Vent with pressure reducing valve

Abstract

A vent assembly is disclosed having a housing defining a cavity, a first end, a second end, and a coupling structure toward the second end. A mounting surface is positioned within the cavity between the first end and the second end and defines a valve opening and a vent opening. A vent is coupled to the mounting surface through the vent opening, and an umbrella valve is sealingly disposed on the mounting surface through the valve opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This technology generally relates to vents. More specifically, this technology relates to vents with integrated pressure reducing valves. Background Technology

[0002] Protective vents are typically used to allow pressure equalization between the housing and the external environment. Vents can utilize waterproof, dustproof, and oil-proof membranes that allow gas pressure equalization while preventing the passage of liquid and solid contaminants. However, in some technical fields, the internal pressure of the housing may rise significantly, and a protective vent may not be fast enough to equalize the pressure to prevent damage to components within the housing or the housing itself. For example, in a battery housing with multiple battery cells, if a single battery cell explodes, the resulting pressure within the housing could damage other battery cells or cause the housing to rupture under high pressure. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technology disclosed herein relates to a vent with a pressure-reducing valve. In some examples, the vent is configured to passively allow gas to escape between the housing and the external environment under normal operating conditions. However, in the event of pressure peaks inside the housing, the pressure-reducing valve allows gas to bypass through the vent. In some example embodiments, the technology disclosed herein is used in battery housings. Attached Figure Description

[0004] The present technology can be more fully understood and appreciated by considering the following detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0005] Figure 1 This is an example vent with a pressure-reducing valve that is consistent with the implementation of the technology disclosed herein.

[0006] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Example vent.

[0007] Figure 3 This is another example of a vent with a pressure-reducing valve that is consistent with the implementation of the technology disclosed herein.

[0008] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Example vent.

[0009] Figure 5 This is another example of a vent with a pressure-reducing valve that is consistent with the implementation of the technology disclosed herein.

[0010] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Example vent.

[0011] Figure 7This is another example of a vent with a pressure-reducing valve that is consistent with the implementation of the technology disclosed herein.

[0012] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A perspective cross-sectional view of the vent.

[0013] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A cross-sectional view depicted in the figure.

[0014] Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view of an example vent with a pressure-reducing valve, consistent with some embodiments of the technology disclosed herein.

[0015] Figure 11 This is an exploded perspective view of yet another example vent with a pressure-reducing valve, consistent with some embodiments of the technology disclosed herein. Detailed Implementation

[0016] In various implementations, this technology combines the functionality of a protective vent with that of a one-way pressure reducing valve. The vent allows the housing to vent during normal operating conditions, but in the event of a high-pressure event in the housing (such as an explosive release of gas or a relatively large temperature rise over a relatively short period of time), the component can open to allow a higher, unrestricted flow of gas, thereby preventing overpressure in the housing that would otherwise damage the internal components of the housing.

[0017] Figure 1 Example component 10, which has a vent and a pressure reducing valve, is consistent with the implementation of the technology disclosed herein. Figure 2 It is in an alternating state. Figure 1 Component 10. Component 10 is typically configured to be coupled to housing 40 and, under normal operation, to accommodate gas flows into and out of housing 40 from the surrounding environment. In the event of a high-pressure event inside housing 40, component 10 is configured to allow gas to escape relatively quickly from housing 40 by bypassing component 10.

[0018] Component 10 has a vent 20 and a connection structure 30. The vent 20 is generally positioned in fluid communication with an opening 42 in the housing 40. The vent 20 is configured to allow gas to enter and exit the housing 40 from the external environment through the vent 20. In some embodiments, the vent 20 is configured to prevent particles from entering the housing 40. In some embodiments, the vent 20 is also configured to prevent liquids from entering the housing 40. The vent 20 can be constructed from a variety of different materials and combinations of materials. In various embodiments, the vent 20 incorporates a breathable membrane, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or other types of breathable membranes. The vent 20 can be a laminate or composite including a breathable membrane, such as PTFE laminated onto a woven or nonwoven support layer. In some embodiments, the vent 20 is a woven fabric or a nonwoven fabric. The vent 20 can be constructed from a hydrophobic material, or the vent 20 can be treated to exhibit hydrophobic properties. In one example, the vent 20 is a hydrophobic woven or nonwoven fabric. In some embodiments, the vent 20 has a support ring that supports the periphery of the venting material.

[0019] The connection structure 30 is configured to connect the vent 20 to the housing 40 under normal pressure conditions. When the pressure inside the housing 40 surges above a threshold T, the connection structure 30 releases to allow gas to escape from the housing 40 and bypass through the vent 20, such as... Figure 2 As depicted. The connecting structure 30 is typically an adhesive. The connecting structure 30 may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive. In some embodiments, the connecting structure 30 is double-sided tape.

[0020] The housing 40 is generally configured to enclose components. In one example, the housing 40 is a housing for a battery cell; in another example, the housing 40 is used for other types of systems.

[0021] Figure 3 This is another example of a vent with a pressure-reducing valve that is consistent with the implementation of the technology disclosed herein. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Example vent, wherein the pressure-reducing vent is in an alternating position. Component 100 is generally configured to be coupled to housing 140 and, under normal operation, to accommodate gas flow into and out of housing 140 from the ambient environment. In the event of a high-pressure event inside housing 140, component 100 is configured to allow gas to escape relatively rapidly from housing 140 by bypassing component 100. Component 100 has a vent housing 110, a spring 120, and a vent 130.

[0022] Vent 130 and housing 140 are usually connected to the above Figure 1The situation described in the discussion is consistent. The vent housing 110 is generally configured to be coupled to the housing 140. In some embodiments, the vent housing 110 has a coupling surface 114 configured to be coupled to the housing 140. In some embodiments, the coupling surface 114 can be bonded to the housing 140 with an adhesive. In other embodiments, the coupling surface 114 may define a mating structure configured to mate with a corresponding structure defined by the housing 140. In some embodiments, the coupling surface 114 of the vent housing 110 is welded to the housing 140. The vent housing 110 can be constructed from a variety of different materials and combinations of materials. In some embodiments, the vent housing 110 is molded plastic. In another embodiment, the vent housing 110 is metal.

[0023] The vent housing 110 is typically configured to position the vent 130 over an opening 142 defined by the housing 140. The vent housing 110 is fixed to a first end 122 of the spring 120, and the vent 130 is fixed to a second end 124 of the spring 120. The spring 120 is biased to be compressed between the vent housing 110 and the housing 140, such that the spring 120 connects the vent 130 to the housing 140 around the opening 142 under normal pressure conditions. When the pressure inside the housing 140 surges above a threshold T, pressure is applied to the second side 134 of the vent 130 against the pressure applied by the spring 120 to the first side 132 of the vent, which can translate at least a portion of the vent 130 away from the surface of the housing 140, thereby compressing at least a portion of the spring 120. Pressurized gas from inside the housing 140 is allowed to escape from the housing 140 and bypass through the vent 130. In some embodiments, once the pressure inside the housing 140 returns to or falls below a threshold T, the spring 120 returns the vent 130 to its position on the opening 142 in the housing 140.

[0024] In some embodiments, the spring 120 may be a helical coil constructed of metal or plastic. In some embodiments, the spring 120 may be an elastic material, such as foam. In some embodiments, the spring 120 may also be multiple coils.

[0025] In some, but not all, embodiments, the vent housing 110 may define an airflow path 112 that facilitates the passage of gas released from the housing 140 (bypassing through the vent 130).

[0026] Figure 5 This is another example of a vent with a pressure-reducing valve that is consistent with the implementation of the technology disclosed herein. Figure 6 When a high-voltage event occurs inside the casing 240 Figure 5Example vent. Component 200 is similar to the previously described component, wherein gas is allowed to travel between housing 240 and the environment under normal pressure conditions through vent 230. Under high pressure inside housing 240, component 200 allows gas from inside housing 240 to bypass through vent 230.

[0027] Component 200 typically has a connecting structure 210, a spring 220, a hinge 222, and a vent 230. The vent 230 is positioned in fluid communication with an opening 242 defined in a housing 240. The housing 240 and the vent 230 are consistent with the housing and vent already described above herein.

[0028] The coupling structure 210 is typically configured to attach component 200 to housing 240. The coupling structure 210 may be configured, for example, to receive adhesive for attachment to housing 240. In some embodiments, the coupling structure 210 defines mating features configured to mate with corresponding features defined by housing 240. In some embodiments, the coupling structure 210 is attached to housing 240 by welding. Of course, other methods of attaching the coupling structure 210 to housing 240 may also be used.

[0029] Hinge 222 connects vent 230 to connection structure 210. Spring 220 pushes a first side 232 of vent 230 to bias vent 230 against housing 240 around opening 242 under normal pressure conditions. When the pressure inside housing 240 surges above a threshold T, the gas inside housing 240 pushes a second side 234 of vent 230 against spring 220, which translates vent 230 away from housing 240 and compresses spring 220. An opening is then defined between vent 230 and housing 240. Figure 6 This opening allows gas inside housing 240 to escape from housing 240 and bypass through vent 230. A hinge defines the translational path of vent 230; the hinge is a pivot. In various embodiments, when the pressure inside housing 240 returns to or falls below a threshold T, spring 220 is configured to translate vent 230 about hinge 222 to its initial position. Figure 5 It rests against the outer shell 240 around the opening 242.

[0030] Spring 220 can be used with the above. Figures 3 to 4 The spring described in the discussion is consistent. The hinge 222 can have various configurations and generally defines the pivot axis of the vent 230 relative to the housing 240.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of an example vent with a pressure-reducing valve, consistent with an implementation of the technology disclosed herein. Figure 8 yes Figure 7The vent and the cross-sectional view of the housing 370, and Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A perspective view of the cross-section. Similar to the previously described components, the current component 300 is typically configured to allow gas to travel between the housing 370 and the environment under normal pressure conditions through the vent 330. In the event of a high-pressure event inside the housing 370, the component 300 is configured to allow gas to escape from the housing 370 through a bypass via the vent 330. The component 300 typically includes a vent housing 320, a coupling surface 310, a mounting surface 350, a vent 330, and a pressure reducing valve 340.

[0032] The vent housing 320 is typically configured to house the vent 330 and the pressure reducing valve 340. The vent housing 320 defines a cavity 322, a first end 302, a second end 304, and a connection structure 310. The vent housing 320 can be constructed from various materials and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the vent housing 320 is constructed from plastic or metal. In one example, at least a portion of the vent housing 320 is injection-molded plastic. An end cap 324 is attached to the vent housing 320 toward the first end 302. In some other embodiments, the end cap 324 may form a single component with the vent housing 320. The cavity 322 is also defined by the end cap 324.

[0033] Mounting surface 350 is typically positioned within cavity 322 between a first end 302 and a second end 304. Mounting surface 350 is typically configured to receive vent 330 and pressure reducing valve 340. While mounting surface 350 may be a single planar surface, in some other embodiments, mounting surface may be defined by multiple surfaces that are not necessarily planar. Mounting surface 350 defines vent opening 352 and valve opening 354. Vent opening 352 and valve opening 354 may each be one or more openings defined by mounting surface 350. In various embodiments, mounting surface 350 is a single structure with vent housing 320. However, in some other embodiments, mounting surface 350 is defined by separate components that are coupled to vent housing 320 by friction engagement or by using a connector such as screws.

[0034] A vent 330 is connected to a mounting surface 350 through a vent opening 352. The vent 330 is generally configured to allow passive airflow between the housing 370 and the surrounding environment while preventing liquid and particulate matter from entering the housing 370. The vent 330 is positioned in fluid communication with the opening 372 in the housing 370. The vent 330 can be attached to the mounting surface 350 using an adhesive. The vent 330 can be constructed from a material similar to the vents described herein. In the current example, the vent 330 forms an annular element, and the vent 330 can be attached to the mounting surface 350 using an adhesive arranged adjacent to its outer periphery 332 and its inner periphery 334 to form a seal between the vent 330 and the mounting surface 350.

[0035] Valve 340 is hermetically disposed on mounting surface 350 through valve opening 354. In various embodiments, valve 340 is an umbrella valve. Valve 340 is generally configured to form a seal around valve opening 354 to allow gas to passively exit through vent opening 352 and vent 330 under normal pressure conditions, and when the pressure peak inside housing 370 exceeds a threshold T, the pressure causes umbrella valve 340 to displace, thereby opening valve opening 354 and allowing gas to bypass through vent 330 and exit housing 370 through valve opening 354. Valve 340 is configured parallel to vent 330 relative to the airflow between the ambient environment and housing 370.

[0036] The pressure reducing valve 340 is typically formed of an elastomeric material. The pressure reducing valve 340 may also be other types of pressure reducing valves, but is typically a one-way pressure reducing valve. The pressure reducing valve 340 may be any type of umbrella valve, such as a Belleville valve. In some embodiments, the pressure reducing valve 340 is configured to reseal around the valve opening 354 when the pressure inside the housing 370 returns to a level at or below a pressure threshold T.

[0037] The connection structure 310 is typically configured to connect the component 300 to the housing 370 around the opening 372 defined by the housing 370. Figure 8The coupling structure 310 is defined as a second end 304 facing the vent housing 320. The coupling structure 310 is generally configured to engage the housing 370. In the current example, the coupling structure 310 forms a snap-fit ​​connection with the housing 370. In some other embodiments, the coupling structure 310 forms a mating structure configured to mate with a corresponding structure defined by the housing 370. For example, the coupling structure 310 may define a screw thread configured to be received by the housing 370 around the opening 372. As another example, the coupling structure 310 may define a connector, such as a bayonet connector, that interlocks with the housing 370 around the opening 372. In some embodiments, the coupling structure 310 may be attached to the housing 370 around the opening 372 using an adhesive.

[0038] In embodiments consistent with the present example, seal 312 typically abuts against coupling structure 310. Seal 312 is configured to form a seal between component 300 and housing 370 when component 300 is coupled to housing 370. Seal 312 may be an elastomeric material. In some embodiments, seal 312 is rubber or another gasket or sealing material.

[0039] In an example consistent with the current embodiment, the vent housing 320 defines an opening 326 between the surrounding environment and the cavity 322 to define a first fluid flow path between the exterior of the vent housing 320 and the mounting surface 350 and / or the vent 330. Furthermore, the coupling structure 310 defines a second fluid flow path between the exterior of the vent housing 320 and the vent 330. In such an embodiment, the umbrella valve 340 is configured to open from the mounting surface 350 when the pressure in the second fluid flow path is at least 0.2 psi (pounds per square inch) and no more than 3 psi (and in some embodiments, from 0.5 psi to 1 psi) greater than the pressure in the first fluid flow path.

[0040] The vent housing 320 has a barrier 358 positioned between the opening 326 and the vent 330. The barrier 358 forms a tortuous path between the opening 326 and the vent 330, meaning that fluid flowing into the opening 326 does not directly impact the vent 330. Similarly, the barrier 358 is positioned between the opening 326 and the valve 340.

[0041] In an example consistent with the current embodiment, the vent 330 and valve 340 are concentric. While valve 340 is centered on vent 330, in some other embodiments, the vent may be centered on valve. In an example consistent with the current embodiment, vent housing 320 defines a central axis X extending from a first end 302 to a second end 304. Mounting surface 350 surrounds the central axis X. Although not fully visible in the current view, valve opening 354 is a plurality of openings defining a segmented annular member surrounding the central axis X. Similarly, vent opening 352 is a plurality of openings defining a segmented annular member surrounding the central axis X. Additionally, mounting surface defines a central opening 356 surrounding the central axis X, and umbrella valve 340 has an extension 342 extending through the central opening 356. The opening 326 defined by vent housing 320 is a series of radial openings surrounding the central axis X.

[0042] Figure 10 This is an exploded view of another example assembly 400 having a vent 430 and a pressure reducing valve 440, consistent with some embodiments of the technology disclosed herein. Similar to the previously described assembly, the present assembly 400 is generally configured to allow gas to travel between a housing (not currently depicted) and the external environment through the vent 430 under normal pressure conditions. In the event of a high-pressure event inside the housing, the assembly 400 is configured to allow gas to escape from the housing via a bypass through the vent 430. The assembly 400 typically has a vent housing 420, a mounting surface 450, a vent 430, and a pressure reducing valve 440.

[0043] The vent housing 420 is typically configured to house the vent 430 and the pressure reducing valve 440. The vent housing 420 defines a cavity 422, a first end 402, a second end 404, and a connection structure 410. The vent housing 420 can be constructed from various materials and combinations thereof, as discussed above. An end cap 424 is attached to the vent housing 420 toward the first end 402. In some other embodiments, the end cap 424 may form a single component with the vent housing 420. The cavity 422 is also defined by the end cap 424.

[0044] Mounting surface 450 is typically positioned within cavity 422 between a first end 402 and a second end 404. Mounting surface 450 is typically configured to receive vent 430 and pressure reducing valve 440. Mounting surface 450 defines vent opening 452 and valve opening 454. Vent opening 452 and valve opening 454 may each be one or more openings defined by mounting surface 450. Mounting surface 450 may be configured as discussed above herein. In the current example, vent opening 452 is a single circular opening, and valve opening 454 is a series of circular openings surrounding valve extension opening 456 at the center of the valve opening.

[0045] A vent 430 is attached to a mounting surface 450 through a vent opening 452. The vent 430 is typically configured to allow passive airflow between the housing and the surrounding environment while preventing liquid and particulate matter from entering the housing. The vent 430 is positioned in fluid communication with an opening in the housing. The vent 430 can be attached to the mounting surface 450 using an adhesive. The vent 430 can be constructed from a material similar to the vents described herein. In the current example, the vent 430 is circular, and the vent 430 can be attached to the mounting surface 450 using an adhesive arranged adjacent to its outer periphery 432 to form a seal between the vent 430 and the mounting surface 450.

[0046] Valve 440 is hermetically disposed on mounting surface 450 through valve opening 454. In various embodiments, valve 440 is an umbrella valve. Valve 440 has an extension 442 received by a central valve extension opening 456. Valve 440 is generally configured to form a seal around valve opening 454 to allow gas to passively exit through vent opening 452 and vent 430 under normal pressure conditions, and when the pressure peak within the housing exceeds a threshold T, the pressure causes umbrella valve 440 to displace to open from valve opening 454, allowing gas to bypass through vent 430 and exit the housing through valve opening 454. Valve 440 is configured parallel to vent 430 relative to the airflow between the ambient environment and the housing.

[0047] The pressure reducing valve 440 is typically formed of an elastomeric material. The pressure reducing valve 440 may also be other types of pressure reducing valves, but is typically a one-way pressure reducing valve. The pressure reducing valve 440 may be any type of umbrella valve, such as a Bass valve. In some embodiments, the pressure reducing valve 440 is configured to reseal around the valve opening 454 when the pressure inside the housing returns to a level at or below a pressure threshold T.

[0048] The coupling structure 410 is generally configured to attach component 400 to the housing around an opening defined by the housing. The coupling structure 410 is defined as a second end 404 facing the vent housing 420. The coupling structure 410 is generally configured to engage the housing. In the current example, the coupling structure 410 is a bottom (relative to the drawing) surface that can be attached to the housing around the opening using an adhesive. Alternative types of coupling structures 410 may also be used, as described above.

[0049] In an example consistent with the current embodiment, the vent housing 420 defines an opening 426 between the surrounding environment and the cavity 422 to define a first fluid flow path between the exterior of the vent housing 420 and the mounting surface 450 and / or the vent 430. Furthermore, the coupling structure 410 defines a second fluid flow path between the exterior of the vent housing 420 and the vent 430. In such an embodiment, the umbrella valve 440 is configured to open from the mounting surface 450 when the pressure in the second fluid flow path is at least 0.2 psi and no more than 2 psi greater than the pressure in the first fluid flow path (and in some embodiments, from 0.5 psi to 1 psi).

[0050] The vent housing 420 has a barrier 458 positioned between the opening 426 and the vent 430. The first barrier 458 forms a tortuous path between the opening 426 and the vent 430, meaning that fluid flowing into the opening 426 does not directly impact the vent 430. Similarly, one or more second barriers 459 are positioned between the opening(s) 426 and the valve 440. The second barriers 459 form a tortuous path between the opening 426 and the valve, meaning that fluid flowing into the opening 426 does not directly impact the valve 440.

[0051] Figure 11 This is an exploded view of another example assembly 500 having a vent 530 and a pressure reducing valve 540, consistent with some embodiments of the technology disclosed herein. Similar to the assemblies described above, the present assembly 500 is generally configured to allow gas to travel between a housing (not currently depicted) and the external environment through the vent 530 under normal pressure conditions. In the event of a high-pressure event inside the housing, the assembly 500 is configured to allow gas to escape from the housing via a bypass through the vent 530. The assembly 500 typically has a vent housing 520, a mounting surface 550, a vent 530, and a pressure reducing valve 540.

[0052] The vent housing 520 is typically configured to house the vent 530 and the pressure reducing valve 540. The vent housing 520 defines a cavity 522, a first end 502, a second end 504, and a connection structure 510. The vent housing 520 can be constructed from various materials and combinations thereof, as discussed above. An end cap 524 is attached to the vent housing 520 toward the first end 502. In some other embodiments, the end cap 524 may form a single component with the vent housing 520. The cavity 522 is also defined by the end cap 524.

[0053] Mounting surface 550 is typically positioned within cavity 522 between a first end 502 and a second end 504. Mounting surface 550 is typically configured to receive vent 530 and pressure reducing valve 540. Mounting surface 550 defines vent opening 552 and valve opening 554. Vent opening 552 and valve opening 554 may each be one or more openings defined by mounting surface 550. Mounting surface 550 may be configured as discussed above herein, and in the current example, mounting surface 550 has two surfaces. In the current example, vent opening 552 is a single circular opening, and valve opening 554 is a series of circular openings surrounding valve extension opening 556, which is centered on valve opening 554.

[0054] A vent 530 is attached to a mounting surface 550 through a vent opening 552. The vent 530 is typically configured to allow passive airflow between the housing and the surrounding environment while preventing liquid and particulate matter from entering the housing. The vent 530 is positioned in fluid communication with an opening in the housing. The vent 530 can be attached to the mounting surface 550 using an adhesive. The vent 530 can be constructed from a material similar to the vents described herein. In the current example, the vent 530 is circular, and the vent 530 can be attached to the mounting surface 550 using an adhesive arranged adjacent to its outer periphery 532 to form a seal between the vent 530 and the mounting surface 550.

[0055] Valve 540 is hermetically disposed on mounting surface 550 through valve opening 554. In various embodiments, valve 540 is an umbrella valve. Valve 540 has an extension 542 received by a central valve extension opening 556. Valve 540 is generally configured to form a seal around valve opening 554 to allow gas to passively exit through vent opening 552 and vent 530 under normal pressure conditions, and when the pressure peak within the housing exceeds a threshold T, the pressure causes umbrella valve 540 to displace to open from valve opening 554, allowing gas to bypass through vent 530 and exit the housing through valve opening 554. Valve 540 is configured parallel to vent 530 relative to the airflow between the ambient environment and the housing.

[0056] The pressure reducing valve 540 is typically formed of an elastomeric material. The pressure reducing valve 540 may also be other types of pressure reducing valves, but is typically a one-way pressure reducing valve. The pressure reducing valve 540 may be any type of umbrella valve, such as a Bass valve. In some embodiments, the pressure reducing valve 540 is configured to reseal around the valve opening 554 when the pressure inside the housing returns to a level at or below a pressure threshold T.

[0057] The coupling structure 510 is typically configured to attach component 500 to the housing around an opening defined by the housing. The coupling structure 510 is defined as a second end 504 facing the vent housing 520. The coupling structure 510 is typically configured to engage the housing. In the current example, the coupling structure 510 is a bottom (relative to the drawing) surface that can be attached to the housing around the opening using an adhesive. Alternative types of coupling structures 510 may also be used, as described above.

[0058] Note that in embodiments consistent with the current example, cavity 522 is actually two separate cavities: one housing valve 540 and another housing vent 530. In some embodiments, a single cavity exists. In an example consistent with the current embodiment, vent housing 520 defines an opening 526 between the surrounding environment and cavity 522 to define a first fluid flow path between the exterior of vent housing 520 and mounting surface 550 and / or vent 530. Furthermore, coupling structure 510 defines a second fluid flow path between the exterior of vent housing 520 and vent 530. In such embodiments, umbrella valve 540 is configured to open from mounting surface 550 when the pressure in the second fluid flow path is at least 0.2 psi and no more than 2 psi greater than the pressure in the first fluid flow path (and in some embodiments, from 0.5 psi to 1 psi).

[0059] The vent housing 520 has a first obstruction 558 positioned between the opening 526 and the vent 530. The first obstruction 558 forms a tortuous path between the opening 526 and the vent 530, meaning that fluid flowing into the opening 526 does not directly impact the vent 530. Similarly, one or more second obstructions 559 are positioned between the opening(s) 526 and the valve 540. The second obstructions 559 form a tortuous path between the opening 526 and the valve, meaning that fluid flowing into the opening 526 does not directly impact the valve 540.

[0060] It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the phrase "configured as" describes a system, device, or other structure constructed or configured to perform a particular task or employ a particular configuration. The phrase "configured as" may be used interchangeably with other similar phrases such as "arrangement," "arrangement and configuration," "construction and arrangement," "construction," "manufacturing and arrangement," etc.

[0061] All publications and patent applications in this specification demonstrate the level of skill of one ordinary person in the art to which this technology pertains. All publications and patent applications are incorporated herein by reference to the extent that each individual publication or patent application is expressly and individually identified by reference.

[0062] This application is intended to cover adaptations or modifications to this subject matter. It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A vent assembly, comprising: A housing that defines a cavity, a first end, a second end, and a connection structure toward the second end; Mounting surface, which is positioned between the first end and the second end within the cavity, defines a valve opening and a vent opening; A vent, the vent being connected to the mounting surface through the vent opening; as well as An umbrella-shaped valve is arranged sealingly on the mounting surface through a valve opening.

2. The vent assembly of claim 1, further comprising an end cap connected to the housing toward the first end.

3. The vent assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The mounting surface and the housing form a single structure.

4. The vent assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The vent includes a breathable membrane.

5. The vent assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The housing defines an opening between the surrounding environment and the cavity to define a fluid flow path between the exterior of the housing and the mounting surface.

6. The vent assembly of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the housing includes a first obstruction, wherein the first obstruction is positioned between the opening and the vent.

7. The vent assembly of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the housing includes a second obstruction disposed on the mounting surface extending into the fluid flow path, wherein the second obstruction is positioned between the opening and the umbrella valve.

8. The vent assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The fluid flow path defines a tortuous path between the opening and the umbrella valve.

9. The vent assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the connection structure defines a fluid flow path between the exterior of the housing and the vent.

10. The vent assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The housing defines a first fluid flow path between the exterior of the housing and the vent, the coupling structure defines a second fluid flow path between the exterior of the housing and the vent, and the umbrella valve is configured to open from the mounting surface when the pressure in the second fluid flow path is 0.5 psi to 1 psi greater than the pressure in the first fluid flow path.

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