Technical Field

The invention relates to a connection assembly used for mounting multiple parts in the fields of automotive, aerospace, machinery, and rail system, without using welding.

In particular, the invention relates to the connection assembly, which allows mounting multiple parts in the battery packs used in electric vehicles.

State of the art

Today, as electric vehicles become more widespread, the number of cars featured with battery packs increases. The battery pack includes multiple components interconnected between the base and cover structure, such as battery modules, support elements, internal profiles, separators, etc. These elements should be fastened within the battery pack. Otherwise, unsafe conditions may arise during driving.

In the existing technique, the necessary assemblies between the battery pack base and cover are predominantly achieved through welding processes or bolt-like fastening elements.

When connection is established through welding processes, it creates not only labor-intensive time and cost implications but also renders the assembled components non-removable and impractical when necessary. When connection is established using a bolt-like element, during assembly, the entire load is borne by the bolt and nut. This creates an unsafe environment.

In the patent search conducted on the state of the art, a patent with the number US10780767B2 related to the subject matter was found. According to this patent document, a metal connecting sleeve is welded to the ground part. The connecting sleeve is designed to pass a bolt through it, enabling the connection of multiple parts to be completed. Here, the metal sleeve part, being welded to the battery pack, does not possess the ability to be attached or detached. Furthermore, the entire load of the connection is borne by the bolt and nut. This creates an unsafe environment. As a result, the aforementioned drawbacks and inadequacy of existing solutions regarding the subject matter necessitate the development in this area.

Purpose of the Invention

One objective of the invention is to enable the assembly of multiple parts in a demountable manner, eliminating the need for welding.

Another objective of the invention is to reduce carbon footprint by eliminating the welding operation.

Another objective of the invention is to prevent the reduction of the mechanical properties of the material in the welded areas and their surroundings by eliminating the welding operation.

Another objective of the invention is to facilitate assembly through a locking structure located between the internal and external connections of the connection assembly, while preventing the entire load of the connection from being applied solely to the bolt.

In order to achieve the aforementioned objectives, the invention relates to a connection assembly that enables the assembly of multiple parts in a demountable manner, characterized in comprising; a first connecting element, which has a seating portion ensuring its fit onto a first contact surface and, extending from said seating portion, a connection body comprising a fitting socket with a locking structure within its interior, a second connecting element, which has a seating portion ensuring its fit onto a second contact surface and, extending from said seating portion, a connection body with a locking structure at its end, an assembly line capable of securing multiple parts between said first contact surface and second contact surface, that is formed as a result of the connection of the first connecting element and second connecting element with each other via said locking structures.

Definition of the Figures

Figure 1 : Cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the connection assembly in connection with the battery pack. Figure 2: Cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of the connection assembly in connection with the battery pack.

Figure 3: Side perspective view of an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the connection assembly.

Figure 4: Side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the connection assembly.

Figure 5: Cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the connection assembly in connection with the battery pack.

References

10. Connection Assembly

11. First connecting element

111. Fitting socket

12. Second connecting element

13. Connection body

14. Locking structure

15. Seating portion

16. Support element

17. Fastening element

18. Mounting gap

B: First contact surface

T: Second contact surface

P: Internal profile

M: Assembly line

Detailed Description of the Invention

In this detailed description, preferred alternatives of the connection assembly (10) according to the invention are described for a better understanding of the subject matter and without any limiting effect.

Figure 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the connection assembly (10) in connection with the battery pack, and Figure 2 presents another alternative embodiment of the connection assembly in connection with the battery pack. Accordingly, the connection assembly (10) comprises a first connecting element (11), a second connecting element (12) that are interconnected, and a fastening element (17) inserted into the assembly channel within said first connecting element (11) and second connecting element (12). The fastening element (17) is, preferably, a bolt.

Figure 3 provides an exploded side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the connection assembly (10). The mentioned first connecting element (11) has a seating portion (15) that ensures its surface fitting in the contact area and, extending from said seating portion (15), a connection body (13). The mentioned connection body (13) comprises, within its interior, a preferably toothed locking structure (14) located in a fitting socket (111).

The mentioned second connecting element (12) has a seating portion (15) that ensures its surface fitting in the contact area and, extending from said seating portion (15), a connection body (13). The mentioned connection body (13) has a locking structure (14) at its end. The end of the second connecting element (12) with a locking structure (14) is connected to the fitting socket (111) in the first connecting element (11). Therefore, the locking structures (14) of the first connecting element (11) and the second connecting element (12) are suitable for interconnecting with each other. The locking structures (14) are preferably in the form of toothed structures or clamp structures.

The connection assembly (10) secures and establishes the connection with internal profiles (P) located in the contacting area, ensuring the connection with the vehicle. In case there is a gap due to the design conditions of the parts to be assembled, a supporting element (16) is used, which is attached to the connection assembly (10) to provide support.

The assembly method of the mentioned connection assembly (10) in the battery pack is as follows:

The seating portion (15) of the first connection element (11) is positioned to align with the outer surface of the battery pack base (first contact surface (B)). Similarly, the seating portion (15) of the second connection element (12) is positioned to align with the outer surface of the battery pack cover (second contact surface (T)). The connection body (13) of the second connection element (12) is connected to the fitting socket (111) in the first connection element (11) through the locking structure (14). Thus, the battery pack cover, battery pack base, and internal profiles (P) are prevented from moving through the passage of the connection assembly (10). With this connection, an assembly gap (18) is formed along the second connection element (12) and the first connection element (11) (see Figure 5). Preferably, the connection is completed to the vehicle body with a fastening element (17) placed in the mentioned assembly gap (18).