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

Abstract

Arrangement comprising a means for protecting a battery during a pole impact.Arrangement (2) for a vehicle comprising an element to be protected, the element 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, a chassis (4) for such a vehicle, a means (10) for protecting the element, the means of protection (10) being arranged at least partially under the element in the vertical direction, the means of protection (10) comprising a panel (20) whose thickness in the vertical direction is significantly smaller than the length in the longitudinal direction and the width in the transverse direction, the panel (20) comprising transverse main tubes, the transverse main tubes of the panel (20) extending between a right longitudinal tube and a left longitudinal tube of the panel (20). Abstract figure: fig. 2.

Description

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

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

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

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

[0004] The 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 commercial motor vehicle, the mass of the 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 the battery housing and, consequently, deterioration of the battery. However, it is important 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. Optionally, running boards equipping such a chassis at the level of a floor constrain the installation of the 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] According to the invention, an arrangement for a vehicle, in particular for an electric vehicle, comprises: - 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, and - a means of protecting the element, in particular against side impacts suffered by such a vehicle. The protective means is arranged at least partially under the element in the vertical direction, the protective means comprises 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 and the panel comprises transverse main tubes, in particular tubes of rectangular section. The transverse main tubes of the panel extend between a right longitudinal tube and a left longitudinal tube of the panel.

[0009] The panel may comprise: - a right lateral reinforcement extending from the right longitudinal tube in the transverse direction and opposite the transverse main tubes, and - a left lateral reinforcement extending from the left longitudinal tube in the transverse direction and opposite the main transverse tubes.

[0010] The right lateral reinforcement and the left lateral reinforcement may each comprise secondary transverse tubes joining a secondary longitudinal tube, an upper plate coming on top of the secondary transverse tubes and / or a lower plate coming on the bottom of the secondary transverse tubes.

[0011] The right lateral reinforcement and the left lateral reinforcement may each comprise at least one corrugated sheet, preferably two corrugated sheets arranged opposite each other, in particular two corrugated sheets connected to each other by a flat sheet.

[0012] The arrangement may comprise lateral extensions comprising at least one secondary longitudinal tube, in particular at least two secondary longitudinal tubes joined together, arranged laterally at the lateral reinforcements opposite the main transverse tubes.

[0013] The frame may comprise a longitudinally extending tubular right flap and a longitudinally extending tubular left flap, the right and left flaps being arranged in the vertical direction respectively above or substantially above each lateral extension and / or above or substantially above each lateral reinforcement.

[0014] The panel can be fixed to the chassis, in particular to each flap of the chassis.

[0015] The panel may be fixed to the frame by first axis fixing means sen possibly vertical, in particular screws or screw-nut systems.

[0016] 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.

[0017] The panel may be a mechanically welded structure.

[0018] According to the invention, a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprises an arrangement defined previously. Presentation of figures

[0019] These objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of embodiments of an arrangement made without limitation in relation to the attached figures among which:

[0020] [Fig.l] is a schematic view of a motor vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0021] [Fig. 2] is a partial exploded view of an arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0022] [Fig. 3] is a partial sectional view along a vertical and transverse plane of the arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0023] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of a panel of an arrangement according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0024] [Fig. 5] is a partial perspective view of a panel of an arrangement according to a variant of the first embodiment of the invention.

[0025] [Fig.6] is a partial perspective view of a panel of an arrangement according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0026] [Fig.7] is a partial perspective view of a panel of an arrangement according to the first embodiment of the invention.

[0027] [Fig.8] is a perspective and sectional view of a panel of an arrangement according to the first embodiment of the invention.

[0028] [Fig.9] is a view of a panel of an arrangement according to another mode of realization lization of the invention.

[0029] [Fig. 10] is a view of a panel of an arrangement according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0030] [Fig. 11] is a view of a panel of an arrangement according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0031] [Fig.12] is a view of a panel of an arrangement according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0032] [Fig. 13] is a view of a panel of an arrangement according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0033] [Fig. 14] is a view of a panel of an arrangement according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0034] [Fig. 15] is a view of a panel of an arrangement according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0035] [Fig. 16] is a view of a panel of an arrangement according to another embodiment of the invention. Detailed description

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Preferably, the vehicle 1 is a utility vehicle, in particular of the van type.

[0039] More precisely, as illustrated in particular in Figures 2 and 3, the arrangement 2 comprises the element 3 to be protected. The illustrated embodiments relate 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 [Fig. 2]. The housing 30 comprises a frame 33, preferably in the shape of a rectangle or square. The housing 30 further comprises crosspieces 31, for example at least two crosspieces 31, intended to extend transversely relative to the vehicle 1 (see [Fig. 2]).

[0040] Optionally, arrangement 2 comprises housing 30.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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 [Fig. 2], 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 horizontal plane (transverse and longitudinal), or substantially in such a plane.

[0043] The protection means 10 comprises a structure 20 whose thickness in the vertical direction Z is significantly less than the length in the longitudinal direction X and the width in the transverse direction Y of the vehicle. By "significantly less", it is meant that the thickness of the structure 20 is for example 30 times less than the length of the structure 20 or the width of the structure 20 or it is meant that the thickness of the structure 20 is for example less than 5 cm, for example of the order of 3.5 cm, whereas the length of the structure 20 is for example of the order of 2 m and the width of the panel is for example of the order of 1.5 m.

[0044] As illustrated in the cross-section of [Fig. 4], the protection means is arranged under the battery 3 installed in the housing 30. Flaps 41 and 61 are further arranged on either side (i.e. on each side with reference to the longitudinal axis X of the vehicle) of the battery 3 installed in the housing 30. The means of protection is also arranged under these sills 41, 61. The sills 41 are arranged on either side (i.e. on each side with reference to the longitudinal axis X of the vehicle) of the battery 3 installed in the housing 30. These sills 41 are for example part of the chassis 4. The sills 61 are arranged on either side (i.e. on each side with reference to the longitudinal axis X of the vehicle) of the housing 30 and sills assembly 4L. These sills 61 are for example part of the body, in particular the body sides 6. For example, the sills 41 and / or have tubular structures extending longitudinally (i.e. along the axis X). For example, each sill 41 and / or 61 has a cross-section of square or rectangular shape or a cross-section of any other shape. Each flap 41 and / or 61 is preferably a hollow body extending longitudinally.

[0045] In a first embodiment of the panel 20 illustrated in particular in Figures 4, 5, 7 and 8, the panel 20 comprises transverse tubes 21. Preferably, the section of the tubes is rectangular. The transverse tubes 21 extend substantially over approximately the width of the battery 3 to be protected or 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 main transverse tubes 21 of the panel 20 extend between a right longitudinal main tube 22 and a left longitudinal main tube 22 of the panel 20. The left and right longitudinal main tubes 22 are preferably tubes of square or rectangular section. The main longitudinal tubes are preferably fixed to the end of the transverse tubes 21. For example, the fixing of these tubes is carried out by welding, in particular by arc welding.

[0046] The width of the transverse tubes 21 is for example between 4 cm and 6 cm, preferably approximately 5.8 cm.

[0047] The transverse tubes 21 have, for example, a thickness of between 2 mm and 2.5 mm.

[0048] The width of the longitudinal tubes 22 is for example between 4 cm and 6 cm, preferably approximately 5.7 cm.

[0049] The longitudinal tubes 22 have, for example, a thickness of between 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm, preferably approximately 3 mm.

[0050] The tubes are for example made of a material (such as steel) having an elastic limit between 450 MPa and 1200 MPa.

[0051] The panel 20 preferably further comprises: - a right lateral reinforcement 23 extending from the right longitudinal tube 22 in the transverse direction Y and opposite the transverse main tubes 21, and - a left lateral reinforcement 23 extending from the left longitudinal tube 22 in the transverse direction Y and opposite the main transverse tubes 21.

[0052] In the first embodiment, the right lateral reinforcement 23b and the left lateral reinforcement 23b each comprise at least one corrugated sheet 232b; 233b. Preferably, they comprise two corrugated sheets 232b, 233b arranged opposite each other.

[0053] More preferably, the two corrugated sheets 232b, 233b are connected to each other by a flat sheet 231b. In other words, a corrugated sheet 232b is fixed on one face of the flat sheet 231b and another corrugated sheet 233b is fixed on another face of the flat sheet 231b. The fixings can be made by spot welding.

[0054] For example, the corrugated sheet can have a profile (along a plane extending along the X and Z directions) whose elementary pattern comprises the following four successive segments: - a first horizontal segment, - a second segment inclined (for example at 60° upwards) relative to the horizontal, - a third horizontal segment, - a fourth segment inclined (for example at 60° downwards) relative to the horizontal.

[0055] The length of the pattern is for example between 5 cm and 7 cm, preferably approximately 6 cm. The height of the pattern is for example between 1 cm and 2 cm, preferably approximately 1.5 cm.

[0056] The sheets have, for example, a thickness of between 0.7 mm and 2 mm, for example approximately 1.5 mm.

[0057] The sheets are for example made of a material (such as steel) having an elastic limit between 450 MPa and 1200 MPa.

[0058] Preferably, the arrangement 2 also comprises lateral extensions 24 comprising at least one secondary longitudinal tube 241; 242, in particular at least two secondary longitudinal tubes 241, 242 joined together, arranged laterally to the lateral reinforcements 23; 23a; 23b opposite the main transverse tubes 21.

[0059] In the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 4 and 8, the arrangement comprises two secondary longitudinal tubes 241, 242 on each side. The secondary longitudinal tubes 241, 242 extend parallel to the main longitudinal tubes. On each side, the two secondary longitudinal tubes 241, 242 are arranged side by side in the transverse direction as shown in Figures 4 and 8.

[0060] In an advantageous variant of the first embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 8, the panel 20 comprises: - 5 main transverse tubes 6 cm wide and 2.5 mm thick, - on each side of the main transverse tubes, a main longitudinal tube 4 cm wide and 2.5 mm thick, - on each side, a lateral reinforcement comprising 10 patterns made with 2 mm thick sheet metal, - on each side, two secondary longitudinal tubes 3.7 cm wide and 2 mm thick.

[0061] In a second embodiment illustrated in [Fig.6], the right lateral reinforcement 23a and the left lateral reinforcement 23a each comprise secondary transverse tubes 231a joining the secondary longitudinal tube 24. Advantageously, an upper plate 233a comes on top of the secondary transverse tubes 231a and / or a lower plate 232a comes on the bottom of the secondary transverse tubes 231a.

[0062] The secondary transverse tubes 231a have for example a width of between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm, preferably approximately 2 mm.

[0063] The secondary transverse tubes 231a have, for example, a thickness of between 5 cm and 7 cm, preferably approximately 6 cm.

[0064] The tubes are for example made of a material (such as steel) having an elastic limit between 450 MPa and 1200 MPa.

[0065] Preferably, whatever the embodiment or variant, the number of elements (tubes in particular) can vary. For example, in a variant illustrated in [Fig. 5], 4 secondary longitudinal tubes 24 can be arranged on each side of the panel 20.

[0066] Preferably, whatever the embodiment or variant, the panel 20 is a mechanically welded structure.

[0067] Preferably, whatever the embodiment or variant, the panel 20 comprises an upper plate extending in a horizontal plane (transverse and longitudinal), or substantially in a horizontal plane. 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 21, for example by being in contact with them. Preferably, the panel 20 comprises a lower plate 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 is arranged under transverse tubes 21, for example by being 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 top or bottom plate is between 1 mm and 1.2 mm.

[0068] Preferably, whatever the embodiment or variant, as illustrated in [Fig. 3], the panel is fixed to each flap of the frame 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 screwing into sheet metal parts of the skirts 41 and / or 61 or into nuts fixed or added within the skirts 41 and / or 61.

[0069] More preferably, whatever the embodiment or variant, 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.

[0070] More preferably, whatever the embodiment or variant, the panel 20 is fixed to the chassis 4 by first fixing means 29 with a substantially vertical axis, in particular screws or screw-nut systems.

[0071] More preferably, whatever the embodiment or variant, the element 3 is fixed to the panel 20, in particular by second fixing means 28 with a substantially vertical axis, in particular screws or screw-nut systems.

[0072] Preferably, whatever the embodiment or variant, the right and left flaps 41, 61 are arranged (in the vertical direction respectively) above or substantially above each lateral extension 24 and / or above or substantially above each lateral reinforcement 23.

[0073] Figures 9 to 16 illustrate different variants and embodiments in which the numbers and geometries of the following different elements are varied: - main transverse tubes 21, - main longitudinal tubes 22, - secondary longitudinal tubes 24, - lateral reinforcements 23.

[0074] Preferably, whatever the embodiment or variant, a step 5 extending substantially longitudinally is arranged, for example substantially above a chassis sill and / or a body side sill.

[0075] Preferably, whatever the embodiment or variant, the arrangement 2, at least the protection means 10, has symmetry with respect to a vertical and longitudinal median plane of the vehicle 1.

[0076] Preferably, whatever the embodiment or variant, the different elements of the panel 20 provide different functions as indicated below. - The secondary longitudinal tubes are intended to diffuse the forces along the longitudinal axis X. Thus, even in the event of a specific lateral force on the secondary longitudinal tubes 24, these exert in reaction a diffused or distributed stress according to the X axis on the side reinforcements 23. - The lateral reinforcements 23 absorb energy by deforming along the transverse axis Y. Alternatively to the solutions described above, any energy-absorbing structure can be used to ensure this function. - Like the secondary longitudinal tubes, the main longitudinal tubes are intended to diffuse the forces along the longitudinal axis X. - The main transverse tubes constitute a non-deformable or slightly deformable support.

[0077] The good diffusion of forces along the longitudinal axis X makes it possible to reduce the quantity of main transverse tubes required.

[0078] In summary, the solutions relate 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.

[0079] The protection means ensures the protection of the battery during an impact against a post P, despite the constraints of a utility vehicle. Indeed, the solutions described reinforce the chassis, in particular in the transverse direction, so as to protect the housing containing the battery, and, ultimately, the battery. Thus, despite the significant mass of the vehicle generating significant kinetic energy, in particular of the utility type, for example of the order of 2800 kg, or even 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] The solution is therefore independent of the floor, it notably involves adding a structure under the battery. Thus, force paths from a side impact pass under the battery, in this case in the panel placed under the battery.

[0083] It should be noted that the solution is particularly suitable for an independent chassis, i.e. one whose superstructure including the body sides is screwed vertically to the chassis. In this case, for example, the superstructure is placed and screwed onto the chassis, for example via sub-frame brackets preferably extending longitudinally. The solution is also compatible with a self-supporting body.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] Preferably, as illustrated in [Fig. 3], the hollow body type sills 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 sills then tending to crush at the level of the module(s) making up the battery during a lateral impact. Optionally, a lateral space or clearance is provided for this purpose between the sills and the housing 30 of the battery in order to tolerate any lateral sinking of the sill.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] In other words, with such a solution, it is possible to use in a utility vehicle, a high-voltage battery for driving the vehicle without the consequences of a side impact being aggravated by the presence of this battery. The arrangement comprising the protection means makes it possible to keep a battery casing intact or substantially intact during a side impact at 35 km / h and this, all along the battery in the longitudinal direction. The arrangement comprising the protection means makes it possible to have only minimal cracks in the battery casing during an impact at 45 km / h and this, all along the battery in the longitudinal direction. For example, such cracks are less than 20 mm. The arrangement also makes it possible to avoid any short circuit inside the battery cells, synonymous with thermal runaway and / or fire.In addition, the arrangement eliminates any risk of electrocution for occupants and / or emergency services following a side impact.

[0090] 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 250 mm from the edge of the vehicle. In particular, the protective means covers the right and left side skirts of the chassis where appropriate. The existence of side steps at the front and / or rear doors is not problematic for the installation of the battery, the ends of the panel preferably coming under the steps and not impairing the space occupied by the battery and / or its housing.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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 (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 under the element (3) in the vertical direction, the means of protection (10) comprising a panel (20) whose thickness in the vertical direction is much smaller than the length in the longitudinal direction and the width in the transverse direction,the panel (20) comprising transverse main tubes (21), in particular tubes (21) of rectangular section, characterized in that the transverse main tubes (21) of the panel (20) extend between a right longitudinal tube (22) and a left longitudinal tube (22) of the panel (20).,

2. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the panel (20) comprises: - a right lateral reinforcement (23) extending from the right longitudinal tube (22) in the transverse direction and opposite the main transverse tubes (21), and - a left lateral reinforcement (23) extending from the left longitudinal tube (22) in the transverse direction and opposite the main transverse tubes (21).

3. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the right lateral reinforcement (23a) and the left lateral reinforcement (23a) each comprise secondary transverse tubes (231a) joining a secondary longitudinal tube (24), an upper plate (233a) coming on top of the secondary transverse tubes (231a) and / or a lower plate (232a) coming on the underside of the secondary transverse tubes (231a).

4. Arrangement (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that the right lateral reinforcement (23b) and the left lateral reinforcement (23b) each comprise at least one corrugated sheet (232b; 233b), preferably two corrugated sheets (232b, 233b) arranged opposite each other, in particular two corrugated sheets (232b, 233b) connected to each other by a flat sheet (231b).

5. Arrangement (2) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the arrangement (2) comprises lateral extensions (24) comprising at least one secondary longitudinal tube (241; 242), in particular at least two secondary longitudinal tubes (241, 242) joined together, arranged laterally to the lateral reinforcements (23; 23a; 23b) opposite the main transverse tubes (21).

6. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the frame (4) comprises a tubular right flap (41, 61) extending longitudinally and a tubular left flap (41, 61) extending longitudinally, the right and left flaps (41, 61) being arranged in the vertical direction respectively above or substantially above each lateral extension (24) and / or above or substantially above each lateral reinforcement (23).

7. Arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the panel (20) is fixed to the frame (4), in particular to each flap (41; 61) of the frame (4).

8. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the panel (20) is fixed to the frame (4) by first fixing means (29) with a substantially vertical axis, in particular screws or screw-nut systems.

9. Arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element (3) is fixed to the panel (20), in particular by second fixing means (28) of substantially vertical axis, in particular screws or screw-nut systems.

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

11. 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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