Vehicle and method for controlling a vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle and a method for controlling the vehicle are provided. The vehicle includes: a vehicle body; a battery device mounted on the vehicle body; a fire extinguishing agent inlet structure configured to receive a fire extinguishing agent from an external device; and a flow path provided on the vehicle body and connected to the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure and the battery device. The fire extinguishing agent inlet structure includes: a support unit connected to the vehicle body; and a launch unit configured to be connected to the support unit and the external device.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0132800, filed on October 5, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a vehicle including a fire extinguishing agent inlet structure and a vehicle control method. Background Art

[0004] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged, and therefore can be used in various devices in various technical fields, such as digital cameras, mobile phones, laptops, hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, or energy storage systems (ESS). Secondary batteries can include lithium-ion batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, etc.

[0005] Secondary batteries can be manufactured as flexible pouch-type battery cells, rigid square-type battery cells, or rigid cylindrical can-type battery cells. A plurality of battery cells can be formed into a cell assembly.

[0006] The cell assembly can be arranged in a housing to form a battery module, and a plurality of battery modules can be arranged in a pack frame to form a battery pack. The battery pack can be used in various structures such as vehicles or energy storage systems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] An electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle driven by an electric drive source may include a battery device. When a fire occurs in one battery cell of a battery device including a plurality of battery cells, the fire may spread to other adjacent battery cells or other components of the vehicle.

[0008] When a fire breaks out in a battery device installed in a vehicle, it may be difficult to extinguish the fire. For example, if a fire breaks out in a battery device installed in a vehicle, it may be difficult to deliver a fire extinguishing agent directly to the battery device where the fire has broken out from outside the vehicle.

[0009] According to a non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, there may be provided a vehicle that can directly supply a fire extinguishing agent delivered from the outside to a battery device.

[0010] According to a non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle may be provided that is capable of receiving a fire extinguishing agent at a location spaced apart from the vehicle.

[0011] According to non-limiting aspects of the present disclosure, a vehicle capable of delaying the initial spread of a misfire may be provided.

[0012] The vehicle and the method for controlling the vehicle according to the present disclosure can be widely applied to green technology fields such as electric vehicles, etc. In addition, the vehicle and the method for controlling the vehicle according to the present disclosure can be used for environmentally friendly electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, etc. to prevent climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0013] In some non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure, a vehicle includes: a vehicle body; a battery device mounted on the vehicle body; a fire extinguishing agent inlet structure configured to receive a fire extinguishing agent from an external device; and a flow path provided on the vehicle body and connected to the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure and the battery device. The fire extinguishing agent inlet structure may include: a support unit connected to the vehicle body; and a launch unit configured to connect to the support unit and the external device.

[0014] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure may include a pipe, the pipe including a gas injection area configured to receive gas and a fire extinguishing agent injection area, at least a portion of the fire extinguishing agent injection area being surrounded by the gas injection area and configured to provide a path for the fire extinguishing agent; and a gas generating device configured to deliver the gas to the gas injection area.

[0015] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the emission unit may be connected to the tube and include a connector configured to be connected to the external device.

[0016] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure may include a cover configured to cover at least a portion of the launching unit. The cover may be configured to at least one of: rupture and at least partially separate from the vehicle body when the launching unit is launched to the exterior of the vehicle.

[0017] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the vehicle may further include a sensor module, which includes at least one of the following: a temperature sensor, which is configured to sense the temperature of the battery device; a pressure sensor, which is configured to sense the pressure of the battery device; a gas sensing sensor, which is configured to sense combustible gas in the battery device; a flame sensing sensor; or an input device, which is configured to sense user input; or any combination thereof.

[0018] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the transmitting unit may be configured to transmit to the outside of the vehicle body based on the temperature sensed by the sensor module.

[0019] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the transmitting unit may be configured to transmit to the outside of the vehicle body based on the user input obtained from the input device.

[0020] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the vehicle may further include a processor configured to modify the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure based on information sensed by the sensor module.

[0021] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the processor may be configured to stop the vehicle based on information sensed by the sensor module.

[0022] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the vehicle may further include a fire extinguishing agent tank disposed in the vehicle body. The flow path may include: a first flow path connecting the fire extinguishing agent tank and the battery device; and a second flow path connecting the fire extinguishing agent tank and the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure.

[0023] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the vehicle may further include a backflow prevention structure configured to enable the fire extinguishing agent to move from the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure to the battery device and reduce or prevent the fire extinguishing agent from moving from the battery device to the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure.

[0024] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the transmitting unit may be configured to be expandable, and the distance between an end of the transmitting unit and the vehicle body may increase based on the expansion of the transmitting unit.

[0025] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the battery device may include: a plurality of battery cells; a case accommodating the plurality of battery cells; and an extinguishing agent inlet formed in the case and connected to the flow path.

[0026] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the fire extinguishing agent may be delivered from the external device to the battery device through the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure and the flow path.

[0027] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the fire extinguishing agent may include at least one of water, a heat-insulating coolant, a foam fire extinguishing agent, a powder fire extinguishing agent, a fire extinguishing gas, or any combination thereof.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for controlling a vehicle includes: sensing at least one of information of a battery device or user input using a sensor module; and changing a fire extinguishing agent inlet structure based on the at least one of the information of the battery device or the user input sensed by the sensor module.

[0029] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the sensing operation may include: a first sensing operation configured to be performed in a driving state of the vehicle; and a second sensing operation configured to be performed in a stationary state of the vehicle.

[0030] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the method may further include changing the speed of the vehicle based on the first sensing operation.The operation of modifying the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure may be performed based on the second sensing operation.

[0031] According to a non-limiting embodiment, modifying the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure may include: igniting a gas generating device of the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure; and expanding at least a portion of a tube using gas generated by the gas generating device.

[0032] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the method may further include a reporting operation of externally transmitting accident information of the vehicle based on the sensing operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Certain aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure are exemplified by the following detailed description which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a battery device according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a first state of a vehicle including a battery device and a fire extinguishing agent inlet structure according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a second state of a vehicle including a battery device and a fire extinguishing agent inlet structure according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 4 is a block diagram of a vehicle including a battery device and a fire extinguishing agent inlet structure according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a first state of a fire extinguishing agent inlet structure according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a second state of a fire extinguishing agent inlet structure according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle including a battery device, a fire extinguishing agent inlet structure, and a fire extinguishing agent tank according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 8According to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 2 an enlarged view of part A;

[0042] Figure 9A and Figure 9B is a schematic diagram of a battery assembly connected to a fire extinguishing agent inlet structure according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a vehicle according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is only illustrative, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described by way of example.

[0045] The terms or words used in the following description and claims should not be construed as limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. The inventor will interpret the meanings and concepts consistent with the technical ideas of the present disclosure based on the concept that can appropriately define the terms in order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0046] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure and may not represent all technical ideas of the present disclosure, and various equivalents may replace them when this application is filed. It should be understood that there may be variations.

[0047] Detailed descriptions of well-known functions and configurations that may obscure the main points of the present disclosure may be omitted. In the drawings, some components may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated, and the size of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size.

[0048] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a battery device according to a non-limiting embodiment.

[0049] refer to Figure 1 , the battery device 100 may include at least one cell assembly 110 and a housing 150 .

[0050] The cell assembly 110 may include a plurality of stacked battery cells 111 (see Figure 9A ). Battery cell 111 may be a secondary battery. For example, battery cell 111 may be a lithium-ion battery, but is not limited thereto. For example, battery cell 111 may be a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a nickel-hydrogen battery that can be charged and discharged. Battery cell 111 may include an electrode assembly, which includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator.

[0051] The housing 150 may accommodate at least one cell assembly 110. For example, the housing 150 may include a bottom member 151 supporting the bottom surface of the cell assembly 110, a cover member 152 covering the top surface of the cell assembly 110, and a sidewall member 153 connecting the bottom member 151 and the cover member 152.

[0052] The housing 150 may include partition walls 154 and 155 that span at least a portion of the plurality of cell assemblies 110. For example, the interior space of the housing 150 may be divided into a plurality of spaces by the partition walls 154 and 155. The partition walls 154 and 155 may be installed across the interior space of the housing 150 to enhance the rigidity of the housing 150. In a non-limiting embodiment, the partition walls 154 and 155 may include a first partition wall 154 and a second partition wall 155 that are arranged perpendicular to each other. In a non-limiting embodiment, at least a portion of the partition walls 154 and 155 may include ventilation holes H for guiding the path of gas and / or flames generated in the battery cells 111.

[0053] In a non-limiting embodiment, the battery device 100 may include a duct member 160. A flow space through which gas and / or flame exhausted from the cell assembly 110 flows may be formed in the duct member 160. The duct member 160 may be disposed in the housing 150. The flow space of the duct member 160 may be connected to the vent H of the second partition wall 155. For example, gas and / or flame generated from the battery cell 111 of the cell assembly 110 may pass through the vent H of the second partition wall 155 and the flow space of the duct member 160, thereby being delivered to the outside of the battery device 100.

[0054] In a non-limiting embodiment, the battery device 100 may include a fire extinguishing agent inlet 170 for receiving a fire extinguishing agent from outside the battery device 100. The fire extinguishing agent inlet 170 may be formed on a surface of the housing 150. In a non-limiting embodiment, the fire extinguishing agent inlet 170 may be formed in the cover member 152 of the housing 150. According to another embodiment (not shown), the fire extinguishing agent inlet 170 may be formed in the side wall member 153 of the housing 150 and / or the bottom member 151 of the housing 150.

[0055] The battery device 100 may include a battery controller 190 for controlling the battery cells 111. The battery controller 190 may be provided in the housing 150. The battery controller 190 may include a battery management system (BMS). Since the configuration of the battery controller 190 is known in various forms, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0056] Figure 1 The structure of the battery device 100 is illustrative. For example, Figure 1, the battery device 100 is shown as a battery pack including prismatic battery cells, but the structure of the battery device 100 is not limited thereto. For example, the battery device 100 may be a battery module including cylindrical battery cells or pouch-type battery cells, or a battery pack including cylindrical battery cells or pouch-type battery cells.

[0057] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a first state of a vehicle including a battery device and a fire extinguishing agent inlet structure according to a non-limiting embodiment. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a second state of a vehicle including a battery device and a fire extinguishing agent inlet structure according to a non-limiting embodiment. Figure 4 is a block diagram of a vehicle including a battery device and a fire extinguishing agent inlet structure according to a non-limiting embodiment.

[0058] refer to Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and / or Figure 4 , the vehicle 200 may include a battery device 100 , a flow path 220 , a sensor module 230 , and a fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 . Figure 1 The description of the battery device 100 in the above can be applied mutatis mutandis to Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 The battery device 100 in FIG.

[0059] The battery device 100 can be used to drive a vehicle 200. For example, the vehicle 200 can be an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. The vehicle 200 can include a motor (not shown), and the motor can operate based on the current generated by the battery device 100. The vehicle 200 can include a vehicle body 210 that forms at least a portion of the exterior of the vehicle 200 and accommodates a plurality of components (e.g., the battery device 100). The vehicle body 210 can be referred to as a vehicle body.

[0060] The battery device 100 can receive a fire extinguishing agent from outside the vehicle 200. For example, the battery device 100 can receive a fire extinguishing agent that has passed through the flow path 220 and the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 from an external device E. The battery device 100 can be housed or disposed in the vehicle body 210 of the vehicle 200. The type of fire extinguishing agent can be optional as long as it is a material used to extinguish a fire that occurs in the battery device 100. For example, the fire extinguishing agent can include at least one of water, a heat-insulating coolant, fire extinguishing foam, fire extinguishing powder, or fire extinguishing gas.

[0061] The flow path 220 may be provided in the vehicle body 210 of the vehicle 200. The flow path 220 may connect the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 and the battery device 100. For example, the fire extinguishing agent delivered from the outside of the vehicle 200 (e.g., the external device E) may be delivered to the battery device 100 through the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 and the flow path 220. The flow path 220 may be a pipe including an empty space.

[0062] The sensor module 230 may sense information of the vehicle 200 or transmit user input to the vehicle 200 .

[0063] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the sensor module 230 may sense information of the battery device 100. For example, the sensor module 230 may be a temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of the battery device 100. The sensor module 230 including the temperature sensor may be provided in the battery device 100. As another example, the sensor module 230 may include a gas sensing sensor configured to sense the concentration of a specified gas (e.g., combustible gas (carbon monoxide and / or hydrogen)), a flame sensing sensor, and / or a pressure sensor.

[0064] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the sensor module 230 may be an input device 231 configured to sense user input. For example, the sensor module 230 may sense user input (e.g., touch, pressure, and / or proximity) provided by a user to the sensor module 230. In a non-limiting embodiment, the input device 231 may be referred to as an emergency button.

[0065] The processor 270 may modify the fire suppressant inlet structure 300 based on the information sensed by the sensor module 230. For example, the processor 270 may operate the gas generating device (e.g., Figure 5 and Figure 6 The processor 270 may be electrically connected to the sensor module 230 and the battery device 100.

[0066] The processor 270 may be provided in the vehicle 200. For example, the processor 270 may be mounted on an electronic component configured to control driving of the vehicle 200. As another example, the processor 270 may be Figure 1 Battery controller 190.

[0067] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the processor 270 may modify the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 based on the temperature sensed by the sensor module 230. For example, when the sensor module 230 senses that the battery device 100 has a certain temperature or higher, the processor 270 may generate a signal for discharging or emitting the emission unit 302 of the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 to the outside of the vehicle body 210.

[0068] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the processor 270 may modify the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 based on user input sensed by the sensor module 230. For example, when user input is sensed in the sensor module 230, the processor 270 may generate a signal for discharging or launching a launch unit 302 of the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 to the outside of the vehicle body 210.

[0069] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the processor 270 may modify the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 based on information about the battery device 100 sensed by the sensor module 230. For example, when the gas and / or pressure sensed by the sensor module 230 is greater than or equal to a specified value, the processor 270 may generate a signal to discharge or emit the emission unit 302 of the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 to the outside of the vehicle body 210. As another example, when a flame is sensed in the sensor module 230, the processor 270 may generate a signal to discharge or emit the emission unit 302 of the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 to the outside of the vehicle body 210.

[0070] The sensor module 230 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, an input device 231, a gas sensing sensor, a flame sensing sensor, or a pressure sensor. For example, the sensor module 230 may include a temperature sensor and an input device 231. Even if the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is a specified temperature or lower, the processor 270 may modify the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 when a user input is sensed by the input device 231.

[0071] The processor 270 may control the driving of the vehicle 200 based on the information sensed by the sensor module 230. For example, the processor 270 may control the driving of the vehicle 200 based on the temperature, pressure, gas concentration, flame, and / or user input sensed by the sensor module 230.

[0072] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the processor 270 may reduce the speed of the vehicle 200 or stop the vehicle 200 based on the information sensed by the sensor module 230. As another example, the processor 270 may park the vehicle 200 at a sensed location (e.g., a road shoulder) based on the information sensed by the sensor module 230. The processor 270 may perform an operation for firing the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 to the outside of the vehicle 200. The operation for firing the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 may be performed after the vehicle 200 has stopped.

[0073] According to a non-limiting embodiment, based on the information sensed by the sensor module 230, the processor 270 can perform at least one of an operation for opening a door of the vehicle 200, an operation for opening a cargo hold that accommodates an emergency escape device (e.g., a hammer), or an operation for turning on the emergency lights of the vehicle 200.

[0074] According to a non-limiting embodiment, processor 270 may transmit accident information of vehicle 200 to the outside based on the information sensed by sensor module 230. For example, when the temperature, pressure, or concentration of a specific type of gas in battery device 100 is a specific value or greater, when a flame is sensed, and / or when a user input is sensed in input device 231, processor 270 may transmit the accident information of vehicle 200 to a pre-designated location (e.g., a fire station). The accident information may convey the location of vehicle 200, the type of vehicle 200, and / or the current state of vehicle 200 (e.g., temperature). The accident information is illustrative, and the information included in the accident information is not limited thereto.

[0075] The fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 can receive a fire extinguishing agent from outside the vehicle 200. For example, an insertion portion (e.g., a hose) of an external device E that receives the fire extinguishing agent can be connected to the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300. The external device E can be connected to the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 to deliver the fire extinguishing agent directly into the battery device 100. As the vehicle 200 receives the fire extinguishing agent through the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300, heat transfer and thermal runaway of the battery device 100 can be reduced. The vehicle 200 can receive the fire extinguishing agent from the external device E using the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300. As the vehicle 200 receives a larger amount of fire extinguishing agent contained in the vehicle body 210, heat transfer and thermal runaway of the battery device 100 can be reduced.

[0076] At least a portion of the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 may be exposed to the outside of the vehicle body 210 of the vehicle 200. For example, the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 may include: a support unit 301 connected to the vehicle body 210; and a launch unit 302 connected to the support unit 301 and configured to be connected to the external device E.

[0077] At least a portion of the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 (eg, the emission unit 302) may be emitted or discharged to the outside of the vehicle body 210. For example, the emission unit 302 may be emitted to the outside of the vehicle body 210 based on user input or temperature sensed by the sensor module 230.

[0078] According to a non-limiting embodiment, at least a portion of the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 may be located in the vehicle body 210 in a first state. The first state may be a state in which the sensor module 230 does not sense a user input or a designated temperature. The first state may be a state in which no fire occurs in the battery device 100 and / or the vehicle 200 (e.g., a normal state).

[0079] According to non-limiting examples (e.g., Figure 3), the emitting unit 302 of the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 can emit or discharge to the outside of the vehicle body 210 in the second state. The second state may be a state in which a user input or a designated temperature is sensed by the sensor module 230. For example, the second state may be a state in which a fire has occurred in the battery device 100 and / or the vehicle 200, or a state in which a user input (e.g., a fire state) is received from a designated input device 231 (e.g., the sensor module 230) configured to recognize an emergency state by a user. The emitting unit 302 may be physically connected to the external device E.

[0080] The length of at least a portion of the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 can be changed. For example, at least a portion of the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 (e.g., the ignition portion 302) can be compressed or expanded (or expanded). At least a portion of the firing unit 302 can be formed in a shape with a changed length. Figure 2 ) can be longer than the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 in the second state (eg, Figure 3 ) is long. Based on the expansion of the launch unit, the distance between the end of the launch unit 302 and the vehicle body 210 can be increased. As the distance between the launch unit 302 and the vehicle body 210 increases, the convenience and stability of introducing the fire extinguishing agent can be increased.

[0081] The structure of the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 may be further described below.

[0082] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a first state of a fire extinguishing agent inlet structure according to a non-limiting embodiment. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a second state of a fire extinguishing agent inlet structure according to a non-limiting embodiment. For example, Figure 5 1 is a schematic diagram of the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 in a first state (eg, a normal state) in which no fire occurs in the battery device 100 and / or the vehicle 200 . Figure 6 FIG is a schematic diagram of the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 in a second state (eg, a fire state) in which a fire occurs in the battery device 100 and / or the vehicle 200. Figure 5 and / or Figure 6 Some components (tubes 310) are shown shortened in length.

[0083] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 may include a pipe 310, a gas generating device 320 and a connector 330. Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and / or Figure 4 The description of the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 can be applied mutatis mutandis to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300.

[0084] The tube 310 can be expanded. The tube 310 can include a gas injection area 311 configured to be expanded by gas. The gas injection area 311 can be expanded by gas (e.g., nitrogen) delivered from the gas generating device 320. The gas injection area 311 can form at least a portion of the edge of the tube 310. The gas injection area 311 can surround at least a portion of the fire extinguishing agent injection area 312. At least a portion of the tube 310 can be disposed in the vehicle 200 in a folded state in a first state (e.g., Figure 5 At least a portion of the tube 310 may be emitted or extended from the vehicle 200 in the second state (eg, Figure 6 ). The tube 310 can be connected to the external device E using the connector 330. According to a non-limiting embodiment, the length of the tube 310 can be changed. For example, the tube 310 can include a corrugated structure, and the length of the tube 310 extending from the vehicle body 210 of the vehicle 200 can be changed. Due to the expansion of the tube 310 or the increase in the length of the tube 310, the external device E can be directed to the vehicle 200 and / or the battery device (for example, Figure 1 The fire extinguishing agent can be supplied at a location away from the vehicle 200 and / or the battery device 100 where the fire occurs, thereby reducing the risk to workers (e.g., firefighters) and increasing the convenience of fire extinguishing.

[0085] Tube 310 can transfer the fire extinguishing agent from an external device (e.g., Figure 4 The fire extinguishing agent injection area 312 may be configured to provide a path for the fire extinguishing agent. The fire extinguishing agent injection area 312 may include an empty space for moving the fire extinguishing agent. The fire extinguishing agent injection area 312 may deform based on the deformation (e.g., expansion) of the gas injection area 311. For example, the fire extinguishing agent injection area 312 may be connected to the gas injection area 311 and may expand together when the gas injection area 311 expands. At least a portion of the fire extinguishing agent injection area 312 may be surrounded by the gas injection area 311.

[0086] The gas generating device 320 can expand the tube 310. In a non-limiting embodiment, the gas generating device 320 can include an igniter and sodium azide. The gas generating device 320 can be based on a processor (e.g., Figure 4 For example, the processor 270 may generate gas based on the operation of the sensor module (e.g., Figure 4The igniter of gas generating device 320 is operated based on information sensed by sensor module 230 (e.g., temperature and / or user input). Operation of the igniter decomposes sodium azide into nitrogen and sodium. At least a portion of the gas (e.g., nitrogen) generated by gas generating device 320 can be injected into gas injection region 311 to expand gas injection region 311. The structure of gas generating device 320 is illustrative, and any structure that can expand gas injection region 311 may be selectively used.

[0087] The connector 330 can be connected to an external device (eg, Figure 4 In a non-limiting embodiment, the connector 330 can be configured to be coupled to a connection portion (e.g., a hose) of the external device E. In a non-limiting embodiment, the connector 330 can include a sealing member (e.g., an O-ring) (not shown) to prevent leakage of the fire extinguishing agent. The structure of the connector 330 can be selectively applied as long as it can be connected to and disconnected from a fire hose or a fire hydrant. The connector 330 can be connected to the end of the tube 310.

[0088] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the fire suppressant inlet structure 300 may include a housing that can cover a firing unit (e.g., Figure 3 302 in the transmitting unit 302 (e.g., the connector 330). For example, the cover 340 can prevent the connector 330 from being exposed to the outside in the first state and can reduce damage to the connector 330. In the second state, the connector 330 can be exposed to the outside of the vehicle 200. For example, in the second state, at least a portion of the cover 340 can be separated from the vehicle body 210 or can be broken. In a non-limiting embodiment, the cover 340 can be separated from the vehicle body 210 of the vehicle 200 by force due to the expansion of the tube 310. In a non-limiting embodiment, the cover 340 can be at least partially destroyed by the force generated by the expansion of the tube 310. In a non-limiting embodiment, the processor 270 can generate a signal for opening the cover 340, removing the cover 340 from the vehicle body 210, and / or breaking the cover 340 based on the information sensed by the sensor module 230.

[0089] The fire suppressant inlet structure 300 may be electrically connected to a battery device (e.g., Figure 2 For example, the gas generating device 320 may be connected to a first signal line 241 and a second signal line 242, the first signal line 241 being connected to an input device 241a configured to obtain user input (e.g., Figure 2 The second signal line 242 is connected to the battery pack 242a (eg, Figure 1According to a non-limiting embodiment, the signal line 240 may include a first signal line 241 and a second signal line 242. In addition, the signal line 240 may further include a first signal line 241 and a second signal line 242 connected to the battery pack 242a (for example, Figure 1 The gas generating device 320 may be operated based on information obtained through the first signal line 241 and / or the second signal line 242. According to another embodiment, the gas generating device 320 may be electrically connected to a processor (e.g., Figure 4 processor 270) and may operate based on signals generated from the processor 270.

[0090] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the fire suppressant inlet structure 300 may include an elastic member (not shown) configured to deform (eg, expand or stretch) the tube 310 .

[0091] The elastic member may move based on information sensed by the sensor module 230 and may provide a force (e.g., elastic force) to the tube 310. For example, the elastic member (not shown) may include a portion connected to the vehicle body 210 using a fixing member (e.g., a latch) and a portion connected to the tube 310.

[0092] The processor 270 may generate a signal for moving a latch connected to the elastic member based on information sensed by the sensor module 230 (e.g., temperature and / or user input). Based on the movement of the latch, the compressed elastic member may expand and launch the tube 310 to the vehicle (e.g., Figure 3 In the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 including the elastic member, the gas generating device 320 may be omitted. According to another embodiment, the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 may include the gas generating device 320 and the elastic member.

[0093] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle including a battery device, a fire extinguishing agent inlet structure, and a fire extinguishing agent tank according to a non-limiting embodiment.

[0094] refer to Figure 7 , the vehicle 200 may include a battery device 100 , a flow path 220 , a sensor module 230 , a fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 , and a fire extinguishing agent tank 250 . Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and / or Figure 4 The description of the vehicle 200, battery device 100, flow path 220, sensor module 230 and fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 in FIG. 1 may be applied mutatis mutandis to the description of the vehicle 200, battery device 100, flow path 220, sensor module 230 and fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 in FIG. 1 . Figure 7The vehicle 200, the battery device 100, the flow path 220, the sensor module 230 and the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 are shown.

[0095] The fire extinguishing agent tank 250 may contain at least a portion of a fire extinguishing agent. The fire extinguishing agent may be used to extinguish a fire occurring in the battery device 100. The fire extinguishing agent contained in the fire extinguishing agent tank 250 may be used for initial suppression of a fire occurring in the battery device 100.

[0096] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the vehicle 200 may include a valve (e.g., Figure 8 The processor 270 may control the opening or closing of the valve based on the information sensed by the sensor module 230.

[0097] The flow path 220 may provide a path for the fire extinguishing agent to pass through. For example, the flow path 220 may include a first flow path 221 connecting the fire extinguishing agent tank 250 and the battery device 100, and a second flow path 222 connecting the fire extinguishing agent tank 250 and the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300. At least a portion of the fire extinguishing agent received from the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 may be delivered to the battery device 100 via the second flow path 222, the fire extinguishing agent tank 250, and the first flow path 221.

[0098] Figure 8 According to a non-limiting embodiment Figure 2 An enlarged view of part A of FIG.

[0099] refer to Figure 8 , the vehicle 200 may include the battery device 100 , a flow path 220 , and a backflow prevention structure 260 . Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and / or Figure 4 The description of the vehicle 200, battery device 100 and flow path 220 can be applied mutatis mutandis to Figure 8 The vehicle 200 , the battery device 100 , and the flow path 220 are shown.

[0100] The backflow prevention structure 260 allows the fire extinguishing agent to flow from the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure (e.g., Figure 3 The fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 of the battery device 100 can be moved to the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300, and the fire extinguishing agent can be prevented or reduced from moving from the battery device 100 to the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300. Due to the backflow prevention structure 260, the flow of the fire extinguishing agent can be controlled.

[0101] The backflow prevention structure 260 can be selectively designed. For example, the backflow prevention structure 260 can include at least one of a relief valve, a spool valve, or a check valve. As another example, the backflow prevention structure 260 can include a rupture disk.

[0102] The backflow prevention structure 260 may be installed on the battery device 100 and / or the flow path 220. For example, the backflow prevention structure 260 may be connected to the inside of the fire extinguishing agent inlet 170 or the flow path 220 of the battery device 100.

[0103] Figure 9A and Figure 9B is a schematic diagram of a battery assembly connected to a fire suppressant inlet structure according to a non-limiting embodiment.

[0104] refer to Figure 9A and Figure 9B , the vehicle 200 may include a battery device 100 and a flow path 220 . The battery device 100 may include a cell assembly 110 including a plurality of battery cells 111 and a housing 150 accommodating the cell assembly 110 . Figure 1 and Figure 2 The description of the battery cell 111, the cell assembly 110, the battery device 100, the housing 150, the vehicle 200, and the flow path 220 in the embodiment of the present invention can be applied mutatis mutandis to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9A and Figure 9B The battery cells 111 , the cell assembly 110 , the battery device 100 , the housing 150 , the vehicle 200 , and the flow path 220 are shown.

[0105] The housing 150 may include an inner space S for accommodating the cell assembly 110. The inner space S may be formed by a bottom member (eg, Figure 1 , a bottom member 151 in the embodiment of the present invention), a cover member 152 and a side wall member (e.g., Figure 1 The inner space S is an empty space surrounded by the side wall member 153. The inner space S can be communicated with the flow path 220.

[0106] The flow path 220 may be connected to the battery device 100. For example, the flow path 220 may be connected to the case 150 of the battery device 100 and may deliver the coolant 201 to the inner space S of the case 150.

[0107] The structure or position of the flow path 220 connected to the housing 150 can be selectively designed. According to non-limiting embodiments (e.g., Figure 9A), the flow path 220 may be connected to the side wall member 153 of the housing 150 of the battery device 100. For example, the battery device 100 may include a fire extinguishing agent inlet 220a (eg, Figure 1 The flow path 220 may be connected to the fire extinguishing agent inlet 220a formed in the side wall member 153. According to non-limiting embodiments (e.g., Figure 9B ), the flow path 220 may be connected to the cover member 152. For example, the fire extinguishing agent inlet of the battery device 100 (eg, Figure 1 The fire extinguishing agent inlet 170 in the cover member 152 may be formed in the cover member 152 , and the flow path 220 may be connected to the fire extinguishing agent inlet 170 formed in the cover member 152 .

[0108] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a vehicle according to a non-limiting embodiment.

[0109] refer to Figure 10 , the method 400 for controlling a vehicle may include: a first sensing operation 420 of sensing at least one of information of a battery device or a user input; a first determining operation 430 of determining whether the sensed information of the battery device is within a specified range or whether a user input is present; a speed changing operation 440 of changing a speed of the vehicle; a second sensing operation 450 of sensing at least one of information of the battery device or a user input using a sensor module; a second determining operation 460 of determining whether the sensed information of the battery device is within a specified range or whether a user input is present; and / or an operation 470 of changing a fire extinguishing agent inlet structure.

[0110] Figure 10 The method 400 may be used to control Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and / or Figure 4 For example, the method 400 may include a method based on Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and / or Figure 4 The sensor module 230 senses information about the battery device 100 and / or user input to change Figures 2 to 6 Operation of the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300.

[0111] The first sensing operation 420 may be performed using a sensor module (e.g., Figure 4The sensor module 230 may include an input device (e.g., a sensor module 230) to sense at least one of information about the battery device 100 or a user input. The sensor module 230 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a gas sensing sensor, a flame sensing sensor, or a pressure sensor. The information about the battery device 100 may include at least one of the temperature of the battery device 100, the pressure of the battery device 100, a flame located in the battery device 100, or the concentration of a specific gas. The sensor module 230 may include an input device (e.g., Figure 2 The user input may be a touch, pressure, and / or proximity provided by the user to the input device 231. The first sensing operation 420 may be performed during the vehicle driving operation 410.

[0112] The first determination operation 430 of determining whether the sensed information of the battery device exists within a specified range or whether a user input exists may be performed by a processor (eg, Figure 4 The processor 270 in the first sensing operation 420 determines the information about the battery device 100 and / or the user input sensed in the first sensing operation 420. According to a non-limiting embodiment, the processor 270 can determine whether the information about the battery device 100 sensed by the sensor module 230 exists within a specified range stored in a memory (not shown). For example, the processor 270 can determine whether the temperature of the battery device 100 is within a specified range, and when the sensed temperature of the battery device 100 is within the specified range, the speed change operation 440 can be performed to change the speed of the vehicle. The processor 270 can determine whether the temperature of the battery device 100 is within the specified range, and when the sensed temperature of the battery device 100 does not fall within the specified range, the speed change operation 440 may not be performed. According to a non-limiting embodiment, when the user input is sensed in the sensor module 230, the processor 270 can determine that the user input exists and can perform the speed change operation 440 to change the speed of the vehicle.

[0113] The speed change operation 440 for changing the speed of the vehicle may be an operation for changing the speed of the vehicle 200 based on the information sensed by the sensor module 230. For example, when the sensed information about the battery device 100 is within a specified range or when there is a user input, the processor 270 may reduce the speed of the vehicle 200 or stop the vehicle 200. According to a non-limiting embodiment, the method 400 for controlling the vehicle may perform an operation for parking the vehicle 200 at a location (e.g., a road shoulder) sensed during the speed change operation 440 for changing the speed of the vehicle.

[0114] The second sensing operation 450 may be performed using a sensor module (e.g., Figure 4The first sensing operation 420 is an operation of sensing at least one of information of the battery device or user input by the sensor module 230 (e.g., a sensor module 230). The description of the first sensing operation 420 may be at least partially applied to the second sensing operation 450. The time point at which the second sensing operation 450 is performed may be different from the time point at which the first sensing operation 420 is performed. For example, the first sensing operation 420 may be performed while the vehicle 200 is traveling, while the second sensing operation 450 may be performed while the vehicle 200 is stopped.

[0115] The second determination operation 460 of determining whether the sensed information of the battery device exists within a specified range or whether a user input exists may be performed by a processor (eg, Figure 4 The processor 270 in the second sensing operation 450 determines the information about the battery device 100 sensed in the second sensing operation 450 and / or the user input. According to a non-limiting embodiment, the processor 270 may determine whether the information about the battery device 100 sensed by the sensor module 230 is within a specified range stored in a memory (not shown). For example, the processor 270 may determine whether the temperature of the battery device 100 is within a specified range and, when the sensed temperature of the battery device 100 is within the specified range, may modify the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300. The processor 270 may determine whether the temperature of the battery device 100 is within a specified range and, when the sensed temperature of the battery device 100 is not within the specified range, may not modify the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300. According to a non-limiting embodiment, when user input is sensed in the sensor module 230, the processor 270 may determine that user input is present and may modify the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 of the vehicle. The time point at which the second determining operation 460 is performed may be different from the time point at which the first determining operation 430 is performed. For example, the first determination operation 430 may be performed while the vehicle 200 is traveling, and the second determination operation 460 may be performed while the vehicle 200 is stopped.

[0116] According to a non-limiting embodiment, in the second determination operation 460, when it is determined that the sensing information of the battery device 100 sensed by the sensor module 230 is within a specified range stored in a memory (not shown) or a user input is present, the processor 270 may further perform an operation for the user's safety. For example, in the second determination operation 460, when it is determined that the sensing information of the battery device 100 sensed by the sensor module 230 is within a specified range stored in a memory (not shown) or a user input is present, the processor 270 may perform at least one of an operation for opening the doors of the vehicle 200, an operation for opening a cargo hold containing an emergency escape device (e.g., a hammer), or an operation for turning on the emergency lights of the vehicle 200. As another example, in the second determination operation 460, when it is determined that the sensing information of the battery device 100 sensed by the sensor module 230 is within a specified range stored in a memory (not shown) or a user input is present, the processor 270 may perform an operation for transmitting accident information of the vehicle 200 to a pre-specified location (e.g., a fire station). The accident information may transmit the location of the vehicle 200 , the type of the vehicle 200 , and / or the current state of the vehicle 200 (eg, temperature).

[0117] The operation 470 of modifying the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure may be an operation of emitting at least a portion of the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure 300 to the outside of the vehicle 200. For example, when it is determined that the sensing information of the battery device 100 sensed by the sensor module 230 is within a specified range stored in a memory (not shown) or there is a user input, the processor 270 may ignite the gas generating device 320. When the gas generating device 320 is ignited, gas may flow into the tube 310, and the tube 310 may expand. The operation 470 of modifying the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure may include igniting the gas generating device (e.g., Figure 3 The operation of the gas generating device 320 in the embodiment and the use of the gas generated by the gas generating device 320 make the pipe (e.g., Figure 3 at least a portion of the tube 310) (e.g., Figure 3 The operation of expanding the gas injection area 311).

[0118] The above-described contents are merely examples of applying the principles of the present disclosure, and other configurations may be further included without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0119] Although various non-limiting embodiments of the present patent document have been described in detail above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the scope of the present patent document is not limited thereto, and that various modifications and variations may be made within the scope without departing from the technical spirit of the present patent document as described in the claims. In addition, the present invention may be implemented by deleting some components from the above-described non-limiting embodiments, and each embodiment may be implemented in combination with each other.

[0120] According to non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure, heat propagation and thermal runaway of a battery device may be prevented or delayed.

[0121] According to non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure, worker safety may be enhanced during the process of extinguishing a vehicle fire.

[0122] According to non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure, the initial spread of a misfire may be delayed.

Claims

1. A vehicle, comprising: Vehicle body; A battery device, wherein the battery device is mounted on a vehicle body; a fire extinguishing agent inlet structure configured to receive a fire extinguishing agent from an external device; as well as a flow path provided on the vehicle body and connected to the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure and the battery device, The fire extinguishing agent inlet structure includes: a supporting unit connected to the vehicle body; and a launching unit configured to be connected to the supporting unit and the external device.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The fire extinguishing agent inlet structure comprises: a tube comprising a gas injection area configured to receive gas and a fire extinguishing agent injection area, at least a portion of the fire extinguishing agent injection area being surrounded by the gas injection area and configured to provide a path for the fire extinguishing agent; and A gas generating device is configured to deliver the gas to the gas injection area.

3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The transmitting unit is connected to the tube and includes a connector configured to be connected to the external device.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The fire extinguishing agent inlet structure includes a cover configured to cover at least a portion of the launching unit, Wherein, the cover is configured to one of: break and at least partially separate from the vehicle body when the launching unit is launched to the outside of the vehicle.

5. The vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor module, the sensor module comprising at least one of: a temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of the battery device; a pressure sensor configured to sense the pressure of the battery device; a gas sensing sensor configured to sense combustible gas in the battery device; a flame sensing sensor; or an input device configured to sense user input; or any combination thereof.

6. The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein: The transmitting unit is configured to transmit to the outside of the vehicle body based on the temperature sensed by the sensor module.

7. The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein: The transmitting unit is configured to transmit to the outside of the vehicle body based on the user input acquired from the input device.

8. The vehicle of claim 5, further comprising a processor configured to modify the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure based on information sensed by the sensor module.

9. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: The processor is also configured to stop the vehicle based on information sensed by the sensor module.

10. The vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a fire extinguisher tank disposed in the vehicle body, in, The flow path includes: a first flow path connecting the fire extinguisher tank and the battery device; and a second flow path connecting the fire extinguisher tank and the fire extinguisher inlet structure.

11. The vehicle of claim 1 , further comprising: The backflow prevention structure is configured to enable the fire extinguishing agent to move from the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure to the battery device and reduce or prevent the fire extinguishing agent from moving from the battery device to the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure.

12. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein: The transmitting unit is configured to be expandable, and a distance between an end of the transmitting unit and the vehicle body increases based on the expansion of the transmitting unit.

13. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein: The battery device includes: a plurality of battery cells; a case accommodating the plurality of battery cells; and an extinguishing agent inlet formed in the case and connected to the flow path.

14. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein: The fire extinguishing agent is delivered from the external device to the battery device through the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure and the flow path.

15. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein: The fire extinguishing agent includes at least one of water, heat-insulating coolant, foam fire extinguishing agent, powder fire extinguishing agent, fire extinguishing gas or any combination thereof.

16. A method for controlling a vehicle, the method comprising: sensing at least one of information of the battery device and user input using a sensor module; as well as A fire extinguishing agent inlet structure is modified based on the at least one of the information of the battery device sensed by the sensor module and the user input.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein: The sensing operation includes: a first sensing operation configured to be performed in a driving state of the vehicle; and a second sensing operation configured to be performed in a stationary state of the vehicle.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising changing the speed of the vehicle based on the first sensing operation, in, Modifying the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure is performed based on the second sensing operation.

19. The method according to claim 16, further comprising externally transmitting accident information of the vehicle based on a sensing operation.

20. The method according to claim 16, wherein: Changing the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure includes: a gas generating device for igniting the fire extinguishing agent inlet structure; and At least a portion of the tube is expanded using gas generated by the gas generating device.

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