Vehicle device, vehicle having such a device and related method for securing and grounding a traction battery in a vehicle

Abstract

Vehicle device, vehicle having such a device and related method for fixing and grounding a traction battery in a vehicle. The invention relates to a vehicle device comprising: a traction battery comprising a metal housing, the housing having a first fixing hole (42); a structural element comprising a second fixing hole, the structural element being metallic and coated with a coating; and a bolt (28) for fixing and grounding the traction battery, the bolt (28) comprising: a nut (56) welded to the structural element before the coating is applied; and a screw (58) comprising a head (70) and a shank (68), the shank comprising a fixing portion (74) and a cleaning portion (76), the cleaning portion (76) comprising at least two axially defined grooves (80).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the fixing and grounding of a traction battery in a vehicle. In particular, this invention relates to a vehicle device and a vehicle including such a device. Furthermore, this invention also relates to a method for fixing and grounding a traction battery in a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Grounding of the traction battery is crucial for ensuring the proper functioning and safety of vehicles powered by that battery, especially electric vehicles.

[0003] The term "grounding" here refers to establishing an electrical connection between the traction battery and the reference potential.

[0004] For this purpose, it is known to install at least one grounding cable that connects the traction battery to a component of the vehicle body or vehicle frame.

[0005] These grounding cables typically have an extra length to prevent breakage in the event of an accidental collision (such as a frontal, side, or rear-end collision). This extra length ensures electrical continuity between the vehicle body and the traction battery, thus guaranteeing safety.

[0006] However, this solution is not entirely satisfactory.

[0007] In reality, the cross-section of this grounding cable is quite large, specifically approximately 30 square millimeters. This additional length, added for safety reasons, results in a significant additional cost.

[0008] In addition, the installation of such grounding cables is often not very ergonomic because they must be installed under the vehicle body. Summary of the Invention

[0009] One of the objectives of this invention is to overcome these drawbacks, particularly to provide an economical, reliable, and easy-to-assemble method for grounding traction batteries.

[0010] Therefore, the object of the present invention is a device for a vehicle, particularly for a motor vehicle, especially an electric vehicle, said device comprising:

[0011] - A traction battery, comprising a metal housing, the housing including at least one first fixing hole centered on a fixed axis.

[0012] - A structural element comprising at least one second fixing hole centered on a hole axis, the hole axis coinciding with a corresponding fixing axis; the structural element is made of metal and coated, particularly with a paint coating.

[0013] - At least one bolt for securing and grounding the traction battery, said bolt comprising:

[0014] Nuts, centered on a corresponding fixed axis, are welded to the structural element before the coating is applied.

[0015] A screw, comprising a head and a shank extending along a shank axis coinciding with a fixing axis, the shank including a fixing portion and a cleaning portion.

[0016] The fixed portion of the pole extends along the pole axis between the head and the cleaning portion.

[0017] The cleaning section includes at least two grooves defined axially along the rod axis.

[0018] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the device includes one or more of the following features, either alone or in any technically possible combination:

[0019] The housing includes a right side and a left side that are laterally opposed, each side of the housing including at least two first fixing holes, preferably at least five first fixing holes on each side, each first fixing hole defining a corresponding fixing axis, the fixing axis being particularly perpendicular to the lateral direction.

[0020] For each first fixing hole, the structural element includes a corresponding second fixing hole.

[0021] For each first fixing hole, the device includes a corresponding bolt.

[0022] - The screw, or each screw, is coated with a conductive coating.

[0023] - The grooves in the cleaning section are straight, and in particular, extend parallel to the rod axis.

[0024] - The cleaning section or each cleaning section includes at least four grooves, which are preferably distributed in a uniform circular manner around the rod axis.

[0025] - The screw, or each screw, is a screw with a size specification from M10 to M14.

[0026] The present invention also relates to a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, especially an electric vehicle, which includes the device described above.

[0027] The present invention also relates to a method for securing and grounding a traction battery in a vehicle, the method comprising the following steps:

[0028] a. Provide a traction battery, the traction battery comprising a metal housing, the housing including at least one first fixing hole centered on a fixed axis.

[0029] b. Provide a structural element, the structural element including at least one second fixing hole centered on the hole axis, the structural element being made of metal.

[0030] c. Provide at least one bolt, the bolt including a nut and a screw, the screw including a shank extending along a shank axis, the shank including a retaining portion and a cleaning portion, the cleaning portion including at least two grooves axially defined along the shank axis.

[0031] d. Weld the nut to the structural element such that the nut is centered on the axis of the corresponding second fixing hole.

[0032] e. Apply coatings, especially paint coatings, to structural components and nuts.

[0033] f. Arrange the housing such that the fixing axis of the first fixing hole or each of the first fixing holes coincides with the hole axis of the corresponding second fixing hole of the structural element, and

[0034] g. Screw the screws, or each screw, into the corresponding nut.

[0035] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the method includes one or more of the following features, which may be used alone or in any technically feasible combination:

[0036] - Step e) is performed by electrophoresis.

[0037] - Step d) is performed by resistance welding. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The invention will become clearer from the following description, given only as a non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle according to the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the device according to the present invention.

[0041] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of region A of the device shown, and

[0042] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A sectional view. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Figure 1 A vehicle 10 according to the present invention is shown.

[0044] Vehicle 10 is, for example, a motor vehicle, especially a multi-purpose vehicle, particularly a light multi-purpose vehicle.

[0045] In particular, vehicle 10 is intended for transporting goods (such as parcels) and / or passengers.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, vehicle 10 is, for example, a van.

[0047] Vehicle 10 is preferably an electric vehicle.

[0048] For clarity, an orthogonal coordinate system XYZ is defined, which includes longitudinal (X), lateral (Y), and vertical (Z). Longitudinal (X) extends along the driving direction of vehicle 10 and corresponds to the front-rear axis of vehicle 10. Lateral (Y) is perpendicular to longitudinal (X) and corresponds to the left-right axis of vehicle 10. Vertical (Z) is perpendicular to both longitudinal (X) and lateral (Y) and corresponds to the bottom-top axis of vehicle 10.

[0049] The terms "up" and "down" are defined relative to the vertical Z-axis, which corresponds to the vehicle's height. The terms "left," "right," "front," and "rear" are defined relative to the vehicle's conventional direction of travel.

[0050] For example, vehicle 10 includes chassis 12 and body 14 fixed to chassis 12.

[0051] The body 14 includes, for example, multiple structural components 16, such as floor, pillars, or body panels.

[0052] Preferably, the vehicle 10 includes a powertrain 18, which is arranged, for example, at the rear of the vehicle 10.

[0053] In particular, the power transmission system 18 includes, for example, a motor 20, especially an electric motor.

[0054] The vehicle 10 includes the device 22 according to the invention.

[0055] The device 22 includes a traction battery 24, a structural element 26, and at least one bolt 28 for fixing and grounding the traction battery 24.

[0056] For example, device 22 is arranged in the lower part of vehicle 10.

[0057] The traction battery 24 is preferably capable of storing the energy required to power the motor 20.

[0058] In particular, the traction battery 24 forms part of the powertrain system of the vehicle 10.

[0059] For example, the terminal voltage of traction battery 24 is 800 volts.

[0060] The traction battery 24 includes a metal housing 30, and preferably also includes a plurality of modules 32, which are particularly assembled in the housing 30.

[0061] Each module 32 includes, for example, multiple electrochemical cells.

[0062] For example, a metal housing 30 defines a protective enclosure in which module 32 is housed.

[0063] The metal casing 30 is made of aluminum, particularly uncoated aluminum.

[0064] like Figure 2 As shown, housing 30 includes, for example, a right side 34 and a left side 36, which are particularly opposite each other along the transverse Y direction.

[0065] For example, each of the right side 34 and the left side 36 includes a flat portion 38 (which is particularly vertical) and a horizontal support 40 that extends laterally outward from the flat portion 38.

[0066] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Showing particularly Figure 2 A specific embodiment of a portion of the left side 36 of the housing 30 in the defined region A.

[0067] As shown in the figure, the housing 30 includes at least one first fixing hole 42, and preferably includes multiple first fixing holes 42.

[0068] Each first fixing hole 42 is specifically defined on the right side 34 or the left side 36 of the housing 30, preferably as follows: Figure 3 The arrangement shown is on the corresponding horizontal support 40.

[0069] Advantageously, each side 34, 36 of the housing 30 includes at least two first fixing holes 42, preferably each side 34, 36 includes at least five first fixing holes 42, and even more preferably each side 34, 36 includes between six and twelve first fixing holes 42.

[0070] In particular, on each of the two sides 34, 36, the corresponding first fixing holes 42 are aligned with each other along the longitudinal direction X.

[0071] More precisely, the first fixing hole 42 defines a column on each of the two sides 34, 36, which in particular defines the corresponding horizontal support 40.

[0072] Preferably, on each side 34, 36, the first fixing holes 42 are distributed along the same column, for example in a uniform manner, i.e., at equal distances between them, or at different intervals between them.

[0073] All the first fixing holes 42 are identical to each other.

[0074] Each first fixing hole 42 is centered on a fixed axis F.

[0075] The fixing axis F of each first fixing hole 42 is specifically perpendicular to the transverse Y direction, and more precisely parallel to the vertical Z direction, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in the image.

[0076] like Figure 4 As shown, each of the first fixing holes 42 is a through hole.

[0077] For example, each of the first fixing holes 42 is circular.

[0078] More precisely, the diameter of each first fixing hole 42 is between 8 mm and 15 mm, or even more precisely, between 10 mm and 14 mm.

[0079] Structural element 26 forms part of the body 14 of vehicle 10.

[0080] More precisely, such as Figure 2 As shown, structural element 26 includes at least one component 46 selected from structural component 16 of vehicle body 14.

[0081] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, structural element 26 includes two parts 46.

[0082] Specifically, structural element 26 includes, for example, a right-side component facing the right side 34 of housing 30 and a left-side component facing the left side 36 of housing 30.

[0083] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The structural element 26 and the left component 46 facing the left side 36 of the housing 30 are shown. Figure 2 A specific embodiment of a portion of region A.

[0084] For example, in a particular embodiment shown in the figure, each component 46 of the structural element 26 includes a vertical portion 48 (extending particularly along the vertical Z direction) and a horizontal portion 50 that extends laterally outward from the vertical portion 48.

[0085] In particular, the horizontal portion 50 of component 46 faces, more precisely, against the horizontal support 40 of the corresponding side 34, 36 of housing 30.

[0086] For example, each component 46 is made by stacking two sheets of material, as in Figure 3 and Figure 4 It can be seen in the image.

[0087] Structural element 26, or more precisely each component 46, is made of metal and coated.

[0088] Structural element 26, more precisely each component 46, is made of, for example, steel.

[0089] The coating is, for example, an electrical insulating layer, particularly a paint coating, especially formed by electrophoretic deposition.

[0090] The structural element 26 includes at least one second fixing hole 52, and preferably includes multiple second fixing holes 52.

[0091] Each of the second fixing holes 52 of the structural element 26 is provided in one of the components 46 of the structural element 26, particularly in the corresponding horizontal portion 50.

[0092] Advantageously, for each first fixing hole 42 of the housing 30, the structural element 26 includes a corresponding second fixing hole 52.

[0093] More precisely, each of the second mounting holes 52 of the structural element 26 extends relative to one of the first mounting holes 42 of the housing 30.

[0094] For example, the structural element 26 includes the same number of fixing holes 52 as the housing 30, and in particular, each component 46 has at least two second fixing holes 52, preferably at least five second fixing holes 52, and even more preferably, each component 46 has between six and twelve second fixing holes 52.

[0095] In particular, on each of the two components 46, the corresponding second fixing holes 52 are aligned with each other along the longitudinal direction X.

[0096] More precisely, the second fixing hole 52 defines a column on each of the two parts 46, and the column is defined in particular on the corresponding horizontal portion 50.

[0097] Preferably, the second fixing holes 52 are distributed along the same column, for example, uniformly, i.e., at equal distances from each other, or at different intervals. All the second fixing holes 52 are, for example, identical to each other.

[0098] Each of the second fixing holes 52 of the structural element 26 is centered on a hole axis O, which in particular coincides with the fixing axis F of the corresponding first fixing hole 42 of the housing 30.

[0099] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the hole axis O of each second fixing hole 52 is perpendicular to the transverse Y direction and more precisely parallel to the vertical Z direction.

[0100] like Figure 4 As shown, each of the second fixing holes 52 of the structural element 26 is a through hole.

[0101] For example, each of the second fixing holes 52 is circular.

[0102] More precisely, the diameter of each second fixing hole 52 is between 8 mm and 15 mm, or even more precisely, between 10 mm and 14 mm.

[0103] The device 22 includes at least one bolt 28 for fixing and grounding the traction battery 24, and preferably includes multiple bolts 28.

[0104] For example, device 22 includes at least 4 bolts 28, preferably at least 10 bolts 28, and even more preferably between 12 and 24 bolts 28.

[0105] More precisely, for each first fixing hole 42 of the housing 30, and especially for each pair of holes consisting of a first fixing hole 42 of the housing 30 and a corresponding second fixing hole 52 of the structural element 26, the device 22 includes a corresponding bolt 28.

[0106] Each bolt 28 is specifically designed to fasten the traction battery 24, and in particular its housing 30, to the structural element 26.

[0107] More precisely, each bolt 28 secures one of the sides 34, 36 of the housing 30 to the corresponding part 46 of the structural element 26, particularly by connecting a pair of holes consisting of a first fixing hole 42 of the housing 30 and a corresponding second fixing hole 52 of the structural element 26.

[0108] Even more precisely, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As can be seen, each bolt 28 fastens one of the horizontal support members 40 on each side 34, 36 of the housing 30 to the horizontal portion 50 of the corresponding part 46 of the structural element 26.

[0109] Each bolt 28 is also configured to ground the traction battery 24.

[0110] In particular, as will be explained in more detail later, each bolt 28 is configured to establish an electrical connection between the traction battery 24 and ground, and in particular a reference potential, especially by means of structural element 26.

[0111] Each bolt 28 includes a nut 56 and a screw 58.

[0112] Each bolt 28 also includes, for example, a washer 59.

[0113] Nut 56 is centered on the corresponding fixed axis F.

[0114] More precisely, in a conventional manner, the nut 56 includes a ring 60 with a central threaded hole 62, in other words, the central threaded hole has internal threads.

[0115] The central threaded hole 62 is centered on the corresponding fixed axis F.

[0116] Ring 60, for example, has a truncated conical cross-section, such as... Figure 4 As shown.

[0117] Preferably, particularly at the lower part of the nut 56, the ring 60 also includes a flange 64.

[0118] Nut 56 is made of a metal material, such as steel.

[0119] Nut 56 is welded to structural element 26 before the coating is applied.

[0120] More precisely, prior to the deposition of the coating, the nut 56, and in particular the flange 64 of the ring 60, are welded to the corresponding part 46, especially its horizontal portion 50.

[0121] For example, nut 56 is welded to component 46 by metal fusion welding (especially by resistance welding).

[0122] Before applying the coating, the nut 56 is welded to the component 46, specifically forming a metal weld 66 connecting the two components, such as... Figure 4 As shown.

[0123] Each bolt 28 has a screw 58 configured to mate with a corresponding nut 56.

[0124] The screws 58 of each bolt 28 are, for example, made of metal, particularly steel.

[0125] Advantageously, each screw 58 is coated with a conductive coating, in particular to improve the conductivity of the screw 58.

[0126] The conductive coating is, for example, an anti-corrosion coating with high conductivity.

[0127] The screw 58, or each screw 58, is more specifically a screw with a size specification of M10 to M14.

[0128] Each bolt 28 and screw 58 includes a shank 68 and a head 70.

[0129] The rod 68 extends along the rod axis T, particularly between the head 70 and the free end 72.

[0130] The rod axis T is preferably aligned with the corresponding fixed axis F.

[0131] The diameter of the rod 68 is basically in line with the diameter of the hole 62 of the nut 56.

[0132] For example, if screw 58 is a screw with a size specification of M10 to M14, then the diameter of the shank 68 is between 10 mm and 14 mm.

[0133] Each screw 58 has a shank 68 including a retaining portion 74 and a cleaning portion 76.

[0134] Preferably, the shank 68 of each screw 58 further includes an end 78, such as a truncated conical end or a cylindrical guide end.

[0135] The shank 68 of each screw 58 is preferably divided along the shank axis T into a fixed portion 74, a cleaning portion 76 and an end 78; the cleaning portion 76 extends between the fixed portion 74 and the end 78.

[0136] The fixing part 74 extends along the rod axis T between the head 70 and the cleaning part 76.

[0137] like Figure 4 As shown, the fixing portion 74 of the shank 68 of each screw 58 extends through the corresponding first fixing hole 42, the corresponding second fixing hole 52 and into the nut 56, particularly into the threaded hole 62.

[0138] The fixing portion 74 of the rod 68 has, for example, an external thread that engages with the internal thread of the threaded hole 62 of the nut 56.

[0139] like Figure 4 As shown, the cleaning portion 76 of the shank 68 of each screw 58 extends, for example, along the shank axis T between the cleaning portion 76 and the end 78.

[0140] Preferably, the clean portion 76 of the shank 68 of each screw 58 extends at least partially outside the nut 56.

[0141] The cleaning portion 76 of the rod 68 has, for example, a length measured along the rod axis T, which is between 5 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 8 mm and 12 mm.

[0142] Each cleaning section 76 includes at least two grooves 80 defined along the rod axis T.

[0143] Each cleaning section 76 includes at least four grooves 80, which are preferably distributed in a uniform circumferential manner around the rod axis T.

[0144] exist Figure 3 In a particular embodiment, the cleaning portion 76 includes four recesses 80 spaced 90° apart from each other.

[0145] Each groove 80 is specifically provided on the cleaning portion 76, particularly along the entire length of the cleaning portion.

[0146] More precisely, each groove 80 forms a recess in the cleaning portion 76. In particular, the diameter of the cleaning portion 76 at each groove 80 is smaller.

[0147] Preferably, the cross-section of each groove 80 (particularly the cross-section taken in the XY plane) is arc-shaped. Alternatively, each groove 80 defines a planar groove wall.

[0148] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the groove 80 is straight and extends particularly parallel to the axis T of the rod.

[0149] Alternatively, the groove 80 extends in a partially spiral manner, that is, at an angle but not extending over the entire circumference of the rod 68.

[0150] End 78 extends particularly between the clean section 76 and the free end 72.

[0151] End 78 is, for example, a truncated conical end or a cylindrical guide end.

[0152] A method for securing and grounding the traction battery 24 in the vehicle 10 will now be described.

[0153] The method includes the following step a): providing a traction battery 24, particularly the traction battery 24 as described above.

[0154] More specifically, the provided traction battery 24 includes a metal casing 30.

[0155] The housing 30 includes at least one first fixing hole 42 centered on the fixing axis F, and preferably includes multiple first fixing holes 42 as described above.

[0156] The method further includes the following step b): providing structural element 26, particularly the metal structural element 26 as described above.

[0157] For example, structural element 26 includes at least one metal component 46, especially the metal component described above.

[0158] In particular, during step b), structural element 26 is not coated with any coating.

[0159] The structural element 26 includes at least one second fixing hole 52 centered on the hole axis O, and preferably includes multiple second fixing holes 52 as described above.

[0160] Preferably, the structural element 26 includes the same number of fixing holes 52 as the housing 30.

[0161] The method further includes the following step c): providing bolt 28, particularly bolt 28 as described above.

[0162] Preferably, step c) includes providing a plurality of bolts 28, specifically one bolt 28 corresponding to each first fixing hole 42.

[0163] As described above, each of the provided bolts 28 specifically includes a nut 56 and a screw 58.

[0164] Each provided screw 58 specifically includes a shank 68 extending along the shank axis T, the shank including a retaining portion 74 and a cleaning portion 76, the cleaning portion 76 having at least two grooves 80 as described above.

[0165] Then, the method includes the following step d): welding each nut 56 to the structural element 26, in particular centered on the hole axis O of the corresponding second fixing hole 52.

[0166] More precisely, nut 56 is welded to the corresponding component 46.

[0167] More precisely, the flange 64 of the ring 60 of each nut 56 is welded to the horizontal portion 50 of the corresponding component 46.

[0168] Preferably, after welding, the central threaded hole 62 of the nut 56 is centered on the hole axis O of the second fixing hole 52.

[0169] Step d) is performed by metal fusion welding.

[0170] Advantageously, especially due to its high repeatability and simplicity, step d) is performed by resistance welding.

[0171] Specifically, during the welding of each nut 56 to the structural element 26, a metal weld bead 66 is formed.

[0172] Then, the method includes the following step e): applying a coating, particularly a paint coating, to the structural element 26 and the nut 56.

[0173] For example, a coating is applied to the component 46 or each of the components 46, and also to the nut 56 welded to the component 46.

[0174] Advantageously, especially due to the uniformity and quality of the deposition, step e) is carried out by electrophoresis.

[0175] Then, the method includes the following step f): arranging the housing 30 of the traction battery 24, in particular, such that the fixing axis F of each first fixing hole 42 coincides with the hole axis O of the corresponding second fixing hole 52 of the structural element 26.

[0176] The method then includes the following step g): screwing each screw 58 into the corresponding nut 56.

[0177] During the screwing-in step, for example, the free end 72 of the rod 68, in particular the end 78, is inserted into the hole 62 of the nut 56 along the fixed axis F.

[0178] The cleaning part 76 is then inserted, specifically screwed into the nut 56. During this screwing, the coating deposits in the hole 62 of the nut are advantageously expelled by means of the groove 80.

[0179] After being screwed in, the fixing portion 74 of the screw shank 68 extends, for example, through the first fixing hole 42, the corresponding second fixing hole 52, and into the corresponding nut 56.

[0180] In particular, due to the cleaning of the hole 62 by the cleaning portion 76, the fixing portion 74 and the hole 62 are preferably in metal-to-metal contact with each other.

[0181] Therefore, in this manner, the traction battery 24 is fixed to the structural element 26 by one or more bolts 28.

[0182] In addition, according to this method, the traction battery 24 is grounded.

[0183] In particular, each bolt 28, especially with the help of structural element 26, establishes an electrical connection between the traction battery 24 and ground, especially with reference potential.

[0184] More precisely, current flows from the traction battery 24 to the metal screw 58, then into the corresponding nut 56, and subsequently, in particular, into the structural element 26 via the metal weld 66. Since the structural element 26 is a body component, it enables the grounding of the traction battery 24.

[0185] Therefore, bolt 28 serves both to fix the traction battery 24 and to ground it.

[0186] Therefore, they allow for the elimination of the need for grounding cables with extra length, thus avoiding the associated drawbacks.

[0187] Therefore, the device 22 according to the invention has the particular advantage that it is both economical and practical, and ensures an ergonomic fit.

[0188] Furthermore, due to the dual function of bolt 28, the number of parts in this device is significantly reduced.

[0189] In addition, a groove 80 is provided in the cleaning portion 76 of each screw 58 to ensure that the coating inside the nut 56 is fully discharged, thereby ensuring optimal conductivity between the nut 56 and the screw 58.

[0190] The device 22 with multiple bolts 28 provides redundancy for fixing and grounding, thus ensuring that the traction battery 24 is grounded even if some of the bolts 28 are damaged (especially after an accidental impact).

[0191] This redundancy ensures higher reliability of device 22, thereby enhancing safety.

Claims

1. A device (22) for a vehicle (10), the device comprising: - Traction battery (24), the traction battery includes a metal housing (30), the housing (30) including at least one first fixing hole (42) centered on a fixing axis (F). - Structural element (26), the structural element including at least one second fixing hole (52) centered on the hole axis (O), the hole axis coinciding with the corresponding fixing axis (F), the structural element (26) being made of metal and coated, and - At least one bolt (28) for securing and grounding the traction battery (24), said bolt (28) comprising: Nut (56), centered on the corresponding fixed axis (F), is welded to the structural element (26) before the coating is applied. The screw (58) includes a head (70) and a shank (68) extending along a shank axis (T) that coincides with the fixed axis (F), the shank (68) including a fixing portion (74) and a cleaning portion (76). The fixing portion (74) of the rod (68) extends along the rod axis (T) between the head (70) and the cleaning portion (76). The cleaning section (76) includes at least two grooves (80) defined axially along the rod axis (T).

2. The device (22) according to claim 1, wherein the housing (30) includes a right side (34) and a left side (36) opposite each other in the transverse (Y) direction, and the housing (30) includes at least two first fixing holes (42) on each side of the right side (34) and the left side (36), each first fixing hole (42) defining a corresponding fixing axis (F). For each first fixing hole (42), the structural element (26) includes a corresponding second fixing hole (52). For each first fixing hole (42), the device (22) includes a corresponding bolt (28).

3. The device (22) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the screw or each screw (58) is coated with a conductive coating.

4. The device (22) according to claim 1, wherein the groove (80) of the cleaning portion (76) is straight.

5. The device (22) according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning portion or each cleaning portion (76) includes at least four grooves (80).

6. The device (22) according to claim 1, wherein the screw or each screw (58) is a screw with a size specification of M10 to M14.

7. A vehicle (10) comprising the device (22) according to claim 1.

8. A method for securing and grounding a traction battery (24) in a vehicle (10), the method comprising the steps of: a. Provide a traction battery (24), the traction battery comprising a metal housing (30) including at least one first fixing hole (42) centered on a fixing axis (F). b. Provide a structural element (26), the structural element including at least one second fixing hole (52) centered on the hole axis (O), the structural element (26) being made of metal. c. Provide at least one bolt (28), the bolt including a nut (56) and a screw (58), the screw (58) including a shank (68) extending along the shank axis (T), the shank including a retaining portion (74) and a cleaning portion (76), the cleaning portion including at least two grooves (80) defined axially along the shank axis (T). d. Weld the nut (56) to the structural element (26) such that the nut is centered on the hole axis of the corresponding second fixing hole (52). e. Apply coatings, particularly paint coatings, to the structural elements (26) and nuts (56). f. Arrange the housing (30) such that the fixing axis (F) of the first fixing hole (42) or each of the first fixing holes (42) coincides with the hole axis (O) of the corresponding second fixing hole (52) of the structural element (26), and g. Screw the screw or each screw (58) into the corresponding nut (56).

9. The method of claim 8, wherein step e) is performed by electrophoresis.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein step d) is performed by resistance welding.

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