Fire extinguishing system

Abstract

The invention relates to a fire extinguishing system. Provided is a technique that can extinguish a fire in a battery and can prevent a fire extinguishing liquid from being ejected toward the battery when no fire occurs in the battery. The fire extinguishing system may be provided with: a case that accommodates the battery, the case having a liquid passage provided around the battery, an introduction port that introduces the fire extinguishing liquid into the liquid passage, and a discharge port that discharges the fire extinguishing liquid in the liquid passage toward the battery; and a sealing material for sealing the discharge port, the sealing material opening the discharge port by melting at a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined melting temperature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a fire extinguishing system. Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, there is disclosed a fire extinguishing device for an electric vehicle. The fire extinguishing device of Patent Document 1 includes a water pipe and a fire extinguishing water pipe. The water pipe is provided on the lid of a battery pack installed in the electric vehicle. The fire extinguishing water pipe is provided outside the battery pack in the electric vehicle, one end of which is connected to the water pipe, and the other end of which is connected to a fire hose on the vehicle body of the electric vehicle. In addition, the fire extinguishing device of Patent Document 1 includes a spray outlet that is configured to spray the fire extinguishing water flowing into and moving through the water pipe toward the battery module provided below the lid.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-192000 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In the fire extinguishing device of Patent Document 1, since the spray outlet is open in advance, even when a fire does not occur in the battery, the fire extinguishing water will be sprayed from the spray outlet toward the battery module. Therefore, considering that the fire extinguishing water may be sprayed toward the battery module unexpectedly, the battery is wetted by the fire extinguishing water.

[0008] This specification provides a technology that can extinguish a fire in a battery and prevent the fire extinguishing liquid from being sprayed toward the battery when a fire does not occur in the battery.

[0009] Solutions to the Problems

[0010] The first technical solution of this technology relates to a fire extinguishing system for extinguishing a fire in a battery. Optionally, the fire extinguishing system includes: a housing that houses the battery, the housing having a liquid passage provided around the battery, an inlet for introducing a fire extinguishing liquid into the liquid passage, and a spray outlet for spraying the fire extinguishing liquid in the liquid passage toward the battery; and a sealing material that seals the spray outlet, the sealing material melting at a temperature above a specified melting temperature to open the spray outlet.

[0011] In a battery, for example, it sometimes overheats during charging and catches fire. According to the above structure, when a fire occurs in the battery, the sealing material becomes hot and melts, thereby opening the ejection port, and the fire extinguishing liquid in the liquid passage is ejected from the ejection port toward the battery. Thus, the fire in the battery can be extinguished. On the other hand, when no fire occurs in the battery, since the ejection port is sealed by the sealing material, the fire extinguishing liquid in the liquid passage can be prevented from being ejected toward the battery.

[0012] In the second aspect, according to the first aspect above, the fire extinguishing system may further include: an introduction passage that is connected to the liquid passage via the introduction port; and an external device that introduces the fire extinguishing liquid into the liquid passage via the introduction passage and the introduction port.

[0013] According to this structure, when a fire occurs in the battery, the fire extinguishing liquid can be additionally introduced into the liquid passage from the external device. Thus, the fire extinguishing ability against the fire can be improved.

[0014] In the third aspect, according to the second aspect above, the fire extinguishing system may further include a valve for opening and closing the introduction passage.

[0015] According to this structure, when no fire occurs in the battery, the valve is closed, thereby suppressing the outflow of the fire extinguishing liquid in the liquid passage to the outside. In addition, when a fire occurs in the battery, the valve is opened, thereby introducing the fire extinguishing liquid into the liquid passage via the introduction passage, and the fire extinguishing ability against the fire can be improved.

[0016] In the fourth aspect, according to the second or third aspect above, the external device may include a charging device for charging the battery.

[0017] According to this structure, when no fire occurs in the battery, the battery can be charged by the external device.

[0018] In the fifth aspect, according to the fourth aspect above, the fire extinguishing system may further include a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the battery. The external device may introduce the fire extinguishing liquid into the liquid passage when the charging device charges the battery. The charging device can charge the battery in a normal charging mode and a fast charging mode that charges the battery faster than the normal charging mode when charging the battery. When the detected temperature of the temperature sensor is within a specified threshold temperature range, the charging device charges the battery in the fast charging mode, and when the detected temperature of the temperature sensor is outside the specified threshold temperature range, the charging device charges the battery in the normal charging mode.

[0019] The battery has the following tendency: when the temperature is within a specified threshold temperature range, the allowable charging power is large, and when the temperature is outside the specified threshold temperature range, the allowable charging power is small. According to the above structure, when the allowable charging power of the battery is large, the battery is charged in the fast charging mode, so that the battery can be charged efficiently. On the other hand, when the allowable charging power of the battery is small, even if the battery is charged in the fast charging mode, wasteful energy loss will occur. However, according to the above structure, when the allowable charging power of the battery is small, the battery is charged in the normal charging mode, so that wasteful energy loss can be suppressed and the battery can be charged efficiently.

[0020] In the sixth aspect, according to the fifth aspect above, it may also be that when the charging device charges the battery in the normal charging mode, the external device introduces the fire extinguishing liquid into the liquid passage at a first flow rate, and when the charging device charges the battery in the fast charging mode, the external device introduces the fire extinguishing liquid into the liquid passage at a second flow rate that is more than the first flow rate.

[0021] When the battery is charged in the fast charging mode, since a large amount of power is supplied to the battery, there is a tendency for the temperature of the battery to become high. On the other hand, when the battery is charged in the normal charging mode, there is a tendency for the heat generation of the battery to be suppressed. According to the above structure, since a large amount of fire extinguishing liquid can be introduced when the temperature of the battery becomes high, the temperature of the battery can be suppressed to a lower level. On the other hand, when the heat generation of the battery is suppressed, by introducing a small amount of fire extinguishing liquid, waste of the fire extinguishing liquid can be suppressed.

[0022] In the seventh aspect, according to the first aspect or the second aspect above, it may also be that the fire extinguishing system further includes a heat device. It may also be that the heat device includes: a recovery hose that recovers the fire extinguishing liquid derived from the liquid passage; a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the fire extinguishing liquid recovered by the recovery hose and the heat medium of the heat device; and a pump that pressurizes and conveys the fire extinguishing liquid to the heat exchanger via the recovery hose.

[0023] The fire extinguishing liquid introduced into the liquid passage provided around the battery is heated by the heat of the battery. According to the above structure, the heat of the fire extinguishing liquid heated by the heat of the battery can be used to heat the heat medium of the heat device 80. In addition, the fire extinguishing liquid can be cooled. Or, the heat of the heat medium of the heat device can also be used to heat the fire extinguishing liquid. Thereby, the temperature of the battery can be made a temperature suitable for charging.

[0024] In the eighth technical solution, according to the fourth technical solution above, it may also be that the charging device charges the battery using renewable energy. According to this structure, renewable energy can be effectively utilized, and the power saving effect can be improved. Description of the Drawings

[0025] Figure 1 It is a diagram schematically showing the fire extinguishing system of Embodiment 1.

[0026] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the housing and the liquid passage of Embodiment 1.

[0027] Figure 3 It is a top view schematically showing the housing and the liquid passage of Embodiment 1.

[0028] Figure 4 It is a diagram schematically showing the fire extinguishing system of Embodiment 2.

[0029] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the housing and the liquid passage of Embodiment 2.

[0030] Figure 6 It is a top view schematically showing the housing and the liquid passage of Embodiment 2.

[0031] Description of Reference Numerals

[0032] 2, fire extinguishing system; 4, vehicle; 6, internal device; 8, external device; 10, battery; 12, temperature sensor; 20, housing; 22, upper surface member; 24, lower surface member; 30, liquid passage; 32, passage; 34a, 34b, inlet; 35a, 35b, outlet; 36, ejection port; 40, sealing material; 50, charging device; 52, liquid supply device; 54, power transmission cable; 56, power transmission connector; 58, liquid supply hose; 60, liquid supply connector; 62, charging cable; 64, charging connector; 66, introduction passage; 67, discharge passage; 68, liquid supply connector; 70, liquid supply valve; 72, pump; 80, heat device; 82, heat exchanger; 84, power generation device; 90, liquid discharge connector; 92, recovery connector; 94, recovery hose. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0033] (Embodiment 1)

[0034] The fire extinguishing system of Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. As Figure 1 shown, the fire extinguishing system 2 of Embodiment 1 includes an internal device 6 mounted on a vehicle 4 and an external device 8 not mounted on the vehicle 4. The vehicle 4 equipped with the internal device 6 is, for example, an electric vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.

[0035] AsFigure 2 As shown, the internal device 6 includes a battery 10 mounted on the vehicle 4 and a housing 20 that houses the battery 10. In addition, the internal device 6 includes a charging cable 62 connected to the battery 10 and an introduction passage 66 connected to the housing 20. The downstream end portion of the introduction passage 66 branches into two passages 66a and 66b. One passage 66a is connected to the upper surface member 22 of the housing 20, and the other passage 66b is connected to the lower surface member 24 of the housing 20.

[0036] The battery 10 is, for example, a rechargeable secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery. The battery 10 is charged by an external device 8 via the charging cable 62. The battery 10 is an aggregate of a plurality of small batteries, but in this specification, the aggregate of the plurality of batteries is referred to as the battery 10. The battery 10 is a battery for driving the vehicle 4 and supplies the stored power to a motor (not shown) for driving the vehicle 4. The battery 10 may, for example, generate heat during charging. In addition, the temperature of the battery 10 becomes very high during rapid charging, and it may sometimes catch fire due to overheating.

[0037] One end of the charging cable 62 for charging the battery 10 is connected to the battery 10. The other end of the charging cable 62 is fixed to the main body of the vehicle 4, for example. A charging connector 64 is installed at the other end of the charging cable 62. The power transmission connector 56 of the external device 8 is connected to the charging connector 64.

[0038] The housing 20 that houses the battery 10 is made of a metal material such as aluminum alloy, for example. In addition, the housing 20 may be made of a material containing carbon fiber, for example. Alternatively, the housing 20 may be made of a combination of these materials. The battery 10 is disposed within the housing 20, and the housing 20 covers part or all of the battery 10. The battery 10 and the housing 20 are disposed, for example, under the floor of the vehicle 4 or under the seat.

[0039] As Figure 2 shown, the housing 20 includes, for example, an upper surface member 22 that covers the upper surface of the battery 10 and a lower surface member 24 that covers the lower surface of the battery 10. In addition, the housing 20 includes a plurality of support members 28 that support the battery 10. The plurality of support members 28 are provided on the lower surface member 24 of the housing 20. In addition to this, the housing 20 may, for example, further include side members, column members, etc.

[0040] In addition, the housing 20 further includes a liquid passage 30 through which a liquid can flow. The liquid passage 30 is provided, for example, in the upper surface member 22 and the lower surface member 24 of the housing 20. The liquid passage 30 is provided around the battery 10. As Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the liquid passage 30 includes a plurality of passages 32. The plurality of passages 32 are arranged in a grid pattern, for example. Each passage 32 is arranged above and below the battery 10 so as to cross or run through the battery 10, for example.

[0041] The liquid passage 30 includes a plurality of inlets 34a, 34b for introducing the fire extinguishing liquid into the liquid passage 30. The inlets 34a, 34b for the fire extinguishing liquid are provided on the sides of the upper surface member 22 and the lower surface member 24 of the housing 20, for example. A passage 66a of the introduction passage 66 is connected to the inlet 34a, and a passage 66b of the introduction passage 66 is connected to the inlet 34b. The fire extinguishing liquid is introduced into the liquid passage 30 via the introduction passage 66 and the inlets 34a, 34b.

[0042] The fire extinguishing liquid introduced into the liquid passage 30 is water, for example. The fire extinguishing liquid introduced into the liquid passage 30 may also contain a fire extinguishing agent. Examples of the fire extinguishing agent include sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, ammonium phosphate, halogenated fire extinguishing agents, etc. In addition, the fire extinguishing liquid introduced into the liquid passage 30 may be a liquid other than water.

[0043] As Figure 1 shown, the other end of the introduction passage 66 is fixed to the main body of the vehicle 4, for example. A liquid supply connector 68 is installed at the other end of the introduction passage 66. A liquid supply connector 60 of an external device 8 is connected to the liquid supply connector 68. In addition, a liquid supply valve 70 is provided in the introduction passage 66. For the liquid supply valve 70, for example, it opens when the liquid supply connector 60 is connected to the liquid supply connector 68, and closes when the liquid supply connector 60 is removed from the liquid supply connector 68. The liquid supply valve 70 opens and closes the introduction passage 66.

[0044] As Figure 2 shown, the liquid passage 30 provided in the housing 20 includes a plurality of ejection ports 36 for ejecting the fire extinguishing liquid toward the battery 10 inside the housing 20. The plurality of ejection ports 36 are provided on the upper surface member 22 and the lower surface member 24 of the housing 20, for example. The plurality of ejection ports 36 open on the surfaces of the upper surface member 22 and the lower surface member 24 on the side closer to the battery 10 (the surface facing the battery 10). The plurality of ejection ports 36 are arranged at intervals. Each ejection port 36 is sealed by a sealing material 40 under normal circumstances (when a fire does not occur in the battery 10).

[0045] In addition, a plurality of discharge ports 38 are provided in the upper surface member 22 of the housing 20. The plurality of discharge ports 38 penetrate the upper surface member 22. The plurality of discharge ports 38 are arranged at intervals. Each discharge port 38 is sealed by a sealing material 42 under normal circumstances (when a fire does not occur in the battery 10).

[0046] The sealing material 40 for sealing the spray outlet 36 is installed on the surfaces of the upper surface member 22 and the lower surface member 24 of the housing 20 on the side closer to the battery 10. The sealing material 40 is coated on the upper surface member 22 and the lower surface member 24. The sealing material 40 is made of a material that melts above a specified melting temperature Tx. For example, the sealing material 40 is made of a material containing zinc that melts at approximately 420°. When the sealing material 40 melts, the spray outlet 36 opens. Thereby, the fire extinguishing liquid in the liquid passage 30 is sprayed from the spray outlet 36 toward the battery 10. In a state where the pressure in the liquid passage 30 is high, the fire extinguishing liquid in the liquid passage 30 is sprayed from the spray outlet 36 toward the battery 10. In the case where the battery 10 catches fire, the fire of the battery 10 is extinguished by the fire extinguishing liquid sprayed from the spray outlet 36.

[0047] The sealing material 42 for sealing the discharge outlet 38 is installed on the surface of the upper surface member 22 of the housing 20 on the side opposite to the battery 10. The sealing material 42 is coated on the upper surface member 22. When the pressure of the fire extinguishing liquid in the housing 20 becomes higher than a specified pressure, the sealing material 42 is pushed and peeled under the action of this pressure. Thereby, the discharge outlet 38 opens, and the fire extinguishing liquid in the housing 20 is discharged to the outside of the housing 20 through the discharge outlet 38.

[0048] Next, an external device 8 of the fire extinguishing system 2 (refer to Figure 1 ) will be described. The external device 8 includes a charging device 50 and a liquid supply device 52. The charging device 50 is connected to a commercial power supply (not shown), for example, and supplies the power supplied from the commercial power supply to the battery 10 of the vehicle 4. The charging device 50 is a device for charging the battery 10 of the vehicle 4.

[0049] The charging device 50 includes a power transmission cable 54 and a power transmission connector 56. When charging the battery 10 of the vehicle 4, the power transmission connector 56 of the charging device 50 is connected to the charging connector 64 of the internal device 6. The power transmission connector 56 and the charging connector 64 are, for example, of a coupler type structure having a plug and a socket. In addition, the structures of the power transmission connector 56 and the charging connector 64 are not particularly limited.

[0050] The power transmission cable 54 is connected to the charging cable 62 via the power transmission connector 56 and the charging connector 64. The power transmission cable 54 transmits the power supplied from the commercial power supply to the charging cable 62 via the power transmission connector 56 and the charging connector 64. Power is supplied to the battery 10 of the vehicle 4 via the power transmission cable 54 and the charging cable 62. Thereby, the battery 10 is charged.

[0051] The liquid supply device 52 is connected to a fire hydrant (not shown), for example, and supplies the fire extinguishing liquid supplied from the fire hydrant to the housing 20 of the vehicle 4 that houses the battery 10. The fire extinguishing liquid supplied by the liquid supply device 52 is introduced into the liquid passage 30 provided in the housing 20.

[0052] The liquid supply device 52 includes a liquid delivery hose 58 and a liquid delivery connector 60. When supplying the fire extinguishing liquid to the liquid passage 30, the liquid delivery connector 60 of the liquid supply device 52 is connected to the liquid supply connector 68 of the internal device 6. The liquid delivery connector 60 and the liquid supply connector 68 are, for example, of a coupler structure having a plug and a socket. In addition, the structures of the liquid delivery connector 60 and the liquid supply connector 68 are not particularly limited.

[0053] The liquid delivery hose 58 is connected to the introduction passage 66 via the liquid delivery connector 60 and the liquid supply connector 68. The liquid delivery hose 58 conveys the fire extinguishing liquid supplied from the fire hydrant to the introduction passage 66 via the liquid delivery connector 60 and the liquid supply connector 68. The fire extinguishing liquid is supplied to the liquid passage 30 via the liquid delivery hose 58 and the introduction passage 66.

[0054] Next, a method for extinguishing a fire in the battery 10 using the above fire extinguishing system 2 will be described. In the battery 10 mounted on the vehicle 4, for example, a fire may occur due to overheating during charging. In the above fire extinguishing system 2, if a fire occurs in the battery 10, the housing 20 containing the battery 10 becomes hot. In addition, the sealing material 40 that seals the ejection port 36 provided in the housing 20 becomes hot and the sealing material 40 melts. Then, the ejection port 36 opens, and the fire extinguishing liquid in the liquid passage 30 is ejected from the ejection port 36 toward the battery 10. Thus, the fire in the battery 10 is extinguished. The fire extinguishing liquid ejected from the ejection port 36 is stored inside the housing 20. In addition, if the pressure of the fire extinguishing liquid in the housing 20 becomes higher than a specified pressure, the fire extinguishing liquid in the housing 20 is discharged to the outside of the housing 20 via the plurality of discharge ports 38.

[0055] In addition, in the above fire extinguishing system 2, by connecting the liquid delivery hose 58 of the external device 8 to the introduction passage 66 of the internal device 6, the fire extinguishing liquid can be supplied from the liquid supply device 52 of the external device 8 to the housing 20 containing the battery 10. The fire extinguishing liquid supplied from the liquid supply device 52 to the housing 20 is introduced into the liquid passage 30 provided in the housing 20. The fire extinguishing liquid introduced into the liquid passage 30 is ejected from the ejection port 36 of the housing 20 toward the battery 10. Thus, the fire in the battery 10 is extinguished.

[0056] (Effect)

[0057] As described above, the fire extinguishing system 2 of Embodiment 1 has been described. From the above description, it is clear that the fire extinguishing system 2 includes a housing 20 that houses the battery 10 and a sealing material 40 that seals the ejection port 36 provided in the housing 20. The housing 20 includes a liquid passage 30 provided around the battery 10. The sealing material 40 melts at a temperature equal to or higher than a specified melting temperature Tx, thereby opening the ejection port 36. The fire extinguishing liquid in the liquid passage 30 is ejected from the ejection port 36 toward the battery 10.

[0058] According to this structure, when a fire breaks out in the battery 10, the sealing material 40 becomes hot and melts, thereby opening the ejection port 36, and the fire extinguishing liquid in the liquid passage 30 is ejected from the ejection port 36 toward the battery 10. Thus, the fire in the battery 10 can be extinguished. On the other hand, when no fire breaks out in the battery 10, since the ejection port 36 is sealed by the sealing material 40, the fire extinguishing liquid in the liquid passage 30 can be prevented from being ejected toward the battery 10. When no fire breaks out in the battery 10, the battery 10 can be prevented from being wetted by the fire extinguishing liquid. In addition, when no fire breaks out in the battery 10, the battery 10 can be cooled by the fire extinguishing liquid in the liquid passage 30, and a fire in the battery 10 can be prevented.

[0059] In addition, the fire extinguishing system 2 includes an introduction passage 66 that is connected to the liquid passage 30 via introduction ports 34a and 34b. In addition, the fire extinguishing system 2 includes an external device 8 that is not mounted on the vehicle 4 and introduces the fire extinguishing liquid into the liquid passage 30 via the introduction passage 66 and the introduction ports 34a and 34b. According to this structure, when a fire breaks out in the battery 10, the fire extinguishing liquid can be additionally introduced into the liquid passage 30 from the external device 8. Thus, the fire extinguishing ability against the fire can be improved.

[0060] In addition, the fire extinguishing system 2 includes a liquid supply valve 70 that opens and closes the introduction passage 66. According to this structure, when no fire breaks out in the battery 10, the liquid supply valve 70 is closed, thereby suppressing the outflow of the fire extinguishing liquid in the liquid passage 30 to the outside. In addition, when a fire breaks out in the battery 10, the liquid supply valve 70 is opened, thereby introducing the fire extinguishing liquid into the liquid passage 30 via the introduction passage 66, and the fire extinguishing ability against the fire can be improved.

[0061] The external device 8 includes a charging device 50 that charges the battery 10. According to this structure, when no fire breaks out in the battery 10, the battery 10 can be charged using the external device 8. In addition, the external device 8 includes the charging device 50 and a liquid supply device 52, thereby being able to guard against a fire during the charging process of the battery 10.

[0062] The above describes Example 1, but the specific form of the fire extinguishing system 2 is not limited to the above example. In addition, in the following description, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same structures as those in the above description, and detailed descriptions may sometimes be omitted.

[0063] (Example 2)

[0064] The fire extinguishing system of Example 2 will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. As Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, in the fire extinguishing system 2 of Example 2, the internal device 6 includes a temperature sensor 12 for detecting the temperature of the battery 10. The temperature sensor 12 is installed, for example, on the surface of the battery 10. In a modified example, the temperature sensor 12 may be arranged near the battery 10. Information on the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 12 is transmitted to the external device 8 via wireless communication or wired communication.

[0065] In addition, the internal device 6 of Example 2 includes a discharge passage 67 connected to the housing 20 of the battery 10. The upstream end portion of the discharge passage 67 branches into two passages 67a and 67b. One passage 67a is connected to the upper surface member 22 of the housing 20, and the other passage 67b is connected to the lower surface member 24 of the housing 20.

[0066] The housing 20 of the battery 10 includes a plurality of outlets 35a, 35b for discharging the fire extinguishing liquid in the liquid passage 30 to the outside of the liquid passage 30. The outlets 35a, 35b of the fire extinguishing liquid are provided, for example, on the sides of the upper surface member 22 and the lower surface member 24 of the housing 20. The passage 67a of the discharge passage 67 is connected to the outlet 35a, and the passage 67b of the discharge passage 67 is connected to the outlet 35b. The fire extinguishing liquid in the liquid passage 30 is discharged to the outside of the liquid passage 30 via the outlets 35a, 35b and the discharge passage 67.

[0067] The downstream end of the discharge passage 67 is fixed, for example, to the main body of the vehicle 4. A drain connector 90 is installed at the downstream end of the discharge passage 67. A recovery connector 92 of a heat device 80 described later is connected to the drain connector 90.

[0068] The fire extinguishing system 2 of Example 2 further includes a heat device 80 and a power generation device 84. The heat device 80 is, for example, a hot water supply device, a heating device, or a cooling device provided in a home. The heat device 80 includes a recovery hose 94, a recovery connector 92, and a heat exchanger 82.

[0069] In the case of recovering the fire extinguishing liquid from the liquid passage 30 of the housing 20, the recovery connector 92 of the heating device 80 is connected to the drain connector 90 of the internal device 6. The recovery connector 92 and the drain connector 90 are, for example, of a coupler structure having a plug and a socket. In addition, the structures of the recovery connector 92 and the drain connector 90 are not particularly limited.

[0070] The upstream end of the recovery hose 94 is connected to the outlet passage 67 of the internal device 6 via the recovery connector 92 and the drain connector 90. The downstream end of the recovery hose 94 is connected to the heat exchanger 82 of the heating device 80. The recovery hose 94 conveys the fire extinguishing liquid discharged from the liquid passage 30 of the housing 20 to the heat exchanger 82 via the outlet passage 67. The fire extinguishing liquid is supplied to the heat exchanger 82 via the outlet passage 67 and the recovery hose 94. A pump 72 for pressurizing and conveying the fire extinguishing liquid flowing in the recovery hose 94 toward the heat exchanger 82 is provided in the recovery hose 94.

[0071] The heat exchanger 82 is connected to the recovery hose 94 and performs heat exchange between the fire extinguishing liquid recovered from the internal device 6 via the recovery hose 94 and the heat medium of the heating device 80. The heat exchanger 82 performs heat exchange between the fire extinguishing liquid and the heat medium, for example, using the technology of a heat pump. For example, the heat exchanger 82 cools the fire extinguishing liquid and heats the heat medium by using the heat exchange between the fire extinguishing liquid and the heat medium. In a modified example, it may be that the heat exchanger 82 heats the fire extinguishing liquid and cools the heat medium by using the heat exchange between the fire extinguishing liquid and the heat medium. In addition, since the technology of the heat pump is known, detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0072] It may also be that the fire extinguishing liquid that has undergone heat exchange by the heat exchanger 82 is supplied to the internal device 6 again via the liquid supply device 52 of the external device 8. In a modified example, it may also be that the fire extinguishing liquid that has undergone heat exchange by the heat exchanger 82 is recovered to another recovery device.

[0073] The power generation device 84 is, for example, a solar power generation device installed on the roof of a house. In a modified example, the power generation device 84 may also be a wind power generation device or the like. The power generation device 84 generates electricity using renewable energy such as solar energy and wind energy. The power generation device 84 is, for example, electrically connected to the charging device 50 of the fire extinguishing system 2 and supplies the generated electricity to the charging device 50. The charging device 50 can charge the battery 10 using the electricity generated by the power generation device 84.

[0074] When the charging device 50 of Embodiment 2 charges the battery 10, it can charge the battery 10 in a normal charging mode and a fast charging mode that charges the battery 10 faster than the normal charging mode. The output of the charging device 50 in the fast charging mode is larger than the output of the charging device 50 in the normal charging mode. The charging device 50 can switch between the normal charging mode and the fast charging mode according to the temperature of the battery 10. For example, when the temperature of the battery 10 detected by the temperature sensor 12 is within a specified threshold temperature range (for example, when the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 12 is 5°C or higher and less than 45°C), the charging device 50 charges the battery 10 in the fast charging mode. On the other hand, when the temperature of the battery 10 detected by the temperature sensor 12 is outside the specified threshold temperature range (for example, when the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 12 is less than 5°C or 45°C or higher), the charging device 50 charges the battery 10 in the normal charging mode.

[0075] In addition, in the fire extinguishing system 2 of Embodiment 2, the liquid supply device 52 of the external device 8 changes the flow rate of the fire extinguishing liquid supplied to the housing 20 of the battery 10 according to the charging mode of the charging device 50. For example, when the charging device 50 charges the battery 10 in the normal charging mode, the liquid supply device 52 supplies the fire extinguishing liquid to the housing 20 at a first flow rate. Thereby, the fire extinguishing liquid is introduced into the liquid passage 30 provided in the housing 20 at the first flow rate. The fire extinguishing liquid is introduced into the liquid passage 30 from the liquid supply device 52 via the liquid supply hose 58 and the introduction passage 66.

[0076] On the other hand, when the charging device 50 charges the battery 10 in the fast charging mode, the liquid supply device 52 supplies the fire extinguishing liquid to the housing 20 at a second flow rate. Thereby, the fire extinguishing liquid is introduced into the liquid passage 30 at the second flow rate. The second flow rate is a flow rate larger than the above-mentioned first flow rate.

[0077] The fire extinguishing system 2 of Embodiment 2 has been described above. From the above description, it is clear that in Embodiment 2, when the charging device 50 charges the battery 10, it can charge the battery 10 in a normal charging mode and a fast charging mode that charges the battery 10 faster than the normal charging mode. When the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 12 is within the specified threshold temperature range, the charging device 50 charges the battery 10 in the fast charging mode, and when the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 12 is outside the specified threshold temperature range, the charging device 50 charges the battery 10 in the normal charging mode.

[0078] The battery 10 has the following tendency: when the temperature is within a specified threshold temperature range, the allowable charging power is relatively large; when the temperature is outside the specified threshold temperature range, the allowable charging power is relatively small. According to the above structure, when the allowable charging power of the battery 10 is relatively large, the battery 10 is charged in the fast charging mode, so that the battery 10 can be charged efficiently. On the other hand, when the allowable charging power of the battery 10 is relatively small, even if the battery 10 is charged in the fast charging mode, wasted energy loss will occur. However, according to the above structure, when the allowable charging power of the battery 10 is relatively small, the battery 10 is charged in the normal charging mode, so that wasted energy loss can be suppressed and the battery 10 can be charged efficiently.

[0079] For the external device 8 of the second embodiment, when the charging device 50 charges the battery 10 in the normal charging mode, the liquid supply device 52 introduces the fire extinguishing liquid into the liquid passage 30 at the first flow rate. When the charging device 50 charges the battery 10 in the fast charging mode, the liquid supply device 52 introduces the fire extinguishing liquid into the liquid passage 30 at the second flow rate which is larger than the first flow rate.

[0080] When the battery 10 is charged in the fast charging mode, since a large amount of power is supplied to the battery 10, the temperature of the battery 10 tends to increase. On the other hand, when the battery 10 is charged in the normal charging mode, the heat generation of the battery 10 tends to be suppressed. According to the above structure, since a large amount of fire extinguishing liquid can be introduced when the temperature of the battery 10 increases, the temperature of the battery 10 can be suppressed to a relatively low level. On the other hand, when the heat generation of the battery 10 is suppressed, by introducing a small amount of fire extinguishing liquid, the waste of the fire extinguishing liquid can be suppressed.

[0081] The fire extinguishing system 2 of the second embodiment further includes a heat device 80. The heat device 80 includes: a recovery hose 94 that recovers the fire extinguishing liquid discharged from the liquid passage 30 of the housing 20; a heat exchanger 82 that performs heat exchange between the fire extinguishing liquid recovered by the recovery hose 94 and the heat medium of the heat device 80; and a pump 72 that pressurizes and conveys the fire extinguishing liquid to the heat exchanger 82 via the recovery hose 94.

[0082] The fire extinguishing liquid introduced into the liquid passage 30 provided around the battery 10 is heated by the heat of the battery 10. According to the above structure, the heat of the fire extinguishing liquid heated by the heat of the battery 10 can be used to heat the heat medium of the heat device 80. In addition, the fire extinguishing liquid can be cooled. Alternatively, the heat of the heat medium of the heat device 80 can also be used to heat the fire extinguishing liquid. Thus, the temperature of the battery 10 can be made suitable for charging. In addition, the heat of the battery 10 can be effectively utilized.

[0083] The charging device 50 charges the battery 10 using renewable energy. With this configuration, renewable energy can be effectively utilized, and the power-saving effect can be improved.

[0084] (Modification example)

[0085] (1) In the above-described embodiment, the liquid supply device 52 is configured to be connected to the fire hydrant, but it is not limited to this configuration. In the modification example, the upstream end of the liquid supply hose 58 of the liquid supply device 52 may be connected to the hose of the fire truck. Alternatively, the liquid supply device 52 may introduce the fire extinguishing liquid supplied from the fire truck into the liquid passage 30 of the housing 20.

[0086] (2) Alternatively, the liquid supply device 52 may include a notification device (not shown). Alternatively, when the liquid supply device 52 supplies the fire extinguishing liquid to the housing 20, the notification device may notify the surrounding area of notification information (e.g., sound, light) for notifying this situation. For example, the notification device may issue an alarm when the liquid supply device 52 supplies the fire extinguishing liquid.

[0087] (3) Alternatively, the liquid supply valve 70 provided in the introduction passage 66 may be configured to open when the temperature of the battery 10 becomes equal to or higher than the melting temperature Tx. The temperature of the battery 10 is detected, for example, by a temperature sensor (not shown) installed in the battery 10. When the temperature of the battery 10 becomes equal to or higher than the melting temperature Tx, the temperature of the sealing material 40 also becomes equal to or higher than the melting temperature Tx accordingly. As a result, the sealing material 40 melts and the spray outlet 36 is opened. Therefore, when the spray outlet 36 is opened, the liquid supply valve 70 opens. Thereby, the fire extinguishing liquid supplied to the housing 20 via the introduction passage 66 can be sprayed from the spray outlet 36 toward the battery 10.

[0088] (4) In the above-described embodiment, the internal device 6 of the fire extinguishing system 2 is mounted on the vehicle 4, but it is not limited to this configuration. In the modification example, the internal device 6 of the fire extinguishing system 2 may be mounted on other moving bodies (e.g., ships, aircraft, etc.). In addition, in other modification examples, the internal device 6 of the fire extinguishing system 2 may not be mounted on a moving body. For example, the internal device 6 of the fire extinguishing system 2 may be a fixed installation type structure provided in a home or a factory.

[0089] As described above, specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail, but these are merely examples and do not limit the claims. The technologies described in the claims include technologies obtained by various modifications and changes to the above-described specific examples. The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of application. In addition, the technologies illustrated in this specification or the drawings can achieve multiple purposes simultaneously, and achieving one of the purposes itself has technical usefulness.

Claims

1. A fire extinguishing system for extinguishing a battery fire, wherein: The fire extinguishing system has: a housing that accommodates the battery, the housing having a liquid passage provided around the battery, an inlet for introducing a fire extinguishing liquid into the liquid passage, and a discharge port for discharging the fire extinguishing liquid in the liquid passage toward the battery; and A sealing material seals the ejection port, wherein the sealing material opens the ejection port by melting at a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined melting temperature.

2. The fire extinguishing system according to claim 1, wherein: The fire extinguishing system also features: an introduction passage connected to the liquid passage via the introduction port; and An external device introduces the fire extinguishing liquid into the liquid passage through the introduction passage and the introduction port.

3. The fire extinguishing system according to claim 2, wherein: The fire extinguishing system further includes a valve for opening and closing the introduction passage.

4. The fire extinguishing system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The external device includes a charging device for charging the battery.

5. The fire extinguishing system according to claim 4, wherein: The fire extinguishing system also includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the battery. The external device introduces the fire extinguishing liquid into the liquid passage when the charging device is charging the battery. When charging the battery, the charging device can charge the battery in a normal charging mode and in a fast charging mode that charges the battery faster than the normal charging mode. When the detected temperature of the temperature sensor is within a specified threshold temperature range, the charging device charges the battery in the fast charging mode. When the detected temperature of the temperature sensor is outside the specified threshold temperature range, the charging device charges the battery in the normal charging mode.

6. The fire extinguishing system according to claim 5, wherein: When the charging device charges the battery in the normal charging mode, the external device introduces the fire extinguishing liquid into the liquid passage at a first flow rate. When the charging device charges the battery in the fast charging mode, the external device introduces the fire extinguishing liquid into the liquid passage at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate.

7. The fire extinguishing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The fire extinguishing system also has thermal equipment, The thermal device includes: a recovery hose that recovers the fire extinguishing liquid led out from the liquid passage; a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the fire extinguishing liquid recovered by the recovery hose and the heat medium of the thermal device; and a pump that pressurizes and delivers the fire extinguishing liquid to the heat exchanger via the recovery hose.

8. The fire extinguishing system according to claim 4, wherein: The charging device charges the battery using renewable energy.

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