A SAFETY ARRANGEMENT FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE

摘要

The application relates to a safety arrangement (1) for a motor vehicle comprising an electrical energy storage unit (2). The arrangement is particularly intended for use in a motor vehicle configured to be powered electrically, or by a so-called hybrid motor, and which hence comprises a high voltage electrical storage unit (2) such as a battery or capacitor. The safety arrangement (1) is configured to cool the storage unit (2) in response to a signal indicative of an accident situation or battery malfunction, and comprises: a source (8) of compressed inert gas (9) and a flow- release actuator, the flow-release actuator (13) being actuable upon receipt of an actuation signal so as to release a flow (46) of inert gas (9) from said source, the arrangement being configured such that said flow (46) is directed substantially onto said storage unit (2) so as to cool the unit. The invention provides a cutting mechanism (23) operable under the action of said flow of gas (9) to sever a conductor (7) electrically connecting said storage unit (2) to circuitry (6) provided within said vehicle. Thus, the storage unit (2) is cooled and isolated from the rest of the vehicle.