Connecting device for electrically connecting two structural elements of motor vehicle and arrangement

Abstract

The utility model relates to a connecting device for electrically connecting two structural elements (2, 3) of a motor vehicle, which is provided with at least one screw element (5) through which the structural elements (2, 3) can be connected with each other in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner under the condition of forming an electric connection structure (6), according to the invention, at least one intermediate element (10) is provided, which is designed separately from the screw element (5), is arranged on the screw element (5) and consists of a shape memory alloy (9), by means of which the structural elements (2, 3) can be connected to one another at least in a force-fitting manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a connecting device for electrically connecting two structural elements of a motor vehicle. In addition, the utility model also relates to an arrangement structure of a first structural element on a second structural element of a motor vehicle. Background Art

[0002] DE 10 2014 004 433 B4 discloses a method for producing an electrical conductor arrangement, wherein the conductor arrangement has a main conductor and electrical connecting contacts. Utility Model Content

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide a connecting device for a motor vehicle for electrically connecting two components and an arrangement which can particularly increase the safety against interruption of the electrical connection.

[0004] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a connecting device for a motor vehicle for electrically connecting two components and by an arrangement of a first component on a second component for a motor vehicle.

[0005] A first aspect of the utility model relates to a connecting device for a motor vehicle for electrically connecting two components, in particular at least indirectly or directly. Preferably, the motor vehicle, in particular in its fully manufactured state, has the connecting device and the component. The motor vehicle is configured, for example, as a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, a commercial vehicle or a truck.

[0006] The electrical connection structure can be understood in particular as that the structural elements can be electrically connected to each other or be electrically connected to each other via the connection device or by means of the connection device. This means that one of the structural elements can be supplied with or supplied with electrical energy or current by another of the structural elements via the connection device. For example, the corresponding structural elements each have a corresponding electrical contact, wherein the structural elements can be electrically connected to each other or be electrically connected to each other via the connection device through their corresponding electrical contacts. For example, it is provided that the connection device is particularly directly attached to or can be attached to the corresponding electrical contact of the corresponding structural element.

[0007] The corresponding electrical contacts can be understood in particular as corresponding, in particular electrical connection elements. The corresponding structural elements are preferably configured as corresponding electrical structural elements or electronic structural elements. The electrical connection structure can be understood in particular as an electrical connection structure between the structural elements. The connection device or the connection device together with the structural elements can be referred to as an electrical connection system.

[0008] The connecting device has at least one screw element, in particular a screw element with at least one thread, by which the structural elements can be connected or connected to each other in a force-locking and / or form-locking manner, in particular at least indirectly or directly, when forming an electrical connection. In other words, the structural elements that can be connected or connected to each other electrically are connected to each other by means of a screw element by means of a threaded connection, in particular at least indirectly or directly, that is, they are connected to each other by means of a screw element. This means that the structural elements can be fixed or fixed to each other in a force-locking and / or form-locking manner via the screw element.

[0009] Preferably, the structural elements can be electrically connected to one another or are electrically connected to one another via screw elements, in particular directly. This means that the structural elements can be electrically connected to one another or are electrically connected to one another via screw elements. In other words, one of the structural elements can be supplied or supplied with electrical energy or current via the screw element from another structural element.

[0010] In order to be able to particularly improve the safety of the connection device to prevent particularly undesirable interruptions of the electrical connection structure, according to the provisions of the utility model, the connection device has at least one intermediate element constructed separately from the screw element, in particular at least indirectly or directly arranged, in particular retained on the screw element and composed of at least one, in particular metallic, shape memory alloy. In other words, the intermediate element is constructed as a shape memory alloy. The structural elements can be connected or connected to each other with the help of the intermediate element, in particular at least indirectly or directly, at least in a force-locking manner. This means that the structural elements can be connected or connected to each other mechanically, in particular at least indirectly or directly, with the help of the screw element via the intermediate element, that is, with the cooperation of the intermediate element. In other words, the intermediate element is arranged in a force flow provided for forming a force lock, whereby the force flow extends through the intermediate element.

[0011] The force lock can be understood in particular as a force lock between the structural elements, that is to say a force lock of the screw connection is at least partially realized. For example, it is provided that at least one of the structural elements in particular directly abuts or can abut against the intermediate element. Preferably, the intermediate element directly contacts the screw element. The intermediate element can in particular be referred to as a connecting element or a memory metal element.

[0012] Shape memory alloys can be referred to in particular as shape memory alloys (Shape Memory Alloy) or memory metals (Memory-Metall). Shape memory alloys can be understood in particular as special metals or alloys that can exist in two different crystal structures. Shape memory alloys have two different structures depending on their temperature, and the structures can be referred to in particular as crystal structures or phases. The shape change between the structures is particularly based on the temperature-dependent lattice conversion into one of the two structures. For example, one of the structures (which can be referred to in particular as a high-temperature phase) is austenite. For example, the other of the structures (which can be referred to in particular as a low-temperature phase) is martensite. The structures can be transformed into each other by temperature changes. In other words, the shape memory alloy can return to its original shape after being plastically deformed, in particular by thermal activation or by activation, in particular by mechanical stress and / or electrical stress. Thermal activation can be understood in particular as exceeding a defined temperature of the shape memory alloy.

[0013] The shape memory alloy or the intermediate element has a first shape at a first temperature, and at a second temperature different from the first temperature, in particular higher than the first temperature, the shape memory alloy or the intermediate element has a second shape different from the first shape. A corresponding shape can be understood in particular as a corresponding geometric shape. In other words, in particular, the intermediate element, which initially has a first temperature and a first shape, can be deformed from the first shape to the second shape by changing, in particular increasing, the first temperature to a second temperature, in particular by means of a shape memory alloy or a memory effect.

[0014] The utility model is particularly based on the following recognition and consideration: Based on the requirements for the releasability of the electrical connection structure and in particular the mechanical connection structure between the structural elements, the connection often used is a threaded contact. Such a threaded connection for electrical contact can usually always be assembled by hand at present, which may be an unstable factor. Due to the requirement for releasable connection, it is conceivable in principle in conventional connection devices that incorrect assembly and / or loosening effects may occur on the threaded connection, which may lead to the interruption of the electrical connection structure and thus the interruption of the energy supply. In principle, the electrical connection structure between the structural elements is always an interruption of the line between the structural elements. Due to the dominant environmental influences in the driving operation of the motor vehicle, for example, degradation phenomena, in particular vibrations, may occur along the supply path, which may lead to the interruption of the electrical connection structure or the energy supply. In addition, for example, due to design errors may occur in the assembly, these errors may also lead to the interruption of the electrical connection structure, especially in the operation of the motor vehicle. In the automotive field, the interruption of the electrical connection structure between two structural elements can be a possible cause of failure when using a conventional connection device.

[0015] In contrast, the connection device according to the present invention can particularly improve the safety against interruption of the electrical connection. When the electrical connection between the structural elements is about to be at least partially, in particular completely, loosened, the intermediate element can be deformed from a first shape to a second shape by changing, in particular increasing, the temperature of the intermediate element from a first temperature to a second temperature, thereby preventing or preventing the electrical connection from being loosened or interrupted. In particular, by deforming the intermediate element from the first shape to the second shape, the force connection between the structural elements formed by the intermediate element can be improved or increased in the second shape, in particular relative to the first shape. As a result, a particularly reliable, in particular electrical and / or mechanical connection can be achieved between the structural elements by means of the screw element.

[0016] In general, it can be seen that the electrical connection structure and in particular the mechanical connection structure that can be adjusted by the connection device according to the utility model can be realized between the structural elements, which is a solution that has not been used so far. In other words, a memory metal element in the form of an intermediate element can be used to improve or ensure the electrical connection or assembly to such an extent that the loosening phenomenon of the structural element can be prevented or kept low in particular by the activation temperature in the operation of the motor vehicle and / or in the case of aging of the electrical connection structure and / or in the case of a fault or degradation. Therefore, the interruption of the electrical connection structure can be avoided particularly reliably. Thus, the reliability of the supply path of electricity in particular can be particularly improved or ensured, and the availability of the function of the motor vehicle is therefore particularly improved or ensured. In addition, safety can be particularly improved to prevent the occurrence of thermal events and in particular vehicle fires. The realization of a particularly reliable electrical connection structure can have a particularly high or outstanding strategic significance in a competitive environment for autonomous driving. In addition, by means of a highly reliable threaded connection structure, a costly or particularly costly protection or inspection scheme can be avoided. Thus, the manufacturing cost of the motor vehicle, in particular the manufacturing cost, can be kept particularly low. In addition, possible faults of the motor vehicle, in particular recalls, can be kept particularly low. Furthermore, particularly short service periods may be required, for example, for motor vehicles. This may have a particularly positive effect on the quality and / or service environment of the vehicle manufacturer.

[0017] Degradation mechanisms can usually be accompanied by an increase in temperature, that is to say, for example, an increase in the temperature of the intermediate element from a first temperature to a second temperature. Such a temperature increase can lead to a failure of the electrical connection. For example, the temperature increase can be caused by the electrical connection being partially loosened or interrupted, in particular by increasing the electrical resistance, which can lead to a temperature increase. By particularly cleverly designing the intermediate element as a memory metal element, a screw connection can be formed in the electrical connection in a particularly reliable, in particular highly reliable, manner, both in terms of structure and temperature.

[0018] In another design, one of the structural elements, for example the first structural element, is configured as a cable clamp. In other words, the electrical structural element configured as a cable clamp can be electrically connected or is electrically connected to the second structural element by means of the connecting device. As a result, a particularly low-cost and / or particularly reliable electrical connection structure between the structural elements can be achieved. For example, at least one electrical conductor element can be electrically connected or connected to the second structural element by means of a cable clamp, in particular for supplying electrical energy to the second structural element. The second structural element (which can be referred to as an electrical or electronic component) is configured, for example, as an electrical energy source, in particular, a source, or an electrical consumer, in particular, a sink. For example, the second structural element is an electronic computing device, in particular a control device, a sensor, an electrical energy storage device, a conversion element, or a distributor. For example, the second structural element is configured as a high-voltage component.

[0019] In another embodiment, the intermediate element is made of at least one electrically conductive material, in particular a metal. In other words, at least one of the structural elements, in particular the second structural element, is supplied or can be supplied with electrical energy by another of the structural elements, in particular the first structural element, via the intermediate element, i.e., by means of the intermediate element. As a result, an electrical connection structure between the structural elements can be realized particularly cost-effectively and / or particularly reliably.

[0020] In another embodiment, the intermediate element has at least one through-opening through which the screw element is at least partially guided. In other words, at least one length region of the screw element is arranged in the through-opening. This means that the intermediate element at least partially, in particular mostly or completely, surrounds at least the length region of the screw element, in particular in the radial direction of the screw element. As a result, interruptions of the electrical connection can be avoided particularly reliably in a particularly cost-effective manner.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the intermediate element has a round, in particular circular and / or annular cross section. In other words, the intermediate element is round, in particular circular and / or annularly shaped. As a result, the intermediate element can be manufactured particularly cost-effectively. In addition, interruptions of the electrical connection structure can be avoided particularly reliably in a particularly cost-effective manner.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the intermediate element is helically shaped. In other words, the intermediate element is spring-shaped, for example in the form of a helical spring. This makes it possible to avoid interruptions of the electrical connection structure in a particularly easy and particularly reliable manner.

[0023] For example, it is provided that the intermediate element has a round, in particular circular and / or annular cross section in the first shape and in the second shape. Alternatively or additionally, it is provided, for example, that the intermediate element is spirally shaped in the first and second shapes.

[0024] In another embodiment, it is provided that the screw element is constructed as a screw, in particular with an external thread. Preferably, it is provided that the screw head of the screw element is supported at least on at least one of the structural elements, for example on the first structural element and / or the second structural element, via an intermediate element, in particular at least indirectly or directly, in particular in the axial direction of the screw element. In other words, the intermediate element is arranged between the screw head and at least one of the structural elements, in particular the first and / or the second structural element. Thus, a force-locking connection, in particular a threaded connection, can be achieved with the help of the intermediate element via the screw head, that is, for electrically and / or mechanically connecting the structural element. This connection can be readjusted by itself by a shape change of the intermediate element caused by a temperature change when it is at least partially, in particular about to be loosened. As a result, the safety can be particularly improved in a particularly low-cost manner to prevent interruptions of the electrical connection structure.

[0025] In another embodiment, it is provided that the screw element is configured as a bolt, in particular, with an external thread. It is preferably provided here that a nut element with an internal thread is arranged on the bolt, in particular on the external thread of the bolt, and in particular, is retained, which nut element can be referred to as a nut, for example. In other words, the nut element is threadedly connected to the bolt or is tightened to the bolt. The nut element is supported on at least one of the structural elements, for example, on the first structural element and / or the second structural element, via an intermediate element, in particular at least indirectly or directly, in particular in the axial direction of the bolt. In other words, the intermediate element is arranged between the nut element and at least one structural element in the structural element. Thus, a force-locking connection, in particular a threaded connection, can be achieved with the help of the intermediate element via the nut element, that is, for electrically and / or mechanically connecting the structural element. This connection can be adjusted by itself by a shape change caused by a temperature change of the intermediate element when it is at least partially, in particular, about to be loosened. Thus, safety can be particularly improved in a particularly low-cost manner to prevent interruption of the electrical connection structure.

[0026] In another embodiment, it is provided that the first shape of the intermediate element is planar. In other words, at the first temperature, that is, when the intermediate element has the first temperature, the intermediate element is formed planarly or flatly. A planar shape can be understood in particular as a flat shape. This means that at least one side, in particular two side faces of the intermediate element are designed planarly or flatly. Alternatively, it can be provided that the first shape is a curved shape.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, in another design, it is provided that the second shape has at least one camber. In other words, at the second temperature, that is, when the intermediate element has the second temperature, the intermediate element is at least partially shaped in a cambered manner. This means that the intermediate element can be deformed, for example, from a first shape, for example a plane, by cambering or bending into a second shape when the temperature changes from the first temperature to the second temperature. The camber can be understood in particular as an arched or curved shape. Thus, the force lock between the structural elements achieved by the intermediate element can be particularly improved by deforming the intermediate element from the first shape to the second shape. Thus, safety can be particularly improved to prevent interruption of the electrical connection structure. In addition, the arched shape can be particularly reliably bridged while maintaining the force lock, a particularly large distance extending in the axial direction of the screw element between one of the structural elements and the screw head and / or the nut element.

[0028] The second aspect of the present invention relates to an arrangement structure for a motor vehicle, in particular by means of a connecting device according to the first aspect of the present invention, in particular an electrical and / or electronic first structural element is arranged on a second structural element, in particular an electrical and / or electronic. These structural elements are preferably constructed separately from each other. The arrangement structure can be understood in particular as an electrical connection arrangement structure, in particular between the structural elements. The advantages and advantageous design solutions of the first aspect of the present invention can be regarded as the advantages and advantageous design solutions of the second aspect of the present invention, and vice versa.

[0029] The components are connected to one another in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner, in particular at least indirectly or directly, by means of at least one screw element, while forming an electrical connection.

[0030] In order to be able to particularly increase safety and prevent the electrical connection structure from loosening, according to the utility model, at least one intermediate element is provided which is constructed separately from the screw element, in particular is arranged at least indirectly or directly on the screw element and is formed by at least one, in particular metallic, shape memory alloy, and the structural elements are connected to each other at least forcefully by means of the intermediate element, in particular by means of the screw element.

[0031] Other features of the utility model are derived from the drawings and the description of the drawings. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description and the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the drawings and / or only shown in the drawings can be used not only in the respectively given combination, but also in other combinations or alone. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The present invention will now be explained in more detail with the aid of a preferred embodiment and with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic partial cross-sectional view showing an arrangement according to the invention, wherein the intermediate element has a first shape; and

[0034] Figure 2 A schematic partial cross-sectional view showing an arrangement according to the invention, wherein the intermediate element has a second shape; and

[0035] Figure 3 A schematic top view showing an intermediate element of a connection device according to the present invention; and

[0036] Figure 4 A schematic partial cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention, wherein the intermediate element has a first shape; and

[0037] Figure 5 A schematic partial cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, wherein the intermediate element has a second shape; and

[0038] Figure 6 A schematic perspective view showing a screw element according to another embodiment of a connecting device of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] In the figures, identical elements or elements with the same function are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0040] Figure 1 A schematic partial sectional view shows an arrangement 1, in particular a connection arrangement, of a first component 2 for a motor vehicle on a second component 3, in particular formed separately from the first component 2. A connection device 4 is provided, by means of which the first component 2 is arranged, in particular at least indirectly or directly, in particular fastened to the second component 3. The connection device 4 is designed or provided for electrically connecting the components 2, 3, in particular mechanically.

[0041] The connecting device 4 has at least one screw element 5, by which the structural elements 2, 3 can be connected or connected to each other in a force-locking and / or form-locking manner while forming an electrical connection structure 6, that is, by means of a threaded connection structure 7 formed or caused at least partially by the screw element 5, in particular at least indirectly or directly.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first structural element 2 is configured as a cable clamp. The second structural element 3 is, for example, an electronic computing device, in particular a control device, a sensor, an electrical energy storage device, a conversion element or a distributor. The second structural element 3 can be supplied with electrical energy, for example, provided by a conductor element connected to the second structural element 3 or the cable clamp 8, in particular electrically, via the connecting device 4, in particular via the electrical connecting structure 6 or the screw element 5. The conductor element is preferably configured separately from the connecting device 4 and / or from the structural elements 2, 3. The conductor element is configured as a cable, for example.

[0043] In order to be able to particularly increase safety against interruption or loosening of the electrical connection structure 6, the connecting device 4 has at least one intermediate element 10 which is constructed separately from the screw element 5, is arranged on the screw element 5 and consists of a shape memory alloy 9, and by means of which the structural elements 2, 3 can be connected or connected to each other at least forcefully, in particular at least indirectly or directly.

[0044] Preferably, it is provided that the intermediate element 10 has a first shape 12 at a first temperature 11 and has a second shape 14 that is different from the first shape 12 at a second temperature 13 that is different from the first temperature 11, in particular higher than the first temperature 11. Figure 1 1 . The intermediate element 10 is shown in a first shape 12 , in which the intermediate element 10 has a first temperature 11 . Figure 2 An arrangement 1 is shown in a schematic partial sectional view, in which the intermediate element 10 has a second shape 14 and therefore a second temperature 13 .

[0045] The first shape 12 is preferably an original shape of the intermediate element 10, in particular a so-called standard shape. This is to be understood as the initial shape of the intermediate element 10 which is provided when the first component 2 is mounted on the second component 3. In particular, the standard shape is provided for the proper operation of the connecting device 4 or the motor vehicle. Figure 1 In the first shape 12, the intermediate element can be said to be "inactive", whereby Figure 1 The screw connection 7 shown in FIG. 8 can be referred to as an inactive screw connection, in particular a screw-in connection.

[0046] The second temperature 13 is preferably an activation temperature for changing the shape or geometry of the shape memory alloy 9, i.e. for deforming the intermediate element 10 from the first shape 12 to the second shape 14 by means of the memory effect. The reaching of the activation temperature, i.e. the raising of the temperature of the intermediate element 10 from the first temperature 11 to the second temperature 13, can be caused by an undesired or desired temperature rise of the intermediate element 10. The desired temperature rise can be an operation-dependent desired, i.e. normal, temperature rise of the connecting device 4, in particular the intermediate element 10, caused during the driving or operation of the motor vehicle. Here, the contact force acting on the structural elements 2, 3 between the structural elements 2, 3 can be particularly increased by raising the temperature of the intermediate element 10, in particular to the second temperature 13. This means that the structural elements 2, 3 can be assembled particularly effortlessly by means of the connecting device 4, for example with a moderate contact force, and during operation, the contact force can be said to be autonomously particularly increased or significantly increased. As a result, the electrical connection structure 6 or the electrical contact can be particularly increased and particularly reliably maintained during the operation of the motor vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, in particular when the temperature increase is an undesirable temperature increase, the deformation of the intermediate element 10 from the first shape 12 to the second shape 14 can be used as a safety mechanism for maintaining the electrical connection 6. In this case, the screw connection 7 or the intermediate element 10 is "activated" only in the case of degradation, for example, with a second temperature 13 that is particularly high compared to the first temperature 11, so that the electrical connection 6 can be particularly improved or can self-heal. Overall, it can be seen that the corresponding shapes 12, 14 of the intermediate element 10 designed as a memory element are selected so that the normal force or the non-positive connection can be particularly increased after the activation, in particular thermally.

[0047] The contact force may be understood in particular as a frictional connection between the components 2, 3, which is brought about by means of the screw element 5 by means of the intermediate element 10. The frictional connection may be understood in particular as a non-positive connection.

[0048] For example, the intermediate element 10 is made of a nickel-titanium alloy or of another material. In this exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the first shape 12 is planar and the second shape 14 has at least one curvature 15, ie is designed in an arc shape.

[0049] The electrical connection structure 6 extends on the screw element 5. This means that the screw element 5 is arranged in a current flow which extends between the structural elements 2, 3, in particular from the first structural element 2 towards the second structural element 3, whereby the current flow extends through the screw element 5. Preferably, the intermediate element 10 consists of an electrically conductive material 16. Thus, the intermediate element 10 can be arranged or is arranged in the current flow, whereby the current flow extends or can extend through the intermediate element 10.

[0050] Figure 3The intermediate element 10 is shown in a schematic top view, wherein the intermediate element Figures 1 to 3 The corresponding embodiment shown in FIG. 1 has a through opening 17. The screw element 5 is guided through the through opening 17, which Figure 1 and Figure 2 . Furthermore, the intermediate element 10 in this exemplary embodiment has a round, in particular annular, cross section 18. The intermediate element 10 is therefore designed as a memory metal expansion ring.

[0051] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the embodiment shown in , the screw element 5 is designed as a screw 19, which has an external thread 20. The screw element 5 designed as a screw 19 is guided through the through opening of the second structural element 2 and is accommodated in the opening of the second structural element 3 with an internal thread. In this embodiment, the screw head 21 of the screw 19 is supported via the intermediate element 10, in particular directly on the first structural element 2. Here, the intermediate element 10 is arranged between the screw head 21 and the second structural element 3 and is in particular preferably directly connected to the screw head 21 and the first structural element 2 in a force-fitting manner. In this embodiment, the first structural element 2 is arranged between the intermediate element 10 and the second structural element 3 and is in particular connected to the intermediate element 10 and the second structural element 3 or to the screw head 21 and the second structural element 3 by means of the intermediate element 10 in a force-fitting manner.

[0052] exist Figure 2 In the case of a motor vehicle, the threaded connection 7 or the electrical connection 6 becomes slightly loose during operation, whereby the distance extending in the axial direction of the screw element 5 and between the screw head 21 and the first structural element 2 becomes smaller relative to Figure 1 As a result, the screw element 5 moves relative to its normal position, in particular undesirably relative to the structural elements 2, 3. By deforming the intermediate element 10 from the first shape 12 to the second shape 14, the distance can be bridged by means of the intermediate element 10, whereby the screw head 21 is also supported via the intermediate element 10, in particular directly on the first structural element 2. As a result, loosening of the screw connection 7 or interruption of the electrical connection 6 can be particularly reliably avoided. Figure 2 In the case of the intermediate element 10 being activated due to the activation temperature, this can be referred to as an activated threaded connection, in particular an activated screw-in connection, for example.

[0053] Figure 4 and Figure 5A corresponding schematic partial sectional view according to another embodiment shows an arrangement 1 in which the screw element 5 is designed as a bolt 23 with an external thread 22. The bolt 23 is guided through the through opening of the first structural element 2 and is received in the internal thread of the opening of the second structural element 3. In this embodiment, a nut element 24 with an internal thread is arranged on the bolt 23, in particular is screwed thereto, which is supported, for example, directly on at least one of the structural elements 2, 3, in particular on the first structural element 2, via an intermediate element 10. The intermediate element 10 is arranged between the nut element 24 and the first structural element 2. The first structural element 2 is arranged between the intermediate element 10 and the second structural element 3.

[0054] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment, the intermediate element 10 has a first shape 12 and Figure 5 In the embodiment, the intermediate element 10 has a second shape 14. With regard to the shape change from the first shape 12 to the second shape 14 when the temperature 11, 13 of the intermediate element 10 changes, in particular increases, the operating principle of the intermediate element 10 is similar to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The embodiments shown in are equivalent. Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , an inactive intermediate element 10 is shown, i.e. an inactive nut connection, and in FIG. Figure 5 An activated intermediate element 10 , ie an activated nut connection, is shown in FIG.

[0055] Figure 6 A screw element 5 designed as a screw 23 or having a screw 23 is shown in a schematic perspective view according to another embodiment. Figure 6 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , the bolt 23 is arranged on the base element 25. The bolt 23 protrudes from the base element 25. The bolt 23 is arranged on the base element 25 at one end, and a plurality of electrical connection elements 26 are arranged on the base element, in particular protruding from the base element 25, at the other end. The electrical connection elements 26 (which can be referred to as electrical contact elements in particular) are configured to be electrically connected to the second structural element 3.

[0056] Reference numerals list

[0057] 1. Layout structure

[0058] 2. First structural element

[0059] 3 Second structural element

[0060] 4Connection device

[0061] 5 screw elements

[0062] 6Electrical connection structure

[0063] 7. Threaded connection structure

[0064] 8 Cable clamps

[0065] 9Shape memory alloy

[0066] 10Intermediate components

[0067] 11 First Temperature

[0068] 12 First Shape

[0069] 13 Second Temperature

[0070] 14 Second Shape

[0071] 15 Arch Department

[0072] 16 Materials

[0073] 17Through opening

[0074] 18 Cross Section

[0075] 19 screws

[0076] 20 external thread

[0077] 21 Screw head

[0078] 22 external thread

[0079] 23 bolts

[0080] 24 nut element

[0081] 25 basic components

[0082] 26 Connecting elements

Claims

1. A connecting device (4) for electrically connecting two components (2, 3) for a motor vehicle, the connecting device comprising at least one screw element (5), via which the components (2, 3) can be connected to one another in a force-locking and / or form-locking manner to form an electrical connection (6), characterized in that At least one intermediate element (10) is provided which is designed separately from the screw element (5), is arranged on the screw element (5) and consists of a shape memory alloy (9), and by means of which the components (2, 3) can be connected to one another at least non-positively.

2. The connecting device (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that One of the structural elements (2, 3) is designed as a cable clamp (8).

3. The connecting device (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The intermediate element (10) is made of an electrically conductive material (16).

4. The connecting device (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The intermediate element (10) • has a through opening (17) through which the screw element (5) is guided, and / or • having a circular cross-section (18), and / or • Spirally shaped.

5. The connecting device (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The screw element (5) is designed as a screw (19).

6. The connecting device (4) according to claim 5, characterized in that The screw head (21) of the screw element (5) is supported via the intermediate element (10) on at least one of the structural elements (2, 3).

7. The connecting device (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The screw element (5) is designed as a screw (23) having an external thread (22).

8. The connecting device (4) according to claim 7, characterized in that A nut element (24) having an internal thread is arranged on the bolt (23) and is supported via the intermediate element (10) on at least one of the structural elements (2, 3).

9. The connecting device (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The intermediate element (10) has a first shape (12) at a first temperature (11) and has a second shape (14) different from the first shape (12) at a second temperature (13) different from the first temperature (11), the first shape (12) being planar and / or the second shape (14) having at least one curvature (15).

10. An arrangement (1) of a first component (2) on a second component (3) for a motor vehicle, in which the first component (2) and the second component (3) are connected to one another in a force-locking and / or form-locking manner by means of screw elements (5) while forming an electrical connection (6), characterized in that: At least one intermediate element (10) is provided which is constructed separately from the screw element (5), is arranged on the screw element (5) and consists of a shape memory alloy (9), and by means of which the first component (2) and the second component (3) are connected to one another at least in a force-fitting manner.

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