Connecting device for engine compartment assembly and front floor assembly, vehicle and process

Abstract

The invention provides an engine compartment assembly and front floor assembly connecting device, a vehicle and a process, relates to the field of vehicles, and aims to solve the problem of sealing failure risk in a deepwater and high-pressure environment due to the fact that a through-type reinforcing piece shields a splicing welding seam to form a gluing dead angle in an existing engine compartment assembly and front floor assembly connecting process. The structural scheme that reinforcing assemblies which are arranged in a segmented mode are matched with bridging connecting plates is adopted for solving the problem, a front reinforcing piece of a front baffle and a rear reinforcing piece of a front floor are arranged at a seam in a spaced mode, a physical gluing open area is constructed, a splicing welding seam is fully exposed, sight shielding and operation obstacles in the gluing process are eliminated, and the gluing quality is improved. The continuous and complete coverage of the sealant on the welding seam is realized, so that the waterproof sealing capability of the connecting part is improved; meanwhile, the front reinforcing piece and the rear reinforcing piece are firmly connected through the connecting plate arranged across the gluing open area, and the mechanical continuity of the structure is effectively recovered.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicles, specifically to a connection device between an engine compartment assembly and a front floor assembly, a vehicle, and a process. Background Technology

[0002] Body sealing technology is a crucial aspect of automotive design and manufacturing, primarily used to achieve waterproofing, dustproofing, and sound insulation, directly impacting vehicle durability and ride comfort. Existing technologies typically employ static sealing (such as applying sealant or weld sealant) and dynamic sealing (such as installing rubber sealing strips) depending on the sealing location. During body manufacturing, the sealing treatment at the joints of the various sheet metal parts in the body-in-white is particularly important. This usually requires continuous application of sealant to the joints after welding to prevent external moisture and dust from entering the vehicle interior through the gaps between the sheet metal parts.

[0003] However, in the existing connection structure between the engine compartment assembly and the front floor assembly, in order to meet the requirements of body rigidity and collision safety, a through-type reinforcement (such as a skid plate or a center channel reinforcement plate) is usually installed at the connection point. In traditional processes, the reinforcement is often directly placed over the weld joint between the engine compartment front panel and the front floor. This structural layout causes the weld joint to be obscured by the reinforcement, forming a closed or semi-closed cavity structure in the welding area. This cavity structure creates physical obstruction of vision and blind spots during the sealant application process, limiting the complete coverage of the sealant and easily leading to discontinuous application or missing sealant layers. This defect may not be easily noticeable under normal rainfall conditions, but in deep water scenarios such as vehicle wading or navigation, the increased water pressure allows water to easily seep into the cab through the insufficiently sealed weld gaps. In severe cases, this can even cause the vehicle to be unable to escape or sink. If the reinforcement connection is removed to ensure a seal, the body strength will be sacrificed. If the existing reinforcement connection is maintained, it is impossible to achieve a full-coverage seal of the weld. It is difficult to ensure a continuous and complete waterproof seal at the connection between the engine compartment and the front floor without sacrificing the overall connection strength of the body, so as to meet the vehicle's driving needs in deep water environments. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a connection device, vehicle and process for connecting the engine compartment assembly and the front floor assembly, which resolves the contradiction between body sealing and structural strength, improves the reliability of waterproof paint in deep water environment, and ensures body rigidity and safety.

[0005] The first objective of this invention is to provide a connection device between the engine compartment assembly and the front floor assembly, which adopts the following solution:

[0006] The basic connection assembly is formed by welding the front baffle of the engine compartment assembly and the front floor of the front floor assembly at the end, and a seam is formed at the welded connection. The reinforcing assembly includes a front reinforcing member disposed on one side of the front baffle and a rear reinforcing member disposed on one side of the front floor. The front and rear reinforcing members are spaced apart at the joint to form an open area for adhesive application at the joint. A connecting plate is installed across the adhesive-coated open area. One end of the connecting plate is connected to the front reinforcement and the other end is connected to the rear reinforcement.

[0007] Furthermore, the front baffle and the front floor at the joint overlap to form a seal, and adhesive is applied to the corresponding joint on the inside of the driver's cab and the corresponding joint on the outside of the driver's cab to form a seal, for a total of three seals.

[0008] Furthermore, the three seals are continuously distributed along the transverse direction of the front floor assembly, and the joints are pre-applied with spot welding adhesive.

[0009] Furthermore, the front reinforcement includes multiple front baffle reinforcement plates, and the rear reinforcement includes sled plates and a central channel reinforcement plate that are spaced apart laterally. The sled plates and the corresponding front baffle reinforcement plates, as well as the central channel reinforcement plate and the corresponding front baffle reinforcement plate, are connected by connecting plates.

[0010] Furthermore, the two ends of the connecting plate are respectively connected to the front reinforcing member and the rear reinforcing member by fasteners.

[0011] Furthermore, the connecting plate covers the glued open area, with its two ends overlapping the front reinforcement and the rear reinforcement, respectively.

[0012] Furthermore, one side of the connecting plate is provided with a groove for fastening the cover, and fasteners are respectively fitted to the two side plates of the groove and the top plate between the two side plates.

[0013] A second object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle that utilizes an engine compartment assembly and a front floor assembly connection device as described in the first object.

[0014] A third objective of the present invention is to provide a process for connecting an engine compartment assembly to a front floor assembly, for assembling an engine compartment assembly to a front floor assembly connection device as described in the first objective, comprising: The front panel of the engine compartment assembly and the front floor of the front floor assembly are butted together at the ends. Spot welding adhesive is applied to the welding area, and spot welding is performed at the butt joint to form a continuous weld, forming the basic connection component. After welding, the front reinforcement on the front baffle and the rear reinforcement on the front floor are kept spaced apart at the weld joint, thus forming an open area for adhesive application at the joint, allowing the adhesive application operation to pass through or be exposed. Adhesive is applied along the weld joint on the inside and outside of the driver's cab to form a seal. A connecting plate is used to cover the open area covered by adhesive. One end of the connecting plate is connected to the front reinforcement and the other end is connected to the rear reinforcement, thereby completing the assembly of the entire connecting device and restoring the continuity of the structure.

[0015] Furthermore, after assembling the basic connection assembly, the basic connection assembly is subjected to cathodic electrophoresis, and the connection plate is connected to the front reinforcement and the rear reinforcement by fasteners.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of this invention are: To address the issue of blind spots created by through-type reinforcement components obscuring the weld seams in the existing engine compartment assembly and front floor assembly connection process, leading to potential sealant failure under deep water and high pressure, a structural solution is adopted. This solution utilizes segmented reinforcement components combined with bridging connecting plates. The front reinforcement of the front baffle and the rear reinforcement of the front floor are spaced apart at the joint, creating a physically open area for sealant application. This fully exposes the weld seams, eliminating visual obstruction and operational obstacles during the sealant application process. This facilitates continuous and complete coverage of the weld seams with sealant, thereby improving the waterproof sealing capability of the connection. Simultaneously, the connecting plate spanning the open sealant area firmly connects the front and rear reinforcement components, effectively restoring the structural mechanical continuity and meeting strength requirements. Without sacrificing the overall vehicle body connection rigidity and collision safety, this solution effectively resolves the interference problem between the sealant application path and the structural reinforcement arrangement. It not only ensures vehicle body strength but also effectively improves the vehicle's waterproof reliability in deep water scenarios such as wading or water navigation.

[0017] To address the issue that a single seal is insufficient to ensure waterproofing under prolonged wading and deep-water high-pressure conditions, a multi-barrier synergistic sealing strategy is employed. The first basic seal is formed by the overlap between the front baffle and the front floor end. Pre-applied welding adhesive fills the tiny gaps at the joints. After welding, continuous sealant is applied to the inside and outside of the driver's cab to form the second and third seals. This creates a three-dimensional sealing system consisting of overlap, welding adhesive, and internal and external sealant coatings. This multi-layered sealing design effectively extends the water penetration path and forms mutually reinforcing waterproof barriers, enhancing the leak-proof capability of the joints under wading or water navigation conditions, effectively ensuring the vehicle's wading safety.

[0018] The process layout adopts a method of first applying adhesive and sealing in the open area, and then mechanically fixing the connecting plate to the front and rear reinforcement members with fasteners. The fastener connection replaces the subsequent welding process, avoiding the degradation of the sealant performance by the welding heat source. At the same time, it also allows the adhesive application process to be completed in an unobstructed state, realizing the decoupling of the sealing construction and structural reinforcement process. The connection method of applying adhesive first and then locking it ensures that the sealant is completely cured and sealed, while simplifying the assembly process and improving the flexibility and maintainability of the production process.

[0019] The connecting plate adopts a snap-on structure with a groove, which allows it to span the adhesive-coated open area and cover the seam. The side plates of the groove and the top plate are respectively fastened to form a stable three-dimensional support. The groove structure increases the moment of inertia of the cross section through the groove structure, which effectively improves the bending and torsional stiffness of the connecting components, ensuring that stress can be transferred between the engine compartment assembly and the front floor assembly. At the same time, while ensuring the rigidity of the body, it extends the service life of the sealing system. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the engine compartment assembly and the front floor assembly in the prior art.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the engine compartment assembly and the front floor assembly in the prior art.

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-section at point AA.

[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-section at point BB.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connection device between the engine compartment assembly and the front floor assembly in one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the engine compartment assembly, front floor assembly, and connecting plate in one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the cross-section at point AA.

[0028] Figure 8 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the cross-section at point BB.

[0029] The components include: 1. Engine compartment assembly; 2. Front floor assembly; 3. Front baffle reinforcement plate; 4. Front baffle; 5. Center channel reinforcement plate; 6. Spot welding adhesive; 7. Corresponding joint on the outer side of the cab; 8. Front floor; 9. Skid plate; 10. Center channel connecting plate; 11. Fasteners; 12. Skid plate connecting plate; 13. Connecting plate; 14. Nuts; 15. Adhesive-coated open area; 16. Corresponding weld on the inner side of the cab. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Example 1 In a typical embodiment of the present invention, such as Figures 4-8 As shown, a connection device between engine compartment assembly 1 and front floor assembly 2 is provided.

[0031] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, in the existing connection structure between the engine compartment assembly 1 and the front floor assembly 2, in order to meet the requirements of body rigidity and collision safety, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the engine compartment assembly 1 has a front baffle 4 at the bottom and a front baffle reinforcement plate 3 at the top. The front floor assembly 2 has a front floor 8 at the bottom and a central channel reinforcement plate 5 and a skid plate 9 at the top. When the engine compartment assembly 1 is connected to the front floor assembly 2, the central channel reinforcement plate 5 is directly connected to the front baffle reinforcement plate 3, and the skid plate 9 is also directly connected to the corresponding front baffle reinforcement plate 3. A reinforcement member is formed at the connection point, which directly covers the weld seam between the engine compartment front baffle 4 and the front floor 8, creating physical obstruction of vision and blind spots for operation. This results in discontinuous or missing sealant coating. In deep water environments such as when the vehicle is wading, this defect can easily cause water to seep into the cab through the insufficiently sealed weld seam, affecting vehicle safety. Based on this, this embodiment provides a connection device between the engine compartment assembly 1 and the front floor assembly 2, which can achieve a continuous and complete waterproof seal at the connection point of the engine compartment assembly 1 and the front floor assembly 2 without sacrificing the overall connection strength of the vehicle body, meeting the driving needs of the vehicle in deep water environments.

[0032] like Figures 4-8 As shown, the connection device between the engine compartment assembly 1 and the front floor assembly 2 includes a basic connection component, a reinforcing component, and a connecting plate. The reinforcing component is arranged on the basic connection component, and the connecting plate cooperates with the reinforcing component to enable the force of the reinforcing component to be effectively transmitted.

[0033] The basic connection assembly is formed by welding the front baffle 4 of the engine compartment assembly 1 and the front floor 8 of the front floor assembly 2 at their ends, with a seam formed at the welded joint; the reinforcement assembly includes a front reinforcement member disposed on one side of the front baffle 4 and a rear reinforcement member disposed on one side of the front floor 8, the front reinforcement member and the rear reinforcement member being spaced apart from each other at the seam to form an adhesive-coated open area 15 at the seam; a connecting plate is disposed across the adhesive-coated open area 15, one end of the connecting plate being connected to the front reinforcement member and the other end being connected to the rear reinforcement member.

[0034] It should be noted that the engine compartment assembly 1 and the front floor assembly 2 connection device in this embodiment refers to a structural component used to connect the vehicle's engine compartment area and the front floor area of ​​the driver's cab, with the aim of ensuring the structural integrity and sealing performance between these two key body areas. The basic connection component refers to the initial structure formed by directly welding the front baffle 4 of the engine compartment assembly 1 and the front floor 8 of the front floor assembly 2. It constitutes the skeleton of the connection device, and its welded joint forms the basic joint for subsequent sealing and reinforcement.

[0035] Reinforcing components refer to auxiliary structures installed to enhance the structural strength of the connection area. Front and rear reinforcing components are distributed on both sides of the joint, creating an open area for adhesive application. The adhesive application open area 15 refers to the open area at the welded joint that is not directly covered by the reinforcing components after the reinforcing components are installed. It is used to apply sealant after welding to ensure a continuous seal at the joint.

[0036] Specifically, the edge of the front baffle 4 can be overlapped or butt-welded to the edge of the front floor 8, forming a continuous weld seam through spot welding, continuous welding, or other methods. This weld seam connects the two assemblies and provides a physical basis for subsequent sealing and reinforcement. The front reinforcement can be one or more plate-like structures fixed to the inside of the front baffle 4. The rear reinforcement can also be one or more plate-like structures fixed to the inside of the front floor 8. In the initial state, the front and rear reinforcements in corresponding positions are arranged so that they do not contact each other at the joint, thus leaving an uncovered area above the joint, which is the adhesive-applied open area 15. For example, the front and rear reinforcements can be fixed to the corresponding front baffle 4 and front floor 8 respectively by welding or riveting, leaving a gap at the joint.

[0037] The front and rear reinforcing members at the corresponding positions refer to the connection established between the front and rear reinforcing members through the same connecting plate after the glue is applied. Since multiple front and rear reinforcing members are generally installed on the front baffle 4, one or more front reinforcing members on the front baffle 4 are connected to one or more rear reinforcing members on the rear baffle according to the design requirements.

[0038] When connecting a front reinforcement to a rear reinforcement, a straight connecting plate can be used. When connecting a front reinforcement to two rear reinforcements, a herringbone connecting plate can be used. When connecting two front reinforcements to a rear reinforcement, a Y-shaped connecting plate can be used. The connecting plates can be used to establish the connection between the front reinforcement and the corresponding rear reinforcement according to the design requirements.

[0039] The connecting plate can be made of metal, such as hot-formed high-strength steel with a yield strength of 1300MPa, or carbon fiber, depending on requirements. The length and width of the connecting plate can cover the adhesive-coated open area 15. The two ends of the connecting plate can be fixed to the front and rear reinforcing members respectively by bolts, rivets, or welding. Since some processes require electrophoresis treatment after welding to form a joint, it is more convenient to use fasteners 11 such as bolts and rivets for subsequent installation. The two ends are fixed to the corresponding positions of the front and rear reinforcing members respectively by mechanical fasteners 11.

[0040] The connection device between the engine compartment assembly 1 and the front floor assembly 2 proposed in this embodiment, while ensuring the structural strength of the connection area, allows for complete application of sealant to the weld seam by pre-reserving an open area 15 between the reinforcing members. This effectively avoids the obstruction of the sealing operation by the reinforcing members in traditional structures. Therefore, this device ensures a continuous and complete waterproof seal at the connection between the engine compartment and the front floor 8, preventing water from seeping into the cab in deep water environments and improving the vehicle's safety performance in complex environments.

[0041] In some of the embodiments described above, the front baffle 4 of the engine compartment assembly 1 and the front floor 8 of the front floor assembly 2 are connected by welding to form a basic connection assembly, and an adhesive-coated open area 15 is formed at the joint, which is then covered by a connecting plate. However, relying solely on the welded joint and the adhesive coating within the adhesive-coated open area 15 may not be sufficient to provide the comprehensive and reliable sealing performance required for long-term vehicle use. In particular, when faced with the effects of moisture, dust intrusion, and noise transmission, there may be weak points in the seal, affecting the vehicle's durability and ride comfort.

[0042] To address this, this embodiment proposes overlapping the ends of the front baffle 4 and the front floor 8 at the joint to form a first seal. This overlapping connection allows a portion of the ends of the front baffle 4 and the front floor 8 to overlap, and the overlapping area is then tightly connected by welding, thus constructing a continuous barrier that effectively blocks the direct penetration of external environmental factors. Furthermore, to enhance the sealing effect, adhesive is applied to the corresponding joints 7 on the inside of the driver's cab and on the outside of the driver's cab to form a second and third seal, respectively. PVC adhesive is used for this purpose.

[0043] Understandably, the seal formed by applying adhesive to the joints on the inside of the cab not only creates a continuous waterproof barrier but also blocks external noise and prevents moisture from entering the passenger compartment, thus improving ride comfort. The seal formed by applying adhesive to the joints on the inside of the cab is primarily used to prevent external water, mud, dust, etc., from intruding into the connection area between the engine compartment and the front floor 8, protecting the internal structure from corrosion. It forms three seals: a physical seal formed by lap welding the ends of the front baffle 4 and the front floor 8, and a chemical sealant layer formed by applying adhesive to both the inside and outside of the cab.

[0044] The multi-layered sealing structure enhances the overall sealing performance of the connection area between the engine compartment assembly 1 and the front floor assembly 2, improving the barrier against external environmental factors such as moisture, dust, and sediment, thereby effectively preventing corrosion and foreign object intrusion. Simultaneously, the adhesive sealing helps reduce noise transmission and improves ride comfort. This layered sealing design ensures the long-term reliability and durability of the connection area, addressing the potential weaknesses of single or limited seals, and providing the vehicle with superior protection and a better passenger experience.

[0045] Specifically, such as Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, the three seals are continuously distributed transversely along the front floor assembly 2, and the joints are pre-applied with spot welding adhesive 6. The seal formed by the overlap of the front baffle 4 and the front floor 8, the seal formed by applying adhesive to the corresponding joint on the inside of the driver's cab, and the seal formed by applying adhesive to the corresponding joint on the outside of the driver's cab 7 all maintain uninterrupted continuity. In the production process, this continuity can be achieved by using automated adhesive application equipment for precise and uniform application, as well as by optimizing the panel overlap design and welding process.

[0046] Spot welding adhesive 6 is pre-applied to the joint. It is applied between the plates to be welded before spot welding. During the spot welding process, the spot welding adhesive 6 is cured by heat. It can not only fill the tiny gaps and holes that may exist around the welding point and form an additional internal sealing layer, but also improve the shear strength and fatigue strength of the welding point to a certain extent.

[0047] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the front reinforcement includes multiple front baffle reinforcement plates 3, and the rear reinforcement includes sled plates 9 and a central channel reinforcement plate 5 distributed laterally at intervals. The connecting plate corresponding to the sled plate 9 is the sled plate connecting plate 12, and the connecting plate corresponding to the central channel reinforcement plate 5 is the central channel connecting plate 10. The sled plates 9 and the corresponding front baffle reinforcement plates 3 are connected by the sled plate connecting plate 12, and the central channel reinforcement plate 5 and the corresponding front baffle reinforcement plates 3 are connected by the central channel connecting plate 10.

[0048] The front baffle reinforcement plate 3 is used to enhance the local strength and rigidity of the front baffle 4 of the engine compartment assembly 1. Multiple front baffle reinforcement plates 3 can be distributed laterally along the front baffle 4 to provide a more uniform or concentrated reinforcement effect as needed. The front baffle reinforcement plates 3 can be fixed to the front baffle 4 by stamping, welding, riveting, etc., to provide stable connection points for the connecting plates and distribute the load transmitted by the connecting plates.

[0049] The skid plate 9 is a plate-like structure at the bottom of the vehicle used for support or reinforcement. The central channel reinforcement plate 5 refers to the reinforcement plate located in the central channel area of ​​the vehicle, which is used to enhance the structural strength of this area. The skid plates 9 are located on both sides of the central channel reinforcement plate 5 and are distributed laterally at intervals, providing multiple discrete connection points for the connecting plates. The rear reinforcement is fixed to the front floor 8 by welding, riveting, etc., to enhance the local strength and rigidity of the front floor 8 and to provide a stable connection base for the connecting plates.

[0050] The connecting plate allows the load to be effectively transferred from the front baffle 4 of the engine compartment assembly 1 through the front baffle reinforcement plate 3 and the connecting plate to the skid plate 9 and the center channel reinforcement plate 5 of the front floor assembly 2, thus forming a complete and high-strength structural connection. The connecting plate and these reinforcement plates can be firmly connected by various methods such as welding, riveting, and bolting.

[0051] Specifically, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the front and rear reinforcing members are connected to both ends of the connecting plate via fasteners 11. Fasteners 11 provide a reliable mechanical connection, ensuring the integrity and stability of the structure under load. In the automotive manufacturing field, fasteners 11 enable detachable or semi-permanent connections between components. Specifically, fasteners 11 may include, but are not limited to, bolts, nuts 14, rivets, self-tapping screws, or clips. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the combination of bolts and nuts 14 provides a detachable connection, facilitating assembly, maintenance, and replacement, while also offering high connection strength. Multiple M6 screws can be used, such as... Figure 7 As shown, 32 M6 bolts and nuts 14 form a complete force transmission path, effectively preventing the front baffle 4 from colliding and intruding into the cab. Rivets are typically used in situations requiring permanent connections and high connection strength. Self-tapping screws can directly form threads on the connecting plate for connection, or clips can be used for quick positioning or auxiliary connection, improving assembly efficiency. By selecting the appropriate type of fastener 11, the connection performance can be optimized according to specific structural requirements and stress conditions.

[0052] In practical applications, if the connecting plate simply spans the connection, it may not provide sufficient physical protection for the adhesive layer within the adhesive-coated open area 15, making it susceptible to external environmental factors such as dust, moisture, or mechanical impact. This could potentially reduce the long-term performance of the adhesive layer and the overall durability of the connection area. Therefore, in this embodiment, the connecting plate covers the adhesive-coated open area 15, with its two ends overlapping the front and rear reinforcing members, respectively.

[0053] The main body of the connecting plate cover is precisely positioned above the adhesive application open area 15 and effectively shields this area, thus providing a physical barrier for the adhesive layer within the adhesive application open area 15. This prevents external contaminants, such as dust, sediment, moisture, and other environmental debris, from directly contacting the adhesive layer, thereby protecting the integrity, corrosion resistance, and long-term functionality of the adhesive layer. The geometry of the connecting plate cover can be optimized according to the specific dimensions and contours of the adhesive application open area 15. It can employ a groove-shaped structure, a box-shaped structure, or a plate-like structure with downwardly extending sidewalls to ensure comprehensive and effective coverage of the adhesive application open area 15.

[0054] The two ends of the connecting plate cover extend outwards and overlap with the surfaces of the front and rear reinforcing members, respectively. This not only provides a larger contact area and more stable support for the fastener 11 connection between the connecting plate cover and the reinforcing members, significantly enhancing the mechanical strength and vibration resistance of the connection, but also improves the sealing performance of the connection area by forming a multi-layered overlapping structure. The overlapping portion effectively prevents the direct penetration of water or air, forming a labyrinth seal, thereby protecting the adhesive-coated open area 15 from environmental corrosion. The length and width of the overlap can be optimized according to the required structural strength, sealing requirements, and assembly space to meet the needs of connection reliability and protective effect.

[0055] Specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, a groove for fastening the cover is provided on one side of the connecting plate. Fasteners 11 are respectively fitted to the side plates of the groove and the top plate between the side plates. The groove can adopt various structural forms, such as U-shaped, V-shaped, or rectangular, and its specific shape and size can be designed according to the actual cover fastening requirements and the fit with the reinforcement. The groove is usually integrally formed with the connecting plate through processes such as stamping, bending, or casting to ensure structural strength and manufacturing efficiency. The presence of the groove provides precise positioning and physical restraint for the connecting plate, which helps to ensure the accuracy and stability of the connecting plate in the cover fastening position, thereby enhancing the integrity and sealing of the connecting device.

[0056] Based on this, fasteners 11 are fitted to the two side plates of the tank and the top plate between the two side plates. Here, "two side plates" refers to the two side walls of the tank structure, and "top plate" refers to the top surface connecting the two side plates. During installation, the fasteners 11 can pass through the pre-drilled holes in the top plate, with their heads abutting against the top plate, thereby pressing the connecting plate downwards to achieve axial fixation. Simultaneously, the shank of the fastener 11 can form a clearance fit or a tight fit with the two side plates, which provide lateral support and guidance for the fasteners 11, enhancing their shear resistance. The fasteners 11 can also pass through the holes in the two side plates and connect to the reinforcing members below, in which case the two side plates primarily bear the shear force. Using a multi-point or multi-faceted fit provides stronger tensile and shear resistance, effectively improving the reliability of the connection. The fasteners 11 can be bolts, screws, or rivets, etc., and their selection should be based on the connection strength requirements and assembly process.

[0057] The groove, side plates, and top plate on the connecting plate, in conjunction with the fastener 11, significantly enhance the fixing effect and structural stability of the connecting plate. This provides precise positioning and stronger support for the fastener 11, making the connecting plate more stable in the cover position and less prone to displacement or loosening. The fit between the fastener 11 and specific parts of the groove can more effectively distribute and withstand vibration and impact loads from vehicle operation, thereby improving the overall durability of the connecting device.

[0058] In addition, the stable buckle structure helps maintain close contact between the connecting plate and the reinforcement, further improving the sealing effect at the 15 open areas of the adhesive coating, and effectively preventing the intrusion of external media such as water and dust.

[0059] Example 2 In another typical embodiment of the present invention, such as Figures 4-8 As shown, a vehicle is provided that utilizes a connection device between the engine compartment assembly 1 and the front floor assembly 2 as in Embodiment 1.

[0060] In the vehicle's structure, the engine compartment assembly 1 and the front floor assembly 2 are important components of its body frame. The engine compartment assembly 1 is typically located at the front of the vehicle and houses powertrain components such as the engine and transmission; the front floor assembly 2 forms the bottom structure of the passenger compartment and is connected to the engine compartment assembly 1. By applying the connection device between the engine compartment assembly 1 and the front floor assembly 2 as described in Embodiment 1 to the vehicle manufacturing process, the structural continuity, sealing, and integrity of the force transmission path between the engine compartment and the passenger compartment are ensured.

[0061] The connection between the engine compartment assembly 1 and the front floor assembly 2 establishes a high-strength, highly airtight connection between the vehicle's engine compartment and front floor 8. This effectively improves the vehicle's waterproof reliability in deep-water scenarios such as wading or water navigation, and effectively prevents the transmission of noise, heat, and exhaust gases from the engine compartment to the passenger compartment, thereby enhancing passenger comfort. Simultaneously, due to the optimized force transmission path of the connection device's structural design, the connection area between the engine compartment and the front floor 8 can withstand greater loads during collisions or driving, ensuring the vehicle's passive safety and body rigidity. Furthermore, the modular and standardized application of this connection device helps simplify the vehicle's production and assembly process, improving production efficiency and product consistency.

[0062] Example 3 In another typical embodiment of the present invention, such as Figures 4-8 As shown, a connection process between engine compartment assembly 1 and front floor assembly 2 is provided for assembling the connection device between engine compartment assembly 1 and front floor assembly 2 as in Embodiment 1, comprising: The front baffle 4 of the engine compartment assembly 1 and the front floor 8 of the front floor assembly 2 are joined at the end. Spot welding adhesive 6 is applied to the welding area, and spot welding is performed at the joint to form a continuous weld, forming a basic connection component. After welding to form the basic connection assembly, the basic connection assembly is subjected to cathodic electrophoresis; After electrophoresis treatment, the front reinforcement on the front baffle 4 and the rear reinforcement on the front floor 8 are kept spaced apart at the welded joint, thereby forming an open area 15 for adhesive application at the joint, allowing the adhesive application operation to pass through or be exposed. Adhesive is applied along the weld on the inside of the cab and the outside of the cab to form a seal. A connecting plate is used to cover the adhesive-coated open area 15. One end of the connecting plate is connected to the front reinforcement and the other end is connected to the rear reinforcement, thereby completing the assembly of the entire connecting device and restoring the continuity of the structure.

[0063] Specifically, after electrophoresis treatment, PVC sealant is applied to the weld seams on the inner side of the crew compartment, with a width of 32±5mm and a thickness of 2.5±0.5mm; the same specification of PVC sealant is applied to the outer side of the crew compartment. The sled board connecting plate and the central channel connecting plate 10 are manufactured using a thermoforming process, with a surface electrophoretic black paint treatment and a yield strength of 1300MPa. The connecting plate is connected to the sled board, the central channel reinforcing plate 5, and the front baffle reinforcing plate 3 by 32 M6 bolts / nuts 14, with a standard bolt torque of 35±2N·m.

[0064] Understandably, in actual production, the following parameters can be adjusted as needed: sealant width: 30-50mm; connecting plate material: ultra-high strength steel (yield strength 1000-2000MPa); 11 types and quantities of fasteners can be adjusted as needed.

[0065] After the basic connection components are assembled, they undergo cathodic electrophoresis. Cathodic electrophoresis is a highly efficient coating process that utilizes an electric field to uniformly deposit charged paint particles onto the workpiece surface, forming a dense and strongly adhesive anti-corrosion paint film. By performing cathodic electrophoresis immediately after the basic connection components are welded, it is possible to ensure comprehensive and uniform anti-corrosion protection for the front baffle 4 of the engine compartment assembly 1 and the front floor 8 of the front floor assembly 2 in the welded areas and surrounding metal surfaces. This treatment effectively covers the internal structure and gaps, significantly improving the corrosion resistance of the basic connection components, thereby extending the service life of the entire connection device and even the vehicle body.

[0066] Specifically, the two ends of the connecting plate are connected to the front and rear reinforcing members respectively via fasteners 11. The connecting plate corresponding to the sled plate 9 is the sled plate connecting plate 12, and the connecting plate corresponding to the middle channel reinforcing plate 5 is the middle channel connecting plate 10. The sled plate 9 and the corresponding front baffle reinforcing plate 3 are connected via the sled plate connecting plate 12, and the middle channel reinforcing plate 5 and the corresponding front baffle reinforcing plate 3 are connected via the middle channel connecting plate 10. The connecting plate covers the glued open area 15, and its two ends overlap with the front and rear reinforcing members respectively, forming a stable overlap.

[0067] Through the aforementioned device and process, even in deep-water scenarios with increased water pressure, water flow is unlikely to seep into the cab through the tightly sealed weld gaps. Unlike existing technologies where reinforcement directly covers the weld, hindering sealant application, this solution ensures continuous sealant application by reserving an open area 15 for sealant application. Simultaneously, the connecting plate restores and enhances structural strength, achieving a balance between vehicle body connection strength and waterproof sealing performance, effectively improving vehicle reliability in complex environments.

[0068] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connection device between an engine compartment assembly and a front floor assembly, characterized in that, include: The basic connection assembly is formed by welding the front baffle of the engine compartment assembly and the front floor of the front floor assembly at the end, and a seam is formed at the welded connection. The reinforcing assembly includes a front reinforcing member disposed on one side of the front baffle and a rear reinforcing member disposed on one side of the front floor. The front and rear reinforcing members are spaced apart at the joint to form an open area for adhesive application at the joint. A connecting plate is installed across the adhesive-coated open area. One end of the connecting plate is connected to the front reinforcement and the other end is connected to the rear reinforcement.

2. The connection device between the engine compartment assembly and the front floor assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The front baffle and the front floor overlap at the joint to form a seal. Adhesive is applied to the corresponding joint on the inside of the driver's cab and the corresponding joint on the outside of the driver's cab to form a seal, for a total of three seals.

3. The connection device between the engine compartment assembly and the front floor assembly as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The three seals are continuously distributed along the transverse direction of the front floor assembly, and the joints are pre-applied with spot welding adhesive.

4. The connection device between the engine compartment assembly and the front floor assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The front reinforcement includes multiple front baffle reinforcement plates, and the rear reinforcement includes sled plates and a central channel reinforcement plate that are spaced apart laterally. The sled plates and the corresponding front baffle reinforcement plates, as well as the central channel reinforcement plate and the corresponding front baffle reinforcement plate, are connected by connecting plates.

5. The connection device between the engine compartment assembly and the front floor assembly as described in claim 1 or 4, characterized in that, The two ends of the connecting plate are respectively connected to the front reinforcing member and the rear reinforcing member by fasteners.

6. The connection device between the engine compartment assembly and the front floor assembly as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The connecting plate covers the glued open area, with its two ends overlapping the front reinforcement and the rear reinforcement, respectively.

7. The connection device between the engine compartment assembly and the front floor assembly as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The connecting plate has a groove on one side for fastening the cover, and fasteners are respectively fitted to the two side plates of the groove and the top plate between the two side plates.

8. A vehicle, characterized in that, The engine compartment assembly is connected to the front floor assembly as described in any one of claims 1-7.

9. A process for connecting an engine compartment assembly to a front floor assembly, used for assembling the engine compartment assembly to front floor assembly connection device as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, include: The front panel of the engine compartment assembly and the front floor of the front floor assembly are butted together at the ends. Spot welding adhesive is applied to the welding area, and spot welding is performed at the butt joint to form a continuous weld, forming the basic connection component. After welding, the front reinforcement on the front baffle and the rear reinforcement on the front floor are kept spaced apart at the weld joint, thus forming an open area for adhesive application at the joint, allowing the adhesive application operation to pass through or be exposed. Adhesive is applied along the weld joint on the inside and outside of the driver's cab to form a seal. A connecting plate is used to cover the open area covered by adhesive. One end of the connecting plate is connected to the front reinforcement and the other end is connected to the rear reinforcement, thereby completing the assembly of the entire connecting device and restoring the continuity of the structure.

10. The connection process between the engine compartment assembly and the front floor assembly as described in claim 9, characterized in that, After the basic connection assembly is assembled, cathodic electrophoresis is performed on the basic connection assembly, and the connection plate is connected to the front reinforcement and the rear reinforcement by fasteners.

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