Tolerance compensation assembly, battery and method for providing tolerance compensation

Abstract

This invention relates to a tolerance compensation assembly for compensating for tolerances between a first component and a second component to be fixed to the first component. The tolerance compensation assembly has a tolerance compensation unit comprising: a base element for fixing to the first component; a compensation element receivable in the base element; and a first through-hole extending in a first direction through the base element and through the compensation element receivable in the base element. The tolerance compensation assembly has a nut for fixing to the second component. The tolerance compensation unit is configured such that the compensation element can also move relative to the base element in the first direction by being screwed into the nut in a screwing direction corresponding to the first direction by a specific bolt whose bolt neck passes through the first through-hole of the tolerance compensation unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a tolerance compensation assembly for compensating for tolerances between a first component and a second component to be fixed to the first component. The tolerance compensation assembly includes a tolerance compensation unit comprising: a base element for fixing to the first component; a compensation element having a support surface, wherein the compensation element is receivable within the base element and is adjustable in position relative to the base element along a first direction; and a first through-hole extending through the base element and through the compensation element receivable within the base element in the first direction, through which the bolt neck of a specific bolt passes. Furthermore, the tolerance compensation unit is designed such that rotation of a specific bolt whose bolt neck passes through the first through-hole causes the compensation element to move relative to the base element along the first direction, thereby increasing the distance between the support surfaces of the base element and the compensation element. The invention also relates to a battery having such a tolerance compensation assembly and a method for providing tolerance compensation. Background Technology

[0002] In modern electric vehicles, individual battery modules, particularly high-voltage batteries, are fixedly anchored within a battery casing. Ideally, this connection should remain secure for approximately twelve years. Since the battery casing consists of ribs and grid layers—that is, multiple separating plates that keep the individual housing grid layers for the battery modules separate from each other—installing the battery modules is not straightforward. Additionally, to dissipate heat, a thermally conductive medium, such as a gap filler or gap gasket, is typically applied to the battery casing between the grid layers, especially the bottom of the grid layers, and the battery module. The thermally conductive medium is highly advantageous for the battery module's function of dissipating heat over its lifespan. Due to the battery casing's very large size, such as 2 meters by 1.6 meters, significant variations in tolerance typically occur at each grid layer when the battery module is installed within its individual housing grid layers. In particular, a gap is created between the bottom of the grid layer and the battery module, and this gap may vary accordingly. The battery modules are then screwed together on the aforementioned ribs. To achieve defect-free heat dissipation, a thermally conductive medium is used to compensate for the gap between the bottom of the cell grid and the battery module. However, this is disadvantageous because a very large amount of thermally conductive medium must be applied to compensate for the varying tolerances, and this medium is very expensive. Furthermore, air bubble embedding caused by applying a large amount of thermally conductive medium can negatively impact functionality. Additionally, when the tolerance between the bottom of the cell grid and the battery module is large, it is impossible to use a thermal pad. Therefore, it is advantageous to mount the battery module into the battery housing in such a way that the gap between the battery module and the bottom of the cell grid is as small as possible, and alternatively, to compensate for the tolerances accordingly when screwing the battery module to the ribs or, in general, to the battery housing.

[0003] For example, DE 10 2019 211 723 A1 describes a power battery with a tolerance compensation unit, through which the aforementioned purpose can be achieved. Although there are tolerances between the battery casing and the battery module, the battery module can also be screwed into one piece through the tolerance compensation system.

[0004] For example, tolerance compensation systems are further described in DE 20 2008 011 318 U1, EP 1 731 772 A2, DE 10 2016 222 094 A1, and DE 101 51 383 A1. In principle, tolerance compensation in the turning direction can be achieved through all these tolerance compensation systems. Here, this is all based on a similar working principle, according to which, for example, such a tolerance compensation system has a base element and a compensation element that is adjustable relative to the base element. For example, the base element can be fixed at the first member, and a bolt is inserted through the second member and screwed into the tolerance compensation system arranged at the first member, thereby causing the compensation element to move relative to the base element in the opposite direction of the turning direction until the compensation element finally rests against the second member.

[0005] Furthermore, another challenge lies in arranging such a tolerance compensation system as simply as possible at at least one of the components to be fixed together, which is very difficult due to the limited space within the battery. In DE 10 2019 211 723 A1, as described above, the tolerance compensation unit is pushed onto a fixing flange at the battery housing, particularly at the separation wall or sidewall of the battery housing. This push-in mechanism achieves a very simple fixation of the tolerance compensation unit. However, this requires an additional base, which in turn requires additional structural space, thus necessitating a smaller design for the support and contact surfaces, thereby limiting the maximum achievable preload. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a tolerance compensation component, a battery, and a method that achieves tolerance compensation between two components and provides the greatest possible clamping force in the simplest possible manner, and this is achieved while making the most efficient use of structural space.

[0007] This objective is achieved by a tolerance-compensating component, battery, and method having the features described in the respective independent claims. The subject matter of the dependent claims, specification, and drawings represents advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0008] The tolerance compensation assembly according to the invention for tolerance compensation between a first member and a second member to be fixed to the first member has a tolerance compensation unit comprising: a base element for fixing to the first member; a compensation element having a support surface, the compensation element being accommodated in the base element and adjustable in position relative to the base element along a first direction; and a first through-hole extending through the base element and through the compensation element accommodated in the base element in the first direction, through which the bolt neck of a specific bolt can pass. Here, the tolerance compensation unit is further designed such that rotation of a specific bolt whose bolt neck passes through the first through-hole causes movement of the compensation element relative to the base element in the first direction, thereby increasing the distance between the support surfaces of the base element and the compensation element. Furthermore, the tolerance compensation assembly has a nut separate from the tolerance compensation unit for fixing to the second member, into which the specific bolt can be screwed, wherein the tolerance compensation unit is configured such that the compensation element is also movable relative to the base element in the first direction by screwing the specific bolt, whose bolt neck passes through the first through-hole of the tolerance compensation unit, into the nut in a screwing direction corresponding to the first direction.

[0009] Accordingly, the tolerance compensation assembly has two main differences compared to traditional tolerance compensation systems. Firstly, when tightening the two components together, the specific bolts are screwed into nuts, which, along with the tolerance compensation unit, are arranged at different components: a tolerance compensation unit for fixing at the first component and a nut for fixing at the second component. Furthermore, the movement of the compensation element relative to the base element is not, as is usually the case, opposite to the screwing direction, but rather occurs in the screwing direction. This is achieved through an implementation and arrangement where the nut and tolerance compensation unit are separated; for example, the tolerance compensation unit for the battery, as mentioned at the beginning, is arranged at the battery module, rather than at the battery housing flange as is usually the case. Thus, only the nut needs to be installed or fixed at the battery housing flange. This is significantly simpler to achieve due to the limited structural space within the battery housing. In particular, the separate housing for accommodating the tolerance compensation unit (which is also used to fix the tolerance compensation unit at the battery housing flange) can also be omitted. The tolerance compensation unit can be directly fixed to the corresponding fixing section of the battery module, for example, through the base element. This is particularly straightforward when the battery module is not yet housed in the battery casing. Therefore, the tolerance compensation unit can be pre-assembled very simply before the battery module is installed in the battery casing, or in other words, the tolerance compensation unit can be pre-assembled on the first component before the first component is placed on the second component. By eliminating this additional housing (also referred to initially as the base), significantly more structural space is provided to increase the contact surface, such as the support surface of the compensation element, which in turn achieves a significantly greater preload. Thus, a tolerance compensation unit can be easily provided that achieves tolerance compensation in the twisting direction in a particularly space-saving, efficient, and simple manner.

[0010] The tolerance compensation component described within the scope of this invention is particularly well-suited for compensating tolerances within the batteries of motor vehicles, especially high-voltage batteries, particularly between the battery module as a first component and the battery casing as a second component. However, in general, the tolerance compensation component can also be used to compensate tolerances between other components that are respectively the first and second components. That is, such first and second components need not be part of the battery, but can in principle be any other component, preferably a motor vehicle component. For example, the tolerance compensation component can also be used in the fields of headlight adjustment, dashboard assembly adjustment, and roof rack adjustment. Accordingly, the first and / or second component can be, for example, a headlight component, a dashboard component, or a roof rack component. Applications outside the motor vehicle field are also conceivable. Therefore, although the invention and its embodiments are described and explained below primarily with reference to examples of battery components as the first and second components, the invention and its embodiments should not be limited to these preferred applications.

[0011] For example, the compensating element can be housed in the base element such that it is screwed into it. Accordingly, the base element can have a through-hole with internal threads, and the compensating element can have a corresponding external thread, allowing it to be easily screwed into and out of the base element. Alternatively, the compensating element can be completely detached from the base element, for example, screwed out. The compensating element also has a through-hole. For example, a drive unit can be arranged in this through-hole, which enables the compensating element to rotate via the rotational movement of the bolt when the bolt neck passes through the tolerance compensating unit. Therefore, this drive unit can also have a through-hole. In this case, the through-holes in the base element, the compensating unit, and the drive unit are concentrically oriented and, for example, coaxial with the defined axis of rotation of the tolerance compensating unit or the bolt passing through it. In particular, the through-hole in the drive unit is designed so that the bolt neck can pass through the through-hole without rotating the bolt. That is, through a purely translational insertion motion, while in the case of bolt rotation, the torque of the bolt is transmitted to the compensating element via the drive unit, for example, through friction locking. Here, the threads of the bolt, the external threads of the compensating element, and the internal threads of the base element are designed such that when the bolt is screwed into the nut in the screwing direction, the compensating element is at least partially screwed out of the base element in the same first direction, that is, in the screwing direction of the bolt, while the base element itself remains fixed in position relative to the first member. For example, the drive unit may include a spring that is simultaneously tensioned while generating a certain preload.

[0012] Here, the base element can be arranged at the first member in different ways, such as by welding, clamping, or locking into the first member, or by other mechanical fixing methods. An integrated construction of the first member and the base element is also conceivable. It can also be specified that the base element has external threads, allowing it to be screwed into the first member. For example, the base element can also be pressed into an opening in the first member. Therefore, in this principle, any form of force-locking and / or form-locking and / or material-locking connection between the first member and the base element can be considered. Similarly, the arrangement of the nut at the second member is also applicable in a corresponding manner. Here, the base element is preferably fixed, and in particular, arranged in a manner that prevents relative rotation, or can be arranged at the first member, and the nut is preferably fixed, and in particular, arranged in a manner that prevents relative rotation, or can be arranged at the second member. Furthermore, it is preferable to use only materials different from plastic to provide the tolerance compensation assembly. For example, a tolerance compensation assembly made of a metallic material is provided.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the tolerance compensation assembly is configured such that, when a bolt, with its bolt neck passing through a first through-hole of the tolerance compensation unit, is screwed into a nut, the compensation element can move relative to the base element in a first direction until the supporting surface of the compensation element reaches a stop, particularly provided by the nut. However, it is also conceivable that the stop is provided, for example, by a portion of the second member on which the nut is disposed. In other words, when the bolt is screwed into the nut, the compensation element is turned out to such an extent that the supporting surface of the compensation element finally abuts against the stop fixed relative to the second member. Thus, advantageously, a rigid threaded connection is created when, for example, the bolt head abuts against the first member or another stop fixed relative to the first member. Ultimately, it can be advantageously screwed to a torque that creates a fixed connection between the two members.

[0014] The support surface of the compensating element can also be provided, for example, through the support pad of the tolerance compensating element. This provides a particularly large support surface and thus also achieves a very large preload.

[0015] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the tolerance compensation assembly includes a specific bolt comprising a bolt neck with external threads and a bolt head that widens relative to the bolt neck. Here, the internal threads of the nut and the external threads of the bolt are correspondingly matched, allowing the bolt to be screwed into the nut. Accordingly, the bolt neck, particularly the outer diameter of the external threads, is designed such that the bolt neck can pass through a first through hole. Advantageously, the widened bolt head also provides additional contact capability, which can also be used to define the end position of the bolt.

[0016] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the tolerance compensation assembly includes a first member having: a first fixing section having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side relative to a first direction; and a second through hole extending from the first side to the second side. Here, the through hole has a first diameter smaller than the second diameter of the bolt head, wherein the base element is arranged on the second side of the fixing section, and the bolt can pass through the second through hole of the fixing section and the first through hole of the tolerance compensation unit without rotation using its bolt neck; that is, a purely translational movement in the first direction can be performed, such that the fixing section is located between the bolt head and the tolerance compensation unit. Therefore, the tolerance compensation unit can, for example, be arranged on the lower side at the first fixing section of the first member, and the bolt can then pass through the first fixing section from above and—especially to the maximum extent—through the tolerance compensation unit until the bolt head abuts against the upper side of the first fixing section. However, this is only the case when the bolt is screwed into the nut arranged at the second member to reach its final position. This arrangement can be implemented, for example, particularly simply, at a battery module. For example, the first fixing section can be provided as a corresponding section of the module housing. The tolerance compensation unit can be pre-assembled in the first fixed section in a simple manner. The entire battery module can then be accordingly installed into the battery housing, which becomes the second component and, for example, provides a fixing flange with a nut positioned thereon. Next, bolts can be simply passed through the first and second through holes from above until the bolt end opposite the bolt head reaches the internal thread of the nut. The bolt can then be screwed into the nut, thereby causing the compensation element to move downwards in the tightening direction until it rests against the nut, ultimately providing a rigid bolted connection.

[0017] Accordingly, a highly advantageous design of the present invention is also proposed, in which the tolerance compensation assembly includes a second member having a second fixing section, at which a nut is fixed, such that a bolt passing through the first and second through holes can be screwed into the nut. Accordingly, the first and second members are arranged relative to each other such that the through hole providing the internal thread of the nut is coaxially oriented with the first and second through holes. Thus, the second fixing section can be, consequently, the fixing flange already described at the battery housing. The nut can be fixed to the second fixing section in various ways, for example, it can be constructed as a single piece with the fixing section, or it can be press-fitted, clamped, screwed in, or welded to the second fixing section, etc. That is, any form-locking, force-locking, or material-locking connection between the nut and the second fixing section can also be considered.

[0018] In another advantageous design, the nut is configured to be pressed into the second fixing section. This achieves a particularly simple design. Consequently, it is especially advantageous that the nut and the second fixing section are manufactured as separate components. This achieves significantly greater flexibility in terms of application possibilities. Thus, the second fixing section only needs to have an opening into which the nut can be pressed. This can be achieved very simply in manufacturing technology.

[0019] Here, it is particularly advantageous that the nut has an internally threaded section and a flange section directly connected to the internally threaded section in the first direction, the flange section having an external geometry that widens relative to the internally threaded section. Furthermore, it is preferred that the second fixing section has an opening into which the nut is pressed, such that the flange section abuts against the side of the second fixing section opposite to the tolerance compensation unit, and particularly a portion of the internally threaded section passes through the opening and extends beyond the second fixing section in the opposite direction to the first direction. Through the flange section of the nut, it is advantageously possible to ensure that the nut cannot move out of the opening in the second fixing section in the opposite direction to the first direction. This is advantageous because a very large tensile force is generated on the nut in the final fixed state, acting in the opposite direction to the first direction. The portion of the internally threaded section that passes through the opening and extends beyond the fixing section thus advantageously provides a stop for the support surface of the compensation element.

[0020] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the nut has a restraining element designed to prevent the nut from moving out of the opening in the first direction under the action of a force applied to the nut in the first direction—especially when the force reaches a preset maximum. This provides an additional safety mechanism that prevents the nut from moving downwards, i.e., from moving out of the opening in the tightening direction, or more precisely, in the first direction, when the bolt is tightened. This fixing method provided by the restraining element can also be provided in different ways, for example, as a mechanical restraining element, such as a flipping mechanism or a locking mechanism.

[0021] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a battery for motor vehicles, the battery having a tolerance compensation component according to the invention or one of its design schemes. As already described, the present invention has particularly significant advantages when used internally in batteries. Preferably, the battery has a battery housing and at least one battery module disposed thereon, the battery module comprising a module housing and a plurality of cells housed within the module housing, wherein the module housing is a first component and the battery housing is a second component.

[0022] Here, the battery can be configured, for example, as a high-voltage battery for motor vehicles. For example, the cell can be a lithium-ion cell. Particularly advantageous is that the cell is configured, for example, as a prismatic cell. The cells can be combined into a cell group, in which multiple cells are arranged side-by-side in a defined arrangement direction. Accordingly, the cell group can be arranged in a module housing. For example, the module housing can also be provided simply by a frame surrounding the cell group. Optionally, the module housing can also have a module bottom. Here, the arrangement direction of the cells in the cell group is preferably perpendicular to a first direction. The module housing can be provided by a clamping frame with end plates that define the cell group in the longitudinal extension direction of the cell group, or more precisely, in the arrangement direction of the cells. The end plates can correspondingly provide a first fixing section. In particular, the corresponding end plates can even provide two fixing sections. In other words, the battery module can be fixed to the battery housing by four tolerance compensation units and corresponding nuts arranged at the battery housing. Accordingly, the tolerance compensation units can be arranged in the four corner areas of such a battery module. Accordingly, the battery housing provides corresponding second fixing sections. The second fixed section can be constructed, for example, as a flange at the partition wall, or it can be provided, for example, by the bottom of the housing itself.

[0023] Furthermore, motor vehicles equipped with batteries or one of the designs according to the present invention should also be considered as falling within the scope of the present invention.

[0024] The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as an automobile, especially a passenger car or a truck, or a bus or motorcycle.

[0025] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method for providing tolerance compensation when a first component is fixed to a second component, wherein a first component is provided having a tolerance compensation unit fixed to the first component, the tolerance compensation unit having a base element fixed to the first component and a compensation element having a support surface, the compensation element being accommodated in the base element and being adjustable in position relative to the base element along a first direction. Furthermore, a bolt neck of a specific bolt is passed through a first through hole extending in the first direction through the base element and the compensation element accommodated in the base element, and in order to fix the first component to the second component, the bolt is rotated, thereby causing the compensation element to move relative to the base element along the first direction, such that the distance between the support surfaces of the base element and the compensation element increases. Here, the bolt is screwed into a nut fixed to the second component, which is separate from the tolerance compensation unit, by rotation in a screwing direction corresponding to the first direction along which the compensation element moves relative to the base element during screwing.

[0026] The advantages described in the tolerance compensation components and their design schemes according to the present invention are applied in the same manner to the method according to the present invention.

[0027] The present invention also includes improvements to the method according to the invention, namely, those having the features already described in conjunction with the improved tolerance compensation component according to the invention. For this reason, corresponding improvements to the method according to the invention will not be described again here.

[0028] The present invention also includes combinations of features from the described embodiments. That is, the present invention also includes implementations having combinations of multiple features from the described embodiments, provided that these implementations are not described as mutually exclusive. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Wherein:

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of structural components having a tolerance compensation system according to an example not included in this invention is shown;

[0031] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a tolerance compensation component according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0032] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a high-voltage battery for a motor vehicle with a tolerance compensation assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the present invention. Each part of the embodiments described in the embodiments represents a separate, independent feature of the invention, which also independently improves the invention. Therefore, the disclosure should also include combinations of features different from those of the illustrated embodiments. Furthermore, the described embodiments may be supplemented by other features of the invention already described.

[0034] In the figure, the same reference numerals represent elements with the same function.

[0035] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a structural assembly 10 with a battery module 12 and a battery housing 14 is shown, which also includes a tolerance compensation system 16 according to an example not of this invention. Here, in this example, the battery housing 14, more precisely, the sidewall or separation wall of the battery housing 14, includes a fixing flange 14a, on which the battery module 12 is to be securely screwed by means of battery module bolts 18. Since the battery module 12 is preferably in direct contact with the cooling bottom, the battery module 12 is typically at a different height relative to the housing 14 due to tolerances. To compensate for this height difference, a tolerance compensation system 16 is used. Here, the tolerance compensation system 16 has a gap 20 that separates the upper component 22 and the lower component 24 of the tolerance compensation system 16 from each other. The upper component 22 and the lower component 24 are also interconnected here by a connecting plate 26. The gap 20 allows the tolerance compensation system 16 to be pushed onto the flange 14a. The connecting plate 26 extends parallel to, or more precisely, along, the axis of rotation A of the tolerance compensation system 16. Furthermore, the tolerance compensation system 16 has a through hole along the rotation axis A, through which the bolt 18 can be passed or screwed. A clamping nut 30 can be accommodated in the lower component 24. In the illustrated example, the upper component 22 of the tolerance compensation system 16 is implemented as a multi-piece unit, and in particular has an inner component and an outer component, i.e., an outer component. Here, the inner component is screwed into the outer component and can be unscrewed or unscrewed from the outer component. By unscrewing the inner component, the height of the tolerance compensation system 16 along its rotation axis A increases. This change in height results in tolerance compensation. The inner component is unscrewed by passing the bolt 18 through the through hole and screwing it into the clamping nut 30. Therefore, the disc-shaped component 32, which is part of the inner component, is screwed upwards, i.e., in the z-direction and opposite to the screwing direction, until the disc-shaped component rests against the battery module 12.

[0036] However, the aforementioned tolerance compensation system requires a relatively large amount of structural space and therefore cannot achieve a particularly large support surface, which limits the preload. Now, this situation can advantageously be avoided through the present invention and its embodiments.

[0037] to this end, Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a tolerance compensation component 34 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Here, Figure 2 It shows in Figure 3The diagram schematically illustrates a portion of a battery, which, according to an embodiment of the invention, is configured as a high-voltage battery 36 in this example. This battery 36 has a battery housing 38 and a plurality of battery modules 40. Each battery module 40 further includes a plurality of cells (not shown in detail here). The cells are arranged within a module housing 44. Here, end plates 44a are shown in particular within the module housing 44, defining the battery modules 40 in the y-direction. The battery housing 38 further has a plurality of receiving areas in which the corresponding battery modules 40 can be received. The receiving areas are laterally defined by side walls 42. Here, the side walls 42 separate the receiving areas from each other and isolate the receiving areas from the environment of the battery 36. On the underside, the corresponding receiving areas are defined by a housing bottom 46, which is also configured as a cooling bottom 46 and has cooling channels 48 through which a cooling medium can flow. For securing the battery modules 40 to the battery housing 38, the housing 38 has a fixing flange 50. In this example, the fixing flange is configured as part of the side wall 42. Here, the fixing flange 50 can also be located at any height above the bottom of the housing 46 relative to the z-direction, or, as shown here, at the height of the bottom of the housing 46 itself. Here, the battery module 40 can also be fixed to the housing 38 at multiple connection points. In this example, two such fixing regions 52 are shown. In this case, each fixing region 52 has a tolerance compensation component 34 according to an embodiment of the invention. Here, a fixing section 44b is provided for each fixing region 52 in an integrated manner with the end plate 44a of the module housing 44. Therefore, the fixing section 44b is part of the battery module 40, and in particular the module housing 44. Now, specifically according to... Figure 2 Detailed explanation of tolerance compensation component 34.

[0038] Here, the tolerance compensation assembly 34 has a tolerance compensation unit 54. This tolerance compensation unit is located at the battery module 40, particularly at the module housing 44, and more precisely at the fixing section 44b. Specifically, the tolerance compensation unit 54 is pre-assembled at the battery module 40 before the battery module 40 is inserted into the battery housing 38 during the assembly of the battery 36. This pre-assembly of the tolerance compensation unit 54 can be performed in various ways, such as by screwing it into the outer casing 56, also referred to herein as the base element 56, or by pressing it into the casing or other fixing methods. In this example, the base element 56 has a fixing surface 56a located at the module housing 44, i.e., a fixing surface 56a fixed, for example, at the fixing section 44b of the module housing 44 of the battery module 40, for example, by means of one of the fixing methods already described.

[0039] In principle, it is also conceivable that the fixed section 44b shown here is not part of the module housing 44, but is constructed integrally with the base element 56, and thus is, for example, part of the base element 56 itself, while another part of the module housing 44 is used as a fixed section for pre-assembling the base element 56.

[0040] In addition to the base element 56, the tolerance compensation unit 54 further includes a compensation element 58, which has a disc-shaped part 60 for providing a support surface 62. The compensation element 58 is movable relative to the base element 56, specifically along the z-direction. Here, in particular, the compensation element 58 can be unscrewed relative to the base element 56, specifically in the direction opposite to the z-direction shown. If the compensation element 58 is unscrewed, the distance between the support surface 62 and the base element 56 increases. Furthermore, the tolerance compensation assembly 34 also includes a nut 64, which in this example is designed as a clamping nut 64. The clamping nut is correspondingly fixed to the flange 50, in particular rigidly fixed, that is, arranged to prevent relative rotation. In this example, the nut 64 correspondingly includes a threaded section 66 with internal threads (not shown in detail here) and a flange section 68 that widens relative to the internal threaded section 66 in a direction perpendicular to the z-direction. Flange 50 includes a through-hole through which nut 64 partially passes, such that flange section 68 of nut 64 rests against flange 50 of housing 38 on its underside. Additionally, another restraint device, not shown in detail herein, or another retaining portion preventing nut 64 from being pushed downwards, may also be provided. Thus, before the battery module 40, with tolerance compensation units 54 or multiple tolerance compensation units 54 pre-assembled at the battery module 40 (depending on the desired number of fixing areas 52), is inserted into the battery housing 38, a battery housing 38 with the pre-installed clamping nut 64 described above is provided. Prior to insertion, a thermally conductive medium, such as gap filler or thermal pad, also not shown in detail herein, is applied or applied to the bottom 46 of the housing. Immediately thereafter, the battery module 40, including the pre-assembled tolerance compensation element—referred to herein as tolerance compensation unit 54—arranged at the tightening point, i.e., in the fixing area 52, is inserted into the battery housing 38. At this point, the battery module 40 is pressed onto the bottom 46 of the housing using a clamp and held in place. Next, the battery module bolts 70 are driven in using automated technology, that is, one battery module bolt is driven in for each tolerance compensation unit 54. During this driving process, the bolt 70, including the bolt neck 72 and the bolt head 74, passes through the through hole 76 in the fixed section 44b and another through hole 78 in the tolerance compensation unit 54 via a translational motion opposite to the z-direction, until the end of the bolt 70 opposite the bolt head 74 reaches the nut 64. Here, the bolt neck 72 has an external thread corresponding to the internal thread of the nut 64. That is, the bolt 70 is inserted to such an extent that it reaches the tolerance compensation element with the internal opening 78, that is, through the tolerance compensation unit 54, until it collides with the clamping nut 64. At this point, the tightening device begins to rotate and screws the bolt 70 into the clamping nut 64. In other words, the bolt 70 is now screwed into the clamping nut 64 by means of the rotation of the screwing device. Here, the screwing direction is indicated by E, and is opposite to the z direction shown.Through the helical movement of bolt 70, the disc-shaped member 60 of compensating element 58 also moves downward onto the edge 64a of the pressed-in nut 64. Here, tolerance compensation unit 54 may have a drive unit (not shown here) that, when screwed into nut 64, transmits the torque of bolt 70 to compensating element 58, for example by frictional engagement, such that when bolt rotates about axis A, this torque causes compensating element 58 to rotate in the same direction, thereby causing the compensating element to rotate downward, that is, to unscrew from base element 56 in the screwing direction E. When disc-shaped member 60 abuts against nut 64 (this is in... Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram), a rigid threaded connection is created, especially when the bolt head is pressed against module 40. Thus, it is finally tightened with the following torque, resulting in a fixed composite structure formed by the housing 38 and the battery module 40, including a thermally conductive medium.

[0041] In essence, the working principle of this tolerance compensation component 34 is the opposite of current prior art. Specifically, to achieve tolerance compensation, the disc-shaped component 60 moves downward relative to the base element 56 in the same direction as the bolt 70's movement during tightening. Subsequently, the disc-shaped component 60 rests on the clamping nut 64, which presses against the housing flange 50. This provides a significantly larger support surface, thereby enabling a significantly greater preload.

[0042] Therefore, by means of this tolerance compensation component 34, two components can be connected to each other in an efficient and stable manner, while simultaneously achieving tolerance compensation between these components. In this example, the first component is the battery module 40 of the battery 36, and the second component is the battery casing 38 of the battery 36. However, this tolerance compensation component 34 can also be used in any other location, particularly in locations other than batteries or motor vehicles where two components should be connected to each other with tolerance compensation provided.

[0043] In general, the examples illustrate how the present invention can provide a rotatable tolerance compensation system preferably located between the battery module and the battery housing, which can be pre-assembled in the module and achieves tolerance compensation with high preload and particularly efficient use of structural space.

Claims

1. A tolerance compensation assembly (34) for tolerance compensation between a first component and a second component, wherein the first component is to be fixed to the second component, The tolerance compensation component (34) has a tolerance compensation unit (54), which includes: - Base element (56) for fixing at the first component; - A compensating element (58) having a support surface (62), the compensating element being accommodated in a base element (56) and being adjustable in position relative to the base element (56) along a first direction; - A first through hole (78) extending through the base element (56) and through the compensation element (58) housed in the base element (56) in a first direction, through which the bolt neck (72) of the bolt (70) may pass. The tolerance compensation unit (54) is designed such that the rotation of the bolt (70) through the first through hole (78) by means of its bolt neck (72) causes the compensation element (58) to move relative to the base element (56) in a first direction, thereby increasing the distance between the base element (56) and the support surface (62) of the compensation element (58). Its features are, The tolerance compensation assembly (34) has a nut (64) separate from the tolerance compensation unit (54) for fixing at the second member, into which a bolt (70) can be screwed. The tolerance compensation unit (54) is configured such that by screwing the bolt (70) through its bolt neck (72) through the first through hole (78) of the tolerance compensation unit (54) into the nut (64) in a screwing direction (E) corresponding to the first direction, the compensation element (58) can also move relative to the base element (56) in the first direction. The tolerance compensation assembly (34) includes the first component, which has: a first fixed section (44b) having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side in the first direction; and a second through hole (76) extending from the first side to the second side, the second through hole having a first diameter smaller than the second diameter of the bolt head (74), wherein a base element (56) is fixed on the second side of the first fixed section (44b), and the bolt (70) can pass through the second through hole (76) of the first fixed section (44b) and the first through hole (78) of the tolerance compensation unit (54) without rotation using its bolt neck (72), thereby positioning the first fixed section (44b) between the bolt head (74) and the tolerance compensation unit (54).

2. The tolerance compensation component (34) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tolerance compensation assembly (34) is designed such that when the bolt (70) passing through the first through hole (78) of the tolerance compensation unit (54) using its bolt neck (72) is screwed into the nut (64), the compensation element (58) can move relative to the base element (56) in a first direction until the support surface (62) of the compensation element (58) reaches the stop (64a) provided by the nut (64).

3. The tolerance compensation component (34) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The bolt (70) included in the tolerance compensation assembly (34) includes a bolt neck (72) with external threads and a bolt head (74) that widens relative to the bolt neck (72).

4. The tolerance compensation component (34) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The tolerance compensation assembly (34) includes a second member having a second fixed section (50) at which a nut (64) is fixed, such that the bolt (70) passing through the first through hole (78) and the second through hole (76) via its bolt neck (72) can be screwed into the nut (64).

5. The tolerance compensation component (34) according to claim 4, characterized in that, Nut (64) is configured to be pressed into the second fixed section (50).

6. The tolerance compensation component (34) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The nut (64) has an internally threaded section (66) with internal threads and a flange section (68) directly adjacent to the internally threaded section (66) in the first direction. The flange section has an external geometry that is wider than the internally threaded section (66). The second fixed section (50) has an opening into which the nut (64) is pressed, i.e., the flange section (68) abuts against the side of the second fixed section (50) away from the tolerance compensation unit (54). A portion of the internally threaded section (66) passes through the opening and extends beyond the second fixed section (50) in the opposite direction to the first direction.

7. The tolerance compensation component (34) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The nut (64) has a constraint element designed to prevent the nut (64) from moving out of the opening of the second fixed section (50) in the first direction under the action of a force on the nut (64) in the first direction before reaching a preset maximum force.

8. A battery (36) for a motor vehicle, said battery having a tolerance compensation component (34) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The battery (36) has a battery housing (38) and at least one battery module (40) arranged in the battery housing (38). The battery module includes a module housing (44) and a plurality of cells housed in the module housing (44), wherein the module housing (44) is a first component and the battery housing (38) is a second component.

9. A method for providing tolerance compensation when fixing a first member to a second member, the method comprising the steps of: - Provide a first component having a tolerance compensation unit (54) fixed at a first component, the tolerance compensation unit having a base element (56) fixed at the first component and a compensation element (58) having a support surface (62), the compensation element being accommodated in the base element (56) and being adjustable in position relative to the base element (56) along a first direction; - The bolt neck (72) of the bolt (70) is passed through a first through hole (78) extending in a first direction through the base element (56) and the compensation element (58) housed in the base element (56). - In order to fix the first component to the second component, the bolt (70) is rotated, thereby causing the compensating element (58) to move relative to the base element (56) in the first direction such that the distance between the support surface (62) of the base element (56) and the compensating element (58) increases. Its features are, The bolt (70) is screwed into the nut (64) fixed at the second component, which is separate from the tolerance compensation unit (54), in the screwing direction (E), the screwing direction corresponding to the first direction along which the compensation element (58) moves relative to the base element (56) during screwing. The tolerance compensation assembly (34) includes the first component, which has: a first fixed section (44b) having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side in the first direction; and a second through hole (76) extending from the first side to the second side, the second through hole having a first diameter smaller than the second diameter of the bolt head (74), wherein a base element (56) is fixed on the second side of the first fixed section (44b), and the bolt (70) passes through the second through hole (76) of the first fixed section (44b) and the first through hole (78) of the tolerance compensation unit (54) without rotation using its bolt neck (72), thereby positioning the first fixed section (44b) between the bolt head (74) and the tolerance compensation unit (54).

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