaced-apart flanges is formed on the bracket, and the fixing part of the module cover pressed by the pressing part can fill the empty space between the spaced-apart flanges.

[0032] The module cover according to an embodiment of the present invention is a module cover that covers multiple battery modules installed between multiple crossbeams inside a pack case, and has a panel shape having an area that can cover multiple battery modules adjacent to each other with the crossbeams in between, and has fixing parts formed in the parts corresponding to the crossbeams, and can be connected to the crossbeams through the fixing parts. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] According to the module cover, battery pack, and vehicle of the present invention, it is possible to prevent fire transfer between adjacent modules in the event of a fire in a battery module, reduce the number of module covers to save production costs, improve assembly efficiency, and reduce assembly tolerances.

[0034] The effects obtained by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] A drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A view of the battery pack shown in Figure 1, seen from above. [Figure 3] A magnified view of a portion of the battery pack shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] A diagram showing the battery module of the battery pack illustrated in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 4 shows a view of the battery module from above. [Figure 6] Figure 5 shows the battery module with a spacer attached. [Figure 7] A drawing showing a protruding portion of a module cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]Figure 4 shows the battery module with the bracket attached. [Figure 9] Figure 8 shows a diagram illustrating the pressurized portion of the bracket. [Figure 10] A drawing showing an embodiment in which the battery pack of the present invention is applied to a vehicle. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] In describing the embodiments disclosed herein, if a specific description of related published technology is deemed to obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein, such detailed description will be omitted. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are merely for the purpose of providing a simplified understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and it should be understood that the accompanying drawings do not limit the technical ideas disclosed herein and include all modifications, equivalents, or substitutions that fall within the concept and technical scope of the present invention.

[0037] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., can be used to describe a variety of components, but the components are not limited by such terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from others. A singular expression includes plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0038] In this specification, terms such as “includes” or “having” are intended to indicate the presence of features, figures, stages, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should not be understood to preemptively exclude the presence or possibility of adding one or more other features, figures, stages, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. The suffixes “module” and “part” used for components in the following description are added or used interchangeably solely for the sake of ease of specification preparation and do not have any distinct meaning or role in themselves.

[0039] When it is mentioned that one component is "connected" or "linked" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to or linked to the other component, but that other components may also exist in between. Conversely, when it is mentioned that one component is "directly connected" or "directly linked" to another component, it must be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0040] The embodiments disclosed herein will now be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, but identical or similar components will be given the same reference numeral regardless of the reference numerals in the drawings, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0041] Figures 1 to 3 are drawings showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated battery pack BP, a number of battery modules 500 are housed in a pack case 100, and module covers 700 are attached. After the module covers 700 are attached to the battery modules 500, a pack cover is attached to close the pack case 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the pack cover is omitted from the drawing in order to show the internal structure of the battery pack BP.

[0042] In the case of Pack Case 100, metal materials such as aluminum are used to ensure rigidity while effectively performing heat transfer, providing stable protection for the battery even in situations such as collisions.

[0043] A space is formed inside the pack case 100 for mounting numerous battery modules 500. A crossbeam 300 is positioned inside this space along with the battery modules 500. The crossbeam 300 is installed inside the pack case 100 and runs across the pack case 100 in both vertical and horizontal directions, ensuring the rigidity of the battery pack BP. By fastening the battery modules 500 to the crossbeam 300, the assembly rigidity of the battery modules 500 inside the pack case is maintained. Furthermore, by forming gaps between the battery modules 500 through the crossbeam 300, it also acts as a partition to prevent thermal and fire transfer between adjacent battery modules 500.

[0044] Such a crossbeam 300 is formed from the same metal material as the pack case 100 for assembly, and can then be joined to the pack case 100 by various methods such as welding and fastening. Furthermore, the crossbeam 300 can absorb assembly tolerances by mechanically fastening to the battery module 500 through bolts, etc., and will also facilitate the replacement and installation of the battery module 500 in the future. In addition, by manufacturing the crossbeam in a hollow form through extrusion or the like, its bending rigidity can be made robust, and its weight can be reduced.

[0045] On the other hand, in the case of the battery module 500 referred to in the present invention, it means hardware for configuring a battery assembly in which a large number of battery cells are stacked as a single unit, and must be interpreted as a general concept that includes all hardware, from the form of a complete housing to semi-assembled assembly types such as straps and frames that constitute a battery assembly as a single unit.

[0046] Specifically, the battery pack BP according to the present invention includes a pack case 100 having a plurality of spaced-apart crossbeams 300 formed in its internal space, a battery module 500 positioned between adjacent crossbeams 300 and having a flange 520 protruding outward, which is coupled to the crossbeams 300 through the flange 520, and a module cover 700 having a panel shape with an area that can cover a plurality of adjacent battery modules 500 together, with a fixing portion 720 formed in the portion corresponding to the crossbeam 300, which is coupled to the crossbeams 300 through the fixing portion 720.

[0047] The battery pack case 100 is divided into numerous installation spaces through multiple crossbeams 300. One or more battery modules 500 can be inserted and mounted in each installation space. The battery modules 500 maintain assembly rigidity by being coupled to the crossbeams 300 via flanges 520 and play a role in increasing the overall impact and bending rigidity of the battery pack BP by forming a load path together with the crossbeams 300. The battery modules 500 are replaced by releasing the fastenings from the crossbeams 300.

[0048] On the other hand, as each battery module 500 is installed, adjacent battery modules 500 will be adjacent to each other with the crossbeam 300 in between. In the case of a battery module, as shown in the figure, a battery cell assembly consisting of many battery cells may be inserted into a housing, and a module cover 700 is attached to close the battery module 500.

[0049] Battery cells prevent or delay fire spread as much as possible by venting gases and flames caused by thermal runaway. Furthermore, it is necessary to guide the venting of gases and other substances only in the measured direction so that other adjacent battery modules are not affected. To achieve this, the venting of gases and other substances may be guided in a specific direction, and in the illustrated embodiment, the venting of gases and other substances is shown to be guided upwards.

[0050] In this case, since the module cover 700 is coupled from above to cover the battery module 500, a vent section 740 may be formed on the module cover 700. The vent section 740 can be formed in various ways, but typically a temporary cut line is formed on the module cover 700, and when gas is vented, the temporary cut line is cut open by high pressure, allowing gas or flames to be vented upwards through the opened vent section 740 of the module cover 700. Of course, if the module cover is installed to the side, the vent section will also face to the side, so venting will occur to the side, and such a directional setting can also be implemented downwards.

[0051] In the present invention, instead of manufacturing and applying an individual module cover for each battery module, a single module cover 700 is used to cover multiple battery modules 500 together. When a module cover is applied individually to each module, the manufacturing cost increases due to the increased number of module covers. Furthermore, if one module cover is lifted, separated, or damaged from a battery module due to fire or other reasons, fire can easily spread to adjacent battery modules.

[0052] Therefore, in the present invention, instead of individually producing and attaching such module covers to correspond to each battery module, a single large module cover 700 is manufactured in a broad, flat shape, and this single module cover 700 covers all of the adjacent battery modules 500. This increases the fastening rigidity between the module cover 700 and the battery modules 500, thereby minimizing the possibility of flames propagating to other adjacent battery modules 500.

[0053] Specifically, a crossbeam 300 is positioned between adjacent battery modules 500. Then, one module cover 700 covers the adjacent battery modules 500 together. To achieve this, a fixing portion 720 is formed on the module cover 700 at a point between the adjacent battery modules 500, and the module cover 700 is coupled to the crossbeam 300 through the fixing portion 720. In this way, one battery module 500 is surrounded on both sides by the crossbeam 300 and completely shielded from above by the module cover 700, resulting in a structure that is thoroughly isolated from the outside.

[0054] Furthermore, this minimizes the possibility of flames spreading to the outside in the event of a fire. By manufacturing the module cover 700 as a single large cover and covering multiple battery modules 500 together, the cost of manufacturing the module cover 700 is reduced, and assembly costs are also reduced as installation can be done in one go. In particular, since the module cover 700 is fastened to the crossbeam 300, it together with the crossbeam 300 realizes a completely sealed structure for the battery modules 500, and the assembly rigidity is also increased, minimizing the possibility of problems such as the module cover 700 detaching from or being damaged by the battery modules 500. In the case of the module cover 700, it is basically required to have flame-retardant and fire-resistant functions, so it can be molded from fire-resistant materials such as mica.

[0055] On the other hand, the pack case 100 has crossbeams 300 arranged in a grid shape, and multiple battery modules 500 can be installed in a matrix shape having rows R and columns C. That is, as shown in the figure, a large number of crossbeams 300 are provided in the pack case 100 in a grid shape through welding or mechanical fastening, and a grid-shaped installation space is formed through the grid-shaped crossbeams 300. Then, by installing the battery modules 500 in the installation space, the multiple battery modules 500 as a whole realize a matrix arrangement inside the pack case 100. As shown in the figure, the battery modules 500 are arranged to have multiple rows R and columns C. And each battery module 500 has a sealed structure with its sides enclosed through the crossbeams 300.

[0056] In this case, the module covers 700 are coupled to correspond to each battery module row C, and one module cover 700 can cover all the battery modules 500 included in one row C. That is, as shown in the figure, one module cover 700 covers all the battery modules 500 that make up one row C. In this case, there is a relatively large gap between adjacent rows C, and a crossbeam 300 is present between the rows, so the possibility of fire spreading between the rows can be considered low. Therefore, by coupling one module cover 700 to correspond to each row C, an optimal structure can be achieved, and the space between the rows can be opened up to create space for other cooling lines and electrical lines to pass through. Of course, alternatively, it is also possible to extend the module cover 700 overall to cover all the battery modules 500 in adjacent rows C.

[0057] Since the crossbeam 300 is positioned between a pair of battery modules 500, both sides of the crossbeam 300 face the battery modules 500. As the crossbeam 300 is positioned between the battery modules 500 on both sides, its upper end is exposed upwards. The flange 520 of the battery module 500 is connected to the exposed end of the crossbeam 300, thereby installing the battery module 500 inside the pack case 100. Because the crossbeam 300 has a closed-section member shape, it has high collision rigidity, and therefore, by installing the battery module 500 at the relevant point via the flange 520, it increases the assembly rigidity of the battery module 500.

[0058] Furthermore, multiple flanges 520 are formed at spaced intervals on each of the battery modules 500 that sandwich the crossbeam 300, and the flanges 520 of the battery modules 500 on both sides can be arranged alternately to connect with the crossbeam 300. Figures 4 and 5 show a pair of battery modules 500 and the crossbeam 300 between them. As can be seen in the drawings, the battery modules 500 positioned on both sides of the crossbeam 300 are each formed such that the flanges 520 project toward the ends of the crossbeam 300.

[0059] However, since a pair of battery modules 500 share the crossbeam 300, each battery module 500 is provided with multiple flanges 520, and the flanges 520 on both sides are formed spaced apart so that they are arranged alternately with each other. Through this, the arrangement of flanges 520 as shown in Figure 5 is obtained, and both battery modules 500 can be connected to the crossbeam 300 with the same rigidity.

[0060] Furthermore, the crossbeam 300 is formed to be lower in height than the battery module 500, and the flange 520 and module cover 700 of the battery module 500 can be connected to the end of the crossbeam 300. By forming the crossbeam 300 to be lower in height than the battery module 500, lines and the like can be placed in the space between the battery modules 500, and the mechanical restraining force of the fixing part 720 can be increased by forming the fixing part 720 in a shape into which the module cover 700 is folded and inserted.

[0061] Furthermore, the flange 520 of the battery module 500 and the module cover 700 can be fastened together to the crossbeam 300 via the same fastening mechanism 780. This allows the battery module 500 and module cover 700 to be fastened to the crossbeam 300 in a single step, reducing assembly costs and achieving sufficient assembly rigidity while minimizing the number of fastening mechanisms 780. Also, by fastening the module cover 700 together with the crossbeam 300, the problem of the module cover 700 detaching from the battery module 500 can be prevented.

[0062] Specifically, the module cover 700 may include a planar cover portion 722 that covers the battery module 500, and a fixing portion 720 that is recessed between adjacent cover portions 722 and connected to the crossbeam 300. A vent portion 740 may be formed in the cover portion 722 for discharging gases and flames generated in the battery module 500. A through hole 724 may be formed in the fixing portion 720 through which a fastening mechanism 780 connected to the crossbeam 300 passes.

[0063] Through this, the fixing portion 720 of the module cover 700 and the flange 520 of the battery module 500 are passed through together via the fastening mechanism 780, and after passing through the fixing portion 720 of the module cover 700 and the flange 520 of the battery module 500, the fastening mechanism 780 can be fastened to the crossbeam 300.

[0064] In the case of a module cover 700, it consists of a flat cover portion 722 and fixing portions 720 between adjacent 722s. Since one module cover 700 covers a number of consecutive battery modules 500 together, one module cover 700 includes a number of cover portions 722 and fixing portions 720.

[0065] In the case of the cover portion 722, it is formed in a flat shape and is tightly fitted to the upper end of the battery module 500 to cover it. Therefore, the battery module 500 has a sealed structure, and gas and flames are discharged as needed through the vent portion 740 of the cover portion 722. A fixing portion 720 is formed between the cover portions 722 on both sides, bent toward the crossbeam 300. As shown in the figure, the fixing portion 720 is inserted toward the end of the crossbeam 300 and fastened to the crossbeam 300, so that adjacent battery modules 500 are ultimately isolated by the crossbeam 300 and the fixing portion 720, minimizing the possibility of fire propagation.

[0066] In particular, through this structure, the ends of the crossbeams 300 positioned between adjacent battery modules 500 can be covered by the fixing portions 720 of the module covers 700. Therefore, there is no extra space between adjacent battery modules 500 that could allow flames to propagate. Furthermore, by making the ends of the crossbeams 300 and the fixing portions 720 of the module covers 700 face each other in a planar shape, and by making the flanges 520 also flat, the ends of the crossbeams 300, the module covers 700, and the flanges 520 can be made to be as close to each other as possible, thereby minimizing the remaining space.

[0067] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5, the flanges 520 of the battery module 500 can be connected to the ends of the crossbeam 300 in a spaced-out manner. In this case, even if the module cover 700 is connected, a gap 522 can be formed between adjacent flanges 520, approximately the thickness of the flange 520, as shown in the figure. If the pressure of the gas or flame is very high, pressure can concentrate in such a gap 522. However, in the present invention, even a very small gap 522, approximately the thickness of the flange 520, is thoroughly blocked.

[0068] To block the gap 522 between the flanges 520, spacers S1 are placed between multiple spaced flanges 520 as shown in Figure 6, thereby filling the gap 522 between the flanges 520. In the case of Figure 6, the shape is shown with spacers S1 connected between the flanges 520 as in Figure 5.

[0069] The spacer S1 is molded from a fire-resistant material such as mica to block the transfer of flames, its thickness is the same as or slightly larger than the flange 520, and its shape is staggered so that it extends outwards around the adjacent flanges 520, filling the empty space 522 between the flanges. Therefore, as shown in the figure, by having the spacer S1 fill the empty space 522 between the flanges 520, when the module cover 700 is assembled on top of it, there will be no space between the module cover 700 and the crossbeam 300.

[0070] In other words, the flange 520 and the spacer S1 are on the same plane and can come into contact with the fixing portion 720 of the module cover 700. Through this, even when the pressure of gas or flame is high, the transfer to adjacent modules can be blocked more reliably.

[0071] On the other hand, Figure 7 shows a case where a protrusion S2 is formed on the lower surface of the fixing portion 720 of the module cover 700. In this case, the end of the crossbeam 300 is covered by the fixing portion 720 of the module cover 700, and a protrusion S2 is formed on the fixing portion 720 to fill the gap 522 between a plurality of spaced-apart flanges 520. The lower surface of the fixing portion 720 of the module cover 700 faces the upper surface of the crossbeam 300 and the flanges 520. When a protrusion S2 that can fill the gap between the flanges 520 is formed on the lower surface of the fixing portion 720, an effect similar to that of the spacer S1 in Figure 6 can be obtained.

[0072] In other words, although it is possible to directly install a separate spacer between the flanges 520, as shown in Figure 7, a protrusion S2 is formed on the fixing portion 720 of the module cover 700 so that the protrusion S2 performs the role of a spacer.

[0073] Therefore, the protruding portion S2 is formed together with the fixing portion 720 of the module cover 700, and the protruding portion S2 can also be formed from a fire-resistant material like the module cover 700. Since it is part of the module cover 700, the possibility of it detaching or being damaged is low, and the possibility of fire propagation in the event of a fire is minimized. The thickness of such a protruding portion S2 can be the same as or slightly larger than the thickness of the flange 520, and it can be formed in a staggered pattern so that it protrudes while rotating between the flanges 520, similar to a spacer. Through this, there is no space between the module cover 700 and the crossbeam 300 when the module cover 700 is assembled.

[0074] On the other hand, a bracket 900, as shown in Figure 8, is provided on the outside of the fixing portion 720 of the module cover 700. The bracket 900 is fastened to the crossbeam 300 together with the fixing portion 720 of the module cover 700. The bracket 900 has a pressurizing portion that pressurizes the fixing portion 720 of the module cover 700 into the space between the multiple spaced flanges 520. The fixing portion 720 of the module cover 700, pressed by the pressurizing portion S3, can fill the empty space 522 between the spaced flanges 520.

[0075] In other words, in this case, the fixing portion 720 of the module cover 700 is pressed through a separate bracket 900 on the outside of the module cover 700, thereby filling the gap 522 between the flanges 520 through the fixing portion 720. Since the module cover 700 is molded from a fire-resistant material, if some flexibility is to be given, the pressurized portion is deformed when the pressurizing portion S3 of the bracket 900 is pressed from the outside, thereby filling the gap 522 between the flanges 520.

[0076] In other words, a pressurizing portion S3, similar in shape to the spacer S1 in Figure 6, is formed to protrude from the lower surface of the bracket 900, which is coupled to the outside of the module cover 700. By applying pressure to the fixing portion 720 of the module cover 700 from the outside through this pressurizing portion S3, the fixing portion 720 of the module cover 700 is pressed between the upper end of the crossbeam 300 and the pressurizing portion S3 of the bracket 900. As a result, the fixing portion 720 is pressed along the shape of the pressurizing portion S3, filling the empty space 522 between the flanges 520. In this case, although a separate bracket 900 is required, it has the advantage of providing additional assembly rigidity to the module cover 700 through the bracket 900. At the same time, there is no space between the module cover 700 and the crossbeam 300.

[0077] Figure 10 shows an example in which the battery pack BP of the present invention is applied to a vehicle V. While the battery pack BP of the present invention can typically be applied to a vehicle V, it can also be widely applied to industrial equipment, ESS (ELECTRIC ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM), or household energy storage devices.

[0078] According to the module cover, battery pack, and vehicle of the present invention, it is possible to prevent fire transfer between adjacent modules in the event of a fire in a battery module, reduce the number of module covers to save production costs, improve assembly efficiency, and reduce assembly tolerances.

[0079] Although illustrated and described in relation to specific embodiments of the present invention, it will be obvious to those ordinary in the art that the present invention can be improved and modified in various ways without departing from the technical spirit of the invention provided by the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 100 pack case 300 Crossbeam 500 applicable battery modules 500 Battery Modules 520 flange 522 Space 700 Module Cover 720 Fixed part 722 Cover section 724 Through Hole 740 Vent section 780 Fastening mechanism 900 bracket BP Battery Pack C line R column S1 Spacer S2 protrusion S3 Pressurized section V Vehicle

Claims

1. A pack case in which multiple crossbeams are formed in the internal space, spaced apart from each other, A battery module is positioned between adjacent crossbeams, has a flange that protrudes outward, and is coupled to the crossbeam through the flange, A battery pack comprising a module cover having a panel shape with an area capable of covering multiple adjacent battery modules together, with a fixing portion formed in the portion corresponding to the crossbeam, and the module cover being coupled to the crossbeam through the fixing portion.

2. In the aforementioned pack case, the crossbeams are arranged to form a grid shape, and multiple battery modules are installed in a matrix shape having rows and columns. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that the module covers are coupled to correspond to each row of battery modules, and one module cover covers together the battery modules included in one row.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that both sides of the crossbeam face the battery module, and the flanges of the battery modules are coupled to the ends of the crossbeam that are exposed between the battery modules on both sides.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a plurality of flanges are formed spaced apart on each of the battery modules on both sides of the crossbeam, and the flanges of the battery modules on both sides are arranged alternately with respect to the crossbeam and connected to it.

5. The crossbeam is formed to be lower in height than the battery module, and the flange and module cover of the battery module are connected to the end of the crossbeam. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the flange and module cover of the battery module are fastened together to the crossbeam through the same fastening mechanism.

6. The module cover includes a planar cover portion that covers the battery module, and a fixing portion that is recessed between adjacent cover portions and connected to the crossbeam. The cover portion is formed with a vent portion through which gases and flames generated from the battery module are discharged. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fixing portion has a through hole through which a fastening mechanism that is coupled to the crossbeam passes.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fixing portion of the module cover and the flange of the battery module are passed through together by a fastening mechanism, and the fastening mechanism is fastened to the crossbeam after passing through the fixing portion of the module cover and the flange of the battery module.

8. The ends of the crossbeam, positioned between adjacent battery modules, are covered by the fixing portion of the module cover. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the end of the crossbeam and the fixing portion of the module cover have a planar shape that faces each other.

9. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the flanges of the battery module are coupled to the ends of the crossbeam in a manner that is spaced apart from each other.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, characterized in that spacers are placed between a plurality of spaced-apart flanges to fill the empty space between the flanges.

11. The battery pack according to claim 10, characterized in that the flange and the spacer are on the same plane and are in contact with the fixing portion of the module cover.

12. The battery pack according to claim 9, characterized in that the end of the crossbeam is covered by the fixing portion of the module cover, and the fixing portion has a protrusion that fills the gap between a plurality of spaced flanges.

13. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein a bracket is provided on the outside of the fixing portion of the module cover, the bracket is fastened to the crossbeam together with the fixing portion of the module cover, the bracket has a pressurizing portion that pressurizes the fixing portion of the module cover into the space between a plurality of spaced flanges, and the fixing portion of the module cover, pressed by the pressurizing portion, fills the empty space between the plurality of spaced flanges.

14. A module cover that covers multiple battery modules installed between multiple crossbeams inside a pack case, A module cover having a panel shape with an area capable of covering multiple battery modules adjacent to each other with the aforementioned crossbeam in between, wherein a fixing portion is formed in the portion corresponding to the crossbeam, and the module cover is coupled to the crossbeam through the fixing portion.

15. A vehicle characterized by including the battery pack described in claim 1 or 2.

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