Fire protection device

Abstract

A fire protection device (1) for parked vehicles, characterized by comprising one or more roll-up fire-resistant curtains (2) arranged on an upper structure (3) fixed above a parking space, and wherein said curtains (2) are connected to a fire detection system (4) for activating their deployment and thermally insulating the vehicle in case of fire.

Description

Fire protection device TECHNICAL SECTOR Passive fire safety applied to vehicles and parking lots, particularly in relation to electric vehicles and their associated thermal risks. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various compartmentalization and thermal protection systems are known for industrial environments that employ fire curtains, primarily used in chemical plants, logistics warehouses, or tunnels. These solutions are designed to contain the spread of fire and toxic gases, but they are not specifically adapted for use between vehicles in environments such as public or private parking lots. Fire blankets designed to extinguish or cover localized fires are also known, and in some cases, they have even been used in experimental tests on electric vehicles. However, their application is limited in situations of high-intensity fires, such as those caused by lithium-ion batteries. Regarding the problems associated with electric vehicle fires, various studies and technical publications have documented the difficulty of extinguishing them, the possibility of reignition, and the high thermal energy they generate, which aggravates the risks of spreading to neighboring vehicles. EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a passive fire protection system applicable to vehicle parking areas, particularly parking lots where electric or hybrid vehicles are located, and aims to reduce the spread of fires by means of an automated fireproof curtain that thermally isolates each vehicle in case of fire. The invention stems from the recognition of the increasing risk of intense fires generated by electric vehicle batteries, as well as the difficulty in containing and extinguishing them in enclosed spaces. In this context, an individualized compartmentalization system is proposed, activated automatically or manually, which improves the overall safety of the parking environment and limits material damage. The system comprises an overhead structure positioned above each parking space, containing one or more roll-up curtains made of fire-resistant material, preferably with a fire resistance rating of EI60 or higher, capable of withstanding high temperatures for extended periods. These curtains are arranged so that, when deployed, they completely surround the perimeter of the vehicle, forming a thermal barrier. The curtains are connected to a fire detection system, which may include smoke, temperature, or gas sensors. Upon detecting a fire in the affected vehicle or an adjacent vehicle, the system automatically activates the controlled lowering of the curtains, which are released by gravity or motorized mechanisms. Additionally, a manual activation button, accessible to users or parking staff, is incorporated, allowing the curtains to be deployed immediately if the automatic system fails to detect a fire in time or in the event of a technical failure. The invention offers multiple technical advantages over the prior art: Rapid thermal insulation of the affected or at-risk vehicle, which reduces the spread of the fire to adjacent vehicles. Two-way protection: both for the vehicle that starts the fire and for the one being threatened by a nearby fire. Easy integration into existing parking spaces, without the need to modify the main structure of the building. Automatic or manual activation, increasing reliability and response time in emergency situations. Overall, the system allows for an immediate, passive, and effective response to fires in parked vehicles, addressing a currently unmet need in fire safety in environments with a high density of electric vehicles. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To complement the description being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings is included as an integral part of said description, in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented: Figure 1.- Shows a side view of the device in its upper position, with the curtains (2) collected, the fire detector (4) Figure 2.- Shows a side view of the device with the curtains deployed, reaching to the floor with the ceiling supports (3) and the manual emergency button (5) PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION In a preferred embodiment, the invention is embodied in an individualized thermal protection system (1) installed in each parking space. This system comprises an upper support structure (3), fixed to the parking garage ceiling or to an independent metal structure, which houses a roller box containing a flexible fire-resistant curtain (2). This curtain (2) is made of silicone-coated fiberglass fabric or equivalent materials, with fire resistance certification (e.g., EI60 or higher), and is large enough to completely cover the sides of the parked vehicle, from the roof to the floor, without interfering with the vehicle. Under normal conditions, the curtain (2) remains rolled up inside the housing. The system includes at least one fire detection sensor (4), located in the immediate vicinity of the parking space (e.g., on the roof or side), which may be based on thermal, smoke, or typical fire gas detection, such as lithium batteries. This sensor (4) is connected to a control unit, which automatically activates the curtain release mechanism in the event of fire detection. The lowering mechanism can be gravity-assisted or motorized, ensuring the curtain (2) fully deploys in a short time (less than 10 seconds). Additionally, the system can optionally include an accessible manual push button (5), allowing the user or staff to manually activate the deployment in case of visual detection or failure of the automatic system. The system may incorporate side stops or guides to ensure that the curtain (2) descends vertically and is not displaced by air currents or thermal pressure. It may also include floor-mounted retaining elements using weights or magnets to improve its stability once deployed. The system (1) described is modular, which allows for its individual or serial installation in any number of spaces, in both new and existing parking lots, without the need to modify the building structure. The invention is clearly suitable for industrial application, as it can be manufactured from existing commercial components (fire curtains, thermal sensors, control systems) and applied to all types of parking facilities: residential, public, shopping centers, stations, or private company parking lots. Furthermore, it addresses a growing need in the electric mobility and fire safety industries.

Claims

1. A fire protection device (1) for parked vehicles, characterized by comprising one or more roll-up fire-resistant curtains (2) arranged on an upper structure (3) fixed above a parking space, and wherein said curtains (2) are connected to a fire detection system (4) for activating their deployment and thermally insulating the vehicle in case of fire.

2. A device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further includes a manual activation button (5) for the manual deployment of the curtain (2) in case of emergency.

3. A device (1) according to any of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the curtain (2) is made of silicone-coated fiberglass fabric, or equivalent fire-resistant material. 4.A device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fire detection system (4) comprises thermal, smoke, or combustible gas sensors.

5. A device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the curtain lowering mechanism (2) is gravity-operated, mechanically assisted, or motorized.

6. A device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the curtain (2) includes side guides or floor fixing elements to achieve effective closure and prevent lateral displacement.

7. A device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) is modular and designed to be individually installed in each parking space.