Ventilation unit for ventilating machine space

Abstract

A ventilation unit (100) for ventilating a machine space comprises a base body (10) mountable in a substantially fluid-tight manner to an opening of the machine space, the base body (10) having a fluid-permeable channel (22) for ventilation and comprising a metal contact counter-device (26), and an opening cover (30) covering the fluid-permeable channel (22) and comprising a fixing element (32), it is attached to the base body (10) and is detachable from the base body (10). The opening cover (30) further comprises a metal contact device (34) configured to establish an electrical connection with a metal contact counter device (26) of the base body (10) in an intended installation state of the opening cover (30) to the base body (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a ventilation unit for ventilating a mechanical space, in particular a battery housing. Background Art

[0002] JP2021190262A discloses an abnormality detection device for a battery pack having a plurality of single cells. The battery pack has an exhaust valve for discharging internal gas when the internal pressure exceeds a set pressure. The battery case for accommodating the single cells includes a switching device whose state changes when the internal pressure of the battery case exceeds a predetermined pressure. The control device is electrically connected to the switching device.

[0003] US20210242530A1 discloses a battery module including: a battery pack including a plurality of batteries arranged in an array, each battery including an explosion-proof valve; a cover plate provided on the battery pack; and a thermosensitive component provided between the battery pack and the cover plate. The thermosensitive component is connected to the cover plate. The thermosensitive component includes a thermosensitive wire, and the thermosensitive wire can provide a prompt signal indicating that the explosion-proof valve of the battery has burst. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved ventilation unit for ventilating a mechanical space, in particular a battery housing.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, this object is achieved by a ventilation unit for ventilating a mechanical space, in particular a battery housing. The ventilation unit includes a base body that can be installed in an opening of the mechanical space in a substantially fluid-tight manner. The base body has a fluid-permeable channel for ventilation and includes a metal contact opposing device, and an opening cover that covers the fluid-permeable channel and includes a fixing element attached to and detachable from the base body. The opening cover further includes a metal contact device configured to establish an electrical connection with the metal contact opposing device of the base body in an intended installation state of the opening cover to the base body.

[0006] Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a ventilation unit for ventilating a mechanical space, in particular a battery housing, is proposed. The ventilation unit includes a base body that can be installed in an opening of the mechanical space in a substantially fluid-tight manner. The base body has fluid-permeable channels for ventilation and includes metal contact opposing means, and an opening cover that covers the fluid-permeable channels and includes a fixing element attached to and detachable from the base body. The opening cover further includes metal contact means configured to establish an electrical connection with the metal contact opposing means of the base body in an intended installation state of the opening cover to the base body.

[0008] Once the opening cover is released from its normal position on the base body, the electrical connection between the contact means and the contact opposing means is interrupted. This signal can be detected for further measures.

[0009] Advantageously, the proposed ventilation unit can establish and even enhance the fail-safe behavior of, for example, a battery housing, because the correct function of the ventilation unit can be checked and ensured.

[0010] Misuses such as removing the opening cover can be detected. The differences from the normal operating state can be identified.

[0011] Nevertheless, in an abnormal operating state, the opening cover may fall off, which can also be detected in a reliable manner by the proposed ventilation unit.

[0012] If the opening cover is removed due to an increase in pressure inside the battery housing, the electrical connection will be interrupted, and a dedicated electronic system can detect this situation to issue an alarm and / or take further measures.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment of the ventilation unit, the electrical connection between the metal contact means of the opening cover and the metal contact opposing means of the base body can be configured to close or open a current loop in an intended installation state of the opening cover to the base body (10). If the opening cover is removed, the current loop is interrupted or closed, which can be detected by a suitable electronic system for further measures. Thus, the fail-safe behavior of the ventilation unit can be ensured.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the ventilation unit, the base body may further include at least one electrical connector electrically connected to the metal contact opposing means, and the at least one electrical connector can be configured to be electrically connected to an electrical system for detecting the state of detachment of the opening cover from the base body. Thus, the correct function of the contact means and the contact opposing means can be checked. The established current loop can be implemented to a suitable electronic system through the electrical connector.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the ventilation unit, the fixing element of the opening cover may include a clamping element, and the base body may further include a counter fixing element, which includes a support element corresponding to the clamping element. The clamping element and the support element are configured to cooperate in the intended installation state of the opening cover to the base body. Thus, correct fixing of the opening cover can be achieved. When the clamping element is made of metal, the clamping element can be used as a contact device for establishing an electric current loop for detecting the removal of the clamping element from its corresponding support element.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the ventilation unit, the fixing element may include a metal contact device of the opening cover, while the counter fixing element may include a metal contact counter device of the base body. The metal contact device can be integrated into the fixing element for correct electrical connection with the metal contact counter device of the base body.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the ventilation unit, the fixing element can be configured as a metal contact device of the opening cover, while the counter fixing element can be configured as a metal contact counter device of the base body. The fixing element can be made of a metal sheet and thus serves as a contact device for establishing an electrical connection with the metal contact counter device of the base body.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the ventilation unit, at least one electrical connector may include electrical pins electrically connected to the metal contact counter device. Thus, electrical signals via the metal contact device and the metal contact counter device can be detected by an electronic system connected to the electrical connector.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the ventilation unit, the fixing element and / or the counter fixing element may include a conductive area as the metal contact device and / or the metal contact counter device. Thus, a reliable electrical contact can be established between the fixing element and the counter fixing element for detecting the removal of the opening cover.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the ventilation unit, the metal contact device and / or the metal contact counter device may include at least partially overmolded electrical wires. Thus, a reliable electrical contact can be established between the fixing element and the counter fixing element for detecting the removal of the opening cover.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the ventilation unit, the fixing element may include a functionally separated holding device and a metal contact device. Thus, the metal contact device can be adapted to provide an electrical connection with the metal contact counter device in a particularly reliable manner.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the ventilation unit, the metal contact device may include a conductive area and / or electrical wires. In this way, a conventional opening cover can be used for the proposed ventilation unit. If a metal contact area and / or electrical wires are integrated to establish an electrical contact with the metal contact counter device of the base body, there is no need to replace the fixing element of the cover.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the ventilation unit, the ventilation unit further includes a semi-permeable membrane that encloses the fluid-permeable channel and is configured to allow gas exchange between the machine space and the ventilation unit while preventing fluids and / or dust particles from entering the machine space. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The present invention, together with the above and other objects and advantages, can be best understood from the following detailed description of the embodiments, but is not limited to the embodiments, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 A ventilation unit for ventilating a mechanical space, in particular a battery housing, according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in a front view;

[0026] Figure 2 Shown in a sectional view taken along Figure 1 section A-A of the ventilation unit;

[0027] Figure 3 Details X of the ventilation unit according to Figure 2 are shown;

[0028] Figure 4 The ventilation unit according to Figure 1 is shown in a rear view;

[0029] Figure 5 Shown in a sectional view taken along Figure 4 section B-B of the ventilation unit;

[0030] Figure 6 Shown in a sectional view taken along Figure 4 section C-C of the ventilation unit;

[0031] Figure 7 A part of the ventilation unit is shown in a sectional isometric view;

[0032] Figure 8 Details Y of the ventilation unit according to Figure 7 are shown;

[0033] Figure 9 The ventilation unit according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in a rear view;

[0034] Figure 10 Shown in a sectional view taken along Figure 9 section C-C therein of the ventilation unit;

[0035] Figure 11 The ventilation unit according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in a sectional view taken along section A-A;

[0036] Figure 12 Details according to Figure 11Details X of the ventilation unit;

[0037] Figure 13 shown in a sectional view according to section C-C Figure 11 of the ventilation unit;

[0038] Figure 14 shown in a sectional isometric view Figure 11 of a part of the ventilation unit;

[0039] Figure 15 shown in a sectional view according to section A-A of a ventilation unit according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 16 shown in a sectional view according to section C-C Figure 15 of the ventilation unit;

[0041] Figure 17 shown in a sectional isometric view Figure 15 of a part of the ventilation unit;

[0042] Figure 18 shown in an isometric view Figure 15 of the fixing element of the ventilation unit;

[0043] Figure 19 shown in a rear view of a ventilation unit according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 20 shown in a sectional view according to section A-A Figure 19 of the ventilation unit;

[0045] Figure 21 in accordance with Figure 19 the sectional view of section C-C in

[0046] Figure 22 shown in a sectional isometric view Figure 19 of a part of the ventilation unit; and

[0047] Figure 23 showing details Y of the ventilation unit according to Figure 22 of. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] In the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. The drawings are only schematic representations and are not intended to depict the specific parameters of the present invention. In addition, the drawings are only intended to depict typical embodiments of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 1 A ventilation unit 100 for ventilating a mechanical space (in particular a battery housing) according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in a front view. InFigure 2 The central ventilation unit 100 is shown in a sectional view taken along section A-A in Figure 1 and details X of the ventilation unit 100 according to Figure 3 are shown in Figure 2 . The ventilation unit 100 is shown in a rear view. Figure 4 The ventilation unit 100 is shown in a rear view.

[0050] The ventilation unit 100 includes a base body 10 which has a front side 12 and a rear side 14 in the axial direction 16. The base body 10 has one or more mounting elements 18 and sealing elements 20 for mounting the rear side 14 to an opening in a machine space in a substantially fluid-tight manner. The one or more mounting elements 18 may include threads for mounting the base body 10 to the machine space.

[0051] The base body 10 has a fluid-permeable channel 22 for ventilation. The sealing element 20 is arranged around the channel 22 for sealing the machine space when the base body 10 is mounted to the machine space.

[0052] An opening cover 30 made of a certain electrically insulating material covers the channel 22. The opening cover 30 is attached to the base body 10 by fixing elements 32 and is detachable from the base body 10. The fixing elements 32 are configured as engaging parts with respect to opposing fixing elements 24 of the base body 10.

[0053] The opening cover 30 includes a metal contact device 34 which is configured to establish an electrical connection with a metal contact opposing device 26 of the base body 10 in the intended mounted state of the opening cover 30 to the base body 10.

[0054] The electrical connection between the metal contact device 34 of the opening cover 30 and the metal contact opposing device 26 of the base body 10 is configured to close or open an electrical current loop in the intended mounted state of the opening cover 30.

[0055] The metal contact opposing device 26 is electrically connected to at least one electrical connector 40, 42 ( Figure 2 and 4 ) attached to the base body 10. Specifically, electrical pins 44 of the at least one electrical connector 40, 42 are electrically connected to the metal contact opposing device 26.

[0056] The electrical connectors 40, 42 are configured to be electrically connected to an electrical system for detecting the detached state of the opening cover 30. Thus, if the electrical current loop is interrupted, the electrical system can detect the interruption and cause appropriate further measures.

[0057] As can be seen from Figure 2 and from Figure 3As can be seen in more detail, the fixing element 32 of the opening cover 30 is configured as a clamping element 36, while the opposing fixing element 24 is configured as a corresponding support element 28. The clamping element 36 and the support element 28 are configured to cooperate in the intended mounting state of the opening cover 30. Thus, if the opening cover 30 is mounted on the base body 10, the clamping element 36 engages around the support element 28 and establishes a reliable fixation of the opening cover 30 to the base body 10.

[0058] The clamping element 36 can be made of metal and is thus automatically configured as the metal contact device 34 of the opening cover 30.

[0059] Alternatively, the fixing device 32 can include a certain metal contact device 34 for establishing electrical contact with the metal contact opposing device 26 of the opposing fixing element 24.

[0060] From Figure 3 it can be seen that the opposing fixing element 24 can include a conductive region 46 as the metal contact opposing device 26.

[0061] For this purpose, the support element 28 can include some metallization as the conductive region 46 to serve as the metal contact opposing device 26 of the base body 10. There are some electrical insulation gaps 27 between the conductive regions 46. Thus, when the opening cover 30 is in the intended mounting position on the base body 10, an electrical connection can be established between the two conductive regions 46 through the metal clamping element 36.

[0062] Alternatively, the support element 28 can also be made of metal, with an electrical insulation gap 27 between two parts of the support element 28 and thus configured as the metal contact opposing device 26 of the base body 10.

[0063] From Figure 2 and Figure 4 it can be seen that the channel 22 of the base body 10 is closed by a semi-permeable membrane 54 from the rear side 14 of the base body 10. The semi-permeable membrane 54 is used for or allows gas exchange between the mechanical space in which the ventilation unit 100 is installed and the ventilation unit 100, while preventing the entry of fluids and / or dust particles, etc. into the mechanical space. The semi-permeable membrane 54 is supported and mechanically protected by a grille 52, and the grille 52 is attached to the base body and fixed by fixing pods 56, for example by welding, especially ultrasonic welding or gluing.

[0064] Figure 5 Shows a cross-sectional view of the ventilation unit 100 according to Figure 4 section B-B in Figure 5 In

[0065] As can be seen from the sectional view, the electrical connector 40 has two electrical pins 44 that continue into the wire 48 for contacting the metal contact opposing means 26 of the relatively fixed element 24.

[0066] Figure 6 In accordance with Figure 4 The ventilation unit 100 is shown in a sectional view of section C-C in Figure 7 A part of the ventilation unit 100 is shown in a sectional isometric view in Figure 8 while the detail Y of the ventilation unit 100 according to Figure 7 is shown in

[0067] Specifically, in Figure 7 and Figure 8 it can be seen from the figure the cooperation of the fixed element 32 as the metal contact means 34 with the relatively fixed element 24 having the conductive area 46 as the metal contact opposing means 26. In addition, the electrical connection from the electrical pins 44 of the electrical connector 40 via the wire 48 to the conductive area 46 of the contact opposing means 26 can be seen. The wire 48 contacts the conductive area 46 of the relatively fixed element 24 from both sides. When the opening cover 30 is in its position mounted to the base 10, the clamping element 36 as the fixed element 32 establishes an electrical connection between the two conductive areas 46.

[0068] Figure 9 The ventilation unit 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in a rear view, while Figure 10 in accordance with Figure 9 the ventilation unit 100 is shown in a sectional view of section C-C in

[0069] This embodiment is very similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8 The difference is that the ventilation unit 100 includes two electrical connectors 40, 42 for contacting the metal contact opposing means 26 of the relatively fixed element 24. Thus, additional safety can be provided, or additional electrical functions can be implemented to detect the removed opening cover 30.

[0070] Figure 11 In accordance with Figure 1 the ventilation unit 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in a sectional view of section A-A marked in Figure 12 The detail X of the ventilation unit 100 according to Figure 11 is shown in

[0071] In this embodiment, the metal contact opposing device 26 is configured as an electrical conductor 48, in particular an at least partially overmolded electrical conductor 48. The electrical conductor 48 is attached to both sides of the relatively fixed element 24. Thus, when the opening lid 30 is fixed to the relatively fixed element 24, the fixing element 32 in the form of a clamping element 36 serving as the metal contact device 34 establishes an electrical connection between the two electrical conductors 48.

[0072] Figure 13 As shown in the cross-sectional view along the cross-section C-C marked as Figure 4 in Figure 11 is the ventilation unit 100. In Figure 14 a part of the ventilation unit 100 is shown in an isometric view of the cross-section. Figure 11 of the ventilation unit 100.

[0073] It can be seen that this embodiment includes two electrical connectors 40, 42. The electrical conductors 48 continue to extend along the electrical pins 44 of the electrical connectors 40, 42, and the electrical conductors 48 extend from both sides of the relatively fixed element 24. The electrical conductors 48 can be partially overmolded in the base 10 and can be electrically insulated only in the contact area of the metal contact device 34 of the fixing element 32.

[0074] Figure 15 As shown in the cross-sectional view along the cross-section A-A marked as Figure 1 in Figure 16 is the ventilation unit 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 As shown in the cross-sectional view along the cross-section C-C marked as Figure 15 in Figure 17 a part of the ventilation unit 100 is shown in an isometric view of the cross-section, while in Figure 15 a part of the ventilation unit 100 is shown in an isometric view, and in Figure 18 the fixing element 32 of the ventilation unit 100 is shown in an isometric view. Figure 15 of the ventilation unit 100.

[0075] This embodiment is similar to Figures 11 to 14 the embodiment shown. The difference lies in the fixing element 32. The fixing element 32 is configured with a functionally independent holding device 50 and a metal contact device 34.

[0076] As can be particularly seen from Figure 17 and 18 the fixing element 32 includes a holding device 50 in the form of a clamping element 36. On both sides of the holding device 50, contact devices 34 are provided for electrically contacting the electrical conductors 48 of the contact opposing device 26. Thus, a reliable electrical contact can be established to provide an electrical connection between both sides of the contact opposing device 26, thereby closing the current loop.

[0077] Figure 19The rear view shows a ventilation unit 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 20 it is shown in a sectional view of the ventilation unit 100 in the cross-section A-A marked in Figure 1 in accordance with Figure 19 of the ventilation unit 100.

[0078] As can be seen from the figure, the opening cover 30 includes a fixing device 32 which is clamped around a relative fixing device 24 arranged at the center of the base body 10. The conventional ventilation unit 100 is usually designed in this way.

[0079] In Figure 21 it is shown in a sectional view of the ventilation unit 100 in the cross-section C-C marked in Figure 19 in accordance with

[0080] Figure 22 It is shown in an equidistant sectional view of a part of the ventilation unit 100 in Figure 19 while Figure 23 shows details Y of the ventilation unit in accordance with Figure 22 of the ventilation unit.

[0081] From Figures 21 to 23 it can be seen that the opening cover 30 includes a metal contact device 34, in particular as a conductive area 38 and / or an electrical wire 39. Thus, when the opening cover 30 is mounted on the base body 10 and fixed to the relative fixing element 24 of the base body 10 by the clip fixing device 32, the conductive area 38 and / or the electrical wire 39 can be in electrical contact with the electrical wire 48 of the relative device 26 by contact.

[0082] When the opening cover 30 is removed from the base body 10, the electrical connection between the conductive area 38 and / or the electrical wire 39 and the electrical wire 48 of the contact relative device 26 can be interrupted. Thus, the removal of the opening cover 30 can be advantageously detected to initiate further measures.

[0083] List of reference numerals

[0084] 10 Base body

[0085] 12 Front side

[0086] 14 Rear side

[0087] 16 Axial direction

[0088] 18 Mounting element

[0089] 20 Sealing element

[0090] 22 Channel

[0091] 24 Relative fixing element

[0092] 26 Contact relative device

[0093] 27 Gap

[0094] 28 Support element

[0095] 30 Opening cover

[0096] 32 Fixing element

[0097] 34 Contact device

[0098] 36 Clamping element

[0099] 38 Conductive area

[0100] 39 Conducting wire

[0101] 40 Electrical connector

[0102] 42 Electrical connector

[0103] 44 Electrical pin

[0104] 46 Conductive area

[0105] 48 Conducting wire

[0106] 50 Holding device

[0107] 52 Grille

[0108] 54 Semi-permeable membrane

[0109] 56 Fixed pod

[0110] 100 Ventilation unit.

Claims

1. A ventilation unit (100) for ventilating a mechanical space, the ventilation unit (100) comprising: a base body (10) mounted in a substantially fluid-tight manner to an opening in a machine space, the base body (10) having a fluid-permeable passage (22) for ventilation and comprising a metal contact counter means (26); as well as an opening cover (30) covering the fluid permeable passage (22) and comprising a fixing element (32) attached to and removable from the base body (10), The opening cover (30) further comprises a metal contact device (34), wherein the metal contact device is configured to establish an electrical connection with a metal contact counter device (26) of the base (10) when the opening cover (30) is in an expected installation state to the base (10).

2. The ventilation unit (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The electrical connection between the metal contact device (34) of the opening cover (30) and the metal contact counter device (26) of the base (10) is configured to close or open a current loop in the expected installation state of the opening cover (30) to the base (10).

3. The ventilation unit (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The base (10) further comprises at least one electrical connector (40, 42) which is electrically connected to the metal contact counter device (26), and At least one electrical connector (40, 42) is configured to be electrically connected to an electrical system for detecting a detachment state of the opening cover (30) from the base (10).

4. The ventilation unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The fixing element (32) of the opening cover (30) comprises a clamping element (36), and The base (10) further comprises a relative fixing element (24), which comprises a supporting element (28) corresponding to the clamping element (36), and the clamping element (36) and the supporting element (28) are configured to cooperate in the expected installation state of the opening cover (30) to the base (10).

5. The ventilation unit (100) according to claim 4, wherein: The fixing element (32) comprises a metal contact device (34) for opening the cover (30), and Therein, the relative fixing element (24) comprises a metal contact relative device (26) of the base body (10).

6. The ventilation unit (100) according to claim 4, wherein: The fixing element (32) is configured as a metal contact device (34) of the opening cover (30), and Therein, the relative fixing element (24) is configured as a metal contact relative device (26) of the base body (10).

7. The ventilation unit (100) according to claim 3, wherein: The at least one electrical connector (40, 42) includes an electrical pin (44) electrically connected to the metal contact counter arrangement (26).

8. The ventilation unit (100) according to claim 4, wherein the fixing element (32) and / or the counter-fixing element (24) comprises an electrically conductive area (38, 46) as the metal contact means (34) and / or the metal contact counter means (26).

9. The ventilation unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The metal contact device (34) and / or the metal contact counter-device (26) comprises an at least partially overmolded electrical conductor (39, 48).

10. The ventilation unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The fixing element (32) comprises a functionally separate holding device (50) and a metallic contact device (34).

11. The ventilation unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The metal contact device (34) comprises an electrically conductive area (38) and / or an electrical conductor (39).

12. The ventilation unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a semipermeable membrane (54), which closes the fluid permeable channel (22) and is configured to allow gas exchange between the mechanical space on the rear side (14) of the substrate (10) and the environment on the front side (12) of the substrate (10), while preventing fluid and / or dust particles from entering the mechanical space.

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