FR3141646A1 - VEHICLE INCLUDING A FIRE CHUTE. - Google Patents

Abstract

Motor vehicle comprising: * a battery (BR) comprising a module (MO) and a casing (2) delimiting an enclosure (7) housing this module (MO), * an electric charging cable (1) for the battery (BR) , comprising: ** a first end comprising an electrical connector (C1) extractable from a stowed position to a deployed position, and ** a second end electrically coupled directly or indirectly to the battery module (MO), * a chute ( 4) for storing the cable (1) comprising an internal volume housing the cable (1) if the electrical connector (C1) is in the stored position, and while preserving a free space (5) of the internal volume, the free space ( 5) opening into the enclosure (7) through the casing, and an upstream end of the chute (4), opening onto the exterior of the vehicle, comprising a mouth (B1) for introducing a fire-fighting fluid in the free space (5). Figure 1

Description

VEHICLE INCLUDING A FIRE CHUTE.

The invention relates to motor vehicles capable of being connected to a terrestrial electrical network by means of an electrical extension cord, in particular for a recharging phase of an electrical energy storage battery of this motor vehicle.

These electrical energy storage batteries are high energy density batteries comprising, for example, electrochemical cells generating current by chemical reaction, for example of the lithium-ion (or Li-ion) type. This reaction is exothermic and, under certain conditions, can initiate a battery fire, requiring predispositions so that firefighters can easily and without risk extinguish this type of fire.

For example, we know from patent document KR-B1-102367529 a pipe predisposed in the vehicle and dedicated to conveying water for firefighters from outside the vehicle body to the inside of the battery.

This predisposition works but has the disadvantage of requiring a dedicated passage for this driving while the technical environment of these vehicles is very compacted and congested.

In addition, a dedicated opening must be provided, through the bodywork, so that firefighters can inject water into this pipe from outside the vehicle, which makes this integration very complex and restrictive, possibly unsightly.

The aim of the invention is to remedy this drawback, by proposing a motor vehicle comprising:
* an electrical energy storage battery comprising a battery module and a casing delimiting an enclosure housing this module,
* an electric battery charging cable, including:
** a first end comprising an electrical connector extractable from a stowed position to a deployed position, this electrical connector being intended to be connected to a terrestrial electrical network in the deployed position, and
** a second end electrically coupled directly or indirectly to the battery module,
* a cable storage channel comprising an internal volume housing the cable if the electrical connector is in the stored position, and while preserving free space in the internal volume,
this vehicle being such that:
* the free space opens into the enclosure through the casing, and
* an upstream end of the chute, opening onto the exterior of the vehicle, includes a mouth for introducing a fire-fighting fluid into the free space.

Thus, thanks to the invention, this chute makes it possible to protect the electrical cable from a blunt environment, to guide the electrical cable if the electrical connector goes from the stored position to the deployed position and vice versa, and also allows, without adding specific and bulky pipe, to channel the fire-fighting fluid from the mouth to the enclosure.

The upstream end will be understood in relation to the direction of introduction of the fire-fighting fluid into the mouth.

According to one embodiment of the invention, this mouth is shaped to receive the fluid from a fire-fighting device of an emergency service, in particular a fire hose.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the upstream end of the chute is shaped so as to house the electrical connector in the stowed position and keep the mouth free for introducing the fire-fighting fluid into the free space.

According to one embodiment of the invention, this vehicle comprises a bodywork having a recess forming a housing comprising a bottom through which the upstream end of the chute is fixed.

According to one embodiment of the invention, this recess also forms a means for guiding the fire-fighting fluid towards the mouth.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the trunking comprises a main trunking comprising the entire internal volume housing the cable if the electrical connector is in the stowed position, and a secondary trunking extending the free space between the main trunking and the enclosure 7.

This arrangement makes it possible to discharge the fire-fighting fluid via the secondary chute through the casing, while the second end of the electrical cable is electrically coupled indirectly to the battery module by being distant from the casing.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the chute comprises a closing means capable of isolating part of the free space opening into the enclosure, this closing means being configured to make the enclosure airtight. air in the closed position, and to open under the effect of a static or dynamic pressure of the fire-fighting fluid coming from the mouth and thus allowing the passage of the fluid into the enclosure.

According to one embodiment of the invention, this sealing means is a cover that can be broken under the effect of the static or dynamic pressure of the fire-fighting fluid coming from the mouth.

According to a variant embodiment of the invention, this closing means is a valve calibrated so as to open under the effect of the static or dynamic pressure of the fire-fighting fluid coming from the mouth.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the secondary chute comprises the shutter means.

Other particularities and advantages will appear on reading the following description of a particular, non-limiting embodiment of the invention, made with reference to the figures in which:

: represents a partial diagram of a vehicle according to the invention.

: represents a partial diagram of a vehicle according to a variant of the invention.

: represents a housing according to the invention, in front view, from a point of view outside the vehicle.

It should be kept in mind that the figures are given as examples and are not limiting to the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate the understanding of the invention and are not necessarily on the scale of practical applications. Furthermore, in what follows, reference is made to all the figures taken in combination. When reference is made to one or more specific figures, these figures must be taken in combination with the other figures for the recognition of the designated numerical references. The references of unchanged elements or having the same function are common to all the figures, and the variant embodiments.

By battery, throughout the text of this document, we will understand a set comprising at least one battery module containing at least one electrochemical cell, the utility battery being considered equivalent to at least one module. This battery possibly comprises electrical or electronic means for managing the electrical energy of this at least one module. When there are several modules, they are grouped together in a casing and then form a battery pack, this battery pack often being referred to by the English expression "battery pack", this casing forming a hermetic enclosure and generally including a mounting interface , and connection terminals.

Furthermore, by electrochemical cell throughout the text of this document we will understand cells generating current by chemical reaction, for example of the lithium-ion (or Li-ion) type, of the Ni-Mh type, or Ni-Cd or still lead.

These figures illustrate a motor vehicle according to the invention, comprising:
* an electrical energy storage battery BR comprising a battery module MO and a casing 2 delimiting an enclosure 7 housing this module MO,
* an electric charging cable 1 for the BR battery, including:
** a first end comprising an electrical connector C1 extractable from a stowed position to a deployed position, this electrical connector C1 being intended to be connected to a terrestrial electrical network in the deployed position, and
** a second end electrically coupled directly or indirectly to the battery module MO, for example via a second connector C2,
* a chute 4 for storing the cable 1 comprising an internal volume housing the cable 1 if the electrical connector C1 is in the stored position, and while preserving a free space 5 of the internal volume,
this vehicle being such that:
* the free space 5 opens into the enclosure 7 through the casing, and
* an upstream end of the chute 4, opening onto the exterior of the vehicle, includes a mouth B1 for introducing a fire-fighting fluid into the free space 5.

As opposed to the extractable electrical connector C1, the second end and/or the second connector C2 is fixed, relative to the vehicle, because it is not intended to be manipulated by an operator or the driver, while the electrical connector C1 is easily accessible by the operator or driver to be removed from their stowed position.

This electric charging cable 1 is for example an electric extension cord 1 whose electrical connector C1 can be deployed outside a bodywork 3 of the vehicle. This extension 1 is illustrated very schematically on the , by a simple rectilinear line. For example, this extension 1 is wound in a reel (not illustrated) allowing the extension 1 to be unwound by pulling on the electrical connector C1, the unwound part being guided by the chute 4. This reel is for example inside the chute 4, or outside the chute 4 by being for example integrated into an OBC power supply module which will be described below. This reel includes a return means which automatically rewinds the extension cord 1 if the electrical connector C1 is free, that is to say not connected and/or not pulled by the operator.

Alternatively, this extension 1 forms for example a helical elastic spiral capable of returning the electrical connector C1 to its stored position, as shown schematically on the . As with the previous solution, the electrical cable 1 is guided by the trunking 4, inside the trunking 4.

This chute 4 is for example a tubular chute integral with the bodywork 3. This tube is for example peripheral to the spirals in the case of the extension 1 in the form of a helical elastic spiral.

This chute 4 is for example oriented so that the weight of the electrical cable 1 helps to return the electrical connector C1 to its stored position.

In all cases, the chute 4 includes the internal volume housing the cable 1 if the electrical connector C1 is in the stowed position, and while preserving the free space 5 of the internal volume: This free space 5 is for example a game between the electric cable 1 and an internal section of the chute 4, this clearance constituting a passage section for the fire-fighting fluid along the chute 4, even if this section is “cluttered” by the presence of the electric cable. But as a variant, not illustrated, the chute 4 can be separated into two internal sections along the length of the chute 4, for example by having an internal partition separating a first internal space for the electrical cable 1, and a second internal space which will be then the free space 5, dedicated to the passage of the fire-fighting fluid, the internal volume then being the sum of these two spaces. This latter solution allows better flow of fire-fighting fluid.

Of course, the free space 5 can extend over all or part of the length of the chute 4, just as the chute 4 can guide the electric cable 1 over all or part of the length of the electric cable 1.

Advantageously, but not necessarily, the electrical connector C1 in the stowed position hermetically closes the internal volume of the chute 4, or the first space. It can also be considered advantageous that the electrical connector C1 in the stowed position does not hermetically close the internal volume of the chute 4, for example if ventilation of the electrical energy storage battery BR circulates along the internal volume of this chute 4 .

This B1 mouthpiece is designed to receive the fluid from a fire-fighting device from an emergency service. For example, it will have a sufficient passage section to be able to introduce a non-diffused jet from a fire hose, and/or the adjustment of the barrel of the fire hose. For example, this mouthpiece B1 has an opening diameter between 20 and 50 mm for lances with a truncated conical barrel, or 40 to 120 mm for lances with variable flow and jet, but those skilled in the art will be able to adapt this B1 mouthpiece to the standards of its country.

Note that the fire-fighting fluid may be a liquid fluid such as water, a water-based fluid, or may be a fluid in foam form.

The upstream end of the chute 4 is shaped so as to accommodate the electrical connector C1 in the stowed position and keep the mouth B1 free for introducing the fire-fighting fluid into the free space 5. This is for example this which is illustrated on the : the electrical connector C1 is shown in the stowed position, in the upper part, while the mouth B1 is distinct from the housing of the electrical connector C1 and is located below the electrical connector C1: thus, whether the connector C1 is in the stowed position or no, access to the B1 mouth is always free for firefighters, for example. The mouth B1, like the housing of the connector C1, opens onto the internal volume of the chute 4, whether it is partitioned or not.

This vehicle comprises the bodywork 3 having a recess forming a housing 8 comprising a bottom through which the upstream end of the chute 4 is fixed. Still on the , this bottom forms the housing for the electrical connector C1, and the mouth B1, and the chute 4 extends from this bottom.

This recess also forms a means of guiding the fire-fighting fluid towards the mouth B1. For example, this recess has a funnel shape, thus making it easier to guide the jet of the fire hose into the mouth B1.

The trunking 4 comprises a main trunking 41 comprising the entire internal volume housing the cable 1 if the electrical connector C1 is in the stowed position, and a secondary trunking 42 extending the free space 5 between the main trunking 41 and the enclosure 7. This is particularly illustrated on the . This arrangement makes it possible to route the fire-fighting fluid into the enclosure 7 even if the second connector C2 and/or the main chute 41 are very far from the enclosure 7. This secondary chute 42 is a connection bringing back the fire-fighting fluid fire from the main chute 41 towards the enclosure 7. This secondary chute 42 may have a different section from the main chute 41, and does not participate in the guiding of the electrical cable 1 and, if it is advantageous for the main chute 41 to be rigid for good guidance of the electrical cable 1, the secondary channel 42 can be flexible, for example a simple elastomer hose.

By rigid, we will understand for example a chute 4 made of injected plastic material, whether this material is loaded or not, but it can also be a metal chute 4.

The chute 4 comprises a closing means 6 capable of isolating a part of the free space 5 opening into the enclosure 7, this closing means 6 being configured to make the enclosure 7 airtight in the closed position , and to open under the effect of a static or dynamic pressure of the fire-fighting fluid coming from the mouth B1 and thus allowing the passage of the fluid into the enclosure 7.

As seen in Figures 1 and 2, the shutter means 6 is represented by a dotted line, and is located as close as possible to the enclosure 7 but this is not obligatory. Especially :
- on the , the shutter means 6 can be at the right of any section of the secondary chute 42,
- on the , the shutter means 6 is advantageously as close as possible to the enclosure 7, but:
- in the case of the partitioned chute 4, the closing means 6 can be at any section of the free space 5, including to the right of the mouth B1,
- if the connector 1 makes the internal space airtight in the stowed position, the closing means 6 can be to the right of the mouth B1.

Note that a particular embodiment, not shown, would consist of integrating the shutter means 6 into the casing 2.

This closing means 6 is for example a cover that can be broken under the effect of the static or dynamic pressure of the fire-fighting fluid coming from the mouth B1. This cover includes for example pre-cuts, capable of tearing under the effect of the static or dynamic pressure of the fire-fighting fluid or in the presence of the fire-fighting device in the mouth B1, in particular the adjustment of the barrel of a fire hose. The cover has the advantage of being simple and economical, and of leaving a witness (tear) proving the intervention of the firefighters.

This closing means 6 is for example a valve calibrated so as to open under the effect of the static or dynamic pressure of the fire-fighting fluid coming from the mouth B1. This calibration is carried out for example by a return means in the closed position.

The secondary chute 42 includes for example the shutter means 6, as already seen previously.

The secondary chute 42 or the chute 4 comprises an outlet section B2 of the fluid from the free space 5, to the right of the casing 2, and configured to introduce the fluid into the enclosure 7.

This outlet section B2 can also be connected to a fire-fighting fluid diffusion system in the enclosure 7 comprising, for example, a set of pipes all fluidly connected to the outlet section B2, this set of pipes comprising multiple distribution nozzles and/or injection of fire-fighting fluid into enclosure 7.

The enclosure 7 is formed by the casing 2 comprising a tank closed by a removable cover, and in this tank are housed a series of MO modules electrically connected in parallel and/or series. It will be noted that on the , the second connector C2 is not directly connected to the modules: the battery BR includes an OBC power module which is here an OBC on-board charger, and the second connector C2 is in fact connected to this OBC power module of the battery BR, while the output section B2 opens directly into the enclosure 7 containing the MO modules, that is to say in the space surrounding the MO modules. But of course, this configuration is not obligatory, for example the outlet section B2 can open into the power supply module OBC for reasons of simplicity, if this power module allows the fire-fighting fluid to reach the modules MO for example by overflow.

For example, this OBC power supply module fully integrates the electrical cable reel 1 mentioned previously.

In addition, this OBC power module is not necessarily integrated into enclosure 7 and can be separated from the BR battery. This is particularly illustrated in . In this case, for example, the secondary chute 42 will convey the fire-fighting fluid from the main chute 41 to the enclosure 7.

It will also be noted that, to facilitate the filling of the enclosure 7 with the fire-fighting fluid, this enclosure 7 includes a vent allowing air or any gas contained in the enclosure 7 to be expelled outside the enclosure 7. under the effect of the static or dynamic pressure of the fire-fighting fluid.

The first connector C1 and the fluid introduction mouth B1 are each accessible from the outside of the bodywork 3, the first connector C1 being intended to be connected to a terrestrial electrical network.

This is for example a car. It concerns any type of vehicle comprising an all-electric or hybrid powertrain (or GMP) and comprising at least one BR rechargeable electric energy storage battery in direct current or alternating current depending on the user's choice. Thus, it concerns land motor vehicles (utility vehicles, camper vans, minibuses, coaches, trucks, motorcycles, road machinery, construction machinery, agricultural machinery, leisure machinery (snowmobile, kart), tracked machinery(s) , and crewed exploration craft).

Furthermore, we consider in what follows, by way of non-limiting example, that the GMP of the vehicle is all-electric. It therefore comprises at least one electric motor machine, not shown, producing in particular torque for its movements from the energy stored in the rechargeable battery BR. But the GMP of the vehicle could be hybrid and therefore include at least one electric driving machine and at least one non-electric driving machine (possibly thermal).

The housing 8 is for example a tray whose internal volume creates a depression in the bodywork 3. This tray is for example closed by a hatch (not illustrated) which is for example flush with the bodywork 3. This hatch has a function of aesthetics, but also performs a function of protection of the first connector C1 and the mouth B1 when the vehicle is not in the recharging phase by means of this electrical cable 1: protection against the ingress of water, dust, or against actions of vandalism. This box 8 includes, for example, charging indicators.

This connector C1 is for example configured to receive only alternating current from the terrestrial electrical network.

Recharging the BR battery via connector C1 is carried out for example by connecting this connector C1 to a domestic electrical outlet, or suitable domestic wall outlet, this manipulation of the connector C1 deploying the electrical cable 1 outside the trunking 4, like a extension cord, by an operator or the driver.

This C1 connector is for example a type 1 socket, limited to an alternating power of 7.4KW.

This vehicle includes the OBC power module providing the interface between the BR battery and the terrestrial electrical network. It is responsible for controlling the power supply to the BR battery during each recharge phase.

This power supply module comprises for example a first electrotechnical stage suitable for rectifying the incoming current, and a second stage suitable for smoothing the current and/or controlling the current and/or the output voltage of the module intended for the BR battery. This is what those skilled in the art commonly call an OBC on-board charger. If the current from the terrestrial electrical network is continuous, the power supply module does not need the first stage because the current is already direct, this power supply module being able in this case to be a simple switch, the intelligence of the recharge (the control process) being hosted partly in a computer of the power module and partly by the charging terminal of the terrestrial network, this terminal delivering direct current.

The BR battery is rechargeable in direct current or alternating current (depending on the user's choice), via the power module. For example, this BR battery can be of the low voltage type (typically 220 V or 400 V or even 600 V). But it could also be medium voltage or very low voltage (typically 48V).

This BR battery also supplies electrical equipment of the vehicle which is, for example, connected to an on-board network (not shown), for example under a direct voltage of 12V, in particular one or more computers implementing the different charging modes of the vehicle. the BR battery. For this purpose, the BR battery is for example coupled to the on-board network via a DC/DC type current converter (not shown), as well as possibly via an energy distribution module.

The terrestrial electricity grid (not shown) is a network transporting electrical energy produced by power plants, among others. This network is fixed and presents charging interfaces for the vehicle according to the invention. These interfaces take the form of a simple domestic socket, for example, up to the charging station accepting mode 4 charging.

Claims (10)

Motor vehicle comprising:
* an electrical energy storage battery (BR) comprising a battery module (MO) and a casing (2) delimiting an enclosure (7) housing this module (MO),
* an electric charging cable (1) for the battery (BR), comprising:
** a first end comprising an electrical connector (C1) extractable from a stowed position to a deployed position, this electrical connector (C1) being intended to be connected to a terrestrial electrical network in the deployed position, and
** a second end electrically coupled directly or indirectly to the battery module (MO),
* a chute (4) for storing the cable (1) comprising an internal volume housing the cable (1) if the electrical connector (C1) is in the stored position, and while preserving a free space (5) of the internal volume,
characterized in that
* the free space (5) opens into the enclosure (7) through the casing, and
* an upstream end of the chute (4), opening onto the exterior of the vehicle, comprises a mouth (B1) for introducing a fire-fighting fluid into the free space (5). Vehicle according to claim 1, this mouth (B1) being shaped to receive the fluid from a fire-fighting device of an emergency service. Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, the upstream end of the chute (4) being shaped so as to house the electrical connector (C1) in the stowed position and keep the mouth (B1) free for introduction of the anti fluid. -fire in the free space (5). Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a bodywork (3) having a recess forming a housing (8) comprising a bottom through which the upstream end of the chute (4) is fixed. Vehicle according to claim 4, this recess further forming a means for guiding the fire-fighting fluid towards the mouth (B1). Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, the chute (4) comprising a main chute (41) comprising the entire internal volume housing the cable (1) if the electrical connector (C1) is in the stowed position, and a secondary chute (42 ) extending the free space (5) between the main chute (41) and the enclosure (7). Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, the chute (4) comprising a closing means (6) capable of isolating part of the free space (5) opening into the enclosure (7), this closing means (6) being configured to make the enclosure (7) airtight in the closed position, and to open under the effect of a static or dynamic pressure of the fire-fighting fluid coming from the mouth (B1 ) and thus allowing the passage of the fluid into the enclosure (7). Vehicle according to claim 7, this closing means (6) being a breakable cover under the effect of the static or dynamic pressure of the fire-fighting fluid coming from the mouth (B1). Vehicle according to claim 7, this closing means (6) being a valve calibrated so as to open under the effect of the static or dynamic pressure of the fire-fighting fluid coming from the mouth (B1). Vehicle according to claim 6, in combination with any one of claims 7 to 9, the secondary chute (42) comprising the closing means (6).