The energy store which may, for example, also be in the form of a robust hydrogen tank or the like or in the form of, for example, a high-voltage battery (HVB) may constitute a sensitive motor vehicle component, which may be worthy of protection, of the motor vehicle, for example, in the event of a crash, particularly since damage to the energy store may represent a significant danger for the passengers of the motor vehicle. For example, a damaged HVB may catch fire. The energy store may comprises the support structure.

Since by the arrangement or by the connection apparatus a force may be distributed from the first drive train component, for example a front or rear drive, to the body and the support structure of the energy store, an intrusion of the first drive train component in the direction of the energy store or into the energy store in the event of a crash can advantageously be prevented or significantly reduced.

Another advantage may be that a free space between the first drive train component and the energy store may be reduced and consequently the energy store can be increased for a specific length of the motor vehicle. Consequently, by the arrangement according to this example, the motor vehicle can absorb more energy in an increased energy store so that a higher capacity and consequently also a higher range of the motor vehicle can be achieved.

In an example in which the first drive train component is a front drive or a rear drive and the motor vehicle component is an HVB, other advantages may be afforded. For example, it may be possible for the HVB to be able to be disassembled by releasing the first interface, wherein a connection of the front drive or the rear drive to the body, for example the auxiliary frame screw, can remain untouched. Consequently, it may be possible that, when the HVB is changed, the drive does not have to be newly adjusted and/or measured. A change of the HVB can thereby be carried out in a significantly more effective manner.

The described examples may also include further developments of the arrangement which may have features as have already been described in connection with the further developments of the connection apparatus. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the arrangement according to the examples may not be described again here.

As a result of another aspect of examples of the invention, a motor vehicle is provided. The motor vehicle comprises in particular the arrangement according to the described examples. The motor vehicle may comprise a plurality of arrangements.

The motor vehicle according to the examples of the invention may be in the form of a car, in particular a passenger vehicle, or truck, or a passenger bus, or motorcycle.

In an example, the motor vehicle makes provision for the connection apparatus to be constructed in such a manner that the first interface has at least the first bore hole for connecting the support element to the support structure of the motor vehicle component using a screw and the second interface has the second bore hole for connecting the support element to the auxiliary frame using the auxiliary frame screw and the central line of the at least one first bore hole of the first interface is constructed perpendicularly to the central line of the second bore hole of the second interface. Furthermore, there is provision for the connection apparatus to be arranged in a lateral edge region of the motor vehicle in a vehicle width direction and in a lower edge region of the motor vehicle in a vertical vehicle direction. Furthermore, there is provision for the central line of the at least one first bore hole of the first interface to be constructed in the vehicle width direction and a central line of the bore hole of the second interface to be constructed in the vertical vehicle direction.

In other words, the connection apparatus may be arranged in the edge region of the motor vehicle, which edge region may be located laterally in the vehicle width direction and at the bottom in the vertical vehicle direction. The vehicle width direction is intended to be understood to be a direction of the motor vehicle which extends substantially parallel with a drive axis and perpendicularly to a forward direction of the motor vehicle. The term “laterally” can consequently also be understood to be both left and right on the motor vehicle. The vertical vehicle direction may be understood to be a vertical direction when the motor vehicle is located in a horizontal position.

As a result of the position of the connection apparatus in the laterally lower edge region of the motor vehicle and the provided orientations of the respective central lines of the bore holes, it may advantageously be possible for the second interface to be accessible from below during assembly or disassembly of the connection apparatus and for the first interface to be accessible from a side of the motor vehicle. For example, the first interface of the support element may be able to be screwed to the support structure or unscrewed from the side. For example, the auxiliary frame screw may be able to be screwed from below in an upward direction through the second bore hole and the hole of the auxiliary frame into the body. In an example, as a result of such a positioning of the connection apparatus, an automated assembly of the connection of the motor vehicle as a result of the improved accessibility, from the side and from below, can be optimized.

In an example, in which the first drive train component is a front drive or a rear drive and the motor vehicle component is an HVB, other advantages may be afforded with such a positioning of the connection apparatus. For example, a disassembly of the HVB from the motor vehicle by releasing the first interface can be carried out from the side. For example, there may be provision for a front wheel or a rear wheel to be disassembled initially so that the first interface in the lateral edge region of the motor vehicle is accessible for release. Consequently, a change of the HVB can be carried out in a simple and more efficient manner.

The described example of the invention may also include further developments of the motor vehicle according to the described examples of the invention which have features as already described in connection with the further developments of the connection apparatus according to described examples of the invention and the arrangement according to the described examples of the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the motor vehicle according to the described examples of the invention may not be described again here.

As a result of another aspect of the described examples of the invention, a method for a double-shearing connection of the auxiliary frame of the first drive train component to the body and to the support structure of the motor vehicle component of the motor vehicle may be provided. In the method, for example the first interface of the support element may be connected to the support structure of the motor vehicle component and the auxiliary frame of the first drive train component may be connected by the auxiliary frame screw at the lower side to the second interface of the support element and at the upper side to the body. In an example, the method may constitute a highly automated assembly method.

In an example, the connection of the auxiliary frame to the support element and to the body using the auxiliary frame screw may represent one operating step, which can be carried out for example by introducing the auxiliary frame screw through the first interface and through the auxiliary frame and by screwing into the body.

An example of the method may make provisions for the following steps: a) loosely connecting the first interface of the support element to the support structure of the motor vehicle component forming play; b) connecting the support structure to the body after step a); c) connecting the auxiliary frame at the lower side to the second interface of the support element and at the upper side to the body by the auxiliary frame screw after step a); d) securely connecting the first interface to the support structure after steps a) to c).

Firstly, the step a) can be carried out. With the loose connection, the support element can conditionally be movably connected relative to the support structure. For example, the loose connection may be understood to be a connection with a screw and a screw nut, wherein a screw nut is mounted only loosely on the screw. The play may be understood to be the movement freedom in which the support element can at least conditionally be moved with respect to the support structure. In an example, it is possible in this instance to refer to a floating support of the support element on the support structure. At least the support element and the support structure can be pre-positioned by the step a).

The steps b) and c) can be carried out in particular one after the other or at the same time.

The support structure may, for example, be connected to the body by at least one support structure screw, for example a plurality of support structure screws. The auxiliary frame can be connected to the body by at least two auxiliary frame screws.

After the support structure is securely connected to the body and the auxiliary frame is securely connected to the support element and the body, in step d) the initially loose connection of the support element can be securely connected to the support structure.

One advantage of such a method is that a connection of the support structure to the auxiliary frame can be enabled initially with production-related deviations in the shape or in the position relative to the body of the support structure or the auxiliary frame. In this instance, for example two aspects of the method may be highly significant. On the one hand, as a result of the use of the support element, it can be ensured that production-related deviations can be compensated for. On the other hand, as a result of the sequence of the method steps, it can be ensured that the production-related deviations can be compensated for. If such a “compensation function” were not integrated, it may be the case that the connection locations of the motor vehicle component and the auxiliary frame no longer fit the receiving locations of the body. Consequently, an assembly would not be possible or only with considerable adjustment complexity.

Another advantage may be that the method can be carried out in a highly automated manner, for example on an assembly belt by automated robots.

The described examples of the invention may also include further developments of the method according to the described examples of the invention which have features as have already been described in connection with the further developments of the motor vehicle according to the described examples of the invention, the arrangement according to the described examples of the invention and the connection apparatus according to the described examples of the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the method according to the described examples of the invention may not described again here.

The described examples of the invention may also include the combinations of the features of the examples described. Therefore, the described examples of the invention may also include examples which each have a combination of the features of a plurality of the examples described as long as the examples have not been described as being mutually exclusive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a motor vehicle according to an example;

FIG. 2 shows a sectioned illustration of a connection apparatus according to an example;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective illustration of a connection apparatus according to an example;

FIG. 4 shows a side view of a connection apparatus according to an example;

FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of a method according to an example.

DESCRIPTION

Examples of the invention are explained below. In the examples, the described components may illustrate individual features which are intended to be considered in each case independently of each other and which also further develop the examples independently of each other. Therefore, the disclosure should also include combinations of the features of the examples other than those illustrated. Furthermore, the examples described can also be supplemented by other features of the invention in addition to those already described.

In the Figures, identical reference numerals refer in each case to elements which have an identical function.

A connection of the examples shown may be understood to be a fixed or rigid connection by which forces and torques, for example, resulting from a crash, can be transmitted. Accordingly, there may be provision for the respective connection to have a corresponding robustness, which can withstand a crash or a predetermined loading resulting from a crash as long as a loose connection is not expressly mentioned. The same applies accordingly to the term “be connected”.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a motor vehicle 3 according to an example in an XY plane as a plan view, wherein an X direction corresponds to a longitudinal vehicle direction X and a Y direction corresponds to a vehicle width direction Y.

In the example shown, there are shown substantially three drive train components which may include the motor vehicle 3, for example, a front drive 25, a rear drive 26 which in this example represents a first drive train component 5, and a high-voltage battery (HVB) 28 which in this example represents a motor vehicle component 8 or a second drive train component 27. Alternatively, the motor vehicle component 8 may also be in the form of a component of a body 6 of the motor vehicle 3.

For example, the front drive 25 may comprise an electric motor 39, and additional components or sub-assemblies, such as a partial gear mechanism, a steering apparatus, a frame or the like. The front drive 25 may also correspond to the first drive train component 5 and be connected via a connection apparatus 1 according to the described examples, to the motor vehicle component 8, in this instance the HVB 28, for example to a support structure 7 of the HVB 28.

For example, the rear drive 26 may comprise an additional electric motor 39 and additional components or sub-assemblies, such as a partial gear mechanism, a frame, in an example an auxiliary frame 4, or the like. The rear drive 26 may be connected particularly via the connection apparatus 1 according to the described examples to the HVB 28, in an example to the support structure of the HVB 28.

The HVB 28 has in this example the support structure 7 which may comprise, for example, a front and a rear transverse profile 41 and a plurality of longitudinal profiles 42, wherein in an example the transverse profiles 41 and the longitudinal profiles may be securely or rigidly connected to each other and may have a corresponding robustness. In an example, the support structure 7 may be configured to support the HVB 28 in a stable manner. In addition, the support structure may be constructed to absorb or transmit forces which may be introduced, for example as a result of a crash of the motor vehicle 3, via the connection apparatus 1 from the support structure 7.

In this example, the connection apparatus 1 may be arranged in the longitudinal vehicle direction X substantially between the motor vehicle component 8 and the first drive train component 5. However, the connection apparatus 1 may not limited to this positioning. For example, the connection apparatus 1 may be arranged in the vehicle width direction Y beside the motor vehicle component 8. In example, the connection apparatus 1 is positioned in such a manner that it is accessible for connection to or release from the motor vehicle component 8 and/or the first drive train component 5 using a tool. In this example, the connection apparatus 1 may be arranged in a lateral edge region of the motor vehicle 3 in the vehicle width direction Y and in a lower edge region of the motor vehicle 3 in the vertical vehicle direction Z so that the connection apparatus 1 is accessible from below and from the side of the motor vehicle 3, for example, via a wheel case by disassembling a wheel.

The auxiliary frame 4 of the first drive train component 5 may in an example be constructed to carry and support the components and sub-assemblies of the drive train component 5. In an example, the auxiliary frame 4 may be constructed to absorb and transmit forces external to the motor vehicle, for example, resulting from a crash of the motor vehicle 3. Accordingly, the auxiliary frame 4 may be constructed to be sufficiently robust and rigid.

In this example, the auxiliary frame 4 can be connected to two auxiliary frame carriers 44 by a connection apparatus 1 in each case, laterally at the right and left. The connection apparatus 1 may be suitable for connecting the auxiliary frame 4 of the first drive train component 5 to the body 6 and to the support structure 7 of the motor vehicle component 8 in a double-shearing manner. In an example, the connection apparatus 1 may be constructed to absorb forces external to the motor vehicle, resulting, for example, from a crash of the motor vehicle 3, from the auxiliary frame 4 and to transmit them both to the body 6 and to the support structure 7. Accordingly, the connection apparatus 1 may be constructed to be sufficiently robust or rigid. In an example, as a result of this connection, the crash pathways 43 of the auxiliary frame 4 can advantageously be coupled to the load paths of the support structure 7.

Particularly as a result of the connection by the connection apparatus 1, an improved rigidity, in an example an intrusion rigidity, can be achieved and consequently an intrusion in the motor vehicle 3 as a result of a crash, in an example of the first drive train component 5 into the motor vehicle component 8 and/or in the direction of a passenger space can be prevented or at least reduced. Accordingly, as a result of the connection apparatus 1, it may become possible for the previously required free spaces in the motor vehicle 3, in an example between the first drive train component 5 and the motor vehicle component 8, to be able to be reduced or eliminated since these free spaces may no longer required as safety spacing or as a crumple zone in the event of a crash. Consequently, a structural space for accommodating the motor vehicle component 8, for example, the HVB 28 and/or the passenger space, can advantageously be increased with the external dimensions of the motor vehicle 3 remaining unchanged. Consequently, for example, a range as a result of a higher capacity of the HVB 28 or comfort for the passengers can be increased.

In FIG. 2, a sectioned illustration of an XZ plane of the connection apparatus 1 according to an example is shown in a mounted state. In this example, the connection apparatus 1 may be mounted on the motor vehicle component 8, in an example on the HVB 28, on the first drive train component 8, in an example on a rear drive 26, and on the body 6 of the motor vehicle 3. In the mounted state, the connection apparatus 1 may be part of an arrangement 2 for the motor vehicle 3 which may comprise the body 6, the first drive train component 5, the motor vehicle component 8 and a connection apparatus 1, wherein the support structure 7 of the motor vehicle component 8 may be connected to the support element 9 via the first interface 11 of the support element 9, and wherein the auxiliary frame 4 of the first drive train component 5 is connected by the auxiliary frame screw 10 at the lower side via the second interface 12 of the support element 9 to the support element 9 and at the upper side to the body 6.

In an example, the connection apparatus 1 has the support element 9 and the auxiliary frame screw 10. The support element 9 may, for example, be constructed in a fork-like manner and have a fork shaft 21 and two fork arms 22, 23 which may be connected by a strut 24 for greater stability.

The respective distal ends of the fork arms 22, 23 may each have a first bore hole 15, 16 which together may correspond to a first interface 11 of the support element 9 for connecting the support element 9 to the support structure 7 of the motor vehicle component 8. For example, the first interface 11 may be able to be connected to a second connection location 34 of the support structure 7. The second connection location 34 may in turn have bore holes which can be connected, for example, in each case by a screw, to the first interface 11 of the support element 9. For example, a console 29 which is connected to the support structure 7 may have the second connection location 34 of the support structure 7.

A distal end of the fork shaft 21 may have a second bore hole 18 which may represent a second interface 12 of the support structure 7 which in an example may be constructed in a positive-locking manner with respect to a screw shaft 36 of the auxiliary frame screw 10.

In an example, the auxiliary frame screw 10 of the connection apparatus 1 may be constructed to connect the auxiliary frame 4 at a lower side 13 of the auxiliary frame 4, in an example at a second connection location 32 of the auxiliary frame 4, to the second interface 12 of the support element 9, and in addition the auxiliary frame 4 at an upper side 14 of the auxiliary frame, 4, in an example at a first connection location 31 of the auxiliary frame 4, to the body 6. The auxiliary frame screw 10 may, for example, have a screw head 35, in an example a thread-free screw shaft 36 and a screw thread 38. In an example, the auxiliary frame screw 10 may have a first shearing face at the first connection location 31 and a second shearing face at the second connection location 32 so that the auxiliary frame screw 10 may be able to be loaded in a double-shearing manner.