Module cover, battery pack, and vehicle

Abstract

Disclosed are a module cover, a battery pack, and a vehicle, wherein the module cover has a panel shape having an area that can cover multiple battery modules adjacent to each other with a cross beam interposed therebetween, has a fixing part formed in a portion corresponding to the cross beam, and is connected to the cross beam through the fixing part.

Description

Module covers, battery packs and vehicles

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

[0002] Recently, technologies for carbon reduction are being actively developed to address environmental issues such as extreme temperatures. To achieve this, energy must be produced using environmentally friendly methods rather than relying on fossil fuels. This energy must be stored as electricity, and the stored electricity must be used in vehicles, various industrial sites, and homes.

[0003] To utilize electric energy for carbon reduction, the use of batteries capable of storing and extracting electric energy is essential. Therefore, ensuring battery performance is essential to sufficiently store electric energy and ensure hassle-free use.

[0004] Batteries primarily utilize redox reactions of metal ions. To increase battery capacity, charge / discharge performance, and efficiency, high-density metal ions are used. Extensive research is also being conducted on electrolyte components and solid electrolytes. However, as battery performance advances, stability generally declines.

[0005] Batteries used in vehicles, industrial applications, and homes are manufactured as physical units called packs. Battery packs contain multiple battery cells within a sealed case, preventing fire from spreading to the outside in the event of a battery overheating or other accident. They also protect the internal battery cells from deterioration caused by the external environment or physical damage.

[0006] A battery pack contains multiple battery cells, housed in an intermediate form called a module or assembly (CMA, Cell Module Assembly). A battery module or assembly is composed of multiple battery cells assembled into a single module or assembly. These modules are then fastened within the pack case, completing the battery pack. Maintenance is facilitated by allowing maintenance to be performed on a module or assembly basis.

[0007] The multiple unit battery cells that make up a module or assembly are comprised of anodes, cathodes, and electrolytes. Because battery cells generate heat during charging and discharging, effective heat dissipation is essential. Furthermore, from the perspective of battery modules, assemblies, and battery packs, designing for efficient heat dissipation is essential to prevent safety accidents.

[0008] Meanwhile, batteries can deteriorate due to manufacturing errors, excessive charging and discharging, and aging. If battery deterioration persists, it can ultimately lead to fire. Therefore, proactive measures are necessary to prevent battery fires. To achieve this, it's crucial to continuously monitor the battery's condition, proactively detect and respond to problems, and minimize damage in the event of an unexpected problem.

[0009] In particular, in the case of battery modules, venting of gas or flames is performed through the module cover. However, if the module cover is detached or a gap is created due to the venting of the module, fire can easily spread to other adjacent battery modules through the gap.

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

[0011] The matters described as background technology above are only intended to enhance understanding of the background of the present invention, and should not be taken as an admission that they correspond to prior art already known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0012] The present invention has been proposed to solve such problems, and provides a module cover, battery pack, and vehicle that can prevent fire from spreading between adjacent modules when a fire occurs in a battery module, reduce the number of module covers to reduce production costs, increase assembly efficiency, and reduce assembly tolerances.

[0013] The technical problems to be achieved in the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0014] In order to achieve the above object, a battery pack according to the present invention comprises: a pack case having a plurality of cross beams formed in an internal space and spaced apart from each other; a battery module disposed between adjacent cross beams, having a flange protruding outwardly, and coupled to the cross beam through the flange; and a module cover having a panel shape having an area capable of covering a plurality of adjacent battery modules together, and having a fixing portion formed in a portion corresponding to the cross beam and coupled to the cross beam through the fixing portion.

[0015] In the pack case, cross beams are arranged in a grid shape, and multiple battery modules can be installed in a matrix shape with rows and columns.

[0016] The module covers are combined to correspond to each battery module row, and one module cover can cover the battery modules included in one row together.

[0017] Both sides of the cross beam face the battery module, and the end of the cross beam exposed between the battery modules on both sides can be joined with a flange of the battery module.

[0018] A plurality of flanges are formed spaced apart from each other on the battery modules on both sides with the cross beam between them, and the flanges of the battery modules on both sides are arranged alternately so that they can be combined with the cross beam.

[0019] The cross beam is formed to be lower in height than the battery module, and the flange of the battery module and the module cover can be combined at the end of the cross beam.

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

[0021] The module cover may include a flat cover portion that covers the battery module and a fixing portion that is formed to be sunken between adjacent cover portions and is coupled to a cross beam.

[0022] A venting section may be formed in the cover section to vent gases or flames generated from the battery module.

[0023] A through hole may be formed in the fixed portion through which a fastening mechanism connected to the cross beam passes.

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

[0025] The ends of the cross beams arranged between neighboring battery modules can be covered by the fixing portion of the module cover.

[0026] The end of the crossbeam and the fixed part of the module cover may have a flat shape facing each other.

[0027] The flanges of the battery module can be joined to the ends of the cross beams in a multiple spaced apart manner.

[0028] A spacer may be placed between the multiple spaced flanges to fill the voids between the flanges.

[0029] The flange and spacer are flush and can be in contact with the fixed part of the module cover.

[0030] The ends of the crossbeam are covered by fixed portions of the module cover, and the fixed portions may be formed with protrusions that fill the empty spaces between the plurality of spaced flanges.

[0031] A bracket is provided on the outside of the fixed portion of the module cover, and the bracket is fastened to the cross beam together with the fixed portion of the module cover, and a pressing portion is formed on the bracket for pressing the fixed portion of the module cover between a plurality of spaced flanges, so that the fixed portion of the module cover pressed by the pressing portion can fill the empty space between the spaced flanges.

[0032] A module cover according to an embodiment of the present invention is a module cover that covers a plurality of battery modules installed between a plurality of cross beams inside a pack case, and has a panel shape having an area capable of covering a plurality of battery modules that are adjacent to each other with the cross beams between them, and a fixing part is formed in a portion corresponding to the cross beam, and can be coupled to the cross beam through the fixing part.

[0033] According to the module cover, battery pack and vehicle of the present invention, when a fire occurs in a battery module, it is possible to prevent fire from spreading between adjacent modules, reduce the number of module covers, reduce production costs, increase assembly efficiency and reduce assembly tolerances.

[0034] The effects that can be obtained from the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2 is a drawing of the battery pack illustrated in Figure 1 viewed from above.

[0037] Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the battery pack illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0038] Figure 4 is a drawing showing a battery module of the battery pack illustrated in Figure 1.

[0039] Figure 5 is a drawing of the battery module shown in Figure 4 viewed from above.

[0040] Fig. 6 is a drawing showing a state in which a spacer is combined with the battery module illustrated in Fig. 5.

[0041] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing a protrusion of a module cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Fig. 8 is a drawing showing a state in which a bracket is connected to the battery module of Fig. 4.

[0043] Fig. 9 is a drawing showing the pressurizing part of the bracket illustrated in Fig. 8.

[0044] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing an embodiment in which the battery pack of the present invention is applied to a vehicle.

[0045] In describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, detailed descriptions of related known technologies will be omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification. In addition, the attached drawings are provided solely to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concepts disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0046] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0047] In this specification, terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not excluding in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are given or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not in themselves have distinct meanings or roles.

[0048] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0049] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components will be given the same reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0050] Figures 1 to 3 are drawings illustrating battery packs according to embodiments of the present invention. In the illustrated battery pack (BP), a plurality of battery modules (500) are built into a pack case (100), and a module cover (700) is coupled thereto. After the module cover (700) is coupled to the battery module (500), the pack cover is coupled thereto to close the pack case (100). In the illustrated embodiment, the pack cover is omitted in order to illustrate the internal structure of the battery pack (BP).

[0051] In the case of the pack case (100), a metal material such as aluminum is used to effectively conduct heat transfer while ensuring rigidity, so that the battery can be stably protected even in situations such as collisions.

[0052] A space for mounting a plurality of battery modules (500) is formed inside the pack case (100). A cross beam (300) is positioned inside the pack case (100) together with the battery modules (500). The cross beam (300) is provided inside the pack case (100) and serves to secure the rigidity of the battery pack (BP) by crossing the pack case (100) in the longitudinal and transverse directions. In addition, by fastening the battery module (500) to the cross beam (300), the assembly rigidity of the battery module (500) inside the pack case is maintained. In addition, by forming a gap between the battery modules (500) through the cross beam (300), it also serves as a partition wall that prevents heat transfer and fire transfer between adjacent battery modules (500).

[0053] This cross beam (300) is formed of the same material as the metal for assembly with the pack case (100), and can be joined to the pack case (100) through various methods such as welding or fastening. In addition, the cross beam (300) can absorb assembly tolerances through mechanical fastening with the battery module (500) through bolting, etc., and can also facilitate the replacement and installation of the battery module (500) in the future. In addition, the cross beam can be manufactured in a hollow shape through extrusion, etc., so that it has strong bending rigidity and can be reduced in weight.

[0054] Meanwhile, the battery module (500) mentioned in the present invention refers to hardware for forming a battery assembly in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked into a single unit, and should be interpreted as a concept that includes all hardware, from the form of a complete housing to a semi-assembled assembly type for forming a battery assembly into a single unit, such as a strap or frame.

[0055] Specifically, a battery pack (BP) according to the present invention includes a pack case (100) having a plurality of cross beams (300) spaced apart from each other formed in an internal space; a battery module (500) disposed between neighboring cross beams (300) and having a flange (520) protruding outward and coupled to the cross beam (300) through the flange (520); and a module cover (700) having a panel shape having an area capable of covering a plurality of neighboring battery modules (500) together, and having a fixing part (720) formed in a portion corresponding to the cross beam (300) and coupled to the cross beam (300) through the fixing part (720).

[0056] The pack case (100) is divided into a plurality of installation spaces through a plurality of cross beams (300). In each installation space, one or more battery modules (500) can be inserted and mounted. The battery module (500) is connected to the cross beam (300) through a flange (520) to maintain assembly rigidity and form a load path together with the cross beam (300), thereby enhancing the overall crash rigidity and bending rigidity of the battery pack (BP). In addition, the replacement of the battery module (500) is performed by releasing the connection with the cross beam (300).

[0057] Meanwhile, as each battery module (500) is installed, neighboring battery modules (500) are adjacent to each other with a cross beam (300) between them. In the case of the battery module, as shown, a battery cell assembly composed of a plurality of battery cells may be inserted into a housing shape, and a module cover (700) is coupled to close the battery module (500).

[0058] Battery cells prevent or delay the spread of fire as much as possible by venting gases or flames resulting from thermal runaway. Furthermore, venting of gases and flames must be directed only in a measured direction to avoid affecting adjacent battery modules. To achieve this, venting of gases and flames can be directed in a specific direction. The illustrated embodiment illustrates an example where the venting of gases and flames is directed upward.

[0059] In this case, since the module cover (700) is coupled upward to cover the corresponding battery module (500), a venting portion (740) may be formed in the module cover (700). The venting portion (740) may be formed in various ways, and a representative example is to form a temporary cut line in the module cover (700), and when the gas is vented, the temporary cut line is cut and opened due to high pressure, so that the gas or flame is vented upward through the venting portion (740) of the opened module cover (700). Of course, if the module cover is installed sideways, the venting portion also faces sideways, so that venting is performed sideways, and such direction can also be set downward.

[0060] In the case of the present invention, rather than manufacturing and applying individual module covers for each battery module, a feature is that multiple battery modules (500) are covered together through a single module cover (700). If module covers are applied individually to each module, the manufacturing cost increases as the number of module covers increases. In addition, if one module cover is lifted, separated, or damaged from the battery module due to a fire or the like, the fire can easily spread to adjacent battery modules.

[0061] Accordingly, in the case of the present invention, rather than individually producing and individually mounting module covers for each battery module, a large module cover (700) is manufactured in the shape of a wide flat plate, and one module cover (700) covers all of the adjacent battery modules (500), thereby increasing the fastening strength between the module cover (700) and the battery module (500), thereby minimizing the possibility of flames spreading to other adjacent battery modules (500).

[0062] Specifically, a cross beam (300) is positioned between adjacent battery modules (500). And, one module cover (700) covers the adjacent battery modules (500) together. To achieve this, a fixing part (720) is formed on the module cover (700) at a point between adjacent battery modules (500), and the module cover (700) is coupled to the cross beam (300) through the fixing part (720), so that one battery module (500) is surrounded by the cross beam (300) on both sides and completely blocked by the module cover (700) from above, thereby having a structure in which it is thoroughly blocked from the outside.

[0063] And through this, even if a fire breaks out, the possibility of the flame spreading to the outside is minimized. In this way, by manufacturing the module cover (700) as a single large cover and covering a plurality of battery modules (500) together, the cost for manufacturing the module cover (700) is reduced, and since installation is also possible at once, the assembly cost is reduced. In particular, since the module cover (700) is fastened to the cross beam (300), it implements a complete sealed structure of the battery module (500) together with the cross beam (300), and the assembly rigidity is also increased, thereby minimizing the possibility of the module cover (700) being detached from or damaged by the battery module (500). In the case of the module cover (700), since it must basically have flame retardant and fireproof functions, it can be molded with a fire-resistant material such as mica.

[0064] Meanwhile, in the pack case (100), cross beams (300) may be arranged to form a grid shape, and a plurality of battery modules (500) may be installed in a matrix shape having rows (R) and columns (C). That is, as illustrated, a plurality of cross beams (300) are provided in a grid shape in the pack case (100) through welding or mechanical fastening, and a grid-shaped installation space is formed through the grid-shaped cross beams (300). By installing the battery modules (500) in the installation space, the plurality of battery modules (500) are arranged in a matrix shape inside the pack case (100). As illustrated, the battery modules (500) are arranged to have a plurality of rows (R) and columns (C). In addition, each battery module (500) has a sealed structure with its side surrounded by the cross beams (300).

[0065] 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 illustrated, a plurality of battery modules (500) constituting one row (C) are covered by one module cover (700). In this case, since the gaps between adjacent rows (C) are relatively far apart and a cross beam (300) exists between the rows, the possibility of fire spreading between rows can be considered low. Therefore, an optimal structure can be achieved by coupling one module cover (700) to correspond to each row (C), and the space between rows is opened to form a space through which other cooling lines or electrical lines can pass. Of course, it is also possible to expand the module cover (700) as a whole to cover all the battery modules (500) of the adjacent rows (C).

[0066] Since the cross beam (300) is placed between a pair of battery modules (500), both sides of the cross beam (300) face the battery modules (500), respectively. In addition, since the cross beam (300) is placed between the battery modules (500) on both sides, the upper part of the cross beam (300) is exposed upward. The flange (520) of the battery module (500) is coupled to the exposed end of the cross beam (300), thereby installing the battery module (500) inside the pack case (100). Since the cross beam (300) has a closed cross-section member shape, it has high collision rigidity, and therefore, since the battery module (500) is installed at the corresponding point through the flange (520), the assembly rigidity of the battery module (500) is increased.

[0067] And, a plurality of flanges (520) are formed spaced apart from each other on the battery modules (500) on both sides with the cross beam (300) between them, and the flanges (520) of the battery modules (500) on both sides are arranged alternately so as to be combined with the cross beam (300). Figures 4 and 5 illustrate a pair of battery modules (500) and a cross beam (300) therebetween. As can be seen in the drawings, the battery modules (500) arranged on both sides with the cross beam (300) between them are formed so that the flanges (520) protrude toward the ends of the cross beams (300).

[0068] However, since a pair of battery modules (500) share a cross beam (300), each battery module (500) is provided with a plurality of flanges (520), and the flanges (520) on both sides are spaced apart from each other so that they are arranged alternately. Through this, the arrangement of the flanges (520) as shown in FIG. 5 can be obtained, and the battery modules (500) on both sides can be connected to the cross beam (300) with the same rigidity.

[0069] And the cross beam (300) is formed to be lower in height than the battery module (500), and the flange (520) of the battery module (500) and the module cover (700) can be combined at the end of the cross beam (300). Since the cross beam (300) is formed to be lower in height than the battery module (500), lines, etc. can be arranged in the space between the battery modules (500), and since the fixing part (720) is formed in a shape in which the module cover (700) is bent and inserted, the mechanical restraint force of the fixing part (720) can be increased.

[0070] In addition, the flange (520) of the battery module (500) and the module cover (700) can be fastened together to the cross beam (300) through the same fastening mechanism (780). This makes it possible to fasten the battery module (500) and the module cover (700) to the cross beam (300) at once, thereby reducing the assembly cost and minimizing the number of fastening mechanisms (780) while obtaining sufficient assembly rigidity. In addition, by also fastening the module cover (700) to the cross beam (300), the problem of the module cover (700) being detached from the battery module (500) can be prevented.

[0071] Specifically, the module cover (700) may include a flat cover portion (722) covering the battery module (500) and a fixing portion (720) formed to be sunken between adjacent cover portions (722) and coupled to the cross beam (300). In addition, a venting portion (740) through which gas or flame generated from the battery module (500) is vented may be formed in the cover portion (722). In addition, a through hole (722) through which a fastening mechanism (780) coupled to the cross beam (300) passes may be formed in the fixing portion (720).

[0072] Through this, the fixing part (720) of the module cover (700) and the flange (520) of the battery module (500) are penetrated together through the fastening mechanism (780), and the fastening mechanism (780) can be fastened to the cross beam (300) after penetrating the fixing part (720) of the module cover (700) and the flange (520) of the battery module (500).

[0073] In the case of the module cover (700), it is composed of a flat-shaped cover portion (722) and a fixing portion (720) between adjacent cover portions (722). In addition, since one module cover (700) covers a plurality of consecutive battery modules (500) together, one module cover (700) includes a plurality of cover portions (722) and fixing portions (720).

[0074] In the case of the cover part (722), it is formed in a flat shape and closely adheres to the top of the battery module (500) to cover it. Therefore, the battery module (500) has a sealed structure and, if necessary, vents gas or flames through the venting part (740) of the cover part (722). In addition, a fixing part (720) bent toward the cross beam (300) is formed between the cover parts (722) on both sides. As illustrated, the fixing part (720) is inserted toward the end of the cross beam (300) and is fastened to the cross beam (300), so that the adjacent battery module (500) is blocked by the cross beam (300) and the fixing part (720), thereby minimizing the possibility of fire spreading.

[0075] In particular, through this structure, the end of the cross beam (300) arranged between neighboring battery modules (500) can be covered by the fixing part (720) of the module cover (700). Therefore, there is no excess space between the neighboring battery modules (500) through which flames can spread. In addition, the end of the cross beam (300) and the fixing part (720) of the module cover (700) are made to have a flat shape facing each other, and the flange (520) is also made to have a flat shape, so that the end of the cross beam (300), the module cover (700), and the flange (520) can be brought into close contact with each other as much as possible, thereby minimizing the remaining space.

[0076] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of flanges (520) of a battery module (500) may be connected to the end of a cross beam (300) while being spaced apart from each other. In this case, even if the module cover (700) is connected, an empty space (522) may be formed between adjacent flanges (520) as thick as the flange (520) as shown. When the pressure of gas or flame is very high, the pressure may be concentrated in this empty space (522). Therefore, in the present invention, even a very small empty space (522) corresponding to the thickness of the flange (520) is thoroughly blocked.

[0077] In order to block the empty space (522) between the flanges (520), a spacer (S1) may be placed between a plurality of spaced flanges (520) as shown in FIG. 6 to fill the empty space (522) between the flanges (520). The case of FIG. 6 shows a shape in which the spacer (S1) is combined between the flanges (520) as in FIG. 5.

[0078] The spacer (S1) can be formed of a refractory material such as mica to block the spread of flame, and its thickness is the same as or slightly larger than that of the flange (520), and its shape is zigzag so as to go around the adjacent flanges (520) and fill the empty space (522) between the flanges. Accordingly, as shown in the drawing, when the spacer (S1) fills the empty space (522) between the flanges (520), no space exists between the module cover (700) and the cross beam (300) when the module cover (700) is assembled thereon.

[0079] That is, the flange (520) and the spacer (S1) form the same plane and can be in contact with the fixed part (720) of the module cover (700). This makes it possible to more reliably block the transfer to an adjacent module even when the pressure of gas or flame is high.

[0080] Meanwhile, in the case of FIG. 7, a case is shown 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 cross beam (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 empty space (522) between a plurality of spaced flanges (520). The lower surface of the fixing portion (720) of the module cover (700) faces the upper surface of the cross beam (300) and the flanges (520), so when a protrusion (S2) that can fill the space between the flanges (520) is formed on the lower surface of the fixing portion (720), an effect similar to that of the spacer (S1) of FIG. 6 is obtained.

[0081] That is, it is possible to directly install a spacer between the flanges (520), but as shown in Fig. 7, a protrusion (S2) is formed on the fixed part (720) of the module cover (700) so that the protrusion (S2) functions as a spacer.

[0082] To this end, the protrusion (S2) is formed together with the fixed part (720) of the module cover (700), so that the protrusion (S2) can also be formed from a fire-resistant material like the module cover (700), and since it is a part of the module cover (700), it is less likely to come off or be damaged, thereby minimizing the possibility of fire propagation even in the event of a fire. The thickness of this protrusion (S2) can be the same as or slightly larger than the thickness of the flange (520), and like a spacer, it can be formed in a zigzag shape so that it can go around between the flanges (520). Through this, when the module cover (700) is assembled, no space exists between the module cover (700) and the cross beam (300).

[0083] Meanwhile, a bracket (900) as shown in FIG. 8 is provided on the outside of the fixing portion (720) of the module cover (700), and the bracket (900) is fastened to the cross beam (300) together with the fixing portion (720) of the module cover (700), and a pressing portion (S3) is formed on the bracket (900) to press the fixing portion (720) of the module cover (700) between a plurality of spaced flanges (520), so that the fixing portion (720) of the module cover (700) pressed by the pressing portion (S3) can fill the empty space (522) between the spaced flanges (520).

[0084] That is, in this case, the empty space (522) between the flanges (520) is filled through the fixed portion (720) by pressing the fixed portion (720) of the module cover (700) through a separate bracket (900) from the outside of the module cover (700). Since the module cover (700) is formed of a fire-resistant material, if it is given some ductility, the pressed portion can be deformed by the pressing portion (S3) of the bracket (900) from the outside to fill the empty space (522) between the flanges (520).

[0085] That is, a pressing part (S3) having a shape similar to that of the spacer (S1) of FIG. 6 is protruded and formed on the lower surface of the bracket (900) coupled to the outer side of the module cover (700), and the fixing part (720) of the module cover (700) is pressed from the outside through the pressing part (S3), so that the fixing part (720) of the module cover (700) is pressed between the upper end of the cross beam (300) and the pressing part (S3) of the bracket (900). As a result, the fixing part (720) is pressed along the shape of the pressing part (S3) and fills the empty space (522) between the flanges (520). In this case, although a separate bracket (900) is required, there is an advantage in that additional assembly rigidity of the module cover (700) can be secured through the bracket (900). And at the same time, no space exists between the module cover (700) and the cross beam (300).

[0086] Fig. 10 shows an example in which the battery pack (BP) of the present invention is applied to a vehicle (V). The battery pack (BP) of the present invention can be applied to a vehicle (V) as a representative example, but can also be widely applied to industrial equipment, ESS (ELECTRIC ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM), or home energy storage devices.

[0087] According to the module cover, battery pack and vehicle of the present invention, when a fire occurs in a battery module, it is possible to prevent fire from spreading between adjacent modules, reduce the number of module covers, reduce production costs, increase assembly efficiency and reduce assembly tolerances.

[0088] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be variously improved and modified without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A pack case having multiple cross beams spaced apart from each other in the internal space; A battery module disposed between adjacent crossbeams and having an outwardly protruding flange and coupled to the crossbeam through the flange; and A battery pack comprising a panel shape having an area capable of covering a plurality of neighboring battery modules together, a fixing part formed in a portion corresponding to the cross beam, and a module cover coupled to the cross beam through the fixing part.

2. In claim 1, In the above pack case, the cross beams are arranged in a grid shape, and a plurality of battery modules are installed in a matrix shape with rows and columns. A battery pack characterized in that the above module covers are combined to correspond to each battery module row, and one module cover covers the battery modules included in one row together.

3. In claim 1, A battery pack characterized in that both sides of the cross beam face the battery module, and the flange of the battery module is coupled to the end of the cross beam exposed between the battery modules on both sides.

4. In claim 1, A battery pack characterized in that a plurality of flanges are formed spaced apart from each other on the battery modules on both sides between the cross beams, and the flanges of the battery modules on both sides are arranged alternately and connected to the cross beams.

5. In claim 1, The above cross beam is formed to be lower in height than the battery module, and the flange of the battery module and the module cover are combined at the end of the cross beam, A battery pack characterized in that the flange and module cover of the battery module are fastened together to the cross beam through the same fastening mechanism.

6. In claim 1, The above module cover includes a flat cover portion covering the battery module and a fixing portion formed to be sunken between adjacent cover portions and coupled with the cross beam. A venting portion is formed in the above cover portion to vent gas or flame generated from the battery module, A battery pack characterized in that a through hole is formed in the above fixed part through which a fastening mechanism coupled to the cross beam passes.

7. In claim 1, A battery pack characterized in that the fixing portion of the module cover and the flange of the battery module are penetrated together through a fastening mechanism, and the fastening mechanism penetrates the fixing portion of the module cover and the flange of the battery module and is then fastened to the cross beam.

8. In claim 1, The end of the cross beam placed between neighboring battery modules is covered by the fixing part of the module cover, A battery pack characterized in that the end of the cross beam and the fixing portion of the module cover are flat shapes facing each other.

9. In claim 1, A battery pack characterized in that the flanges of the battery module are connected to the end of the cross beam in a multiple spaced state.

10. In claim 9, A battery pack characterized in that a spacer is arranged between a plurality of spaced flanges to fill the empty space between the flanges.

11. In claim 10, A battery pack characterized in that the flange and the spacer are on the same plane and are in contact with the fixed portion of the module cover.

12. In claim 9, A battery pack characterized in that the end of the cross beam is covered by the fixing part of the module cover, and the upper R fixing part has a protrusion formed therein that fills the empty space between a plurality of spaced flanges.

13. In claim 9, A battery pack characterized in that a bracket is provided on the outside of the fixing portion of the module cover, the bracket is fastened to the cross beam together with the fixing portion of the module cover, and a pressing portion is formed on the bracket to press the fixing portion of the module cover between a plurality of spaced flanges, so that the fixing portion of the module cover pressed by the pressing portion fills the empty space between the plurality of spaced flanges.

14. A module cover that covers multiple battery modules installed between multiple cross beams inside the pack case. A panel shape having an area capable of covering a plurality of adjacent battery modules with the cross beam interposed therebetween, a fixing part formed in a portion corresponding to the cross beam, and a module cover coupled to the cross beam through the fixing part.

15. A vehicle characterized by including the battery pack of claim 1.

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