JP2017060805A - Extinction system for electric vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically detect electric fire caused by abnormality of a plurality of single cells arranged in a power storage device and perform extinction/suppression.SOLUTION: A smoke-emitting extinction device 16 is provided inside a storage container lid 12 for a power storage device 10 including a storage container in which a plurality of single cells 26 are arranged and stored. The smoke-emitting extinction device 16 includes an ejection port for ejecting extinction aerosol into the storage container and comprises: a housing attached to the inside of the storage container lid 12; an ignition circuit unit that, when an ignition control signal is externally input, energizes and heats a heater to ignite and combust a solid fire retardant; and a cell power source for supplying a power source to the ignition circuit unit. The smoke-emitting extinction device, when the ignition control signal is input, ejects extinction aerosol into the storage container to perform extinction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a fire extinguishing system for an electric vehicle in which a smoke-extinguishing device is provided inside a case in which a plurality of unit cells are arranged and stored, and a fire associated with a unit cell abnormality is detected and extinguished.

In recent years, hybrid vehicles equipped with engines and motors are rapidly increasing in addition to vehicles powered by engines powered by gasoline or light oil. This is due to an increase in demand for fuel-efficient vehicles due to the rise in crude oil prices, and an increase in demand for hybrid vehicles with low CO ₂ emissions due to the increased awareness of reducing environmental impact. Furthermore, in addition to such hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles that use only an electric motor as a power source and have zero CO ₂ emissions during travel are gradually becoming popular.

  A high-voltage and large-capacity power storage device in which a plurality of single cells are arranged and connected in series and in parallel is mounted on the body of a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle (hereinafter collectively referred to as an “electric vehicle”). The power storage device is composed of an assembled battery in which a plurality of unit cells called cells are connected. In addition, the cells installed in power storage devices have shifted from conventional nickel / hydrogen cells to lithium-ion cells that can be recharged at ordinary homes. . Utilizing the characteristics of such a high-performance, large-capacity power storage device, the electric vehicle is charged at night when electricity charges are low, and used as a power source for electric vehicles and a power source for daily use during the day. In the event of a power outage, etc., there are cases where the power storage device of an electric vehicle is used as an alternative to a household power source.

JP 2012-129209 A JP 2011-254906 A JP 2009-142419 A JP 2009-142420 A International Publication No. 2011/161792

  Such an electric vehicle is assumed to have a vehicle fire that cannot be seen in a conventional engine vehicle. Engine cars are equipped with gasoline and light oil in their fuel tanks. If a vehicle fire breaks out, it is handled as an oil fire and fire extinguishing is performed using a fire extinguishing system that can handle the oil fire. Specifically, water-based fire extinguishing equipment such as foam aqueous solution fire extinguishing equipment and water spraying equipment is mainstream, and in addition, powder fire extinguishing equipment such as fire extinguishers and gas fire extinguishing equipment are used as fire extinguishing equipment corresponding to vehicle fires. However, electric vehicles that are currently spreading are equipped with a high-voltage, large-capacity power storage device composed of a battery pack in which a plurality of single cells are connected. Thermal runaway due to various causes such as overcharging, battery temperature rises significantly, reaching several hundred degrees. When the battery temperature rises, the internal pressure of the battery rises, and as a result, the cells may rupture or ignite, resulting in a vehicle fire with the power storage device as the source of fire, which may cause an electrical fire that is different from the engine car. is there.

  On the other hand, the parking lots attached to buildings are mainly water-based fire extinguishing equipment such as foam aqueous fire extinguishing equipment and water spray equipment, and are not compatible with extinguishing electric fires generated from electric vehicles. There are few parking lots that limit the entry of electric vehicles. In addition, when a general house is used for charging an electric vehicle or as an alternative to a power supply for daily life, no equipment corresponding to an electric fire is provided as a housing equipment. In the event of an electrical fire, the fire fighting activities by conventional water-based fire extinguishing equipment have a high risk of causing secondary disasters such as electric shock accidents as well as fire extinguishing or suppression.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a battery case for storing a lithium ion battery pack packed with a laminate film. In order to pressurize the lithium ion battery pack, a pressure bag enclosing a liquid fire extinguisher is provided in the battery case. Is disclosed. In the case of abnormal heating of the lithium ion battery, the lithium ion battery pack expands and bursts the pressurized bag, and the liquid extinguishing agent in the pressurized bag is dispersed in the battery case, thereby suppressing ignition It is. In this case, it is possible to suppress the ignition of the battery pack, but if abnormal heating of the battery pack continues to ignite, it is considered that the fire extinguisher dispersed in the battery case has already evaporated, Can not be carried out, and there is a high possibility of developing into a large vehicle fire.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a fire extinguishing system for an electric vehicle that automatically detects and suppresses a fire caused by an abnormality of a plurality of cells arranged in a power storage device.

(Fire extinguishing system for electric vehicles)
The present invention
A power storage device storing a plurality of single cells in a storage container;
A smoke-extinguishing device that is placed in a storage container and that fires by extinguishing a fire-extinguishing aerosol when a fire associated with an abnormality of a single cell is detected;
A fire extinguishing system for an electric vehicle equipped with
The storage container
A box-shaped storage container main body having one side opened and a plurality of cells arranged and stored;
A storage container lid attached to the opening of the storage container body;
With
Smoke-extinguishing equipment
A housing that is provided with a spout for ejecting fire-extinguishing aerosol in the storage container, and is attached to the inside of the storage container lid;
A solid fire extinguisher housed in a housing and generating a fire extinguishing aerosol by combustion;
When an ignition control signal is input from the outside, an ignition circuit unit that ignites and burns the solid fire extinguisher by energization heating of the heater;
A battery power supply for supplying power to the ignition circuit;
It is provided with.

(External output of fire extinguishing start signal)
The ignition circuit part of the smoke-extinguishing device outputs a fire extinguishing start signal to the outside when the solid fire extinguisher is ignited and burned by energization heating of the heater.

(Housing structure of smoke-extinguishing device)
The smoke-extinguishing device housing is
A housing body with one end open;
A lid member provided with a spout and attached to the opening of the housing body;
A fire extinguishing agent storage case that is disposed in a floating state via a support member inside the housing body, and stores a solid fire extinguishing agent;
A flue structure that forms a flue that guides the fire-extinguishing aerosol spouted from the extinguishing agent storage case to the spout, and
A flame ejection preventing member disposed in the flue;
Is provided.

(Basic effect)
The fire extinguishing system for an electric vehicle according to the present invention has a smoke-extinguishing device disposed inside a storage container of a power storage device in which a plurality of cells are arranged and stored, and when a fire associated with an abnormality of the cells is detected, the smoke-extinguishing device Since the fire extinguishing aerosol was ejected from the battery, the battery installed in the power storage device could run out of heat due to various causes such as internal short circuit, overcharge, or damage caused by an electric vehicle collision. As a result, when a battery cell ruptures or ignites, an electric fire associated with the battery cell abnormality is detected and a fire extinguishing aerosol is ejected from the smoke-extinguishing device. The fire extinguishing is suppressed in the container, and it is possible to prevent the power storage device from spreading to a large automobile fire.

  In addition, the fire-extinguishing aerosol that is emitted from the smoke-extinguishing device into the storage container of the power storage device is generated by igniting and burning a solid fire extinguisher, and the fire-extinguishing aerosol is fine particles of about 2 μm, the main component of which is metal. Contains oxides, carbonates or phosphates or mixtures thereof. Specifically, the main component is potassium chloride, sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, sodium sulfate, etc., which contains nitrogen, carbon dioxide, water vapor, etc., and can suppress fire extinguishing suitable for electric fires that cannot use water-based extinguishing agents. .

  In addition, the storage container of the power storage device is a sealed space that is shielded from the outside air, and the fire extinguishing aerosol ejected from the smoke-extinguishing device reliably stays in the storage container and does not leak outside. An electric fire in the storage container caused by an abnormality can be surely suppressed.

(Effect of placing inside the storage container body or storage container lid)
In addition, the storage container of the power storage device includes a box-shaped storage container main body that is open on one side, and a storage container lid that is attached to the opening of the storage container main body and closes the storage container main body or the storage container cover. Therefore, when the power storage device is mounted on the electric vehicle as a single unit, or when a plurality of power storage devices are mounted on the electric vehicle side by side or stacked, this is not hindered.

(Effects of smoke extinguishers)
In addition, the smoke-extinguishing device is equipped with a case, solid fire extinguishing agent, heat sensing cable, housing ignition circuit, connector, plug, and battery power supply. It is possible to incorporate it as an independent device. The change on the power storage device side is only a simple change, for example, processing a screw hole for attaching the smoke extinguishing device inside the storage container. The device can be easily and easily arranged to suppress extinguishing of an electric fire caused by an abnormality of the unit cell.

  In addition, detection of an electric fire due to an abnormality of a unit cell in the storage container of the power storage device can be achieved by short-circuiting a pair of signal lines by melting the insulation coating when the heat sensing cable receives heat due to the explosion or ignition of the unit cell. Detecting by touching the state, it is not necessary to set the threshold temperature to detect the necessary fire when using a temperature sensor, etc., and to compare and judge the threshold value and the detected temperature. An electric fire accompanying an abnormality can be detected and fire-extinguishing aerosol can be ejected into the storage container to suppress the fire.

(Effects of laying heat sensing cable)
In addition, the storage container of the power storage device stores a plurality of cells arranged in series and connected in parallel, and all the units in which the heat sensing cable is stored and arranged in the storage container. Because it is installed so that it crosses the vicinity of the battery, it is possible to reliably detect fires caused by abnormal ignition or explosion for each of all the unit cells with a simple configuration of laying the heat sensing cable. Fire suppression by spraying the aerosol in the container can be suppressed.

(External output of fire extinguishing start signal)
In addition, the ignition circuit part of the smoke-extinguishing device outputs a fire extinguishing start signal to the outside via a connector and a plug when the solid fire extinguisher is ignited and burned by energization heating of the heater. Based on this, it is possible to display and notify the fire extinguishing start on the operation panel.

(Effect of housing structure of smoke-extinguishing device)
The housing of the smoke-extinguishing device is composed of a housing body, a lid member provided with an injection port, a fire extinguisher storage case, a flue structure, a flame ejection preventing member, and is, for example, a book size compared to a water-based fire extinguishing device. The fire extinguishing apparatus can be made as compact and light as possible, and even if it is built in the storage container of the power storage device, the mounting space of the power storage device on the electric vehicle is not greatly affected.

  Moreover, it is known that the weight of the solid fire extinguishing agent for obtaining the fire extinguishing aerosol necessary for fire extinguishing is, for example, about 80 to 200 grams per cubic meter. Even a large-sized electric vehicle such as this is about 0.25 cubic meters, and the solid fire extinguisher necessary for this is about 20 grams to 50 grams. Actually, a plurality of single cells are arranged in a storage container. Therefore, the substantial empty space in the storage container is smaller than that, and less solid fire extinguishing agent is required, so the smoke-extinguishing device can be made smaller than the book size. is there.

  In addition, since the amount of solid fire extinguisher required is small, even if the solid fire extinguisher is burned to generate a fire extinguishing aerosol, the flame and heat generated by the burning of the solid fire extinguisher can be reduced. There will be no problems that cause the electric fire caused by

Explanatory drawing which showed embodiment of the fire extinguishing system for electric vehicles by this invention Sectional view showing the internal structure of FIG. The top view which removed the storage container cover of FIG. 1, and showed the inside of a storage container main body Explanatory drawing which showed the inner side of the storage container cover of FIG. Perspective view showing the appearance of the smoke-extinguishing device Sectional view showing the longitudinal section of the smoke-extinguishing device Cross section showing the cross section of the smoke generator FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing an embodiment of an ignition circuit unit arranged inside the housing of FIG. Explanatory drawing which showed the state which starts smoke generation fire extinguisher and generates aerosol for fire extinguishing Block diagram showing an electric vehicle system including a power storage device provided with a smoke-extinguishing device

[Configuration of fire extinguishing system for electric vehicles]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a power storage device having a built-in smoke-extinguishing device in a fire extinguishing system for an electric vehicle according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the power storage device, and FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing the inside of the storage container lid.

(Outline of power storage device)
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, the power storage device 10 includes a box-shaped storage container body 11 that opens at the top, and a storage that is attached to the opening of the storage container body 11 and fixed with bolts 13. A container lid 12 is provided, and the storage container body 11 and the storage container lid 12 constitute a storage container of the power storage device 10. The power storage device 10 is also called a battery module or a battery pack.

  A positive output terminal 14 a and a negative output terminal 14 b of the power storage device 10 are attached to the front side wall located at one end in the longitudinal direction of the storage container body 11.

  Two sets of assembled batteries 25 are stored inside the storage container body 11. A plurality of unit cells 26 are arranged in each of the assembled batteries 25. The unit cell 26 is a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery known as a battery cell. For example, a flat rectangular box-shaped outer container formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy is provided with an electrode together with a non-aqueous electrolyte. Has a body. The electrode body of the unit cell 26 is formed into a flat rectangular shape, for example, by winding a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate in a spiral shape with a separator interposed therebetween, and further compressing in a radial direction. A positive electrode terminal 26 a and a negative electrode terminal 26 b are provided at the upper end of the outer casing of the unit cell 26.

  For example, 30 unit cells 26 are arranged and connected in series to each of the two sets of assembled batteries 25, and two sets of assembled batteries 25 are further connected in series. Here, assuming that the average cell voltage of the lithium ion battery is 3.6 volts, for example, the voltage of each assembled battery 25 is 108 volts, and by connecting the two assembled batteries 25 in series, the positive output terminal of the power storage device 10 The voltage at 14a and the negative output terminal 14b is 216 volts.

(Outline of smoke-extinguishing equipment)
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, a smoke extinguishing device 16 is attached to the inside of the storage container lid 12 in the power storage device 10. When the smoke-extinguishing device 16 detects a fire associated with the abnormality of the unit cell 26 stored in the storage container, the fire-extinguishing aerosol generated by the combustion of the solid fire extinguishing agent is jetted into the storage container to extinguish the fire. In the present embodiment, the smoke-extinguishing device 16 is attached to the inside of the storage container lid 12, but it may be attached to the inside of the storage container body 11.

  The smoke-extinguishing and extinguishing device 16 has a flat box-like shape, and is capable of injecting a fire-extinguishing aerosol into a storage container from a spout formed on an end face where the connector 30 is disposed, while being attached to the inside of the storage container lid 12. . Further, by attaching the plug 52 to the connector 30 of the smoke extinguishing device 16, the heat sensing cable 32 functioning as a fire detection unit and the signal lines 33 and 34 are connected to the smoke extinguishing device 16.

  The heat sensing cable 32 is two twisted signal wires insulated with a resin such as vinyl, and a voltage is applied from the smoke-extinguishing device 16 between the two signal wires to receive heat from the fire. When the insulation coating melts, the pair of signal wires come into contact with the short circuit state, and a fire is detected when a sensing current flows.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the heat sensing cable 32 drawn into the storage container through the connector 30 and the plug 52 is laid along the inside of the storage container lid 12, and the heat detection cable 32 is positioned below the heat detection cable 32. 3 is installed so as to pass directly above the plurality of unit cells 26 arranged in the storage container main body 11 shown in FIG. 3 so that heat due to a fire associated with each abnormality of the unit cells 26 can be detected.

  The signal lines 33 and 34 drawn out via the connector 30 and the plug 52 are connected to the connector 24 provided on the side surface of one end in the longitudinal direction of the storage container body 11. The signal line 33 inputs an ignition control signal from the outside, and operates the smoke-extinguishing device 16 remotely. The signal line 34 outputs a fire extinguishing activation signal when the solid fire extinguisher is ignited and burned by the smoke extinguishing device 16. For this reason, the signal cable from the vehicle control device side is plugged to the connector 24 so that the smoke-extinguishing device 16 can be operated by the ignition control signal from the vehicle control device side. The activation of the smoke-extinguishing device 16 can be displayed.

[Configuration of smoke-extinguishing device]
(Structure of smoke-extinguishing device)
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the smoke-extinguishing device, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the longitudinal cross-section of the smoke-extinguishing device, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section of the smoke-extinguishing device.

  As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, the smoke-extinguishing and extinguishing device 16 according to the present embodiment includes a flat box-shaped housing body 18 that opens at one end in the longitudinal direction, and a lid that is attached to the opening of the housing body 18. The cover member 20 is mounted on the opening of the housing body 18 and fixed with screws 35.

  Mounting ribs 58 having through holes are fixed by spot welding or the like at four locations on the upper surface side of the figure, which is the mounting surface of the housing body 18 on the inside of the storage container lid, and the tip of the spout 28 protrudes to the outside. ing. The connector 30 is attached to the center of the lid member 20 so as to be exposed to the outside. On both sides of the attachment position of the connector 30, there are provided outlets 28 formed as a plurality of slit openings. It is possible to erupt.

  A fire extinguishing agent storage case 36 is incorporated in the smoke generation device 16. The extinguishing agent storage case 36 is a box-shaped case member that opens to the rear when the direction of the lid member 20 provided with the spout 28 is the front, and a support piece 48 is fixed to the front end side of the case by spot welding or the like. A support piece 48 is attached to a support piece 50 fixed to the inside of the case body 18 by spot welding or the like with a screw 51, so that a fire extinguisher is accommodated so as to float inside the case body 18 and the lid member 20. The case 36 is positioned and supported.

  The rear part of the fire extinguishing agent storage case 36 is formed with a pair of support pieces 46 bent upward and downward, and a pair of extended pieces 56 having side surfaces extending rearward, and floats in the housing body 18. The fire extinguishing agent storage case 36 is positioned and supported so that it is in a closed state.

  The support structure of the extinguishing agent storage case 36 minimizes contact with the casing main body 18 and the lid member 20, and heat that is not easily transmitted to the outer casing main body 18 and the lid member 20 due to combustion of the solid extinguishing agent 38. It has a heat insulating structure with layers.

  Here, the casing main body 18, the lid member 20, the extinguishing agent storage case 36, the support pieces 46, 48, 50, and the mounting rib 58 generate a fire extinguishing aerosol by the combustion of the solid extinguishing agent 38. It is made of a metal material so that it can withstand the heat generated by the combustion of the agent 38.

  A solid fire extinguishing agent 38 is accommodated in the extinguishing agent storage case 36, and a heater 40 is attached to the solid extinguishing agent 38.

  In addition, an ignition circuit unit 42 incorporating a battery power source (primary battery) is provided inside the housing body 18. A signal for connecting a heat sensing cable 32, a signal line 33 for inputting an ignition control signal, and a signal line 34 for outputting a fire extinguishing start signal from the connector 30 side to the ignition circuit unit 42 via a plug 52. Wires are connected, and a signal line for the heater 40 is also connected.

  The ignition circuit unit 42 ignites and burns the solid fire extinguisher 38 by energizing and heating the heater 40 when a fire associated with the abnormality of the unit cell is detected by a short circuit of the heat sensing cable 32. Even when an ignition control signal is input from the outside via the signal line 33, the solid fire extinguisher 38 is ignited and burned by energizing and heating the heater 40.

  The solid fire extinguisher 38 used in the present embodiment generates a fire extinguishing aerosol by combustion. The fire-fighting aerosol is ultrafine particles of about 2 μm, and the main component thereof contains a metal oxide, carbonate or phosphate or a mixture thereof.

  Specifically, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, sodium sulfate and the like are the main components, and nitrogen, carbon dioxide, water vapor and the like are contained therein. In the fire extinguishing aerosol having such a main component, the fire extinguishing aerosol itself is not toxic and can be said to be an environmentally friendly generated gas.

  The fire extinguishing action by the fire extinguishing aerosol generated by the combustion of the solid fire extinguishing agent 38 is the action of extinguishing and suppressing the active center of combustion burning by the occurrence of fire by filling the inside of the storage container of the power storage device with the fire extinguishing aerosol. The fire extinguishing action suitable for an electric fire which cannot use a water-based fire extinguisher is obtained.

  The amount of the solid fire extinguishing agent 38 is determined according to the volume in the storage container of the power storage device. The weight of the solid fire extinguishing agent 38 for generating a fire extinguishing aerosol necessary for extinguishing per cubic meter of fire extinguishing target area that becomes a closed space is about 80 g to 200 g, and based on this, power storage to be extinguished An amount of solid fire extinguisher 38 corresponding to the volume in the storage container of the apparatus is stored in the fire extinguisher storage case 36.

  The storage container internal volume of the power storage device for automobiles to be extinguished by the smoke-extinguishing device 16 of the present embodiment is, for example, about 0.1 cubic meter to 0.25 cubic meter, and an assembled battery composed of a plurality of single cells is used. Since it is stored, the volume of the actual empty space is further reduced. For example, the weight of the solid fire extinguisher required when the internal volume of the storage container of the power storage device is 0.1 cubic meter is 8 to 20 grams, and the weight of the solid fire extinguisher required when it is 0.25 cubic meter is 20 Gram to 50 grams.

  The size of the smoke-extinguishing device 16 is determined by the required weight of the solid fire extinguisher 38, and can be 50 g or less at the maximum. Therefore, the housing main body 18 that accommodates the solid fire extinguisher 38 having such a weight is, for example, a single unit. The battery can be downsized to latitude with the outer container size.

  Inside the smoke-extinguishing device 16 containing the solid fire extinguisher 38, a flue 45 is formed from the back of the fire extinguishing agent storage case 36 to the front jet outlet 28 through the periphery thereof. In this way, the formation of the flue 45 that wraps forward from behind is formed by bending the flue 45 so that the solid fire extinguishing agent 38 and the jet outlet 28 are separated from each other, and the direction in which the flame comes out and the jet outlet 28 are not in a straight line direction. In this configuration, the flame caused by the combustion of the solid fire extinguishing agent 38 is prevented from blowing out from the ejection port 28 into the storage container of the power storage device.

  Further, in order to more effectively prevent flame ejection by the solid fire extinguishing agent 38, a flame ejection preventing member 54 that passes only an aerosol such as a wire mesh is disposed in the middle of the flue 45 as necessary. Is desirable. In the present embodiment, the flame ejection preventing member 54 is disposed inside the extended piece 56 that extends from the rear opening 44 of the extinguishing agent storage case 36.

  Specific examples of the flame ejection preventing member 54 include a structure in which a plurality of small-diameter pipes such as glass and porcelain are arranged to suppress the ejection of flame, a structure in which a plurality of wire meshes are arranged separately to suppress the ejection of flame, glass, There are a structure in which a plurality of balls such as porcelain are arranged to suppress the ejection of flame, and a structure in which a plurality of balls such as glass and porcelain are arranged between a plurality of wire nets to suppress the ejection of flame.

(Configuration of ignition circuit)
FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing an embodiment of an ignition circuit unit arranged inside the housing of FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the ignition circuit unit 42 includes a heat sensing cable 32 wired in a storage container of the power storage device via a plug 52 and a connector 30, a signal line 33 for inputting an ignition control signal, and a fire extinguishing start signal. Is connected to the signal line. Note that the signal line 33 for inputting the ignition control signal is in an open state in the normal monitoring state, and when the ignition control signal is input, it is in a short circuit state. The ignition circuit unit 42 includes a transistor 68, a relay 70, a heater drive circuit including resistors 62, 64, and 66, and a battery power source 60. The battery power source 60 is a primary battery such as a button battery and does not require external power supply.

  The transistor 68 applies the divided voltage of the resistors 62 and 64 to the base via the resistor 66, and constantly applies the power supply voltage from the battery power source 60 to the heat sensing cable 32 via the resistors 62 and 64. doing. Here, in the normal monitoring state, the transistor 68 is off, and only the power supply voltage is applied to one of the signal lines of the heat sensing cable 32 and no current flows, and the power consumption of the ignition circuit unit 42 is as follows. Only a very small amount of current consumption is caused by leakage current or the like, and even if a primary battery is used as the battery power source 60, a sufficient battery life can be secured if necessary.

  The transistor 68 is a PNP transistor, and a relay 70 is connected as a load on the collector side. In the normal monitoring state, the heat sensing cable 32 is in an open state with an insulating coating of two signal lines such as vinyl. Therefore, no current flows from the battery power source 60, and the transistor 68 is in the off state because the voltage between the emitter and the base is 0 volts.

  The relay 70 is connected to the heater 40 via the normally open relay contact 74. A normally open relay contact 72 of the relay 70 is connected between the emitter and collector of the transistor 68 to form a latch circuit. Further, a relay contact 76 for outputting a fire extinguishing start signal is connected to a terminal of the connector 30.

  When the vinyl, which is the insulation coating of the heat sensing cable 32, melts due to the heat of the fire accompanying the abnormal heat generation of the single cell housed in the power storage device, and the two signal lines come into contact with each other, heat is passed through the resistors 62 and 64. A current flows through the sensing cable 32. For this reason, a bias voltage is applied between the emitter and base of the transistor 68 by the voltage generated in the resistor 62, whereby the transistor 68 is turned on and the relay 70 is operated.

  When the relay 70 is operated, the normally open relay contact 74 is closed, the heater 40 is energized, the solid fire extinguisher 38 is ignited by heating due to the energization of the heater 40, and the fire extinguishing aerosol is generated by the combustion of the solid fire extinguisher 38. The fire-extinguishing aerosol is ejected from the outlet 28 into the storage container of the power storage device.

  Further, the relay contact 72 is closed by the operation of the relay 70, so that the relay 70 is latched in the operation state, thereby preventing a malfunction due to a change in the short-circuit state of the heat sensing cable 32.

  Further, when the relay contact 76 is closed, a fire extinguishing start signal indicating that a fire extinguishing operation has been performed to the outside is output via the signal line 34. The fire extinguishing start signal from the smoke extinguishing and extinguishing device 16 of the present embodiment is sent to the vehicle control device to display and inform the operation display panel of the start of the fire extinguishing device for a battery fire.

  On the other hand, for example, when an ignition control signal is input from the vehicle control device side based on the driver's operation or collision accident detection, the signal line 33 is short-circuited, and as in the case where a fire is detected by the heat sensing cable 32, A current flows through the signal line 33 through the resistors 62 and 64, the transistor 68 is turned on, the normally open relay contact 74 is closed by the operation of the relay 70, the heater 40 is energized, and the solid fire extinguisher 38 is ignited by heating, The fire extinguishing aerosol is generated by the combustion of the solid fire extinguishing agent 38, and the fire extinguishing aerosol is ejected from the ejection port 28 into the storage container of the power storage device.

(Operation of smoke-extinguishing device)
FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing the operation of the smoke-extinguishing device. In FIG. 9, the smoke-extinguishing device 16 is attached and fixed to the inside of the storage container lid 12. When the ignition circuit unit 42 housed in the smoke-extinguishing device 16 detects a short circuit state due to a fire of the heat sensing cable 32 installed in the storage container of the power storage device, or when an ignition control signal is input from the outside, the heater 40 is energized. The solid fire extinguishing agent 38 is ignited by heating, and the solid extinguishing agent 38 burns to generate a fire extinguishing aerosol.

  The fire-extinguishing aerosol generated by the combustion of the solid fire-extinguishing agent 38 is ejected from the rear opening of the fire-extinguishing agent storage case 36 through the flame ejection preventing member 54, and then moves forward through the flue 45, which is a surrounding cavity. The fire-extinguishing aerosol 78 is ejected from the spout 28 formed in the lid member 20 into the space inside the storage container lid 12 that is inside the storage container of the power storage device, and the inside of the storage container is filled with the fire-extinguishing aerosol 78. Suppresses extinguishing electric fires caused by abnormalities.

  In this case, the flame of combustion by the solid fire extinguishing agent 38 is ejected rearward, and the flame ejection preventing member 54 suppresses the blowing of the flame, bypassing the flue 45 where the flame is turned forward, bypassing the storage container of the power storage device. There is no such thing as to erupt inside. Further, the extinguishing agent storage case 36 is heated by the combustion of the solid extinguishing agent 38, but the contact with the housing main body 18 is supported by the supporting pieces 46, 48, and 50 in a substantially floating state and has a heat insulating structure with few contact parts. The temperature rise of the outer casing body 18 and the lid member 20 due to heat conduction is suppressed, and overheating of the smoke-extinguishing device 16 is prevented from causing a fire.

(Outline of electric vehicle system)
FIG. 10 is a block showing an electric vehicle system including a power storage device in which a smoke extinguishing device is externally attached to a storage container, taking a hybrid vehicle as an example. In FIG. 10, the electric vehicle system includes a motor generator 80, an inverter device 82, a vehicle control device 90, and a power storage device 10.

  The motor generator 80 is, for example, a three-phase AC machine. The motor generator 80 is driven by a motor in an operation mode that requires rotational power, such as when the vehicle is powered and when an engine that is an internal combustion engine is started, and the generated rotational power is supplied to a driven body such as a wheel or an engine. . In this case, the DC power is converted into three-phase AC power and supplied from the power storage device 10 to the motor generator 80 via the inverter device 82.

  In addition, the motor generator 80 is driven by a driving force from a wheel or an engine in a driving mode that requires power generation, such as when the vehicle is decelerated, regenerated such as braking, and the power storage device 10 needs to be charged. Generate three-phase AC power. In this case, the three-phase AC power from motor generator 80 is converted to DC power via inverter device 82 and supplied to power storage device 10 to store the power.

  The power storage device 10 includes, for example, two sets of assembled batteries 25, and each assembled battery 25 is electrically connected in series with a plurality of unit cells 26 as shown in FIGS. The assembled batteries 25 are connected in series.

  The power storage device 10 includes a battery control unit 88 and a cell control unit 86. The battery control unit 88 manages and controls the state of the power storage device 10, and controls the control unit of the vehicle control device 90 or the inverter device 82, which is a host control device, for charge / discharge control such as the state of the power storage device 10 and allowable charge / discharge power. Notify the directive. For the management and control of the state of the power storage device 10 by the battery control unit 88, measurement of the battery voltage and current, calculation of the storage state and deterioration state, measurement of the temperature of each assembled battery 25, cell voltage for the cell control unit 86 There are outputs such as a command for measuring and a command for adjusting the amount of stored cell power.

  The cell control unit 86 is configured by a plurality of integrated circuits provided for each unit cell that manages and controls the state of a plurality of unit cells (cell batteries) according to a command from the battery control unit 88. The management and control of the state of a plurality of unit cells include measurement of the voltage of each unit cell, adjustment of the amount of electricity stored in each unit cell, and the like.

  The connecting / disconnecting portion 84 includes a relay mechanism, and conducts between the power storage device 10 and the inverter device 82 when the electric vehicle system is started, and between the power storage device 10 and the inverter device 82 when the electric vehicle system is stopped or abnormal. Shut off.

  Here, the connecting / disconnecting portion 84, the cell control portion 86, and the battery control portion 88 of the power storage device 10 are arranged in a storage container of a control device provided separately from the power storage device 10 shown in FIG. It is arranged at the battery mounting location of the electric vehicle together with the power storage device 10.

  The power storage device 10 is provided with a smoke-extinguishing device 16, and a heat sensing cable 32 drawn from the smoke-extinguishing device 16 is laid in a storage container containing the assembled battery 25 provided in the power storage device 10, and an ignition control signal Is connected to the battery control unit 88, and the ignition control signal output from the vehicle control device 90 based on the driver's operation, collision detection, or the like is connected to the battery control unit 88. And a fire extinguishing start signal is transmitted to the vehicle control device 90 via the battery control unit 88 so that the fire extinguishing start can be displayed on the operation panel.

[Modification of the present invention]
In the above-described embodiment, a battery power source using a primary battery is built in the smoke-extinguishing device and the ignition circuit unit is operated, but the single battery (secondary battery) stored in the storage container of the power storage device A power source may be supplied from a battery.

  Further, in the above embodiment, a plurality of flat rectangular box-shaped outer container cells are arranged in the storage container of the power storage device. However, a single battery using a cylindrical outer container or a laminate is used. The same can be applied to a power storage device in which a plurality of type cells (film-clad batteries) are arranged in a storage container by providing a smoke-extinguishing device inside the storage container.

  In addition, the ignition circuit unit is not limited to the above embodiment, a circuit function for detecting a short circuit of the heat sensing cable due to a fire and igniting the fixed extinguisher, and by inputting an ignition control signal from the outside to ignite the solid extinguisher If a circuit function to output and a circuit function to output a fire extinguishing start signal to the outside are provided, an appropriate circuit can be obtained.

  In the above embodiment, one smoke-extinguishing device is provided in the storage container of the power storage device, but a plurality of smoke-extinguishing devices may be provided in the storage container as necessary. .

  In the above-described embodiment, a heat detection cable is provided as a fire detection unit that detects a fire due to abnormality of a single cell. In addition to this, a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple or a thermistor, laser pulse light is incident. An appropriate fire detection unit such as an optical fiber sensor for measuring the temperature from the intensity of the backscattered light may be provided.

  In addition, the unit cell incorporated in the power storage device of the present embodiment may be provided with a gas discharge valve that discharges gas by operating due to a gas pressure abnormality in the battery container. In some cases, an exhaust gas mechanism that exhausts toxic gas such as carbon monoxide gas that is ejected along with, for example, a check valve that opens when the internal pressure of the storage container is a predetermined value or more may be provided. Even if the fire-extinguishing aerosol is ejected into the storage container, the internal pressure in the storage container of the power storage device does not increase to the pressure at which the exhaust gas mechanism operates, and the fire-extinguishing aerosol does not leak to the outside and the fire-extinguishing effect is not reduced. .

  In addition, the ignition circuit unit provided in the smoke-extinguishing apparatus in the above embodiment ignites the solid fire extinguishing agent by an ignition control signal from the outside to generate a fire extinguishing aerosol. The fire extinguishing aerosol may be generated by igniting the solid fire extinguisher only by the fire detection by the fire detection unit.

  In addition, the above-described embodiment is an example of an electric vehicle system of a hybrid vehicle, but can be similarly applied to an electric vehicle system of an electric vehicle using only an electric motor as a power source.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, includes appropriate modifications without impairing the object and advantages thereof, and is not limited by the numerical values shown in the above-described embodiment.

10: Power storage device 11: Storage container body 12: Storage container lid 14a: Positive electrode output terminal 14b: Negative electrode output terminal 16: Smoke extinguishing device 18: Housing body 20: Lid member 24, 30: Connector 25: Battery pack 26: Single Battery 28: Spout 32: Heat sensing cable 33, 34: Signal line 36: Extinguishing agent storage case 38: Solid extinguishing agent 40: Heater 42: Ignition circuit 44: Rear opening 45: Flue 46, 48, 50: Support Piece 52: Plug 54: Flame ejection preventing member 56: Extension piece 60: Battery power supply 68: Transistor 70: Relay

Claims (3)

A power storage device storing a plurality of single cells in a storage container;
A smoke-extinguishing device that is disposed in the storage container and that extinguishes fire by spraying a fire-extinguishing aerosol when a fire associated with an abnormality of the unit cell is detected;
A fire extinguishing system for an electric vehicle equipped with
The storage container is
A box-shaped storage container main body that opens one side and arranges and stores the plurality of single cells;
A storage container lid attached to the opening of the storage container body;
With
The smoke-extinguishing device is
A housing that is provided with an ejection port for ejecting fire-extinguishing aerosol in the storage container, and is attached to the inside of the storage container lid;
A solid fire extinguisher that is housed in the housing and generates the fire-fighting aerosol by combustion; and
When an ignition control signal is input from the outside, an ignition circuit unit that ignites and burns the solid extinguisher by energization heating of the heater;
A battery power supply for supplying power to the ignition circuit unit;
A fire extinguishing system for electric vehicles characterized by comprising
2. The fire extinguishing system for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the ignition circuit unit outputs a fire extinguishing start signal to the outside when the solid fire extinguisher is ignited and burned by energization heating of the heater. Features a fire extinguishing system for electric vehicles.
A fire extinguishing system for an electric vehicle according to claim 1,
The housing of the smoke-extinguishing device is
A housing body with one end open;
A lid member provided with a spout and attached to the opening of the housing body;
A fire extinguishing agent storage case that is arranged in a floating state via a support member inside the housing body, and stores the solid fire extinguishing agent;
A flue structure that forms a flue that guides the fire-extinguishing aerosol spouted from the fire-extinguishing agent storage case to the spout, and
A flame ejection preventing member disposed in the flue;
A fire extinguishing system for electric vehicles characterized by comprising

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