Ventilation unit and battery with ventilation unit

Abstract

A ventilation unit (100) for ventilating a machine space (60), comprising: a base body (10) mountable in a substantially fluid-tight manner to an opening (62) of the machine space (60), the base body (10) comprising a fluid-permeable passage (22) for ventilation and an opening portion (24), the opening portion is configured to close the fluid permeable passage (22) and is attached to the base body (10) in a substantially fluid-tight manner. The ventilation unit (100) also includes an actuator (30) attached to the base body (10) and at least one sensor (40) coupled to the actuator (30) and configured to sense at least one harmful gas in the machine space (60). The actuator (30) comprises an actuating element (32) configured to open the opening portion (24) when the actuator (30) receives a signal from the at least one sensor (40) indicating the presence of an amount of at least one harmful gas exceeding a desired threshold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a ventilation unit for ventilating a machine space (in particular a battery housing), and a battery comprising the ventilation unit. Background Art

[0002] WO2021116180A1 discloses a pressure relief device for exercising a pressure relief function for a honeycomb-shaped cavity encapsulated by a battery housing. The pressure relief device has a pressure relief cover unit inserted into the housing wall, and when a pressure threshold and / or a temperature threshold is exceeded, the pressure relief cover unit opens a flow path from the cavity to an external area of the housing. Since the pressure relief cover unit is directly or indirectly connected to a sensor device having at least one sensor element, a reliable function is supported, which integrates a pressure relief monitoring and / or a pressure relief function.

[0003] US20230012294A1 discloses a ventilation unit for a housing, which has a base body impermeably connected to an edge of a housing opening. The base body has a gas passage opening closed by a membrane, and the membrane transversely spans the gas passage opening regionally in the axial direction. An actuator is operatively connected to the base body and has an emergency ventilation tip extending axially towards the membrane. The emergency ventilation tip has a tip or a cutting edge disposed at a predetermined distance from a membrane surface of the membrane in a rest state, and when the actuator is actuated, the emergency ventilation tip can move towards the membrane such that the tip or the cutting edge pierces the membrane. A cover disposed outside the base body covers the gas passage opening. A fastening mechanism connects the cover and the base body. The actuator has an actuating element for releasing the fastening mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved ventilation unit for ventilating a machine space (in particular a battery housing).

[0005] Another object is to provide a battery comprising the improved ventilation unit.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, this object is achieved by a ventilation unit for ventilating a machine space (in particular a battery housing), the ventilation unit comprising a base body which can be mounted in a substantially fluid-tight manner to an opening of the machine space, the base body comprising a fluid-permeable passage for ventilation and an opening part which is configured to close the fluid-permeable passage and to be attached to the base body in a substantially fluid-tight manner. The ventilation unit further comprises an actuator (in particular an electromechanical device) attached to the base body and at least one sensor coupled to the actuator and configured to sense at least one harmful gas in the machine space. The actuator comprises an actuating element which is configured to open the opening part when the actuator receives a signal from the at least one sensor indicating that the quantity of at least one harmful gas present exceeds a desired threshold.

[0007] According to a further aspect of the present invention, another object is achieved by a battery comprising a ventilation unit.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0009] The proposed ventilation unit comprises an actuator activated by a signal indicating that at least one harmful gas is present inside the machine space in excess of a given threshold, the activation of the actuator causing a movement of the opening part to release the harmful gas.

[0010] Due to one embodiment, the opening part can be opened only by piercing a given membrane, thereby releasing the gas. In this case, the opening part can remain open for further ventilation of the machine space.

[0011] Due to another embodiment, the opening part can be opened for releasing gas from the machine space. Once the gas has been released, the opening part can be closed again for further operation. Thus, the opening part is configured for reversible ventilation operation.

[0012] The degassing system is an active ventilation system and can be customized, contrary to most current ventilation systems which are passive systems and are mechanically operated to open the passage of the machine space.

[0013] The proposed active ventilation system is based on monitoring at least one harmful gas using at least one sensor located inside or outside the machine space (in particular the battery), thereby advantageously increasing the safety for the passengers of a motor vehicle in which the battery is built. Additionally, the battery health level can also be increased by effective ventilation and in particular by re-closing the battery housing.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the ventilation unit, the opening part may include a membrane that closes the fluid-permeable passage and spans (in particular transversely to the axial direction of the base body) the fluid-permeable passage. However, other orientations of the membrane are also possible for the advantageous ventilation of the machine space. In particular, the membrane may be a semi-permeable membrane configured to allow a gas medium to pass from the environment into the machine space and in the opposite direction, and to prevent a liquid medium and / or solids from passing through. In this way, normal ventilation for balancing the different atmospheric pressures between the environment and the housing of the electronic device in which the ventilation unit is installed can be ensured without opening the valve closure plate. Thus, for example, the intrusion of dust particles during ventilation can be avoided.

[0015] The semi-permeable membrane may be provided in the form of a microporous film, which particularly includes a fluoropolymer, in particular polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment, the ventilation unit may further include at least one cutting device connected to an actuating element and configured to pierce the membrane when the actuator receives a signal from at least one sensor. Thus, the opening part can be immediately opened for pressure relief and discharging harmful gases from the machine space. Due to the spatial rupture of the membrane (in particular at several points of the membrane), an effective cross-section for discharging the gas can be achieved.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment, the opening part may include a plate connected to an actuating element and capable of moving in the axial direction, the plate being configured to seal the opening of the base body and the plate may include a frame to which the membrane is fixed fluid-tightly. Such a plate can be effectively coupled to the activation element of the actuator and reliably move from sealing the ventilation unit for discharging the gas and re-seal the passage again after the discharge.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the ventilation unit, the actuating element may be configured to move the plate to open and close the opening of the base body when the actuator receives a signal from at least one sensor. Thus, the opening part can be configured for reversible ventilation operation. The opening part can be re-closed after effectively discharging the gas. In particular, if the cause of ventilation has disappeared, this can be an advantageous operating mode.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment, the ventilation unit may further include a pre-tensioning spring element disposed between the plate and the actuator. The base body may also include a sealing seat, the pre-tensioning spring element may be configured to press the plate against the sealing seat, and the actuating element may also be configured to release the plate from the sealing seat when the actuator receives a signal from at least one sensor. Advantageously, the actuator only needs to be activated when it is necessary to open the opening part for ventilation, and when the activation signal for the actuator is cancelled, the opening part automatically re-closes.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment, the ventilation unit may further include a tip connected to the actuating element, the tip including an end pointing towards the opening portion and configured to pierce the membrane. Such a tip can advantageously be used for emergency ventilation purposes, for example in the case where the pressure inside the machine space increases very rapidly and the membrane moves outwards towards the tip. The membrane can then be pierced by the tip, resulting in the rupture of the membrane and the opening of the space ventilation cross-section.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the ventilation unit, at least one sensor may be attached to the base body and may also be configured to sense through an opening of the machine space when the base body is installed in the intended installation position at the machine space. In particular, at least one sensor may protrude from the rear side of the base body and / or may be connectable from the front side of the base body. This allows for a compact design of the ventilation unit with the necessary sensors and, for example, simple installation at the battery housing, as no further installation space or equipment is required for fixing the sensors.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the ventilation unit, at least one sensor may also be configured to sense either or both of the pressure difference between the machine space and the external environment and the temperature inside the machine space. In addition to sensing harmful gases, an increase in pressure as well as an increase in temperature may lead to the need to ventilate the machine space and open the opening portion.

[0023] Furthermore, a battery including the ventilation unit is proposed.

[0024] The proposed battery (in particular a high-voltage battery for an electric vehicle) includes a ventilation unit for ventilating at least the battery housing in the case of a thermal event inside the battery housing, for example. In this case, effective and rapid ventilation of the battery housing is a basic safety issue.

[0025] The ventilation unit includes an actuator activated by a signal that at least one harmful gas is present inside the battery housing above a given threshold, the activation of the actuator causing a movement that releases the harmful gas through the opening portion.

[0026] Due to one embodiment, the opening portion can be opened only by piercing a given membrane, thereby releasing the gas. In this case, the opening portion can remain open for further ventilation of the battery housing.

[0027] Due to another embodiment, the opening portion can be opened for releasing gas from the battery housing. Once the gas is released, the opening portion can be closed again for further operation. Thus, the opening portion is configured for reversible ventilation operation.

[0028] The degassing system is an active ventilation system and can be customized, contrary to most current ventilation systems, which are passive systems and are mechanically operated to open the passage to the machine space.

[0029] The proposed active ventilation system for a battery is based on monitoring at least one harmful gas using at least one sensor, where the at least one sensor is located inside or outside the battery housing, thereby advantageously enhancing the safety for the passengers of the vehicle in which the battery is installed. Additionally, the battery health level can also be improved by effective ventilation and especially by reclosing the battery housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] 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.

[0031] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a ventilation unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from the front side, for ventilating a machine space, in particular a battery housing.

[0032] Figure 2 is the ventilation unit seen from the rear side.

[0033] Figure 3 is a top view of the ventilation unit.

[0034] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the ventilation unit.

[0035] Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the ventilation unit seen from the front side.

[0036] Figure 6 is an isometric view of a ventilation unit according to a further embodiment of the present invention, seen from the front side.

[0037] Figure 7 is from the rear side according to Figure 6 the ventilation unit.

[0038] Figure 8 is according to Figure 6 the ventilation unit's top view.

[0039] Figure 9 is according to Figure 6 the ventilation unit's cross-sectional view.

[0040] Figure 10 is according to Figure 6 the ventilation unit's partial cross-sectional view seen from the front side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0041] In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to refer to similar elements. The drawings are only schematic representations and are not intended to depict the specific parameters of the present invention. Additionally, the drawings are intended to depict only the typical embodiments of the present invention and should not therefore be considered as limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 1 The ventilation unit 100 according to an embodiment of the invention is depicted in an isometric view from the front side 12 for ventilating a machine space 60, in particular a battery housing. Figure 2 The ventilation unit 100 is depicted from the rear side 14, while Figure 3 a top view of the ventilation unit 100 is shown in Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of the ventilation unit 100 is depicted.

[0043] The ventilation unit 100 at least comprises a base body 10, which has a front side 12 and a rear side 14 in an axial direction 16. The base body 10 comprises mounting elements 18 and sealing elements 20 for mounting to an opening 62 of the machine space 60 in a substantially fluid-tight manner together with the rear side 14. The mounting elements 18 can be realized, for example, as holes for retaining screws. The sealing elements 20 are circumferentially arranged at the outer edge of the base body 10.

[0044] In Figure 4 the installation of the ventilation unit 100 into the machine space 60, for example a battery housing 66, is shown. The housing 66 with an opening 62 for the ventilation unit 100 is schematically outlined.

[0045] The base body 10 exhibits a fluid-permeable passage 22 for ventilation. Under normal operating conditions of, for example, a battery, an opening part 24 closes the passage 22. The opening part 24 is attached to the base body 10 in a substantially fluid-tight manner. The sealing element 20 of the base body 10 is arranged around the passage 22, as can be seen from Figure 2 as shown.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the opening part 24 comprises a membrane 26, which closes the passage 22 and extends across the passage 22 transversely to the axial direction 16 of the base body 10. In particular, the membrane 26 can be a semi-permeable membrane, allowing a gas medium to pass from the environment 64 into the machine space 60 and in the opposite direction, and preventing a liquid medium and / or solids from passing through.

[0047] The membrane 26 can be protected by a grille at the rear side 14 of the base body 10. Thus, mechanical damage to the membrane 26, for example during installation, can be avoided.

[0048] The ventilation unit 100 further comprises an actuator 30, in particular an electromechanical device 58, such as an electromagnetic actuator, attached to the base body 10. The actuator 30 is fixed to the base body 10 by a circumferential mounting bracket 37.

[0049] The actuator 30 is configured to be activated by a signal from at least one sensor 40 coupled to the actuator 30.

[0050] The sensor 40 is configured to sense at least one harmful gas in the machine space 60. Nevertheless, the sensor 40 can also be configured to sense at least one of the pressure difference between the machine space 60 and the external environment 64 and the temperature inside the machine space 60. In addition, not only can one sensor 40 be implemented, but also signals from different sensors 40 sensing the same and / or different physical quantities can be used for the proper activation of the actuator 30.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, there is one sensor 40 attached to the base body 10, which senses through the opening 62 of the machine space 60 when the base body 10 is installed in the intended installation position at the machine space 60, as can be seen from Figure 2 and 4 seen. For this purpose, the sensor 40 protrudes from the rear side 14 of the base body 10. The sensor 40 can be connected from the front side 12 of the base body 10 via a connector 44. Thus, the sensor 40 can be connected to certain unshown activation units of the actuator 30, such as a control unit in a battery or in a vehicle in which the battery is installed.

[0052] In Figure 4 certain internal arrangements of the ventilation unit 100 are visible.

[0053] The actuator 30 includes an actuating element 32 configured to open the opening part 24 when receiving a signal from at least one sensor 40 indicating that the quantity of at least one harmful gas present exceeds a desired threshold.

[0054] In Figure 4 the actuating element 32 is shown in the ground state of the actuator 30, in which the actuating element 32 is retracted in the actuator 30 housing. The moving direction 70 is marked by an arrow.

[0055] The actuating element 32 is mechanically connected to the cutting device 34 (especially the circumferential tooth arrangement 36 as shown) for piercing the membrane 26 when the actuator 30 is activated by the signal of at least one sensor 40.

[0056] The circumferential tooth arrangement 36 can be best recognized from Figure 5 where the ventilation unit 100 is depicted in a partial cross-sectional view from the front side 12. The circumferential tooth arrangement 36 is circumferentially arranged to cut the membrane 26 as the opening part 24 on the outer edge.

[0057] If activated, the actuating element 32 moves the circumferential tooth arrangement 36 towards the membrane 26 in the moving direction 70. The membrane 26 is pierced by the teeth, ruptured, and the passage 22 is opened for ventilation.

[0058] The actuating element 32 is connected to a tip 54 with an end 56 that points towards the opening part 24 for piercing the membrane 26. If the pressure inside the battery housing 66 rises, the membrane may bulge in the direction towards the environment 64 with a lower pressure. This means that the membrane 26 contacts the end 56 of the tip 54, which then pierces the membrane 26 for emergency ventilation.

[0059] As can be seen best Figure 4 from, the sensor 400 protrudes into the machine space 60 to a significant extent for sensing harmful gases inside the housing 66. The connector 44 on the front side 12 can be easily connected from the outside.

[0060] Figure 6 The ventilation unit 100 according to a further embodiment of the invention is depicted in an isometric view from the front side 12. Figure 7 The ventilation unit 100 is depicted from the rear side 14, while Figure 8 a top view of the ventilation unit 100 is shown in.

[0061] The appearance of the ventilation unit 100 is similar to the embodiment shown previously Figures 1 to 5 in. The main differences can be identified from Figure 9 which, a cross-sectional view of the ventilation unit 100 is depicted in. Figure 9

[0062] For this embodiment, the opening part 24 is configured to be opened and / or re-closed (in particular repeatedly) by the actuating element 32 when receiving a signal from at least one sensor 40 by the actuator 30. For this purpose, the opening part 24 is configured as a plate 28 that can move in the axial direction 16. The plate 28 is sealed to the opening 38 of the base body 10 by a circumferential sealing element 39. In addition, the plate 28 is mechanically connected to the actuating element 32 of the actuator 30.

[0063] The plate 28 can be configured as a rigid plate that closes the opening 38 when the actuator 30 is not activated. The plate 28 as the opening part 24 is pressed against the sealing seat 50 by a pre-tensioned spring element 48. When receiving a signal from at least one sensor 40 by the actuator 30, the actuator 30 releases the plate 28 from the sealing seat 50 by retracting the actuating element 32 in the movement direction 70 against the spring element 48. Thus, the passage 22 is opened for discharging gases.

[0064] ​In a further embodiment, the plate 28 may be configured as a frame 46, to which the membrane 26 is fixed in a fluid-tight manner. In particular, if the membrane 26 is a semi-permeable membrane, which allows a gas medium to pass from the environment 64 into the machine space 60 and vice versa and prevents a liquid medium and / or solids from passing through under the normal operating conditions of the battery, the membrane 26 may allow pressure equalization in the machine space 60. However, when a harmful gas is detected or the pressure inside the machine space 60 rises very sharply, the actuator 30 may be activated and may retract the actuating element 32 in the direction of movement 70, thus opening the opening part 24 for rapid ventilation of the machine space 60 (e.g., the battery housing).

[0065] Figure 10 The ventilation unit 100 is depicted in a partial cross-sectional view from the front side 12. In this view, the pre-tensioned spring element 48 is visible, which presses the plate 28 into the closed position to seal the opening 38 of the base body 10.

[0066] A battery (in particular a high-voltage battery for an electric vehicle) may include at least one ventilation unit 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention for ventilating the battery housing, for example in the case of the generation of harmful gases inside the battery housing.

[0067] The ventilation unit 100 may include a base body 10 having a front side 12 and a rear side 14 in the axial direction 16, the base body having mounting elements 18 and a sealing element 20 for mounting to an opening 62 of the machine space 60 in a substantially fluid-tight manner together with the rear side 14, the base body having a fluid-permeable passage 22 for ventilation and an opening part 24 closing the passage 22 and attached to the base body 10 in a substantially fluid-tight manner, the sealing element 20 being arranged around the passage 22. The ventilation unit 100 may further include an actuator 30 attached to the base body 10 and configured to be activated by a signal from at least one sensor 40 arranged at the ventilation unit 100 and / or in the battery housing, wherein the sensor 40 is configured to sense at least one harmful gas in the machine space 60. The actuator 30 may include an actuating element 32 configured to open the opening part 24 when receiving a signal from at least one sensor 40 indicating that the quantity of at least one harmful gas present exceeds a desired threshold value from the actuator 30. List of reference numerals 10 Base body 12 Front side 14 Rear side 16 Axial direction 18 Mounting elements 20 Sealing element 22 Passage 24 Opening part 26 Membrane 28 Plate 30 Actuator 32 Actuating element 34 Cutting device 36 Tooth arrangement 37 Mounting bracket 38 Opening 39 Sealing element 40 Sensor 42 Sensor housing 44 Connector 46 Frame 48 Spring element 50 Sealing seat 52 Grille 54 Emergency tip 56 End 58 Electromechanical device 60 Machine space 62 Opening 64 Environment 66 Housing 70 Direction of movement 100 Ventilation unit

Claims

1. A ventilation unit (100) for ventilating a machine space (60), the ventilation unit (100) comprising: A base body (10) that can be installed in a substantially fluid - impermeable manner to an opening (62) of the machine space (60), the base body (10) including a fluid - permeable passage (22) for ventilation and an opening portion (24) configured to close the fluid - permeable passage (22) and attach to the base body (10) in a substantially fluid - impermeable manner, wherein the opening portion (24) includes a membrane (26) that closes the fluid - permeable passage (22) and spans the fluid - permeable passage (22), the membrane (26) being configured to allow a gas medium to pass from the environment (64) into the machine space (60) and in the opposite direction, and to prevent a liquid medium and / or solids from passing through; An actuator (30) attached to the base body (10); and At least one sensor (40) coupled to the actuator (30) and configured to sense at least one harmful gas in the machine space (60), wherein the actuator (30) includes an actuating element (32) configured to open the opening portion (24) when the actuator (30) receives a signal from at least one sensor (40) indicating that the quantity of at least one harmful gas present exceeds a desired threshold, The opening portion (24) further includes a plate (28) connected to the actuating element (32) and capable of moving in an axial direction (16), the plate (28) being configured to seal against an opening (38) of the base body (10), and the plate (28) includes a frame (46) to which the membrane (26) is fluid - impermeably fixed, and The actuating element (32) is configured to move the plate (28) to open and close the opening (38) of the base body (10) when the actuator (30) receives a signal from at least one sensor (40).

2. The ventilation unit according to claim 1, further comprising a pre - tension spring element (48) disposed between the plate (28) and the actuator (30), Among them, The base body (10) further includes a sealing seat (50), The pre - tension spring element (48) is configured to press the plate (28) against the sealing seat (50), and The actuating element (32) is further configured to release the plate (28) from the sealing seat (50) when the actuator (30) receives a signal from at least one sensor (40).

3. The ventilation unit according to claim 1, further comprising a tip (54) connected to the actuating element (32), the tip (54) including a tip end (56) pointing towards the opening portion (24) and for piercing the membrane (26).

4. The ventilation unit according to claim 1 above, wherein, At least one sensor (40) is attached to the base body (10) and is further configured to sense through an opening (62) of the machine space (60) when the base body (10) is installed in an intended installation position at the machine space (60), the at least one sensor (40) protruding from a rear side (14) of the base body (10) and / or connectable from a front side (12) of the base body (10).

5. The ventilation unit according to claim 1 above, wherein, At least one sensor (40) is also configured to sense either or both of a pressure difference between the machine space (60) and the external environment (64) and a temperature inside the machine space (60).

6. A battery comprising the ventilation unit (100) according to the preceding claim 1.

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