Arrangement comprising a means for protecting a battery during a pole impact.

Abstract

Arrangement comprising a means for protecting a battery during a pole impact. The invention relates to an arrangement (2) for a vehicle, comprising an element to be protected, a chassis (4) for such a vehicle, a means (10) for protecting the element, the means (10) for protecting being arranged at least partially between the chassis (4) and the element in the vertical direction, the means for protecting (10) comprising a panel (20) comprising transverse main tubes (21) extending substantially over at least the width of the element to be protected, the transverse main tubes (21) extending from a right lateral end (27) of the panel (20) to a left lateral end (28) of the panel (20) and right transverse secondary tubes (23) extending from the right lateral end (27) of the panel (20) and left transverse secondary tubes (24) extending from the left lateral end (28) of the panel (20). Abstract figure: fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Arrangement comprising a means for protecting a battery during a pole impact. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement for a vehicle comprising an element to be protected, a chassis and a means for protecting the element. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such an arrangement. State of the prior art

[0002] An electric or hybrid vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, generally comprises a traction and / or propulsion battery extending at the level of a floor of such a vehicle. Generally the battery has a substantially parallelepiped shape, the thickness of such a battery extending in the vertical direction being much less than the length extending in the longitudinal direction and the width extending in the transverse direction.

[0003] Furthermore, such a battery is generally arranged within a housing also called an enclosure. Such a housing generally comprises a frame extending substantially vertically around such a battery. Such a housing further comprises internal crosspieces intended to compartmentalize such a housing, in particular for the purposes of mechanical strength of such a housing. Such crosspieces extend in the transverse direction of such a vehicle.

[0004] Such a vehicle must meet regulations for mechanical resistance to different types of impacts. Among them, a side impact against a post, commonly called a "post impact", aims to translate the vehicle laterally against a fixed post so as to simulate a sideways slide of such a vehicle against a fixed obstacle during a road accident.

[0005] However, in the case of a utility motor vehicle, the mass of such a vehicle is very high, for example of the order of 2800 kg. This results in a significant kinetic energy causing significant deformation at the floor of such a vehicle during a pole impact. Such deformation causes deterioration of such a battery case and, consequently, deterioration of such a battery. However, it is advisable to avoid any deterioration, breakage or deformation of the battery. Indeed, such modifications to the battery, even minor ones, can lead to thermal runaway of the battery and / or a fire.

[0006] Furthermore, a traction and / or propulsion battery equipping such a utility vehicle extends over a very large width in the transverse direction. Possibly, running boards equipping such a chassis at floor level hinder the installation of such a battery in the transverse and vertical directions. Presentation of the invention

[0007] The aim of the invention is to provide an arrangement which overcomes the above drawbacks. In particular, the invention proposes an arrangement which makes it possible to satisfy regulations relating to a “pole impact” compatible with a housing receiving such a traction and / or propulsion battery comprising only a few internal cross members, i.e. a housing offering low transverse rigidity. Summary of the invention

[0008] To achieve this objective, the invention relates to an arrangement for a vehicle, in particular for an electric vehicle, comprising: - an element to be protected, in particular a traction and / or propulsion battery of such a vehicle, the element being parallelepiped or substantially parallelepiped and extending in the longitudinal, transverse and vertical directions, the dimension in the vertical direction being less than the other two dimensions of the element, - a chassis for such a vehicle, - a means of protecting the element, in particular against lateral impacts suffered by such a vehicle, the means of protection being arranged at least partially between the chassis and the element in the vertical direction, the means of protection comprising a panel whose thickness in the vertical direction is significantly less than the length in the longitudinal direction and the width in the transverse direction, the panel comprising: - main transverse tubes extending substantially over at least the width of the element to be protected, the main transverse tubes extending from a right lateral end of the panel to a left lateral end of the panel, and - straight transverse secondary tubes extending from the right lateral end of the panel over a portion of the width of the panel, and - left transverse secondary tubes extending from the left lateral end of the panel over a portion of the width of the panel.

[0009] The portion of the panel width may be between 5 percent and 20 percent of the panel width.

[0010] The panel may comprise a right U extending longitudinally along the right lateral end of the panel and a left U extending longitudinally along the left lateral end of the panel, the right U which can enclose the right transverse secondary tubes, in particular over their entire length, and / or the left U can enclose the left transverse secondary tubes, in particular along their entire length.

[0011] Each right transverse secondary tube can be arranged opposite each left transverse secondary tube in the vertical and longitudinal directions.

[0012] The main transverse tubes can be arranged, in the longitudinal direction, alternately with the secondary transverse tubes.

[0013] The panel may comprise a lower plate, in particular a sheet metal, arranged below the transverse main and secondary tubes, the lower plate being able to extend in a transverse and longitudinal plane, or substantially in a transverse and longitudinal plane, and / or an upper plate, in particular a sheet metal, arranged above the transverse main and secondary tubes, the upper plate being able to extend in a transverse and longitudinal plane, or substantially in a transverse and longitudinal plane.

[0014] The frame may comprise a right tubular flap, in particular with a rectangular section, extending longitudinally and a left tubular flap extending longitudinally, the right and left flaps being able to be arranged in the vertical direction opposite the panel and / or the element and on either side of the panel in the transverse direction.

[0015] The protective means may comprise a right reinforcement arranged within the tubular right skirt and a left reinforcement arranged within the tubular left skirt.

[0016] Each reinforcement may comprise a profile at least partially filling the volume of each flap, in particular opposite the element to be protected in the vertical and longitudinal directions.

[0017] The element can be fixed to the panel.

[0018] The panel may be a mechanically welded structure.

[0019] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising an arrangement as defined above. Presentation of figures

[0020] These objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of an embodiment of an arrangement made without limitation in relation to the attached figures among which:

[0021] [Fig.l] is a schematic view of a motor vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0022] [Fig.2] is a partial exploded view of an arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0023] [Fig. 3] is a partial sectional view along a vertical and transverse plane and in perspective of the arrangement according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0024] [Fig.4] is a partial sectional view along a vertical and transverse plane of the arrangement according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0025] [Fig.5] is a perspective and partial sectional view of a battery housing and a schematic protection means of the arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0026] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of a panel of a protective means of the arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention. Detailed description

[0027] The direction in which a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, moves in a straight line is defined as the longitudinal direction X. By convention, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, located in a plane parallel to the ground, is called the transverse direction Y. The third direction, perpendicular to the other two, is called the vertical direction Z. Thus, a direct XYZ reference frame is used in which X is the longitudinal direction in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, therefore directed towards the rear, Y is the transverse direction directed towards the right and Z is the vertical direction directed upwards. The forward direction corresponds to the direction in which the vehicle usually moves in the longitudinal direction and is opposite to the rear direction.

[0028] As illustrated in [Fig.l], a vehicle 1, in particular a motor vehicle, comprises an arrangement 2. The vehicle 1, or the arrangement 2, comprises an element 3. Preferably, the vehicle 1 is electric or hybrid and the element 3 is a traction and / or propulsion battery used to move the vehicle 1. Alternatively, the element 3 is a fuel cell or a part of a fuel cell, or another type of element to be protected, in particular to be protected in the event of a side impact. The element 3 to be protected is parallelepipedal, or substantially parallelepipedal. The element 3 extends in the longitudinal, transverse and vertical directions of the vehicle, and the value of the dimension in the vertical direction is less than the values ​​of the dimensions in the transverse and longitudinal directions of the vehicle.

[0029] Preferably, the vehicle 1 is a utility vehicle, in particular of the van type.

[0030] More precisely, as illustrated in particular in Figures 3 and 4, the arrangement 2 comprises the element 3 to be protected. The illustrated embodiment relates to an element 3 of the traction and / or propulsion battery type of the vehicle 1. The battery 3 is, or modules of the battery 3 are, housed, arranged within a housing 30 illustrated in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5. The housing 30 comprises a frame 33, preferably in the shape of a rectangle or a square. The housing 30 further comprises crosspieces 31, for example at least two crosspieces 31, intended to extend transversely relative to the vehicle 1 (see Figures 2 and 5).

[0031] Optionally, arrangement 2 comprises housing 30.

[0032] The arrangement 2 further comprises a chassis 4 for the vehicle 1. Preferably, as illustrated in [Fig.2], the chassis 4 comprises a body side 6 on each side (one body side arranged on the right and one body side arranged on the left). For example, each body side 6 is an independent structure which is assembled to the rest of the chassis 4. Alternatively, the vehicle comprises a self-supporting body, i.e. comprising an assembly comprising the chassis and the two body sides.

[0033] The arrangement 2 also comprises a means 10 for protecting the battery 3. As will be seen later, the means of protection 10 aims to preserve the integrity of the battery in the event of a side impact, particularly during a simulation of a side slide of a vehicle called a pole impact intended to satisfy regulations.

[0034] More precisely, as illustrated in the exploded view of [Fig. 2], the protection means 10 is arranged, at least partially, between the chassis 4 and the battery in the vertical direction, the battery being housed within the housing 30. Preferably, the protection means 10 extends in a transverse and longitudinal plane, or substantially in such a plane, between the battery (not illustrated in [Fig. 2]) housed in its housing 30 and the chassis 4. In other words, the protection means 10 is sandwiched between the chassis and the battery, at least between the chassis 4 and the housing 30 of the battery 3.

[0035] More specifically, the protection means 10 comprises a panel 20 or plate or tray. The thickness E20 of the panel 20 in the vertical direction is much less than the length L20 of the panel 20 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and the width 120 of the panel 20 in the transverse direction of the vehicle (see [Fig.6]). By "much less", it is meant that the thickness E20 of the panel 20 is for example less than 30 times the length L20 of the panel 20 or the width 120 of the panel or that the thickness E20 of the panel 20 is for example less than 5 cm, for example of the order of 3.5 cm, whereas the length L20 of the panel 20 is for example of the order of 2 m and the width 120 of the panel is for example of the order of 1.5 m.

[0036] As illustrated in particular in Figures 2 and 6, the panel 20 comprises transverse main tubes 21 extending substantially over at least the width of the battery 3 to be protected. The width of the battery 3 corresponds to the dimension of the battery in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The transverse main tubes 21 extend from a right lateral end 27, or substantially from a right lateral end, of the panel 20 to a left lateral end 28, or substantially to a left lateral end, of the panel 20. Each lateral end 27, 28 extends longitudinally or substantially longitudinally.

[0037] The panel 20 further comprises right transverse secondary tubes 23. Each right transverse secondary tube 23 extends from the right lateral end 27 of the panel 20 over a portion p20 of the width 120 of the panel 20, as illustrated in [Fig.6], that is to say in the direction of the left lateral end 28 of the panel.

[0038] The panel 20 further comprises left transverse secondary tubes 24 illustrated by transparency in [Fig.2]. Each left transverse secondary tube 24 extends from the left lateral end 28 of the panel 20 over a portion p20 of the width 120 of the panel 20, that is to say in the direction of the right lateral end 27 of the panel.

[0039] Preferably, each right transverse secondary tube 23 is arranged opposite, or substantially opposite, a left transverse secondary tube 24 in the vertical and longitudinal directions. In other words, preferably, a right transverse secondary tube is arranged in the extension in the transverse direction, or substantially in the extension of a left transverse secondary tube.

[0040] Preferably, the portions p20 have an identical or substantially identical value. Alternatively, the lengths of the portions p20 corresponding to the length of the right and / or left transverse secondary tubes are unequal. Alternatively again, as illustrated in [Fig.6], certain transverse secondary tubes 23B, 24B are longer than the other transverse secondary tubes and protrude towards the inside of the panel relative to the other transverse secondary tubes. Alternatively again, certain transverse secondary tubes are shorter than the other transverse secondary tubes (cases not illustrated), in particular for the purpose of saving mass.

[0041] Preferably, the portion p20 of the width 120 of the panel 20, in the transverse direction therefore, is between 5 percent and 20 percent of the width 120 of the panel. Thus, for example the length of each transverse secondary tube, that is to say short, is between 25 cm and 30 cm.

[0042] For example, a right transverse secondary tube 23 and a left transverse secondary tube 24 are arranged facing each other between two transverse main tubes 21 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Alternatively, or in addition, two right transverse secondary tubes 23 and two left transverse secondary tubes 24 are arranged facing each other between two transverse main tubes 21 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Alternatively, or in addition, three right transverse secondary tubes 23 and three left transverse secondary tubes 24 are arranged facing each other between two transverse main tubes 21 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Note that [Fig.6] illustrates these different cases on the same panel.More right transverse secondary tubes 23 and left transverse secondary tubes 24 may be arranged opposite each other between two transverse main tubes 21 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and / or several transverse main tubes 21 may be arranged side by side without a secondary tube. transverse between them (case not illustrated).

[0043] Preferably, the transverse secondary tubes 23, 24, i.e. short, are of rectangular section (in alternative embodiments not illustrated, the tubes may have other types of section). For example, the width of each tube, in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, is 5 cm for a height of 3.3 cm and a tube thickness of 1 to 2 mm, for example at least 1.2 mm. More preferably, the short transverse tubes are spaced from each other by 4 cm to 8 cm in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, each short transverse tube is made of steel, in particular of Ultra High Elastic Limit steel.

[0044] Alternatively, some or all of the transversely extending tubes 21, 23, 24, 23B, 24B have a square or other shaped cross-section.

[0045] Preferably, the transverse main tubes 21 are also of rectangular section. For example, at least one transverse main tube 21 is arranged at the front of the panel 20, or substantially at the front, in the longitudinal direction therefore, and at least one transverse main tube 21 is arranged at the rear of the panel 20, or substantially at the rear. Alternatively, or in addition, at least two tubes 21 are arranged substantially at the front and at least two tubes 21 are arranged substantially at the rear of the panel 20. For example, as illustrated in [Fig. 6], six main tubes 21 are provided and nine secondary tubes 23; 24 on each side are provided. For example, the width of each transverse main tube 21, in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, is 5 cm for a height of 3.3 cm and a tube thickness of 1 to 1.5 mm. Preferably, each transverse main tube 21 is made of steel, in particular Ultra High Elastic Limit steel.More preferably, each main transverse tube 21 is spaced either from at least one other main transverse tube, or from at least two secondary transverse tubes 23; 24, by 4 cm to 8 cm in the longitudinal direction.

[0046] Optionally, the panel comprises an upper plate. The upper plate is arranged above the main and secondary transverse tubes, preferably in contact with them. Thus, the upper plate extends in a transverse and longitudinal plane, or substantially in a transverse and longitudinal plane. Preferably, the upper plate is a sheet, in particular a sheet of steel with a very high elastic limit. For example, the thickness of the upper plate is between 1 mm and 1.2 mm. Optionally, for example in addition to the upper plate, the panel comprises a lower plate. The lower plate is arranged below the main and secondary transverse tubes, preferably in contact with them. Thus, the lower plate extends in a transverse and longitudinal plane, or substantially in a transverse and longitudinal plane.Preferably, the bottom plate is a sheet metal, especially a sheet metal made of Very High Elastic Limit steel. For example, . The thickness of the lower plate is between 1 mm and 1.2 mm. For example, the fixing of each plate on the transverse tubes is ensured by welding, in particular by arc welding via dashes or beads.

[0047] Preferably, as illustrated in particular in Figures 2 and 6, the panel 20 comprises a right U 25 extending longitudinally along the right lateral end 27 of the panel 20. The panel 20 further comprises a left U 26 extending longitudinally along the left lateral end 28 of the panel 20. The right U 25 encloses, surrounds, pinches, a right end of each main tube 21 and the right transverse secondary tubes 23, for example over their entire length or portion p20. The left U 26 encloses, surrounds, pinches, a left end of each main tube 21 and the left transverse secondary tubes 24, for example over their entire length or portion p20. In case of secondary tubes exceeding the length of other secondary tubes towards the inside of the panel, for example some secondary tubes protrude from the U as is the case of tubes 23B, 24B illustrated in [Fig.6].

[0048] In the case of an upper and / or lower plate, the right and left U-shapes enclose, surround and house the lower and upper plates.

[0049] In any case, the hollows of each U 25, 26 are opposite each other, the U being each lying on one of their bars. For example, each U is of the profiled type, obtained hot or cold. Alternatively, each U is obtained by two bends of the same rectangular sheet. Preferably, each U is made of sheet metal, in particular steel, for example high elastic limit steel, for example having a thickness of between 1 mm and 1.5 mm, or even between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm.

[0050] Preferably, the fixing of each U is ensured on the main tubes 21. This fixing is ensured by welding, in particular by arc welding via dashes or beads, for example beads of approximately 20 mm in length, for example between each main tube and each U. For example, the beads are made between the ends of the U and the upper and lower faces of the main tubes 21. In the case of secondary tubes 23B, 24B projecting from the U towards the inside of the panel, the fixing of each U can be ensured on these tubes. This fixing is ensured by welding, in particular by arc welding via dashes or beads, for example beads of approximately 20 mm in length, for example between each projecting secondary tube and each U. For example, the beads are made between the ends of the U and the upper and lower faces of the projecting secondary tubes 23B, 24B.

[0051] Thus, preferably, the panel 20 is a mechanically welded structure.

[0052] As illustrated in particular in Figures 3 and 4, the chassis 4 and / or the body side 6 comprises at least one tubular right sill (not shown), typically with a rectangular section, extending longitudinally and at least one tubular left sill 7G extending longitudinally. For example, the sills are arranged within the chassis and / or within each side of the body. The right and left tubular sills extend, for example, in the vertical direction opposite the panel 20 and / or the battery 3 and on either side of the panel 20 in the transverse direction. For example, each sill has a section along a vertical and transverse plane of square or rectangular shape. Each sill is preferably a hollow body extending longitudinally.

[0053] As illustrated in particular in Figures 3 and 4, the protection means 10 further comprises a left reinforcement 12 arranged, housed, fixed inside, within the tubular left flap 7G and a right reinforcement arranged within the tubular right flap (not shown). Preferably, each reinforcement comprises or is of the profile type at least partially filling the volume of each corresponding flap. Thus, preferably, each flap comprises an empty volume, each reinforcement preferably coming only from the upper part of each flap. For example, each profile is a bar of square or rectangular external section compartmentalized via walls, in particular walls perpendicular to each other. For example, the profiles of the reinforcements are made of sheet metal, in particular with Ultra High Elastic Limit. The thickness of the section and the walls of each reinforcement is for example between 2 mm and 2.6 mm. For example, as illustrated in [Fig.3], the left reinforcement comprises two vertical walls 13 and two horizontal walls 14. For example, the reinforcements are opposite, facing the battery 3 in the vertical direction (case not shown), or offset below the battery 3 (case not shown). Preferably, the reinforcements are offset above the battery (case illustrated in Figures 3 and 4). For example, each profile-type reinforcement is fixed to the corresponding sill by arc welding or by spot welding or any other type of welding, in particular by means of fixing brackets or angles. Preferably, a step 5 extending substantially longitudinally is arranged on the left, for example substantially above a chassis sill and / or a body side sill, i.e. superstructure. A step on the right is preferably also provided.For example, the space available for housing the panel in the vertical direction under the running boards, i.e. between the upper surface of the housing 30 and the underside of the running boards 5 is of the order of 3.5 cm.

[0054] Preferably, as illustrated in [Fig. 5], the battery 3 or advantageously its casing 30, is fixed to the protective means 10. More precisely, the casing 30 is fixed to the panel 20. For example, screws 32, arranged in rows, pass through the panel 20, possibly a cover of the battery casing to screw into the crosspieces 31 of the casing. Thus, each row of screws 32 comes opposite each crosspiece 31. Alternatively, the screws 32 cooperate with nuts under the casing, or even arranged in each crosspiece of the casing, possibly being previously welded at each crosspiece 31. For example, four crosspieces 31 in the housing are provided and three screws per crosspiece 31 are provided to ensure assembly.

[0055] Preferably, the arrangement 2, at least the protection means 10, has symmetry with respect to a vertical and longitudinal median plane of the vehicle 1.

[0056] In summary, the solution involves adding a means of protection, in particular an additional structure of the panel type 20 extending mainly in the transverse and longitudinal directions, between the chassis 4 and the battery 3. The panel 20 is particularly light while having optimal mechanical resistance characteristics, in particular in the transverse direction. This is notably due to the use of main tubes associated with secondary tubes, short and therefore light, the whole being held by U-shaped sections.

[0057] As seen previously, the protection means preferably further comprises reinforcements, in the extension of the panel in the transverse direction, these reinforcements extending within one or more side flaps. The protection means ensures the protection of the battery during an impact against a post P, despite the constraints of a utility vehicle (see [Fig.4]). Indeed, the solution reinforces the chassis, in particular in the transverse direction, so as to protect the housing containing the battery, and, ultimately, the battery. Thus, despite the significant mass of the vehicle generating significant kinetic energy, in particular of the utility type, for example of the order of 2800 kg or more, the battery is protected, in particular in the transverse direction.Although the battery extends over almost the entire width of the chassis, the protective means reinforces the housing, particularly with a view to a pole impact, i.e. a side impact. Thus, although the battery housing or enclosure may be of low strength, for example non-structural, in particular by having only a few cross members extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle (for example between two and four cross members), the panel 20 and / or the reinforcements in the sills create a path for the passage of lateral forces. Finally, although the running boards prevent the stiffness of the chassis from being exploited, particularly of the floor at its lateral ends, in particular by reducing the space available above the battery, the protective means compensates for, or even increases, this rigidity and protects the battery from impacts, in particular those resulting from a "pole impact" type test.As seen previously, the structural plate or panel 20 covers the battery 3 and the chassis sills are filled at least partially by particularly rigid profile-type reinforcements.

[0058] During a side impact, the first level or stage of deformation, cushioning, and reception of the energy caused by the impact preferably rests on the reinforcements housed in the right and left sills. As a reminder, each sill reinforcement is stiff in bending to propagate the forces resulting from the post impact over the greatest length in the longitudinal direction.

[0059] The second level or second stage of deformation, damping, reception of energy preferably rests on the transverse secondary tubes of the panel. In addition, the rigidity of these tubes is maximized by the U 25, 26 fixed directly or indirectly to these short tubes. Thus, all the secondary tubes 23, 24, and possibly the secondary tubes 23B, 24B, contribute to the transverse rigidity of the panel.

[0060] The third structural stage, of deformation, damping, reception of energy rests on the transverse main tubes 21 extending from one side to the other between the U. Since the first and second stages correctly diffuse the forces, the central zone or support zone of the panel in the transverse direction can be limited. Thus, thanks to the presence of the secondary tubes, it is possible to limit oneself to a few main tubes 21, for example five to eight tubes are sufficient. Obviously, fewer or more main tubes may be suitable depending on the chassis architecture and / or the type of vehicle. The alternation of secondary and main tubes offers a significant weight saving for the panel without harming its capacities in terms of mechanical resistance, in particular in the lateral direction.

[0061] The weight saving between a panel comprising only main tubes and the panel comprising both secondary and main tubes is significant, and is around fifty percent for example.

[0062] Where appropriate, a lower plate and / or an upper plate (case not shown) further reinforces the rigidity in the transverse direction of the panel.

[0063] Thus, the structural panel 20 positioned under the chassis and covering the battery 3 and at least part of the side skirts, is housed in the available height, for example of the order of 35 mm. Preferably, the reinforcements arranged within the skirts have a height similar or even identical in the vertical direction to the height E20 of the panel. The arrangement offers very high stiffness at the edge of the vehicle and therefore provides maximum resistance to the post from the start of the impact. Furthermore, given the extension of the protective means over the entire length of the battery, the same level of resistance is obtained regardless of where the impact takes place along the battery in the longitudinal direction.

[0064] Preferably, the panel 20 extended laterally on each side (right and left) by the profiled reinforcements is as wide in the transverse direction as the platform or floor of the vehicle.

[0065] The solution is therefore independent of the floor, it relates in particular to an addition, a structure inserted in the vertical direction between the battery and the floor of the chassis. Thus, the paths of forces coming from a lateral impact pass above the battery, in this case in the reinforcements arranged in the sills and / or in the panel located above the battery.

[0066] Note that the solution is particularly suitable for an independent chassis, i.e. one whose superstructure including the body sides is screwed vertically to the chassis. In this case, for example, the superstructure is placed and screwed onto the chassis, for example via underbody brackets preferably extending longitudinally. Indeed, the protective means, in particular the panel, comes under the chassis, i.e. between the battery (more precisely its housing if applicable) and the chassis. The solution is also compatible with a self-supporting body.

[0067] The solution makes it possible to satisfy regulations on mechanical resistance to different types of impacts, particularly a lateral impact against a pole. In addition, the solution provides a particularly low dent at the battery housing during a pole impact, i.e. well below a level of dent tolerated by the regulations and / or a dent equivalent to that authorized by the regulations but for a speed higher than that of the regulatory test.

[0068] The solution makes it possible to avoid deterioration of the housing receiving the battery, or at least to limit it to tiny values. Deformation, deterioration, or breakage of the battery are thus prevented and any thermal runaway of the battery and / or any resulting fire are avoided.

[0069] Preferably, the reinforcements are at the same level as the panel 20 in the vertical direction, that is to say in its extension in the transverse direction, as illustrated in particular in [Fig.4]. Thus, the remaining empty volume of the flap(s), that is to say free of profiled reinforcement, is opposite the battery, at the same level in the vertical direction. As a result, the housing 30 and consequently the battery 3 do not risk receiving material deforming towards them, the flaps then tending to crush in their hollow part at the level of the module(s) making up the battery during a lateral impact.

[0070] Advantageously, the assembly comprising the panel 20 and the reinforcements within the skirts is as externalized as possible in the transverse direction so as to oppose as much as possible the intrusion of the post, and this, as early as possible during the impact. Due to its profiled section as seen previously, each skirt reinforcement is stiff, rigid in terms of bending in order to propagate the forces due to the impact over the greatest possible length in the longitudinal direction. Note that the structure of the panel, in particular thanks to its main and secondary crosspieces or tubes 21, 23, 24, 23B, 24B associated with the U 25, 26 is particularly rigid in the transverse direction. Such a structure makes it possible to distribute the forces so as to stress the entire panel regardless of the point of impact in the longitudinal direction. tudinal. Preferably, the housing 30 is securely fixed to the panel 20 as seen previously. Such fixing contributes to the deceleration of the housing receiving the battery during an impact.

[0071] The solution makes it possible to transmit lateral forces originating from a pole impact elsewhere than through the frame of the housing 30 and through a floor of the housing 30 receiving the battery 3.

[0072] In other words, the consequences of a side impact are not aggravated by the presence of the high-voltage traction and / or propulsion battery of the vehicle. The arrangement comprising the protection means makes it possible to keep the battery casing intact or substantially intact during a side impact at 35 km / h, along the entire length of the battery in the longitudinal direction. The arrangement comprising the protection means makes it possible to have only minimal cracks in the battery casing during an impact at 45 km / h, along the entire length of the battery in the longitudinal direction. For example, such cracks are less than 20 mm. The arrangement also makes it possible to avoid any short circuit inside the battery cells, which is synonymous with thermal runaway and / or fire. In addition, the arrangement makes it possible to eliminate any risk of electrocution for the occupants and / or emergency services following a side impact.

[0073] Finally, thanks to the solution, the traction and / or propulsion battery can extend over a large dimension in the transverse direction of the utility vehicle without risk in the event of a side impact, for example up to 25 cm from the edge of the vehicle. In particular, the protective means covers the right and left side skirts of the chassis where appropriate. The existence of side steps at the front and / or rear doors is not problematic for the installation of the battery, the ends of the panel and / or the reinforcements of the protective means preferably coming under the steps and not affecting the space occupied by the battery and / or its housing.

[0074] Finally, the arrangement is compatible with a particularly restricted space in the vertical direction between the running boards 5 and the housing 30, for example of the order of 3.5 cm. Indeed, the panel 20, and possibly the reinforcements, have for example a thickness E20 of 3.5 cm maximum.

[0075] The solution has no impact on the center of gravity of the vehicle, the battery remaining arranged at a low level in the vertical direction, and in a balanced, or even centered, manner in the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0076] The solution is compatible with the presence of a sliding side door rail, or even a translation and / or pivoting system for such a side door, possibly motorized.

[0077] As a remark, the solution therefore achieves the desired objective of making it possible to satisfy regulations relating to a pole impact for an electric or hybrid utility vehicle, in particular compatible with a housing receiving such a traction battery. and / or propulsion comprising only a few internal cross members, i.e. a housing offering low transverse rigidity, and has the advantages of being able to be used on other types of vehicles, namely trucks, buses, buses, agricultural vehicles, lifting equipment and any other equipment.

Claims

Claims

1. Arrangement (2) for a vehicle (1), in particular for an electric vehicle, comprising: - an element (3) to be protected, in particular a traction and / or propulsion battery of such a vehicle (1), the element (3) being parallelepipedal or substantially parallelepipedal and extending in the longitudinal, transverse and vertical directions, the dimension in the vertical direction being smaller than the other two dimensions of the element (3), - a chassis (4) for such a vehicle, - a means (10) for protecting the element (3), in particular against lateral impacts suffered by such a vehicle (1), the means of protection (10) being arranged at least partially between the chassis (4) and the element (3) in the vertical direction, the means of protection (10) comprising a panel (20) whose thickness (E20) in the vertical direction is significantly less than the length (L20) in the longitudinal direction and the width (L20) in the direction transverse,characterized in that the panel (20) comprises: - transverse main tubes (21) extending substantially over at least the width of the element (3) to be protected, the transverse main tubes (21) extending from a right lateral end (27) of the panel (20) to a left lateral end (28) of the panel (20), and - right transverse secondary tubes (23) extending from the right lateral end (27) of the panel (20) over a portion (p20) of the width (120) of the panel (20), and - left transverse secondary tubes (24) extending from the left lateral end (28) of the panel (20) over a portion (p20) of the width (120) of the panel (20).,

2. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the portion (p20) of the width (120) of the panel (20) is between 5 percent and 20 percent of the width of the panel.

3. Arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the panel (20) comprises a right U (25) extending longitudinally along the right lateral end (27) of the panel (20) and a left U (26) extending longitudinally along the left lateral end (28) of the panel (20), the right U (25) enclosing the right transverse secondary tubes (23), in particular over their entire length, and / or the left U (26) enclosing the left transverse secondary tubes (24), in particular over their entire length.

4. Arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each right transverse secondary tube (23) is arranged opposite each left transverse secondary tube (24) in the vertical and longitudinal directions.

5. Arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transverse main tubes (21) are arranged, in the longitudinal direction, alternately with the transverse secondary tubes (23; 24).

6. Arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the panel (20) comprises a lower plate, in particular a sheet metal, arranged below the main and secondary transverse tubes (21, 23, 24), the lower plate extending in a transverse and longitudinal plane, or substantially in a transverse and longitudinal plane, and / or an upper plate, in particular a sheet metal, arranged above the main and secondary transverse tubes (21, 23, 24), the upper plate extending in a transverse and longitudinal plane, or substantially in a transverse and longitudinal plane.

7. Arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (4) comprises a tubular right flap, in particular with a rectangular section, extending longitudinally and a tubular left flap (7G) extending longitudinally, the right and left flaps being arranged in the vertical direction opposite the panel (20) and / or the element (3) and on either side of the panel (20) in the transverse direction.

8. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the protection means (10) comprises a right reinforcement arranged within the tubular right flap and a left reinforcement (7G) arranged within the tubular left flap (7G).

9. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each reinforcement comprises a profile at least partially filling the volume of each flap, in particular opposite the element (3) to be protected in the vertical and longitudinal directions.

10. Arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element (3) is fixed to the panel (20).

11. Arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the panel (20) is a mechanically welded structure.

12. Vehicle (1), in particular a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises an arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims.

Images