Lithium battery fire containment cover

Abstract

The invention aims to provide a lithium battery fire containment device, suitable for electrically powered personal mobility devices, easily transportable from one place to another without endangering user safety, and limiting the environmental impact associated with its marketing. The solution proposed by the invention is a cover (1) remarkable in that it comprises a flexible envelope (11) so as to allow it to be folded, and a frame (12) configured to stiffen said envelope so as to create an air gap, at least 1 cm thick, between said envelope and at least a part of a piece of equipment (2) arranged inside the housing (111) of said envelope, and extending over an area at least equal to 60% of the total exterior surface area of ​​said at least a part of said equipment, and furthermore, to allow said envelope to be folded. Figure to be published for the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Lithium battery fire containment cover Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of lithium battery fire containment devices, and more particularly, to foldable covers for containing a lithium battery fire in an electrically powered personal mobility device. State of the art

[0002] Personal electric mobility devices such as electric scooters, patrol cars, Segways, hoverboards, electric unicycles, electric bicycles, and others have become commonplace in many homes in recent years. These personal electric mobility devices are generally equipped with a lithium battery. However, these batteries can be subject to thermal runaway, leading to a fire in minutes, or even seconds, which rapidly releases a significant amount of heat. Furthermore, the combustion of such lithium batteries cannot be stopped by conventional fire extinguishers. Therefore, it is necessary to contain the fire and wait for several hours for it to burn itself out once the fuel has been exhausted.

[0003] The civil aviation sector has been interested in the problems of lithium battery fires in portable electronic devices that passengers are likely to bring on board an aircraft. Several solutions, flexible or rigid, have been proposed, notably in documents WO 2014 / 116354 A1 (B. Burkett), US 11,247,083 B2 (Cellblock), US 2022 / 0355137 A1 (Innovint Aircraft Interior), US 2020 / 0330805 A1 (Sacs).

[0004] However, these devices are designed for portable electronic device batteries and are not sized for containing a lithium battery fire in an electric personal mobility device. Indeed, the battery of a mobile phone or tablet is generally capable of storing a few watt-hours of energy, that of a laptop a few tens of watt-hours, while that of an electric personal mobility device one or several hundred watt-hours, or even several thousand watt-hours. However, as demonstrated by the study entitled "Toxic Gases from Fire in Electric Vehicles" (O. Willstrand et al.), the greater the amount of energy that can be stored in the battery, the greater the amount of heat released during the fire. Thus, the various designs proposed in these documents are not not applicable to the field of electrically powered personal mobility devices.

[0005] In particular, the rollable or foldable pouch design shown in US patent 2020 / 0330805 A1 (Bags) is only feasible insofar as the fires this pouch must withstand release a much smaller amount of energy than battery fires in personal mobility devices. It is therefore possible to design pouches with walls thin enough to allow rolling or folding.

[0006] US patents 2022 / 0024674 A1 (Cellblock) and 2017 / 0237054 A1 (TM Mast) address the problem of batteries capable of storing a large amount of energy. Each patent proposes a metal container equipped with a layer of thermal insulation. However, these containers can only hold the battery. Therefore, using such containers requires systematically removing the battery from the personal mobility device after each use and then placing it in the container. This procedure may seem cumbersome to a user who might be tempted not to perform it systematically, thus endangering themselves. Furthermore, the steel containers are heavy and bulky, and therefore difficult for the user to transport to a destination when using their personal mobility device to travel between several locations.

[0007] Document GB 2549454 A (JLGilbert) attempts to address these drawbacks by proposing a lightweight rigid box equipped with shoulder straps so that it can be carried like a backpack. The rigid box is sized to hold a Segway. This highly conceptual document provides virtually no design details concerning this box. Furthermore, this solution is not without its disadvantages. Indeed, the rigid box is quite bulky, and its flat side walls can be highly susceptible to crosswinds when the user is carrying the box on their back, potentially posing a danger to the user. Also, when not in use, the box is bulky, making it difficult to store and taking up unnecessary space in the user's home. Finally, the industrial packaging of such a box requires a large cardboard box.Its large size limits the number of boxes that can be placed on a pallet, requires significant storage space, and also limits the number of units that can be transported per shipment. This logistics has a significant cost, not only financially, but especially environmentally. Indeed, the larger the boxes, the greater the waste. Also, the greater the number of units. transported by shipments is low, the greater the number of shipments, the greater the fuel consumption and associated CO2 emissions will be.

[0008] Therefore, the invention aims to provide a lithium battery fire containment device, suitable for electrically powered personal mobility devices, easily transportable from one place to another without endangering the user's safety, and limiting the ecological impact related to its marketing. Disclosure of the invention

[0009] The solution proposed by the invention is a lithium battery fire containment cover comprising an enclosure having a housing configured to receive at least part of equipment comprising at least one lithium battery, said enclosure being configured to withstand at least a fire in a lithium battery capable of storing an energy capacity of 100 Wh. This cover is remarkable in that: • The envelope is flexible so that it can be folded, • The said cover also includes a frame configured for: • To stiffen said envelope so as to create an air gap, at least 1 cm thick, between said envelope and at least one part of said equipment, and extending over an area at least equal to 60% of the total exterior surface area of ​​at least one part of said equipment, when at least one part of said equipment is arranged inside said dwelling, • To allow the folding of said envelope when said housing is devoid of at least part of said equipment.

[0010] Thus, the proposed cover allows for the containment of a lithium battery fire in an electric personal mobility device, while being easily transportable from one location to another without endangering the user's safety, and while limiting the environmental impact associated with its marketing. Indeed, the air gap created by the frame provides an additional layer of thermal insulation. Air is, in fact, a very good thermal insulator. This additional layer of thermal insulation makes it possible to reduce the thickness of the cover compared to one that would have been in direct contact with the personal mobility device. This reduced thickness results in a cover that is flexible enough to be folded.Also, the frame is designed to prevent the flexible envelope from sagging on a personal mobility device inside the dwelling, while not preventing the envelope from folding when the dwelling is empty. The frame and the envelope thus function. In a synergistic way, each helps the other achieve its objective, and vice versa. Furthermore, once folded, the cover's size is significantly reduced. It can thus be easily stored and also easily transported in a standard backpack, which offers much less wind resistance than the rigid box of the previous era. User safety is therefore ensured.

[0011] According to an advantageous feature of the invention which allows both the limitation of the spread of smoke from the fire, said smoke being very toxic to humans, and the limitation of the increase in pressure inside the dwelling due to the gas release resulting from the fire and the increase in heat in the dwelling, the cover includes a controlled smoke extraction device.

[0012] According to another advantageous feature of the invention allowing the creation of a chimney suitable for guiding the extraction of smoke and limiting the pressure rise inside the dwelling, the controlled smoke extraction device includes an extraction orifice provided in the envelope.

[0013] According to yet another advantageous feature of the invention which allows the release of potentially toxic elements from the bag to be limited, the controlled smoke extraction device includes a filter arranged at the extraction orifice so as to filter certain elements of the smoke.

[0014] According to yet another advantageous feature of the invention allowing to limit the amount of heat released out of the cover, the latter includes a fire attenuation device.

[0015] According to yet another advantageous feature of the invention allowing the controlled release of a mitigating agent inside the dwelling, the fire mitigation device comprises: • At least one pocket provided inside the envelope, • Granules, made from mineral matter, arranged inside said at minus one pocket, • A discharge opening on each pouch, said discharge opening being configured to allow the discharge of said granules arranged in said associated pouch, towards the air gap, • A hot-melt wire arranged at the discharge opening of each pouch so as to close said associated pouch, said hot-melt wire being configured to melt, when subjected to a temperature rise due to the fire of a lithium battery, so as to allow the opening of said associated pouch and the discharge of said granules through said discharge opening.

[0016] According to yet another advantageous feature of the invention enabling the mitigation of a lithium battery fire, the granules are made of vermiculite.

[0017] According to yet another advantageous feature of the invention for providing a fire-resistant casing for a lithium battery of a personal mobility device, said casing comprises at least one textile layer of silicone-coated glass fabric, or silica fabric, or silica needle-punched felt.

[0018] According to yet another advantageous feature of the invention which allows the user to be warned that a fire is starting so that he can take steps to take shelter, the cover includes a device for warning people.

[0019] According to yet another advantageous feature of the invention enabling the user to be effectively warned, the warning device for people comprises: • A detection device configured to detect the start of a fire in a lithium battery, • A signaling device configured to emit a warning signal when the detection device detects the start of a fire. Description of the figures

[0020] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, given by way of example, but not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: • [Fig-1] is a schematic view of a first example of the realization of a cover, the object of the invention, adapted to an electric scooter; • [Fig.2] is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cover, shown in figure [Fig.1], unfolded and without an electric scooter; • [Fig.3] is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cover, shown in figure [Fig.1], unfolded and in which an electric scooter is arranged; • [Fig.4] is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cover, shown in figure [Fig.1], unfolded and in which an electric scooter is arranged, after opening the pockets of the attenuation device; • [Fig.5] is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cover, shown in figure [Fig.1], without an electric scooter and folded so as to allow for storage. Detailed description

[0021] The invention relates to a cover (1) for containing a lithium battery fire. A lithium battery is defined as any electrochemical accumulator whose reaction is based on the lithium element.

[0022] With reference to figures [Fig.1] to [Fig.5], the cover (1) includes an envelope (11). The latter has a housing (111) configured to receive at least part of a device (2) comprising at least one lithium battery (24).

[0023] The equipment (2) may be an electrically powered personal mobility device, hereinafter referred to as a "personal mobility device" for the sake of simplicity, but which shall only be interpreted as a personal mobility device equipped with an electrical motor. The personal mobility device may, in particular, be an electric scooter as shown in Figures [Fig. 1], [Fig. 4], and [Fig. 5]. In other embodiments, the personal mobility device may be a patrol vehicle, a Segway, a Segway, a self-balancing unicycle, an electric bicycle, or any other electrically powered personal mobility device suitable to a person skilled in the art.

[0024] In one embodiment, the equipment (2) is a lithium battery (24). This may be the case, for example, when the lithium battery (24) can be detached from the personal mobility device for recharging. Once the lithium battery (24) is detached, the personal mobility device no longer presents a risk; only the lithium battery itself poses a risk. Therefore, in such cases, it may be advantageous to have a smaller enclosure (11) with a housing (111) configured to receive the lithium battery (24) alone.

[0025] In one embodiment, the equipment (2) is a carton, or a pallet, containing one or more lithium batteries (24). In particular, this carton, or pallet, can package one or more electrical devices equipped with a lithium battery (24), for example, one or more personal mobility devices. It is thus possible to contain lithium battery fires in a personal mobility device while it is still packaged. The carton, or pallet, can also package several electronic devices, each containing a lithium battery (24) capable of storing a quantity of energy of a few watt-hours, or a few tens of watt-hours, the cumulative energy of all the batteries in the carton, or pallet, being greater than or equal to 100 Wh.

[0026] The housing (111) can then have a shape and dimensions adapted to at least a part of the equipment (2) that it is intended to receive. The lithium battery (24) is preferably arranged in at least a part of the equipment (2) intended to be received in the housing (111).

[0027] In a first embodiment of the housing (111), the latter can be configured to receive only part of the equipment (2). This may be the case, in particular, when the equipment (2) comprises a body and a steering column (25) extending more than 50 cm above said body and at the end of which a handlebar (25) is arranged. This is, for example, the case for the housing (111) shown in the Figures [Fig. 1] to [Fig. 5]. Indeed, in this embodiment, the housing (111) is configured to receive the wheels (21), axles (22), platform (23), and lithium battery (24) of the scooter. The lithium battery (24) can, for example, be arranged inside the platform (23). The steering column (25) and handlebars (26), on the other hand, are arranged outside the housing (111). This can also be the case for a patrol vehicle.

[0028] In a second embodiment of the housing (111), the latter can be configured to receive the equipment (2) in its entirety. This may, in particular, be the case when the equipment (2) is a cardboard box or a packaging pallet. This may also be the case when the equipment is a personal mobility device without a steering column and handlebars, such as, in particular, a Segway, a gyroskate, or a gyrowheel.

[0029] The casing (11) is configured to withstand at least a fire in a lithium battery capable of storing 100 Wh of energy. For the purposes of this invention, "withstand" means that the thermal conductivity of the casing is the same at the end of the event as at the beginning of the event. Advantageously, the casing (11) can be configured to withstand at least a fire in a lithium battery capable of storing 350 Wh of energy. Preferably, the casing (11) can be configured to withstand at least a fire in a lithium battery capable of storing 500 Wh of energy. Advantageously, the casing (11) can be configured to withstand at least a temperature of 800°C for 10 minutes, then a temperature of 200°C for 10 hours.Preferably, the casing (11) can be configured to withstand at least a temperature of 1200°C for 1 hour, then a temperature of 600°C for 20 hours, then a temperature of 200°C for 30 hours.

[0030] The casing (11) may have a thermal conductivity less than or equal to 0.07 Wm-lk-1. Advantageously, the casing may have a thermal conductivity less than or equal to 0.04 Wm-lk-1. Preferably, the casing may have a thermal conductivity less than or equal to 0.02 Wm-lk-1.

[0031] The envelope (11) is flexible so as to allow its folding. For the purposes of the present invention, "flexible so as to allow its folding" means that, for a strip of the envelope (11) 50 cm long and 10 cm wide, detached from the rest of said envelope, the upper surface of one half of the length of said strip can be folded over the upper surface of the second half of the length of said strip, so that the two said upper surfaces can be in contact over at least 80% of the area of ​​one or the other of said upper surfaces.

[0032] In a first embodiment of the casing (11), the casing may be a single layer. The layer may be made of a material classified in fire reaction category M0 according to standard NF P92-507. The layer may include a textile. This textile may be a glass fabric, a silica fabric, a needle-punched silica felt, or any other textile suitable to those skilled in the art. The textile may be coated with a polymer, for example, silicone. Advantageously, the layer may be made of glass fabric coated with silicone. Alternatively, the textile may be coated with a vermiculite coating. The textile may be coated, on its side adjacent to the housing (111), with a hydrophobic coating. The latter can, in particular, be made of hydrophobic polymer, for example, acrylic, epoxy, polyethylene, polystyrene, vinyl chloride, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polydimethylsiloxane, polyester, or polyurethane.The layer can have a thickness between 0.3 mm and 5 mm. Preferably, the layer can have a thickness of 0.4 mm.

[0033] In a second embodiment, the casing (11) may be multilayered. At least one of the layers, preferably all of the layers, may be made of a material classified in fire reaction category M0 according to standard NF P92-507. One or more layers may comprise a textile of the same type as those described above. The textile of one or more layers may be coated with a polymer, or alternatively with a vermiculite coating, as described above. The textile of one or more layers may be coated with a hydrophobic coating, for example, hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene, as described above. Advantageously, the textile of the layer adjacent to the housing (111) may be coated, on its side adjacent to the housing (111), with the hydrophobic coating.Alternatively, the layer adjacent to the housing (111) can be made of a hydrophobic polymer, for example, acrylic, epoxy, polyethylene, polystyrene, vinyl chloride, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polydimethylsiloxane, polyester, or polyurethane. This hydrophobic layer protects the other layers of the casing (11) from dirt accumulated on the equipment (2), and in particular on the wheels of a personal mobility device. The interior of the casing (11) can thus be cleaned more easily. Each layer can have a thickness of between 0.3 mm and 5 mm. Preferably, at least one layer can have a thickness of 0.4 mm. Preferably, the casing (11) comprises three layers.

[0034] The casing (11) can also be impermeable to at least some of the fumes produced by a lithium battery fire. In this case, the material of the single layer of the casing (11), or of one or more layers of the casing (11) multilayer, can be selected for its sealing property against at least some of the fumes produced by a lithium battery fire.

[0035] The casing (11) may include an insertion opening (112). This opening is configured to allow the insertion or extraction of at least a portion of the equipment (2) into the housing (111). The insertion opening (112) may be opened or closed, as desired, by means of a zipper (113). Alternatively or in combination, the insertion opening (112) may be opened or closed, as desired, by means of a hook-and-loop fastener and / or a magnetic fastener and / or a snap buttonhole and / or straps and / or any other opening and closing device suitable to a person skilled in the art. The insertion opening (112) can preferably be arranged on a front face of the envelope, so as to allow the insertion or extraction of at least part of the equipment (2) inside the housing (111), in a horizontal translation movement.In particular, when the equipment (2) is a personal mobility device, the insertion opening (112) can be configured to allow the insertion or extraction of at least a portion of the equipment (2) into the housing (111) by rolling the equipment (2) forward or backward. In alternative embodiments, the insertion opening (112) can be located at any other place suitable to a person skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the housing (11) may have several insertion openings (112).

[0036] As shown in Figures [Fig. 2] to [Fig. 5], the cover (1) also includes a frame (12). With reference to Figure [Fig. 3], the frame (12) is configured to stiffen the casing (11) so as to create an air gap (13) between the casing (11) and at least a portion of said equipment (2) when said at least a portion of said equipment is arranged inside the housing (111). The air gap (13) thus formed can be used for its qualities as natural thermal insulation in the event of a fire in the lithium battery (24).

[0037] The air gap (13) has a thickness of at least 1 cm. Advantageously, the air gap has a thickness of at least 3 cm. Preferably, the air gap (13) has a thickness of at least 5 cm. The air gap (13) extends over an area at least equal to 60% of the total exterior surface area of ​​at least a portion of the equipment (2). Advantageously, the air gap (13) may extend over an area at least equal to 70% of the total exterior surface area of ​​at least a portion of the equipment (2). Preferably, the air gap (13) may extend over an area at least equal to 80% of the total exterior surface area of ​​at least a portion of the equipment (2).

[0038] The air gap (13) may include an upper part. The latter may have a thickness of at least 3 cm, advantageously at least 5 cm, preferably of at least 10 cm. The upper part of the air blade (13) may extend over an area of ​​at least 60%, advantageously at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, of the area of ​​a total surface greater than at least a part of the equipment (2).

[0039] The air blade (13) may have a right lateral portion and a left lateral portion. These may have a thickness of at least 2 cm, advantageously at least 4 cm, preferably at least 7 cm. The right lateral portion, respectively the left lateral portion, of the air blade (13) may extend over an area of ​​at least 60%, advantageously at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, of the area of ​​a total right lateral surface, respectively a total left lateral surface, of at least a portion of the equipment (2).

[0040] The frame (12) is configured to allow the casing (11) to be folded when the housing (111) is devoid of at least part of the equipment (2). In particular, the frame (12) can be configured to allow the casing (11) to be folded, so that the external volume of the casing (11), once folded, is at least 50% less, advantageously at least 60% less, preferably at least 70% less, than the external volume of the casing (11) when unfolded.

[0041] To this end, the frame (12) may comprise, as schematically shown in Figures [Fig.2] to [Fig.5], a series of independent hoops arranged along the envelope (11) so as to keep the upper part of said envelope separated from the lower part of said envelope, and to keep the right lateral part of said envelope separated from the left lateral part of said envelope. Each hoop may be separated from the next hoop so as to define an intermediate part of the envelope (11), said intermediate part being either stretched between the two hoops that frame it, as schematically shown in Figures [Fig.2] to [Fig.4], or folded between the two said hoops so as to form one or more folds (115), as schematically shown in Figure [Fig.5].In particular, the intermediate section can be stretched between the two hoops that frame it under the effect of tension exerted by at least one part of the equipment (2) on two ends of the casing (11) as shown in Figures [Fig. 3] and [Fig. 4]. The hoops may have a diameter between 1.5 mm and 15 mm. For an embodiment in which the equipment (2) is a personal mobility device, the hoops may preferably have a diameter between 1.5 mm and 5 mm.

[0042] The armature (12) can be made of metal, for example, stainless steel, tungsten, molybdenum, niobium and tantalum, titanium, or an alloy of these materials, ceramic, fiberglass, for example, silicon carbide, or any other material suitable to a person skilled in the art.

[0043] The casing (11) may include loops (114) configured to hold the frame (12) in position inside said casing. The loops (114) may be attached to one or more layers of the casing (11) by means of stitching, snap fasteners, or any other means suitable to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the loops (114) may be formed by one or more inner layers, with perforations provided in said inner layer(s) allowing the frame to pass alternately in front of or behind said inner layer(s). The loops may also take any other form suitable to those skilled in the art. In alternative embodiments, the frame (12) may be held in position on the casing (11) by means of hooks attached to said casing, rings attached to said casing, or any other means of attachment suitable to those skilled in the art.The frame (12) can be held in position on the casing (11) by a permanent fastening system or by a removable fastening system. In the latter case, the frame (12) can be separated from the casing (11) so as to facilitate folding of said casing.

[0044] In one embodiment of the frame (12), the latter may comprise a series of inflatable hoops arranged along the casing (11). The inflatable hoops are preferably arranged on the outside of the casing. Thus arranged, said inflatable hoops are subjected to a temperature lower than the temperature inside the casing (11) when a fire occurs in the lithium battery (24) inside said casing. The inflatable hoops may be independent of each other, or connected to each other by inflatable crossbars. Once inflated, the inflatable hoops are capable of keeping the upper part of said casing away from the lower part of said casing, and of keeping the right side of said casing away from the left side of said casing.When the cover (1) is not in use, the inflatable hoops and crossbars can be deflated to facilitate folding the cover (11). The inflatable hoops and crossbars may have airtight walls. These walls may be made of polyvinyl chloride, rubber, or any other material suitable to those skilled in the art. The inflatable hoops and crossbars can be inflated or deflated via a valve. Once inflated, the inflatable hoops and crossbars may have a diameter of between 20 mm and 50 mm.

[0045] The cover (1) may include a controlled smoke extraction device. Indeed, a lithium battery fire quickly produces a large quantity of smoke. This smoke, trapped in the cover (11), as well as the rapid increase in temperature inside the housing (111), leads to an increase Rapid pressure drop inside the dwelling (111). The controlled smoke extraction system can therefore allow the smoke to be extracted in such a way as to reduce the pressure inside the dwelling (111) and prevent a potential explosion of the building envelope. Also, since this smoke may contain elements potentially toxic to humans, the controlled smoke extraction system can direct the smoke to a specific location to prevent it from dispersing too quickly into the ambient air.

[0046] The controlled smoke extraction device may include an extraction opening (14) provided in the casing (11). The extraction opening (14) may have a diameter between 1 cm and 15 cm. In an embodiment in which the equipment (2) is a personal mobility device comprising a steering column (25) and handlebars (26) arranged outside the housing (111), the extraction opening (14) may be arranged on the casing (11) so as to allow the steering column (25) to protrude, as in the example shown schematically in Figures [Fig. 1], [Fig. 3], and [Fig. 4]. In some embodiments, the controlled smoke extraction device may include several extraction openings (14) provided in the casing (11).

[0047] The controlled smoke extraction device may also include a filter. This filter may be arranged at the extraction orifice(s) (14) so ​​as to filter certain elements of the smoke. This filter or these filters may, for example, be quartz microfiber filters.

[0048] The cover (11) may include a fire suppression device. This device may be configured to release a fire suppression material onto the equipment (2) when a fire occurs in the lithium battery (24). The suppression material may be liquid, viscous, or solid. In particular, the suppression material may be mineral-based. Preferably, the suppression material may be vermiculite.

[0049] With reference to figures [Fig.2] to [Fig.5], the fire attenuation device may include at least one pocket (15) arranged inside the envelope (11).

[0050] The pocket(s) (15) may be single-layered or multi-layered and made of materials similar to the cover (11). The layer(s) may have a thickness of between 0.1 mm and 2 mm. Each pocket. The pocket(s) are preferably attached to the upper part of the cover (11). The pocket(s) (15) may be attached to the cover (11) by a permanent fastening system, for example, by sewing, gluing, or any other fastening method suitable to those skilled in the art. In an alternative embodiment, the pocket(s) may be attached to the cover (11) by a removable fastening system, for example, snap fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, or any other fastening system. suitable for a person skilled in the art. The pocket(s) can thus be separated from the envelope (11) so as to allow the said envelope to be folded.

[0051] When the fire mitigation device comprises a single pocket (15), the pocket may extend along the length of the casing (11). The pocket may have a capacity of between 11 and 10 liters. Preferably, the pocket (15) extends over at least 20%, preferably at least 50%, of the length of the casing (11). When the fire mitigation device comprises several pockets (15), these may be arranged regularly along the casing (11). Preferably, the pockets (15) extend, cumulatively, over at least 20%, preferably at least 50%, of the length of the casing (11). Each pocket (15) can have a capacity of between 0.2 and 2.5 liters. The pockets (15) can advantageously be arranged so as to allow the envelope (11) to be folded while they are attached to said envelope.In particular, the pockets (15) can be arranged on the envelope (11) so as to allow their folding under the hoops of the frame (12) when folding said envelope, as schematically shown in the figure [Fig.5].

[0052] Granules (16) may be arranged inside said at least one pouch (15). These granules (16) may be mineral-based. The mineral material may include silicon dioxide. The mineral material may also include sodium oxide, and / or calcium oxide, and / or alumina, and / or magnesia, and / or any other component suitable to those skilled in the art. Preferably, the granules (16) may be made of vermiculite. The granules (16) may be a mixture of granules of different materials. The granules (16) may be spherical, cylindrical, pebbly, or any other shape suitable to those skilled in the art. The granules (16) may all be substantially the same size, or may comprise different granules of different sizes. The granules (16) can have a diameter between 0.25 mm and 25 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 10 mm.

[0053] Each pouch (15) may then include a discharge opening (151). This opening may be configured to allow the discharge of the granules (16) arranged in the associated pouch (15) towards the air gap (13). The discharge opening (151) has a shape and dimensions that allow the discharge of the granules (16). The discharge opening (151) may, for example, be in the form of a slot formed in a lower wall of the pouch (5). The slot may have a length between 5 cm and 1 m, preferably between 5 cm and 20 cm. In one embodiment, each pouch (15) may include several discharge openings (151) conforming to the one described above.

[0054] A hot-melt wire can be arranged at the discharge opening (151) of each pouch (15) so as to close said associated pouch. The hot-melt wire can close the discharge opening (151) by stitching the edges of the discharge opening (151) together, said stitching being made by means of said hot-melt wire. The hot-melt wire can be configured to melt, when subjected to a temperature rise due to the ignition of the lithium battery (24), so as to allow the opening of the associated pouch (15) and the discharge of the granules (16) through the discharge opening (151). In practice, the hot-melt wire can be configured to melt at a temperature between 50°C and 100°C. The hot-melt wire can be made of a hot-melt material, for example, a co-polyester or a co-polyamide. Figure [Fig.Figure 3 shows the pockets (15) closed by the hot-melt wire, before the latter melts. Figure 4 shows the pockets (15) open, once the hot-melt wire has melted, the granules (16) having flowed towards the air blade (13) through the discharge opening (151) so that said granules cover part of the upper surface of the equipment (2) at the level of the battery (24).

[0055] In one embodiment, the pouch(es) may include, in its layer(s), at least one hot-melt portion. This portion may be configured to melt when subjected to a temperature rise due to the ignition of the lithium battery (24), so as to allow the granules (16) arranged in the associated pouch (15) to be discharged into the air gap (13). In practice, the hot-melt portion may be configured to melt at a temperature between 50°C and 100°C. The hot-melt portion may be made of a hot-melt material, for example, a co-polyester or a co-polyamide. In one embodiment, the layer, or all the layers, of the pouch(es) (15) are hot-melt.

[0056] In one embodiment of the fire suppression device, the latter comprises a reservoir of a liquid, viscous, or foamy suppression agent. The fire suppression device also comprises one or more tubes configured to guide the suppression agent from the reservoir to the air gap (13) such that said suppression agent covers a portion of the upper surface of the equipment (2) at the level of the battery (24). The fire suppression device includes a mechanism for directing the suppression agent out of the reservoir, into the tube(s), when a fire in the battery (24) is detected. This mechanism may be a valve when the reservoir is pressurized. In one embodiment, this mechanism may be a pump.

[0057] The cover (1) may include a warning device for people. The warning device for people may, firstly, include a detection element configured to detect the start of a fire in a lithium battery. The detection device may include a thermal sensor configured to detect a temperature rise inside the dwelling (111) above a thermal threshold characteristic of a lithium battery fire. The thermal threshold may, for example, be 50°C. The detection device may include an infrared camera configured to detect a temperature rise above the thermal threshold for at least part of the equipment (2). The detection device may include a smoke detector inside the dwelling (111). The detection device may include any other means of detecting a lithium battery fire suitable to a person skilled in the art. The detection device may include one of the detection means described above, or a combination of several of these means.

[0058] The warning device for people may then include a signaling element configured to emit a warning signal when the detection element detects the start of a fire. The signaling element may include an audible alarm. This alarm may be integrated into the cover (1) and be in the form of a beeper or a loudspeaker. The audible alarm may also be separate from the cover (1) and be in the form of a speaker connected to a wireless network, for example, the speaker of a phone or tablet. In this case, the warning device may include a wireless network connection chip. The signaling element may include a visual alarm. This alarm may be integrated into the cover (1) and be in the form of an indicator light.The visual warning device may also be located outside the cover (1) and take the form of a screen connected to a wireless network, for example, a phone or tablet screen. The warning device may include any other signaling means suitable to a person skilled in the art. The warning device may include one of the signaling means described above, or a combination of several of these means.

[0059] When the equipment (2) is a personal mobility device, the cover (1) may include a charger configured to charge the lithium battery (24) of said equipment when the latter is arranged inside the housing (111).

[0060] The cover may include one or more storage pockets arranged on the outside of the envelope (11). The storage pocket(s) may be sewn onto the envelope (11). They are preferably made of the same material as the envelope (11).

Claims

Demands

1. A lithium battery fire containment cover comprising an enclosure (11) having a housing (111) configured to receive at least a portion of equipment comprising at least one lithium battery (24), said enclosure being configured to at least withstand a fire of a lithium battery capable of storing an amount of energy equal to 100 Wh, characterized in that: • Said enclosure is flexible so as to permit folding, • Said cover also comprises a frame (12) configured to: • Stiffen said enclosure so as to create an air gap (13), at least 1 cm thick, between said enclosure and said at least a portion of said equipment, and extending over an area at least equal to 60% of the total external surface area of ​​said at least a portion of said equipment, when said at least a portion of said equipment is arranged inside said housing,• To allow the folding of said envelope when said housing is devoid of at least part of said equipment.

2. Cover according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises a controlled smoke extraction device.

3. Cover according to claim 2 characterized in that the controlled smoke extraction device includes an extraction orifice (14) provided in the envelope (11).

4. Cover according to claim 3 characterized in that the controlled smoke extraction device includes a filter arranged at the extraction orifice (14) so ​​as to filter certain elements of the smoke.

5. Cover according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it includes a fire attenuation device.

6. Cover according to claim 5 characterized in that the fire attenuation device comprises:

7.

8.

9.

10. • At least one pocket (15) provided inside the envelope (11), • Granules (16), based on mineral matter, arranged inside said at least one pocket, • A discharge opening (151) on each pocket (15), said discharge opening being configured to allow the discharge of said granules arranged in said associated pocket, towards the air gap (13), • A hot-melt wire arranged at the discharge opening (151) of each pouch (15), so as to close said associated pouch, said hot-melt wire being configured to melt, when subjected to a temperature rise due to the fire of a lithium battery, so as to allow the opening of said associated pouch and the discharge of said granules through said discharge opening. Cover according to claim 6 characterized in that the granules (16) are made of vermiculite. Cover according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the cover (11) comprises at least one textile layer of silicone-coated glass fabric, or silica fabric, or silica needle-punched felt. Cover according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that it includes a device for warning people. Cover according to claim 9 characterized in that the warning device for persons comprises: • A detection device configured to detect the start of a fire in a lithium battery, • A signaling device configured to emit a warning signal when the detection device detects the start of a fire.

Images