Vent assembly with membrane

Abstract

A vent assembly for a battery or electrochemical cell, the vent assembly may include: a vent body, the vent body is configured to be connected to a battery housing or an electrochemical cell body; a flame arrester and / or a pressure valve, the flame arrester and / or the pressure valve are arranged in the vent body; a membrane, the membrane is arranged in the vent body between the vent opening of the battery or electrochemical cell and the flame arrester and / or the pressure valve, and the membrane is configured to protect the flame arrester and / or the pressure valve from the electrolyte solution of the battery or electrochemical cell; and a seal, the seal is arranged between the vent body and the membrane. In addition, a battery, the battery includes a vent assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to vented cells or batteries having alkaline or acidic electrolyte chemistries, and the use of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membranes in vent assemblies to protect flame arresters and / or pressure valves from electrolyte contamination during use or during handling / shipping. A vent assembly having the correct ePTFE membrane size and grade, the correct elastomer, and the correct compression allows for a tight seal around the ePTFE membrane. Background Art

[0002] For vented cells or batteries, components (eg, flame arresters, pressure valves, etc.) may become clogged, damaged, etc., based on electrolyte contamination when the vented cells or batteries are in use, handling, shipping, etc. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vent assembly for a battery pack or an electrochemical cell may include: a vent body configured to be connected to a battery pack housing or an electrochemical cell body; a component disposed in the vent body; a membrane disposed in the vent body between a vent opening of the battery pack or the electrochemical cell and the component, and the membrane being configured to protect the component from an electrolyte solution of the battery pack or the electrochemical cell; and a seal disposed between the vent body and the membrane.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vent assembly may include: a component disposed in a vent opening of a battery pack housing of a battery pack or a cell body of an electrochemical cell; a membrane disposed in the vent opening and configured to protect the component from an electrolyte solution of the battery pack or the electrochemical cell; and a seal. The membrane may be disposed between the seal and the component.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery pack may include: a plurality of electrochemical cells; a housing for accommodating the electrochemical cells; and a vent assembly.

[0006] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a battery pack may include a plurality of electrochemical cells, and each of the plurality of electrochemical cells may include a vent located at one end of the cell. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a vent assembly according to an embodiment;

[0008] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a vent assembly;

[0009] Figure 3 is an exploded view of a vent assembly according to an embodiment;

[0010] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a vent assembly;

[0011] Figure 5 is an exploded view of a vent assembly according to an embodiment;

[0012] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a vent assembly;

[0013] Figure 7 is an exploded view of a vent assembly according to an embodiment; and

[0014] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Cross-sectional view of the vent assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The following detailed description of example embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings.The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements.

[0016] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a vent assembly according to an embodiment. Figure 1 As shown in , a vent assembly 100 according to an embodiment may include a seal 110 , a vent body 120 , an elastomeric seal 130 , a membrane 140 , a component 150 , and a vent cover 160 .

[0017] The vent assembly 100 can be configured to be used in conjunction with a battery pack, an electrochemical cell, etc. and can be removable. The vent assembly is suitable for use in conjunction with a battery pack including one or more electrochemical cells, the electrochemical cell comprising an electrolyte, such as a nickel-cadmium (NiCd) electrolyte. Any type of alkaline electrolyte can also be used, such as nickel-iron (NiFe), nickel-zinc (NiZn), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) electrolyte, or a lead-acid electrolyte. For example, the vent assembly 100 can be connected to a battery pack housing, an electrochemical cell body, etc. The battery body refers to the component group that encloses the electrochemical cell, the battery container or battery can, and the battery cover.

[0018] The seal 110 may be configured to seal the vent body 120 and the battery pack housing. For example, the seal 110 may be disposed between the battery pack housing or the battery body and the vent body 120, and may seal the vent body 120 and the battery pack housing from internal and external substances. The seal 110 may include any suitable material such as synthetic polyisoprene, polybutadiene, silicone rubber, etc.

[0019] Vent body 120 may be configured to connect to a battery pack housing, an electrochemical cell body, etc. For example, vent body 120 may include a bottom portion configured to connect to a battery pack housing via a locking mechanism, a press fit mechanism, an adhesive, etc. Vent body 120 may include any suitable material such as metal, plastic, etc.

[0020] The vent body 120 may be configured to house the elastomeric seal 130, the membrane 140, and the component 150. For example, the vent body 120 may include a middle portion in which the elastomeric seal 130, the membrane 140, and the component 150 are disposed.

[0021] The vent body 120 may be configured to be connected to the vent cover 160. For example, the vent body 120 may include a top portion that is configured to be connected to the vent cover 160 via a locking mechanism, a press-fit mechanism, an adhesive, or the like.

[0022] Elastomeric seal 130 may be configured to support membrane 140 within vent body 120. For example, elastomeric seal 130 may support membrane 140 such that membrane 140 remains substantially stationary within vent body 120. In this way, membrane 140 may be supported within vent body 120 via elastomeric seal 130 rather than being heat welded or adhered via an adhesive, as such techniques may not be feasible in the presence of a corrosive electrolyte.

[0023] Elastomeric seal 130 may comprise any suitable material such as silicone rubber, silicone foam, rubber, EPDM, etc. Elastomeric seal 130 may be directly connected to vent body 120. Alternatively, elastomeric seal 130 may be integral with vent body 120 such that vent body 120 and elastomeric seal 130 constitute a single material and component. Alternatively, elastomeric seal 130 may be directly connected to membrane 140. Alternatively, elastomeric seal 130 may be directly connected to component 150. Alternatively, elastomeric seal 130 may be integral with component 150 such that component 150 and elastomeric seal 130 constitute a single material and component.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown in , the elastomeric seal 130 may be annular. Alternatively, the elastomeric seal 130 may have any suitable shape that allows the elastomeric seal 130 to support the membrane 140 within the vent body 120.

[0025] The membrane 140 can be configured to protect the component 150 from the electrolyte solution of the battery pack or electrochemical cell. For example, the membrane 140 can protect the component 150 from the electrolyte solution of the battery pack or electrochemical cell during transportation, use, etc. of the battery pack, so that contamination and / or corrosion of the component 150 can be reduced.

[0026] The membrane 140 may be a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene that exhibits hydrophobic, non-wetting, heat-resistant, and other properties. By being disposed between the electrolyte solution of the battery pack and the component 150, the membrane 140 may prevent the electrolyte solution in vapor or liquid form from contacting, damaging, corroding, clogging, and the like the component 150 (e.g., during transportation based on the battery pack being inverted, during use, and the like). In addition, the membrane 140 may allow the component 150 to remain functional and allow gases (hydrogen and oxygen) to escape from the battery pack or electrochemical cell.

[0027] The membrane 140 may include any suitable material. For example, the membrane 140 may include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), and the like.

[0028] Component 150 may be a flame arrester, a pressure valve, etc. Vent cover 160 may be configured to cover vent body 120. For example, vent cover 160 may be connected to vent body 120 via a locking mechanism, a press fit, an adhesive, etc.

[0029] As shown, vent assembly 100 may include a vent body 120 connected to a battery container, and an elastomeric seal 130, a membrane 140, and a component 150 disposed within vent body 120. Vent cover 160 may cover vent body 120. As such, membrane 140 may be disposed within vent body 120 between component 150 and elastomeric seal 130 with sufficient compression so that membrane 140 may protect component 150 from the electrolyte solution of the battery.

[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the vent assembly. Figure 2 As shown in , the vent assembly 100 may include: a seal 110, which is disposed between the battery pack container and the outer surface of the vent body 120; the vent body 120; an elastomeric seal 130, which is disposed in the vent body 120; a membrane 140, which is disposed on the elastomeric seal 130; a component 150, which is disposed on the membrane 140; and a vent cover 160, which is connected to the vent body 120.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown in , vent body 120 may include an internal recess that accommodates elastomeric seal 130, membrane 140, and component 150. As shown, vent body 120 may include an inner flange surface that allows elastomeric seal 130 to be supported by vent body 120. Membrane 140 may be disposed on elastomeric seal 130, and component 150 may be disposed on the membrane. Vent cover 160 may compress component 150, membrane 140, and elastomeric seal 130. In this way, membrane 140 may be disposed within vent body 120 between component 150 and elastomeric seal 130 with sufficient compression so that membrane 140 can protect component 150 from the electrolyte solution of the battery pack.

[0032] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a vent assembly according to an embodiment. Figure 3 As shown in , vent assembly 200 may include elastomeric seal 230 , membrane 240 , component 250 , and vent cover 260 .

[0033] Elastomeric seal 230, membrane 240, component 250, and vent cover 260 may be combined with the above Figure 1 The depicted elastomeric seal 130, membrane 140, component 150, and vent cover 160 are substantially identical.

[0034] The battery case or cell body may include a portion configured to house the elastomeric seal 230, the membrane 240, and the component 250. As such, the membrane 240 may be disposed within the battery case or cell body between the component 250 and the elastomeric seal 230 with sufficient compression such that the membrane 240 may protect the component 250 from the electrolyte solution of the battery.

[0035] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the vent assembly. Figure 4 As shown in , the vent assembly 200 may include: an elastomeric seal 230, which is disposed on an inner flange surface of a battery pack housing or a battery body; a membrane 240, which is disposed on the elastomeric seal 230; a component 250, which is disposed on the membrane 240; and a vent cover 260.

[0036] Figure 5 is an exploded view of a vent assembly according to an embodiment. Figure 5 As shown in , vent assembly 300 may include seal 310, vent body 320, elastomeric seal 330, membrane 340, and component 350. Vent assembly 300 may be substantially the same as vent assembly 100, except that vent assembly 300 may not include a vent cover.

[0037] Component 350 may be configured to be coupled to vent body 320. For example, component 350 may include a portion configured to be coupled to vent body 320 via a locking mechanism, a press-fit mechanism, an adhesive, or the like.

[0038] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the vent assembly. Figure 6 As shown in , the vent assembly 300 may include: a seal 310, which is disposed between the battery pack container and the outer surface of the vent body 320; an elastomeric seal 330, which is disposed on the inner flange surface of the vent body 320; a membrane 340, which is disposed on the elastomeric seal 330; and a component 350, which is disposed on the membrane 340.

[0039] Figure 7 is an exploded view of a vent assembly according to an embodiment. Figure 7 As shown in , vent assembly 400 may include elastomeric seal 430, membrane 440, and component 450. The battery pack housing or battery body may include an opening configured to accommodate elastomeric seal 430, membrane 440, and component 450.

[0040] Component 450 may be configured to be connected to a battery pack housing or a battery body. For example, component 450 may include a portion configured to be connected to a battery pack housing or a battery body via a locking mechanism, a press-fit mechanism, an adhesive, etc.

[0041] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the vent assembly. Figure 8 As shown in , the elastomeric seal 430 can be disposed in the battery pack housing or the battery body and can be disposed on the inner flange surface of the battery pack housing or the battery body. The membrane 440 can be disposed on the elastomeric seal 430, and the component 450 can be disposed on the membrane 440.

[0042] Experimental testing was performed using a vent assembly as described herein. For the transport test, the battery was placed in an inverted state at a temperature of 65°C ± 5°C for 7 days and filled with 25.4 mm of a 30% potassium hydroxide (KOH) electrolyte solution. The vent assembly showed no leakage.

[0043] Additionally, experimental testing was performed using a nickel-cadmium battery pack at a constant potential (floating voltage), uncontrolled climate, and 25% annual average humidity and temperatures exceeding 39° C. (103° F.) During this testing, the vent assembly exhibited no increase in back pressure.

[0044] Additionally, experimental testing was performed in accordance with UL 1989. The vent assembly was shown to comply with the UL 1989 standard.

[0045] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the implementations.

[0046] Although particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of possible implementations. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification. Although each dependent claim listed below may be directly dependent on only one claim, the disclosure of possible implementations includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim group.

[0047] Unless explicitly described like this, any element, action or instruction used herein should not be interpreted as critical or necessary. In addition, as used herein, the articles "one" and "an" are intended to include one or more items and can be used interchangeably with "one or more". In addition, as used herein, the term "group" is intended to include one or more items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, combinations of related and unrelated items, etc.), and can be used interchangeably with "one or more". If only one item is intended to be used, the term "one" or similar language is used. In addition, as used herein, the terms "have", "have", "have" etc. are intended to be open terms. In addition, unless otherwise explicitly stated, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based at least in part on".

Claims

1. A vent assembly for a battery or electrochemical cell, the vent assembly comprising: a vent body configured to be connected to a battery housing, or configured to be connected to an electrochemical cell body, and comprising an inner flange surface; a component, the component being arranged in the vent body, the component being a pressure valve and / or a flame arrester; a membrane disposed in the vent body between a vent opening of the battery or electrochemical cell and the component, wherein the membrane comprises polytetrafluoroethylene and is configured to protect the component from an electrolyte solution of the battery or electrochemical cell; as well as a seal disposed between the vent body and the membrane, the inner flange surface allowing the seal to be supported by the vent body, The membrane is disposed on the seal, and the component is disposed on the membrane, The vent assembly further includes a vent cover configured to cover the vent opening of the battery pack or the electrochemical cell, configured to be connected to the vent body via a locking mechanism or an adhesive, and the vent cover is disposed on the component, The vent cover compresses the component, the membrane and the seal.

2. The vent assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The seal is an elastomeric seal.

3. The vent assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The polytetrafluoroethylene is expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.

4. A vent assembly comprising: a component disposed in a vent opening of a battery case or disposed in a vent opening of an electrochemical cell body, the battery case or the electrochemical cell body comprising an inner flange surface, and the component being a pressure valve and / or a flame arrester; a membrane disposed in the vent opening, wherein the membrane comprises polytetrafluoroethylene and is configured to protect the component from an electrolyte solution of a battery or electrochemical cell; and a seal disposed on the inner flange surface, wherein the membrane is disposed between the seal and the component, The vent assembly further includes a vent cover configured to cover the vent opening of the battery pack or the electrochemical cell, configured to be connected to a vent body in the electrochemical cell or the battery pack via a locking mechanism or an adhesive, and the vent cover is disposed on the component, The vent cover compresses the component, the membrane and the seal.

5. The vent assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The seal is an elastomeric seal.

6. The vent assembly of claim 4, wherein: The polytetrafluoroethylene is expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.

7. A battery pack comprising: a plurality of electrochemical cells; a housing for accommodating the electrochemical cell; as well as The vent assembly for a battery pack according to claim 1.

8. An electrochemical cell assembly comprising: Electrochemical cells; as well as A vent assembly for an electrochemical cell according to claim 1.

9. A battery pack comprising a plurality of electrochemical cell assemblies according to claim 8.

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