DE102023119176A1 - side panel for a battery module and battery module - Google Patents

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 the longitudinal direction (LR) and perpendicular to the height direction (HR), and 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) comprises at least one clearance region (11), which comprises a plurality of clearances (111) formed by openings, and 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). The side part (1) further comprises at least one connection region (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

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

Battery modules are assemblies in which individual, rechargeable battery cells are joined together to form a solid composite. The individual battery cells are mechanically connected to one another and electrically interconnected. Battery modules are used, for example, as energy storage devices to drive electric vehicles. Battery modules can also be used as energy storage devices in buildings or industrial plants. The individual battery cells have the property of changing their external dimensions, in particular 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. In order to achieve a stable structure of a battery module, the dimensional changes of the individual battery cells, also known as swelling, must be compensated for by reinforcing or guiding components. To absorb forces that arise from the condition-related dimensional changes of stacked battery cells, the state of the art uses battery modules that have longitudinal side parts made of metal, in particular aluminum profiles. These side parts are designed to absorb the tensile and compressive forces of the variable-size battery cells connected to them. To create a battery module, such side parts 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 to one another. Such battery modules therefore have a large number of components and require several different assembly steps.

JP2002203527A describes a front wall or end plate for a battery module, which is made of plastic. This end plate is formed by an injection-molded plastic component and has a large number of reinforcing ribs that extend over the entire height of the end plate. The end plate is self-contained and has no openings.

In US2015162639A1 A battery module is described which has side parts made of metal which are connected to the battery cells. In order to increase the stability of the assembly, reinforcing elements made of metal are inserted at several points between the battery cells and are connected to a side part at opposite ends. In addition, end walls are arranged at the ends of the battery module and are also connected to the side parts.

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.

• - zumindest einen Freistellungsbereich, welcher mehrere Freistellungen umfasst, welche durch Durchbrechungen gebildet sind, die das Seitenteil in Dickenrichtung komplett durchdringen, wobei die Freistellungen sich in Höhenrichtung erstrecken und wobei die mehreren Freistellungen in Längsrichtung beabstandet zueinander angeordnet sind,
• - zumindest einen Versteifungsbereich, welcher in Höhenrichtung außerhalb des Freistellungsbereichs und näher am Rand des Seitenteils als der Freistellungsbereich angeordnet ist und sich in Längsrichtung erstreckt, wobei der Versteifungsbereich eine Vielzahl von Rippen aufweist, welche sich in Dickenrichtung erstrecken,
• - zumindest einen Anschlussbereich, welcher am Rand des Seitenteils in Höhenrichtung außerhalb des Freistellungsbereichs und des Versteifungsbereichs angeordnet ist, wobei der Anschlussbereich zumindest ein Befestigungselement aufweist, welches zur Befestigung des Seitenteils an einem nicht zum Seitenteil gehörenden Objekt vorgesehen ist.

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 located at the edge of the side part in the vertical direction outside the clearance area and the stiffening region, wherein the connection region has at least one fastening element which is provided for fastening the side part to an object not belonging to the side part.

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 battery cells stacked on top of one another. In the battery module, the side part according to the invention extends in the direction in which the battery cells are stacked on top of one another. 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 manufactured using the injection molding manufacturing process and consists at least in some areas of plastic. The entire side part is preferably made of plastic. The side part comprises several areas which fulfill different functions. A clearance area comprises several clearances which are formed by openings in the side part. These clearances are intended to each accommodate a partial area of a battery cell in a form-fitting manner 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 arranged at preferably regular intervals along the longitudinal direction of the side part. The shape and size of the clearances can be the same or can 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, an area is arranged in the longitudinal direction that is not perforated. These non-perforated areas between the clearances ensure sufficient stability of the side part. The side part according to the invention also comprises at least one stiffening area, which serves to increase the bending stiffness of the side part about a bending axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the vertical direction. The stiffening area is arranged further out on the side part in the vertical direction than the clearance area. The stiffening area preferably extends along the entire length of the side part. The stiffening area has a large number of ribs, which are arranged in such a way 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 height direction. The stiffening region can be arranged adjacent to the clearance region. Furthermore, the side part according to the invention comprises a connection region which is arranged on the very outside of the side part in the height direction. The connection region is used on the one hand to attach the side part to another object, for example to a vehicle. On the other hand, the connection region can also be used to attach or connect further parts or components of a battery module to the side part. The connection region comprises at least one fastening element which is provided for fastening the side part. Preferably, several fastening elements are arranged on the side part at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction.

The side part according to the invention has the advantage that it can be manufactured in a simple manner using the injection molding process from plastic. In this way, only one manufacturing step is required to manufacture the side part. A design as an injection molded part 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 and its construction is thus simplified. 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, so that a rigid side part is provided with a low weight. The side part according to the invention therefore also reduces the weight of the entire battery module compared to the use of side parts made of metal.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the clearances of the clearance area overlap the middle of the side part in the height direction and/or a guide channel is arranged in the height direction between the clearance area and the stiffening area, which extends at least partially in the longitudinal direction along the side part, wherein the guide channel is provided for receiving a cable, wherein a limitation of the guide channel in the height direction is formed by the adjacent stiffening area and a further limitation of the guide channel in the height direction is formed by a guide rib, which is arranged adjacent to the clearance area and protrudes in the thickness direction over the clearance area. The clearance The clearances can be arranged so that they overlap the middle of the side part in the vertical direction. It is also possible for the clearances to be arranged symmetrically to the center line of the side part in the vertical direction. With an arrangement in which the clearances overlap the middle, the clearances are arranged as openings within the side part and there remains a partial area outside the clearances in the vertical direction that is not opened or where a stiffening area can be arranged. In this way, the clearances only weaken the flexural rigidity of the side part to a small extent and the side part has a high section modulus against bending. Optionally, a guide channel can be provided on the side part, which is intended to accommodate electrical cables or similar. The guide channel is arranged in the vertical direction between the clearance area and the stiffening area and can extend over the entire length of the side part in the longitudinal direction. The guide channel preferably has a U-shaped cross-section, which is delimited on one side by a guide rib, which is arranged adjacent to the clearance area and is delimited on an opposite side by a portion of the adjacent stiffening area. Electrical cables can be attached and secured in the guide channel without further mechanisms for electrical insulation, 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 on opposite sides of the clearance area in the vertical direction.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that the ribs of the stiffening region are each oriented at an angle to the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction, wherein the respective inclination directions of adjacent ribs differ from one another and two ribs with different inclination directions cross each other, whereby a large number 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 in such a way 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 inclination direction differs from one another for two adjacent ribs. Some of the ribs cross each other. In a side view from the direction of the thickness direction, honeycombs or cells are formed, which significantly increase the section modulus against bending about a bending axis parallel to the thickness direction with little use of material. Such a stiffening area is therefore lightweight and ensures that the side part has high flexural rigidity. In this embodiment, a large number of prismatic or honeycomb-shaped recesses are formed between the ribs, which extend in the direction of the thickness. These recesses can penetrate the entire side part or there can be a closed wall on one side in the direction of the thickness, which closes off the recesses.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the connection area comprises a plurality of connection pins which are arranged at a distance from one another and which protrude in the vertical direction over the partial area of the connection area adjacent to the respective connection pin, in particular wherein the connection pins protrude in the vertical direction over 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 which can be used to connect other objects, for example a cooling device. The connection pins protrude over the partial areas of the connection area arranged adjacent to them. In this way, the connection pins can be passed through recesses or openings in another component and the other component only comes into contact with the adjacent partial areas when the connection pins are inserted into the recesses. The connection pins can protrude in the thickness direction over the entire side part. In a simple embodiment, the connection pins are shaped as cylindrical pins which extend in the vertical direction.

In an advantageous embodiment, two stiffening regions are provided, one of which is arranged on opposite sides of the clearance region, the stiffening regions extending longitudinally along the entire length of the side part and the connection region directly bordering one of the stiffening regions in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, two stiffening regions are provided, which are 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 a particularly high bending stiffness 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.

• - zwei Seitenteile nach einer der zuvor beschriebenen Ausführungsformen,
• - eine Vielzahl an Batteriezellen, welche entlang der Längsrichtung gestapelt angeordnet sind,
• - zwei Stirnwände, welche zumindest bereichsweise der Form und Größe einer Batteriezelle in Höhenrichtung und Dickenrichtung entsprechen,

wobei die Seitenteile auf einander gegenüberliegenden Seiten seitlich der gestapelten Batteriezellen angeordnet sind und jeweils eine Stirnwand an einer Stirnseite der gestapelten Batteriezellen angeordnet ist, wobei jede der Stirnwände die beiden Seitenteile miteinander verbindet und die beiden Seitenteile und die beiden Stirnwände zusammen einen umlaufenden Rahmen um die Batteriezellen bilden, wobei jeweils ein Teilbereich jeder Batteriezelle in eine Freistellung beider Seitenteile eingebracht ist oder in Dickenrichtung fluchtend zu einer Freistellung beider Seitenteile angeordnet ist.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 part to the shape and size of a battery cell in the height and thickness directions,

wherein the side parts are arranged on opposite sides of the stacked battery cells and a front wall is arranged on a front side of the stacked battery cells, wherein each of the front walls connects the two side parts to one another and the two side parts and the two front walls together form a surrounding frame around the battery cells, wherein a partial area of each battery cell is introduced into a clearance of both side parts or is arranged in the thickness direction flush with a clearance of both side parts.

The battery module according to the invention connects several 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 large number of battery cells which are electrically connected to one another. 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 neighboring battery cells touch one another. However, intermediate layers can also be arranged between the battery cells, which can serve, for example, to provide additional stiffening of the battery module. The battery module also comprises a frame which consists of two side parts according to one of the previously described embodiments and two end walls. The side parts and the end walls are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction around the stacked battery cells. For fixing, partial areas of each battery cell can be inserted in a form-fitting manner into a recess in the side parts. Alternatively, it is possible for partial areas of each battery cell to be arranged in alignment with a recess and thus be accessible through the side part. The clearance can be used, for example, to electrically connect the battery cells to one another. It is also possible to attach additional fastening elements that connect the battery cells to the side panels. The front 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 front walls are connected to one another to form a frame. This connection can be made, for example, by gluing, welding or using connecting elements such as screws.

The battery module according to the invention has a smaller number of components than known battery modules. In this way, the structure is simpler and the number of process steps required to assemble the battery module is lower. By using side parts that are made as injection-molded components from plastic, the weight of the battery module is reduced at the same time.

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 which is spanned by the longitudinal direction and the height direction or by the longitudinal direction and the thickness direction, wherein the frame made up of 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 part of the forces which can occur due to a change in the dimensions of the battery cells. The battery cells usually have the property of changing dimensions depending on the state of charge. Without the provision of a clamping element, the forces resulting from this change in dimensions are absorbed in the longitudinal direction by the side parts which are connected to the battery cells. By providing a clamping element, the load on the side parts caused by forces resulting from the changes in dimensions is reduced. In this way, the side parts can be made 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 either run around the stacked battery cells in a plane that is spanned by the longitudinal direction and the height direction or by the longitudinal direction and the thickness direction. The clamping element is applied directly to the battery cells and is thus within the frame. which is formed from the side parts and the end walls. The combination of providing a clamping element and using side parts made of plastic is particularly advantageous because the overall weight and the installation space required for the entire battery module can be significantly reduced compared to known solutions. In addition, even when using a clamping element, the battery module can be easily assembled with just a few production steps.

In a further embodiment, a cooling device is provided which is connected to the two side parts, wherein connection pins arranged in the connection area 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 holes through which the connection pins are initially guided. In a further step, the connection pins are then deformed so that after completion of the assembly step there is a positive connection between the cooling device and the connection area of the side parts. The cooling device can, for example, have cooling channels through which liquid coolant is guided. The cooling device preferably bridges the distance between the two side parts arranged parallel to one another and rests against the battery cells in order to ensure good transfer of thermal energy from the battery cells to the cooling device.

1. A) Stapeln der Batteriezellen in der Längsrichtung,
2. B) Verbindung der Seitenteile mit den gestapelten Batteriezellen, wobei jeweils ein Teilbereich jeder Batteriezelle in eine Freistellung beider Seitenteile eingebracht wird oder in Dickenrichtung fluchtend zu einer Freistellung beider Seitenteile angeordnet wird,
3. C) Verbinden von jeweils zwei einander in Dickenrichtung gegenüberliegender Enden der Seitenteile durch eine Stirnwand, wodurch die beiden Seitenteile und die beiden Stirnwände zusammen einen umlaufenden Rahmen um die Batteriezellen bilden.

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

1. A) Stacking the battery cells in the longitudinal direction,
2. B) connection of the side parts with the stacked battery cells, whereby a partial area of each battery cell is introduced into a clearance of both side parts or is arranged in the direction of thickness in alignment with a clearance of both side parts,
3. C) Connecting two ends of the side parts opposite each other in the direction of thickness by means of an end wall, whereby the two side parts and the two end walls together form a circumferential frame around the battery cells.

The method according to the invention is used for mounting or assembling a battery module. In a first method step A), several battery cells are arranged regularly, with neighboring 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.

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 that corresponds to the stacking direction of the battery cells. Preferably, a protruding partial area of each battery cell is introduced into a recess in both side parts in a form-fitting manner. 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.

In a third process step C), the two side parts are connected at their ends by two end walls, creating a surrounding frame around the battery cells. After completing process step C), you can move on directly to the electrical wiring of the battery cells.

The method according to the invention comprises significantly fewer process steps than are required for the construction of a known battery module with side parts made of metal. This makes the method according to the invention easier and quicker to carry out. Due to the fact that several functions are combined using the side parts, the construction of the battery module is also simplified.

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 the longitudinal direction in some areas 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 is flush with the battery cells and clamps them together, and/or
wherein, after method step C), a cooling device is positively connected to connection pins arranged on the connection areas of the side parts, so that the cooling device connects the two side parts and rests against the battery cells. In this embodiment, the battery module is assembled using its clamping element, which is assembled 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 parts due to the dimensional changes in the battery cells. The clamping element is attached before the battery cells are connected to the side parts in method step B) and, when the battery module is fully assembled, is located within the frame, which is formed by the side parts and the end walls. Alternatively or additionally, a cooling device can be positively connected to the connection areas of the side parts in the method. Such a cooling device is intended to cool or alternatively heat the battery cells arranged inside the battery module.

Features, effects and advantages which are disclosed in connection with the side part are also deemed to be disclosed in connection with the battery module and the method. The same applies in the opposite direction; features, effects and advantages which are disclosed in connection with the battery module and/or the method are also deemed to be disclosed in connection with the side part.

• 1 in einer schematischen Ansicht Bauteile eines nicht montierten Batteriemoduls nach einer ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung,
• 2 in einer perspektivischen Teilansicht ein Seitenteil nach einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung und
• 3 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht ein montiertes Batteriemodul nach einer zweiten Ausführungsform der Erfindung.

The invention is illustrated schematically in the drawings using embodiments and is further described with reference to the drawings. They show:

• 1 in a schematic view components of a non-assembled battery module according to a first embodiment of the invention,
• 2 in a perspective partial view of a side part according to an embodiment of the invention and
• 3 in a perspective view an assembled battery module according to a second embodiment of the invention.

1 shows a schematic view of components of a non-assembled 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 with one another can be clearly seen. The battery module 100 comprises a frame which consists 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 large number of battery cells 101 can be seen, which are already adjacent to one another in the rear area of the illustration and are thus arranged in a stack. In the front area, gaps between individual battery cells 101 can be seen to illustrate that these are individual battery cells 101 which are mechanically and electrically connected to one another by the battery module 100. The battery cells 101 can be directly and immediately adjacent to 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 can be used, for example, to cool the battery cells 101. It is also possible to insert intermediate layers between adjacent battery cells 101 that have a different function. In the embodiment shown, the battery cells 101 have protruding partial areas TB on two opposite sides. These partial areas TB can be formed, for example, by terminals of the battery cells 101. When assembling the battery module 100, one such partial area TB is inserted into a clearance 111 of a side part 1. In this way, a positive connection is created between each of the battery cells 101 and both side parts 1, which ensures an exact 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 that is 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 embodiment shown, the battery module 100 comprises a clamping element 102, which is formed here by a clamping band. The clamping element 102 clamps the stacked battery cells 101 together. In the assembled state, the clamping element 102 rests all the way around the stacked battery cells 101. In the embodiment shown, 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 which encloses the stacked battery cells 101 in a plane which is defined by the thickness direction DR and the longitudinal direction LR. The The clamping element 102 is intended to absorb forces that can arise from a change in the dimensions 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 areas TB and the clearances 111. In this case, the side parts 1 would have to absorb these resulting forces. Accordingly, the side parts 1 must be dimensioned so stably that the forces resulting from the change in dimensions can be reliably compensated. The clamping element 102 already compensates for the majority of the forces resulting from the changes in dimensions of the battery cells 101. In this way, a smaller proportion of these forces is transferred to the side parts 101, which means that they can 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 made of side parts 1 and end walls 2 is then mounted around the clamped battery cells 101. The side parts 1 can be connected to the end walls 2 using different connection mechanisms, for example by gluing, plastic welding, riveting or screwing.

2 shows a perspective partial view of a side part 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. In 2 is the forward-facing part of the 1 shown enlarged. In the embodiment shown, the side part 1 consists 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 there is the clearance area 11 with several 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 embodiment shown, the clearances 111 are arranged symmetrically to the center line of the side part 1 in the height direction HR. The shape and size of the clearances 111 correspond to the shape and size of the protruding partial areas TB of the battery cells 101, which in 1 can be seen. 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 side of the guide channels 14 opposite 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 areas 12 arranged on the outside of the side part 1 significantly increase the bending stiffness of the side parts 1. By providing a large number of ribs 121, the side part 1 is given a high section modulus while being lightweight. The ribs 121 extend with their largest surfaces along the thickness direction DR. In addition, the ribs 121 are each oriented at an angle 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. In addition, two ribs 121 with different directions of inclination cross each other. Such an arrangement of the ribs 121 creates a honeycomb structure which has a high section modulus against bending with a low volume and weight. This honeycomb design of the stiffening areas 12 creates a large number of prismatically shaped recesses 122 between the ribs 121. Alternatively, other shapes or arrangements of ribs 121 can be used, which increase the bending stiffness of the side parts 1. A connection area 13 is arranged on the upper side at the very outside of the side part 1 in the height direction HR. In the visible area of this connection area 13, two fastening elements 131 are arranged, which are formed here by mounting tongues protruding in the thickness direction, each of which has 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 embodiment shown, the connection area 13 has a flat, continuous surface on its side shown above. On or on this surface, several connection pins 132 are arranged, which protrude beyond the surface that forms the adjacent partial area of the connection area 13. In the embodiment shown, the connection pins 132 are cylindrically shaped and in general moderate distances from each other along the longitudinal direction LR. In the embodiment shown, the connection pins 132 protrude from all other sub-areas of the side part 1 in the height direction HR. The connection pins 132 are for fastening a cooling device 103 ( 3 ) on the side part 1. A battery module 100 with such a mounted cooling device 103 is shown in 3 shown.

3 shows a perspective view of an assembled battery module 100 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The embodiment shown in 3 In addition to the 1 illustrated embodiment has two cooling devices 103 which are connected to the side parts 1. The cooling devices 103 are intended to cool the battery cells 101 arranged inside the battery module 100. Each of the cooling devices 103 is plate-shaped and comprises several 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 runs through the cooling channels to the outlet. The coolant absorbs thermal energy 103 from the battery cells 101 during its path through the cooling device. 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 that the coolant changes from the liquid state to the gaseous state as it passes through the cooling device 103. In the embodiment shown, the cooling device 103 consists of two metal plates connected to one another, between which the cooling channels are arranged. The cooling device 103 has recesses or openings on 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 reshaped so that a positive connection is created between the reshaped 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 that the cooling device is alternatively or additionally connected in a materially bonded manner, for example by means of an adhesive, to the connection pins 132 or a surface of the connection region 13. In the embodiment shown, the fastening elements 131 protrude beyond the cooling device 103 in the thickness direction DR, so that the battery module 100 can be connected to another object, for example a vehicle, without colliding 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.

REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST:

1

side panel

11

exemption area

111

exemption

12

stiffening area

121

rib

13

connection area

131

fastener

132

connection pin

14

guide channel

141

guide rib

2

bulkhead

100

battery module

101

battery cell

102

clamping element

103

cooling device

TB

sub-area

LR

longitudinal direction

HR

elevation direction

DR

thickness direction

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• JP 2002203527A [0003]
• US 2015162639A1 [0004]

Claims (10)

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 area (11), which comprises a plurality of clearances (111), which are 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 spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction (LR), - at least one stiffening area (12), which in the height direction (HR) is outside the clearance area (11) and closer to the edge of the side part (1) than the clearance area (11) is arranged 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 region (13) which is arranged on the edge of the side part (1) in the height direction (HR) outside the clearance region (11) and the stiffening region (12), wherein the connection region (13) has at least one fastening element (131) which is provided for fastening the side part (1) to an object not belonging to the side part (1). Side part (1) after claim 1 , in which the clearances (111) of the clearance region (11) overlap the middle of the side part (1) in the height direction (HR) and/or in the height direction (HR) between the clearance region (11) and the stiffening region (12) a guide channel (14) is arranged, which extends at least in regions 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 protrudes beyond the clearance region (11) in the thickness direction (DR). Side part (1) according to one of the preceding Claims 1 until 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 intersect, whereby a plurality of prismatically shaped recesses (122) are formed between the ribs (121), which extend in the thickness direction (DR). Side part (1) according to one of the preceding Claims 1 until 3 , in which the connection region (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 region of the connection region (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). Side part (1) according to one of the preceding Claims 1 until 4 , in which two stiffening regions (12) are provided, one of which is arranged on opposite sides of the clearance 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) directly adjoins one of the stiffening regions (12) in the height direction (HR). Battery module (100) for connecting several battery cells (101) comprising - two side parts (1) according to one of the preceding Claims 1 until 5 , - a plurality of battery cells (101) which are arranged stacked along the longitudinal direction (LR), - two end walls (2) which at least partially correspond 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 opposite sides to the side of the stacked battery cells (101) and one end wall (2) is arranged on one end 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 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) flush with a clearance (111) of both side parts (1). Battery module (100) according to the previous 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 consisting of the two side parts (1) and the two end walls (2) is arranged outside the clamping element (102). Battery module (100) according to one of the 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). Method for assembling a battery module (100) according to one of the preceding Claims 6 until 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 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) flush with a clearance (111) of both side parts (1), C) connecting two ends of the side parts (1) which are 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). procedure according to claim 9 , in which 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 some areas 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 lies against the battery cells (101).

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