Explosion-proof valve integrated in top cover and battery pack

Abstract

The present application relates to an explosion-proof valve and a battery pack integrated into an upper cover, comprising an upper cover body and an explosion-proof valve body, wherein the upper cover body comprises a receiving cavity; the explosion-proof valve body comprises a pressure relief pipe and a breathable membrane, wherein the pressure relief pipe is formed integrally with the upper cover body, one end of the pressure relief pipe communicates with the inside of the receiving cavity, and the other end of the pressure relief pipe communicates with the outside of the receiving cavity, and the breathable membrane is assembled to one end of the pressure relief pipe.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 2024202216141 filed with the Chinese Intellectual Property Office on January 29, 2024, the entire contents of said application are incorporated by reference into this application.

[0002] This application relates to the field of explosion-proof valve technology, and in particular to an explosion-proof valve and battery pack integrated into an upper cover. Background Technology

[0003] In related technology, explosion-proof valves are installed to release pressure and vent gas, taking into account that a lithium battery instantaneously generates a large amount of toxic gas when ignited, in order to prevent thermal runaway accidents and prevent pressure imbalances inside and outside the battery pack.

[0004] In the related technology, if the internal pressure or temperature of the battery exceeds a limit, an explosion-proof valve automatically opens to release the internal pressure, ensuring the safety of the battery, and battery packs of this technology generally use a separate explosion-proof valve. The problem to be solved

[0005] First, the cost of each individual explosion-proof valve component is high, and the need for additional materials and manufacturing processes increases the overall price of the battery pack.

[0006] Second, the assembly process and complexity of the battery pack increase because a separate explosion-proof valve must be assembled on the top cover of the battery pack. To prevent gas leakage inside the battery pack during the assembly process, the sealing performance between the explosion-proof valve and the top cover must be ensured. This requires additional processes and detection methods, which increases production costs and time. means of solving the problem

[0007] According to a first embodiment, the present application provides an explosion-proof valve integrated with an upper cover, comprising an upper cover body and an explosion-proof valve body, wherein the upper cover body comprises a receiving cavity; the explosion-proof valve body comprises a pressure relief pipe and a breathable membrane, wherein the pressure relief pipe is formed integrally with the upper cover body, one end of the pressure relief pipe communicates with the inside of the receiving cavity, and the other end of the pressure relief pipe communicates with the outside of the receiving cavity, and the breathable membrane is assembled to one end of the pressure relief pipe.

[0008] According to a second aspect, the present application provides a battery pack comprising a battery module, a battery box, and an explosion-proof valve integrated into an upper cover, wherein the battery module comprises one or more cells and a pressure relief valve assembled to the cells, and the pressure relief valve communicates with one end of the pressure relief pipe. Effects of the invention

[0009] 1. Reduction in the number of parts: By integrating the explosion-proof valve body and the upper cover body, the number of parts and costs can be reduced. This reduces manufacturing and assembly time and costs, and improves production efficiency.

[0010] 2. Improved Reliability: By integrating the explosion-proof valve body and the upper cover body, the assembly airtightness between the two can be increased, the risk of leakage reduced, and reliability improved. This enhances product quality and safety and reduces breakdown and repair costs.

[0011] 3. Improved Production Efficiency: By integrating the explosion-proof valve body and the upper cover body into a single unit, the assembly process is shortened and production efficiency is improved. This allows for a reduction in production cycles and costs, thereby enhancing product competitiveness.

[0012] 4. Improved User Experience: By integrating the explosion-proof valve body and the upper cover body, the volume and weight of the product can be reduced and the user experience improved. This further enhances the product's portability and ease of use, leading to higher user satisfaction. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0013] FIG. 1 is an external structural diagram of an upper cover body according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 2 is an internal structural diagram of an upper cover body according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 3 is an enlarged structural diagram of an explosion-proof valve body according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 4 is a partially exploded structural diagram of an explosion-proof valve body according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of an explosion-proof valve body according to an embodiment of the present application. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0014] In the description of this application, the directional or positional relationships indicated by terms such as “up,” “down,” “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “inside,” “outside,” etc. are based on the directional or positional relationships shown in the drawings. This is merely for the convenience of describing this application and for the purpose of simplifying the description. It is not intended to indicate or imply that the mentioned device or element must have a specific direction and be configured and operated in a specific direction, and therefore should not be interpreted as a limitation on this application.

[0015] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this document have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art. The terms used in the description of this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application.

[0016] An embodiment of the present application provides an explosion-proof valve integrated into an upper cover as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, comprising an integrally molded upper cover body (1) and an explosion-proof valve body (2), and the integral design can reduce the number of parts and costs, reduce the assembly process, improve production efficiency, prevent assembly airtightness issues between the two, reduce the risk of leakage, and improve reliability.

[0017] In a specific embodiment, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper cover body (1) has a receiving cavity (11), one side of the receiving cavity (11) is open to form an opening (12), and the side of the receiving cavity (11) facing the opening (12) is a cross section (13) of the upper cover body (1), and the explosion-proof valve body (2) includes a pressure relief pipe (21) and a breathable membrane (22), one end of the pressure relief pipe (21) is in communication with the inside of the receiving cavity (11), and the other end of the pressure relief pipe (21) is in communication with the outside of the receiving cavity (11), and the breathable membrane (22) is assembled to one end of the pressure relief pipe (21). Specifically, referring to FIG. 4, the pressure relief pipe (21) includes a first pipe (211) and a second pipe (212), the first pipe (211) is connected perpendicularly to the cross section (13), and the second pipe (212) is connected perpendicularly to the first pipe (211). The vertical connection between the second pipe (212) and the first pipe (211) causes the airflow to receive greater resistance when passing through the explosion-proof valve, thereby lowering the pressure of the airflow and preventing the airflow from flowing backward. This prevents the explosion wave from propagating in the reverse direction from the explosion-proof valve, and at the same time, the 90° bend helps to reduce noise generated when the airflow passes through the explosion-proof valve, thereby improving the reliability of the explosion-proof valve and the safety of the worker.

[0018] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the cross section (13) of the upper cover body (1) is adjacent to a plurality of side sections (14), and the second pipe (212) penetrates the adjacent side section (14). At least a portion of the second pipe (212) is inserted into the side section (14), and the end of the second pipe (212) that penetrates the side section (14) and extends outward from the receiving cavity (11) forms a pressure release port (23). When the internal pressure of the battery pack exceeds a set value, the breathable membrane (22) is damaged, thereby releasing the internal pressure of the battery pack through the pressure release port (23). In some embodiments, the second pipe (212) is vertically connected to the side (14), and when the angle between the side (14) and the cross section (13) is greater than 90°, the angle between the first pipe (211) and the second pipe (212) can be appropriately adjusted to correspond to the angle between the side (14) and the cross section (13) to obtain a better fitting effect. Of course, in other embodiments, the angle between the side (14) and the cross section (13) may not correspond to the angle between the first pipe (211) and the second pipe (212), and may be changed according to actual circumstances and is not specifically limited in this embodiment.

[0019] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 4, a reinforcing pipe (3) is installed within the second pipe (212) to improve the pressure release strength of the second pipe (212) and prevent explosion during pressure release. At least a portion of the reinforcing pipe (3) is inserted into the first pipe (211), and an exhaust valve (31) is installed at one end of the reinforcing pipe (3) close to the first pipe (211). By installing the reinforcing pipe (3), the thickness of the second pipe (212) can be increased to secure its own strength, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the explosion-proof valve. In one embodiment, the reinforcing pipe (3) and the second pipe (212) are formed as a single unit to save assembly processes, and in other embodiments, the specific assembly method between the reinforcing pipe (3) and the second pipe (212) is not limited.

[0020] For better classification and depressurization of pressure-releasing gas, in some embodiments, referring to FIG. 4, the exhaust valve (31) includes at least one support beam (311), and a ventilation hole (312) is formed between the support beam (311) and the reinforcing pipe (3). The support beam (311) of the exhaust valve (31) improves the safety and reliability of the explosion-proof valve and is generally formed by joining two intersecting metal support beams (311) or three intersecting metal support beams (311). In one embodiment, three support beams (311) are installed, one end of each of the three support beams (311) is connected to the axis of the reinforcing pipe (3), and the other end of each of the three support beams (311) is connected to the inner wall of the reinforcing pipe (3). The method of connecting both ends of the support beams (311) includes, but is not limited to, integral connection, welding, or joining. At the connection location of the three support beams (311), a conical block (32) is installed on one side facing the receiving cavity (11), and a sorting groove is provided on the surface of the conical block (32) along the axial direction of the conical block (32), and the conical block (32) is used to control the flow rate and direction of the air flow. When the air flow passes through the conical structure, the air flow velocity increases and the air flow pressure decreases, and the sorting groove disperses the air flow and discharges it through a plurality of ventilation holes (312), thereby obtaining the effect of reducing the air flow pressure. In another embodiment, the number of support beams (311) is not particularly limited, so the joint shape of the support beams (311) includes, but is not limited to, a cross shape, a triangle shape, or a square shape.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 4, a stepped assembly platform (4) is formed between one end of the reinforcing pipe (3) facing the receiving cavity (11) and the first pipe (211), and the breathable membrane (22) is installed on the stepped assembly platform (4) to aid in the assembly of the breathable membrane (22). In some embodiments, the breathable membrane (22) and the stepped assembly platform (4) are connected by hot melt or ultrasonic welding.

[0022] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, an assembly lip (15) extending outward from the receiving cavity (11) is provided at the edge of the opening (12) of the receiving cavity (11), and in order for the assembly lip (15) to protect the pressure release port (23), the second pipe (212) is designed so that the end penetrating the side (14) does not protrude beyond the end of the assembly lip (15), thereby protecting the pressure release port (23) of the second pipe (212) and reducing the risk of contact with the pressure release port (23), so that the explosion-proof valve is not easily damaged by impact.

[0023] In some embodiments, to improve the response speed and efficiency of the explosion-proof valve, the inner wall radius of the second pipe (212) gradually increases in the direction away from the receiving cavity (11). In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, by changing only the inner wall radius of the second pipe (212) near the pressure release port (23), the flow area of ​​the pressure release port (23) is increased, thereby increasing the pressure release speed and improving the response speed and efficiency of the explosion-proof valve.

[0024] The present application further provides a battery pack comprising a battery module, a battery box, and an explosion-proof valve integrated into an upper cover, wherein the battery module comprises one or more cells and a pressure relief valve assembled to the cells, and the pressure relief valve communicates with one end of the pressure relief pipe (21). The explosion-proof valve and the upper cover body (1) are designed as a single unit to improve the production efficiency of the battery pack, reduce production costs, and shorten the assembly process. Explanation of the symbols

[0025] 1: Upper cover body; 11: Receiving cavity; 12: Opening; 13: Cross-section; 14: Side; 15: Assembly Rib; 2: Explosion-proof valve body; 21: Pressure relief pipe; 211: First pipe; 212: 2nd pipe; 22: Breathable membrane; 23: Pressure relief port; 3: Reinforcement pipe; 31: Exhaust valve; 311: Support beam; 312: Ventilation holes; 32: Cone-shaped block; 4: Staircase assembly platform.

Claims

Claim 1 An explosion-proof valve integrated with an upper cover, comprising an upper cover body (1) and an explosion-proof valve body (2), wherein the upper cover body (1) has a receiving cavity (11); The explosion-proof valve body (2) comprises a pressure relief pipe (21) and a breathable membrane (22), wherein the pressure relief pipe (21) is integrally formed with the upper cover body (1), one end of the pressure relief pipe (21) communicates with the inside of the receiving cavity (11), and the other end of the pressure relief pipe (21) communicates with the outside of the receiving cavity (11), and the breathable membrane (22) is assembled to one end of the pressure relief pipe (21), and one side of the receiving cavity (11) is open to form an opening (12), and the side of the receiving cavity (11) facing the opening (12) is the cross section (13) of the upper cover body (1), and the pressure relief pipe (21) comprises a first pipe (211) and a second pipe (212), wherein the first pipe (211) is connected vertically to the cross section (13), and the second pipe (212) An explosion-proof valve integrated into an upper cover, characterized in that it is vertically connected to a first pipe (211), a reinforcing pipe (3) is installed within the second pipe (212), at least a portion of the reinforcing pipe (3) is drawn into the first pipe (211), and an exhaust valve (31) is installed at one end of the reinforcing pipe (3) close to the first pipe (211). Claim 2 An explosion-proof valve integrated into an upper cover, characterized in that, in claim 1, the cross section (13) of the upper cover body (1) is adjacent to a plurality of side sections (14), the second pipe (212) penetrates the adjacent side section (14), at least a portion of the second pipe (212) is inserted into the side section (14), and the end of the second pipe (212) that penetrates the side section (14) and extends outside the receiving cavity (11) forms a pressure release port (23). Claim 3 An explosion-proof valve integrated with an upper cover, characterized in that, in claim 1, the exhaust valve (31) includes at least one support beam (311), and a ventilation hole (312) is formed between the support beam (311) and the reinforcing pipe (3). Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the explosion-proof valve integrated with the upper cover is characterized in that the support beam (311) has a conical block (32) installed on one side facing the receiving cavity (11). Claim 5 An explosion-proof valve integrated with an upper cover, characterized in that, in claim 1, a stepped assembly platform (4) is formed between one end of the reinforcing pipe (3) facing the receiving cavity (11) and the first pipe (211), and the breathable membrane (22) is installed on the stepped assembly platform (4). Claim 6 An explosion-proof valve integrated with an upper cover, characterized in that, in paragraph 2, an assembly lip (15) extending outward from the receiving cavity (11) is provided at the edge of the opening (12) of the receiving cavity (11), and the end of the second pipe (212) penetrating the side (14) does not protrude beyond the end of the assembly lip (15). Claim 7 An explosion-proof valve integrated with an upper cover, characterized in that, in claim 1, the inner wall radius of the second pipe (212) gradually increases in the direction away from the receiving cavity (11). Claim 8 A battery pack comprising a battery module, a battery box, and an explosion-proof valve integrated into an upper cover according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the battery module comprises one or more cells and a pressure relief valve assembled to the cells, and wherein the pressure relief valve is in communication with one end of the pressure relief pipe (21). Claim 9 delete Claim 10 delete

Images