EP4126262A1

EP4126262A1 - Fire suppression device

Info

Publication number: EP4126262A1
Application number: EP21702959.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: René Cornelis VERBOOM
Original assignee: New Energysafetysolutions BV
Current assignee: New Energysafetysolutions BV
Priority date: 2020-03-27
Filing date: 2021-01-29
Publication date: 2023-02-08
Also published as: NL2025223B1; WO2021190809A1

Abstract

Fire suppression device (1) for extinguishing and/or cooling batteries of an electric or hybrid vehicle (100) from below, comprising a frame assembly (10, 20, 30), a fluid line, which is associated with the frame assembly (10,20,30) and which comprises a plurality of nozzle openings (11, 21,31) which are configured to enable spraying of a fluid from the fluid line, and a fluid coupling (33), which is fluidly connected to the fluid line and configured to be fluidly connected to a fluid source, such as a fire engine pump. Wherein the fire suppression device has flat shape, substantially extending in a horizontal plane, and wherein the fire suppression device is configured to be moved underneath the vehicle and to spray a fluid onto the vehicle (100) from below to extinguish a fire and/or to cool the vehicle (100) from below.

Description

Title: Fire suppression device

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a fire suppression device for extinguishing and/or cooling batteries of an electric or hybrid vehicle from below. The present invention further relates to a method for extinguishing and/or for cooling batteries of an electric or hybrid vehicle from below.

State of the art

Electric vehicles and/or hybrid vehicles have become increasingly popular as being an environmentally- or economically-friendly alternative to vehicles that run on fossil fuels. Such electric vehicles generally comprise batteries for storing electricity that is required for propulsion of the vehicle. Typically, such vehicles use lithium-ion batteries, which comprise a large number of small battery cells, which, in combination, form the battery of the vehicle.

Electric and/or hybrid vehicles are nonetheless prone to accidents and/or fires during use. The presence of batteries in these vehicles does form a risk, when compared to vehicles that are powered by fossil fuels. Typically, the batteries in these vehicles may become damaged as a result of accidents and/or may heat up when the vehicle is on fire. Both of these undesired circumstances may give rise to the development of heat in the battery, which could result in sudden discharging of the battery, possibly giving rise to electrocution, or could result in critical overheating of the battery and inflammation thereof.

It is difficult to extinguish the battery properly using conventional extinguishing techniques, such as a spray nozzle or water shield, inter alia due to the position of the battery in the vehicle.

Presently, it is known to submerge such vehicles in a large basin of water after the vehicle has caught fire or when the vehicle has been damaged. This submersion may be necessary for a long period of time, possibly being up to 10 days. The water in the basin thereby cools the battery, in order to prevent the above consequences of the battery overheating. Other techniques for preventing batteries from overheating comprise the covering of the batteries with a heat-resistant blanket or the puncturing of the battery with a so-called fog nail, which is inserted into the battery for cooling the battery from inside-out.

However, these techniques result in significant damaging of the vehicle, in particular of parts of the vehicle that are not damaged or subjected to fire initially. Furthermore, these known techniques are mainly applicable after a fire in the vehicle has been extinguished and/or after passengers have been released from the vehicle, but are not usable when the vehicle still burns or when passengers are still trapped within the vehicle.

DE202017002156U1 discloses a flat sprinkler pipe that can be skid into position under a vehicle for fire-fighting and/or cooling gas tanks and high-voltage batteries (alternative drives). The flat sprinkler pipe comprises two pipe ends and a fluid connection arranged in the middle. Once the pipe is in position, a firefighter can move back to a safe distance and a spray pattern can be determined with a pump pressure, e.g. after the firefighter has moved back.

Object of the invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a fire suppression device that lacks one or more of the above drawbacks, or at least to provide an alternative fire suppression device.

The present invention

The present invention provides a fire suppression device for extinguishing and/or cooling batteries of an electric or hybrid vehicle from below, comprising: a frame assembly, a fluid line, which is associated with the frame assembly and which comprises a plurality of nozzle openings which are configured to enable spraying of a fluid from the fluid line, and a fluid coupling, which is fluidly connected to the fluid line and configured to be fluidly connected to a fluid source, such as a fire engine pump, wherein the fire suppression device has flat shape, substantially extending in a horizontal plane, and wherein the fire suppression device is configured to be moved underneath the vehicle and to spray a fluid onto the vehicle from below to extinguish a fire and/or to cool the vehicle from below.

The fire suppression device according to the present invention is configured to spray a fluid against the vehicle from below during use, in order to extinguish any fire that may be present in the vehicle or to cool the vehicle, for preventing the vehicle from catching fire. In electric and hybrid vehicles, the batteries are generally located in a lower region of the vehicle for lowering its centre of gravity . The batteries are for example located underneath the seats or underneath the boot of the vehicle and are thus located in bottom parts of the vehicle, for example right above a bottom protector plate.

The benefit of the fire suppression device according to the present invention lies in the fact that the vehicle can be extinguished and/or cooled right at the batteries, since the fluid is provided from underneath the vehicle. As such, the fluid may directly act onto the battery, whereas other parts of the vehicle do not need to come in contact with the fluid.

First of all, this enables the fire suppression device to be used at an earlier stage, for example when passengers are still trapped within the vehicle. This was not possible with the known methods, since the applied fluid would hinder the rescue operation for releasing the passengers. The present fire suppression device can thus be used at an earlier stage after the accident, which implies that the consequences of a fire or accident can be minimized, or that fires can even be prevented.

Secondly, the fluid supplied by the fire suppression device according to the present invention mainly interacts with the batteries, which means that other parts of the vehicle will not be damaged by the fluid. For example compared to the submerging of the vehicle in the water basin, the present fire suppression device may give rise to less collateral damage to the vehicle.

Finally, the fire suppression device according to the present invention can be advantageously used when the vehicle is stabilized after an accident. Such stabilization is generally required to enable safe operation of hydraulic rescue equipment by the fire brigade, in order to prevent worsening of the conditions for passengers that are still trapped in the vehicle. The combined usage of stabilizing equipment and the fire suppression device enables a safer working environment for the fire brigade, since the risk of inflammation and overheating of the vehicle’s batteries during rescue operations can be minimized with the fire suppression device according to the present invention.

The fire suppression device according to the present invention comprises a frame assembly, which is configured to provide structural rigidity for the fire suppression device. Preferably, the frame assembly is lightweight, in order to allow the fire suppression device to be handled by a single person. Furthermore, a relatively light frame assembly may allow that every fire engine can be equipped with a fire suppression device without compromising to storage capacity, which may be advantageous, given the increasing popularity of the electric and hybrid vehicles that are equipped with such batteries.

The fire suppression device further comprises a fluid line, through which the fluid may be guided in order to be sprayed onto the vehicle. The fluid line may be attached to the frame element or may be integrated within the frame element. The fluid line may furthermore comprise a single fluid line that spans across the entire fire suppression device, or may comprise a plurality of combined fluid lines for guiding the fluid.

The fluid line comprises a plurality of nozzle openings which provide for an open connection between an interior of the fluid line and the environment. The nozzle openings may be grouped with two or more, or may be spread evenly over the entire fluid line. The nozzle openings are configured to enable spraying of a fluid from the fluid line, since the fluid may flow from the interior of the fluid line towards the environment of the fire suppression device to be sprayed onto the vehicle from below.

The fluid coupling of the fire suppression device is fluidly connected to the fluid line and configured to be fluidly connected to a fluid source, such as a fire engine pump. This fluid source may thereto provide the pressurized fluid that is fed into the fluid line of the fire suppression device through the fluid coupling, in order to spray the fluid through the nozzle openings.

The fire suppression device has flat shape, substantially extending in a horizontal plane, at least during use of the fire suppression device. This flat shape of the fire suppression device may provide that the dimensions of the device are relatively large in two orthogonal directions, e.g. in a first horizontal direction and in a second horizontal direction, whereas the dimensions of the device are relatively small in a third orthogonal direction that is aligned perpendicular to the other two orthogonal directions, e.g. in a vertical direction.

The fire suppression device is configured to be moved underneath the vehicle and to spray a fluid onto the vehicle from below to extinguish a fire and/or to cool the vehicle from below. To enable the fire suppression device to be moved below a vehicle, in particular underneath a car, the fire suppression device is relatively low, compared to its width in the horizontal plane. The nozzle openings in the fluid line are furthermore aligned such, that the fluid is sprayed in a substantially vertical upright direction, e.g. in a direction that at least has a component in the vertical upright direction. This enables that the fire suppression device may spray the fluid in the upright direction over a relatively large contour, which enables that a relatively large area of the vehicle’s floor may be sprayed with the fluid, thereby providing the extinguishing and/or cooling over a relatively large surface area and preferably across the entire contour of the battery of the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the fire suppression device, the frame assembly comprises at least one tubular element with a plurality of nozzle openings therein. The at least one tubular element may for example be made of a stainless steel material, which may both provide for strength for the frame element and for corrosion resistance against corrosion that could result from water being sprayed with the fire suppressing device and/or possible elevated temperatures to which the fire suppression device may become subjected. The nozzle openings in the at least one tubular element may provide for an open connection between an interior of the at least one tubular element and the environment and may enable a fluid from passing from the interior of the at least one tubular element towards the environment.

The at least one tubular element forms the fluid line, which means that the at least one tubular element combines both the functionality of being a frame assembly, e.g. providing for mechanical strength, and for enabling guiding and spraying of the fluid. The fluid thereby enters the at least one tubular element via the fluid coupling, after which it may flow through the interior of the hollow tubular elements towards the nozzle openings, where the fluid exits the at least one tubular element for being sprayed onto the vehicle.

This combination provides the advantage that the fire suppression device may be embodied relatively light-weight, since the at least one tubular element has the combined functionality of providing mechanical strength and of guiding and the spraying of the fluid.

This makes the provision of a separate frame element and fluid line obsolete and may thus provide for a lighter construction of the fire suppression device.

Where the at least one tubular element consists of a single tubular element, this tubular element may be connected directly to the fluid coupling and may comprise the nozzle openings by itself.

Where the at least one tubular element comprises multiple tubular elements, the various tubular elements may be connected to each other, to enable the respective interiors of the tubular elements to be interconnected. Here, the nozzle openings may be spread over various tubular elements, to increase the area over which water can be sprayed by the fire suppression device.

In a further embodiment, the frame assembly comprises at least one first tubular element that is aligned in a first direction. This first direction may, at least during use of the fire suppression device for spraying the fluid onto the vehicle from below, be a horizontal first direction.

The frame assembly further comprises at least one second tubular element that is aligned in a second direction, wherein this second direction may, at least during use of the fire suppression device, be a horizontal second direction.

The at least one first tubular element and the at least one second tubular element are fluidly interconnected, which implies that a fluid in the interior of one of the first tubular elements may flow into another one of the first tubular elements and/or into the at least one second tubular element or vice versa.

Furthermore, the second direction is aligned perpendicular to the first direction, which implies that the at least one first tubular element extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the at least one second tubular element extends. These perpendicular directions may give the result that the frame element of the fire suppression device, formed by the at least one first tubular element and the at least one second tubular element, is relatively strong in both the first direction and the second direction and that the fluid can be transported form the fluid coupling to the nozzle openings in both the first direction and the second direction. In a further embodiment, the fire suppression device comprises at least two first tubular elements and two second tubular elements, which together define a rectangular shape. The first tubular elements and the second tubular elements may thereby define a rectangular outer contour of the fire suppression device. Furthermore, both of the first tubular elements and both of the second tubular elements may be provided with nozzle openings, in order to enable that water is sprayed in a corresponding rectangular contour. This rectangular spraying pattern may be advantageous for completely wetting the entire battery of the vehicle, for providing for optimal extinguishing and/or cooling of the battery.

The first tubular elements and the second tubular elements may be interconnected by means of a welded connection, in which the weld is, seen from above, aligned at a 45° angle with respect to an elongate direction of the first tubular elements and the second tubular elements.

Alternatively, one or more of the connections between the first tubular elements and the second tubular elements may comprise a welded connection, in which the weld is, seen from above, aligned parallel to the elongate direction of the first tubular elements or to the elongate direction of the second tubular elements

In an embodiment, the at least two first tubular elements and two second tubular elements together define a closed-loop. By having a closed loop, dead ends in the tubular elements are reduced such that possible pressure differences between dead ends are reduced and such that a more even spray pattern may be achieved. Furthermore, accumulation of dirt in dead ends may at least partially be avoided.

In a further embodiment, the fire suppression device comprises four first tubular elements, which each extend in between the second tubular elements.

In addition to the fire suppression device described above, which comprises two first tubular elements between the second tubular elements, the first suppression device according to the present embodiment may comprise two more first tubular elements, which extend within the rectangular shape that is defined by the other two first tubular elements, as described above. As such, the interior of the rectangular spraying pattern may be filled with nozzle as well for spraying the fluid.

In an embodiment of the fire suppression device, each of the first tubular elements has a length between 0,5 m and 2 m, for example a length of 1 m, and/or wherein each of the second tubular elements has a length between 0,25 m and 1 m, for example a length of 0,7 m. These dimensions substantially correspond to the dimensions of batteries that are used in vehicles, which means that the entire battery may be sprayed with the fluid from the nozzle openings in the at least one first tubular element and the at least one second tubular element, in order to effect extinguishing and/or cooling of the entire battery.

In an embodiment of the fire suppression device, the nozzle openings in the fluid line are, seen along an elongate direction of the fluid line, grouped with two or more. Seen along the elongate direction of the fluid line, e.g. in a flow direction of the fluid in the fluid line, the nozzle openings are grouped to have multiple nozzle openings next to each other. Instead of having a single nozzle opening each time, seen along the elongate direction of the fluid line, the present embodiment provides that multiple nozzle openings occur next to each other.

Furthermore, the present embodiment provides that outflow directions of the respective nozzle openings within a single group are aligned non-parallel to each other. Each of the multiple nozzle openings in a respective group is thereby configured to spray the fluid in a different direction. As such, not all nozzle openings in the respective group spray the fluid in the same direction, for example all in a vertical upright direction, but the present embodiment may rather provide that the fluid is sprayed onto the vehicle in a two-dimensional vertical plane, in order to apply fluid to the vehicle over a relatively large surface area. This way, liquid distribution over the wetted surface of the vehicle may be more even such that the vehicle may be extinguished and/or cooled more evenly.

In a further embodiment, in which the at least one tubular element forms the fluid line, each of the outflow directions of the respective nozzle openings, for each single group, is aligned in a respective radial direction of the at least one tubular element. The radial direction of the at least one tubular element is thereby aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the at least one tubular element.

All nozzle openings in a single group are thereby aligned in the radial direction of the at least one tubular element, e.g. being directed perpendicularly away from a centre-line of the respective tubular element. However, none of the outflow directions of the nozzle openings in a respective group are aligned parallel to each other, which implies that all nozzle openings in that group spray water in a different radial direction.

According to this embodiment, the fire suppression device enables the spraying of fluid in multiple radial directions, for example in a fan-shaped vertical plane, in order to apply fluid to the vehicle over a relatively large surface area.

In an embodiment, the fire suppression device further comprises a plurality of wheels, which are connected to the frame element and which are each configured to rest on a ground plane and to be rotated with respect to the frame element in order to allow the fire suppression device to be rolled underneath the vehicle. The provision of the wheels enables the rolling of the fire suppression device, whereas in the absence of wheels, the device had to be skid underneath the vehicle. The rolling of the fire suppression device may allow for faster and more user-friendly operation of the device, since skidding would require relatively large forces to bring the device underneath the vehicle, which is disadvantageous when the vehicle would be unstable or even on fire. Furthermore, skidding is particularly cumbersome on uneven ground surfaces, for example when the ground surface were to be covered in dirt or gravel.

Instead, the fire suppression device with wheels, according to the present embodiment, does not involve these drawbacks, because frictional forces are minimized with the wheels. Such wheels are also better able to cope with various types of ground surfaces, which makes the fire suppression device according to the present embodiment more versatile and friendly to use.

The provision of wheels furthermore allows the device to be rolled underneath the vehicle whilst being activated to spray fluid onto the vehicle. The spraying of fluid from the device in a substantially upward direction results in a relatively large normal, e.g. downward force of the device acting onto the ground, resulting from the conservation of the momentum.

In prior art devices that are to be skid underneath the vehicle, the friction coefficient is relatively large, meaning that the large normal force resulting from the impulse of the sprayed fluid will also result in a very large frictional force. This large friction makes it difficult, and potentially dangerous, to skid a fire suppression device underneath the vehicle while spraying fluid. For this reason, prior art document DE202017002156U1, for example teaches to only activate the spraying of water from the device after the device has been brought in position and after the firefighter has moved away.

Instead, the low friction coefficient in a fire suppression device with wheels will result in a relatively low friction force during the positioning of the device underneath the vehicle, even when it has already been activated to spray the fluid. The device according to this embodiment is thus safer to operate, resulting in less danger and more convenience for a firefighter.

Furthermore, the ability to be positioned whilst spraying also allows a firefighter to adjust a position of the device during spraying, so that the result of the adjustment of the position, e.g. an improved extinguishing or cooling, can be observed directly. In the prior art devices, however, the spraying of water needed to be interrupted temporarily to enable adjustment of the position.

Normally, a person skilled in the art might be reluctant to provide a fire suppression device according to the present invention with wheels, since the reduced friction between the device and the ground surface could also give rise to undesired movements of the device under influence of the fluid that is supplied at a relatively large pressure. In particular, the high-pressure fluid spray could give rise reactional forces that might cause rolling of the device.

However, the applicant has surprisingly found that the fire suppression device according to the present invention is rather not prone to such undesired movements and that the fire suppression device remains in place during use, despite the fluid being sprayed and reactional forces resulting from the spraying.

In a further embodiment, which comprises at least two first tubular elements and two second tubular elements that together define a rectangular shape, each of the second tubular elements comprises a respective wheel at each of its head ends.

According to this embodiment, a wheel is provided at each head end of each second tubular element. Accordingly, a wheel is provided at each corner point of the rectangle that is formed by the first tubular elements and the second tubular elements.

The provision of the wheels at these corner points may provide for good stability of the fire suppression device and may provide for a rigid support, in counteracting the reactional forces of the fluid that is sprayed from the fire suppression device during use.

In an embodiment, the fire suppression device comprises a remote control arrangement arranged on the frame assembly, wherein the remote control arrangement allows to move the fire suppression device from a safe distance. This way, a fire fighter can remain at the safe distance, even when moving the device. This advantage is further enhanced in an embodiment wherein the fire suppression device comprises wheels, as the lower ground friction forces, e .g. opposed to where such a device were to be skid underneath the vehicle, contribute to a reduction in required movement force that is to be exerted via the remote control arrangement.

In a further embodiment, the remote control arrangement comprises a bracket arranged on the frame assembly, for example on a tubular element, for pushing the fire suppression device with a push rod or pulling the fire suppression device with a pull hook or pull cord in contact with the bracket.

In a further embodiment, the fire suppression device comprises a flat sign surface for providing type numbers, brand signs or other signs, for example a label, inscription or print, wherein the flat sign surface is formed by the bracket. Readability and application of such a sign may be improved on a flat sign surface compared to a round surface, such as the surface of a pipe element. In an embodiment, the fluid coupling comprises a third tubular element, having an inner thread. The third tubular element may be fluidly interconnected with the at least one first tubular element and/or with the at least one second tubular element, in order to allow fluid to be guided from the third tubular element to the first tubular element and/or the second tubular element, or vice versa.

The third tubular element is configured to be fluidly connected to a fluid source by means of the inner thread. The inner thread in the third tubular element may thereto be connected to a corresponding outer thread of a fluid source for establishing a fluid-tight connection between the fluid source and the fire suppression device. The inner thread thereby has the advantage of being relatively universally applicable, since many different types of couplings may be attached to the inner thread in the third tubular element.

In a further embodiment of the fire suppression device, the fluid coupling comprises a hose coupling, such as a Storz coupling. Such a hose coupling enables a swift and reliable coupling between the fluid source and the fire suppression device, in order to provide that the fire suppression device is rapidly operable. For example a Storz coupling is widely used amongst fire brigades throughout the world, thereby allowing the fire suppression device to be used universally.

The hose coupling comprises an outer thread, which is fastened within the inner thread in the third tubular element. As such, any generic fire suppression device, comprising the third tubular element and the inner thread therein, can be adapted to specific local fire brigade standards by fastening a hose coupling in the inner thread of the third tubular element.

In an embodiment, the third tubular element is fluidly interconnected with the at least one first tubular element and/or with the at least one second tubular element at an upward angle away from the horizontal plane. The upward angle may be such that the fire suppression device may substantially extend in a horizontal plane to be moved underneath a vehicle, whereby the inner thread of the third tubular element is at a larger distance from the ground. The upward angle may for example be 5°.

As such, relatively large couplings and/or hoses may be connected to the fire suppression device via the inner thread, without touching the ground. By reducing and/or avoiding contact between the coupling with the ground, friction between these components may be reduced, potentially resulting in a lower required movement force for moving the fire suppression device underneath the vehicle. Furthermore, the absence of contact between the coupling and the ground may prevent wear of the coupling, which could otherwise result in premature failure of the device. In a further embodiment, an outer diameter of the fluid coupling is larger than an outer diameter of the at least one first tubular element and of the at least one second tubular element. This way, the fire suppression device may comprise a relatively large fluid coupling, such as a hose coupling compatible with widely used 3” diameter hoses, for example a 75 mm Storz coupling. In particular with such large couplings, the upward angle of the third tubular element, e.g. to which the coupling is attached, may prevent contact between the coupling and the ground.

In an embodiment, the placement of the third tubular element at an upward angle may be combined with the provision of wheels, e.g. to roll the device instead of skidding. The wheels enable the device to be positioned whilst spraying, as is explained herein. The high normal forces of the device acting on the ground during spraying, could, in the absence of wheels, damage the coupling to a much larger extent than when the device were to be positioned whilst being un-activated. Furthermore, the coupling scraping over the ground in such a prior art device would increase the friction to an even larger extent as well.

The combination of wheels and the upward angle provides a synergistic effect, since it not only enables the device to be rolled underneath the vehicle whilst spraying water, but also further reduces friction as a result of the coupling not scraping over the ground. Accordingly, wear of the coupling is also reduced with the third tubular element aligned at the upward angle.

In an embodiment, the fluid line comprises a flushing arrangement, configured to enable flushing of the fluid line by a flushing fluid flow in and/or out of the fluid line through the flushing arrangement. The flushing arrangement may for example be located on an outer end of the fluid line opposite to the fluid connection for flushing substantially the entire fluid line by a flushing fluid flow through the fluid connection and the flushing arrangement. The flushing arrangement may comprise a closable flush opening, such that the flushing arrangement can be arranged in an open position, in which fluid may flow through the flushing arrangement, and in a closed position, in which no fluid can flow through the flushing arrangement.

When fluid is sprayed through the nozzles, it may sometimes be necessary to use a liquid containing contaminants, such as salts or small particles, for example sand, which may potentially cause clogging, corrosion and/or wear and tear of the nozzles or other parts of the fire suppression device.

By flushing the fluid line through a flushing arrangement after spraying such a fluid, a flow rate through the device may be increased to potentially loosen and flush away contamination. Furthermore, a diameter of the flushing arrangement may be larger than a diameter of the nozzle openings, such that contamination that is too large to pass through the nozzle openings may be flushed out of the fluid line via the flushing arrangement. Therewith, clogging, corrosion and/or wear and tear on the fire suppression device may be reduced and the fire suppression device may be better suited for usage with fluids containing contaminants.

The present invention further provides a method for extinguishing and/or for cooling batteries of an electric or hybrid vehicle from below, comprising the steps of: connecting a fire suppression device to a fluid source, for example to a fire engine pump, moving the fire suppression device underneath the vehicle, supplying a fluid, for example water and/or firefighting foam, to the fire suppression device by means of the fluid source, and spraying the fluid through the plurality of nozzle openings onto the vehicle from below.

The method according to the present invention makes use of a fire suppression device, for example of the fire suppression device according to the present invention, for example a fire suppression device as described above.

According to the present invention, a fluid is sprayed against the vehicle from below, by means of a fire suppression device, in order to extinguish any fire that may be present in the vehicle or to cool the vehicle, for preventing the vehicle from catching fire. In electric and hybrid vehicles, the batteries are generally located in a lower region of the vehicle for lowering its centre of gravity of the vehicle. The batteries are for example located underneath the seats or underneath the boot of the vehicle and are thus located in bottom parts of the vehicle, for example right above a bottom protector plate.

The benefit of the method according to the present invention lies in the fact that the vehicle can be extinguished and/or cooled right at the batteries, since the fluid is provided from underneath the vehicle. As such, the fluid may directly act onto the battery, whereas other parts of the vehicle do not need to come in contact with the fluid.

First of all, this enables the method to be carried out at an earlier stage, for example when passengers are still trapped within the vehicle. This was not possible with the known methods, since the applied fluid would hinder the rescue operation for releasing the passengers. The present method can thus be carried out at an earlier stage after the accident, which implies that the consequences of a fire or accident can be minimized, or that fires can even be prevented.

Secondly, the method according to the present invention mainly sprays fluid on the batteries, which means that other parts of the vehicle will not be damaged by the fluid. For example compared to the submerging of the vehicle in the water basin, the present method may give rise to less collateral damage to the vehicle. Finally, the method according to the present invention can be advantageously carried out when the vehicle is stabilized after an accident. Such stabilization is generally required to enable safe operation of hydraulic rescue equipment by the fire brigade, in order to prevent worsening of the conditions for passengers that are still trapped in the vehicle. The combined usage of stabilizing equipment and a fire suppression device enables a safer working environment for the fire brigade, since the risk of inflammation and overheating of the vehicle’s batteries during rescue operations can be minimized with the method according to the present invention.

As a first step in the method according to the present invention, the fire suppression device is connected to a fluid source, for example by means of a fluid coupling of the fire suppression device. The fluid source may, for example, be a fire engine pump, which can be used to provide a pressurized fluid to the fire suppression device.

Then, the fire suppression device is moved underneath the vehicle. Preferably, the fire suppression device is relatively low, compared to its width in the horizontal plane, in order to enable the fire suppression device to be moved below a vehicle, in particular underneath a car, in a convenient way.

After positioning the fire suppression device, the fluid source may be activated to supply the fluid. The fluid may be guided through a fluid line of the fire suppression device, which comprises a plurality of nozzle openings that provide for an open connection between an interior of the fluid line and the environment.

When the fluid is supplied to the fire suppression device, it is guided through the fluid line towards the nozzle openings. The fluid is sprayed through the nozzle openings and onto the vehicle from below in order to cool and/or extinguish the vehicle.

According to the present method, the sprayed fluid may comprise water and/or firefighting foam. These fluids are already known and are being used for extinguishing vehicles, which implies that the present method can be easily implemented as a supplement in the known ways of extinguishing vehicle fires.

In an embodiment of the method, the step of moving comprises the rolling of the fire suppression device by means of a plurality of wheels. The provision of the wheels enables the rolling of the fire suppression device, whereas in the absence of wheels, the device had to be skid underneath the vehicle. The rolling of the fire suppression device may allow for faster and more user-friendly operation of the device, since skidding would require relatively large forces to bring the device underneath the vehicle, which is disadvantageous when the vehicle would be unstable or even on fire. Furthermore, skidding is particularly cumbersome on uneven ground surfaces, for example when the ground surface were to be covered in dirt or gravel. Instead, the use of wheels does not involve these drawbacks, because frictional forces are minimized with the wheels. Such wheels are also better able to cope with various types of ground surfaces, which makes the fire suppression device according to the present embodiment more versatile and friendly to use.

Normally, a person skilled in the art might be reluctant to use wheels for moving the fire suppression device, since the reduced friction between the device and the ground surface could also give rise to undesired movements of the device under influence of the fluid that is supplied at a relatively large pressure. In particular, the high-pressure fluid spray could give rise reactional forces that might cause rolling of the device.

However, the applicant has surprisingly found that a fire suppression device with wheels is rather not prone to such undesired movements and that the fire suppression device remains in place during use, despite the fluid being sprayed and reactional forces resulting from the spraying.

In an embodiment of the method, the step of moving comprises moving the fire suppression device using a remote control arrangement, such as by pushing the fire suppression device with a push rod or pulling the fire suppression device with a pull cord in contact with a remote control bracket. This way, a fire fighter can remain at a safe distance even when moving the device. This advantage is further enhanced in an embodiment wherein the fire suppression device comprises wheels, as the lower ground friction forces contribute to a reduction in required movement force that is to be exerted via the remote control.

In an embodiment of the method, the steps of moving the fire suppression device underneath the vehicle and spraying the fluid through the plurality of nozzle openings onto the vehicle from below are performed simultaneously. Sometimes it may be advantageous to change the position of the fire suppression device, for example due to developments of a fire and/or movement of the vehicle. For example, the presence of wheels and/or a remote control makes it easier to overcome the reaction forces resulting from spraying such that it is made easier to move the fire suppression device while spraying the fluid. This way, a wetted section of the vehicle may be adjusted while spraying the fluid,

In an embodiment of the method, the method further comprises the step of flushing the fire suppression device by means of a flushing arrangement, such as a flush opening, which may for example be located on an outer end of the fluid line opposite to the fluid connection. When fluid is sprayed through the nozzles, it may sometimes be necessary to use a fluid containing contaminants such as salts or small particles, for example sand, which may potentially cause clogging, corrosion and/or wear and tear of the nozzles or other parts of the fire suppression device.

By flushing the fluid line through a flushing arrangement after spraying such a fluid, a flow rate through the device may be increased to potentially loosen and flush away contamination. Furthermore, a diameter of the flushing arrangement may be larger than a diameter of the nozzle openings, such that contamination that is too large to pass through the nozzle openings may be flushed out of the fluid line via the flushing arrangement. Therewith, clogging, corrosion and/or wear and tear on the fire suppression device may be reduced and the method may be better suited for usage with fluids containing contaminants.

In an additional or alternative embodiment of the method, the step of supplying the fluid comprises the supplying of fluid at a pressure of 1 - 3 bar, for example at a pressure of 1,5 — 2 bar. It was found that the spraying of the fluid, e.g. water and/or firefighting foam, at these pressures may provide for the desirable cooling and/or extinguishing properties.

Brief description of drawings

Further characteristics of the invention will be explained below, with reference to embodiments, which are displayed in the appended drawings, in which:

Figure 1 schematically depicts an embodiment of the fire suppression device according to the present invention,

Figure 2A schematically depicts a top view on another embodiment of the fire suppression device according to the present invention,

Figure 2B schematically depicts a side view on the fire suppression device of figure 2A, seen along line A,

Figure 2C schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the fire suppression device of figure 2A, seen along line B-B,

Figure 3A schematically depicts an embodiment of the fire suppression device according to another embodiment of the present invention,

Figure 3B schematically depicts a side view of the fire suppression device of figure 3A, seen along line C,

Figure 3C schematically depicts a side view of the fire suppression device of figure 3A, seen along line D, and

Figure 4 schematically depicts an embodiment of the method according to the present invention.

Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals are used to refer to corresponding components or to components that have a corresponding function. Detailed description of embodiments

Figure 1 schematically depicts an embodiment of the fire suppression device according to the present invention, to which is referred with reference numeral 1. The fire suppression device 1 comprises a frame element that is formed by four first tubular elements 10, which extend parallel to each other and in a first elongate direction E’. During use of the fire suppression device 1, the first elongate direction E’ lies in a horizontal plane. Seen in a direction perpendicular to the first elongate direction E’, each of the first tubular elements 10 is spaced at a constant distance from each adjacent first tubular element 10.

The frame element further comprises two second tubular elements 20, which extend parallel to each other and in a second elongate direction E”. The second elongate direction E” is aligned perpendicular to the first elongate direction E’. During use of the fire suppression device 1, the second elongate direction E” lies in a horizontal plane as well. Seen in a direction perpendicular to the second elongate direction E”, e.g. in the first elongate direction E’, the second tubular elements 20 are spaced form each other and the first tubular elements 10 are arranged in between the second tubular elements 20.

The outer ones of the first tubular elements 10 and the second tubular elements 20 together have a rectangular shape and define a rectangular outer contour of the fire suppression device 1. This rectangular pattern may be advantageous for completely wetting an entire battery of a vehicle, e.g. for providing for optimal extinguishing and/or cooling of the entire battery.

The first tubular elements 10 and the second tubular elements 20 are made of a stainless steel material, which provides for strength and for corrosion resistance.

Each of the tubular elements 10, 20 comprises a plurality of nozzle openings 11, 21 therein. The nozzle openings 11, 21 in the tubular elements 10, 20 provide for an open connection between the interiors of the tubular elements 10, 20 and the environment and enable a fluid from passing from the interiors of the tubular elements 10, 20 towards the environment.

The first tubular elements 10 and the second tubular elements 20 are interconnected and form a fluid line of the fire suppression device 1 , e.g. for enabling guiding and spraying of a fluid. The fluid is thereby configured to enter the first tubular elements 10 and the second tubular elements 20 via the fluid coupling of the device 1, which is formed by a third tubular element 30. The third tubular element 30 also comprises respective nozzle openings 31, which also provide a passage for fluid from an interior of the third tubular element 30 towards the environment of the device 1. From the third tubular element 30, the fluid can flow through the first tubular elements 10 and the second tubular elements 20 and towards the nozzle openings 11, 21, where the fluid may exit the tubular elements 10, 20 for being sprayed onto the vehicle.

The nozzle openings 11, 21 in the first tubular elements 10 and the second tubular elements 20 are grouped with three. The nozzle openings 11, 21, 31 are furthermore aligned such, that the fluid is sprayed in a direction that at least has a component in the vertical upright direction V.

In the embodiment in figure 1, the first tubular elements 10 and the second tubular elements 20 are interconnected by means of a welded connection. At the corners of the rectangular outer contour of the fire suppression device 1 , the respective welds are, seen from above, aligned at a 45° angle with respect to the first elongate direction E’ and the second elongate direction E”. This configuration may provide for the least amount of material to be used for the first tubular elements 10 and the second tubular elements 20, while simultaneously obtaining a connection between the tubular elements 10, 20 that has a sufficient strength.

The first tubular elements 10 and the second tubular elements 20 together define a closed-loop, without dead ends in the first tubular elements 10 and the second tubular elements 20.

The third tubular element 30 comprises an inner thread 32, by means of which it is configured to be fluidly connected to a fluid source. The inner thread 32 in the third tubular element 30 may be for example connected to a corresponding outer thread of a fluid source for establishing a fluid-tight connection between the fluid source and the fire suppression device 1. For example, a hose coupling with an outer thread may be fastened against the inner thread 32 in the third tubular element 30.

Figure 2A schematically depicts a top view on another embodiment of the fire suppression device 1. This fire suppression device 1 also comprises four first tubular elements 10, two second tubular elements 20 and a third tubular element 30, which are all interconnected to guide a fluid from the third tubular element 30 towards the nozzle openings 11, 21, 31.

The fire suppression device 1 further comprises a plurality of wheels 40, which are rotatably connected to the second tubular elements 20 and which are each configured to rest on a ground plane. The wheels 40 are configured to be rotated with respect to the second tubular elements 20, in order to allow the fire suppression device 1 to be rolled over the ground plane.

Since the first tubular elements 10 and the second tubular elements 20 together define a rectangular shape, each of the second tubular elements 20 comprises a respective wheel 40 at each of its head ends. Accordingly, a wheel 40 is provided at each corner point of the rectangle, which provides for good stability of the fire suppression device 1 and for a rigid support, in counteracting the reactional forces of the fluid that is sprayed from the nozzle openings 11 , 21 , 31 of the fire suppression device 1 during use.

Figure 2B schematically depicts a side view on the fire suppression device 1 of figure 2A, seen along line A in figure 2A. It is shown in this side view that the wheels 40 are mounted at the opposed head ends 22 of the second tubular element 20, wherein the head ends 22 of the second tubular element 20 are located at the outermost portions of the second tubular element 20, seen in the second elongate direction E”.

The wheels 40 stand laterally away from the second tubular element 20, seen in the second elongate direction E”. This wide placement of the wheels 40 contributes to the rigidity of the fire suppression device 1 , in particular to the counteracting of reaction forces that may result from the fluid that is sprayed through the nozzle openings.

Figure 2C schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the fire suppression device 1 of figure 2A, seen along line B-B in figure 2A. This cross-sectional view is taken through a first tubular element 10, in particular through a group of first nozzle openings 11 in the first tubular element 10.

The group of nozzle openings in figure 2C comprises three nozzle openings 11 , which are located adjacent to each other, as shown in the top view of figure 2A. In the present embodiment, outflow directions of the respective nozzle openings 11 within the group are aligned non-parallel to each other. Each of the nozzle openings 11 in the group is thereby configured to spray the fluid in a different direction and not all nozzle openings 11 for example spray the fluid in the vertical upright direction V.

Moreover, the outflow directions of the respective nozzle openings 1T, 11”, 1T” in the shown group of nozzle openings are aligned in respective radial directions R’, R”, R’” of the first tubular element 10. The radial directions R’, R”, R’” of the first tubular element 10 are perpendicular to the first longitudinal direction E’ of the first tubular element 10, e.g. being directed perpendicularly away from a centre-line C of the first tubular element 10.

Furthermore, none of radial outflow directions R’, R”, R’” of the respective nozzle openings 11’, 11”, 1 T” in the group are aligned parallel to each other. Hence, all nozzle openings 1 T, 11”, 1 T” in the group are configured to spray water in a different radial direction R’, R”, R’”.

Figures 3A - 3C schematically depict an embodiment of the fire suppression device 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a third tubular element 30 is fluidly interconnected with a second tubular element 20 at an upward angle U away from the horizontal plane of 5°. In other embodiments, the third tubular element 30 may be fluidly interconnected with a first tubular element 10 and/or be interconnected at another angle. The inner thread 32, more in particular a centre point thereof, of the third tubular element 30 is at a larger distance hi from the ground than the first tubular elements 10 and the second tubular elements 20.

A hose coupling, in particular a 75 mm Storz coupling 33, is fastened within the inner thread 32 of the third tubular element 30. An outer diameter d1 of the fluid coupling is larger than an outer diameter d2 of the at least one first tubular element 10, the at least one second tubular element 20 and the third tubular element 30.

The fire suppression device 1 comprises a remote control arrangement 50 comprising a bracket arranged on a second tubular element 20, for pushing the fire suppression device with a push rod 90 or pulling the fire suppression device with a pull hook 91 or pull cord in contact with the bracket. The bracket forms a flat sign surface for providing type numbers, brand signs or other signs, for example a label, inscription or print.

The fluid line formed by the tubular elements 10, 20 comprises a flushing arrangement 60, located on an outer end of the fluid line opposite to the fluid connection Storz coupling 33. The flushing arrangement 60 comprise a flush opening closable by closure 61 , such that the flushing arrangement 60 can be arranged in an open position, wherein the closure 61 is removed such that fluid may flow through the flushing arrangement 60, and in a closed position, wherein the closure 61 is provided on the opening as shown in figures 3A-3C, such that no fluid can flow through the flushing arrangement 60. A diameter d3 of the flushing arrangement 60 is larger than a diameter of the nozzle openings 11. Flushing may, for example, be performed by providing a flushing fluid via the fluid coupling, whereby the flushing fluid may flow out of the fluid line via the flushing arrangement 60 arranged in an open position.

Figure 4 schematically depicts an embodiment of the method according to the present invention. According to the method, the fire suppression device 1 of figures 2A - 2C is used to spray fluid against a vehicle, e.g. an electric car 100, from below.

As a first step in the method, the fire suppression device 1 is connected to a fluid source (not shown in figure 3), in the present embodiment by means of the third tubular element 30 that forms a fluid coupling of the fire suppression device 1. The fluid source is a fire engine pump in the present embodiment, which can be used to provide a pressurized fluid to the fire suppression device 1. Then, the fire suppression device 1 is moved underneath the vehicle 100. The direction of this movement is indicated by arrow I and is, at least in the present embodiment of the method, aligned from the rear towards the front of the vehicle 100. Alternatively, the fire suppression device 1 may also be moved underneath the vehicle 100 from the side or from the front.

The moving of the fire suppression device 1 comprises the rolling by means of the wheels 40 of the device 1, which are configured to be rotated with respect to the tubular elements 10, 20, 30 to facilitate rolling of the fire suppression device 1.

The fire suppression device 1 is relatively low, compared to its width in the horizontal plane, e.g. in the first elongate direction E’ and the second elongate direction E”, in order to enable the fire suppression device 1 to be moved underneath all types of vehicles 100 in a convenient way.

The fluid source is activated to supply the fluid to the fire suppression device 1. The fluid enters the device 1 via the third tubular element 30 and is therefrom guided through the first tubular elements 10 and the second tubular elements 20, e.g. towards the respective nozzle openings 11, 21, 31 that are provided in the tubular elements 10, 20, 30.

The nozzle openings 11 , 21 , 31 form an open connection between an interior of the respective tubular elements 10, 20, 30 and the environment. As such, the supplied fluid is sprayed through the nozzle openings 11, 21, 31 and onto the vehicle 100 from below in order to cool and/or extinguish the vehicle 100.

In figure 4, the sprayed fluid is indicated by means of the dashed lines and reference numeral 200. It is shown in figure 3 that all nozzle openings 11, 21, 31 are configured to spray the fluid in respective directions that at least have a component in the vertical upright direction V.

Claims

1. Fire suppression device for extinguishing and/or cooling batteries of an electric or hybrid vehicle from below, comprising: a frame assembly, a fluid line, which is associated with the frame assembly and which comprises a plurality of nozzle openings which are configured to enable spraying of a fluid from the fluid line, and a fluid coupling, which is fluidly connected to the fluid line and configured to be fluidly connected to a fluid source, such as a fire engine pump, wherein the fire suppression device has flat shape, substantially extending in a horizontal plane, and wherein the fire suppression device is configured to be moved underneath the vehicle and to spray a fluid onto the vehicle from below to extinguish a fire and/or to cool the vehicle from below.

2. Fire suppression device according to claim 1, wherein the frame assembly comprises at least one tubular element with a plurality of nozzle openings therein, and wherein the at least one tubular element forms the fluid line.

3. Fire suppression device according to claim 2, wherein the frame assembly comprises at least one first tubular element that is aligned in a first direction, wherein the frame assembly comprises at least one second tubular element that is aligned in a second direction, wherein the at least one first tubular element and the at least one second tubular element are fluidly interconnected, and wherein the second direction is aligned perpendicular to the first direction.

4. Fire suppression device according to claim 3, comprising at least two first tubular elements and two second tubular elements, which together define a rectangular shape.

5. Fire suppression device according to claim 4, comprising four first tubular elements, which each extend in between the second tubular elements.

6. Fire suppression device according to any of the claims 3 - 5, wherein each of the first tubular elements has a length between 0,5 m and 2 m, for example a length of 1 m, and/or wherein each of the second tubular elements has a length between 0,25 m and 1 m, for example a length of 0,7 m.

7. Fire suppression device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two first tubular elements and two second tubular elements together define a closed-loop.

8. Fire suppression device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the nozzle openings in the fluid line are, seen along an elongate direction of the fluid line, grouped with two or more, and wherein outflow directions of the respective nozzle openings within a single group are aligned non-parallel to each other.

9. Fire suppression device according to any of the claims 2 - 7 and claim 8, wherein, for each single group, each of the outflow directions of the respective nozzle openings is aligned in a respective radial direction of the at least one tubular element, and wherein the radial direction of the at least one tubular element is aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the at least one tubular element.

10. Fire suppression device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a plurality of wheels, which are connected to the frame element and which are each configured to rest on a ground plane and to be rotated with respect to the frame element in order to allow the fire suppression device to be rolled underneath the vehicle.

11. Fire suppression device according to any of the claims 4 - 7 and claim 10, wherein each of the second tubular elements comprises a respective wheel at each of its head ends.

12. Fire suppression device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid coupling comprises a third tubular element, having an inner thread, and wherein the third tubular element is configured to be fluidly connected to a fluid source by means of the inner thread.

13. Fire suppression device according to claim 12, wherein the fluid coupling comprises a hose coupling, such as a Storz coupling, and wherein the hose coupling comprises an outer thread, which is fastened within the inner thread in the third tubular element.

14. Fire suppression device according to claim 13, wherein the third tubular element is fluidly interconnected with the at least one first tubular element and/or with the at least one second tubular element at an upward angle away from the horizontal plane, for example an upward angle of 5°.

15. Fire suppression device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid line comprises a flushing arrangement, configured to enable flushing of the fluid line by a flushing fluid flow in and/or out of the fluid line through the flushing arrangement.

16. Method for extinguishing and/or for cooling batteries of an electric or hybrid vehicle from below, comprising the steps of: connecting a fire suppression device to a fluid source, for example to a fire engine pump, moving the fire suppression device underneath the vehicle, supplying a fluid, for example water and/or firefighting foam, to the fire suppression device by means of the fluid source, and spraying the fluid through the plurality of nozzle openings onto the vehicle from below.

17. Method according to claim 16, wherein the step of moving comprises the rolling of the fire suppression device by means of a plurality of wheels.

18. Method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the step of supplying the fluid comprises the supplying of fluid at a pressure of 1 - 3 bar, for example at a pressure of 1,5 - 2 bar.

19. Method according to any of the claims 16 - 18, wherein the steps of moving the fire suppression device underneath the vehicle and spraying the fluid through the plurality of nozzle openings onto the vehicle from below are performed simultaneously.

20. Method according to any of the claims 16 - 19, wherein the method further comprises the step of flushing the fire suppression device by means of a flushing arrangement, such as a flush opening.