DE102018221157A1 - Joining device and joining method for establishing a connection between components - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a joining device (10) for connecting, in particular, plate-shaped components (40, 41), in particular for producing battery housings for electric or hybrid motor vehicles, and a joining method (70) for establishing a connection between components (40, 41). The joining device (10) has a joining body (20) which has a joining body (30) that defines a longitudinal axis (35). The joining body (20) also has a joining section (32) arranged at a free first end of the joining body shaft (30) for connecting the joining body (20) to a first component (41) and a force introduction section (32) for connecting the joining body (20) with a second component (40) and for the transfer of joining forces (52). The force introduction section (31) is arranged on a free second end of the joint body shaft (30) opposite the free first end. The joining body (30) also has at least one stretching section (33) through which a, in particular elastic, change in length (43) of the joining body shaft (30) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (35) can be caused.

Description

The invention relates to a joining device for connecting, in particular plate-shaped, components.

Joining devices and joining methods of the type mentioned at the outset have been known for a long time and serve to permanently connect two or more components to one another. Standardized joining processes are, for example, blind rivets or spot welding, whereby each of these processes has characteristic advantages. In particular, wherever lightweight construction is required, for example in motor vehicle and aircraft construction, research and development has since endeavored to optimize the standardized joining processes. One result of these efforts are what are known as hybrid joining processes. They are characterized by the combination of two or more joining processes, as is the case, for example, in stud welding, in which a threaded bolt or a threaded sleeve is welded onto a component in order then to be screwed onto a component to be able to perform another component.

In the case of joining methods for connecting components, in particular components for battery housings for electric or hybrid motor vehicles, relatively large joining forces are necessary. It would be desirable if these methods could manage with lower joining forces and at the same time provide a certain elasticity at the joint.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved joining method for connecting components.

In the present invention, this object is achieved in particular by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The basic idea of the invention is to provide a hybrid joining method which combines the advantages of classic welding, preferably spot welding, with the advantages of riveting, preferably hot riveting.

For this purpose, it is provided that a joining device comprises a joining body. The joining body has a joining body and an expansion section, this allowing the length of the joining body shaft to be changed in the direction of a longitudinal axis defined by the joining body, for example when the expansion section is heated to a relatively high degree or cooled relatively strongly. The joining body also has a force introduction section for introducing joining forces and for supporting and / or connecting to a component, and a joining section. The joining section serves to establish a preferably material connection or a form-fitting or non-positive connection with another component. The joining section is, in particular, a welding section from which an arc jumps to a component in the course of a welding process in order to connect the component and the joining body to one another in a materially integral manner. One or all components are preferably plate-shaped, in particular sheet-like. The components can consist of one piece or of several layers, that is to say they can be multi-layered.

An advantage of the joining body described is that it can be adapted relatively easily to the components to be joined, because, for example, the joining body shaft can be enlarged or reduced in cross section relatively easily. Furthermore, the axial length of the joining body shaft can be adjusted relatively easily and, for example, enlarged or reduced. As a result, a relatively simple connection between different components can be realized by means of the joining body.

1. (1) Einführen des Fügekörpers in eine Ausnehmung des zweiten Bauteils. Der Fügekörper wird zweckmäßigerweise mit dem Fügeabschnitt voran in die Ausnehmung eingeführt, bis sich der Krafteinleitungsabschnitt an diesem Bauteil abstützt, also sozusagen an diesem anliegt. Der Fügeabschnitt wird dabei an das erste Bauteil herangeführt, so dass er einen relativ kleinen Abstand zu diesem aufweist. Beispielsweise beträgt der Abstand zwischen dem Fügeabschnitt und dem ersten Bauteil 0,1 mm, 0,2mm, 0,3mm, 0,4mm, 0,5mm, 0,6mm, 0,7mm, 0,8mm, 0,9mm, 1,0 oder sogar bis 2,0 mm.

Another basic idea of the invention is to use the joining body described as part of a joining process for producing an assembly consisting of at least two components. The joining body can preferably have features according to the independent claims or according to the description. There are several steps involved in the joining process:

1. (1) Inserting the joining body into a recess in the second component. The joining body is expediently inserted into the recess with the joining section ahead until the force introduction section is supported on this component, that is to say it bears against it. The joining section is brought up to the first component, so that it is at a relatively small distance from it. For example, the distance between the joining section and the first component is 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1, 0 or even up to 2.0 mm.

The numbering of the components "first component" and "second component" are not to be understood as restrictive, but only serve as a description.

(2) Entering energy into the joining body or its expansion section by means of a Transfer and input of energy suitable feed system.

The joining body and / or the expansion section can be heated or cooled by the energy input, so that it expands, in particular expands or shortens, in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The energy transfer or energy input into the joint body is preferably electrical, e.g. by applying electrical power in the manner of an arc or resistance welding. Alternative electrical heating methods are also conceivable, for example by means of induction. However, it can be provided that contact heating or cooling takes place by the feed system docking onto the force introduction section of the joining body and transmitting energy by convection / heat management, so to speak not without contact.

(3) Applying a joining force, preferably by means of the feed system, to the first component, the second component and to the force introduction section if the joining body or its expansion section is stretched or shortened. As a result, the components are pressed together and clamped.

(4) Entry of electrical energy into the joining body, preferably by means of the feed system, wherein a welding process is expediently established between the joining section and one, in particular the first, component, by means of which a cohesive bond between the component and the joining body is produced. As an alternative or in addition, a welding process can also be established between the force introduction section and the other, in particular the second, component in order to produce a cohesive bond between this component and the joining body.

(5) Release the joining force and return of the joining body to its original length. For example, the components and the joint body cool down. This has the advantage that the first component and the second component are braced against one another. This can be particularly advantageous in the context of the production of battery housings for electric and hybrid motor vehicles.

The joining method described has the advantage that it can be carried out relatively quickly and is relatively easy to automate, because the joining parts are connected to one another and braced against one another in the course of only one work step.

The invention also includes a motor vehicle component, such as a battery housing or the like, which is produced in accordance with the method steps described above.

It is preferred if the expansion section is more elastic than the sections surrounding it. As a result, the stretching section is more flexible, so to speak more flexible, than adjacent sections of the joining body. This has the advantage that the elongation of the joining body is relatively large in the longitudinal direction. The stretching section is, for example, more elastic than the rest of the joining body if a different material and / or a smaller cross-section is / are used for the stretching section than for the rest of the joining body. The increased elasticity of the expansion section also gives the joining body a certain elastic bending deformability, that is to say bending elasticity, as a result of which the connection produced using the joining method is also more elastic and ultimately more stable with regard to transverse or shear forces.

It is further preferred if the joining body has a waist in the region of the expansion section. The cross section of the joining body is therefore smaller in this section than in the rest of the joining body. The basic idea for this shape is that when the joining body is heated, for example by an electrical energy input by means of a feed system for transferring and entering energy, high temperatures of the joining body are reached relatively quickly and in particular faster than in other joining body sections in the area of small cross-sections. The expansion of the joint body shaft in the direction of the longitudinal axis can thereby be faster in time and preferably greater in amount than in the case of a joint body without a waist. An advantage of this shape is that the joint body expands relatively quickly and returns to its original length relatively quickly. As a result, relatively short cycle times can be achieved, for example, as part of a joining process. The joining process is therefore suitable to a relatively high degree for automation.

The expansion section is expediently arranged between the first and the second free end of the joining body shaft. This enables a relatively inexpensive manufacture of the joining bodies.

Alternatively, a support section for supporting the joining body can be arranged between the first free end and the expansion section and / or the second free end and the expansion section. Each support section has a relatively large cross section compared to the expansion section. They ensure the mechanical strength of the joint body. This has the advantage that a joining process can also work with relatively high joining forces without the joining bodies yielding mechanically.

In particular, the expansion section has a smaller cross-section or cross-sectional diameter on than the support section. As a result, the elongation in the direction of the longitudinal axis in the expansion section is relatively large in comparison with the other sections of the joining body, because the expansion section heats up faster than the remaining sections, with the same energy input by a feed system. This has the advantage that the expansion of the joining body is effected, so to speak, in a targeted manner by the expansion section, so that the expansion can be predetermined and controlled.

In cross-section, the expansion section is preferably always smaller - apart from an optional transition at the longitudinal ends of the expansion section - than the support section or sections or the rest of the joining body. Along the expansion section, so to speak, each cross-sectional diameter of the expansion section is smaller in amount than the cross-sectional diameter of the joining body shaft or of the support section. At the longitudinal ends of the expansion section, the cross sections in question can be the same size for a simplified transition.
The joining device preferably has a feed system for transmitting and entering energy into the joining body or the expansion section. The feed system has thermal energy feed means by means of which energy, in particular thermal energy, so to speak thermal energy, can be introduced into the joining body and / or the expansion section, for example by induction or the like. However, it can also be provided that contact heating or cooling takes place in that the feed system docks onto the force introduction section of the joining body and transfers energy by convection / heat conduction. In any case, the joining body and / or the expansion section can be heated by means of the feed system, so that it expands in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

Furthermore, the feed system expediently has joining force feed means by means of which a joining force can optionally be applied to the components to be connected and / or the joining body.

Furthermore, the feed system expediently has welding energy feed means by means of which a welding current can be applied to the joining body and / or the components to be connected and the joining body in order to weld the components to one another, in particular the joining body and the component closest to the joining section.

It is possible that the joining body has a cylindrical or circular cylindrical cross section. The joining body is expediently - apart from an optionally waisted or curved expansion section - cylindrical or circular-cylindrical in cross-section along its entire length along the longitudinal axis. As a result, the joining bodies can be produced in a relatively uncomplicated and inexpensive manner.

The joining body can be made of a metal or a plastic or a reinforced plastic.

The joining section can have a taper projecting from the joining body in the direction of the longitudinal axis or a truncated cone or a tip. As a result, a welding tip is arranged, so to speak, on a free end of the joining body, from which an arc preferably forms as part of a welding process as far as the closest component. This has the advantage that the welding process can be carried out in a relatively controlled manner.

It is also conceivable that the tip, which is also referred to as a welding tip or joining tip, is pressed onto a component, for example by means of the joining force, so that it is driven into the component. In this way, the joining body can be fixed to one, in particular the first, component.

Instead of a point, the joining section can have a flat joining surface arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis. As a result, the joining body with the joining section can be pressed onto a component, for example. This has the advantage that there is no distance to be maintained between the joining section and the component, as a result of which the joining process or the joining process is relatively fast.

The terms “joining” and “connecting” are considered synonymous in the present invention.

It is preferred if the joining section is a welding section for integrally connecting the joining body to the first component in the context of a preferably electrical welding process. The preferably electrical energy required for the welding process is provided by a feed system of the joining device for transmitting and entering energy into the joining body or the expansion section. The welding process can be designed as resistance welding or arc welding. For example, the welding section comprises special welding consumables or alloys that promote the welding process.

The joining body itself can be made from a material mix, for example from a plastic or a reinforced plastic and a metal. The joint body is, so to speak, from one hybrid material mix manufactured. It is conceivable that a support section of the joining body is made of metal and the rest of the joining body is made of plastic or vice versa. This has the advantage that different materials can be joined together. The material mix can also prevent undesirable effects, such as corrosion, especially contact corrosion.

The joining section can form a positive / non-positive connection section, which serves to connect the joining body to the first component. As a result, the joining body can be arranged on the one side on the second component with the force introduction section and, on the other opposite side, permanently arranged on the first component with the joining section, so to speak, attached. This has the advantage that the welding process can be dispensed with.

In summary, it should be stated: The present invention relates to a joining device for connecting, in particular, plate-shaped components, in particular for producing battery housings for electric or hybrid motor vehicles, and a joining method for establishing a connection between components. The joining device has a joining body which has a joining body defining a longitudinal axis. The joining body also has a joining section arranged at a free first end of the joining body shaft for connecting the joining body to a first component and a force introduction section for connecting the joining body to a second component and for transmitting joining forces. The force introduction section is arranged on a free second end of the joining body shaft opposite the free first end. The joining body furthermore has at least one stretching section through which a, in particular elastic, change in length of the joining body shaft in the direction of the longitudinal axis can be caused.

Further important features and advantages of the invention result from the subclaims, from the drawings and from the associated description of the figures with reference to the drawings.

It goes without saying that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, the same reference numerals referring to the same or similar or functionally identical components.

• 1 eine Ansicht einer Fügevorrichtung mit Einspeiseanlage und zwei plattenförmige Bauteile,
• 2 eine Ansicht einer Fügevorrichtung nach dem Fügen,
• 3 eine Ansicht einer alternativen Ausführungsform einer Fügevorrichtung
• 4 eine Ansicht einer weiteren alternativen Ausführungsform einer Fügevorrichtung
• 5 ein Fügeverfahren mit Fügevorrichtung in verschiedenen Ansichten a), b), c), d)
• 6 ein Kraftfahrzeugbauteil mit Fügeverbindungen hergestellt nach dem beschriebenen Fügeverfahren

It shows, each schematically

• 1 1 shows a view of a joining device with a feed system and two plate-shaped components,
• 2nd a view of a joining device after joining,
• 3rd a view of an alternative embodiment of a joining device
• 4th a view of a further alternative embodiment of a joining device
• 5 a joining process with joining device in different views a ), b ), c ), d )
• 6 a motor vehicle component with joint connections manufactured according to the joining method described

The 1 to 4th show a joining device 10th that have a joining body 20th with a joining body 30th includes. The joining body 30th one defines the joint body 20th axially penetrating longitudinal axis 35 . Transversely to the longitudinal axis 35 is a transverse axis 36 arranged, with respect to which the joining body 20th extends radially. There are also two plate-like components 40 , 41 shown by means of the joining device 10th are or will be connected. For this purpose, the plate-like components 40 , 41 at least in the area of the joining body 20th parallel to each other and in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 35 of the joining body 20th extend. The joining device 10th also includes a feed-in system 50 for entering or feeding preferably electrical energy.

The joint body 20th has in addition to the joining body 30th via a force introduction section 31 and a joining section 32 .

The joining body 30th expediently has a round, in particular circular, cross-section and two free ends and an expansion section 33 . The stretching section 33 can basically be of cylindrical shape and, like the joining body 30th , have a round, in particular circular cross-section. It is preferred if the expansion section 33 a waist 34 has, so to speak, a reduction in the cross section of the expansion section 33 starting from an initial cross section in the direction of the transverse direction 36 to a minimum and then an increase in the cross section, preferably again up to the initial cross section. The expansion section has 33 preferably one in the longitudinal axis 35 varying round, especially circular cross-section.

Alternatively, the expansion section 33 instead of the waist 34 or additionally have another material. Instead of the waist 34 a curvature, not shown, is also conceivable in principle.

The joining body expediently disposes of 30th via at least one support section 37 to support the joint body 20th in the direction of the longitudinal axis 35 and in the direction of the transverse axis 36 . Two support sections are shown as examples in the figures 37 to the stretching section 33 arranged, so to speak, a support section 37 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 35 in front of and behind the stretching section 33 . In any case, the expansion section 33 have a cross section that corresponds to the cross sections of the support section 37 corresponds, this is for example in the 1 indicated by a dashed line. However, it is preferred if the support sections 37 a slightly larger cross section than the expansion section 33 exhibit. At the stretching section 33 with waist 34 is the waist 34 expediently designed so that they cross the respective initial cross section into the adjacent support sections 37 transforms. The respective transition can have an edge and be stepless.

The force introduction section 31 is at one free end of the joining body 30th arranged and there, for example, cohesively with the joining body 30th connected. Alternatively, the force introduction section 31 and the joining body 30th be made in one piece.

The force introduction section 31 is in the 1 to 4th rivet-head-like, so to speak in the shape of a hemisphere 39a . Alternatively, the force introduction section 31 for example a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section 39b or have a square cross section, not shown. A cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section 39b is indicated in the figures by a dotted line. In any case, the force introduction section is supported 31 on one component 40 off so that the joint body 20th relative to the components 40 , 41 is held and so to speak on the component 40 is attached.

The joining section 32 of the joining body 20th is at the other free end of the joining body 30th , so relative to the force introduction section 31 at the opposite free end of the joining body 30th arranged.

The joining section 32 is conveniently as a cone-like tip 42 designed as a joining tip 42 is designated. However, it is also possible that instead of the top 42 a not shown frustoconical body or a circular cylindrical body 38 , preferably with a reduced cross section.

The joining device 10th includes a feed-in system 50 that in the 1 is indicated by dashed lines. The feed-in system 50 is used to transfer and enter or feed preferably electrical energy into the joining body 20th or in the joining body 30th and in the stretching section 33 .

The feed-in system 50 has, for example, heat energy feed means, not shown, by means of which energy in the joining body 30th and / or the stretching section 33 can be entered to the joining body 30th and / or the stretching section 33 to warm up. This is done, for example, by induction heating or by conduction heating or by one in the joining body 30th registered electrical current reached as part of resistance heating. In the event of resistance heating, the electrical current entered generates in the joining body 30th one especially of the electrical current and the electrical resistance of the joining body 30th dependent amount of heat, so to speak in the manner of a current-carrying electrical conductor, such as in the case of a filament of an incandescent lamp. In the case of conduction heating, the joining body 30th flowed through a particularly high-frequency electrical current and heated. The figures show a purely exemplary transfer of energy from the feed-in system based on the induction principle 50 to the stretching section 33 through three waves 51 shown.

The feed-in system 50 expediently has joining force feed means, not shown, by means of which an axial joining force 52 on the components to be connected 40 , 41 and the joint body 20th is applicable.

The joining force 52 will both on the force introduction section 31 , as well as on the components 40 , 41 embossed or applied. In the figures, this is by arrows 52 indicated.

Furthermore, the feed system 50 Expediently not shown welding energy feed means, by means of which a welding current in the joining body 20th and / or the components to be connected 40 , 41 can be introduced to the components 40 , 41 and the joint body 20th to be welded together by means of an arc.

Alternatively, it can be provided that the thermal energy feed means described above additionally take on the function of the welding energy feed means, so that separate welding energy feed means can be dispensed with. This can be implemented, for example, by providing the thermal energy feed means with different electrical power levels. Basically, the heat energy feed means for heating the joining body 30th provide a lower electrical power level than during the welding process, which preferably takes place at a higher electrical power level.

In the figures it is exemplified by the feed-in system 50 connected electrical conductors 53 , 54 indicated how the joining body on the one hand 20th in the area of the force introduction section 31 and on the other hand a component 40 , 41 is electrically contacted. The result can be between the joining tip 42 of the joining section 32 and the component 40 , 41 an arc is formed, which is used in the course of the welding process to melt the joining tip 42 and the component 40 , 41 leads, so that a material connection between the joint body 20th and the component 40 , 41 is trainable. Corresponding joint connections 71 are exemplary in the 6 shown.

The components cool after the welding process 40 , 41 and / or the joining body 20th and / or the stretching section 33 from, the now connected components 20th , 40 , 41 be mutually tense. By bracing the components, the resistance of crash structures, in particular the resistance of a motor vehicle component described below 80 , increase. This has the advantage that the motor vehicle components 80 are relatively robust and can absorb relatively high forces in the event of damage, for example.

During the cooling process, the prestressing force, in particular a part, for example half or a quarter of the prestressing force, can optionally result in a relatively small displacement of the components 40 , 41 against each other, what in 2nd by one with reference numerals 60 labeled double arrow is indicated. Such a shift can lead to the two components 40 , 41 frictionally and for example fluid-tight against each other or on another component, not shown. For a battery case or a motor vehicle component 80 is preferred if due to the relatively small shift 60 a defined elastic and / or plastic deformation of the components 40 , 41 and / or of housing material, for example to seal a lid.

In 3rd is an alternative embodiment of a joining device 10th shown, in contrast to the embodiment described above, no expansion section 33 but only a continuous support section 37 having. At a free end of the joint body 20th is instead of a tip 32 a circular cylindrical body 38 arranged. The other process features and device features are to be used identically.

In the 5a , 5b , 5c , 5d is a joining process 70 using a joining body described above 20th shown.

According to the joining process 70 it is intended that the joining body 20th through a recess 63 in the component 40 is introduced so that the force introduction section 31 on the component 40 supports. The joining section 32 or the joining tip 42 is therefore at a relatively small distance from the other component 41 arranged. In the 5a is a relatively small distance between the joining tip 42 and the component 40 , 41 indicated.

Then by the in 5a , 5b and 5c shown feeder system 50 Energy in the joining body 20th and / or the stretching section 33 brought in. This creates the joint body 20th and / or the stretching section 33 warmed up so that the joining body 20th and / or the joining body 30th in the direction of the longitudinal axis 35 expands, so to speak, what is in 5b with a double arrow 43 is shown. The energy input takes place by way of example by means of induction, which in the figures is represented by three waves 51 is indicated.

The next step is using the infeed system 50 a joining force 52 both on the force introduction section 31 as well as on the components 40 , 41 exercised. A joining force is indicated by an arrow 52 indicated, the joining body 20th still warmed, so to speak is still extended. In any case, by applying the joining forces 52 ensured that the component 40 , 41 pressed together and warmed together when heated.

In a further step, represented in 5c and 5d , electrical energy is generated by means of the feed-in system 50 in the joint body 20th and the component 40 , 41 registered, in such a way that between the joining section 32 or the joining point 37 and the component 41 forms an arc. One can say that a welding process is established. In any case, there is a material connection between the joint body at the joint 20th and the component 40 , 41 created. Such a cohesive connection is in the 5d indicated. The feed-in system 50 preferably does not bring energy to heat the stretching portion during the welding process 33 in the stretching section 33 or the joint body 20th a. The through the feed system 50 applied joining force 52 is preferably retained during the welding process. Alternatively, it can be removed / detached.

The final step is joining 52 solved. Furthermore, the joining body 20th cool down and return to its original length so that the components 20th , 40 , 41 be tensioned against each other.

In 4th is another alternative embodiment of a joining device 10th shown, in contrast to the embodiments described above instead of a welding section 32 has a positive / non-positive connection section, which is used to connect the joining body to the first component 41 serves. On the joining section 32 and the welding process can therefore be dispensed with. In the place of the joining section 32 and the joining tip 42 For example, there is a fastening thread 61 and a mounting nut 62 . In 4th are exemplary on the joining body 30th arranged fastening thread 61 and one on the mounting thread 61 attached fastening nut 62 shown.

In contrast to the joining process described above 70 becomes such a joining body 20th through a first recess 63 of the component 40 and through one with this recess 63 aligned second recess 64 in the opposite component 41 stuck. The force introduction section 31 is on one component 40 supported while the mounting thread 61 through the second recess 64 protrudes through. As in the joining process described above 70 , by means of the in 4th Feed system, not shown 50 the joining body 20th in the stretching section 33 heated so that it is in the direction of the longitudinal axis 35 stretches. During the joining body 20th is heated and elongated in the manner described, the fastening nut 62 on the mounting thread 61 of the joining body 20th put on. After cooling, when the joining body 20th back to its original length, the mounting nut 62 and the component 40 , 41 braced against each other.

In 6 is a motor vehicle component 80 shown, in particular a battery housing for electric or hybrid motor vehicles. The motor vehicle component 80 has a number of similar joint connections 71 based on the joining process described above 70 are made. For example, there was a joining body 20th used according to the features described above.

Claims (11)

Joining device (10) for connecting, in particular, plate-shaped components, in particular for producing battery housings for electric or hybrid motor vehicles, with a joining body (20) which has a joining body (30) defining a longitudinal axis (35), - With a joining section (32) arranged at a free first end of the joining body shaft (30) for connecting the joining body (20) to a first component (40) - And with a force introduction section (31) for connecting the joining body (20) with a second component (41) and for transmitting joining forces (52), the force introduction section (31) is arranged on a free second end of the joining body shaft (30) opposite the free first end, - The joining body (30) between the first end and the second end has at least one expansion section (33) through which a change in length (43) of the joining body shaft (30) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (35) can be caused. Joining device after Claim 1 , characterized in that - the stretching section (33) is more elastic than the sections (37) surrounding it and / or - that the stretching section (33) has a waist (34). Joining device according to one of the Claims 1 or 2nd , characterized in that - the expansion section (33) is arranged between the first and the second free end of the joining body shaft (30) or - that between the first free end and the expansion section (33) and / or the second free end and the expansion section (33) a support section (37) for supporting the joining body (20) is arranged. Joining device after Claim 3 , characterized in that the expansion section (33) between its longitudinal ends is always smaller in cross section than the support section (37) or the rest of the joining body (30). Joining device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the joining device (10) comprises a feed system (50) for transmitting and entering energy into the joining body (30) or the expansion section (33), around the joining body (30) or the expansion section (33) to heat so that it expands in the direction of the longitudinal axis (35) and / or to introduce electrical energy into the joining body (20). Joining device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the joining body (30) is cylindrical or circular-cylindrical in cross-section over its entire length along the longitudinal axis (35), or - that the joining body (20) is made of a metal or a plastic or a reinforced plastic. Joining device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the joining section (32) has a taper projecting from the joining body (30) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (35) or a truncated cone or a tip (37) or one arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis (35) Has joining surface (38). Joining device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the joining section (32) is a welding section for integrally connecting the joining body (20) to the first component (40) in the course of a welding process, the energy required for the welding process being provided by a feed system ( 50) of the joining device (10) for transmitting and entering energy into the joining body (30) or the expansion section (33) is provided. Joining device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the joining section (32) forms a positive / non-positive connection section which serves to connect the joining body (20) to a component (41). Joining method for producing a connection between at least two components, in particular for producing battery housings for electric or hybrid motor vehicles a joining body (20) which has a joining body (30) defining a longitudinal axis (35), - With a at a free first end of the joining body shaft (30) arranged joining section (32) for connecting the joining body (20) with a first component (41), and - With a force introduction section (31) for connecting the joining body (20) with a second component (40) and for transmitting joining forces (52), the force introduction section (31) at a free second end opposite the free end of the joining body shaft (30 ) is arranged, - The joining body (30) has an expansion section (33) through which an elastic change in length (43) of the joining body shaft (30) can be caused, with the steps: 1) Inserting the joining body (20) into a recess (63) arranged on the second component (40), in such a way that the force introduction section (31) is supported on the second component (40) and the joining section (32) with relative a small distance, in particular 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm, from the first component (41), 2) Entering energy into the joining body (20) and / or the expansion section (33) by means of a feed system (50) for transmitting and entering energy in order to heat the joining body (20) and / or the expansion section (33), so that the joining body (20) and / or the expansion section (33) extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis (35), 3) Applying a joining force (52) by means of the feed system (50) to the first component (41), the second component (40) and the force introduction section (31) of the joining body (20), so that the parts are pressed together in the heated state and be tense 4) Entering electrical energy into the joining body (20) and / or the expansion section (33) by means of the feed system (50), so that a welding process between the joining section (32) and the first component (41) for establishing a material connection between the Joining body (20) and one, in particular the second, component (40) is established, 5) Loosen the joining force (52) and cool the joining device (10), the expansion (43) resulting from step 2) decreasing in such a way that the first component (41) and the second component (40) are braced against one another . Motor vehicle component, in particular a battery housing for electric or hybrid motor vehicles, characterized in that at least one joint connection (71) according to the method claim 10 and / or that at least one joining connection (71) is a joining body (20) according to one of the Claims 1 to 9 having.

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