Vehicle fire detection module and vehicle fire response device using same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle fire response device and, more specifically, to a vehicle fire response device comprising: a fire extinguishing agent storage unit configured to store a gas-based fire extinguishing agent; an agent spraying unit configured to spray the gas-based fire extinguishing agent into a battery case; a fluid storage unit disposed adjacent to a plurality of battery cells inside the battery case and configured to store a fluid therein; a fluid expansion detection unit configured to detect the expansion of the fluid stored in the fluid storage unit; and a control unit for determining that the temperature of the battery cells has exceeded a dangerous temperature and controlling to spray the gas-based fire extinguishing agent stored in the fire extinguishing agent storage unit into the battery case through the agent spraying unit when the expansion rate of the fluid detected by the fluid expansion detection unit exceeds a critical expansion rate.

Description

Vehicle fire detection module and vehicle fire response device using the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a fire response device for vehicles, and more specifically, to a method that enables rapid initial fire suppression using a fire extinguishing device installed in a vehicle when a fire occurs in a vehicle, particularly an electric vehicle.

[0002] Recently, as environmental problems caused by internal combustion engine vehicles using fossil fuels have become a global issue, the demand for eco-friendly vehicles is increasing, and electric vehicles using batteries are becoming widely adopted.

[0003] In the early days, issues regarding driving performance, such as battery performance and lifespan, were a concern for electric vehicles. However, advancements in related technologies have led to improvements in many areas, and currently, electric vehicles with sufficient driving performance to meet consumer demands are being developed and sold.

[0004] However, despite these technological advancements, electric vehicles that run on batteries inevitably face a constant risk of fire due to defects in the battery itself, overcharging, or external impacts. In particular, there is a problem in that once a fire occurs, it is very difficult to extinguish it before the electric vehicle is completely burned due to thermal runaway of the battery.

[0005] Accordingly, technology for electric vehicles equipped with fire extinguishing devices is being researched to enable rapid fire suppression.

[0006] One of the technologies in the relevant field is the prior art document, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2024-0106288, 'Fixed fire extinguishing device for electric vehicle battery cell' (hereinafter referred to as 'Prior Art 1'), which installs a fixed fire extinguishing pipe inside the battery cell of an electric vehicle and sprays fire extinguishing agent and water directly into the sealed battery cell to suppress the fire in a short period of time.

[0007] In addition, the prior art document Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2735508, "Fire-retarding electric vehicle battery case and battery pack including the same" (hereinafter referred to as "Prior Art 2"), relates to a fire-retarding electric vehicle battery case designed to delay the spread of fire caused by thermal runaway of a battery cell or battery module and damage to a battery cover caused by flames.

[0008] However, in the case of Prior Art 1 and Prior Art 2, the sensor for detecting the occurrence of a battery fire (thermal runaway) is not specifically described.

[0009] Generally, temperature sensors are used to detect thermal runaway in batteries. Since multiple battery cells (modules) make up a single battery pack, multiple temperature sensors must be used to accurately check the condition of each battery cell (module).

[0010] As such, using multiple temperature sensors requires significant resources in the process of analyzing and processing measurement data collected from each sensor, and the amount of data to be processed also increases.

[0011] To address this, when using a small number of temperature sensors, there is a problem in that rapid monitoring and fire detection become difficult for battery cells (modules) located at a distance from the temperature sensors.

[0012] In addition, in the case of temperature sensors using semiconductors, malfunctions or failures may occur in high-temperature environments, and in such cases, there may be instances where fires are not detected.

[0013] Methods for solving these problems are not described in the prior art.

[0014] Meanwhile, gaseous fire extinguishing agents are used as one of the fire extinguishing agents to suppress fires in vehicles. Since most gaseous fire extinguishing agents are colorless and odorless, even if the gaseous fire extinguishing agent leaks into the interior space of the vehicle, passengers such as the driver cannot perceive it, which poses a problem that may result in casualties such as suffocation, difficulty breathing, and poisoning of passengers due to the inhalation of the gaseous fire extinguishing agent.

[0015] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a vehicle fire response device that enables rapid initial fire suppression using a fire extinguishing device installed in the vehicle when a fire (particularly thermal runaway) occurs in a lithium-ion battery mounted on an electric vehicle.

[0016] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a vehicle fire response device capable of immediately recognizing a leak of a gaseous fire extinguishing agent and inducing the occupant to evacuate.

[0017] The technical problems of the technology disclosed in this specification are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below.

[0018] To achieve the above objectives, a vehicle fire detection module according to embodiments of the present invention comprises: a fluid storage unit in which a fluid is stored internally and which is arranged adjacent to a plurality of battery cells configured within a battery pack, so as to allow the fluid to flow while expanding by absorbing thermal energy emitted from the battery cells; and

[0019] It includes a fluid expansion detection unit configured to detect the degree of expansion of the fluid stored in the fluid storage unit.

[0020] In addition, the fluid may include an inert gas or air.

[0021] Additionally, the fluid expansion detection unit may include: an inlet pipe configured to be connected to one side of the fluid storage unit and configured to allow a portion of the fluid expanded inside the fluid storage unit to flow in; a deformation unit that expands by the fluid flowing into the inlet pipe; and two different contact terminals that are electrically connected as the deformation unit expands.

[0022] Additionally, the fluid expansion detection unit may include: a case constituting the exterior; an inlet pipe configured to be connected to one side of the fluid storage unit and configured to allow a portion of the fluid expanded inside the fluid storage unit to flow in; a deformation part that expands by the fluid flowing in through the inlet pipe; and two contact terminals facing each other, respectively disposed on the outer surface of the deformation part and the inner surface of the case.

[0023] Additionally, the inlet pipe may include a leak hole formed to allow a portion of the fluid expanded by the thermal energy released in the stable state to be released to the outside when the thermal energy released from the battery cell is within a range that can maintain the stable state of the battery cell.

[0024] In addition, a vehicle fire response device according to embodiments of the present invention comprises: a fire extinguishing agent storage unit configured to store a gaseous fire extinguishing agent; a fire extinguishing agent injection unit configured to inject the gaseous fire extinguishing agent into a battery case; a fire detection module comprising a fluid storage unit configured to store a fluid within a plurality of battery cells configured inside the battery case and disposed adjacent to the battery case, and a fluid expansion detection unit configured to detect the expansion of the fluid stored in the fluid storage unit; and a control unit that, when the expansion rate of the fluid detected by the fluid expansion detection unit exceeds a critical expansion rate, determines that the temperature of the battery cell has exceeded a dangerous temperature and controls the injection of the gaseous fire extinguishing agent stored in the fire extinguishing agent storage unit into the battery case through the fire extinguishing agent injection unit.

[0025] In addition, the fire extinguishing agent storage unit may be configured to store a halogen compound or AVD (Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion) in liquid form.

[0026] In addition, the above halogen compound may include pentafluoroethane (CHF2CF3).

[0027] In addition, the gaseous fire extinguishing agent may be a fire extinguishing agent composition comprising (a) 98.5 to 99.99 weight% of an aqueous velmuculite dispersion (AVD) and (b) 0.01 to 1.5 weight% of an odorant.

[0028] In addition, the above odorant may be one or more selected from wintergreen (methyl salicylate), TBM (tert-butyl mercaptan), or THT (tetrahydrothiophene).

[0029] In addition, the above odorant is included at a concentration perceptible to occupants in the vehicle, and the perceptible concentration may be in the range of 0.01 to 1.00 ppm.

[0030] Additionally, the agent injection unit comprises: an agent supply pipe configured to be connected to the fire extinguishing agent storage unit; and an agent injection nozzle connected to the agent supply pipe and configured to be exposed to the interior of the battery case; and at least one of the fire extinguishing agent storage unit and the agent supply pipe may include an agent supply control valve controlled by the control unit and configured to regulate the amount of gaseous fire extinguishing agent stored in the fire extinguishing agent storage unit that is injected through the agent injection nozzle.

[0031] Additionally, the fluid expansion detection unit may include: an inlet pipe into which at least a portion of the expanded inert gas or air is introduced when the inert gas or air stored in the fluid storage space expands; a deformation part that expands by the inert gas or air introduced through the inlet pipe; and two different contact terminals that are electrically connected when the deformation part expands.

[0032] Additionally, the fluid expansion sensing unit may include: a case constituting the exterior; an inlet pipe into which at least a portion of the expanded inert gas or air is introduced when the inert gas or air stored in the fluid storage space expands; a deformation part that expands by the inert gas or air introduced through the inlet pipe; and two contact terminals facing each other, respectively disposed on the outer surface of the deformation part and the inner surface of the case.

[0033] In addition, when the two different contact terminals are electrically connected, the control unit determines that the expansion rate of the inert gas or air has exceeded the critical expansion rate and can perform a fire extinguishing mode in which the gaseous fire extinguishing agent is sprayed into the battery case.

[0034] In addition, the control unit can continue the operation of the fire extinguishing mode for a preset time starting from the point in time when the two different contact terminals are electrically separated.

[0035] In addition, the control unit can control the amount of gaseous fire extinguishing agent sprayed to decrease at a rate proportional to the rate of temperature drop of the battery cell over time, for a preset time based on the point in time when the contact terminal is electrically separated.

[0036] By means of the above solution, the present invention enables rapid and accurate detection of thermal runaway by applying an air-expanding fire detection method, thereby having the advantage of enabling rapid fire suppression and improving the reliability of the electric vehicle when thermal runaway occurs in a lithium-ion battery installed in an electric vehicle.

[0037] In addition, the present invention can induce occupants to immediately recognize and evacuate in the event of a leak of a gaseous fire extinguishing agent. In particular, in cases where a gaseous fire extinguishing agent is sprayed to suppress a fire while occupants are unaware of the occurrence of the fire, the invention has the advantage of enabling occupants to immediately recognize the spraying of the gaseous fire extinguishing agent through their sense of smell, determine that a fire has occurred in the vehicle, and evacuate quickly.

[0038] Meanwhile, the effects described above are merely illustrative, and effects predicted or expected from the detailed configuration of the present invention from the perspective of a person skilled in the art may also be added to the effects unique to the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a vehicle fire response device according to the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2 is a drawing illustrating the usage state to which Figure 1 is applied.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a vehicle fire detection module according to the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an embodiment of the fluid expansion detection unit shown in FIG. 1.

[0043] Various examples of the vehicle fire response device according to the present invention can be applied, and below, the most preferred embodiment will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0044] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a vehicle fire response device according to the present invention.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 1, the vehicle fire response device includes a fire extinguishing agent storage unit (100), an agent spraying unit (200), a fluid storage unit (300), a fluid expansion detection unit (400), and a control unit (500).

[0046] The fire extinguishing agent storage unit (100) is configured to store a gaseous fire extinguishing agent and may be configured in the form of a sealed tank. Here, the gaseous fire extinguishing agent may be a fire extinguishing agent composition comprising a liquid halogen compound or an aqueous vermiculite dispersion (AVD) and an odorant. For example, the halogen compound may include pentafluoroethane (CHF2CF3).

[0047] Odorants are used to impart a distinctive smell to gaseous fire extinguishing agents; when such odorants are mixed into gaseous fire extinguishing agents, occupants can immediately detect a leak of the gaseous fire extinguishing agent through the smell.

[0048] For example, a gaseous fire extinguishing agent may contain 98.5 to 99.99 weight% of an aqueous velmuculite dispersion (AVD) and 0.01 to 1.5 weight% of an odorant.

[0049] Here, the odorant may be one or more selected from wintergreen (methyl salicylate), TBM (tert-butyl mercaptan), or THT (tetrahydrothiophene), and various types of odorants may be used as long as they are immediately recognizable by the occupant through their smell.

[0050] At this time, the odorant may be included at a concentration perceptible to occupants inside the vehicle, and the perceptible concentration may be in the range of 0.01 to 1.00 ppm.

[0051] Meanwhile, the fire extinguishing agent storage unit (100) may be stored in a state where the aqueous velmuculite dispersion (AVD) and the odorant are mixed, or may be stored in separate tanks. In the case of independent storage, when a fire occurs, the velmuculite dispersion (AVD) and the odorant supplied from each tank may be mixed within the agent supply pipe (210) and sprayed through the agent spray nozzle (220).

[0052] Accordingly, when the aqueous velmuculite dispersion (AVD) and the odorant are stored in separate tanks, if a leak of the odorant is detected during normal operation, the user (occupant) can resolve the leak problem by replacing only the tank where the odorant is stored.

[0053] Meanwhile, since the degree of reaction to the same smell varies from person to person, there may be differences in the smells perceived by passengers, such as drivers.

[0054] Accordingly, if the aqueous velmuculite dispersion (AVD) and the odorant are stored in separate tanks, the tank containing the aqueous velmuculite dispersion (AVD) may be left as is, and the tank containing the odorant may be replaced with a tank containing an odorant that corresponds to a smell to which the driver and passengers who primarily use the vehicle may react sensitively.

[0055] The agent injection unit (200) is configured to inject a gaseous fire extinguishing agent into the battery case (600), and will be explained in detail below.

[0056] The fluid storage unit (300) is positioned adjacent to a plurality of battery cells (620) configured inside the battery case (600) and is configured to store fluid inside.

[0057] For example, the fluid storage unit (300) can be positioned to be in direct contact with the battery cell (620).

[0058] As another example, the fluid storage unit (300) may be positioned so as to be in close contact with the battery module (610) including the battery cell (620) as shown in FIG. 2, and may be positioned so as to be adjacent to the battery cell (620) at the closest possible distance.

[0059] In this way, the fluid storage unit (300) placed adjacent to (including in direct contact with) the battery cell (620) can absorb thermal energy emitted from the battery cell (620), and the internal fluid (e.g., gas) can expand due to the absorbed thermal energy.

[0060] In this way, the fluid expanded in the fluid storage unit (300) can be detected by the fluid expansion detection unit (400) whether it has expanded and the degree of expansion, etc., and this will be explained in more detail below.

[0061] Also, the fluid storage unit (300) may be positioned so as to be in close contact with one side of the battery cell (620) or battery module (610), and may be positioned so as to be in close contact with part or all of the surface of the battery cell (620) or battery module (610) according to the user's requirements.

[0062] Additionally, the fluid storage unit (300) can be arranged in various patterns, and it is obvious that it can be formed and arranged in various patterns if it is adjacent to a plurality of battery cells (620), for example, all battery cells (620) constituting a battery pack or all battery cells (620) configured inside a battery module (610).

[0063] Additionally, the fluid storage unit (300) may include a tube having a circular cross-section, and may include various shapes of tubes or panels formed with an elliptical cross-section or a square cross-section.

[0064] The fluid expansion detection unit (400) is configured to detect the expansion of the fluid stored in the fluid storage unit (300), and a portion of the fluid (gas) that has expanded by absorbing thermal energy is introduced, and the degree of expansion of the fluid can be detected by the amount of introduction, and this will be explained in more detail below.

[0065] In FIG. 2, the fluid stored in the fluid storage space formed inside the fluid storage unit (300), and a portion of which flows into the fluid expansion detection unit (400) upon expansion due to the absorption of thermal energy, may mainly contain gas, and in particular, may contain inert gas or air to minimize the risk of explosion due to fire.

[0066] If the expansion rate of the fluid detected by the fluid expansion detection unit (400) exceeds the critical expansion rate, the control unit (500) determines that the temperature of the battery cell (620) has exceeded the dangerous temperature and can operate a fire suppression mode to extinguish it.

[0067] For example, when the fire extinguishing mode is activated, the control unit (500) can extinguish a fire caused by a battery cell (620) by spraying a gaseous fire extinguishing agent stored in the fire extinguishing agent storage unit (100) into the battery case (600) through the agent spraying unit (200).

[0068] Figure 2 is a drawing illustrating the usage state to which Figure 1 is applied.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 2, the drug injection unit (200) may include a drug supply pipe (210) and a drug injection nozzle (220).

[0070] The agent supply pipe (210) is configured to be connected to the fire extinguishing agent storage unit (100) and can serve as a passage for the gaseous fire extinguishing agent stored in the fire extinguishing agent storage unit (100) to move in fire extinguishing mode.

[0071] The agent injection nozzle (510) is connected to the agent supply pipe (210) and configured to be exposed to the inside of the battery case (600), so that in fire extinguishing mode, the gaseous fire extinguishing agent moved through the agent supply pipe (210) can be injected into the inside of the battery case (600).

[0072] In addition, at least one of the fire extinguishing agent storage unit (100) and the agent supply pipe (210) may be configured with an agent supply control valve (700).

[0073] The agent supply control valve (700) is configured to control the amount of gaseous fire extinguishing agent stored in the fire extinguishing agent storage unit (100) sprayed through the agent spray nozzle (220) in fire extinguishing mode, and its operation (opening and closing and degree of opening) can be controlled by the control unit (500).

[0074] Meanwhile, since vehicle batteries primarily use lithium-ion batteries, and because lithium-ion batteries can reignite due to residual heat even after a fire is extinguished, it is advisable to continue firefighting operations for a certain period of time even after the fire has been put out.

[0075] For example, the control unit (500) of the present invention can control the continuous spraying of a gaseous fire extinguishing agent for a preset time based on the time when the fire in the battery cell (620) is extinguished.

[0076] At this time, the control unit (500) can control the amount of gaseous fire extinguishing agent sprayed for a preset time based on the time after the fire is extinguished, taking into account the temperature drop of the battery cell (620).

[0077] For example, the amount of gaseous fire extinguishing agent sprayed after the fire is extinguished can be controlled through the control unit (600) so that the amount of sprayed decreases at a rate proportional to the rate of temperature drop of the battery cell (300) over time. Afterward, the spraying of the gaseous fire extinguishing agent can be stopped after a reference time has passed.

[0078] Meanwhile, as the fire originating in the battery cell (620) continues, components such as the fluid expansion detection unit (400) or the control unit (500) may be burned by the fire.

[0079] Accordingly, the agent supply control valve (700) of the present invention, when opened by the control unit (500) at the initial stage of a fire, can maintain an open state for a certain period of time regardless of the control signal from the control unit (500), and even if the said certain period of time elapses, if no separate control signal is transmitted from the control unit (500), it is configured to continuously maintain an open state so as to operate to sufficiently extinguish a fire caused by a lithium-ion battery.

[0080] Consequently, since the fire response device of the present invention is installed in a vehicle, rapid initial extinguishing is possible in the event of a fire caused by a battery, thereby preventing the fire from spreading into a large-scale fire.

[0081] In addition, since early fire suppression is possible, parts that were not completely destroyed by the fire can be reused.

[0082] In particular, the fire response device of the present invention can be installed in a vehicle as an option during mass production of new vehicles, thereby providing various options to users and allowing the manufacturer to earn revenue from the selection of options.

[0083] In addition, the control unit (500) can be configured to enable manual control in conjunction with a switch operated by a user (driver) in addition to the automatic detection and automatic control method by the fluid expansion detection unit (400), so that the extinguishing mode can be operated according to the user's judgment in various situations.

[0084] FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a vehicle fire detection module according to the present invention.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 3, the vehicle fire detection module includes a fluid storage unit (300) and a fluid expansion detection unit (400).

[0086] The fluid storage unit (300) stores a fluid (particularly a gas) inside and is positioned adjacent to a plurality of battery cells (620) configured inside the battery pack. When thermal energy emitted from the battery cells (620) is absorbed, the fluid inside expands, and the expanded fluid flows through the interior of the fluid storage unit (300) and moves to the fluid expansion detection unit (400). Here, the battery pack includes a battery cell (620) or a battery module (610) containing the battery cell (620), a battery case (600) for protecting the battery, and various components configured inside the battery pack.

[0087] For example, the fluid storage unit (300) can be positioned to be in direct contact with the battery cell (620).

[0088] As another example, the fluid storage unit (300) may be positioned so as to be in close contact with the battery module (610) including the battery cell (620) as shown in FIG. 3, and may be positioned so as to be adjacent to the battery cell (620) at the closest possible distance.

[0089] At this time, the fluid storage unit (300) may be positioned to be in close contact with one side of the battery cell (620) or battery module (610), and may be positioned to be in close contact with a part or the entire surface as shown in FIG. 3.

[0090] Additionally, the fluid storage unit (300) can be arranged in various patterns, and it is obvious that it can be formed and arranged in various patterns if it is adjacent to a plurality of battery cells (620), for example, all battery cells (620) constituting a battery pack or all battery cells (620) configured inside a battery module (610).

[0091] Additionally, the fluid storage unit (300) may include a tube having a circular cross-section, a tube having an elliptical cross-section, etc.

[0092] For example, in the case of an elliptical shape having the same cross-sectional area as a circular tube (the cross-sectional area must be the same so that the amount of fluid stored inside the two tubes is the same), if the major axis of the elliptical cross-section is positioned parallel to the outer surface of the battery cell (620) or battery module (610), the area for absorbing thermal energy emitted from the battery cell (6200) or battery module (610) is increased, thereby allowing for more efficient absorption of thermal energy.

[0093] In addition, since the space required to form the fluid storage unit (300) is proportional to the length of the elliptical tube, it requires only a relatively small space compared to a circular tube, thus improving space efficiency.

[0094] However, oval tubes have the disadvantage of relatively lower structural stability compared to round tubes and reduced price competitiveness due to increased component costs.

[0095] Accordingly, the selection of the type of fluid storage unit (300) can be made by the user by considering the type of device (electric vehicle, etc.) to which the fire detection module of the present invention is applied, the purpose of use, the cost, etc.

[0096] In addition, the fluid storage unit (300) can be replaced with a plate-shaped component according to the user's requirements, and it goes without saying that it can be changed to various types of components as long as a sealed space is formed inside.

[0097] The fluid expansion detection unit (400) is configured to detect the degree of expansion of the fluid stored in the fluid storage unit (300). A portion of the fluid that has expanded by absorbing thermal energy is introduced, and the degree of expansion of the fluid can be detected based on the amount of introduction. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0098] In FIG. 3, the fluid (especially gas) stored in the fluid storage unit (300) and, when expanded due to the absorption of thermal energy, a portion thereof flows into the fluid expansion detection unit (400), may include an inert gas or air to minimize the risk of explosion due to fire.

[0099] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an embodiment of the fluid expansion detection unit shown in FIG. 1.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 4, the gas expansion detection unit (400) may include an inlet pipe (410), a deformation unit (420), and a contact terminal (430).

[0101] The inlet pipe (410) may be configured to allow at least a portion of the expanded inert gas or air to be introduced when the fluid stored in the fluid storage space formed inside the fluid storage unit (300), for example, inert gas or air, expands.

[0102] For example, the inlet pipe (410) may be formed to extend from one side of the case (440) constituting the gas expansion detection unit (400) and connect to the fluid storage unit (300).

[0103] The deformation part (420) is deformed in the external shape in response to an increase or decrease in the volume of the internal space, and can be expanded by gas introduced through the inlet pipe (410).

[0104] For example, the deformation part (122) can be formed such that it expands or contracts due to elastic force caused by the material properties of the deformation part (420) itself as shown in FIG. 4, as well as a balloon that expands or contracts due to structural properties such as a bellows, or a method utilizing the properties of a coupling structure such as a piston rod that reciprocates according to the expansion or contraction of the internal space of a cylinder.

[0105] In addition, if the internal space of the deformation part (420) shrinks or expands in response to an increase or decrease in volume, it goes without saying that various types can be applied according to the user's requirements.

[0106] And, the deformation part (420) can be configured to be placed inside the case (440) constituting the fluid expansion detection part (400) and spatially connected to the inlet pipe (410).

[0107] The contact terminal (430) is configured to be electrically connected as the deformation part (420) expands, and is composed of two different terminals, and as shown in FIG. 4, one contact terminal (430) is configured on the deformation part (420), and the other contact terminal (430) can be configured on the inner wall of the case (440).

[0108] For example, the two contact terminals (430) can each be electrically connected to a device (control unit of FIG. 1) that detects a fire and activates a fire extinguishing mode accordingly.

[0109] Afterwards, when the gas inside the fluid storage unit (300) expands due to the thermal energy released from the battery cell (620) and a portion of it flows into the deformation unit (420), as shown in the lower part of FIG. 4, the deformation unit (420) expands, and the contact terminal (430) configured in the deformation unit (420) and the contact terminal (430) configured on the inner wall of the case (440) come into contact and can be electrically connected.

[0110] And, when the control unit (500) shown in FIG. 1 detects the electrical connection of the two contact terminals (430) and confirms that a fire has occurred in the battery pack in which the battery cell (620) is configured, it can operate a fire extinguishing mode to extinguish the fire.

[0111] For example, when two different contact terminals (430) are electrically connected, the control unit (500) determines that the expansion rate of the fluid stored in the fluid storage unit (300), i.e., inert gas or air, has exceeded the critical expansion rate, and can perform a fire extinguishing mode in which a gaseous fire extinguishing agent stored in the fire extinguishing agent storage unit (100) is sprayed into the battery case (600).

[0112] And, as previously explained, when two different contact terminals (430) are electrically separated, the control unit (500) can continue the operation of the fire extinguishing mode for a preset time based on the time of separation.

[0113] Meanwhile, even when the battery cell (620) is operated in a stable state, it emits a certain amount of thermal energy, and the fluid inside the fluid storage unit (300) can also expand due to the thermal energy emitted at this time.

[0114] If the deformation part (420) expands due to this fluid expansion and the two contact terminals (430) come into contact, it can be determined that a fire has occurred even though the battery cell (620) is in a stable state.

[0115] Accordingly, in order to prevent such malfunction, the present invention may form a leak hole (411) on one side of the inlet pipe (410).

[0116] Specifically, when the thermal energy emitted from the battery cell (620) is within a range that can maintain the stable state of the battery cell (620), a portion of the fluid expanded by the thermal energy emitted in that stable state can be released to the outside through the leak hole (411).

[0117] At this time, the fluid stored in the fluid storage unit (300) may be air, and some of the air expanded by the thermal energy released as the battery cell (620) operates may be released into the atmosphere through the leak hole (411) as shown in the upper part of Fig. 4.

[0118] Afterwards, when the operation of the battery cell (620) is stopped, the release of thermal energy is stopped, and the expanded air contracts, and air corresponding to the amount of contraction can be supplied to the fluid storage unit (300) through the leak hole (411).

[0119] If a fire (thermal runaway) occurs in the battery cell (620) and the air inside the fluid storage unit (300) rapidly expands, the remaining air, excluding the air discharged to the outside through the leak hole (411) as shown in the lower part of FIG. 4, flows into the deformation unit (420), causing the deformation unit (420) to expand and the two contact terminals (430) to come into contact with each other.

[0120] The fluid expansion detection unit (400) of the present invention may apply a method of measuring the degree of expansion of the fluid inside the fluid storage unit (300) and a method of measuring the expansion rate.

[0121] For example, the method of measuring the degree of fluid expansion is a method of measuring whether the fluid has expanded beyond a certain volume, wherein the fluid storage section (300), the inlet pipe (410), and the deformation section (420) are formed as a sealed structure (in the case where there is no leak hole in FIG. 4), and the fluid inside can be filled with an inert gas, and the amount of expansion or contraction of the inert gas can be measured.

[0122] Here, the inert gas may include helium (He), neon (Ne), argon (Ar), etc. Since it is difficult to replenish these inert gases from the outside, the space in which the inert gas is filled or flows is formed to be sealed from the outside, thereby preventing the inert gas from leaking out.

[0123] Therefore, in the case where an inert gas is filled into a sealed space, the extent to which the inert gas has expanded can be checked, and the presence of a fire can be determined based on the amount of expansion.

[0124] As another example, a method for measuring the expansion rate of a fluid is a method for measuring whether the fluid has expanded beyond a certain expansion speed, and as shown in FIG. 4, a leak hole (411) may be formed, and the method may be configured to measure when the expansion rate of the fluid exceeds a certain value.

[0125] Specifically, the internal fluid of the structure formed by the fluid storage section (300), the inlet pipe (410), and the deformation section (420) may contain air, and since this air can be naturally replenished from the atmosphere, the space in which the air is filled or flows does not necessarily need to be sealed from the outside.

[0126] Therefore, if air is filled in a non-sealed space, it is possible to check whether the expansion speed of the air is faster than the speed at which it is discharged through the leak hole (411), and to determine whether there is a fire based on the expansion speed.

[0127] In addition, it goes without saying that various types can be applied according to the user's requirements as long as they are capable of detecting expansion of the fluid inside the fluid storage unit (300).

[0128] The vehicle fire response device of the present invention has been described above. It will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains that the technical configuration of the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without altering the technical concept or essential features of the present invention.

[0129] Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as exemplary in all respects and not limiting.

[0130] (Explanation of symbols)

[0131] 100 : Fire extinguishing agent storage area

[0132] 200: Agent spray unit 210: Agent supply pipe

[0133] 220 : Chemical spray nozzle

[0134] 300 : Fluid storage unit

[0135] 400: Fluid expansion sensor 410: Inlet pipe

[0136] 411 : Leak hole

[0137] 420 : Deformation part 430 : Contact terminal

[0138] 500 : Control unit

[0139] 600 : Battery case 610 : Battery module

[0140] 620 : Battery cell

[0141] The present invention can be used in the field of vehicles and vehicle fire suppression, particularly in the field of electric vehicles and electric vehicle fire suppression, the field of fire extinguishing devices for electric vehicles, the field of gas-based fire extinguishing devices for electric vehicles, the field of gas-based fire extinguishing devices, and the field of battery fire suppression, as well as similar fields, and can improve the reliability and competitiveness of products in such fields.

Claims

1. A fluid storage unit having a fluid stored therein and arranged adjacent to a plurality of battery cells configured inside a battery pack, configured to absorb thermal energy emitted from the battery cells so that the fluid can expand and flow; and A fluid expansion detection unit configured to detect the degree of expansion of the fluid stored in the fluid storage unit; comprising Vehicle fire detection module.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above fluid is, Characterized by containing an inert gas or air, Vehicle fire detection module.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above fluid expansion detection unit is, An inlet pipe configured to be connected to one side of the fluid storage unit and configured to allow a portion of the fluid expanded inside the fluid storage unit to flow in; A deformed portion that expands due to the fluid introduced into the above-mentioned inlet pipe; and Characterized by including two different contact terminals that are electrically connected as the above-mentioned deformation part expands. Vehicle fire detection module.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above fluid expansion detection unit is, Case constituting the exterior; An inlet pipe configured to be connected to one side of the fluid storage unit and configured to allow a portion of the fluid expanded inside the fluid storage unit to flow in; A deformed portion that expands due to the fluid introduced into the above-mentioned inlet pipe; and Characterized by including two contact terminals facing each other, respectively disposed on the outer surface of the deformation part and the inner surface of the case. Vehicle fire detection module.

5. In Paragraph 3 or 4, The above inlet pipe is, Characterized by including a leak hole formed to allow a portion of the fluid expanded by the thermal energy released in the stable state to be released to the outside when the thermal energy released from the battery cell is within a range capable of maintaining the stable state of the battery cell. Vehicle fire detection module.

6. A fire extinguishing agent storage unit configured to store gaseous fire extinguishing agents; A chemical spraying unit configured to spray the above-mentioned gaseous fire extinguishing agent into the battery case; A fire detection module comprising a fluid storage unit configured to store fluid within a plurality of battery cells arranged adjacent to each other within the battery case, and a fluid expansion detection unit configured to detect the expansion of the fluid stored in the fluid storage unit; and A control unit comprising: determining that the temperature of the battery cell has exceeded a dangerous temperature when the expansion rate of the fluid detected by the fluid expansion detection unit exceeds a critical expansion rate, and controlling the injection of a gaseous fire extinguishing agent stored in the fire extinguishing agent storage unit into the battery case through the agent injection unit; Vehicle fire response device.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above fire extinguishing agent storage unit is, Characterized by being configured to store a halogen compound or AVD (Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion) in a liquid state, Vehicle fire response device.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above halogen compound is, Characterized by including pentafluoroethane (CHF2CF3), Vehicle fire response device.

9. In Paragraph 6, The above gaseous fire extinguishing agent is, (a) 98.5 to 99.99 wt% of aqueous velmuculite dispersion (AVD) and, (b) containing 0.01 to 1.5 weight percent of an odorant, Characterized as being a fire extinguishing agent composition, Vehicle fire response device 10. In Paragraph 6, The above odorant is, Characterized by being one or more selected from wintergreen (methyl salicylate), TBM (tert-butyl mercaptan), or THT (tetrahydrothiophene), Vehicle fire response device.

11. In Paragraph 9 or 10, The above odorant is, Characterized by being included at a concentration perceptible to occupants within the vehicle, wherein the perceptible concentration is in the range of 0.01 to 1.00 ppm. Vehicle fire response device.

12. In Paragraph 6, The above-mentioned drug spray unit is, A chemical supply pipe configured to be connected to the above-mentioned fire extinguishing agent storage unit; and It includes a drug injection nozzle connected to the drug supply pipe and configured to be exposed to the interior of the battery case; At least one of the above-mentioned fire extinguishing agent storage section and agent supply pipe, Characterized by including an agent supply control valve that is controlled by the above-mentioned control unit and configured to regulate the amount of gaseous fire extinguishing agent stored in the above-mentioned fire extinguishing agent storage unit sprayed through the agent injection nozzle. Vehicle fire response device.

13. In Paragraph 12, The above fluid expansion detection unit is, An inlet pipe into which at least a portion of the expanded inert gas or air is introduced when the inert gas or air stored in the above fluid storage space is expanded; A deformation part that expands by an inert gas or air introduced through the above-mentioned inlet pipe; and Characterized by including two different contact terminals that are electrically connected when the above-mentioned deformation part expands. Vehicle fire response device.

14. In Paragraph 12, The above fluid expansion detection unit is, Case constituting the exterior; An inlet pipe into which at least a portion of the expanded inert gas or air is introduced when the inert gas or air stored in the above fluid storage space is expanded; A deformation part that expands by an inert gas or air introduced through the above-mentioned inlet pipe; and Characterized by including two contact terminals facing each other, respectively disposed on the outer surface of the deformation part and the inner surface of the case. Vehicle fire response device.

15. In Paragraph 13 or 14, The above control unit is, Characterized by determining that the expansion rate of the inert gas or air has exceeded the critical expansion rate when the two different contact terminals are electrically connected, and performing a fire extinguishing mode in which the gaseous fire extinguishing agent is sprayed into the battery case. Vehicle fire response device.

16. In Paragraph 15, The above control unit is, Characterized by continuing the operation of the fire extinguishing mode for a preset time based on the point in time when the two different contact terminals are electrically separated. Vehicle fire response device.

17. In Paragraph 16, The above control unit is, Characterized by controlling the amount of gaseous fire extinguishing agent sprayed to decrease at a rate proportional to the rate of temperature drop of the battery cell over time, based on the point in time when the contact terminal is electrically separated. Vehicle fire response device.

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