A safety arrangement for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The application relates to a safety arrangement (1) for a motor vehicle comprising an electrical energy storage unit (2). The arrangement is particularly intended for use in a motor vehicle configured to be powered electrically, or by a so-called hybrid motor, and which hence comprises a high voltage electrical storage unit (2) such as a battery or capacitor. The safety arrangement (1) is configured to cool the storage unit (2) in response to a signal indicative of an accident situation or battery malfunction, and comprises: a source (8) of compressed inert gas (9) and a flow- release actuator, the flow-release actuator (13) being actuable upon receipt of an actuation signal so as to release a flow (46) of inert gas (9) from said source, the arrangement being configured such that said flow (46) is directed substantially onto said storage unit (2) so as to cool the unit.; The invention provides a cutting mechanism (23) operable under the action of said flow of gas (9) to sever a conductor (7) electrically connecting said storage unit (2) to circuitry (6) provided within said vehicle. Thus, the storage unit (2) is cooled and isolated from the rest of the vehicle.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to a safety device for a motor vehicle. More specifically, the invention relates to a safety device configured for an electric vehicle or a so-called hybrid motor vehicle. Background technique [0002] In view of the increased concern over the environmental impact of motor vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, there is currently an increased interest and importance in providing so-called "cleaner" motor vehicles which produce less environmentally harmful Pollutants in the form of gases. Therefore, it is becoming more and more common nowadays to equip motor vehicles with electric motoring, at least during the phase of operation. For example, there have been plans to equip electric vehicles driven by large electric motors that draw power from rechargeable batteries. [0003] There have also been plans to equip so-called "hybrid" motor vehicles, which typically combine a high-efficiency internal combustion engine and an...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Therefore, such a storage unit is usually configured with a very high voltage (usually around 300V) and stores a very large amount of electrical energy (usually 2-10kWh), which is prone to major electrical accidents, especially if the vehicle is hit or the battery is short-circuited internally. when

[0005] As will be appreciated, power storage devices such as capacitors or batteries of the kind described above may become extremely hot if an internal short circuit occurs or if an external impact occurs, thus creating a risk of fire or explosion in such cases

[0006] Another concern with such high energy electrical devices is that in the event of an accident, damage to a motor vehicle could result in damage to parts of the vehicle's internal electrical circuits and expose live wires that would be harmful to the driver and passengers of the vehicle, as well as Those who participated in the rescue caused great damage

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