Support system for supporting elongate structure of battery
By designing a support system suitable for slender structures and utilizing a combination of grooves and cantilevered protruding hooks, the difficulty of fixing cables and busbars in confined spaces and vibrating environments has been solved, enabling rapid installation and secure fixation, reducing the risk of damage, and improving the safety and operability of vehicles.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TRATON AB
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-12
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies struggle to effectively secure slender structures, such as cables and busbars, to moving objects, especially in confined spaces and vibrating environments, leading to potential safety risks and installation difficulties.
The support system, consisting of first and second retaining elements, allows for quick installation and removal through a grooved and cantilevered protruding hook design. It adapts to the cross-section of slender structures and uses thermoplastic polymers such as polypropylene to ensure secure fixation and thermal expansion adaptability.
It enables the rapid and safe fixing of slender structures in confined spaces, reducing installation time, lowering the risk of damage, and improving the safety and operability of vehicles.
Smart Images

Figure CN122029083A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This document relates to a support system for supporting slender structures such as cables, pipes, or hoses, thereby fixing the slender structure relative to the base structure by directly or indirectly mounting the support system to the base structure. Background Technology
[0002] It is often desirable to secure cables, busbars, or other slender structures such as tubes or hoses releasably relative to the bottom or base structure. Securing cables to moving objects, such as vehicles, can present unexpected challenges because vehicles typically move during operation and / or are subjected to vibrations, acceleration / deceleration / lateral forces, and possible airflow during cornering.
[0003] Displacement of cables to undesirable / dangerous locations or the generation of stress on cables is undesirable and can lead to very dangerous situations.
[0004] In fuel-powered vehicles, cables are frequently used to connect, for example, generators and batteries within the vehicle, and / or to enable various other functions such as lights / horns, steering servos, etc. Therefore, a damaged or faulty cable will immediately create a dangerous situation on the vehicle, forcing the driver to stop immediately.
[0005] Electric vehicles typically use high-voltage cables to power the electric motor from the battery. It is important to secure the cables to avoid potentially fatal accidents, such as if the high-voltage cables are damaged, for example, if they are caught in a hatch or door in the vehicle, or if they become entangled in some moving / rotating component of the vehicle.
[0006] At the same time, because it is necessary to ensure that the slender structure is secured, it is expected to facilitate easy installation of the slender structure into the desired location, and / or facilitate subsequent replacement of the slender structure, for example, during vehicle maintenance or modification, or during battery replacement.
[0007] Sometimes, it is desirable to install cables / slender structures in very narrow spaces with very limited clearance around them. This often occurs in battery packs supporting busbars.
[0008] Therefore, it is desirable to find a technical solution to address these issues related to the releasable fixation of slender structures (especially in vehicles). Summary of the Invention
[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to solve at least some of the above-mentioned problems and improve traffic safety by supporting slender structures in vehicles.
[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved by a support system for supporting slender structures.
[0011] The elongated structure may include busbars, cables, pipes, hoses, or similar components.
[0012] The system includes a first retaining element and a second retaining element, the second retaining element being configured to surround the elongated structure together with the first retaining element.
[0013] The first retaining element includes a receiving portion. Furthermore, the first retaining element includes a locking portion, which includes a locking member and a mating depression. Additionally, the first retaining element includes grooves extending on the receiving and locking portions, wherein the grooves include a first profile at the receiving portion and a second profile at the locking portion.
[0014] The second retaining element includes a rim configured to enter a groove at the receiving portion of the first retaining element. The second retaining element also includes a beam with a cantilevered protruding hook, wherein the protruding hook is configured to enter a mating recess of the first retaining element when the second retaining element enters the receiving portion of the first retaining element.
[0015] The second retaining element is configured to surround the elongated structure together with the first retaining element when the edge flange of the second retaining element is placed in the groove at the receiving portion of the first retaining element and the cantilevered protruding hook enters the mating recess of the first retaining element.
[0016] The second retaining element can slide from the receiving portion into the locking portion of the first retaining element, thereby allowing the edge flange of the second retaining element to slide into the second profile of the groove at the locking portion of the first retaining element, and the cantilevered protruding hook engages with the locking member of the locking portion of the first retaining element.
[0017] This support system can be easily assembled / disassembled by the operator in a short time without any tools. Due to the concept of two separate holding elements, the support system can also be installed in narrow spaces with minimal clearance around the supported slender structure. The slender structure is held in place securely while allowing for thermal expansion / contraction in the longitudinal direction.
[0018] Optionally, when the first retaining element and the second retaining element together surround the elongated structure, the first retaining element and the second retaining element may have corresponding profile shapes, thereby forming an interface adapted to the cross-section of the elongated structure.
[0019] By adapting the interface of the retaining element to the cross-section of the elongated structure, a robust hold on the elongated structure is provided, while minimizing the risk of damage to the elongated structure by the retaining element.
[0020] Optionally, the first retaining element may have an L-shaped cross-section; and the second retaining element may also have an L-shaped cross-section.
[0021] Therefore, when the first and second retaining elements of the system are assembled together, they are able to surround the slender structure with a quadrilateral cross-section.
[0022] Optionally, the edge flange of the second retaining element may include a chamfer.
[0023] The beveled edge of the second retaining element facilitates its engagement with the groove of the first retaining element, even when the second retaining element is slightly misaligned. This reduces the overall assembly time of the support system, thereby increasing operator / production site efficiency.
[0024] Optionally, a portion of the first retaining element may include a rail for the first retaining element. When the second retaining element is positioned at the locking portion of the first retaining element, the edge of the second retaining element may be supported by the rail.
[0025] The second retaining element is thus securely connected to the first retaining element, thereby supporting the elongated structure.
[0026] Optionally, the receiving portion of the first retaining element may be colored differently from the color of the locking portion of the first retaining element.
[0027] By coloring the receiving portion of the first retaining element a different color than the locking portion, it facilitates the operator's assembly of the support system. The receiving portion can be colored, for example, white or a similar light color, or fluorescent, while the locking portion can be black or have a similar dark color.
[0028] Optionally, the first retaining element and / or the second retaining element may be made of a thermoplastic polymer such as polypropylene (Polypropylene / Polypropene).
[0029] Thermoplastic polymers have several advantages, such as low density, relatively high melting point (compared to other plastics), resistance to acids, solvents, and fats. They are also insulating against electric current and, by comparison, more resistant to fatigue.
[0030] Polypropylene (Polypropylene / Polypropene) is recyclable, which brings ecological advantages.
[0031] Thermoplastic polymers also enable the production of retaining elements in a variety of ways, such as by casting, extrusion and / or 3D printing.
[0032] Optionally, the first contour of the groove at the receiving portion of the first retaining element can be configured to receive the edge flange of the second retaining element. Furthermore, the second contour of the groove at the locking portion of the first retaining element can be configured to retain the edge flange of the second retaining element.
[0033] The second retaining element is thus securely connected to the first retaining element, thereby supporting the elongated structure.
[0034] Optionally, the first retaining element can be fixedly arranged on the base structure.
[0035] By fixing the first retaining element to the base structure, a time-consuming moment for the operator when assembling the support system and slender structure is eliminated.
[0036] Alternatively, the support system can be configured to support slender structures in a confined space.
[0037] By dividing the support system into two independent retaining elements, These two independent retaining elements are not physically connected to each other when the support system is disassembled, and can be assembled individually from a non-lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the slender structure. Assembly is possible in narrow, confined spaces with limited operating space.
[0038] According to a second aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved by a battery module. The battery module includes a plurality of battery cells disposed within the battery module, wherein the battery cells are electrically interconnected. The battery module also includes an electrical connector interface positioned externally to the battery module for enabling electrical connections to / from the battery cells of the battery module. Additionally, the battery module includes an elongated structure configured to interconnect the electrical connector interface of the battery module to and / or with another entity (such as, for example, another battery module). The battery module also includes a support system according to the first aspect, configured to support the elongated structure.
[0039] Small displacements of slender structures / busbars can lead to damage, such as due to friction or interference with moving components. This can easily result in dangerous accidents, as the slender structure of the battery module may contain high voltage. A support system helps avoid the risk of serious accidents while enhancing the operability of the battery module.
[0040] Optionally, the first retaining element of the support system can be fixedly arranged on the base structure of the battery module.
[0041] Therefore, it facilitates assembly.
[0042] According to a third aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved by a battery pack. The battery pack includes a housing and a plurality of battery modules according to a second aspect. Furthermore, the battery pack includes electrical connector interfaces positioned on the exterior of the housing for providing electrical communication between the plurality of battery modules and external devices such as motors, i.e., electric motors and / or generators. An elongated structure is configured to interconnect the electrical connector interfaces of the battery modules to another entity. A support system is configured to support the elongated structure.
[0043] Small displacements of slender structures / busbars can lead to damage, for example, due to friction or interference with moving components. This could easily lead to dangerous accidents because the elongated structure of the battery pack may contain high voltages. The support system helps avoid the risk of serious accidents while also enhancing the battery pack's operability.
[0044] Optionally, the first retaining element of the support system can be fixedly arranged on the base structure of the battery pack.
[0045] Therefore, it facilitates assembly.
[0046] 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.
[0047] Due to the aspects described, a convenient solution is provided for supporting and securing slender structures, particularly in the context of vehicles. Vibration, acceleration / deceleration, air resistance, and even accidental intervention by the driver or mechanic can all cause displacement of slender structures in a vehicle environment. In vehicles, it is also often desirable to support slender structures within confined spaces, leaving operators with little room to install any existing support structures. The provided support system solves these problems, requiring no tools to assemble / disassemble the holding elements to form the support system. However, the support system allows the slender structure to expand / contract due to thermal expansion / contraction. Light weight and low cost are other advantages.
[0048] Other advantages and additional novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description
[0049] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 Examples of a vehicle, a battery pack, an elongated structure, and a system for supporting the elongated structure according to embodiments of the present invention are illustrated. Figure 2An example of a support system comprising two retaining elements according to an embodiment of the invention is shown for supporting an elongated structure, wherein the two retaining elements are separate from each other; Figure 3A An example of a support system comprising two retaining elements according to an embodiment of the invention is shown for supporting an elongated structure, wherein the two retaining elements are already attached to a receiving position; Figure 3B Examples Figure 3A The cross-section AA of the support system and slender structure in the middle; Figure 4A An example of a support system comprising two retaining elements according to an embodiment of the invention is shown for supporting an elongated structure, wherein the two retaining elements support the elongated structure in a locked position; Figure 4B Examples Figure 4A Cross-section BB of the central support system and slender structure. Detailed Implementation
[0050] The embodiments of the invention described herein are defined as support systems, battery modules, battery packs, and electric vehicles that can be practiced in the embodiments described below. However, these embodiments can be illustrated and implemented in many different forms and are not limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, these illustrative examples of embodiments are provided to make this disclosure thorough and complete.
[0051] Other objects and features may become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the drawings are designed for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to define limitations on the embodiments disclosed herein, with reference to the appended claims. Furthermore, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and unless otherwise stated, they are intended only to conceptually illustrate the structures and processes described herein.
[0052] Figure 1 The scenario of vehicle 100 is illustrated. Vehicle 100 can be an electric vehicle / hybrid electric vehicle propelled by one or more electric motors.
[0053] The means of transport 100 may include, in a broad sense, devices used for transport, such as, for example, trucks, buses, trailers, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, trains, trams, airplanes, ships, cable transport systems, aerial cable cars, unmanned aerial vehicles, spacecraft or other similar manned means of transport.
[0054] Electric vehicles / hybrid electric vehicles 100 rely on one or more high-capacity battery packs 110, power inverters, and efficient power distribution from the charging power source to the battery packs 110 and the entire vehicle 100.
[0055] The battery pack 110 includes 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 includes 12 battery modules 120. Other examples may include another number of battery modules 120, such as several dozen battery modules 120.
[0056] Each battery module in battery module 120 then includes a plurality of battery cells 125 disposed within battery module 120. In the illustrated example, which is merely illustrative, battery module 120 includes eight battery cells 125. Other examples may include another number of battery cells 125, such as hundreds or thousands of battery cells 125.
[0057] Battery cells 125 are electrically interconnected within battery module 120 to achieve desired voltage and capacity levels.
[0058] The battery pack 110 also includes an electrical connector interface located on the exterior of the housing 111 for providing electrical connections between the multiple battery modules 120 and external devices such as motors, i.e., motors and / or generators; the motors are capable of converting electrical energy into mechanical energy, or vice versa.
[0059] The interconnection of battery modules 120 and / or the connection between battery modules 120 and electrical connector interfaces is achieved by an elongated structure 130, for example, in the form of a busbar.
[0060] Busbars are conductive components, made of materials such as copper, aluminum, or other conductive materials or alloys, designed to carry and distribute electrical power. Busbars can primarily consist of thick strips or bars that provide a low-resistance path for current. Busbars are typically coated or insulated to prevent accidental short circuits or contact with other components.
[0061] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated scenario, for clarity, only one busbar / elongated structure 130 and a support system 140 for securing the elongated structure 130 are shown. In more typical scenarios, the battery pack 110 and / or the vehicle 100 and / or other structures may include a large number of busbars / elongated structures 130.
[0062] It is typically desirable to support an elongated structure 130 in a confined space (e.g., at the housing 111 or a wall or similar structure), where the lateral space around the support system 140 is very limited. For this purpose, the support system 140 comprises two separate parts, a first element and a second element, which are designed to be mounted together from an overhead / non-lateral position.
[0063] In other embodiments, the support system 140 can support other types of elongated structures 130 besides busbars, such as cables, pipes, hoses, etc. The support system 140 can also be used to support elongated structures 130 in a vehicle 100 including an internal combustion engine, or in any structure of any kind.
[0064] Figure 2 An example of a support system 140 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown, comprising two retaining elements 201, 202 for supporting an elongated structure 130, wherein the two retaining elements 201, 202 are separate from each other.
[0065] The support system 140 includes: a first retaining element 201, which is fixedly or releasably disposed on the base structure 205; and a second retaining element 202. The first retaining element 201 and the second retaining element 202 may be two separate entities that are releasably connected to each other to retain and secure the elongated structure 130.
[0066] The first retaining element 201 includes and / or forms a groove 240 extending on the receiving portion 211 and the locking portion 212, wherein the locking portion 212 includes a locking member 220 and a mating recess 221. The groove 240 includes a first profile at the receiving portion 211 and a second profile at the locking portion 212.
[0067] The width of the first profile of the groove 240 at the receiving portion 211 of the first retaining element 201 may be wider than the width of the second profile of the groove 240 at the locking portion 212.
[0068] The second retaining element 202 includes an edge flange 250 and a beam 230 with a cantilevered protruding hook 231.
[0069] The edge flange 250 is configured to enter the groove 240 at the receiving portion 211 of the first retaining element 201.
[0070] The cantilevered protruding hook 231 on beam 230 is configured to enter the mating recess 221 of the first retaining element 201 when the second retaining element 202 enters the receiving portion 211 of the first retaining element 201.
[0071] When it is desired to install the elongated structure 130, the operator can first place the first retaining element 201 in the appropriate position. The first retaining element 201 may have The support portion is configured to receive and hold the elongated structure 130 together with the corresponding support portion of the second retaining element 202 (such as, for example, a corresponding L-shaped cross section).
[0072] Therefore, when the first retaining element 201 and the second retaining element 202 together surround the elongated structure 130, the first retaining element 201 and the second retaining element 202 can have corresponding contour shapes, thereby forming an interface adapted to the cross-section of the elongated structure 130.
[0073] Afterward, the operator can place the slender structure 130 on the support portion.
[0074] In some embodiments, the receiving portion 211 of the first retaining element 201 may be colored differently from the locking portion 212 of the first retaining element 201. For example, the receiving portion 211 may be colored fluorescently or in a light color such as white, thereby helping the operator to correctly install the second retaining element 202 onto the receiving portion 211 of the first retaining element 201.
[0075] Then, the second retaining element 202 moves toward the receiving portion 211 of the first retaining element 201, such that the protruding hook 231 of the second retaining element 202 enters the mating recess 221 of the first retaining element 201. This situation is as follows... Figure 3A exemplified in .
[0076] The second retaining element 202 is configured to surround the elongated structure 130 together with the first retaining element 201 when the edge flange 250 of the second retaining element 202 is placed in the groove 240 at the receiving portion 211 of the first retaining element 201 and the cantilevered protruding hook 231 enters the mating recess 221 of the first retaining element 201.
[0077] Figure 3B The cross-section AA of the support system 140 is illustrated. Here, the edge flange 250 is inserted into the first contour of the groove 240 at the receiving portion 211 of the first retaining element 201.
[0078] On the upper opposite side of the second retaining element 202, there is an edge 310. The edge 310 of the second retaining element 202 is configured to connect to a portion 320 of the first retaining element 201 when attached to the receiving portion 211 of the first retaining element 201.
[0079] Returning to the operator who wishes to support the elongated structure 130, the next step is to slide the second retaining element 202 from the receiving portion 211 into the locking portion 212 of the first retaining element 201, thereby allowing the edge flange 250 of the second retaining element 202 to slide into the second profile of the groove 240 at the locking portion 212 of the first retaining element 201, and the cantilevered protruding hook 231 to engage with the locking member 220 of the locking portion 212 of the first retaining element 201.
[0080] In some embodiments, the edge flange 250 of the second retaining element 202 may include a bevel to facilitate the edge flange 250 entering the second profile of the groove 240 at the locking portion 212 of the first retaining element 201.
[0081] Figure 4A An example is shown where the second retaining element 202 has slid into the locking portion 212 of the first retaining element 201.
[0082] The cantilevered protruding hook 231 engages with the locking member 220 of the locking portion 212 of the first retaining element 201. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking member 220 is an edge of the first retaining element 201 at approximately 90 degrees. However, in other embodiments, the locking member 220 may include an undercut formed in the upper edge of the first retaining element 201, the undercut having a design similar to the mating recess 221 of the first retaining element 201.
[0083] Figure 4B The cross-section BB of the support system 140 is illustrated. The locking portion 212 of the first retaining element 201 includes a guide rail 320. When the second retaining element 202 is positioned at the locking portion 212 of the first retaining element 201, the edge 310 of the second retaining element 202 can be supported by the guide rail 320.
[0084] Therefore, when the second retaining element 202 slides into the locking portion 212 of the first retaining element 201, the edge 310 of the second retaining element 202 enters the guide rail 320 of the first retaining element 201, thereby holding the second retaining element 202 in place, while together with the first retaining element 201 surrounding the elongated structure 130.
[0085] In some embodiments, the first retaining element 201 and / or the second retaining element 202 may be made of a thermoplastic polymer such as polypropylene. However, other plastic polymers such as, for example, polyethylene may also be used. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first retaining element 201 and / or the second retaining element 202 may be made of metal or a metal alloy.
[0086] The terminology used in the description of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the described support system 140; battery module 120; battery pack 110; and / or electric vehicle 100. Various changes, substitutions, and / or modifications may be made without departing from the embodiments of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Elements of different embodiments may be combined with each other to achieve additional advantages.
[0087] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, unless otherwise expressly stated, the term “or” should be interpreted as mathematical OR, i.e., as inclusive disjunction, and not as mathematical XOR. Additionally, unless otherwise expressly stated, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” should be interpreted as “at least one,” and therefore may also include multiple entities of the same class. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “comprises,” “including,” and / or “comprising” specify the presence of the stated features, actions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude 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 a structural element, can perform the functions of several items as described in the claims. The fact that certain measures are stated in dissimilar dependent claims does not imply that combinations of these measures cannot be advantageously used.
Claims
1. A support system (140) for supporting an elongated structure (130), wherein the system (140) comprises: A first retaining element (201), the first retaining element comprising: Receiver section (211); Locking portion (212), the locking portion including locking member (220) and mating recess (221); and A groove (240) extends on the receiving portion (211) and the locking portion (212) of the first retaining element (201), wherein the groove (240) includes a first profile at the receiving portion (211) and a second profile at the locking portion (212); The second retaining element (202) includes: Edge flange (250), the edge flange being configured to enter the groove (240) at the receiving portion (211) of the first retaining element (201). A beam (230) having a cantilevered protruding hook (231), wherein the protruding hook (231) is configured to enter the mating recess (221) of the first retaining element (201) when the second retaining element (202) enters the receiving portion (211) of the first retaining element (201); and The second retaining element (202) is configured to surround the elongated structure (130) together with the first retaining element (201) when the edge flange (250) of the second retaining element (202) is placed in the groove (240) at the receiving portion (211) of the first retaining element (201) and the cantilevered protruding hook (231) enters the mating recess (221) of the first retaining element (201); and The second retaining element (202) is slidable from the receiving portion (211) into the locking portion (212) of the first retaining element (201), thereby allowing the edge flange (250) of the second retaining element (202) to slide at the locking portion (212) of the first retaining element (201) into the second profile of the groove (240), and the cantilevered protruding hook (231) engages with the locking member (220) of the locking portion (212) of the first retaining element (201).
2. The support system (140) according to claim 1, wherein when the first retaining element (201) and the second retaining element (202) together surround the elongated structure (130), the first retaining element (201) and the second retaining element (202) have corresponding profile shapes, thereby forming an interface adapted to the cross-section of the elongated structure (130).
3. The support system (140) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first retaining element (201) has an L-shaped cross-section; and the second retaining element (202) has an L-shaped cross-section.
4. The support system (140) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the edge flange (250) of the second retaining element (202) includes a bevel.
5. The support system (140) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first retaining element (201) includes a guide rail (320) in the locking portion (212) of the first retaining element (201), and wherein when the second retaining element (202) is positioned at the locking portion (212) of the first retaining element (201), the edge (310) of the second retaining element (202) is supported by the guide rail (320).
6. The support system (140) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving portion (211) of the first retaining element (201) is colored in a different color than the locking portion (212) of the first retaining element (201).
7. The support system (140) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first retaining element (201) and / or the second retaining element (202) is made of a thermoplastic polymer such as polypropylene.
8. The support system (140) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first contour of the groove (240) at the receiving portion (211) of the first retaining element (201) is configured to receive the edge flange (250) of the second retaining element (202); and The second contour of the groove (240) at the locking portion (212) of the first retaining element (201) is configured to retain the edge flange (250) of the second retaining element (202).
9. The support system (140) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first retaining element (201) is fixedly arranged on the base structure (205).
10. The support system (140) according to any one of the preceding claims, the support system being configured to support the elongated structure (130) in a confined space.
11. A battery module (120), the battery module comprising: A plurality of battery cells (125) are disposed within the battery module (120), wherein the battery cells (125) are electrically interconnected; An electrical connector interface is located on the outside of the battery module (120) for enabling electrical connection to / from the battery cell (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; as well as The support system (140) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is configured to support the elongated structure (130).
12. The battery module (120) according to claim 11, wherein the first retaining element (201) is fixedly arranged on the base structure (205) of the battery module (120).
13. A battery pack (110), the battery pack comprising: Outer shell (111); Multiple battery modules (120) according to any one of claims 11 to 12; An electrical connector interface, located on the outside of the housing (111), is used to provide electrical communication between the plurality of battery modules (120) and external devices; The elongated structure (130) is configured to interconnect the electrical connector interface of the battery module (120) to another entity; and the support system (140) is configured to support the elongated structure (130).
14. The battery pack (110) according to claim 13, wherein the first retaining element (201) is fixedly arranged on the 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 to 14.