Structural member

Abstract

A structural frame member 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4 is provided to form part of a battery frame 3 supporting one or more cells (5, Figure 3) in a traction battery assembly (7, Figure 3). Structural frame member 1-1 includes an internal member (31-1, Figure 5) forming an inside of the frame member and an external member (33-1, Figure 5) forming an outside of the frame member. One of the internal and external members is formed of a metal or a metal alloy and the other is formed of a composite material, for example a fibre-reinforced resin which may be heat resistant. Typically the external member is an extruded metal or metal alloy member. The frame member may be a channel member, which may be open or closed, and may extend transversely or longitudinally. Also provided are a battery frame 3, a traction battery assembly and a vehicle.

Description

10 07 24 TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a structural member. Aspects of the invention relate to a 5 structural frame member, a battery frame, a traction battery assembly and a vehicle. BACKGROUND It is known to provide a traction battery in a road vehicle, such as a battery electric vehicle (BEV) or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). The traction battery comprises a battery pack which 10 is often mounted to the vehicle body. The battery pack comprises a plurality of cells. The battery frame may comprise one or more structural members (beams) which form a plurality of separated compartments within the battery pack. The battery cells may be housed in separate compartments within the battery pack. The structural members are typically extruded from a metal (or a metal alloy), such as aluminium. 15 During a thermal event of a cell or battery module / subassembly, a high temperature gas spray may be ejected from the cell. The gas spray may reach a temperature of up to approximately 2000°C which is sufficient to melt the structural members of the battery frame and may form a hole through the structural members. This may trigger and initiate a successive thermal 20 event in a cell on the other side of the structural member. The structural members are designed to absorb the thermal energy to ensure that there is insufficient energy available to trigger a thermal event in another cell. It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated 25 with the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a structural frame member, a battery frame, a traction battery assembly and a vehicle as claimed in the appended claims. 30 According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a battery frame configured to support a plurality of cells in a traction battery assembly, the battery frame comprising a structural frame member comprising: an internal member forming an inside of the structural frame member and an external 35 member forming an outside of the structural frame member; wherein the external member of the structural frame member is formed of a metal or a metal alloy; and the internal member of the structural frame member is formed of a composite 10 07 24 material; wherein the structural member is disposed between adjacent compartments housing the plurality of cells of the traction battery assembly. The structural frame member may be configured to form a load-bearing member within the 5 battery frame. The structural frame member may also slow or prevent thermal propagation between cells. The composite material used to form one of the internal member and the external member may be configured to form a thermal barrier. Thus, the structural member may include thermal protection for the assembled traction battery assembly. At least in certain embodiments the mass of the structural frame member is less mass than that of an equivalent 10 metal extrusion. The structural frame member may be in the form of a beam. The beam may be a transverse beam. The transverse beam may be configured to extend in a transverse direction when the battery frame is installed in a vehicle. Alternatively, the beam may be a longitudinal beam. The 15 longitudinal beam may be configured to extend in a longitudinal direction when the battery frame is installed in a vehicle. The battery frame may comprise one or more of the transverse beams and / or one or more of the longitudinal beams. For example, the battery frame may comprise first and second said longitudinal beams and one or more said transverse beams. 20 The internal member forms at least a portion of an inside of the structural frame member. The external member forms at least a portion of an outside of the structural frame member. The structural frame member may have a solid structure. For example, the internal member may at least substantially fill an interior of the external member. The internal member may 25 have a monolithic structure. Alternatively, the structural frame member may have a hollow structure. For example, the internal member may form a chamber within the structural frame member. The member formed of the metal or the metal alloy may comprise one or more sheet members 30 formed of the metal or the metal alloy. The one or more sheet members may be fastened to each other. Alternatively, or in addition, the member formed of the metal or the metal alloy may comprise or consist of an extrusion. The member formed of the composite material may comprise or consist of a moulded member. 35 Alternatively, the member formed of the composite material may be an assembly, for example comprising a plurality of composite elements. The composite elements may be fastened together, for example using an adhesive or mechanical fasteners. 10 07 24 The internal member of the structural frame member may be formed of the metal or the metal alloy. The external member of the structural frame member may be formed of the composite material. 5 The external member of the structural frame member may be formed of the metal or the metal alloy. This external member may function as a heat sink for rejecting thermal energy generated by the cells. The internal member of the structural frame member may be formed of the composite material. 10 The external member may comprise or consist of an extruded member. The internal member and the external member may be fastened to each other. The internal member and the external member may be adhesively fastened to each other. An adhesive 15 may be disposed at the interface between the internal member and the external member. The composite material may comprise a resin which is used to adhesively fasten the internal member and the external member to each other. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more mechanical fastener may be used to fasten the internal member and the external member to each other. 20 The structural frame member may comprise at least one channel member having opposing first and second walls. The opposing first and second walls may be sidewalls of the channel member. The opposing first and second walls may be configured to extend vertically within the battery frame. The first and second walls may be configured to separate adjacent battery 25 compartments in the traction battery assembly. The external member may form an outside of the first and second walls. The internal member may form an inside of the first and second walls. The at least one channel member may comprise an open profile. The channel member may 30 be open along its length. The channel member may, for example, comprise a C-section, a V-section, a U-section or a top-hat section. The at least one channel member may comprise a closed profile. The channel member may be closed along its length. The closed channel may have a box section. The channel member 35 may comprise one or more closed channels. For example, the channel member comprise a multi-cell section. The internal member may be disposed in one or more of the plurality of closed channels. 10 07 24 The internal member may comprise a unitary component The internal member may comprise a solid member. The internal member may have a monolithic structure. 5 The internal member may extend continuously over an interior of the external member. In a variant, the internal member may comprise a plurality of sub-sections, for example comprising first and second sub-sections disposed on the inside of the first and second walls respectively. The composite material may comprise a plurality of fibres supported in a resin. The fibres may 10 comprise one or more of the following: basalt fibres, carbon fibres and glass fibres. The fibres may be discontinuous (short) fibres and / or continuous (long) fibres. The resin may be a polymer resin or a modified epoxy resin. The resin may be a fire-resistant thermoplastic resin. The resin may, for example, comprise one of the following: a Phenolic resin, a Furan resin and a Polyfurfuryl Alcohol (PFA) resin. Other furfuryl alcohol resins and / or furan resins may also 15 be suitable. The composite material may be heat resistant and / or flame retardant. The composite material may be fire resistant. 20 The battery frame may comprise one or more of the structural frame members described herein. The structural frame members may form one or more compartments in the traction battery assembly. The cells may be housed in the one or more compartments. The one or more structural frame member may comprise a transverse beam configured to 25 extend in a transverse direction in a vehicle. Alternatively, or in addition, the one or more structural frame members may comprise a longitudinal beam configured to extend in a longitudinal direction in a vehicle. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a traction battery 30 assembly comprising a battery frame as described herein. The traction battery assembly may comprise a plurality of cells. The cells may be disposed in one or more compartments formed in the battery frame. At least a portion of the one or more compartments may be formed by the one or more structural frame members. 35 The cells may collectively form a traction battery pack for a vehicle. The cells may be arranged in one or more cell subassemblies in the traction battery pack. The one or more cell subassemblies may each comprise one or more cells. The one or more cell subassemblies may optionally be combined with controlling and monitoring (supervising) electronics to form 10 07 24 a battery module. The traction battery pack may comprise one or more of the battery modules. Alternatively, the battery cells in the traction battery pack may be arranged in a cell-to-pack architecture. 5 According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle comprising a battery frame as described herein. The battery frame may be disposed in a traction battery assembly disposed in the vehicle. Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, 10 embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim 15 or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 20 One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle comprising a traction battery assembly having structural frame members in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 25 Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the traction battery assembly shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a longitudinal section of the traction battery assembly shown in Figure 2; 30 Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a battery frame for the traction battery assembly shown in Figure 2; Figure 5 shows a cross-section through a structural frame member of the battery frame in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 35 Figure 6 shows a cross-section through a structural frame member of the battery frame in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; and 10 07 24 Figure 7 shows a cross-section through a structural frame member of the battery frame in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. 5 DETAILED DESCRIPTION A structural frame member 1-n in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures. The structural frame member 1-n forms part of a battery frame 3 for supporting a plurality of 10 battery cells 5 in a traction battery assembly 7 for a vehicle 9. The traction battery assembly 7 and the vehicle 9 are shown schematically in Figure 1. The vehicle 9 in the present embodiment is a road vehicle, such as an automobile. Other vehicle types are contemplated, such as a utility vehicle, a sports utility vehicle, a tractor unit or a truck. The battery frame 3 is described herein with respect to an axis system comprising a longitudinal axis X, a transverse 15 axis Y and a vertical axis Z. The axis system of the battery frame 2 may be aligned with a vehicle axis system. The battery cells 5 collectively form a traction battery pack for the vehicle 9. The battery cells 5 are arranged in one or more cell subassemblies, each cell subassembly comprising one or 20 more of the battery cells 5. The or each cell subassembly may optionally be combined with controlling and monitoring (supervising) electronics to form a battery module. The traction battery pack may comprise one or more of the battery modules. Alternatively, the battery cells 5 in the traction battery pack may be arranged in a so-called “cell-to-pack” architecture which does not include battery modules. The battery cells 5 may be arranged in one or more layers 25 within the traction battery assembly 7. The layers may be separated from each other by one or more intermediate (floor) plates. The traction battery assembly 7 described herein comprises a single layer of battery cells 5. The vehicle 9 comprises a vehicle body 11. The traction battery assembly 7 is mounted to an 30 underside of the vehicle body 11. The vehicle 9 is a battery electric vehicle (BEV) having one or more electric drive units 13 operative to propel the vehicle 9. The traction battery assembly 7 is configured to deliver power to the one or more electric drive units 13. A perspective view of the traction battery assembly 7 is shown in Figure 2. One or more inverters (not shown) are provided to convert the direct current (DC) from the traction battery assembly 7 to alternating 35 current (AC). The battery cells 5 and the one or more electric driver units 13 have conventional electrical connections. In a variant, the vehicle 9 may be a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). For example, the vehicle 9 may comprise the one or 10 07 24 more electric drive units 13 and an internal combustion engine (not shown). A longitudinal sectional view of the traction battery assembly 7 is shown in Figure 3. The traction battery assembly 7 comprises a closure panel 15 and a battery cooling / base plate 17. The closure panel 15 is disposed on top of the traction battery assembly 7. The closure panel 15 may form 5 a lid for the traction battery assembly 7. The battery cooling / base plate 17 is disposed on an underside of the vehicle 9 and, in use, is exposed to ambient airflow to promote heat rejection. Alternatively, or in addition, the closure panel 15 may be configured to promote heat rejection. As shown in Figure 4, the battery frame 3 comprises a plurality of the structural frame members 10   1-n, a front cross-member 19, a rear cross member 21, a first side member 23-1, andasecond side member 23-2. The front cross-member 19, the rear cross member 21, the first side member 23-1, and the second side member 23-2 are fastened to each other to form an outer frame assembly. The front cross-member 19, the rear cross member 21, the first side member 23-1, and the second side member 23-2 are formed of a metal or a metal alloy. The front 15 cross-member 19, the rear cross member 21, the first side member 23-1, and the second side member 23-2 may comprise or consist of an extruded section. Alternatively, or in addition, the front cross member 19, the rear cross member 21, the first side member 23-1, and the second side member 23-2 may comprise an assembly, for example comprising a plurality of sheet members and / or extruded sections fastened together. 20 The structural frame members 1-n each extend in a transverse direction at least substantially parallel to the transverse axis Y. The structural frame members 1-n are fastened to the first and second side members 23-1, 23-2 in a ladder-frame arrangement. The structural frame members 1-n are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction X to form a plurality 25 of compartments 25-n for housing the battery cells 5. The compartments 25-n are elongated in a transverse direction. The battery cells 5 are disposed in the compartments 25-n in a side-by-side arrangement. The compartments (25-n) may each comprise: one or more battery modules, for example in a traditional battery pack; or one or more cell subassemblies, for example, in a cell-to-pack architecture. As shown in Figure 4, the compartments 25-n are 30 formed between the structural members 1-n and the front and rear cross members 19, 21. The battery frame 3 in the present embodiment comprises four (4) of the structural frame members 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4 arranged to form five (5) compartments 25-1,25-2, 25-3, 25-4, 25-5. It will be understood that the battery frame 3 may comprise less than or more than four (4) structural frame members 1-n. The battery frame 3 may comprise one or more structural frame 35 members 1-n. The battery frame 3 may comprise a single compartment 25-1 which contains all of the battery cells 5, for example in a cell-to-pack architecture, where the side, front and / or rear members may have the same construction as the structural frame members 1-n. 10 07 24 As shown schematically in Figures 5 to 7, the structural frame members 1-n in the battery frame 3 have like configurations. The structural frame members 1-n each comprise an internal member 31-n and an external member 33-n. For the sake of brevity, the structure of the first 5 structural frame member 1-1 will now be described by way of example. The second, third and fourth structural frame members 1-2, 1-3, 1-4 have like configurations. A sectional view of the first structural frame member 1-1 is shown in Figure 5. The first structural frame member 1-1 comprises a channel member (or structural beam) 27. The channel member 27 in the present embodiment has a closed profile. The channel member 27 comprises a box section formed 10 by a first sidewall 29A, a second sidewall 29B, an upper wall 29C and a lower wall 29D. In a variant, the channel member 27 may have an open profile. For example, the channel member 27 may comprise a C-section or a U-section. The channel member 27 comprises a first said internal member 31-1 and a first said external 15 member 33-1. The first internal member 31-1 and the first external member 33-1 are both structural components and, in use, transmit operational loads. The first internal member 31-1 forms an inside of the channel member 27; and the first external member 33-1 forms an outside of the channel member 27. The channel member 27 may optionally comprise one or more external flanges (not shown), for example to facilitate mounting of the battery frame 3. 20 The one or more external flanges may be disposed on the first external member 33-1. The first internal member 31-1 is formed of a composite material. The first internal member 31-1 comprises a plurality of fibres supported in a resin. The fibres may be continuous or discontinuous fibres. At least in certain embodiments, the first internal member 31-1 may be 25 formed of a composite material which is heat-resistant and / or flame retardant, as defined further below. The first internal member 31-1 may form a thermal barrier to resist heat transfer. In use, the first internal member 31-1 may help to prevent thermal propagation between the battery cells 5 in the traction battery assembly 7, for example during a thermal event. The composite material may, for example, form a char barrier when heated to high temperatures. 30 The fibres and the resin in the composite material may be selected to resist burning at high temperatures. In use, the first structural frame member 1-1 may slow or prevent heat transfer between the battery cells 5 in adjacent compartments 25-n in the traction battery assembly 7. The fibres in the present embodiment are carbon fibres, but glass fibres or basalt fibres could be utilised. It will be understood that a mixture of different fibres may be used to provide 35 appropriate structural and thermal properties. A majority of the fibres in the present embodiment are preferably oriented in a longitudinal direction of the channel member 27 so as to extend along a length of the first internal member 31-1 (along the transverse axis Y of 10 07 24 the battery frame 3). It will be understood that the fibres may be oriented in other directions, for example to provide structural properties to withstand crash loadings and / or failure mode. The resin may, 9xamplee, comprise one of the following: a polymeric resin; a modified epoxy resin; a Phenolic resin; and a Furan resin, such as Polyfurfuryl alcohol (PFA) resin, or high-5 performance fire-resistant thermoplastic resin. In the present embodiment, the first internal member 31-1 is a hollow member and a chamber is formed inside the first structural frame member 1-1. The first internal member 31-1 has a substantially constant profile along its length. The first internal member 31-1 may optionally 10 comprise one or more reinforcing features, for example one or more ribs or braces (not shown). The reinforcing features may extend in a lengthwise direction and / or a crosswise direction. The reinforcing features may be moulded integrally with the first internal member 31-1. In a variant, the first internal member 31-1 may be a solid member, for example having a monolithic structure. 15 The first external member 33-1 is formed of a metal or a metal alloy. At least in certain embodiments, the first external member 33-1 is a good thermal conductor. In use, the first external member 33-1 may function as a heat sink. Under normal operating conditions, the battery cells 5 may generate thermal energy. The first external member 33-1 may help to 20 dissipate the thermal energy generated by the battery cells 5. The first external member 33-1 may conduct the thermal energy generated by the battery cells 5 into the remainder of the battery frame 3 and / or toward the battery cooling / base plate 17. The thermal energy may, for example, be conducted into the first and second side members 23-1,23-2. The thermal energy may be conducted into the closure panel 15 and / or the battery cooling / base plate 17. The 25 thermal energy may be dissipated into ambient air. The first external member 33-1 in the present embodiment is formed of aluminium or an aluminium alloy. The first external member 33-1 is an extruded member formed by an extrusion process. Alternatively, or in addition, the first external member 33-1 may comprise an assembly, for example comprising one or more sheet members and / or one or more extruded sections. The first external member 33-1 in the 30 present embodiment comprises a box section having a hollow interior. The first external member 33-1 may optionally comprise one or more internal walls (one or more webs). The first internal member 31-1 and the first external member 33-1 are fastened to each other. In the present embodiment, the first internal member 31-1 is adhesively fastened to the first 35 external member 33-1. An adhesive may be provided between an outer surface of the first internal member 31-1 and an inner surface of the first external member 33-1. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more mechanical fastener may be provided to fasten the first internal 10 07 24 member 31-1 and the first external member 33-1 to each other. In the present embodiment, the first internal member 31-1 is formed directly in the first external member 33-1. The skilled person will be aware of the various techniques that may be used to form the first internal member 31-1 in the first external member 33-1. The first internal member 31-1 may be formed 5 as a separate component. For example, the first internal member 31-1 may be moulded separately and bonded to the first external member 33-1. the first internal member 31-1 and the first external member 33-1 could be co-extruded or co-moulded. Alternatively, the first internal member 31-1 and the first external member 33-1 could be assembled together post moulding, for example using adhesive and / or fastening means. 10 The structural frame members 1-n are formed as separate components. The battery frame 3 is assembled by fastening the structural frame members 1-n to the first and second side members 23-1, 23-2. The structural frame members 1-n may, for example, be welded to the first and second side members 23-1, 23-2. The front cross-member 19 and the rear cross 15 member 21 are fastened to the first and second side members 23-1, 23-2. The battery cooling / base plate 17 is attached to the battery frame 3. The battery cells 5 are installed in the compartments 25-n formed in the battery frame 3. The closure panel 19 is attached to the battery frame 3 to close the traction battery assembly 7. 20 The traction battery assembly 7 is installed in the vehicle 9, for example by mounting to the body structure 11. The structural frame members 1-n are load-bearing members. In use, the structural frame members 1-n may withstand impact loads. The external members 33-n of the structural frame members 1-n are operative to conduct thermal energy generated by the battery cells 5. The thermal energy may be dissipated into ambient air, for example into an 25 airflow below the vehicle 9. Alternatively, or in addition, a coolant may be circulated within the traction battery assembly 7 to reject thermal energy generated by the battery cells 5. In the event of a thermal event, the internal members 31-n of the structural frame members 1-n are effective to slow or retard the transfer of thermal energy between adjacent compartments 25-n formed in the traction battery assembly 7. The internal members 31-n are thus heat 30 resistant, providing heat resistance to the structural frame member 1-n, at least as compared to a structural frame member, of equivalent mechanical strength, formed entirely of the heat conductive metallic material of the external members 33-n. As shown in Figure 5, the channel 27 of the first structural frame member 1-1 comprises a 35 single internal chamber 35-1. In a modified arrangement of the first structural frame member 1-1 shown in Figure 6, the first external member 33-1 comprises a first internal wall 37 arranged to partition an interior of the first external member 33-1 into first and second internal 10 07 24 chambers 35-1,35-2. The first structural frame member 1-1 in this embodiment may comprise one or more first internal members 31-1. As shown in Figure 6, first internal members 31-1 are disposed in both of the internal chambers 35-1, 35-2. In a variant shown in Figure 7, the first internal member 31-1 is disposed in one of the plurality internal chambers 35-1, 35-2. It 5 will be understood that the first external member 33-1 may comprise one or more first internal walls 37. In Figure 6 and Figure 7 the first and second internal chambers 35-1, 35-2 may be of different cross-sectional size or of the same cross-sectional size. In Figure 6 the first internal members 31-1 may be of different cross-sectional size or of the same cross-sectional size. In other embodiments there may be three or more internal chambers 35-n as exemplified by the 10 rear cross member 21 and structural frame member 1-4 of Figure 3. Also, as stated above, the external members 31-n may comprise external flanges to facilitate placement and / or fixing in the battery frame 3 (as visible with regard to the structural frame member 1-4 in Figure 3). The traction battery assembly 7 in the above embodiment is described as being mounted to 15 the body structure 11. The battery frame 3 is a separate assembly which is mounted to the body structure 11. In a variant, the traction battery assembly 7 may be integrated into the body structure 11. For example, the battery frame 3 may be integrated into the body structure 11. The one or more structural frame members 1-n may form an integral part of the body structure 11. The one or more structural frame members 1-n may be fastened to the body structure 11. 20 For example, the one or more structural frame members 1-n may be fastened to first and second side sills of the vehicle disposed on left and right sides of the body structure 11. It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application. 25 The structural frame members 1-n described herein may be used to form the front crossmember 19 and / or the rear cross member 21. For example, the front cross-member 19 and / or the rear cross member 21 may comprise an internal member and an external member of the type described herein in relation to the structural frame members 1-n. Alternatively, or in 30 addition, the structural frame members 1-n described herein may be used to form the first side member 23-1 and / or the second side member 23-2.

Claims

10 07 241. A battery frame configured to support a plurality of cells in a traction battery assembly, the battery frame comprising a structural frame member comprising:5           an internal member forming an inside of the structural frame member and an externalmember forming an outside of the structural frame member;wherein the external member of the structural frame member is formed of a metal or a metal alloy; and the internal member of the structural frame member is formed of a composite material;10wherein the structural frame member is disposed between adjacent compartments housing the plurality of cells of the traction battery assembly.

2. The battery frame as claimed in any one of claims 1, wherein the internal member 15 and the external member are fastened to each other.

3. The battery frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising at least one channel member having opposing first and second walls;the external member forming an outside of the first and second walls; and20            the internal member forming an inside of the first and second walls.

4. The battery frame as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one channel member comprises an open profile.25   5. The battery frame as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the at least one channelmember comprises a closed profile.

6. The battery frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal member comprises a unitary component.

307. The battery frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein thecomposite material comprises a plurality of fibres supported in a resin.

8. The battery frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the 35 composite material is configured to slow or retard the transfer of thermal energy between adjacent cells in the traction battery assembly.

9. The battery frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composite material is configured to provide heat resistance to the structural frame member compared to a structural frame member, of equivalent mechanical strength, formed entirely of the metal or metal alloy of the external member.

510. A battery frame as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the structural frame member comprises a transverse beam configured to extend in a transverse direction in a vehicle.10   11. A battery frame as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the structural framemember comprises a longitudinal beam configured to extend in a longitudinal direction in a vehicle.

12. A traction battery assembly comprising a battery frame as claimed in any preceding 15 claim.

13. A vehicle comprising a battery frame as claimed in any preceding claim.10 07 24

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