Arrangement for fixing a tank laterally to a side member of a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement (2) for a vehicle comprising a tank (10), the tank (10) comprising a through-shaft (11) passing all the way through the tank (10) in the transverse or substantially transverse direction, a left-hand side member (21) and a right-hand side member (22) for a body (3) of such a vehicle, a left-hand lateral support (31) fixed to the left-hand side member (21) and a right-hand lateral support (32) fixed to the right-hand side member (22), the arrangement (2) comprising a transverse fixing means extending through the left-hand lateral support (31), the through-shaft (11) and the right-hand lateral support (32) so as to sandwich the tank (10) between the left-hand lateral support (31) and the right-hand lateral support (32).

Description

[0001] TITLE: Arrangement for the lateral fixing of a tank on a vehicle side member.

[0002] Technical field of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to an arrangement for fixing a tank intended to store an energy fluid, in particular dihydrogen, between lateral supports fixed to vehicle side members. The invention also relates to a body comprising such an arrangement. The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising such a body or such an arrangement.

[0004] State of the prior art

[0005] In order to make vehicle use less polluting, vehicles equipped with a fuel cell powered by dihydrogen are known. These vehicles therefore carry a tank in which hydrogen is stored before being consumed by the fuel cell. The pressure of dihydrogen in such tanks can be very high, for example around 700 bars. Such tanks must therefore be particularly resistant to the mechanical stresses exerted by pressurized hydrogen. In addition, hydrogen is an explosive gas, which creates risks of fire and / or explosion in the event of a leak. Such hydrogen tanks must therefore also be shock-resistant, so as to guarantee the safety of passengers in the event of a vehicle accident.

[0006] However, the tanks known from the state of the art generally take the form of one or more cylinders embedded in the vehicle, for example cylinders positioned under the vehicle's seats. Such tanks are very heavy, which increases the total weight of the vehicle and makes them particularly complex to attach to the body. Since such tanks are very bulky, their integration penalizes the volume available for passengers and / or for loading objects, in particular for utility vehicles whose loading capacity is essential.

[0007] Presentation of the invention

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide an arrangement for a vehicle which overcomes the above drawbacks.

[0009] More specifically, an object of the invention is to provide a utility vehicle equipped with a tank intended to store an energy fluid such as hydrogen, easy to assemble while retaining a loading volume similar to, or even greater than, that of a utility vehicle not equipped with such a tank.

[0010] Summary of the invention

[0011] To achieve this objective, the invention relates to an arrangement for a vehicle comprising a tank, in particular a tank intended to store dihydrogen, the tank comprising a transverse well passing right through the tank in the transverse or substantially transverse direction,

[0012] - a left side member and a right side member for a body of such a vehicle,

[0013] - a left side support attached to the left side member and a right side support attached to the right side member, the arrangement comprising transverse attachment means extending through the left side support, the transverse well and the right side support so as to sandwich the tank between the left side support and the right side support.

[0014] The arrangement may include a rear support for the tank and a rear cross member, including a rear cross member attached to the left side member and the right side member, the rear support being attachable to the rear cross member.

[0015] The tank may comprise a longitudinal well passing right through the tank in the longitudinal or substantially longitudinal direction, the arrangement being able to comprise a longitudinal fixing means extending through the rear support and the longitudinal well so as to fix the tank with the rear support.

[0016] The arrangement may include a front support for the tank and a front cross member, including a front cross member attached to the left side member and the right side member, wherein the front support may be attached to the front cross member.

[0017] The tank can be sandwiched longitudinally between the front support and the rear support by means of the longitudinal fixing means further passing through the front support.

[0018] The transverse fixing means may comprise a cylindrical portion comprising a thread at each end of the cylindrical portion, in particular a hollow cylindrical portion, and two screws each comprising a head, each screw cooperating with each thread such that each head comes into contact with each right and left lateral support.

[0019] The left side support can be fixed to the left side member by a screw-nut system and the right side support can be fixed to the right side member by a screw-nut system.

[0020] The rear support can be attached to the rear cross member by a screw-nut system. The front support can be attached to the front cross member by a screw-nut system.

[0021] The arrangement may include damping means extending between the transverse attachment means and the transverse well.

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

[0023] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising an arrangement as defined previously, or a body as defined previously.

[0024] Presentation of figures

[0025] These objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment made without limitation in relation to the attached figures among which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0027] Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of a vehicle body according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Figure 3 is another partial perspective view of the box according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0029] Figure 4 is another partial perspective view of the vehicle body according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0030] Figure 5 is a detailed perspective view of an arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0031] Figure 6 is a detailed sectional view along a transverse and longitudinal plane of the arrangement according to the embodiment of the invention. Figure 7 is a sectional view along a vertical and transverse plane of the arrangement according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0032] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a reservoir and supports according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0033] Detailed description

[0034] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle 1, preferably a motor vehicle. The vehicle 1 may be a private vehicle or, preferably, a utility vehicle, for example of the van type. Alternatively, it could be a truck, a bus, a lifting machine, an agricultural machine or even any other type of land vehicle. The vehicle 1 comprises a body 3. The vehicle 1, or the body 3, comprises an arrangement 2 which will be described later.

[0035] In this document, the X axis designates the longitudinal axis of vehicle 1. When moving forward and in a straight line, vehicle 1 moves from rear to front in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis. The X axis is oriented from the front to the rear of the vehicle, i.e., in the direction of reverse travel. The Y axis designates the transverse axis of the vehicle. The Y axis is oriented from left to right, with left and right being defined according to the point of view of a driver of vehicle 1. The Z axis designates the axis perpendicular to the X axis and the Y axis. Vehicle 1 is considered to be resting on horizontal ground. The Z axis is a vertical axis, oriented from bottom to top. The X, Y and Z axes form an orthogonal reference frame.

[0036] The vehicle 1 is equipped with, and comprises, a tank 10. The tank 10 is intended to contain an energy fluid, preferably a fluid forming a reserve of energy convertible into an electromotive force capable of moving the vehicle. The tank 10 is therefore a component of the vehicle 1 which gives it a certain autonomy. The tank comprises in particular an inlet opening for filling the tank with an energy fluid and an outlet opening for delivering and then consuming the energy fluid contained in the tank. According to a preferred embodiment, the tank 10 is intended to store hydrogen or more precisely dihydrogen. The vehicle 1 then preferably comprises a fuel cell 101 capable of transforming the hydrogen into an electric current, and at least one electric motor 102 powered by an electric current from the fuel cell 101.The vehicle 1 may also comprise an electrochemical battery 103, for example of the lithium-ion type. The electrochemical battery 103 may be recharged by an electric current from the fuel cell 101 and / or by a connection to an electricity distribution network. The electric motor 102 may also be supplied with energy by an electric current from the electrochemical battery 103. The tank 10 associated with the fuel cell 101 may thus act as a range extender for the vehicle, when the electrochemical battery 103 is discharged.

[0037] Alternatively, the architecture of the vehicle 1 could be different. The vehicle 1 might not include an electrochemical battery, so that the tank 10 constitutes the sole energy source of the vehicle 1. According to another variant, the vehicle could include an internal combustion engine powered by hydrogen instead of a fuel cell. According to other variants, the tank 10 could be configured to store other forms of energy gases, for example liquefied petroleum gas or natural gas. The tank could even be intended to store a liquid fuel such as gasoline, diesel or even ethanol.

[0038] The tank 10 is preferably intended to store an energetic fluid under pressure, that is to say at a pressure strictly higher than atmospheric pressure. In this case, the tank 10 is intended to store hydrogen at a pressure greater than or equal to 700 bars. Alternatively, the tank 10 could be intended to store the energetic fluid at a different pressure, for example a pressure greater than or equal to 300 bars, or 500 bars, or 1000 bars, or any other value. The tank 10 thus comprises a rigid structure capable of withstanding the forces exerted by the pressurized fluid that it contains, in particular centrifugal forces acting from inside the tank 10 and which tend to cause it to burst.

[0039] In addition, the tank may have a capacity greater than or equal to 50 liters, preferably greater than or equal to 100 liters, or even greater than or equal to 150 liters. A 100-liter tank can store, for example, approximately 4 kg of dihydrogen at 700 bars, which gives the vehicle a range of around 300 km, for example.

[0040] The structure of the tank is also capable of withstanding significant impacts, in particular impacts occurring in the event of an accident of the vehicle 1, without generating any leakage of the energy fluid to the outside. Accident data and / or simulations and / or crash tests make it possible to size the structure, in particular the required wall thicknesses, so that no leakage of energy fluid occurs, even in the most violent accidents.

[0041] Optionally, the tank 10 is capable of supporting loads. These loads may be static loads such as, for example, those exerted by the weight of the vehicle body, and / or the weight of equipment such as vehicle seats and / or the weight of the vehicle passengers and / or a load contained in the vehicle. These loads may also be dynamic loads such as those which appear in particular situations such as, for example, during an impact against the vehicle. These different static or dynamic loads may exert compressive or shear forces on the tank. These forces are therefore oriented in a different direction from the centrifugal forces exerted by the pressurized energy fluid inside the tank.Advantageously, the resistance of the reservoir necessary to resist the pressure exerted by the energy fluid it contains is therefore also used to support loads which are exerted in different directions.

[0042] The arrangement 2 for the vehicle 1 comprises the tank 10. As illustrated in particular in Figures 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8, the tank 10 comprises wells 11 passing right through the tank 10 in the transverse or substantially transverse direction. As illustrated in particular in Figures 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7, the arrangement 2 comprises a left side member 21 and a right side member 22 for the body 3 of the vehicle 1. By "side member" is meant a structural part of the body, or of the chassis, extending longitudinally or substantially longitudinally.

[0043] The arrangement 2 further comprises a left lateral support 31 fixed to the left spar 21. The arrangement 2 further comprises a right lateral support 32 fixed to the right spar 22. As illustrated in particular in FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 8, each lateral support extends mainly in a vertical and longitudinal plane or substantially in a vertical and longitudinal plane. For example, each lateral support 31, 32 has a section along a vertical and transverse plane in the shape of a T, the horizontal bar of the T extending in the transverse direction. Thus, as illustrated in FIGS. 5, 7 and 8, each lateral support 31, 32 is a T-beam, each upper face 311, 321 (face above the horizontal bar of the T) coming into contact under each respective spar 21, 22.Thus, each lateral support comprises a first plate 312, 322, for example substantially parallelepiped, extending substantially in a transverse and longitudinal plane, under each side member and a second plate 313, 323, for example substantially parallelepiped, extending in a vertical and longitudinal plane. Preferably, in particular for the purpose of saving material and / or saving weight, each second plate.

[0044] 313, 323 is openwork, for example pierced, or even includes openings

[0045] 314, 324 of various shapes, for example rectangular.

[0046] Alternatively, each lateral support is an angle iron, one wing being fixed to a spar, in particular under a spar, and the other wing extending vertically and longitudinally (embodiment not shown). Other forms of lateral support capable of being fixed to a spar and providing a fixing face extending vertically and longitudinally so as to be able to sandwich the tank transversely may also be suitable.

[0047] The arrangement 2 further comprises at least one transverse fixing means 40 extending through the left lateral support 31, a transverse well 11 of the tank 10 and the right lateral support 32. The at least one transverse fixing means 40 sandwiches, wedges, blocks the tank 10 between the left lateral support 31 and the right lateral support 32. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7 in particular, a transverse fixing means 40 comprises a cylindrical part 41. For example, the cylindrical part 41 is solid. Preferably, the cylindrical part 41 is hollow. In any event, the cylindrical part 41 comprises a thread 43 at each of its ends 46. Note that the cylindrical part 41 is advantageously longer than the transverse well 11 which it passes through so as to protrude on either side of this transverse well as illustrated in figures 5 and 8.Advantageously, the cylindrical part 41 of each fixing means 40 is centered in the transverse direction between the two lateral supports 31, 32, preferably each end 46 being in contact with each adjacent lateral support. The transverse fixing means 40 further comprises two screws 42. Each screw 42 comprises a head 44. Each screw 42 passes through a lateral support so that the thread of each screw 42 cooperates with a tapping 43 of the cylindrical part 41 and its head 44 remains in contact with the outside of an adjacent lateral support. Thus, two screws 42 screwed into the ends 46 of the same cylindrical part 41 sandwich the left lateral support, the cylindrical part 41, and the right lateral support between their respective heads 44. In fact, the absence of contact between the structure 16 of the tank and the supports 31, 32 is favored, the cylindrical part coming to support itself between the supports 31, 32.

[0048] Alternatively, the transverse fixing means is a screw having a head arranged against one of the lateral supports, the screw passing through the transverse well, a nut cooperating with the thread of the screw to sandwich the cylindrical part of the transverse fixing means between the two lateral supports (embodiment of the fixing means not illustrated).

[0049] Preferably, as illustrated in Figure 7, the left lateral support 31 is fixed to the left spar 21 by at least one screw-nut system 61 and / or the right lateral support 32 is fixed to the right spar 22 by at least one screw-nut system 62. For example, three screw-nut pairs 61 are arranged to sandwich the left lateral support 31 at its first plate 312, between a screw head and the left spar 21. Thus, the first plate 312 is drilled for the passages of the screw-nut systems 61. The nut is preferably arranged above the spar 21 or within the spar, for example in the case of a spar with a closed section. Advantageously, the nut of the system 61 is fixed to the side member 21, for example by being crimped or by being welded to the side member so as to allow the lateral support 31 to be fixed to the side member 21 from underneath the vehicle.In the same way, for example, three screw-nut pairs 62 are arranged to sandwich the right lateral support 32 at its first plate 322, between a screw head and the right side member 22. Thus, the first plate 322 is drilled for the passages of the screw-nut systems 62. The nut is preferably arranged above the side member 22 or within the side member, for example in the case of a side member with a closed section. Advantageously, the nut of the system 62 is fixed to the side member 22, for example by being crimped or by being welded to the side member so as to allow the lateral support 32 to be fixed to the side member 22 from below the vehicle. Alternatively, more systems 61, 62, for example at least four, or fewer systems 61, 62, for example two, are provided to fix the lateral supports under the side members.

[0050] Advantageously, as illustrated in particular in Figures 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8, the tank 10 comprises at least one longitudinal well 12 passing right through the tank 10 in the longitudinal or substantially longitudinal direction. The arrangement 2 then comprises a longitudinal fixing means 50 extending through the rear support 34 and the longitudinal well 12 so as to fix the tank 10 with the rear support 34. As illustrated in Figures 2 and 4, the arrangement 2 then comprises a rear support 34 for the tank 10. For example, the rear support 34 is substantially planar and extends in a substantially vertical and transverse plane. For example, the rear support is a plate or sheet metal cut in the general shape of a T. Preferably, the body 3 or the arrangement 2 then comprises a rear cross member 24. Advantageously, the rear cross member 24 is fixed, directly or indirectly, to the left side member 21 and to the right side member 22.The rear support 34 is then fixed to the rear cross member 24. Preferably, the rear support 34 is fixed on or against the rear cross member 24 by at least one screw-nut system 64, preferably two systems 64 sandwiching the rear support 34 and the rear cross member 24, or at least at least one wall of the rear cross member 24. The two screw-nut systems 64 then pass through the horizontal bar of the T of the support 34 via two holes provided for this purpose, in particular at the two ends of the bar of the T.

[0051] Preferably, the arrangement 2 further comprises a front support 33 for supporting the tank 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 8. In this case, a front cross member 23, or at least a reinforcement, fixed to the left side member 21 and to the right side member 22 is provided. The front support 33 is fixed to the front cross member 23, or to the reinforcement if applicable. Note that FIGS. 3 and 8 illustrate a reinforcement 23 which may be similar to a cross member. For example, the reinforcement 23 is of lesser thickness compared to that of a cross member. The front support 33 is for example fixed to the front cross member or to the front reinforcement 23 by at least one screw-nut system 63, preferably two screw-nut systems. The screw-nut systems 63 preferably sandwich the front support 33 and the front cross member (or reinforcement) 23.

[0052] Thus, preferably the tank 10 is sandwiched longitudinally between the front support 33 and the rear support 34 by means of at least one longitudinal fixing means 50 further passing through the front support 33, the rear support 34 and a longitudinal well 12 extending between these two supports.

[0053] For example, as illustrated in particular in Figure 6, the longitudinal fixing means 50 comprises a cylindrical part 51. For example, the cylindrical part is solid. Preferably, the cylindrical part 51 is hollow. In any case, the cylindrical part 51 comprises a thread 53 at each of its ends 56. Note that the cylindrical part 51 is preferably longer than the longitudinal well 12 which it passes through so as to protrude on either side of this longitudinal well 12 as illustrated in Figure 6. Advantageously, the cylindrical part 51 of each fixing means 50 is centered in the longitudinal direction between the front and rear supports 33, 34, preferably each end 56 is in contact with each adjacent support. The longitudinal fixing means 50 further comprises two screws 52. Each screw 52 comprises a head 54.Each screw 52 cooperates with a thread 53 of the cylindrical part 51 so that each head 54 comes into contact with a corresponding adjacent support. Thus, two screws 52 screwed into the ends 56 of the same cylindrical part 51 sandwich the front support, the cylindrical part 51 of the longitudinal fixing means 50 and the right lateral support between their respective heads 44. Indeed, the absence of contact between the structure 16 of the tank and the front and rear supports is favored, the cylindrical part coming to support itself between the front and rear supports.

[0054] Alternatively, the longitudinal fixing means is a screw having a head arranged against one of the front or rear supports, the screw passing through the longitudinal well, a nut cooperating with the thread of the screw to sandwich the cylindrical portion of a longitudinal fixing means between the front and rear supports (embodiment of the fixing means not shown).

[0055] Advantageously, as illustrated in particular in Figure 5, the arrangement 2 further comprises a damping means 45 extending between each transverse fixing means 40 and the transverse well 11 housing it. More precisely, the damping means 45 extends radially between the cylindrical part 41 and the internal wall of the transverse well 11. Preferably, the damping means 45 is shorter in the transverse direction than the cylindrical part 41 against which it bears, or even against which it is fixed prior to its insertion into the transverse well. Advantageously, as illustrated in particular in Figure 6, the arrangement 2 further comprises a damping means 55 extending between each longitudinal fixing means 50 and the longitudinal well 12 housing it. More precisely, the damping means 55 extends radially between the cylindrical part 51 and the internal wall of the longitudinal well 12.Preferably, the damping means 55 is shorter in the longitudinal direction than the cylindrical part 51 against which it rests, or even against which it is fixed prior to its insertion into the transverse well.

[0056] Optionally, the vehicle includes a protective casing attached to the tank 10 (not shown). The protective casing extends horizontally under the tank. It can be attached directly to the tank, without an intermediate part. The protective casing has an upper face facing the lower wall 15 of the tank, and a lower face exposed to projections coming from the road. Thus, the lower wall 15 of the tank (see figures 7 and 8 in particular) is protected from impacts caused by the projection of stones in particular or when crossing sidewalks. Such a protective casing makes it possible to provide a vehicle with a flat bottom. A flat bottom improves the aerodynamics of the vehicle and reduces the risk of foreign bodies from the vehicle catching on the lower face of the protective casing.Note that in the absence of a protective casing, the shape of the tank 10 also ensures a substantially flat bottom and responds to aerodynamic issues.

[0057] Optionally, an electrochemical battery 103 extends at the front of the tank 10 along the longitudinal axis X. The electrochemical battery 103 extends in particular between the two side members 21, 22 and is optionally fixed to the two side members. The electrochemical battery 103 comprises a lower wall facing the ground. The vehicle may comprise a second protective casing (not shown) configured to protect the lower wall of the electrochemical battery.

[0058] Advantageously, the structure 16 of the tank 10 is made of composite material. Such a material is lighter than steel and even than any other metal for equivalent strength. In addition, the methods for manufacturing components made of composite materials make it possible to produce structures with a wide variety of geometric shapes. More complex structural shapes 16 than those obtained from metal can thus be envisaged so as to exploit all available volume of the vehicle and thus increase the capacity of the tank. More complex tank shapes can in particular be recommended when the tanks are intended to store a pressurized gas rather than a liquid because, unlike a liquid, the gas does not present a risk of retention in the tank.

[0059] The composite material may include a draped or preformed structure, and / or braided and resin-impregnated materials. The composite material may be made from reinforcing elements and a matrix. The reinforcing elements may include carbon or glass fibers, which are lightweight materials, or Kevlar (registered trademark), which has greater impact resistance. The matrix may be an organic matrix, for example, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, or a modified polyester. The matrix may also be a metal matrix.

[0060] Figures 3, 4, 7 and 8 illustrate in particular the structure 16 of an embodiment of the tank 10. The tank has the overall shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. Preferably, the length in the longitudinal direction is greater than the width in the transverse direction, the width being greater than the height in the vertical direction. The side walls of the tank are connected to each other by transverse wells 11. The front and rear walls of the tank are connected to each other by longitudinal wells 12. Optionally, the upper and lower walls of the tank are connected to each other by vertical wells 13 (see Figure 8 in particular). The wells, possibly extending along the three axes X, Y and Z, are perpendicular to each other so as to optimally stiffen the tank. The wells pass through the tank from one side to the other between two opposite walls.The wells act as tie rods reinforcing the resistance of the reservoir: they are stressed in traction when the energetic fluid contained in the reservoir exerts pressure on the walls. The wells are arranged inside the envelope of the reservoir 10 and not on the periphery of this envelope. Preferably, each well is distinct from the other wells, that is to say that the wells are without contact between them, do not touch each other inside the reservoir. Thus, the reservoir 10 is not compartmentalized and the energetic fluid can circulate easily inside the reservoir. The wells are hollow. In particular, the reinforcement wells or connecting elements, can be tubes and have a circular section. However, the section of the connecting elements is not necessarily circular. For example, the section of the wells is square, rectangular, polygonal, ovoid, or preferably oval or even oblong.Preferably, the orifices opening from the wells on the envelope of the structure 16 are rounded, chamfered, possibly with an oblong or oval section, while being flared towards the flat or substantially flat walls. For example, side walls 17 of the tank extending substantially vertically and longitudinally are slightly inclined, slightly rounded, or even slightly curved as illustrated in FIG. 7 so as to best fit the side members and / or the lateral supports and / or other elements of the body. Where appropriate, only the upper 14 and lower 15 walls are for example substantially flat. As illustrated in FIG. 2, preferably the body comprises one or even several cross members 25 arranged between the left side member and the right side member. Thus, the particularly rigid tank 10 does not contribute, or contributes little, to the rigidity of the body 3 in the transverse direction.In fact, the side members 21, 22 reinforced laterally by the cross members 24, 25 are sufficient to obtain a very robust body.

[0061] It should be noted that the body 3 comprises body sides 4, 5 extending substantially longitudinally and relatively distant in the transverse direction from the side members 21, 22. In fact, preferably the side members 21, 22 are not very distant from each other so as to obtain a body 3 which is particularly rigid at the floor level. Preferably the body 3 is intended for a utility vehicle and is thus capable of supporting very heavy loads. The side members 21, 22 reinforced by the cross members 24, 25 are sufficient to support such loads and can also support, between them and / or below, the weight of the tank 10.

[0062] Figures 5 and 7 illustrate in more detail a transverse well type connecting element 11, the other connecting elements (longitudinal wells 12 and vertical wells 13) being designed in a similar manner. More precisely, as illustrated in Figure 6, each connecting element comprises a tubular shape provided with an external face 18 and an internal face 19. The external face 18 is turned towards the inside of the tank and is therefore intended to be in contact with the energy fluid, while the internal face 19 communicates with the outside of the tank and is therefore intended to be in contact with the ambient air. The connecting elements may be made of composite material or metal. They may also comprise both a composite material and metal. They may in particular comprise a metal tube arranged inside a structure made of composite material.The inner face 19 may be provided in a material different from that forming the structure 16 of the tank. The inner face may in particular be equipped with a metal tube which extends over the entire length of the connecting element or only at the ends of the connecting elements. The metal tube may optionally be ringed around its outer circumference so as to ensure good support in the structure 16.

[0063] Each connecting element 11 comprises two opposite ends at the two opposite walls that it connects. Due to the hollow nature of the connecting elements, the tank comprises, for each connecting element, an opening passing right through the tank. These openings do not communicate with the energy fluid storage volume. These openings are therefore not useful for delivering an energy fluid, in particular for delivering pressurized hydrogen to the fuel cell 101. On the other hand, the openings can be used for the passage of electrical wires and / or hydraulic conduits. It is thus possible to save the space provided outside the tank for the passage of these electrical wires and / or these hydraulic conduits while providing them with a means of holding them in position and protection.The openings can also be used to allow liquid to drain from the vehicle, or even to create vents to cool or heat the passenger compartment. Optionally, the openings can be used to attach various vehicle equipment.

[0064] To manufacture the vehicle 1, a body 3 comprising the side members 21, 22 can first be manufactured. The lateral supports 31, 32 are then fixed under the side members, preferably by means of the screw-nut systems 61, 62. If necessary, the cross member 23 is fixed between the side members 21, 22 and then the front support 33 on the cross member 23, preferably by means of the screw-nut systems 63 illustrated in FIG. 6. If necessary, the cross member 24 is fixed between the side members 21, 22, possibly on the side members or elsewhere on the body, and then the rear support 34 on the cross member 24, preferably by means of the screw-nut systems 64 illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0065] At the edge of the chain for example, that is to say in hidden time, a damping means 45, 55, for example made of rubber, is inserted, placed in each well 11, 12 retained in the tank for its fixing. The damping means can be partial, or total, that is to say over the entire length of the well concerned. The transverse fixing means 40, 50, more precisely the cylindrical parts 41, 51 are then inserted into the wells 11, 12 retained and already equipped with the damping means 45, 55 (see figures 5 and 6).

[0066] Then, under the vehicle, the tank is translated upwards to make the holes made in the supports 31, 32 cooperate with the transverse wells 11 retained and / or to make the holes made in the front and rear supports cooperate with the longitudinal well(s) 12 retained for fixing. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the tank is arranged so that three transverse wells 11 are crossed by the cylindrical parts 41 of transverse fixing means 40 and so that a longitudinal well 12 is crossed by the cylindrical part of a longitudinal fixing means 50. In other words, the tank 10 is placed between the side members 21, 22 by sandwiching it between the supports 31, 32, more precisely between the second plates 313, 323 of the lateral supports, and where appropriate, between the front and rear plates 33, 34.

[0067] It is then sufficient to screw screws 42 into the threads 43 of each end 46 of the cylindrical parts 41 to ensure the pinching of the cylindrical parts 41 between the supports 31, 32, and if necessary, to screw the screws 52 into the threads 53 of the ends 56 of the cylindrical part 51 to ensure the pinching of the cylindrical part 51 between the supports 33, 34. Thus, the tank 10 is fixed following a simple vertical translation upwards. In the event of necessary disassembly, it is sufficient to unscrew the screws 42, 52 to remove the tank downwards, that is to say to lower it under the effect of gravity. Thus, it is easy to disassemble a tank 10 only with access under the vehicle, for example by having the vehicle on a bridge, or when the operator has a pit.

[0068] Finally, thanks to the invention, we benefit from a vehicle equipped with a tank for an energy fluid offering space for passengers and / or for loading identical to a vehicle not equipped with such a large and complex tank to fix, in particular for utility vehicles of the van type. The tank fits more closely to the chassis, in particular the side members and cross members as well as the spaces between them under the vehicle. Alternatively, this available volume can also be used to increase the size of the tank and therefore to offer a vehicle with greater autonomy.

[0069] Above all, the tank can be fixed to a body not designed to support the tank intended in particular to store dihydrogen. Indeed, for example on a utility vehicle intended to support very heavy loads, the side members are sufficiently strong to fulfill their role during significant loading, while supporting the tank which can weigh around 200 kg filled with dihydrogen at 700 bars. Equipping a vehicle with a fuel cell requiring a hydrogen tank is therefore greatly facilitated. For example, it is sufficient to add holes and added nuts (welded or crimped) on the side members 21, 22 and to manufacture suitable supports 31, 32, 33, 34 which are simple to produce and inexpensive.In addition, possibly, it is necessary to provide holes on a rear cross member 24, and possibly add a reinforcement or front cross member 23, and provide holes, possibly with added nuts to facilitate the subsequent mounting of the tank, on these elements 23, 24.

[0070] Preferably, three transverse wells 11 are used, the one between the other two being preferably at the center of gravity of the tank in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, a single longitudinal well 12 is sufficient, preferably a longitudinal well centered at the center of gravity of the tank in the transverse direction. More transverse wells and / or more longitudinal wells, or fewer transverse wells and / or fewer longitudinal wells may also be suitable. Furthermore, the number of fasteners 61, 62 between each lateral support and each side member may be three, or even fewer or more. Furthermore, the number of fasteners 63, 64 between each front / rear support and each corresponding cross member may be two, or even fewer or more.

[0071] The spacer or damping means 45, 55 provided between each well and the fixing means passing through it prevents friction from being created between the reservoir and the fixing means so as to avoid wear of the fixing means, in particular of the cylindrical part 41, 51 and / or wear of the reservoir by abrasion linked to vibrations. Indeed, the frequency of the natural mode of a fixing means (for example made of steel) is different from the frequency of the natural mode of the reservoir (made of composite materials) so that friction can be created between the fixing means and the reservoir although they are fixed relative to each other. For the same reason, it is the cylindrical parts 41, 51 which come into contact with the adjacent supports and not the reservoir, in order to avoid any friction causing wear and / or noise between the reservoir and the supports.

[0072] Possibly, part of the load of the vehicle rests on the tank in the case of the tank in contact with a floor 6 of the body illustrated in figure 7. In this case, protection (not illustrated) is inserted between the floor 6 and the tank 10 in order to avoid any wear of the floor and / or the tank due to differences in natural modes during vibrations as seen above.

[0073] Thanks to the shape of the tank, which closely matches the inter-spar space and comes close to the floor, which can be flat or substantially flat, the storage capacity of the tank is maximized.

[0074] Unlike bottles, the tank adapts to the highly constrained space under a vehicle and is easier to assemble and also to disassemble in the event of subsequent intervention on the vehicle. The proposed solution is simple to implement and inexpensive. Indeed, the supports 31, 32, 33, 34, and the possible additional cross member 23 are easy to manufacture, preferably from inexpensive steel, and the modifications to be made to the side members are minimal (drilling and addition of nuts). Unlike conventional hydrogen bottles, there is no need for a connection or protection, the tank itself being particularly resistant. Thus, the number of parts is reduced as is the risk of hydrogen leaks.

[0075] In summary, the polymorphic composite tank adapts to the floor and side members of the vehicle. Since the tank is rigid, very slightly deformable, and fixed to the structure, the rigidity of the vehicle structure is possibly increased. The loading floor 6 of the vehicle is thus simplified, made of straight and flat sheet metal for example, since it extends at least partially above a rigid and flat tank. The tank possibly supports part of the load contained in the vehicle by transferring the forces to its own attachments to the side members. As mentioned, only a few adaptation elements for the structure of the vehicle, namely the holes in the side members opposite the nuts welded to the side members, are necessary, the shape of the tank adapting to the space available.The removable tank attachments are provided by elements passing through the tank in the transverse and / or longitudinal directions and therefore have no impact on the underside of the tank. Thus, the vehicle can have a flat bottom (that of the tank or a protection fitting the underside of the tank) extending under the vehicle, which is a guarantee of aerodynamic performance in particular.

[0076] The tank may extend over a portion of the vehicle, in particular substantially at the rear, and a battery 103 for example may extend in front where space remains available. Optionally, the battery or another element of the vehicle may be attached at least partially to the tank (not shown).

[0077] The solution allows for the easy integration of a tank with a large storage volume, particularly for explosive and / or flammable high-pressure gas, without penalizing the volume available for passengers and / or for loading objects, particularly for utility vehicles, and in complete safety.

[0078] In summary, the attachment of the additional high-pressure tank is ensured by transverse tubes passing through the tank. The polymorphic composite tank adapts to the floor, the floor reinforcement crossmembers and the side members of the vehicle. The tank has an almost rectangular section between the longitudinal side members, the floor or crossmembers and the ground clearance. The tank is mounted between the side members and as close as possible to the floor and possibly bypasses the crossmembers thanks to its geometry. The tubes 41, 51 are judiciously placed to distribute the forces in the reinforcement wells 11, 12 passing through in the width and length directions. In the illustrated embodiment, the reinforcement wells 13 extending vertically are not used for mounting the tank on the vehicle structure. In addition, wells 13 could receive fixing means for fixing in the vertical direction of the tank.

[0079] As seen previously, the tank is fixed by means of hollow or solid circular tubes 41, 51, passing through the tank 10 in the transverse and longitudinal directions. Screws 42, 52 passing through the thickness of the supports 31, 32, 33, 34 fixed on the side members 21, 22 and on the front and rear cross members 23, 24 cooperate with the threads of these cylindrical parts 41, 51.

[0080] The assembly remains simple for the assembly plant and especially for after-sales service. Thus, the tank is blocked in all directions, in the vertical direction to obviously counter gravity, and in the other directions to be able to absorb the accelerations and decelerations of the vehicle, even those resulting from an accident. Indeed, it is preferable for the tank to remain fixed to the vehicle regardless of the type of impact encountered. Thus, such possible forces are taken into account when dimensioning the fixings, in particular the supports 31, 32, 33, 34, the fixing screws on these supports, the side members, the cross members, and the screws 42, 52 of the transverse and longitudinal fixing means.

[0081] Eventually, it is possible to reduce the structural part of the chassis in order to save vehicle mass by using the tank in a semi-structural way.

[0082] As mentioned, the shape of the tank adapts to the shape of the vehicle structure, to all the available space, provides a flat bottom for the vehicle since no fixing protrudes below. Possibly, part of the vehicle's load can rest on the tank. The tank with its mounting brackets can stiffen the chassis which possibly allows to limit the material on the chassis. Disassembly and reassembly are easy for the factory or after-sales service.

[0083] Alternatively, in an embodiment not shown, the reservoir may be secured with at least two facing comb-shaped parts extending in a transverse and longitudinal plane entering the transverse wells instead of the cylindrical parts of the transverse securing means. For example, rods of each lateral comb extend over half the length of the transverse wells.

[0084] The solution is particularly original in that the tank 10, which was conventionally supported by the body, possibly contributes to its rigidity. In addition, the solution goes against the received idea that a tank should be highly protected due to the flammable and / or explosive nature of the energy fluid it contains. According to this received idea, the tank should not withstand, under normal conditions of use, any stress other than that exerted by the energy fluid it contains.

[0085] The invention is particularly suitable for a van-type utility vehicle, and can be used for a truck, a bus, a coach, agricultural machinery, lifting machinery and any other machinery.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Arrangement (2) for a vehicle (1) comprising: - a tank (10), in particular a tank intended for storing dihydrogen, the tank (10) comprising a transverse well (11) passing right through the tank (10) in the transverse or substantially transverse direction, - a left side member (21) and a right side member (22) for a body (3) of such a vehicle (1), - a left side support (31) fixed to the left side member (21) and a right side support (32) fixed to the right side member (22), characterized in that the arrangement (2) comprises a transverse fixing means (40) extending through the left side support (31), the transverse well (11) and the right side support (32) so as to sandwich the tank (10) between the left side support (31) and the right side support (32).

2. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the arrangement (2) comprises a rear support (34) for the tank (10) and a rear cross member (24), in particular a rear cross member (24) fixed to the left side member (21) and to the right side member (22), the rear support (34) being fixed to the rear cross member (24).

3. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the tank (10) comprises a longitudinal well (12) passing right through the tank (10) in the longitudinal or substantially longitudinal direction, the arrangement (2) comprising a longitudinal fixing means (50) extending through the rear support (34) and the longitudinal well (12) so as to fix the tank (10) with the rear support (34).

4. Arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement (2) comprises a front support (33) for the tank (10) and a front cross member (23), in particular a front cross member (23) fixed to the left side member (21) and to the right side member (22), the front support (33) being fixed to the front cross member (23).

5. Arrangement (2) according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the tank (10) is sandwiched longitudinally between the front support (33) and the rear support (34) by means of the longitudinal fixing means (50) further passing through the front support (33).

6. Arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transverse fixing means (40) comprises a cylindrical part (41) comprising a thread (43) at each end (46) of the cylindrical part, in particular a hollow cylindrical part (41), and two screws (42) each comprising a head (44), each screw (42) cooperating with each thread (43) so that each head (44) comes into contact with each right and left lateral support (31, 32).

7. Arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the left lateral support (31) is fixed to the left side member (21) by a screw-nut system (61) and in that the right lateral support (32) is fixed to the right side member (22) by a screw-nut system (62).

8. Arrangement (2) according to one of claims 1, 4, 5, 6 or 7 in combination with one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the rear support (34) is fixed to the rear cross member (24) by a screw-nut system (64).

9. Arrangement (2) according to one of claims 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 or 8 in combination with one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the front support (33) is fixed to the front cross member (23) by a screw-nut system (63).

10. Arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement (2) comprises a damping means (45) extending between the transverse fixing means (40) and the transverse well (11).

11. Vehicle body (3), in particular a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that the body (3) comprises an arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims.

12. Vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that it comprises an arrangement (2) according to one of claims 1 to 10, or a body (3) according to the preceding claim.

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