Fire safety system for parking areas, method and related parking area

Abstract

Fire safety system (3) for parking areas (1) where electric vehicles (V) can be parked, comprising: at least one isolation bay (4), comprising a structure (40) that defines an inner volume (A) with closed faces (40f) and an access passage (B), and a closing element (42) for closing the access passage (B); a hydraulic system (5) comprising: at least one tank (50); a distribution circuit (51); a collection circuit (52); a purification system (53); and a pump (54); a transfer system (7) adapted to transfer a vehicle (V) from a parking bay (P) to an isolation bay (4); a control unit (6) comprising a plurality of suitably positioned sensors (62). The control unit (6) is adapted to control and drive both the hydraulic system (5) and the transfer system (7); and is adapted to control the transfer system (7) to move the vehicle (V) from a parking bay (P) to the isolation bay (4) if a fire breaks out, or there is a risk of a fire breaking out, in the vehicle (V); to selectively command the closing of the access passage (B). The hydraulic system (5) is designed to ensure that the isolation bay (4) will be filled. The control unit (6) is adapted to activate the pump (54) of the hydraulic system (5). The closed faces (40f) and the closing element (42) comprise a removable thermal shield (41) comprising a first face (41a) and a second face (41b), and adapted to guarantee a safe thermal gradient between the faces.

Description

[0001] FIRE SAFETY SYSTEM FOR PARKING AREAS, METHOD

[0002] AND RELATED PARKING AREA

[0003] The present invention relates to a fire safety system in a parking area, preferably comprising infrastructures, for parking electric or electrified vehicles, which may be parked to undergo an electric recharging phase, or for a stop, for use and / or for service.

[0004] The present invention further relates to a fire safety method for parking areas.

[0005] In addition, the present invention relates to a parking area for vehicles, which can house a plurality of electric or electrified vehicles which have been parked to undergo an electric recharging phase, or for a stop, for use and / or for service.

[0006] - PRIORART -

[0007] For the purposes of the present description, the term "electrified vehicle" refers to a vehicle moved by one or more electric motors and drives, with batteries storing the necessary energy. This definition also includes, therefore, electrified vehicles, i.e. vehicles with fully electric propulsion, called BEVs; plug-in hybrid vehicles, called PHEVs, which can be recharged externally; and hybrid vehicles that cannot be recharged externally, called HEVs.

[0008] For the purposes of the present description, an electric vehicle is a vehicle which is moved also or exclusively by an electric motor absorbing current from a battery that can be recharged with energy from an external source, such as the domestic or public electric grid, and which is designed for use on public roads and highways, e.g. as defined in Memorandum no. 2 of 5th November 2018, Guidelines for installation of recharging infrastructures for electric vehicles.

[0009] It is known that underground, ground-level and elevated box-garages, parking facilities and workshops where electric vehicles can be parked, e.g. for recharging, must have been granted a fire prevention certificate issued by a local supervisory authority, e.g. the fire department. Guidelines for installation of recharging infrastructures for electric vehicles are provided in specific regulatory documents, e.g. in Fire Department Memorandum no. 2 of 5 November 2018, Prot. No. 15.000.

[0010] Future research, e.g. experimental studies conducted on the behaviour of lithium-ion batteries, may lead to said guidelines being further reviewed. When a fire breaks out, e.g. in an underground parking facility, if an electric or electrified vehicle is involved which is equipped with a lithium battery, the situation may become complicated because the fire will be difficult to extinguish, requiring huge amounts of water, proper training, and specific equipment .

[0011] The "thermal runaway" problem is well known in the art, and is the most important issue, as far as the risk of fire is concerned, which affects electric vehicles. This is due to the fact that, in case of fire, thermal unbalance occurs within a lithium-ion battery which results in an uncontrolled and unstoppable increase in temperature, which may rise as high as l, 300°C. A chain reaction will thus be triggered, leading first to combustion and then to explosion .

[0012] Procedures are known for trying to limit and extinguish a fire occurring in an electric or electrified vehicle. Depending on various parameters, including the vehicle model, one may adopt either a defensive technique, leaving the vehicle to burn if no people are inside and protecting the surrounding environment, or an offensive technique, trying to extinguish the fire and cool the batteries. Afterwards, the vehicle is suitably immobilized.

[0013] If flames allow, rescuers will disconnect the high- voltage battery for safety and practicality. As a matter of fact, prior to any intervention on the vehicle, it is necessary to make sure that the power line has been disconnected by cutting specific cables that manufacturers position in easily accessible places.

[0014] A first method that can be used for extinguishing a fire requires the use of a large amount of water, generally around ten thousand litres. The use of water for extinguishing a fire may result in inflammable gases being released in the passenger compartment; it is therefore essential that rescuers pay attention to toxic vapours produced by combustion.

[0015] It is also well known that, in an electric or electrified vehicle, a fire that seems to have been extinguished may restart even with a delay of hours. For this reason, according to the current state of the art, the vehicle is removed from the place of the accident and stored outdoors, isolated for a predetermined time, e.g. at least 72 hours, at a safe distance, e.g. at least 15 metres, from any other inflammable object.

[0016] According to the current state of the art, the vehicle is, whenever possible, submerged in a tank filled with water, so that no flames can develop again in the battery. A secondo approach involves removing oxygen from a known volume, e.g. a container, that covers the vehicle, or coating the entire vehicle with a flame-resistant substance .

[0017] A third approach uses specific high-pressure fire- extinguishers, different and distinct from those normally in use, even by rescuers.

[0018] It is known that thermal runaway occurs very rapidly. In case of fire, before rescuers arrive, the only aid is provided by the active and passive protection devices available in the parking area where the vehicle is parked. It is therefore essential to ensure a quick intervention of the active and passive protection devices in the place where the vehicle is parked and, afterwards, of rescuers to try and limit the fire, at least in order to prevent it from propagating.

[0019] It is well known that limiting and extinguishing a fire is a time-consuming task for rescuers; therefore, the vehicle involved in the fire can only be removed many hours later, generally more than 10 hours later.

[0020] Patent applications CN111589015A, WO2023152017A1 , EP4104906A1 disclose explosion-proof and / or fireextinguishing devices for electric vehicles. Such solutions describe fire-proof or explosion-proof containers or shells provided with a parking cavity, which can be closed to isolate the vehicle. According to such solutions, an extinguishing liquid can be supplied and sprayed in order to extinguish the fire.

[0021] Because of the increasing demand for electric or electrified vehicles to ensure sustainable mobility, particularly in the automotive field, there is also an increasing risk that the number of self-combustion events occurring in electric and electrified vehicles might increase in number. The places where such events are most likely to occur are parking, charging and service areas. It is apparent that a technical problem ensues from making available to electric vehicles places where, in case of fire and propagation thereof, serious risks may arise even for the very stability of the building. Therefore, fire safety, prevention and protection systems need to be implemented for electric or electrified vehicles.

[0022] No fire safety systems are known which are to be associated with parking areas for electric vehicles wherein a vehicle in which a fire has broken out and / or may potentially break out can be automatically transferred to a safety area or bay consisting of a compartment where the vehicle is isolated and the risk of fire propagation is avoided . - OBJECT0F THEINVENTION -

[0023] The present invention aims at providing an innovative fire safety system comprising an isolation bay which is totally confined and thermally shielded, a hydraulic system for extinguishing the fire in the isolation bay, and transfer systems for moving the vehicle from a generic parking bay in a parking area to said isolation bay, thus ensuring that the fire will not propagate and cause damage to the structures in which the parking bay is located and / or to other vehicles, thereby making it possible, de facto, to wait for the fire to cease, so that afterwards the rescuers, e.g. firemen, will only have to monitor the situation and remove the vehicle once the fire is exhausted . One aspect of the present invention relates to a fire safety system having the features set out in the appended claim 1.

[0024] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a fire safety method having the features set out in claim 11.

[0025] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a parking area having the features set out in claim 14.

[0026] The features of the system, method and parking area according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the following non-limiting and merely explanatory embodiments and implementations and to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0027] - Figures 1A and IB show different views of one possible, but merely illustrative and non-limiting, embodiment of a fire safety system applied to a parking area according to the present invention, wherein Figure 1A shows a sectional side view of the parking area comprising the fire safety system along a section plane A-A; whereas Figure IB shows a sectional plan view of the parking area comprising the fire safety system along a section plane C- C;

[0028] - Figures 2A, 2B and 2C show different views of one possible embodiment of the isolation bay comprised in the fire safety system according to the present invention, wherein Figure 2A shows the isolation bay in a front view with respect to the access passage; Figure 2B shows the isolation bay in a sectional side view along a section plane A-A; Figure 2C shows the isolation bay in a sectional plan view along a section plane B-B;

[0029] - Figures 3A and 3B show different views of one possible, but merely illustrative and non-limiting, embodiment of a transfer system for a fire safety system applied to a parking area according to the present invention, wherein Figure 3A shows a sectional side view of the transfer system along a vertical section plane; whereas Figure 3B shows a sectional plan view of the transfer system along a horizontal plane;

[0030] - Figure 4 shows, by way of non-limiting example, a block diagram of the fire safety system according to the present invention, comprising a hydraulic system connected to at least one isolation bay and a transfer system;

[0031] - Figure 5 shows an illustrative and non-limiting flow chart of the fire safety method for parking areas for parking electric or electrified vehicles according to the present invention.

[0032] - DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION -

[0033] With reference to the above-listed figures, reference numeral 3 designates as a whole the fire safety system according to the present invention, whereas reference numeral 1 designates as a whole a parking area according to the present invention, which comprises the fire safety system according to the present invention.

[0034] Fire safety system 3 according to the present invention is particularly suited for being applied to parking areas 1 comprising a plurality of parking bays "P" for parking electric or electrified vehicles "V" comprising at least one battery "VB" .

[0035] Said fire safety system 3 according to the present invention comprises at least one isolation bay 4. Said isolation bay 4 is suitably positioned in a space "S" of said parking area 1. Said at least one isolation bay 4 comprises a structure 40 that defines a three-dimensional inner volume "A". Said structure 40 has faces 40f which are all closed except one, which defines a passage "B" allowing access to inner volume "A" of structure 40. Said structure 40 has a closing element 42 adapted to selectively close, in a sealed manner, e.g. in an almost air-tight manner, said passage "B" allowing access to inner volume "A" of structure 40 of isolation bay 4.

[0036] Said fire safety system 3 according to the present invention comprises a hydraulic system 5, which is connected to said at least one isolation bay 4.

[0037] Said hydraulic system 5 comprises at least one tank 50 adapted to contain an extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance .

[0038] Said hydraulic system 5 comprises at least one distribution circuit 51 for conducting the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance towards said at least one isolation bay 4.

[0039] Said hydraulic system 5 comprises a collection circuit 52 adapted to allow the recovery of said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance contained in said inner volume "A" of said isolation bay 4 in case of fire.

[0040] Said hydraulic system 5 further comprises at least one purification system 53 adapted to purify said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance coming from said isolation bay 4 through said collection circuit 52.

[0041] Said hydraulic system 5 comprises at least one pump 54. Said at least one pump 54 is adapted to move said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance in the hydraulic system 5. Said fire safety system 3 according to the present invention comprises a transfer system 7. Said transfer system 7 is adapted to transfer a vehicle "V" from at least one parking bay "P", where said vehicle "V" is parked, to said at least one isolation bay 4.

[0042] Said fire safety system 3 according to the present invention comprises a control unit 6.

[0043] Said control unit 6 comprises, in turn, a plurality of suitably positioned sensors 62. Said sensors 62 are positioned in parking bays "P" of parking area 1 and in said at least one isolation bay 4. For example, said sensors 62 are positioned in inner volume "A" of isolation bay 4 and / or inside structure 40 and / or outside structure 40 of isolation bay 4. Furthermore, said sensors 62 are positioned in the volume of parking bays "P", preferably of all parking bays "P", of parking area 1.

[0044] Said control unit 6 of fire safety system 3 according to the present invention is adapted to control and drive both said hydraulic system 5 and said transfer system 7.

[0045] Said control unit 6 is adapted to control said transfer system 7 to move vehicle "V" from a parking bay "P", where said vehicle "V" is parked, to said isolation bay 4 if a fire breaks out in said vehicle "V", or if there is a risk of a fire breaking out in said vehicle "V".

[0046] Said control unit 6 is adapted to selectively command the closing of said access passage "B" of said at least one isolation bay 4 by appropriately driving at least one actuator 420, comprised in said closing element 42, in order to isolate vehicle "V" transferred into isolation bay 4 by said transfer system 7. Said hydraulic system 5, suitably driven by said control unit 6, is designed to ensure that said at least one isolation bay 4 will be filled after said access passage "B" has been closed. Preferably, said hydraulic system 5 is designed to ensure that an isolation bay 4 will be filled to a height not below, preferably above, a height "H" of said at least one battery "VB" of said vehicle "V" in which a fire has started or may start.

[0047] Said control unit 6 is adapted to drive said hydraulic system 5 in such a way as to cause said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance to flow from said isolation bay 4, filled with said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance, to said collection circuit 52, and from said collection circuit 52 to said tank 50, via said purification system 53, to be then fed again into said at least one isolation bay 4, in particular into the same isolation bay 4 from which it came. For example, said control unit 6 drives said hydraulic system 5 by activating at least one pump 54 and / or by opening at least one drain valve 520 comprised in said isolation bay 4 and / or in said collection circuit 52.

[0048] In fire safety system 3 according to the present invention, said closed faces 40f of structure 40 of said isolation bay 4, as well as said closing element 42 of said isolation bay 4, comprise a thermal shield 41.

[0049] Preferably, said thermal shield 41 coats the inner surfaces of said inner volume "A" of structure 40 of isolation bay 4, in particular each face 40f and said closing element 42. Preferably, said thermal shield 41 is removable, in particular from said faces 40f of structure 40 and from said closing element 42.

[0050] Said thermal shield 41 is adapted to guarantee a safe thermal gradient between a first face 41a and a second face 41b of said thermal shield 41, e.g. a gradient which is sufficient to ensure that, in case of fire, if first face 41a is exposed to a high temperature, second face 41b in contact with a face 40f of structure 40 will remain at a safe temperature, e.g. lower than a temperature which is critical for the stability of the material of said structure 40 of isolation bay 4. For example, said thermal gradient is at least 600°C. By way of example, when a fire occurs and first face 41a is exposed to a temperature of l, 300°C, second face will have a temperature of less than 700°C.

[0051] Fire safety system 3 according to the present invention provides a useful design solution with effective active and passive technical devices to limit the propagation of a fire, particularly a fire occurring in an electric or electrified vehicle "V", which is particularly suitable for closed, small and hardly accessible spaces such as underground, ground-level or elevated box-garages, parking facilities and workshops, and particularly for parking areas 1 where people are not allowed access, even automated ones. Furthermore, the present solution can prevent an explosion from occurring, since it is possible to take action immediately to control the fire.

[0052] Due to a fully confined isolation bay 4 comprising said thermal shield, to transfer system 7, and to hydraulic system 5, fire safety system 3 according to the present invention represents a simple solution easily applicable also to existing parking areas 1.

[0053] Furthermore, due to isolation bay 4 comprising a thermal shield 41, to battery "VB" of vehicle "V" being submerged, and to the temperature in isolation bay 4 where the vehicle on fire or at risk of fire has been transferred being controlled, fire safety system 3 according to the present invention guarantees that the fire will not propagate and also that temperatures will remain within the REI limits set by engineers for building a structure 10 of a parking area 1, as long as necessary to extinguish the fire .

[0054] For the purposes of the present description, the term "REI" refers to the three basic parameters for assessing the fire resistance class of a building element, i.e. mechanical strength, air-tightness, and thermal insulation.

[0055] The present invention makes for lower running costs because, after a fire has occurred in a vehicle "V" in a parking area 1, the only costs to be incurred will be those necessary for restoring isolation bay 4, and particularly thermal shield 41 and all systems and devices in isolation bay 4, such as sensors, actuators, etc. , which may have been damaged during the fire, without however affecting other structures of parking area 1, like any other isolation bays 4 and structure 10 or other systems comprised in fire safety system 3 according to the present invention, like transfer system 7.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment of fire safety system 3 according to the present invention, said transfer system 7 comprises: a pick-up device 70, adapted to connect, whether directly or indirectly, to a vehicle "V" for moving it; and a plurality of guides 76. Said guides 76 are suitably arranged in at least said parking area 1 to allow moving vehicle "V" to which said pick-up device 70 has been connected .

[0057] Said transfer system 7 further comprises at least one actuator 78. Said at least one actuator 78 is adapted to drive said pick-up device 70 for moving vehicle "V" from said parking bay "P" to said isolation bay 4. Preferably, said at least one actuator 78 is also adapted to drive said pick-up device 70 for moving vehicle "V" from said isolation bay 4 to a parking bay "P" or to a collection point, e.g. in proximity to an access and / or exit passage 11 of parking area 1.

[0058] In a first possible embodiment of transfer system 7 of fire safety system 3 according to the present invention, said pick-up device 70 comprises a carriage or tray 72, preferably only one, defining a support structure bearing vehicle "V" as the latter is moved from a parking bay "P" to isolation bay 4. In the present embodiment, said pick-up device 70 comprises a gripping device 74. Said gripping device 74 is adapted to pick up vehicle "V" from parking bay "P" and place it onto said carriage or tray 72. Said gripping device 74 is also adapted to pick up vehicle "V" from said carriage or tray 72 and place it into said isolation bay 4.

[0059] According to the present embodiment, pick-up device 70 directly connects, through said gripping device 74, to vehicle "V" for moving it. In the present embodiment, vehicle "V" rests on the floor surface of parking bay "P" and, once transferred, will rest on floor surface 40f of isolation bay 4. The present embodiment uses said carriage or tray 72 to facilitate the transfer of the vehicle, so that said gripping device 74 can be simpler, since it does not have to be designed to bear the weight of vehicle "V" during the transfer of vehicle "V".

[0060] In the present embodiments, said gripping device 74 may comprise extensible elements, e.g. movable forks, and / or sliding systems, such as conveyor belts, to allow the vehicle to move from parking bay "P" to carriage or tray 72 and then to move from carriage or tray 72 to said isolation bay 4.

[0061] In an alternative embodiment, wherein pick-up device 70 directly connects to vehicle "V" for moving it, said gripping device 74 act directly upon vehicle "V" and is designed to support and hold in position vehicle "V" during the transfer from parking bay "P" to isolation bay 4. In this embodiment there is no carriage or tray, and said gripping device 74 consists of, for example, suitably shaped forks .

[0062] In a further possible embodiment of transfer system 7 of fire safety system 3 according to the present invention, said pick-up device 70 comprises a plurality of carriages or trays 72, each one defining a support structure bearing a vehicle "V". Each carriage or tray 72 is adapted to be housed inside parking bays "P" of parking area 1 and inside said at least one isolation bay 4 of fire safety system 3. In the present embodiment, said pick-up device 70 comprises a gripping device 74 adapted to connect to a carriage or tray 72. In the present embodiment, said gripping device 74 is adapted to pick up a carriage or tray 72 bearing a vehicle "V" in a parking bay "P", and then to place said carriage or tray 72 bearing a vehicle "V" into said isolation bay 4. According to this embodiment, pick-up device 70 indirectly connects, through said gripping device 74, to vehicle "V" for moving it. In the present embodiment, vehicle "V" always lies on a dedicated carriage or tray 72, which is moved together with the vehicle and which remains associated with the vehicle even when vehicle "V" is inside a parking bay "P" or inside inner volume "A" of isolation bay 4.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment of fire safety system 3 according to the present invention, said transfer system 7 is driven by said control unit 6 in such a way as to vary the average time necessary for moving vehicle "V" from parking bay "P", where vehicle "V" is parked, to isolation bay 4.

[0064] In particular, said control unit 6 is adapted to drive said transfer system 7 in such a way as to vary the time necessary for moving vehicle "V" from parking bay "P", where vehicle "V" is parked, to isolation bay 4 based on data processed by an algorithm. Said algorithm is adapted to assess the risk of fire on the basis of variations in the physical quantities measured by said sensors 62 in time and / or space.

[0065] By way of non-limiting example, said control unit 6 is adapted to execute an algorithm capable of determining the onset of a "thermal runaway" phenomenon based on space and / or time data obtained from measurements taken by sensors 62, particularly sensors 62 positioned in parking bay "P" of the parking area.

[0066] More generally, said transfer system 7 is designed for moving an electric or electrified vehicle "V" at risk of fire, or in which a fire has just started, or in flames. Therefore, said transfer system 7 may have any shape, be made of any material, and be of any type, according to specific requirements, e.g. depending on the number of isolation bays 4 to be served and on the type of parking area 1 with which fire safety system 3 is associated. Therefore, said transfer system 7 may comprise carriages, trays, or other similar automatic systems capable of moving a vehicle "V", e.g. from a parking bay "P" to an isolation bay 4.

[0067] More generally, said transfer system 7 may be the same transfer system already present in an automated parking area 1, wherein said transfer system must be able to move a vehicle "V" from a delivery and / or collection point, e.g. in proximity to one or more access and / or exit passages 11, to a parking bay "P", and vice versa. In the present embodiment, fire safety system 3 exploits a system already present in parking area 1, appropriately programming, driving and controlling it to provide the functions of transfer system 7 according to the present invention. Therefore, fire safety system 3 according to the present invention may be associated with either a non-automated parking area 1 or an automated parking area 1, where systems already present in parking area 1, like transfer system 7, can be exploited.

[0068] By way of non-limiting example, said carriage or tray 72 comprises housings or retaining elements for properly positioning and securing vehicle "V" on carriage or tray 72, particularly during the transfer from said parking bay "P" to said isolation bay 4. Said carriage or tray 72 is designed to be able to support the biggest vehicle "V" that can be handled by fire safety system 3, e.g. depending on the dimensions of inner volume "A" of isolation bay 4. The same also applies to the mass of said vehicle "V".

[0069] Said carriage or tray 72 may comprise housings for said gripping device 74, so that said gripping device 74 can pick-up vehicle "V" from parking bay "P" and place it onto said carriage or tray 72.

[0070] Said gripping device 74 may be either fixed, e.g. protruding from said carriage or tray 72, or retractable, so that it can project from a suitable housing formed in the structure of carriage or tray 72 whenever it needs to interact with vehicle "V".

[0071] In an alternative embodiment, in which said pick-up device 70 is adapted to indirectly connect to a vehicle "V" for moving said carriage or tray 72, said pick-up device 70 comprises gripping elements allowing gripping device 74 to interact with said carriage or tray 72 for moving it.

[0072] Therefore, said pick-up device 70 may have any shape, be made of any material, and be of any type, according to specific requirements, e.g. depending on the number of isolation bays 4 to be served and on the type of parking area 1 with which fire safety system 3 is associated.

[0073] Said guides 76 are designed to allow pick-up device 70 to move along them for transferring vehicle "V" from said parking bay "P" to said isolation bay 4. In particular, at least one first actuator 78 is adapted to drive pick-up device 70 along said guides 76.

[0074] By way of non-limiting example, said guides 76 may have a linear and / or curvilinear profile, depending on specific requirements and on the conformation of parking area 1 where transfer system 7 is to be applied. Moreover, said guides 76 may have a vertical and / or horizontal extension, depending on specific requirements and on the conformation of parking area 1 where transfer system 7 is to be applied.

[0075] Therefore, said plurality of guides 76 may have any shape, be made of any material, and be of any type, depending on specific requirements, e.g. as a function of the dimensions and type of parking area 1 to which transfer system 7 is to be applied.

[0076] By way of non-limiting example, said at least one actuator 78 may be fixed, being arranged in a dedicated area in said parking area. For example, it may drive said pick-up device 70 by means of cables and pulleys.

[0077] In addition or as an alternative, by way of nonlimiting example, said at least one actuator 78 may be a mobile one, moving along with said pick-up device 70. For example, in one possible embodiment said transfer system 7 comprises at least one first actuator 78 adapted to move pick-up device 70 along said guides 76, and one or more actuators adapted to allow said pick-up device 70 to connect, whether directly or indirectly, to a vehicle "V" for moving it .

[0078] More generally, said at least one actuator 78 may use any technology, be in any number, or employ any control method, according to specific requirements, e.g. as a function of the dimensions and type of parking area 1 to which transfer system 7 is to be applied.

[0079] More generally, said pick-up device 70 and said guides 76 are designed to withstand high temperatures. For example, said carriage or tray 72 is made of materials, e.g. metal alloys, which can withstand high temperatures, and / or comprises at least one incombustible insulating layer. By way of non-limiting example, said pick-up device 70 and said guides 76 are made of materials capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of l, 300°C.

[0080] In one possible, but merely illustrative and nonlimiting, embodiment, said structure 40 of said isolation bay 4 is preferably made of reinforced concrete, the latter having a low thermal conductivity. In another possible, but merely illustrative and non-limiting, embodiment, said structure 40 is made of metal alloys, e.g. iron alloys, in particular alloys suitable to withstand high temperatures.

[0081] Said structure 40 is adapted to define an inner volume "A" in which a vehicle "V", in particular a car, can be housed. By way of non-limiting example, said cars have a length of less than 5.5m, a width of less than 2.3m, and a height of less than 2m. Preferably, said inner volume "A" of isolation bay 4 defines a right parallelepiped structure, even more preferably a rectangular parallelepiped structure.

[0082] More generally, each isolation bay 4 is adapted to be closed on all sides or faces 40f of structure 40, except the single side or face through which vehicle "V" will be able to gain access to it, which face defines said access passage "B" . Said closing element 42 of isolation bay 4, adapted to close said access passage "B", is, for example, a tilting door, a sliding door, hinged double doors, or any type of electrically controlled movable closing element capable of closing in a sealed manner, e.g. in an almost air-tight manner, said inner volume "A". Said closing element 42 is moved by an actuator 420, e.g. an electrical and / or electromechanical one. Sensors 62 are associated with said closing element 42 and / or with said actuator 420, which are electrically connected to said control unit 6, e.g. over a wired or wireless connection.

[0083] In the preferred embodiment of fire safety system 3 according to the present invention, said closing element 42 of isolation bay 4 is of the tilting type, being in particular moved by a dedicated actuator 420.

[0084] In one possible embodiment, said thermal shield 41 has a panel structure, preferably a multilayer or sandwich structure. Preferably, between said first face 41a and said second face 41b of said thermal shield 41 there is at least one layer of a material other than the material of said first face 41a and / or said second face 41b.

[0085] By way of non-limiting example, said thermal shield 41 may have a thermal conductivity of less than 0.04 W / mK, and a transmittance of less than 0.9 W / mqK.

[0086] Preferably, said thermal shield 41 is made of incombustible materials.

[0087] More generally, said thermal shield 41 may be made of any material, e.g. a commercially available material, including, for example, composite materials, carbon and / or mineral fibres, resin fibres, chemical products, capable of withstanding high temperatures, avoiding fire propagation, and ensuring a temperature difference between the surface directly in contact with the flame, e.g. said first face 41a, and the outer one, e.g. said second face 41b, so as to guarantee compliance with the REI values used for designing parking area 1 where isolation bay 4 is located. More generally, said isolation bay 4 is designed to at least comply with the current REI 120 standard.

[0088] More generally, said fire safety system 3 according to the present invention is advantageously also associated with, in addition to said isolation bay 4 and said hydraulic system 5 according to the present invention, flame and smoke resistant physical barriers like those normally comprised in a parking area 1 to comply with currently mandatory fire protection regulations, as prescribed by national laws in force.

[0089] In a preferred embodiment of fire safety system 3 according to the present invention, said hydraulic system 5 is driven by said control unit 6 in such a way as to vary the average time necessary for filling an isolation bay 4, in particular to a height not below a height "H" of said at least one battery "VB" of said vehicle "V". In particular, said control unit 6 is adapted to drive said hydraulic system 5 in such a way as to vary the average time necessary for filling an isolation bay 4 as a function of data processed by an algorithm. Said algorithm is adapted to assess the risk of fire based on variations in the physical quantities measured by said sensors 62 in time and / or space.

[0090] By way of non-limiting example, said control unit 6 is adapted to execute an algorithm capable of determining the onset of a phenomenon known as "thermal runaway" based on space and time data obtained from the measurements taken by means of sensors 62, particularly sensors 62 positioned in parking bay "P" of parking area 1. For example, said algorithm is designed to determine the onset of thermal runaway on the basis of temperature and smoke sensors 62 positioned in different regions of the volume of parking bay "P", and also on the basis of measurements taken at different time instants. Moreover, said temperature sensors 62 and said smoke sensors 62 may be of different types to facilitate the determination of the onset of a thermal runaway phenomenon.

[0091] By way of non-limiting example, said control unit 6 is adapted to verify the correct positioning of vehicle "V" within said isolation bay 4 by said transfer system 7. Said control unit 6 comprises sensors 62, e.g. positioned in isolation bay 4 and / or in transfer system 7, which can detect the correct position of vehicle "V" within isolation bay 4.

[0092] More generally, said sensors 62 are connected to said control unit 6 over a wired or wireless connection.

[0093] More generally, hydraulic system 5 is designed to fill said at least one isolation bay 4 quickly. Depending on the specific condition of vehicle "V" and on the situation in the surrounding environment, e.g. if there is more than one vehicle "V" on fire in parking area 1, said control unit 6 will drive said hydraulic system 5 in such a way as to optimize the rate of filling of each isolation bay 4 where a vehicle "V" on fire or at risk of fire has been placed. As a matter of fact, depending on the type and location of the fire, the rate of filling of each isolation bay 4 may vary: the filling of isolation bay 4 will be faster when a fire has already started in vehicle "V" than when there are no flames yet in vehicle "V", but there is a risk that a fire might start.

[0094] Preferably, said at least one tank 50, e.g. a basin, said distribution circuit 51, and said at least one pump 54 are designed to allow the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance to be distributed into a plurality of isolation bays 4. Even more preferably, said hydraulic system 5 is designed to ensure substantially the same flow rate and pressure for all isolation bays 4 comprised in fire safety system 3 according to the present invention.

[0095] Said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance is, for example, water, water mist, preferably water and additives suitable to prevent the temperature of the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance from increasing, or any type of fluid which is capable of extinguishing a fire and / or reducing its temperature, and which can operate in a hydraulic system 5 according to the present invention.

[0096] Said tank 50 may have any shape, be made of any material, and be of any type, according to specific requirements, e.g. depending on the number of isolation bays 4 to be served and on the type of parking area 1 with which fire safety system 3 is associated.

[0097] In one possible embodiment, said tank 50 is arranged in empty spaces between two or more parking bays "P" of parking area 1. Alternatively, said tank 50 may be positioned on a surface of structure 10 which defines said parking area 1. More generally, said tank 50 may be provided in a dedicated space or in any other space available in structure 10 defining parking area 1 in which fire safety system 3 is comprised.

[0098] Said distribution circuit 51 may have any shape, be made of any material, and be of any type, according to specific requirements, e.g. depending on the number of isolation bays 4 to be served and on the type of parking area 1 with which fire safety system 3 is associated. Preferably, said distribution circuit 51 is designed to ensure that the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance will be pumped at high pressure by said at least one pump 54.

[0099] In one possible embodiment, which is particularly useful in the case of a parking area 1 having a complex and large structure 10, said distribution circuit 51 has a branched conformation to be able to take the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance from one or more tanks 50 and deliver it to one or more isolation bays 4 through one or more sub-circuits, even dedicated ones.

[0100] More generally, the volume of tank 50 and the conformation of distribution circuit 51, as well as the number of isolation bays 4, are designed as a function of the risk of fire, in particular in said parking area 1.

[0101] In one possible embodiment, said tank 50 and said distribution circuit may be partly incorporated into hydraulic systems already included in parking area 1 as a fire protection system, thus being connected thereto and exploiting parts thereof, such as tanks, circuits and ducts .

[0102] More generally, said hydraulic system 5 may comprise a plurality of pumps 54, which can define a system for lifting or moving said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance. At least one pump 54 is designed to move said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance from said tank 50 towards said distribution circuit 51 for filling at least one isolation bay 4.

[0103] Said hydraulic system 5 is designed to ensure that an isolation bay 4 into which vehicle "V" on fire or at risk of fire has been placed will be totally and constantly filled to a height not below a height "H", preferably above said height "H", where said at least one battery "VB" is located. Preferably, said height "H" defines the highest point of said battery "VB" of vehicle "V" in isolation bay 4. As a matter of fact, it is from said battery "VB" of vehicle "V" that a fire usually originates and develops. In case of fire, it is therefore appropriate to submerge said battery "VB" completely in said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance.

[0104] Said height "H" is the height along the vertical axis extending from face 40f of structure 40 of isolation bay 4 that defines the floor of said isolation bay 4.

[0105] Said height "H" may be a fixed height, e.g. equal to the highest point of a battery "VB" of any vehicle "V" that can be housed inside isolation bay 4. Alternatively, said height "H" may vary as a function of vehicle "V" placed in isolation bay 4. In one possible embodiment, said control unit 6 comprises a sensor 62 adapted to recognise vehicle "V" in isolation bay 4. Through said sensor 62 it is possible to determine the position and size of battery "VB" of the model of vehicle "V", and hence to determine the maximum height at which battery "VB" of that specific vehicle "V" placed in isolation bay 4 is located. Said recognition sensor 62 may consist of, for example, cameras able to recognise the model of vehicle "V". This embodiment makes it possible to determine height "H" to which an isolation bay 4 must be filled as a function of vehicle "V" currently in said isolation bay 4.

[0106] Through suitable sensors (62, 521) , said control unit 6 is adapted to determine when height "H" of extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance has been reached in isolation bay 4.

[0107] Said collection circuit 52 may have any shape, be made of any material, and be of any type, according to specific requirements, e.g. depending on the number of isolation bays 4 from which it has to collect the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance and on the type of parking area 1 with which fire safety system 3 is associated.

[0108] In one possible embodiment, said collection circuit 52 comprises a collection tank adapted to collect said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance coming from one or more isolation bays 4 prior to delivering it to said purification system 53.

[0109] Said collection circuit 52 is designed to drain said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance from one or more isolation bays 4 and also to deliver said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance to said tank 50, via said purification system 53, for the purpose of reducing the total amount of extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance used for extinguishing a fire in an electric or electrified vehicle placed in an isolation bay 4.

[0110] In one possible embodiment of fire safety system 3 according to the present invention, said collection circuit 52 comprises at least one drain valve 520. Said drain valve 520 is adapted to allow the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance to exit isolation bay 4 to be delivered, e.g. by means of a pump 54, e.g. a drain pump, to said purification system 53.

[0111] More generally, the output flow rate of the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance from isolation bay 4 and height "H", which defines the hydraulic head, can be designed to operate indirectly, e.g. by creating a head that allows the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance to flow out towards said collection circuit 52 through an outlet, by gravity, and / or upon reaching a height "H", e.g. by overflowing through an outlet. Said outlet may be an opening formed in one of faces 40f defining structure 40 of isolation bay 4 and / or said access passage "B", e.g. by suitably operating said closing element 42. More generally, said outlet allows the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance to flow out towards said collection circuit 52 by gravity.

[0112] In the embodiment wherein said hydraulic system 5 comprises a plurality of pumps 54 defining a system for lifting or moving said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance, at least one pump 54 is designed to move said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance from said collection circuit 52 towards said tank 50, via said purification system 53, for filling said tank 50 and reusing said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance.

[0113] Said purification system 53 may have different shapes according to specific requirements, e.g. depending on the number of isolation bays 4, the type of extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance in use, and / or the type of parking area 1 with which fire safety system 3 is associated .

[0114] Preferably, said purification system 53 is adapted to purify said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance continuously as it flows from said collection circuit 52 towards said tank 50, e.g. moved by at least one pump 54.

[0115] T1 Alternatively, merely by way of example, said purification system 53 is of the decantation type.

[0116] More generally, said purification system 53 may comprise filters, additives and / or catalysts for purifying said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance.

[0117] Said control unit 6 is suitably configured to drive said hydraulic system 5, particularly said distribution circuit 51 and / or said collection circuit 52, in order to guarantee that said isolation bay 4 will be filled with said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance to a height above said height "H", thus ensuring total and constant filling of the isolation bay 4 where vehicle "V" on fire or at risk of fire has been placed. In one possible, but merely illustrative and non-limiting, embodiment, said control unit 6 is suitably configured to drive said hydraulic system 5 to keep a predefined filling height substantially unchanged over time, said filling height being above said height "H" .

[0118] Said collection circuit 52 is designed to take and recover said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance, previously used to extinguish a fire in vehicle "V" inside an isolation bay 4, and deliver it to purification system 53 to be purified, so that it can be returned to said at least one tank 50 to be reused and delivered again into an isolation bay 4, e.g. the same isolation bay 4 from which it came .

[0119] In a preferred, but merely illustrative and nonlimiting, embodiment of fire safety system 3 according to the present invention, said collection circuit 52 comprises at least one sensor 521. Said control unit 6 is adapted to determine the instant at which, during a fire, said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance contained in at least one isolation bay 4 must be delivered to said purification system 53, based on measurements taken by said at least one sensor 521. Preferably, said control unit 6 executes an algorithm capable of assessing different parameters pertaining to said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance, in order to determine when said collection circuit 52 should be commanded to conduct said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance towards said purification system 53 via said collection circuit 52.

[0120] In a preferred embodiment, said at least one sensor 521 is a temperature sensor adapted to measure the temperature of said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance within an isolation bay 4. Through said temperature sensor 521, said control unit 6 can determine when said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance in said isolation bay 4 has reached a predefined temperature, e.g. a temperature close to the evaporation temperature of the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance, e.g. 90°C for water-based fluids.

[0121] In another preferred embodiment, said at least one sensor 521 is a level sensor that determines the level of said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance within said isolation bay 4. Through said level sensor 521, said control unit 6 can determine when the amount of extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance in said isolation bay 4 has reached said height "H" .

[0122] In an even more preferable embodiment, said collection circuit 52 comprises both at least one level sensor 521 and at least one temperature sensor 521. Said control unit 6 is adapted to drive said hydraulic system 5 in such a way as to cause said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance to flow from said isolation bay 4, filled with said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance, to said collection circuit 52, and from said collection circuit 52 to said tank 50, via said purification system 53, to be then fed again into said isolation bay 4, in particular into the same isolation bay 4 from which it came. For example, said control unit 6 controls said hydraulic system 5 by activating at least one pump 54 and / or by opening a drain valve 520 comprised in said isolation bay 4 and / or in said collection circuit 52, based on the data obtained from said sensors 521 comprised in collection circuit 52.

[0123] In a preferred embodiment of fire safety system 3 according to the present invention, said control unit 6 is adapted to drive said hydraulic system 5 to keep said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance continuously moving from said at least one tank 50 to said at least one isolation bay 4, and vice versa. Preferably, in this embodiment said purification system 53 allows for continuous purification as the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance flows from said collection circuit 52 to said tank 50 under the action of a pump 54.

[0124] More generally, said control unit 6 is designed to drive the devices and systems comprised in fire safety system 3 in such a way as to confine the fire and keep it under control.

[0125] Through said sensors 62, e.g. smoke sensors, temperature sensors, etc. , said control unit 6 can detect the risk and / or presence of a fire in one or more vehicles "V" , and can identify any parking bay "P" where a fire may occur or is developing, e.g. by means of an algorithm capable of determining the onset of a thermal runaway phenomenon .

[0126] Preferably, said control unit 6 is so designed that, within 2 seconds from the detection of a risk of fire or a starting fire based on the data obtained from said sensors, said control unit 6 will drive said transfer system 7 to remove vehicle "V" from a parking bay "P" and transfer it into said isolation bay 4, in particular by moving vehicle "V" from a parking bay "P", where vehicle "V" is parked, to said at least one isolation bay 4.

[0127] Once vehicle "V" has been placed in isolation bay 4 by said transfer system 7 and has been detected by control unit 6 through suitable sensors 62, said control unit 6 will command the closing of access passage "B" of isolation bay 4 where vehicle "V" has been placed, by activating said actuator 420 for moving closing element 42, e.g. a tilting door, in order to guarantee that the fire will stay confined .

[0128] Preferably, simultaneously with the closing of access passage "B" of isolation bay 4, said control unit 6 is adapted to drive said hydraulic system 5 to supply said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance into isolation bay 4. In particular, it activates distribution circuit 51 and at least one pump 54 to deliver said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance from said at least one tank 50 to that isolation bay 4 where vehicle "V" has been placed, which is at risk of fire or in which a fire has broken out, thus ensuring that said isolation bay 4 will be filled at least to said height "H" to submerge battery "VB" of vehicle "V".

[0129] As it drives said collection circuit 52, said control unit 6 is adapted to monitor the level of the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance in inner volume "A" of isolation bay 4 by means of said at least one level sensor 521.

[0130] As it drives said collection circuit 52, said control unit 6 is adapted to monitor the temperature of the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance in inner volume "A" of isolation bay 4 by means of said at least one temperature sensor 521.

[0131] When it detects that the temperature of said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance has reached said predefined temperature, said control unit 6 will activate said collection circuit 52, e.g. by opening a drain valve 520 and / or by turning on a pump 54. By opening said drain valve 520 and / or turning on a pump 54, said control unit 6 will allow said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance to flow out of said isolation bay 4 to conduct it towards collection circuit 52 and deliver it to purification system 53, preferably by means of a pump 54 activated by said control unit 6.

[0132] By controlling said distribution circuit 51, said control unit 6 will have the level of the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance in isolation bay 4 remain substantially constant above said height "H", and at the same time it will allow the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance to flow out of said isolation bay 4 through said collection circuit 52. Said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance recovered by said collection circuit 52 will then be delivered to purification system 53, preferably by at least one pump 54 driven by said control unit 6.

[0133] Depending on the type of purification system 53 implemented, said purification system 53 will then be suitably activated by said control unit 6 to purify said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance.

[0134] When purification, provided by purification system 53, is complete, the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance will be fed into tank 50 again, so that it can be reused to extinguish a fire.

[0135] Preferably, fire safety system 3 according to the present invention is adapted to keep the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance continuously moving from one or more tanks 50 to one or more isolation bays 4, and vice versa, e.g. as previously specified herein, for the purpose of keeping the temperatures within one or more isolation bays 4 under control.

[0136] Said control unit 6 may be made in different ways depending on specific requirements and on the type of parking area 1 to which fire safety system 3 will have to be applied. As a matter of fact, control unit 6 may have a centralized conformation including a processing and computing unit, or it may have a distributed conformation with a plurality of units, e.g. organized into a masterslave structure, each one having a processing and computing unit .

[0137] Preferably, hydraulic system 5 comprises a heat dissipation system 55 for quickly cooling said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance before it is made to return into said tank 50.

[0138] Said heat dissipation system 55 is adapted to lower the temperature of said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance coming from said collection circuit 52.

[0139] In one possible embodiment, said heat dissipation system 55 is comprised in said collection circuit 52. In another possible embodiment, said heat dissipation system 55 is comprised in said purification system 53.

[0140] In an alternative embodiment of hydraulic system 5, which lacks said heat dissipation system, said tank 50 and / or said collection circuit are designed, e.g. sized, in a manner such that their thermal capacity, adding to the cooling obtained by heat exchange with the surrounding environment, will be sufficient to keep, as long as necessary, the temperature of said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance within predefined limits.

[0141] More generally, said control unit 6 is programmed to identify, through a plurality of sensors 62, a fire or a potential risk of fire in one or more parking bays "P", and to suitably activate said transfer system 7 to move vehicle "V" from a parking bay "P" to isolation bay 4, which is associated with said hydraulic system 5 and with the actuators included in fire safety system 3 in order to start the fire protection procedure and manage the dedicated active fire protection systems to keep the fire under control, while constantly monitoring the temperature and the level or height of the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance in isolation bay 4 and the processes for recirculation and purification of said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance. In one possible embodiment of fire safety system 3 according to the present invention, a suction system 9 is included. Said suction system 9 is adapted for sucking gases from inner volume "A" of said isolation bay 4. In one possible embodiment, said suction system 9 is a dedicated system comprising an inlet duct, adapted for sucking the gases that are present in inner volume "A" of said isolation bay 4, and an outlet duct, which delivers the gases sucked from inner volume "A" of said isolation bay 4 into the outside environment, e.g. outside parking area 1, following a purification procedure.

[0142] In the present embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, said suction system 9 is adapted to create a vacuum, e.g. a rough vacuum, inside said inner volume "A" of said isolation bay 4. This embodiment allows for quicker fire extinction by eliminating all combustible and / or oxidizing gases from inner volume "A" of isolation bay 4.

[0143] In another possible embodiment, said suction system 9 is a part of the ventilation system comprised in parking area 1 in which fire safety system 3 is comprised.

[0144] More generally, said suction system 9 comprises a gassucking actuator designed in accordance with specific requirements .

[0145] Describing now in more detail one possible, but merely illustrative and non-limiting, embodiment of fire safety system 3 according to the present invention, Figures 1A and IB show, in different views, one possible, but merely illustrative and non-limiting, embodiment of a fire safety system 3 applied to a parking area 1 according to the present invention. In particular, Figure 1A shows parking area 1 comprising fire safety system 3 in a sectional side view along a section plane A-A. The embodiment of parking area 1 shown in Figure 1A is an automated multi-level underground box-garage or parking facility. Preferably, parking area 1 allows recharging electric or electrified vehicles "V" parked in a parking bay "P".

[0146] Figure 1A shows parking area 1 located in a space "S" and comprising an access passage 11 and an exit passage 11. After the user has parked vehicle "V", vehicle "V" is picked up, in particular by means of a platform elevator, and moved into a parking bay "P" of the plurality of parking bays "P" in parking area 1. In Figure 1A one can see some devices and systems comprised in fire safety system 3 according to the present invention. In particular, it shows a part of hydraulic system 5, particularly of tank 50, which develops substantially vertically along most of the extension of structure 10 of parking area 1, a part of distribution circuit 51, and a part of collection circuit 52, in the embodiment that comprises a storage tank.

[0147] In Figure 1A there is also a suction system 9 providing ventilation of parking area 1, in the underground part thereof, and removal of gases from parking bays "P" and from isolation bay 4.

[0148] In the embodiment of fire safety system 3 shown in Figure 1A, only one isolation bay 4 is visible, arranged in a strategic position where it can be easily accessed by rescuers, e.g. firemen, for monitoring the fire, or by other service personnel for servicing fire safety system 3. In Figure 1A one can see that isolation bay 4 is at level -1 of structure 10 of parking area 1, under ground level, which is a strategic position to ensure easy access by rescuers and / or skilled personnel.

[0149] Lastly, Figure 1A shows an embodiment in which transfer system 7 is comprised in fire safety system 3 according to the present invention, but is used in parking area 1 for moving vehicles to / from parking bays "P" as previously mentioned herein. In the illustrated embodiment a plurality of guides 76 are visible, which are suitably arranged along the vertical extension of structure 10 of said parking area 1 to allow moving vehicle "V" to which said pick-up device 70 has been connected. Pick-up device 70 connects to a vehicle "V" in order to place it into a parking bay "P" or into an isolation bay 4.

[0150] Figure IB shows parking area 1 comprising fire safety system 3 in a sectional plan view along a section plane C- C. The embodiment of parking area 1 shown in Figures 1A and IB has a structure 10 with an underground cylindrical conformation. In Figure IB it is clearly visible that bays (P, 4) are arranged in a sunburst fashion along a circumference defined by the cylindrical structure 10, in the central part of which there is transfer system 7 for moving vehicles "V", in particular for moving vehicles "V" from a parking bay "P" to an isolation bay 4.

[0151] From figure IB one can clearly understand that each parking bay "P" can house a vehicle "V", which is made to enter and exit said parking bay "P" by transfer system 7. Figure IB also shows an isolation bay 4, which comprises a structure 40 that defines an inner volume "A" suitable for accommodating a vehicle "V". All walls of structure 40 of isolation bay 4, including the closing element, are coated with thermal shield 41. Said isolation bay 4 is adapted to house a vehicle "V", which is made to enter and exit said isolation bay 4 through access passage "B" by transfer system 7.

[0152] Figure IB also shows hydraulic system 5 of fire safety system 3, which is adapted to fill isolation bay 4 whenever a vehicle "V" is placed into isolation bay 4 by transfer system 7.

[0153] Figure IB shows an embodiment of transfer system 7 comprising a carriage or tray 72 that defines a support structure bearing vehicle "V".

[0154] Figures 2A, 2B and 2C show, in different views, one possible, but merely illustrative and non-limiting, embodiment of said isolation bay 4 comprised in fire safety system 3 according to the present invention. In particular, Figure 2A shows isolation bay 4, located in a space "S", in a front view with respect to access passage "B" . In Figure 2A it is visible that inner volume "A" of structure 40 of isolation bay 4 is designed to house a vehicle "V". Figure 2A also shows one possible position of battery "VB" of vehicle "V" and how height "H" is determined.

[0155] In Figure 2A it is also visible that each face 40f of structure 40 of isolation bay 4 is equipped with a thermal shield 41, which has a first face 41a and a second face 41b. Figure 2A also shows, at least partly, closing element 42 and actuator 420 that moves closing element 42.

[0156] In Figure 2A one can also see one possible embodiment of part of the duct that allows the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance to exit isolation bay 4 and reach collection circuit 52.

[0157] Figure 2B shows isolation bay 4 in a space "S" in a sectional side view along a section plane A-A. In Figure 2B it is visible that inner volume "A" of structure 40 of isolation bay 4 is designed to accommodate a vehicle "V" . In Figure 2B, a double-headed arrow indicates the possible movement of vehicle "V" to enter or exit isolation bay 4, e.g. under the action of transfer system (not shown) .

[0158] Figure 2B shows one possible position of battery "VB" of vehicle "V" and how height "H" is determined. Figure 2B also shows that each face 40f of structure 40 of isolation bay 4 is provided with a thermal shield 41, which has a first face 41a and a second face 41b. Furthermore, Figure 2B shows, at least partly, closing element 42 and actuator 420 that moves closing element 42. Figure 2B also shows one possible, but merely illustrative and non-limiting, embodiment of part of the duct allowing the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance to exit isolation bay 4 to reach collection circuit 52.

[0159] Lastly, Figure 2C shows isolation bay 4 in a space "S" in a sectional plan view along a section plane B-B. In Figure 2C it is visible that inner volume "A" of structure 40 of isolation bay 4 is designed to accommodate a vehicle "V" . Figure 2C also shows that each face 40f of structure 40 of isolation bay 4 is provided with a thermal shield 41, which has a first face 41a and a second face 41b.

[0160] Furthermore, Figure 2C shows closing element 42 equipped with a thermal shield 41. Said closing element 42 is of the tilting type, and its downward rotating movement, caused by the actuator (not shown) , allows closing access passage "B" .

[0161] Figures 3A and 3B show different views of one possible, but merely illustrative and non-limiting, embodiment of a transfer system 7 for a fire safety system 3 applied to a parking area 1 according to the present invention. Figure 3A shows, in a sectional side view along a vertical section plane, one possible, but merely illustrative and non-limiting, embodiment of transfer system 7.

[0162] In Figure 3A one can see a transfer system 7 applied to a parking area 1, the structure 10 of which develops along a vertical axis, e.g. in underground or elevated structures, in which space "S" there are a plurality of parking bays "P" adapted to house a parked vehicle "V" . Figure 3A shows a pick-up device 70 comprising a carriage or tray 72, on which a vehicle rests, and a gripping device 74, suitably housed underneath said carriage or tray 72. Said gripping device 74 is adapted to pick up a vehicle "V" from a parking bay "P" and place it onto said carriage or tray 72; and to pick up vehicle "V" from said carriage or tray 72 to place it into said isolation bay 4.

[0163] Figure 3A also shows a plurality of guides 76 for moving vehicle "V" to which said pick-up device 70 has been connected. Said guides 76 extend parallel to a vertical axis that defines the longitudinal extension of structure 10 of parking area 1.

[0164] In Figure 3A one can also see a plurality of actuators 38 that drive said pick-up device 70 for moving vehicle "V" from said parking bay "P" to said isolation bay 4.

[0165] Lastly, Figure 3A shows also other elements of fire safety system 3 according to the present invention, including hydraulic system 5 and an isolation bay 4, which comprises a structure 40 that defines an inner volume "A", and whose inner surfaces are coated with thermal shields 41. In Figure 3B, transfer system 7 is shown in a sectional plan view along a horizontal plane. This drawing focuses on transfer system 7 included in structure 10 of parking area 1. Figure 3B illustrates the embodiment of pick-up device 70 that comprises a carriage or tray 72 on which a vehicle "V" rests, and a gripping device 74 adapted to pick up a vehicle "V" from a parking bay (not shown) and place it onto said carriage or tray 72, and to pick up vehicle "V" from said carriage or tray 72 and place it into an isolation bay (not shown) .

[0166] Furthermore, Figure 3B partially shows guides 76 for moving vehicle "V" to which said pick-up device 70 has been connected .

[0167] Figure 4 shows, by way of non-limiting example, a block diagram of fire safety system 3 according to the present invention, which comprises a hydraulic system 5 connected to at least one isolation bay 4 and a transfer system 7. In Figure 4 one can see the connection between tank 50 and distribution circuit 51, the latter being adapted to deliver said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance into isolation bay 4, which comprises a structure 40 that defines an inner volume "A" with an access passage "B" and a closing element 42 adapted to selectively close in a sealed manner, e.g. in an almost air-tight manner, said access passage "B" of structure 40.

[0168] The faces of structure 40 and said closing element 42 of said isolation bay 4 comprise a thermal shield 41, which coats the inner surfaces of said inner volume "A" of structure 40 of isolation bay 4. A plurality of sensors 62 are positioned inside isolation bay 4, which are suitably connected to control unit 6, e.g. over a wireless connection. Likewise, a plurality of sensors 62 are positioned inside parking bay "P" of parking area, which are suitably connected to control unit 6, e.g. over a wireless connection.

[0169] Said control unit 6 is adapted to selectively control the closing of said access passage "B" of said isolation bay 4 by appropriately driving at least one actuator (not shown) comprised in said closing element 42.

[0170] Said control unit 6 is adapted to control and drive both said hydraulic system 5 and said transfer system 7. Control unit 6 is adapted to command said transfer system 7 to remove vehicle "V" from a parking bay "P" and transfer it to said isolation bay 4 in the event that a fire breaks out in said vehicle "V", or if there is a risk that a fire might break out in said vehicle "V".

[0171] Said transfer system 7 comprises a pick-up device 70 adapted to connect, whether directly or indirectly, to a vehicle "V" for moving it; and at least one actuator 78, adapted to drive said pick-up device 70 for moving vehicle "V" from said parking bay "P" to said isolation bay 4, e.g. along a plurality of guides (not shown) .

[0172] Fire safety system 3 of Figure 4 comprises a collection circuit 52 adapted to allow the recovery of the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance contained in inner volume "A" of said isolation bay 4 in case of fire. In this illustrative and non-limiting embodiment, said collection circuit 52 comprises a drain valve 520, suitably driven by said control unit 6, allowing the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance to exit inner volume "A" of isolation bay 4. Said collection circuit 52 further comprises a plurality of sensors 521, the readings of which are used by said control unit 6 to control said drain valve 520.

[0173] In the embodiment of fire safety system 3 shown in Figure 4, said collection circuit 52 comprises a heat dissipation system 55 adapted to cool said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance before it is fed again into said tank 50.

[0174] As shown in Figure 4, the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance flowing out of isolation bay 4 is conducted, through said collection circuit 52, preferably aided by a pump 54, e.g. a drain pump, towards said purification system 53. Said purification system 53 is adapted to purify said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance coming from said isolation bay 4 through said collection circuit 52. Said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance is made to circulate in hydraulic system 5 by at least one pump 54.

[0175] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, said at least one pump 54 is adapted to cause the purified extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance to return to said tank 50, so that it can be delivered again, through said distribution circuit 51, to an isolation bay 4.

[0176] A further aspect of the present invention concerns a fire safety method for parking areas 1 comprising a plurality of parking bays "P" for parking electric or electrified vehicles "V" comprising at least one battery "VB" . The method according to the present invention is adapted to be executed by a fire safety system 3 according to the present invention, in particular through control unit 6. The fire safety method according to the present invention comprises the following phases, preferably carried out in succession:

[0177] - determining that a fire has broken out in a parking bay "P";

[0178] - transferring vehicle "V" parked in said parking bay "P" to isolation bay 4;

[0179] - sealingly closing access passage "B" of structure 40 of isolation bay 4 by means of closing element 42;

[0180] - driving said hydraulic system 5 to extinguish the fire within isolation bay 4;

[0181] - removing the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance from said isolation bay 4 after the fire has been extinguished .

[0182] The present implementation of the method makes it possible to limit the propagation of a fire, particularly a fire occurring in an electric or electrified vehicle "V".

[0183] The method according to the present invention is particularly suitable for closed, small and hardly accessible parking areas 1, such as underground, groundlevel or elevated box-garages, parking facilities and workshops, and particularly for parking areas 1 where people are not allowed access.

[0184] Furthermore, the method according to the present invention makes it possible to prevent an explosion from occurring, since action can be taken immediately to control the fire.

[0185] In a preferred implementation of the method according to the present invention, the phase of determining that a fire has broken out in a parking bay "P" is preceded by a phase of detecting the risk of fire in a parking bay "P". The present implementation of the method makes it possible to determine which parking bays "P" are at risk of fire, e.g. because a thermal runaway phenomenon is about to be triggered, before an actual fire breaks out. The present implementation of the method also allows for timely intervention as soon as a fire starts, even if the fire has not yet been detected by one or more sensors.

[0186] In a preferred implementation of the method according to the present invention, the phase of removing the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance from said isolation bay 4 after the fire has been extinguished is followed by a phase of opening access passage "B" in order to remove the electric or electrified vehicle "V" from isolation bay 4. The present implementation of the method makes it possible to clear isolation bay 4 of vehicle "V" once the fire has been extinguished, so that isolation bay 4 can be immediately restored, e.g. by replacing thermal shield 41 and possibly also actuator 420 that controls closing element 42 of passage "B" allowing access to inner volume "A" of isolation bay 4, so that it can be used again in the event that a fire breaks out or may potentially be triggered in another vehicle "V".

[0187] In a preferred implementation of the fire safety method according to the present invention, the phase of driving said hydraulic system 5 to extinguish the fire within isolation bay 4 comprises the following sub-phases, preferably carried out in succession: a) driving said hydraulic system 5 to fill isolation bay 4 where vehicle "V" has been placed; b) causing said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance to flow from said isolation bay 4, filled with said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance to at least a height "H", towards said collection circuit 52; c) causing said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance to flow from said collection circuit 52 to said tank 50, via said purification system 53, to be then fed again into said isolation bay 4; d) repeating sub-phases a) , b) and c) until the fire in isolation bay 4 is extinguished.

[0188] The present implementation of the method according to the present invention also makes it possible to confine the fire and keep it under control within isolation bay 4, since it ensures not only that the fire will not propagate, but also that the temperatures will remain within the REI limits set by engineers for building a structure 10 of a parking area 1, as long as necessary to extinguish the f ire .

[0189] In a preferred implementation of the fire safety method according to the present invention, the data collected and processed during the phase of: detecting the risk of fire in a parking bay "P"; and / or determining that a fire has broken out in a parking bay "P", are used for executing the phase of: transferring vehicle "V" parked in said parking bay "P" to isolation bay 4; and / or driving said hydraulic system 5 to extinguish the fire within isolation bay 4.

[0190] Such collected data allow said control unit 6 to drive said transfer system 7 to vary the time necessary for transferring vehicle "V" from parking bay "P" where vehicle "V" is parked to isolation bay 4, and also to drive said hydraulic system 5 to at least vary the filling time of isolation bay 4. More generally, during the execution of the fire safety method, there is a phase of activating the fire protection systems provided in parking areas 1 where fire safety system 3 has been installed. Such fire protection systems are traditional fire protection systems as required by regulatory prescriptions, such as, for example, fire- extinguishers, sprinkler systems, smoke and heat extractors, ventilation systems, pressurization systems, fire detection and signalling systems, etc.

[0191] During the phase of determining that a fire has broken out in a parking bay "P", said control unit 6 can, based on the data received from sensors 62, determine the presence of a fire in one or more vehicles "V" and identify that parking bay "P" in which a fire is breaking out.

[0192] During the phase of determining that a fire has broken out in a parking bay "P", said control unit 6 must substantially detect the fire on the basis of the data obtained from the readings of sensors 62. Said control unit 6 is adapted to continuously monitor the readings of sensors 62, e.g. at intervals of less than 1 second, so that, just a few seconds from the detection of a fire resulting from the data obtained from sensors 62, said control unit 6 will command said transfer system 7 to remove vehicle "V" from parking bay "P" and transfer it to said isolation bay 4, in the event that a fire has broken out in said vehicle "V", or if there is a risk that a fire might break out in said vehicle "V".

[0193] Once vehicle "V" has been placed into isolation bay 4 by said transfer system 7, control unit 6 will command the immediate closing of said passage "B" allowing access to inner volume "A" of isolation bay 4, by appropriately controlling at least one actuator 420 comprised in said closing element 42 in order to isolate vehicle "V", e.g. by commanding actuator 420 to move and close closing element 42, e.g. a tilting or sliding door, for the purpose of ensuring that the fire will stay confined.

[0194] More generally, the closing of access passage "B" effected by closing element 42 is such as to seal, e.g. in an almost air-tight manner, such passage "B", thus guaranteeing that the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance will not flow out of said access passage "B" when isolation bay 4 is filled with said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance. More generally, moderate leaking of said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance is allowed, provided that it will not disperse in an uncontrolled manner.

[0195] Basically, during the phase of sealingly closing access passage "B", said control unit 6 activates the devices adapted to close access passage "B" by means of closing element 42, e.g. a tilting door.

[0196] Preferably, upon reception of a confirmation that access passage "B" has been closed, e.g. from sensors connected to control unit 6, said control unit 6 will turn on at least one pump 54 adapted to move said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance within hydraulic system 5. In particular, a pump 54 suitably driven by said control unit 6 will be used for conducting the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance, through said distribution circuit 51, towards said at least one isolation bay 4. In particular, said control unit 6 will make sure to fill isolation bay 4 up to a height not below height "H", preferably above height "H", which is the maximum height of said at least one battery "VB" of said vehicle "V" in isolation bay 4. The level of the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance within isolation bay 4 is kept under control by means of sensors (62, 521) , e.g. sensors installed within isolation bay 4 and / or comprised in said collection circuit 52. Therefore, said control unit 6 monitors the level of the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance in isolation bay 4.

[0197] Moreover, said control unit 6 monitors the temperature of the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance delivered into isolation bay 4, e.g. by means of sensors (62, 521) , e.g. temperature sensors integrated into isolation bay 4 and / or included in collection circuit 52.

[0198] Said collection circuit 52 is driven by control unit 6 in such a way as to prevent the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance from staying too long within isolation bay 4, since it may overheat. Therefore, said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance is recovered, at least partly, by collection circuit 52. Said control unit 6 is programmed to prevent the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance in isolation bay 4 from exceeding a predefined temperature value, thus maximizing heat exchange .

[0199] Said control unit 6 is further adapted to drive said purification system 53 to purify said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance.

[0200] The flow of extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance from said collection circuit 52 towards said purification system 53 is induced by at least one pump 54. Furthermore, said at least one pump 54 is adapted to be driven by said control unit 6 to return said purified extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance to said tank 50, so that it can be reused, e.g. delivered again into the same isolation bay 4.

[0201] Basically, during the phase of driving said hydraulic system 5 to extinguish a fire within isolation bay 4 of the method according to the present invention, said control unit 6 manages the dedicated active fire protection devices, in order to keep the fire under control, by controlling the temperature and level of the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance in isolation bay 4 and the processes of recirculating, purifying and returning into tank 50 said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance.

[0202] In the preferred implementation of the method according to the present invention, the phases of the method are carried out in such a way that, in case of fire, the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance will be continuously circulated from tank 50 to isolation bay 4, and vice versa, e.g. by executing the previously described sub-phases a) - d) of the phase of driving said hydraulic system 5.

[0203] In the method according to the present invention, once the fire has been extinguished, the phase of driving said hydraulic system 5 to extinguish the fire within isolation bay 4 is complete, and it is followed by the phase of removing the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance from said isolation bay 4 after the fire has been extinguished. Such phase is executed, for example, by opening a drain valve 520 and / or by opening, in a controlled manner, closing element 42 of access passage "B" . In this latter possible embodiment, the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance will reach by gravity collection circuit 52, e.g. a collection tank, so that said isolation bay 4 will be emptied.

[0204] More generally, this phase makes it possible to fully open isolation bay 4 in order to remove vehicle "V", without the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance being able to uncontrollably flow out of isolation bay 4 when access passage "B" is opened. Furthermore, the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance can thus be reused for other fire events occurring in a parking area 1, resulting in minimized consumption and usage of extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance.

[0205] Figure 5 shows an illustrative and non-limiting flow chart of the fire safety method for parking areas 1 for parking electric or electrified vehicles "V" comprising at least one battery "VB" according to the present invention. The implementation of the fire safety method illustrated in Figure 5 includes the following phases, preferably carried out in succession:

[0206] I. determining that a fire has broken out in a parking bay "P";

[0207] II. transferring vehicle parked in said parking bay "P" to isolation bay 4;

[0208] III. sealingly closing access passage "B" of structure 40 of isolation bay 4 by means of closing element 42;

[0209] IV. driving said hydraulic system 5 to extinguish the fire within isolation bay 4;

[0210] V. removing the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance from said isolation bay 4 after the fire has been extinguished .

[0211] Such phases have already been described above and will not be detailed any further. A further aspect of the present invention concerns a parking area 1 adapted for parking a plurality of electric or electrified vehicles "V". Parking area 1 according to the present invention is defined by a space "S", in which a plurality of parking bays "P" are suitably arranged. Parking area 1 according to the present invention comprises: at least one passage 11 allowing said vehicles "V" to enter and / or exit said space "S" for parking; and a fire safety system 3 according to the present invention.

[0212] Preferably, said parking area 1 comprises a structure 10 that protects, confines, supports and / or houses the systems and devices comprised in parking area 1.

[0213] In said parking area 1, an electric or electrified vehicle "V" can be parked in said parking bay "P" for a simple stop, for parking, for a recharge, and / or for a use of vehicle "V", e.g. within a Vehicle-to-Grid system, for services in response to grid demand, e.g. to supply electricity to the grid, or for maintenance activities to be carried out on said vehicle "V".

[0214] In one possible embodiment of said parking area 1 according to the present invention, it is, for example, an underground box-garage, parking facility and / or workshop, in particular a parking area 1 where people are not allowed access .

[0215] In one possible embodiment of said parking area 1 according to the present invention, it is, for example, an above-ground box-garage, parking facility and / or workshop, whether at ground level or elevated, in particular a parking area 1 where people are not allowed access.

[0216] Depending on the type of parking area 1, e.g. one of the above-mentioned types, structure 10 will have a different conformation and a different function. For example, said structure 10 has a cylindrical conformation, in which bays (P, 4) are arranged in a sunburst pattern.

[0217] More generally, said parking area 1 according to the present invention comprises flame-resistant and smokeresistant physical barriers complying with mandatory fire prevention regulations, as prescribed by national laws in force .

[0218] In one possible, but merely illustrative and nonlimiting, embodiment of parking area 1 according to the present invention, said structure 10 is designed to house a transfer system adapted for moving vehicles "V" inside parking area 1, e.g. for bringing them into, or removing them from, a parking bay "P". In one possible embodiment, said transfer system 7 of said fire safety system 3 may be the same transfer system already present in an automated parking area 1, wherein such transfer system must be able to move a vehicle "V" from a delivery and / or collection point, in proximity to respective passages 11, to a parking bay "P", and vice versa.

[0219] In one possible, but merely illustrative and nonlimiting, embodiment of parking area 1 according to the present invention, a suction system 9 is comprised which is adapted to ventilate said parking area. Preferably, said suction system is adapted for sucking gases from inner volume "A" of each isolation bay 4 of fire safety system 3 according to the present invention.

[0220] Describing now the construction details of a parking area 1 according to the present invention, Figures 1A and IB show, in different views, one possible, but merely illustrative and non-limiting, embodiment of a parking area 1.

[0221] In particular, Figure 1A shows parking area 1 in a sectional side view along a section plane A-A. The embodiment of parking area 1 shown in Figure 1A is an automated multi-level underground box-garage or parking facility. Preferably, the parking area allows recharging electric or electrified vehicles "V" parked in a parking bay "P". Figure 1A shows parking area 1 located in a space "S" and comprising an access passage 11 and an exit passage 11. After the user has parked vehicle "V", vehicle "V" is taken by a transfer system 7, in particular a platform elevator, and moved to a parking bay "P" of the plurality of parking bays "P" in parking area 1. In Figure 1A it is possible to see some devices and systems comprised in fire safety system 3 according to the present invention, which, having been previously described herein, will not be detailed any further.

[0222] In Figure 1A there is also a suction system 9 providing ventilation of parking area 1, in the underground part thereof, and removal of gases from isolation bays 4.

[0223] Figure IB shows parking area 1 of Figure 1A in a sectional plan view along a section plane C-C. The embodiment of parking area 1 shown in Figures 1A and IB has a structure 10 with an underground cylindrical conformation. In Figure IB it is clearly visible that bays (P, 4) are arranged in a sunburst fashion along a circumference defined by the cylindrical structure 10, in the central part of which there is transfer system 7 for moving vehicles "V" to / from a bay (P, 4) . From Figure IB one can clearly understand that each parking bay "P" can house a vehicle "V", which is made to enter and exit said parking bay "P" by means of transfer system 7. Furthermore, said isolation bay 4 comprises a structure 40 that defines an inner volume "A" suitable for accommodating a vehicle "V" in the event of a fire breaking out in said vehicle "V" .

[0224] The present invention provides a useful design solution with effective active and passive protection devices to limit the propagation of a fire, particularly a fire occurring in an electric or electrified vehicle "V", which is particularly suitable for closed, small and hardly accessible spaces such as underground, ground-level or elevated box-garages, parking facilities and workshops, particularly where people are not allowed access.

[0225] Due to thermal shield 41, to battery "VB" of vehicle "V" being submerged, and to the temperature in isolation bay 4 where vehicle "V" has been placed by transfer system 7 being controlled, the present invention guarantees that the fire will not propagate and also that the temperature will remain within the REI limits set by engineers for building a structure 10 of a parking area 1, as long as necessary to extinguish the fire.

[0226] The present invention improves the safety of both fire safety system 3 and parking area 1, in that a fire will be confined within isolation bay 4 until exhaustion. The present invention avoids fire propagation to any vehicles in other parking bays "P" adjacent to the one where vehicle "V" was parked before being moved to isolation bay 4.

[0227] The present invention prevents damage to structures, and particularly to structure 10 of parking area 1, because it observes the REI specifications and avoids exceeding the parameters specified by the current REI standard.

[0228] The present invention guarantees that rescuers, e.g. firemen, will only have to monitor the temperature until fire exhaustion and to remove the vehicle afterwards.

[0229] The present invention allows for immediate intervention in case of risk of fire. Moreover, the present invention makes it possible to immediately start cooling the parking bay and prevent flames from spreading, resulting in less damage, without having to wait for rescuers, e.g. firemen, to arrive and start cooling the parking bay and prevent flames from spreading.

[0230] The present invention makes it possible to avoid the execution of the procedures currently prescribed for electric or electrified vehicles on fire, in that it will no longer be necessary to move the electric or electrified vehicle from the place where the fire started and store it outdoors, isolated for at least 72 hours at a distance of at least 15 metres from any other inflammable object. Furthermore, the present invention provides fire safety system 3 with technical and structural features that avoid the necessity of resorting to additional devices for storing electric or electrified vehicles where a fire has occurred. In fact, isolation bay 4 is adapted to be submerged with said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance, so as to avoid that any flames might reactivate the battery. In addition, the very structure 40 of isolation bay 4 acts as a "container", isolating vehicle "V" in flames from the rest of structure 10 of parking area 1. Furthermore, the present invention makes for lower costs because, after a fire, the only costs to be incurred will be those necessary for restoring thermal shield 41 and all systems in that isolation bay 4 where vehicle "V" involved in the fire was placed.

[0231] Other embodiments and implementations which have not been expressly described herein, but which can easily be inferred by a person skilled in the art in the light of the present description and the accompanying drawings, shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0232] REFERENCE NUMERALS :

[0233] Parking area 1

[0234] Structure 10

[0235] Passage 11

[0236] Fire safety system 3

[0237] Isolation bay 4

[0238] Structure 40

[0239] Face 40f

[0240] Thermal shield 41

[0241] First face 41a

[0242] Second face 41b

[0243] Closing element 42

[0244] Actuator 420

[0245] Hydraulic system 5

[0246] Tank 50

[0247] Distribution circuit 51

[0248] Collection circuit 52

[0249] Drain valve 520

[0250] Sensors 521

[0251] Purification system 53

[0252] Pump 54 Heat dissipation system 55

[0253] Control unit 6

[0254] Sensors 62

[0255] Transfer system 7 Pick-up device 70

[0256] Carriage or tray 72

[0257] Gripping device 74

[0258] Guides 76

[0259] Actuator 78 Suction system 9

[0260] Inner volume "A"

[0261] Access passage "B"

[0262] Height "H"

[0263] Parking bay "P" Space "S"

[0264] Vehicle "V"

[0265] Battery "VB"

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. Fire safety system (3) for parking areas (1) comprising a plurality of parking bays (P) for parking electric or electrified vehicles (V) comprising at least one battery (VB) ; said fire safety system (3) comprising:- at least one isolation bay (4) , suitably located in a space (S) of said parking area (1) , wherein said at least one isolation bay (4) comprises a structure (40) that defines a three-dimensional inner volume (A) , the faces (40f) of which are all closed except at least one that defines a passage (B) allowing access to the inner volume (A) , and a closing element (42) adapted to selectively close, in a sealed manner, said passage (B) allowing access to the inner volume (A) of the structure (40) of the isolation bay (4) ;- a hydraulic system (5) , connected to said at least one isolation bay (4) , comprising:- at least one tank (50) adapted to contain an extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance;- at least one distribution circuit (51) for conducting the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance towards said at least one isolation bay (4) ;- a collection circuit (52) adapted to allow the recovery of said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance contained in said inner volume (A) of said isolation bay (4) in case of fire;- at least one purification system (53) adapted to purify said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance coming from said isolation bay (4) through said collection circuit (52) ; and- at least one pump (54) adapted to move said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance in the hydraulic system (5) ;- a transfer system (7) adapted to transfer a vehicle (V) from at least one parking bay (P) , where said vehicle (V) is parked, to said at least one isolation bay (4) ;- a control unit (6) comprising, in turn, a plurality of sensors (62) suitably positioned in the parking bays (P) of the parking area (1) and in said at least one isolation bay (4) ; said control unit (6) is adapted to control and drive both said hydraulic system (5) and said transfer system (7) ; said control unit (6) is adapted to:- control said transfer system (7) to move the vehicle (V) from a parking bay (P) to said isolation bay (4) if a fire breaks out in said vehicle (V) or if there is a risk of a fire breaking out in said vehicle (V) ;- selectively command the closing of said access passage (B) of the isolation bay (4) by appropriately driving at least one actuator (420) , comprised in said closing element (42) , in order to isolate the vehicle (V) transferred into the isolation bay (4) by said transfer system (7) ; said hydraulic system (5) , suitably driven by said control unit (6) , is designed to ensure that said isolation bay (4) will be filled after said access passage (B) has been closed; said control unit (6) being adapted to drive said hydraulic system (5) in such a way as to cause said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance to flow from said isolation bay (4) , filled with said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance, to said collection circuit (52) ,and from said collection circuit (52) to said tank (50) , via said purification system (53) , to be then fed again into said at least one isolation bay (4) ; said closed faces (40f) of the structure (40) of said isolation bay (4) and said closing element (42) of said isolation bay (4) comprising a thermal shield (41) ; said thermal shield (41) coats the inner surfaces of said inner volume (A) of the structure (40) of the isolation bay (4) ; and being adapted to guarantee a safe thermal gradient between a first face (41a) and a second face (41b) of said thermal shield (41) .

2. Fire safety system (3) according to claim 1, wherein said transfer system (7) comprising:- a pick-up device (70) , adapted to connect, whether directly or indirectly, to a vehicle (V) for moving it;- a plurality of guides (76) suitably arranged in at least said parking area (1) to allow moving the vehicle (V) to which said pick-up device (70) has been connected;- at least one actuator (78) , adapted to move said pick-up device (70) in order to transfer the vehicle (V) from said parking bay (P) to said isolation bay (4) .

3. Fire safety system (3) according to claim 2, wherein said pick-up device (70) comprising:- a carriage or tray (72) defining a support structure bearing the vehicle (V) as the latter is moved from a parking bay (P) to the isolation bay (4) ; and- a gripping device (74) adapted to:- pick up the vehicle (V) from the parking bay (P) and place it onto said carriage or tray (72) ; and- pick up the vehicle (V) from said carriage or tray (72) and place it into said isolation bay (4) .

4. Fire safety system (3) according to claim 2, wherein said pick-up device (70) comprising:- a plurality of carriages or trays (72) , each one defining a support structure bearing the vehicle, and adapted to be housed both in the parking bays (P) of the parking area (1) and in said at least one isolation bay (4) ;- a gripping device (74) adapted to connect to a carriage or tray (72) .

5. Fire safety system (3) according to claim 1, wherein said hydraulic system (5) is driven by said control unit (6) in such a way as to vary the average time necessary for filling an isolation bay (4) to a height not below a height (H) of said at least one battery (VB) of said vehicle (V) as a function of the data processed by an algorithm adapted to assess the risk of fire on the basis of variations in the physical quantities measured by said sensors (62) in time and / or space.

6. Fire safety system (3) according to claim 1, wherein said collection circuit (52) comprises at least one sensor (521) ; said control unit (6) being adapted to determine the instant at which, in case of fire, said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance contained in at least one isolation bay (4) should be made to flow towards said purification system (53) on the basis of measurements taken by said at least one sensor (521) .

7. Fire safety system (3) according to claim 6, wherein said at least one sensor (521) is a temperature sensor adapted to measure the temperature of said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance contained in an isolation bay ( 4 ) .

8. Fire safety system (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said control unit (6) is adapted to drive said hydraulic system (5) to keep said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance continuously moving from said at least one tank (50) to said at least one isolation bay (4) , and vice versa.

9. Fire safety system (3) according to claim 1, wherein said closing element (42) of the isolation bay (4) is of the tilting type.

10. Fire safety system (3) according to claim 1, comprising a suction system (9) adapted for sucking gases contained in the inner volume (A) of said isolation bay (4) .

11. Fire safety method for parking areas (1) comprising a plurality of parking bays (P) for parking electric or electrified vehicles (V) comprising at least one battery (VB) , adapted to be executed by a fire safety system (3) according to claim 1, said method comprising the following phases, preferably carried out in succession:- determining that a fire has broken out in a parking bay (P) ;- transferring the vehicle (V) parked in said parking bay (P) to the isolation bay (4) ;- sealingly closing the access passage (B) of the structure (40) of the isolation bay (4) by means of the closing element (42) ;- driving said hydraulic system (5) to extinguish the fire within the isolation bay (4) ;- removing the extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance from said isolation bay (4) after the fire has been extinguished.

12. Fire safety method according to claim 11, wherein the phase of driving said hydraulic system (5) to extinguish the fire within the isolation bay (4) comprises the following sub-phases: a) driving said hydraulic system (5) to fill the isolation bay (4) where the vehicle (V) has been placed; b) causing said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance to flow from said isolation bay (4) , filled with said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance to at least a height (H) , towards said collection circuit (52) ; c) causing said extinguishing and / or refrigerating substance to flow from said collection circuit (52) to said tank (50) , via said purification system (53) , to be then fed again into said isolation bay (4) ; d) repeating sub-phases a) , b) and c) until the fire in the isolation bay (4) is extinguished.

13. Fire safety method according to claim 11, wherein:- the phase of determining that a fire has broken out in a parking bay (P) is preceded by a phase of detecting the risk of fire in a parking bay (P) ; and the data collected and processed during the phase of:- detecting the risk of fire in a parking bay (P) ; and / or- determining that a fire has broken out in a parking bay (P) ; are used for the execution of the phase of:- transferring the vehicle parked in said parking bay (P) to the isolation bay (4) ;- driving said hydraulic system (5) to extinguish the fire within the isolation bay (4) .

14. Parking area (1) adapted for parking a plurality of electric or electrified vehicles (V) ; said parking area (1) being defined by a space (S) where a plurality of parking bays (P) are suitably arranged; said parking area (1) comprising at least one passage (11) allowing said vehicles (V) to enter and / or exit said space (S) for parking; said parking area (1) comprising a fire safety system (3) according to claim 1.

15. Parking area (1) according to claim 14, wherein said parking area (1) is an underground box-garage, parking facility and / or workshop.

16. Parking area (1) according to claim 14, wherein said parking area (1) is an above-ground box-garage, parking facility and / or workshop, whether at ground level or elevated . / EB

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