A gas detector and an arrangement for detecting gas leakage from a battery

Abstract

A gas detector (1) for detecting gas leakage from a battery. The gas detector (1) comprises a fastening means (3) for removable attachment of the gas detector (1) to a vehicle. An arrangement for detecting gas leakage from a battery, said arrangement comprising at least one gas detector; a control unit which is operatively connected to the gas detector and configured to initiate a generation of an alert signal when the gas detector detects a predetermined gas content level. The at least one gas detector comprising the fastening means for removable attachment of the gas detector to a car chassis.

Description

[0001] A GAS DETECTOR AND AN ARRANGEMENT FOR DETECTING GAS LEAKAGE FROM A BATTERY

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a gas detector for detecting gas leakage from a battery.

[0004] The invention also relates to an arrangement for detecting gas leakage from a battery, said arrangement comprising at least one gas detector and a control unit which is operatively connected to the gas detector and configured to initiate a generation of an alert signal when the gas detector detects a predetermined gas content level.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] In the realm of electric vehicles (EVs), the widespread adoption of Lithium-Ion (Li- ion) batteries has significantly advanced automotive technology, offering enhanced efficiency and reduced environmental impact. However, alongside their numerous benefits, Li-ion batteries present unique challenges, particularly concerning safety and maintenance.

[0007] One critical challenge arises when an EV undergoes servicing or repair in a workshop environment. Li-ion batteries, if damaged or potentially compromised, pose a considerable risk of thermal runaway, a phenomenon characterized by uncontrolled heating and rapid release of stored energy. Such incidents can lead to fires or explosions, endangering personnel and property within the workshop.

[0008] Existing safety measures often entail complex protocols and specialized equipment, which may not be universally accessible or fool proof in mitigating the risks associated with damaged Li-ion batteries. Moreover, the potential for undetected battery damage during routine maintenance procedures adds an additional layer of concern. Addressing these challenges necessitates innovative solutions capable of ensuring the safe handling and maintenance of EVs equipped with Li-ion batteries within workshop environments. Effective strategies should encompass early detection of battery anomalies, robust containment measures, and efficient emergency response protocols to minimize the risk of thermal runaway incidents and safeguard personnel, infrastructure, and the environment.

[0009] The present invention seeks to address these pressing concerns by introducing novel technologies and methodologies specifically tailored to enhance workshop safety in the context of EVs powered by Li-ion batteries. Through proactive risk mitigation and comprehensive safety measures, the proposed solution aims to instil confidence in workshop operations while facilitating the continued advancement and adoption of electric mobility.

[0010] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to present a gas detector which enables quick and reliable positioning of the detector in connection to a vehicle battery.

[0011] SUMMARY

[0012] The object of the invention is achieved by means of a gas detector for detecting gas leakage from a battery, characterised in that the gas detector comprises a fastening means for removable attachment of the gas detector to a vehicle.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the detector fastening means is a means for removable attachment of the gas detector to a vehicle chassis.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the fastening means comprises at least one of a suction element for attaching the gas detector by a suction effect, a strap holder and a strap, a magnet, a hook, a clamping element, a double-sided tape and / or an elastic cord and / or a funnel like gas flow guide. According to some embodiments, the fastening means comprises a suction element for attaching the gas detector by a suction effect.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the fastening means comprises a strap holder and a strap.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the fastening means comprises a magnet.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the fastening means comprises a hook.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the fastening means comprises a clamping element.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the fastening means comprises an elastic cord.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the fastening means comprises a double-sided tape.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the gas detector is configured to measure the content in atmospheric air of one or more of hydrocarbons, hydrogen gas, hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the at least one gas detector is configured to measure the content of carbon monoxide.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the at least one gas detector is configured to measure the content of carbon dioxide.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the at least one gas detector is configured to measure the content of hydrogen fluoride.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the at least one gas detector is configured to measure the content of hydrocarbons. According to some embodiments, the at least one gas detector is configured to measure the content of hydrogen.

[0026] The fastening means may be connected to a base portion of the gas detector and / or may be connected to any portion of the gas detector.

[0027] The object of the invention is also achieved by means of an arrangement for detecting gas leakage from a battery, said arrangement comprising;

[0028] - at least one gas detector;

[0029] - a control unit which is operatively connected to the gas detector and configured to initiate a generation of an alert signal when the gas detector detects a predetermined gas content level; characterized in that the at least one gas detector comprising the fastening means for removable attachment of the gas detector to a car chassis according to the present invention.

[0030] The control unit may comprise an electronic control circuitry.

[0031] Further features of the present invention will be presented in the following detailed description of embodiments.

[0032] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Examples of the present invention will be described more in detail with regard to the annexed drawing, on which;

[0034] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a gas detector comprising a fastening means according to a first example;

[0035] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a gas detector comprising a fastening means according to a second example;

[0036] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a gas detector comprising a fastening means according to a third example; Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a gas detector comprising a fastening means according to a fourth example;

[0037] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a gas detector comprising a fastening means according to a fifth example;

[0038] Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a gas detector comprising a fastening means according to a sixth example;

[0039] Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a gas detector comprising a fastening means according to a seventh example;

[0040] Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of a gas detector comprising a fastening means according to an eighth example;

[0041] Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of a gas detector comprising a fastening means according to a ninth example;

[0042] Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of a gas detector comprising a fastening means according to a tenth example;

[0043] Fig. 11 is a schematic representation of a gas detector comprising a fastening means according to an eleventh example; and

[0044] Fig. 12 is a schematic representation of an arrangement comprising the gas detector comprising an exemplary fastening means for detecting gas leakage from a battery.

[0045] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a gas detector 1 comprising a fastening means 3 according to a first example. The fastening means 3 comprises a magnetic plate 5, which is removable connectable to a base portion 7 of the gas detector 1. The fastening means 3 is configured for removable attachment of the gas detector 1 to a vehicle (not shown). The base portion 7 comprises a pair of slots 9 extending in circumference direction, into which a pair of corresponding protrusions 11 of the magnetic plate 5 fit for said removable attachment. The magnetic plate 5 may be removable attached of a chassis (not shown) of the vehicle. The gas detector 1 thus enables quick and reliable positioning of the gas detector 1 in connection to a battery (not shown) of the vehicle. The gas detector 1 aims to instil confidence in workshop operations while facilitating the continued advancement and adoption of electric mobility. The gas detector 1 may be configured to measure the content in atmospheric air of one or more of hydrocarbons, hydrogen gas, hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

[0047] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a gas detector 1 comprising a fastening means 3 according to a second example. The fastening means 3 comprises a clamp 25 connected to a base portion 7 of the gas detector 1 . The fastening means 3 is configured for removable attachment of the gas detector 1 to a vehicle (not shown). The clamp 25 comprises two arms 27, wherein one of which is pivotable arranged about an axis X of the clamp 25. A screw 29 is threadedly arranged to one of the arms 27 for locking a clamping portion 28 of the clamp 25 to the vehicle, such as a chassis part (not shown) or framework of the vehicle. The clamp could also be spring loaded, where the screw 29 then would be replaced by a spring. The gas detector 1 may be configured to measure the content of carbon monoxide.

[0048] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a gas detector 1 comprising a fastening means 3 according to a third example. The fastening means 3 comprises a suction cup 35 connected to a base portion 7 of the gas detector 1 . The suction cup 35 is configured for removable attachment of the gas detector 1 to a vehicle (not shown). The suction cup 35 is configured for attaching the gas detector 1 by suction effect to a suitable part of the vehicle. The gas detector 1 thus enables quick and reliable positioning of the gas detector 1 in connection to a battery (not shown) of the vehicle. The gas detector 1 aims to instil confidence in workshop operations while facilitating the continued advancement and adoption of electric mobility. The gas detector 1 thus enables quick and reliable positioning of the gas detector 1 in connection to a battery (not shown) of the vehicle. The gas detector 1 may be configured to measure the content of carbon dioxide and / or is configured to measure the content of hydrogen fluoride.

[0049] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a gas detector 1 comprising a fastening means 3 according to a fourth example. The fastening means 3 comprises a clamping bracket 45 connected to a base portion 7 of the gas detector 1 . The clamping bracket 45 is configured for removable attachment of the gas detector 1 to a vehicle (not shown). The reference number 45 may also indicate a strap that is inserted through opposite apertures of the base portion 7 (such as opposite through holes of a rim attached to the gas detector 1 ).

[0050] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a gas detector 1 comprising a fastening means 3 according to a fifth example. The fastening means 3 comprises an arcuated holding bracket 55 connected to an upper portion 57 of the gas detector 1 . The holding bracket 55 may be provided with a through bore 56, through which a strap or elastic cord (not shown) may be arranged for removable attachment of the gas detector 1 to a vehicle (not shown). Consequently, the gas detector 1 enables quick and reliable positioning of the gas detector 1 in connection to a battery (not shown) of the vehicle. The reference number 56 may also indicate a magnetic unit.

[0051] Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a gas detector 1 comprising a fastening means 3 according to a sixth example. The fastening means 3 comprises a holding plate 65 connected to a base portion 7 of the gas detector 1 . Each end of the holding plate 65 being provided with a through hole, through each of which a respective screw may be provided for removable attachment of the gas detector 1 to a vehicle (not shown). Consequently, the gas detector 1 enables quick and reliable positioning of the gas detector 1 in connection to a battery (not shown) of the vehicle.

[0052] Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a gas detector 1 comprising a fastening means 3 according to a seventh example. The fastening means 3 comprises an arrangement of cable ties 75, which being inserted through a respective slot 76 of a base portion 7 of the gas detector 1. Respective cable tie 75 is provided for removable attachment of the gas detector 1 to a vehicle (not shown). Consequently, the gas detector 1 enables quick and reliable positioning of the gas detector 1 in connection to a battery (not shown) of the vehicle.

[0053] Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of a gas detector 1 comprising a fastening means 3 according to an eighth example. The fastening means 3 comprises a hook 85 attached to an arcuated bracket 88, which hook 85 is adapted for hanging the gas detector 1 to a vehicle (not shown). The arcuated bracket 88 is connected to an upper portion 87 of the gas detector 1 . Consequently, the gas detector 1 enables quick and reliable positioning of the gas detector 1 in connection to a battery (not shown) of the vehicle.

[0054] Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of a gas detector 1 comprising a fastening means 3 according to a ninth example. The fastening means 3 comprises a suction cup 95 connected to a base portion 7 of the gas detector 1 . The suction cup 95 is configured for removable attachment of the gas detector 1 to a vehicle (not shown). The suction cup 35 is configured for attaching the gas detector 1 by suction effect to a suitable part of the vehicle. Consequently, the gas detector 1 enables quick and reliable positioning of the gas detector 1 in connection to a battery (not shown) of the vehicle.

[0055] Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of a gas detector 1 comprising a fastening means 3 according to a tenth example. The fastening means 3 comprises a clamp 105 connected to an upper portion 107 of the gas detector 1. The clamp 105 is configured to be attached to the gas detector 1 and hold the gas detector 1 in connection with a funnel like gas guide 108 of the fastening means 3. The funnel like gas guide 108 of the fastening means 3 is configured to be removable attached to a vehicle (not shown) by means of a double-sided tape arrangement 109. The fastening means 3 is thereby configured for removable attachment of the gas detector 1 to a vehicle (not shown) via the funnel like gas guide 108. The gas detector is configured to measure the content in atmospheric air of one or more of hydrogen gas, hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

[0056] Fig. 11 is a schematic representation of a gas detector 1 comprising a fastening means 3 according to an eleventh example. The fastening means 3 comprises fastening plate 115, which is removable connectable to a base portion 7 of the gas detector 1. The fastening means 3 is configured for removable attachment of the gas detector 1 to a vehicle (not shown) by means of screws 116 of the fastening plate 115. The base portion 7 comprises a pair of slots 9 extending in circumference direction, into which a pair of corresponding protrusions 11 of the fastening plate 115 fit for removable attachment of the gas detector 1 to the fastening plate 115. The gas detector 1 thus enables quick and reliable positioning of the gas detector 1 in connection to a battery (not shown) of the vehicle. The gas detector 1 aims to instil confidence in workshop operations while facilitating the continued advancement and adoption of electric mobility. The gas detector 1 may be configured to measure the content in atmospheric air of one or more of hydrogen gas, hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

[0057] Fig. 12 is a schematic representation of an arrangement 200 comprising the gas detector comprising an exemplary fastening means for detecting gas leakage from a battery. The arrangement 200 comprises at least one exemplary gas detector 1 ; a control unit CPU (control circuitry) which is operatively connected to the gas detector 1 and configured to initiate a generation of an alert signal when the gas detector detects a predetermined gas content level; the at least one gas detector 1 comprising an exemplary fastening means 3 for removable attachment of the gas detector 1 to a vehicle (not shown). The at least one gas detector 1 being removable attached to the vehicle parked in a work shop (not shown) for maintenance and service. The gas detector 1 or gas detectors 1 of said arrangement 200 thus being configured for quick and reliable positioning of the gas detector 1 in connection to a battery (not shown) of the vehicle. This instil confidence in workshop operations while facilitating the continued advancement and adoption of electric mobility. The gas detector 1 or gas detectors 1 may be configured to measure the content in atmospheric air of one or more of hydro carbons, hydrogen gas, hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide in the work shop. Generation of the alert signal when the gas detector 1 detects and / or any of the gas detectors 1 detects a predetermined gas content level in connection to a battery (not shown) of the vehicle gives service personnel time to evacuate the work shop and / or time to tow the vehicle away from the work shop.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A gas detector (1 ) for detecting gas leakage from a battery, characterised in that the gas detector (1 ) comprises a fastening means (3) for removable attachment of the gas detector (1 ) to a vehicle.

2. A gas detector according to claim 1 , wherein the detector a fastening means is a means for removable attachment of the gas detector to a vehicle chassis.

3. A gas detector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fastening means comprises at least one of a suction element for attaching the gas detector by a suction effect, a strap holder and a strap, a magnet, a hook, a clamping element, a double-sided tape and / or an elastic cord.

4. A gas detector according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the fastening means comprises a suction element for attaching the gas detector by a suction effect.

5. A gas detector according to any one of claims 1-4 wherein the fastening means comprises a strap holder and a strap.

6. A gas detector according to any one of claims 1-5 wherein the fastening means comprises a magnet.

7. A gas detector according to any one of claims 1-6 wherein the fastening means comprises a hook.

8. A gas detector according to any one of claims 1-7 wherein the fastening means comprises a clamping element.

9. A gas detector according to any one of claims 1-8 wherein the fastening means comprises an elastic cord.

10. A gas detector according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the fastening means comprises a double-sided tape and / or a funnel like gas flow guide.

11. A gas detector according to any one of claims 1 -10, wherein the gas detector is configured to measure the content in atmospheric air of one or more of hydro carbons, hydrogen gas, hydrogen fluoride, carbon oxide and carbon dioxide.

12. A gas detector according to any one of claims 1-11 , wherein the at least one gas detector is configured to measure the content of carbon monoxide.

13. A gas detector according to any one of claims 1 -12, wherein the at least one gas detector is configured to measure the content of carbon dioxide.

14. A gas detector according to any one of claims 1 -13, wherein the at least one gas detector is configured to measure the content of hydrogen fluoride.

15. A gas detector according to any one of claims 1-11 , wherein the at least one gas detector is configured to measure the content of hydro carbons.

16. A gas detector according to any one of claims 1-11 , wherein the at least one gas detector is configured to measure the content of hydrogen.

17. An arrangement for detecting gas leakage from a battery, said arrangement comprising;- at least one gas detector;- a control unit which is operatively connected to the gas detector and configured to initiate a generation of an alert signal when the gas detector detects a predetermined gas content level; characterized in that the at least one gas detector comprising the fastening means for removable attachment of the gas detector to a car chassis according to any of claims 1-16.

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