Fire extinguishing system

Abstract

To provide an art configured to extinguish a battery fire and also inhibit extinguishing liquid from being discharged toward the battery when there is no battery fire.SOLUTION: A fire extinguishing system may include: a case accommodating a battery and including a liquid passage arranged around the battery, an inlet port configured to introduce extinguishing liquid into the liquid passage, and a discharge port configured to discharge the extinguishing liquid within the liquid passage toward the battery; and sealing which seals the outlet, in which the sealing melts at a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined melting temperature to open the discharge port.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a fire extinguishing system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a fire extinguishing device for an electric vehicle. The fire extinguishing device of Patent Document 1 includes a water pipe provided on the lid of a battery pack mounted in an electric vehicle, and a fire extinguishing water pipe provided outside the battery pack in the electric vehicle, one end of which is connected to the water pipe and the other end of which is connected to a fire hose by the vehicle body of the electric vehicle. Further, the fire extinguishing device of Patent Document 1 includes a discharge port provided so as to discharge the fire extinguishing water flowing into and moving through the water pipe to the battery module side provided below the lid.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the fire extinguishing device of Patent Document 1, since the discharge port is open in advance, it is conceivable that the fire extinguishing water is discharged from the discharge port to the battery module side even when a fire has not occurred in the battery. Therefore, it is conceivable that the fire extinguishing water is discharged toward the battery module when not intended, and the battery gets wet with the fire extinguishing water.

[0005] This specification provides a technology that can extinguish a fire in a battery and prevent the fire extinguishing liquid from being discharged toward the battery when a fire has not occurred in the battery.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A first aspect of the present technology relates to a fire extinguishing system for extinguishing a fire in a battery. The fire extinguishing system includes a case that houses the battery, a liquid passage provided around the battery, an inlet for introducing a fire extinguishing liquid into the liquid passage, and an outlet for discharging the fire extinguishing liquid in the liquid passage toward the battery. The case may further include a sealing material for sealing the outlet, the sealing material melting at a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined melting temperature to open the outlet.

[0007] In a battery, for example, excessive heat generation may occur during charging, leading to a fire. According to the above configuration, when a fire breaks out in the battery, the sealing material becomes hot and melts, opening the outlet, and the fire extinguishing liquid in the liquid passage is discharged from the outlet toward the battery. Thereby, the fire in the battery can be extinguished. On the other hand, when no fire breaks out in the battery, the outlet is sealed by the sealing material, so that the fire extinguishing liquid in the liquid passage can be prevented from being discharged toward the battery.

[0008] In a second aspect, in the first aspect, the fire extinguishing system may further include an introduction passage connected to the liquid passage via the inlet, and an external device for introducing a fire extinguishing liquid into the liquid passage via the introduction passage and the inlet.

[0009] According to this configuration, when a fire breaks out in the battery, a fire extinguishing liquid can be additionally introduced into the liquid passage from the external device. Thereby, the fire extinguishing ability against the fire can be improved.

[0010] In a third aspect, in the second aspect, the fire extinguishing system may further include a valve for opening and closing the introduction passage.

[0011] According to this configuration, when there is no fire in the battery, by closing the valve, it is possible to suppress the fire extinguishing liquid in the liquid passage from flowing out to the outside. Further, when a fire occurs in the battery, by opening the valve, the fire extinguishing liquid can be introduced into the liquid passage through the introduction passage, and the fire extinguishing ability against the fire can be improved.

[0012] In a fourth aspect, in the second or third aspect described above, the external device may include a charging device for charging the battery.

[0013] According to this configuration, when there is no fire in the battery, the battery can be charged by the external device.

[0014] In a fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect described above, the fire extinguishing system may further include a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the battery. The external device may introduce the fire extinguishing liquid into the liquid passage when the charging device charges the battery. The charging device can charge the battery in a normal charging mode and a rapid charging mode that charges the battery more rapidly than the normal charging mode. When the detected temperature of the temperature sensor is within a predetermined threshold temperature range, the battery may be charged in the rapid charging mode, and when the detected temperature of the temperature sensor is outside the predetermined threshold temperature range, the battery may be charged in the normal charging mode.

[0015] When the temperature of the battery is within a predetermined threshold temperature range, the allowable charging power is large, and when the temperature of the battery is outside the predetermined threshold temperature range, the allowable charging power tends to be small. According to the above configuration, by charging the battery in the rapid charging mode when the allowable charging power of the battery is large, the battery can be efficiently charged. On the other hand, even if the battery is charged in the rapid charging mode when the allowable charging power of the battery is small, useless energy loss will occur. However, according to the above configuration, by charging the battery in the normal charging mode when the allowable charging power of the battery is small, useless energy loss can be suppressed and the battery can be efficiently charged.

[0016] In the sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, when the charging device charges the battery in the normal charging mode, the external device introduces the fire extinguishing liquid into the liquid passage at a first flow rate, and when the charging device charges the battery in the rapid charging mode, the external device may introduce the fire extinguishing liquid into the liquid passage at a second flow rate that is greater than the first flow rate.

[0017] When the battery is charged in the rapid charging mode, a large amount of power is supplied to the battery, so the temperature of the battery tends to increase. On the other hand, when the battery is charged in the normal charging mode, the heat generation of the battery tends to be suppressed. According to the above configuration, since a large amount of fire extinguishing liquid can be introduced when the temperature of the battery increases, the temperature of the battery can be kept low. On the other hand, when the heat generation of the battery is suppressed, by introducing a small amount of fire extinguishing liquid, it is possible to suppress the wasteful consumption of the fire extinguishing liquid.

[0018] In the seventh aspect, in the first or second aspect, the fire extinguishing system may further include a heat device. The heat device may include a recovery hose that recovers the fire extinguishing liquid derived from the liquid passage, a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the fire extinguishing liquid recovered by the recovery hose and the heat medium of the heat device, and a pump that pumps the fire extinguishing liquid to the heat exchanger through the recovery hose.

[0019] The fire extinguishing liquid introduced into the liquid passage provided around the battery is heated by the heat of the battery. According to the above configuration, the heat medium of the heat equipment can be heated by using the heat of the fire extinguishing liquid heated by the heat of the battery. Also, the fire extinguishing liquid can be cooled. Or, the fire extinguishing liquid can also be heated by using the heat of the heat medium of the heat equipment. Thereby, the temperature of the battery can be set to a temperature suitable for charging.

[0020] In the eighth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the charging device may charge the battery using renewable energy. According to this configuration, renewable energy can be effectively utilized, and the power saving effect can be enhanced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] (Example 1) The fire extinguishing system of Example 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the fire extinguishing system 2 of Example 1 includes an internal device 6 mounted on a vehicle 4 and an external device 8 not mounted on the vehicle 4. The vehicle 4 on which the internal device 6 is mounted is, for example, an electric vehicle such as an electric car or a hybrid car.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the internal device 6 includes a battery 10 mounted on the vehicle 4 and a case 20 that houses the battery 10. The internal device 6 also includes a charging cable 62 connected to the battery 10 and an introduction passage 66 connected to the case 20. The downstream end of the introduction passage 66 branches into two passages 66a and 66b, one passage 66a being connected to the upper surface member 22 of the case 20 and the other passage 66b being connected to the lower surface member 24 of the case 20.

[0024] The battery 10 is a rechargeable secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery, for example. The battery 10 is charged by an external device 8 via the charging cable 62. The battery 10 is an assembly of a plurality of small batteries, but in this specification, the assembly of a plurality of batteries is referred to as the battery 10. The battery 10 is a battery for driving the vehicle 4 and supplies the stored electric power to a motor (not shown) for driving the vehicle 4. The battery 10 may generate heat during charging, for example. Also, the battery 10 may become very hot during rapid charging and may catch fire due to overheating.

[0025] One end of the charging cable 62 for charging the battery 10 is connected to the battery 10. The other end of the charging cable 62 is fixed to the body of the vehicle 4, for example. A charging connector 64 is attached to the other end of the charging cable 62. A power transmission connector 56 of the external device 8 is connected to the charging connector 64.

[0026] The case 20 that houses the battery 10 is made of a metal material such as an aluminum alloy, for example. Also, the case 20 may be made of a material containing carbon fiber, for example. Alternatively, the case 20 may be made of a combination of these materials. The battery 10 is disposed within the case 20, and the case 20 covers a part or all of the battery 10. The battery 10 and the case 20 are disposed under the floor or under the seat of the vehicle 4, for example.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the case 20 includes, for example, an upper surface member 22 that covers the upper surface of the battery 10 and a lower surface member 24 that covers the lower surface of the battery 10. The case 20 also includes a plurality of support members 28 that support the battery 10. The plurality of support members 28 are provided on the lower surface member 24 of the case 20. In addition, the case 20 may include, for example, side surface members, column members, and the like.

[0028] The case 20 further includes a liquid passage 30 through which liquid can flow. The liquid passage 30 is provided, for example, in the upper surface member 22 and the lower surface member 24 of the case 20. The liquid passage 30 is provided around the battery 10. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the liquid passage 30 includes a plurality of passages 32. The plurality of passages 32 are arranged, for example, in a grid pattern. Each passage 32 is arranged, for example, to cross and / or longitudinally cut the battery 10 above and below the battery 10.

[0029] The liquid passage 30 includes a plurality of inlets 34a, 34b for introducing a fire extinguishing liquid into the liquid passage 30. The inlets 34a, 34b for the fire extinguishing liquid are provided, for example, on the side surfaces of the upper surface member 22 and the lower surface member 24 of the case 20. Passages 66a, 66b of the introduction passage 66 are connected to these inlets 34a, 34b, respectively. The fire extinguishing liquid is introduced into the liquid passage 30 through the introduction passage 66 and the inlets 34a, 34b.

[0030] The fire extinguishing liquid introduced into the liquid passage 30 is, for example, water. The fire extinguishing liquid introduced into the liquid passage 30 may contain a fire extinguishing agent. Examples of the fire extinguishing agent include sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, ammonium phosphate, halogenated fire extinguishing agents, and the like. Note that the fire extinguishing liquid introduced into the liquid passage 30 may be a liquid other than water.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the other end of the introduction passage 66 is fixed to, for example, the body of the vehicle 4. A liquid supply connector 68 is attached to the other end of the introduction passage 66. A liquid supply connector 60 of the external device 8 is connected to the liquid supply connector 68. Further, a liquid supply valve 70 is provided in the introduction passage 66. The liquid supply valve 70 opens, for example, when the liquid supply connector 60 is connected to the liquid supply connector 68, and closes when the liquid supply connector 60 is removed from the liquid supply connector 68. The liquid supply valve 70 opens and closes the introduction passage 66.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid passage 30 provided in the case 20 includes a plurality of discharge ports 36 for discharging the fire extinguishing liquid toward the battery 10 in the case 20. The plurality of discharge ports 36 are provided, for example, in the upper surface member 22 and the lower surface member 24 of the case 20. The plurality of discharge ports 36 open on the surfaces of the upper surface member 22 and the lower surface member 24 on the side of the battery 10 (the surfaces facing the battery 10). The plurality of discharge ports 36 are arranged side by side at intervals. Each discharge port 36 is sealed by a sealing material 40 during normal times (when no fire has occurred in the battery 10).

[0033] Further, a plurality of discharge ports 38 are provided in the upper surface member 22 of the case 20. The plurality of discharge ports 38 penetrate the upper surface member 22. The plurality of discharge ports 38 are arranged side by side at intervals. Each discharge port 38 is sealed by a sealing material 42 during normal times (when no fire has occurred in the battery 10).

[0034] The sealing material 40 that seals the discharge port 36 is attached to the surfaces of the upper member 22 and the lower member 24 of the case 20 on the side of the battery 10. The sealing material 40 is applied to the upper member 22 and the lower member 24. The sealing material 40 is made of a material that melts at a melting temperature Tx or higher. For example, the sealing material 40 is made of a material containing zinc that melts at about 420°. When the sealing material 40 melts, the discharge port 36 is opened. As a result, the fire extinguishing liquid in the liquid passage 30 is discharged from the discharge port 36 toward the battery 10. When the pressure in the liquid passage 30 is high, the fire extinguishing liquid in the liquid passage 30 is ejected from the discharge port 36 toward the battery 10. When the battery 10 is on fire, the fire of the battery 10 is extinguished by the fire extinguishing liquid discharged from the discharge port 36.

[0035] The sealing material 42 that seals the discharge port 38 is attached to the surface of the upper member 22 of the case 20 on the side opposite to the battery 10. The sealing material 42 is applied to the upper member 22. The sealing material 42 is peeled off by the pressure when the pressure of the fire extinguishing liquid in the case 20 becomes higher than a predetermined pressure. As a result, the discharge port 38 is opened, and the fire extinguishing liquid in the case 20 is discharged to the outside of the case 20 through the discharge port 38.

[0036] Next, the external device 8 (see FIG. 1) of the fire extinguishing system 2 will be described. The external device 8 includes a charging device 50 and a liquid supply device 52. The charging device 50 is connected to, for example, a commercial power supply (not shown), and supplies the electric power supplied from the commercial power supply to the battery 10 of the vehicle 4. The charging device 50 is a device that charges the battery 10 of the vehicle 4.

[0037] The charging device 50 includes a power transmission cable 54 and a power transmission connector 56. When charging the battery 10 of the vehicle 4, the power transmission connector 56 of the charging device 50 is connected to the charging connector 64 of the internal device 6. The power transmission connector 56 and the charging connector 64 are, for example, a coupler configuration including a plug and a socket. Note that the configurations of the power transmission connector 56 and the charging connector 64 are not particularly limited.

[0038] The power transmission cable 54 is connected to the charging cable 62 via the power transmission connector 56 and the charging connector 64. The power transmission cable 54 transmits the power supplied from the commercial power supply to the charging cable 62 via the power transmission connector 56 and the charging connector 64. Electric power is supplied to the battery 10 of the vehicle 4 through the power transmission cable 54 and the charging cable 62. Thereby, the battery 10 is charged.

[0039] The liquid supply device 52 is connected to, for example, a fire hydrant (not shown), and supplies the fire extinguishing liquid supplied from the fire hydrant to the case 20 that houses the battery 10 of the vehicle 4. The fire extinguishing liquid supplied by the liquid supply device 52 is introduced into the liquid passage 30 provided in the case 20.

[0040] The liquid supply device 52 includes a liquid delivery hose 58 and a liquid delivery connector 60. When supplying the fire extinguishing liquid to the liquid passage 30, the liquid delivery connector 60 of the liquid supply device 52 is connected to the liquid supply connector 68 of the internal device 6. The liquid delivery connector 60 and the liquid supply connector 68 are, for example, configured in a coupler system including a plug and a socket. Note that the configurations of the liquid delivery connector 60 and the liquid supply connector 68 are not particularly limited.

[0041] The liquid delivery hose 58 is connected to the introduction passage 66 via the liquid delivery connector 60 and the liquid supply connector 68. The liquid delivery hose 58 delivers the fire extinguishing liquid supplied from the fire hydrant to the introduction passage 66 via the liquid delivery connector 60 and the liquid supply connector 68. The fire extinguishing liquid is supplied to the liquid passage 30 through the liquid delivery hose 58 and the introduction passage 66.

[0042] Next, a method for extinguishing a fire in the battery 10 by the above-described fire extinguishing system 2 will be described. In the battery 10 mounted on the vehicle 4, for example, excessive heat generation may occur during charging, resulting in a fire. In the above-described fire extinguishing system 2, when a fire occurs in the battery 10, the case 20 that houses the battery 10 becomes hot. Also, the sealing material 40 that seals the discharge port 36 provided in the case 20 becomes hot, and the sealing material 40 melts. Then, the discharge port 36 is opened, and the fire extinguishing liquid in the liquid passage 30 is discharged from the discharge port 36 toward the battery 10. Thereby, the fire in the battery 10 is extinguished. The fire extinguishing liquid discharged from the discharge port 36 is stored inside the case 20. Also, when the pressure of the fire extinguishing liquid in the case 20 becomes higher than a predetermined pressure, the fire extinguishing liquid in the case 20 is discharged outside the case 20 through a plurality of discharge ports 38.

[0043] Also, in the above-described fire extinguishing system 2, by connecting the liquid supply hose 58 of the external device 8 to the introduction passage 66 of the internal device 6, the fire extinguishing liquid can be supplied from the liquid supply device 52 of the external device 8 to the case 20 that houses the battery 10. The fire extinguishing liquid supplied from the liquid supply device 52 to the case 20 is introduced into the liquid passage 30 provided in the case 20. The fire extinguishing liquid introduced into the liquid passage 30 is discharged from the discharge port 36 of the case 20 toward the battery 10. Thereby, the fire in the battery 10 is extinguished.

[0044] (Effect) As described above, the fire extinguishing system 2 of Example 1 has been described. As is clear from the above description, the fire extinguishing system 2 includes a case 20 that houses the battery 10 and a sealing material 40 that seals the discharge port 36 provided in the case 20. The case 20 includes a liquid passage 30 provided around the battery 10. The sealing material 40 opens the discharge port 36 by melting at a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined melting temperature Tx. The fire extinguishing liquid in the liquid passage 30 is discharged from the discharge port 36 toward the battery 10.

[0045] According to this configuration, when a fire breaks out in the battery 10, the sealing material 40 becomes hot and melts, thereby opening the discharge port 36, and the fire extinguishing liquid in the liquid passage 30 is discharged from the discharge port 36 toward the battery 10. Thereby, the fire in the battery 10 can be extinguished. On the other hand, when no fire breaks out in the battery 10, since the discharge port 36 is sealed by the sealing material 40, it is possible to prevent the fire extinguishing liquid in the liquid passage 30 from being discharged toward the battery 10. It is possible to prevent the battery 10 from being wet with the fire extinguishing liquid when no fire breaks out in the battery 10. Also, when no fire breaks out in the battery 10, the battery 10 can be cooled by the fire extinguishing liquid in the liquid passage 30, and it is possible to prevent a fire from occurring in the battery 10.

[0046] Further, the fire extinguishing system 2 includes an introduction passage 66 connected to the liquid passage 30 via the inlets 34a, 34b. Also, the fire extinguishing system 2 includes an external device 8 not mounted on the vehicle 4, and the external device 8 introduces the fire extinguishing liquid into the liquid passage 30 via the introduction passage 66 and the inlets 34a, 34b. According to this configuration, when a fire breaks out in the battery 10, the fire extinguishing liquid can be additionally introduced into the liquid passage 30 from the external device 8. Thereby, the fire extinguishing ability against fire can be improved.

[0047] Further, the fire extinguishing system 2 includes a liquid supply valve 70 for opening and closing the introduction passage 66. According to this configuration, when no fire breaks out in the battery 10, by closing the liquid supply valve 70, it is possible to suppress the fire extinguishing liquid in the liquid passage 30 from flowing out to the outside. Also, when a fire breaks out in the battery 10, by opening the liquid supply valve 70, the fire extinguishing liquid can be introduced into the liquid passage 30 through the introduction passage 66, and the fire extinguishing ability against fire can be improved.

[0048] The external device 8 includes a charging device 50 that charges the battery 10. According to this configuration, when a fire does not occur in the battery 10, the battery 10 can be charged by the external device 8. Further, since the external device 8 includes the charging device 50 and the liquid supply device 52, it is possible to prepare for a fire during charging of the battery 10.

[0049] As described above, Example 1 has been explained. However, the specific embodiment of the fire extinguishing system 2 is not limited to the above-described example. In the following description, for the configurations that are the same as those described above, the same reference numerals may be given and the detailed description may be omitted.

[0050] (Example 2) The fire extinguishing system of Example 2 will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the fire extinguishing system 2 of Example 2, the internal device 6 includes a temperature sensor 12 that detects the temperature of the battery 10. The temperature sensor 12 is attached to, for example, the surface of the battery 10. In a modified example, the temperature sensor 12 may be disposed in the vicinity of the battery 10. Information on the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 12 is transmitted to the external device 8 by wireless communication or wired communication.

[0051] Further, the internal device 6 of Example 2 includes a lead-out passage 67 connected to the case 20 of the battery 10. The upstream end of the lead-out passage 67 branches into two passages 67a and 67b. One passage 67a is connected to the upper surface member 22 of the case 20, and the other passage 67b is connected to the lower surface member 24 of the case 20.

[0052] The case 20 of the battery 10 includes a plurality of outlets 35a and 35b for leading the fire extinguishing liquid in the liquid passage 30 to the outside of the liquid passage 30. The outlets 35a and 35b of the fire extinguishing liquid are provided, for example, on the side surfaces of the upper surface member 22 and the lower surface member 24 of the case 20. The passages 67a and 67b of the lead-out passage 67 are respectively connected to these outlets 35a and 35b. The fire extinguishing liquid in the liquid passage 30 is led to the outside of the liquid passage 30 through the outlets 35a and 35b and the lead-out passage 67.

[0053] The downstream end of the discharge passage 67 is fixed to, for example, the body of the vehicle 4. A drain connector 90 is attached to the downstream end of the discharge passage 67. A recovery connector 92 of a heat device 80 described later is connected to the drain connector 90.

[0054] The fire extinguishing system 2 of the second embodiment further includes a heat device 80 and a power generation device 84. The heat device 80 is, for example, a hot water supply device, a heating device, or a cooling device installed in a home. The heat device 80 includes a recovery hose 94, a recovery connector 92, and a heat exchanger 82.

[0055] When recovering the fire extinguishing liquid from the liquid passage 30 of the case 20, the recovery connector 92 of the heat device 80 is connected to the drain connector 90 of the internal device 6. The recovery connector 92 and the drain connector 90 are, for example, configured in a coupler system including a plug and a socket. Note that the configurations of the recovery connector 92 and the drain connector 90 are not particularly limited.

[0056] The upstream end of the recovery hose 94 is connected to the discharge passage 67 of the internal device 6 via the recovery connector 92 and the drain connector 90. The downstream end of the recovery hose 94 is connected to the heat exchanger 82 of the heat device 80. The recovery hose 94 feeds the fire extinguishing liquid discharged from the liquid passage 30 of the case 20 through the discharge passage 67 to the heat exchanger 82. The fire extinguishing liquid is supplied to the heat exchanger 82 through the discharge passage 67 and the recovery hose 94. A pump 72 for pumping the fire extinguishing liquid flowing through the recovery hose 94 toward the heat exchanger 82 is provided in the recovery hose 94.

[0057] The heat exchanger 82 is connected to the recovery hose 94 and exchanges heat between the fire extinguishing liquid recovered from the internal device 6 through the recovery hose 94 and the heat medium of the heat equipment 80. The heat exchanger 82 performs heat exchange between the fire extinguishing liquid and the heat medium using, for example, the technology of a heat pump. For example, the heat exchanger 82 cools the fire extinguishing liquid and heats the heat medium through heat exchange between the fire extinguishing liquid and the heat medium. In a modified example, the heat exchanger 82 may heat the fire extinguishing liquid and cool the heat medium through heat exchange between the fire extinguishing liquid and the heat medium. Note that since the technology of the heat pump is already known, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0058] The fire extinguishing liquid heat-exchanged by the heat exchanger 82 may be supplied again to the internal device 6 via the liquid supply device 52 of the external device 8. In a modified example, the fire extinguishing liquid heat-exchanged by the heat exchanger 82 may be recovered by separate recovery equipment.

[0059] The power generation device 84 is, for example, a solar power generation device installed on the roof of a house. In a modified example, the power generation device 84 may be a wind power generation device or the like. The power generation device 84 generates electric power from renewable energy such as sunlight and wind. The power generation device 84 is, for example, electrically connected to the charging device 50 of the fire extinguishing system 2 and supplies the generated electric power to the charging device 50. The charging device 50 can charge the battery 10 with the electric power generated by the power generation device 84.

[0060] When charging the battery 10, the charging device 50 of Example 2 can charge the battery 10 in a normal charging mode and a rapid charging mode in which the battery 10 is charged more rapidly than in the normal charging mode. The output of the charging device 50 in the rapid charging mode is larger than the output of the charging device 50 in the normal charging mode. The charging device 50 can switch between the normal charging mode and the rapid charging mode according to the temperature of the battery 10. For example, when the temperature of the battery 10 detected by the temperature sensor 12 is within a predetermined threshold temperature range (for example, when the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 12 is 5°C or more and less than 45°C), the charging device 50 charges the battery 10 in the rapid charging mode. On the other hand, when the temperature of the battery 10 detected by the temperature sensor 12 is outside the predetermined threshold temperature range (for example, when the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 12 is less than 5°C or 45°C or more), the charging device 50 charges the battery 10 in the normal charging mode.

[0061] Also, in the fire extinguishing system 2 of Example 2, the liquid supply device 52 of the external device 8 changes the flow rate of the fire extinguishing liquid supplied to the case 20 of the battery 10 according to the charging mode of the charging device 50. For example, when the charging device 50 charges the battery 10 in the normal charging mode, the liquid supply device 52 supplies the fire extinguishing liquid to the case 20 at a first flow rate. Thereby, the fire extinguishing liquid is introduced into the liquid passage 30 provided in the case 20 at the first flow rate. The fire extinguishing liquid is introduced into the liquid passage 30 from the liquid supply device 52 through the liquid supply hose 58 and the introduction passage 66.

[0062] On the other hand, when the charging device 50 charges the battery 10 in the rapid charging mode, the liquid supply device 52 supplies the fire extinguishing liquid to the case 20 at a second flow rate. Thereby, the fire extinguishing liquid is introduced into the liquid passage 30 at the second flow rate. The second flow rate is a flow rate larger than the above-mentioned first flow rate.

[0063] The fire extinguishing system 2 of Example 2 has been described above. As is clear from the above description, in Example 2, when the charging device 50 charges the battery 10, the battery 10 can be charged in a normal charging mode and a rapid charging mode that charges the battery 10 more rapidly than the normal charging mode. When the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 12 is within a predetermined threshold temperature range, the charging device 50 charges the battery 10 in the rapid charging mode, and when the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 12 is outside the predetermined threshold temperature range, the charging device 50 charges the battery 10 in the normal charging mode.

[0064] When the temperature of the battery 10 is within a predetermined threshold temperature range, the allowable charging power is large, and when the temperature of the battery 10 is outside the predetermined threshold temperature range, the allowable charging power tends to be small. According to the above configuration, by charging the battery 10 in the rapid charging mode when the allowable charging power of the battery 10 is large, the battery 10 can be efficiently charged. On the other hand, even if the battery 10 is charged in the rapid charging mode when the allowable charging power of the battery 10 is small, useless energy loss will occur. However, according to the above configuration, by charging the battery 10 in the normal charging mode when the allowable charging power of the battery 10 is small, useless energy loss can be suppressed, and the battery 10 can be efficiently charged.

[0065] Regarding the external device 8 of Example 2, when the charging device 50 charges the battery 10 in the normal charging mode, the liquid supply device 52 introduces the fire extinguishing liquid into the liquid passage 30 at a first flow rate, and when the charging device 50 charges the battery 10 in the rapid charging mode, the liquid supply device 52 introduces the fire extinguishing liquid into the liquid passage 30 at a second flow rate that is greater than the first flow rate.

[0066] When charging the battery 10 in the rapid charging mode, since a large amount of power is supplied to the battery 10, the temperature of the battery 10 tends to increase. On the other hand, when charging the battery 10 in the normal charging mode, the heat generation of the battery 10 tends to be suppressed. According to the above configuration, when the temperature of the battery 10 increases, a large amount of fire extinguishing liquid can be introduced, so that the temperature of the battery 10 can be kept low. On the other hand, when the heat generation of the battery 10 is suppressed, by introducing a small amount of fire extinguishing liquid, it is possible to suppress the wasteful consumption of the fire extinguishing liquid.

[0067] The fire extinguishing system 2 of the second embodiment further includes a heat device 80. The heat device 80 includes a recovery hose 94 that recovers the fire extinguishing liquid derived from the liquid passage 30 of the case 20, a heat exchanger 82 that performs heat exchange between the fire extinguishing liquid recovered by the recovery hose 94 and the heat medium of the heat device 80, and a pump 72 that pumps the fire extinguishing liquid to the heat exchanger 82 through the recovery hose 94.

[0068] The fire extinguishing liquid introduced into the liquid passage 30 provided around the battery 10 is heated by the heat of the battery 10. According to the above configuration, the heat medium of the heat device 80 can be heated by using the heat of the fire extinguishing liquid heated by the heat of the battery 10. Also, the fire extinguishing liquid can be cooled. Alternatively, the fire extinguishing liquid can also be heated by using the heat of the heat medium of the heat device 80. Thereby, the temperature of the battery 10 can be set to a temperature suitable for charging. Also, the heat of the battery 10 can be effectively utilized.

[0069] The charging device 50 charges the battery 10 using renewable energy. According to this configuration, renewable energy can be effectively utilized, and the power saving effect can be enhanced.

[0070] (Modification example) (1) In the above embodiment, the liquid supply device 52 was configured to be connected to a fire hydrant, but the configuration is not limited thereto. In a modified example, the upstream end of the liquid feed hose 58 of the liquid supply device 52 may be connected to the hose of a fire truck. The fire extinguishing liquid supplied from the fire truck may be introduced into the liquid passage 30 of the case 20 by the liquid supply device 52.

[0071] (2) The liquid supply device 52 may be provided with a notification device (not shown). The notification device may notify surrounding areas of notification information (for example, sound or light) indicating that the liquid supply device 52 is supplying the fire extinguishing liquid to the case 20. For example, the notification device may emit a siren when the liquid supply device 52 supplies the fire extinguishing liquid.

[0072] (3) The liquid supply valve 70 provided in the introduction passage 66 may be configured to open when the temperature of the battery 10 becomes equal to or higher than the melting temperature Tx. The temperature of the battery 10 is detected by, for example, a temperature sensor (not shown) attached to the battery 10. When the temperature of the battery 10 becomes equal to or higher than the melting temperature Tx, the temperature of the sealing material 40 also becomes equal to or higher than the melting temperature Tx accordingly. As a result, the sealing material 40 melts and the discharge port 36 is opened. Therefore, the liquid supply valve 70 opens in a situation where the discharge port 36 is opened. Thereby, the fire extinguishing liquid supplied to the case 20 through the introduction passage 66 can be discharged from the discharge port 36 toward the battery 10.

[0073] (4) In the above embodiment, the internal device 6 of the fire extinguishing system 2 was mounted on the vehicle 4, but the configuration is not limited thereto. In a modified example, the internal device 6 of the fire extinguishing system 2 may be mounted on another moving body (for example, a ship, an aircraft, etc.). In another modified example, the internal device 6 of the fire extinguishing system 2 may not be mounted on a moving body. For example, the internal device 6 of the fire extinguishing system 2 may have a stationary configuration installed in a home or a factory.

[0074] As described above, specific examples of the present invention have been explained in detail, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technology illustrated in this specification or the drawings can achieve multiple purposes simultaneously, and achieving one of these purposes itself has technical utility.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0075] 2: Fire extinguishing system, 4: Vehicle, 6: Internal device, 8: External device, 10: Battery, 12: Temperature sensor, 20: Case, 22: Upper member, 24: Lower member, 30: Liquid passage, 32: Passage, 34a, 34b: Inlet, 35a, 35b: Outlet, 36: Discharge port, 40: Sealing material, 50: Charging device, 52: Liquid supply device, 54: Power transmission cable, 56: Power transmission connector, 58: Liquid supply hose, 60: Liquid supply connector, 62: Charging cable, 64: Charging connector, 66: Introduction passage, 67: Discharge passage, 68: Liquid supply connector, 70: Liquid supply valve, 72: Pump, 80: Heat equipment, 82: Heat exchanger, 84: Power generation device, 90: Drain connector, 92: Recovery connector, 94: Recovery hose

Claims

1. A fire extinguishing system for extinguishing a fire in a battery, comprising: a case for housing the battery, the case having a liquid passage provided around the battery, an inlet for introducing a fire extinguishing liquid into the liquid passage, and an outlet for discharging the fire extinguishing liquid in the liquid passage toward the battery; a sealing material for sealing the outlet, the sealing material melting at a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined melting temperature to open the outlet.

2. The fire extinguishing system according to claim 1, further comprising: an introduction passage connected to the liquid passage through the inlet; an external device for introducing a fire extinguishing liquid into the liquid passage through the introduction passage and the inlet.

3. The fire extinguishing system according to claim 2, further comprising: a valve for opening and closing the introduction passage.

4. The fire extinguishing system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: the external device includes a charging device for charging the battery.

5. The fire extinguishing system according to claim 4, further comprising: a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the battery; wherein the external device introduces a fire extinguishing liquid into the liquid passage when the charging device charges the battery; the charging device is capable of charging the battery in a normal charging mode and a rapid charging mode in which the battery is charged more rapidly than in the normal charging mode, and when the detected temperature of the temperature sensor is within a predetermined threshold temperature range, the battery is charged in the rapid charging mode, and when the detected temperature of the temperature sensor is outside the predetermined threshold temperature range, the battery is charged in the normal charging mode.

6. The fire extinguishing system according to claim 5, wherein: when the charging device charges the battery in the normal charging mode, the external device introduces a fire extinguishing liquid into the liquid passage at a first flow rate, and when the charging device charges the battery in the rapid charging mode, the external device introduces a fire extinguishing liquid into the liquid passage at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate.

7. The fire extinguishing system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a heat device. The fire-fighting system includes a recovery hose for recovering the fire-extinguishing liquid led out from the liquid passage, a heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between the fire-extinguishing liquid recovered by the recovery hose and the heat medium of the heat device, and a pump for pumping the fire-extinguishing liquid to the heat exchanger through the recovery hose.

8. The fire-fighting system according to claim 4, wherein the charging device charges the battery using renewable energy.

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