Side member for battery module and battery module

Abstract

The invention relates to a side part (1) for a battery module (100), which extends in a longitudinal direction (LR), a height direction (HR) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (LR), a thickness direction (DR) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (LR) and perpendicular to the height direction (HR), the side part (1) being at least partially made of plastic and being produced by an injection moulding production process. The side part comprises at least one gap region (11) comprising a plurality of gap portions (111) formed by perforations, and at least one reinforcement region (12) arranged outside the gap region (11) in the height direction (HR) and closer to the edge of the side part than the gap region (11) and extending in the longitudinal direction (LR), the reinforcement region (12) having a plurality of ribs (121). The side part further comprises at least one connecting region (13). The invention also relates to a battery module having two side parts and to a method for assembling a battery module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a side part for a battery module, the side part extending along a longitudinal direction, wherein the height direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the thickness direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the height direction, and the side part is at least partially made of plastic and manufactured by an injection molding manufacturing process. The side part includes at least one gap area and at least one reinforcement area, the at least one gap area includes a plurality of gap portions formed by a through-portion, the at least one reinforcement area is arranged outside the gap area in the height direction and closer to the edge of the side part than the gap area and extends in the longitudinal direction, wherein the reinforcement area has a plurality of ribs. The side part also includes at least one connection area. The present invention also relates to a battery module having two side parts and a method for assembling a battery module. Background Art

[0002] A battery module is a component in which individual rechargeable cells are assembled into a solid complex. Here, the individual cells are mechanically and electrically connected to each other. For example, a battery module is used as an energy storage device for driving an electric vehicle. However, a battery module can also be used as an energy storage device in a building or industrial facility. The characteristic of each cell is that its external dimensions, in particular its thickness, change according to the state of charge or also during its service life. In the case where the cells are arranged in a stacked manner in a battery module, these dimensional changes are cumulative. In order to achieve a stable structure of the battery module, the dimensional changes (also called expansion) of the individual cells must be compensated by reinforced or guided components. In order to absorb the forces generated by the dimensional changes caused by the state of the stacked cells, battery modules with side parts extending in the longitudinal direction made of metal, in particular aluminum profiles, are used in the prior art. These side parts are suitable for absorbing the tension and pressure of the cells with variable dimensions connected thereto. In order to realize the battery module, such side parts must be connected to the end wall, which is also mostly constructed of metal. In addition, it is necessary to electrically insulate the cells relative to these metal parts. This electrical insulation is also required with respect to the cables which electrically connect the individual cells to one another. Therefore, such battery modules have a plurality of components and require a plurality of different assembly steps.

[0003] JP2002203527A describes an end wall or end plate for a battery module, which is made of plastic. The end plate is formed by an injection molded component made of plastic and has a plurality of reinforcing ribs extending over the entire height of the end plate. The end plate is closed and has no openings.

[0004] US2015162639A1 describes a battery module having side parts made of metal, which are connected to the battery cells. In order to improve the stability of the composite, reinforcing elements also made of metal are inserted at multiple locations between the battery cells, and the reinforcing elements are connected to one side part at the ends opposite to each other. In addition, end walls are arranged at the ends of the battery module, which are also connected to the side parts. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to simplify the construction of a battery module having a plurality of stacked battery cells and to reduce the number of method steps for assembling such a battery module.

[0006] The object of the present invention is achieved by a side component for a battery module, the side component extending along a longitudinal direction, wherein a height direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, a thickness direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the height direction, the side component is at least partially made of plastic and manufactured by an injection molding manufacturing process, the side component comprising:

[0007] at least one gap region, the at least one gap region comprising a plurality of gap portions formed by a through-hole, the through-hole completely penetrating the side part in the thickness direction, wherein the gap portion extends in the height direction, wherein the plurality of gap portions are arranged spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction,

[0008] at least one reinforcing region, which is arranged outside the gap region in the height direction and closer to the edge of the side part than the gap region and extends in the longitudinal direction, wherein the reinforcing region has a plurality of ribs extending in the thickness direction,

[0009] - At least one connecting region, which is arranged on the edge of the side part in the height direction outside the gap region and the reinforcement region, wherein the connecting region has at least one fixing element, which is provided for fixing the side part to an object that does not belong to the side part.

[0010] The side part according to the present invention is provided as a component of a battery module. In the battery module, the side part forms part of a frame arranged around the stacked cells. In the battery module, the side part according to the present invention extends in the direction in which the cells are stacked on each other. This direction is also the longitudinal direction of the side part. In addition, a height direction extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is defined. The thickness direction extends perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the height direction. The side part is manufactured by an injection molding manufacturing process and is at least partially made of plastic. Preferably, the entire side part is made of plastic. The side part includes a plurality of areas that perform different functions. The gap area includes a plurality of gaps formed by a through-hole in the side part. These gaps are provided for receiving a sub-area of ​​the cell in a form-locking manner or at least realizing a passage to the cell. The gap completely penetrates the side part in the thickness direction. A plurality of gaps are provided, which are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the side part at preferably regular intervals. Here, the shape and size of the gaps can be the same or can also vary in the longitudinal direction. The gap extends in the height direction, because this is also the preferred orientation of the cell relative to the side part in the battery module. For example, the gap can have a rectangular cross section. Unpenetrated areas are arranged respectively between the gaps in the longitudinal direction. Sufficient stability of the side parts is ensured by these unpenetrated areas between the gaps. The side parts according to the present invention also include at least one reinforcement area, which is used to increase the bending stiffness of the side parts around the bending axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the height direction. The reinforcement area is arranged to be more outward than the gap area on the side parts in the height direction. The reinforcement area preferably extends along the entire length of the side parts. The reinforcement area has a plurality of ribs, which are arranged so that they significantly increase the resistance moment of the side parts against bending. For this purpose, the ribs extend in the thickness direction. This means that the maximum surface of the ribs extends in the thickness direction. The ribs are preferably arranged to be inclined relative to the longitudinal direction and relative to the height direction. The reinforcement area can be arranged adjacent to the gap area. In addition, the side parts according to the present invention include a connection area, which is arranged at the outermost side of the side parts in the height direction. On the one hand, the connection area is used to attach the side parts to another object, such as a vehicle. On the other hand, the connection area can also be used to fix or connect other components or parts of the battery module there to the side parts. The connecting region comprises at least one fixing element provided for fixing the side part. Preferably, a plurality of fixing elements are arranged on the side part at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction.

[0011] The advantage of the side part according to the present invention is that it can be made of plastic in a simple manner by an injection molding manufacturing process. In this way, only one manufacturing step is required to manufacture the side part. Designing as an injection molded part makes it possible to integrate a variety of different functions into the side part, which is impossible for the known side parts made of metal. Due to this integration of different functions into the side parts, the number of components required for the battery module is reduced and its construction is thus simplified. Since the number of components required for the battery module is small, the workload and the number of method steps required for assembling the battery module are also reduced. The reinforcement area together with its ribs follows the principle of lightweight construction, thus providing a bending-resistant side part with a light weight. Therefore, compared with the use of side parts made of metal, the weight of the entire battery module is also reduced by the side part according to the present invention.

[0012] In one embodiment, it is provided that the gap portion of the gap area overlaps with the center of the side part in the height direction, and / or a guide channel is arranged between the gap area and the reinforcement area in the height direction, and the guide channel extends at least partially along the side part in the longitudinal direction, wherein the guide channel is arranged for receiving cables, wherein the boundary of the guide channel in the height direction is formed by the adjacent reinforcement area, and the other boundary of the guide channel in the height direction is formed by a guide rib, which is arranged to be adjacent to the gap area and protrude over the gap area in the thickness direction. The gap portion can be arranged so that the gap portion overlaps with the center of the side part in the height direction. The gap portion can also be arranged to be symmetrical with respect to the center line of the side part in the height direction. Through the arrangement of the gap portion overlapping with the center, the gap portion is arranged as a through portion inside the side part and a sub-area is reserved outside the gap portion in the height direction, which sub-area is not penetrated or the reinforcement area can be arranged on the sub-area. In this way, the gap portion only weakens the bending stiffness of the side part to a small extent, and the side part has a high resistance moment against bending. Optionally, a guide channel can be arranged on the side part, and the guide channel is arranged for receiving cables, etc. The guide channel is arranged in the height direction between the gap region and the reinforcement region and can extend in the longitudinal direction over the entire length of the side part. The guide channel preferably has a U-shaped cross section, which is delimited on one side by a guide rib arranged adjacent to the gap region and on the opposite side by a sub-region of the adjacent reinforcement region. The cable can be attached and fixed in the guide channel without further means for electrical insulation, because the side parts and thus the guide channel are made of non-conductive plastic. Two or more guide channels can also be provided, which are preferably arranged on opposite sides of the gap region in the height direction.

[0013] In another embodiment, it is provided that the ribs of the reinforcement area are oriented obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction and with respect to the height direction, respectively, wherein the respective oblique directions of the adjacent ribs are different from each other, and two ribs with different oblique directions cross each other, thereby generating a plurality of prismatic recesses extending in the thickness direction between the ribs. In this embodiment, the ribs of the reinforcement area are arranged so that the ribs together form a honeycomb-like, particularly resistant to bending structure. For this purpose, the ribs are inclined both in the longitudinal direction and in the height direction, wherein the degree of inclination or the direction of inclination for two adjacent ribs is correspondingly different from each other. A portion of the ribs cross each other. In a side view from the direction of the thickness direction, a honeycomb or compartment appears, which significantly increases the resistance moment against bending around a bending axis parallel to the thickness direction with little material use. Therefore, this reinforcement area has a low weight and ensures a high bending stiffness of the side part. In this embodiment, there are a plurality of prismatic or honeycomb recesses extending in the thickness direction between the ribs. These recesses can penetrate the entire side part, or there can be a closed wall on one side in the thickness direction, which closes the recess.

[0014] In one embodiment, it is provided that the connection area includes a plurality of connection pins, which are arranged at intervals from each other and protrude in the height direction beyond the connection area sub-area adjacent to the corresponding connection pin, in particular wherein the connection pin protrudes in the height direction beyond the fixing element, wherein the connection pin is provided for fixing the cooling device on the side part. In this embodiment, the connection area includes a plurality of connection pins, which can be used to connect other objects, such as cooling devices. The connection pin protrudes beyond the connection area sub-area arranged adjacent to it. In this way, the connection pin can pass through the notch or opening in the other component and only when the connection pin is inserted into the notch, the other component is abutted against the adjacent sub-area. The connection pin can protrude in the thickness direction beyond the entire side part. In a simple embodiment, the connection pin is formed as a cylindrical pin extending in the height direction.

[0015] In one advantageous embodiment, it is provided that two reinforcement regions are provided, one of each of which is arranged on opposite sides of the gap region, wherein the reinforcement region extends in the longitudinal direction along the entire length of the side part, and the connecting region directly adjoins one of the reinforcement regions in the height direction. In this embodiment, two reinforcement regions are provided, which are opposite in the height direction and are arranged outside the gap region. In this way, the edge region is reinforced symmetrically in the height direction, which results in a particularly high bending stiffness according to the principle of an I-beam. In this embodiment, the two reinforcement regions extend in the longitudinal direction along the entire length of the side part.

[0016] The object of the present invention is also achieved by a battery module for connecting a plurality of battery cells, the battery module comprising:

[0017] - two side parts according to one of the preceding embodiments,

[0018] - a plurality of battery cells, the plurality of battery cells being arranged to be stacked along a longitudinal direction,

[0019] - two end walls, which correspond at least partially in height and thickness direction to the shape and dimensions of the cell,

[0020] The side parts are arranged on both sides of the stacked battery cells that are opposite to each other in the lateral direction, and an end wall is arranged on each end side of the stacked battery cells, wherein each end wall connects two side parts to each other, and the two side parts and the two end walls together form a surrounding frame around the battery cells, wherein a sub-region of each battery cell is introduced into the gap between the two side parts or is arranged to be flush with the gap between the two side parts in the thickness direction.

[0021] The battery module according to the present invention connects a plurality of cells mechanically and electrically to each other. The battery module can be used as an energy storage device in an electric vehicle, for example. In this case, the battery module is preferably arranged in the lower part of the vehicle or below the vehicle. The battery module first includes a plurality of cells electrically interconnected to each other. These cells preferably all have the same shape. The cells are arranged in a stacked manner, which means that the cells are regularly arranged and adjacent cells are in contact with each other. However, an intermediate layer can also be arranged between the cells, which can be used to additionally strengthen the battery module, for example. The battery module also includes a frame, which is composed of two side parts according to one of the aforementioned embodiments and two end walls. Here, the side parts and the end walls are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction around the stacked cells. In order to fix, the sub-region of each cell can be introduced into a gap portion of each side part in a form-locking manner. Alternatively, the sub-region of each cell can be arranged flush with the gap portion and can therefore enter through the side part. For example, the electrical interconnection of the cells can be performed through the gap portion. An additional fixing element can also be provided through the gap portion, which connects the cell to the side part. The end wall corresponds in its size and its shape to the side surface of the cell so that it can serve as a closure at the end of the stacked cells. The side parts and the end wall are connected to one another to form a frame. This connection can be achieved, for example, by gluing, welding or also by connecting elements such as screws.

[0022] The battery module according to the invention has a smaller number of components than known battery modules. This makes the construction simpler and the number of method steps required for assembling the battery module smaller. At the same time, the weight of the battery module is reduced by using side parts manufactured as injection-molded components made of plastic.

[0023] In one embodiment of the battery module, it is provided that a clamping element is provided, which clamps the stacked cells to each other, wherein the clamping element completely surrounds the cells in a plane parallel to a plane spanned by the longitudinal direction and the height direction or a plane spanned by the longitudinal direction and the thickness direction, wherein a frame formed by two side parts and two end walls is arranged outside the clamping element. In this embodiment, a clamping element is provided as an additional component of the battery module. The task of the clamping element is to clamp the stacked cells to each other. In this way, the clamping element absorbs a large part of the force that will occur due to the dimensional change of the cells. The cells usually have the characteristic of changing their size according to the state of charge. In the absence of a clamping element, the force generated by the dimensional change is absorbed in the longitudinal direction by the side parts connected to the cells. By providing the clamping element, the load on the side parts caused by the force generated by the dimensional change is reduced. In this way, the side parts can be dimensioned smaller when using the clamping element, so that the side parts require less structural space and are light in weight. The clamping element can be formed, for example, by a clamping band made of a metal material, which is also light in weight. The clamping elements completely surround the stacked cells in the stacking direction and are closed in the assembled state. The clamping elements can surround the stacked cells in a plane spanned by the longitudinal direction and the height direction or in a plane spanned by the longitudinal direction and the thickness direction. The clamping elements are placed directly on the cells and are therefore arranged inside the frame formed by the side parts and the end walls. The combination of providing clamping elements and using plastic side parts is particularly advantageous because the total weight can be significantly reduced compared to known solutions and the structural space required for the entire battery module can be significantly reduced. In addition, even when clamping elements are used, the battery module can be assembled in a simple manner with only a few manufacturing steps.

[0024] In another embodiment, it is provided that a cooling device is provided, which is connected to two side parts, wherein a connecting pin arranged on the connection area of ​​the side parts passes through a notch in the cooling device, and there is a form lock between the connecting pin and the notch in the cooling device, in particular wherein the cooling device bridges the two side parts and abuts against the battery cell. In this embodiment, the battery module also includes a cooling device provided for cooling the battery cell. The cooling device is fixed to the side parts via a connecting pin. For this purpose, the cooling device has a notch or a borehole, through which the connecting pin first passes. Subsequently, in a further step, the connecting pin is deformed so that after the assembly step is completed, there is a form lock between the cooling device and the side part connection area. The cooling device can, for example, have a cooling channel through which a liquid coolant passes. The cooling device preferably bridges the spacing between two side parts arranged parallel to each other and abuts against the battery cell to ensure good transfer of heat energy from the battery cell to the cooling device.

[0025] The object of the present invention is ultimately achieved by a method for assembling a battery module according to one of the aforementioned embodiments, the method comprising the following method steps:

[0026] A) Stacking cells in the longitudinal direction,

[0027] B) connecting the side parts to the stacked cells, wherein a sub-region of each cell is introduced into the gap between the two side parts or is arranged flush with the gap between the two side parts in the thickness direction,

[0028] C) Two ends of the side parts, which are opposite each other in the thickness direction, are connected by end walls, so that the two side parts and the two end walls together form a surrounding frame around the cell.

[0029] The method according to the invention is used for assembling or assembling a battery module. In a first method step A), a plurality of cells are arranged regularly, wherein adjacent cells are in contact with one another. In this way, stacked cells are produced in method step A). ​​When stacking, intermediate layers can also be inserted between the cells.

[0030] In a second method step B), the prepared, stacked battery cells are connected to two side parts, which are arranged with their longitudinal direction in a direction corresponding to the direction in which the battery cells are stacked. Here, the protruding sub-region of each battery cell is preferably introduced into the gaps in the two side parts in a form-fitting manner. Alternatively, the sub-region of each battery cell can also be oriented flush with a respective gap in one side part. In this alternative, the battery cells and the gaps are simply arranged flush, and the battery cells are connected to the side parts via additional connecting elements, such as screws or clamps. After the method step B) is completed, the battery cells are connected to the two side parts.

[0031] In a third method step C), the two side parts are now connected at their ends by two end walls, thereby achieving a circumferential frame around the cell. After the conclusion of method step C), a transition can be made directly to the electrical interconnection of the cells.

[0032] The method according to the invention comprises significantly fewer method steps than are required for the construction of known battery modules with metal side parts. This makes it possible to carry out the method according to the invention more easily and more quickly. Since the functional combination of multiple functions is formed by the side parts, the construction of the battery module is additionally simplified.

[0033] In one embodiment of the method, it is provided that after method step A) and before method step B), the stacked cells are clamped together by means of clamping elements, for which purpose the clamping elements are guided around the stacked cells and extend in the longitudinal direction in certain areas until the clamping elements surround the cells, and after being guided around the cells the circumference of the clamping elements is reduced until the clamping elements rest flush against the cells and clamp the cells together, and / or

[0034] In which, after method step C), the cooling device is connected in a form-locking manner to the connecting pins arranged on the connecting area of ​​the side parts, so that the cooling device connects the two side parts and rests on the battery cells. In this embodiment, in order to assemble the battery module, its clamping elements are used, which are assembled according to method step A) and clamp the stacked battery cells to each other. After assembly, the clamping elements compensate for dimensional changes in the battery cells, for example, when their state of charge changes. The clamping elements stabilize the stacked battery cells and reduce the forces transmitted to the side parts due to dimensional changes of the battery cells. Before connecting the battery cells to the side parts in method step B), the clamping elements are placed and are in a state where the battery modules are assembled inside the frame, which is formed by the side parts and the end walls. Alternatively or additionally, in this method, the cooling device can be connected in a form-locking manner to the connecting area of ​​the side parts. This cooling device is provided for cooling or alternatively heating the battery cells arranged inside the battery module.

[0035] The features, effects and advantages disclosed in conjunction with the side components are also considered to be disclosed in conjunction with the battery module and the method. Vice versa, that is, the features, effects and advantages disclosed in conjunction with the battery module and / or the method are also considered to be disclosed in conjunction with the side components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The present invention is schematically illustrated according to the embodiments in the accompanying drawings and is further described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0037] Figure 1 A schematic diagram shows components of an unassembled battery module according to a first specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 2 A side part according to one embodiment of the invention is shown in a partial perspective view, and

[0039] Figure 3 An assembled battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown in a perspective view.

[0040] List of reference numerals:

[0041] 1 side part

[0042] 11 Clearance Area

[0043] 111 gap

[0044] 12 Enhanced Areas

[0045] 121 ribs

[0046] 13 Connection Area

[0047] 131 Fixing element

[0048] 132 Connecting pin

[0049] 14 Guide Channel

[0050] 141 guide rib

[0051] 2 end wall

[0052] 100 Battery Modules

[0053] 101 Battery Cell

[0054] 102 Clamping element

[0055] 103 Cooling device

[0056] TB sub-region

[0057] LR Longitudinal direction

[0058] HR Height direction

[0059] DR Thickness Direction DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Figure 1The components of an unassembled battery module 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention are shown in a schematic diagram. The battery module 100 shown is shown in an exploded view so that the individual components and their orientation relative to each other can be clearly identified. The battery module 100 comprises a frame consisting of two side parts 1 and two end walls 2. The side parts 1 and the end walls 2 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction around the battery cells 101. In the center between the side parts 1, a plurality of battery cells 101 can be seen, which are already arranged in a stacked manner in the rear area shown in the figure and are abutted against each other. In the front area, the spacing between the individual battery cells 101 can be seen to clearly indicate that they are the individual battery cells 101 that are mechanically and electrically connected to each other by the battery module 100. The battery cells 101 can be directly and closely abutted against each other in the longitudinal direction LR. However, an intermediate layer can also be inserted between two adjacent battery cells 101 in the longitudinal direction LR, which intermediate layer can be used, for example, to cool the battery cells 101. In addition, an intermediate layer with other functions can be inserted between adjacent battery cells 101. In the embodiment shown, the battery cell 101 has sub-regions TB protruding on two mutually opposite sides. These sub-regions TB can be formed, for example, by the terminals of the battery cell 101. When assembling the battery module 100, each of these sub-regions TB is inserted into the gap 111 of the side part 1. In this way, a positive fit is generated between each battery cell 101 and the two side parts 1, which ensures the precise and permanent positioning of the individual components in the battery module 100 relative to each other. The two end walls 2 correspond to the battery cell 101 in the plane defined by the height direction HR and the thickness direction DR in terms of their shape and size. In this way, the end wall 2 can be placed flush with the battery cell 101 at the front end of the stacked battery cell 101. In order to form a frame around the battery cell 101, the end of the side part 1 is connected to the end wall 2. In the embodiment shown, the battery module 100 includes a clamping element 102, which is formed by a clamping band. The clamping element 102 clamps the stacked battery cells 101 to each other. In the assembled state, the clamping elements 102 rest against the stacked cells 101 in a circumferential manner. In the embodiment shown, the clamping elements 102 completely surround the stacked cells 101, as viewed in a plane spanned by the longitudinal direction LR and the height direction HR. Alternatively, a clamping element 102 can also be provided, which surrounds the stacked cells 101 in a plane defined by the thickness direction DR and the longitudinal direction LR. The clamping elements 102 are provided to absorb forces that may occur due to dimensional changes in the stacked cells 101. The cells 101 tend to change their dimensions, in particular their thickness in the longitudinal direction LR, based on the state of charge and also during their service life. Without the provision of the clamping elements 102, the forces resulting from these dimensional changes could then be transmitted from the cells 101 to the side parts 1 via the sub-regions TB and the gaps 111. In this case, the side parts 1 must absorb these generated forces.Therefore, the side parts 1 must be dimensioned stably so that the forces resulting from the dimensional changes can be reliably compensated. The clamping elements 102 already compensate for a large part of the forces resulting from the dimensional changes of the battery cells 101. In this way, a smaller share of these forces is transferred to the side parts 101, whereby the side parts can be dimensioned smaller and lighter. After the battery cells 101 are stacked, the clamping elements 102 are placed around the battery cells 101 and tensioned. The frame consisting of the side parts 1 and the end walls 2 is then assembled around the battery cells 101 that are tensioned against each other. The connection of the side parts 1 to the end walls 2 can be carried out by different connection mechanisms, for example by bonding, plastic welding, riveting or screwing.

[0061] Figure 2 A side part 1 according to one embodiment of the invention is shown in a partial perspective view. Figure 2 In the figure, the enlarged Figure 1 The front side part 1 shown in the figure shows a forward-oriented sub-region of the front side part 1. In the embodiment shown, the side part 1 is made entirely of plastic and is manufactured by injection molding. In this case, the plastic can have fillers, such as glass fibers. The side part 1 extends in the longitudinal direction LR. The height of the side part 1 extends in the height direction HR, and the thickness of the side part 1 extends in the thickness direction DR. In the height direction HR of the side part 1, a gap region 11 having a plurality of gap portions 111 is provided in the center, and the gap portions are arranged spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction LR. In the embodiment shown, the gap portion 111 is formed by a through-portion with a rectangular cross-section. When viewed in the height direction HR, the gap portion 111 overlaps with the center of the side part 1. In the embodiment shown, the gap portion 111 is arranged symmetrically in the height direction HR about the center line of the side part 1. The shape and size of the gap portion 111 correspond to the shape and size of the protruding sub-region TB of the battery cell 101, which is Figure 1. In the embodiment shown, two guide channels 14 are arranged adjacent to the gap area 11, and the guide channels are provided for receiving cables and the like. The guide channel 14 also extends along the longitudinal direction LR and is formed on one side by a guide rib 141, which is arranged to be directly adjacent to the gap area 11. The opposite side of the guide channel 14 in the height direction HR is bounded by the reinforcement area 12 adjacent to the opposite side. In this way, each of the guide channels 14 has a U-shaped cross section, into which the cable can be particularly easily inserted. In the height direction HR, outside the gap area 11 and the guide channel 14, a reinforcement area 12 is provided on both sides, and the reinforcement area 12 includes a plurality of ribs 121 respectively. These reinforcement areas 12 arranged externally on the side part 1 significantly improve the bending stiffness of the side part 1. By providing a plurality of ribs 121, the side part 1 has a high resistance moment while having a low weight. The rib 121 extends along the thickness direction DR with its maximum surface. In addition, the rib 121 is oriented obliquely to the longitudinal direction LR and the height direction HR, respectively. In the ribs 121 adjacent to each other, the inclination direction or the inclination sign is different. In addition, two corresponding ribs 121 with different inclination directions cross each other. This arrangement of the ribs 121 produces a honeycomb structure, which has a high resistance moment against bending while being small in volume and light in weight. This honeycomb design of the reinforcement area 12 produces a plurality of prismatic recesses 122 between the ribs 121. Alternatively, other shapes or arrangements of the ribs 121 can also be used, which improves the bending stiffness of the side part 1. In the height direction HR, at the outermost side of the side part 1, a connection area 13 is arranged on the upper side. Two fixing elements 131 are arranged in the visible area of ​​the connection area 13, which are formed by assembly tongues protruding in the thickness direction, and the assembly tongues each have a cylindrical bore. These fixing elements 131 are provided for fixing the battery module 100 or the side part 1 to other objects, such as under a vehicle. In the embodiment shown, the connection area 13 has a flat, continuous surface on the side shown above. A plurality of connecting pins 132 are arranged at or on this surface, which protrude beyond the surface of the adjacent sub-areas forming the connecting area 13. In the embodiment shown, the connecting pins 132 are cylindrical and are arranged at regular intervals relative to one another along the longitudinal direction LR. In the embodiment shown, the connecting pins 132 protrude in the height direction HR compared to all other sub-areas of the side part 1. The connecting pins 132 are provided for connecting the cooling device 103 ( Figure 3 ) is fixed to the side member 1. Figure 3 2 shows a battery module 100 having such an assembled cooling device 103 .

[0062] Figure 3The assembled battery module 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is shown in a perspective view. Figure 1 In addition to the embodiments shown in Figure 3 The embodiment shown in also has two cooling devices 103 connected to the side parts 1. The cooling device 103 is provided for cooling the battery cells 101 arranged inside the battery module 100. Each cooling device 103 is plate-shaped and includes a plurality of cooling channels extending in the longitudinal direction LR. On the front end side of the battery module 100, each cooling device 103 has an inlet and an outlet for the coolant. The coolant is introduced into the cooling channel via the inlet and flows through the cooling channel until the outlet. During the coolant's journey through the cooling device 103, the coolant absorbs thermal energy from the battery cell 101. Then, the heated coolant is guided from the outlet to the cooler not shown, where the absorbed thermal energy is released to the environment again. The coolant can be a liquid or gaseous coolant. It is also possible that the coolant transitions from a liquid state to a gaseous state during the coolant's passage through the cooling device 103. In the embodiment shown, the cooling device 103 consists of two metal plates connected to each other, and the cooling channel is arranged between the two metal plates. The cooling device 103 has a notch or opening on its edge, which receives the connecting pin 132 arranged on the connecting area 13 of the side part 1. During assembly, the cooling device 103 is first guided through the connecting pin 132. In order to fix the cooling device 103 on the side part 1, the connecting pin 132 can be deformed, so that a positive lock is generated between the deformed connecting pin 132 and the cooling device 103. This deformation of the connecting pin 132 can be simply and smoothly completed by pressing the ultrasonic oscillation unit, for example. Alternatively, the connecting pin 132 made of plastic can also be thermally deformed. In addition, alternatively or additionally, the cooling device can be connected to the connecting pin 132 or the surface of the connecting area 13 in a material-locked manner, for example, by an adhesive. In the illustrated embodiment, the fixing element 131 protrudes beyond the cooling device 103 in the thickness direction DR, so that the battery module 100 can be connected to other objects, such as a vehicle, without colliding with the cooling device 103. The battery module 100 can also only have a cooling device 103, which is connected to the side part 1 at the top or bottom.

Claims

1. A side member (1) for a battery module (100), the side member extending along a longitudinal direction (LR), wherein: The height direction (HR) is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (LR), the thickness direction (DR) is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (LR) and perpendicular to the height direction (HR), wherein the side part (1) is at least partially made of plastic and is manufactured by an injection molding manufacturing process, and the side part (1) comprises: - at least one gap region (11), the at least one gap region comprising a plurality of gap portions (111) formed by a through-hole, the through-hole completely penetrating the side part (1) in the thickness direction (DR), wherein the gap portion (111) extends in the height direction (HR), wherein the plurality of gap portions (111) are arranged spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction (LR), - at least one reinforcing region (12) arranged outside the clearance region (11) in the height direction (HR) and closer to the edge of the side part (1) than the clearance region (11) and extending in the longitudinal direction (LR), wherein the reinforcing region (12) has a plurality of ribs (121) extending in the thickness direction (DR), - at least one connecting region (13), which is arranged on the edge of the side part (1) in the height direction (HR) outside the gap region (11) and the reinforcement region (12), wherein the connecting region (13) has at least one fixing element (131), which is provided for fixing the side part (1) to an object that does not belong to the side part (1).

2. The side member (1) according to claim 1, wherein: A gap portion (111) of the gap region (11) overlaps with the center of the side member (1) in the height direction (HR), and / or a guide channel (14) is arranged between the gap region (11) and the reinforcement region (12) in the height direction (HR), and the guide channel at least partially extends along the side member in the longitudinal direction (LR), wherein the guide channel (14) is configured to receive a cable, wherein a boundary of the guide channel (14) in the height direction (HR) is formed by the adjacent reinforcement region (12), and another boundary of the guide channel (14) in the height direction (HR) is formed by a guide rib (141), which is arranged to be adjacent to the gap region (11) and protrude beyond the gap region (11) in the thickness direction (DR).

3. The side part (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The ribs (121) of the reinforcement area (12) are oriented obliquely relative to the longitudinal direction (LR) and relative to the height direction (HR), respectively, wherein the inclination directions of adjacent ribs (121) are different from each other, and two ribs (121) with different inclination directions intersect, thereby generating a plurality of prismatic recesses (122) extending in the thickness direction (DR) between the ribs (121).

4. The side part (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The connecting area (13) comprises a plurality of connecting pins (132), which are arranged at intervals from one another and protrude in a height direction (HR) beyond a sub-area of ​​the connecting area (13) adjacent to the corresponding connecting pin (132), in particular wherein the connecting pin (132) protrudes in a height direction (HR) beyond a fixing element (131), wherein the connecting pin (132) is provided for fixing a cooling device (103) to a side part (1).

5. The side part (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: Two reinforcement regions (12) are provided, one of which is arranged on opposite sides of a gap region (11), wherein the reinforcement region (12) extends along the entire length of the side part (1) in a longitudinal direction (LR), and the connecting region (13) directly adjoins one of the reinforcement regions (12) in a height direction (HR).

6. A battery module (100) for connecting a plurality of battery cells (101), the battery module comprising: - two side parts (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, - a plurality of battery cells (101), the plurality of battery cells being arranged to be stacked along a longitudinal direction (LR), - two end walls (2) which correspond at least partially in height direction (HR) and thickness direction (DR) to the shape and dimensions of the cell (101), The side parts (1) are arranged on two sides of the stacked battery cells (101) that are opposite to each other in the lateral direction, and an end wall (2) is arranged on each end side of the stacked battery cells (101), wherein each end wall (2) connects two side parts (1) to each other, and the two side parts (1) and the two end walls (2) together form a surrounding frame around the battery cells (101), wherein a sub-region (TB) of each battery cell (101) is introduced into the gap (111) of the two side parts (1) or is arranged to be flush with the gap (111) of the two side parts (1) in the thickness direction (DR).

7. The battery module (100) according to claim 6, wherein: A clamping element (102) is provided, which clamps the stacked battery cells (101) to each other, wherein the clamping element (102) completely surrounds the battery cells (101) in a plane parallel to a plane spanned by a longitudinal direction (LR) and a height direction (HR) or a plane spanned by a longitudinal direction (LR) and a thickness direction (DR), wherein a frame formed by two side parts (1) and two end walls (2) is arranged outside the clamping element (102).

8. The battery module (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: A cooling device (103) is provided, which is connected to two side parts (1), wherein a connecting pin (132) arranged on a connecting area (13) of the side part (1) passes through a notch in the cooling device (103), and there is a form lock between the connecting pin (132) and the notch in the cooling device (103), in particular, wherein the cooling device (103) bridges the two side parts (1) and abuts against the battery cell (101).

9. A method for assembling a battery module (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, the method comprising the following method steps: A) stacking the battery cells (101) in the longitudinal direction (LR), B) connecting the side member (1) and the stacked battery cells (101), wherein: A sub-region (TB) of each battery cell (101) is introduced into the gap (111) of the two side parts (1) or arranged to be flush with the gap (111) of the two side parts (1) in the thickness direction (DR), C) connecting two ends of the side parts (1) opposite to each other in the thickness direction (DR) via the end walls (2), so that the two side parts (1) and the two end walls (2) together form a surrounding frame surrounding the battery cell (101).

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: After method step A) and before method step B), the stacked battery cells (101) are clamped together using clamping elements (102), for which purpose the clamping elements (102) are guided around the stacked battery cells (101) and are simultaneously extended locally in the longitudinal direction until the clamping elements (102) surround the battery cells (101), and after being guided around the battery cells (101), the circumference of the clamping elements (102) is reduced until the clamping elements (102) rest flush against the battery cells (101) and clamp the battery cells together, and / or After method step C), the cooling device (103) is connected in a form-fitting manner to a connecting pin (132) arranged on a connecting region (13) of the side part (1), so that the cooling device (103) connects the two side parts (1) and rests on the battery cell (101).

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