阅读说明：本技术 包括电池保护结构的车辆 (Vehicle including battery protection structure ) 是由 杰斯珀·布洛姆斯特兰德 于 2019-04-10 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种车辆,该车辆包括：后端；前端,该前端位于后端的前方；底盘,该底盘在后端与前端之间延伸；电池保护结构,该电池保护结构被设置在车辆的后端处,该电池保护结构包括：框架部,该框架部限定用于容纳牵引电池的开口,该框架部具有后侧和前侧；以及突出部,该突出部从框架部向前突出,并且该突出部在车辆的后端处被连接到底盘,其中,所述突出部被构造成：在正常操作条件下,所述突出部相对于底盘保持固定连接；当框架部的后侧受到大于阈值力的向前方向的冲击力时,所述突出部沿着底盘向前移动。(The invention relates to a vehicle comprising: a back end; a front end located forward of the rear end; a chassis extending between a rear end and a front end; a battery protection structure provided at a rear end of a vehicle, the battery protection structure including: a frame portion defining an opening for receiving a traction battery, the frame portion having a rear side and a front side; and a protruding portion that protrudes forward from the frame portion and is connected to the chassis at a rear end of the vehicle, wherein the protruding portion is configured to: under normal operating conditions, the tab remains fixedly connected relative to the chassis; when the rear side of the frame portion receives a forward-direction impact force greater than a threshold force, the projection moves forward along the chassis.)

1. A vehicle (1) comprises

-a rear end (3),

a front end (4), the front end (4) being located forward of the rear end (3),

-a chassis (5, 40, 55), the chassis (5, 40, 55) extending between the rear end (3) and the front end (4),

-a battery protection structure (10, 30, 30', 50, 80), the battery protection structure (10, 30, 30', 50, 80) being arranged at the rear end of the vehicle, the battery protection structure (10, 30, 30', 50, 80) comprising

A frame portion (12, 32, 62, 62'), the frame portion (12, 32, 62, 62') defining an opening (20, 33) for receiving a traction battery (70), the frame portion having a rear side (16, 36) and a front side (18, 38), and

a projection (14, 34, 64, 64'), the projection (14, 34, 64, 64') projecting forward from the frame portion (12, 32, 62, 62'), and the projection (14, 34, 64, 64') being connected to the chassis (5, 40, 55) at the rear end of the vehicle,

wherein the protrusion (14, 34, 64, 64') is configured to: -said projection remains fixedly connected with respect to said chassis (5, 40, 55) under normal operating conditions; when the rear side (16, 36) of the frame portion (12, 32, 62, 62') is subjected to a forward direction impact force (F) greater than a threshold force, the projection moves forward along the chassis (5, 40, 55).

2. Vehicle (1) according to claim 1, comprising a connecting element (42, 44), wherein the protrusion (14, 34, 64, 64') is connected to the chassis (5, 40, 55) by means of the connecting element.

3. Vehicle (1) according to claim 2, wherein the connecting element comprises at least one guiding element (44), wherein the protrusion (14, 34, 64, 64') is configured to: when the rear side of the frame part is subjected to an impact force in a forward direction which is greater than the threshold force, the projection is guided by the at least one guide element (44) and moves forward relative to the at least one guide element.

4. A vehicle (1) according to any of claims 2-3, wherein one of the nose (14, 34, 64, 64') and the chassis (5, 40, 55) is provided with at least one elongated hole (46), the connecting element (42, 44) extending through the at least one elongated hole (46) for connecting the nose to the chassis (5, 40, 55).

5. Vehicle (1) according to claim 4 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the at least one guide element (44) extends through the at least one elongate hole (46), wherein the projection (14, 34, 64, 64') is movable forward along the chassis (5, 40, 55) by relative movement of the at least one guide element (44) along and within the at least one elongate hole (46) when the rear side of the frame part is subjected to a forward-directed impact force which is greater than the threshold force.

6. Vehicle (1) according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the connecting element comprises a fastening element (42), the fastening element (42) being adapted to maintain the protrusion (14, 34, 64, 64') substantially immovable with respect to the chassis (5, 40, 55) under normal operating conditions, wherein the fastening element (42) is dimensioned to: the fastening element breaks when the rear side of the frame part is subjected to a forward directed impact force greater than the threshold force, whereby the projection (14, 34, 64, 64') can move forward along the chassis (5, 40, 55).

7. The vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a deformable energy absorbing element (48), wherein the protrusion comprises or is configured to cooperate with the deformable energy absorbing element (48) such that when the protrusion is moved forward along the chassis, the energy absorbing element (48) is deformed, thereby absorbing part of the energy generated by the impact force.

8. The vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the frame portion is a first frame portion (62) and the projection is a first projection (64),

wherein the battery protection structure (50, 80) further comprises: a second frame portion (62'), the second frame portion (62') defining an opening for receiving a traction battery, the second frame portion having a rear side and a front side; and a second projection (64'), the second projection (64') projecting forward from the second frame portion (62'), and the second projection (64') being connected to the chassis (5, 40, 55) at the rear end of the vehicle,

wherein the second protrusion (64') is configured to: -said second tab remains fixedly connected with respect to said chassis (5, 40, 55) under normal operating conditions; when the rear side of the second frame part (62') is subjected to an impact force in a forward direction which is greater than a threshold force, the second projection moves forward along the chassis (5, 40, 55).

9. Vehicle (1) according to claim 8, wherein the vehicle chassis (5, 40, 55) comprises two laterally elongated beam members (57, 59), the two laterally elongated beam members (57, 59) extending in parallel in a direction between the rear end and the front end, wherein the first protrusion (64) is connected to one of the laterally elongated beam members and the second protrusion (64') is connected to the other one of the laterally elongated beam members.

10. The vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein the battery protection structure (50, 80) comprises a laterally extending wall portion (66), the wall portion (66) interconnecting the first and second frame portions (62, 62') to form a housing for accommodating a traction battery (70).

11. Vehicle (1) according to claim 10, wherein the battery protection structure (10) comprises at least one openable and closable hatch (22), said at least one openable and closable hatch (22) being intended to provide access to the interior of the battery protection structure (10) for insertion/removal/replacement of traction batteries.

12. Vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a pair of rear wheels (6) and a pair of front wheels (7) and optionally a pair of intermediate wheels (8), wherein said battery protection structure (10, 30, 30', 50, 80) is located behind said pair of rear wheels (6).

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a vehicle including a battery protection structure.

The invention may be applied to heavy vehicles such as trucks, buses and construction equipment. Although the invention will be described in relation to a truck, the invention is not limited to this particular vehicle, but may also be used in other vehicles, such as trailers or other unpowered vehicles being towed by powered vehicles.

Background

Most trucks today are powered by internal combustion engines. However, there is an increasing development of high voltage traction batteries for replacing internal combustion engines and providing all-electric trucks.

It is important that the traction battery is mounted in a safe and reliable manner and that it is well protected in case of impact forces due to, for example, a collision with another vehicle. Existing solutions include placing a traction battery along the chassis frame between the front and rear axles of the vehicle. While such traction batteries are well protected from front-to-back impacts, installation of the traction battery or replacement of the traction battery after use can be a challenge due to limited accessibility.

It would be desirable to provide a vehicle including a battery protection structure that alleviates the above disadvantages.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle which alleviates the above-mentioned disadvantages.

This object is achieved by a vehicle according to claim 1. Thus, according to at least one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising

-a back-end of the device,

a front end located forward of the rear end,

a chassis extending between a rear end and a front end,

-a battery protection structure provided at a rear end of the vehicle, the battery protection structure comprising:

a frame portion defining an opening for receiving a traction battery, the frame portion having a rear side and a front side, an

A protruding portion that protrudes forward from the frame portion, and that is connected to the chassis at a rear end of the vehicle,

wherein the protrusion is configured to: under normal operating conditions, the tab remains fixedly connected relative to the chassis; when the rear side of the frame portion receives an impact force in a forward direction greater than a threshold force, the projection moves forward along the chassis.

The invention is based on the recognition that: not only can the central part of the chassis be used to carry the batteries, but advantages can be gained from the chassis at the rear end of the vehicle without compromising the protection of the batteries. In particular, it has been realized that the battery can be safely retained in the protective structure by allowing the protective structure to absorb some of the energy in the event of a collision. More specifically, it has been recognized that impact energy may be converted to kinetic energy, thereby maintaining a protective structure of the traction battery configured to move forward along the chassis of the vehicle.

It should be understood that the vehicle may be a powered vehicle (such as a truck) or a non-powered vehicle (such as a trailer) towed by a powered vehicle. In the case of a non-powered vehicle, the battery protection arrangement may be located at the rear end of such a non-powered vehicle, but the battery housed in the battery protection arrangement may be connected, for example by suitable wiring, cabling or the like, to a towing vehicle which powers an electric motor on the towing vehicle.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the vehicle comprises a connecting element, wherein the projection is connected to the chassis by means of the connecting element. The advantages of providing a connecting element are: for example, depending on how much the battery protection structure should be moved under impact force, so that the strength of the connecting member can be set appropriately. Thus, the threshold force may be generated by suitably designing the connecting element or a component thereof. For example, bolts, rivets and other types of connecting elements can be designed to break under a certain load. However, the connecting element may also comprise other elements, such as plates, nuts or any other energy absorbing structure.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the connecting element comprises at least one guiding element, wherein the protrusion is configured to: when the rear side of the frame portion is subjected to an impact force in a forward direction greater than the threshold force, the projection is guided by and moves forward relative to the at least one guide element. By providing a guiding element, a controlled movement is enabled when the battery protection structure is subjected to said impact force. By means of the guide element, the battery protection structure can be effectively guided along the chassis.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, one of the protrusion and the chassis is provided with at least one elongated hole through which the connecting element extends to connect the protrusion to the chassis. This is advantageous because, on the one hand, the material around the elongate hole may serve as an abutment surface against which a part of the connecting element may be pressed for providing a satisfactory connection (e.g. the head of a bolt), and, on the other hand, the material around the elongate hole may serve for guiding the element extending through the elongate hole by guiding the element along the length of the hole.

The advantageous use of the elongated hole as a means for guiding the protective structure is embodied in an exemplary embodiment according to which the at least one guide element extends through the at least one elongated hole, wherein the projection is movable forward along the chassis by a relative movement of the at least one guide element along and within the at least one elongated hole when the rear side of the frame part is subjected to an impact force in a forward direction which is greater than the threshold force.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the connecting element comprises a fastening element for maintaining the protrusion substantially immovable with respect to the chassis under normal operating conditions, wherein the fastening element is dimensioned for: the breakage occurs when the rear side of the frame portion receives an impact force in the forward direction that is greater than the threshold force, whereby the projecting portion can move forward along the chassis. As explained above, this is advantageous in that the connecting element or parts thereof can be suitably designed to break under a certain impact force. In some exemplary embodiments, the other connecting elements may be dimensioned to resist such high impact forces, so that they do not break and may instead be connected as guiding elements, which may be guided in elongated holes as exemplified above, for example.

According to at least one example embodiment, the vehicle comprises a deformable energy absorbing element, wherein the protrusion comprises or is configured to cooperate with the deformable energy absorbing element such that when the protrusion is moved forward along the chassis, the energy absorbing element is deformed, thereby absorbing part of the energy generated by the impact force. This is advantageous because, in addition to being partially converted to kinetic energy, some of the impact energy may be absorbed by the deformable energy absorbing element, thereby providing additional safety.

According to at least one example embodiment, the frame portion is a first frame portion, and the protrusion is a first protrusion, wherein the battery protection structure further includes: a second frame portion defining an opening for receiving a traction battery, the second frame portion having a rear side and a front side; and a second projection that projects forward from the second frame portion and is connected to the chassis at a rear end of the vehicle, wherein the second projection is configured to: the second tab remains fixedly connected relative to the chassis under normal operating conditions; when the rear side of the second frame portion receives an impact force in the forward direction that is greater than the threshold force, the second projection moves forward along the chassis. This is advantageous because it can increase the stability and strength of the battery protection structure.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the vehicle chassis comprises two laterally elongated beam members extending in parallel in a direction between a rear end and a front end, wherein the first protrusion is connected to one of the laterally elongated beam members and the second protrusion is connected to the other of the laterally elongated beam members. By providing the connections on both sides of the vehicle, a good connection and a stable guidance of the forward movement of the battery protection structure can be obtained.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the battery protection structure comprises a laterally extending wall interconnecting the first frame part and the second frame part to form a housing for accommodating the traction battery. This is advantageous because the housing will improve the protection of the traction battery.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the battery protection structure comprises at least one openable and closable hatch for providing access to the interior of the battery protection structure for insertion/removal/replacement of the traction battery. This is advantageous because the traction battery may be easily accessible and/or mountable and still be well protected when provided in the battery protection structure.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the vehicle comprises a pair of rear wheels and a pair of front wheels and optionally a pair of intermediate wheels, wherein the battery protection structure is located behind the pair of rear wheels. As explained hereinbefore, by providing the battery protection structure at the rear of the vehicle, good accessibility can be obtained while providing adequate protection, since the impact energy can be converted into kinetic energy by the battery protection structure solution of the invention.

Further advantages and advantageous features of the invention are disclosed in the following description and in the dependent claims.

Drawings

The following is a more detailed description of embodiments of the invention, reference being made to the accompanying drawings by way of example.

In the drawings:

figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle including a battery protection architecture according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention,

figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a battery protection architecture that may be provided on a vehicle according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention,

figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a battery protection architecture that may be provided on a vehicle according to at least another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,

figure 4 illustrates a battery protection structure attached to a chassis according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention,

fig. 5 shows a part of a battery protection structure for connection to a vehicle according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and

fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle including a battery protection structure according to at least another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle 1 including a battery protection structure 10 according to at least one example embodiment of the invention. Although the vehicle 1 is shown in the form of a truck, other types of vehicles may be provided according to the invention, such as a bus, construction equipment or a trailer.

The truck (vehicle) comprises a cab 2, in which cab 2 the driver can operate the vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 has a rear end 3 and a front end 4 located forward of the rear end 3. The chassis 5 extends between a rear end 3 and a front end 4.

The battery protection structure 10 is provided at the rear end 3 of the vehicle 1. More specifically, in at least some exemplary embodiments, as shown in fig. 1, the vehicle 1 may include a pair of rear wheels 6 and a pair of front wheels 7, and optionally a pair of intermediate wheels 8, wherein the battery protection structure 10 is located rearward of the pair of rear wheels 6.

The battery protection structure 10 includes a frame portion 12 and a protruding portion 14, the protruding portion 14 protruding forward from the frame portion 12 and being connected to the chassis 5 at the rear end 3 of the vehicle 1. Frame portion 12 has a rear side 16 and a front side 18, and frame portion 12 defines an opening 20 for receiving a traction battery (not shown in fig. 1).

The protruding portion 14 is configured to: the projection 14 remains fixedly attached relative to the chassis 5 when the rear side 16 of the frame portion 12 is subjected to a forward impact force F that is greater than a threshold force.

Further details of the battery protection structure, its components, and their interaction with the traction battery will be discussed in conjunction with other figures.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a battery protection structure 30 that may be provided on a vehicle according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As already mentioned, the battery protection structure 30 includes the frame portion 32 and the protruding portion 34 according to the general inventive concept. The frame portion 32 defines an opening 33 for receiving a traction battery (not shown). In this illustration, the frame portion 32 and the projection 34 are made as one piece. However, it is contemplated that in other exemplary embodiments, the frame portion and the tab are made as separate pieces and then joined together by welding by mechanical fastening means or any other suitable means.

The frame portion has a rear side 36 and a front side 38. In the present illustration, the projection 34 extends from a front side 38 of the frame portion 32 (particularly an upper portion 38a of the front side 38). The side view shown in fig. 2 shows the overall shape of the tab 34 and frame portion 32 together forming a lower case "b". The frame portion 32 has a generally rectangular cross-section, however, other cross-sections are also contemplated.

The projection 34 is connected to the chassis 40 of the vehicle by means of a connecting element. In fig. 2, two types of connecting elements are shown. The connecting element comprises a fastening element 42 and a guiding element 44. The fastening elements 42 are shown herein in the form of bolts, however other types of fastening elements or means for fastening (e.g. rivets or welds) are also conceivable and may be provided in other exemplary embodiments. Under normal operating conditions, fastening element 42 maintains protrusion 34 substantially immovable with respect to chassis 40. The fastening element 42 is sized to break when the rear side 36 of the frame portion 32 is subjected to a forward direction impact force that is greater than the threshold force. For example, in the case of a bolt, the transition between the head or shoulder portion on the one hand and the shaft portion on the other hand may be suitably dimensioned to break when the bolt is subjected to a certain force. However, it should be understood that any other suitable manner for appropriately dimensioning the breaking threshold of the fastening element 42 may be envisaged.

The projection 34 is provided with an elongated hole 46, through which elongated hole 46 the fastening element 42 and the guide element 44 extend. The fastening element 42 may be suitably threaded for mating with a nut or the like on the other side of the elongated hole. The fastening element 42 may suitably have a head or shoulder that abuts the projection 34 and presses the projection against the chassis 40 when the fastening element 42 is properly installed (e.g., tightened by means of a screw connection). It should be appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments, the fastening elements may be disposed in separate holes or simply driven through the material of the projections.

In the exemplary illustration of fig. 2, the fastening element 42 is disposed at a rear end of the elongated hole 46. The rear end of the elongated hole 46 is defined by an edge (curved or straight or any other suitable shape). When the rear side 36 of the frame part 32 is subjected to an impact force in the forward direction, a part of this force will be transmitted via said edges of the elongate holes to the respective fastening elements 42. If the force is above the dimensional breaking force limit of the fastening element 42, the fastening element 42 will break and the battery protection structure 30 will move forward along the chassis 40. However, other embodiments are contemplated in which other portions of the battery protection structure may cause breakage of the fastening element.

Thus, when the fastening element 42 breaks due to an impact force, the tab 34 (and thus also the battery protection structure 30 and any batteries held therein) can move forward along the chassis 40. The guide member 44 extending through the elongate aperture 46 will assist in providing the correct forward movement. The guide element 44 extends from the chassis through the elongate aperture 46 and when subjected to a sufficiently large impact (i.e. when the fastening element 42 breaks) the tab 34 will move forward and the elongate aperture 46 will slide over the guide element 44. Thus, after such a collision, there will be a relative movement between the guide element 44 and the elongated hole 46, so that the guide element 44 will be located further to the left in the drawing than in the illustration in fig. 2 (possibly up to the rear end of the elongated hole, i.e. the position where the fastening element 42 is currently located).

It should be understood that although seven elongated apertures 46 are shown in fig. 2, any other suitable number and distribution of elongated apertures is contemplated. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, there may be a single elongated hole. Furthermore, the number of guide elements and fastening elements may also vary. For example, the number of fastening elements may be selected depending on the threshold force desired to be determined.

It should also be understood that while the tab 34 is shown as having an elongated hole 46, in other exemplary embodiments, the chassis may be provided with a corresponding elongated hole, slot, groove, or depression, and the guide element may extend from the tab into such a corresponding elongated hole, or the like.

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a battery protection structure 30' that may be provided on a vehicle according to at least another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. This exemplary embodiment is very similar to the exemplary embodiment of fig. 2. Accordingly, the battery protection structure 30' of fig. 3 uses reference numerals corresponding to the battery protection structure 30 of fig. 2.

The battery protection structure 30' of fig. 3 has been depicted with substantially the same features as the battery protection structure 30 of fig. 2, however, with the additional features of: a deformable energy absorbing element 48 has been placed in the elongated hole. Thus, as the tab 34 moves forward along the chassis 40, the energy absorbing element 48 will deform/compress due to the guide element 44, thereby absorbing some of the energy generated by the impact force. It should be appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments, one or more of the elongated apertures may be provided with an energy absorbing element, while another one or more of the elongated apertures may be free of an energy absorbing element. Further, it should be understood that the energy absorbing elements 48 and their location in the elongated apertures are shown merely to illustrate exemplary embodiments. Other configurations of the deformable energy elements are contemplated, and other locations of the deformable energy elements are also contemplated, so long as one or more deformable energy absorbing elements cooperate with the projections 34 or components thereof to cause the energy absorbing elements to deform and absorb at least a portion of the energy generated by the impact force as the projections 34 move forward along the chassis.

Fig. 4 illustrates a battery protection structure 50 coupled to a chassis 55 according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the exemplary embodiment, the tabs 64 of the battery protection structure 50 have a pattern of elongated apertures 76 that is the same as the pattern of elongated apertures 46 in the embodiment shown in fig. 2, however, it should be understood that other patterns are also contemplated.

Fig. 4 shows that the vehicle chassis 55 comprises two laterally elongated beam members 57, 59 extending in parallel in a direction between the rear end and the front end of the vehicle. While it is contemplated to have a single frame portion 62 and a single tab 64 (possibly in combination with some other structural reinforcement), in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 4, the battery protection structure 50 has two frame portions 62, 62 'and two tabs 64, 64' that are laterally spaced from each other. Thus, as can be seen in fig. 4, the first projection 64 projects from the first frame portion 62 and is connected to a first one of the laterally elongated beam members 57, 59, i.e. the lateral beam member 57. The second frame portion 62' is aligned with the second of the laterally elongated beam members 57, 59, i.e. the lateral beam member 59. A second tab 64 'extends from the second frame portion 62' and is connected to the second laterally elongated beam member 59.

Laterally extending wall portions 66 interconnect the first and second frame portions 62, 62' to form an enclosure that houses the traction battery 70. As shown in fig. 4, the laterally extending wall 66 may be formed of a perforated metal sheet or any other semi-open structure (such as a mesh or net structure) that provides air circulation around the traction battery 70, if desired.

As shown here, the traction battery 70 may protrude laterally on the side of the housing, with the traction battery 70 also being partially protected by the bumper structure 72. In other exemplary embodiments, the traction battery may be provided entirely inside the housing, and at least one openable and closable hatch may be arranged for providing access to the inside of the battery protection structure for inserting/removing/replacing the traction battery. This is schematically illustrated in fig. 6, which largely corresponds to the vehicle shown in fig. 1, however, in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 6 a hatch 22 is schematically added. For clarity, other features corresponding to those depicted in fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals in fig. 6.

Turning now to fig. 5, a portion of a battery protection structure 80 for connection to a vehicle in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this illustration, there is no traction battery located in the battery protection structure 80. Thus, the interior of the battery protection structure 80 is visible. The interior includes a bottom support 88, and traction batteries may be placed and supported on the bottom support 88. Thus, in addition to what has been discussed in connection with fig. 4 and as understood from fig. 5, in at least some example embodiments, the housing of the battery protection structure 80 may be formed by a bottom support 82 in addition to being formed by two frame portions interconnected by laterally extending wall portions. Although not specifically shown, it should be understood that the traction battery may be secured to the protective structure 80 by suitable securing elements. For example, the traction battery may be secured to one or more of the frame portion, the laterally extending wall portion, and/or the bottom support by suitable securing elements (such as brackets, bolts, nuts, straps, hooks, loops, etc.). Such a fixing member may form a part of the battery protection structure 80, or may be a separate member that does not form a part of the battery protection structure 80, or a combination of both. The housing is placed on a base 84, the base 84 extending beyond the lateral extension of the housing, and the base 84 being rearwardly and laterally constituted by a bumper structure 86. In at least some example embodiments, the base portion 84 and the bumper structure 86 may form part of the battery protection structure 80.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognise that many variations and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims.