Supporting system for supporting a battery elongated structure

Abstract

A supportive system (140) is described, for supporting an elongated structure (130). The system comprises a first holding element (201) and a second holding element (202). The first element (201) features a receiving section (211) and a locking section (212) with a locking member (220), mating depression (221), and a groove (240) spanning both sections. This groove (240) has distinct profiles in the two sections. The second element (202) has a rim (250) and a beam (230) with a cantilevered hook (231). The rim (250) fits into the groove (240) and the hook (231) into the depression (221) of the first element (201). Together, they embrace the structure (130). The second element (202) slides from the receiving to the locking section, with the rim (250) and hook (231) aligning with the corresponding features of the first element (201).

Description

[0001] SUPPORTING SYSTEM FOR SUPPORTING A BATTERY ELONGATED STRUCTURE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] This document relates to a supporting system for supporting an elongated structure such as a cable, tube, or hose, thereby fixating the elongated structure in relation to a base structure by directly or indirectly mounting the supportive system to the base structure.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] It is in general often desired to releasably fixate a cable, a busbar or other elongated structure such as a tube, or hose in relation to an underneath or base structure. Fixating cables onboard moving objects such as vehicles may present a challenge beyond the normal as the vehicle typically is moving during operation and / or is subject to vibrations, acceleration / deceleration / lateral forces during cornering, possibly airflow, etc.

[0006] Displacement of the cable into an undesired / dangerous position or causing stress on the cable is undesired and may present a very dangerous situation.

[0007] In fuel-propelled vehicles, electric cables are frequently used for connecting for example a generator with a battery in the vehicle, and / or other various functions of the vehicle such as lights / horn, steering servo, etc. A damaged or non-functional cable will thereby immediately cause a dangerous situation on board the vehicle, forcing the driver to immediately stop driving.

[0008] Electric vehicles may typically use high-voltage cables for providing electricity from the battery to the electric engine. It is important to fixate the cables for avoiding a potentially lethal accident, for example if a high-voltage cable becomes damaged, for example by being squeezed by a hatch or door in the vehicle or by hanging down into some moving / rotating element in the vehicle.

[0009] At the same time as it is required to assure that the elongated structure is fixated, it is desired to facilitate an easy mounting of the elongated structure into the desired position, and / or later exchange of the elongated structure, for example during maintenance or rebuilding of the vehicle, or replacement of batteries for example.

[0010] Sometimes, it is desired to mount the cable / elongated structure in a very narrow space where clearance around the cable / elongated structure is very limited. This situation is typically occurring in a battery pack wherein a busbar is supported. It is consequently desired to find a technical solution to these problems related to releasable fixation of elongated structures, in particular on-board a vehicle.

[0011] SUMMARY

[0012] It is therefore an object of this invention to solve at least some of the above problems and improve traffic security by supporting an elongated structure in a vehicle.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved by a supportive system for supporting an elongated structure.

[0014] The elongated structure may comprise a busbar, a cable, a tube, a hose or similar element.

[0015] The system comprises a first holding element and a second holding element, which is configured to embrace the elongated structure together with the first holding element.

[0016] The first holding element comprises a receiving section. Also, the first holding element comprises a locking section comprising a locking member, and a mating depression. In addition, the first holding element comprises a groove extending over the receiving section and the locking section of the first holding element, wherein the groove comprises a first profile at the receiving section and a second profile at the locking section.

[0017] The second holding element comprises a rim configured to enter the groove at the receiving section of the first holding element. The second holding element also comprises a beam with a cantilevered protruding hook, wherein the protruding hook is configured to enter the mating depression of the first holding element when the second holding element is entered into the receiving section of the first holding element.

[0018] The second holding element is configured to embrace the elongated structure together with the first holding element when the rim of the second holding element is placed into the groove at the receiving section of the first holding element and the cantilevered protruding hook is entered into the mating depression of the first holding element.

[0019] The second holding element is slidable from the receiving section into the locking section of the first holding element, thereby allowing the rim of the second holding element to slide into the second profile of the groove at the locking section of the first holding element, and the cantilevered protruding hook to engage with the locking member of the locking section of the first holding element. The supportive system could easily and in brief time be assembled / disassembled by an operator, without requirement of any tool. The supportive system could be mounted also in a narrow space with little clearance around the supported elongated structure, thanks to the concept of two separate holding elements. The elongated structure is kept in place in a safe way yet allowing for thermal expansion / contraction in the longitudinal direction of the elongated structure.

[0020] Optionally, the first holding element and the second holding element may have a respective profile-shape forming an interface adapted to the cross-section of the elongated structure, when the first holding element is embracing the elongated structure together with the second holding element.

[0021] By adapting the interface of the holding elements to the cross-section of the elongated structure, a firm holding of the elongated structure is provided, yet minimising the risk of the holding elements causing damage to the elongated structure.

[0022] Optionally, the first holding element may have an L-shaped cross-section; and the second holding element may also have an L-shaped cross-section.

[0023] Thereby, the first holding element and the second holding element of the system, when mounted together, are thereby enabled to embrace an elongated structure having a quadrilateral cross-section.

[0024] Optionally, the rim of the second holding element may comprise a bevel.

[0025] The bevel of the rim of the second holding element facilitates entrance of the rim into the groove of the first holding element, also when the second holding element is slightly misaligned. The total assembly time of the supportive system is reduced, increasing the capacity of the operator / production site.

[0026] Optionally, the part of the first holding element may comprise a trail of the first holding element. The edge of the second holding element may be supported by the trail when the second holding element is positioned at the locking section of the first holding element.

[0027] The second holding element is thereby firmly connected to the first holding element, supporting the elongated structure. Optionally, the receiving section of the first holding element may be coloured in a colour distinct from the colour of the locking section of the first holding element.

[0028] By colouring the receiving section of the first holding element in another colour than the locking section, assembly of the supportive system by the operator is facilitated. The receiving section may for example be coloured in white or similar light colour, or in a fluorescent colour while the locking section may be black or have a similar dark colour.

[0029] Optionally, the first holding element and / or the second holding element may be made of a thermoplastic polymer such as Polypropylene / Polypropene.

[0030] Thermoplastic polymer has several advantages, such as for example low density, relatively high melting point (in comparison with other plastics), resistant to acids, solvents and fats. It is also insulating from electricity currents and is in comparison resistant to fatigue.

[0031] Polypropylene / Polypropene is recyclable, which brings ecological advantages.

[0032] Thermoplastic polymer also enables production of the holding elements in several ways, for example by casting, extrusion, and / or 3D printing.

[0033] Optionally, the first profile of the groove at the receiving section of the first holding element may be configured to receive the rim of the second holding element. Also, the second profile of the groove at the locking section of the first holding element may be configured to retain the rim of the second holding element.

[0034] The second holding element is thereby firmly connected to the first holding element, supporting the elongated structure.

[0035] Optionally, the first holding element may be fixedly arranged on a base structure.

[0036] By arranging the first holding element fixedly on the base structure, one time-consuming moment of the operator when assembling the supportive system and the elongated structure is eliminated.

[0037] Optionally, the supportive system may be configured to support the elongated structure in a confined space.

[0038] By dividing the supportive system in two separate holding elements that are not physically connected to each other when the supportive system is disassembled, assembly of the separate holding element is enabled from a non-lateral direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the elongated structure. Assembly in a narrow, confined space with limited room for manoeuvre is enabled.

[0039] According to a second aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved by a battery module. The battery module comprises a plurality of battery cells disposed within the battery module, wherein the battery cells are electrically interconnected. The battery module also comprises an electrical connector interface, positioned on the exterior of the battery module, for enabling electrical connection from / to the battery cells of the battery module. In addition, the battery module comprises an elongated structure configured to interconnect the electrical connector interface of the battery module to another entity, such as for example another battery module, and / or with the electrical connector interface. The battery module also comprises a supportive system according to the first aspect, configured to support the elongated structure.

[0040] A small displacement of the elongated structure / busbar may cause damage to the elongated structure / busbar, for example du to friction or interference with some moving element, which easily could result in a dangerous accident as the elongated structure of the battery module may comprise high-voltage. Thanks to the supportive system, the risk of severe accidents could be avoided while operability of the battery module is enhanced.

[0041] Optionally, the first holding element of the supportive system may be fixedly arranged on a base structure of the battery module.

[0042] Thereby, assembly is facilitated.

[0043] According to a third aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved by a battery pack. The battery pack comprises a housing and a plurality of battery modules according to the second aspect. Also, the battery pack comprises an electrical connector interface, positioned on the exterior of the housing, for providing electrical communication between the plurality of battery modules and an external device, such as an electric machine, i.e. , a motor and / or a generator. The elongated structure is configured to interconnect the electrical connector interface of the battery module to another entity. The supportive system is configured to support the elongated structure.

[0044] A small displacement of the elongated structure / busbar may cause damage to the elongated structure / busbar, for example due to friction or interference with some moving element, which easily could result in a dangerous accident, as the elongated structure of the battery pack may comprise high-voltage. Thanks to the supportive system, the risk of severe accidents could be avoided while operability of the battery pack is enhanced.

[0045] Optionally, the first holding element of the supportive system may be fixedly arranged on a base structure of the battery pack.

[0046] Thereby, assembly is facilitated.

[0047] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved by an electric vehicle, comprising a battery pack according to the third aspect.

[0048] Thanks to the described aspects, a convenient solution is provided for supporting and fixating an elongated structure, in particular in the context of a vehicle. Vibrations, acceleration / deceleration, air drag, possibly also unexpected intervention by a driver or service technician are threatening to cause displacement of the elongated structure in a vehicle environment. On a vehicle it is also often desired to support the elongated structure in a confined space, with little room for an operator to mount any prior art supportive structure. The provided supportive system solves these problems, without requirements of any tools for assembling / disassembling the holding elements to / from each other for forming the supportive system. Yet, the supportive system allows the elongated structure to expand / contract due to thermal expansion / contraction. Low weight and low cost are other advantages.

[0049] Other advantages and additional novel features will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description.

[0050] FIGURES

[0051] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0052] Figure 1 illustrates a vehicle, a battery pack, an elongated structure and a system for supporting the elongated structure, according to embodiments of the invention;

[0053] Figure 2 illustrates a supportive system comprising two holding elements, for supporting an elongated structure according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the two holding elements are separated from each other;

[0054] Figure 3A illustrates a supportive system comprising two holding elements, for supporting an elongated structure according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the two holding elements has been attached in a receiving position;

[0055] Figure 3B illustrates a cross section A-A of the supportive system and the elongated structure in Figure 3A;

[0056] Figure 4A illustrates a supportive system comprising two holding elements, for supporting an elongated structure according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the two holding elements are supporting the elongated structure in a locked position;

[0057] Figure 4B illustrates a cross section B-B of the supportive system and the elongated structure in Figure 4A.

[0058] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Embodiments of the invention described herein are defined as a supportive system, a battery module, a battery pack, and an electric vehicle, which may be put into practice in the embodiments described below. These embodiments may, however, be exemplified and realised in many different forms and are not to be limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, these illustrative examples of embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete.

[0060] Still other objects and features may become apparent from the following detailed description, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the herein disclosed embodiments, for which reference is to be made to the appended claims. Further, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and, unless otherwise indicated, they are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein.

[0061] Figure 1 illustrates a scenario with a vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 may be an electric vehicle / hybrid electric vehicle using one or several electric motors for propulsion.

[0062] The vehicle 100 may comprise a means for transportation in broad sense such as e.g., a truck, a bus, a trailer, a car, a motorcycle, a bike, a train, a tram, an aircraft, a watercraft, a cable transport, an aerial tramway, a drone, a spacecraft, or other similar manned means of conveyance.

[0063] Electric vehicles / hybrid electric vehicles 100 rely on one or several large-capacity battery packs 110, power inverters, and efficient distribution of power from a charging source to the battery pack 110 and throughout the vehicle 100. The battery pack 110 comprises a plurality of battery modules 120 disposed within a housing 111 of the battery pack 110. In the illustrated example, which is merely illustrative, the battery pack 110 comprises 12 battery modules 120. Other examples may comprise another number of battery modules 120, such as some tenths of battery modules 120.

[0064] Each one of the battery modules 120 in turn comprises a plurality of battery cells 125 disposed within the battery module 120. In the illustrated example, which is merely illustrative, the battery module 120 comprises 8 battery cells 125. Other examples may comprise another number of battery cells 125, such as some hundred, or thousands of battery cells 125.

[0065] The battery cells 125 are electrically interconnected within the battery module 120 to achieve desired voltage and capacity levels.

[0066] The battery pack 110 also comprises an electrical connector interface, positioned on the exterior of the housing 111 , for providing electrical connection between the plurality of battery modules 120 and an external device, such as an electric machine, i.e., a motor and / or a generator; enabled to convert electricity to mechanical power, or vice versa.

[0067] The interconnection of the battery modules 120 and / or connection between the battery modules 120 and the electrical connector interface is made by an elongated structure 130, for example in form of a busbar.

[0068] A busbar is a conductive component, for example made of copper, aluminium, or other conductive material or alloy, designed to carry and distribute electric power. The busbar may essentially comprise a thick strip or bar that provides a low-resistance path for electric currents. The busbar may typically be coated or insulated to prevent accidental short circuits or contact with other components.

[0069] In the illustrated scenario of Figure 1 , only one busbar / elongated structure 130 and one supportive system 140 for fixating the elongated structure 130 are illustrated, for clarity reasons. In a more typical scenario, a large number of busbars / elongated structures 130 may be comprised in the battery pack 110, and / or vehicle 100, and / or other structure.

[0070] It is often desired to support the elongated structure 130 in a confined space, for example at the housing 111 or a wall or similar structure, where lateral space around the supportive system 140 is very limited. For this reason, the supportive system 140 comprises two separate parts, a first element and a second element, which are designed to be mounted together from an above / non-lateral position.

[0071] The supportive system 140 may in other embodiments support other categorises of elongated structures 130 besides busbars, such as cables, tubes, hoses, etc. The supportive system 140 may also be applied for supporting an elongated structures 130 in a vehicle 100 comprising a combustion engine, or in / at any kind of arbitrary structure.

[0072] Figure 2 illustrates a supportive system 140 comprising two holding elements 201 , 202, for supporting an elongated structure 130 according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the two holding elements 201 , 202 are separated from each other.

[0073] The supportive system 140 comprises a first holding element 201 , which is fixedly or releas- ably arranged on a base structure 205; and a second holding element 202. The first holding element 201 and the second holding element 202 may be two separate entities, which are releasably connectable to each other, thereby holding and fixating the elongated structure 130.

[0074] The first holding element 201 comprises and / or forms a groove 240 extending over a receiving section 211 and a locking section 212, wherein the locking section 212 comprises a locking member 220, and a mating depression 221. The groove 240 comprises a first profile at the receiving section 211 and a second profile at the locking section 212.

[0075] The width of the first profile of the groove 240, at the receiving section 211 of the first holding element 201 may be wider than the width of the second profile of the groove 240, at the locking section 212.

[0076] The second holding element 202 comprises a rim 250 and a beam 230 with a cantilevered protruding hook 231.

[0077] The rim 250 is configured to enter the groove 240 at the receiving section 211 of the first holding element 201.

[0078] The cantilevered protruding hook 231 on the beam 230 is configured to enter the mating depression 221 of the first holding element 201 when the second holding element 202 is entered into the receiving section 211 of the first holding element 201.

[0079] The operator, when desiring to mount the elongated structure 130, may firstly place the first holding element 201 into appropriate position. The first holding element 201 may have a supportive section configured to receive and maintain the elongated structure 130, together with the corresponding supportive section of the second holding element 202, such as e.g., a respective L-shaped cross-section.

[0080] Thus, the first holding element 201 and the second holding element 202 may have a respective profile-shape forming an interface adapted to the cross-section of the elongated structure 130, when the first holding element 201 is embracing the elongated structure 130 together with the second holding element 202.

[0081] Thereafter, the operator may place the elongated structure 130 onto the supportive section.

[0082] In some embodiments, the receiving section 211 of the first holding element 201 may be coloured in a colour distinct from the colour of the locking section 212 of the first holding element 201. For example, the receiving section 211 may be coloured in a fluorescent or light colour such as white, thereby facilitating correct mounting of the second holding element 202 to the receiving section 211 of the first holding element 201 by the operator.

[0083] Then, the second holding element 202 is moved towards the receiving section 211 of the first holding element 201 , so that the protruding hook 231 of the second holding element 202 enters the mating depression 221 of the first holding element 201. This situation is illustrated in Figure 3A.

[0084] The second holding element 202 is configured to embrace the elongated structure 130 together with the first holding element 201 when the rim 250 of the second holding element 202 is placed into the groove 240 at the receiving section 211 of the first holding element 201 and the cantilevered protruding hook 231 is entered into the mating depression 221 of the first holding element 201.

[0085] A cross section A-A of the supportive system 140 is illustrated in Figure 3B. Here, the rim 250 is inserted into the first profile of the groove 240, at the receiving section 211 , of the first holding element 201.

[0086] At the upper, opposite side of the second holding element 202, an edge 310 is comprised. The edge 310 of the second holding element 202 is configured to connect to a part 320 of the first holding element 201 , when attached to the receiving section 211 of the first holding element 201. Returning to the operator desiring to support the elongated structure 130, the next step is to slide the second holding element 202, from the receiving section 211 , into the locking section 212 of the first holding element 201 , thereby allowing the rim 250 of the second holding element 202 to slide into the second profile of the groove 240 at the locking section 212 of the first holding element 201 , and the cantilevered protruding hook 231 to engage with the locking member 220 of the locking section 212 of the first holding element 201 .

[0087] In some embodiments, the rim 250 of the second holding element 202 may comprise a bevel, for facilitating entrance of the rim 250 into the second profile of the groove 240 at the locking section 212 of the first holding element 201 .

[0088] Figure 4A illustrates a scenario wherein the second holding element 202 has been slided into the locking section 212 of the first holding element 201.

[0089] The cantilevered protruding hook 231 is engaging with the locking member 220 of the locking section 212 of the first holding element 201. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking member 220 is an approximately 90 degree edge of the first holding element 201 . However, in other embodiments, the locking member 220 may comprise an undercut formed in an upper edge of the first holding element 201 , with a similar design as the mating depression 221 of the first holding element 201.

[0090] A cross section B-B of the supportive system 140 is illustrated in Figure 4B. The locking section 212 of the first holding element 201 comprises a trail 320. The edge 310 of the second holding element 202 may be supported by the trail 320 when the second holding element 202 is positioned at the locking section 212 of the first holding element 201 .

[0091] Thereby, the edge 310 of the second holding element 202 enters the trail 320 of the first holding element 201 when the second holding element 202 is slided into the locking section 212 of the first holding element 201 , thereby keeping the second holding element 202 in place while embracing the elongated structure 130 together with the first holding element 201.

[0092] The first holding element 201 and / or the second holding element 202 may be made of a thermoplastic polymer such as Polypropylene / Polypropene in some embodiments. However, other plastic polymers such as e.g., polyethylene may be used. Alternatively in some embodiments, the first holding element 201 and / or the second holding element 202 may be made of metal or a metal alloy. The terminology used in the description of the embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting of the described supportive system 140; battery module 120; battery pack 110; and / or electric vehicle 100. Various changes, substitutions and / or alterations may be made, without departing from invention embodiments as defined by the appended claims. Elements of different embodiments may be combined with each other, thereby achieving additional advantages.

[0093] As used herein, the term “and / or” comprises any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The term “or” as used herein, is to be interpreted as a mathematical OR, i.e. , as an inclusive disjunction; not as a mathematical exclusive OR (XOR), unless expressly stated otherwise. In addition, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are to be interpreted as “at least one”, thus also possibly comprising a plurality of entities of the same kind, unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes”, “comprises”, “including” and / or “comprising”, specifies the presence of stated features, actions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, actions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. A single unit such as e.g., a structural element may fulfil the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS1. A supportive system (140) for supporting an elongated structure (130), wherein the system (140), comprises: a first holding element (201), comprising a receiving section (211); a locking section (212) comprising a locking member (220), and a mating depression (221); and a groove (240) extending over the receiving section (211) and the locking section (212) of the first holding element (201), wherein the groove (240) comprises a first profile at the receiving section (211) and a second profile at the locking section (212); a second holding element (202), comprising a rim (250) configured to enter the groove (240) at the receiving section (211) of the first holding element (201); a beam (230) with a cantilevered protruding hook (231), wherein the protruding hook (231) is configured to enter the mating depression (221) of the first holding element (201) when the second holding element (202) is entered into the receiving section (211) of the first holding element (201); and wherein the second holding element (202) is configured to embrace the elongated structure (130) together with the first holding element (201) when the rim (250) of the second holding element (202) is placed into the groove (240) at the receiving section (211) of the first holding element (201) and the cantilevered protruding hook (231) is entered into the mating depression (221) of the first holding element (201); and wherein the second holding element (202) is slidable from the receiving section (211) into the locking section (212) of the first holding element (201), thereby allowing the rim (250) of the second holding element (202) to slide into the second profile of the groove (240) at the locking section (212) of the first holding element (201), and the cantilevered protruding hook (231) to engage with the locking member (220) of the locking section (212) of the first holding element (201).

2. The supportive system (140) according to claim 1 , wherein the first holding element (201) and the second holding element (202) have a respective profile-shape forming an interface adapted to the cross-section of the elongated structure (130), when the first holding element (201) is embracing the elongated structure (130) together with the second holding element (202).

3. The supportive system (140) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein; the first holding element (201) has an L-shaped cross-section; and the second holding element (202) has an L-shaped cross-section.

4. The supportive system (140) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rim (250) of the second holding element (202) comprises a bevel.

5. The supportive system (140) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first holding element (201) comprises a trail (320) in the locking section (212) of the first holding element (201), and wherein an edge (310) of the second holding element (202) is supported by the trail (320) when the second holding element (202) is positioned at the locking section (212) of the first holding element (201).

6. The supportive system (140) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving section (211) of the first holding element (201) is coloured in a colour distinct from the colour of the locking section (212) of the first holding element (201).

7. The supportive system (140) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first holding element (201) and / or the second holding element (202) is made of a thermoplastic polymer such as Polypropylene / Polypropene.

8. The supportive system (140) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first profile of the groove (240) at the receiving section (211) of the first holding element (201) is configured to receive the rim (250) of the second holding element (202); and the second profile of the groove (240) at the locking section (212) of the first holding element (201) is configured to retain the rim (250) of the second holding element (202).

9. The supportive system (140) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first holding element (201) is fixedly arranged on a base structure (205).

10. The supportive system (140) according to any one of the preceding claims, configured to support the elongated structure (130) in a confined space.

11. A battery module (120), comprising: a plurality of battery cells (125) disposed within the battery module (120), wherein the battery cells (125) are electrically interconnected;an electrical connector interface, positioned on the exterior of the battery module (120), for enabling electrical connection from / to the battery cells (125) of the battery module (120); an elongated structure (130) configured to interconnect the electrical connector interface of the battery module (120) to another entity; and a supportive system (140) according to any one of claims 1-10, configured to support the elongated structure (130).

12. The battery module (120) according to claim 11 , wherein the first holding element (201) is fixedly arranged on a base structure (205) of the battery module (120).

13. A battery pack (110), comprising a housing (111); a plurality of battery modules (120) according to any one of claims 11-12; an electrical connector interface, positioned on the exterior of the housing (111), for providing electrical communication between the plurality of battery modules (120) and an external device; wherein the elongated structure (130) is configured to interconnect the electrical connector interface of the battery module (120) to another entity; and wherein the supportive system (140) is configured to support the elongated structure (130).

14. The battery pack (110) according to claim 13, wherein the first holding element (201) is fixedly arranged on a base structure (205) of the battery pack (110).

15. An electric vehicle (100), comprising a battery pack (110) according to any one of claims 13-14.

Images