Arrangement for vehicle comprising tank and electrochemical cell

Abstract

An arrangement for a vehicle (1) comprising a tank (2) for storing an energy fluid and an electrochemical cell (5) arranged in an extension of the tank along a longitudinal axis (X) of the vehicle, the tank comprising a ramp (64) extending facing the electrochemical cell, the ramp being inclined with respect to a vertical axis (Z) of the vehicle, such that the electrochemical cell and the tank overlap if the vehicle is subjected to a longitudinal impact.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement for a vehicle, comprising a tank for storing an energy fluid, in particular hydrogen, and an electrochemical cell. The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising such an arrangement. Background Art

[0002] To make vehicle use less polluting, vehicles are known that are equipped with fuel cells powered by hydrogen. These vehicles therefore have onboard tanks where hydrogen is stored before being consumed by the fuel cell. The fuel cell supplies electrical energy, which can be consumed directly by the electric motor or stored in an electrochemical cell onboard the vehicle. Furthermore, the electrochemical cell can be configured to be recharged via the power distribution network. Consequently, such vehicles include two energy storage devices: one consisting of a hydrogen tank and the other of an electrochemical cell.

[0003] The pressure of hydrogen in a tank can be very high, for example, around 700 bar. Therefore, the tank must be particularly resistant to the mechanical stresses exerted by the pressurized hydrogen. Furthermore, hydrogen is a highly flammable gas, which poses a fire risk in the event of a leak. Therefore, hydrogen tanks must also be impact-resistant to ensure passenger safety in the event of a vehicle accident. Tanks known from the prior art typically take the form of one or more gas cylinders onboard the vehicle, for example, positioned under the vehicle seat.

[0004] Electrochemical cells are also dangerous energy stores. If damaged, they can catch fire and / or cause shock or electric shock.

[0005] As a result, vehicles with both onboard hydrogen storage tanks and electrochemical batteries present a greater risk to the occupants of these vehicles, particularly if the vehicle is involved in an accident, which can have more serious consequences. Furthermore, a fire or explosion in one of these two components carries a high risk of causing a fire or explosion in the other.

[0006] Furthermore, hydrogen storage tanks and electrochemical batteries are very bulky devices to carry on board the vehicle. As a result, such vehicles do not have a good balance between their range, the space available for passengers or storage, and the size of the vehicle.

[0007] Invention Introduction

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide an arrangement for a vehicle comprising a tank for storing an energy fluid, in particular hydrogen, and an electrochemical cell, which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and improves the known arrangements of the prior art.

[0009] More specifically, a first object of the present invention is to provide an arrangement comprising a tank and an electrochemical cell that is not bulky and offers optimal safety to the users of the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The invention relates to an arrangement for a vehicle, comprising a tank for storing an energy fluid and an electrochemical cell, the electrochemical cell being arranged in extension of the tank along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the tank comprising a slope extending towards the electrochemical cell, the slope being inclined relative to the vertical axis of the vehicle so as to cause the electrochemical cell and the tank to overlap if the vehicle is subjected to a longitudinal impact.

[0011] The tank may be arranged rearwardly of the electrochemical cell, and the ramp may be inclined such that if the vehicle experiences a longitudinal impact, the tank passes over the electrochemical cell.

[0012] The ramp may comprise a set of rails extending parallel to each other along axes comprised in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis and the vertical axis.

[0013] Each rail may have a profiled shape, with a section perpendicular to the axis along which it extends having a rounded shape intended to come into contact with the electrochemical cell in the event of a longitudinal impact to the vehicle; in particular, each rail may have a semi-cylindrical shape.

[0014] The set of rails can be between two rails and ten rails, inclusive.

[0015] The tank may comprise a rigid structure made of a composite material, the guide rails forming a one-piece assembly with the rigid structure.

[0016] The tank may include a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall, the first wall and the second wall being connected to each other by a set of hollow connecting elements passing through the tank.

[0017] Each guide rail may be fastened to the tank by means of fastening interfaces respectively arranged at an end of at least a portion of the hollow connecting element.

[0018] The arrangement may comprise a first side member and a second side member extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the tank being fastened to each of the two side members and extending along the longitudinal axis in continuation of the two side members, the electrochemical cell being fastened to the two side members between the two side members.

[0019] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising an arrangement as defined above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of a specific embodiment, which is given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic outline view of a motor vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 It is a partial perspective view as seen from above the chassis of the vehicle.

[0023] Figure 3 is a fragmentary perspective view from below of an arrangement of a vehicle including a storage tank and electrochemical cells.

[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Longitudinal and vertical sections of the arrangement.

[0025] Figure 5A is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a storage tank of a vehicle.

[0026] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A Transparent view of a storage tank in the.

[0027] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a fastening interface of a storage tank according to a first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Figure 1 A motor vehicle 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is schematically illustrated. Vehicle 1 may be, for example, a private car or a utility vehicle. Alternatively, the vehicle may be a truck, a bus, a crane, agricultural machinery, or indeed any other type of land vehicle. The present invention may also be applicable to aircraft or ships.

[0029] In this document, axis X represents the longitudinal axis of vehicle 1. When the vehicle is traveling in a straight line forward, vehicle 1 moves from rear to front in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis. Axis X is oriented from front to rear of the vehicle, i.e., in the direction of reverse travel. Axis Y represents the transverse axis of the vehicle. Axis Y is oriented from left to right, with left and right defined from the perspective of the driver of vehicle 1. Axis Z represents an axis perpendicular to axis X and axis Y. Vehicle 1 is assumed to be parked on level ground. Axis Z is a vertical axis oriented from the bottom upward. Axes X, Y, and Z form an orthogonal reference system.

[0030] Vehicle 1 is equipped with a tank 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Tank 2 is intended to contain an energy fluid, that is, a fluid that forms an energy reserve that can be converted into an electromotive force capable of moving the vehicle. Tank 2 is therefore a component of vehicle 1 that provides the vehicle with a certain range. The tank includes, in particular, an inlet opening for filling the tank with the energy fluid and an outlet opening for delivering and subsequently consuming the energy fluid contained in the tank.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the storage tank 2 is intended to store hydrogen, or more specifically dihydrogen. The vehicle 1 also includes a fuel cell 3 capable of converting hydrogen into electric current, and an electric motor 4. The vehicle 1 also includes an electrochemical cell 5, for example a lithium-ion type electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell 5 can be recharged by the current from the fuel cell 3 and / or by connection to the power distribution network. The electric motor 4 can be supplied with energy by the current from the fuel cell 3 and / or the current from the electrochemical cell 5. Therefore, when the electrochemical cell 5 has been discharged, the storage tank 2 associated with the fuel cell 3 can act as a range extender for the vehicle.

[0032] In various variations, the architecture of vehicle 1 can be different. For example, according to another variant, the vehicle can include not only an electric motor powered by an electrochemical cell, but also an internal combustion engine powered by hydrogen (rather than a fuel cell). According to other variations, tank 2 can be configured to store other forms of energy gas, such as liquefied petroleum gas or natural gas. The tank can even be designed to store liquid fuels such as gasoline, diesel, or ethanol. The internal combustion engine would then be adapted to consume this energy fluid.

[0033] The tank 2 (which may also be referred to as a "storage device") is intended to store a pressurized energy fluid, that is, an energy fluid at a pressure strictly greater than atmospheric pressure. In this case, the tank 2 is intended to store an energy fluid, in particular hydrogen, at a pressure greater than or equal to 700 bar. In a variant, the tank 2 may be intended to store an energy fluid at a different pressure, for example, a pressure greater than or equal to 300 bar, or 500 bar, or 1000 bar. Therefore, the tank 2 includes a rigid structure 6 capable of withstanding the forces exerted by the pressurized fluid it contains, that is, the centrifugal forces acting from the inside of the tank 2 and tending to cause it to burst.

[0034] Furthermore, the tank 2 may have a capacity greater than or equal to 50 liters, preferably greater than or equal to 100 liters, or even greater than or equal to 150 liters. A 100 liter tank allows the storage of approximately 4 kg of hydrogen at 700 bar, thus providing a motor vehicle with a range of approximately 300 km.

[0035] The structure 6 of the tank is also capable of withstanding significant impacts, in particular those occurring in the event of an accident involving the vehicle 1, without causing leakage of the energy fluid. Accident and / or simulation and / or crash test data make it possible to determine the dimensions of the structure 6, in particular the required wall thickness, in such a way that even in the most severe accidents no energy fluid can escape.

[0036] The tank 2 can be used to form a structural element of the vehicle, its high strength being necessary to withstand the high pressure of the energy fluid it contains and to ensure the safety of the passengers in the vehicle 1 in the event of an accident. Consequently, the tank can support the weight of certain equipment (such as seats, safety devices or body elements) and provide support for the fastening of these equipment.

[0037] refer to Figure 2 , the tank 2 can have an overall shape of a parallelepiped. Thus, the tank can include three pairs of opposing walls. The first pair of opposing walls is constituted by a front wall 7A and a rear wall 7B. Walls 7A and 7B extend substantially parallel to axes Y and Z. The second pair of opposing walls is constituted by a left lateral wall 8A and a right lateral wall 8B. Walls 8A and 8B extend substantially parallel to axes X and Z. The third pair of opposing walls is constituted by an upper wall 9A and a lower wall 9B. Walls 9A and 9B extend substantially parallel to axes X and Y. In variants, any other shape of tank can be envisaged.

[0038] The tank 2 can be positioned in the rear portion of the vehicle. Specifically, the tank can form the rear portion of the vehicle's chassis 10, that is, the rear portion of the vehicle's underbody. The chassis 10 can include two side members 11A and 11B extending parallel to the axis X on either side of the vehicle. These two side members 11A and 11B can extend only to the front of the vehicle's rear wheel arches toward the rear, that is, the rear ends of the side members 11A and 11B are positioned in front of the vehicle's rear wheels. Therefore, the side members 11A and 11B can be shorter than those on conventional motor vehicles. The tank 2 is directly fastened to each of the two side members. By connecting the two side members 11A and 11B to each other, the tank 2 acts as a cross member for the vehicle. Therefore, the tank 2 allows the two side members to be rigidly held in position relative to each other. In any case, the vehicle 1 does not include a structural cross member connecting the two side members above or below the tank 2. The vehicle also does not include a structural cross member behind or directly in front of the tank 2.

[0039] Reservoir 2 extends toward the rear of vehicle 1 in the longitudinal continuation of both side members. That is, the rear end of reservoir 2 (particularly rear wall 7B) is positioned further rearward than the rear ends of side members 11A, 11B. Reservoir 2 can thus extend beneath the vehicle's trunk, or even into the area of the vehicle's rear bumper. Thus, the reservoir can be designed to withstand the loads imposed by the vehicle's rear seat passengers and any objects stored in the vehicle's trunk.

[0040] To ensure a good connection between the side members 11A, 11B and the tank 2, it may be preferable to provide a longitudinal overlap between these components, that is, the front edge of the tank is positioned further forward than the rear end of the side members 11A, 11B. This prevents a hinge effect at the interface between the side members and the tank under vertical loads or in the event of a longitudinal impact. The side members 11A, 11B preferably extend no further than the midpoint of the tank 2 along the longitudinal axis X. Each side member 11A, 11B can be fastened to two lateral walls 8A and 8B of the tank, respectively.

[0041] The electrochemical battery 5 is a device for storing energy in chemical form. The electrochemical battery may, for example, comprise a group of electrochemical cells (particularly lithium-ion type electrochemical cells) and a housing that surrounds the electrochemical cells and holds them in place. The capacity of the electrochemical battery may, for example, be greater than or equal to 10 kWh, preferably greater than or equal to 30 kWh, and more preferably greater than or equal to 50 kWh. Because the vehicle has two onboard energy storage devices, namely the tank 2 and the electrochemical battery 5, the electrochemical battery may be smaller than typical compared to electric vehicles that only have the electrochemical battery 5 for energy storage. The user can comfortably consume all the energy stored in the electrochemical battery 5 without the risk of failure.

[0042] The housing of the electrochemical cell 5 may be a metal housing. Figure 3 The housing of the electrochemical cell 5 can also have an overall parallelepiped shape. Thus, the housing can include three pairs of opposing walls. The first pair of opposing walls is formed by a front wall 61A and a rear wall 61B. Walls 61A and 61B extend substantially parallel to axes Y and Z. The second pair of opposing walls is formed by a left lateral wall 62A and a right lateral wall 62B. Walls 62A and 62B extend substantially parallel to axes X and Z. The third pair of opposing walls is formed by an upper wall 63A and a lower wall 63B. Walls 63A and 63B extend substantially parallel to axes X and Y. In variations, any other electrochemical cell shape is conceivable.

[0043] The electrochemical cell 5 extends in front of the tank 2 along the longitudinal axis X. The electrochemical cell 5 extends between the two side members 11A, 11B and is fastened to the two side members 11A, 11B. The rear wall 61B of the electrochemical cell extends substantially opposite the front wall 7A of the tank 2. The vehicle does not have any elements positioned between the rear wall 61B of the electrochemical cell and the front wall 7A of the tank 2. The distance between the walls 61B and 7A along the longitudinal axis X can be, for example, less than or equal to 20 cm, or even less than or equal to 10 cm. According to a variant embodiment, the present invention can be transposed for a configuration in which the electrochemical cell is positioned behind the tank.

[0044] According to the present invention, tank 2 advantageously includes a ramp 64 extending toward electrochemical cell 5. Ramp 64 is inclined relative to the vehicle's vertical axis Z. Ramp 64 is thus positioned so that if the vehicle experiences a longitudinal impact, the electrochemical cell and tank overlap (i.e., pass over each other). Specifically, if the vehicle experiences a longitudinal impact, the tank moves upward toward electrochemical cell 5 and comes into contact therewith at ramp 64. The inclination of the ramp causes tank 2 to exert a vertical force on electrochemical cell 5, which tends to cause one of the two elements to pass over the other.

[0045] According to the embodiment shown, the ramp 64 is inclined upward and forward so that, if the vehicle is subjected to a longitudinal impact, the tank passes over the electrochemical cell 5. According to a variant embodiment, the ramp 64 can be inclined downward and forward so that, if the vehicle is subjected to a longitudinal impact, the tank passes under the electrochemical cell 5. Which of these two configurations is chosen may depend in particular on the criticality of the two elements, considering that the element that is deflected upward is less exposed to secondary impacts that may occur during an accident.

[0046] According to the embodiment presented, the ramp 64 extends in a plane parallel to the transverse axis Y and forming a non-zero angle with the vertical axis Z. The angle A1 formed between the plane in which the ramp 64 extends and a plane parallel to the axes Y and Z can, for example, be comprised between 20° and 70° (inclusive). According to one embodiment variant, the ramp 64 can also have a non-flat form, as long as it enables the tank to be deflected relative to the electrochemical cell (if they come into contact). The ramp 64 can, for example, be in the form of a section of a cylinder having an axis of rotation parallel to the transverse axis Y of the vehicle.

[0047] The slope 64 is arranged on the front wall 7A of the tank 2. More specifically, according to Figure 4In the embodiment presented in FIG, a ramp 64 is arranged on the lower portion 7A1 of the tank's front wall 7A. The electrochemical cell 5 extends toward this lower portion 7A1. The upper portion 7A2 of the front wall 7A can be substantially parallel to the vertical axis Z. The upper portion 7A2 can even overhang the rear portion of the electrochemical cell 5. This allows the tank 2 to extend into unused areas of the vehicle, thereby increasing the tank's storage capacity. The presence of this overhang does not hinder the overlapping movement of the tank and cell in the event of a longitudinal impact, as the ramp 64 is arranged so that the tank passes over the electrochemical cell. If the ramp 64 is arranged so that the tank passes under the electrochemical cell, the shape of the upper portion 7A2 of the tank's front wall 71 can be adjusted rearward to avoid any interference in the event of overlap. Alternatively, the ramp 64 can be arranged on the upper portion 7A2 of the tank's front wall 7A, with the electrochemical cell 5 then extending toward the upper portion 7A2 of the tank.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, ramp 64 includes a set of guide rails 65, for example, between two and ten guide rails (inclusive). Guide rails 65 extend parallel to one another along axes contained in a plane parallel to longitudinal axis X and vertical axis Z. Guide rails 65 can be distributed across the width of front wall 7A. The use of guide rails 65 rather than a simple flat wall reduces the surface area of contact with the housing of the electrochemical cell when the tank contacts the housing. This makes it easier for the two elements to slide relative to each other.

[0049] Furthermore, when the tank 2 comes into contact with the housing of the electrochemical cell 5 after a longitudinal impact, the guide rails 65 tend to partially press into the housing. Thus, each guide rail forms a marking, or in other words, a recess or groove, in the housing of the electrochemical cell. As the tank 2 moves toward the electrochemical cell 5, the guide rails 65 slide within these recesses, thereby providing a certain degree of lateral guidance of the tank 2 relative to the electrochemical cell. This means that vehicle deformation is better managed in the event of a longitudinal impact. Notably, this prevents the tank and / or electrochemical cell from being ejected laterally from the vehicle. This also prevents wires and / or electrical connectors from being pulled out.

[0050] Advantageously, each guide rail 65 can have a profiled shape. A cross-section perpendicular to the axis along which each guide rail extends can have a rounded shape, designed to contact the electrochemical cell in the event of a longitudinal impact on the vehicle. In particular, each guide rail can have a semi-cylindrical shape. This shape effectively marks the housing of the electrochemical cell to produce the aforementioned guiding effect while also allowing for relatively smooth sliding at the interface between the two elements.

[0051] Advantageously, the structure 6 of the tank 2 is made of a composite material. This material is lighter than steel, and even lighter than any other metal of equivalent strength. Furthermore, the methods used to manufacture components made of composite materials allow for the production of structures 6 with a wide variety of geometric shapes. Consequently, more complex shapes for the structure 6 than those achievable with metal can be envisioned, allowing for the utilization of all available volume in the vehicle and, therefore, increasing the tank's capacity. This more complex tank shape is particularly recommended when the tank is intended to store pressurized gas rather than liquid, as, unlike liquids, there is no risk of gas becoming trapped in the tank.

[0052] Composite materials can include layered or preformed structures and / or woven materials impregnated with resin. Composite materials can be constructed based on reinforcing elements and a matrix. The reinforcing elements can include carbon fiber or glass fiber (which are lightweight materials), or Kevlar (registered trademark) for greater impact resistance. The matrix can be an organic matrix, such as epoxy resin, phenolic resin, or modified polyester. The matrix can also be a metal matrix.

[0053] Advantageously, the guide rail 65 can be formed as a single-piece component with the rigid structure 6. Thus, the guide rail 65 is formed simultaneously with the manufacture of the tank 2, and the step of attaching the guide rail 65 to the tank 2 can be omitted. Furthermore, this optimizes the cohesive forces between the guide rail and the tank. According to one embodiment variant, the guide rail can be a separate element from the tank 2 and fastened to the tank by fastening means.

[0054] Figure 5A and Figure 5B A perspective view of the structure 6 of one embodiment of the tank 2 is shown. Walls 7A and 7B are connected to each other by a first set of connecting elements 51 extending parallel to the axis X. Similarly, walls 8A and 8B are connected to each other by a second set of connecting elements 52 extending parallel to the axis Y, and walls 9A and 9B are connected to each other by a third set of connecting elements 53 extending parallel to the axis Z.

[0055] According to one embodiment variant, the tank 2 may include only a single set of connecting elements, or only two of the three sets of connecting elements 51, 52, and 53. In this variant, all or some of these sets of connecting elements 51, 52, and 53 may extend in directions other than the axes X, Y, and Z, provided that the axis along which each set of connecting elements extends forms a non-zero angle with the axes along which the other sets of connecting elements extend. Advantageously, the three axes along which the three sets of connecting elements 51, 52, and 53 extend are perpendicular to one another, in order to optimally reinforce the tank.

[0056] Connecting elements 51, 52, and 53 extend directly through tank 2 between two opposing walls. These connecting elements act as tension rods, reinforcing the tank's strength. When the energy fluid contained within the tank exerts pressure on walls 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B, the connecting elements experience tensile loads. When the vehicle experiences a longitudinal impact, the connecting elements experience compressive loads. Connecting elements 51, 52, and 53 are located within the tank 2 housing, rather than on its periphery.

[0057] Preferably, each connecting element is separated from other connecting elements, that is, the connecting elements do not touch each other or touch inside the storage tank. Therefore, the storage tank 2 is not partitioned and the energy fluid can easily circulate inside the storage tank 2.

[0058] Connecting elements 51, 52, and 53 are hollow. It is worth noting that when a connecting element has a circular cross-section, the connecting element (also referred to as a "reinforcement well") may be a tube. However, the cross-section of a connecting element need not be circular. For example, the cross-section of a connecting element may also be square, rectangular, polygonal, or elliptical.

[0059] Figure 6 One connection element 51 is shown in more detail, the other connection elements being similarly designed. Each connection element 51, 52, 53 has a tubular shape provided with an outer face 54 and an inner face 55. The outer face 54 faces the interior of the tank and is therefore intended to come into contact with the energy fluid, while the inner face 55 communicates with the exterior of the tank and is therefore intended to come into contact with the ambient air.

[0060] The inner face 55 can be made of a material different from the material forming the tank structure 6. The inner face 55 can in particular be provided with a metal tube which extends over the entire length of the connecting elements 51, 52, 53 or only at the ends of the connecting elements 51, 52, 53. The metal tube can optionally be corrugated along its outer periphery in order to ensure good retention in the structure 6.

[0061] Each connecting element 51, 52, 53 includes two opposite ends at two opposite walls to which it is connected. Due to the hollow nature of the connecting elements, the storage tank includes an opening 56 for each connecting element that passes directly through the storage tank. These openings 56 are not connected to the volume for storing the energy fluid. Therefore, these openings 56 are not useful for delivering the energy fluid, especially for delivering pressurized hydrogen to the fuel cell 3. Advantageously, the openings 56 can be used to fasten various devices to the vehicle, especially to the guide rails 65.

[0062] To this end, the tank 2 comprises a set of fastening interfaces 57 in the opening 56, which are arranged at the end of the connecting element 51. Figure 6As shown, all or some of the fastening interfaces 57 may include inserts that are intended to cooperate with fastening screws 58 (e.g., M8 or M10 type fastening screws). The inserts may be formed in a metal tube that is provided with the inner face 55 of the connecting element, or may be additional elements, such as plastic pins, that are assembled against the inner face 55 of the connecting element. The inserts may, for example, have a length between 20 mm and 60 mm (inclusive). The inserts may be threaded or non-threaded. Thus, the inserts provide fastening devices that extend deeply into the volume of the storage tank. Such fastening devices are particularly robust.

[0063] Thus, the guide rail 65 may be an attachment element separate from the structure 6 of the tank 2 and fastened against the front wall 7A of the tank 2 by means of fastening screws 58 cooperating with the fastening interfaces 57 .

[0064] It should be noted that vehicle 1 may also include a shock absorbing device 30, which is supported by tank 2 and secured to its rear wall 7B. Shock absorbing device 30 may be integrated into the vehicle's rear bumper. When an impact occurs at the rear of the vehicle, the force is transferred to tank 2 and then to side members 11A, 11B extending further forward from tank 2. Thus, tank 2 acts as an intermediate component between shock absorbing device 30 and side members 11A, 11B.

[0065] If the impact is strong enough, the deformation of the chassis brings the tank 2 into contact with the electrochemical cell 5. Integrating the ramp 64 into the tank 2 prevents telescoping between the tank and the electrochemical cell. This avoids or limits the risk of either element being subjected to forces sufficient to destroy them, minimizing the consequences of an accident. If the ramp 64 includes a guide rail 65, the benefit is a certain degree of guidance for the relative movement between the tank 2 and the electrochemical cell 5. This means better management of the vehicle's deformation kinematics and reduced devastating consequences of an accident.

[0066] Furthermore, the present invention offers the benefit of providing a particularly compact arrangement, as the storage tank can be positioned directly adjacent to the electrochemical cell without increasing the safety risk to the vehicle's occupants in the event of a longitudinal impact. Consequently, the vehicle provides more space for passengers or storage. Alternatively, this available volume can be used to increase the size of the storage tank or electrochemical cell, thereby achieving a vehicle with a longer range.

Claims

1. An arrangement for a vehicle (1), comprising a tank (2) for storing an energy fluid and an electrochemical cell (5), the electrochemical cell (5) being arranged in the extension of the tank along the longitudinal axis (X) of the vehicle, the tank comprising a ramp (64) extending towards the electrochemical cell, the ramp being inclined relative to the vertical axis (Z) of the vehicle so that the electrochemical cell and the tank overlap if the vehicle is subjected to a longitudinal impact.

2. Arrangement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The tank (2) is arranged behind the electrochemical cell (5), and the ramp (64) is inclined so that if the vehicle is subjected to a longitudinal impact, the tank passes over the electrochemical cell (5).

3. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The ramp (64) comprises a set of guide rails (65) extending parallel to each other along axes included in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) and the vertical axis (Z).

4. Arrangement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that Each guide rail (65) has a profiled shape, a section perpendicular to the axis along which each guide rail extends having a rounded shape intended to come into contact with the electrochemical cell in the event of a longitudinal impact to the vehicle, in particular each guide rail (65) has a semi-cylindrical shape.

5. An arrangement according to any one of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that The group of guide rails (65) is between two guide rails and ten guide rails, including two guide rails and ten guide rails.

6. Arrangement according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that The tank (2) comprises a rigid structure (6) made of composite material, the guide rails forming a one-piece assembly with the rigid structure (6).

7. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The storage tank (2) comprises a first wall (7A) and a second wall (7B) opposite to the first wall (7A), wherein the first wall and the second wall are connected to each other via a set of hollow connecting elements (51) passing through the storage tank.

8. Arrangement according to claim 3 and the preceding claim, characterized in that Each guide rail (65) is fastened to the tank by means of fastening interfaces (57) respectively arranged at the end of at least a portion of the hollow connecting elements (51).

9. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The arrangement comprises a first side member (11A) and a second side member (11B), which extend parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) of the vehicle, the tank (2) being fastened to each of the two side members and extending along the longitudinal axis (X) in continuation of the two side members, the electrochemical cell (5) being fastened to the two side members between them.

10. A vehicle (1), in particular a motor vehicle, characterized in that The vehicle comprises an arrangement as claimed in one of the preceding claims.

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