Equipment, systems and vehicles for installation of traction batteries

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for mounting a traction battery under a cab of a cab-over vehicle. A base portion defines a space in which a portion of a traction battery pack can be received by lowering the traction battery pack into the space. Front and rear fixing elements are connected to the base portion to fix the base portion to front and rear bushings of the vehicle, respectively. At least one of the fixing elements includes a first fixing portion for connecting the fixing element to one of the bushings, respectively, and a second fixing portion protruding upward from the base portion to connect the fixing element to the traction battery pack when the traction battery pack has been received in the space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for mounting a traction battery under the cab of a cab-over vehicle. The invention also relates to a system and a vehicle comprising such a device.

[0002] The invention may be applied to heavy vehicles such as trucks, buses and construction equipment.Although the invention will be described with respect to a truck, the invention is not limited to this particular vehicle but may also be used in other vehicles such as passenger cars. Background Art

[0003] Most trucks today are powered by internal combustion engines. However, there is a growing development of high voltage traction batteries to replace internal combustion engines and provide fully electric trucks.

[0004] It would be desirable to mount such a traction battery under the cab of a cab-over vehicle, where the internal combustion engine would normally be located. It is important that the battery pack is securely secured to the vehicle to protect the battery from torsional and vibration loads generated by normal truck operation and to provide protection in the event of a frontal collision.

[0005] DE 10 2016 113 759 A1 discloses a battery pack mounting arrangement for a semi-truck. The arrangement comprises batteries pre-assembled to a battery cage. The battery cage is adapted to fit between two frame rails of the semi-truck. However, the position of these frame rails on the semi-truck is not specified. A disadvantage of the prior art arrangement is that the battery cage is large and bulky and is therefore not well suited for mass production.

[0006] It would be desirable to provide an arrangement which requires less space than the battery cage described above and which can be arranged under the cab of a cab-over vehicle. Furthermore, it would be desirable to utilise existing solutions in this part of the vehicle to reduce the need for new components. Summary of the invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a device for mounting a traction battery under the cab of a cab-over vehicle which alleviates the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, this object is achieved by a device according to the present invention. The device comprises:

[0009] a base portion having a bottom and an open top, the base portion defining a space in which a portion of the traction battery pack can be received by lowering the traction battery pack through the open top and into the space toward the bottom,

[0010] at least one front securing element connected to the base portion to secure the base portion to at least one front bushing of the vehicle, and

[0011] at least one rear securing element connected to the base portion to secure the base portion to at least one rear liner of the vehicle,

[0012] It is characterized in that at least one of the front fixing element and the rear fixing element includes a first fixing portion and a second fixing portion, the first fixing portion is used to connect the fixing element to one of the front bushing and the rear bushing respectively, and the second fixing portion protrudes upward from the base portion to connect the fixing element to the traction battery pack when the traction battery pack has been received in the space.

[0013] The invention is based on the recognition that by providing a base part with a receiving space into which a traction battery can be lowered (similar to how an internal combustion engine is lowered into place), a simple and time-efficient installation of a traction battery can be achieved, and by connecting a fixing element to such a base part, a secure connection to the traction battery and to another part of the vehicle can be obtained.

[0014] The present invention allows for quick installation of batteries in vehicles with fewer steps, making it advantageous for mass production on an assembly line with a short time per station. In addition, it allows for easy disassembly in after-sales / repair situations.

[0015] It will be appreciated that in the present disclosure, a "space" defined by a base portion may be defined by four walls surrounding the space forming a rectangular cross-section. However, the space need not be completely surrounded by the walls. For example, in some illustrative embodiments, the space may be defined by separate walls, such as four corner pieces spaced apart, such that a traction battery lowered into the space will fit within / match with the four corner pieces. Of course, other alternative designs for defining the receiving space are also contemplated.

[0016] Furthermore, it should be understood that although the base portion has an open top that enables the traction battery to be received, the bottom of the base portion may be completely closed or may be partially closed. For example, the bottom may have one or more holes or perforations to allow cooling air flow to bypass the traction battery.

[0017] It should also be understood that the front and rear bushings to which the front and rear fixing elements are configured to be connected may be standard bushings existing on the vehicle, or may be separate bushings applied to the vehicle.

[0018] Furthermore, it should be understood that directional terms such as top, bottom, upward, downward, etc. are defined with respect to normal operating conditions. For example, upward coincides with a direction extending from the bottom of the base portion toward and / or beyond the top of the base portion. In practice, in order to lower the traction battery into the space, the top of the base portion will typically be located away from the ground on which the vehicle is located, while the bottom of the base portion will be located closer to the ground.

[0019] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the rear fixing element includes a first fixing portion for connecting the rear fixing element to the rear bushing and a second fixing portion protruding upward from the base portion to connect the rear fixing element to the traction battery pack when the traction battery pack has been received in the space. This allows for a simple and safe connection to the traction battery. However, it should be understood that in other exemplary embodiments, the front fixing element may include a fixing portion instead of or in addition to the rear fixing element, which protrudes upward from the base portion to connect the front fixing element to the traction battery pack when the traction battery pack has been received in the space.

[0020] According to at least one illustrative embodiment, the uppermost portion of the second fixing portion comprises a fastening device to connect the second fixing portion to the traction battery pack when the traction battery pack has been received in the space. By providing the fastening device at the uppermost portion of the second fixing portion, a secure and stable connection to the traction battery can be achieved. The uppermost portion can suitably have a length substantially corresponding to the width / height of the traction battery pack, so that the fastening device can be attached to the upper portion of the traction battery pack. It should be understood that the fastening device may include a hole for receiving a bolt / screw, and / or the fastening device may include the bolt / screw itself. However, other types of fastening devices are also conceivable. Furthermore, it should be understood that the fastening device may be directly connectable to the traction battery pack, or indirectly connectable to the traction battery pack via other components.

[0021] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the device comprises two rear fixing elements connected to opposite lateral sides of the base portion, wherein each of the two rear fixing elements comprises a first fixing portion for connecting the rear fixing element to the rear bushing and a second fixing portion protruding upward from the base portion to connect the rear fixing element to the traction battery pack when the traction battery pack has been received in the space, wherein the second fixing portion of the corresponding rear fixing element is adapted to extend along opposite sides of the traction battery pack when the traction battery pack has been received in the space. This is advantageous because the traction battery pack can be supported from both sides by the upwardly protruding first and second fixing portions of the corresponding rear fixing element.

[0022] According to at least one illustrative embodiment, the device includes two front fixing elements connected at and extending forwardly from opposite lateral sides of the base portion. This is advantageous because it allows the device to be stably and securely connected to the front bushing of the vehicle.

[0023] According to at least one illustrative embodiment, the device includes a housing adapted to at least partially surround the traction battery pack when the traction battery pack has been received in the base portion. This is advantageous because the housing can provide additional protection for the traction battery pack and / or can provide a structure for holding auxiliary components (such as electric components, connectors, cables, etc.). It should be understood that the housing can be provided in a variety of forms, shapes and configurations. For example, the housing can be in the form of a box with an openable top portion through which the traction battery pack can be lowered or removed. In other illustrative embodiments, the housing can be in the form of a plurality of mounting plates that can together surround the traction battery pack.

[0024] Thus, according to at least one exemplary embodiment, the housing comprises a plurality of mounting plates adapted to at least partially surround the traction battery pack when the traction battery pack has been received in the base portion. This allows efficient manufacture of different mounting plates provided with different auxiliary components, if desired.

[0025] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the housing comprises a top mounting plate which is at least partially removable from the housing to enable access to and extraction of the traction battery from the housing and / or insertion of the traction battery into the housing. The top mounting plate may advantageously be one of a plurality of mounting plates or form a cover of the box-shaped housing.

[0026] According to at least one illustrative embodiment, the housing includes one or more connectors on the inside of the housing to connect electric components such as a junction box, a control unit and / or wiring to the traction battery pack. This is advantageous because in addition to holding the traction battery pack, the device can also hold operably connected electric components. Such electric components can be appropriately disposed on the outside of the housing, such as attached to a mounting plate, and can be operably connected to the traction battery pack via, for example, appropriate connectors.

[0027] According to at least one illustrative embodiment, the one or more connectors are disposed on a top mounting plate, wherein the top mounting plate and any attached powered components are at least partially removable from the remainder of the housing. This is advantageous because even though the top mounting plate is at least partially removable, it can still be used to support the components, thereby allowing a larger portion of the housing to be used for component support.

[0028] According to at least one illustrative embodiment, the device comprises the electric assembly, wherein the electric assembly is connected to the one or more connectors. Thus, the electric assembly can advantageously form part of a complete package, allowing for simple and efficient assembly on an assembly line.

[0029] According to a second aspect of the invention, this object is achieved by a system according to the invention. The system comprises an apparatus according to the first aspect (including any embodiment thereof) and a traction battery pack which can be received by said base portion of the apparatus by lowering the traction battery pack into said space through the open top and towards the bottom. The advantages are similar to those discussed above.

[0030] According to at least one illustrative embodiment, the system includes at least one integrated protective bracket fixed to the traction battery pack to protect the traction battery pack during transportation. This provides safe and reliable handling of the traction battery pack. Moreover, in addition to the protective function, the integrated protective bracket can also have further functions. For example, the integrated protective bracket can provide a lifting function, i.e., an area suitable for gripping and lifting the traction battery pack, and / or the integrated protective bracket can provide an area suitable for connecting the traction battery pack to other parts of the system.

[0031] Thus, according to at least one illustrative embodiment, the second fixing portion protruding upwardly from the base portion is adapted to be connected to an integrated protective bracket. This is advantageous because the integrated protective bracket will have a dual function, providing a means of connecting the traction battery to the base portion.

[0032] According to at least one illustrative embodiment, the traction battery pack has a length l, a width w, and a thickness t, wherein l>w>t, wherein each of the top surface and the bottom surface of the traction battery pack is defined by the length l and the thickness t, wherein the base portion is sized to match the bottom surface of the traction battery pack by lowering the bottom surface into the space. By placing the traction battery pack in such an upright posture, the traction battery pack does not require much space in the lateral direction and thus can be disposed in the base portion, and the size of the base portion can be designed to fit well with the location of an existing bushing.

[0033] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the integrated protective bracket covers the top surface. This is advantageous because appropriate means for fixing the second fixing portion protruding upward can be provided. This is also reflected in the following exemplary embodiments.

[0034] Thus, according to at least one illustrative embodiment, the second fixing portion protrudes upward by a distance substantially corresponding to the width w of the traction battery pack. This allows the traction battery pack to be securely fixed.

[0035] According to a third aspect of the invention, this object is achieved by a vehicle according to the invention. The vehicle comprises an apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention (including any embodiment thereof) or a system according to the second aspect of the invention (including any embodiment thereof).

[0036] Further advantages and advantageous features of the invention are disclosed in the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] With reference to the accompanying drawings, below follows a more detailed description of embodiments of the invention cited as examples.

[0038] In the attached picture:

[0039] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle including an apparatus and system according to at least one illustrative embodiment of the present invention,

[0040] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus and system according to at least one illustrative embodiment of the present invention,

[0041] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Close-up of equipment and systems.

[0042] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a traction battery pack for use in a system according to at least one illustrative embodiment of the present invention,

[0043] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus and system according to at least one illustrative embodiment of the present invention,

[0044] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 how devices can be connected to the vehicle,

[0045] Figure 7 Shown is a portion of a vehicle connected to Figure 5 equipment, and

[0046] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Shown is how the traction battery pack can be removed from the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle 2 including apparatus and systems according to at least one illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Although the vehicle 2 is shown in the form of a truck, other types of vehicles, such as buses or construction equipment, may be used with the apparatus and systems of the present invention.

[0048] The truck 2 includes a cab 4 in which the driver can operate the vehicle 2. As schematically shown below the cab 4, where an internal combustion engine would normally be located, an apparatus and system 10 according to the present invention is now provided. The system 10 includes a traction battery pack and an apparatus for holding the traction battery pack. More detailed illustrative embodiments of the apparatus and system will be discussed with reference to other figures.

[0049] Figure 2is a schematic diagram of an apparatus 20 and a system 10 according to at least one illustrative embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A close-up view of the apparatus 20 and system 10. The apparatus 20 is used to mount a traction battery under the cab of a cab-over vehicle, such as Figure 1 In other words, the original engine (such as an internal combustion engine) is usually located under the cab, and the traction battery can be placed instead (or in addition). This is met by the device 20 of the present invention.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the device 20 has been mounted between two beams 22 of the vehicle chassis. Figure 3 In the figure, one of the beams has been removed for clarity. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The vehicle is also shown to be equipped with front bushings 24 and rear bushings 26. These bushings may be standard parts of the vehicle, however, separately provided bushings for connecting the device 20 are also conceivable. In any case, the front bushings 24 and rear bushings 26 are suitably fixed to the two beams 22.

[0051] like Figure 3 As best shown in , the device 20 includes a base portion 30 having a bottom 32 and an open top 34. The base portion 30 defines a space in which a portion of the traction battery pack 40 can be received by lowering the traction battery pack 40 through the open top 34 toward the bottom 32. The base portion 30 is shown here as having raised corner pieces 36 that define a geometric boundary and thus define the space in which the traction battery pack 40 can be received. In other embodiments, the base portion 30 may instead have a continuous frame or surrounding walls, etc., for defining the space. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , in this illustrative embodiment, the base portion 30 receives only a small lower portion of the traction battery pack 40 . The main portion of the traction battery pack 40 extends upwardly from the base portion 30 .

[0052] At least one front fixing element 44 is provided. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment shown, there are two front fixing elements. The front fixing element 44 is connected to the base portion 30 to fix the base portion 30 to at least one front bushing 24 of the vehicle (in the illustrated exemplary embodiment there are two front bushings, one for each front fixing element). In the illustrated exemplary embodiment shown, the front fixing element 44 extends forwardly from the base portion 30. However, in other embodiments, the base portion 30 may be configured and dimensioned differently and, for example, allow for lateral projection of the front fixing element. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment shown, the front fixing element 44 is inclined relative to the base portion 30 (and therefore inclined relative to the ground on which the vehicle rests, assuming normal operation and installation of the device). However, non-inclined extensions are also contemplated.

[0053] Similarly, at least one rear fixing element 46 is provided. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Not visible in the illustration, but assumed to be the illustrative embodiment shown, has two rear securing elements 46 , one on each lateral side of the base portion 30 , which are configured to secure the base portion 30 to a corresponding rear bushing 26 .

[0054] Each rear fixing element 46 includes a first fixing portion 48 for connecting the rear fixing element 46 to the corresponding rear bushing 26, and a second fixing portion 50 protruding upward from the base portion 30 to connect the rear fixing element 46 to the traction battery pack 40 when the traction battery pack 40 has been received in the space. In other illustrative embodiments, it is conceivable that each front fixing element is designed to include a first fixing portion for connecting the front fixing element to the corresponding front bushing, and a second fixing portion protruding upward from the base portion to connect the front fixing element to the traction battery pack 40.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG, the first fixing portion 48 is located above the base portion 30 and flush with the rear bushing 26. For other placements of the rear bushing, the first fixing portion will be located elsewhere, such as flush with the base portion.

[0056] The second fixing portion 50 is shown as an elongated bracket extending upwardly from the base portion 30. The second fixing portion has an extension that substantially corresponds to the width / height of the traction battery pack 40. The uppermost portion of the second fixing portion includes a fastening device 52 to connect the second fixing portion 50 to the traction battery pack 40. For example, the fastening device 52 may be a rivet, a bolt, a pre-tensioned spring element, or other suitable device for holding the traction battery in place.

[0057] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a traction battery pack 40 used in a system according to at least one illustrative embodiment of the present invention. At least one integrated protective bracket may be secured to the traction battery pack to protect the traction battery pack during transportation. Figure 4 , an upper protective bracket 54 covering the top of the traction battery pack 40 and a lower protective bracket 56 covering the bottom of the traction battery pack 40 are shown. Two lifting brackets 58 are attached to the upper protective bracket 54 to grasp and lift the traction battery pack 40. In other example embodiments, one of the upper protective bracket 54 and the lower protective bracket 56 may be provided with one or more integrated lifting portions made integrally with the protective bracket.

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 4 , the second fixing portion 50 of the rear fixing element 46 protrudes upward from the base portion 30 and is adapted to be connected to an integrated upper protective bracket 54 .

[0059] Re-reference Figure 4 , the traction battery pack has a length l, a width w and a thickness t, wherein l>w>t, wherein each of the top and bottom surfaces of the traction battery pack 40 is defined by the length l and the thickness t, wherein the size of the base portion is designed to match the bottom surface of the traction battery pack 40 by lowering the bottom surface into the space. Thus, in Figure 4 In the embodiment, the integrated upper protective bracket 54 covers the top surface and also extends slightly downward on the lateral surface. Figure 3 As shown in , the second fixing portion 50 may protrude upward by a distance substantially corresponding to the width w of the traction battery pack 40 .

[0060] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a system 110 and a device 120 according to at least one illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In addition to the components of the illustrative embodiment shown in Figure 5 The exemplary embodiment of further includes a housing adapted to at least partially surround the traction battery pack when the traction battery pack has been received in the base portion. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the housing includes two opposing lateral mounting plates 160 and a top mounting plate 162. In other exemplary embodiments, additional mounting plates are contemplated.

[0061] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , at the upper end of the second fixing portion 150 of the rear fixing element 146, in addition to the fastening means 152 such as bolts, a plurality of additional fastening means 164 such as bolts are provided to keep the transverse mounting plate 160 connected to the traction battery pack 40. The fastening means 152 at the second fixing portion 150 and the additional fastening means 164 pass through the transverse mounting plate 160 to connect the device to the traction battery pack. In addition, both the fastening means 152 and 164 can be connected to an integrated protective bracket such as Figure 4 The upper protective bracket 54 shown in FIG. In the illustrative embodiment, fastening means for securing the top mounting plate 162 to the traction battery pack 40 or one of the lateral mounting plates 160 may be similarly provided.

[0062] The system 110 of the present invention may include a device 120 according to the present invention in combination with a traction battery pack 40 .

[0063] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 how the device 120 may be connected to the vehicle, and Figure 7 Shows something like Figure 3 An illustrative embodiment of a device connected to a portion of a vehicle Figure 5 Thus, the front fixing element 144 and the rear fixing element 146 can be connected to the front bushing and the rear bushing, respectively.

[0064] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 1 shows how the traction battery pack 40 can be removed from the device 120. Figure 8 As shown in Figure 5 The fastening means 152, 164 in the housing can be removed, thereby releasing the traction battery pack 40 from the connection with the lateral mounting plates 160. In addition, the top mounting plate 162 can be completely or at least partially removed from the housing to enable access to and lifting the traction battery 40 from the housing and / or inserting the traction battery 40 into the housing. In the figures shown, the housing comprises two lateral mounting plates 160 and a top mounting plate 162, and the top mounting plate 162 is movable relative to at least one lateral mounting plate 160 by a pivoting movement (such as opening a hinged hatch).

[0065] like Fig. 9 As shown in , after opening the top mounting plate 162, the traction battery pack 40 can be removed. The housing can include one or more connectors 170 on the inside of the housing to connect electric components 172 such as a junction box, a control unit and / or wiring to the traction battery pack 40. The one or more connectors 170 can be provided on the top mounting plate 162, wherein the top mounting plate 162 and any attached electric components 172 are at least partially removable from the rest of the housing. The one or more connectors 170 can of course also be provided on the lateral mounting plate 160. In at least some illustrative embodiments, the electric components 172 can form part of the device 120 itself, wherein the electric components 172 are connected to the one or more connectors 170.

[0066] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings; on the contrary, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for installing a traction battery pack under a cab (4) of a cab-over vehicle (2), the device comprising: a base portion (30) having a bottom portion (32) and an open top portion (34), the base portion (30) defining a space in which a portion of the traction battery pack (40) can be received by lowering the traction battery pack through the open top portion and into the space toward the bottom, at least one front fixing element (44, 144) connected to the base portion to fix the base portion to at least one front bushing (24) of the vehicle, and at least one rear fixing element (46, 146) connected to the base portion to fix the base portion to at least one rear bushing (26) of the vehicle, The invention is characterized in that at least one of the front fixing element (44, 144) and the rear fixing element (46, 146) includes a first fixing portion (48) and a second fixing portion (50, 150), the first fixing portion being used to connect the fixing element to one of the front bushing and the rear bushing, respectively, and the second fixing portion protruding upward from the base portion (30) to connect the fixing element to the traction battery pack (40) when the traction battery pack has been received in the space.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The rear fixing element (46, 146) includes a first fixing portion (48) for connecting the rear fixing element to the rear bushing (26) and a second fixing portion (50, 150) protruding upward from the base portion (30) to connect the rear fixing element to the traction battery pack (40) when the traction battery pack has been received in the space.

3. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: An uppermost portion of the second fixing portion (50, 150) includes fastening means (52, 152) for connecting the second fixing portion to the traction battery pack (40) when the traction battery pack has been received in the space.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, comprising two rear fixing elements (46, 146) connected to opposite lateral sides of the base portion (30), wherein Each of the two rear fixing elements comprises a first fixing portion (48) for connecting the rear fixing element to the rear bushing and a second fixing portion (50, 150) protruding upward from the base portion to connect the rear fixing element to the traction battery pack (40) when the traction battery pack has been received in the space, wherein the second fixing portion of the corresponding rear fixing element is adapted to extend along opposite sides of the traction battery pack when the traction battery pack has been received in the space.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, comprising two front fixing elements (44, 144) connected at opposite lateral sides of the base portion (30) and extending forwardly from opposite lateral sides of the base portion (30).

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising a housing adapted to at least partially surround the traction battery pack (40) when the traction battery pack has been received in the base portion.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein: The housing includes a plurality of mounting plates adapted to at least partially surround the traction battery pack (40) when the traction battery pack has been received in the base portion.

8. The device according to claim 6, wherein: The housing includes a top mounting plate (162) that is at least partially removable from the housing to enable access to and removal of the traction battery pack (40) from the housing and / or insertion of the traction battery pack into the housing.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein: The housing includes one or more connectors (170) on the inside of the housing to connect electric components (172) such as a junction box, control unit and / or wiring to the traction battery pack (40).

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein: The one or more connectors (170) are disposed on the top mounting plate (162), wherein the top mounting plate (162) and any attached powered components (172) are at least partially removable from the remainder of the housing.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising the motor assembly (172), wherein: The powered assembly is connected to the one or more connectors (170).

12. A system (10, 110), comprising: - an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and - a traction battery pack (40) which can be received by the base portion (30) of the device by lowering the traction battery pack into the space through the open top (34) and towards the bottom (32).

13. The system (10, 110) of claim 12, comprising at least one integrated protective bracket secured to the traction battery pack (40) to protect the traction battery pack during transport.

14. The system (10, 110) of claim 13, wherein: The second fixing portion (50, 150) protruding upward from the base portion (30) is adapted to be connected to the integrated protective bracket.

15. The system (10, 110) according to any one of claims 13 to 14, wherein: The traction battery pack (40) has a length l, a width w and a thickness t, wherein l>w>t, wherein each of a top surface and a bottom surface of the traction battery pack is defined by the length l and the thickness t, wherein the base portion (30) is sized to match the bottom surface of the traction battery pack by lowering the bottom surface into the space.

16. The system (10, 110) of claim 15, wherein: The integrated protective bracket covers the top surface of the traction battery pack.

17. The system (10, 110) of claim 15, wherein: The second fixing portion (50, 150) protrudes upward by a distance substantially corresponding to the width w of the traction battery pack (40).

18. A vehicle comprising an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or a system (10, 110) according to any one of claims 12 to 17.

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