Extinguishing device for a vehicle, method for operating the extinguishing device and transport vehicle with extinguishing device

Abstract

The present application relates to a fire extinguishing device (1) for a vehicle (2), a method for operating the fire extinguishing device (1) according to the invention, and a transport vehicle with the fire extinguishing device (1) according to the invention. The fire extinguishing device (1) according to the invention comprises a fire extinguishing lance (30) configured to be driven into a vehicle battery (20) when the fire extinguishing device (1) is activated and to discharge a fire extinguishing fluid (80) from a lance outlet (32) into the vehicle battery (20). It further comprises a lance drive (11) configured to drive the fire extinguishing lance (30) when the fire extinguishing device (1) is activated. The fire extinguishing device also includes a fire extinguishing fluid supply (60) configured to deliver a fire extinguishing fluid (80) to the lance outlet (32) of the fire extinguishing lance (30) when the fire extinguishing device (1) is activated.

Description

[0001] The subject matter of the present application is a fire extinguishing device for a vehicle, a method for operating the fire extinguishing device according to the invention and a transport vehicle with the fire extinguishing device according to the invention.

[0002] The market penetration of at least partially electric vehicles, grouped together under the registration of electric vehicles, is leading to a massive increase in the number of such vehicles on the roads. Consequently, the number of vehicles that need to be transported, for example, from the manufacturer to the end customer or to car dealerships, sometimes over long distances, is also rising. Typically, transport from the factory to the customer center in the respective market is carried out by rail, ship, or car carrier.

[0003] Due to the high energy density of charged electric vehicle batteries, transporting these vehicles poses a certain risk if a so-called "thermal event" or "thermal runaway" occurs. Such an event involves an uncontrolled chain reaction within the battery, resulting in an extreme temperature increase within milliseconds. This process typically unfolds in the following steps: At approximately 70°C, the anode (usually graphite) and the electrolyte begin to self-heat. At 80°C, components of the electrolyte evaporate, leading to a pressure buildup. At 130°C, the separator melts, causing a short circuit and further heating. At 250°C, the cathode material reacts exothermically with the electrolyte. At approximately 600°C, the cathode material decomposes and releases oxygen. This leads to cell burning and thermal runaway.This chemical combustion releases large amounts of heat due to the high energy content of the battery and does not require ambient air for combustion. Such events can be caused, among other things, by excessively high ambient temperatures, which can certainly occur with the aforementioned modes of transport.

[0004] When transporting electric vehicles by rail or ship, they are packed very tightly to transport as many vehicles as possible. If a fire breaks out on a ship or train, the fire will spread to neighboring vehicles, creating the risk of a widespread fire.

[0005] Various systems are known from the prior art that can contain the danger and prevent a wildfire. CN 114 171 826 A describes a fire extinguishing device for electric vehicles on a ship. In this system, the vehicle is placed in a box to carry out the extinguishing process. KR 2024 0 057 888 A describes a ship for transporting vehicles, in which a separate compartment for electric vehicles is designed to be watertight so that it can be flooded in the event of a fire. CN 117 323 595 A describes a ship for transporting electric vehicles in which an insulating blanket is placed over a vehicle when a thermal reaction is detected that could lead to a battery fire. DE 20 2023 001 603 U1 describes a ship for the transport of electric vehicles, wherein the cargo space is compartmentalized and electric vehicles are parked in a specific parcel, with a pond structure built around it for flooding.CN 117 839 124 A describes an ejection system for ejecting a burning vehicle from a ship when a fire breaks out in the vehicle. CN 117 246 170 A describes a charging integration system for a transport ship carrying electric vehicles, incorporating a fire hose with a nozzle designed to flood a cable pile in the event of a fire.

[0006] The solutions mentioned are either very complex and expensive, comparatively ineffective and / or do not prevent a fire from spreading to another vehicle.

[0007] Against this background, the object of the present invention is to provide an alternative extinguishing device for a vehicle, a method for operating the extinguishing device and a transport vehicle with the extinguishing device, by means of which the above-mentioned disadvantages can be largely eliminated.

[0008] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the dependent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are contained in the sub-claims.

[0009] The extinguishing device (1) according to the invention for preventing a vehicle fire in a stationary, at least partially electrically powered vehicle (2) comprises an extinguishing lance (30) designed to be driven into a vehicle battery (20) when the extinguishing device (1) is activated and to discharge an extinguishing fluid (80) from a lance outlet (32) into the vehicle battery (20). It further comprises a lance drive (11) designed to drive the extinguishing lance (30) when the extinguishing device (1) is activated.

[0010] The activation of the extinguishing lance, as described in the application, comprises a particularly abrupt movement along a defined trajectory, by which the extinguishing lance shoots out of the device. The driving of the extinguishing lance by the lance drive is thus understood as driving the movement. The movement occurs along a longitudinal axis of the extinguishing lance and is, in particular, a rotational or translational movement. In the case of a rotational movement, the longitudinal axis consequently does not have a straight course, but rather a curved one. With a rotational movement of the extinguishing lance, it is therefore designed as a kind of hook.

[0011] Furthermore, the extinguishing device includes an extinguishing fluid supply (60) designed to convey extinguishing fluid (80) to the lance outlet (32) of the extinguishing lance (30) when the extinguishing device (1) is activated. Activation of the extinguishing device thus includes not only the movement of the extinguishing lance, but also the conveying and discharge of extinguishing fluid through the lance outlet. In particular, a control device is also provided in the extinguishing device, designed to effect the activation of the extinguishing device depending on sensor data.

[0012] If a vehicle is parked above the extinguishing device, in the event of a thermal incident, the extinguishing lance can be driven into the vehicle battery and the extinguishing agent released there, thereby lowering the fire temperature and preventing a chain reaction and thus thermal runaway. Since the vehicle batteries are generally located in the vehicle floor and can therefore be reached relatively easily by a lance penetrating the floor, an extinguishing device according to the invention, which is arranged in a floor beneath the vehicle and in which the extinguishing lance moves in a predominantly vertical direction, represents an effective way to prevent thermal runaway and a vehicle fire, and thus the spread to other vehicles in a transport vehicle such as a train or ship, in a timely manner.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment of the extinguishing device according to the invention, the lance drive is hydraulically or pneumatically operated. Such drives offer a good way to apply the necessary dynamics to the extinguishing lance to ensure that the lance is driven into the vehicle battery and, in particular, through the underride guard. These drives require only minimal technical specifications and are easy to operate. They also represent a cost-effective alternative for a drive system.

[0014] The lance drive is designed, in particular, as a working cylinder for a hydraulic or gaseous working fluid. At least one section of the extinguishing lance is guided within the working cylinder, with the extinguishing lance sealed against a cylinder wall of the working cylinder. Upon activation of the extinguishing device, the working fluid is rapidly injected into the working cylinder, so that the extinguishing lance, sealed against the environment, acts as a piston and is moved by the pressure increase within the working cylinder. Thus, in this embodiment, the working cylinder simultaneously initiates the movement and guides the extinguishing lance within the working cylinder, thereby defining the direction of the induced movement.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the extinguishing device includes sensors for detecting thermal activity. Temperature sensors are provided for this purpose. If a vehicle is parked above the extinguishing device, the sensors can detect sudden temperature increases in the surrounding area, including the vehicle's underbody, and transmit this information to the extinguishing device's control unit, thereby activating it. For example, a temperature threshold, a specific temperature gradient, and / or a temperature change within a specific time period can be defined as the trigger for activating the extinguishing device. Corresponding threshold values ​​can be stored in the extinguishing device's control unit to establish a clear activation logic. The activation logic can also utilize multiple threshold values.Include sensor values ​​in the evaluation.

[0016] Furthermore, the extinguishing device preferably includes a control unit comprising a communication device configured to communicate with vehicle sensors designed to monitor the vehicle battery. If the vehicle's sensors detect unusual battery data indicating a thermal event, particularly a specific temperature trend, this data can be transmitted to the extinguishing device's control unit, and the extinguishing device can be activated. The control unit's logic for activating the extinguishing device can, for example, include a temperature threshold, a specific temperature gradient, and / or a temperature change within a specific time period.It is also conceivable to combine data from different sensors, for example, those of the vehicle and the extinguishing device, in order to compare and validate the sensor readings. Using vehicle sensors has the advantage that no separate sensors need to be installed in the extinguishing device. Furthermore, the vehicle sensors allow for significantly more precise battery monitoring, enabling earlier detection of thermal events and thus ensuring more timely activation of the extinguishing device.

[0017] Preferably, the extinguishing device further comprises a body designed to guide the movement of the extinguishing lance when the device is activated and to allow the extinguishing lance to exit through an opening in the body. The body can be understood as either a simple frame or as a solid volume element. The body is preferably embedded in or encased in concrete, or at least firmly connected to the ground and thus permanently integrated with it. The body serves to provide stability and absorb the forces involved in the movement of the extinguishing lance.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the lance outlet is arranged in the immediate vicinity of a lance tip. Within the scope of the application, the lance tip refers to the end of the extinguishing lance that, upon activation, would first enter the battery of a vehicle and thus penetrate the vehicle's underbody. It is therefore the free end of the lance that protrudes from the extinguishing device in the activated state. It is particularly conical in shape to reduce resistance upon entry into the vehicle battery.

[0019] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is one in which the lance outlet is formed through openings distributed, in particular uniformly, around a longitudinal axis of the extinguishing lance. As explained in more detail above, the longitudinal axis of the extinguishing lance is to be understood as the axis of movement when the extinguishing lance is activated. In this way, distribution of the extinguishing fluid within the vehicle battery can be ensured, thus achieving maximum extinguishing effectiveness.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment, the extinguishing fluid supply comprises a supply hose designed to convey extinguishing fluid to a fluid inlet of the extinguishing lance, wherein the extinguishing fluid supply further comprises an extinguishing channel within the extinguishing lance designed to convey the extinguishing fluid from a fluid inlet to the lance outlet. A supply hose is understood to be a flexible hose that deforms when the lance, and thus the fluid inlet, moves, thereby flexibly adapting to the movements.

[0021] A further preferred embodiment is one in which the stroke of the extinguishing lance is defined by stops, which are arranged, in particular, on the extinguishing lance itself, with at least one stop being defined by the fluid inlet. Stops provide a reliable way to limit the movement of the extinguishing lance. The stroke of the extinguishing lance must be coordinated, in particular with the vehicle to be positioned above the extinguishing device, to ensure that the extinguishing fluid is also released into the battery. An excessively long stroke would result in the lance puncturing the battery, and an excessively short stroke would not ensure that the lance tip, and thus the extinguishing fluid, reaches the battery. Due to their lower ground clearance, sports cars require a shorter stroke of the extinguishing lance than off-road vehicles or SUVs.Adjusting the stroke via appropriate stops provides a simple and reliable way to ensure the proper functioning of the extinguishing device. Preferably, the stops are therefore adjustable to allow for variation of the stroke.

[0022] The inventive method for operating a fire extinguishing device according to one of the preceding claims comprises the following steps. A thermal event in a vehicle is detected by a sensor. This detection includes both the acquisition of sensor values ​​and their evaluation. The evaluation can take place in a control unit integrated into the vehicle or in a control unit of the fire extinguishing device, whereby only one control unit can be used for multiple fire extinguishing devices. If the evaluation does not take place in a control unit of the fire extinguishing device, the control unit of the fire extinguishing device only receives the signal to activate the fire extinguishing device. The sensor is arranged either in the vehicle or outside the vehicle, for example, in the fire extinguishing device itself.

[0023] In a further process step, the extinguishing device is activated by activating the lance drive and by providing an extinguishing fluid at the lance exit.

[0024] The transport vehicle according to the invention for transporting at least one vehicle has the extinguishing device according to the invention, wherein this is preferably arranged recessed in a floor of the transport vehicle, in particular in the area of ​​a provided parking space of the vehicle.

[0025] With reference to the accompanying figures, an embodiment of the invention and its advantageous aspects are explained in more detail below. The figures show: Fig. Figure 1 shows a transport vehicle according to the invention 100 Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the extinguishing device 1 according to the invention in an inactive state. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the embodiment of the extinguishing device 1 according to the invention. Fig. 2 in an active state

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 shows a transport vehicle 100 according to the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, this is a transport ship designed for transporting vehicles 2. Parking spaces are provided where the vehicles 2 can be parked and transported. The vehicles 2 are electric vehicles. If a thermal event occurs in a battery cell of such a vehicle 2, resulting in a vehicle fire, the fire is very likely to spread to other vehicles 2. To prevent this, an extinguishing device 1 according to the invention is provided, which, with regard to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is explained in more detail. The extinguishing device 1 is arranged below each vehicle 2.

[0027] Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows schematic representations of an embodiment of the extinguishing device 1 according to the invention, wherein Fig. 2 the extinguishing device 1 in an inactive state and Fig. 3 shows the extinguishing device 1 in an active state.

[0028] The extinguishing device 1 comprises a body 10, which is permanently installed, in particular embedded, in a floor 101 of the transport vehicle 100. Furthermore, the extinguishing device 1 has an extinguishing lance 30, which is guided in a guide 13 of the body 10 and projects at its end into a recess. The recess forms a working cylinder 12, which is sealed by the end of the extinguishing lance 30. A working volume is thus enclosed in the working cylinder 12 by the sealed end of the extinguishing lance 30. This volume is connected to a fluid supply 70, through which a working fluid 71 can be introduced into the working volume, i.e., the working cylinder 12. A hydraulic fluid or a gas is particularly suitable as the working fluid 71. The working cylinder 12 with the sealed end of the extinguishing lance 30 and the fluid supply 70 thus constitutes a lance drive 30.

[0029] Furthermore, an extinguishing fluid supply 60 is provided, through which an extinguishing fluid 80 can first be supplied via a supply hose 61 into an extinguishing channel 62 within the extinguishing lance 30 and subsequently to a lance outlet 31 at the tip of the extinguishing lance 30. The extinguishing fluid 80 can exit the extinguishing lance 30 through the lance outlet 31. The tip of the extinguishing lance 30 is opposite the end of the extinguishing lance 30 that is inserted into the working cylinder 12. The extinguishing lance 30 is in the Fig. 2 in the inactive state shown, completely integrated into body 10, but can in the active state, which is in Fig. Figure 3 shows that the object is moved out of an opening 14 in the body 10. In the inactive state, this opening is covered by a lid 50.

[0030] The extinguishing lance 30 has a fluid inlet 34, to which the supply hose 61 is attached and which transfers the extinguishing fluid 80 to the extinguishing channel 62 in the extinguishing lance 30. The fluid inlet 34 simultaneously forms a stop 33, which, with reference to Fig. 3 will be explained in more detail. The supply hose 61 is designed as a flexible hose 61, which can therefore deform and move flexibly when the extinguishing lance 30 is moved.

[0031] Furthermore, the extinguishing device 1 has a sensor 40 which is designed to detect temperature changes in its environment. A vehicle 2 is used as described in the Fig. 1 and Fig.Figure 3 shows the vehicle parked above the extinguishing device 1, which is recessed in the ground 101. The sensor 40 detects a temperature change in the vehicle and is thus able to detect a temperature change in the vehicle battery 20, which would indicate a fire or a thermal event in the vehicle battery 20. Embodiments of the invention are also conceivable in which, alternatively or additionally to the sensor 40, the vehicle's own sensor is used to monitor the vehicle battery 20, communicating with a control unit of the extinguishing device 1 via a communication device.

[0032] The sensor data is evaluated by the control unit. If a specific threshold is reached, the extinguishing device 1 is activated. The threshold can be an absolute temperature value, a temperature gradient, and / or a temperature increase within a specific time window. Preferably, a combination of different thresholds is used to activate the extinguishing device 1.

[0033] By activating the extinguishing device 1, the working cylinder 12 is pressurized with a working fluid 71 via the fluid supply 70, causing the pressure in the working cylinder 12 to rise abruptly. As a result, the end of the extinguishing lance 30 projecting into the working cylinder 12 acts as a piston and is suddenly forced upwards. The extinguishing lance 30 then shoots out of the opening 14 and is driven through a vehicle underbody 21 into the vehicle battery 20.

[0034] Simultaneously, activation of the extinguishing device 1 also triggers the supply of extinguishing fluid 80 through the extinguishing fluid supply 60. Due to the flexible supply hose 61, the fluid supply is ensured even during sudden movements of the extinguishing lance 30. The extinguishing fluid 80 reaches the lance outlet 31 via the fluid supply. This outlet is formed by small openings located on the conical tip of the extinguishing lance. The extinguishing fluid is thus distributed within the vehicle battery 20 and can therefore effectively and precisely suppress an incipient or already spreading fire 3. Consequently, thermal runaway of the battery and the spread of the fire to another vehicle, thus preventing a chain reaction and increasing the safety during the transport of the vehicles 2.

[0035] To ensure that the tip of the extinguishing lance 30, and thus the lance outlet 31, is located in the area of ​​the vehicle battery 20 when activated, the correct stroke of the extinguishing lance 30 is crucial. This stroke can be determined, in particular, by the stop 33 of the fluid inlet 34. At maximum stroke, i.e., when the working cylinder 12 is pressurized, the extinguishing lance 30 is shot upwards until the stop 33 rests against the body 10 and a corresponding counter-stop. To adjust the stroke to match the battery position above the ground 108, the stop 33 or the counter-stop on the body 10 is adjustable. The stop 33 can also be independent of the fluid inlet 34, unlike in the illustrated embodiment. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] CN 114 171 826 A

[0005] KR 2024 0 057 888 A

[0005] CN 117 323 595 A

[0005] DE 20 2023 001 603 U1

[0005] CN 117 839 124 A

[0005] CN 117 246 170 A

[0005]

Images