Valve assembly, battery and electric vehicle

Abstract

Valve assembly (30; 30A) for an electric vehicle (10), with - a base ring (32) mountable in an opening (18; 18A; 20) which has a ring axis (A); and - a blocking element (34) which can be moved from a blocking state in which the flow of fluid from one axial side (S1) to another axial side (S2) of the base ring (32) is blocked to a release state in which the flow of fluid from one axial side (S1) to the other axial side (S2) of the base ring (32) is allowed, wherein the locking element (34) is designed to be moved from the locking state to the release state by the impact of a fluid jet (W).

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a valve arrangement for an electric vehicle, a battery, in particular in the form of a drive battery for a motor vehicle, and a vehicle having a body and a battery, in particular a drive battery, wherein the battery includes a battery housing in which at least one battery cell is arranged.

[0002] Electric and hybrid vehicles have been gaining popularity in recent years. One reason for this is their comparatively powerful lithium batteries.

[0003] Lithium batteries and accumulators (i.e., lithium-ion batteries, etc.), such as those used in electric and hybrid vehicles, can spontaneously ignite under certain conditions. In the worst case, a lithium battery fire can trigger a chain reaction, a so-called "thermal runaway," even without the supply of oxygen. If such a fire spreads from a single cell to neighboring cells and ultimately to the entire battery, the process is difficult to stop, and very high temperatures of over 900°C can occur.

[0004] Extinguishing with conventional firefighting foam, which cuts off the oxygen supply, cannot stop such thermal runaway. Such a battery fire can generally only be extinguished by significantly cooling the battery cells.

[0005] The relatively inaccessible battery in electric vehicles is often difficult for firefighters.

[0006] Professional firefighters therefore have the following approaches. The first solution is to immerse the entire electric vehicle in water for at least 24 hours. This usually results in the electric vehicle being completely destroyed.

[0007] Another system for high-voltage batteries involves driving a mandrel into the vehicle battery. Then, extinguishing water is pumped into the burning battery at a high flow rate (e.g., 30 l / min) at 7 bar. An extinguishing lance can also be used. This, too, is driven directly into the battery, filling it with extinguishing agent.

[0008] It is also known to use fire blankets to prevent the spread of fire.

[0009] Electric vehicles that have already been extinguished can also be lifted onto tarpaulins, which are then stretched around the respective vehicle and filled with extinguishing water, similar to a water bath.

[0010] Against this background, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved valve arrangement for an electric vehicle, an improved battery and an improved electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0011] This object is achieved by a valve arrangement for an electric vehicle, comprising a base ring which can be mounted in an opening and which has a ring axis; and comprising a blocking body which can be moved from a blocking state in which a flow of fluid from one axial side to another axial side of the base ring is blocked, into a release state in which a flow of fluid from one axial side to the other axial side of the base ring is released, wherein the blocking body is designed to be moved from the blocking state to the release state by the impact of a fluid jet.

[0012] Furthermore, the above object is achieved by a battery, in particular in the form of a drive battery for motor vehicles, having a battery housing in which at least one battery cell is arranged and which has at least one opening in which a base ring of a valve arrangement of the type described above is mounted.

[0013] Finally, the above object is achieved by a vehicle having a body and a battery, in particular a drive battery, wherein the battery includes a battery housing in which at least one battery cell is arranged and which has at least one opening, (i) in which the base ring of a valve arrangement of the type described above is mounted or (ii) which is connected to a body opening in the body, wherein the base ring of such a valve arrangement is mounted in the body opening.

[0014] The present invention therefore aims to contain or extinguish fires in electric vehicles and in particular thermal runaway of a lithium battery by introducing extinguishing fluid, in particular extinguishing water, into the housing of the battery.

[0015] While in the prior art, special lances or other separating devices are necessary to open the battery housing, the valve arrangement disclosed here enables such a passage to be created simply by a firefighter, such as a firefighter, spraying extinguishing fluid against the valve arrangement using a jet pipe. The impact of the fluid jet and the associated pressure and quantity of extinguishing fluid open the valve arrangement, i.e., the blocking body is placed in the release state, allowing fluid to flow from one axial side (usually the outside of the housing) to the other axial side (usually the inside of the housing).

[0016] In other words, extinguishing fluid can now penetrate the battery casing and flood the battery cells without the need for special tools.

[0017] Overall, this provides a defined access point for extinguishing fluid to contain a fire. Firefighters no longer need to search for specific optimal locations to cut open the battery casing. An extinguishing lance to pierce the vehicle shell and / or battery casing is no longer necessary.

[0018] It is understood that the valve assembly is mounted on the battery housing in this case at a location that allows relatively easy access for firefighters. Furthermore, the valve assembly is mounted on the battery housing in such a way that the battery housing can be effectively flooded.

[0019] In the locking state of the locking body of the valve arrangement, the valve arrangement can preferably prevent the escape of gases from the battery housing.

[0020] The vehicle can either be configured such that an opening in the battery housing is freely accessible from the body, e.g., on an underside of the battery. In an alternative embodiment, however, defined access can also be enabled through a body opening through which an opening in the battery housing is reached, e.g., through a pipe or the like. In this case, a valve arrangement can be formed either in the opening in the body and / or in an opening in the battery housing that is connected to the body opening in the body. For the sake of simplicity, the following references to a housing should therefore refer equally to a body.

[0021] The problem is thus completely solved.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the locking body has a wall section oriented transversely to the ring axis, which, in the locking state of the locking body, is exposed towards the one axial side of the base ring.

[0023] The wall section can therefore be that section of the valve arrangement onto which an extinguishing fluid jet impinges in order to move the blocking body from the blocking state to the release state.

[0024] The wall section is preferably circular.

[0025] Accordingly, the opening provided in the battery housing is preferably circular.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the base ring is designed to seal a periphery of the opening.

[0027] This can help prevent gases from escaping from the battery casing.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the base ring has a radially projecting flange portion.

[0029] Such a flange portion is preferably dimensioned to rest against the outer skin of the housing around the opening. Consequently, when a jet of extinguishing fluid impinges on the valve assembly, the base ring rests against the periphery of the opening via the flange portion and is therefore not, or only minimally, displaced by the extinguishing fluid.

[0030] On the other hand, this also allows the blocking body to move from the blocking state to the release state relative to the base body due to the extinguishing fluid jet.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the valve arrangement has at least one locking mechanism.

[0032] Such a locking mechanism is preferably designed to cooperate with a corresponding locking mechanism in the region of the housing opening.

[0033] For example, the locking mechanism can be designed in the manner of a bayonet lock, so that it can be ensured that the base ring can be mounted securely and captively in the opening.

[0034] The locking mechanism can cooperate, in particular, with an annular seal arranged between the flange portion and a peripheral portion of the battery housing. In particular, the locking mechanism can be elastically tensioned as a result.

[0035] As mentioned above, the locking body is moved from the locked state to the released state due to a fluid jet impact. It is generally possible to retain the locking body on the base ring even in the locked state. Preferably, however, the locking body can be "blasted off" from the base ring.

[0036] In general, it is preferred if the locking body is mounted displaceably with respect to the base ring parallel to the ring axis from a locking position corresponding to the locking state towards a release position corresponding to the release state.

[0037] It is preferred if the locking body is displaceably mounted directly on the base ring. Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the locking body has a plurality of axial guide webs that are guided in axial guide grooves of the base ring. The axial guide webs, together with the axial guide grooves, can form a locking engagement in the locking position.

[0038] The axial guide grooves can be formed, for example, in the area of ​​an inner circumference of the base ring.

[0039] Furthermore, with this design, it is possible to provide an axial stop for the locking position, which limits the movement of the locking body from the locking position to the release position, so that the locking body is held on the base ring even in the locking position, and a radial flow opening is thereby created between the locking body and the base ring. The impinging extinguishing fluid jet is consequently deflected by the locking body, allowing it to enter the interior of the battery housing via the radial flow opening.

[0040] It is particularly advantageous if the wall section of the blocking body has a conical section by means of which a fluid flowing in from one axial side can be deflected radially outwards.

[0041] This can improve the stability of the wall section and the fluid pressure can be directed to the radially outer region to release the locking body from the base ring.

[0042] Preferably, the locking body is designed in the manner of a lid which is mounted on the base ring in the locked state.

[0043] In this embodiment, the blocking body is released from the base ring by an impinging jet of extinguishing fluid, thus opening the lid. The blocking body can remain detachably connected to the base ring via a type of safety cable or similar. However, it is preferred if the blocking body is completely separated from the base ring by an impinging jet of extinguishing fluid.

[0044] It is particularly advantageous if the blocking body is mounted on the base ring in such a way that the blocking body designed as a blocking body is separated from the base ring by the impact of the fluid jet in order to establish an axial flow opening through the base ring.

[0045] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the locking body is mounted on the base ring in the locked state by means of a locking device.

[0046] The locking force provided by the locking device is dimensioned such that the locking body is firmly mounted to the base ring during normal operation of an electric vehicle. However, the impact of an extinguishing fluid jet with a certain pressure or a certain amount of fluid releases this locking device, allowing the locking body to be separated from the base ring or moved relative to it.

[0047] Overall, it is preferred in the present disclosure if the base ring and / or the locking body is made of a thermoplastic material.

[0048] It is particularly advantageous if the base ring and / or the blocking body is radiation cross-linked.

[0049] This allows for excellent strength, temperature resistance and service life to be achieved.

[0050] Furthermore, the valve arrangement is preferably designed such that the blocking body is moved from the blocking state into the release state by a fluid jet which corresponds to a conventional extinguishing jet from a fire hose which can be carried by a firefighter.

[0051] It is particularly advantageous if the locking body is moved from the locked state to the released state by a force exerted by the fluid jet that is greater than 100 N (Newton).

[0052] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0053] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an electric vehicle with a drive battery and valve arrangements; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a valve arrangement; Fig. 3 a perspective view of another valve arrangement with a locking body in a locking state and the locking body in a release state; Fig. 4 a side view of the valve arrangement of the Fig. 3 with the locking body in the locking state; Fig. 5 a plan view of the valve arrangement of the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4; Fig. 6 a sectional view along a line VI-VI in Fig. 5; Fig. 7 a sectional view along a line VII-VII in Fig. 5 with the locking body indicated by dashed lines in the release state; Fig. 8 an enlarged view of a detail VIII of the Fig. 6; Fig. 9 is a perspective view of another valve assembly with the locking body in a locking position; Fig. 10 another perspective view of the valve arrangement of the Fig. 9: Fig. 11 another perspective view of the valve arrangement of the Fig. 9, wherein the locking body is in a release state; and Fig. 12 a schematic sectional view of the valve arrangement of the Fig. 9.

[0054] In Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an electric / hybrid vehicle, generally designated 10. The vehicle 10 comprises a body 11, a schematically indicated electric drive motor 12 for driving the vehicle 10, and a drive battery 14 for supplying the electric drive motor 12 with electrical power.

[0055] The drive battery 14 has a housing 16. The housing 16 has a housing opening 18, which is arranged, for example, on an underside of the vehicle 10, such that the housing opening 18 of the housing 16 is freely accessible from the body 11.

[0056] The housing 16 may alternatively or additionally have a housing opening 18A which is not freely accessible from the body 11.

[0057] The body 11 may further comprise a body opening 20 which is accessible from the outside of the vehicle and which is connected to the housing opening 18A via a conduit 22 or the like.

[0058] A valve assembly 30 is inserted into the housing opening 18. Alternatively or additionally, a valve assembly 30A can be inserted into the body opening 20 and / or into the housing opening 18A.

[0059] The valve assemblies 30, 30A are each designed such that they can establish a blocking state in which the associated opening 18, 20 is closed, preferably sealed, so that, for example, no gases can escape from the housing 16. The valve assemblies 30, 30A are preferably designed such that they can be moved from the blocking state to a release state by the impact of a fluid jet. The fluid jet can, in particular, be an extinguishing fluid jet for extinguishing / cooling the drive battery 14, in particular cells of the drive battery 14. In the release state, a passage from the exterior O to the interior I of the housing 16 is established through the valve assembly.

[0060] If the drive battery 14 is in danger of overheating, in particular of entering a state of "thermal runaway," the respective valve arrangement 30, 30A can be opened by directing a jet of extinguishing fluid onto the valve arrangement 30, 30A. This places the valve arrangement 30, 30A in the release state, in which the jet of extinguishing fluid can enter the interior of the housing 16 of the drive battery 14 through the respective opening 18, 18A unhindered or almost unhindered.

[0061] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows such a valve assembly 30. The valve assembly 30 is mounted in the housing opening 18 of the housing 16. The valve assembly 30 has a base ring 32 whose outer diameter is adapted to the inner diameter of the housing opening 18. Furthermore, the base ring 32 has a continuous ring opening along a ring axis A.

[0062] The valve assembly 30 further includes a locking body 34 which is Fig. 2 is shown in a locked state at 34S, in which the locking body 34 closes and seals the through opening of the base ring 32. For this purpose, a locking body seal 38 can be provided between the base ring 32 and the locking body 34S. The base ring 32 itself can be sealed from the housing 16 by an annular seal 36.

[0063] If a fluid jet W hits the locking body 34 through the opening of the base ring 32, the latter is set into a release state which is Fig. 2 is shown schematically at 34F. In other words, the blocking body 34 detaches from the base ring 32, so that the fluid jet W can subsequently penetrate essentially unhindered through the base ring 32 into the interior I of the housing 16 in order to flood the cells of the drive battery 14 located therein and thus cool them. The fluid jet W is preferably directed from an outer side O of the housing 16 onto the valve arrangement 30, namely from a first axial side S1 of the base ring 32 towards a second axial side S2 of the base ring 32. In the blocked state, a flow of fluid from one axial side S1 to the other axial side S2 is blocked. In the released state, a flow of fluid from one axial side S1 to the other axial side S2 is released.

[0064] The locking body 34 is designed to be moved from the locking state to the release state by the impact of the fluid jet W. In this case, the locking body can be completely released from the base ring 32, as shown in Fig. 2 at 34F. Alternatively, however, the locking body 34 can also be moved into a targeted release position with respect to the base ring 32 in order to establish a flow opening between the base ring 32 and the locking body so that the fluid can pass from the outside O into the inside I of the housing 16.

[0065] In the Fig. 3 to 8, a preferred embodiment of a valve arrangement 30' is shown, which in terms of structure and operation generally corresponds to the valve arrangement 30 shown in Fig. 2. The main differences are explained below.

[0066] The base ring 32 of the valve assembly 30' has an outer ring portion 40, which in the assembled state points towards the outside O of the housing 16 with respect to the opening 18, an inner ring portion 42, which points towards the inside I of the housing 16 with respect to the opening 18, and a flange portion 44, which is arranged in a region between the outer ring portion 40 and the inner ring portion 42. The outer ring portion 40 and the inner ring portion 42 are substantially cylindrical on their outer circumference. The outer ring portion 40 can have struts towards the flange portion 44, which in Fig. 3, but are not further described.

[0067] The flange portion 44 projects radially from the outer circumference of the outer ring portion 40 and the inner ring portion 42.

[0068] The outer ring portion 40 and the inner ring portion 42 define a ring opening 46 which is formed continuously through the base ring 32.

[0069] The flange section 44 is designed such that the ring seal 36 can be placed on the end face facing the inner side I in order to create a seal towards an outer wall of the housing 16.

[0070] The outer ring portion 40, the inner ring portion 42 and the flange portion 44 are preferably formed in one piece, preferably from a radiation-crosslinked thermoplastic material.

[0071] The locking body 34 is in Fig. 3 shown on the one hand in the locked state, at 34S, and on the other hand in the released state, at 34F.

[0072] The locking body 34 of the valve arrangement 30' has a locking body neck 48 which is annular and designed to be inserted into the ring opening 46 from the inner side I of the base ring 32.

[0073] Furthermore, the locking body 34 has a locking body cover 50 which defines a wall section 52 oriented transversely to the ring axis A.

[0074] On the locking body neck 48, a locking section 54 in the form of a locking ring is formed on the outside circumference, which is preferably continuous in the circumferential direction.

[0075] The locking body cover 50 and the locking body neck 48 are preferably formed in one piece, preferably from a radiation-crosslinked thermoplastic material, which may be the same as the base ring 32.

[0076] As is particularly the case in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the locking body cover 50 has an annular portion that protrudes radially in the circumferential direction relative to the locking body neck 48. In a region facing the outer side O, the locking body seal 38 is arranged as an annular seal around the outer circumference of the locking body neck 48 and, in the locked state, is elastically compressed between the locking body cover 50 and the inner ring portion 42 in order to seal the base ring 32 relative to the housing 16.

[0077] On the inside of the ring opening 46, the base ring 32 has a plurality of locking lugs 58.

[0078] As it is in Fig. 6 and Fig. 8, the locking lugs 58 engage the locking portion 54 so that the locking body 34 is securely fastened to the base ring 32 when it is in the locking state or position.

[0079] In the region of the outer circumference of the inner ring section 42, a plurality of locking hooks 56 of a locking device are preferably arranged, distributed in the circumferential direction, which is designed to interact with corresponding locking recesses in the region of the inner side I of the housing 16 (not shown). The locking hooks 56 can be designed in the manner of bayonet hooks, which establish a locking state between the base ring 32 and the housing 16 by rotating the base ring 32 around the ring axis A through an angular range of, for example, 5° to 45° with respect to the housing 16.

[0080] The ring seal 36 can have a supporting effect, as it can elastically press the housing wall against the locking hooks 56.

[0081] In the Fig. 9 to 12, a further embodiment of a valve arrangement 30" is shown, which in terms of the basic structure of the embodiment of the Fig. 3 to 8. Identical elements are therefore identified by the same reference numerals. The differences are essentially explained below.

[0082] While in the embodiment of the valve arrangement 30' the Fig. 3 to 8, the blocking body 34 can be moved by a fluid jet W from the blocking state (34S) into the release state (34F), in which the blocking body 34 is completely separated from the base ring 32, in the valve arrangement 30" the blocking body 34 is displaceable with respect to the base ring 32 parallel to the ring axis A between a blocking position 34S corresponding to the blocking state (see Fig. 9) and a release position corresponding to the release state (see Fig. 11) mounted movably.

[0083] In the valve assembly 30", the base ring 32 is formed as in the valve assembly 30' with the outer ring portion 40, the inner ring portion 42 and the flange portion 44 and the ring opening 46 and also has the locking hooks 56, as in the valve assembly 30'.

[0084] The locking body 34 has a wall section 52 with a conical section 70, which tapers toward the outer side O and terminates in a base oriented perpendicular to the ring axis A. The wall section 52 is designed in the manner of a truncated cone. The wall section 52 additionally has a radially outer ring collar, which rests on the end face of the inner ring section 42 in the locking position, in particular with the locking body seal 38 therebetween.

[0085] The base ring 32 is axially significantly shorter than that of the embodiment of the Fig. 3 - 8. The locking body neck 48 extends from the locking body cover 50 in the axial direction to such an extent that, viewed radially, it partially overlaps with the outer ring section 40.

[0086] If a fluid jet W is directed through the ring opening 46 onto the side of the wall section 52 facing the outside O, the locking between the locking section 54 and the locking lugs 58 is released and the locking body 34 is moved towards the inside I. In this case, the locking body 34, as in the embodiment of the Fig. 3 to 8, completely detached from the base ring 32.

[0087] In the valve arrangement 30", the base ring 32 and the locking body are each preferably formed in one piece and are each made of a radiation-crosslinked thermoplastic material.

[0088] As it is in Fig. 5, the outer diameter of the flange portion 44 in the embodiments of the valve assembly in the Fig. 3 to 8 and 9 to 12 are in a range of, for example, 20 mm to 150 mm. These dimensions apply to both versions of the valve arrangement, 30' and 30".

[0089] Furthermore, Fig. 12 shows an axial length L1 of the valve assembly 30" in the locked state. L1 can be in a range from 15 mm to 80 mm, for example. The axial length L1 in this range applies to both embodiments of valve assemblies, 30' and 30". List of reference symbols: 10 electric / hybrid vehicles 11 Body 12 Drive electric motor 14 traction battery 16 housings 18, 18A housing opening 20 Body opening 22 Pipeline 20 / 18A 30, 30A valve arrangement 32 base ring 34 locking bodies 36 Ring seal 38 Locking body seal 40 outer ring section 42 inner ring section 44 Flange section 46 ring opening 48 Locking body neck 50 locking body covers 52 wall section 54 Rest section (rest ring) 56 locking hooks 58 locking lugs 70 cone section I Inside O Outside W Fluid jet S1 first axial side S2 second axial side A ring axis DA outer diameter

Claims

[1] Valve arrangement (30; 30A) for an electric vehicle (10), with - a base ring (32) mountable in an opening (18; 18A; 20) having a ring axis (A); and - a blocking body (34) which can be set from a blocking state in which a flow of fluid from one axial side (S1) to another axial side (S2) of the base ring (32) is blocked, to a release state in which a flow of fluid from one axial side (S1) to the other axial side (S2) of the base ring (32) is released, wherein the blocking body (34) is designed to be moved from the blocking state into the release state by the impact of a fluid jet (W). [2] Valve arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the locking body (34) has a wall section (52) aligned transversely to the ring axis (A) which, in the locking state of the locking body (34), is exposed towards the one axial side (S1) of the base ring (32). [3] Valve assembly according to claim 2, wherein the wall portion (52) is circular. [4] Valve assembly according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the base ring (32) is configured to seal a periphery of the opening (18; 18A; 20). [5] Valve arrangement according to one of claims 1-4, wherein the base ring (32) has a radially projecting flange portion (44) and / or has at least one locking mechanism (56). [6] Valve arrangement according to one of claims 1-5, wherein the locking body (34) is mounted displaceably with respect to the base ring (32) parallel to the ring axis (A) from a locking position (34S) corresponding to the locking state towards a release position (34F) corresponding to the release state. [7] Valve arrangement according to one of claims 2-6, wherein the wall section (52) has a conical section (70) by means of which a fluid flowing in axially from one side (S1) can be deflected radially outwards. [8] Valve arrangement according to one of claims 1-7, wherein the locking body (34) is designed as a cover which is mounted on the base ring (32) in the locked state. [9] Valve arrangement according to claim 8, wherein the blocking body (34) is mounted on the base ring (32) such that the blocking body (34) designed as a cover is separated from the base ring (32) by means of the impact of the fluid jet (W) in order to establish an axial flow opening through the base ring (32). [10] Valve arrangement according to one of claims 1-9, wherein the locking body (34) is mounted in the locking state on the base ring (32) by means of a locking device (54, 58). [11] Valve arrangement according to one of claims 1-10, wherein the base ring (32) and / or the locking body (34) is made of a thermoplastic material. [12] Valve arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the base ring (32) and / or the blocking body is radiation cross-linked. [13] Valve arrangement according to one of claims 1-12, wherein the blocking body (34) is moved from the blocking state to the release state by a force exerted by the fluid jet (W), the force being greater than 100 N. [14] Battery (14), in particular in the form of a drive battery for motor vehicles, with a battery housing (16) in which at least one battery cell is arranged and which has at least one opening (18) in which the base ring (32) of a valve arrangement (30) according to one of claims 1-13 is mounted. [15] Vehicle (10) with a body (11) and a battery (14), in particular a drive battery, wherein the battery includes a battery housing (16) in which at least one battery cell is arranged and which has at least one opening (18; 18A) (i) in which the base ring (32) of a valve arrangement (30) according to one of claims 1-13 is mounted or (ii) which is connected to a body opening (20) in the body (11), wherein the base ring (32) of a valve arrangement (30) according to one of claims 1-13 is mounted in the body opening (20).

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