Pressure relief unit, mobile protection system and storage system

Abstract

The invention relates to a pressure relief unit (1) for a mobile protection system (100) for quarantine and fire control of electric vehicles and electrochemical high-voltage accumulators or for a mobile storage system (100) having at least one substantially closed interior (101); to a mobile protection system (100) and to a storage system (100) having pressure relief unit 1, comprising: at least one frame unit (2) for fastening to the mobile protection system (100), wherein the frame unit (2) has at least one frame opening (3) for connecting the interior (101) to the surroundings; and a cover unit (4) arranged on the frame unit to enable pressure compensation between the closed interior (101) and the surroundings at least in the event of overpressure caused by an explosion.

Description

Pressure relief unit, mobile protection system and storage system

[0001] The present invention relates to a pressure relief unit for a mobile protection system for the quarantine and fire control of electric vehicles and electrochemical high-voltage storage devices or a mobile storage system with at least one substantially enclosed interior space.

[0002] Extinguishing fires in damaged electric vehicles or high-voltage storage systems often poses problems and dangers for firefighters and other people in the vicinity due to the chemical components of the batteries. Smothering the flames is usually the best way to extinguish the fire.

[0003] Mobile protection systems for the quarantine and fire control of electric vehicles and electrochemical high-voltage storage systems, as well as mobile storage systems, have become known from the state of the art.

[0004] Such a system comprises an enclosed interior space and can be formed, for example, by a container or box. A damaged electric vehicle or a defective high-voltage storage unit can be inserted into the interior for easy extinguishing. The container or box is equipped with a special extinguishing agent on its walls, floor, doors, and roof. This agent melts under the influence of heat and simultaneously releases cooling water vapor. The melting extinguishing agent fills the interior from the floor upwards, thus smothering the fire. At the same time, the oxygen supply to the enclosed container or box is controlled. enclosed box limited, which further contributes to the extinguishing of the flames and the putting out of a fire.

[0005] A disadvantage of this is that burning battery storage units can release explosive gases. If these gases ignite, they create high overpressure, which can damage the container. Such damage and flying debris can also injure people outside the container.

[0006] The object of the present invention is therefore to make the above-described protection system or storage system even safer and, in particular, to prevent damage to the system.

[0007] The problem is solved by a pressure relief unit with the features of claim 1 and a mobile protection or storage system with the features of claim 10. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims. Further properties and advantages are part of the general description and the description of the exemplary embodiment.

[0008] A pressure relief unit according to the invention for a mobile protection system for the quarantine and fire control of electric vehicles and electrochemical high-voltage storage devices with an at least substantially enclosed interior, or a mobile storage system with an at least substantially enclosed interior, comprises at least one frame unit for attachment to the mobile protection system, wherein the frame unit has at least one frame opening for connecting the interior with the environment, and a cover unit arranged on the frame unit, in particular above the frame opening, to equalize pressure between the, in particular enclosed, interior and the to enable the environment to function, at least in the event of an explosion-induced overpressure.

[0009] The invention has many advantages. A significant advantage is that the pressure equalization unit enables at least some compensation of explosion-induced overpressure. This prevents the resulting overpressure from damaging the container or box, and, for example, an electric vehicle inside, in the event of a battery explosion. This also provides better protection for people in the surrounding area. At the same time, it prevents additional oxygen from entering the interior, thus making the mobile protective or storage system even safer overall.

[0010] Preferably, the lid unit is movably mounted on the frame unit by a bearing unit. Advantageously, this allows the lid unit to be used multiple times to regulate the overpressure repeatedly and, in particular, reversibly.

[0011] The bearing unit preferably comprises at least one linear guide unit and, in particular, four linear guide units. Advantageously, the linear guide units enable a uniform linear movement of the lid unit, especially without tilting. Furthermore, the linear guide allows for a particularly precise calculation of the lid unit's movement due to overpressure, compared, for example, to a tilting lid unit.

[0012] Advantageously, the linear guide unit comprises at least one stud bolt. In particular, the stud bolt is rigidly connected to the cover unit. Preferably, the stud bolt is guided in at least one bearing opening of the frame unit. The linear guide unit can therefore be implemented particularly cost-effectively.

[0013] Preferably, the lid unit is pre-loaded into a closed position by at least one spring unit. Advantageously, the spring unit comprises at least one, and in particular four, spring elements. This advantageously prevents additional oxygen from entering the interior from the outside, thus improving, for example, the conditions for combustion. Furthermore, it prevents, for example, flames from escaping directly to the outside.

[0014] Preferably, at least one spring element is designed as a compression spring, and in particular as a coil spring. Coil springs are particularly cost-effective. Preferably, a coil spring can be pushed onto a stud bolt so that it is guided through the stud bolt.

[0015] Preferably, the effective area, and in particular the surface of the lid unit, which can withstand the overpressure in the interior, is dimensioned, especially in relation to the spring force of the spring unit, such that the lid unit opens when a limit pressure is exceeded. Preferably, a limit pressure can be selected and / or set so that the mobile protective system or storage system is not damaged. Opening pressures of, for example, between 1 mbar and 2 bar overpressure are possible, preferably overpressures between 50 mbar and 1 bar, and particularly preferably overpressures between 200 mbar and 700 mbar. Furthermore, the opening pressure can also be selected to be even higher. Advantageously, the function of the pressure relief of the interior can thereby be limited, for example, to an overpressure such as occurs only in explosions, e.g., 2 bar overpressure, or the pressure relief can be triggered even at the slightest Overpressure, such as 1 m bar or 20 m bar, can occur, so that even a small amount of explosive gases is released directly into the environment.

[0016] Advantageously, the pressure relief unit is made at least partially of a metallic material, and in particular of steel, such as structural steel or the like. Steel is advantageous because it is cost-effective, heat-resistant, and wear-resistant.

[0017] Preferably, the frame unit has at least one shaped element for forming a welded connection with the mobile protection system or the mobile storage system. Welded connections are advantageously particularly robust, gas-tight, and durable. Furthermore, a welded connection is particularly cost-effective to produce and advantageously long-lasting.

[0018] Preferably, at least one seal is provided between the lid unit and the frame unit. In particular, the seal is at least partially integrated with the frame unit and / or the lid unit. Preferably, a high degree of tightness of the pressure relief unit can be achieved. Advantageously, this can particularly effectively prevent explosive gases from escaping uncontrollably into the environment. The gases are contained by the seal. In the event of an explosion, the gases combust, and the resulting overpressure can be released into the environment. It is particularly advantageous if the seal is designed as a metallic seal, which can also withstand high temperatures without any problems. Furthermore, the use of an extraction device to extract small quantities of explosive gas mixtures is also conceivable, preferably.

[0019] The mobile protection or storage system according to the invention for quarantine and fire control of Electric vehicles and electrochemical high-voltage storage devices or a mobile storage system comprise at least one enclosed and covered interior space, in particular with at least one door and at least one previously described pressure relief unit.

[0020] The mobile protective or storage system also offers many advantages. A significant advantage is that it effectively prevents overpressure in the interior. Further advantageous developments will become apparent from the general description and the description of the exemplary embodiments.

[0021] Preferably, the mobile protective system comprises at least two, four, eight, or even more pressure relief units. Advantageously, this allows for particularly precise adjustment of local overpressure. Overpressure can preferably escape in multiple and / or different directions. Strong currents within the interior can be advantageously avoided.

[0022] Preferably, at least one pressure relief unit is mounted on at least one wall. Mounting it on the wall advantageously allows for easy and / or convenient maintenance and also enables functional testing. Alternatively, the pressure relief unit can also be mounted on the roof or floor.

[0023] Preferably, the solid walls and the roof are formed by at least one container or box. Preferably, the container or box can also include a floor. In particular, the container or box is made of steel, making it especially stable and robust. Preferably, there is at least one welded connection between the frame unit and the container or box.

[0024] In a pressure equalization method for a previously described mobile protective system, the cover unit opens automatically when the pressure inside exceeds a certain limit. Advantageously, the high pressure inside causes the cover unit to lift away from the frame unit, allowing some of the gas, particularly air, to escape from the interior to the surrounding environment through the frame opening connected to the interior. Specifically, the cover unit lowers again when the pressure inside falls below the limit. Preferably, the cover unit can move back and forth between an open and a closed position multiple times. Preferably, the cover unit can open reversibly and multiple times, for example, if several explosions occur during a fire in an electric vehicle or the like.

[0025] This method also has many advantages. A significant advantage is that the lid unit can open and close automatically and, in particular, without external influence. This allows any internal overpressure to be equalized multiple times and reversibly. Further advantageous developments and features of the method will become apparent from the general description and the description of the exemplary embodiment.

[0026] Further features and advantages of exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals are used for identical or similar parts and for parts with identical or similar functions. The drawings show: Fig. 1 shows a purely schematic sectional view through a mobile protection system or storage system according to the invention with a pressure relief unit according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a purely schematic perspective view of the mobile protection system or storage system; Fig. 3 is a purely schematic perspective view of the pressure relief unit; and Fig. 4 shows another purely schematic sectional view of the pressure relief unit.

[0027] It is not necessary for a device according to the invention to have all the features described below. It is also possible for a device according to the invention to have only individual features of the embodiment described below.

[0028] Fig. 1 shows a purely schematic sectional view through a mobile protection system 100 or storage system 100 m according to the invention, including a pressure relief unit 1 according to the invention. The system 100 is designed here as a container or box. Hereafter, only the term container will be used. The interior 101 is formed by walls 102, the roof 103, the floor 104, and doors 105. A vehicle 106 is enclosed in the mobile protection system 100. The vehicle 106 is an electric vehicle.

[0029] The mobile protection system 100 allows for the safe extinguishing of fires in damaged electric vehicles or the safe storage of items such as high-voltage battery storage systems. This is connected to the A fire extinguishing agent has been attached to the walls 102 of the interior 101, which can extinguish a fire in the battery storage of the vehicle 106 particularly effectively.

[0030] The chemical components of the vehicle 106's battery storage system can also trigger explosions, for example, through escaping gases that collect in the interior 101 and then ignite. To prevent damage to the container, especially from such explosions, and thereby also to increase safety, pressure relief units 1 according to the invention are arranged and welded into the container's roof 103 to allow pressure equalization between the interior 101 and the environment, at least in the event of an explosion-induced overpressure.

[0031] Fig. 2 shows a purely schematic perspective view of the mobile protection system 100.

[0032] Fig. 3 shows a purely schematic perspective view of the pressure relief unit 1. The pressure relief unit 1 comprises a frame unit 2 with a frame opening 3. The cover unit 4 is arranged above the frame opening 3. The cover unit 4 is movably mounted on the frame unit 2 by the bearing unit 5. The bearing unit 5 comprises four linear guide units 6, so that the cover unit 3 is linearly movable relative to the frame unit 2. Each linear guide unit 6 comprises a stud bolt 7, which is attached to the cover unit 4 and is guided within a bearing opening 8 on the frame unit 2, see Fig. 4.

[0033] Furthermore, a spring unit 9 is present, which Cover unit 4 is preloaded here into a closed position 10. Spring unit 9 comprises four spring elements 1 1 , which are used as Compression springs 1 1 and further formed as spiral springs 1 1, which are guided by the studs 7 of the linear guide units 5.

[0034] An effective area 12 of the lid unit 4 is dimensioned to allow pressure equalization with the environment at an overpressure of 100 mbar, meaning that any overpressure can be equalized. This effectively prevents the build-up of overpressure in the container, thus further increasing safety.

[0035] The frame unit 2 has a shaped element 13 to which the frame unit 2 m can be welded to the container of the protection system 100 or storage system 100, see Fig. 4.

[0036] Fig. 4 shows a purely schematic sectional view of the pressure relief unit 1. A portion of a seal 14 is shown schematically on the left, which can further increase the tightness of the pressure relief unit 1. Such a seal 14 can also be attached to the frame unit 2. The seal can compensate for manufacturing tolerances and thus prevent explosive gases from being released uncontrollably into the environment. Nevertheless, the gases can still be released into the environment after combustion by means of an explosion if a pressure limit is exceeded. The seal 14 is designed here as a labyrinth seal made of metal, similar to a furnace seal, so that it is not damaged by heat. [00371 Reference numeral: 1 D pressure load in he it 2 frame units 3 frame opening 4 lid unit 5 storage units 6 linear guide unit 7 studs 8 Storage opening 9 spring unit 10 closed positions 1 1 Spring element, compression spring, spiral spring 12 effective area of ​​the lid unit 13 Form element of the frame unit 14 Seal 100 mobile protection systems, mobile storage systems 101 Interior 102 solid walls 103 Roofing 104 Floor 105 Door 106 Storage object, vehicle

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Pressure relief unit (1) for a mobile protection system (100) for quarantine and fire control of electric vehicles and electrochemical high-voltage storage devices or for a mobile storage system (100) with at least one substantially closed interior space (101), comprising: at least one frame unit (2) for attachment to the mobile protection system (100), wherein the frame unit (2) has at least one frame opening (3) for connecting the interior space (101) to the environment; and a cover unit (4) arranged on the frame unit to enable pressure equalization between the closed interior space (101) and the environment, at least in the event of an explosion-induced overpressure.

2. Pressure relief unit (1) according to claim 1, wherein the cover unit (3) is movably received on the frame unit (2) by a bearing unit (5).

3. Pressure relief unit (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the bearing unit (5) comprises at least one linear guide unit (5) and in particular four linear guide units (5).

4. Pressure relief unit (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the linear guide unit (5) comprises at least one stud bolt (7), wherein the stud bolt (7) is fixedly connected to the cover unit (3) and the stud bolt (7) is guided in at least one bearing opening (8) of the frame unit (2).

5. Pressure relief unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover unit (3) is preloaded into a closed position (10) by at least one spring unit (9) and wherein the spring unit (9) comprises at least one and in particular four spring elements (11).

6. Pressure relief unit (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one spring element (11) is designed as a compression spring (1) and in particular as a spiral spring (11).

7. Pressure relief unit (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein an effective area (12) of the cover unit (3) is dimensioned such that it opens when a limit value for the excess pressure is exceeded.

8. Pressure relief unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, at least partially formed from a metallic material and in particular from steel.

9. Pressure relief unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame unit (2) has at least one shaped element (13) for forming a welded connection with the mobile protection system (100) or the mobile storage system (100).

10. Mobile protection system (100) for quarantine and fire control of electric vehicles and electrochemical high-voltage storage devices or a mobile storage system (100), comprising at least one interior space (101) enclosed and roofed by solid walls (102), in particular with at least one door (104), comprising at least one pressure relief unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims. 1 1. Mobile protection system (100) or mobile storage system (100) according to one of the two preceding claims, comprising at least two or four or eight or even more Pressure relief units (1 ).

12. Mobile protection system (100) or mobile storage system (100) according to one of the three preceding claims, wherein at least one pressure relief unit (1) is accommodated on at least one wall (102).

13. Mobile protection system (100) or mobile storage system (100) according to one of the four preceding claims, wherein the interior space (101) enclosed by solid walls (102) and covered by a roof (103) is formed by a container or a box.

14. Mobile protection system (100) or mobile storage system (100) according to one of the five preceding claims, wherein there is at least one welded connection between the frame unit (2) and the container or the box.

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