Side panel for a battery module and battery module

Abstract

The invention relates to a side part (1) for a battery module (100) which extends along a longitudinal direction (LR), wherein a height direction (HR) is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (LR) and a thickness direction (DR) is oriented perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction (LR) and the height direction (HR), and the side part (1) is at least partially made of a plastic and is manufactured by injection molding. The side part (1) comprises at least one clearance area (11) which includes several clearances (111) formed by openings and at least one stiffening area (12) which is arranged in the height direction (HR) outside the clearance area (11) and closer to the edge of the side part (1) than the clearance area (11) and extends in the longitudinal direction (LR), wherein the stiffening area (12) has a plurality of ribs (121).The side part (1) further comprises at least one connection area (13). The invention further relates to a battery module (100) with two side parts (1) and a method for assembling a battery module (100).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a side part for a battery module, which extends along a longitudinal direction, wherein a height direction is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and a thickness direction is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the height direction and the side part consists at least partially of a plastic and is produced by the injection molding manufacturing process. The side part comprises at least one clearance region, which comprises a plurality of clearances formed by openings, and at least one stiffening region which is arranged in the height direction outside the clearance region and closer to the edge of the side part than the clearance region and extends in the longitudinal direction, wherein the stiffening region has a plurality of ribs. The side part further comprises at least one connection region.The invention further relates to a battery module with two side parts and a method for assembling a battery module.

[0002] Battery modules are assemblies in which individual, rechargeable battery cells are combined to form a rigid assembly. The individual battery cells are mechanically connected and electrically interconnected. Battery modules are used, for example, as energy storage devices to power electric vehicles. Battery modules can also be used as energy storage devices in buildings or industrial facilities. The individual battery cells have the property of changing their external dimensions, particularly their thickness, depending on the state of charge or over their service life. These dimensional changes add up when battery cells are stacked in a battery module. To achieve a stable battery module structure, the dimensional changes of the individual battery cells, also known as swelling, must be compensated for by reinforcing or guiding components.To absorb forces resulting from the condition-related dimensional changes of stacked battery cells, the state of the art uses battery modules that have longitudinally extending side panels made of metal, particularly aluminum profiles. These side panels are suitable for absorbing tensile and compressive forces from the dimensionally variable battery cells connected to them. To create a battery module, such side panels must be connected to end walls, which are usually also made of metal. In addition, the battery cells must be electrically insulated from these metal parts. Such electrical insulation is also required from the cables that electrically connect the individual battery cells. Such battery modules therefore have a large number of components and require several different assembly steps.

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

[0004] US2015162639A1 describes a battery module comprising metal side panels that are connected to the battery cells. To increase the stability of the assembly, reinforcing elements, also made of metal, are inserted at several points between the battery cells. These elements are each connected to a side panel at opposite ends. In addition, end walls are arranged at the ends of the battery module, which are also connected to the side panels.

[0005] The object of the invention is to simplify the construction of a battery module with a large number of stacked battery cells and to reduce the number of process steps for assembling such a battery module.

[0006] This object of the invention is achieved by a side part for a battery module which extends along a longitudinal direction, wherein a height direction is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and a thickness direction is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the height direction and the side part consists at least partially of a plastic and is produced by the injection molding manufacturing process, the side part comprising - at least one clearance area comprising a plurality of clearances formed by openings that completely penetrate the side part in the thickness direction, wherein the clearances extend in the height direction and wherein the plurality of clearances are arranged at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction, - at least one stiffening region which is arranged in the height direction outside the clearance region and closer to the edge of the side part than the clearance region and extends in the longitudinal direction, wherein the stiffening region has a plurality of ribs which extend in the thickness direction, - at least one connection area which is arranged on the edge of the side part in the height direction outside the clearance area and the stiffening area, wherein the connection area has at least one fastening element which is provided for fastening the side part to an object which does not belong to the side part.

[0007] The side part according to the invention is provided as a component of a battery module. In the battery module, the side part forms part of a frame which is arranged around stacked battery cells. In the battery module, the side part according to the invention extends in the direction in which the battery cells are stacked. This direction is also the longitudinal direction of the side part. Furthermore, a height direction is defined which runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. A thickness direction extends both perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the height direction. The side part is produced by the injection molding process and consists at least partially of plastic. Preferably, the entire side part is made of plastic. The side part comprises several regions which fulfill different functions. A clearance region comprises several clearances which are formed by openings in the side part.These clearances are each provided to positively accommodate a partial area of ​​a battery cell or at least to allow access to this battery cell. The clearances penetrate the side part completely in the thickness direction. Several clearances are provided, which are preferably arranged at regular intervals along the longitudinal direction of the side part. The shape and size of the clearances can be the same or vary in the longitudinal direction. The clearances extend in the vertical direction, as this is also the preferred orientation of the battery cells in the battery module relative to the side part. The clearances can, for example, have a rectangular cross-section. Between the clearances there is an area in the longitudinal direction which is not perforated. These non-perforated areas between the clearances ensure sufficient stability of the side part.The side part according to the invention further comprises at least one stiffening region, which serves to increase the flexural rigidity of the side part about a bending axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the vertical direction. The stiffening region is arranged further outwards on the side part in the vertical direction than the relief region. The stiffening region preferably extends along the entire length of the side part. The stiffening region has a plurality of ribs, which are arranged such that they significantly increase the section modulus of the side part against bending. For this purpose, the ribs extend in the thickness direction. This means that the largest surfaces of the ribs extend in the thickness direction. The ribs are preferably arranged at an angle to the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction. The stiffening region can be arranged adjacent to the relief region.Furthermore, the side panel according to the invention comprises a connection area, which is arranged on the outside of the side panel in the vertical direction. The connection area serves, on the one hand, to attach the side panel to another object, for example, to a vehicle. On the other hand, the connection area can also be used to fasten or connect additional components of a battery module to the side panel. The connection area comprises at least one fastening element, which is provided for fastening the side panel. Preferably, several fastening elements are arranged on the side panel at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction.

[0008] The side part according to the invention has the advantage that it can be easily manufactured from plastic using the injection molding process. In this way, only one production step is required to manufacture the side part. An injection-molded design enables the integration of many different functions into the side part, which is not possible with known side parts made of metal. Due to this integration of different functions in the side part, the number of components required for a battery module is reduced, thus simplifying its construction. Due to the smaller number of components required for the battery module, the effort and the number of process steps required to assemble the battery module are also reduced. The stiffening area with its ribs follows the principles of lightweight construction, thus providing a rigid side part with low weight.Thus, the side panel according to the invention also reduces the weight of the entire battery module compared to the use of metal side panels.

[0009] In one embodiment, it is provided that the clearances of the clearance region overlap the center of the side part in the height direction and / or a guide channel is arranged in the height direction between the clearance region and the stiffening region, which guide channel extends at least partially in the longitudinal direction along the side part, wherein the guide channel is provided for receiving a cable, wherein a boundary of the guide channel in the height direction is formed by the adjacent stiffening region and a further boundary of the guide channel in the height direction is formed by a guide rib which is arranged adjacent to the clearance region and projects beyond the clearance region in the thickness direction. The clearances can be arranged such that they overlap the center of the side part in the height direction.It is also possible for the reliefs to be arranged symmetrically to the center line of the side panel in the vertical direction. By arranging the reliefs so that they overlap in the center, the reliefs are arranged as openings within the side panel, leaving a section outside the reliefs in the vertical direction that is not open or where a stiffening section can be arranged. In this way, the reliefs only slightly weaken the flexural rigidity of the side panel, and the side panel has a high section modulus against bending. Optionally, a guide channel can be provided on the side panel to accommodate electrical cables or similar. The guide channel is arranged in the vertical direction between the relief area and the stiffening area and can extend over the entire length of the side panel in the longitudinal direction.The guide channel preferably has a U-shaped cross-section, which is delimited on one side by a guide rib arranged adjacent to the clearance area and on an opposite side by a portion of the adjacent stiffening area. Electrical cables can be installed and secured in the guide channel without additional electrical insulation mechanisms, since the side part and thus also the guide channel are made of non-conductive plastic. It is also possible to provide two or more guide channels, which are preferably arranged vertically on opposite sides of the clearance area.

[0010] In a further embodiment, the ribs of the stiffening region are each oriented at an angle to the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction, wherein the respective directions of inclination of adjacent ribs differ from one another and two ribs with different directions of inclination intersect, whereby a plurality of prismatically shaped recesses are created between the ribs, which extend in the thickness direction. In this embodiment, the ribs of the stiffening region are arranged such that together they form a honeycomb-shaped, particularly rigid structure. For this purpose, the ribs are inclined both in the longitudinal direction and in the vertical direction, wherein the amount of the inclination or the direction of inclination differs from one another for two adjacent ribs. Some of the ribs cross one another.A side view from the thickness direction creates honeycombs or cells, which significantly increase the section modulus against bending around a bending axis parallel to the thickness direction while using minimal material. Such a stiffening area is therefore lightweight and ensures high flexural rigidity of the side panel. In this embodiment, a multitude of prismatic or honeycomb-shaped recesses extend in the thickness direction between the ribs. These recesses can penetrate the entire side panel, or there can be a closed wall on one side in the thickness direction that closes the recesses.

[0011] In one embodiment, the connection area comprises a plurality of connection pins that are arranged at a distance from one another and that protrude in the vertical direction beyond the partial region of the connection area adjacent to the respective connection pin. In particular, the connection pins protrude in the vertical direction beyond the fastening element, wherein the connection pins are provided for fastening a cooling device to the side part. In this embodiment, the connection area comprises a plurality of connection pins that can be used to connect other objects, for example a cooling device. The connection pins protrude beyond the partial regions of the connection area arranged adjacent to them.In this way, the connecting pins can be passed through recesses or openings in another component, and the other component only engages the adjacent sections once the connecting pins are inserted into the recesses. The connecting pins can protrude across the entire side panel in the thickness direction. In a simple embodiment, the connecting pins are shaped as cylindrical pins that extend in the vertical direction.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment, two stiffening regions are provided, one of which is arranged on opposite sides of the clearance region, wherein the stiffening regions extend longitudinally along the entire length of the side part and the connection region is directly adjacent to one of the stiffening regions in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, two stiffening regions are provided which lie opposite one another in the vertical direction and are arranged outside the clearance region. In this way, the edge regions are symmetrically reinforced in the vertical direction, which results in particularly high flexural rigidity according to the principle of an I-beam. In this embodiment, the two stiffening regions extend longitudinally along the entire length of the side part.

[0013] The object of the invention is further achieved by a battery module for connecting several battery cells comprising - two side parts according to one of the previously described embodiments, - a plurality of battery cells arranged stacked along the longitudinal direction, - two end walls which correspond at least in regions to the shape and size of a battery cell in the height direction and thickness direction, wherein the side parts are arranged on opposite sides to the sides of the stacked battery cells and one end wall is arranged on each end side of the stacked battery cells, wherein each of the end walls connects the two side parts to one another and the two side parts and the two end walls together form a circumferential frame around the battery cells, wherein a partial area of ​​each battery cell is introduced into a clearance in both side parts or is arranged in the thickness direction flush with a clearance in both side parts.

[0014] The battery module according to the invention connects a plurality of battery cells mechanically and electrically to one another. The battery module can be used, for example, as an energy storage device in an electric vehicle. In this case, the battery module is preferably arranged at the bottom of the vehicle or underneath the vehicle. The battery module initially comprises a plurality of battery cells which are electrically interconnected. These battery cells preferably all have the same shape. The battery cells are arranged in a stacked manner, which means that the battery cells are arranged regularly and adjacent battery cells touch one another. However, intermediate layers can also be arranged between the battery cells, which can serve, for example, to additionally stiffen the battery module. The battery module further comprises a frame which consists of two side parts according to one of the previously described embodiments and two end walls.The side panels and the end walls are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction around the stacked battery cells. For fixing purposes, sections of each battery cell can be positively inserted into a cutout in the side panels. Alternatively, sections of each battery cell can be arranged flush with a cutout and thus be accessible through the side panel. The electrical interconnection of the battery cells can be carried out through the cutout, for example. It is also possible to attach additional fastening elements through the cutout to connect the battery cells to the side panels. The end walls correspond in size and shape to the side surface of a battery cell, so that they can be used as end pieces at the ends of the stacked battery cells. The side panels and the end walls are connected to one another to form a frame.This connection can be made, for example, by gluing, welding or by connecting elements such as screws.

[0015] The battery module according to the invention has fewer components than known battery modules. This makes the structure simpler and reduces the number of process steps required to assemble the battery module. The use of side panels made of injection-molded plastic simultaneously reduces the weight of the battery module.

[0016] In one embodiment of the battery module, a clamping element is provided which clamps the stacked battery cells together, wherein the clamping element completely encloses the battery cells in a plane which is arranged parallel to a plane spanned by the longitudinal direction and the height direction or by the longitudinal direction and the thickness direction, wherein the frame comprising the two side parts and the 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. This clamping element has the task of clamping the stacked battery cells together. In this way, the clamping element absorbs a large portion of the forces which can occur due to a change in the dimensions of the battery cells. Battery cells usually have the property of changing dimensions depending on their state of charge.Without the provision of a clamping element, the forces resulting from this dimensional change are absorbed in the longitudinal direction by the side panels, which are connected to the battery cells. By providing a clamping element, the load on the side panels caused by forces resulting from the dimensional changes is reduced. In this way, the side panels can be dimensioned smaller when using a clamping element, which means they require less installation space and are lightweight. The clamping element can be formed, for example, by a clamping band made of a metal material, which is also lightweight. The clamping element completely encloses the stacked battery cells in the stacking direction and is self-contained when assembled.The clamping element can encircle the stacked battery cells either in a plane spanned by the longitudinal and vertical directions or by the longitudinal and thickness directions. The clamping element is applied directly to the battery cells and is thus located within the frame, which is formed from the side panels and the end walls. The combination of providing a clamping element and using side panels made of plastic is particularly advantageous, as the overall weight and the installation space required for the entire battery module can be significantly reduced compared to known solutions. Furthermore, even when using a clamping element, the battery module can be easily assembled with just a few manufacturing steps.

[0017] In a further embodiment, a cooling device is provided which is connected to the two side parts, wherein connection pins arranged in the connection region of the side parts are guided through recesses in the cooling device and there is a positive connection between the connection pins and the recesses in the cooling device, in particular wherein the cooling device bridges the two side parts and rests against the battery cells. In this embodiment, the battery module also comprises a cooling device which is provided for cooling the battery cells. This cooling device is attached to the side parts via connection pins. For this purpose, the cooling device has recesses or bores through which the connection pins are initially guided.In a further step, the connection pins are then deformed so that, after the assembly step is completed, a positive connection is created between the cooling device and the connection area of ​​the side panels. The cooling device can, for example, have cooling channels through which liquid coolant is conducted. The cooling device preferably bridges the gap between the two parallel side panels and rests against the battery cells to ensure effective transfer of thermal energy from the battery cells to the cooling device.

[0018] The object of the invention is finally achieved by a method for assembling a battery module according to one of the previously described embodiments, comprising the method steps A) Stacking the battery cells in the longitudinal direction, B) Connection of the side parts to the stacked battery cells, whereby a partial area of ​​each battery cell is inserted into a clearance of both side parts or is arranged in the thickness direction in alignment with a clearance of both side parts, C) Connecting two ends of the side parts opposite each other in the thickness direction by an end wall, whereby the two side parts and the two end walls together form a circumferential frame around the battery cells.

[0019] The method according to the invention is used for assembling or assembling a battery module. In a first method step A), several battery cells are arranged in a regular pattern, with adjacent battery cells touching each other. In this way, stacked battery cells are created in method step A. Intermediate layers can also be inserted between battery cells during stacking.

[0020] 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 the direction corresponding to the stacking direction of the battery cells. Preferably, a protruding partial area of ​​each battery cell is positively inserted into a recess in both side parts. Alternatively, it is also possible for a partial area of ​​each battery cell to be aligned with a recess in a side part. In this alternative, in which the battery cells and the recesses are simply arranged in alignment, the battery cells are connected to the side parts using additional connecting elements, such as screws or clamps. After completion of method step B), the battery cells are connected to both side parts.

[0021] In a third process step C), the two side panels are connected at their ends by two end walls, creating a surrounding frame around the battery cells. After completing process step C), the electrical wiring of the battery cells can proceed directly.

[0022] The method according to the invention comprises significantly fewer process steps than are required for the construction of a known battery module with metal side panels. This makes the method according to the invention simpler and faster to implement. The combination of several functions by the side panels further simplifies the construction of the battery module.

[0023] In one embodiment of the method, it is provided that after method step A) and before method step B), the stacked battery cells are clamped together with a clamping element, for which purpose the clamping element is guided around the stacked battery cells and extends in some areas in the longitudinal direction until the clamping element encloses the battery cells and after being guided around the battery cells, the circumference of the clamping element is reduced until the clamping element lies flush against the battery cells and clamps them together, and / or wherein, after method step C), a cooling device is positively connected to connection pins arranged in the connection areas of the side panels, such that the cooling device connects the two side panels and rests against the battery cells. In this embodiment, the battery module is assembled using its clamping element, which is mounted after method step A) and clamps the stacked battery cells together. After assembly, this clamping element compensates for dimensional changes that occur in the battery cells, for example, when their state of charge changes. The clamping element stabilizes the stacked battery cells and reduces the forces that are transmitted to the side panels due to the dimensional changes in the battery cells.The clamping element is attached before the battery cells are connected to the side panels in process step B) and, when the battery module is fully assembled, is located within the frame formed by the side panels and the end walls. Alternatively or additionally, a cooling device can be positively connected to the connection areas of the side panels in the process. Such a cooling device is intended to cool or, alternatively, heat the battery cells arranged inside the battery module.

[0024] Features, effects, and advantages disclosed in connection with the side panel are also deemed to be disclosed in connection with the battery module and the method. The same applies in reverse: features, effects, and advantages disclosed in connection with the battery module and / or the method are also deemed to be disclosed in connection with the side panel.

[0025] The invention is schematically illustrated by means of embodiments in the drawings and will be further described with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 in a schematic view components of an unassembled battery module according to a first embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 shows a perspective partial view of a side part according to an embodiment of the invention and Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of an assembled battery module according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0026] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of components of an unassembled battery module 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The battery module 100 shown is shown in an exploded view so that the individual components and their alignment to one another can be clearly seen. 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 middle between the side parts 1, a plurality of battery cells 101 can be seen, which in the rear area of ​​the illustration are already adjacent to one another and are thus arranged in a stacked manner. In the front area, gaps between individual battery cells 101 can be seen to clarify that these are individual battery cells 101 that are mechanically and electrically connected to one another by the battery module 100.The battery cells 101 can lie directly and immediately against one another in the longitudinal direction LR. However, it is also possible to insert intermediate layers between two adjacent battery cells 101 in the longitudinal direction LR, which intermediate layers can be used, for example, to cool the battery cells 101. Furthermore, it is possible to insert intermediate layers that have a different function between adjacent battery cells 101. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery cells 101 have protruding partial regions TB on two opposite sides. These partial regions TB can be formed, for example, by terminals of the battery cells 101. During assembly of the battery module 100, each such partial region TB is inserted into a recess 111 of a side part 1.In this way, a positive connection is created between each of the battery cells 101 and the two side parts 1, which ensures precise and permanently stable positioning of the individual components in the battery module 100 relative to one another. The two end walls 2 correspond in shape and size to the battery cells 101 in a plane defined by the height direction HR and the thickness direction DR. In this way, the end walls 2 can be attached flush with the battery cells 101 at the front ends of the stacked battery cells 101. To form a frame around the battery cells 101, the ends of the side parts 1 are connected to the end walls 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery module 100 comprises a clamping element 102, which here is formed by a clamping band. The clamping element 102 clamps the stacked battery cells 101 together. In the assembled state, the clamping element 102 rests circumferentially against the stacked battery cells 101.In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping element 102 completely encloses the stacked battery cells 101, viewed in a plane spanned by the longitudinal direction LR and the height direction HR. Alternatively, it would also be possible to provide a clamping element 102 that encloses the stacked battery cells 101 in a plane defined by the thickness direction DR and the longitudinal direction LR. The clamping element 102 is intended to absorb forces that can arise from a dimensional change of the stacked battery cells 101. The battery cells 101 tend to change their dimensions, in particular their thickness in the longitudinal direction LR, depending on the state of charge and also over their service life. Without the provision of the clamping element 102, the forces resulting from these dimensional changes would be transferred from the battery cells 101 to the side parts 1 via the partial regions TB and the clearances 111.In this case, the side panels 1 would have to absorb these resulting forces. Accordingly, the side panels 1 must be dimensioned so stably that the forces resulting from the dimensional change can be reliably compensated. The clamping element 102 already compensates for the majority of the forces resulting from the dimensional changes of the battery cells 101. In this way, a smaller proportion of these forces is transferred to the side panels 101, allowing them to be dimensioned smaller and lighter. After the battery cells 101 have been stacked, the clamping element 102 is placed around them and clamped. The frame consisting of side panels 1 and end walls 2 is then mounted around the clamped battery cells 101. The side panels 1 and end walls 2 can be connected to the end walls 2 using various connection mechanisms, for example by gluing, plastic welding, riveting, or screwing.

[0027] Fig. 2 shows a perspective partial view of a side part 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. In Fig. 2 is the forward-facing part of the Fig. 1 shown, front side part 1 shown in an enlarged manner. In the embodiment shown, the side part 1 is made entirely of plastic and was produced by injection molding. The plastic can contain 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 middle in the height direction HR of the side part 1 is the clearance area 11 with a plurality of clearances 111 which are arranged at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction LR. In the embodiment shown, the clearances 111 are formed by openings with a rectangular cross-section. The clearances 111 overlap the middle of the side part 1, viewed in the height direction HR.In the illustrated embodiment, the cutouts 111 are arranged symmetrically to the center line of the side part 1 in the height direction HR. The shape and size of the cutouts 111 correspond to the shape and size of the protruding partial regions TB of the battery cells 101, which are shown in . Fig. 1. In the embodiment shown, two guide channels 14 are arranged adjacent to the clearance area 11, which are intended to accommodate electrical cables or the like. The guide channels 14 also extend along the longitudinal direction LR and are formed on one side by a guide rib 141, which is arranged directly adjacent to the clearance area 11. The opposite side of the guide channels 14 in the height direction HR is delimited by the stiffening area 12 adjacent on the opposite side. In this way, each of the guide channels 14 has a U-shaped cross-section, into which cables can be introduced particularly easily. In the height direction HR outside the clearance area 11 and the guide channels 14, stiffening areas 12 are arranged on both sides, each comprising a plurality of ribs 121.These stiffening regions 12 arranged on the outside of the side part 1 significantly increase the flexural rigidity of the side parts 1. By providing a large number of ribs 121, the side part 1 is given a high section modulus while remaining lightweight. The ribs 121 extend with their largest surfaces along the thickness direction DR. In addition, the ribs 121 are each inclined to the longitudinal direction LR and the height direction HR. The direction of inclination or the sign of the inclination is different for adjacent ribs 121. Furthermore, two ribs 121 with different directions of inclination intersect each other. Such an arrangement of the ribs 121 creates a honeycomb structure which has a high section modulus against bending while being low in volume and weight.This honeycomb design of the stiffening regions 12 creates a plurality of prismatically shaped recesses 122 between the ribs 121. Alternatively, other shapes or arrangements of ribs 121 can be used, which increase the flexural rigidity of the side parts 1. A connection region 13 is arranged on the upper side at the very outside in the height direction HR. In the visible area of ​​this connection region 13, two fastening elements 131 are arranged, which here are formed by mounting tongues protruding in the thickness direction, each having a cylindrical bore. These fastening elements 131 are intended to fasten the battery module 100 or the side part 1 to another object, for example underneath a vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection region 13 has a flat, continuous surface on its side shown above.On or on this surface, a plurality of connection pins 132 are arranged, which protrude beyond the surface forming the adjacent sub-region of the connection region 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection pins 132 are cylindrical and arranged at regular intervals from one another along the longitudinal direction LR. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection pins 132 protrude in the height direction HR relative to all other sub-regions of the side part 1. The connection pins 132 are designed for fastening a cooling device 103 (. Fig. 3) on the side part 1. A battery module 100 with such a mounted cooling device 103 is shown in Fig. 3 shown.

[0028] Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an assembled battery module 100 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The illustrated embodiment in Fig. 3, in addition to the Fig.1, the battery module 100 comprises two cooling devices 103 which are connected to the side parts 1. The cooling devices 103 are provided for cooling the battery cells 101 arranged inside the battery module 100. Each of the cooling devices 103 is plate-shaped and comprises a plurality of cooling channels which extend in the longitudinal direction LR. On the front side of the battery module 100 facing forward, each cooling device 103 has an inlet and an outlet for coolant. Coolant is introduced into the cooling channels via the inlet and passes through the cooling channels to the outlet. During its path through the cooling device 103, the coolant absorbs thermal energy from the battery cells 101. The heated coolant is then guided from the outlet to a cooler (not shown), where the absorbed thermal energy is released back into the environment.The coolant can be a liquid or gaseous coolant. It is also possible for the coolant to change from a liquid state to a gaseous state as it passes through the cooling device 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the cooling device 103 consists of two interconnected metal plates, between which the cooling channels are arranged. The cooling device 103 has recesses or openings at its edges, which accommodate the connection pins 132 provided on the connection area 13 of the side parts 1. During assembly, the cooling device 103 is first guided over the connection pins 132. To fix the cooling device 103 to the side parts 1, the connection pins 132 can be deformed, so that a positive connection is created between the deformed connection pins 132 and the cooling device 103.Such reshaping of the connection pins 132 can be carried out quickly and easily, for example, by pressing on a sonotrode. Alternatively, the connection pins 132 made of plastic can also be thermally reshaped. Furthermore, it is possible for the cooling device to be connected, alternatively or additionally, to the connection pins 132 or to a surface of the connection region 13 in a materially bonded manner, for example by means of an adhesive. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening elements 131 protrude beyond the cooling device 103 in the thickness direction DR, such that the battery module 100 can be connected to another object, for example a vehicle, without collision with the cooling device 103. It is also possible for a battery module 100 to have only one cooling device 103, which is connected to the side parts 1 at the top or bottom. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS: 1 side panel 11 Exemption area 111 Exemption 12 stiffening area 121 Rib 13 Connection area 131 Fastening element 132 connection pin 14 Guide channel 141 Guide rib 2 front wall 100 battery modules 101 Battery cell 102 clamping element 103 Cooling device TB sub-area LR longitudinal direction HR altitude direction DR thickness direction QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2002203527A

[0003] US 2015162639A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Side part (1) for a battery module (100), which extends along a longitudinal direction (LR), wherein a height direction (HR) is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (LR) and a thickness direction (DR) is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (LR) and perpendicular to the height direction (HR), wherein the side part (1) consists at least in regions of a plastic and is produced by the injection molding manufacturing process, the side part (1) comprising - at least one clearance region (11) comprising a plurality of clearances (111) formed by openings that completely penetrate the side part (1) in the thickness direction (DR), wherein the clearances (111) extend in the height direction (HR) and wherein the plurality of clearances (111) are arranged at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction (LR), - at least one stiffening region (12) which is arranged in the height direction (HR) outside the clearance region (11) and closer to the edge of the side part (1) than the clearance region (11) and extends in the longitudinal direction (LR), wherein the stiffening region (12) has a plurality of ribs (121) which extend in the thickness direction (DR), - at least one connection area (13) which is arranged on the edge of the side part (1) in the height direction (HR) outside the clearance area (11) and the stiffening area (12), wherein the connection area (13) has at least one fastening element (131) which is provided for fastening the side part (1) to an object which does not belong to the side part (1). [2] Side part (1) according to claim 1, in which the clearances (111) of the clearance region (11) overlap the center of the side part (1) in the height direction (HR) and / or a guide channel (14) is arranged in the height direction (HR) between the clearance region (11) and the stiffening region (12), which guide channel extends at least partially in the longitudinal direction (LR) along the side part, wherein the guide channel (14) is provided for receiving a cable, wherein a boundary of the guide channel (14) in the height direction (HR) is formed by the adjacent stiffening region (12) and a further boundary of the guide channel (14) in the height direction (HR) is formed by a guide rib (141) which is arranged adjacent to the clearance region (11) and projects beyond the clearance region (11) in the thickness direction (DR). [3] Side part (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 2, in which the ribs (121) of the stiffening region (12) are each oriented inclined to the longitudinal direction (LR) and to the height direction (HR), wherein the direction of inclination of adjacent ribs (121) differs from one another and two ribs (121) with different directions of inclination cross each other, whereby a plurality of prismatically shaped recesses (122) are formed between the ribs (121), which extend in the thickness direction (DR). [4] Side part (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, in which the connection area (13) comprises a plurality of connection pins (132) which are arranged at a distance from one another and which protrude in the height direction (HR) beyond the partial area of the connection area (13) adjacent to the respective connection pin (132), in particular wherein the connection pins (132) protrude in the height direction (HR) beyond the fastening element (131), wherein the connection pins (132) are provided for fastening a cooling device (103) to the side part (1). [5] Side part (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, in which two stiffening regions (12) are provided, one of which is arranged on opposite sides of the release region (11), wherein the stiffening regions (12) extend in the longitudinal direction (LR) along the entire length of the side part (1) and the connection region (13) is directly adjacent to one of the stiffening regions (12) in the height direction (HR). [6] Battery module (100) for connecting several battery cells (101) comprising - two side parts (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, - a plurality of battery cells (101) which are arranged stacked along the longitudinal direction (LR), - two end walls (2) which correspond at least in regions to the shape and size of a battery cell (101) in the height direction (HR) and thickness direction (DR), wherein the side parts (1) are arranged on mutually opposite sides to the sides of the stacked battery cells (101) and in each case an end wall (2) is arranged on an end side of the stacked battery cells (101), wherein each of the end walls (2) connects the two side parts (1) to one another and the two side parts (1) and the two end walls (2) together form a circumferential frame around the battery cells (101), wherein in each case a partial region (TB) of each battery cell (101) is introduced into a clearance (111) of both side parts (1) or is arranged in the thickness direction (DR) in alignment with a clearance (111) of both side parts (1). [7] Battery module (100) according to the preceding claim 6, in which a clamping element (102) is provided which clamps the stacked battery cells (101) together, wherein the clamping element (102) completely encloses the battery cells (101) in a plane which is arranged parallel to a plane which is spanned by the longitudinal direction (LR) and the height direction (HR) or by the longitudinal direction (LR) and the thickness direction (DR), wherein the frame comprising the two side parts (1) and the two end walls (2) is arranged outside the clamping element (102). [8] Battery module (100) according to one of claims 6 or 7, in which a cooling device (103) is provided which is connected to the two side parts (1), wherein connection pins (132) arranged on the connection region (13) of the side parts (1) are guided through recesses in the cooling device (103) and there is a positive connection between the connection pins (132) and the recesses in the cooling device (103), in particular wherein the cooling device (103) bridges the two side parts (1) and rests against the battery cells (101). [9] Method for assembling a battery module (100) according to one of the preceding claims 6 to 8, comprising the method steps A) stacking the battery cells (101) in the longitudinal direction (LR), B) connecting the side parts (1) to the stacked battery cells (101), wherein a partial area (TB) of each battery cell (101) is introduced into a clearance (111) of both side parts (1) or is arranged in the thickness direction (DR) in alignment with a clearance (111) of both side parts (1), C) Connecting two ends of the side parts (1) opposite one another in the thickness direction (DR) by means of an end wall (2), whereby the two side parts (1) and the two end walls (2) together form a circumferential frame around the battery cells (101). [10] Method according to claim 9, wherein after method step A) and before method step B) the stacked battery cells (101) are clamped together with a clamping element (102), for which purpose the clamping element (102) is guided around the stacked battery cells (101) and extends in regions in the longitudinal direction until the clamping element (102) encloses the battery cells (101) and after being guided around the battery cells (101), the circumference of the clamping element (102) is reduced until the clamping element (102) lies flush against the battery cells (101) and clamps them together, and / or wherein, after method step C), a cooling device (103) is positively connected to connection pins (132) arranged on the connection regions (13) of the side parts (1), so that the cooling device (103) connects the two side parts (1) and bears against the battery cells (101).

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