Arrangement including a means of protecting a battery in the event of a pole impact.

Abstract

An arrangement comprising a means for protecting a battery against a pole. The invention relates to an arrangement (2) for a vehicle comprising an element to be protected, in particular a traction and / or propulsion battery of such a vehicle, the element being parallelepiped-shaped or substantially parallelepiped-shaped 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; a chassis (4) for such a vehicle; and a means for protecting the element, in particular against lateral impacts sustained by such a vehicle, the protective means (10) being arranged at least partially under the element in the vertical direction. Illustration: 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 protective means being arranged at least partially under the element in the vertical direction.

[0009] The protective means may comprise 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.

[0010] The panel may comprise transverse tubes, in particular tubes of rectangular section.

[0011] The panel may comprise an upper plate, in particular a sheet metal, in particular an openwork sheet metal, arranged above the transverse tubes, the upper plate being able to extend in a transverse and longitudinal plane, or substantially in a transverse and longitudinal plane.

[0012] The panel may comprise a lower plate, in particular a sheet metal, in particular an openwork sheet metal, arranged below the transverse tubes, the lower plate being able to extend in a transverse and longitudinal plane, or substantially in a transverse and longitudinal plane.

[0013] The panel may comprise a first U extending longitudinally to the right and a second U extending longitudinally to the left, the first and second U being able to enclose the lower and upper plates within the U, in particular by sandwiching the transverse tubes between the first and second plates.

[0014] The panel may comprise: - a high right lateral strip, in particular a sheet metal, arranged above the upper plate and able to extend longitudinally at the level of a right lateral end of the panel, - a high left side strip, in particular a sheet metal, arranged above the upper plate and able to extend longitudinally at the level of a left side end of the panel, - a lower right side strip, in particular a sheet metal, arranged below the lower plate and able to extend longitudinally at the level of a right side end of the panel, - a lower left side strip, in particular a sheet metal, arranged below the lower plate and able to extend longitudinally at a left lateral end of the panel, the upper and lower right side strips able to be inserted at least partially within the first U and the upper and lower left side strips able to be inserted at least partially within the second U.

[0015] The panel may comprise at least two longitudinal tubes joined at a right lateral end of the panel and at least two longitudinal tubes joined at a left lateral end of the panel, the longitudinal tubes being able to have a thickness in the vertical direction in particular similar or even identical to the thickness of the transverse tubes so as to obtain a constant or substantially constant thickness of the panel in the vertical direction.

[0016] The frame may comprise a tubular right flap capable of extending longitudinally and a tubular left flap capable of extending longitudinally, the right and left flaps being able to be arranged in the vertical direction respectively above the right and left lateral ends of the panel.

[0017] The panel can be fixed to each flap of the frame, in particular by first fixing means with a substantially vertical axis, in particular screws or screw-nut systems.

[0018] The element can be fixed to the panel, in particular by second fixing means with a substantially vertical axis, in particular screws or screw-nut systems.

[0019] The panel may be a mechanically welded structure.

[0020] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising an arrangement as defined above. Presentation of figures

[0021] 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:

[0022] [Fig.l] is a schematic view of a motor vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0023] [Fig.2] is a partial exploded view of an arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0024] [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.

[0025] [Fig.4] is a partial sectional view along a vertical plane of a panel of an arrangement according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0026] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of a panel of an arrangement according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0027] [Fig.6] is a partial sectional view of the arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention. Detailed description

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] Preferably, the vehicle 1 is a utility vehicle, in particular of the van type.

[0031] More precisely, as illustrated in particular in Figures 3 and 6, 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 and 6. The housing 30 comprises a frame 33, preferably in the shape of a rectangle or square. The housing 30 also comprises crosspieces 31, for example at least two crosspieces 31, intended to extend transversely relative to the vehicle 1 (see [Fig.2]).

[0032] Optionally, arrangement 2 comprises housing 30.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The arrangement 2 further comprises a means 10 for protecting the battery, in particular against lateral impacts suffered by the vehicle 1. More precisely, as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6, the means of protection 10 is arranged at least partially under the battery 3 in the vertical direction. As will be seen later, the means of protection 10 aims to preserve the integrity of the battery in the event of a lateral impact, particularly during a simulation of a lateral vehicle slide called a pole impact intended to satisfy a regulation. More precisely, as illustrated in the exploded view of [Fig. 2], the battery 3, preferably a housing or enclosure 30, is sandwiched between the means of protection 10 and the chassis 4. Preferably, the means of protection 10 extends in a transverse and longitudinal plane, or substantially in such a plane.

[0035] The protection means 10 comprises a structure 20 whose thickness E20 in the vertical direction is much less than the length L20 in the longitudinal direction and the width 120 in the transverse direction of the vehicle. These dimensions are illustrated in [Fig. 5] as an example. By "much less", it is meant that the thickness E20 of the structure 20 is for example 30 times less than the length L20 of the structure 20 or the width 120 of the structure 20 or it is meant that the thickness E20 of the structure 20 is for example less than 5 cm, for example of the order of 3.5 cm, whereas the length L20 of the structure 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] In a first embodiment of the panel 20 illustrated in [Fig. 4], the panel 20 comprises transverse tubes 21. Preferably, the section of the tubes is rectangular. The transverse tubes 21 extend 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 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. Preferably, the panel 20 comprises an upper plate 24 extending in a transverse and longitudinal plane, or substantially in a transverse and longitudinal plane. For example, the upper plate 24 is a sheet metal, possibly perforated, in particular perforated so as to minimize its mass. The upper plate 24 is arranged above the transverse tubes 21, for example by being in contact with them. Preferably, the panel 20 comprises a lower plate 22 extending in a transverse and longitudinal plane, or substantially in a transverse and longitudinal plane. For example, the lower plate is a sheet metal, possibly perforated, in particular perforated so as to minimize its mass.The lower plate arranged under transverse tubes 21, for example in contact with them. Preferably, the upper or lower plate is a sheet metal, in particular a sheet metal made of Very High Elastic Limit steel. For example, the thickness of the upper or lower plate is between 1 mm and 1.2 mm.

[0037] The panel 20 preferably comprises a first U 25 extending longitudinally to the right and a second U 26 extending longitudinally to the left. The first and second U 25, 26 enclose, wedge, tighten, pinch the lower and upper plates 22, 24 within the U, preferably by sandwiching the transverse tubes 21 between the first and second plates 22, 24. 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 folds 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.

[0038] Optionally, the panel 20 further comprises a high right lateral strip, for example a rectangular sheet, arranged above the upper plate 24 and extending longitudinally at a right lateral end of the panel 20. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6, the panel then preferably further comprises a high left lateral strip 43, for example a sheet, arranged above the upper plate 24 and extending longitudinally at a left lateral end 28 of the panel 20. The panel then preferably further comprises a low right lateral strip, for example a rectangular sheet, arranged below the lower plate 22 and extending longitudinally at a right lateral end of the panel. The panel then preferably further comprises a low left lateral strip 44, for example a rectangular sheet, arranged below the lower plate 22 and extending longitudinally at a left lateral end 28 of the panel. The upper and lower right lateral strips are preferably inserted, at least partially within the first U and the upper and lower left lateral strips 43, 44 are inserted at least partially within the second U 26.

[0039] According to a second embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 5], the panel 20 comprises at least two longitudinal tubes 29 joined at a right lateral end 27 of the panel 20 and at least two longitudinal tubes 29 joined at a left lateral end 28 of the panel 20. In the second embodiment, the panel comprises transverse tubes 21. Preferably, the longitudinal tubes 29 have a thickness in the vertical direction similar or even identical to the thickness of the transverse tubes 21 so as to obtain a thickness of the panel 20 that is constant or substantially constant in the vertical direction. For example, the longitudinal tubes 29 have a rectangular, preferably square, section.

[0040] In this second embodiment of the panel, optionally, the panel 20 further comprises a high right lateral strip, for example a rectangular sheet, arranged above the longitudinal tubes and / or above a portion of the transverse tubes and extending longitudinally at a right lateral end of the panel 20. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the panel then preferably further comprises a high left lateral strip 43, for example a sheet, arranged above the longitudinal tubes and / or above a portion of the transverse tubes and extending longitudinally at a left lateral end 28 of the panel 20. The panel then preferably further comprises a low right lateral strip, for example a rectangular sheet, arranged below the longitudinal tubes and / or a portion of the transverse tubes and extending longitudinally at a right lateral end of the panel.The panel then preferably further comprises a low left lateral strip 44, for example a rectangular sheet, arranged below the longitudinal tubes and / or part of the transverse tubes and extending longitudinally at a left lateral end 28 of the panel.

[0041] In this second embodiment, optionally, the panel comprises an upper plate extending in a transverse and longitudinal plane, or substantially in a transverse and longitudinal plane (case not illustrated). For example, the upper plate is a sheet metal, possibly perforated, in particular perforated so as to minimize its mass. The upper plate is arranged above the transverse tubes, for example by being in contact with them. Optionally, the panel comprises a lower plate extending in a transverse and longitudinal plane, or substantially in a transverse and longitudinal plane (case not illustrated). For example, the lower plate is a sheet metal, possibly perforated, in particular perforated so as to minimize its mass. The lower plate is arranged under transverse tubes 21, for example by being in contact with them.

[0042] Preferably, the transverse tubes 21 are of rectangular section. For example, the width of each transverse tube 21, in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, is 4 cm to 5 cm for a height of approximately 3 cm, typically 3.3 cm, and a tube thickness of 1 to 1.5 mm. Preferably, each transverse tube 21 is made of steel, in particular Ultra High Elastic Limit steel. More preferably, each transverse tube 21 is spaced from another transverse tube by 4 cm to 8 cm in the longitudinal direction. The panel may comprise 15 to 25 transverse tubes 21. Alternatively or in addition, the tube(s) 21 are of square section.

[0043] Preferably, the panel 20 is a mechanically welded structure.

[0044] For example, the frame 4 comprises a tubular right flap extending longitudinally and a tubular left flap 7G extending longitudinally. The right and left flaps are arranged, in the vertical direction, respectively above the right and left lateral ends 27, 28 of the panel 20, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6. For example, each flap has a section along a vertical and transverse plane of square or rectangular shape. Each flap is preferably a hollow body extending longitudinally.

[0045] Preferably, as illustrated in [Fig. 3], the panel is fixed to each skirt of the chassis 4. For example, first fixing means 35 with a substantially vertical axis, preferably screws or screw-nut systems, ensure the fixing of the panel to the skirts, for example by crossing the upper and lower lateral bands and / or longitudinal tubes, or even U-shaped sections and by screwing into sheet metal parts of the skirts or even into nuts fixed or added within the skirts, possibly beforehand.

[0046] More preferably, the battery 3 is fixed to the panel 20 or vice versa. For this, second fixing means 32 with a substantially vertical axis, preferably screws or screw-nut systems, ensure the fixing. For example, the fixings are made via holes made in the crosspieces 31 of the housing 30 housing the battery 3 and via holes made in the panel, preferably in transverse tubes so as to obtain good rigidity for each fixing. For example, nuts are provided above the housing or below the panel.

[0047] 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, according to certain vehicle configurations, the space available for housing the panel in the vertical direction under the steps, i.e., between the upper surface of the housing 30 and the underside of the steps 5, is of the order of 35 mm.

[0048] 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.

[0049] In summary, the solution relates to the addition of a means of protection, in particular an additional structure of the panel type 20 extending mainly in the transverse and longitudinal directions under the battery 3. The panel 20 is particularly light while having characteristics of optimal mechanical resistance, in particular in the transverse direction.

[0050] 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.6]). 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, particularly 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 protection means reinforces the housing in particular with a view to a post impact, i.e. a lateral 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 creates a path for the passage of lateral forces. Finally, although the running boards prevent the stiffness of the chassis from being exploited, in particular 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 even extends laterally beyond.

[0051] The arrangement provides 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 along the entire length of the battery, the same level of resistance is obtained regardless of where the impact occurs along the battery in the longitudinal direction.

[0052] Preferably, the panel 20 extended laterally on each side (right and left) beyond the battery (see [Fig.3] in particular) is as wide in the transverse direction as the platform or floor of the vehicle.

[0053] The solution is therefore independent of the floor, it notably involves adding a structure under the battery. Thus, the force paths from a side impact pass under the battery, in this case in the panel placed under the battery.

[0054] Note that the solution is particularly suitable for an independent chassis, i.e. the superstructure including the body sides is screwed vertically to the chassis. In this case, for example, the superstructure is placed and screwed to the chassis, for example via sub-frame brackets preferably extending longitudinally. The solution is also compatible with a self-supporting body.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] Preferably, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 6, the hollow body type flaps are 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 at the level of the module(s) making up the battery during a lateral impact. 2possibly a space or lateral clearance is provided for this purpose between the flaps and the housing 30 of the battery in order to tolerate any lateral sinking of the flap.

[0058] Advantageously, the panel 20 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. It should be noted that the structure of the panel 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. Preferably, the housing 30 is firmly fixed to the panel 20 as seen previously.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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 protective means makes it possible to keep the battery casing intact or substantially intact during a side impact at 35 km / h, all along the battery in the longitudinal direction. The arrangement comprising the means of protection allows for only minimal cracks in the battery case during an impact at 45 km / h, and this, along the entire length of the battery in the longitudinal direction. For example, such cracks are less than 20 mm. The arrangement also prevents any short circuit inside the battery cells, which could lead to thermal runaway and / or fire. In addition, the arrangement eliminates any risk of electrocution for occupants and / or emergency services following a side impact.

[0061] 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 protection 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 preferably coming under the steps and not impairing the space occupied by the battery and / or its housing.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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 and / or propulsion battery comprising only a few internal cross members, that is to say 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 of protection (10) of the element (3), in particular against lateral impacts suffered by such a vehicle (1), characterized in that the means of protection (10) is arranged at least partially under the element (3) in the vertical direction.

2. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the protection means (10) comprises a panel (20) whose thickness (E20) in the vertical direction is significantly less than the length (L20) in the longitudinal direction and the width (120) in the transverse direction.

3. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the panel (20) comprises transverse tubes (21), in particular tubes of rectangular section.

4. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the panel (20) comprises an upper plate (24), in particular a sheet metal, in particular an openwork sheet metal, arranged above the transverse tubes (21), the upper plate (24) extending in a transverse and longitudinal plane, or substantially in a transverse and longitudinal plane.

5. Arrangement (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that the panel (20) comprises a lower plate (22), in particular a sheet metal, in particular an openwork sheet metal, arranged below the transverse tubes (21), the lower plate (22) extending in a transverse and longitudinal plane, or substantially in a transverse and longitudinal plane.

6. Arrangement (2) according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the panel (20) comprises a first U (25) extending longitudinally to the right and a second U (26) extending longitudinally to the left, the first and second U (25, 26) enclosing the lower and upper plates (22, 24) within the U, in particular by sandwiching the transverse tubes (21) between the first and second plates (22, 24).

7. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the panel (20) comprises: - a high right lateral strip (41), in particular a sheet metal, arranged above the upper plate (24) and extending longitudinally at a right lateral end (27) of the panel (20), - a high left lateral strip (43), in particular a sheet metal, arranged above the upper plate (24) and extending longitudinally at a left lateral end (28) of the panel (20), - a low right lateral strip (42), in particular a sheet metal, arranged below the lower plate (22) and extending longitudinally at a right lateral end (27) of the panel (20), - a low left lateral strip (44), in particular a sheet metal, arranged below the lower plate (22) and extending longitudinally at a left lateral end (28) of the panel (20), the upper and lower right side bands (41,42) being inserted at least partially within the first U and the upper and lower left side bands (43, 44) being inserted at least partially within the second U.,

8. Arrangement (2) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the panel (20) comprises at least two longitudinal tubes (29) joined at a right lateral end (27) of the panel (20) and at least two longitudinal tubes joined at a left lateral end (28) of the panel (20), the longitudinal tubes (29) having a thickness in the vertical direction in particular similar or even identical to the thickness of the transverse tubes (21) so as to obtain a thickness of the panel (20) constant or substantially constant in the vertical direction.

9. Arrangement (2) according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the frame (4) comprises a tubular right flap extending longitudinally and a tubular left flap (7G) extending longitudinally, the right and left flaps being arranged in the vertical direction respectively above the right and left lateral ends (27, 28) of the panel (20).

10. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the panel (20) is fixed to each flap of the frame (4), in particular by first fixing means (35) of substantially vertical axis, in particular screws or screw-nut systems.

11. Arrangement (2) according to one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that the element (3) is fixed to the panel (20), in particular by second fixing means (32) of substantially vertical axis, in particular screws or screw-nut systems.

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

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

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