Quarantine system for damaged high-voltage vehicles, workshop and fire protection method

Abstract

The invention relates to a quarantine facility comprising at least one workshop (1) floodable with extinguishing water for repairing damaged high-voltage vehicles, a workshop with such a quarantine facility, and a fire protection method. The workshop (1) comprises a primary lifting device (21) for supporting, lifting, and lowering a vehicle and a secondary lifting device (23) for supporting, lifting, and lowering a high-voltage battery of the vehicle. The lifting devices (21, 23) include supports (22, 24) that can be lowered synchronously in the event of a fire.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of high-voltage vehicle repair. It concerns a quarantine facility for damaged high-voltage vehicles, a workshop, and a fire protection method according to the features of claims 1, 14, and 15.

[0002] High-voltage vehicles are vehicles with at least one electric drive system that operates with direct current (DC) voltages above 60V or alternating current (AC) voltages above 30V. This includes, in particular, electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles.

[0003] In the context of this patent application, "electric vehicle" and "vehicle" are used synonymously to mean "high-voltage vehicle". This also includes larger vehicles such as SUVs or commercial vehicles, in particular passenger vehicles, trucks, dumpers, excavators, etc.

[0004] Most electric cars use high-voltage batteries with lithium-ion cells (LIBs) as energy storage devices. These are typically installed in a robust, largely waterproof housing, which is integrated into the vehicle structure, for example, in the underbody. In this patent application, the terms "battery," "accumulator," "vehicle battery," "accumulator," and "high-voltage battery" are used synonymously.

[0005] Fires in high-voltage batteries can be caused, for example, by mechanical damage, short circuits, or overheating. Fires can spread within the battery from cell to cell. In the event of a fire, high-voltage batteries develop high temperatures and release harmful gases as well as other combustion products and residues. The released gases, especially those from flammable electrolytes and graphite, can form an ignitable mixture with the surrounding air. Therefore, there is a significant risk of flash fires or even explosions. This is especially true in enclosed spaces. Escaping gases can also be heavier than the surrounding air. They can cause the formation of dangerous explosive gas mixtures in the vehicle itself and in enclosed spaces where the vehicle is located.

[0006] Fighting fires in high-voltage vehicles is difficult partly because the battery cells are protected in a waterproof housing located on the underside of the vehicle. They cannot be adequately cooled by extinguishing water.

[0007] When recovering wrecked high-voltage vehicles where the high-voltage system may be damaged, special safety precautions must be taken due to the risk of fire.

[0008] Typically, such vehicles are stored and monitored in a containment basin outdoors for several days. A minimum distance of approximately 15 meters must be maintained from other flammable objects. Traditionally, such vehicles are only released for repair work after four days without a fire. Even if a high-voltage vehicle has been temporarily stored in a quarantine facility for several days before repairs, particularly before the removal of the high-voltage battery, a residual risk of the battery catching fire remains, especially during removal if the battery is damaged.

[0009] The risks and regulations surrounding the recovery and quarantine storage of high-voltage vehicles pose significant challenges for many accident recovery companies. These challenges include, for example, the large amount of space required for the quarantine storage of at least two vehicles, the necessary infrastructure with quarantine storage areas and fire-fighting equipment, and the provision of qualified personnel with the required expertise to handle defective high-voltage vehicles.

[0010] From DE102020133206A1, a trough-shaped transport and storage container for high-voltage batteries and / or electric vehicles is known, which can be designed in particular as a roll-off container transportable by a truck. It comprises a sealable receiving compartment with a monitoring device for detecting a fire-critical condition of the cargo and a fire delay and / or fire extinguishing device. This can include one or more liquid tanks and a pump and / or spray system.

[0011] If the monitoring system detects a fire in the transport and storage container, it can be extinguished using the integrated fire delay and / or fire suppression device until the fire department arrives and, if necessary, floods the container with a large quantity of water carried by the unit. Such transport containers are expensive and are severely damaged in a fire, resulting in further high costs. They are suitable for initial fire suppression during transport, but not for storage.

[0012] KR102637926B1 discloses a fire extinguishing system for electric vehicles in a repair shop. It comprises a recessed immersion tank located between two columns of a vehicle lift, which can be covered by a tracked, rollable enclosure. After a sensor triggers an alarm in the event of a fire, the enclosure opens, the vehicle is lowered into the immersion tank, and the tank is flooded with extinguishing water from a tank. In combination with a gas extraction device, closing the enclosure prevents toxic and hot gases from entering the workshop. Additionally, the heated water from the immersion tank can be cooled via a cooling system and returned to the tank.

[0013] Such quarantine facilities require significant and costly structural modifications to workshop spaces, as a sufficiently large immersion tank must be installed recessed between the columns of a vehicle lift. Furthermore, the vehicle lift must be positioned and designed so that the vehicle can be lowered to the recessed floor of the immersion tank. The immersion tank must be deep enough to allow the roll-up containment structure to close for all possible vehicle types when the vehicle is on the tank floor. If there are fixtures under the vehicle or in the area between the vehicle and the roll-up containment structure, particularly those for removing the vehicle battery, these must be removed first in the event of a fire. This may not be possible if the weight of the vehicle battery partially rests on such fixtures.Only after removing such devices can the roll-up containment structure be opened and the vehicle lowered into the immersion tank. In the event of a fire, the necessary protective measures are complicated and not clearly defined. It therefore takes a comparatively long time to isolate a vehicle in the immersion tank after a fire. The emissions, especially the heat generated and the release of toxic gases, are correspondingly high. People and infrastructure near the source of the fire are therefore unnecessarily endangered.

[0014] DE102016114599A1 discloses a lifting platform for motor vehicles with two remotely arranged first lifting devices for raising and lowering the motor vehicle, and an additional lifting device that can be controlled independently of the first lifting devices. Each of the lifting devices can be designed as a hydraulic lifting device. The additional lifting device can, for example, be used in combination with a support device with a movable support element for mounting and / or dismounting batteries of an electric vehicle.

[0015] The object of the present invention is to create a quarantine system and a fire protection method that makes it possible to quickly and effectively isolate or quarantine a high-voltage vehicle undergoing repair in the event of a fire, to effectively combat emissions from the fire, and to ensure effective personal protection.

[0016] A further objective of the invention is to design the quarantine facility in such a way that it can be easily retrofitted into existing infrastructure. Furthermore, the operation and maintenance of such quarantine facilities should preferably be possible with minimal effort.

[0017] At least one of these tasks is solved by a quarantine facility according to claim 1, by a workshop according to claim 14, and by a fire protection method according to claim 15. The dependent claims, as well as the description and the figures, include particular embodiments and further developments of the invention.

[0018] The quarantine facility includes at least one workshop for repair work on high-voltage vehicles. The workshop comprises a floor, walls, and optionally a ceiling, defining an interior space. Suitable conveying equipment, such as winches, cranes, or forklifts, may be provided for loading and / or unloading vehicles and vehicle parts into and / or from the workshop. For permanently installed systems, the drives are preferably located outside the workshop.

[0019] The wall of the workshop includes a passageway, which is generally suitable for the entry and exit of vehicles. In some embodiments, the workshop may be open at the top or equipped with a roof that can be opened. In such workshops, it is possible, for example, to move vehicles into or out of the workshop using a crane. The passageway in the wall may optionally be smaller in such arrangements if it is intended only for personnel access. The workshop further includes a closing device with a closing element, for example, a single or double-leaf door, in particular a fire door, which is suitable for sealing the passageway in a liquid-tight manner, so that in the event of a fire, at least the lower area of ​​the workshop, where the high-voltage battery is located in electric vehicles, is cooled via a supply line leading into the workshop with a cooling fluid such as...Water can be used to flood the area. The terms "water", "cooling water" and "firefighting water" are used in this application for extinguishing and / or cooling fluids or, more generally, for fluids used for firefighting.

[0020] Optionally, the workshop area can include an emergency access point in its upper section, i.e., above a specified maximum permissible extinguishing water level. This could be, for example, the upper section of a door leaf that can be opened separately, or a lockable hatch in the wall or, if applicable, the ceiling of the workshop. Ladders can be installed inside and / or outside this emergency access point to facilitate entry and exit.

[0021] The walls and / or floor of the workshop, as well as the inside of the door, can be coated with a chemical-resistant protective coating that seals pores in the walls and prevents damage from the penetration of water and aggressive or toxic substances. Alternatively, these areas can be clad and protected with protective panels, particularly stainless steel panels. At least the lower section of the workshop, when closed, forms a watertight, heat-resistant, and chemical-resistant enclosure.

[0022] The quarantine facility also includes a primary lifting device for supporting, lifting, and lowering a vehicle within the workshop area, and a secondary lifting device for supporting, lifting, and lowering a high-voltage battery when it is being removed from or installed in the vehicle within the workshop area. The lifting devices can be operated independently of each other.

[0023] In an emergency situation, such as a high-voltage battery fire, the lifting devices can preferably be operated in a coordinated manner by a central or shared control unit. This allows the vehicle and the high-voltage battery to be lowered synchronously at approximately the same speed, regardless of the state of their connection, until the vehicle is at the lowest possible level near the workshop floor or resting on the workshop floor. The support of both parts by their respective lifting devices, or the maintenance of their relative position, can be ensured.

[0024] The primary and / or secondary lifting devices are preferably hydraulically controlled lifting platforms that are particularly robust and resistant to extinguishing water. The primary lifting device preferably comprises a two-post lift. Two-post lifts consist of two opposing vertical columns spaced apart, with beams that can be raised and lowered along these columns. Two length-adjustable telescopic arms are pivotally mounted on each beam about vertical pivot axes. Preferably, interchangeable adapters for supporting a vehicle positioned between the vertical columns are arranged at the ends of these telescopic arms. To raise and lower the vehicle, the adapters can be easily adjusted by modifying the lengths and pivot positions of the telescopic arms to create a support position against the sills located laterally at the bottom of the vehicle.One advantage of such two-post lifts is that they can be quickly and easily configured to lift and lower different vehicles. They are cost-effective, require little space, and can also be used for vehicles with wheel suspension damage, as the support is independent of the wheels.

[0025] Alternatively, the primary lifting device could be designed differently and, for example, include a four-post lift. Four-post lifts consist of four vertical posts arranged at the corners of a rectangular base. A beam is vertically mounted on each of these posts, allowing it to be raised and lowered. The beams together support two parallel tracks, the distance between which is usually adjustable. After a vehicle has been rolled onto the tracks between the beams, its vertical position can be adjusted by raising and lowering the beams. Four-post lifts are very stable and are also suitable for lifting and lowering heavy vehicles and vehicles with high sills, such as trucks or SUVs. They require more space and are also more expensive than two-post lifts.

[0026] The secondary lifting device can, for example, be designed as a piston lift. Piston lifts comprise a hydraulically raising and lowering piston and a support connected to the piston, which can be designed differently depending on the objects to be supported. The support is designed to support vehicle batteries during installation and removal from a vehicle. Preferably, it includes one or more interchangeable or repositionable support elements, which make it possible to support batteries in different vehicles while still ensuring access to the fasteners that secure the battery to the respective vehicle. Piston lifts can be designed as in-ground lifting platforms and require little space. In particular, piston lifts can be designed so that the support is at floor level in a workshop when fully lowered.

[0027] In hydraulic lifting devices, each piston is driven by hydraulic lines. Hydraulic fluid is pumped from a reservoir into the respective cylinder by a pump and then released from the cylinder via a valve and returned to the reservoir. The control and drive mechanisms of such lifting devices can be located outside the workshop walls, protected from extinguishing water.

[0028] Two-post lifts are particularly well-suited as primary lifting devices because they require relatively little space and leave sufficient room for escape in the event of a fire. With swiveling telescopic arms and easily interchangeable adapters, they can be quickly and easily adapted to support different vehicle types. These adapters can be designed to support vehicles at the sills and / or in the wheel area.

[0029] The placement of high-voltage batteries in vehicles is not standardized. Often, the batteries are installed very close to the sills. When supporting such vehicles with conventional adapters, the adapters can protrude, at least partially, into the area beneath the battery. This can hinder or prevent the removal and installation of the battery. However, with an adapter specifically designed for such configurations, it is still possible to install and remove the battery in these vehicles, supporting it with a secondary lifting device and raising and lowering it independently of the vehicle. Preferably, such adapters include one or more narrow retaining elements projecting upwards from the edge of the adapter, adjacent to a support area for the sill. These retaining elements engage in the space between the sill and the battery, thus securing the adapter in a supported position.Since such adapters do not extend underneath the vehicle battery, it can be detached from the vehicle and moved vertically between the adapters without hindrance.

[0030] The workshop area is typically flooded to a target level above the workshop floor. This target level can be fixed, for example, or, depending on the vehicle type, predefined or adjustable so that the high-voltage battery or the source of the fire is completely submerged in the coolant during the flooding process. The target level can range from approximately 0.75 m to approximately 2 m, typically around 1.5 m.

[0031] Workshop spaces can vary in size depending on the vehicles being serviced. For passenger cars and commercial vehicles, the interior width of the workshop is preferably on the order of approximately 3.5 m to approximately 5 m, particularly around 4 m, and the interior length preferably on the order of approximately 9 m to approximately 12 m, particularly around 10 m. This provides sufficient space for removing or installing a high-voltage battery in electric cars. Nevertheless, the floor area is not unnecessarily large, which facilitates more efficient flooding of the workshop. Workshop spaces for trucks are generally somewhat longer, preferably approximately 13 m to approximately 15 m, particularly around 14 m. For workshop spaces for articulated buses, the interior length can be up to 30 m, particularly around 28 m.

[0032] Quarantine facilities preferably comprise several floodable workshop spaces, in particular several workshop spaces of different sizes.

[0033] The workshop is flooded via at least one supply line that leads into the workshop. Preferably, water for this purpose is stored outside the workshop, for example in one or more water tanks. These can be arranged, for instance, as containers in the vicinity of the workshop. This allows for flexible placement of the water tanks, which is particularly useful for cost-effective retrofitting of conventional workshops. Alternatively, water tanks can be located at a lower level below the workshop floor. This frees up more usable space at floor level. A pump is generally provided to pump the water. Preferably, this pump is controlled by a control device.

[0034] One or more supply lines for flooding the workshop can alternatively or additionally be connected to a pressurized water line of a water supply network, provided suitable means are in place to prevent the backflow of contaminated wastewater into the water supply network. The water flow can be controlled by the control device using a suitable valve arrangement. Supplying extinguishing water from a water tank is preferred for several reasons: the pressure and flow rate of the water can be higher and more easily adapted to the specific situation; there is no risk of contaminated water entering the water supply network; the water can be treated with additives if necessary; and contaminated water can be cleaned or treated after use and stored in the water tank for further use.In combination with the direct supply of extinguishing water from the water supply network, the flooding time—that is, the time until the extinguishing water level in the workshop reaches a target level—can be significantly reduced. Faster cooling of the fire source effectively hinders its spread and contributes to reducing environmental impact.

[0035] The fire extinguishing pump and / or the valve arrangement in the pressurized water line are preferably controlled by the control device based on measured and / or input variables. The control device can, in particular, include a monitoring device with sensors that detect and monitor the closed position of a closing element of the closing device and / or the temperature of the air and / or the fire extinguishing water in the workshop and / or the concentration of one or more gases in the workshop and / or the water level in the workshop as measured variables. The control device can, for example, include stored reference values ​​or limit values ​​for one or more measured and / or input variables. If the values ​​of one or more sensors exceed or fall below the corresponding reference values, this can be registered by the control device as a corresponding alarm status.

[0036] The control device includes stored control instructions for processes that are to be executed in the event of an alarm, i.e., if the values ​​of measured and / or input variables meet corresponding predefined criteria. This enables efficient and safe fire suppression. In particular, it ensures that the vehicle and the high-voltage battery are lowered in a coordinated manner until the vehicle rests on the workshop floor, and that the workshop is only flooded when no one is inside and the passageway is tightly closed.

[0037] The monitoring device can further include a surveillance camera, which is, for example, arranged on the wall of the workshop above the target level for flooding the workshop, preferably protected by a transparent glass cover. Alternatively or additionally, a protected connection device for connecting a surveillance camera and / or further sensors can also be provided above the target level. The surveillance camera and / or the connection device are connected to the control device outside the workshop via protected communication lines and / or power supply lines. The control device preferably includes a monitor on which the images captured by the surveillance camera can be displayed.

[0038] In configurations with a connection device, a surveillance camera and / or sensors can be connected as needed and linked to the control unit. The components connected via the connection device can, for example, be mounted on a mobile rolling unit. In the event of a fire, the connection to the connection device is disconnected. The rolling unit with the components can then be quickly and easily rolled out of the workshop before it is sealed and flooded.

[0039] Preferably, the quarantine system includes a warning device with one or more acoustic and / or visual signaling devices, which can be activated, for example, manually via controls and / or automatically by the control device in the event of a fire detected by a sensor. The signaling devices can be configured, for example, to issue acoustic and / or visual warnings and instructions for the next action to be taken, in particular alarm tones or as spoken text via a transducer and / or visually by means of a flashing warning light or by means of a display device with a message such as "Attention: Fire hazard, please leave the workshop immediately!", "Check that no one is left in the workshop!", "Close and lock the door!", "Press the red emergency flood button", or by pictograms or video sequences.

[0040] The quarantine system can optionally include a cooling system for extinguishing water. Specifically, a heat exchanger can be installed at least at one extinguishing water tank to extract heat from the water. The heat exchanger can, for example, be part of a heat pump system that allows the heat extracted from the extinguishing water to be transferred to another medium and used for other purposes, such as space heating or domestic hot water. Cooling extinguishing water can also be used during firefighting operations in a workshop. For example, during a fire, heated and contaminated extinguishing water can be drained from the workshop and replaced with cooled extinguishing water from the tank. Preferably, the cooling process uses purified extinguishing water. This prevents damage to the cooling system.

[0041] The quarantine system can optionally include a spray mist system with nozzles. Using a pump, such systems can pressurize water from the mains water supply, clean or purified water from a water tank, or another fluid, and spray it through a pressurized pipe network and nozzles into the workshop to extinguish, cool, and bind smoke gases. The nozzles can be distributed along the walls and, if necessary, on the ceiling of the workshop. Smoke gases and particles in the workshop can thus be bound in the extinguishing water and later separated during water purification. This is particularly important for toxic hydrogen fluoride gases, which react with water to form hydrofluoric acid in aqueous solution.

[0042] The quarantine facility can include a water purification system designed to treat contaminated firewater. Preferably, it comprises one or more filters, such as an activated carbon filter, and a reverse osmosis system that can also remove dissolved chemicals from the water. The water can then be used in a closed loop. This avoids burdening public wastewater treatment plants, and the risk of contaminated water being released into the environment is very low. There are also no costs associated with transporting and externally treating the contaminated water. The water purification system can, for example, be housed in a container located near the workshop. This is particularly advantageous when converting existing workshops.

[0043] At least one drain line for removing contaminated firefighting water from the flooded workshop is located in the workshop floor. Preferably, these drain lines are closable by means of closing devices that can be moved between a closed and an open position, for example, by operating elements and / or by the control device from outside the workshop. The drain lines are generally connected directly or indirectly to a wastewater reservoir of the water treatment system via a conveying device. The wastewater reservoir of the water treatment system is preferably located below the level of the workshop floor, so that wastewater can be conveyed to the water treatment system by gravity alone, without the need for a conveying device.In such arrangements, the drain lines can be relatively short, and virtually no contaminated water remains in the drain lines after the complete removal of wastewater from the workshop. Since no special pumping equipment for contaminated water is required, and consequently no extensive maintenance is necessary, the investment and operating costs for such quarantine systems are comparatively low. Naturally, the wastewater reservoir can also be located at the same level as, or above, the workshop floor.

[0044] The quarantine facility can optionally include an air purification system to extract air contaminated with particles and / or harmful gases from one or more workshop rooms using a blower, purify it, and release it into the surrounding environment. Such air purification systems can include one or more filter stages, including, in particular, an activated carbon filter.

[0045] A quarantine facility with at least one floodable workshop is preferably part of a workshop, which may be located in a building. The workshop includes extended infrastructure. This may, in particular, include one or more of the following facilities: a discharge room for vehicle batteries; a storage room for vehicle batteries, which preferably can be flooded with extinguishing water, similar to the workshop; a storage room with extinguishing and rescue equipment; an office; and a non-floodable workshop with tools.

[0046] In a quarantine facility according to the present invention, damaged high-voltage vehicles can be inspected and repaired quickly, efficiently, and safely. In the event of a fire, it can be extinguished quickly and efficiently according to predefined rules. The following is an example of a possible procedure in the event of a battery fire in a high-voltage vehicle, where the fire breaks out during battery removal in a workshop according to the invention: Fire detection can be automatic, for example, by the control device monitoring the readings of a gas sensor and / or an infrared sensor in the workshop and activating an alarm when a limit value is exceeded or reached. Outgassing can occur in high-voltage batteries even before a fire breaks out. In particular, highly toxic gases such as hydrogen fluoride can be released.Early alarm activation upon sensor detection of such gases ensures effective protection of personnel. Gas sensors are preferably positioned in the workshop to detect the gases as early as possible. Since hydrogen fluoride has a lower density than air, corresponding gas sensors are preferably positioned at a level in the workshop higher than that of the vehicle battery when the vehicle is raised, or alternatively, directly at the vehicle battery. Acoustic sensors can also be used instead of or in addition to gas sensors. These sensors detect structure-borne or airborne sound and identify typical noises produced by outgassing.

[0047] Alternatively or additionally, the control device can also detect manual activation of an alarm button as an input signal and trigger an alarm status. Once the alarm status is triggered, an audible warning signal is emitted via a loudspeaker and / or a visual warning signal is emitted via a flashing warning light. Alternatively or additionally, required actions can be communicated via the loudspeaker as a voice message and / or via a screen on the control device as text and / or graphically as a pictogram and / or as a short image or video sequence.

[0048] The control device automatically activates the air purification system.

[0049] Once all persons have left the workshop and the passage in the wall of the workshop has been tightly closed and, if necessary, locked by the closing device, this must be confirmed by a person, e.g. by pressing a control element of the control device, for example a virtual button on a touchscreen.

[0050] The control device then activates a control program for the synchronous lowering of supports of the primary and secondary lifting devices. For example, the position of components of the primary and secondary lifting devices can be monitored by position sensors, and the actuators of the lifting devices can be controlled so that the relative position of these components is maintained during lowering. Position sensors can be, for example, distance sensors integrated into the hydraulic cylinders of the lifting devices, particularly ultrasonic sensors, which determine the position of the pistons relative to the base of the respective hydraulic cylinders. Alternatively, distance sensors can also be arranged outside the hydraulic cylinders and configured to determine the position of a support attached to the piston relative to a reference object, whereby the reference object can be stationary in space or movable on the other lifting device.Alternatively, position sensors can also be designed to indirectly detect the position of the lifting devices' pistons, for example, using flow sensors that measure the volume flow of hydraulic fluid in the associated hydraulic lines. For each hydraulic cylinder, the lifting or lowering speed is proportional to the volume flow of hydraulic fluid being supplied or discharged, and inversely proportional to the base area of ​​the respective piston. To lower the supports synchronously for all lifting devices, the control device can, for example, sensorily detect the flow rate or volume flow of the hydraulic fluid in one of the lifting devices and regulate the volume flow in each subsequent lifting device to a value that corresponds to the product of the volume flow measured in the first lifting device and the ratio of the piston areas of the lifting devices as a proportionality factor.In each of the additional lifting devices, the volume flow is regulated, for example, by a throttle valve as the actuator and by the flow velocity detected by the respective flow sensor as the measured variable. The proportionality factors can be stored in a memory of the control device. Preferably, the control device can include an initialization mode in which the values ​​of the proportionality factors can be adjusted so that the resulting actual lowering speeds of the lifting devices are at least approximately the same.

[0051] After or during the lowering of the supports on the lifting devices, the control unit activates actuators that move the closing elements on the drain lines into the closed position. The control unit then activates the fire extinguishing water pump and, if applicable, the pump of the spray mist system for neutralizing / binding toxic fumes, and monitors the fire extinguishing water level in the workshop, for example, using a level sensor. Alternatively, the flow rate during the supply of fire extinguishing water, or, if the flow rate is known, the duration of the fire extinguishing water supply, can be recorded. For these measured variables, corresponding target values ​​or reference values ​​are defined at which the fill level approximately reaches the target level. As soon as the fill level reaches the predefined target level, the fire extinguishing water pump is switched off.

[0052] The control device monitors the temperature of the extinguishing water in the workshop, for example, using a temperature sensor located in the lower part of the workshop. When this temperature reaches a predefined setpoint, or alternatively after a corresponding predefined time, the control device activates the actuators to open the closing mechanisms, the pumping system (if applicable), which supplies contaminated wastewater to the water purification system, the water purification system itself, the pumping system for returning purified water to the water tank, and the extinguishing water pump, which supplies purified extinguishing water to the workshop, optionally cooled by the cooling system. The flow rates of the pumping devices in this circuit are preferably matched to the pumping capacity of the water purification system so that the level of extinguishing water in the workshop remains approximately at the setpoint.Without circulation and, if necessary, recooling, the temperature of the extinguishing water in the workshop can rise significantly. In the event of a fully engulfed vehicle fire, a heat release of approximately 9 GJ must be expected, which, with a water volume of 55,000 liters in the workshop, leads to a temperature increase of approximately 40°C in the extinguishing water. This is tolerable from a safety perspective. Effective fire suppression is ensured even without simultaneous circulation and cooling of the extinguishing water.

[0053] The control device can interrupt this process, for example, after a predetermined time of approximately 30 minutes, and then cyclically repeat the process steps from the initial filling of the workshop space until a predetermined maximum time of approximately 72 hours is reached, or until the process is interrupted by an operator.

[0054] The control device then initiates the removal, cleaning, and return of all extinguishing water from the workshop area.

[0055] Preferably, the actuators of the quarantine system are designed in such a way that they can also be operated manually, for example in the event of a defect in the control device.

[0056] This makes firefighting possible even in the event of a defect in the control device.

[0057] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary figures. These figures are shown schematically. Figure 1: a floodable workshop room of a quarantine facility, Figure 2: a schematic diagram of a primary or secondary lifting device, Figure 3: a workshop with a quarantine facility, Figure 4: an adapter for a lifting device.

[0058] A quarantine facility according to the present invention comprises at least one workshop room 1. Figure 1Figure 1 shows an exemplary cross-section of such a workshop space 1, wherein an interior space is bounded by a wall 3 and a workshop floor 5. The wall 3 can enclose the interior space completely or partially. Preferably, the wall 3 is made of reinforced concrete and has a wall thickness L1 of approximately 20 cm to approximately 50 cm, typically approximately 40 cm. The wall 3 comprises a base leg 3a and two parallel longitudinal legs 3b, which are arranged in a U-shape and define the width L2 and the length L3 of a rectangular interior space. Optionally, the workshop space 1 can also be bounded at the top by a ceiling and / or covered by a roof. Preferably, a fan and / or an air purification system with a fan is also provided, with which air contaminated with pollutants can be extracted from the upper area of ​​the workshop space 1, optionally purified, and released into the environment.For the supply of fresh air, one or more ventilation openings may be arranged in the upper area of ​​the wall 3 or, if necessary, the ceiling of the workshop room 1 (not shown).

[0059] The in Figure 1 The depicted workshop space 1 is designed to accommodate electric cars or passenger vehicles, with the width L2 of the interior being, for example, approximately 4 m and the length L3 approximately 10 m. The height of the wall 3 can be, for example, approximately 2.5 m or more.

[0060] It can be specified according to the vehicles to be accommodated and, if necessary, an overlap of workshop space 1.

[0061] Opposite the base leg 3a, the wall 3 between the ends of the longitudinal legs 3b includes a recess or passage 7. The passage 7 can be, as in Figure 1The opening is shown to extend over the entire width L2 of the interior, so that it can be used for loading and unloading an electric car. The workshop space 1 further includes a locking device with a locking element 9, which can be moved between an open and a closed position. In the closed position, the locking element 9 tightly seals the passage 7. In an embodiment according to... Figure 1 The closing device 9 comprises two leaves 9a of a pressure-resistant swing gate which, in a closed position, seal the opening 7 in a liquid-tight manner at least up to a target level of, for example, 1.5 m above the workshop floor 5, preferably over the entire height of the wall 3. For this purpose, the closing device can include suitable sealing profiles or, more generally, sealing elements 13. Figure 1 Only one sealing element 13 is symbolically shown between the two wings 9a.

[0062] The leaves 9a are sealed against the wall 3 and can be pivoted from the closed position towards the interior to open, as symbolically represented by the dotted double arrows 11. A locking device allows the closing element 9 to be locked in the closed position to prevent unintentional opening. The locking mechanism secures the closing element 9 in the closed position, ensuring it remains securely in this position even under pressure during flooding of workshop space 1 and / or an explosion in workshop space 1. In the embodiment according to Figure 1A guide tube, or more generally a guide profile 15, is arranged vertically on the outside of each sash 9a. At least one of the guide profiles 15 can have vertically sliding bolts at the top and / or bottom, which can be inserted into corresponding receptacles at the bottom near the workshop floor 5 or at the top, for example, on a crossbeam between the longitudinal legs 3b of the wall 3, and locked there. Additionally or alternatively, the locking device can also include bolts that connect the guide profiles 15 on the two sashes 9a to each other. Inward-opening sashes 9a can be locked and sealed relatively easily. Pressure forces from extinguishing water in the workshop 1 press the sashes 9a more firmly against the sealing elements 13 and hold them in the closed position with greater force.

[0063] Preferably, at least one section of the closing device 9 is transparent. In particular, at least one of the leaves 9a can include a viewing window made of laminated safety glass in an upper area that is above the target level for flooding the workshop space 1. This makes it possible to monitor the interior even when the passage 7 is closed by the closing device 9 in the event of a fire.

[0064] In alternative embodiments of workshop space 1, the wings 9a can be hinged to the wall 3 in such a way that they can be pivoted outwards from the closed position to open. This provides more usable space in workshop space 1.

[0065] In further embodiments, the wall 3 can include short end sections at the free ends of the longitudinal legs 3b, aligned parallel to the base leg 3a, which reduce the opening 7. This improves the stability of the wall 3. The width of the leaves 9a is correspondingly smaller, making them more stable and requiring less space when pivoting from the closed to the open position. For leaves 9a that are pivoted outwards from the closed position to open, the torque opposing the closing force is smaller than for leaves 9a with a greater width. Preferably, the width of the opening 7 is large enough for the easy passage of vehicles, e.g., larger than 3 m, in particular about 3.2 m. In a workshop 1 with an interior width L2 of 4 m, the end sections on the longitudinal legs 3b thus project inwards by about 40 cm.On the outside, such end sections offer space for arranging an electronic control system directly next to workshop room 1.

[0066] Firefighting water can be supplied to workshop 1 from the outside via two supply lines 17, which are, for example, routed from the outside through the wall 3 or alternatively through the floor 5 or in some other way into workshop 1 and open into workshop 1. The supply of firefighting water is controlled by a control device 35 using actuators such as an actuator or a valve and / or a pumping system.

[0067] In the workshop floor 5, one or more drain pipes 19 open into drain openings 19a, through which fire extinguishing water from the workshop room 1 flows to the outside, e.g. to a water purification plant 51 ( Figure 3) can be conveyed. Preferably, such drainage lines have 19 closing elements such as flaps or valves arranged which can be moved between a closed position and an open position via actuators such as electromagnetic drives, preferably from outside the workshop space 1, in order to prevent and allow the drainage of extinguishing water from the workshop space 1 (not shown).

[0068] In workshop space 1, two primary lifting devices 21 for supporting, lifting, and lowering a high-voltage vehicle and a secondary lifting device 23 for supporting, lifting, and lowering a high-voltage battery of this high-voltage vehicle are arranged. The primary lifting devices 21 are preferably part of a two-post lift with horizontally pivoting support arms 21a, the length of which is telescopically adjustable, and at whose ends preferably interchangeable adapters 21b for supporting different vehicle types are arranged.

[0069] The secondary lifting device 23 is preferably a piston lifting platform.

[0070] Figure 2 Figure 1 schematically shows a particularly suitable arrangement of parts of a hydraulic lifting device 21, 23 in a workshop 1, wherein parts of this lifting device 21, 23 are arranged outside the floodable workshop 1, protected from extinguishing water. The lifting device 21, 23 comprises a hydraulic cylinder 25 and a hydraulically liftable and lowerable piston 27 therein, which supports an upwardly projecting support 22, 24.

[0071] The hydraulic cylinder 25 is connected via hydraulic lines 29 to a drive unit 30, which comprises a pump 31, a reservoir 33 containing hydraulic fluid, a hydraulic control unit (preferably an integral part of the electronic control device 35), and at least one actuator controllable by the control device 35, in particular an actuator for controlling an outlet valve or outlet cock 36 in the return line from the hydraulic cylinder 25 to the reservoir 33. The drive unit 30 is protected from extinguishing water by the wall 3 and is located outside the workshop area 1. At least one part of the electronic control device 35, with display and operating elements, can be located at a suitable, easily accessible location outside the workshop area 1 and can be functionally connected to the other parts of the drive unit 30, e.g., via cable or radio.In some embodiments, the control device 35 may include a preferably mobile operating unit that can be used locally in the workshop 1 to control the lifting devices 21, 23. The operating unit is operatively connected via cable or radio to the main part of the control device 35, which is located outside the workshop 1. Passive elements, such as check valves 37 in the hydraulic line 29 between the reservoir 33 and the pump 31 and between the pump 31 and the hydraulic cylinder 25, may, however, also be arranged in the workshop 1 in a protected manner, if necessary.

[0072] Figure 3Figure 1 schematically shows a floor plan of a workshop with a quarantine facility comprising five floodable workshop rooms 1 arranged side by side, with adjacent workshop rooms 1 sharing a common wall section. Three of these workshop rooms 1 have dimensions suitable for accommodating electric cars, with a width L2 of 4 m and a length L3 of 10 m, two of which are equipped with primary lifting devices 21 and secondary lifting devices 23. Preferably, at least the pumps 31, the reservoirs 33, and the actuators of these lifting devices 21, 23 are arranged in a housing 28 outside the respective workshop rooms 1.It is also possible, with appropriate dimensioning, to use a pump 31 and a reservoir 33 together to drive several lifting devices 21, 23 in one or more workshop rooms 1, wherein the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid in a network of hydraulic lines 29 is controlled by actuators whose status is coordinated by a common control device 35. The actuators comprise actively controllable flaps or valves, which are preferably arranged outside the workshop rooms 1 in the network of hydraulic lines 29 (not shown). Alternatively or additionally, a common control device 35 can be configured to control further processes in all workshop rooms 1 instead of individual control devices 35 in each workshop room 1. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the term "control device 35" also includes common control devices 35.

[0073] One of the workshop spaces 1 is designed to accommodate a truck. It has a width L2 of 5 m and a length L3 of 14 m. One of the workshop spaces 1 is designed to accommodate an articulated bus. It has a width L2 of 4 m and a length of 30 m. The workshop floor 5 in this workshop space 1 can, for example, be designed as a ramp inclined relative to a horizontal plane, such that the level of the workshop floor 5 is lower at the rear, at the base leg 3a of the wall 3 located furthest from the passage 7 with the closing element 9, than at the front, at the passage 7 with the closing element 9. The difference in height can be, for example, on the order of approximately 1.5 m to approximately 2.5 m, and in particular approximately 2.1 m. In other embodiments, the ramp can also be longer, with the ramp length being, for example, up to 60 m. Due to the shallower incline, the front end of an articulated bus is also lower in such a workshop space.This facilitates firefighting, even in the front roof area of ​​articulated buses. The closing device 9 does not necessarily have to be located at the front end of the ramp. It can, for example, be located at a distance of approximately 30 m to approximately 60 m from the rear end of the ramp. In particular, for example, a rear section of the ramp can be located under a roof in a hall, and a front section of the ramp can be bounded on both sides by walls or extended longitudinal sections 3b of the wall of the workshop space 1.

[0074] When flooding workshop spaces 1 with ramp-like inclined workshop floors 5, the water depth at the rear end is greater than at the front near the entrance 7 or the closing device 9, where workshop space 1 can be flooded, for example, to a maximum level of 2.1 m above the floor 5. The maximum water level at the rear end of workshop space 1 can be, for example, 4.2 m above the workshop floor 5. Even in articulated buses with roof-mounted batteries, fires can therefore be effectively fought.

[0075] The number of floodable workshop spaces 1, their arrangement, size, and equipment can be individually specified for each workshop according to the respective requirements. In particular, all or only some of the workshop spaces 1, but at least one workshop space 1, can be floodable and equipped with lifting devices 21, 23.

[0076] Each of the floodable workshop spaces 1 is connected to a wastewater reservoir 53 of the water treatment plant 51 via a drain line 19 or via a system of drain lines 19. Preferably, the water treatment plant 51, or at least its wastewater reservoir 53, is arranged at a lower level than that of the workshop floors 5, or at least a portion thereof, so that contaminated fire-fighting water from these workshop spaces 1 can flow into the wastewater reservoir 53 due to gravity when the shut-off valves on the corresponding drain lines 19 are open. Optionally, a pumping device can be provided which can pump contaminated fire-fighting water from one or more workshop spaces 1 to the water treatment plant (not shown).

[0077] The water purification system 51 comprises at least one filter, preferably a reverse osmosis system, and a reservoir 55 for purified water. From this reservoir 55, purified water can be conveyed via a water distribution network 59 by means of a conveying device controlled by the control device 35 or the common control device 35 into one or more water tanks 57. In the case of the Figure 3In the depicted arrangement, the quarantine system comprises four water tanks 57, each with a volume of approximately 100 m³. Preferably, the control device 35 monitors the fill level of these water tanks 57, for example, by means of level sensors, and coordinates the filling of the water tanks 57 according to stored specifications. Based on these specifications, the control device 35 includes control instructions for controlling further processes, such as flooding or emptying one or more of the workshop rooms 1. In the case of multiple water tanks 57, their fill levels and, if applicable, their water temperature and the required amount of extinguishing water for flooding the workshop rooms 1 can also be taken into account. Water withdrawal from each of the water tanks 57 can be individually controlled via associated valves.

[0078] The workshop may also include one or more storage rooms 61 for defective high-voltage batteries, which, like the workshop rooms 1, can be flooded in the event of a fire. Additionally or alternatively, a discharge station 63 and a repair area are usually provided so that the high-voltage batteries can be discharged in a controlled manner before repairs to reduce the risk of fire, for example, in the event of a short circuit. For moving defective vehicles, the workshop may include equipment such as one or more winches 65. At the workshop in Figure 3A winch 65 and its drive are located externally adjacent to the longest workshop space 1 with the ramp. Furthermore, the workshop may include additional rooms such as an office 66, a storage room 67, an emergency room 68 with medical and / or fire-fighting equipment, and a non-floodproof workshop space 1a with additional lifting devices such as a two-post lift and / or a four-post lift.

[0079] Figure 4Figure 1 schematically shows a section of a vehicle in which a high-voltage battery 73 is installed close to a sill area 75, i.e., at a distance L4 of approximately 7 mm from this sill area 75. An adapter 21b is arranged below this, the shape and dimensions of which are designed for supporting such vehicles with a primary lifting device 21. It includes a bolt 81 that can be inserted into a corresponding receptacle on the lifting device 21. The bolt 81 projects downwards from a support body 83. The support body 83 comprises a straight side wall section 85. A receiving groove 87 for receiving and supporting the sill area 75 of the vehicle is recessed on the upper side of the support body 85, parallel to the straight side wall section 85.The width L5 of the receiving groove 87, for example approximately 8 mm to approximately 20 mm, and its depth L6, for example approximately 10 mm to approximately 30 mm, are matched to the sill sections 75 to be received, so that these can be received in the receiving groove 87 and supported at its base. The width L7 of a web 89 between the straight side wall section 85 and the receiving groove 87 is preferably on the order of approximately 1 mm to approximately 6 mm and can particularly be approximately 2 mm to approximately 4 mm.

Claims

1. Quarantine facility for damaged high-voltage vehicles, comprising at least one workshop room (1) with a floor (5) and a wall (3) that define an interior space for carrying out repair work on the high-voltage vehicles, comprising at least one supply line (17) opening into the workshop room (1) for supplying a fluid for fire fighting in the workshop room (1), wherein at least one primary lifting device (21) with a primary actuator and a primary support (22) that can be raised and lowered by the primary actuator is provided for raising and lowering a damaged high-voltage vehicle in the workshop room (1), characterized by that a secondary lifting device (23) with a secondary actuator and a secondary support (24) that can be raised and lowered by the secondary actuator for raising and lowering a vehicle part in the workshop space (1) is provided.

2. Quarantine facility according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatthe primary lifting device (21) and / or the secondary lifting device (23) are hydraulic lifting devices (21, 23) which are connected via hydraulic control lines (29) to a drive unit (30) outside the workshop space (1).

3. Quarantine facility according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that it comprises two primary lifting devices (21) in the form of a 2-column lift with two mutually spaced vertical columns, primary supports (22) mounted thereon in a lifting and lowering manner and telescopic arms pivotably mounted on these primary supports (22) with interchangeable adapters (21b) for supporting the high-voltage vehicles.

4. Quarantine facility according to claim 3, characterized by the fact thatat least one of the adapters (21b) adjacent to a support area for a sill of the respective high-voltage vehicle comprises at least one retaining element projecting upwards at the edge of the adapter (21b) with a width (L7) in the range of 1 mm to 6 mm, such that the retaining element is in engagement with the space between the sill and the vehicle battery when the sill is supported on the support area.

5. Quarantine facility according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact thatthe secondary lifting device (23) is a piston lift with a liftable and lowerable press piston (27), and that the secondary support (24) is connected to the press piston (27) and is designed to support a vehicle battery, and / or that an actuator and / or a conveying system for controlling the fluid flow to the workshop space (1) is provided in the area of ​​the supply line (17), and / or that it comprises a spray mist system, wherein several nozzles distributed throughout the workshop space (1) are connected to a pump via a pressure line network, so that a fluid for extinguishing, cooling and binding smoke gases can be sprayed in the workshop space (1), and / or that the wall (3) of the workshop space (1) has a passage (7), and that this passage (7) is closed by means of a closing means (9) of a closing device at least up to a target level of at least 0.75 m above the workshop floor (5) can be sealed in a liquid-tight manner, so that the workshop space (1) can be flooded with the fluid for fire fighting up to this target level.

6. Quarantine facility according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact that outside the workshop space (1) at least one water tank (57) is arranged, which is connected to the workshop space (1) via the supply line (17).

7. Quarantine facility according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact that Outside the workshop space (1) a water purification system (51) is arranged, which is connected to the workshop space (1) via at least one drain line (19).

8. Quarantine facility according to claim 7, characterized by the fact thatthe water purification plant (51) or at least a wastewater reservoir (53) of the water purification plant (51) is located below the level of the workshop floor (5), so that wastewater from the workshop room (1) can be conveyed to the water purification plant (51) without an active conveying device solely by gravity.

9. Quarantine facility according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized by the fact that the water purification plant (51) includes a reservoir (55) for purified water, and that a return line and a pumping device for returning purified water from the reservoir (55) to the water tank (57) are arranged between this reservoir (55) and the water tank (57).

10. Quarantine facility according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by the fact thatan electronic control device (35) is operatively connected to the primary lifting device (21) and to the secondary lifting device (23), and that this control device (35) comprises stored control rules for the coordinated control of the primary actuator and the secondary actuator.

11. Quarantine facility according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that the tax regulations include an emergency program for the synchronous lowering of the first support (22) and the second support (24) at the same lowering speeds.

12. Quarantine facility according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized by the fact that the primary lifting device (21) and / or the secondary lifting device (23) comprise a position sensor with which the position of the primary support (22) and / or the position of the secondary support (24) relative to each other or with respect to a stationary reference object can be detected directly or indirectly, and each position sensor is operatively connected to the control device (35).

13. Quarantine facility according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized by the fact that the control device (35) or at least an operating part of the control device are arranged outside the workshop space (1).

14. Workshop comprising a quarantine facility with several workshop rooms (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by the fact that at least two of these workshop spaces (1) have different lengths and / or widths to accommodate high-voltage vehicles of different lengths.

15. Fire protection method, executable with a quarantine facility according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a high-voltage vehicle to be repaired is supported by at least one primary support (22) of a primary lifting device (21) in a raised position above the workshop floor (5), and wherein a secondary support (24) of a secondary lifting device (23) for supporting a high-voltage battery of the high-voltage vehicle is arranged in a raised position above the workshop floor (5), characterized by the fact that In the event of a fire, the primary support (22) is lowered synchronously at approximately the same speed by the primary lifting device (21) and the secondary support (24) by the secondary lifting device (23) until the high-voltage vehicle reaches the lowest level at the workshop floor (5), and the workshop space (1) is flooded by the supply of extinguishing water.

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