System for isolating a fire in a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for isolating a fire in a motor vehicle, in particular in a motor vehicle electrically powered by at least one battery. The system includes a fire-resistant blanket for covering the motor vehicle. According to the invention, the system also includes a mobile transport device with a transport box for holding the multiply folded fire-resistant blanket. Furthermore, the system includes an alarm device that detects when the transport box is removed from its storage position and triggers an alarm in response to the detected removal of the transport device from its storage position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for isolating a fire in a motor vehicle electrically powered by at least one battery. The system comprises a flame-retardant blanket for covering the motor vehicle.

[0002] Fires in electric vehicles are often particularly problematic. Such vehicles typically have lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are often the cause of the fire themselves. Regardless of the cause of the fire, lithium-ion batteries can fuel the fire. This results in exothermic chemical reactions, releasing sometimes toxic and sometimes flammable gases. Further heating can lead to cell fires, releasing oxygen that further fuels the fire. Finally, at extreme temperatures exceeding 660°C, metal fires can occur.

[0003] Such fires are difficult to extinguish and can easily spread to neighboring vehicles. Especially until the fire department arrives, it is therefore advisable to isolate the fire on the vehicle to such an extent that it can be prevented from spreading to neighboring vehicles.

[0004] For this purpose, it is known to cover the motor vehicle with a flame-retardant blanket. Such a flame-retardant blanket must completely cover the vehicle and also reach down to the ground. Consequently, the flame-retardant blanket must be considerably larger than the footprint of the vehicle. Furthermore, the flame-retardant blanket must be able to withstand high temperatures and therefore has a certain thickness and a considerable surface weight. Such flame-retardant blankets, which can also be referred to as fire blankets, are known from NL 1021213 C1 and EP 3 473 301 A1. In the event of a fire, the flame-retardant blanket must be brought from a storage area or parking space to the vehicle and then pulled manually over the vehicle. The flame-retardant blanket is extremely heavy to handle.

[0005] CN 202 666 216 U discloses a multifunctional system containing fire-fighting equipment that is protected against theft. The system includes a container that houses, among other things, a fire blanket. It also provides an alarm that triggers and warns a thief if the thief's approach is sensed, thereby detecting an attempted theft.

[0006] DE 10 2017 223534 A1 discloses a first aid cabinet for use in the workplace. The first aid cabinet has a protective housing that can be attached to a wall and contains various medical supplies. Sensors on the protective housing can detect the opening of the protective housing's doors and establish a connection to a defined emergency control center. Below the protective housing, an additional module containing a fire blanket and a mobile evacuation system can be attached to the protective housing or to the wall. The mobile evacuation system has an alarm button for triggering an alarm.

[0007] A system and method for monitoring a fire extinguisher are known from US 2019 / 311591 A1. Magnetic sensors detect when the fire extinguisher is removed from its holder.

[0008] The invention is based on the object of improving the isolation of a fire in a motor vehicle electrically powered by at least one battery and the protection of the surroundings from the spread of the fire.

[0009] The invention solves this problem with a system for isolating a fire in a motor vehicle according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0010] According to the invention, a system is provided for isolating a fire in a motor vehicle electrically powered by at least one battery, wherein the system comprises a flame-retardant blanket, the area of which, when spread out, is more than 15 m2, for covering the motor vehicle, wherein the system comprises a mobile transport device with a transport box for receiving the multiply folded flame-retardant blanket, wherein the transport box is protected against unauthorized removal of the flame-retardant blanket, wherein the system comprises an alarm device which senses and thereby detects when the transport box is removed from its parking space and which triggers an alarm in response to the detected removal of the transport device from the parking space, wherein the alarm device comprises communication means for establishing a wired or wireless communication connection with a control center and is designed toTo trigger the alarm at least via this communication link at the control center and to request a release link from the control center to release or unlock the transport box. The system is configured to receive the release link sent from the control center to the transport box and, in response, to release or unlock the transport box for the removal of the flame-retardant blanket from the transport box. The flame-retardant blanket may alternatively also be referred to as a fire blanket.

[0011] Thanks to the invention, upon discovery of a smoking or burning vehicle, it is possible to bring the flame-retardant blanket to the vehicle very quickly and isolate the fire until professional firefighting can be carried out. The flame-retardant blanket is brought to the vehicle in the transport box, unfolded there, and pulled over the vehicle. This very quickly prevents the fire from spreading further. After subsequent extinguishing activities are completed, the flame-retardant blanket can be folded again and placed in the transport box. Depending on the condition of the flame-retardant blanket, this flame-retardant blanket can be used at least one more time or recycled.

[0012] The flame-retardant blanket can be used in facilities such as parking garages and underground car parks, for example in hotels, on ferries, in car dealerships, in public facilities, in municipal companies, or in industry. If the flame-retardant blanket is arranged in a central location on each level, it can be quickly brought to the burning vehicle even by laypersons. Thanks to the alarm device, the alarm is triggered simultaneously. The alarm device is preferably integrated into an alarm system. The alarm is then detected by this alarm system and signaled depending on the alarm system's configuration. Alternatively or additionally, in response to the alarm being triggered, professional support, such as the fire department or a security service, is requested so that the fire can be extinguished promptly. The flame-retardant blanket only needs to withstand the heat of the fire until professional support arrives.

[0013] Various sensors are conceivable for detecting when the transport box is removed from its storage location. One simple detection option, for example, is to secure the transport box with a wire loop to a fixed wall at the storage location. This wire loop must be opened or cut to remove the transport box. The alarm device is preferably installed at the storage location of the transport device, in particular on a wall at the storage location, and coupled to the transport device. Alternatively, the alarm device is integrated into the transport box and coupled to the wall or another fixed part of the environment. The alarm can thus be triggered directly at the storage location of the transport box.

[0014] The control center could be, for example, the fire control center of the local fire department or, initially, a security guard, which checks whether a fire is actually present and then, if necessary, calls the fire department. The alarm is preferably triggered via a fire alarm control center (FAC). Alternatively or additionally, the alarm can be triggered directly at the parking area for the transport equipment. This can be done acoustically or, alternatively or additionally, visually.

[0015] In an advantageous development of the invention, the alarm device has a receiver for a global navigation satellite system integrated into the transport box. The receiver is, in particular, a GPS receiver, i.e., a receiver of signals from the Global Positioning System. The receiver is designed to determine the location or whereabouts of the transport box. Preferably, the receiver also comprises a transmitting unit, i.e., is a GPS tracker, and is designed, by means of this transmitting unit, to transmit the determined whereabouts of the transport box, at least partially via a radio link, to a fixed location of the alarm device and / or to an external control center. The external control center is, for example, the aforementioned fire control center of the local fire department or a security service.The location of the transport box, and thus also the location of the fire to which the flame-retardant blanket was transported in the transport box, can be quickly located. Optionally, the location can also be visually displayed at the fixed location of the alarm device, specifically at the location of the transport box before the alarm was triggered.

[0016] The alarm is preferably triggered in response to a detected movement of the transport box or in response to a detected location outside a defined area, in particular a radius around the original location. A combination of a GPS tracker and a vibration detector is particularly preferred for triggering the alarm. A siren, particularly powered by 12 volts DC, is particularly preferred for the on-site alarm. The battery or rechargeable battery for this and for operating the other electrically operated parts of the transport box, such as the GPS tracker and vibration sensor, is preferably integrated into the transport box.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the alarm triggers the electronic sending of a message, for example by e-mail or push message for receipt by application software, in particular an app, on a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet or a fixed device such as a PC.

[0018] The system optionally includes appropriate application software, specifically an app, that can receive messages from the transport box and optionally enables live tracking of the transport box. Live tracking data can optionally be transmitted to other systems or software environments. Tracking can be nationally restricted or internationally possible.

[0019] In a further development of the system according to the invention, movement profiles are stored, particularly in the transport box, when movement of the transport box is detected. This primarily serves to protect against theft. The movement profile includes a distance traveled over several days, preferably up to 100 days, optionally a speed during the distance traveled, and optionally a distance measurement of the distance traveled. The stored movement profile is preferably sent to the external control center so that the transport box can be more easily located.

[0020] According to the invention, it is provided that the transport box is protected, in particular locked, against unauthorized removal of the flame-retardant blanket and that release or unlocking is possible via a release link which can be sent from an external control center to the transport box.

[0021] One possible procedure in the event of an emergency, such as a vehicle fire, is to first bring the transport box to the scene of the fire, which triggers the alarm and, if necessary, live tracking of the transport box by the control center. The release link is then requested, and this can then be transmitted to the transport box manually, for example, at the control center. The control center can then direct firefighting specialists to the location where the release link was issued or where the transport box is currently located according to the live location. In the meantime, the flame retardant blanket can be removed from the transport box and used to cover the burning vehicle. A battery fire can thus be contained or at least kept limited until firefighting specialists arrive.

[0022] The transport device particularly preferably has a chassis with wheels for moving the transport box. This enables particularly fast and energy-saving transport of the flame-retardant blanket to the motor vehicle. In this case, it is preferably provided either that the transport device has a transport trolley with the chassis with wheels and that the transport box is parked separately from the transport trolley, or it is provided that the transport box is permanently arranged on the chassis. The transport trolley is in particular a sack barrow or a similar means of transport that can be pulled or pushed on at least two wheels. The transport box, which is set up separately from the transport trolley, is fastened to a wall in particular near the transport trolley.

[0023] The size of the flame-retardant blanket is determined by the size of the largest vehicle on which the fire is to be isolated. The area of the unfolded flame-retardant blanket is more than 15 m², preferably more than 25 m², more preferably more than 30 m², and particularly preferably more than 35 m². However, the area of the unfolded flame-retardant blanket is less than 60 m², preferably less than 50 m².

[0024] When the flame retardant blanket is placed in the transport box, it is folded up to save space according to a predefined folding plan. Optionally, the flame retardant blanket can also be partially rolled up. The folding plan is designed so that the flame retardant blanket can be removed from the transport box and unfolded in just a few simple steps. The floor space of the entire transport device, i.e. the transport box and, if present, also the transport trolley or chassis with the transport box included, is less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, particularly preferably less than 2% of the area of the unfolded flame retardant blanket. In particular, the transport device requires a footprint of less than 1 m².

[0025] The flame-retardant blanket is preferably heat-resistant and fireproof, in particular a heat-resistant and fire-resistant tarpaulin. The flame-retardant blanket can therefore withstand the radiant heat and contact heat occurring during a fire for a defined period of time without being destroyed. Furthermore, the flame-retardant blanket can come into contact with flames without burning itself. The flame-retardant blanket is particularly preferably designed for temperatures up to 1300°C. In particular, the flame-retardant blanket is designed for contact heat of at least 750°C or at least 1000°C or at least 1300°C for a period of at least 15 minutes or at least 20 minutes. Alternatively or additionally, the flame-retardant blanket is preferably designed for radiant heat of up to 1000°C. The flame-retardant blanket can thus effectively withstand the intermittent, short-term heat effects caused by explosions during a battery fire.

[0026] The flame-retardant blanket advantageously has a base layer made of a technical textile material. The technical textile material of the base layer is preferably a technical textile fabric. This ensures, in particular, the necessary stability and tensile strength of the flame-retardant blanket. In particular, the base layer withstands radiant heat or contact heat at the aforementioned temperatures.

[0027] More preferably, the properties of the support layer are modified, for example, by additional films or siliconization or a salt coating, in particular sanding. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the flame-retardant blanket has a cover layer. In one embodiment of the invention, the flame-retardant blanket consists of the support layer and the cover layer. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the flame-retardant blanket has the support layer, an insulating layer, and a cover layer. The flame-retardant blanket preferably consists of the support layer, the insulating layer, and the cover layer. The insulating layer is preferably made of a nonwoven fabric. The insulating layer is arranged in particular either on the side of the support layer opposite the cover layer or between the support layer and the cover layer.Thanks to the insulating layer, additional thermal insulation is provided between the outside and the inside of the flame-retardant blanket.

[0028] The cover layer is preferably a coating or a lamination. The term "coating" is understood to mean, in particular, a firmly adhering layer of amorphous material applied to the base layer, in particular to its fabric surface. For example, the coating is a sand coating, a salt layer, or a silicone coating. The term "lamination" is understood to mean the connection of the base layer to the cover layer made of the same or different material using suitable laminating agents. The cover layer in particular has radiant heat-reflecting properties. The coating is particularly preferably able to withstand high temperatures, in particular above 600°C. In an alternative embodiment, the cover layer consists of aluminum or a fully or partially metallized foil.

[0029] The top layer forms either the outer side or the inner side of the flame-retardant blanket, facing the vehicle. The top layer completely or partially seals the flame-retardant blanket against airflow and smoke gases. Gases released during a battery fire can escape preferentially around the edges of the flame-retardant blanket. Smothering the fire without cooling would no longer be possible after the onset of so-called "thermal runaway," i.e., the exothermic reaction in the battery that releases heat and oxygen.

[0030] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the flame-retardant blanket or parts of the flame-retardant blanket, in particular the supporting layer, are impregnated. This particularly means that the flame-retardant blanket or parts thereof are impregnated with dissolved substances. Preferably, the flame-retardant blanket or parts thereof are impregnated with an impregnating liquid, in particular textile sizing. In particular, the supporting layer is already impregnated in this way before being joined to the optionally present covering layer or the optionally present insulating layer.

[0031] In the event of fires in motor vehicles, particularly battery fires, small explosions can occur repeatedly at intervals, causing pressure waves and leading to the release of gases. This could, in principle, lift the flame-retardant blanket relative to the vehicle. This must be avoided. For this purpose, the flame-retardant blanket preferably has receiving devices, in particular receiving pockets, on its edges for holding weights and / or fastening devices for attaching the flame-retardant blanket to the vehicle. The weights can be, for example, sandbags, stones, water hoses or other weights. After the flame-retardant blanket has been pulled over the vehicle, these are connected to the edges of the flame-retardant blanket in such a way that these edges are held to the ground by the weight of the weights.The fastening devices are, for example, ropes or hooks that are stretched around the vehicle or hooked onto parts of the vehicle.

[0032] Advantageously, the flame-retardant blanket has transport aids at its edges, particularly in the form of handles, straps, buckles, belts, loops, or bands, for manually unfolding the flame-retardant blanket over the motor vehicle. In particular, it is intended that the flame-retardant blanket can be manually grasped by two people using the transport aids and pulled over the motor vehicle.

[0033] Further advantageous embodiments emerge from the claims, the drawings, and the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1: a section of a flame-retardant blanket shown in cross-section for a system according to the invention for isolating a fire on a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention in a simplified representation; Figure 2: the system for isolating a fire on a motor vehicle with the flame-retardant blanket accommodated in a transport box of the system. Fig. 1 in a schematic representation; and Figure 3: the unfolded and pulled over a motor vehicle flame retardant blanket from the Figures 1 and 2 in perspective view.

[0034] Fig. 1shows the structure of a flame-retardant blanket 1. The flame-retardant blanket 1 is heat-resistant and fireproof. For this purpose, the flame-retardant blanket 1 consists of a base layer 2, a cover layer 3, and an insulating layer 4. The base layer 2 is a technical textile fabric, which is surface-laminated with the cover layer 3. The cover layer 3 is made of aluminum and can reflect radiant heat.

[0035] Other configurations of the flame-retardant blanket 1 are conceivable within the scope of the invention. For example, in deviation from the exemplary embodiment shown here, the supporting layer 2 has an additional coating. The additional coating is in particular a mineral coating, preferably a salt coating. Optionally, the insulating layer 4 is omitted. As a result, gas tightness is omitted in this embodiment, and gases escaping from the battery of a burning motor vehicle can escape through the supporting layer 2, i.e., in particular, through the coated fabric from which the flame-retardant blanket 1 is preferably made.

[0036] When a burning motor vehicle is covered with the flame-retardant blanket, this also reduces, in particular, the impact of radiant heat emanating from the vehicle on objects in the vehicle's surroundings. The insulating layer 4 is connected to the support layer 2 on the side opposite the cover layer 3. The insulating layer 4 has heat-insulating properties and also protects the paintwork of a motor vehicle from scratches when the flame-retardant blanket 1 with the insulating layer 4 is applied to the vehicle. This can be useful if the flame-retardant blanket 1 is applied to the vehicle as a preventative measure against a fire or if the fire does not completely destroy the vehicle.

[0037] Fig. 2 shows schematically the system according to the invention for isolating a fire on a motor vehicle with the flame retardant blanket 1 of Fig. 1The flame-retardant blanket 1 has transport aids 5 on the edges of the flame-retardant blanket 1, with the help of which the flame-retardant blanket 1 can be unfolded and pulled over the motor vehicle, preferably by two people. The flame-retardant blanket 1 also has receiving devices 6 for weights and fastening means 7 for attaching the flame-retardant blanket 1 to the motor vehicle. The weights are, for example, sandbags or water-filled hoses, which are inserted into the preferably pocket-like receiving devices 6. Fastening means 7 are preferably tensioning cables which are tensioned around the wheels of the motor vehicle on a circumference which is smaller than the circumference of the motor vehicle, or tensioning hooks which are hooked onto the motor vehicle, for example onto the rims. This ensures that the flame-retardant blanket 1 remains held on the motor vehicle in the event of minor explosions that occur during a battery fire.

[0038] When the system is stored, i.e. when the system is kept ready for use in the event of a fire in a motor vehicle, the flame-retardant blanket 1 is folded several times and stored in a transport box 8, as indicated by a dashed arrow. The transport box 8 is part of a mobile transport device 9, which consists of the transport box 8 and a transport trolley 10. The transport box 8 is stored either directly on the transport trolley 10 or at least close to the transport trolley 10, for example on a holder attached to a wall above the transport trolley 10. The transport trolley 10 has a chassis 11, which has wheels 12 for moving the transport trolley 10. The transport box 8 can thus be quickly moved to the motor vehicle with the help of the transport trolley 10.

[0039] The system for isolating a fire on a motor vehicle also features an alarm device 13 with communication means 14. If the mobile transport device 9 is moved from its parking space for subsequent use of the flame-retardant blanket 1, this is detected by the alarm device 13, which is mounted, for example, on a wall next to the parking space, and immediately sends an alarm to a control center via the communication means 14. For this purpose, the communication means 14 establishes a communication connection with the control center, for example, via a wired telephone network or data network or via a mobile network. This allows the fire department to be alerted without delay to extinguish the fire on the motor vehicle.Until the fire brigade arrives, the flame-retardant blanket 1 insulates the motor vehicle and thus the fire from the surroundings and thus prevents, in particular, further spread of the fire and damage in the surroundings of the motor vehicle.

[0040] Fig. 3shows the unfolded flame retardant blanket 1 of the system according to the invention, with the outward-facing cover layer 3 made of aluminum, pulled over a motor vehicle as an example. The edges of the flame retardant blanket 1 rest on the ground on which the motor vehicle is standing, so that the motor vehicle is insulated from the environment all around. Smoke and gases can escape past the edges of the flame retardant blanket 1, whereby the flame retardant blanket 1 only needs to be raised slightly above the ground at the edges for this purpose. If, in an alternative embodiment, the cover layer 3 made of aluminum is omitted from the flame retardant blanket 1 and instead a salt coating is applied to the fabric of the flame retardant blanket 1, the flame retardant blanket 1 does not have to be lifted from the ground at the edges either. This is because gases can also escape through the fabric.

Claims

1. System for the isolation of a fire on a motor vehicle that is driven electrically from at least one battery, wherein the system comprises a flame protection blanket (1), the unfolded area of which is more than 15 m2, for purposes of covering the motor vehicle, wherein the system has a mobile transport unit (9), with a transport box (8) for the accommodation of the multiply-folded flame protection blanket (1), wherein the transport box (8) is protected against any unauthorised removal of the flame protection blanket (1), wherein the system comprises an alarm device (13), which by means of sensors detects when the transport box (8) is removed from its storage location, and which triggers an alarm in response to the detected removal of the transport unit (9) from the storage location, wherein the alarm device (13) has communication means (14) for the establishment of a wired or wireless communication link with a control centre, and is designed to trigger the alarm at the control centre, at least by way of this communication link, and to request a release link for purposes of releasing or unlocking the transport box (8) from the control centre, and wherein the system is designed to receive the release link sent by the control centre to the transport box (8), and, in response, to release or unlock the transport box (8) for the removal of the flame protection blanket (1) from the transport box (8).

2. System in accordance with Claim 1, characterised in that, the alarm device (13) is installed in a fixed position at a storage location of the transport unit (9), and is coupled to the transport unit (9).

3. System in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, the alarm device (13) has a receiver for a global navigation satellite system, integrated in the transport box (8), in particular a GPS receiver, which is designed to determine the location of the transport box (8), and to transmit it, at least partially, by way of a radio link to a fixed location of the alarm device (13), and / or to the external control centre.

4. System in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, the transport unit (9) has a chassis (11) with wheels (12) for purposes of moving the transport box (8).

5. System in accordance with Claim 4, characterised in that, the transport unit (9) has a transport trolley (10), in particular in the form of a sack truck, with the chassis (11) with wheels (12), and in that, the transport box (8) is stored separately from the transport trolley (10), in particular it is attached to a wall, separately from the transport trolley (10).

6. System in accordance with Claim 4, characterised in that, the transport box (8) is fixedly arranged on the chassis (11).

7. System in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, the base area of the entire transport unit (9) is less than 10 %, in particular less than 5 %, of the area of the unfolded flame protection blanket (1).

8. System in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, the flame protection blanket (1) is heat-resistant and fireproof, in particular up to a temperature of 1,300 °C.

9. System in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, the flame protection blanket (1) consists of a fabric coated with a gas-permeable salt layer.

10. System in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, the flame protection blanket (1) has a base layer (2) and a top layer (3), wherein the base layer (2) consists of a technical textile fabric, and wherein the top layer (3) is a coating or lamination that in particular can withstand temperatures above 600 °C.

11. System in accordance with Claim 10, characterised in that, the flame protection blanket (1) comprises the base layer (2), an insulation layer (4) consisting of a nonwoven fabric, and the top layer (3).

12. System in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, the flame protection blanket (1), or parts of the flame protection blanket (1), in particular the base layer in accordance with one of the Claims 9 and 10, have an impregnation.

13. System in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, the flame protection blanket (1) has transport aids (5) at its edges, in particular in the form of handle pockets, belts, buckles, straps, loops, or bands, for the manual spreading of the flame protection blanket (1) over the motor vehicle.

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