Breathable plug

Abstract

The present application relates to a breathable plug (108) suitable for use with a breathable plug fixture (102) that simultaneously prevents the passage of liquid and allows the passage of gas. The breathable plug includes a resilient external thread (112) to allow the breathable plug to be mounted by a push-in interference fit. The elastic external thread further includes one or more wings disposed between a root (114) and a crest (116) of the elastic external thread.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a ventable plug. BACKGROUND

[0002] Electric vehicles are increasingly provided with electric drive modules to convert stored battery power into movement of the wheels. The electric drive modules house mechanical components that need to be cooled and lubricated, typically by oil. The system cannot operate in a closed configuration due to oil expansion and also allows vapors, such as water vapor, to escape the system.

[0003] Due to the moving parts, oil splashes around inside the electric drive module and this can cause oil droplets to become suspended or dispersed, with the risk that they escape through any vents or filters provided by the system. This is problematic as it can reduce the amount of oil available in the system due to loss, and furthermore, it constitutes an environmental hazard. SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure proposes a ventable plug suitable for use with a ventable plug fixture that simultaneously prevents liquid passage and allows gas passage. The ventable plug comprises a resilient external thread to allow installation of the ventable plug by a push-in interference fit. The resilient external thread further comprises one or more wings arranged between the root and crest of the resilient external thread. The resilient thread and the wings act as contact surfaces for liquid droplet contact and coalescence. The resilient thread then directs the coalesced liquid back to the side from which the liquid droplets originated (e.g. back to the oil tank by gravity).

[0005] Preferably, the one or more wings are arranged within the pitch of the resilient external thread, and / or the one or more wings are arranged between the major thread diameter and the minor thread diameter of the resilient external thread, and / or the one or more wings are arranged to capture liquid droplets and / or direct captured liquid droplets, and / or the one or more wings are attached to at least one flank of the resilient external thread, and / or the one or more wings at least partially obstruct the gap formed between the opposite flanks of the resilient external thread, and / or the one or more wings differ in size and / or shape and / or topology. These features aim to maximize the amount of coalesced liquid droplets and thus the efficiency and efficacy of the ventable plug.

[0006] Suitably, the ventable plug is further provided with a ventable membrane, and / or wherein the resilient external thread provides a labyrinth portion. Both the labyrinth portion and the ventable membrane provide additional defense against liquid droplets passing through the ventable plug, while still allowing gas passage. Appropriately, the ventable plug is further provided with one or more filters for similar reasons.

[0007] Preferably, the gas permeable plug further comprises a fixture body, which is capable of providing a fluid-tight seal when located within the plug hole. The fixture body provides a structure that facilitates disposal of the gas permeable plug, which can be soiled by liquid, and also houses other elements of the gas permeable plug, such as filters, membranes, and the like.

[0008] The fixture body can comprise a passageway, the membrane can be arranged to obstruct the passageway. The resilient external thread can be associated with (e.g. inserted within) the passageway, and optionally wherein the fixture body can comprise a void space connected to the exterior via the passageway. Suitably, the fixture body can further be provided with one or more filters.

[0009] The gas permeable plug can further comprise a support section, which is arranged to contact the membrane, and further optionally to support the membrane. The support section prevents accidental deformation or tearing of the membrane. The support section can be arranged to intentionally deform the membrane, in order to facilitate the outflow of liquid, so that liquid cannot pool, and thereby prevent gas from passing through the membrane. The liquid can be, for example, incoming water.

[0010] Suitably, the membrane can be supported by the support section in a central region, and optionally or alternatively wherein the support section deforms the membrane in use, and further optionally the support section deforms the membrane such that it facilitates the outflow of liquid from the membrane.

[0011] Preferably, the resilient external thread is located in a passageway of the fixture body. Suitably, the support section extends across a point of fixation of the membrane. Here, by "extends across" is meant that the support section protrudes across a plane defined or otherwise by the point of fixation, such that the support section spans the plane, obliquely or perpendicularly to the plane.

[0012] Optionally, a distance that the support section spans across the point of fixation corresponds to an amount of deformation of the membrane (404). In other words, the amount of deformation of the membrane corresponds to an amount (e.g. length, volume, etc.) that the support section exceeds the plane defined by the point of fixation.

[0013] Suitably, the fixture body further comprises one or more gates. Optionally, the one or more gates are fluidly connected to a face of the membrane and / or an exterior of the gas permeable plug, such that the gates can permit fluid to pass from the face of the membrane to the exterior of the fixture body.

[0014] Suitably, a door labyrinth structure is provided between one of the one or more doors and the exterior of the membrane and / or the gas permeable plug. The door labyrinth structure is intended to impede the flow of liquid between the exterior and interior of the fixture body. The door labyrinth structure can be eccentric, such that liquid flows more easily through the labyrinth structure in one direction than the opposite direction. This can be achieved by designing the labyrinth structure with weirs, air pockets, angled surfaces to impede the progress of liquid.

[0015] Preferably, the gas permeable plug further comprises an elastomeric seal arranged to form a fluid-tight seal between the gas permeable plug and a surface. The elastomeric seal can be located on the exterior of the fixture body such that it is arranged to contact and seal against another surface to prevent liquid and / or gas from passing through the elastomeric seal.

[0016] Suitably, the elastomeric seal can be formed by overmoulding directly onto the gas permeable plug. The gas permeable plug can be provided with one or more keying features onto which the elastomeric seal is overmoulded. Keying features provide a topology against which the elastomeric seal can be securely mechanically clamped and increase the surface area between components, thereby maximising any chemical bonding that can form between components. As a non-limiting example, the keying features can have a cross-section shaped like a dovetail.

[0017] There is also provided in accordance with the present disclosure a gas permeable plug fixture adapted to prevent the passage of liquid droplets, the gas permeable plug fixture comprising a gas permeable plug as described elsewhere in the present disclosure.

[0018] Suitably, the gas permeable plug fixture comprises a fixing portion having an aperture arranged to receive the gas permeable plug. The gas permeable plug can be associated with the aperture such that the gas permeable plug fixture is supplied ready for use and / or such that the gas permeable plug cannot be shaken loose from loose association with the gas permeable plug fixture (i.e. the components remain in close proximity even when the gas permeable plug is not in liquid-tight seal with the gas permeable plug fixture). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] Embodiments of the present application will now be described, by way of example only, below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 A cross-section of a gas permeable plug fixture is shown.

[0021] Figure 2 A gas permeable plug fixture is shown A) aligned with a substrate before assembly and B) assembled to a substrate.

[0022] Figure 3The images show a partial cross-section of A) the vent plug retainer in the unlocked position and B) the vent plug retainer in the locked position.

[0023] Figure 4 A cross-section of an alternative breathable plug fixing device is shown.

[0024] Figure 5 A cross-section of an alternative breathable plug is shown.

[0025] Figure 6 This shows the positions A) first and B) second. Figure 5 The cross-section of the alternative breathable plug.

[0026] Figure 7 A plug insert for a breathable plug is shown.

[0027] Figure 8 An alternative plug insert for a breathable plug is shown.

[0028] Figure 9 An alternative breathable plug was demonstrated.

[0029] Figure 10 A cross-section of the main body of the fixing device suitable for use in a breathable plug is shown.

[0030] Figure 11 The following are shown: A) a partially manufactured breathable plug, B) a cross-section of the breathable plug, and C) the breathable plug.

[0031] Figure 12 The diagram shows A) another view of the vent plug, B) a cross-section of the vent plug, and C) an exploded view of the vent plug. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Some terms used in the following description are for convenience only and are not restrictive. The terms “right,” “left,” “down,” “up,” “front,” “back,” “upward,” “downward,” and “downward” indicate directions referenced in the accompanying drawings and are relative to the parts described during assembly and installation. The terms “inward,” “toward,” “outward,” and “outward” refer to directions toward and away from the specified centerline or geometric center (e.g., central axis) of the described element, respectively, and their specific meanings are self-evident from the context of the description.

[0033] Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “connected,” “attached,” “linked,” and “installed” are intended to include direct connections between two components without any other components in between, as well as indirect connections between components with one or more other components in between. The terms include those specifically mentioned above, their derivatives, and words with similar meanings.

[0034] Further, unless otherwise noted, the use of ordinal adjectives such as "first", "second", and "third", etc. to describe a common object are used merely for distinguishing between the different instances of the object and are not intended to imply that the object is in a given order or position in time or space.

[0035] Like reference numerals are used to describe like features throughout.

[0036] As shown in Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 , a gas permeable plug fixing device 102 is provided which is adapted to prevent the passage of both liquid (typically oil) and gas (such as water vapour) simultaneously.

[0037] The gas permeable plug fixing device comprises a fixing portion 104 comprising an aperture 106 arranged to receive a gas permeable plug 108 and one or more external resilient clips 110 having a surface complementary to the surface of the substrate. The fixing portion 104 provides a means of connection between the gas permeable plug fixing device 102 and the vehicle. A seal (not shown in Figure 1 , Figure 2 item 208 in ) is provided between the lips of the fixing portion 104 to interface with the surface (substrate) of the vehicle, although it will be apparent that the seal can be arranged at any suitable location on the fixing portion 104 so long as the function of sealing the connection is provided (i.e. to prevent the passage of both liquid and gaseous fluids). The at least one resilient seal 208 is arranged to press against the substrate surface and exert a tension between the fixing portion and the substrate surface in use. This prevents accidental separation of the components. The at least one resilient seal 208 also provides an increased seal as the pressure increases, as the increase in pressure causes a greater compression of the seal between the fixing portion 104 and the substrate.

[0038] The external resilient clips 110 provide a clamping means for the fixing portion 104 to clamp and hold it in place within the vehicle substrate. By making the external resilient clips 110 resilient, the assembly time of the gas permeable plug fixing device 102 is reduced, as the fixing portion 104 can simply be pushed into place by a "snap fit" (i.e. the component does not need to be screwed or welded into place). The surface complementary to the surface of the substrate (i.e. the surface of the vehicle on which the fixing portion 104 is assembled) is a threaded surface in order to provide a more effective connection between the components.

[0039] Because the location of the ventable plug fixture 102 can experience a relatively elevated temperature due to the drive device heating up in use, the securing portion 104 should be formed of a material suitable to cope with such temperatures, such as a suitable plastic.

[0040] The ventable plug 108 is associated with the aperture. The ventable plug fixture 102 can be supplied with the ventable plug 108 captured in the aperture or partially inserted into the aperture by the securing portion 104. The ventable plug has a resilient external thread 112 dimensioned to form a push-in interference fit with the aperture. In this way, the ventable plug 108 can be simply fitted to the aperture by pushing the ventable plug 108 inwards. Thus, the aperture does not include a complementary thread and can have a smooth side wall. The resilient external thread 112 can act as a conduit for oil returning to the vehicle, which can drip down the resilient external thread.

[0041] The ventable plug fixture further comprises a lock 206 arranged to secure the position of the ventable plug relative to the securing portion. The lock ensures that the ventable plug 108 is securely held in place in the aperture of the securing portion 104 and does not inadvertently become detached from the securing portion 104, for example by road vibrations. The lock can take the form of a slot into which a tooth can be rotated, similar to a bayonet fitting. The rotation to achieve a secure lock can be minimal, for example with reference to Figure 3 , the lock can be engaged by a rotation of one eighth of a turn or less. Preferably, the lock can be engaged manually without the need for any additional tools. The ventable plug 108 can be provided with an interface to engage with a tool, such as a spanner, hex key, star driver or any similar, to allow the ventable plug 108 to be rotated, which can operate the lock 206 or allow the ventable plug 108 to be rotated out of the aperture via the resilient external thread.

[0042] Preferably, the resilient external thread allows gas to pass through but prevents liquid from passing through when in use. This can be achieved by selecting an appropriate pitch or number of threads to provide a labyrinth or tortuous path through which liquid cannot pass but gas can pass.

[0043] The ventable plug fixture can further comprise at least one guide portion 204 arranged to assist the securing portion in receiving the ventable plug. The at least one guide portion 204 can be a slot and an extension member arranged on the ventable plug or the securing portion respectively. The guide portions ensure correct positioning and fitting of the components and also stop rotation of the components in the aperture.

[0044] Figure 2The assembly of the vent plug retainer 102 is shown. The retaining portion 104 is pushed into a threaded hole, for example, in a vehicle. Then, the vent plug retainer 102 is fully pushed into the retaining portion 104. The vent plug retainer 102 can then be locked by manually rotating the vent plug 108, as shown. Figure 3 As shown.

[0045] Figure 4 An alternative permeable plug fixing device 102 is shown. The permeable plug fixing device 102 is also suitable for simultaneously preventing liquid passage and allowing gas passage, and enjoys the same... Figure 1 The breathable plug fixing device 102 has many similar features. These features have the same reference numerals and will not be discussed further to avoid unnecessary repetition.

[0046] The vent plug retainer includes a retaining portion 104, which includes an orifice 106 arranged to receive a vent plug 108. The vent plug 108 is associated with the orifice and includes a resilient external thread 112, the resilient external thread being sized to form a push-in interference fit with the orifice.

[0047] The resilient external thread further includes one or more flanges 402 disposed between the root 114 and the crest 116 of the resilient external thread. Here, the root 114 and the crest 116 refer to the characteristics of the thread. The root 114 is the bottom of the groove between the two side surfaces of the thread, and the crest 116 is the protruding portion (outermost) of the thread. The flank 118 is the surface of the thread that connects the given crest 116 and root 114.

[0048] The purpose of the wing 402 is to capture dispersed oil droplets, causing these droplets to flow downwards along the wing 402 onto the elastic external thread 112, and then drip downwards back into the drive unit. Therefore, the one or more wings are arranged to capture droplets and / or guide the captured droplets.

[0049] The one or more wings can be arranged within the pitch of the elastic external thread (i.e., the valley formed between the two corresponding tooth crests 116).

[0050] The one or more wings can be arranged between the large thread diameter and the small thread diameter of the elastic external thread, that is, between the crest 116 and the root 114 of the elastic external thread 112.

[0051] To achieve the above arrangement, the one or more wings are attached to at least one tooth flank of the resilient external thread, and thus to the path of any dispersed oil droplets in the resilient external thread. Therefore, the one or more wings at least partially block the gap (or valley as described above) formed between the opposing tooth flanks of the resilient external thread.

[0052] The breather plug can further be provided with a breather membrane 404, although this is not essential. The breather membrane can allow gas to escape, but trap any residual dispersed oil droplets that escape the breather plug. The breather membrane can be any suitable breather membrane, such as an aluminium filter, a non-woven web, a membrane or a sintered filter. The breather membrane can be added on top of the breather plug and locked with a cap, overmoulded, welded or otherwise suitably secured to the breather plug.

[0053] By using Figure 1 Figure 1 The breather plug fixing device 102 can also be provided with a breather membrane similar to that of Figure 4 The breather plug fixing device 102 can also be provided with a breather membrane similar to that of Figure 4 The breather plug fixing device 102 can also be provided with a breather membrane similar to that of

[0054] Figure 5 An alternative breather plug (breather plug 502) is shown in Figure 5. The breather plug 502 is also suitable for simultaneously preventing the passage of liquid and allowing the passage of gas, and shares many similar features to the breather plug 108 of Figure 1 Figure 4 These features bear the same reference numerals and are not discussed further in order to prevent unnecessary repetition. The breather plug 502 can be used with and / or replace any other breather plug or breather plug fixing device disclosed herein. Likewise, elements of the alternative breather plug 502 can be included in or replace any other breather plug disclosed herein.

[0055] The breather plug 502 is intended for use with a pre-existing breather plug fixing device 102, and can therefore be retrofitted or provide a replacement component for a pre-existing installation.

[0056] Figure 5 The breather plug 502 of differs in that the breather plug 502 is a complete plug (i.e. there is no mounting bracket and / or is adapted for insertion into an existing plug hole as a conventional plug).

[0057] The breather plug 502 comprises a fixing device body 504 which forms a space-filling component of the breather plug 502. A plug insert 512 is inserted into the fixing device body 504. The plug insert 512 can comprise the resilient external thread 112 and associated features described above.

[0058] The plug insert 512 is provided with resilient plug portion clips 518 to grip into the internal void of the fixing device body 504 when inserted within the channel of the fixing device body 504.

[0059] ​​The plug insert 512 is provided with one or more holes 702 to allow air / gas to enter the labyrinth portion 508 formed by the resilient external thread 112 discussed previously.

[0060] The gas permeable plug 502 is adapted to simultaneously prevent liquid (or dispersed droplets, or liquid component of an aerosol) from passing through and allow gas to pass through the gas permeable plug 502.

[0061] The gas permeable plug comprises a fixture body 504 which is capable of providing a fluid-tight seal when located within a plug hole. The fixture body 504 has a void space connected to the outside via a passageway 506. The plug insert 512 is associated with the passageway 506 and comprises a resilient external thread 112 which is sized to form a push-in interference fit with the passageway 506. This is sufficient to prevent fluid flow through the gas permeable plug 502 unless via the labyrinth portion 508. The resilient external thread allows gas to pass through but prevents liquid from passing through the gas permeable plug when in use. Optionally, the resilient external thread provides the labyrinth portion 508.

[0062] The gas permeable plug fixture 102, 502, 1102 can further be provided with one or more filters 514 which can have one or more functions such as preventing any liquid which does pass through the labyrinth portion 508 from passing through or removing contaminants from any gas. The filters 514 can comprise gas permeable membranes.

[0063] The plug portion clip 518 secures the plug insert 512 inside the fixture body 504. Holes 702 are provided for air / gas flow into the interior of the labyrinth insert. The holes 702 are provided in the resilient external thread 112 for air / gas flow into and out of the labyrinth portion 508.

[0064] Figure 6 A shows the method of construction of the gas permeable plug 502, with the plug insert 512 placed adjacent to the void space 510 and then pushed into the void space 510 of the fixture body 504. Figure 6 B shows the gas permeable plug 502 constructed, with the plug portion clip 518 of the plug insert 512 engaged with the fixture body 504. A seal 208 can be provided to the fixture body 504 to ensure an effective seal between the gas permeable plug 502 and the plug hole into which the gas permeable plug 502 is inserted. A cap 516 (see Figure 5 ) can be provided to provide a mechanical closure to prevent fluid from passing out through the gas permeable plug 502.

[0065] Figure 7 The plug insert 512 is shown in the absence of the fixture body 504.

[0066] Figure 8A plug insert 512 similar to Figure 7 the plug insert 512 but further comprising one or more wings 402. The wings 402 increase the ability of the labyrinth structure to prevent droplets from passing through the gas permeable plug 502. Droplets collect on the wings 402 and drip down through the holes 702 of the plug insert 512. These wings are similar to the wings as described elsewhere in this specification and can have the same attributes. The resilient external thread can comprise one or more wings and these wings can be disposed between the root 114 and the crest 116 of the resilient external thread. Optionally, the one or more wings are sized, shaped, or topologically distinct to maximize the variety of droplets captured in the labyrinth portion 508 (different droplet sizes and liquids require different capture surfaces).

[0067] The one or more wings can be disposed within the pitch of the resilient external thread. The one or more wings can be disposed between the major diameter and the minor diameter of the resilient external thread.

[0068] The one or more wings can be arranged to capture droplets and / or direct captured droplets.

[0069] Figure 9 An alternative gas permeable plug 1102 is shown that is adapted to simultaneously prevent liquid passage and allow gas passage through the gas permeable plug. The gas permeable plug 1102 can be used with and / or replace any other gas permeable plug or gas permeable plug fixture disclosed herein. Likewise, elements of the alternative gas permeable plug 1102 can be included in or replace any other gas permeable plug disclosed herein.

[0070] The gas permeable plug 1102 includes a fixture body 504 as previously described and capable of providing a fluid-tight seal when positioned within a plug hole.

[0071] The fixture body 504 includes a passageway 506 as previously described. A membrane 404 is provided and arranged to obstruct the passageway 506. The membrane can be located at the end of the passageway 506 or at any suitable location within the passageway 506 so long as the membrane 404 can perform its function of excluding some fluids from passing while simultaneously allowing other fluids to pass. Thus, the membrane can be the gas permeable membrane 404 previously described.

[0072] A plug insert 512 is associated with (e.g., located within or otherwise inserted into) the passageway 506. The plug insert 512 can include a support section 902 arranged to contact and optionally support the membrane 404. The support section can be provided at an alternative location of the gas permeable plug, so long as the function of the support section is the same as described. The support section 902 can be an extension of the gas permeable plug 108, e.g., provided by the cylindrical wall of the fixed portion. The support section 902 need not be formed by the cylindrical wall, and can use any suitable configuration, so long as the support section 902 is arranged to contact the membrane. Thus, the support section 902 can be a grid, platform, table, tripod, column, or any other suitable configuration, so long as the support section 902 does not prevent the membrane 404 from functioning as described above.

[0073] Optionally, the membrane 404 is supported by the support section 902 in a central region 904 (e.g., the geometric center of the shape of the membrane). For example, if the membrane 404 is circular, the membrane can be supported toward the center of the circle.

[0074] In use, the support section 902 can deform the membrane 404, such as by stretching or at least displacing one region of the membrane relative to another region of the membrane (e.g., causing a curved, dimpled, or concave region, as viewed from the direction the support section contacts the membrane).

[0075] Optionally, the support section 902 deforms the membrane 404 such that on a side of the membrane opposite the side that the support section contacts the membrane, facilitates the flow of liquid from the membrane 404. The support section 902 can form a ridge or peak in the membrane relative to other regions of the membrane, which will encourage liquid to flow from a high region of the membrane to a low region of the membrane by gravity. Preferably, the low region of the membrane is arranged adjacent to a flow path to a drain or gate of the gas permeable plug 1102. The high region of the membrane can be distal from the drain or gate, thus encouraging liquid to flow from the high region toward the drain or gate and through the low region of the membrane.

[0076] When the plug insert 512 is located in the passageway 506 of the fixture body, the support sections 902 can extend past the fixation points 906 of the membrane 404. This is to ensure that the membrane deforms, as otherwise the membrane would remain in place (i.e., in a flat configuration) across the fixation points. By arranging the support sections 902 such that they extend past the fixation points 906, the membrane must deform over the support sections 902 between the fixation points 906. It is readily apparent that the support sections 902 can extend past the fixation points 906 any suitable distance, so long as the integrity of the membrane and / or fixation points 906 are not compromised (e.g., the support sections 902 do not cause the membrane to rupture or impair the function of the membrane). It is readily apparent that the distance that the support sections 902 extend past the fixation points 906 corresponds to the amount of deformation of the membrane 404, and this distance can be varied to achieve different amounts of membrane deformation. The support sections can not provide a consistent distance (i.e., the amount that the support sections extend past the fixation points 906 can be different across the support sections 902). The amount that a given membrane deforms across the surface of the membrane by a given support section 902 can be different.

[0077] Supporting the membrane and / or deforming the membrane prevents the membrane from deforming in a variable and uncontrolled manner from vibrations from, for example, a vehicle engine or motor, or when the membrane is under the weight of external water pressure (thereby causing fluid to pool on the membrane and clog the membrane). This improves the durability of the membrane and minimizes failure of the membrane.

[0078] Encouraging fluid to flow out of the membrane maintains the functionality of the membrane and prevents fouling / pollution and thus clogging of the membrane from, for example, salt (e.g., calcium carbonate) in a liquid (e.g., water) crystallizing as the liquid dries.

[0079] According to Figure 10 The fixture body 504 can further include one or more gates 1002 to allow fluid to pass from the interior of the air permeable plug to the exterior (e.g., to allow water to drain).

[0080] The one or more gates 1002 can be fluidly connected to a face 1004 of the membrane 404 (i.e., a single side of the membrane, so fluid must pass through the membrane, otherwise return from the face of the membrane that it failed to pass through). The gates 1002 can also be fluidly connected to the exterior of the air permeable plug 1102 to allow fluid to drain or otherwise exit the air permeable plug.

[0081] A door labyrinth structure 1006 may be disposed between one of the doors 1002 and the exterior of the membrane 404 and / or the permeable plug 1102. The door labyrinth structure is used to capture fluid entering the permeable plug from the outside through the door 1002 and prevent such fluid from reaching the membrane. For example, droplets entering through the door 1002 may accumulate on the door labyrinth structure and return to the outside via the door. Therefore, the door labyrinth structure 1006 prevents such droplets from reaching the membrane and avoids the risk of fouling or otherwise contaminating the membrane, thus maintaining membrane functionality.

[0082] Door 1002 is fluidly connected to one or more ventilation windows 1010 arranged on the exterior of fixture body 504 to allow gas to escape from fixture body 504.

[0083] like Figure 11 As shown, in another alternative vent plug 1102 (which can be any or a standalone vent plug as previously discussed), a resilient seal 1008 is arranged to form a fluid-impermeable seal between the vent plug 1102 and a surface (e.g., the retaining portion 104 or the panel). The resilient seal 1008 is formed by directly overmolding the seal onto the vent plug 1102 (e.g., in a two-stage injection molding process).

[0084] To ensure good mechanical attachment between the resilient seal 1008 and the vent plug 1102 (e.g., to prevent the resilient seal 1008 from disconnecting from the vent plug 1102 during rotation), the vent plug 1102 is provided with one or more key connection features 1104, to which the resilient seal 1008 is overmolded, thereby providing a clamping surface for the resilient seal 1008 to be keyed to the key connection features during molding of the resilient seal.

[0085] Optionally, the resilient seal is disposed on the body of the fixing device. The key connection features can have any suitable cross-section, provided that the selected cross-section allows the key connection features 1104 to provide a suitable mechanical connection between the resilient seal 1008 and the breathable plug 1102. It will be apparent that "suitable mechanical connection" will vary depending on the application in which the breathable plug is used, some of which require a relatively stronger mechanical connection than others. As a non-limiting example, a dovetail shape is a suitable cross-section, but any other trapezoidal, oval, mushroom-shaped, or similar shape, as well as other shapes, may also be used.

[0086] like Figure 12 As shown, the vent plug 1102 further includes a drive mechanism 1202 to allow a tool to engage with the vent plug 1102 and apply rotation to the vent plug 1102 to assist in insertion or removal. The drive mechanism shown is a Torx.TM The drive 1202 can be a screw, but any other drive can be used, including but not limited to, for example, an Allen or socket, star, Pozi, Phillips, or slot.

[0087] The drive 1202 can be disposed on a cap 1204 that forms a portion of the breathable plug 1102. The cap 1204 can be arranged to snap fit onto a lower body 1208 of the breathable plug 1102 by one or more resilient legs 1206.

[0088] One or more lugs 1210 can be disposed on the cap or lower body and arranged to connect with one or more corresponding lug sockets 1212 on the opposing component (cap or lower body, depending on where the lugs are placed). The lugs and lug sockets provide mechanical linkage between the components and allow rotational force applied to the cap to be transmitted to the lower body so as to ensure that the lower body rotates with the cap and that the two do not accidentally separate.

[0089] The lug sockets can also function as or otherwise provide the function of the vent window 1010. Thus, the lug sockets can be disposed as rings of material that form short tunnels that are open at both ends and are disposed in fluid communication with the door 1002. Excess lug sockets can be disposed above the lugs to ensure that the cap is easily attached to the lower body and to ensure that the lug sockets function as the vent window 1010. Additionally or separately, the lug sockets and lugs can be arranged to have a loose fit or otherwise a loose fit sufficient to allow gas to pass through the lug sockets and for the vent window 1010 to function. The loose fit does not necessarily mean that there can be play between the components when rotation is applied to the cap, the shapes selected for the lugs and lug sockets can be sufficient to allow gas to pass through but tight enough that there is no play between the cap and lower body when torque is applied to the cap.

[0090] Those skilled in the art will understand that the foregoing detailed description has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description only and is not intended to be limiting in any way and that various changes and modifications can be made to the detailed example without departing from the scope of the application as defined by the appended claims. Various modifications to the detailed example are possible.

[0091] In the specification section and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations thereof, mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and they do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout this specification section and claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the singular encompasses the plural. Specifically, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating both the singular and plural forms, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0092] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the application are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein for which it would be compatible, unless otherwise indicated. All features and / or steps disclosed in the specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) can be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The application is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The application extends to any novel one, or any novel combination of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract or drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A breathable plug (108) suitable for use with a breathable plug fixing device (102, 502), the breathable plug fixing device simultaneously preventing liquid passage and allowing gas passage, The breathable plug includes: A resilient external thread (112) allows the breathable plug to be installed via a push-in interference fit, wherein... The resilient external thread further includes one or more wings (402) disposed between the root (114) and the crest (116) of the resilient external thread.

2. The breathable plug as described in claim 1, wherein, The one or more wings are arranged within the pitch of the resilient external thread, and / or, One or more wings are arranged between the large and small thread diameters of the elastic external thread, and / or, The one or more wings are arranged to capture droplets and / or guide the captured droplets, and / or, The one or more wings are attached to at least one tooth side of the resilient external thread, and / or, The one or more wings at least partially block the gap formed between the opposing tooth sides of the resilient external thread, and / or, The size and / or shape and / or topology of one or more wings are different.

3. The breathable plug as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The breathable plug is further provided with a breathable membrane, and / or wherein the resilient external thread provides a labyrinthine portion (508).

4. The breathable plug as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The breathable plug (108) is further provided with one or more filters (514).

5. The breathable plug (108) as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the breathable plug further comprises: The fixing device body (504) is capable of providing a fluid-impermeable seal when located within the plug hole; The main body (504) of the fixing device includes a passage (506); A membrane (404) is arranged to block the passage (506). Wherein, the resilient external thread (112) is associated with the passage (506), and optionally wherein: The fixing device body (504) includes a gap space (510) connected to the outside via the passage (506), and / or, The main body of the fixing device (504) is further provided with one or more filters (514), and / or optionally, The breathable plug further includes a support section (902) arranged to contact the membrane and optionally support the membrane (404).

6. The breathable plug (1102) as described in claim 5, wherein, The membrane (404) is supported by the support section (902) in the central region (904), and optionally or alternatively, the support section (902) deforms the membrane (404) in use, and further optionally, the support section (902) deforms the membrane (404) to facilitate the flow of liquid from the membrane (404).

7. The breathable plug (1102) as described in claim 5 or 6, wherein, When the elastic external thread (112) is located in the passage (506) of the body of the fixing device, the support section (902) extends beyond the fixing point (906) of the membrane (404), and optionally, the distance by which the support section (902) extends beyond the fixing point (906) corresponds to the amount of deformation of the membrane (404).

8. The breathable plug (1102) as described in any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein, The fixing device body (504) further includes one or more doors (1002), and optionally, Wherein, the one or more gates (1002) are fluidly connected to the surface (1004) of the membrane (404) and / or the exterior of the permeable plug (1102), and further optionally, The door maze structure (1006) is disposed between one of the doors (1002) and the outside of the membrane (404) and / or the breathable plug (1102).

9. The breathable plug (1102) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the breathable plug further comprises: An elastic seal (1008) is arranged to form a fluid-impermeable seal between the breathable plug (1102) and the surface. The resilient seal (1008) is formed by overmolding onto the breathable plug (1102), and / or The breathable plug (1102) is provided with one or more keyed connection features (1104), and the resilient seal (1008) is molded over the one or more keyed connection features. Optionally, the resilient seal is arranged on the body of the fixing device, and / or The bond connection feature has a cross-section that is dovetail-shaped.

10. A breathable plug fixing device (102) suitable for preventing droplet passage, the breathable plug fixing device comprising a breathable plug (108) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, and optionally wherein: The breathable plug fixing device includes a fixing portion (104) having an opening (106) arranged to receive the breathable plug, and / or The breathable plug (108) is associated with the orifice (106).

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