Leakage check enclosure through exhaust valve or pressure relief valve

Abstract

When one or more valve devices are pre-mounted on the enclosure, leakage of the enclosure can be checked through the valve devices of the enclosure. The valve arrangement includes a blocking member that opens and closes a test flow path through the valve arrangement. Certain types of valves provide passive venting of fluid within the housing. For example, the valve device may include a membrane that provides an exhaust gas flow path through the valve device. Certain types of valves provide pressure relief during thermal runaway or other pressure peaks within the housing. For example, the valve device may include a flow restricting member that opens and closes a pressure relief flow path through the valve device.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 351,211, filed on June 10, 2022; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 351,185, filed on June 10, 2022; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 390,899, filed on July 20, 2022; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 375,333, filed on September 12, 2022; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 380,783, filed on October 25, 2022; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 479,864, filed on January 13, 2023; Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202311014566, filed on March 4, 2023; Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202311018908, filed on March 20, 2023; Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202311027580, filed on April 14, 2023; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 501018, filed on May 9, 2023; all disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background Art

[0003] The enclosure (e.g., a battery housing that encloses the battery cells) may need to passively vent various gases over the life of the battery. Current battery venting modules may use custom molded seals and be installed within the device. In addition, the battery housing may be subject to overpressure conditions, in which the battery causes the pressure in the battery housing to increase above a safe level, which may cause damage or rupture of the battery housing. In addition, in an overpressure condition, the pressure relief fluid may come into contact with the membrane or element that promotes venting; the composition of the pressure relief fluid may damage the material of the membrane.

[0004] It may be necessary to check an enclosure for leaks after or during manufacturing. An existing enclosure has a through hole that is used to perform an end-of-line leak check at the end of the enclosure's manufacturing process. After the end-of-line leak check is performed, a passive exhaust port is installed into the through hole of the enclosure. The through hole in which this passive exhaust port is installed cannot be leak checked. Instead, performing another leak check on the enclosure either requires creating another through hole or adding additional steps (e.g., removing the passive exhaust port, performing a leak check, and then reinstalling the passive exhaust port after the leak check).

[0005] A device that can provide a means of venting the cell casing, provide pressure relief, provide leak detection, and / or protect the membrane from the relief fluid during pressure relief may be beneficial. Summary of the invention

[0006] Various additional inventive aspects will be described in the following description. Inventive aspects may relate to individual features and feature combinations. It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory and do not limit the broad inventive concepts on which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

[0007] Aspects of the present invention relate to valves for housings (e.g., electrical housings, battery housings, etc.) and methods for checking housing leaks through valves. The valve enables the housing to be leak checked through the valve. For example, after the valve is installed, the housing can be leak checked at the end of a housing production line. The leak check is performed by attaching and sealing a leak check device to the valve and moving a blocking member within the valve to an unblocked position to open a test flow path through the valve. In some examples, the leak check pressurizes the housing through the valve. In other examples, the leak check evacuates the housing through the valve.

[0008] In some embodiments, the blocking member is biased to a blocking position that closes the test flow path. In some examples, the blocking member includes a resilient member that has an inherent material bias to maintain position. For example, the resilient member can be an umbrella valve. In other examples, a spring is used to bias the blocking member to a blocking position. In other examples, the blocking member is attached to a valve cap or other component that is itself biased by a spring.

[0009] In some embodiments, attaching a test device to the valve depresses the bonnet, which pushes a blocking member within the valve to an unblocked position, thereby opening a test flow path. In some examples, the bonnet is biased to an undepressed position. In some examples, the bonnet includes an actuation inhibitor that interacts with the valve body separately from the bias to inhibit depression of the bonnet in the absence of a predetermined amount of force. The actuation inhibitor reduces the likelihood of accidentally opening the test flow path.

[0010] In some embodiments, the valve is also configured to provide pressure relief during thermal runaway or another pressure peak event. For example, a flow limiting member is arranged in the valve to open and close a pressure relief flow path through the valve. At least a portion of the pressure relief flow path is different from the test flow path. The pressure relief flow path may include a test flow path. The flow limiting member can be moved between a sealing position and an unsealed position regardless of the attachment of the test device. The flow limiting member is biased to the sealing position. The bias applied to the flow limiting member is configured to be overcome by the pressure relief fluid during an explosion or other pressure peak event.

[0011] In some embodiments, the blocking member is mounted to and carried by the flow limiting member. In some examples, the flow limiting member includes a pressure relief disc, and the blocking member includes a lift valve that can move relative to the pressure relief disc. In other examples, the flow limiting member includes a pivoting gate, and the blocking member includes a door that can pivot relative to the gate.

[0012] In some embodiments, a hydrophobic membrane is disposed within the valve to provide an exhaust flow path that is distinct from a test flow path and a pressure relief flow path. The test flow path and the pressure relief flow path both allow at least some fluid to bypass the exhaust flow path of the valve. In some examples, the exhaust flow path is restricted compared to the test flow path. In some examples, the exhaust flow path is restricted compared to the pressure relief flow path.

[0013] In some embodiments, one or more valves may be mounted to the manifold. In some examples, only one of the valves mounted to the manifold is configured to enable a leak check to be performed therethrough. In some examples, a connector (e.g., an electrical connector) may also be disposed on the manifold. In some examples, the manifold may include a flame arrester.

[0014] The present invention summary is intended to introduce some concepts in a simplified form, which will be further described in the following detailed description. The present invention summary is not intended to identify the key features or essential technical features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the present invention. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

[0016] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples are described with reference to the following figures.

[0017] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a valve device usable with a capsule constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention is shown according to an example.

[0018] Figure 2 According to the example Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a valve device showing the valve device in an open position, comprising a test device.

[0019] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a valve device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention that may be used with a housing is shown, according to an example, showing the valve device in a closed position.

[0020] Figure 4 According to the example Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a valve device showing the valve device in a closed position and showing a representation of the housing.

[0021] Figure 5 According to the example Figure 3A cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a valve device is shown in a closed position and an embodiment connected to a housing.

[0022] Figure 6 According to the example Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a valve device showing the valve device in an open pressure relief position.

[0023] Figure 7 According to the example Figure 3 0026] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a valve arrangement showing the valve arrangement in an open test position.

[0024] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a valve device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention that may be used with a housing is shown, according to an example, showing the valve device in a closed position.

[0025] Fig. 9 According to the example Figure 8 0026] A cross-sectional view of a valve device showing the valve device in an open pressure relief position and showing a representation of the housing.

[0026] Fig.10 According to the example Figure 8 0026] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a valve arrangement of FIG. 1, showing the valve arrangement in an open test position.

[0027] Fig.11 According to the example Figure 8 A side view of a valve test lifting member of a valve apparatus.

[0028] Fig.12 According to the example Figure 8 Side view of a porous element of a valve device.

[0029] Fig.13 According to the example Figure 8 A side view of an exhaust assembly of a valve apparatus.

[0030] Fig.14 According to the example Figure 8 A top view of a valve test lifting member of a valve device.

[0031] Fig.15 According to the example Figure 8 A top view of a porous element of a valve device.

[0032] Fig.16 According to the example Figure 8 A top view of the exhaust component of the valve device.

[0033] Fig.17is a perspective view of an example connector manifold apparatus including a valve station and a connector station according to an example.

[0034] Fig.18 Based on the example Fig.17 A cross-sectional view of a connector manifold assembly.

[0035] Fig.19 According to the example, it is suitable for installation in Fig.17 A first perspective view of an example valve device at a valve station of a connector manifold device, wherein components are shown exploded from one another for ease of viewing.

[0036] Fig. 20 yes Fig.19 A second perspective view of the valve device.

[0037] Fig.21 Based on the example Fig.17 A perspective view of a connector manifold with the valve assembly removed to facilitate viewing of the valve stations.

[0038] Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view of another example valve apparatus configured in accordance with the principles of the present invention according to an example, the valve apparatus having a first example leak check actuation inhibition apparatus.

[0039] Fig.22A For example Fig. 22 An enlarged view of a portion of.

[0040] Fig.23 is a cross-sectional view of another example valve apparatus configured in accordance with the principles of the present invention according to an example, the valve apparatus having a second example leak check actuation inhibition apparatus.

[0041] Fig.24A is a cross-sectional view of another example valve device configured in accordance with the principles of the present invention, the valve device having a dual spring design, the valve device being in an operating state, according to an example.

[0042] Fig. 24B yes Fig.24A A cross-sectional view of a valve device, wherein the valve device is in a pressure relief state.

[0043] Fig.24C yes Fig.24A A cross-sectional view of a valve device in which the valve device is in a test state, the valve cap is shown pressed down, but for ease of viewing, the test device is omitted in the figure.

[0044] Fig.24D yes Fig.24A A perspective view of a cross section of a valve device, wherein the components are exploded from one another for easier viewing.

[0045] Fig.24Eyes Fig.24D Another perspective view of a cross-section of a valve device.

[0046] Fig.25 is a cross-sectional view of another example valve device configured in accordance with the principles of the present invention, also having a dual spring design, according to an example.

[0047] Fig.26 is a first perspective view of a partial cross-section of another example valve apparatus configured in accordance with the principles of the present invention, the valve apparatus including a flame arrester / particle trap, according to an example.

[0048] Fig. 27 Based on the example Fig.26 A second perspective view of the valve device.

[0049] Fig.28 is a first perspective view of an example manifold holding a plurality of valve assemblies according to an example, the manifold including valve assemblies configured according to example principles, which may be any of the valve assemblies disclosed herein.

[0050] Fig.29 Based on the example Fig.28 A second perspective view of the manifold showing the multi-valve flame arrester / particle trap.

[0051] Fig.30 Shown are cross sections of a three-stage valve equipped with a test device and another type of valve equipped with a sealing cap mounted on a housing during a leak check according to an example.

[0052] Fig.31 A first valve according to an example, configured to provide passive exhaust and thermal runaway relief, is shown mounted on a housing, and an example test rig is configured to facilitate checking the housing for leaks through the valve.

[0053] Fig.32 The example of the device according to which the leak detection is performed is shown. Fig.31 Adapter for the first valve.

[0054] Fig.33 A second valve defining a passive exhaust path, a thermal runaway pressure relief path, and a leak check path according to an example is shown.

[0055] Fig.34 The example of the device according to which the leak detection is performed is shown. Fig.33 Adapter for the second valve.

[0056] Fig.35 A third valve defining a passive exhaust path, a thermal runaway pressure relief path, and a leak check path according to an example is shown.

[0057] Fig.36The example of the device according to which the leak detection is performed is shown. Fig.35 Test device for the third valve.

[0058] Fig.37 A fourth valve defining a passive exhaust path, a thermal runaway pressure relief path, and a leak check path according to an example is shown.

[0059] Fig.38 The example of the device according to which the leak detection is performed is shown. Fig.37 Another example test device for a fourth valve.

[0060] Fig.39 An example test device suitable for use with any of the valves disclosed herein is shown having an externally located sensor device according to an example.

[0061] Fig.40 is a perspective view of a valve configured in accordance with the principles of the present invention, according to an example.

[0062] Fig.41 Based on the example Fig.40 A cross-sectional view of a valve with the platform assembly visible, the valve is shown with the cover in an undepressed position, the gate in a closed position, and the door in a closed position.

[0063] Fig.42 Based on the example Fig.41 A perspective view of a platform assembly with its components exploded from one another.

[0064] Fig.43 Based on the example Fig.40 A cross-sectional view of a valve of , showing the exhaust flow path through the platform assembly providing passive exhaust / venting to the housing in which the valve is mounted.

[0065] Fig.44 Based on the example Fig.40 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a valve showing relief fluid flowing from the housing through the platform assembly along the relief and test flow paths.

[0066] Fig.45 Based on the example Fig.40 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a valve showing test fluid passing through the platform assembly and into the housing along a test flow path.

[0067] Fig.46 Based on the example Fig.40 A first perspective view of the valve of FIG. 1 , showing the cap, valve body, platform assembly and external gasket exploded outwardly from one another.

[0068] Fig.47 Based on the example Fig.46 FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of the exploded components of the valve.

[0069] Fig.48 Based on the example Fig.40 A perspective view of a valve with the cap removed to facilitate viewing of the interior of the valve body.

[0070] Fig.49 Based on the example Fig.40 A cross-sectional view of the valve body of a valve.

[0071] Fig.50 A perspective view of an embodiment of a valve device that may be used in a battery housing and configured in accordance with the principles of the present invention is shown, according to an example.

[0072] Fig.51 According to the example Fig.50 A cross-sectional perspective view of a valve device of FIG. 1 , showing the valve device in a closed position.

[0073] Fig.52 According to the example Fig.50 A cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a valve device showing the valve device in a closed position including a non-circular O-ring.

[0074] Fig.53 According to the example Fig.50 A cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a valve device showing the valve device in a closed position, including a molded sealing ring.

[0075] Fig.54 According to the example Fig.50 A cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a valve device showing the valve device in a closed position, including a molded plastic seal.

[0076] Fig.55 According to the example Fig.50 A cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a valve device showing the valve device in a closed position including a biased membrane protection member disc.

[0077] Fig.56 According to the example Fig.50 A cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a valve device showing the valve device in a closed position including a biased membrane protection member plate.

[0078] Fig.57 According to the example Fig.50 A cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a valve device showing the valve device in a closed position including a torsionally biased membrane protection member plate.

[0079] Fig.58 According to the example Fig.50A cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a valve device showing the valve device in a closed position, including a butterfly valve.

[0080] Fig.59 According to the example Fig.50 A cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a valve device is shown in a closed position, including a top weighted membrane protection member disc.

[0081] Fig.60 According to the example Fig.59 A cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a valve device is shown in a vertical position.

[0082] Fig.61 According to the example Fig.50 A cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a valve device is shown in a closed position, comprising a membrane configured to rupture to release pressure exceeding a predetermined pressure.

[0083] Fig.62 According to the example Fig.50 A top view of the valve device.

[0084] Fig.63 According to the example Fig.50 Side view of the valve device.

[0085] Fig.64 According to the example Fig.50 A cross-sectional perspective view of a valve device of FIG. 1 , showing the valve device in an open position.

[0086] Fig.65 A perspective view of an embodiment of a valve device that may be used in a battery housing constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention is shown according to an example.

[0087] Fig.66 According to the example Fig.65 Top view of the valve device with the cap removed.

[0088] Fig.67 According to the example Fig.65 A top perspective exploded view of a valve device.

[0089] Fig.68 According to the example Fig.65 A bottom perspective exploded view of a valve device.

[0090] Fig.69 According to the example Fig.65 A top view of a valve body of a valve device.

[0091] Fig.70 According to the example Fig.65A side view of a valve body of a valve device.

[0092] Fig.71 According to the example Fig.65 A top view of a lift valve component of a valve device.

[0093] Fig.72 According to the example Fig.65 A bottom view of a lift valve component of a valve device.

[0094] Fig.73 According to the example Fig.65 Another embodiment of a bottom view of a lift valve member of a valve device.

[0095] Fig.74 According to the example Fig.65 A perspective view of a lift valve member of a valve device.

[0096] Fig.75 According to the example Fig.65 A side view of a lift valve component of a valve device.

[0097] Fig.76 According to the example Fig.65 A perspective view of a lift valve member and membrane protection member subassembly of a valve device.

[0098] Fig.77 According to the example Fig.65 A side view of a lift valve member and membrane protection member subassembly of a valve device.

[0099] Fig.78 According to the example Fig.65 A cross-sectional view of a valve device showing the valve device in a closed breathing position.

[0100] Fig.79 According to the example Fig.65 A cross-sectional view of a valve device showing the valve device in a closed membrane sealing position.

[0101] Fig.80 According to the example Fig.65 A cross-sectional view of a valve device is shown in the open position.

[0102] Fig.81 A method for managing pressure in a battery housing according to an example is shown.

[0103] Fig.82 A method for managing pressure in a battery housing according to an example is shown.

[0104] Fig.83is a flow chart illustrating an example leak checking method for use with the valve apparatus disclosed herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0105] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary aspects of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0106] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part of this document, in which specific embodiments or examples are shown by way of illustration. These aspects may be combined, other aspects may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the present disclosure. The examples may be practiced as methods, systems, or devices. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be considered restrictive, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0107] The present invention relates to a valve by which a housing (e.g., an electrical housing or a battery housing) can be leak checked (e.g., an end-of-line leak check). The valve is attached to the housing so that the exterior of the valve is sealed to the housing. A blocking member disposed within the valve opens and closes a test flow path through the valve. In some embodiments, the blocking member is biased to a blocking position, thereby closing the test flow path.

[0108] A housing (e.g., a battery housing enclosing a battery, a housing surrounding an electrical component, or other similar housing) may need to passively vent various gases, such as air, during the useful life of the battery or other electrical component. For example, changes in temperature of the environment surrounding the housing, exposure to sunlight, or exposure to heat from a machine or automobile may cause the gas within the battery housing to expand. The present invention relates to a valve, as described herein, that allows gas to enter and exit the housing through the valve. In some examples, the valve includes a breathable membrane through which gas can pass.

[0109] In some embodiments, a breathable membrane (e.g., a hydrophobic membrane) is disposed within the valve to provide an exhaust flow path that is different from the test flow path. When the test flow path is open, the test flow path allows at least some fluid to bypass the exhaust flow path through the valve. In some examples, the exhaust flow path is restricted compared to the test flow path. A valve including a membrane (i.e., an exhaust valve) allows gas to pass through the breathable membrane through the valve into and out of a housing or enclosure in which the valve is mounted. In some examples, the membrane is hydrophobic to prevent water from entering the housing through the valve.

[0110] In some embodiments, valves as described herein (e.g., vent valves, valves without breathable membranes, etc.) also provide a method for checking housing leaks after the valve is installed without installing additional vents or removing the valves disclosed herein from the housing. For example, the valve enables an end-of-line leak check to be performed at the end of the manufacturing process of the housing. Performing a leak check using a valve allows the integrity of the valve itself as well as the housing to be tested, thereby ensuring the safety of the housing / enclosure. In some embodiments, one or more additional valves may also be installed on the housing during the leak check so that the integrity of these valves and the sealing interface between these valves and the housing may also be checked.

[0111] The following will refer to Figures 1 to 82 These and other examples are explained in more detail.

[0112] According to the principles of the present invention, Figure 1 to Figure 2 A valve (e.g., a vent valve) is provided for use with an enclosure or housing. Preferably, the valve is used to leak test an enclosure such as a battery housing or a power electronics housing, and to allow gas to move (breathe) through the valve during normal operation of a battery or electronic device within the housing. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a valve 100 arrangement that may be used with the housing is shown.

[0113] The valve device 100 is configured to be mounted to a housing / enclosure, such as a battery housing or a power electronics housing. In some examples, mounting the valve device 100 to the housing / enclosure includes mounting the valve device 100 to a connection port of the housing / enclosure. The valve device 100 includes a valve body 102 adapted to be connected to the housing.

[0114] The valve body 102 defines a valve passage 104. A valve seat 106 surrounds the valve passage 104. The exterior 124 of the valve body includes a leak check seal interface 116 having a first face 118. In some examples, the leak check seal interface 116 is located on a beveled outer edge 138 of a raised wall 140. The raised wall 140 extends from the exterior 124 of the valve body 102 and is concentric with the valve passage 104.

[0115] The valve device 100 includes a blocking member, such as a lift valve member 108, which can be moved relative to the valve body 102 along a valve axis 110 in a closed position ( Figure 1 ) and open position ( Figure 2 The lift valve member 108 is configured to seal the valve seat 106 to close the valve passage 104 when in the closed position; when the lift valve member 108 is in the open position, the valve passage 104 is opened.

[0116] In this embodiment, lift valve member 108 includes stem portion 136 and disk portion 148. Stem portion 136 extends from disk portion 148 through valve passage 104 parallel to (or, in some cases, coaxial with) valve axis 110. In some examples, stem portion 136 is cylindrical.

[0117] In some examples, the disc portion 148 of the lift valve member 108 includes a sealing ring 152. The sealing ring 152 extends from a surface 154 of the disc portion 148 that faces the biasing element and is located at or near a disc periphery 156 of the disc portion 148. The sealing ring 152 is configured to contact the valve seat 106 when the lift valve member 108 is in the closed position.

[0118] The valve device 100 includes a biasing element 112 for biasing the lift valve member 108 to a closed position. In some examples, the biasing element 112 is a spring, such as a leaf spring or a disc spring. In some examples, the biasing element 112 is configured so that its outer edge 142 contacts the outer portion 124 or the valve body 102 near the inner side 144 of the raised wall 140. In some examples, the biasing element 112 is connected to the stem 136 of the lift valve member 108 at the peripheral groove 150 of the stem 136.

[0119] The valve device 100 includes a membrane 114 for allowing gas to enter and exit the housing when the lift valve member 108 is in the closed position. The membrane 114 is permeable or semi-permeable to air and other gases or gas mixtures within the housing / housing. In some examples, the membrane 114 is hydrophobic to prevent water from entering the housing / housing from the environment outside the valve device.

[0120] In some examples, the membrane 114 is carried on the lift valve member 108. In some examples, the lift valve member 108 includes air flow openings 134 or holes to allow air and other gases from the housing to pass through the air flow openings 134 in the lift valve member 108. In some examples, the air flow openings 134 are spaced circumferentially around the lift valve member 108. In some examples, the air flow openings are equally spaced around the lift valve member 108.

[0121] In some examples, before installing the valve device 100 to the housing, the seal integrity between the lift valve member 108 and the valve seat 106 and between the membrane 114 and the lift valve member 108 is first tested. In some examples, the valve device 100 is installed to the housing after the initial testing of the seal integrity.

[0122] In some examples, the membrane 114 includes a PTFE layer. In some examples, initially testing the seal integrity includes testing the seal integrity between the PTFE layer and the lift valve member 108. In some examples, initially testing the seal integrity includes contacting the lift valve member 108 with the peripheral region 128 and the central region 130 of the membrane 114.

[0123] refer to Figure 2 , leak testing the housing when the valve device 100 is installed on the housing includes: moving the lift valve member 108 to the open position, sealing the exterior 124 of the valve body 102 with the test device 132, and pressurizing the interior of the housing through the valve passage 104 using the test device 132 when the lift valve member 108 is in the open position.

[0124] In some examples, the test device 132 contacts the outer surface 146 of the stem portion 136 of the lift valve member 108 , causing the valve device 100 to open.

[0125] Sealing the exterior 124 of the valve body 102 may include contacting the first face 118 of the leak check seal interface 116 with the second face 120 of the sealing device 122. In some examples, sealing the exterior 124 of the valve body includes sealing the sealing device 122.

[0126] The sealing device 122 may include an O-ring seal 126 , wherein the O-ring 126 has a circular cross-section.

[0127] Leak testing the housing also includes sealing the test device 132 and the valve device 100 when the interior of the housing reaches a predetermined target pressure. The pressure in the housing is monitored for a predetermined period of time.

[0128] A predetermined target pressure and / or predetermined amount of time may be determined to prevent leakage, damage, rupture, explosion or other damage to the housing / enclosure and / or the batteries / materials / electronic devices enclosed within the housing / enclosure.

[0129] Based on the pressure in the housing being maintained within a predetermined threshold of a predetermined target pressure for a predetermined time, the pressure in the housing can be released by the test device 132. The test device 132 is pulled out, thereby removing it from the exterior 124 of the valve body 102 and no longer in contact with the stem 136. The lift valve member 108 returns to the closed position and the sealing ring 152 contacts the valve seat 106.

[0130] According to aspects of the invention, the housing may be subject to an overpressure condition (e.g., during thermal runaway of a battery within the housing) in which pressure in the housing rises above a predetermined safe level, which may cause damage or rupture of the housing. In some embodiments, the valve is configured to provide pressure relief during such a pressure surge / release condition by releasing a pressure relief fluid (i.e., air and / or liquid that leaves the housing during the overpressure condition). In some examples, the pressure relief fluid includes excess gas, such as air. In other examples, the pressure relief fluid may include a liquid (e.g., battery acid), a two-phase flow, or other flowable material. In some embodiments, the valve relief disc member is configured to move from a closed position to an open position, as will be described in more detail herein, to allow the pressure relief fluid to flow out of the housing.

[0131] In the event of an overpressure condition, the relief fluid may come into contact with the membrane. Components of the relief fluid may damage the material of the membrane. In some examples, the valve includes a disc, plate, retainer, or other protective member to protect the membrane in the event of a pressure spike / relief condition.

[0132] Figures 3 to 16 Example valves suitable for use with enclosures 374, 574 (e.g., a battery housing, an electronics housing, or another suitable housing, enclosure, or container) are provided. In some embodiments, the valve device 300, 500 is configured to release overpressure within the housing 374, 574. In some embodiments, the valve device 300, 500 is configured to allow gas to move (e.g., breathe) through the valve device 300, 500 during normal operation of the housing 374, 574 (e.g., during normal battery operation). In some embodiments, the valve device 300, 500 is configured to enable leak testing of the housing 374, 574. In some embodiments, the valve device 300, 500 is also configured to provide overpressure relief and leak testing.

[0133] In some embodiments, the valve device 300 is configured to provide a first flow path FP1 (ie, an exhaust flow path) for passive exhaust during normal operation (see Figure 3 ), providing a second flow path FP2 (ie, a pressure relief flow path) during an overpressure event (see Figure 6 ), and / or providing a third flow path FP3 (ie, a test flow path) during a leak check (see Figure 7 ). The first, second and third flow paths FP1, FP2, FP3 are different from each other. In some examples, the flow paths FP1, FP2, FP3 have overlapping portions and have non-overlapping portions, which will be described in more detail herein.

[0134] Figure 3300 is a schematic diagram of an example valve device 300 that can be used with a housing 374 (e.g., a battery housing). The valve device 300 can be mounted at an aperture 375 defined on an outer wall of the housing 374. The aperture 375 leads to an interior 373 of the housing 374, which houses one or more components, such as a battery. The valve device 300 includes a valve body 302 defining a port 303, which is aligned with the aperture 375 of the housing 374 when the valve body 302 is mounted to the housing 374. An outer wall 308 surrounds the port 303 and extends along a valve axis 318. The valve device 300 defines an interior 304 extending between the port 303 and the outer wall 308. The interior 304 provides a path for gas (exhausted during normal operation) and pressure relief fluid (exhausted during an overpressure event) to move between the housing 374 and the external environment outside the housing 374. In some examples, the outer wall 308 is generally cylindrical, but can be various alternative shapes in other examples.

[0135] The wall 308 includes an inner surface 310 and an outer surface 312 that are opposite to each other. At least a portion of the inner surface 310 is in communication with the exhaust port interior 304. At least a portion of the outer wall 308 is permeable to fluids, such as gases and liquids. For example, in some embodiments, the outer wall 308 defines one or more openings 322 extending between the inner surface 310 and the outer surface 312 of the outer wall to allow the pressure relief fluid to pass. The openings 322 connect the interior 304 of the valve device 300 to the exterior of the exhaust port device 300. The openings 322 can be circular, slotted, or any other desired shape. In some examples, the openings 322 are spaced circumferentially around the peripheral wall 308. In an example, the openings 322 are equally spaced around the peripheral wall 308. In an example, the sizes of the openings 322 are equal to each other. In an example, the sizes of the openings 322 are different from each other.

[0136] In some embodiments, a flow limiting member such as a valve pressure relief disc member 316 is disposed within the exhaust port interior 304 and can move between a first closed position and a first open position along a valve axis 318 relative to the outer wall 308. The valve pressure relief disc member 316 is configured to close the second flow path FP2 when in the first closed position and to open the second flow path FP2 when in the first open position. The biasing element 320 biases the valve pressure relief disc member 316 toward the first closed position. When the pressure in the housing 374 exceeds a predetermined level, the valve pressure relief disc member 316 is configured to overcome the bias of the biasing element 320 and move from the first closed position to the first open position. The predetermined level can be determined to prevent leakage, damage, rupture, explosion or other damage to the battery housing and / or the battery encapsulated in the housing. The high pressure in the battery housing may be caused by an increase in external temperature, battery failure, thermal runaway or other reasons.

[0137] In some embodiments, the valve relief disc member 316 defines one or more channels 384. Thus, when the valve relief disc member 316 is in the closed position, a fluid (eg, gas) may flow between the port 303 and the outer wall 308 through the channels 384. Figure 7 Described in more detail, the fluid flowing along the third flow path FP3 may also pass through the passage 384 to pass through the valve pressure relief member 316 .

[0138] In some embodiments, a blocking member such as a valve test lift member 305 can be moved between a second closed position and a second open position relative to the valve body 302 along the valve axis 318. The valve test lift member 305 is configured to seal the valve relief disc member 316 when the valve relief disc member 316 is in the first closed position and the valve test lift member 305 is in the second closed position. Regardless of the position of the valve test lift member 305, moving the valve relief disc member 316 to the first open position will open the second flow path FP2. Moving the test lift valve member 305 to the second open position when the valve relief disc member 316 is in the first closed position will open the third flow path FP3. Moving the valve relief disc member 316 and the test lift valve to the corresponding open position (for example, if an overpressure event occurs during a leak test) will open the second flow path FP2.

[0139] In some embodiments, the valve test lift member 305 includes a vent portion 335 aligned with the port 303 of the valve housing 302. The vent portion 335 defines one or more channels 352. The channels 352 enable fluid to pass through the vent portion 335 of the valve test lift member 305 even when the valve test lift member 305 is in the second closed position. Thus, fluid can flow into and out of the housing 374 through the port 303 (e.g., along the first or third flow paths FP1, FP3) even when the valve test lift member 305 is in the second closed position. In some examples, the one or more channels 352 of the valve test lift member 305 are aligned with the one or more channels 384 of the valve pressure relief disc member 316 to enhance fluid flow therethrough.

[0140] In some examples, the channels 384 of the disk 316 provide a more restricted flow path than the channels 352 of the test lift valve 305. In some examples, the cross-sectional area of ​​each channel 384 is less than the cross-sectional area of ​​each channel 352. In other examples, the total cross-sectional area of ​​all channels 384 is less than the total cross-sectional area of ​​all channels 352.

[0141] In some examples, the first flow path FP1 extends through the passage 352 of the valve test lift valve structure 305 and the passage 384 of the valve pressure relief disc member 316. In some examples, the second flow path FP2 does not extend through either of the passages 352, 384. In some examples, the third flow path FP3 extends through the passage 384 of the valve pressure relief disc member 316, but does not extend through the passage 384 of the valve test lift member 305.

[0142] In some embodiments, the valve test lift member 305 is biased to the second closed position by a biasing element. In some examples, the valve test lift member 305 is biased in an opposite direction from the valve relief disc member 316. In some examples, the biasing element that biases the valve test lift member 305 to the second closed position is the same as the biasing element 320 that biases the valve relief disc member 316 to the first closed position.

[0143] In some embodiments, between the second closed position and the second open position, the valve test lifting member 305 is provided with a permeable element. In an example, the permeable element is a membrane 332. In some embodiments, the membrane 332 can be a flat disk or a thin sheet. The membrane 332 extends through the channel 352. The membrane 332 is permeable to air and gases discharged by other components in the battery or housing 374. Therefore, the membrane 332 enables gas to pass through the membrane 332 to pass through the channel 352 of the valve test lifting member 305. In some examples, the membrane 332 is hydrophobic. In some examples, the membrane 332 includes polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In some examples, the membrane 332 includes a layer of PTFE calendered thereon. The term "calendering" means: two or more layers of similar or heterogeneous materials are connected together during a process using a piston / cylinder / roller to apply pressure and / or heat. In some examples, the membrane 332 includes a layer of PTFE hot-melted thereon.

[0144] In some embodiments, the valve test lift member 305 is configured to support the membrane 332 around at least the periphery 334 of the membrane 332. In some examples, the test lift valve member 305 is configured to support the membrane 322 at the center 336 of the membrane 322. The valve test lift member 305 includes one or more openings 352 located above the membrane 332 to allow gas to pass upward through the test lift valve member 305 and the membrane 332, and the valve pressure relief disc member 116 includes one or more openings 323 to allow gas to pass upward through the valve pressure relief disc member 116 while the valve test lift member 305 is in the closed position and the valve pressure relief disc member 116 is in the closed position. In some examples, the openings 323 are spaced circumferentially around the valve pressure relief disc member 316. In the example shown, the openings 323 are evenly distributed around the valve pressure relief disc member 316. In some examples, the openings 352 are spaced circumferentially around the valve test lift member 305. In the example shown, the openings 352 are evenly distributed around the valve test lift member 305.

[0145] In some embodiments, the exhaust portion 335 of the valve test lift member 305 is configured to be located within the port 303 when in the second closed position and to be spaced apart from the port 303 along the axis 318 when in the second open position. In some embodiments, the exhaust portion 335 has a smaller cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter) than the port 303, so that the gap G extends between the outer periphery of the exhaust portion 335 and the inner periphery of the port 303. In some examples, when the valve relief disc member 316 is in the first closed position and the valve test lift member 305 is in the second closed position, the gap G is sealed. The first flow path FP1 does not flow through the gap G. Instead, the first flow path FP1 flows through the channels 384, 352. Moving the valve relief disc member 316 or the valve test lift member 305 to the corresponding open position will release the seal of the gap G. The second and third paths FP2, FP3 both pass through the gap G. However, the second path FP2 does not require the fluid to pass through the valve relief disc member 316, while the third path FP3 requires the fluid to pass through the valve relief disc member 316, which will be described in more detail herein.

[0146] In some embodiments, a cap 324 is attached to the valve body 302 to close the interior 304. In an example, the cap 324 extends parallel to the valve relief disc member 316. In some examples, the cap 324 can be moved relative to the valve body 302 along the valve axis 318 between a first and a second position to change the size of the interior 304. In some examples, the valve test lift member 305 is attached to the valve body 302 via the cap 324, and when the cap 324 moves relative to the valve body 302, the cap 324 carries the valve test lift member 305 to move between the second open position and the second closed position.

[0147] For example, the valve test lift member 305 may include a stem portion 338 extending upward from a disc portion 335. The stem portion 338 extends through the pressure relief disc 316 to reach the cap 324, so that the pressure relief disc 316 is disposed between the disc portion 335 and the cap 324 of the valve test lift member 305. In some examples, the stem portion 338 extends from the disc portion 335, through the stem opening 321 of the valve pressure relief disc member 316, through the interior of the valve body 302, and reaches the cap 324. In some examples, the inner surface 325 of the cap 324 includes a guide ring 368 surrounding the stem end 370 of the stem portion 338. In some examples, the guide ring 368 is a cylindrical wall whose center is located at the center of the cap 324. In some examples, the guide ring 368 is coaxial with the valve axis 318. In some examples, the stem opening 321 is located at the center of the valve pressure relief disc member 316. In some examples, the stem portion 338 extends parallel to (or in some cases, coaxially with) the valve axis 318. In some examples, the stem portion 338 is cylindrical. In some examples, the stem end 370 is connected to the inner surface 325 of the cap 324 (e.g., by welding, brazing, bonding, or other suitable connection means). In some examples, the stem end 370 is connected to the guide ring 368 (e.g., by welding, brazing, bonding, or other suitable connection means).

[0148] In some examples, the biasing element 320 biases the cap 324 to the first position, thereby indirectly biasing the valve test lift member 305 to the second closed position. In such examples, the valve test lift member 305 can be moved to the second open position by moving the cap 324 to resist the bias of the biasing element 320. The movement of the cap 324 toward the second position (and the movement of the valve test lift member 305 toward the second open position) can increase the biasing force of the pressure relief disc 316 toward the first closed position. However, in some examples, the biasing element 320 is configured so that positioning the cap 324 in the second position does not prevent the pressure relief disc 316 from moving toward the first open position.

[0149] In some embodiments, the cap 324 includes an extension 358 that extends above or across the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve body interior 304 to close the interior 304. In some examples, the extension 358 defines a first spring stop configured to receive a first end of the spring-type biasing element 320. In some examples, the valve relief disc 316 defines a second spring stop configured to receive an opposite second end of the spring-type biasing element 320 such that the biasing element biases the cap 324 away from the relief disc 316. In some embodiments, the valve body 302 is configured to limit movement of the cap 324 along the valve axis 318. For example, the valve body 302 may include an internal shoulder 340 or other stop surface (e.g., defined by a radially inwardly extending land 326), and the cap 324 may include an outer land or ring that abuts the internal shoulder 340 to limit movement of the cap 324 out of the valve body 302 in a first direction when the cap 324 is in the first position. The cap 324 and / or the pressure relief disc 316 may be larger in size than the port 303 to limit the cap 324 and / or the pressure relief disc 316 from moving out of the valve body 302 in an opposite second direction.

[0150] According to the principles of the present invention, the valve body 302 of the valve device 300 includes a valve seat 306 surrounding the port 303. The valve seat 306 provides a surface against which the valve relief disc member 316 can abut when the valve relief disc member 316 is in the first closed position. The valve relief disc member 316 is biased by the biasing element 320 to seal the valve seat 306. In some examples, the valve seat 306 is molded to the top surface 342 of the valve body 302. In some embodiments, the valve test lift member 305 defines a second valve seat (lift valve seat) 315 concentric with the valve seat 306. When the valve test lift member 305 moves along the valve axis 318, the lift valve seat 315 moves relative to the valve seat 306. In some examples, when the valve test lift member 305 is in the second closed position, the lift valve seat 315 is radially aligned with the valve seat 306, and when the valve test lift member 305 is in the second open position, the lift valve seat 315 is spaced apart from the valve seat 306 along the valve axis 318.

[0151] In some embodiments, the pressure relief disc 316 carries a seal 330 that extends across the gap G. The seal 330 engages the valve seat 306 when the pressure relief disc 316 is in the first closed position, and the seal 330 is spaced from the valve seat 306 when the pressure relief disc 316 is in the first open position. The seal 330 engages the lift valve seat 315 when the valve test lift member 305 is in the second closed position, and the seal 330 is spaced from the lift valve seat 315 when the valve test lift member 305 is in the second open position. Thus, the seal 330 seals the gap G when both the pressure relief disc 316 and the valve test lift member 305 are in their respective closed positions. Moving the pressure relief disc 316 or the valve test lift member 305 to their respective open positions unseals the gap G.

[0152] In some embodiments, the valve relief disc member 316 of the valve device 300 includes a peripheral wall 350. The peripheral wall 350 extends upward from the valve relief disc member 316 and is positioned coaxially with the outer periphery of the valve relief disc member 316. In some examples, the peripheral wall 350 includes a cap-facing edge 354 that faces the cap 324 and lies in a plane substantially perpendicular to the valve axis 318. In some examples, when the valve relief disc member 316 is in the open position and the biasing element 320 is compressed, the cap-facing edge 354 of the valve relief disc member 316 will contact a portion of the inner surface 325 of the cap 324 (see Figure 6 ).

[0153] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the valve body 302 is adapted to be connected to the housing 374. Various coupling arrangements may be used. In some examples, the mounting surface 362 is configured to be attached to the exterior of the housing (see Figure 4). In some examples, the connection is achieved by welding, brazing, gluing, bonding, fastening or other connection methods. In some examples, the valve body 302 is snap-fitted to the housing 374. In some examples, the valve body 302 is attached to the housing 374 by a twist-lock connection (e.g., threads, cam locks, etc.). For example, the connecting device 314 extends outward from the valve body 302. In some examples, the connecting device 314 includes one or more flexible locking arms 309 configured to extend into an opening 375 in the housing 374 to secure the valve body 302 to the housing 374. In some examples, the locking arm 309 defines a hook 311 that locks on the wall of the housing 374. In some examples, the fastening device 314 includes a cam lock or snap-fit ​​connection. In some examples, the fastening device 314 includes a bayonet slot in the outer surface 329 of the protruding wall 309. The bayonet slot can be shaped to receive a protrusion from the battery housing to releasably and selectively connect the valve body 302 and the battery housing. In other alternative arrangements, the valve body 302 may be connected to the battery housing via a threaded, pop-up or other suitable connector or coupler.

[0154] In some examples, the valve housing 302 of the fastening device 314 includes a connection seal 360. The seal 360 is configured to seal between the valve housing 302 and the housing 374, thereby selectively sealing the opening 375 of the housing 374 using the valve device 300.

[0155] In some examples, a connection seal 360 (e.g., an O-ring having a circular, rectangular, square, or other cross-section) is included on an upper portion of the protruding wall 309, where the protruding wall 309 intersects the mounting surface 362 of the valve body 302 to provide a seal in the connection between the valve body 302 and the housing 374. In the example shown, the connection seal 360 surrounds and rests on the outer surface 329 of the protruding wall 309.

[0156] According to the principles of the present invention, when the valve pressure relief disc member 316 is in the closed position and the valve test lift member 305 is in the closed position, gas is able to enter and exit the housing through the membrane 332. In some examples, the membrane 332 is hydrophobic, preventing water from entering the battery housing from the outside of the valve 300. In some examples, the membrane 332 is carried by the valve test lift member 305. According to the principles of the present invention, when the valve pressure relief disc member 316 is in the closed position and gas enters and exits the housing through the membrane 332, gas is allowed to enter and exit the opening 322 of the peripheral wall 308 of the valve body 302. Specifically, when the valve pressure relief disc member 316 is in the closed position and the valve test lift member 305 is in the closed position, gas moves from the housing through the membrane 332, through the opening 352 in the valve test lift member 305, through the opening 323 in the valve pressure relief disc member 316, moves through the opening 322 in the peripheral wall 308 of the valve body 302, and exits to the environment surrounding the valve 300. In some examples, the gas moves along the reverse path, starting from the external environment and passing through the valve arrangement into the battery housing.

[0157] refer to Figure 6 , when the pressure in the housing 374 reaches or exceeds a predetermined level, the pressure relief fluid flows out of the housing 374 through the port 303 and is pressed against the membrane 332 and the pressure relief disc 316 through the gap G. In some examples, some of the pressure relief fluid may pass through the membrane 332 and the channel 352. In other examples, a membrane protection member is used to prevent the pressure relief fluid from being in fluid communication (e.g., contact) with the membrane 332. The cap 324 has been biased in the first position by the biasing element 320 and cannot move further away from the port 303 along the valve axis 318. Therefore, the valve test lifting member 305 remains in the second closed position. However, the pressure relief fluid can push the pressure relief disc 316 to overcome the bias of the biasing element 320 and reach the first open position, thereby releasing the seal of the gap G. The path provided by the gap G is less restricted than that of the membrane 332, so most of the pressure relief fluid will pass through the gap G along the second flow path FP2 to flow from the port 303 through the opening 322 in the peripheral wall 308 of the valve body 302 to the outside of the valve device 300. Since the pressure relief disc 316 is moved to the first open position, the pressure relief fluid does not need to pass through the passage 384 .

[0158] After a pressure relief event (e.g., after the pressure in the housing drops below a reset pressure of a predetermined level), the valve relief disc member 316 is moved by the force of the biasing element 320 to return the valve relief disc member 316 to the closed position. As a result, the relief disc 316 again brings the seal 330 into contact with the valve seat 306 and the lift valve seat 315 to seal the gap G. The fluid returns to flow along the first flow path FP1.

[0159] refer to Figure 7According to the principles of the present invention, a housing with a valve device 300 installed is leak tested. In some embodiments, the sealing integrity between the valve relief disc member 316 and the valve seat 306 is initially tested before the valve device 300 is installed in the housing 374. In some examples, the sealing integrity between the membrane 332 and the valve test lift member 305 is initially tested before the valve device 300 is installed in the housing 374. In some examples, after the initial test of the sealing integrity, the valve device 300 is installed on the housing 374.

[0160] In some examples, the membrane 332 includes a layer of PTFE. In some examples, the initial seal integrity test includes testing the seal integrity between the PTFE layer and the valve test lift member 305. In some examples, the initial seal integrity test includes contacting the valve test lift member 305 with the peripheral region 334 and the central region 336 of the membrane 332.

[0161] When the valve device 300 is installed on the shell 374, a leakage test on the shell 374 includes: moving the valve test lifting member 305 to a second open position, sealing the exterior 390 of the valve body 302 with the test device 372, and when the valve test lifting member 305 is in the second open position, using the test device 372 to pressurize the interior of the shell 374 through the valve interior 304.

[0162] In some examples, the test device 372 contacts the outer surface 376 of the cap 324. The thrust applied to the cap 324 by the test device 372 is transmitted to the stem 338 of the valve test lift member 305 (against the bias of the biasing element 320) to move the valve test lift member 305 to the second open position such that the lift valve seat 315 is no longer in contact with the valve pressure relief disc member 316 (e.g., not in contact with the seal 330 of the pressure relief disc member 316).

[0163] The step of sealing the exterior 390 of the valve body 302 may include contacting the device sealing interface 378 to the valve sealing interface 380. The device sealing interface 378 may include an O-ring seal 382, ​​wherein the O-ring seal 382 has a circular cross-section.

[0164] Leak testing the housing also includes sealing the test device 372 and the valve 300 when the interior of the housing reaches a predetermined target pressure. The pressure within the housing is monitored for a predetermined period of time.

[0165] A predetermined target pressure and / or predetermined amount of time may be determined to prevent leakage, damage, rupture, explosion or other damage to the housing / casing and / or the batteries / materials / electronic devices enclosed within the housing / casing.

[0166] Based on the pressure within the housing being maintained within a predetermined threshold of a predetermined target pressure for a predetermined time, the pressure within the housing can be released by the test device 372. The test device 372 is retracted so that it is removed from the exterior 390 of the valve body 302 and no longer in contact with the cap 324. The valve test lift member 305 returns to the closed position and the lift valve seal 315 contacts the valve pressure relief disc member 316.

[0167] In some examples, valve 300 is configured to transition between a test state, an operating state, and a pressure relief state.

[0168] When the valve 300 is in the operating state (see Figure 3 ), the valve defines an exhaust gas flow path between the peripheral wall 308 and the pressure relief passage 304, which exhaust gas flow path passes through the restricted passage 384 of the valve pressure relief disc member 316 and the membrane 332 of the valve test lift member 305. In some examples, this includes passing through the opening 323 and the opening 352.

[0169] When the valve is in the test state (see Figure 7 ), the valve 300 defines a test flow path between the peripheral wall 308 and the pressure relief channel 304, and the test flow path passes through the restriction channel 384 and through the gap G between the valve test lifting member 305 and the valve body 302.

[0170] When the valve is in the pressure relief state (see Figure 6 ), the valve 300 defines a pressure relief flow path extending between the peripheral wall 308 and the pressure relief passage 304, which bypasses the restriction passage 384 and passes through the gap G.

[0171] In some examples, the restricted flow passage 384 provides a greater flow restriction than the gap G. In some examples, the membrane 322 provides a greater flow restriction than the restricted flow passage 384 .

[0172] In some examples, the valve relief disc member 316 is movably mounted within the valve body 302 , wherein the valve 300 is switched between the operating state and the relief state by moving the valve relief disc member 316 relative to the valve body 302 and relative to the valve test lift member 305 .

[0173] In some examples, the valve test lift member 305 is movably mounted within the valve body 302 , wherein the valve 300 is transitioned between the operating state and the testing state by moving the valve test lift member 305 relative to the valve body 302 and relative to the valve pressure relief disc member 316 .

[0174] In some examples, each of the valve pressure relief disc member 316 and the valve test lift member 305 can be moved between a corresponding closed position and a corresponding open position, wherein the valve pressure relief disc member 316 moves in a first direction when moving from the corresponding closed position to the corresponding open position, and wherein the valve test lift member 305 moves in an opposite second direction when moving from the corresponding closed position to the corresponding open position.

[0175] In some examples, when the valve 300 is in an operating state, the gap G is sealed. In some examples, the valve relief disc member 316 has a seal 330 that seals the gap G when the valve 300 is in an operating state.

[0176] According to the principles of the present invention, the valve 300 includes a peripheral wall 302 and a pressure relief passage 304 in fluid communication with the interior of the housing 374 (see Figure 4 ) of the valve body 302.

[0177] In some examples, the valve 300 includes a valve test lift member 305 movably coupled to the valve body 302. In some examples, the valve test lift member 305 includes a disc portion 335 that carries a membrane 332. In some examples, the valve 300 includes a valve relief disc member 316 movably coupled to the valve body 302, the valve relief disc member 316 carrying a seal 330 and defining a bypass passage 388.

[0178] In some examples, the valve 300 is configured to switch between a test state, an operating state, and a pressure relief state. Figure 3 ), the valve 300 defines an exhaust gas flow path between the peripheral wall 308 and the pressure relief passage 304, and the exhaust gas flow path passes through the bypass passage 388 of the valve pressure relief disc member 316 and the membrane 332 of the valve test lifting member 305. When the valve 300 is in the test state (see Figure 7 ), the valve 300 defines a test flow path between the peripheral wall 308 and the pressure relief channel 304, and the test flow path passes through the bypass channel 388 and through the gap G between the valve test lifting member 305 and the valve body 302. When the valve 300 is in the pressure relief state (see Figure 6 ), the valve 300 defines a pressure relief flow path between the peripheral wall 308 and the pressure relief channel 304, and the pressure relief flow path passes through the gap G and does not pass through the bypass channel 388.

[0179] According to the principles of the present invention, the valve device 300 includes a membrane protection member that is configured to prevent / block fluid communication / contact between the membrane 332 and the pressure relief fluid from the battery housing during a pressure peak in the battery housing (e.g., when the pressure relief fluid has entered the pressure relief channel 304). The membrane protection member is also configured to allow gas to enter and leave the battery housing through the membrane 332 when the valve test lifting member 305 is in the closed position. In some examples, the membrane protection member is a disc configured to be located between the membrane 332 and the valve test lifting member 305.

[0180] In certain embodiments, the valve arrangement 500 is configured to provide an exhaust flow path FP4 for passive exhaust during normal operation (see Figure 8 ), providing a pressure relief flow path FP5 during an overpressure event (see Fig. 9 ), and / or provide a test flow path FP6 during a leak check (see Fig.10 ). The flow paths FP4, FP5, FP6 are different from each other. In some examples, the flow paths FP4, FP5, FP6 have overlapping portions and have non-overlapping portions, which will be described in more detail herein.

[0181] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an example valve device 500 that can be used with a housing 574 (eg, a battery housing) (see Fig. 9 ). The valve device 500 can be mounted at an aperture 575 defined in an outer wall of the housing 574. The aperture 575 leads to an interior 573 of the housing 574, which houses one or more components (e.g., a battery). The valve device 500 includes a valve body 502 that defines a port 503 that aligns with the aperture 575 of the housing 574 when the valve body 502 is mounted to the housing 574. An outer wall 508 surrounds the port 503 and extends along a valve axis 518. The valve device 500 defines an interior 504 extending between the port 503 and the outer wall 508. The interior 504 provides a path for gas (exhausted during normal operation or passed during testing) and pressure relief fluid (exhausted during an overpressure event) to move between the housing 574 and an external environment outside the housing 574. In some examples, the outer wall 508 is generally cylindrical, but can be a variety of alternative shapes in other examples.

[0182] The wall 508 includes an inner surface 510 and an outer surface 512 that are opposite. At least a portion of the inner surface 510 is in communication with the exhaust port interior 504. At least a portion of the outer wall 508 is permeable to fluids, such as gases and liquids. For example, in some embodiments, the outer wall 508 defines one or more openings 522 that extend between the inner surface 510 and the outer surface 512 of the outer wall to allow the pressure relief fluid to pass through. The opening 522 connects the interior 504 of the valve device 500 to the exterior of the valve device 500. The opening 522 can be rectangular, circular, slotted, or any other desired shape. In some examples, the openings 522 are spaced apart in a circumferential direction around the peripheral wall 508. In one example, the openings 522 are evenly spaced apart around the peripheral wall 508. In one example, the sizes of the openings 522 are equal to each other. In one example, the sizes of the openings 522 are different from each other.

[0183] In some embodiments, the valve relief disc member 516 is disposed within the exhaust port interior 504 and is movable relative to the outer wall 508 along the valve axis 518 between a first closed position and a first open position. The valve relief disc member 516 is configured to close the relief flow path FP5 (see FIG. 5 ) when in the first closed position. Figure 8 ), and opens the pressure relief flow path FP5 in the first open position (see Fig. 9 ). The biasing element 520 biases the valve relief disc member 516 toward the first closed position. When the pressure in the housing 574 exceeds a predetermined level, the valve relief disc member 516 is configured to move from the first closed position to the first open position against the bias of the biasing element 520. The predetermined level can be determined to prevent leakage, damage, rupture, explosion or other damage to the battery housing and / or the battery enclosed in the housing. High pressure in the battery housing may be caused by increased external temperature, battery failure, thermal runaway or other reasons.

[0184] In some embodiments, a blocking member such as a valve test lift member 505 can be moved along the valve shaft 518 relative to the valve body 502 between a second closed position and a second open position. The valve test lift member 505 is configured to seal the valve pressure relief disc member 516 when the valve test lift member 505 is in the first closed position and the valve test lift member 505 is in the second closed position (see Figure 8 ). Moving the valve pressure relief disc member 516 to the first open position opens the pressure relief flow path FP5 regardless of the position of the valve test lift member 505 (see Fig. 9 ). Moving the valve test lift member 505 to the second open position when the valve pressure relief disc member 516 is in the first closed position opens the test flow path FP6 (see Fig.10 ). Moving the valve relief disc member 516 and the test lift valve to respective open positions (eg, if an overpressure event occurs during a leak test) will open the relief flow path FP5.

[0185] In some embodiments, the valve test lift member 505 includes a disc portion 535 that aligns with the port 503 of the valve housing 502. The disc portion 535 defines one or more through openings or flow passages 552 (see Fig.11 and 14 ). The passage 552 enables fluid to pass through the disc portion 535 of the valve test lift member 505 even when the valve test lift member 505 is in the second closed position. Thus, fluid can flow into and out of the housing 574 through the port 503 (e.g., along the exhaust port or test flow path FP4, FP6) even when the valve test lift member 505 is in the second closed position. In some examples, the one or more passages 552 of the valve test lift member 505 are located in a central portion of the disc portion 535. In some examples, the one or more passages 552 of the valve test lift member 505 include a cylindrical opening in the disc portion 535 that is coaxial with the valve shaft 518 and coaxial with the outer periphery of the disc portion 535.

[0186] For example, the valve test lift member 505 may include a stem portion 538 extending upward from the disc portion 535. The stem portion 538 extends through the pressure relief disc 516 to reach the cap 524, so that the pressure relief disc 516 is disposed between the disc portion 535 and the cap 524 of the valve test lift member 505. In some examples, the stem portion 538 extends from the disc portion 535, through the stem opening 521 of the valve pressure relief disc member 516, through the interior of the valve body 502, and reaches the cap 524.

[0187] In some examples, the inner surface 525 of the cap 524 includes an attachment portion 568 that at least partially surrounds or contacts the rod end 570 of the rod portion 538. In some examples, the attachment portion 568 is a generally cylindrical wall with its center located at the center of the cap 524. In some examples, the attachment portion 568 is coaxial with the valve shaft 518. In some examples, the stem opening 521 is located at the center of the valve pressure relief disc member 516. In some examples, the stem portion 538 extends parallel to (or, in some cases, coaxially) the valve shaft 518. In some examples, the rod end 570 is connected to the inner surface 525 of the cap 524 (e.g., by welding, brazing, bonding, by one or more fasteners, or other suitable connection means). In some examples, the rod end 570 is connected to the attachment portion 568 (e.g., by welding, brazing, bonding, one or more fasteners, or other suitable connection means). In some examples, the attachment portion 568 includes detents, threads, or other capture features to contact and / or connect to corresponding features (including ribs 539, described below) on the stem portion 538. In some examples, the stem portion 538 is removably connected to the attachment portion 568. In some examples, the lower surface of the attachment portion 568 can contact the upper surface 595 of the porous element 532.

[0188] In some embodiments, the stem 538 includes one or more ribs 539. In some embodiments, the ribs 539 extend the length of the stem 538 to a first end, which contacts the cap 524 (described in more detail below). In some embodiments, the ribs 539 extend the length of the stem 538 to a second end, which contacts the upper surface of the disk portion 535 and is located at the top of at least a portion of the channel 552 (see Fig.14 ), the second end is substantially coplanar with the upper surface of the disk portion 535. In some embodiments, the rib 539 extends the length of the rod portion 538 to the second end and extends through at least a portion of the channel 552 (see Fig.14 ), the second end is substantially coplanar with the lower surface of the disc portion 535.

[0189] In the example shown, four ribs 539 constitute the ribs of the stem 538 (see Fig.11 , 13 , 14 and 16), and are arranged in a cross or "X" shape. However, it should be understood that more or less than four ribs 539 can constitute the ribs of the rod portion 538, and any rib 539 can be arranged in different directions (e.g., star, line, "Y" shape or other suitable shapes).

[0190] In some examples, stem 538 may include features other than ribs 539, such as channels, a body with holes or other flow passages, a mesh, or other suitable structures or features.

[0191] In some examples, the exhaust flow path FP4 extends through the passage 552 of the valve test lift member 505 and the opening 522 of the outer wall 508 (see Figure 3 ). In some examples, the pressure relief flow path FP5 does not extend through the passage 552. In some examples, the pressure relief flow path FP5 can include less additional flow through the passage 552. In some examples, the test flow path FP6 extends through the passage 552 (and the opening 522) of the valve test lift member 305 (see Fig.10 ).

[0192] In some embodiments, the valve test lift member 505 is biased to the second closed position by a biasing element. In some examples, the valve test lift member 505 is biased in an opposite direction from the valve relief disc member 516. In some examples, the biasing element that biases the valve test lift member 505 to the second closed position is the same as the biasing element 520 that biases the valve relief disc member 516 to the first closed position.

[0193] In some embodiments, the permeable member can be carried between the second closed position and the second open position by the valve test lifting member 505. In one example, the permeable member is a porous element 532 (see Fig.12 and 15 In some examples, the porous element 532 is cylindrical (tubular), and the diameter of the inner surface 590 thereof enables the porous element 532 to be mounted around the stem 538 of the valve test lift member 505 (see Fig.13 and 16 ), so that the porous element axis 598 is coaxial with the valve test lifting member axis 596 and the valve shaft 518. In one example, the bottom surface 593 of the porous element 532 contacts the upper surface of the disk portion 535. In some examples, the porous element 532 also defines flow paths FP4 and FP6 through channels between the ribs 539 and the inner surface 590 of the porous element 532. In some examples, the porous element 532 is removably mounted around the stem 538 and can therefore be replaceable or removable.

[0194] The porous element 532 is permeable to air and gases exhausted by the battery or other components within the housing 574. Thus, the porous element 532 enables gas to move through the porous element 532 from or toward (depending on the direction of flow) the channel 552 of the valve test lift member 505. In some examples, the porous element 532 is hydrophobic.

[0195] In some embodiments, the disc portion 535 of the valve test lifting member 505 is configured to be located within the port 503 when in the second closed position and to be spaced apart from the port 503 along the axis 518 when in the second open position. In some embodiments, the disc portion 535 has a smaller cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter) than the port 503, so that the gap G extends between the outer periphery of the exhaust portion 535 and the inner periphery of the port 503. In some examples, when the valve pressure relief disc member 516 is in the first closed position and the valve test lifting member 505 is in the second closed position, the gap G is sealed. The exhaust flow path FP4 does not flow through the gap G. Instead, the exhaust flow path FP4 flows through the channel 552. Moving the valve pressure relief disc member 516 to the first open position will release the seal of the gap G. The pressure relief path FP5 passes through the gap G.

[0196] In some embodiments, the tubular shape of the porous element 532 provides a larger flow surface area of ​​the porous element 532 than the flat or disc-shaped porous membranes disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the tubular shape of the porous element 532 can allow the configuration of the valve device 500 to include a relatively small (compared to other embodiments) valve test lifting member 505 (or its disc portion 535). Reducing the size of the disc portion 535 can increase the size of the gap G, thereby increasing the size of the pressure relief flow path FP5 to allow a larger flow rate to pass through.

[0197] In some embodiments, the cap 524 is attached to the valve body 502 to close the interior 504. In some examples, the cap 524 extends substantially parallel to the valve relief disc 516. In some examples, the cap 524 can be moved along the valve axis 518 relative to the valve body 502 between first and second positions to change the size of the interior 504. In some examples, the valve test lift member 505 is attached to the valve body 502 via the cap 524, and when the cap 524 moves relative to the valve body 502, the cap 524 carries the valve test lift member 505 to move between the second open position and the second closed position.

[0198] In some examples, the biasing element 520 biases the cap 524 to the first position, thereby indirectly biasing the valve test lift member 505 to the second closed position. In such examples, the valve test lift member 505 can be moved to the second open position by moving the cap 524 to resist the bias of the biasing element 520 (e.g., by the test device 572 as described below). The movement of the cap 524 toward the second position (and the movement of the valve test lift member 505 toward the second open position) can increase the biasing force of the pressure relief disc 516 toward the first closed position. However, in some examples, the biasing element 520 is configured so that positioning the cap 524 in the second position does not prevent the pressure relief disc 516 from moving toward the first open position.

[0199] In some embodiments, the cap 524 includes an extension 558 that extends into or across a cross-sectional area of ​​the valve body interior 504 to close the interior 504. In some examples, the extension 558 defines a first spring stop configured to receive a first end of the spring-type biasing element 520. In some examples, the valve relief disc 516 defines a second spring stop configured to receive an opposite second end of the spring-type biasing element 520 such that the biasing element biases the cap 524 away from the relief disc 516. In some embodiments, the valve body 502 is configured to limit movement of the cap 524 along the valve shaft 518. For example, the valve body 502 may include an internal shoulder 540 or other stop surface (e.g., defined by a radially inwardly extending land 526), ​​and the cap 524 may include an outer land 559 or ring that abuts the internal shoulder 540 when the cap 524 is in the first position to limit movement of the cap 524 out of the valve body 502 in the first direction. In some examples, the cap 524 and / or the pressure relief disc 516 can be larger in size than the port 503 to limit movement of the cap 524 and / or the pressure relief disc 516 out of the valve body 502 in the second, opposite direction.

[0200] According to the principles of the present invention, the valve body 502 of the valve device 500 includes a valve seat 506 surrounding the port 303. The valve seat 506 provides a surface against which the valve pressure relief disc member 516 can abut when in the first closed position. The valve pressure relief disc member 516 is biased by a biasing element 520 to seal the valve seat 506. In some examples, the valve seat 506 is raised. In some examples, the valve seat 506 is molded to the top surface 542 of the valve body 502.

[0201] In some embodiments, the valve test lift member 505 defines a second valve seat (lift valve seat) 515 that is concentric with the valve seat 506. When the valve test lift member 505 moves along the valve shaft 518, the lift valve seat 515 moves relative to the valve seat 506. In some examples, when the valve test lift member 505 is in the second closed position, the lift valve seat 515 is radially aligned (in some examples, substantially in the same plane) with the valve seat 506, and when the valve test lift member 505 is in the second open position, the lift valve seat 515 is spaced apart from the valve seat 506 along the valve shaft 518. In some examples, the lift valve seat 515 is raised. In some examples, the lift valve seat 515 is molded to the top surface 543 of the disc portion 535.

[0202] In some embodiments, the pressure relief disc 516 carries a valve seal 517 that engages the valve seat 506 when the pressure relief disc 516 is in the first closed position and is spaced apart from the valve seat 506 when the pressure relief disc 516 is in the first open position. In some embodiments, the valve test lift member 505 carries a lift valve seal 530 that engages the valve seat 515 when the valve test lift member 505 is in the second closed position and is spaced apart from the valve seat 515 when the valve test lift member 505 is in the second open position. Thus, when the pressure relief disc 516 and the valve test lift member 505 are both in their respective closed positions, the valve seal 517 and the lift valve seal 530 seal the gap G. Moving the pressure relief disc 516 to its open position unseals the gap G.

[0203] In some embodiments, the pressure relief disc 516 carries a single seal extending across the gap G. The single seal engages the valve seat 506 when the pressure relief disc 516 is in the first closed position, and the single seal is spaced apart from the valve seat 506 when the pressure relief disc 516 is in the first open position. The single seal engages the lift valve seat 515 when the valve test lift member 505 is in the second closed position, and the single seal is spaced apart from the lift valve seat 515 when the valve test lift member 505 is in the second open position. Thus, the single seal seals the gap G when the pressure relief disc 516 and the valve test lift member 505 are both in their respective closed positions. Moving the pressure relief disc 516 to its open position unseals the gap G.

[0204] In some embodiments, the valve relief disc member 516 of the valve device 500 includes a peripheral wall 550. The peripheral wall 550 extends upward from the valve relief disc member 516 and is positioned concentric with the periphery of the valve relief disc member 516. In some examples, the peripheral wall 550 includes a cap-facing edge 554 that faces the cap 524 and is located in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the valve axis 518. In some examples, when the valve relief disc member 516 is in the open position and the biasing element 520 is compressed, the cap-facing edge 554 of the valve relief disc member 516 will contact a portion of the inner surface 525 of the cap 524 (see Fig. 9 ).

[0205] See also Fig. 9 In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the valve body 502 is adapted to be connected to the housing 574. Various coupling devices may be used. In some examples, the mounting surface 562 is configured to be attached to the exterior of the housing (see Fig. 9). In some examples, the connection is achieved by welding, brazing, gluing, bonding, fastening, or other connection methods. In some examples, the valve body 502 snaps into the housing 574. In some examples, the valve body 502 is attached to the housing 574 by a twist lock connection (e.g., threads, cam locks, etc.). For example, the connecting device 514 extends outward from the valve body 502. In some examples, the connecting device 514 includes one or more flexible locking arms 509, which are configured to extend into a hole 575 in the housing 574 to secure the valve body 502 to the housing 574. In some examples, the locking arm 509 defines a hook that locks to the wall of the housing 574. In some examples, the fastening device 514 includes a cam lock, a threaded, or a snap-on connection. In some examples, the fastening device 514 includes a bayonet groove in the outer surface 529 of the locking arm 509. The bayonet slot or other fastening means can be shaped to receive a protrusion from the battery housing to releasably and selectively connect the valve body 502 and the battery housing. In other alternative arrangements, the valve body 502 can be connected to the battery housing by threads, pop-ups, detents or other suitable connectors or couplers.

[0206] In some examples, the valve body 502 at the fastening device 514 includes a connection seal 560. The connection seal 560 is configured to seal between the valve housing 502 and the housing 574, thereby selectively sealing the hole 575 of the housing 574 with the valve device 500.

[0207] In some examples, a connection seal 560 (e.g., an O-ring having a circular, rectangular, square, or other cross-section) is included on an upper portion of the flexible locking arm 509, where the flexible locking arm 509 intersects the mounting surface 562 of the valve body 502 to provide a seal in the connection between the valve body 502 and the housing 574. In the example shown, the connection seal 560 surrounds and rests against the outer surface 529 of the flexible locking arm (or protruding wall) 509.

[0208] According to the principle of the present invention (see Figure 8), when the valve pressure relief disc member 516 is in the closed position and the valve test lift member 505 is in the closed position, gas is able to enter and exit the housing through the porous element 532. In some examples, the porous element 532 is hydrophobic, preventing water from entering the battery housing from the outside of the valve 500. In some examples, the porous element 532 is carried on the valve test lift member 505. According to the principles of the present invention, when the valve pressure relief disc member 516 is in the closed position and gas enters and exits the housing through the porous element 532, gas is allowed to enter and exit the opening 522 of the peripheral wall 508 of the valve body 502. Specifically, when the valve pressure relief disc member 516 is in the closed position and the valve test lift member 505 is in the closed position, gas moves from the housing, through the flow channel 552 in the valve test lift member 505, through the porous element 532, through the opening 522 in the peripheral wall 508 of the valve body 502, and exits to the environment surrounding the valve 500. In some examples, the gas moves along the reverse path, starting from the external environment and then passing through the valve arrangement into the battery housing. See exhaust flow path FP4.

[0209] refer to Fig. 9 , when the pressure in the housing 574 reaches or exceeds a predetermined level, the pressure relief fluid flows out of the housing 574 through the port 503 and is pressed toward the valve pressure relief disc member 516 through the gap G. In some examples, some of the pressure relief fluid can pass through the circulation channel 552 and the porous element 532. The cap 524 has been biased in the first position by the biasing element 520 and cannot move further away from the port 503 along the valve shaft 518. Therefore, the valve test lifting member 505 remains in the second closed position. However, the pressure relief fluid can push the valve pressure relief disc member 516 to overcome the bias of the biasing element 520 and reach the first open position, thereby releasing the seal of the gap G. The path provided by the gap G is less restricted than the porous element 532, so most of the pressure relief fluid will pass through the gap G along the pressure relief flow path FP5 to flow from the port 503 to the outside of the valve device 500 through the opening 522 in the peripheral wall 508 of the valve body 502.

[0210] After a pressure relief event (e.g., after the pressure in the housing decreases to a reset pressure below a predetermined level), the valve relief disc member 516 is moved by the force of the biasing element 520 to return the valve relief disc member 516 to the first closed position. As a result, the valve relief disc member 516 again brings the valve seal 517 and the lift valve seal 530 into contact with the valve seat 506 and the lift valve seat 515 to seal the gap G. The fluid returns to flow along the exhaust flow path FP4.

[0211] See also Fig.10According to the principles of the present invention, a housing with the valve device 500 installed is leak tested. In some embodiments, the sealing integrity between the valve relief disc member 516 and the valve seat 506 is initially tested before the valve device 500 is installed in the housing 574. In some examples, the sealing integrity between the valve relief disc member 516 and the valve test lift member 505 is initially tested before the valve device 500 is installed in the housing 574. In some examples, after the initial test of the sealing integrity, the valve device 500 is installed on the housing 574.

[0212] When the valve device 500 is installed on the shell 574, a leakage test on the shell 574 includes: moving the valve test lifting member 505 to a second open position, sealing the exterior 541 of the valve body 502 with the test device 572, and when the valve test lifting member 505 is in the second open position, using the test device 572 to pressurize the interior of the shell 574 through the valve interior 504.

[0213] In some examples, the test device 572 contacts the outer surface 576 of the cap 524. The thrust applied to the cap 524 by the test device 572 is transmitted to the stem 538 of the valve test lift member 505 (against the bias of the biasing element 520) to move the valve test lift member 505 to the second open position such that the lift valve seat 515 is no longer in contact with the valve pressure relief disc member 516 (e.g., in contact with the lift valve seal 530 of the valve pressure relief disc member 516).

[0214] The step of sealing the exterior 541 of the valve body 502 may include contacting the device sealing interface 578 with the valve sealing interface 580. In some examples, the device sealing interface 578 may include

[0215] Leak testing the housing also includes sealing the test device 572 and the valve device 500 when the predetermined target pressure is reached inside the housing. The pressure inside the housing is monitored for a predetermined period of time.

[0216] A predetermined target pressure and / or predetermined amount of time may be determined to prevent leakage, damage, rupture, explosion or other damage to the housing / casing and / or the batteries / materials / electronic devices enclosed within the housing / casing.

[0217] Based on the pressure within the housing remaining within a predetermined threshold of a predetermined target pressure for a predetermined time, the pressure within the housing can be released by the test device 572. The test device 572 is retracted so that it is removed from the exterior 541 of the valve body 502 and no longer in contact with the cap 524. The valve test lift member 505 returns to the closed position and the lift valve seal 515 contacts the valve pressure relief disc member 516.

[0218] In some examples, valve assembly 500 is configured to switch between a test state, an operating state, and a pressure relief state.

[0219] When the valve device 500 is in the operating state (see Figure 8 ), the valve defines an exhaust flow path FP4 between the outer peripheral wall 508 and the interior 504 of the pressure relief channel, which passes through the porous element 532 of the valve test lifting member 505 and through the flow channel 552 of the valve test lifting member 505.

[0220] When the valve is in the test state (see Fig.10 ), the valve device 500 defines a test flow path FP6 between the peripheral wall 508 and the interior 504 of the pressure relief channel, and the test flow path passes through the porous element 532 of the valve test lifting member 505 and through the channel 552 of the valve test lifting member 505.

[0221] When the valve is in the pressure relief state (see Fig. 9 ), the valve device 500 defines a pressure relief flow path FP5, which extends between the peripheral wall 508 and the pressure relief channel 504 and (mostly) passes through the gap G.

[0222] In some examples, flow channel 552 provides a greater flow restriction than gap G. In some examples, porous element 522 provides a greater flow restriction than flow channel 552 alone.

[0223] In some examples, the valve relief disc member 516 is movably mounted within the valve body 502 , and wherein the valve device 500 is switched between the operating state and the relief state by moving the valve relief disc member 516 relative to the valve body 502 and relative to the valve test lift member 505 .

[0224] In some examples, the valve test lift member 505 is movably mounted within the valve body 502 , and wherein the valve device 500 is switched between the operating state and the testing state by moving the valve test lift member 505 relative to the valve body 502 and relative to the valve pressure relief disc member 516 .

[0225] In some examples, each of the valve pressure relief disc member 516 and the valve test lift member 505 can be moved between a corresponding closed position and a corresponding open position, wherein the valve pressure relief disc member 516 moves in a first direction when moving from the corresponding closed position to the corresponding open position, and wherein the valve test lift member 505 moves in an opposite second direction when moving from the corresponding closed position to the corresponding open position.

[0226] In some examples, when the valve device 500 is in an operating state, the gap G is sealed. In some examples, the valve relief disc member 516 has at least one seal that seals the gap G when the valve device 500 is in an operating state.

[0227] According to the principles of the present invention, the valve device 500 includes a valve body 502, which defines a peripheral wall 502 and a pressure relief passage 504 in fluid communication with the interior of the housing 574 (see Fig. 9 ).

[0228] In some examples, the valve device 500 includes a valve test lift member 505 movably coupled to the valve body 502. In some examples, the valve test lift member 505 includes a disc portion 535 carrying a porous element 532. In some examples, the valve test lift member 505 defines at least one flow channel 552. In some examples, the valve device 500 includes a valve pressure relief disc member 516 movably coupled to the valve body 502, the valve pressure relief disc member 516 carrying at least one seal.

[0229] In some examples, the valve device 500 is configured to switch between a test state, an operating state, and a pressure relief state. Figure 8 ), the valve 500 defines an exhaust gas flow path between the peripheral wall 508 and the pressure relief passage 504, and FP4 passes through the flow passage 552 of the valve test lifting member 505 and through the porous element 532 of the valve test lifting member 505. When the valve device 500 is in the test state (see Fig.10 ), the valve 500 defines a test flow path between the peripheral wall 508 and the pressure relief channel 504, and FP6 passes through the flow channel 552 of the valve test lifting member 505 and the porous element 532 of the valve test lifting member 505. When the valve device 500 is in the pressure relief state (see Fig. 9 ), the valve 500 defines a pressure relief flow path between the peripheral wall 508 and the pressure relief channel 504, and FP5 passes through the gap G.

[0230] In some examples, the valve assembly 300, 500 may be incorporated into the connector manifold 400 to facilitate mounting on a housing 374, 574 (eg, a battery housing). Figures 17 to 21 The valve device 300 is shown incorporated into an example connector manifold 400. However, it should be understood that the valve device 500 can be incorporated alternatively or additionally. The connector manifold 400 includes a body 402, which is configured to be mounted to a battery housing or other housing 374, 574. The body 402 includes a connector station 404 and a valve station 406. One or more connectors 408 (e.g., a power connection interface, a data connection interface, etc.) are arranged at the connector station 404. In the example shown, the connector 408 is a high-voltage connector for a power source. Other types of connectors are also possible. The valve device 410 (e.g., valve devices 300, 500) is arranged at the valve station 406. Therefore, one or more connectors 408 can be carried together with the valve device 410 as a unit.

[0231] In some embodiments, the manifold body 402 defines a portion of the valve device 410, such as an outer wall 308, 508 that defines the valve device 300, 500. For example, the outer wall 308, 508 can be defined by a raised ring 412 that extends upward from the manifold body 402. The raised ring 412 surrounds the port 303. The raised ring 412 defines a plurality of openings 322, 522 through which fluid (e.g., air, liquid, etc.) can flow. In some examples, the wall 412 is integrally formed with the manifold body 402 (e.g., see Fig.18 ). In other examples, the wall 412 may be snap-fit ​​or otherwise secured to the manifold body 402. In other examples, the outer wall 308, 508 of the valve device 300, 500 may be carried as a unit with the valve device 300, 500 and attached to the connector manifold body 402 at the port 303, 503.

[0232] In some embodiments, the connector manifold body 402 has a top surface 414 and a bottom surface 416. The bottom surface 416 is configured to face the housing 374, 574, while the top surface 414 is configured to face away from the housing 374, 574. In some examples, the manifold body 402 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above, wherein the valve device 300, 500 and one or more connectors 408 extend through the thickness of the body 402 (e.g., see Fig. 9 ). In other examples, the manifold body 402 can have any desired shape when viewed from above (e.g., circular, rectangular, triangular, etc.). In the illustrated example, the manifold body 402 includes a fastener opening 418 into which a bolt, screw, or other fastener can be inserted to secure the manifold body 402 to the housing 374, 574. However, in other examples, the manifold body 402 can be welded, adhesively secured, or otherwise secured to the housing 374, 574. In some embodiments, a gasket 420 or other seal surrounds the port 303, 503 at the bottom surface 416 to seal the connector manifold body 402 to the battery housing or other housing 374, 574 (e.g., see Fig.18 ). In some examples, the gasket 420 includes an O-ring. In some examples, the gasket or other seal 420 also surrounds the connector station 408 at the bottom surface 416.

[0233] Fig.10 and Fig.11An exploded view of the components of an example valve device 410 is shown. The example valve device 410 is suitable for installation at a valve station 410 of a connector manifold 400. In the example shown, the outer wall 308, 508 of the valve device is defined by the connector manifold body 402, so the valve device 410 includes a cap 324, 524, a biasing element 320, 520, a valve pressure relief disc member 316, 516 and a valve test lifting member 305, 505. In some embodiments, the seal 330, 530 is carried by the valve pressure relief disc member 316, 516. In some examples, the valve pressure relief disc member 316, 516 defines a recessed channel 434, and the seal 330, 530 is arranged in the recessed channel 434. In some examples, the seal 330, 530 has a ring shape. In some embodiments, the membrane 332 or the porous element 532 is carried by the valve test lifting member 305, 505. In some examples, the membrane 332 is disc-shaped. In other examples, the porous element 532 is tubular and is disposed about the stem 538 of the valve test lift member 505 .

[0234] In some examples, the valve relief disc member 316, 516 and the cap 324, 524 define respective stop surfaces 430, 432 that maintain the position of the biasing element 320, 520. For example, each stop surface 430, 432 may include a raised ring, and the end of the biasing element 320, 520 may be arranged in the raised ring. In some examples, the biasing element 320, 520 is a spring. In the example shown, the biasing element 320, 520 includes a coil spring. In some embodiments, the biasing element 320, 520 surrounds the rod 338, 538 of the valve test lifting member 305, 505. In some examples, the guide ring 368 of the cap 324, 524 also extends at least partially through the biasing element 320, 520.

[0235] In some embodiments, the valve test lift member 305, 505 is fixedly secured to the cap 324, 524. For example, the rod 338, 538 of the valve test lift member 305, 505 can be fixedly secured to the guide ring 368 of the cap 324, 524. In various examples, the rod 338, 538 is welded, snapped, pinned, or otherwise mechanically coupled to the guide ring 368 so that the cap 324, 524 and the valve test lift member 305, 505 move together as a unit. In some examples, the guide ring 368 of the cap 324, 524 extends along most of the length of the rod 338, 538 of the valve test lift member 305, 505. In some examples, the rod 338, 538 is telescopically mounted within the guide ring 368. The valve relief disc member 316, 516 moves relative to the unit against the force of the biasing element 320, 520.

[0236] In some embodiments, the cap 324, 524 includes one or more stop members 436 configured to engage the outer wall 308, 508 (e.g., the raised ring 412) to retain the cap 324, 524 at the valve station 406. The stop members 436 of the cap 324, 524 are configured to snap-fit ​​with the aperture defined by the peripheral wall 308, 508. The interaction between the stop members 436 and the outer wall 308, 508 prevents the exhaust device 410 from being removed from the exhaust station 406 in at least a first direction. In some examples, the stop members 436 snap-fit ​​into the opening 322, 522 through which the fluid flows. In other examples, the aperture engaged by the stop members 436 is separated from the opening 322, 522 through which the fluid flows. In other embodiments, the outer wall 308, 508 defines a first hole 322a that is sized to receive the stop member 436 while still allowing fluid flow, and the second opening 322b is sized to allow fluid flow but not to receive the stop member 436. In some embodiments, the stop member 436 defines an inclined surface 438 and a stop surface 440. In the illustrated embodiment, the inclined surface partially faces the valve test lift member, while the stop surface 440 faces away from the valve test lift member 305, 505. In some embodiments, when the cap 324, 524 is depressed during a leak test, each stop member 436 slides along the corresponding hole 323. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the hole 323 is aligned with at least a portion of the circumference of the opening 322.

[0237] In some embodiments, the cap 324, 524 defines grooves or notches 448 through which fluid can flow during a leak check. For example, the test device 372, 572 can be mounted on the cap 324, 524 and around the outer ring 412 so that the test device 372, 572 is sealed to the manifold body 402. In some embodiments, some fluid (e.g., air) can be introduced from the test device 372, 572 through the grooves or notches 448 into the housing 374, 574 via the valve device 410. In other embodiments, some or all of the fluid is introduced through the holes 322, 522 in the outer wall 308, 508.

[0238] In some embodiments, the manifold body 402 defines a platform or shelf 442 surrounding the ports 303, 503 (see, e.g., Fig.21 ). The platform or shelf 442 extends radially inward from the raised ring 412 or other outer wall 308, 508. The valve pressure relief disc member 316, 516 is sized to rest on the platform or shelf 442 when in the closed position. The interaction between the valve pressure relief disc member 316, 516 and the flange or shelf 442 prevents the valve device 410 from being removed from the valve station 406 in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Fig.18As shown, the disc portion 335, 535 of the valve test lift member 305, 505 is disposed within the port 303, 503 (see, for example, Fig.21 ). In some embodiments, the manifold body 402 is thick enough so that the disc portion 335, 535 remains within the port 303, 503 when moving between the closed position and the open position. In other embodiments, the disc portion 335, 535 passes through the port 303, 503 and enters the housing 375 when in the open position.

[0239] Reference now Fig. 22 , 22A 23, a leak check actuation inhibiting device 610, 620 can be added to any valve device 300, 500, 410 disclosed herein. When a leak check is not performed, the leak check actuation inhibiting device 610, 620 inhibits the opening of the test flow path FP3, FP6. For example, in the absence of the leak check device 372, 572, the inhibiting device 610, 620 can inhibit the movement of the cap 324, 524 relative to the valve body (e.g., the outer wall 308, 508). Therefore, the inhibiting device 310, 620 helps prevent unintentional (e.g., accidental) opening of the valve device 300, 500, 410 during normal operation.

[0240] In some embodiments, the cap 324, 524 of the valve device 300, 500, 410 may be configured to engage with the valve body (e.g., the outer wall 308, 508) to inhibit movement of the cap 324, 524 relative to the valve body. The leakage check device 372, 572 may include an internal structure that is configured to engage or otherwise interact with the cap 324, 524 to disengage the cap 324, 524 from the valve body 300, 500. In some embodiments, the interaction between the leakage check device 372, 572 and the cap 324, 524 may release the cap 324, 524 to move relative to the valve body, thereby allowing a leak check to be performed.

[0241] In some embodiments, the inhibition device 610 includes one or more capture surfaces 604, 606 defined by the valve body (e.g., outer wall 308, 508) and one or more retaining members 612, 622 defined by the cap 324, 524. Each retaining member 612, 622 includes a stopper 614, 624 configured to abut against the capture surface 604, 606 to inhibit the cap 324, 524 from traveling to the depressed position relative to the valve body. In order to release the cap 324, 524 to move to the depressed position, the first engagement feature 618 (e.g., inclined surface) on the leakage check device 372, 572 engages with the second engagement feature 616, 626 (e.g., cam follower) to bend, pivot or deform the retaining member 612, 622, thereby moving the stopper 614, 624 out of engagement with the capture surface 604, 606. Misalignment of the movement stops 614, 624 from the capture surfaces 604, 606 allows the cap 324, 524 to be moved to a depressed position so that a leak check can be performed.

[0242] like Fig. 22 As shown, in some embodiments, the valve body has one or more windows 602 that define a capture surface 604. In some examples, when the cap 324, 524 is mounted to the valve body, each retaining member 612 is received in one of the windows 602. In some examples, only some of the windows 602 receive the retaining member 612. In other examples, each window 602 receives the retaining member 612. In some embodiments, the stopper 614 protrudes through the window 602 to engage the capture surface 604 (e.g., see Fig.22A ). In some examples, the second engagement feature 616 engages another capture surface of the window 602 to prevent the cap 324, 524 from being removed from the valve body.

[0243] like Fig.22A As further shown, the valve body can define a slot 628 extending between the window 602 and the exterior of the valve body. The slot 628 provides a path for the first engagement feature 618 of the leak check device 372, 572 to slide to reach the second engagement feature 616. In some examples, the first engagement feature 618 includes a rib having a tapered or inclined surface that extends into the slot 628 when the device 372, 572 is installed on the exhaust device 300, 410, 500. Pressing the device against the exhaust device 300, 410, 500 moves the first engagement feature 618 toward the second engagement feature 616 to bend the retaining member 612 inwardly, thereby moving the stopper 614 away from the capture surface 604.

[0244] Fig.23 Another example implementation of an actuation inhibitor 620 is shown. Fig.23, the suppression device 620 includes a flexible arm 622 that extends radially outward from the cap 324, 524 so that the stop member 624 engages the capture surface 606 of the valve body. In the depicted example, the capture surface 606 is located at the top of the valve body. In order to allow the cap 324, 524 to move freely to the depressed position, the leakage check device 372, 572 will be lowered above the exhaust port 300, 500, 410 so that the internal engagement feature is rotationally aligned with the flexible arm 622. The leakage check device 372, 572 will then be rotated so that the internal engagement feature cams or otherwise engages the arm 622 to bend, pivot or deform radially inward, thereby moving the stop member 624 away from alignment with the capture surface 606 of the valve body.

[0245] Figures 24A-24E 25 show a dual spring design of an example valve device 630 configured according to the principles of the present invention. For example, the valve device 630 is also configured to provide passive exhaust along the exhaust flow path VFP (see Fig.24A ), thermal runaway pressure relief along the pressure relief flow path RFP (see Fig. 24B ) and leak checking capabilities along the test flow path TFP (see Fig.24C In some examples, valve device 630 may be formed with a suppression device (e.g., Fig. 22 The suppression device 610 or Fig.23 Each valve device 630 includes a valve body 632, a flow limiting member (such as a valve pressure relief disc member 634), a blocking member (such as a valve test lifting member 636) and a cap 638.

[0246] In some embodiments, the valve test lift member 636 carries a membrane 690. In some examples, the membrane 690 is disc-shaped and carried by the disc portion of the valve test lift member 636. In other examples, the membrane 690 is tubular and arranged around the rod 648 of the valve test lift member 636. Fig.24A In the example shown, the membrane 690 is disposed between the disc portion of the valve test lift member 636 and the valve passage leading to the interior of the housing. Fig.25 In the example shown, the disc portion of the valve test lift member 636 is disposed between the membrane 690 and the valve passageway leading to the interior of the housing.

[0247] exist Figures 24A-24EIn the embodiment of the present invention, the first biasing element 640 is disposed between the valve relief disc member 634 and the cap 638, and the second biasing element 642 is disposed between the valve body 632 and the valve test lift member 636. In some embodiments, the first biasing element 640 biases the valve relief disc member 634 to a sealing position to close the relief flow path RFP. In some embodiments, the first biasing element 640 also biases the valve cap 638 to an unpressed position. In some embodiments, the second biasing element 642 biases the valve test lift member 636 to a sealing position to close the test flow path TFP. Separating the biasing elements 640 and 642 can separate the tolerances of the separable valve seals 317 and 517 and the lift valve seals 330 and 530.

[0248] In some examples, the first biasing element 640 is a conical spring. In the described example, the conical spring tilts inward when the conical spring 640 extends toward the cap 638. The conical shape of the first biasing element 640 allows the biasing element 640 to be more fully compressed compared to a coil spring. Therefore, the conical shape increases the travel distance of the cap 324, 524 relative to the valve body, which increases the distance between the valve seat 315, 515 and the lift valve seal 330, 530. Increasing the distance between the valve seat 315, 515 and the lift valve seal 330, 530 can increase the size of the test flow path during a leak check.

[0249] exist Figures 24A-24E 25, the interaction between the cap 638 and the valve test lift member 636 limits the movement of the valve test lift member 636 relative to the valve pressure relief disc member 634. For example, during thermal runaway, the valve pressure relief disc member 634 moves upward toward the cap 638 to the open position to open the pressure relief flow path (e.g., Figure 6 Pressure relief flow path FP2 or Fig. 9 In some examples, the valve pressure relief disc member 634 is also away from the valve test lift member 636. The interaction between the cap 638 and the lift valve portion 646 can separate the valve pressure relief disc member 634 from the valve test lift member 636, thereby opening the leak check path FP3 in addition to the pressure relief path FP2.

[0250] exist Figures 24A-24E638. In the embodiment of the present invention, the second biasing element 646 biases the test lift valve member 636 onto the stop surface of the valve relief disc member 634. The cap 638 has a generally flat central area on the inside. The stem 646 of the valve test lift member 636 extends upward to the cap 638 to interact with the central area of ​​the cap 638. When the cap 638 is not depressed, the stem 646 of the valve test lift member 636 can float freely relative to the cap 638. Depressing the cap 638 brings the inside of the cap 638 into contact with the stem 646. The movement of the cap 638 can press the valve test lift member 636 to resist the bias of the second biasing element 642, thereby pressing the valve test lift member 636 away from the valve relief disc member 634.

[0251] exist Fig.25 6, the cap 638 includes a downwardly extending stem 648 that engages the top of the valve test lift member 636. When the cap 638 is not depressed, the stem 648 of the cap 638 can float freely relative to the valve test lift member 636. Depressing the cap 638 brings the stem 648 into contact with the valve test lift member 636. The movement of the cap 638 can press the valve test lift member 636 to resist the bias of the second biasing element 642, thereby pressing the valve test lift member 636 away from the valve pressure relief disc member 634.

[0252] In some embodiments, the valve relief disc member 634 carries a first seal S1 configured to seal between the valve relief disc member 634 and the exhaust housing 639. In some examples, the valve relief disc member 634 also carries a second seal S2 configured to seal between the valve relief disc member 634 and the valve test lift member 636. In some examples, the first seal S1 and the second seal S2 are carried on a common side of the valve relief disc member 634. In some examples, the first seal S1 is radially aligned with the second seal S2.

[0253] In some embodiments, the valve pressure relief disc member 634 includes a retainer 635 that surrounds at least a disc portion of the valve test lift member 636 when the lift valve member 636 moves between the blocking position and the unblocking position. The retainer 635 defines a window 637 through which fluid flowing along the test flow path TFP passes when the valve 630 is configured in the test state (see FIG. Fig.24C In some examples, the retainer 635 extends downward from the disc portion carrying the first and second seals S1, S2. In some examples, the retainer 635 inhibits tilting of the test lift valve member 636 when the lift valve member is switched between the blocking position and the unblocking position.

[0254] Reference now Fig.26, the flame / particle barrier 650 can be mounted to any valve device 300, 410, 500, 630 disclosed herein. The flame / particle barrier 650 extends through a port (e.g., port 303, 503) of the valve device 300, 410, 500, 630 to separate the interior of the valve device 300, 410, 500, 630 from the interior of the battery housing 374, 574. The flame / particle barrier 650 can inhibit particles of a predetermined size from leaving the battery housing 372, 572. For example, the flame / particle barrier 650 can prevent shrapnel or debris from forming within the battery housing 372, 572 during thermal runaway.

[0255] In some embodiments, the flame / particle barrier 650 includes a metal mesh. In some examples, the flame / particle barrier 650 defines a plurality of holes (e.g., honeycomb) or grooves through which a fluid (e.g., gas or liquid) can pass. The flame / particle barrier 650 has a higher melting point than the valve body, so that even after the valve melts, particles within the housing will continue to be inhibited from leaving the housing along with the pressure relief fluid. In some examples, the flame / particle barrier 650 is fixed to the exhaust device 300, 410, 500, 630 so that the flame / particle barrier 650 and the exhaust device 300, 410, 500, 630 can be mounted to the battery housing 372, 572 as a unit. In other examples, when the exhaust device 300, 410, 500, 630 is mounted to the battery housing 372, 572, the flame / particle barrier 650 is sandwiched between the exhaust device 300, 410, 500, 630 and the battery housing 372, 572.

[0256] Fig. 27 Shows Fig.26 630 , which is configured to engage with a housing (e.g., housing 372, 572 described above). Seal 660 is configured to seal between the valve housing and the housing, thereby selectively sealing an opening of the housing using the valve assembly. In some embodiments, flame / particle arrester 650 is disposed within seal 660. Flame / particle arrester 650 may be bolted or otherwise coupled to exhaust 630. In some examples, flame / particle arrester 650 is bolted between exhaust 630 and the housing.

[0257] In some examples, the torque limiter 654 is arranged in a fastener opening extending through the valve body. In some examples, the torque limiter 654 is a rigid ring or C-shaped member that is assembled in the fastener opening. The torque limiter 654 is stronger than the valve body. Therefore, the torque limiter 654 inhibits the valve body from breaking during the process of installing the exhaust device 630 to the battery housing 374, 574. For example, the torque limiter 654 can prevent the bolts from being over-tightened when the exhaust device 300, 410, 500, 630 is installed to the housing 372, 572. In some examples, the torque limiter 654 is metal (e.g., brass), and the valve body can be formed of plastic.

[0258] Fig.28 and 29 An example manifold 660 is shown defining a plurality of valve stations 662. Each valve station 662 is configured to accommodate a valve device configured according to the principles of the present invention (e.g., any of the valve devices 100, 300, 410, 500, 630 disclosed herein). In some embodiments, the valve station 662 defines a portion of the valve device, such as the outer wall 308, 508 of the valve housing. In other embodiments, a separate valve device 300, 410, 500, 630 may be mounted at the valve station 662.

[0259] The manifold 660 is sealed to the housing 374, 574. The manifold 660 exposes the interior portion of one or more exhaust devices to the interior of the housing. In some embodiments, the valve station 662 of the manifold 660 can accommodate one or more valve devices 100, 300, 500, 410, 630 described herein. For example, the manifold 660 can accommodate a three-stage valve device that provides (1) passive exhaust, (2) thermal runaway pressure relief, and (3) leak detection functions.

[0260] In some embodiments, the manifold 660 may hold one or more single-stage valve devices 670 at corresponding valve stations 662 in addition to holding one or more three-stage valve devices 300, 410, 500, 630. For example, in the example described, the three-stage valve device 300, 500, 410, 630 is arranged between two single-stage valve devices 670, each of which only provides thermal runaway pressure relief. Therefore, the manifold 660 allows greater thermal runaway pressure relief than can be achieved by only one three-stage valve device 300, 500, 410, 630. In addition, the use of single-stage valve devices 670 reduces the cost of the manifold assembly compared to using all three-stage valve devices 300, 410, 500, 630.

[0261] In some embodiments, the flame / particle arrester 650 may be disposed at a valve device (e.g., a single-stage valve device 670 and / or a three-stage valve device 300, 500, 410, 630, etc.) maintained at the manifold 660. In some embodiments, the corresponding flame / particle arrester 650 (e.g., see Fig.26 and 27 ) may be separately mounted at each valve station 662. In other embodiments, a combined flame / particle barrier 656 may be mounted to the manifold 660 to extend to each valve station 662. The combined flame / particle barrier 656 defines a plurality of holes or slots at each valve station, connecting each valve device 100, 300, 410, 500, 630, 670 to the interior of the housing 372, 572. The flame / particle barrier 656 may act as a filter to prevent larger pieces of internal battery components from being pushed out of the housing by the depressurized fluid.

[0262] refer to Fig.30 , a leak check (e.g., an end-of-line leak check) may be performed on a battery housing 374, 574, or other housing on which one or more valves 100, 300, 410, 500, 630, 670 are mounted. For example, one or more three-stage valves 300, 410, 500, 630 and / or one or more other types of valves 670 may be sealably mounted at the housing 374, 574. Other valves 670 may be single-stage valves (e.g., to provide thermal runaway or other pressure peak relief) and / or two-stage valves (e.g., to provide passive venting and pressure relief). In some examples, all valves intended to be installed on the housing are installed prior to the leak check. In some examples, the valves are installed as a unit (e.g., as Fig.28 and 29 660). In other examples, the valves may be mounted to the housing 374, 574 individually or in groups.

[0263] exist Fig.30 In the example shown, the valve 670 is mounted on the housing. The gasket 672 is sealed between the valve 670 and the housing. In order to help test the seal, the valve 670 is mounted on the housing before the leak check. According to aspects of the present disclosure, a sealing cap 680 is mounted on the valve 670 to inhibit fluid from flowing through one or more holes 674 defined in the valve 670. The sealing cap 680 includes a cover 682 that seals the valve 670 (e.g., the outside of the valve 670). In some examples, the cover 682 has a seal 684 (e.g., a gasket) inside it. When the sealing cap 680 is mounted to the valve 670, the hole 674 of the valve 670 is sealed and surrounded in the cover 682. However, the seal 672 between the valve 670 and the housing 374, 574 is not enclosed in the sealing cap 680.

[0264] In operation, during a leak check by the test device 372, 572, a fluid (e.g., gas) is pumped into the housing (e.g., through the three-stage valve 300, 410, 500, 630) to check whether the housing 374, 574 has leaks. The seal cap 680 prevents any fluid from escaping from the housing through the valve 670 unless the valve 670 is not adequately sealed to the housing 374, 574. If there is not an adequate seal 672, fluid may escape from the housing at the interface between the housing 374, 574 and the valve 670. If such a leak is found, the seal 672 can be corrected and the housing 374, 574 retested. By placing the valve 670 at the housing during the leak check, the feasibility of the seal 672 and the rest of the housing can be tested during the leak check.

[0265] Similarly, in some embodiments, the test device 372, 572 is configured to seal to the three-stage valve 300, 410, 500, 630 without covering the seal 360, 420, 560, 660 between the valve 300, 410, 500, 630 and the housing 374, 574. Therefore, during the leak check, the seal 360, 420, 560, 660 can be tested with the rest of the housing. In other embodiments, the housing 374, 574 only includes a single-stage or dual-stage valve 670, which cannot be directly leak checked. In some such embodiments, most or all of the valves 670 are installed at the housing 374, 574 and covered with a sealing cap 680. The test device can then be attached to the housing (e.g., through the valve hole or other hole) and a leak check performed.

[0266] See also Fig.31 , the valve 700 is shown mounted to the housing 702 at the port 704. The valve 700 includes a housing 706, the housing 706 defining a gas opening 708, the gas opening 708 leading to an internal porous membrane 710, and the internal porous membrane 710 separating the interior of the valve 700 into a first region R1 and a second region R2. The first region R1 is located between the porous membrane 710 and the interior of the housing 702. The second region R2 is located between the porous membrane 710 and one or more windows 712 or other openings leading to the exterior of the housing 706. Fluid (e.g., gas) can be passively discharged from the interior of the housing to the exterior of the housing 702 through the porous membrane 710.

[0267] In the case of thermal runaway, the fluid in the housing 702 can bypass the porous membrane 710 to escape. The housing 706 includes an internal support structure 714 to keep the porous membrane 710 in the housing 706. One or more openings 716 extend through the support structure 714 to connect the first region R1 and the second region R2 in parallel with the porous membrane 710. A flow limiting member 718 (e.g., a partition) is arranged in the housing 706 to move between a closed position and an open position. When the flow limiting member 718 is in the closed position, the flow limiting member 718 extends above the opening 716 of the support structure and closes the opening 716, thereby preventing the fluid from flowing between the first and second regions R1 and R2 (except through the porous membrane 710). However, when the flow limiting member 718 is in the open position, the opening 716 is not covered (e.g., by the pressure of the pressure relief fluid), so that the pressure relief fluid can pass between the first and second regions R1 and R2 without passing through the porous membrane 710.

[0268] To perform a leak check on housing 702, a test device 701 configured according to the principles of the present invention may be mounted on valve 700. In some embodiments, test device 701 is used to draw a vacuum within housing 702 through valve 700 and monitor vacuum decay (e.g., see Fig.31 and 32 In other embodiments, the test device 701 is used to apply positive pressure to the housing 702 through the valve 700 and monitor the pressure decay. In the absence of such decay (e.g., if the decay remains below a predetermined threshold), the housing 702 is considered to have no leaks.

[0269] The test fixture 701 includes an adapter body 703 sized to fit around a housing 706 of the valve 700. The adapter body 703 includes an open end 705 leading to an interior 707 of the test fixture 701. A hose 711 or other conduit extends from the adapter body 703 to a pressure tank or vacuum pump. An exhaust 713 may control fluid flow between the adapter body interior 707 and the hose 711.

[0270] The sensor device 715 is also arranged at the adapter body 703. In some embodiments, the sensor device 715 is arranged within the interior 707 of the adapter body 703. In other embodiments, the sensor device 715 can be arranged at the port 717 of the adapter body 703, located outside the adapter body 703. In other embodiments, the sensor device 715 can be arranged along the hose 711 or other conduit. In some examples, the sensor device 715 is configured to measure pressure decay. In other examples, the sensor device 715 is configured to measure vacuum decay. In some examples, the sensor device 715 is electrically connected to a processor that receives a data signal from the sensor device 715 to determine whether the pressure or vacuum decay remains below a predetermined threshold. For example, a data line can extend from the sensor device along the hose 711 to a connection at the end of the hose 711 opposite the adapter body 703. Alternatively, the data line can extend through the adapter body to a connector or other interface outside the adapter body 703.

[0271] In some embodiments, the adapter body 703 is configured to seal against the valve 700 (see, e.g., Fig.32 ). For example, the adapter body 703 can be sized to fit around the housing 706 of the valve 700 such that the window or other aperture 712 is disposed within the interior 707 of the adapter body 703. In addition, the adapter body 703 can include a gasket 709 configured to seal the adapter body 703 to the housing 706 of the valve 700. In the example shown, the gasket 709 includes an O-ring or other annular seal that contacts the inner surface of the adapter body 703 and the outer surface of the valve housing 706. Thus, the test device 701 forms a closed system with the valve 700 and the interior of the housing 702.

[0272] exist Fig.32 In the example shown, negative pressure may be applied by the test device 701 through the valve 700 to form a vacuum within the housing 702. When suction is applied by the test device 701, the pressure in the second region R2 will initially drop faster than the pressure in the first region R1 because only a limited amount of fluid can pass through the porous membrane 710 at a time. As the pressure differential between the regions R1, R2 increases, the pressure within the first region R1 will become sufficient to lift or otherwise bend the flow restricting member 718 to open the one or more openings 716. The vacuum flow will then flow from the first region R1 through the one or more openings 716 to the second region R2 via the test flow path FP7, through the window 712, and into the test device interior 707. When the pressure between the first and second regions R1, R2 is equalized again, the flow restricting member 718 will recover to cover the one or more openings 716.

[0273] After evacuation, the sensor device 715 will monitor the internal pressure within the test device 701 throughout the leak check process. For example, in the event of a leak, a fluid (e.g., gas) may leak into the housing 702, leak into the first region R1 of the valve 700 through the gas opening 708, leak into the second region R2 through the porous membrane 710, and then leak into the test device interior 707 through one or more windows 712 of the housing 706. The data signal from the sensor device 715 is processed to detect whether the vacuum decays. The decay of the vacuum may indicate that there is a leak in the housing 702. The lack of decay of the vacuum indicates that there is no leak in the housing 702.

[0274] Figures 33 to 38 An alternative embodiment of a valve 720, 740, 760 configured in accordance with the principles of the present invention is shown. The valve 720, 740, 760 is suitable for use in a leak detection process that applies positive pressure to the housing through the valve and monitors the internal pressure to detect pressure decay. The valve 720, 740, 760 includes Fig.31 and 32 The porous membrane 710, one or more openings 716 and a flow restriction member 718 of the valve 700 of FIG. The functions of these components are the same as they are in the valve 700.

[0275] In addition, valves 720, 740, 760 also define a third path between the first region R1 and the second region R2, which bypasses the porous membrane 710 and bypasses one or more openings 716. The test flow path FP8 is closed during normal operation of passive exhaust through the porous membrane 710. The test path is also closed during a thermal runaway pressure relief event (e.g., when the flow restriction member 718 is open). In contrast, the test path FP8 is configured to open only when a positive pressure is applied to the second region R2 (e.g., by the test device 701, 721) to allow the fluid to reach the first region R1 through the third path and then reach the interior of the housing 702.

[0276] exist Fig.33 and 34 In the second valve 720, the test path is defined at a position between the porous membrane 710 and the one or more openings 716. For example, as will be discussed herein, the test path FP8 can be provided by one or more openings, which are defined by a support structure disposed between the porous membrane 710 and the one or more openings 716. Figures 35 to 38 In the second and third valves 740, 760, the membrane 710 forms a ring around the support structure, and the third path is defined by the support structure. Figures 35 to 38 between the test path in and one or more openings 716 .

[0277] Reference now Fig.33 and 34Unless otherwise specified, valve 720 is Fig.31 and 32 The valve 100 is substantially similar to the valve 100 of FIG. The support structure 722 is arranged between the flow-limiting member 718 and the porous membrane 710. The support structure 722 defines one or more openings 724 passing therethrough. One or more openings 724 connect the first region R1 and the second region R2. The blocking member 726 can move (e.g., be flexible, deformable, etc.) between a blocking (i.e., closed) and an unblocking (i.e., open) position. When in the closed position, the blocking member 726 extends through the one or more openings 724 to block the passage of fluid. When in the open position, the blocking member 726 allows fluid to pass therethrough.

[0278] In some embodiments, when moving between the blocking position and the unblocking position, the blocking member 726 travels in a different direction than the flow restricting member 718. For example, Fig.33 The flow-restricting member 718 in the embodiment is arranged to cover one or more openings 716, so that the outer portion of the flow-restricting member 718 rests on a platform 719 or other support surface. When transitioning to the open position, the outer portion of the flow-restricting member 718 rises from the platform 719 in a direction away from the first region R1. However, the blocking member 726 extends below the one or more openings 724. When transitioning to the open position, the inner portion of the blocking member 726 falls from the support structure 722 in a direction away from the second region R2.

[0279] In some embodiments, the blocking member 726 is integrally formed with the flow limiting member 718. For example, the flow limiting member 718 and the blocking member 726 can be formed on the outside and inside of the deformable, non-porous membrane. In other embodiments, the flow limiting member 718 and the blocking member 726 can be separate components. In some embodiments, the blocking member 726 is biased to a closed position. In some examples, the blocking member 726 is biased by the elasticity of the natural material.

[0280] During the leak check, the test device 701 can be sealingly mounted on the housing 706 of the second valve 720. Positive pressure can be applied to the second region R2 of the second valve 720 via the test device 701. For example, a pressurized fluid can be provided along the hose 711, through the valve 713, and into the interior of the adapter body 703, from which the fluid enters the second region R2 through the window 712 in the body 106 of the second valve 720. The pressure difference between the second and first regions R2, R1 causes the blocking member 726 to deflect or otherwise move to the open position until the pressure between the first region R1 and the second region R2 is equal. The sensor device 715 monitors the internal pressure within the test device 701. If a housing leak occurs, the fluid (e.g., gas) may leak into the housing 702, leak into the first region R1 of the valve 700 through the gas opening 708, leak into the second region R2 through the porous membrane 710, and then leak into the test device interior 707 through one or more windows 712 in the housing 706. The data signal from the sensor device 715 is processed to check for pressure decay, which may indicate the presence of a leak in the housing 702.

[0281] Reference now Fig.35 and 36 Unless otherwise specified, the third valve 740 is Fig.31 and 32 The valve 100 of the present invention is basically similar. The porous membrane 710 forms a ring around the support structure 742. The support structure 742 defines one or more openings 744, which connect the first and second regions R1, R2 and form a part of the test flow path FP9. In some examples, one or more openings 744 extend parallel to the thickness of the porous membrane 710. Another embodiment of the blocking member 746 can move between the closed position and the open position (for example, flexible, deformable, etc.). When in the closed position, the blocking member 746 extends through the one or more openings 744 to block the fluid from passing therethrough. When in the open position, the blocking member 746 allows fluid to pass through the one or more openings 744.

[0282] In some embodiments, when moving between the closed position and the open position, the blocking member 746 travels in a different direction than the first flow restricting member 718. For example, Fig.35The first flow-limiting member 718 in the embodiment is arranged to cover one or more openings 716, so that the outer portion of the first flow-limiting member 718 rests on a platform 719 or other support surface. When transitioning to the open position, the outer portion of the first flow-limiting member 718 rises from the platform 719 in a direction away from the first region R1. However, the blocking member 746 extends below the one or more openings 744. When transitioning to the open position, a portion of the second flow-limiting member 746 falls from the support structure 742 in a direction away from the second region R2 and into the first region R1.

[0283] In some embodiments, the blocking member 746 is a separate component from the first flow-restricting member 718. In some examples, the blocking member 746 includes an umbrella valve. In some examples, the blocking member 746 is mounted to the support structure 742 so that the deformable or flexible portion of the blocking member 746 extends below the support structure 742 and across the one or more openings 744. In some embodiments, the blocking member 746 is biased to a closed position. In some examples, the blocking member 746 is biased by the elasticity of a natural material.

[0284] During the leak check, the test device 701 can be sealingly mounted on the housing 706 of the third valve 740. A positive pressure can be applied to the second region R2 of the third valve 740 by the test device 701. For example, a pressurized fluid can be provided along the hose 711, through the valve 713, and into the interior of the adapter body 703, from which the fluid enters the second region R2 through the window 712 in the body 106 of the third valve 740. The pressure difference between the second region R2 and the first region R1 causes the blocking member 746 to deflect or otherwise move to the open position until the pressure between the first region R1 and the second region R2 is equal. If a housing leak occurs, the fluid (e.g., gas) may leak into the housing 702, leak into the first region R1 of the valve 700 through the gas opening 708, leak into the second region R2 through the porous membrane 710, and then leak into the interior 707 of the test device through one or more windows 712 in the housing 706. The sensor device 715 monitors the internal pressure within the test device 701. The data signal from the sensor device 715 is processed to check for pressure decay, which may indicate the presence of a leak in the housing 703.

[0285] Reference now Fig.37 and 38 Unless otherwise specified, the fourth valve 760 is Fig.31 and 32The valve 700 is substantially similar to the third valve 740. As with the third valve 740, the porous membrane 710 forms a ring around the support structure 742, which defines one or more openings 744. The one or more openings 744 connect the first region R1 and the second region R2. In some examples, the one or more openings 744 extend parallel to the thickness of the porous membrane 710.

[0286] The blocking member (e.g., lift valve 766) is arranged at the support structure 742 and can move (e.g., slide) between a closed position and an open position relative to the support structure 742. When in the closed position, the lift valve 766 extends through one or more openings 744 to block the passage of fluid. When in the open position, the lift valve 766 allows fluid to pass through the test flow path FP10 through one or more openings 744. The lift valve 766 includes a blocking member 768 that extends through a channel axis defined by one or more openings 744. The lift valve 766 also includes an actuating member 770, and the test device 761 will interact with the actuating member 770 to open the lift valve 766, as will be discussed herein. A rod 772 connects the blocking member 768 and the actuating member 770.

[0287] In some embodiments, the lift valve 766 is biased to a closed position, thereby blocking the fluid from entering between the first region R1 and the second region R2. Therefore, the lift valve 766 remains closed during normal operation of passive exhaust. In some examples, the spring 774 extends between the support structure 742 and the actuating member 770 to bias the actuating member 770 away from the support structure 742. Biasing the actuating member 770 away from the support surface 742 will pull the blocking member 768 toward the support surface 742 so that the blocking member 768 covers one or more openings 744. During thermal runaway, the pressure in the first region R1 firmly presses the blocking member 768 against the support structure 742, thereby keeping the lift valve 766 in a closed position. In some examples, the blocking member 768 is provided with a gasket or other seal that engages with the support structure 742 to seal one or more openings 744. In other examples, when the lift valve 766 is in a closed position, the gasket or seal can be mounted on the support structure 742 and engaged with the blocking member 768.

[0288] Fig.38Another example test device 721 suitable for pressurizing the housing 702 through the fourth valve 760 is shown. The test device 721 is also configured to actuate the lift valve 766 without actuating the thermal runaway pressure relief valve 718. In some embodiments, the test device 721 includes an engagement structure 776 configured to contact the actuation member 770 of the lift valve 766 and switch the lift valve 766 to an open position. In some examples, the engagement structure 776 includes an inward protrusion that presses the actuation surface 770 down to resist the bias of the spring 774 when the test device 721 is installed on the housing 706 of the fourth valve 760.

[0289] During the leak check, the test device 721 is sealingly mounted on the housing 706 of the fourth valve 760. A positive pressure is applied to the second region R2 of the fourth valve 760 by the test device 721. For example, a pressurized fluid may be provided along the hose 711, through the valve 713, and into the interior of the adapter body 703, from which the fluid passes through the window 712 in the body 706 of the fourth valve 760 and enters the second region R2. As the engagement structure 776 moves the lift valve to the open position, the pressurized fluid may flow from the second region R2 into the first region R1 and then into the interior of the housing. If a housing leak occurs, the fluid (e.g., gas) may leak into the housing 702, leak into the first region R1 of the valve 700 through the gas opening 708, leak into the second region R2 through the porous membrane 710, and then leak into the interior 707 of the test device through one or more windows 712 in the housing 706. The sensor device 715 monitors the internal pressure within the test device 721. The data signal from the sensor device 715 is processed to check for pressure decay, which may indicate the presence of a leak in the housing 703.

[0290] Reference now Fig.40 , valve 800 is installed at the hole of housing C (see Fig.41 ). The valve 800 includes a valve body 802, a cap 804, and a platform assembly 806 disposed within the valve body 802. The valve body 802 extends between opposite first and second ends 824 and 826, respectively (see Fig.49 ). The first end 824 is disposed in the interior I of the housing C, and the second end 826 is disposed in the exterior E of the housing C. The valve body 802 is mechanically fixed to the housing C. In some examples, the valve body 802 is sealed to the housing C using a gasket 805. The valve body 802 defines a passage 808 that extends from the interior I of the housing C to the exterior E of the housing C along the axis A of the valve body 802. The internal platform 832 is located in the middle of the passage 808 in the valve body 802 (see, for example, Fig.49 ).

[0291] In some embodiments, the cap 804 is mounted to the valve body 802 to extend through the passage 808 at the second end 826 of the valve body 802. The cap 804 has a peripheral side that is sufficiently spaced from the periphery of the valve body 802 to provide space for gas to flow into and out of the valve body 802 through the cap 804 (see, for example, Figure 43 to Figure 45 In some embodiments, the cap 804 includes an actuator 828 that protrudes inwardly toward the platform assembly 806. The actuator 828 is aligned with the membrane 810 carried by the platform assembly 806. The cap 804 is configured to be in an undepressed position relative to the valve body 802 along the axis A (e.g., see Fig.43 and 44 ) and depressed positions (see, for example, Fig.45 ) between the cap 804 and the depressed position. In some examples, the cap 804 is biased to an undepressed position.

[0292] In some embodiments, the valve 800 has a height H measured between the first end 824 of the valve body 802 and the cap 804 when the cap 804 is in the undepressed position. In some embodiments, the height H of the valve 800 is approximately 20 mm. In some embodiments, the height H of the valve 800 does not exceed 25 mm. In some embodiments, the height H of the valve 800 does not exceed 24 mm. In some embodiments, the height H of the valve 800 does not exceed 23 mm. In some embodiments, the height H of the valve 800 does not exceed 22 mm. In some embodiments, the height H of the valve 800 does not exceed 21 mm. In some embodiments, the height H of the valve 800 does not exceed 20 mm.

[0293] In some embodiments, valve 800 has a transverse dimension (e.g., diameter) CD measured between opposite sides of valve 800 at the widest point of valve 800. In some examples, the transverse dimension CD of valve 800 is approximately 60 mm. In some examples, the transverse dimension CD of valve 800 does not exceed 65 mm. In some examples, the transverse dimension CD of valve 800 does not exceed 64 mm. In some examples, the transverse dimension CD of valve 800 does not exceed 63 mm. In some examples, the transverse dimension CD of valve 800 does not exceed 62 mm. In some examples, the height H of valve 800 does not exceed 61 mm. In some examples, the transverse dimension CD of valve 800 does not exceed 60 mm.

[0294] The platform assembly 806 is disposed within the passage 808 (e.g., at the interior platform 832) to selectively open and close various flow paths on the passage 808 between the interior I and exterior E of the housing C. Fluid can exit the housing C along one or more flow paths during operation of the valve 800. In some examples, fluid can also enter the housing C along one of the flow paths. In some embodiments, the platform assembly 806 selectively seals to the valve body 802 to prevent liquid from entering the interior I of the housing C from the exterior E of the housing C during operation of the valve 800. For example, the platform assembly 806 can carry a gasket 830 that can be pressed against a recessed flange 832 defined by the valve body 802 to form a seal.

[0295] In some embodiments, the platform assembly 806 includes a porous membrane 810 through which gas can flow along the exhaust flow path FP11 (see, for example, Fig.43 ). Thus, in such embodiments, the platform assembly 806 provides passive venting (breathing / deflating) for the housing in which the valve 800 is mounted. In some examples, the membrane 810 is a hydrophobic membrane. Thus, the membrane 810 prevents liquid from passing through the membrane 810 into the interior I of the housing C. In some embodiments, the porous membrane 810 moves relative to the valve body 802 when the platform assembly 806 selectively opens and closes various flow paths.

[0296] In some embodiments, the platform assembly 806 includes a flow-restricting member (e.g., a gate 812) and a blocking member (e.g., a door 814) (e.g., see Fig.42 ). The gate 812 is coupled to the valve body 802 to be in a closed position relative to the valve body 802 (see, for example, Fig.41 ) and open position (see, for example, Fig.44 ) between the valve body 802 and the gate 812. The gate 812 extends through the passage 808 when in the closed position. In some examples, the gate 812 is sealed to the valve body 802 when in the closed position. When the gate 812 is in the open position, the gate 812 opens a pressure relief flow path FP12 along the passage 808 between the valve body 802 and the gate 812. The gate 812 defines an opening 816 therethrough.

[0297] The door 814 is mounted to the gate 812 at the opening 816. The door 814 includes a support 818 that supports the membrane 810. The support 818 is coupled to the gate 812 to be in a closed position relative to the gate 812 (e.g., see Fig.43 ) and open position (see, for example, Fig.44 and 45). The membrane 810 is carried by a support 818 between a closed position and an open position. When the door 814 is in the closed position, the support 818 seals to the gate 812 to prevent liquid from passing through the opening 116. When the door 814 is in the closed position, the membrane 810 is aligned with the opening 816 defined by the gate 812 to allow gas to pass through the membrane 810 through the door 814 and the gate 812 (see, for example, Fig.43 When the door 814 is in the open position, the door 814 opens a test flow path FP13 along the passage 808 between the door 814 and the gate 812 (see, for example, Fig.44 and 45 ).exist Fig.45 In the example shown, when the cap 804 is depressed, the edge of the cap 804 rests on the outer flange 836 of the valve body 802 .

[0298] In some embodiments, the gate 812 and / or the door 814 are biased to a closed position. In some examples, the gate 812 is biased to its closed position, independent of the door 814 being biased to its closed position. In some examples, the gate 812 is biased to its closed position using a first spring 820 (e.g., a torsion spring). In some examples, the door 814 is biased to its closed position using a second spring 822 (e.g., a torsion spring). In some examples, the first spring 820 biases the gate 812 in a first direction (e.g., toward the interior I of the case C, away from the cap 804, etc.), and the second spring 822 biases the door 814 in a different second direction (e.g., toward the exterior of the case C, toward the cap 804, etc.). In some examples, the first spring 820 also biases the cap 804 to an unpressed position.

[0299] like Fig.43 As shown, during normal operation, the cap 804 is in an unpressed position. When the cap 804 is in the unpressed position and the gate 812 is in the closed position, the actuator 828 is spaced apart from the door 814. Therefore, the door 814 remains biased to its closed position. Gas can freely pass through the membrane 810 along the exhaust flow path FP11, so that the gas can be discharged from the interior I of the housing C through the door 814 and the gate 812 of the platform assembly 806.

[0300] Fig.44The valve 800 is shown in a pressure peak situation, wherein the pressure within the interior I of the housing C reaches a predetermined threshold. The cap 804 is still in the undepressed position 804. However, the gate 812 has been moved to its open position by the force of the pressure relief fluid RF flowing out of the interior I of the housing C. For example, when the pressure of the pressure relief fluid RF exceeds the bias of the first spring 120, the gate 812 moves. The pressure relief flow path FP12 extends from the interior I of the housing C, is located between the gate 812 and the valve body 802, and extends out of the valve body 802 (e.g., is located between the valve body 802 and the cap 804). In some embodiments, the valve body 802 defines one or more recesses or holes 834 that are aligned with the pressure relief flow path FP12 to facilitate the pressure relief fluid RF to leave the valve body 802 after passing between the gate 812 and the valve body 802.

[0301] In some embodiments, when the gate 812 moves to its open position, the gate 812 carries the valve 814. Moving the gate 812 to the open position brings the door 814 into contact with the actuator 828 of the cap 804. When the gate 812 moves toward the open position, the actuator 828 presses the door 814 toward the open position of the door 814. Therefore, when the gate 812 is opened, the door 814 automatically opens regardless of the position of the cap 804. Moving the door 814 to the open position opens the test flow path FP13 between the door 814 and the gate 812. The pressure relief fluid can also leave the interior I of the housing C along the test flow path FP13. Compared with the pressure relief flow path FP12 alone, the combination of the pressure relief flow path FP12 and the test flow path FP13 provides a larger volume through which the pressure relief fluid can pass, thereby allowing a larger amount of pressure relief fluid to leave the housing C at one time.

[0302] Fig.45 The valve 800 is shown during a leak check (e.g., an end-of-line leak check after manufacturing). During the leak check, the cap 804 is moved to a depressed position. For example, a leak check test fixture X can be mounted on the cap 804 and sealed to the valve 800 (e.g., to the valve body 802). The test fixture X can be pressed against the valve 800 to depress the cap 804. The test fluid TF flows from the test fixture X to the exterior of the valve 800, to the interior of the valve 800 (e.g., between the cap 804 and the valve body 802), and to the platform assembly 802.

[0303] The test fluid TF is pressed against the gate 812 to further bias the gate 812 to its closed position. The test fluid TF is also pressed against the door 814 and the membrane 810. In some examples, the pressure of the test fluid TF is sufficient to overcome the bias of the second spring 812 and open the door 814. However, in other examples, the pressure of the test fluid TF is insufficient to overcome the bias of the second spring 822. More specifically, when the cap 804 is pressed down, the actuator 828 of the cap 804 extends sufficiently into the valve body 802 to contact and press against the door 814. When the gate 812 remains closed relative to the valve body 802, the actuator 828 overcomes the bias of the second spring 822 and pushes the door 814 to its open position. Therefore, the test fluid TF enters the housing C along the test flow path FP13, but does not enter the housing C along the pressure relief flow path FP12.

[0304] review Fig.41 and 42 In some embodiments, the gate 812 is configured to pivot relative to the valve body 802 between an open position and a closed position. For example, Fig.42 The gate 812 shown in FIG. 8 includes a base 840 from which one or more arms 842 extend to define a hinge pin opening 844. The gate 812 is attached to a hinge pin 846 of the valve body 802 (see, for example, Fig.49 The free end 848 of the base 140 opposite the arm 842 is pivoted relative to the valve body 802 about a first pivot axis P1 extending along the hinge pin 846 (see Fig.41 In some examples, when the gate 812 moves to the open position, the free end 848 of the gate 812 pivots toward the cap 804.

[0305] In some embodiments, the door 814 is configured to pivot relative to the gate 812 between its open and closed positions. For example, the door 814 includes an arm 852 extending outwardly from the support body 818. One or more arms 852 define a hinge pin 854. The gate 812 defines a pivot seat 850 at which the hinge pin 854 is received. A free end 856 of the support body 818 opposite the arm 852 is pivoted relative to the gate 812 about a second pivot axis P2 (see FIG. 1 ) extending along the hinge pin 854. Fig.41 ) pivot. In some examples, the second pin axis P2 is parallel to the first pivot axis P1. In some examples, the second pivot axis P2 is laterally offset from the first pivot axis P1. In some examples, the second pivot axis P2 is arranged on a side of the shutter opening 816 opposite to the first pivot axis P1. In some examples, the door 814 opens away from the cap 804, and the shutter 812 opens toward the cap 804.

[0306] like Fig.42As further shown, the first gasket 830 is mounted (e.g., welded, snap-fitted, heat-soldered, etc.) to the base 840 of the gate 812. For example, the first gasket 830 can be mounted to the first major surface of the base 840 at the periphery of the base 840. In some examples, the first gasket 830 is positioned so that the base 840 is disposed between the first gasket 830 and the cap 804. In other examples, the first gasket 830 can be mounted to the valve body 802 at the inner platform 832. In some examples, the second gasket 858 can also be mounted (e.g., welded, snap-fitted, heat-soldered, etc.) to the base 840. The second gasket 858 provides a seal between the gate 812 and the door 814. In some examples, the second gasket 858 is mounted to the base 840 at the periphery of the opening 816. In some examples, the second gasket 858 is mounted to the same major side of the base 840 as the first gasket 830. In other examples, the second gasket 858 can be carried by the support body 818 of the door 814.

[0307] In some embodiments, the base 840 of the gate 812 includes one or more mounting arms 860 for the first spring 820. In some examples, the first spring 820 is a torsion spring having a first portion that contacts the base 840 of the gate 812 and a second portion that contacts the cap 804. Thus, the first spring 820 biases the gate 812 away from the cap 804. In some examples, the first portion of the first spring 820 extends through the base 840 between the two torsion portions. In such examples, a respective second portion of the first spring 820 extends from each torsion portion toward the cap 804. In addition, each torsion portion can be mounted to a respective one of the mounting arms 860.

[0308] In some embodiments, the second spring 822 can be mounted to the hinge pin 854 of the door 814. For example, the second spring 822 can include a torsion portion mounted on the hinge pin 854, a first portion that extends to or otherwise engages with the support 818 of the door 814, and a second portion that extends to or otherwise engages with the bottom 840 of the gate 812.

[0309] refer to Fig.40 , 4647, an example mounting mechanism for attaching the cap 804 to the valve body 802 is shown. In some examples, the valve body 802 includes stop members 860 circumferentially spaced along the periphery of the valve body 802 at the second end 826 of the valve body 802. The cap 804 defines windows 862 circumferentially spaced along the periphery of the cap 804. The stop members 860 are sized to fit within the windows 862. In some examples, the stop members 860 are sized to slide within the windows 862 when the cap 804 moves between the undepressed position and the depressed position. In some examples, the stop members 860 are ramped to facilitate insertion of the stop members 860 into the windows 862. In some examples, the windows 862 are defined by pull rings 864 that are configured to bend relative to the remainder of the cap 804 to further facilitate insertion of the stop members 860 into the windows 862.

[0310] In some embodiments, the valve body 802 is configured to be mounted to the housing C using a twist lock mechanism. In some examples, the valve body 802 includes a bayonet 868. In other examples, the valve body 802 can define threads. In other embodiments, the valve body 802 can be latched, fastened, welded, friction fit, or otherwise mounted to the housing C.

[0311] Figures 50 to 80 Other example valves are provided that can be used with a housing (e.g., a battery housing) and include inventive aspects applicable to any of the above valves. Preferably, the valve is used to release excess pressure within the housing and allow gas to move through the valve during normal operation of the housing (e.g., breathing). Fig.50 A perspective view of an embodiment of a valve 900 arrangement that may be used with a battery housing is shown.

[0312] The valve 900 includes a valve body 902 that defines a pressure relief passage 904. The pressure relief passage 904 provides a path for gas and pressure relief fluid to move between the battery housing and the external environment outside the valve 900. In some examples, the pressure relief passage 904 is cylindrical, but can be a variety of alternative shapes in other examples.

[0313] The valve body 902 includes a surrounding wall 908 surrounding the pressure relief passage 904. The surrounding wall 908 includes an inner surface 910 and an outer surface 912 that are opposite to each other. The inner surface 910 is in communication with the pressure relief passage 904.

[0314] Reference now Fig.51 and 52, the valve body 902 has a cap-side surface 940 that is substantially perpendicular to the valve axis B (described below) and is configured to contact the cap 924. The valve body 902 has a vertical ring 942 that is positioned coaxially with the opening of the pressure relief passage 904. The vertical ring 942 is located between the outer edge 944 of the cap-side surface 940 of the valve body 902 and the valve seat 906. The vertical ring 942 extends upward from the cap-side surface 940 of the valve body 902 and defines a cylindrical area therein.

[0315] In some examples, the vertical ring 942 includes a plurality of ribs 907 that extend to contact an inner surface 909 of the cap 924 to guide the cap 924 to sit on the valve body 902 at an equal distance from the vertical ring 942 on all sides (see Fig.53 , 54 and 61).

[0316] In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the valve body 902 of the valve 900 includes a valve seat 906. The valve seat 906 is used to provide a surface against which a valve member (described below) can rest when in a closed position. In the example embodiment shown, the valve seat 906 surrounds the pressure relief passage 904.

[0317] In the exemplary embodiment, the valve seat 906 includes a valve seat groove 928 that surrounds the pressure relief passage 904 and is disposed in the upper surface of the valve body 902. A seal 930 is located in the valve seat groove 928. In some examples, the seal 930 includes an O-ring. In some examples, the seal 930 (e.g., an O-ring) has a circular shape (930a) (see Fig.51 ), square or rectangular (930b) (see Fig.52 ) cross-sectional shape. Other shapes are also possible.

[0318] In an alternative example, Fig.53 As shown, the seal 930 is a circular molded seal ring 911. The circular molded seal ring 911 is inserted or molded into the circular ring groove 913 of the lift valve member 916 at one or more locations. The cross-sectional shape of the portion of the molded seal ring 911 located within the circular ring groove 913 is configured so that the molded seal ring 911 fits securely in the circular ring groove 913. The molded seal ring 911 contacts the valve body 902 at the valve seat 906.

[0319] In another alternative example, Fig.54 As shown, the seal 930 is a circular molded plastic seal 917 that is molded to the underside 919 of the lift valve member 916. In some examples, the molded plastic seal 917 is an annular seal that is coaxial with the opening of the pressure relief passage 904. The molded plastic seal 917 contacts the valve body 902 at the valve seat 906. When the molded plastic seal 917 is not in contact with the valve seat 906, fluid can flow out of the valve along the pressure relief flow path FP14.

[0320] According to the principles of the present invention, the valve body 902 is adapted to be connected to a battery housing. The outer surface 912 of the peripheral wall 908 includes a fastening device 914 adapted to be connected or coupled to a battery housing (see Fig.50 and 63 ). Various coupling devices can be used. In the example shown in the figure, the fastening device 914 includes a bayonet slot 923 in the outer surface 912 of the peripheral wall 908. The shape of the bayonet slot 923 is suitable for receiving a protrusion from the battery housing to releasably and selectively connect the valve body 902 and the battery housing. Of course, in alternative arrangements, the bayonet slot 923 can be located on the battery housing, and the protrusion can be located on the valve body 902. In other alternative arrangements, the valve body 902 can be connected to the battery housing by a screw-in, pop-up or other suitable connector or coupler.

[0321] In some examples, the connection seal 960 ( Fig.55 ) (e.g., an O-ring having a circular, rectangular, or square cross-section) is included in an upper portion of the peripheral wall 908, where the peripheral wall 908 intersects with a housing side surface 962 of the valve body 902 to provide a seal in the connection between the valve body 902 and the housing. In the example shown, the seal 960 surrounds and abuts against the outer surface 912 of the peripheral wall 108.

[0322] According to the principles of the present invention, the valve 900 includes a lift valve member 916. The lift valve member 916 can be moved along the valve axis B relative to the valve body 902 in a closed position ( Fig.52 ) and open position ( Fig.64 ) between the pressure relief passage 904. The lift valve member 916 is configured to seal the valve seat 906 in the closed position to close the pressure relief passage 904, preventing fluid (e.g., liquid or gas) from flowing out through the pressure relief passage 904. The lift valve member 916 engages the seal 930 in the closed position. When the lift valve member 916 is in the open position (not sealed on the valve seat 906), pressure in the battery housing can be relieved because the pressure relief fluid can flow through the pressure relief passage 904. In some examples, the pressure relief fluid is typically a gas, such as air, but in some applications, it can be in other forms, such as a liquid, a two-phase flow, or other flowable material.

[0323] According to the principles of the present invention, valve 900 includes a biasing element 920 that biases the lift valve member 916 toward the closed position. In some examples, the biasing element 920 is a spring. The biasing element 920 is located inside the vertical ring 942 so that the first biasing element end 946 is substantially the same height as the vertical ring 942, and the second biasing element end 948 contacts the lift valve member 916. The lift valve member 916 is configured to overcome the bias of the biasing element 920 and move from the closed position to the open position when the pressure in the battery housing exceeds a predetermined level (set pressure). The predetermined level can be determined to prevent leakage, damage, rupture, explosion or other damage to the battery housing and / or the battery enclosed in the housing. The high pressure in the battery housing may be caused by warm external temperature, battery failure, thermal runaway or other reasons.

[0324] See also Fig.51 In the example shown, a first biasing element end 946 of the biasing element 920 engages an inner surface 925 of the cap 924. A second biasing element end 948 of the biasing element 920 engages the lift valve member 916. In the example shown, the biasing element 920 engages an edge of the lift valve member 916.

[0325] In the example embodiment shown, the valve body 902 includes an opening, such as the illustrated slot 922 in the vertical ring 942. The slot 922 may include, for example, a vertical or horizontal vent, hole, or passageway for passage of relief fluid when the lift valve member 916 is in the open position. In some examples, the slots 922 are spaced circumferentially around the vertical ring 942. In the example shown, the slots 922 are evenly spaced around the vertical ring 942.

[0326] In accordance with the principles of the present invention, valve 900 includes a cap 924 adapted to be coupled to valve body 902 (see Fig.50 , 61 924 surrounds, encloses, or partially encloses the valve body 902. The cap 924 includes one or more vents 926. The vents 926 may include, for example, vertical or horizontal vents, holes, windows, or channels configured to allow pressure relief fluid to pass when the lift valve member 916 is in the open position. In some examples, the vents 926 are spaced circumferentially around the cap 924. In the illustrated example, the vents 926 are evenly spaced around the cap 924.

[0327] The cap 924 is positioned to contact the cap side surface 940 of the valve body 902 at or near the periphery / edge 927 of the cap side surface 940. The cap 924 is configured to have a height that extends beyond the top of the vertical ring 942. In some examples, the cap 924 includes a recessed portion 958 that is recessed into the central space 929 within the cylindrical area defined by the vertical ring 942. The recessed portion 958 is positioned to help maintain the position of the first biasing element end 946 of the biasing element 920.

[0328] According to the principles of the present invention, the lift valve member 916 of the valve 900 includes a guide wall 950. The guide wall ring 950 extends upward from the lift valve member 916 and is positioned coaxially with the outer circumference of the lift valve member 916. The guide wall ring 950 is positioned to help maintain the position of the second biasing element end 948 of the biasing element 920. In some examples, the guide wall ring 950 includes a cap-facing edge 954 that faces the cap 924 and is located in a plane substantially perpendicular to the valve axis B. In some examples, when the lift valve member 916 is in the open position and the biasing element 920 is compressed, the cap-facing edge 954 of the lift valve member 916 will contact the recessed surface 956 of the recessed portion 958 of the cap 924 (see Fig.64 ).

[0329] In accordance with the principles of the present invention, valve 900 includes a membrane 932 that allows gas to move into and out of the cell housing through membrane 932 when lift valve member 916 is in the closed position.

[0330] In some examples, membrane 932 is hydrophobic. Membrane 932 is permeable to air and battery exhaust gases. In some examples, membrane 932 includes polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In some examples, membrane 932 includes a layer of PTFE calendered thereon. In some examples, membrane 932 includes a layer of PTFE heat-fused thereon.

[0331] Preferably, the membrane 932 is carried by the lift valve member 916. The lift valve member 916 is configured to surround at least the periphery 934 of the membrane 932 to support the membrane 932. Fig.51 As shown, the membrane 932 is located within a groove 931 in the lift valve member 916. The lift valve member 916 includes one or more openings 952 located below the membrane 932 to allow gas to pass upward through the lift valve member 916 and through the membrane 932 when the lift valve member 916 is in the closed position. In some examples, the openings 952 are spaced circumferentially around the lift valve member 916. In the example shown, the openings 952 are evenly spaced around the lift valve member 916.

[0332] In some examples, the lift valve member 916 includes a ridge 915 to further support the membrane 932 at a central region 936 of the membrane 932. The ridge 915 protrudes from a base 933 of the lift valve member 916, and the base 933 protrudes into the pressure relief passage 904. In some examples, the base 933 is substantially perpendicular to the valve axis B. Fig.51 In the example shown, the ridge 915 is truncated-conical or cylindrical in shape, and the bottom circular area of ​​the ridge 915 is coaxial with the outer circumference of the base 933 .

[0333] In accordance with the principles of the present invention, valve 900 includes a membrane protection member 938 that is configured to prevent / block fluid communication / contact between membrane 932 and pressure relief fluid from the battery housing during a pressure peak in the battery housing (e.g., when the pressure relief fluid has entered pressure relief channel 904). Membrane protection member 938 is also configured to allow gas to enter and leave the battery housing through membrane 932 when lift valve member 916 is in a closed position. In some examples, membrane protection member 938 is a disk configured to be located between membrane 932 and lift valve member 916.

[0334] In some examples, such as Fig.55 As shown, the membrane protection member 938 includes a disc 964 configured to be located between the membrane 932 and the lift valve member 916. In some examples, when the lift valve member 916 is in the closed position, the disc 964 is biased to the flow position by the protection member biasing element 966 when the pressure in the battery housing is below a predetermined pressure.

[0335] In some examples, lift valve member 916 includes a retainer 968 that extends within the area of ​​pressure relief passage 904 and is Fig.55 964 is shown in the orientation of being positioned below the lift valve member 916 to support the disk 964. In some examples, the retainer 968 supports the disk 964 around at least the periphery of the disk 964.

[0336] In some examples, the disk 964 is supported by a support structure / member 970 on a disk-facing surface 972 of the cage 968. In some examples, the cage 968 includes one or more cage openings 974 through which gas and pressure relief fluid can flow.

[0337] In some examples, the protective member biasing element 966 is a protective member biasing spring 935. In some examples, the protective member biasing element 966 applies a biasing pressure to the disk 964 at least around the outer circumference of the disk 964.

[0338] In some examples, during a pressure peak within the battery housing, the membrane protection member 938 is pushed by the mass of the pressure relief fluid flow against the force of the protection member biasing element 966 to contact the protection sealing surface 996 of the lift valve member 916. This contact is used to prevent the pressure relief fluid from contacting the membrane 932. In some examples, the protection sealing surface 996 includes one or more relief notches to dissipate pressure and allow the membrane protection member 938 (e.g., disc 964) to reopen. After the pressure within the battery housing is released below a predetermined level, the membrane protection member 938 (e.g., disc 964) moves away from the protection sealing surface 996 by the protection member biasing element 966.

[0339] In some examples, such as Fig.56 As shown, the membrane protection member 938 includes a disk 976. As shown, the disk 976 is configured to be arranged between the membrane 932 and the lift valve member 916. In some examples, when the pressure in the battery housing is below a predetermined pressure, when the lift valve member 916 is in the closed position, the disk 976 is biased to the flow position by the protection member biasing element 966.

[0340] In some examples, the disk 976 is pivotally connected to the lift valve member 916 at a pivot point 978. In some examples, when the lift valve member 916 is in the open position, the disk 976 pivots to a blocking position to protect the membrane 932. In some examples, the protection member biasing element 166 applies a biasing pressure to the disk 976 at a biasing point 980. In some examples, the biasing point 980 is located on a first side 937 of the disk 976, the pivot point 978 is located on a second side 939 of the disk 976, and the first side and the second side are opposite to each other.

[0341] In some examples, the disk 976 includes a blocking insert 982 that matches the blocking recess 984 of the lift valve member 916 when the disk 976 is pivoted to the blocking position. After the pressure in the battery housing is released below a predetermined level, the membrane protection member 916 (e.g., the disk 976) is moved away from the blocking recess 984 by the protection member biasing element 966.

[0342] In some examples, such as Fig.57 As shown, the disk 976 includes a torsion protection member biasing element 986 (e.g., a spring or elastic element) at the pivot point 978 to bias the disk 976 to the flow position. In some examples, the pressure relief passage 904 includes a stop 988, and when the disk 976 is in the flow position, the torsion protection member biasing element 986 biases the stop portion 990 of the disk 976 to the stop.

[0343] In some examples, such as Fig.58As shown, the membrane protection member 938 includes a butterfly valve 992 (e.g., a resilient one-way butterfly valve) configured to be located between the membrane 932 and the lift valve member 916. The butterfly valve 992 is configured to allow gas to enter and exit the battery housing through the membrane 932 when the lift valve member 916 is in a closed position. In some examples, the butterfly valve 992 is supported by a support element 994 on the retainer 968. In some examples, the retainer 968 includes one or more retainer openings 174 through which gas and pressure relief fluid can flow. In some examples, the lift valve member 916 includes a protective sealing surface 996 facing the retainer 968.

[0344] In some examples, during a pressure peak within the battery case, one or more baffle discs 998 of butterfly valve 992 are moved by the mass of the pressure relief fluid flow to contact protective sealing surface 996 of lift valve member 916 to prevent the pressure relief fluid from contacting membrane 932. After the pressure within the battery case is released below a predetermined level, one or more baffle discs 998 move away from protective sealing surface 996.

[0345] In some examples, such as Fig.59 As shown, the flow side surface 903 of the disc 964 includes a tail 905. The tail 905 extends through the central retainer opening 974 of the retainer 968 and adds a top weight that pulls the disc 964 into the flow position. When in the flow position, the disc 964 rests on one or more support structures / members 970.

[0346] In some examples, during a pressure peak within the battery housing, the disc 964 is pushed by the mass of the pressure relief fluid flow against the top weight of the tail 905 to contact the protective sealing surface 996 of the lift valve member 916 to prevent the pressure relief fluid from contacting the membrane 932. In some examples, the protective sealing surface 996 includes one or more vents to dissipate pressure and allow the disc 964 to reopen.

[0347] When the pressure within the battery housing is released below a predetermined level, the disk 964 moves away from the protective sealing surface 996 under the weight of the tail 905.

[0348] In some examples, such as Fig.60 As shown, with valve 900 mounted in a vertical orientation, tail 905 will cause disk 964 to seal at first sealing end 941 of protective sealing surface 996, but remain in a flow position and rest against support surface 970 at second sealing end 943 of protective sealing surface 996. During a pressure peak within the cell housing, disk 964 moves so that disk 964 contacts the entire periphery of protective sealing surface 996.

[0349] According to the principle of the present invention, Fig.61In the illustrated alternative example, the valve 900 includes a membrane 932 that allows gas to enter and exit the battery housing through the membrane 932. In some examples, the valve body 902 includes one or more windows 921 located below the membrane 932 to allow gas to pass upward through the valve body 902 and through the membrane 932 along the exhaust flow path FP15. In some examples, the membrane 932 is supported by a cap side surface 940 of the valve body 902 (e.g., a cap side surface 940 of a portion of the valve body 902 located between the windows 921). In some examples, the windows 921 are spaced circumferentially around the valve body 902. In the illustrated example, the windows 921 are evenly spaced around the valve body 902.

[0350] In some examples, during a pressure peak within the battery housing, the membrane 932 is configured to burst or rupture when the pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure to allow the pressure relief fluid to flow. Once the membrane 932 is ruptured / bursts, the pressure relief fluid can flow from the battery housing and the pressure relief channel 904 through the window 921, the burst membrane 932, the groove 922, and finally through the vent 926 and out to the environment surrounding the valve 900.

[0351] According to the principles of the present invention, Figures 65 to 82 An alternative embodiment of a valve 900 that can be used with a housing is provided. In some examples, the valve can be used to release excess pressure within the battery housing and allow gas to move (eg, breathe) through the valve during normal battery operation. Fig.65 A perspective view of an embodiment of a valve 900 device that can be used with a battery housing is shown. In some examples, such as Figures 65 to 82 The features and functions of the illustrated valve 900 and its components may be similar to the features and functions described above in connection with the valve 900 illustrated in previous figures, and vice versa.

[0352] Reference now Fig.65 and 66 , the valve body 902 has a cap side surface 940, which is substantially perpendicular to the valve axis B (described below) and is configured to contact the cap 924. The valve body 902 has a vertical ring 942 ( Fig.70 ), which is positioned coaxially with the opening of the pressure relief passage 904 (see, for example, Fig.69 ). The vertical ring 942 is located between the outer edge of the valve body 902 and the sealing bead 207 (described below). The vertical ring 942 extends upward from the cap side surface 940 of the valve body 902 and defines a cylindrical area therein.

[0353] In some examples, the vertical ring 942 includes a plurality of ribs 907 that extend to contact an inner surface 909 of the cap 924 to guide the cap 924 to be seated on the valve body 902 at an equal distance from the vertical ring 942 on all sides.

[0354] According to the principles of the present invention, the valve body 902 of the valve 900 includes a valve seat 206 on which the lift valve member 210 can rest when in the closed position. The valve seat 206 defines a sealing bead 207. The sealing bead 207 provides a surface on which the seal 212 of the lift valve member 210 can rest when in the closed position. In the example embodiment shown, the sealing bead 207 surrounds the pressure relief passage 904 and is coaxial with it. The sealing bead 207 can be a bead integrally formed with the valve body 902. In some examples, the sealing bead 207 can be formed separately and then fastened or otherwise connected to the valve body 902. In some examples, the sealing bead 207 can have a semicircular cross-section that protrudes above the inner surface of the valve body 902. In some examples, the sealing bead 207 can have a square, rectangular or other shaped cross-section that protrudes above the inner surface of the valve body 902.

[0355] According to the principles of the present invention, valve body 902 is suitable for being connected to battery housing. The outer surface 912 of peripheral wall 908 includes a fastening device 914 suitable for being connected or coupled to battery housing. Various coupling devices can be used. In the example shown in the figure, fastening device 914 includes a bayonet slot 923 in the outer surface 912 of peripheral wall 908. The shape of bayonet slot 923 is suitable for receiving a protrusion from the battery housing to releasably and selectively connect valve body 902 and battery housing. In an alternative arrangement, bayonet slot 923 can be located on the battery housing, and protrusion can be located on valve body 902. In other alternative arrangements, valve body 902 can be connected to the battery housing by screwing in, popping out or other suitable connectors or couplers.

[0356] In some examples, a connection seal 960 (e.g., an O-ring having a circular, rectangular, or square cross-section) is included at an upper portion of the peripheral wall 908, where the peripheral wall 908 intersects with a housing side surface 962 of the valve body 902 to provide a seal in the connection between the valve body 902 and the housing. In the example shown, the seal 960 surrounds and abuts against the outer surface 912 of the peripheral wall 908.

[0357] According to the principle of the present invention, the lift valve member 210 can be in the closed position ( Fig.78 and 79 ) and open position ( Fig.80 The lift valve member 210 is configured to seal the sealing bead 207 to close the pressure relief passage 904 when in the closed position, thereby preventing fluid (eg, liquid or gas) from flowing out through the pressure relief passage 904.

[0358] In the exemplary embodiment, lift valve member 210 defines a seal groove 236 that defines a pressure relief passage 904 (see FIG. 9 ) at a peripheral boundary of a bottom surface 238 of lift valve member 210. Fig.74 ,75 ). The lift valve seal 212 is located in the seal groove 236 (see, for example, Fig.76 and 77 ). In some examples, the lift valve seal 212 includes an O-ring. In some examples, the lift valve seal 212 (eg, an O-ring) has a circular, square, or rectangular cross-sectional shape. Other shapes are also possible.

[0359] In some examples, the lift valve seal 212 is fixed in the seal groove 236 by one or more protrusions 214 of the lift valve member 210. In some examples, the lift valve member 210 includes a plurality of engagement ribs 216 (protruding from a side edge 240 of the valve member 210) that contact the inner circumference of the lift valve seal 212. The engagement ribs 216 enhance the friction between the lift valve member 210 and the lift valve seal 212 to enhance the retention force of the lift valve seal 212.

[0360] When the lift valve member 210 is in the closed position (see, for example, Fig.78 ), the lift valve seal 212 engages the molded sealing bead 207 (at the exposed surface of the lift valve seal 212). When the lift valve member 210 is in the open position (not sealed on the valve seat 206), the pressure in the battery housing can be released because the pressure relief fluid can flow along the pressure relief flow path FP17 (see Fig.80 ) flows through the pressure relief passage 904. In some examples, the pressure relief fluid is typically a gas, such as air, but in some applications, it can be in other forms, such as a liquid, a two-phase flow, or other flowable materials.

[0361] According to the principles of the present invention, the valve 900 includes a biasing element 920 that biases the lift valve member 210 toward the closed position. In some examples, the biasing element 920 is a spring. The biasing element 920 is located inside the vertical ring 942 so that the first biasing element end 946 is substantially the same height as the vertical ring 942 and the second biasing element end 948 contacts the lift valve member 210. The lift valve member 210 is configured to overcome the bias of the biasing element 920 and move from the closed position to the open position when the pressure in the battery housing exceeds a predetermined level (set pressure). The first biasing element end 946 of the biasing element 920 engages with the inner surface 925 of the cap 924. The second biasing element end 948 of the biasing element 920 engages with the lift valve member 210. In the example shown, the biasing element 920 extends around the periphery of the guide wall ring 950 of the lift valve member 210.

[0362] In the example embodiment shown, the valve body 902 includes an opening, such as the illustrated slot 922 in the vertical ring 942. The slot 922 may include, for example, a vertical or horizontal vent, hole, or passageway for passage of relief fluid when the lift valve member 210 is in the open position. In some examples, the slots 922 are spaced circumferentially around the vertical ring 942. In the example shown, the slots 922 are evenly spaced around the vertical ring 942.

[0363] In accordance with the principles of the present invention, valve 900 includes a cap 924 adapted to be connected to valve body 902. Cap 924 surrounds, encloses, or partially encloses valve body 902. Cap 924 includes one or more vents 926. Vents 926 may include, for example, vertical or horizontal vents, holes, windows, or channels configured to allow pressure relief fluid to pass when lift valve member 210 is in an open position. In some examples, vents 926 are spaced circumferentially around cap 924. In the example shown, vents 926 are evenly spaced around cap 924.

[0364] The cap 124 is positioned to contact the cap side surface 940 of the valve body 902 at or near the periphery of the cap side surface 940. The cap 124 is configured to have a height that extends to the top of the vertical ring 942. In some examples, the cap 924 includes a cap guide 202, which is positioned to help align the cap 214 with the valve body 902. In some examples, the cap guide 202 includes a continuous ring. In other examples, the cap guide includes circumferentially spaced protrusions extending downward. In some examples, the ribs 907 of the valve body ring 942 extend between the protrusions 202 and the outer peripheral wall of the cap 924 (see, for example, Fig.78 ). In some examples, the cap 924 includes a biasing element guide ring 200 positioned to help maintain the position of the first biasing element end 946 of the biasing element 920. In some examples, the biasing element guide ring 200 is disposed within the cap guide 202. In some examples, the cap guide 202 and / or the biasing element guide ring 200 are circular and centered on the valve shaft 918.

[0365] According to the principles of the present invention, the lift valve member 210 of the valve 900 includes a guide wall 950. The guide wall ring 950 extends upward from the lift valve member 210 and is positioned coaxially with the outer periphery of the lift valve member 210. The guide wall ring 950 is positioned to help maintain the position of the second biasing element end 948 of the biasing element 920. In some examples, the guide wall ring 950 includes a cap-facing edge 954 that faces the cap 924 and is located in a plane substantially perpendicular to the valve axis B. In some examples, when the lift valve member 210 is in an open position and the biasing element 920 is compressed, the cap-facing edge 954 of the lift valve member 916 will contact the biasing element guide ring 200 of the cap 924 (see, for example, FIG. 20 ). Fig.80 ).

[0366] In accordance with the principles of the present invention, valve 900 includes a membrane 932 that allows gas to pass through the membrane 932 and into and out of the cell housing along exhaust flow path FP16 when lift valve member 210 is in the closed position (see Fig.78 ). Preferably, the membrane 932 is carried by the lift valve member 210. The lift valve member 210 is configured to support the membrane 932 around at least the periphery 934 of the membrane 932. The membrane 932 is located in a membrane recess 234 in the lift valve member 210. The lift valve member 210 includes one or more openings 222 located below the membrane 932 to allow gas to pass upward through the lift valve member 210 and through the membrane 932 when the lift valve member 210 is in the closed position. In some examples, the lift valve member 210 has a single opening 222 in the center.

[0367] According to the principles of the present invention, the valve 900 includes a membrane protection member 938, which is configured to prevent / block fluid communication / contact between the membrane 932 and the pressure relief fluid from the battery housing during a pressure peak in the battery housing (e.g., when the pressure relief fluid has entered the pressure relief channel 904). The membrane protection member 938 is also configured to allow gas to enter and exit the battery housing through the membrane 932 when the lift valve member 210 is in the closed position. In some examples, the membrane protection member 938 includes a disc 964 having a tail 905. The disc 964 is configured to prevent liquid from contacting the surface of the membrane 932 facing the housing.

[0368] In some examples, the lift valve member 210 includes a retainer 220 that extends below the lift valve member 210 in the area of ​​the pressure relief passage 904 to support the membrane protection member 938 (part of the disk 964). In some embodiments, the retainer 968 supports the membrane protection member 938 and limits the travel of the membrane protection member 938 away from the membrane 932. In some examples, the retainer 968 supports the membrane protection member 938 around at least a portion of the periphery of the disk 964.

[0369] In some examples, the membrane protection member 938 is supported by a plurality of washers 232 on the upper surface 242 of the holder 220. In some examples, the holder 220 includes a holder opening 224 into which the tail of the membrane protection member 938 can be inserted. In some examples, the holder opening 224 includes one or more side openings and snap features 226 that allow the membrane protection member 938 to be inserted / installed (e.g., see Fig.72 and 73). In some examples, the cage opening 224 can be substantially circular, although other shapes are contemplated (including square, rectangular, or other shapes). In some examples, the cage opening 224 can include an opening or open space through the cage 220 such that the tail 905 can be (laterally) inserted into the cage opening 224 (e.g., see Fig.71 ). In some embodiments, the tail 905 passes through the cutout and is inserted into the holder opening 224 through one or more snap features 226. After installation, the film protection member 938 is fixed in place by the snap features 226. In some examples, the snap features 226 are configured to allow the tail 905 to easily slide into the holder opening 224, and are configured to hold the tail 905 in the holder opening 224 after installation. Once held, the film protection member 938 can move freely up and down along the axis B. In some examples, the snap feature 226a can be configured so that the entire holder opening 224 is similar to a keyhole shape, a triangular protrusion with inclined sides. In an alternative example, the snap feature 226b can be configured as a protrusion inclined toward the center of the holder opening 224.

[0370] In some examples, during a pressure peak within the battery housing, the membrane protection member 938 is pushed (upward) by the mass (pressure P) of the pressure relief fluid flow, causing the sealing seat 218 of the membrane protection member 938 to contact the sealing surface of the lift valve member 210 (see, e.g., Fig.79 and 80 ). The fluid can flow along the pressure relief flow path FP17. In some examples, the sealing seat 218 is circular and coaxial with the axis B. This contact serves to prevent the pressure relief fluid from contacting the membrane 932. After the pressure in the battery housing is released below a predetermined level, the membrane protection member 938 moves away from the sealing seat 218 (e.g., by gravity).

[0371] It should be understood that although the membrane protection member 938 in a two-stage valve device having exhaust and pressure relief functions is shown above, the membrane protection member 938 can also be used with a three-stage valve device that also includes a leakage check function.

[0372] According to the principles of the present invention, Fig.81 An example method 1000 for managing pressure within a battery housing is shown. The method 1000 may be performed by one or more valve devices shown and described herein.

[0373] In step 1002, a method of managing pressure within a battery housing includes providing a valve having a lift valve member movable between a valve closed position and a valve open position, wherein the lift valve member is biased toward the valve closed position, a membrane, and a membrane protection member movable between a membrane closed position and a membrane open position.

[0374] In step 1004 , when a first pressure in the battery housing exceeds a first predetermined level, the membrane protection member may be moved (eg, urged by the pressure P) to a membrane closing position, thereby blocking fluid communication between the membrane and the battery housing.

[0375] In step 1006 , when a second pressure in the battery housing exceeds a second predetermined level, the lift valve member moves against the bias to move to the valve open position and release pressure (eg, fluid may flow out through flow path 17 ( FP17 )).

[0376] When the pressure drops below the third predetermined level, the bias pushes the lift valve member back to its original closed position. At step 1008, when the valve is in the closed position and the membrane protection member is in the membrane open position, gas is allowed to enter and exit (e.g., breathe) the battery housing (e.g., along flow path 16 (FP16)). The membrane can be carried by the lift valve member.

[0377] According to the principles of the present invention, Fig.82 An example method for managing pressure within a battery housing is shown. The method 1200 may be performed by one or more systems or devices shown and described herein.

[0378] According to the principles of the present invention, method 1200 begins at step 1202, wherein a valve 900 having a blocking member (e.g., a lift valve member 916) is provided. The lift valve member 916 can move between a closed position and an open position. The lift valve member 916 is biased toward the closed position (e.g., by a biasing element 920). In an additional step, the valve 900 is connected to the battery housing (or, in some examples, another suitable housing, shell or container). In some examples, the valve 900 is connected to the battery housing by using a bayonet slot 923 in the outer wall / peripheral wall 908 of the valve, which can slide onto the corresponding member of the battery housing and twist to provide a secure connection. In an alternative arrangement, the valve 900 is connected to the battery housing by tightening, snaps or other suitable connection methods.

[0379] In accordance with the principles of the present invention, at step 1204, when the pressure in the battery housing reaches or exceeds a predetermined level, the lift valve member 916 moves against a bias (e.g., against the bias of the biasing element 920) such that the lift valve member 916 moves to an open position. When the lift valve member 916 is in the open position, the pressure within the battery housing is released as the pressure relief fluid leaves the valve 900. When the pressure relief fluid enters the pressure relief passage 904 of the valve 900, the pressure of the pressure relief fluid pushes the lift valve member 916 upward. When the pressure reaches or exceeds the downward force of the biasing element 920 biasing the lift valve member 916 to the closed position, the lift valve member 916 will be pushed upward (toward the cap 924) to the open position.

[0380] After a pressure relief event (after the pressure within the battery housing decreases below a predetermined level of reset pressure), the lift valve member 916 is moved via the biasing element 920 to return the lift valve member 916 to the closed position.

[0381] According to the principles of the present invention, in step 1206, when the lift valve member 916 is in the closed position, gas is allowed to enter and exit the battery housing through the membrane 932. In some examples, the membrane 932 is hydrophobic, preventing water from entering the battery housing from the outside of the valve 900. In some examples, the membrane 932 is carried by the lift valve member 916.

[0382] According to the principles of the present invention, when the lift valve member 916 is in the closed position and gas enters and exits the battery housing through the membrane 932, gas is allowed to enter and exit the vent 926 of the cap 924, wherein the cap 924 is adapted to be connected to the valve body 902 of the valve 900. The cap 924 closes all or a portion of the valve 900. In some examples, the vent 926 has any suitable shape of any suitable hole, slot or groove. In some examples, during a pressure relief event when the lift valve member 916 is in the open position (e.g., as described in step 1204), the pressure relief (pressure relief fluid) passes through the vent 926 of the cap 924.

[0383] According to the principles of the present invention, during a pressure relief event, the pressure relief fluid can flow from the battery housing through the pressure relief channel 904 in the valve body 902, push the lifting valve member 916 upward, pass through the groove 922 in the vertical ring 942 of the valve body 902, and pass through the vent 926 in the cap 924 of the valve 900 to flow out to the environment surrounding the valve 900.

[0384] In accordance with the principles of the present invention, when lift valve member 916 is in the closed position, gas moves from the battery housing through opening 952 in lift valve member 916, through membrane 932, through slot 922 in vertical ring 942 of valve body 902, and through vent 926 in cap 924 of valve 900 to exit into the environment surrounding valve 900. In some examples, gas moves along the opposite path, starting from the external environment and passing through the valve assembly into the battery housing.

[0385] In step 1208, fluid communication (contact) between a fluid (e.g., a pressure relief fluid) and the membrane 932 and the battery housing is blocked (prevented) using the membrane protection member 938. During a pressure peak within the battery housing, when the lift valve member 916 is in the open position, the membrane protection member 938 is configured and oriented to allow gas to flow through the membrane 932 (into and out of the battery housing) when the lift valve member 916 is in the closed position.

[0386] In some examples, blocking fluid communication between the membrane 932 and the battery housing includes moving the membrane protection member 938 toward the protection member biasing element 966 (in the example Fig.56 In the example shown, the protective member biases the spring 935 to contact the protective sealing surface 996. Then, when the lift valve member 916 is in the open position, the pressure in the battery housing is released and the membrane protective member 938 blocks the fluid communication between the membrane 932 and the battery housing.

[0387] In some examples, after the pressure within the battery housing is released below a predetermined level, the membrane protection member 938 is moved away from the protection sealing surface 996 by the protection member biasing element 966 to once again allow gas to flow through the membrane 932 .

[0388] Fig.83 14 is a flow chart showing an example method 1400 for leak checking a valve device (e.g., any one of the valve devices 100, 300, 500, 700, 800 described herein). The leak checking method 1400 begins at step 1402, wherein the valve device (e.g., valve device 100, 300, 500, 700, or 800) is mounted on a housing (e.g., an electrical housing or a battery housing). In some embodiments, the valve device is mounted at a hole defined in the housing so that a sealing interface is located between the outer portion of the valve device and the housing at the hole. In various examples, the valve device can be connected using threads, bayonet connections, snap connections, friction fit connections, fasteners, welding, adhesives, or other connection methods. The valve device is installed so that a first end of the valve device is located within the housing, and an opposite second end is located outside the housing. The first end defines at least a portion of a valve channel, and the second end defines at least a portion of a valve interior. The valve channel and the valve interior are separated by a flow-limiting member, a blocking member, and / or a porous membrane.

[0389] At step 1404, a test device (e.g., test devices 132, 172, 572, 701, or 721 described herein) is sealed to the second end of the valve device. The test device is configured to surround the second end of the valve device so that any window or other passage between the valve interior and the valve exterior is enclosed within the test device. In various embodiments, the test device can use threads, bayonet connections, snap connections, friction fit connections, fasteners, or other connection methods. In some embodiments, the test device does not cover the sealing interface between the valve device and the housing. Therefore, the test device allows a user to check for leaks through the sealing interface and along the rest of the housing.

[0390] At step 1406, the test flow path (e.g., test flow path FP3, FP6, FP7, FP8, FP9, FP10, FP13) is opened by moving the blocking member (e.g., blocking member 108, 305, 636, 726, 746, 766, or 814) to an unblocked position against the biasing force. In some embodiments, the blocking member 726, 746, 814 can be moved by fluid pressure input into the valve and pulled out of the valve by the test device. In other embodiments, the blocking member 108, 305, 636, 766, 814 can be pushed to an unlocked position when the valve cap is pressed.

[0391] In step 1408, a leak check is performed through the valve device 100, 300, 500, 700, 800 using the test device 132, 172, 572, 701, 721. In some embodiments, the test device 701 draws a vacuum from the housing and senses the pressure change within a predetermined time. If the test device 701 determines that the vacuum is not maintained, there may be a leak. If the test device 701 determines that the vacuum is maintained, the housing will not leak. In other embodiments, the test device 701 supplies a fluid flow into the battery housing to pressurize the battery housing at a low pressure (i.e., a sufficiently low pressure that does not overcome the bias of the closure member). If the test device determines that the pressure decreases within a predetermined time period, there may be a leak. If the pressure remains unchanged, the housing will not leak. .

[0392] In accordance with the principles of the present invention, materials of construction of valves, valve parts, and all other components described herein include materials that are compatible with the environment and intended use of the valve.

[0393] For purposes of this application, for clarity, the terms "upper," "lower," "upwardly," and "downwardly" are intended to refer to and be described with respect to the directions shown in the figures, but examples in practice and included within the scope of the claims may include examples of systems and devices in different orientations.

[0394] Although specific uses of the technology have been described and discussed above, according to many examples of the technology, the disclosed technology can be used in various environments. The above discussion does not mean that the disclosed technology is only applicable to embodiments in the environments shown and described above. The present disclosure describes some aspects of the technology with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which only some possible aspects are shown. However, other aspects can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the aspects described herein. On the contrary, these aspects are provided to make the present disclosure comprehensive and complete and to fully convey the scope of possible aspects to those skilled in the art.

[0395] It should be understood that the various aspects described herein with respect to the drawings are not intended to limit the present technology to the specific aspects described. Therefore, additional configurations can be used to practice the technology herein, and / or some aspects described can be excluded without departing from the methods and systems disclosed herein.

[0396] Similarly, when operational processes are disclosed, these operations are described for the purpose of illustrating the present technology and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to a particular order of operations. For example, operations may be performed in a different order, two or more operations may be performed simultaneously, additional operations may be performed, and disclosed operations may be excluded without departing from the present disclosure. Furthermore, each operation may be accomplished by one or more sub-operations. Disclosed processes may be repeated.

[0397] Although specific aspects are described herein, the scope of the present technology is not limited to these specific aspects. Those skilled in the art will recognize other aspects or improvements within the scope of the present technology. Therefore, specific structures, actions or operations are disclosed only as illustrative aspects. The scope of the present technology is defined by the following claims and any equivalents thereof. Examples of the present disclosure can be described according to the following aspects.

[0398] Aspect 1, a valve for a housing, comprising:

[0399] a valve body defining a peripheral wall and a pressure relief passage leading to the housing;

[0400] a valve test lift member movably coupled to the valve body, the valve test lift member including a disc portion carrying a membrane; and

[0401] a valve relief disc member movably coupled to the valve body, the valve relief disc member carrying the seal and defining a restricted passage;

[0402] The valve is configured to switch between a test state, an operating state and a pressure relief state,

[0403] wherein, when the valve is in an operating state, the valve defines a first flow path between the peripheral wall and the passage, the first flow path passing through a restricted passage of the valve pressure relief disc member and then through a membrane of the valve test lift member,

[0404] wherein, when the valve is in the test state, the valve defines a second flow path between the peripheral wall and the passage, the second flow path passes through the restricted passage and then passes through a gap extending between the valve test lifting member and the valve body, and

[0405] Wherein, when the valve is in a pressure relief state, the valve defines a third flow path between the peripheral wall and the channel, and the third flow path bypasses the restriction channel and passes through the gap.

[0406] Aspect 2, a valve for a housing, comprising:

[0407] a valve body defining a peripheral wall and a passageway leading to the housing;

[0408] a valve test lift member movably coupled to the valve body, the valve test lift member including a disc portion carrying a membrane; and

[0409] a valve relief disc member movably coupled to the valve body, the valve relief disc member carrying a seal and defining a bypass passage;

[0410] The valve is configured to switch between a test state, an operating state and a pressure relief state, wherein, when the valve is in the operating state, the valve defines a first flow path between the peripheral wall and the channel, the first flow path passes through a bypass channel of the valve pressure relief disc member and passes through a membrane of the valve test lifting member, wherein, when the valve is in the test state, the valve defines a second flow path between the peripheral wall and the channel, the second flow path passes through the bypass channel and passes through a gap extending between the valve test lifting member and the valve body, and wherein when the valve is in the pressure relief state, the valve extends between the peripheral wall and the channel to define a third flow path, the third flow path passes between the gaps and does not pass through the bypass channel.

[0411] Aspect 3, a valve for a housing, comprising:

[0412] a valve body adapted to be connected to the housing, the valve body including an outer wall defining an interior, the outer wall being permeable to a fluid, the valve body defining a port leading to the interior, the valve body defining a flow path between the port and the outer wall, the valve body including a valve seat surrounding the port;

[0413] a valve relief disc member movable along the valve shaft relative to the valve body between a first closed position and a first open position, the valve relief disc member being configured to seal against the valve seat to restrict the flow path when in the first closed position, wherein moving the valve relief disc member to the first open position expands the flow path between the port and the outer wall;

[0414] a valve test lift member movable along the valve shaft relative to the valve body between a second closed position and a second open position, the valve test lift member defining a lift valve seat, the lift valve seat being configured to seal against the valve pressure relief disc member when the valve test lift member is in the second closed position and the valve pressure relief disc member is in the first closed position, the valve test lift member further restricting the flow path when sealing against the valve pressure relief disc member; and

[0415] A biasing element is disposed within the valve body for biasing at least one of the valve relief disc members to a first closed position and biasing the valve test lift member to a second closed position.

[0416] Aspect 4, a method for managing pressure in a shell; the method comprises:

[0417] (a) providing a valve having a valve relief disc member movable between a first closed position and a first open position and a valve test lift member movable between a second closed position and a second open position; wherein the valve relief disc member is biased to the first closed position;

[0418] (b) connecting the valve to the housing;

[0419] (c) when pressure in the housing exceeds a predetermined level, causing the valve relief disc member to overcome the bias and move to a first open position and release pressure; and

[0420] (d) When the valve pressure relief disc member is in the first closed position and the valve test lift member is in the second closed position, gas is allowed to enter and exit the housing, and the gas moves through the membrane carried by the valve test lift member.

[0421] Aspect 5, a method for leak testing a housing having an exhaust valve installed therein, the exhaust valve comprising a valve body adapted to be connected to the housing, and a valve pressure relief disc member, the valve pressure relief disc member defining a passage, a valve test lift member movable along a valve shaft relative to the valve body between a closed position and an open position, the valve test lift member defining a lift valve seat surrounding the passage, the lift valve seat being configured to seal the valve pressure relief disc member when in the closed position, the passage being opened when the valve test lift member is in the open position, allowing gas to pass through the passage, the valve test lift member being biased toward the closed position by a biasing element, the method comprising:

[0422] Initially test the sealing integrity between the valve relief disc member and the lift valve seat and between the diaphragm and the lift valve member;

[0423] After initial testing of seal integrity, the exhaust valve is installed on the housing;

[0424] After the exhaust valve is mounted on the housing, the housing is leak tested by moving the valve test lift member to the open position, sealing the outside of the valve body with a test device, and pressurizing the inside of the housing through the passage using the test device while the valve test lift member is in the open position.

[0425] Aspect 6, a valve for a housing, comprising:

[0426] a valve body defining a peripheral wall and a pressure relief passage leading to the housing;

[0427] a valve test lift member movably coupled to the valve body, the valve test lift member including a porous element and defining a restricted passage;

[0428] a valve relief disc member movably coupled to the valve body, the valve relief disc member carrying at least one seal;

[0429] The valve is configured to switch between a test state, an operating state and a pressure relief state,

[0430] wherein, when the valve is in an operating state, the valve defines a first flow path between the peripheral wall and the channel, the first flow path passing through a restricted channel of the valve test lift member and then through a porous element of the valve test lift member,

[0431] wherein, when the valve is in the test state, the valve defines a second flow path between the peripheral wall and the channel, the second flow path passing through the porous element and the restricting channel, and

[0432] Wherein, when the valve is in a pressure relief state, the valve defines a third flow path extending between the peripheral wall and the passage, wherein the third flow path bypasses the restriction passage and passes through the gap.

[0433] Aspect 7, a valve for a housing, comprising:

[0434] a valve body defining a peripheral wall and a passageway leading to the housing;

[0435] a valve test lift member movably connected to the valve body, the valve test lift member including a disc portion carrying the porous element and defining a restricted passage; and

[0436] a valve pressure relief disc member movably connected to the valve body, the valve pressure relief disc member carrying at least one seal;

[0437] The valve is configured to switch between a test state, an operating state and a pressure relief state,

[0438] wherein, when the valve is in an operating state, the valve defines a first flow path between the peripheral wall and the passage, the first flow path passing through the restricted passage of the valve test lift member and through the porous element of the valve test lift member,

[0439] wherein, when the valve is in the test state, the valve defines a second flow path between the peripheral wall and the channel, the second flow path passing through the porous element and through the restricting channel, and

[0440] Wherein, when the valve is in a pressure relief state, the valve defines a third flow path extending between the peripheral wall and the channel, and the third flow path passes through the gap and passes through the restricted channel.

[0441] Aspect 8, a valve for a housing, comprising:

[0442] a valve body adapted to be connected to the housing, the valve body including an outer wall defining an interior, the outer wall being permeable to a fluid, the valve body defining a port leading to the interior, the valve body defining a flow path between the port and the outer wall, the valve body including a valve seat surrounding the port;

[0443] a valve relief disc member movable along the valve shaft relative to the valve body between a first closed position and a first open position, the valve relief disc member configured to seal against the valve seat to restrict the flow path when in the first closed position, wherein moving the valve relief disc member to the first open position expands the flow path between the port and the outer wall;

[0444] a valve test lift member movable along the valve shaft relative to the valve body between a second closed position and a second open position, the valve test lift member defining at least one lift valve seat configured to seal against the valve pressure relief disc member when the valve test lift member is in the second closed position and the valve pressure relief disc member is in the first closed position, the valve test lift valve further restricting the flow path when the valve test lift member seals against the valve pressure relief disc member; and

[0445] A biasing element is disposed within the valve body for biasing at least one of the valve relief disc members to a first closed position and biasing the valve test lift member to a second closed position.

[0446] Aspect 9, a valve for a housing, comprising:

[0447] a valve body adapted to be connected to the housing, the valve body including an outer wall defining an interior, the outer wall being permeable to a fluid, the valve body defining a port leading to the interior, the valve body defining a flow path between the port and the outer wall, the valve body including a valve seat surrounding the port;

[0448] a valve relief disc member movable along the valve shaft relative to the valve body between a first closed position and a first open position, the valve relief disc member being configured to seal against the valve seat to restrict the flow path when in the first closed position, wherein moving the valve relief disc member to the first open position releases the seal between the valve seat and the valve relief disc member;

[0449] a valve test lift member movable along the valve shaft relative to the valve body between a second closed position and a second open position, the valve test lift member defining at least one lift valve seat configured to seal against the valve relief disc member when the valve test lift member is in the second closed position and the valve relief disc member is in the first closed position, the valve test lift valve providing a restricted flow path through the valve test lift member and the valve relief disc member;

[0450] a biasing element disposed within the valve body for biasing the valve relief disc member to a first closed position and the valve test lift member to a second closed position; and

[0451] A porous membrane is carried by the valve test lift member such that a restricted flow path passes through the porous membrane.

[0452] Aspect 10, a main pipe device for a box, comprising:

[0453] a manifold body defining a connector station and a valve station, the manifold body being configured to be secured to the tank;

[0454] a valve device mounted on the manifold body at the valve station, the valve device being adapted to discharge a first amount of fluid from the tank interior in a first configuration, and the valve device being adapted to discharge a second, larger amount of fluid from the tank interior in a second configuration; and

[0455] A connector is mounted on the main pipe body at the connection station.

[0456] Aspect 11, a main pipe device for a box, comprising:

[0457] a manifold body defining a first port and a second port, each port extending between opposing first and second sides of the manifold body;

[0458] a first seal surrounding a first port at a second side of the manifold body;

[0459] a second seal surrounding a second port at a second side of the manifold body;

[0460] a first raised wall extending outwardly from a first side of the manifold body about the first port, the first raised wall defining a plurality of apertures spaced circumferentially along the first raised wall, the first raised wall being disposed radially outwardly from the port to define a shelf or platform about the port; and

[0461] A second raised wall extends outwardly from the first side of the manifold body around the second port, the second raised wall having a different configuration than the first raised wall.

[0462] Aspect 12, a valve device for a housing, comprising:

[0463] a cap including a cover and a first rod extending from the cover along an axis;

[0464] a valve test lift member including a disc portion and a second rod configured to be fixedly coupled to the first rod to secure the valve test lift member to the cap at a fixed position along the axis, the disc portion defining a plurality of first apertures;

[0465] a valve relief disc member disposed along the axis between the cap and the disc portion of the valve test lift member, the valve relief disc member being movable along the axis relative to the valve test lift member, the valve relief disc member defining a plurality of second apertures, the valve relief disc member being configured to selectively seal to the disc portion of the valve test lift member; and

[0466] A biasing element is disposed between the cap and the valve relief disc member.

[0467] Aspect 16, a general management system, comprising:

[0468] a manifold body defining a plurality of valve stations; and

[0469] A valve according to any one of claims 1-14, 26-46, 60-63 or 83-92, mounted on one of the valve stations.

[0470] Aspect 13, a method for checking a casing for leakage, comprising:

[0471] installing a sealing cap on the first valve mounted on the housing to close any holes through the first valve, the sealing cap not covering a sealing interface between the first valve and the housing; and

[0472] The housing is leak-checked using a test fixture.

[0473] Aspect 14, a leak detection system, comprising:

[0474] Pressure compensation device, comprising:

[0475] A housing, the interior of which is divided into a first region and a second region by a porous membrane, the porous membrane providing a first flow path for passive exhaust, the housing defining a gas opening leading from the exterior of the housing to the first region, and the housing further defining a window leading from the second region to the exterior of the housing;

[0476] a bypass opening extending between the first and second regions and separated from the porous membrane to provide a second flow path therebetween; and

[0477] a flow restriction member disposed within the housing and movable between a closed position and an open position, the flow restriction member extending through the bypass opening to block the second flow path when disposed in the closed position, and extending into the second region to unblock the bypass opening and open the second flow path when disposed in the open position; and

[0478] Adapter, including:

[0479] an adapter body defining an interior accessible through the open end, the adapter body being sized to fit over at least a portion of a housing of the pressure compensating device such that the interior of the adapter body is connected to the second region of the housing through the window;

[0480] a conduit leading to an adapter body separate from the open end; and

[0481] A pressure sensor is disposed within the adapter body.

[0482] Aspect 15, a method for checking a casing for leakage, the method comprising:

[0483] Mounting a pressure compensating device at a port of the housing such that a gas opening faces the interior of the housing and a window faces the exterior of the housing, the gas opening leads to a first interior region of the pressure compensating device and the window leads to a second interior region of the pressure compensating device, the pressure compensating device comprising a porous membrane providing a first flow path between the first and second interior regions, the pressure compensating device further comprising a bypass opening separated from the porous membrane, the bypass opening extending between the first and second interior regions, and the pressure compensating device comprising a flow restriction member configured to selectively cover the bypass opening;

[0484] sealingly mounting the adapter about a portion of the body of the pressure compensating device such that the adapter surrounds the window;

[0485] Applying negative pressure to the interior of the housing through the pressure compensation device so that the gas inside the housing pushes the flow restriction member away and passes through the bypass opening toward the adapter; and

[0486] The pressure in the adapter is monitored to detect vacuum decay.

[0487] Aspect 16, a pressure compensation device, comprising:

[0488] a housing defining a gas opening between an exterior of the housing and a first interior region, the housing further defining a window between an exterior of the housing and a second interior region;

[0489] a porous membrane providing a boundary between the first and second interior regions, the porous membrane defining a first flow path between the first and second interior regions;

[0490] a bypass opening extending between the first and second interior regions to define a second flow path, the bypass opening being separated from the porous membrane;

[0491] a flow restriction member disposed within the housing, the flow restriction member being configured to bend or deform between an open position and a closed position, the flow restriction member being biased to the closed position in which the flow restriction member blocks the bypass opening to close the second flow path, the flow restriction member being movable to the open position in response to pressure applied at the gas opening;

[0492] a third flow path connecting the first interior region and the second interior region, the third flow path being separate from the first and second flow paths;

[0493] A valve is arranged in the housing, the valve being configured to move between respective open and closed positions, the valve being biased to the closed position, the valve blocking the third flow path when the valve is arranged in the closed position, the valve opening the third flow path when the valve is arranged in the open position, and the valve being movable to the open position even when the second flow path remains closed.

[0494] Aspect 17, a method for leak checking a housing, comprising:

[0495] mounting a pressure compensating device at a port of the housing such that a gas opening of the pressure compensating device faces the interior of the housing and a window of the pressure compensating device faces the exterior of the housing, the gas opening opens into a first interior region of the pressure compensating device and the window opens into a second interior region of the pressure compensating device, the pressure compensating device defining first, second and third independent flow paths extending between the first and second interior regions, the first flow path being continuously open, the second and third flow paths allowing a greater fluid flow than the first flow path, and the second and third flow paths being biased closed;

[0496] sealingly mounted on the adapter around a portion of the pressure compensating device body such that the adapter surrounds the window;

[0497] applying a positive pressure to the interior of the housing along the third flow path through the pressure compensation device without opening the second flow path; and

[0498] The pressure in the adapter is monitored to detect pressure decay.

[0499] Aspect 18, an adapter for leak checking a housing through a pressure compensation device, the adapter comprising:

[0500] an adapter body defining an interior accessible through the open end;

[0501] an inner seal disposed at the open end;

[0502] a hose extending away from the adapter body, the hose communicating with the interior of the adapter body through the valve; and

[0503] A pressure sensor device is disposed within the adapter body.

[0504] Aspect 19, a valve device, comprising:

[0505] a valve body defining a passage extending along an axis of the valve body between opposite first and second ends of the valve body;

[0506] a gate disposed within the valve body, the gate coupled to the valve body to move relative to the valve body between a closed position and an open position, the gate extending through the passage and sealing to the valve body when the gate is disposed in the closed position, and opening a first flow path along the passage between the valve body and the gate when the gate is disposed in the open position, the gate defining an opening therethrough; and

[0507] A door includes a support body and a membrane, wherein the support body is coupled to a gate to move relative to the gate between a closed position and an open position, when the door is arranged in the closed position, the support body is sealed to the gate, the membrane is aligned with the opening defined by the gate, and when the door is arranged in the open position, the gate opens a second flow path along a channel between the door and the gate.

[0508] Aspect 20, a valve for a battery casing, comprising:

[0509] a valve body adapted to be connected to the battery housing, the valve body defining a pressure relief passage and a valve seat surrounding the pressure relief passage;

[0510] A lift valve member, which can move along the valve shaft relative to the valve body between a closed position and an open position, the lift valve member being configured to seal the valve seat to close the pressure relief passage when in the closed position, and the pressure relief passage is opened when the lift valve member is in the open position, so that the pressure in the battery housing can be released through the pressure relief passage;

[0511] a biasing element for biasing the lift valve member toward a closed position, wherein the lift valve member is configured to move from the closed position to the open position against the bias of the biasing element when pressure within the battery housing exceeds a predetermined level;

[0512] a membrane carried by the lift valve member for allowing gas to enter and exit the battery housing when the lift valve member is in a closed position; and

[0513] A membrane protection member is provided for blocking fluid communication between the membrane and the cell housing during pressure peaks within the cell housing.

[0514] Aspect 21, a method for managing pressure within a battery housing; the method comprising:

[0515] (a) providing a valve having a lift valve member movable between a closed position and an open position; wherein the lift valve member is biased toward the closed position;

[0516] (b) when pressure in the battery housing exceeds a predetermined level, moving the lift valve member against the bias to move to an open position and release pressure;

[0517] (c) allowing gas to enter and exit the battery housing through a membrane carried by the lift valve member when the lift valve member is in the closed position; and

[0518] (d) Using a membrane protection member to block fluid communication between the membrane and the cell housing during pressure peaks within the cell housing.

[0519] Aspect 22, a valve for a battery casing, comprising:

[0520] a valve body adapted to be connected to the battery housing, the valve body defining a pressure relief passage and a valve seat surrounding the pressure relief passage;

[0521] A lift valve member, which can move along the valve shaft relative to the valve body between a closed position and an open position, wherein the lift valve member is configured to seal the valve seat to close the pressure relief passage when in the closed position, and to open the pressure relief passage when in the open position, so that the pressure in the battery housing can be released through the pressure relief passage;

[0522] a biasing element for biasing the lift valve toward a closed position, wherein the lift valve member is configured to move from the closed position to the open position against the bias of the biasing element when pressure in the battery housing exceeds a predetermined level;

[0523] a membrane carried by the lift valve member for allowing gas to enter and exit the battery housing when the lift valve member is in a closed position; and

[0524] A membrane protection member is provided for blocking fluid communication between the membrane and the battery housing during a pressure peak in the battery housing, the membrane protection member being carried on a holder of the lift valve member, wherein the holder includes an opening for inserting the membrane protection member.

[0525] Aspect 23, a method for managing pressure within a battery housing; the method comprising:

[0526] (a) providing a valve having:

[0527] a lift valve member movable between a valve closed position and a valve open position, wherein the lift valve member is biased toward the valve closed position,

[0528] membrane, and

[0529] a membrane protection member movable between a membrane closed position and a membrane open position;

[0530] (b) when a first pressure within the battery housing exceeds a first predetermined level, moving the membrane protection member to a membrane closing position and blocking fluid communication between the membrane and the battery housing;

[0531] (c) when a second pressure within the battery housing exceeds a second predetermined level, moving the lift valve member against the bias to move to a valve open position and release pressure; and

[0532] (d) allowing gas to enter and exit the battery housing when the lift valve member is in the valve closed position and the membrane protection member is in the membrane open position, wherein the membrane is carried by the lift valve member.

[0533] Aspect 24, a valve for a housing, comprising:

[0534] a valve body defining an interior accessible through a valve passage, the valve body being configured to be mounted to the housing such that the valve passage opens into the interior of the housing;

[0535] a flow limiting member disposed in the valve body, the flow limiting member being movable relative to the valve body between a sealing position and an open position, wherein the flow limiting member blocks a first flow path between the interior and the valve passage when disposed in the sealing position, and opens the first flow path between the interior and the valve passage when disposed in the open position; and

[0536] A blocking member is arranged in the valve body, the blocking member can move between a blocking position and an unblocking position relative to the flow limiting member, when arranged in the unblocking position, the blocking member opens a second flow path between the interior and the valve passage, the second flow path is different from the first flow path, when the blocking member is arranged in the blocking position and the flow limiting member is arranged in the sealing position, the blocking member cooperates with the flow limiting member to block the flow of fluid along the first flow path and the second flow path.

[0537] Aspect 25. The valve according to Aspect 24 further includes a hydrophobic membrane arranged in the valve body, wherein the hydrophobic membrane provides a third flow path between the interior and the valve channel, regardless of the positions of the flow limiting member and the blocking member, and the third flow path is restricted compared to the first flow path and the second flow path, wherein the valve is configured to switch between a test state, an operating state and a pressure relief state, wherein when the valve is in the operating state, only the third flow path is open, wherein when the valve is in the pressure relief state, the first flow path is open, and when the valve is in the test state, the second flow path is open and the first flow path is closed.

[0538] Aspect 26, the valve according to claim 24 further includes a valve bonnet mounted to the valve body, wherein the valve bonnet is movable between an unpressed position and a pressed position, and when the valve bonnet is arranged in the pressed position, the valve is in a testing state, and when the valve bonnet is arranged in the unpressed position, the valve is in an operating state or a pressure relief state, and the valve bonnet is biased in the unpressed position.

[0539] Aspect 27, a valve according to claim 26, wherein the flow limiting member includes a valve pressure relief disc member movably coupled to the valve body, the valve pressure relief disc member is configured to seal to the valve body, the valve pressure relief disc member is biased away from the valve cap; and wherein the blocking member includes a valve test lift valve carrying a hydrophobic membrane.

[0540] Aspect 28. A valve according to aspect 27, wherein the hydrophobic membrane has a tubular shape and is carried by a stem of the valve test lift valve; or wherein the hydrophobic membrane has a disc shape and is carried by a disc portion of the valve test lift valve.

[0541] Aspect 29. A valve according to any of aspects 27-28, wherein the valve pressure relief disc member is biased away from the valve cap by a first biasing element; and wherein the valve test lift valve is biased to the blocked position by a second biasing element different from the first biasing element.

[0542] Aspect 30, a manifold device for a housing, comprising:

[0543] The general management entity; and

[0544] A valve device according to any one of aspects 24 to 29.

[0545] Aspect 31. A manifold device according to aspect 30, wherein the manifold body defines a connector station and a valve station, wherein the valve device is mounted on the manifold body at the valve station; and wherein the electrical connector is mounted to the manifold body at the connector station.

[0546] Aspect 32. A manifold device according to aspect 31, wherein the manifold body defines a plurality of valve stations, the valve device being mounted to the manifold body at one of the valve stations; and wherein the single-stage valve device is arranged at another valve station.

[0547] Aspect 33, a method for leak testing a housing having a valve installed therein, the valve comprising a valve body adapted to be connected to the housing, the valve body defining a valve passage, the valve comprising a blocking member disposed within the valve body and movable relative to the valve body between a blocking position and an unblocking position, the method comprising:

[0548] installing a valve to the housing, wherein the blocking member blocks a first flow path through the valve when arranged in the blocking position and opens the first flow path when arranged in the unblocking position, the valve being installed when the blocking member is arranged in the blocking position;

[0549] After the valve is mounted to the housing, a leak check device is sealed to the exterior of the valve body;

[0550] After sealing the leakage check device, opening the first flow path by moving the blocking member to an unblocked position; and

[0551] After opening the first flow path, the housing is leak checked through the valve using a test fixture.

[0552] Aspect 34, a method according to Aspect 33, wherein the valve is a first valve; and wherein a second valve is also installed on the housing, the method further comprising: before performing a leak test on the housing, installing a sealing cap on the second valve to close any hole passing through the second valve, the sealing cap not covering the sealing interface between the second valve and the housing.

[0553] Having described the preferred aspects and embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art may easily think of modifications and equivalents of the disclosed concepts. However, these modifications and equivalents should also be included within the scope of the claims attached hereto.

Claims

1. A valve for a housing, comprising: a valve body defining an interior accessible through a valve passage, the valve body being configured to be mounted to the housing such that the valve passage opens into the interior of the housing; a flow limiting member disposed in the valve body, the flow limiting member being movable relative to the valve body between a sealing position and an open position, wherein when the flow limiting member is in the sealing position, the flow limiting member seals a first flow path between the interior and the valve passage, and when the flow limiting member is in the open position, the flow limiting member opens the first flow path between the interior and the valve passage; as well as A blocking member is arranged in the valve body, and the blocking member can move between a blocking position and an unblocking position relative to the flow limiting member. When placed in the unblocking position, the blocking member opens a second flow path between the interior and the valve passage, and the second flow path is different from the first flow path. When the blocking member is placed in the blocking position and the flow limiting member is placed in the sealing position, the blocking member cooperates with the flow limiting member to block the flow of fluid along the first flow path and the second flow path.

2. The valve according to claim 1 further includes a hydrophobic membrane arranged in the valve body, the hydrophobic membrane forming a third flow path located between the interior and the valve channel, which is independent of the positions of the flow limiting member and the blocking member, and the third flow path is subjected to throttling compared with the first flow path and the second flow path, wherein the valve is configured to switch between a test state, an operating state and a pressure relief state, wherein only the third flow path is open when the valve is in the operating state, wherein the first flow path is open when the valve is in the pressure relief state, and when the valve is in the test state, the second flow path is open and the first flow path is closed.

3. The valve according to claim 2 further includes a valve bonnet mounted to the valve body, wherein the valve bonnet can move between an unpressed position and a pressed position, and when the valve bonnet is in the pressed position, the valve is in a testing state, and when the valve bonnet is in the unpressed position, the valve is in an operating state or a pressure relief state, and the valve bonnet is biased in the unpressed position.

4. The valve of claim 3, wherein the flow limiting member comprises a valve pressure relief disc member movably engaged to the valve body, the valve pressure relief disc member being configured to seal to the valve body, the valve pressure relief disc member being biased away from the bonnet; and wherein the blocking member comprises a valve test lift valve carrying a hydrophobic membrane.

5. The valve according to claim 4, wherein the hydrophobic membrane has a tubular shape and is carried by a stem of the valve test lift valve; or wherein the hydrophobic membrane is disc-shaped and is carried by a disc-shaped portion of the valve test lift valve.

6. A valve according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the valve relief disc member is biased away from the valve bonnet by a first biasing element; and wherein the valve test poppet is biased to the blocked position by a second biasing element different from the first biasing element.

7. The valve of claim 3, wherein the flow restricting member comprises a gate pivotally mounted to the valve housing, the gate being biased to a sealing position; and the blocking member comprises a door pivotally mounted to the gate, the door being actuatable by a portion of the bonnet.

8. A valve according to any one of claims 3-7, wherein the valve bonnet includes an actuation inhibiting device, which includes a stop member, which interacts with the valve body to inhibit the valve bonnet from moving from a non-depressed position to a depressed position without applying a predetermined amount of force, wherein when a predetermined amount of force is applied to the valve bonnet, one of the stop member and the valve body bends relative to the other of the stop member and the valve body to enable the valve bonnet to move to the depressed position.

9. The valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flow restricting member is configured to bend or deform between a sealing position and an open position; and wherein the blocking member is configured to bend or deform between a blocking position and an unblocking position.

10. The valve according to any one of claims 2-9 further includes a membrane protection component arranged in the valve channel and attached to the flow limiting component, the membrane protection component being configured to protect the hydrophobic membrane when the valve is configured in a pressure relief state and to allow fluid to flow through the hydrophobic membrane when the valve is configured in an operating state, the membrane protection component being supported by a retaining frame under the blocking member, and the membrane protection component being snap-connected to the retaining frame.

11. A manifold device for a housing, comprising: General management body; as well as A valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The manifold assembly of claim 11, wherein the manifold body defines a connector station and a valve station, wherein the valve assembly is mounted to the manifold body at the valve station; and wherein the electrical connector is mounted to the manifold body at the connector station.

13. The manifold assembly of claim 11, wherein the manifold body defines a plurality of valve stations, the valve assembly being mounted to the manifold body at one of the valve stations; and wherein the single-stage valve assembly is disposed at another of the valve stations.

14. A method for leak testing a housing having a valve installed therein, the valve comprising a valve body adapted to be connected to the housing, the valve body defining a valve passage, the valve comprising a blocking member disposed within the valve body and movable relative to the valve body between a blocking position and an unblocking position, the method comprising: Mounting a valve to the housing, wherein the blocking member blocks a first flow path through the valve when the blocking member is arranged in the blocking position and opens the first flow path when the blocking member is arranged in the unblocking position, the valve being mounted when the blocking member is arranged in the blocking position; After the valve is installed in the housing, seal the leak check device on the outside of the valve body; After sealing the leakage detection device, opening the first flow path by moving the blocking member to an unblocked position; as well as After opening the first flow path, the housing is leak checked through the valve using a test fixture.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the valve is a first valve; and wherein a second valve is also mounted to the housing, the method further comprising: Before leak testing the housing, a sealing cap is installed on the second valve to close any holes through the second valve, the sealing cap not covering the sealing interface between the second valve and the housing.

16. The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein opening the first flow path comprises depressing a bonnet of the valve using a leak detection device, which moves the blocking member to the unblocking position.

17. The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein opening the first flow path comprises drawing a vacuum through a valve.

18. The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein opening the first flow path comprises introducing a pressurized fluid into the housing, the pressurized fluid moving the blocking member to the unblocking position.

19. The method of any one of claims 14-18, wherein the valve comprises a flow restriction member disposed within the exhaust port, the flow restriction member being configured to enable thermal runaway release.

20. The method of any one of claims 14-19, wherein the valve is an exhaust valve including a hydrophobic membrane forming an exhaust flow path therethrough; wherein the first flow path bypasses the hydrophobic membrane.

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