Patent Description:
An electric battery cell can be seen as a container chemically storing energy. The electric battery cells may come in various forms and shapes. The electric battery cells may be connected in series and in parallel, into an electric battery arrangement, which may be called an electric battery pack, in order to attain the desired voltage and energy capacity. A conventional electric battery pack may be the complete enclosure or entity that delivers electric power to a product or equipment, for example an electric vehicle, such as a battery electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle. In general, a conventional electric battery pack includes or contains electric battery cells, a control or management system, which may be called a battery management system (BMS) and may, for example, be implemented partly as software, and often also a cooling and/or heating system. Conventionally, the electric battery cells of an electric battery pack may be arranged in modules to attained serviceable units. A conventional module may be a frame holding a plurality of electric battery cells, and a conventional electric battery pack is assembled by interconnecting the modules.

<CIT> describes a battery unit for a motor vehicle which has battery modules in a battery housing. The battery housing has an opening and an electrically conductive element can be inserted through the opening for electrically conductively connecting a first electrical connection of a battery module of the housing to a second electrical connection of a battery module of the housing.

The inventors of the present invention have found drawbacks in conventional solutions for arranging and mounting electric battery cells, electric battery modules and electric battery packs. For example, the inventors of the present invention have found that some conventional arrangements of conventional electric battery cells, modules and packs are complicated to install and/or too bulky.

An object of the invention is to provide a solution which mitigates or solves the drawbacks and problems of conventional solutions.

The above and further objects are solved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objects are achieved with an apparatus for the electrical interconnection of a plurality of electric battery cell units,.

An advantage of the apparatus according to the first aspect is that the process of arranging and mounting electric battery cells in order to construct an electric battery arrangement, for example an electric battery pack is facilitated, improved and made more efficient. An advantage of the apparatus according to the first aspect is that a robust and improved electric battery arrangement including several connected electric battery cells is provided. An advantage of the apparatus according to the first aspect is that a secure and robust electrical connection between electric battery cells is provided since the one or more seats efficiently holds the electrical conductor in a secure position. An advantage of the apparatus according to the first aspect is that an electric battery arrangement, which includes several interconnected electric battery cells, with a compact design, or configuration, but with a maintained or increased electric capacity is provided. Thus, an advantage of the apparatus according to the first aspect is that the electrical performance, or capacity, of an electric battery arrangement, which includes several interconnected electric battery cells, is enhanced without increasing the overall size of the electric battery arrangement. An advantage of the apparatus according to the first aspect is that the efficiency of an electric battery arrangement, which includes several interconnected electric battery cells, is improved. An advantage of the apparatus according to the first aspect is that the components of the apparatus and the apparatus per se are uncomplicated to manufacture.

The one or more electrical conductors may be configured for high voltage, such as a voltage above <NUM> V, for example above <NUM> V, such as above <NUM> V. For example, the one or more electrical conductors may be configured for a voltage up to <NUM> V, or a voltage above <NUM> V. The one or more electrical conductors may be configured for direct current. The plurality of electric battery cell units may be configured for high voltage, such as a voltage above <NUM> V, for example above <NUM> V, such as above <NUM> V. For example, the plurality of electric battery cell units may be configured for a voltage up to <NUM> V, or a voltage above <NUM> V. For some embodiments, the plurality of electric battery cell units may be configured for the propulsion of a vehicle, for example a vehicle of any one of the sorts mentioned hereinbelow.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect, the wall has an inner side, or inside, facing the room,.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect, the electrical conductor is configured for the electrical interconnection of electric battery cell units of the plurality of electric battery cell units which belong to different electric battery layers. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved electrical connection of electric battery cells is provided. By way of this embodiment, electric battery layers, which each includes a plurality of electric battery cells, may be assembled and interconnected separately, and subsequently, the electric battery layers may be electrically interconnected by way of this embodiment. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved electric battery arrangement, which includes several interconnected electric battery cells, with a compact design, or configuration, is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that the flexibility in arranging and connecting electrical conductors between different electric battery layers is improved. For example, electrical conductors connected between different electric battery layers may be arranged such that the electrical conductors do not cross one another and/or are not positioned too close to one another, whereby the risk of short-circuit between electrical conductors is reduced, which increases safety and electrical performance. For some embodiments, it may be defined that each one of the electric battery layers comprises a plurality of electric battery cell units.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect, the apparatus comprises two or more electrical conductors electrically connectable to one another,.

wherein the two or more electrical conductors are configured for the electrical interconnection of electric battery cell units of the plurality of electric battery cell units which belong to different electric battery layers.

An advantage of this embodiment is that the flexibility of the connection and assembly of electric battery cells is improved because of the modular concept of using two or more electrical conductors, since additional electric battery cells or additional electric battery layers can be added and connected when required or desired. Thus, the number of electrical conductors can be adapted to the number of electric battery cell units, or to the number of electric battery layers, to be connected in a modular manner. Thus, as a consequence, the overall cost for the electrical installation may be reduced. The modular manner in this context is to be understood as using a plurality of electrical conductors for flexibility instead of using only one electrical conductor.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect, the two or more electrical conductors are attachable to one another. An advantage of this embodiment is that the electrical connection or connections between electric battery cells and/or electric battery layers is/are made further secure and robust. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved electrical interconnection of electric battery cells and/or electric battery layers is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved electric battery arrangement, which includes several interconnected electric battery cells, is provided.

According to still another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect, the two or more electrical conductors are detachably attachable to one another. An advantage of this embodiment is that the flexibility of the connection and assembly of electric battery cells is further improved. For example, additional electric battery cells and/or additional electric battery layers may be easily added and connected, since two or more already used electrical conductors may be easily detached for the connection of one or more additional electrical conductors.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect, the two or more electrical conductors are configured for adjoining one another. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved electrical interconnection of electric battery cells and/or electric battery layers is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved electric battery arrangement, which includes several interconnected electric battery cells, is provided. In this context and for this embodiment, "adjoining one another" implies a direct physical contact, for example without any intermediate member or intermediate electrically conductive member.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect, the wall forms an opening for receiving an attachment member configured to attach two or more electrical conductors to one another. An advantage of this embodiment is that, when the two or more electrical conductors are located on the inside of the housing or the housing houses the two or more electrical conductors, is that the two electrical conductors can be easily connected, electrically connected, and/or secured, to one another from the outside of the housing. An advantage of this embodiment is that a facilitated and/or further improved electrical interconnection of electric battery cells and/or electric battery layers is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved electric battery arrangement, which includes several interconnected electric battery cells, is provided. For some embodiments it may be defined that the attachment member is configured to secure physical contact between two or more electrical conductors.

The housing comprises two or more housing units,.

Thereby the flexibility of the connection and assembly of electric battery cells and/or electric battery layers is improved because of the modular concept of using two or more housing units, since, when required or desired, additional electric battery cells or additional electric battery layers can be added and housed by the housing, which may be built up by the two or more housing units. Thus, the number of housing units can be adapted to the number of electric battery cell units or electric battery layers to be connected. Thus, as a consequence, the overall cost for the electrical installation may be reduced. The modular manner in this context is to be understood as using a plurality of housing units for flexibility instead of using only one integrally formed housing. An advantage of this is that a facilitated and/or further improved electrical interconnection of electric battery cells and/or electric battery layers is provided.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect, the two or more housing units are attachable to one another. An advantage of this embodiment is that the electrical connection or connections between electric battery cells and/or electric battery layers is/are made further secure and robust. An advantage of this embodiment is that a facilitated and/or further improved electrical interconnection of electric battery cells and/or electric battery layers is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved electric battery arrangement, which includes several interconnected electric battery cells, is provided.

According to still another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect, the two or more housing units are detachably attachable to one another. An advantage of this embodiment is that the flexibility of the connection and assembly of electric battery cells and/or electric battery layers is further improved. For example, additional electric battery cells and/or electric battery layers may be easily added and housed by the overall housing, since two or more already used housing units may be easily detached for the connection of one or more additional housing units.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect, the two or more housing units are configured for adjoining one another. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved electrical connection of electric battery cells and/or electric battery layers is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved electric battery arrangement, which includes several interconnected electric battery cells, is provided. In this context and for this embodiment, "adjoining one another" implies a direct physical contact, for example without any intermediate member or element.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect, each one of the two or more housing units forms an opening for receiving an attachment member configured to attach two or more electrical conductors to one another.

An advantage of this embodiment is that the flexibility of the connection and assembly of electric battery cells and/or electric battery layers is further improved because of the further developed modular concept of using two or more housing units each having an opening for receiving an attachment member configured to attach two or more electrical conductors to one another. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further facilitated and/or further improved electrical connection of electric battery cells and/or electric battery layers is provided when two or more housing units are involved. For some embodiments it may be defined that the attachment member is configured to secure physical contact between two or more electrical conductors.

The seat forms a compartment for holding the electrical conductor. An advantage of this is that the process of arranging and mounting electric battery cells in order to construct an electric battery arrangement, for example an electric battery pack is further facilitated and further improved and made even more efficient. An advantage of this is that a further improved electric battery arrangement including several interconnected electric battery cells is provided. An advantage of this is that a further secure and further robust electrical connection between electric battery cells is provided since the one or more compartments efficiently holds the one or more electrical conductors in a secure position. An advantage of this is that an electric battery arrangement, which includes several interconnected electric battery cells, with a compact design, or configuration, but with a maintained or increased electric capacity is provided. Thus, an advantage of this is that the electrical performance or capacity of an electric battery arrangement, which includes several interconnected electric battery cells, is further enhanced without increasing the overall size of the electric battery arrangement. An advantage of this is that the efficiency of an electric battery arrangement, which includes several interconnected electric battery cells, is further improved.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect, the electrical conductor comprises a first electrically conductive member and one or more second electrically conductive members,.

An advantage of this embodiment is that the flexibility of the connection and assembly of electric battery cells is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that an improved electrical connection of electric battery cells and/or electric battery layers is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further facilitated process of electrically connecting electric battery cells and/or electric battery layers is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved electric battery arrangement, which includes several interconnected electric battery cells, with a compact design, or configuration, but with a maintained or increased electric capacity is provided.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect, the first electrically conductive member has a longitudinal extension,.

An advantage of this embodiment is that the flexibility of the connection and assembly of electric battery cells is further improved. An advantage of this embodiment is that an improved electrical interconnection of electric battery cells and/or electric battery layers is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further facilitated process of electrically connecting electric battery cells and/or electric battery layers is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that a further improved electric battery arrangement, which includes several interconnected electric battery cells, with a compact design, or configuration, but with a maintained or increased electric capacity is provided.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect, the apparatus comprises one or more tubular members at least partially made of an electrically insulating material,
wherein the tubular member at least partially surrounds the electrical conductor.

An advantage of this embodiment is that a further secure and robust electrical connection of electric battery cells and/or electric battery layers is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that the environment is safely protected from the one or more electrical conductors. For example, users or operators, for example involved in maintenance, are protected from the one or more electrical conductors. An advantage of this embodiment is that an improved electrical connection of electric battery cells and/or electric battery layers is provided. An advantage of this embodiment is that further improved electric battery arrangement including several interconnected electric battery cells is provided.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect, the one or more electrical conductors is/are configured for the electrical interconnection of electric battery cell units, each one of the electric battery cell units including a plurality of electric battery cells. An advantage of this embodiment is that a secure and robust electrical connection of electric battery cells, electric battery modules and/or electric battery layers is provided.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objects are achieved with a vehicle electrical system comprising one or more apparatuses according to any one of the embodiments mentioned above or below.

Advantages of the vehicle electrical system according to the second aspect and its embodiments correspond to the above- or below-mentioned advantages of apparatus according to the first aspect and its embodiments.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle electrical system according to the second aspect, the vehicle electrical system comprises the plurality of electric battery cell units.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the vehicle electrical system according to the second aspect, the vehicle electrical system is a vehicle high voltage system. The vehicle electrical system may be configured for direct current. The vehicle electrical system may be configured for high voltage, such as a voltage above <NUM> V, for example above <NUM> V, such as above <NUM> V. For example, the vehicle electrical system may be configured for a voltage up to <NUM> V, or a voltage above <NUM> V.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objects are achieved with a vehicle comprising one or more of the group of:.

Advantages of the vehicle according to the third aspect and its embodiments correspond to the above- or below-mentioned advantages of the apparatus according to the first aspect and its embodiments.

The vehicle may be a wheeled vehicle, i.e. a vehicle having wheels. The vehicle may for example be a bus, a tractor vehicle, a heavy vehicle, a truck, or a car. The tractor vehicle, and/or the truck, may, or may be configured to, haul, or pull, a trailer. However, other types of vehicles are possible. The vehicle may be referred to as a motor vehicle. The vehicle may be an electric vehicle, EV, for example a hybrid vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle, HEV, or a battery electric vehicle, BEV. Thus, a hybrid electric vehicle, HEV, and a battery electric vehicle, BEV, are versions, or examples, of an electric vehicle, EV. The EV may comprise one or more electric machines or electrical motors. The vehicle may comprise a combustion engine. For some embodiments, the vehicle may include only a combustion engine for the propulsion of the vehicle.

The vehicle may comprise a powertrain. The powertrain may be configured in accordance with any one of the embodiments disclosed above or below. The powertrain of the vehicle may comprise one or more of the group of: a combustion engine; one or more electric battery cells; an electric battery arrangement; and an electric battery pack.

The above-mentioned features and embodiments of the apparatus, the vehicle electrical system and the vehicle, respectively, may be combined in various possible ways providing further advantageous embodiments.

Further advantageous embodiments of the apparatus, the vehicle electrical system and the vehicle according to the present invention and further advantages with the embodiments of the present invention emerge from the detailed description of embodiments.

Embodiments of the invention will now be illustrated, for exemplary purposes, in more detail by way of embodiments and with reference to the enclosed drawings, where similar references are used for similar parts, in which:.

With reference to <FIG>, a first embodiment of the apparatus <NUM> for the electrical interconnection of a plurality of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c (see <FIG> and <FIG> for the electric battery cell unit 102c), 102d, 102e, 102f according to the first aspect of the invention is schematically illustrated. The electric battery cell unit 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f may comprise or consist of one or more of the group of: an electric battery cell; an electric battery module 104a, 104b, 104c (see <FIG> for the electric battery module 104c), 104d, 104e, 104f; an electric battery layer 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d; and an electric battery pack. Each one of the electric battery module 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, 104e, 104f, the electric battery layer 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d and the electric battery pack may be described to comprise a plurality of electric battery cells, i.e. two or more electric battery cells. The electric battery cells of the plurality of electric battery cells of each one of the electric battery module 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, 104e, 104f, the electric battery layer 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d and the electric battery pack may be described to be electrically interconnected, or electrically connected to one another. For some embodiments and for the embodiment of figures of <NUM> to <NUM>, a plurality of electric battery modules 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, 104e, 104f may be located in, or may belong to, different electric battery layers 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d. For some embodiments, electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f of the plurality of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f may belong to different electric battery layers 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d.

With reference to <FIG>, the plurality of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f may be configured for high voltage, such as a voltage above <NUM> V, for example above <NUM> V, such as above <NUM> V. For example, the plurality of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f may be configured for a voltage up to <NUM> V, or a voltage above <NUM> V. For some embodiments, the plurality of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f may be configured for the propulsion of a vehicle <NUM> (see <FIG>), for example a vehicle <NUM> of any one of the sorts or embodiments mentioned above or hereinbelow in connection with <FIG>.

With reference to <FIG>, the apparatus <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> forming, or defining, at least one room <NUM> for housing the plurality of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f. For some embodiments, it may be defined that one or more of the housing <NUM> and room <NUM> is/are configured to hold the plurality of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f. Further, the apparatus <NUM> includes one or more electrical conductors 112a, 112b, 112c for the electrical connection of one electric battery cell unit 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f of the plurality of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f to another electric battery cell unit 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f of the plurality of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f. The housing <NUM> comprises one or more walls 114a-d, 116a-d, 118a-d, 120a-d. The at least one room <NUM> is defined by the one or more walls 114a-d, 116a-d, 118a-d, 120a-d. With reference to <FIG>, the wall 114c, 114d comprises, or forms, one or more seats 122c, 122d, for holding the electrical conductor 112a, 112b, 112c. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing <NUM> comprises four walls 114a-d, 116a-d, 118a-d, 120a-d. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing <NUM> has the shape of a parallelepiped, for example a rectangular parallelepiped or a rectangular cuboid. In the illustrated embodiment, in general, the housing <NUM> may be described to have a rectangular cross section. For alternative embodiments, the housing may be circular cylindrical and comprise one wall. For some embodiments, the cylinder of the housing may be oval.

With reference to <FIG>, for some embodiments, it may be defined that the housing <NUM> houses the one or more electrical conductors 112a, 112b, 112c, or it may be defined that the room <NUM> houses the one or more electrical conductors 112a, 112b, 112c.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, for some embodiments, the housing <NUM> may include two or more housing units 108a-d. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> includes four housing units 108a-d. However, it is to be understood that the housing <NUM> may include fewer or more housing units 108a-d than four. Each one 108a-d of the two or more housing units 108a-d forms, or defines, at least one room 110c, 110d for housing a plurality of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f. For some embodiments, it may be defined that one or more of the housing unit 108a-d and room 110c, 110c of the housing unit 108a-d is/are configured to hold electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f of the plurality of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f. Each one 108a-d of the two or more housing units 108a-d includes one or more walls 114a-d, 116a-d, 118a-d, 120a-d. The at least one room 110c, 110d of the housing unit 108a-d is defined by the one or more walls 114a-d, 116a-d, 118a-d, 120a-d of the housing unit 108a-d. The wall 114a-d, 116a-d, 118a-d, 120a-d of each one 108a-d of the two or more housing units 108a-d includes one or more seats 122c, 122d for holding the electrical conductor 112a, 112b, 112c.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, for some embodiments, the two or more housing units 108a-d are attachable to one another. For some embodiments, the two or more housing units 108a-d are detachably attachable to one another. For some embodiments, the two or more housing units 108a-d are configured to adjoin one another, i.e. configured for direct physical contact with one another, for example without any intermediate structure or element. For some embodiments, it may be defined that the two or more housing units 108a-d are configured for physical contact, for example direct physical contact, with one another. It may be defined that the two or more housing units 108a-d are configured to be joined.

With reference to <FIG>, for some embodiments, the wall 114c, 114d has an inner side 124c, 124d, or an inside, facing the room 110c, 110d. The wall 114c, 114d may have an outer side 126c, 126d, or an outside, facing away from the room 110c, 110d. For some embodiments, the inner side 124c, 124d may include, or form, the one or more seats 122c, 122d. For some embodiments, the seat 122c, 122d may form, or may comprise, a compartment 128c, 128d for holding the electrical conductor 112a, 112b, 112c. For some embodiments, the seat 122c, 122d may comprise one or more of the group of: a part of the wall 114c, 114d; a portion of the wall 114c, 114d; a base of the wall 114c, 114d; and a surface of the wall 114c, 114d. For some embodiments, the room <NUM>, which is configured to house the plurality of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f, may be referred to as a second compartment, or an electric battery cell unit compartment. For some embodiments, the room <NUM>, which is configured to house the plurality of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f, may be referred to as a space.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, first embodiments of the one or more electrical conductors 112a, 112b, 112c are schematically illustrated. In <FIG>, the electrical conductors 112a, 112b, 112c are illustrated in an unassembled, or detached, state, while in <FIG> the electrical conductors 112a, 112b, 112c are illustrated in an assembled, or attached, state. With reference to <FIG>, for some embodiments, the apparatus <NUM> may include two or more electrical conductors 112a, 112b, 112c electrically connectable to one another. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the apparatus <NUM> includes three or more electrical conductors 112a, 112b, 112c. Each one of the one or more electrical conductors 112a, 112b, 112c may be made of, or may comprise, any suitable electrically conductive material, such as a material comprising or consisting of a metal or a metal alloy, for example copper, brass, or aluminum. However, other materials are possible.

With reference to <FIG>, the one or more electrical conductors 112a, 112b, 112c may include a first electrically conductive member 130a configured to be held by the seat 122c, 122d. The first electrically conductive member 130a may be elongated. The first electrically conductive member 130a may be tubular, or hollow. The outer shape of the first electrically conductive member 130a may be cylindrical, for example circular cylindrical. However, other shapes of the first electrically conductive member 130a are possible. The one or more electrical conductors 112a, 112b, 112c may include one or more second electrically conductive members 130b, 130c. The second electrically conductive member 130b, 130c may comprise or consist of a busbar. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, two second electrically conductive members 130b, 130c are provided, and each one of the two second electrically conductive members 130b, 130c are angled.

With reference to <FIG>, the first electrically conductive member 130a may be described to have a longitudinal extension 131a. Each one 130b, 130c of the one or more second electrically conductive members 130b, 130c may be described to have a longitudinal extension 131b, 131c. The longitudinal extension 131a of the first electrically conductive member 130a may extend in a first direction <NUM> while the longitudinal extension 131b, 131c of the one or more second electrically conductive members 130b, 130c may extend in one or more second directions <NUM>, <NUM> transverse, or substantially transverse, to the first direction <NUM>. For some embodiments, the apparatus <NUM> may include one or more tubular members 138a, 138b at least partially made, or entirely made, of an electrically insulating material. The electrically insulating material may comprise or consist of a polymer or a polymer composite. However, other electrically insulating materials are possible. When the apparatus <NUM> includes the one or more tubular members 138a, 138b, the tubular member 138a, 138b at least partially surrounds the electrical conductor 112a. In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus <NUM> includes three tubular members 138a, 138b. A first tubular member 138a of the one or more tubular members 138a, 138b is elongated and surrounds substantially the entire first electrically conductive member 130a. One second tubular member 138b of the one or more tubular members 138a, 138b is configured to cover the electrical contact between the first electrically conductive member 130a and one 130b of the one or more second electrically conductive members 130b, 130c while another second tubular member 138b of the one or more tubular members 138a, 138b is configured to cover the electrical contact between the first electrically conductive member 130a and the other one 130c of the one or more second electrically conductive members 130b, 130c. Further, each second tubular member 138b may comprise an arm <NUM> for positioning, and/or mounting, the second tubular member 138b in relation to the seat 122c, 122d and/or the wall 114a-d, 116a-d, 118a-d, 120a-d.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, for some embodiments, the two or more electrical conductors 112a, 112b, 112c may be attachable to one another, for example by way of one or more attachments of one or more of the group of: a thread attachment; a friction attachment; a positive locking attachment; a bayonet attachment; a snap-on attachment; a snap-in attachment. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the two or more electrical conductors 112a, 112b, 112c are attachable to one another via threads, or thread attachments, more specifically by way of a threaded attachment element <NUM>, for example in the form of a rod, configured to engage and extend through the tubular first electrically conductive member 130a and extend through openings <NUM>, <NUM> of, or formed by, the second electrically conductive members 130b, 130c. The threaded attachment element <NUM> may be configured for engagement with and attachment to a nut <NUM>. However, it is to be understood that other attachments, or means of attachment, are possible. For some embodiments, the two or more electrical conductors 112a, 112b, 112c may be detachably attachable to one another. For some embodiments, the two or more electrical conductors 112a, 112b, 112c are configured to adjoin one another, i.e. configured for direct physical contact with one another, for example without any intermediate electrical conductor. For some embodiments, it may be defined that the two or more electrical conductors 112a, 112b, 112c are configured for physical contact, for example direct physical contact, with one another. It may be defined that the two or more electrical conductors 112a, 112b, 112c are configured to be joined.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, for some embodiments, each one 130b, 130c of the second electrically conductive members 130b, 130c may include an electrical contact <NUM>, <NUM> and/or an attachment <NUM>, <NUM> for the attachment to and/or the electrical contact with an electric battery cell unit 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f, for example an electrical contact, such as a terminal or a pole, of the electric battery cell unit 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, embodiments of the apparatus <NUM> may include a plurality of sets <NUM> of electrical conductors 112a, 112b, 112c, wherein each set <NUM> of electrical conductors 112a, 112b, 112c includes the electrical conductors 112a, 112b, 112c illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

With reference to <FIG>, other embodiments of the one or more electrical conductors 212a, 112b, 112c or another embodiment of the set <NUM> of electrical conductors 212a, 112b, 112c is/are schematically illustrated in an unassembled, or detached, state. In <FIG>, the first electrically conductive member 230a differs from the first electrically conductive member 130a of <FIG> and <FIG> in that the first electrically conductive member 230a is provided with threads and is configured for threaded attachment to the nut <NUM> and to a modified shorter threaded attachment element <NUM> for the attachment to the second electrically conductive members 130b, 130c, for example via the openings <NUM>, <NUM> of the second electrically conductive members 130b, 130c. In <FIG>, also a second tubular member 138b is illustrated in a detached state. Otherwise, features of the one or more electrical conductors 212a, 112b, 112c of <FIG> may correspond to features of the one or more electrical conductors 112a, 112b, 112c of <FIG> and <FIG> and are thus not repeated here.

With reference to <FIG>, the one or more electrical conductors 112a, 212a, 112b, 112c may be configured for high voltage, such as a voltage above <NUM> V, for example above <NUM> V, such as above <NUM> V. For example, the one or more electrical conductors 112a, 212a, 112b, 112c may be configured for a voltage up to <NUM> V, or a voltage above <NUM> V. The one or more electrical conductors 112a, 212a, 112b, 112c may be configured for direct current.

With reference to <FIG>, for some embodiments, the one or more electrical conductors 112a, 112b, 112c is/are configured for the electrical interconnection of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f of the plurality of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f which belong to different electric battery layers 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d. For some embodiments, the two or more electrical conductors 112a, 112b, 112c may be configured for the electrical interconnection of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f of the plurality of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f which belong to different electric battery layers 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d.

With reference to <FIG>, for some embodiments, the first electrically conductive member 130a may be configured for the electrical interconnection of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f of the plurality of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f which belong to different electric battery layers 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d while the one or more second electrically conductive members 130b, 130c may be configured to electrically connect one electric battery cell unit 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f of the plurality of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f to the first electrically conductive member 130a.

With reference to <FIG>, for some embodiments, the one or more electrical conductors 112a, 112b, 112c may be configured for the electrical interconnection of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f, wherein each one 102a, 102b, 102d, 102c, 102e, 102f of the electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f includes a plurality of electric battery cells <NUM> (see <FIG>).

With reference to <FIG>, the process of connecting the plurality of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f, including steps of the electrical interconnection of the plurality of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f and steps of the mechanical connection, or mounting, of the plurality of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f by way of embodiments of the apparatus <NUM>, will hereinbelow be described in more detail.

With reference to <FIG>, the inside and the room 110c of a housing unit 108c is partially illustrated. No electrical conductor and no electric battery cell unit are yet positioned or placed in the seat 122c or in the room 110c. However, a second tubular member 138b has been placed and positioned in the seat 122c.

With reference to <FIG>, an electric battery layer 106c including three electric battery modules 104a, 104b, 104c (only two 104a, 104b of the three electric battery modules 104a, 104b, 104c are visible in <FIG>) has been placed in the room 110c of the housing unit 108c, i.e. three electric battery modules 104a, 104b, 104c are now housed by the room 110c of the housing unit 108c.

With reference to <FIG>, a second electrically conductive member 130b has been placed in the room 110c of the housing unit 108c and has been connected to the second tubular member 138b. The second electrically conductive member 130b has also been electrically connected to an electric battery cell unit 102a, for example to an electric battery module 104a, via the electrical contact <NUM> and/or the attachment <NUM> of the second electrically conductive member 130b, for example electrically connected to the terminal, or the pole, of the electric battery cell unit 102a, for example to the terminal, or the pole, of the electric battery module 104a.

With reference to <FIG>, an additional housing unit 108d has been added and mounted to the previous housing unit 108c, on top of the previous housing unit 108c. The additional housing unit 108d forms a room 110d in a corresponding way as the previous housing unit 108c, wherein a wall 114d of the housing unit 108d has a seat 122d.

With reference to <FIG>, a first tubular member 138a of the one or more tubular members 138a, 138b and an additional second tubular member 138b of the one or more tubular members 138a, 138b have been placed in the seat 122d. With reference to <FIG>, an enlargement of the region A of <FIG> is shown, wherein the connection of the second electrically conductive member 130b to the second tubular member 138b is shown in more detail.

With reference to <FIG>, an electric battery layer 106d including three electric battery modules 104d, 104e, 104f (only two 104d, 104e of the three electric battery modules 104d, 104e, 104f are visible in <FIG> while all three electric battery modules 104d, 104e, 104f are shown in <FIG>) has been placed in the room 110d of the housing unit 108d, i.e. three electric battery modules 104d, 104e, 104f are now housed by the room 110d of the housing unit 108d.

With reference to <FIG>, the provision of the first electrically conductive member 130a is illustrated, but the first electrically conductive member 130a is not yet put in place for electrical connection. With reference to <FIG>, the first electrically conductive member 130a, which may be referred to as an electrical conductor 112a, has now been inserted into the first tubular member 138a and is now held by the seat 122d.

With reference to <FIG>, an additional second electrically conductive member 130c has been placed in the room 110d of the housing unit 108d and has been connected to the second tubular member 138b. The second electrically conductive member 130c has also been electrically connected to an electric battery cell unit 102d, for example to an electric battery module 104d, via the electrical contact <NUM> and/or the attachment <NUM> of the second electrically conductive member 130c, for example electrically connected to the terminal, or the pole, of the electric battery cell unit 102d, for example to the terminal, or the pole, of the electric battery module 104d.

With reference to <FIG>, the provision of the threaded attachment element <NUM> is illustrated. With reference to <FIG>, the threaded attachment element <NUM> has been inserted into the tubular and hollow first electrically conductive member 130a and has engaged the nut <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>). Herewith, a robust mechanical connection and a robust electrical connection between the first electrically conductive member 130a and the two second electrically conductive members 130b, 130c have been provided.

With reference to <FIG>, the plurality of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f, such as the plurality of electric battery modules 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, 104e, 104f, has been removed in relation to <FIG> for illustrative purposes. Herewith, the mechanical connection and the electrical connection between the first electrically conductive member 130a and the two second electrically conductive members 130b, 130c are now illustrated in further detail.

With reference to <FIG>, a second embodiment of the apparatus <NUM> according to the first aspect and the inside and the room <NUM> of the housing <NUM> are partially and schematically illustrated, but with the plurality of electric battery cell units removed for illustrative purposes. Walls 314a-d, 316a-d, 318c-d, 320c-d of the housing <NUM> form seats 322a-d, 323a-d for holding the electrical conductors 312a, 312b, 312c, 312d, 312e, wherein each one 312a of the electrical conductors 312a having a longitudinal extension extending in a vertical direction in <FIG> is surrounded by a tubular member 138a. The housing <NUM> may be built up by housing units 308a-d. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, each one 322a-d, 323a-d of the seats 322a-d, 323a-d comprises, or forms, a compartment 328a-d, 329a-d. Otherwise, other features of the apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> may correspond to features of the apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> and are thus not described here in further detail again to avoid repetition.

With reference to <FIG>, a third embodiment of the apparatus <NUM> according to the first aspect of the invention is schematically illustrated. In <FIG>, only a part of a housing unit 408c of the housing <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM> is shown. The room 410c formed by the housing unit 408c houses a plurality of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c. In <FIG>, the provision of electrical conductors 412a1, 412b is schematically illustrated. The electrical conductors 412a1, 412b of <FIG> comprise a first electrically conductive member 430a configured to be held by the seat 422c formed, or included, in one or more walls 416c of the walls 414c, 416c, 418c, 420c of the housing <NUM>, or of housing unit 408c. The seat 422c may form a compartment 428c. The electrical conductors 412a1, 412b comprise a second electrically conductive member 430b, which may comprise or consist of a busbar. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, a longitudinal extension 431a of the first electrically conductive member 430a extends in a first direction <NUM> while a longitudinal extension 431b of the second electrically conductive member 430b extends in one or more second directions <NUM>, <NUM> transverse to the first direction <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the one or more electrical conductors 412a1, 412b is/are now put in place in the seat 422c. Further, an additional set of <NUM> of electrical conductors 412a2, 412b is put in place in an additional seat 423c, which also forms a compartment 429c, opposite to the seat 422c for the set of <NUM> of electrical conductors 412a1, 412b illustrated in <FIG>.

With reference to <FIG>, the provision of an additional housing unit 408d of the housing <NUM> is schematically illustrated, wherein the room formed by the additional housing unit 408d (which is illustrated in a partly transparent state) houses a plurality of electric battery cell units 102d, 102e, 102f, and wherein one or more walls 420d of the walls 414d, 416d, 418d, 420d of the additional housing unit 408d forms/form one or more seats 423d. It is to be understood that the apparatus <NUM> may comprise one or more further additional housing units. It is to be understood that the apparatus <NUM> may comprise one or more further additional sets of <NUM> of electrical conductors 412a2, 412a3, 412b. For example, one or more further additional sets of <NUM> of electrical conductors 412a2, 412a3, 412b may be added with each further additional housing unit.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, for some embodiments, one or more walls 420d of the one or more of the walls 414c-d, 416c-d, 418c-d, 420c-d of the housing <NUM> (which is illustrated in a partly transparent state), or of the housing unit 408c-d, may form an opening 456d for receiving an attachment member <NUM>, or a fastener, configured to attach two or more electrical conductors 412a2, 412a3 to one another. For some embodiments, it may be defined that each one 408c-d of the two or more housing units 408c-d forms an opening 456d for receiving the attachment member <NUM> configured to attach two or more electrical conductors 412a2, 412a3 to one another. For some embodiments, it may be defined that that the attachment member <NUM> is configured to secure physical contact between two or more electrical conductors 412a2, 412a3. For some embodiments, the apparatus <NUM> may comprise a cover <NUM> for covering the opening 456d. For some embodiments, the apparatus <NUM> may comprise a sealing <NUM> for sealing the opening 456d, for example for sealing between the cover <NUM> and the wall 420d of the housing <NUM>, or of housing unit 408d. The sealing <NUM> may be annular, for example an annular seal. For some embodiments, the apparatus <NUM> may comprise cover attachments 464a-b for attaching the cover <NUM> to the housing <NUM>, or to the housing unit 408d, and additionally and optionally for mounting the sealing <NUM>. One or more of the cover attachments 464a-b and the attachment member <NUM> may include one or more thread attachments, or any other means of attachments, or attachments, for example any one of the sorts of attachment mentioned above. Otherwise, other features of the apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> may correspond to features of the apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> and are thus not described here in further detail again to avoid repetition.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, embodiments of electrical conductors 512a1, 512a2, 512b, 512c of an embodiment of the apparatus according the first aspect of the invention are schematically illustrated. The electrical conductors 512a1, 512a2, 512b, 512c of <FIG> and <FIG> comprise two first electrically conductive members 530a1, 530a2 configured to be held by one or more seats formed, or included, in one or more walls of the walls of the housing, housing unit, or housing units. The electrical conductors 512a1, 512a2, 512b, 512c comprise two second electrically conductive member 530b, 530c which may comprise or consist of a busbar. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, longitudinal extensions 531a1, 531a2 of the first electrically conductive members 530a1, 530a2 extend in a first direction <NUM> while longitudinal extensions 531b, 531c of the second electrically conductive members 530b, 530c extend in one or more second directions <NUM>, <NUM> transverse to the first direction <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first electrically conductive members 530a1, 530a2 are attached and coupled to one another by way of an attachment member <NUM>. In <FIG>, electrical conductors 512a1, 512a2 of <FIG> are provided with tubular members 538a, 538b at least partially made, or entirely made, of an electrically insulating material. The electrically insulating material may comprise or consist of a polymer or a polymer composite. However, other electrically insulating materials are possible. When the apparatus includes the tubular members 538a, 538b, the tubular member 538a, 538b at least partially surrounds the electrical conductor 512a1, 512a2. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, each one 530a1, 530a2 the first electrically conductive members 530a1, 530a2 is at least partially surrounded by the tubular member 538a, 538b.

With reference to <FIG>, it is to be understood that the design of the one or more electrical conductors 112a, 212a, 112b, 112c, 312b, 312c, 312d, 312e, 412a1, 412a2, 412a3, 412b, 512a1, 512a2, 512b, 512c of the apparatus <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the number of electrical conductors, or the number of sets of electrical conductors 112a, 212a, 112b, 112c, 312b, 312c, 312d, 312e, 412a1, 412a2, 412a3, 412b, may be different from what is illustrated in <FIG>. For example, for some embodiments, the apparatus <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may include additional electrical conductors 112a, 212a, 112b, 112c, 312b, 312c, 312d, 312e, 412a1, 412a2, 412a3, 412b, 512a1, 512a2, 512b, 512c for the electrical interconnection of a plurality of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f.

<FIG> schematically illustrate two circuit diagrams illustrating an assembled and electrically interconnected embodiment of the apparatus <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, four electric battery layers 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d are illustrated, which may correspond to the electric battery layers 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d illustrated in <FIG>. Each one 106a, 106d of the third electric battery layer 106c and the fourth electric battery layer 106d from below includes three electric battery modules 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, 104e, 104f. Each one 106a, 106b of the first electric battery layer 106a and the second electric battery layer 106b from below includes two electric battery modules <NUM>, <NUM>, 104i, 104j. However, it is to be understood that each one 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d of the electric battery layers 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d may include fewer or more electric battery modules.

With reference to <FIG>, for the shown embodiment, the first electric battery layer 106a from below comprises an electric battery junction device <NUM>, or box. However, for alternative embodiments, the electric battery junction device <NUM> may be connected and located elsewhere or may even be excluded. In <FIG>, plus (+) and minus (-) indicate the terminals, or poles, of the electric battery modules 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, 104e, 104f, <NUM>, <NUM>, 104i, 104j, and the lines therebetween indicate electrical lines, or electrical connections, provided by the one or more electrical conductors 112a, 112b, 112c of the apparatus <NUM> for the electrical connection of one electric battery modules 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, 104e, 104f, <NUM>, <NUM>, 104i, 104j of the plurality of electric battery modules 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, 104e, 104f, <NUM>, <NUM>, 104i, 104j to another electric battery modules 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, 104e, 104f, <NUM>, <NUM>, 104i, 104j of the plurality of electric battery modules 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, 104e, 104f, <NUM>, <NUM>, 104i, 104j. As illustrated in the shown embodiment, some of the electric battery modules 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, 104e, 104f, <NUM>, <NUM>, 104i, 104j are interconnected via the electric battery junction device <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the interlayer connection of the electric battery modules 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, 104e, 104f, <NUM>, <NUM>, 104i, 104j, i.e. the electrical interconnection between electric battery modules 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, 104e, 104f, <NUM>, <NUM>, 104i, 104j of different electric battery layers 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, is illustrated by nodes, or points, provided with letters A, B, E, F, N and P, which are also indicated in <FIG>, wherein said interlayer connection is clearly illustrated in <FIG>. It may be described that embodiments of the apparatus <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> according to first aspects provide for a modular concept for the electrical interconnection of a plurality of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f, for example for the electrical interconnection of a plurality of electric battery modules 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, 104e, 104f, <NUM>, <NUM>, 104i, 104j. For example, the number of electric battery modules 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, 104e, 104f, <NUM>, <NUM>, 104i, 104j and the number of electric battery layers 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d may be adapted to the overall electric power requested and/or to the physical environment where the apparatus <NUM> is to be installed. The modular concept in this context is to be understood as using a plurality of electric battery modules 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, 104e, 104f, <NUM>, <NUM>, 104i, 104j and a plurality of electric battery layers 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d including one or more electric battery modules 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, 104e, 104f, <NUM>, <NUM>, 104i, 104j for flexibility, wherein electric battery modules 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, 104e, 104f, <NUM>, <NUM>, 104i, 104j and electric battery layers 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d may be added and connected, or removed, when required.

With reference to <FIG>, an example of an electric battery cell unit 102a, 102b,102c, 102d, 102e, 102f, such as an electric battery module 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, 104e, 104f, is schematically illustrated in the form of a schematic circuit diagram, wherein the electric battery cell unit 102a, or the electric battery module 104a, includes a plurality of electric battery cells <NUM>, i.e. two or more electric battery cells <NUM>. The illustrated electric battery cell unit 102a may be carried by, or included in, a vehicle <NUM> and/or included in a powertrain <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM> (see <FIG>).

With reference to <FIG>, each electric battery cell <NUM> can be seen as a container chemically storing energy and may be a rechargeable electric battery cell <NUM>. The electric battery cells <NUM> may be electrically connected in series and/or in parallel, into the electric battery cell unit 102a, or into the electric battery module 104a, which may be included in an electric battery pack <NUM> (see <FIG>), in order to attain the desired voltage and energy capacity. In the shown example, the electric battery cells <NUM> are electrically connected in series with one another. In shown example, the electric battery cells <NUM> are part of a main power line <NUM>. However, in other examples, the main power line <NUM> may be excluded and the electric battery cells <NUM> may be electrically interconnected in other ways.

With reference to <FIG>, the electric battery cell unit 102a, or the electric battery module 104a, may include a cell controller <NUM> which may be electrically connected in parallel with each electric battery cell <NUM> by way of a plurality of electrical lines <NUM>, for example electrical wires. The cell controller <NUM> may be called a cell module controller (CMC). The electric battery cell <NUM> may include a cell fuse <NUM>, for example, for short-circuit and/over voltage protection. However, for some embodiments, the cell fuse <NUM> may be excluded.

With reference to <FIG>, the electric battery cell unit 102a, or the electric battery module 104a, may have two terminals <NUM>, <NUM> for connecting the electric battery cell unit 102a, or the electric battery module 104a, to an electrical system, for example to one or more electrical loads, for example via a vehicle electrical system <NUM> (see <FIG>) and/or via electrical conductors. The two terminals <NUM>, <NUM> may be referred to as electrical contacts. One <NUM>, <NUM> of the two terminals <NUM>, <NUM> may be a negative terminal having a negative pole while the other one <NUM>, <NUM> of the two terminals <NUM>, <NUM> may be a positive terminal having a positive pole. With reference to <FIG>, the electric battery cell unit 102a, or the electric battery module 104a, may be configured for the propulsion of a vehicle <NUM> (see <FIG>).

One or more electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, or one or more electric battery modules 104a, 104b, 104c, may be included in, or form, an electric battery pack <NUM> schematically illustrated in <FIG>, for example suitable for a vehicle <NUM> (see <FIG>). It may be defined that the electric battery pack <NUM> is configured for the propulsion of a vehicle <NUM> (see <FIG>). With reference to <FIG>, the electric battery pack <NUM> may comprise two or more electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, or two or more electric battery modules 104a, 104b, 104c which may be electrically connected in series and have two common outputs <NUM>, <NUM> (positive and negative) for electric power, or current, transfer. The electric battery pack <NUM> may have two terminals <NUM>, <NUM> (DC positive and DC negative) for electric power, or current, transfer, to be connected to one or more electrical loads, for example via a vehicle electrical system <NUM> (see <FIG>) and/or via electrical conductors. The above-mentioned two common outputs <NUM>, <NUM> may be connected to the two terminals <NUM>, <NUM> of the electric battery pack <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the electric battery pack <NUM> may comprise one or more internal contactors <NUM> switchable between an open position, or a non-conducting state, and a closed position, or a conducting state. The electric battery pack <NUM> may include a battery management system <NUM>, BMS. The battery management system <NUM>, BMS, may be described as a control system for controlling the electric battery pack <NUM>. The one or more internal contactors <NUM> of the electric battery pack <NUM> may be controlled by the battery management system <NUM>. The battery management system <NUM> may be connected to and communicate with the above-mentioned cell module controller, CMC, <NUM> of the electric battery cell unit 102a, 102b, 102c, or the electric battery module 104a, 104b, 104c, illustrated in <FIG>.

With reference to <FIG>, the electric battery pack <NUM> may include a pre-charge contactor <NUM> switchable between an open position, or a non-conducting state, and a closed position, or a conducting state. In general, when the battery management system <NUM> is activated or active, a pre-charging of an electrical system (such as a vehicle electrical system) to which the electric battery pack <NUM> is connected may be performed before all the internal contactors <NUM> are closed, for example with the aid of the pre-charge contactor <NUM>. Pre-charging of a high voltage direct current system is known to the person skilled in the art and is thus not discussed in further detail.

With reference to <FIG>, the electric battery pack <NUM> may comprises an electric battery pack fuse <NUM>, which, for example, may be a melt fuse, or a pyrotechnic fuse (or pyro fuse), for protection. It is to be understood that the electric battery pack <NUM> may include additional electrical components or equipment, such as sensors, but these are left out for illustrative purposes.

With reference to <FIG>, an embodiment of the vehicle <NUM> according to the third aspect of the invention is schematically illustrated. The vehicle <NUM> includes one or more of the group of: an apparatus <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> according to any one of the embodiments disclosed above or below; and an embodiment of the vehicle electrical system <NUM> according to the second aspect of the invention described hereinbelow.

With reference to <FIG>, the vehicle <NUM> is illustrated as a tractor vehicle. However, for other embodiments, the vehicle <NUM> may, for example, be a bus, a truck, a heavy truck, or a car. Other types of vehicles are also possible. The vehicle <NUM> may be an electric vehicle, EV, for example a hybrid vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle, HEV, or a battery electric vehicle, BEV.

With reference to <FIG>, the vehicle <NUM> may be a wheeled vehicle, i.e. a vehicle <NUM> having wheels <NUM>. Only the wheels <NUM> on the left-hand side of the vehicle <NUM> are visible in <FIG>. It is to be understood that the vehicle <NUM> may have fewer or more wheels than what is shown in <FIG>. The vehicle <NUM> may comprise a powertrain <NUM>, for example configured for one of an EV, HEV and BEV. The vehicle <NUM> may be configured to hold or carry, or may include, a plurality of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f, for example of any one of the sorts mentioned above. The room <NUM> of the housing <NUM> of any one of the embodiments of apparatus <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may house the plurality of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f. The plurality of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f may be configured for the propulsion of the vehicle <NUM>. The housing <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM> may be attachable to a chassis <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>. It is to be understood that the vehicle <NUM> may include further units, components, such as electrical and/or mechanical components, one or more electric machines <NUM>, a combustion engine <NUM> and other devices required for a vehicle <NUM>, such as for an EV, HEV or BEV.

With reference to <FIG>, it may be defined that the powertrain <NUM> and/or the one or more electric machines <NUM> is/are configured to propel, or drive, the vehicle <NUM>. It may be defined that the powertrain <NUM> includes the plurality of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f.

With reference to <FIG>, also an embodiment of the vehicle electrical system <NUM> according to the second aspect of the invention is schematically illustrated. The vehicle electrical system <NUM> includes an apparatus <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> according to any one of the embodiments disclosed above. For some embodiments, the vehicle electrical system <NUM> may be a vehicle high voltage system. For some embodiments, the vehicle electrical system <NUM> includes the plurality of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f.

With reference to <FIG>, it may be defined that the vehicle electrical system <NUM> is configured for direct current. It may be described that the vehicle electrical system <NUM> is configured to transfer direct current. It may be defined that the vehicle electrical system <NUM> is configured for a high voltage, such as a voltage above <NUM> V, for example above <NUM> V, or above <NUM> V, such as above <NUM> V. For example, the vehicle electrical system <NUM> may be configured for a voltage up to <NUM> V and/or for a voltage above <NUM> V. The electric power, or the electric current, for example the direct current, of the vehicle electrical system <NUM> may be transferred at a high voltage, for example at one or more of the voltages levels mentioned above. The vehicle electrical system <NUM> may be configured to transfer the electric power, or the electric current, at a high voltage, for example at one or more of the voltages levels mentioned above.

With reference to <FIG>, the vehicle electrical system <NUM> may be electrically connected, or connectable, to the plurality of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f. The vehicle electrical system <NUM> may be configured to electrically connect the plurality of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f to the powertrain <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>. The vehicle electrical system <NUM> may be configured to electrically connect the plurality of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f to the one or more electric machines <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>. It may be defined that the vehicle electrical system <NUM> is configured to transfer the electric power, or the electric current, for example between the one or more electric machines <NUM> (and/or the powertrain <NUM>) and the plurality of electric battery cell units 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f.

It is to be understood that other applications of the embodiments according to the above-mentioned aspects of the invention, in addition to an application to a vehicle <NUM> and any other application mentioned above, are possible.

Claim 1:
An apparatus (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) for the electrical interconnection of a plurality of electric battery cell units (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f), wherein the apparatus (<NUM>) comprises
a housing (<NUM>) comprises two or more housing units (108a-d),
wherein each one (108a-d) of the two or more housing units (108a-d) forms at least one room (110c, 110d) for housing a plurality of electric battery cell units (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f), and
one or more electrical conductors (112a, 112b, 112c) for the electrical connection of one electric battery cell unit (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f) of the plurality of electric battery cell units (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f) to another electric battery cell unit (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f) of the plurality of electric battery cell units (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f),
wherein each one of the two or more housing units (108a-d) comprises one or more walls (114a-d, 116a-d, 118a-d, 120a-d),
wherein the at least one room (100c, 110c) of the housing unit (108a-d) is defined by the one or more walls (114a-d, 116a-d, 118a-d, 120a-d) of the housing unit (108a-d), wherein the wall (114a-d, 116a-d, 118a-d, 120a-d) of each one of the two or more housing units (108a-d) comprises one or more seats (122c, 122d) for holding the electrical conductor (112a, 112b, 112c), wherein the seat (122c, 122d) forms a compartment (128c, 128d) for holding the electrical conductor (112a, 112b, 112c).