Arrangement for a vehicle comprising a tank and an electrochemical battery

Abstract

Disclosed is an arrangement for a vehicle (1) comprising a tank (2) intended to store an energy fluid and an electrochemical battery (5), the electrochemical battery (5) being arranged in the extension of the tank along a longitudinal axis (X) of the vehicle, the tank comprising a ramp (64) that extends across from the electrochemical battery, the ramp being slanted in relation to a vertical axis (Z) of the vehicle in order to cause the electrochemical battery and the tank to overlap in the event of a longitudinal impact on the vehicle.

Description

[0001] TITLE: Arrangement for a vehicle comprising a tank and an electrochemical battery

[0002] Technical field of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to an arrangement for a vehicle comprising a tank intended to store an energy fluid, in particular hydrogen, and an electrochemical battery. The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising such an arrangement.

[0004] State of the prior art

[0005] In order to make vehicle use less polluting, vehicles equipped with a fuel cell powered by hydrogen are known. These vehicles therefore have a tank in which hydrogen is stored before being consumed by the fuel cell. The fuel cell provides electrical energy that can be consumed directly by an electric motor or stored in an electrochemical battery on board the vehicle. In addition, the electrochemical battery can also be configured to be recharged via an electricity distribution network. Thus, such vehicles include two energy storage means formed on the one hand by the hydrogen tank and on the other hand by the electrochemical battery.

[0006] The pressure of the hydrogen in the tank can be very high, for example around 700 bar. The tank must therefore be particularly resistant to the mechanical stresses exerted by pressurized hydrogen. In addition, hydrogen is a highly flammable gas which poses a fire risk in the event of a leak. Hydrogen tanks must therefore also be shock-resistant, so as to guarantee the safety of passengers in the event of a vehicle accident. Tanks known from the state of the art generally take the form of one or more cylinders on board the vehicle, for example cylinders positioned under the vehicle seats.

[0007] Electrochemical batteries are also dangerous energy stores. If damaged, they can ignite and / or cause electric shock or electrocution.

[0008] Thus, vehicles equipped with both a hydrogen storage tank and an electrochemical battery expose the passengers of these vehicles to greater risks, including more serious consequences in the event of a vehicle accident. In addition, a fire or explosion in one of these two elements would pose a significant risk of causing a fire or explosion in the other element.

[0009] Furthermore, a hydrogen storage tank and an electrochemical battery are very bulky on-board equipment. Thus, such vehicles do not provide a good compromise between autonomy, space available for passengers or for storing objects, and vehicle size.

[0010] Presentation of the invention

[0011] The aim of the invention is to provide a tank for an arrangement for a vehicle comprising a tank intended to store an energy fluid, in particular hydrogen, and an electrochemical battery overcoming the above drawbacks and improving the arrangements known from the prior art.

[0012] More specifically, a first object of the invention is to provide an arrangement comprising a tank and an electrochemical battery which is compact and which offers optimal safety for users of the vehicle.

[0013] Summary of the invention

[0014] The invention relates to an arrangement for a vehicle comprising a tank intended to store an energy fluid and an electrochemical battery, the electrochemical battery being arranged in the extension of the tank along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the tank comprising a ramp extending opposite the electrochemical battery, the ramp being inclined relative to a vertical axis of the vehicle to cause an overlap of the electrochemical battery and the tank in the event of a longitudinal impact against the vehicle.

[0015] The tank may be arranged at the rear of the electrochemical battery, and said ramp may be inclined so that the tank passes over the electrochemical battery in the event of a longitudinal impact against the vehicle.

[0016] The ramp may comprise a set of guide rails, the guide rails extending parallel to each other along an axis included in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis and the vertical axis.

[0017] Each guide rail may comprise a profiled shape, a section perpendicular to an axis in which each guide rail extends comprising a rounded shape intended to come into contact with the electrochemical battery in the event of a longitudinal impact against the vehicle, in particular each guide rail may comprise a semi-cylindrical shape.

[0018] The guide rail assembly may comprise between two guide rails and ten guide rails inclusive. The tank may comprise a rigid structure made of composite material, the guide rails forming with the rigid structure a single-piece assembly.

[0019] The tank may comprise 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.

[0020] Each guide rail can be fixed to the tank by means of fixing interfaces arranged respectively at the ends of at least a part of the hollow connecting elements.

[0021] The arrangement may comprise a first side member and a second side member, the side members extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the tank being attached to each of the two side members and extending in line with the two side members along the longitudinal axis, the electrochemical battery being attached to the two side members between the two side members.

[0022] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising an arrangement as defined above.

[0023] Presentation of figures

[0024] These objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment made without limitation in relation to the attached figures among which:

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a motor vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 is a partial perspective view, from above, of a chassis of the vehicle.

[0026] Figure 3 is a partial perspective view, from below, of an arrangement comprising a tank and an electrochemical battery of the vehicle.

[0027] Figure 4 is a longitudinal and vertical sectional view of the arrangement of Figure 3.

[0028] Figure 5A is a partial perspective view of one embodiment of a tank of the vehicle.

[0029] Figure 5B is a transparent view of the reservoir of Figure 5A.

[0030] Figure 6 is a sectional view of a tank attachment interface according to a first embodiment.

[0031] Detailed description

[0032] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a motor vehicle 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. The vehicle 1 may be, for example, a private vehicle or a utility vehicle. Alternatively, it could be a truck, a bus, a lifting machine, an agricultural machine or even any other type of land vehicle. The invention may also be adapted to an aircraft or a boat.

[0033] In this document, the X axis designates the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 1. When moving forward and in a straight line, the vehicle 1 moves from the rear to the front in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis. The X axis is oriented from the front to the rear of the vehicle, that is to say in the direction of reverse travel. The Y axis designates the transverse axis of the vehicle. The Y axis is oriented from left to right, left and right being defined according to the point of view of a driver of the vehicle 1. The Z axis designates the axis perpendicular to the X axis and the Y axis. It is considered that the vehicle 1 is resting on horizontal ground. The Z axis is a vertical axis, oriented from bottom to top. The X, Y and Z axes form an orthogonal reference frame. The vehicle 1 is equipped with a tank 2 according to one embodiment of the invention. Tank 2 is intended to contain an energy fluid, that is to say a fluid forming a reserve of energy convertible into an electromotive force capable of moving the vehicle.The tank 2 is therefore a component of the vehicle 1 which gives it a certain autonomy. The tank includes in particular an inlet opening allowing the tank to be filled with an energy fluid and an outlet opening to deliver and then consume the energy fluid contained in the tank.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, the tank 2 is intended to store hydrogen or more precisely dihydrogen. The vehicle 1 further comprises a fuel cell 3 capable of transforming hydrogen into an electric current, and an electric motor 4. The vehicle 1 also comprises an electrochemical battery 5, for example of the lithium-ion type. The electrochemical battery 5 can be recharged by an electric current from the fuel cell 3 and / or by a connection to an electricity distribution network. The electric motor 4 can be supplied with energy by an electric current from the fuel cell 3 and / or by an electric current from the electrochemical battery 5. The tank 2 associated with the fuel cell 3 can thus act as a range extender for the vehicle, when the electrochemical battery 5 is discharged.

[0035] Alternatively, the architecture of the vehicle 1 could be different. For example, according to another variant, the vehicle could comprise not only an electric motor powered by the electrochemical battery but also an internal combustion engine powered by hydrogen instead of a fuel cell. According to other variants, the tank 2 could be configured to store other forms of energy gases, for example liquefied petroleum gas or natural gas. The tank could even be intended to store a liquid fuel such as gasoline, diesel or even ethanol. The internal combustion engine would then be adapted to consume such energy fluids.

[0036] The tank 2, which could be called a "storage device", is intended to store an energy fluid under pressure, that is to say at a pressure strictly higher than atmospheric pressure. In this case, the tank 2 is intended to store the energy fluid, in particular hydrogen, at a pressure greater than or equal to 700 Bar. Alternatively, the tank 2 could be intended to store the energy fluid at a different pressure, for example a pressure greater than or equal to 300 Bar, or 500 Bar, or 1000 Bar. The tank 2 thus comprises a rigid structure 6 capable of withstanding the forces exerted by the pressurized fluid that it contains, that is to say centrifugal forces acting from inside the tank 2 and which tend to cause it to burst.

[0037] In addition, 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 can store approximately 4 kg of hydrogen at 700 Bar, which can give a motor vehicle a range of around 300 km.

[0038] The structure 6 of the tank is also capable of withstanding significant impacts, in particular impacts occurring in the event of an accident of the vehicle 1, without generating any leakage of the energy fluid to the outside. Accident data and / or simulations and / or crash tests make it possible to dimension the structure 6, in particular the required wall thicknesses, so that no leakage of energy fluid occurs, even for the most violent accidents. The tank 2, the high strength of which is necessary to withstand high pressures of the energy fluid it contains as well as to guarantee the safety of the passengers of the vehicle 1 in the event of an accident, can be used to form a structural element of the vehicle. Thus, the tank can support the weight of certain equipment such as seats, safety devices or bodywork elements, and provide a support for fixing this equipment.

[0039] With reference to Figure 2, the tank 2 may comprise a generally parallelepiped shape. It may thus comprise three pairs of opposite walls. A first pair of opposite walls is composed of a front wall 7A and a rear wall 7B. The walls 7A and 7B extend substantially parallel to the Y and Z axes. A second pair of opposite walls is composed of a left side wall 8A and a right side wall 8B. The walls 8A and 8B extend substantially parallel to the X and Z axes. A third pair of opposite walls is composed of an upper wall 9A and a lower wall 9B. The walls 9A and 9B extend substantially parallel to the X and Y axes. Alternatively, any other shape of the tank could be envisaged.

[0040] The tank 2 may be arranged in the rear portion of the vehicle. In particular, the tank may form a rear portion of the chassis 10 of the vehicle, i.e., a rear portion of the underbody of the vehicle. The chassis 10 may comprise two side members 11 A, 11 B extending parallel to the axis X on either side of the vehicle. These two side members 11 A, 11 B may extend rearward only as far as the front of a rear wheel arch of the vehicle, i.e., the rear end of the side members 11 A, 11 B is positioned in front of the rear wheels of the vehicle. The side members 11 A, 11 B may thus be shorter than on a conventional motor vehicle. The tank 2 is attached directly to each of the two side members. By connecting the two side members 11 A, 11 B together, the tank 2 therefore acts as a cross member of the vehicle. Tank 2 therefore makes it possible to hold the two side members rigidly in position relative to each other.In any event, vehicle 1 does not include any structural crossmember connecting two side members above or below tank 2. The vehicle also does not include any structural crossmember at the rear of tank 2 or directly in front of tank 2.

[0041] The tank 2 extends towards the rear of the vehicle 1 in the longitudinal extension of the two side members, that is to say that the rear end of the tank 2, in particular the rear wall 7B, is positioned further back than the rear end of the side members 11A, 11B. The tank 2 can thus extend under a trunk of the vehicle, or even up to the level of a rear bumper of the vehicle. The tank can thus be intended to support the load exerted by rear passengers of the vehicle and all of the objects stored in the trunk of the vehicle.

[0042] In order to ensure good attachment between the side members 11 A, 11 B and the tank 2, it may be preferable to provide a longitudinal overlap between these components, i.e. a front edge of the tank is positioned further forward than the rear end of the side members 11 A, 11 B. This avoids a hinge effect of the interface between the side members and the tank under the effect of a vertical load or in the event of a longitudinal impact. The side members 11 A, 11 B preferably do not extend beyond half of the tank 2 along the longitudinal axis X. Each side member 11 A, 11 B may be attached respectively to the two side walls 8A and 8B of the tank.

[0043] The electrochemical battery 5 is a device for storing energy in chemical form. The electrochemical battery may, for example, comprise a set of electrochemical cells, in particular of the lithium-ion type, and a casing enclosing and holding the electrochemical cells. 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, more preferably greater than or equal to 50 kWh. As the vehicle has two energy storage means, namely the tank 2 and the electrochemical battery 5, the latter may be undersized in comparison with electric vehicles which only comprise the electrochemical battery 5 for storing energy. Users can calmly consume all of the energy stored in the electrochemical battery 5 without risking a breakdown.

[0044] The housing of the electrochemical battery 5 may be a metal housing. With reference to FIG. 3, the housing of the electrochemical battery 5 may also comprise a generally parallelepiped shape. The housing may thus comprise three pairs of opposing walls. A first pair of opposing walls is composed of a front wall 61A and a rear wall 61B. The walls 61A and 61B extend substantially parallel to the Y and Z axes. A second pair of opposing walls is composed of a left side wall 62A and a right side wall 62B. The walls 62A and 62B extend substantially parallel to the X and Z axes. A third pair of opposing walls is composed of an upper wall 63A and a lower wall 63B. The walls 63A and 63B extend substantially parallel to the X and Y axes. Alternatively, any other shape of the electrochemical battery could be envisaged.

[0045] The electrochemical battery 5 extends at the front of the tank 2 along the longitudinal axis X. The electrochemical battery 5 extends between the two side members 11 A, 11 B and is fixed to the two side members 11 A, 11 B. The rear wall 61 B of the electrochemical battery is substantially opposite the front wall 7A of the tank 2. The vehicle does not include any element interposed between the rear wall 61 B of the electrochemical battery and the front wall 7A of the tank 2. The distance separating the walls 61 B and 7A may be, for example, less than or equal to 20 cm, or even less than or equal to 10 cm along the longitudinal axis X. According to an alternative embodiment, the invention could be transposed to a configuration where the electrochemical battery would be positioned at the rear of the tank.

[0046] According to the invention, the tank 2 advantageously comprises a ramp 64 extending opposite the electrochemical battery 5. The ramp 64 is inclined relative to the vertical axis Z of the vehicle. The ramp 64 is thus arranged so as to cause an overlap (i.e. the passage of one above the other) of the electrochemical battery and the tank in the event of a longitudinal impact against the vehicle. Indeed, in the event of a longitudinal impact against the vehicle, the tank approaches the electrochemical battery 5 and comes into contact with it at the level of the ramp 64. The inclination of the ramp induces a vertical force of the tank 2 on the electrochemical battery 5 which tends to cause these two elements to pass one above the other.

[0047] According to the illustrated embodiment, the ramp 64 is inclined upwards and forwards, so that the tank passes above the electrochemical battery 5 in the event of a longitudinal impact against the vehicle. According to an alternative embodiment, the ramp 64 could be inclined downwards and forwards, so that the tank passes below the electrochemical battery 5 in the event of a longitudinal impact against the vehicle. The choice of one or other of the configurations could be made in particular according to the level of criticality of these two elements, knowing that the element which will be deflected upwards will probably be less exposed to secondary impacts likely to occur during an accident.

[0048] 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 may be, for example, between 20° and 70° inclusive. According to an alternative embodiment, the ramp 64 could also comprise a non-planar shape provided that it is capable of deflecting the tank relative to the electrochemical battery in the event of contact. The ramp 64 could, for example, comprise a shape in the form of a portion of a cylinder whose axis of revolution would be parallel to the transverse axis Y of the vehicle.

[0049] The ramp 64 is arranged on the front wall 7A of the tank 2. More specifically, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the ramp 64 is arranged on a lower portion 7A1 of the front wall 7A of the tank. The electrochemical battery 5 extends opposite this lower portion 7A1. An upper portion 7A2 of the front wall 7A may be roughly parallel to the vertical axis Z. The upper portion 7A2 may even overhang a rear portion of the electrochemical battery 5. This makes it possible to extend the tank 2 into an unused area of ​​the vehicle and thus improve the capacity of the tank 2. The presence of such an overhanging portion does not hinder the overlapping movement of the tank and the battery in the event of a longitudinal impact because the ramp 64 is arranged so that the tank passes above the electrochemical battery.In the event that the ramp 64 is arranged so that the tank passes below the electrochemical battery, the shape of the upper portion 7A2 of the front wall 71 of the tank could be moved back so as to avoid any interference during the overlap. Alternatively, the ramp 64 could be arranged on the upper portion 7A2 of the front wall 7A of the tank, the electrochemical battery 5 then extending opposite the upper portion 7A2 of the tank. According to a preferred embodiment, the ramp 64 comprises a set of guide rails 65, for example between two guide rails and ten guide rails included. The guide rails 65 extend parallel to each other along an axis included in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis X and to the vertical axis Z. The guide rails 65 can be distributed over the width of the front wall 7A.The use of guide rails 65 rather than a simple flat wall makes it possible to reduce the surface area in contact with the electrochemical battery case when the tank comes into contact with it. This makes it easier for these two elements to slide relative to each other.

[0050] Furthermore, when the tank 2 comes into contact with the housing of the electrochemical battery 5 following a longitudinal impact, the guide rails 65 are likely to sink locally into the housing of the electrochemical battery. The guide rails thus each create a mark, or in other words a hollow or furrow, in the housing of the electrochemical battery. When the tank 2 moves towards the electrochemical battery 5, the guide rails 65 slide within these hollows, which makes it possible to obtain a certain lateral guidance of the tank 2 relative to the electrochemical battery. Thus, the deformation of the vehicle in the event of a longitudinal impact is better controlled. In particular, the tank and / or the electrochemical battery is prevented from being ejected onto a lateral side of the vehicle. The tearing of electrical wires and / or electrical connection means is also avoided.

[0051] Advantageously, each guide rail 65 may comprise a profiled shape. A section perpendicular to an axis in which each guide rail extends may comprise a rounded shape intended to come into contact with the electrochemical battery in the event of a longitudinal impact against the vehicle. In particular, each guide rail may comprise a semi-cylindrical shape. Such a shape makes it possible both to effectively mark the housing of the electrochemical battery to produce the guiding effect described above, and also allows relatively smooth sliding at the interface between these two elements.

[0052] Advantageously, the structure 6 of the tank 2 is made of composite material. Such a material is lighter than steel and even than any other metal for equivalent strength. In addition, the methods for manufacturing components made of composite material make it possible to produce structures 6 with a wide variety of geometric shapes. More complex structural shapes 6 than those obtained from metal can thus be envisaged so as to exploit all available volume of the vehicle and thus increase the capacity of the tank. More complex tank shapes can in particular be recommended when the tanks are intended to store a pressurized gas rather than a liquid because, unlike a liquid, the gas does not present a risk of retention in the tank.

[0053] The composite material may include a draped or preformed structure, and / or braided and resin-impregnated materials. The composite material may be made from reinforcing elements and a matrix. The reinforcing elements may include carbon or glass fibers, which are lightweight materials, or Kevlar (registered trademark), which has greater impact resistance. The matrix may be an organic matrix, for example, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, or a modified polyester. The matrix may also be a metal matrix.

[0054] Advantageously, the guide rails 65 can form a single-piece assembly with the rigid structure 6. Thus, the guide rails 65 are formed at the same time as the manufacture of the tank 2 and it is possible to save a step of assembling the guide rails 65 to the tank 2. In addition, the cohesion between the guide rails and the tank is thus optimized. According to an alternative embodiment, the guide rails could be elements separate from the tank 2 and fixed to the tank by a fixing means.

[0055] Figures 5A and 5B illustrate in perspective view the structure 6 of an embodiment of the tank 2. The walls 7A and 7B are connected to each other by a first set of connecting elements 51 extending parallel to the X axis. Similarly, the walls 8A and 8B are connected to each other by a second set of connecting elements 52 extending parallel to the Y axis and the walls 9A and 9B are connected to each other by a third set of connecting elements 53 extending parallel to the Z axis.

[0056] According to an alternative embodiment, the tank 2 could comprise only one set of connecting elements or only two sets of connecting elements among the three sets of connecting elements 51, 52, 53. Alternatively, all or part of the sets of connecting elements 51, 52, 53 could extend in directions different from the X, Y and Z axes, provided that the axis along which each of the sets of connecting elements extends forms a non-zero angle with the axis 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 each other so as to stiffen the tank optimally.

[0057] The connecting elements 51, 52, 53 pass through the tank 2 from one side to the other between two opposite walls. The connecting elements act as tie rods reinforcing the resistance of the tank: they are stressed in traction when the energy fluid contained in the tank exerts pressure on the walls 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9A and 9B. They are stressed in compression when the vehicle undergoes a longitudinal impact. The connecting elements 51, 52, 53 are arranged inside the casing of the tank 2 and not on the periphery of this casing.

[0058] Preferably, each connecting element is distinct from the other connecting elements, that is to say that the connecting elements are without contact with each other and do not touch each other inside the tank. Thus, the tank 2 is not compartmentalized and the energy fluid can circulate easily inside the tank 2.

[0059] The connecting elements 51, 52, 53 are hollow. In particular, the connecting elements, which could also be called "reinforcement wells", may be tubes when they have a circular section. However, the section of the connecting elements is not necessarily circular. For example, the section of the connecting elements could also be square, rectangular, polygonal or ovoid.

[0060] Figure 6 illustrates in more detail a connecting element 51, the other connecting elements being designed in a similar manner. Each connecting element 51, 52, 53 comprises a tubular shape provided with an external face 54 and an internal face 55. The external face 54 is turned towards the inside of the tank and is therefore intended to be in contact with the energy fluid, while the internal face 55 communicates with the outside of the tank and is therefore intended to be in contact with the ambient air.

[0061] The internal face 55 may be provided in a material different from that forming the structure 6 of the tank. The internal face 55 may in particular be equipped with a metal tube which extends over the entire length of the connecting element 51, 52, 53 or only at the ends of the connecting elements 51, 52, 53. The metal tube may optionally be ringed on its external periphery so as to guarantee good support in the structure 6.

[0062] Each connecting element 51, 52, 53 comprises two opposite ends at the level of the two opposite walls that it connects. Due to the hollow nature of the connecting elements, the tank comprises, for each connecting element, an opening 56 passing right through the tank. These openings 56 do not communicate with the energy fluid storage volume. These openings 56 are therefore not useful for delivering an energy fluid, in particular for delivering pressurized hydrogen to the fuel cell 3. Advantageously, the openings 56 can be used to fix different pieces of equipment of the vehicle and in particular the guide rails 65.

[0063] For this purpose, the tank 2 comprises a set of fixing interfaces 57 arranged at the ends of the connecting elements 51, in the openings 56. As illustrated in FIG. 6, all or part of the fixing interfaces 57 may comprise an insert intended to cooperate with a fixing screw 58, for example a fixing screw of type M8 or M10. The insert may be formed in the metal tube equipping the internal face 55 of the connecting elements or be an additional element fitted against the internal face 55 of the connecting elements, for example a plastic dowel. The insert may for example comprise a length of between 20 mm and 60 mm inclusive. The insert may be tapped or not tapped. The insert thus provides a fixing means extending deep into the volume of the tank. Such a fixing means is particularly robust.

[0064] The guide rails 65 can thus be added elements, distinct from the structure 6 of the tank 2, and fixed against the front wall 7A of the tank 2 by means of fixing screws 58 cooperating with fixing interfaces 57. As a remark, the vehicle 1 can also comprise a shock absorption device 30 supported by the tank 2 and fixed to the rear wall 7B of the tank 2. The shock absorption device 30 can be integrated into a rear bumper of the vehicle. When an impact occurs at the rear of the vehicle against the shock absorption device 30, a force is transmitted to the tank 2, then subsequently to the side members 11 A, 11 B extending further to the front of the tank 2. The tank 2 therefore acts as an intermediate part between the shock absorption device 30 and the side members 11 A, 11 B.

[0065] If the impact is sufficiently severe, the deformations of the chassis cause the tank 2 to come into contact with the electrochemical battery 5. Thanks to the integration of the ramp 64 into the tank 2, telescoping between the tank and the electrochemical battery is avoided. Thus, the risk of these two elements undergoing forces so significant that they would lead to their destruction is avoided or limited and the consequences of the accident are minimized. In the event that the ramp 64 comprises guide rails 65, there is a certain guidance of the relative movement between the tank 2 and the electrochemical battery 5. Thus, the kinematics of deformation of the vehicle are better controlled and the harmful consequences of an accident are reduced.

[0066] Furthermore, thanks to the invention, there is a particularly compact arrangement because the tank can be positioned in direct proximity to the electrochemical battery without this creating an increased risk to the safety of vehicle users in the event of a longitudinal impact against the vehicle. The vehicle thus offers more space for passengers or for storage. Alternatively, this available volume can also be used to increase the size of the tank or the electrochemical battery and therefore to offer a vehicle with greater autonomy.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Arrangement for a vehicle (1) comprising a tank (2) intended to store an energy fluid and an electrochemical battery (5), the electrochemical battery (5) being arranged in the extension of the tank along a longitudinal axis (X) of the vehicle, the tank comprising a ramp (64) extending opposite the electrochemical battery, the ramp being inclined relative to a vertical axis (Z) of the vehicle to cause an overlap of the electrochemical battery and the tank in the event of a longitudinal impact against the vehicle.

2. Arrangement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the tank (2) is arranged at the rear of the electrochemical battery (5), and in that said ramp (64) is inclined so that the tank passes above the electrochemical battery (5) in the event of a longitudinal impact against the vehicle.

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

4. Arrangement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each guide rail (65) comprises a profiled shape, a section perpendicular to an axis in which each guide rail extends comprising a rounded shape intended to come into contact with the electrochemical battery in the event of a longitudinal impact against the vehicle, in particular in that each guide rail (65) includes a semi-cylindrical shape.

5. Arrangement according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the set of guide rails (65) comprises between two guide rails and ten guide rails inclusive.

6. Arrangement according to 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 with the rigid structure (6) a single-piece assembly.

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

8. Arrangement according to claim 3 and according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each guide rail (65) is fixed to the tank by means of fixing interfaces (57) arranged respectively at the ends of at least a part of the hollow connecting elements (51).

9. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a first side member (11 A) and a second side member (11 B), the side members extending parallel to a longitudinal axis (X) of the vehicle, the tank (2) being fixed to each of the two side members and extending in the extension of the two side members along the longitudinal axis (X), the electrochemical battery (5) being fixed to the two side members between the two side members.

10. Vehicle (1), in particular a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises an arrangement according to one of the claims 5 previous.

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