Vehicle, fire lance and their use

Abstract

vehicle (1), characterized by the following features: - the vehicle (1) contains a battery (2) with cells (15) grouped in modules (7) and - the battery (2) has an interface (3) for the insertion of a fire extinguishing lance (4) by a firefighter (5).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle. The present invention also relates to a fire extinguishing lance and its use for extinguishing the vehicle. State of the art

[0002] The use of electric vehicles has increased significantly in recent years. These vehicles are powered by one or more batteries, which typically have a high energy density and represent an essential component of the vehicle. In state-of-the-art electric vehicles, the battery is typically installed in the vehicle's floor structure.

[0003] Such a battery typically consists of a large number of individual cells grouped together in various modules. These modules are installed in a protective battery frame, which serves to protect the individual cells and modules from external influences, such as in the event of a serious accident.

[0004] Electric vehicle batteries can catch fire. This can be triggered, for example, by a short circuit in one of the cells, leading to significant heat buildup in the affected cell. This heat can spread to neighboring cells and, in the worst case, cause the entire battery to catch fire. Such a battery fire can cause significant damage to the vehicle and its surroundings and also poses a significant danger to people nearby.

[0005] DE102021132499A1 discloses the extinguishing of a vehicle battery fire. For this purpose, an external extinguishing agent supply is connected to an extinguishing agent connection on the vehicle body. The extinguishing agent is fed directly into the battery housing via the extinguishing agent connection.

[0006] US20210387031A1 discloses a vehicle having an extinguishing agent connection and an extinguishing agent line. In the event of a battery fire, extinguishing agent can be introduced directly into the battery housing through the extinguishing agent connection and the extinguishing agent line.

[0007] CN115476704A discloses a vehicle having a connection for extinguishing agent and an extinguishing agent line. In the event of a battery fire, extinguishing agent can be introduced directly into the battery housing through the connection and the extinguishing agent line.

[0008] CN214625271U discloses a vehicle with a connection for introducing extinguishing agent. The connection is provided on an explosion-proof valve. From the connection, the extinguishing agent flows directly into the vehicle's battery housing via a line.

[0009] DE102016206851B3 discloses a method for extinguishing a vehicle battery fire. For this purpose, the battery casing is pierced with an extinguishing lance. Extinguishing agent enters the battery casing directly through the puncture hole.

[0010] DE102013021416A1 discloses a method for extinguishing a vehicle battery fire. For this purpose, a connection for introducing extinguishing agent is provided on the battery housing. The connection can have a bayonet lock, a plug-in lock, or a spring mechanism. Disclosure of the invention

[0011] One problem is that a battery fire in an electric vehicle is difficult to control and extinguish using conventional firefighting methods due to the specific conditions and the high energy density of the battery.

[0012] The battery's high energy density leads to intense heat generation in the event of a fire. This causes the fire to spread rapidly within the battery, with the heat spreading to neighboring cells and potentially igniting the entire battery.

[0013] Because the battery is typically installed within the vehicle structure, especially in the floor structure, it is largely shielded from the outside world. This makes direct access to the fire source difficult for firefighters. In addition, the high temperatures that can occur during a battery fire make extinguishing from close range virtually impossible.

[0014] Furthermore, the use of conventional extinguishing methods, such as spraying with water or applying foam, is only partially effective in extinguishing battery fires. This is because these extinguishing agents are generally unable to penetrate the interior of the battery and directly affect the burning cells. Therefore, a battery fire can continue to burn even after the outer parts of the battery have been extinguished.

[0015] Another problem is that the heat released during a battery fire can cause significant damage not only to the vehicle itself but also to the surrounding area. In particular, the harmful gases and smoke particles released during a battery fire can pose a danger to humans and animals.

[0016] Finally, more complex extinguishing methods, particularly immersing a burning vehicle in a pool of water, are not always practical. This may be the case, for example, if there is no suitable pool of water nearby or if the vehicle cannot be lifted into the pool due to its size or weight. Furthermore, this method can lead to a significant spread of contaminated water, which in turn can cause environmental problems.

[0017] The described problem is solved by a vehicle, a fire extinguishing lance and its use for extinguishing the vehicle according to the independent claims.

[0018] This approach has the advantage of allowing a direct and controlled supply of extinguishing agent. This represents a significant advance over previous methods, which do not guarantee direct access to the fire source.

[0019] This is achieved by introducing a standardized interface on the vehicle battery, which enables continuous cooling of the battery and allows extinguishing agents to be introduced directly into the battery. This allows for more direct firefighting, as the extinguishing agent can be directed to the source of the fire, effectively combating the spread of the fire within the battery.

[0020] Additionally, a special firefighting lance is proposed, equipped with a ball head and locking into the standardized interface on the vehicle. This enables a quick and secure connection between the fire engine and the vehicle battery, thus significantly facilitating firefighting.

[0021] The use of a piping system within the battery made of heat-resistant material allows for efficient distribution of the extinguishing agent within the battery. This helps prevent the fire from spreading to other cells or modules and increases the effectiveness of the extinguishing agent.

[0022] The proposed approach also takes into account the requirements and needs of the fire department. By standardizing the interface and the fire lance, emergency responders can rely on uniform and familiar equipment and procedures, increasing the efficiency and safety of firefighting operations.

[0023] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims. Short description of the drawings Fig. 1 shows the longitudinal section of a vehicle. Fig. 2 shows the perspective view of a battery. Fig. 3 shows the first phase of a firefighting operation. Fig. 4 shows the second phase of the fire-fighting operation. Fig. 5 shows a possible structure of the battery. Fig. Figure 6 shows a cross-section of a standardized battery interface. Fig. 7 shows the interface with the extinguishing lance inserted. Embodiments of the invention

[0024] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates the longitudinal section of a vehicle (1) containing a battery (2). The battery (2) is installed in the vehicle floor structure and has an interface to a frame fixed to the body.

[0025] In Fig. Figure 2 shows the battery (2) in perspective. The battery consists of a protective frame (3.1) in which the individual cells are installed in cell modules (7). Within the frame (3.1) is a heat-resistant piping system that branches off into appropriate branches and serves to distribute extinguishing agents to the modules (7).

[0026] The Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 illustrate the phases of a firefighting operation. In Fig. 3, a firefighter (5) takes a fire lance (4) and inserts it into the standardized interface (3) of the vehicle (1) at the battery (2). The fire lance (4) is characterized by a long tube with a ball head at the front. Standardized hoses (4.2) are connected to the rear end of the fire lance (4). The lance (4) is also equipped with a heat shield (4.1).

[0027] In Fig. 4, the interface (3) locks the ball head of the lance (4) to the battery (2). Now, extinguishing agent (6) can be injected directly into the vehicle battery (2) under high pressure.

[0028] Fig. Figure 5 shows a possible configuration of the battery (2). The cell modules (7) are located within the battery frame (3, 3.1). The individual battery cells (15) are located within the cell modules (7). The supply device is a piping system within the battery (2) made of a high-temperature-resistant material. This piping system divides into appropriate branches (13) after the interface (3) at the battery inlet.

[0029] Fig. Figure 6 shows a cross-section through the standardized interface (3) of the battery. The interface (3) consists of a connecting tube (8.1), which connects the interface to the piping system within the battery (2). The sealing piece (8.2) is mounted on the connecting tube (8.1) and can be moved translationally. A spring (18) applies a force to the sealing piece (8.2). The two ball-head claws (8.3) are supported in the initial position on the sealing piece (8.2) at a defined position (11) and limit further displacement of the sealing piece by means of the stop (12).

[0030] In Fig.Figure 7 shows the interface (3) with the extinguishing lance (4) inserted. The extinguishing lance (4) is pressed into the interface (3). The ball head (4.5) presses on the seal (9) and pushes the sealing piece (8.2) backwards in a translational manner. The spring (18) is compressed. The translational displacement of the sealing piece (8.2) pushes the ball head claws (8.3) from their defined support (11) on the sealing piece (8.2). The spring force (10) presses the ball head claws (8.3) inwards onto the ball head (4.5). The claws enclose the ball head (4.5). The spring force (10) presses the sealing piece (8.2) with the seal (9) against the ball head (4.5) and seals it. Extinguishing agent (6) can then be introduced into the battery (2) via the extinguishing lance (4).

[0031] The ball head (4.5) of the fire lance (4) also allows a certain angle change of the fire lance (4), which can simplify the handling and positioning of the lance during firefighting. List of reference symbols 1 vehicle 2 batteries 3 Interface 3.1 Framework 4 fire lance 4.1 Heat shield 4.2 Hose connection 4.3 Mouth 4.4 Funnel 4.5 Ball head 4.6 Pipe 5 firefighters 6 extinguishing agents 7 cell modules 8 Connection 8.1 Connecting pipe 8.2 Sealing piece 8.3 Ball head claws 9 Seal 10 spring force 11 Support 12 stops 13 Branching 14 Sliding surface 15 cells 18 spring QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 102021132499A1

[0005] US 20210387031A1

[0006] CN 115476704A

[0007] CN 214625271U

[0008] DE 102016206851B3

[0009] DE 102013021416A1

[0010]

Claims

[1] Vehicle (1), characterized by following features: - the vehicle (1) contains a battery (2) with cells (15) grouped in modules (7) and - the battery (2) has an interface (3) for the insertion of a fire extinguishing lance (4) by a firefighter (5). [2] Vehicle (1) according to claim 1, characterized by following features: - the battery (2) has a frame (3.1) fixed to the body and - the interface (3) is located on the frame (3.1). [3] Vehicle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by following features: - the battery (2) has a heat-resistant cable system and - the piping system is designed to distribute extinguishing agent (6) to the modules (7). [4] Vehicle (1) according to claim 3, characterized by following features: - the interface (3) comprises a mechanical connection (8) to the line system and - the connection (8) has a seal (9) for attaching the extinguishing lance (4). [5] Vehicle (1) according to claim 4, characterized by following features: - the connection (8) comprises a connecting pipe (8.1) leading into the piping system, - the connection (8) comprises a sealing piece (8.2) which is movable longitudinally to the connecting pipe (8.1) and which carries the seal (9), and - the connection (8) comprises ball head claws (8.3) arranged outside the sealing piece (8.2) which are loaded with a spring force (10) directed towards the seal (9). [6] Vehicle (1) according to claim 5, characterized by following features: - a defined support (11) is provided on the sealing piece (8.2) for the ball head claws (8.3) in the direction of the spring force (10) and - a defined stop (12) is provided for the sealing piece (8.2) on the ball head claws (8.3) transverse to the support (11). [7] Fire extinguishing lance (4) for a vehicle (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by following features: - the fire lance (4) carries a heat protection shield (4.1) for the firefighter (5) using it and - the extinguishing lance (4) has a hose connection (4.2) for the extinguishing agent (6) on the back of the heat shield (4.1). [8] Extinguishing lance (4) according to claim 7, characterized by following features: - the extinguishing lance (4) has a mouth (4.3) which can be inserted into the interface (3) of the battery (2) of the vehicle (1) using a funnel (4.4), and - the fire lance (4) carries, on the side of its mouth (4.3), a spherical head (4.5) on a pipe (4.6) to be inserted into the funnel (4.4). [9] Use of an extinguishing lance (4) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by following features: - the fire lance (4) is placed by the firefighter (5) on the seal (9) and - the extinguishing agent (6) is fed to the cells (15) through the connection (8) via branches (13) of the pipe system. [10] Use according to claim 9 in a vehicle (1) according to claim 6, characterized by following features: - the extinguishing lance (4) is pressed further in the direction of the connection (8) after its attachment, so that its connecting pipe (8.1) and sealing piece (8.2) are pushed together against a spring (18) via a mutual sliding surface (14), and - when pushed together, the ball head claws (8.3) lose their support (11) under the spring force (10) and enclose the ball head (4.5) on the pipe (4.6) of the fire lance (4).

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