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

Abstract

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

Description

Title of the invention: Arrangement comprising a means of 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 of protecting the element. The invention further relates to a vehicle comprising such an arrangement. Prior art

[0002] An electric or hybrid vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, generally includes a traction and / or propulsion battery extending along the 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 cross members intended to compartmentalize such a housing, particularly for the purpose of providing mechanical strength to such a housing. Such cross members extend along the transverse direction of such a vehicle.

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

[0005] However, in the case of a commercial vehicle, the mass of such a vehicle is very high, for example, on the order of 2800 kg. This results in significant kinetic energy, causing substantial deformation of the vehicle's floor upon impact with a pole. Such deformation leads to damage to the battery casing and, consequently, to damage to the battery itself. It is essential to avoid any damage, breakage, or deformation of the battery. Indeed, such modifications to the battery, even minor ones, can lead to thermal runaway and / or fire.

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

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide an arrangement remedying the above drawbacks. In particular, the invention proposes an arrangement making it possible to satisfy a regulation related 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 along the longitudinal, transverse and vertical directions, the dimension along the vertical direction being smaller than the other two dimensions of the element, - a chassis for such a vehicle, - a means of protecting the component, particularly against side impacts sustained by such a vehicle, the means of protection being arranged at least partially between the chassis and the component in the vertical direction, the means of protection comprising a panel whose thickness in the vertical direction is significantly less than its length in the longitudinal direction and its width in the transverse direction, the panel comprising: - main transverse tubes extending substantially over at least the width of the element to be protected, the main transverse tubes extending from a right lateral end of the panel to a left lateral end of the panel, and - straight transverse secondary tubes extending from the right lateral end of the panel over a portion of the panel's width, and - secondary transverse left tubes extending from the left lateral end of the panel over a portion of the panel's width.

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

[0010] The panel may include a right U extending longitudinally along the right lateral end of the panel and a left U extending longitudinally along the left lateral end of the panel, the right U-shaped bracket capable of enclosing the straight transverse secondary tubes, particularly along their entire length, and / or the left U-shaped bracket that can enclose the left transverse secondary tubes, in particular along their entire length.

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

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

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

[0014] The frame may include a tubular right-hand drip edge, in particular with a rectangular cross-section, extending longitudinally and a tubular left-hand drip edge extending longitudinally, the right and left-hand drip edges being able to be arranged in the vertical direction opposite the panel and / or the element and on either side of the panel in the transverse direction.

[0015] The protection means may include a right reinforcement arranged within the right tubular flap and a left reinforcement arranged within the left tubular flap.

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

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

[0018] The panel can be a welded mechanical structure.

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

[0020] These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description of an embodiment of an arrangement, given by way of non-limiting example, in relation to the accompanying figures, among which:

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0027] The direction in which a vehicle, particularly 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 right-handed coordinate system XYZ is used in which X is the longitudinal direction in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle, i.e., directed towards the rear, Y is the transverse direction directed to 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 backward direction.

[0028] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], 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 part of a fuel cell, or some other type of element to be protected, in particular in the event of a side impact. The element 3 to be protected is parallelepiped-shaped, or substantially parallelepiped-shaped. The element 3 extends along the longitudinal, transverse, and vertical directions of the vehicle, and the value of the dimension along the vertical direction is smaller than the values ​​of the dimensions along the transverse and longitudinal directions of the vehicle.

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

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

[0031] Optionally, arrangement 2 includes housing 30.

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

[0033] The arrangement 2 further includes a means of protecting the battery 3 10. As will be seen later, the means of protecting the battery 10 is intended to maintain the integrity of the battery in the event of a side impact, particularly during a simulation of a vehicle's side slide called a pole impact, intended to satisfy a regulation.

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

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

[0036] As illustrated in particular in Figures 2 and 6, the panel 20 comprises main transverse tubes 21 extending substantially over at least the width of the battery 3 to be protected. The width of the battery 3 corresponds to the battery dimension along the transverse direction of the vehicle. The main 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.

[0037] The panel 20 further includes straight transverse secondary tubes 23. Each straight transverse secondary tube 23 extends from the right lateral end 27 of the panel 20 on a portion p20 of the width 120 of panel 20, as illustrated in [Fig.6], i.e. in the direction of the left lateral end 28 of the panel.

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

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

[0040] Preferably, the p20 portions have the same or substantially the same value. Alternatively, the lengths of the p20 portions corresponding to the length of the right and / or left transverse secondary tubes are unequal. Alternatively still, as illustrated in [Fig. 6], some transverse secondary tubes 23B, 24B are longer than the other transverse secondary tubes and extend inward from the panel relative to the other transverse secondary tubes. Alternatively still, some transverse secondary tubes are shorter than the other transverse secondary tubes (cases not illustrated), particularly for mass reduction purposes.

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

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

[0043] Preferably, the secondary transverse tubes 23, 24, i.e., short tubes, have a rectangular cross-section (in unillustrated embodiments, the tubes may have other cross-sections). For example, the width of each tube, along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, is 5 cm, with a height of 3.3 cm and a tube thickness of 1 to 2 mm, for example, at least 1.2 mm. Preferably, the short transverse tubes are spaced 4 to 8 cm apart along the longitudinal direction. Preferably, each short transverse tube is made of steel, in particular ultra-high-strength steel.

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

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

[0046] Optionally, the panel includes a top plate. The top plate is arranged above the main and secondary transverse tubes, preferably in contact with them. Thus, the top plate extends in a transverse and longitudinal plane, or substantially in a transverse and longitudinal plane. Preferably, the top plate is a sheet, in particular a sheet of Very High Yield Strength steel. For example, the thickness of the top plate is between 1 mm and 1.2 mm. Optionally, for example in addition to the top plate, the panel includes a bottom plate. The bottom plate is arranged below the main and secondary transverse tubes, preferably in contact with them. Thus, the bottom plate extends in a transverse and longitudinal plane, or substantially in a transverse and longitudinal plane.Preferably, the lower plate is a sheet of metal, in particular a sheet of Very High Yield Strength steel. For example, . The thickness of the lower plate is between 1 mm and 1.2 mm. For example, the fixing of each plate onto the transverse tubes is ensured by welding, in particular by arc welding via dashes or beads.

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

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

[0049] In any case, the hollows of each U 25, 26 are opposite each other, the Us 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-yield-strength steel, for example having a thickness between 1 mm and 1.5 mm, or even between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm.

[0050] Preferably, each U is attached to the main tubes 21. This attachment is achieved by welding, in particular by arc welding using dashes or beads, for example, beads approximately 20 mm long, for example between each main tube and each U. For example, the beads are made between the ends of the U and the upper and lower faces of the main tubes 21. In the case of secondary tubes 23B, 24B extending from the U into the interior of the panel, each U can be attached to these tubes. This attachment is achieved by welding, in particular by arc welding using dashes or beads, for example, beads approximately 20 mm long, for example between each extending secondary tube and each U. For example, the beads are made between the ends of the U and the upper and lower faces of the extending secondary tubes 23B, 24B.

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

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

[0053] As illustrated in particular in Figures 3 and 4, the protective means 10 further comprises a left reinforcement 12 arranged, housed, and fixed inside the left tubular drip edge 7G and a right reinforcement arranged within the right tubular drip edge (not shown). Preferably, each reinforcement comprises or is of the profile type, at least partially filling the volume of each corresponding drip edge. Thus, preferably, each drip edge comprises an empty volume, each reinforcement preferably occurring only in the upper part of each drip edge. For example, each profile is a bar with a square or rectangular external cross-section divided by walls, in particular walls perpendicular to each other. For example, the profiles of the reinforcements are made of sheet metal, in particular Ultra High Yield Strength sheet metal. The thickness of the cross-section and the walls of each reinforcement is, for example, between 2 mm and 2.6 mm. For example, as illustrated in [Fig.[3] The left-hand reinforcement comprises two vertical walls 13 and two horizontal walls 14. For example, the reinforcements are opposite, facing battery 3 in the vertical direction (case not shown), or offset below battery 3 (case not shown). Preferably, the reinforcements are offset above the battery (case shown in Figures 3 and 4). For example, each profile-type reinforcement is attached to the corresponding chamfer by arc welding, spot welding, or any other type of welding, in particular by means of fixing brackets or angle brackets. Preferably, a step 5 extending substantially longitudinally is arranged on the left, for example, substantially above a chassis chamfer and / or a body side chamfer, i.e., a superstructure chamfer. A step on the right is also preferably provided.For example, the space available to house 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 approximately 3.5 cm.

[0054] Preferably, as illustrated in [Fig. 5], the battery 3, or advantageously its housing 30, is fixed by means of a protective device 10. More specifically, the housing 30 is fixed to the panel 20. For example, screws 32, arranged in rows, pass through the panel 20, possibly through a cover of the battery housing, to screw into the cross members 31 of the housing. Thus, each row of screws 32 is opposite each cross member 31. Alternatively, the screws 32 cooperate with nuts under the housing, or even are arranged in each cross member of the housing, possibly having been pre-welded. at the level of each cross member 31. For example, four cross members 31 are provided in the housing and three screws per cross member 31 are provided to ensure assembly.

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

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

[0057] As previously mentioned, the protective means preferably includes further reinforcements extending from the panel in the transverse direction, these reinforcements extending within one or more lateral flaps. The protective means ensures the protection of the battery in the event of an impact against a post P, despite the stresses of a commercial vehicle (see [Fig. 4]). Indeed, the solution reinforces the chassis, particularly in the transverse direction, so as to protect the housing containing the battery, and ultimately, the battery itself. Thus, despite the considerable mass of the vehicle generating significant kinetic energy, particularly for commercial vehicles, for example, on the order of 2800 kg or more, the battery is protected, especially in the transverse direction.Although the battery extends across almost the entire width of the chassis, the protective device reinforces the casing, particularly against pole impacts, i.e., lateral impacts. Thus, even if the battery casing or enclosure is potentially weak, for example, non-structural, particularly with only a few cross members extending along the vehicle's transverse direction (e.g., between two and four cross members), panel 20 and / or the reinforcements in the side skirts create a pathway for lateral forces to pass through. Finally, although the running boards prevent the chassis rigidity from being fully utilized, especially from the floor to its lateral ends, particularly by reducing the available space above the battery, the protective device compensates for, and even increases, this rigidity and protects the battery from impacts, especially those resulting from a pole impact test.As seen previously, the structural plate or panel 20 covers battery 3 and the chassis flanges are filled at least partially by particularly rigid profile-type reinforcements.

[0058] During a lateral impact, the first level or stage of deformation, damping, and energy absorption caused by the impact preferably rests on the reinforcements housed in the right and left side panels. As a reminder, each side panel reinforcement is rigid in bending to propagate the forces from the post impact over the greatest length. along the longitudinal direction.

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

[0060] The third structural stage, responsible for deformation, damping, and energy absorption, rests on the transverse main tubes 21 extending completely between the U-shaped sections. Since the first and second stages effectively distribute the forces, the central area or support zone of the panel in the transverse direction can be limited. Thus, thanks to the presence of the secondary tubes, it is possible to limit the number of main tubes 21 to just a few; for example, five to eight tubes are sufficient. Obviously, fewer or more main tubes may be suitable depending on the chassis design and / or the type of vehicle. The alternating secondary and main tubes offer a significant weight reduction for the panel without compromising its mechanical strength, particularly in the lateral direction.

[0061] The mass gain between a panel comprising only main tubes and the panel comprising both secondary and main tubes is substantial, and is for example close to fifty percent.

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

[0063] Thus, the structural panel 20, positioned under the chassis and covering the battery 3 and at least part of the side fenders, fits within the available height, for example, approximately 35 mm. Preferably, the reinforcements arranged within the fenders have a similar or even identical height in the vertical direction to the height E20 of the panel. This arrangement provides very high rigidity at the edge of the vehicle and therefore offers maximum resistance to the post from the outset of the impact. Furthermore, given that the protective means extends along the entire length of the battery, the same level of resistance is achieved regardless of where the impact occurs along the battery in the longitudinal direction.

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

[0065] The solution is therefore independent of the floor; it relates in particular to an addition, a structure inserted vertically between the battery and the chassis floor. Thus, the stress paths from a lateral impact pass over the battery, specifically through the reinforcements arranged in the mudguards and / or in the panel positioned above the battery.

[0066] It should be noted that the solution is particularly well-suited for an independent chassis, i.e., one whose superstructure, including the body sides, is screwed vertically to the chassis. In this case, for example, the superstructure is placed and screwed onto the chassis, for instance, via underbody brackets that preferably extend longitudinally. Indeed, the protective device, in particular the panel, is positioned under the chassis, namely between the battery (more precisely its casing, if applicable) and the chassis. The solution is also compatible with a self-supporting body.

[0067] The solution meets mechanical resistance regulations against various types of impacts, particularly lateral impacts against poles. Furthermore, the solution offers exceptionally low indentation at the battery casing during a pole impact, i.e., well below the level of indentation permitted by regulations and / or equivalent to that allowed by regulations but at speeds exceeding those of the regulatory test.

[0068] The solution prevents damage to the battery housing, or at least limits it to minimal levels. Deformation, damage, or breakage of the battery is thus prevented, and any thermal runaway of the battery and / or resulting fire are avoided.

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

[0070] Advantageously, the assembly comprising the panel 20 and the reinforcements within the drip edges is projected as far out as possible in the transverse direction so as to maximize resistance to post penetration, and this as early as possible during the impact. Due to its profiled cross-section as previously described, each drip edge reinforcement is stiff and rigid in terms of bending in order to propagate the impact forces over the greatest possible length in the longitudinal direction. It should be noted that the panel structure, particularly thanks to its main and secondary cross members or tubes 21, 23, 24, 23B, 24B associated with the U-shaped members 25, 26, is particularly rigid in the transverse direction. Such a structure makes it possible to distribute the forces so as to stress the entire panel regardless of the point of impact in the longitudinal direction. Tudinal. Preferably, the housing 30 is securely attached to the panel 20 as previously described. Such attachment contributes to the deceleration of the battery housing in the event of an impact.

[0071] The solution allows lateral forces from a pole impact to be passed elsewhere than through the frame of the housing 30 and through a floor of the housing 30 receiving the battery 3.

[0072] In other words, the consequences of a side impact are not aggravated by the presence of the vehicle's high-voltage traction and / or propulsion battery. The arrangement incorporating the protective means ensures that the battery casing remains intact or substantially intact during a side impact at 35 km / h, along its entire length in the longitudinal direction. The arrangement incorporating the protective means ensures that only minimal cracks occur in the battery casing during an impact at 45 km / h, along its entire length in the longitudinal direction. For example, such cracks are less than 20 mm. The arrangement also prevents any short circuit within the battery cells, which could lead to thermal runaway and / or fire. Furthermore, the arrangement eliminates any risk of electrocution for the occupants and / or emergency responders following a side impact.

[0073] Finally, thanks to this solution, the traction and / or propulsion battery can extend over a large area along the transverse direction of the utility vehicle without risk in the event of a side impact, for example, up to 25 cm from the edge of the vehicle. In particular, the protective device covers the right and left side skirts of the chassis, where applicable. The presence of side steps at the front and / or rear doors does not pose a problem for the battery installation, as the ends of the panel and / or the reinforcements of the protective device preferably extend under the steps and do not encroach upon the space occupied by the battery and / or its casing.

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

[0075] The solution does not affect the center of gravity of the vehicle, the battery remaining arranged at a low level in the vertical direction, and in a balanced, or even centered, manner in the longitudinal and transverse directions.

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

[0077] As a side note, the solution therefore achieves the desired objective of enabling compliance with regulations related to pole impact for an electric or hybrid utility vehicle, in particular compatible with a housing receiving such a traction battery and / or propulsion comprising only a few internal cross members, i.e. a casing 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 machine.

Claims

Claims

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Images