Exhaust vent assembly for battery pack, battery pack, installation method and vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an exhaust vent assembly (18) for a battery pack (12) of a vehicle. The exhaust vent assembly (18) includes a protective sheet (24), a support wall (26), and a retention member (30). The protective sheet (24) is configured to cover the vent (16) of the battery pack (12). The support wall (26) includes at least one opening (28). The protective sheet (24) covers the at least one opening (28). The retaining member (30) is configured to retain the protective sheet (24) against the support wall (26). The holding member (30) and the support wall (26) are arranged on opposite sides of the protective sheet (24). In addition, a battery pack (12) for a vehicle is described. Furthermore, a method for mounting an exhaust vent assembly (18) on a battery pack (12) for a vehicle is shown. Furthermore, a vehicle is described.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a degassing vent assembly for a battery pack of a vehicle.

[0002] Further, the present disclosure is directed to a battery pack for a vehicle.

[0003] Additionally, the present disclosure relates to a method for mounting a degassing vent assembly on a battery pack for a vehicle.

[0004] Further, the present disclosure is directed to a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0005] The continuous development in the field of battery electric vehicles shows that higher energy densities in battery packs are achieved by using more aggressive cell chemistries. More aggressive cell chemistries increase the risk of thermal events occurring in the battery pack, which can damage the entire battery system. Therefore, there is a need to increase the safety of such battery packs in case of a thermal event.

[0006] Further, in order to allow reliable and long-time operation, the battery pack should be protected from external substances.

[0007] Current solutions typically show that these requirements lead to rather complex and bulky battery packs. This also leads to high manufacturing costs for such battery packs. SUMMARY

[0008] Therefore, it is an object of the present disclosure to reduce the complexity and size of a battery pack while providing enhanced safety.

[0009] This problem is at least partially solved or alleviated by the subject matter of the independent claims of the present disclosure, wherein further examples are incorporated in the dependent claims.

[0010] According to a first aspect, an exhaust vent assembly for a battery pack of a vehicle is provided. The exhaust vent assembly comprises a protection sheet, a support wall and a holding member. The protection sheet is configured to cover a vent of the battery pack. The support wall comprises at least one opening. The protection sheet covers the at least one opening of the support wall. The holding member is configured to hold the protection sheet against the support wall. The holding member and the support wall are arranged on opposite sides of the protection sheet. The exhaust vent assembly can be understood as a cover assembly for the battery pack. Thus, the exhaust vent assembly can be configured to close or cover the battery pack to avoid external substances from entering an interior of the battery pack. These external substances can be gases, liquids (e.g. water) and / or particles. This functionality is provided by the protection sheet, which provides the actual protection, and the support wall, which supports the protection sheet. Since the protection sheet covers the at least one opening of the support wall, the combination of the support wall and the protection sheet can resist relatively high pressures. In an example, the protection sheet lies flat on the support wall. The exhaust vent assembly can be configured to selectively open or uncover the vent of the battery pack to release gases and particles that occur within the battery pack in case of a thermal event. In case of such a thermal event, an internal pressure or force originating from the interior of the battery pack acts on the exhaust vent assembly. Opening or uncovering the vent of the battery pack can comprise rupturing at least a portion of the protection sheet. In summary, in case the exhaust vent assembly is used on a battery pack, the interior of the battery pack is sealably separated from the exterior of the battery pack. In addition, in case the internal pressure or force in the interior exceeds a predefined internal pressure threshold or force threshold, the interior of the battery pack can be fluidically connected to the exterior of the battery pack. In this context, an increase of the internal pressure in the interior can be caused by a thermal event occurring in the battery pack. The support wall comprising the at least one opening means that gases and / or particles caused by the thermal event can pass through the at least one opening. In other words, the support wall can be configured to withstand the internal pressure in the battery pack in case the internal pressure exceeds the predefined internal pressure threshold. In summary, due to the fact that the protection sheet covers the at least one opening of the support wall, the protection sheet and the support wall are configured to withstand high pressures occurring on the side adjacent to the protection sheet. This is due to the fact that the protection sheet is supported by the support wall. If a high pressure occurs in the vicinity of the support wall, the protection sheet can crack or rupture, thereby allowing the pressure to be released. In an example, the protection sheet lies flat on the support wall. This means that no space is formed between the protection sheet and the support wall. This has the effect that the complexity and size of the exhaust vent assembly can be small while providing enhanced safety.

[0011] In the context of the present disclosure, the battery pack can be part of a traction battery of a vehicle. This means that the energy stored in the battery pack can be used to drive the vehicle. Thus, the exhaust vent assembly can be a component for a traction battery of a vehicle.

[0012] In one example, the holding member comprises an opening. The opening extends over an area of the holding member such that at least 50 percent of a surface of the protection sheet faces the opening when the holding member is used to hold the protection sheet against the support wall. In another example, at least 60 percent of a surface of the protection sheet faces the opening. In another example, at least 70 percent of a surface of the protection sheet faces the opening. In yet another example, at least 80 percent of a surface of the protection sheet faces the opening. In this context, the holding member can be a frame around the opening. Thus, the holding member can cover a portion of the protection sheet adjacent to an edge of the protection sheet. This has the effect that in case of an increase of the internal pressure in the interior, the protection sheet can bulge through or into the opening of the holding member. This means that the protection sheet can bulge before it breaks. Thus, the safety of the battery pack equipped with such a venting opening assembly is further increased. Moreover, in case the internal pressure in the interior exceeds a predefined internal pressure threshold, the protection sheet can break or burst through the opening without further damaging the holding member.

[0013] According to an example, the protection sheet is a membrane or a foil. Thus, the protection sheet can be flexible and can be very thin. The protection sheet can have a thickness of less than 2 mm or less than 1 mm. The thickness can be configured to the pressure level at which the protection sheet is to break. In any case, the use of a foil or a membrane allows to precisely configure the protection sheet to the pressure at which it is to break. In an example, the protection sheet is made of a plastic material or a polymer material. In another example, the protection sheet is made of a metal material. Moreover, the use of a membrane or a foil is space saving.

[0014] According to an example, the protection sheet is impermeable to liquids. This means that liquids can not pass through the protection sheet. This has the effect that the battery pack equipped with the venting opening assembly can be reliably protected from liquids originating from the environment. This can be helpful when the vehicle drives through heavy rain, through puddles or any other scenario in which the vehicle will be exposed to water. In more detail, liquids can exert an external pressure on the protection sheet. Due to the support provided by the support wall, the protection sheet can be configured to withstand such a pressure. This has the effect that the durability and the safety of the battery pack equipped with such a venting opening assembly is further enhanced.

[0015] According to an example, the protective sheet is gas permeable. This means that gas can at least to some extent pass through the protective sheet. The protective sheet can be configured to withstand a predefined internal pressure in the interior of the battery pack resulting from a thermal event generated in the battery pack. In other words, the protective sheet can withstand the internal pressure in case the internal pressure is below a predefined internal pressure threshold. In case the internal pressure or force in the interior exceeds the predefined internal pressure threshold, the protective sheet can be configured to break or burst. Thus, using a gas permeable protective sheet can allow for venting gas generated within the battery pack during normal operation, i.e. not during a thermal event, into the environment of the battery pack. In this case, the protective sheet does not break. Thus, the lifetime of the battery pack equipped with such an exhaust vent assembly is further enhanced.

[0016] According to an example, the support wall comprises a plurality of openings. In addition, the protective sheet covers the plurality of openings. The support wall comprising the plurality of openings can also be referred to as a mesh or grid. The plurality of openings can be configured to pass gas and liquid. In other words, the plurality of openings has a size and form such that gas and particles can pass through the support wall in case of a thermal event. Furthermore, the part of the support wall arranged outside the plurality of openings, e.g. between the openings, is configured to support the protective sheet. This has the effect that the protective sheet can be reliably supported and thus the durability and safety of the exhaust vent assembly is further enhanced.

[0017] In an example, the plurality of openings is arranged on the support wall in a regular pattern. Thus, the part of the support wall configured to support the protective sheet is also arranged in a regular pattern. This leads to a particularly reliable support of the protective sheet, because force peaks or pressure peaks acting on the protective sheet are reduced or avoided. This has the effect that the lifetime of the battery pack equipped with such an exhaust vent assembly can be further enhanced.

[0018] According to an example, the support wall comprises a metallic material. Additionally or alternatively, the holding member comprises a metallic material. Such a material is relatively robust. This also applies to relatively high temperature environments. Thus, the durability and safety of the battery pack equipped with such an exhaust vent assembly is further enhanced.

[0019] According to an example, at least the protective sheet and the holding member are mechanically connected using at least one mounting element. This means that a relative movement between the protective sheet and the holding member is blocked. In other words, the protective sheet and the holding member can not move relative to each other in case an internal pressure or an external pressure is applied to the protective sheet or the holding member. This has the effect that the durability and safety of the battery pack equipped with such an exhaust vent assembly is further enhanced.

[0020] In an example, the at least one mounting element is at least one screw and / or at least one bolt.

[0021] According to a second aspect, a battery pack for a vehicle is provided. The battery pack comprises a housing for one or more battery cells. The housing comprises a vent for venting gas and / or particles in case of a thermal event. The battery pack further comprises the exhaust vent assembly according to the first aspect. The exhaust vent assembly is arranged on the housing such that the exhaust vent assembly covers the vent of the housing. In an example, the exhaust vent assembly is mechanically connected to the housing. Thus, as previously described, the exhaust vent assembly can be configured to avoid external matter from entering the interior of the battery pack. Such external matter can be gas, liquid (e.g. water) and / or particles. Further, the exhaust vent assembly can be configured to open or uncover the vent of the housing for releasing gas and / or particles from the interior of the battery pack in case of a thermal event. Thus, in case the exhaust vent assembly is used in the battery pack, the interior of the battery pack is sealed off from the exterior of the battery pack. However, in case the internal pressure or force in the interior exceeds a predefined internal pressure threshold, the interior of the battery pack can be fluidly connected to the exterior of the battery pack. In this case, the increase of the internal pressure in the interior can be caused by a thermal event generated in the battery pack. In case the internal pressure in the interior exceeds the predefined internal pressure threshold, the protective sheet can be configured to break or burst. The support wall comprising at least one opening means that in case of a thermal event the cell chemistry can pass through the at least one opening. In an example, the protective sheet is lying flat on the support wall. This means that no space is formed between the protective sheet and the support wall. This has the effect that the complexity and size of the battery pack equipped with such an exhaust vent assembly can be small while providing enhanced safety.

[0022] In an example, the battery pack further comprises the one or more battery cells arranged in the housing. In more detail, the thermal event can originate from the one or more battery cells such that gas and / or particles are released from the one or more battery cells into the housing of the battery pack.

[0023] According to an example, the exhaust vent assembly is mechanically connected to the housing using a clamping mechanism, at least one screw and / or at least one bolt. The clamping mechanism can comprise one or more clamps. By using one or more of the clamping mechanism, the screw and / or the bolt, the exhaust vent assembly can be reliably connected to the housing.

[0024] In an example, the same at least one mounting element (e.g. the clamping mechanism, the at least one screw and / or the at least one bolt) is used for mechanically connecting the protective sheet to the holding member and for mechanically connecting the protective sheet and the holding member to the housing. This has the effect that the complexity and size of the battery pack equipped with such an exhaust vent assembly can be reduced while providing enhanced safety.

[0025] According to an example, the protection sheet seals the vent of the housing in a light-tight manner. In other words, the protection sheet is used to prevent liquid from entering or leaving the housing. Thus, the lifetime and safety of the battery pack can be enhanced.

[0026] According to an example, the support wall is arranged closer to the housing than the retaining member. This means that in case of a thermal event in the housing, the internal pressure acts on the protection sheet from the same side on which the support wall is arranged. Thus, the support plate can break if the internal pressure exceeds a predefined internal pressure. In case of an external pressure acting on the housing, the external pressure presses the protection sheet against the support wall. This means that the mechanical stability of the battery pack against external pressure is enhanced.

[0027] In an example, the protection sheet is arranged closer to the housing than the retaining member. Thus, the protection sheet can be arranged between the retaining member and the housing. Furthermore, the protection sheet can be arranged between the retaining member and the support wall. Thus, the protection sheet is held in a reliable manner.

[0028] According to a third aspect, a method for mounting the exhaust vent assembly of the first aspect on a battery pack for a vehicle is provided. The method comprises:

[0029] - providing a housing of a battery pack, wherein the housing is for one or more battery cells, and wherein the housing comprises a vent for exhausting gas and / or particles in case of a thermal event,

[0030] - mechanically connecting the support wall of the exhaust vent assembly to the housing such that the support wall covers the vent of the housing, and subsequently mechanically connecting the protection sheet and the retaining member to the housing such that the protection sheet covers the vent of the housing.

[0031] In other words, the support wall is mechanically connected to the housing before the protection sheet and the retaining member are mechanically connected to the housing. Thus, the support wall is firmly mounted to the housing before the protection sheet and the retaining member are mounted on the housing. This simplifies the positioning and mounting of the protection sheet and the retaining member. In summary, the exhaust vent assembly can be mounted on the battery pack in a reliable and efficient manner.

[0032] According to an example, the method further comprises mechanically connecting the protection sheet and the retaining member before mechanically connecting the protection sheet and the retaining member to the housing. In other words, the protection sheet and the retaining member form a pre-assembled unit. The pre-assembled unit is first generated and then mounted to the housing. This has the effect that it is convenient and reliable to mechanically connect the protection sheet and the retaining member to the housing.

[0033] According to an example, the method further comprises using the same at least one mounting element for mechanically connecting the protection sheet and the retaining member, and for mechanically connecting the protection sheet and the retaining member to the housing. In other words, the same at least one mounting element that mechanically connects the protection sheet to the retaining member is used to mechanically connect the protection sheet and the retaining member to the housing. This has the effect that less mounting elements are needed to mount the exhaust vent assembly on the battery pack. Hence, the complexity and size of a battery pack equipped with such an exhaust vent assembly can be reduced, while providing enhanced safety.

[0034] According to a fourth aspect, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle comprises an exhaust vent assembly according to the first aspect. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle comprises a battery pack according to the second aspect. As previously mentioned, a battery pack equipped with an exhaust vent assembly according to the present disclosure has the effect that the complexity and size of the battery pack can be reduced, while providing enhanced safety.

[0035] It should be noted that the above examples can be combined with each other, regardless of the aspects involved.

[0036] These and other aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the examples described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0037] Examples of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the following drawings.

[0038] Figure 1 A vehicle according to the present disclosure is shown, having a battery pack according to the present disclosure, which comprises an exhaust vent assembly according to the present disclosure, wherein the exhaust vent assembly is mounted on the battery pack using a method according to the present disclosure,

[0039] Figure 2 A battery pack of Figure 1 is shown schematically in a more detailed view,

[0040] Figure 3 Details III of a battery pack of Figure 2 are shown,

[0041] Figure 4 An exhaust vent assembly of Figure 3 is shown as seen from a perspective IV,

[0042] Figure 5 A battery pack and an exhaust vent assembly are shown in a view corresponding to Figure 3 , wherein the battery pack and the exhaust vent assembly are subjected to an external pressure,

[0043] Figure 6 A battery pack and an exhaust vent assembly are shown in a view corresponding to Figure 3a view of the battery pack and the exhaust vent assembly, wherein the battery pack and the exhaust vent assembly are subjected to an internal pressure, wherein the internal pressure is relatively low,

[0044] Figure 7 a part of the exhaust vent assembly of Figure 6 , wherein the internal pressure has increased compared to Figure 6 ,

[0045] Figure 8 to correspond to Figure 7 a view of a part of the exhaust vent assembly of Figure 6 , wherein the internal pressure has further increased compared to Figure 7 , so that a protective sheet of the exhaust vent assembly is in a ruptured state,

[0046] Figure 9 a method for mounting an exhaust vent assembly on a battery pack for a vehicle according to the present disclosure, and

[0047] Figure 10 a part of the exhaust vent assembly in a pre-assembled state during execution of the method according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] The drawings are merely schematic representations, and are only intended for purposes of illustrating examples of the present disclosure. Identical or equivalent elements are provided with the same reference signs in principle.

[0049] Figure 1 A vehicle 10 comprising a battery pack 12 is shown. The battery pack 12 is comprised in a drive unit. This means that the battery pack 12 is part of a traction battery of the vehicle 10. Thus, energy stored in the battery pack 12 can be used to drive the vehicle 10. Hence, in the present example, the vehicle 10 is a battery electric vehicle.

[0050] The battery pack 12 comprises a housing 14 (see Figure 2 ). In the present example, a plurality of battery cells (not shown) is arranged in the housing 14.

[0051] The housing 14 comprises a vent 16. The vent 16 is used to vent gas and / or particles in case of a thermal event in one or more battery cells arranged within the housing 14.

[0052] The battery pack 12 further comprises an exhaust vent assembly 18.

[0053] The exhaust vent assembly 18 is mechanically connected to the housing 14, so that the exhaust vent assembly 18 covers the vent 16 of the housing 14.

[0054] More precisely, the exhaust vent assembly 18 is mechanically connected to the housing 14 using the clamping mechanism 20 and a total of six bolts 22 (see [link]). Figure 3 and Figure 4 The clamping mechanism 20 includes a plurality of retainer tabs arranged in associated openings.

[0055] The exhaust vent assembly 18 includes a protective sheet 24. The protective sheet 24 is configured to cover the vent 16 of the battery pack 12. In other words, the protective sheet 24 is located on the housing 14 such that the vent 16 of the battery pack 12 is covered by the protective sheet 24.

[0056] The protective sheet 24 seals the vent 16 of the housing 14. More specifically, the protective sheet 24 seals the vent 16 of the housing 14 in a liquid-tight manner. Therefore, the protective sheet 24 is impermeable to liquids. This means that liquids cannot pass through the protective sheet 24.

[0057] In this example, the protective sheet 24 is a membrane.

[0058] In another example, the protective sheet 24 is a foil.

[0059] Furthermore, the protective sheet 24 is permeable to a certain extent. This means that gas can escape through the protective sheet 24.

[0060] The exhaust vent assembly 18 also includes a support wall 26.

[0061] In this example, the support wall 26 is a plate-shaped component that includes multiple openings 28. Therefore, the support wall 26 can also be referred to as a grid or mesh or lattice.

[0062] The support wall 26 comprises a metallic material to achieve high mechanical strength and robustness.

[0063] In this example, the protective sheet 24 lies flat on the support wall 26 and covers the multiple openings 28 of the support wall 26 (see [link]). Figure 3 ).

[0064] The exhaust vent assembly 18 also includes a retaining member 30. The retaining member 30 is configured to hold the protective plate 24 against the support wall 26. In other words, the retaining member 30 lies flat on the protective plate 24, thereby securing the protective plate 24 to the support wall 26.

[0065] In this example, the retaining member 30 is a frame-shaped component made of metallic material to achieve high mechanical strength and robustness. The internal void portion of the frame-shaped component may be referred to as an opening (see [link to documentation]). Figure 4 ).

[0066] The retaining member 30 and the supporting wall 26 are arranged on the opposite side of the protective plate 24.

[0067] In addition, the retaining component 30 and the protective plate 24 are mechanically connected using the mounting element 32.

[0068] In this example, the mounting element 32 is formed by the same bolts 22 that mechanically connect the exhaust vent assembly 18 to the housing 14 of the battery pack 12.

[0069] Furthermore, the exhaust vent assembly 18 is mounted on the housing 14 such that the support wall 26 is arranged closer to the housing 14 than the retaining member 30. In other words, the support wall 26 is arranged on the housing 14, the protective plate 24 is arranged on the support wall 26, and the retaining member 30 is arranged on the protective plate 24. This means that the retaining member 30 is located further away from the housing 14 than the support wall 26. Additionally, the retaining member 30 is also located further away from the housing 14 than the protective plate 24.

[0070] Different scenarios may occur when using the battery pack 12 and the exhaust vent assembly 18.

[0071] The first scenario involves an external pressure 38 being applied to the battery pack 12 and the exhaust vent assembly 18. Figure 5 This scenario is depicted, where external pressure 38 is represented by an arrow. This could occur when vehicle 10 is driving through heavy rain, through puddles, or in any other situation where vehicle 10 is exposed to a large amount of water.

[0072] More specifically, external pressure 38 is applied to the exhaust vent assembly 18. However, in this example, the external pressure 38 is applied to the protective plate 24, thereby pushing the protective plate 24 against the support wall 26 (see also...). Figure 5 (Detailed view in the middle).

[0073] Thanks to the support provided by the support wall 26, the protective sheet 24 can withstand this external pressure 38.

[0074] Furthermore, since the protective sheet 24 seals the vent 16 of the housing 14 in a liquid-tight manner and the protective sheet 24 is impermeable to liquid, no liquid enters the battery pack 12.

[0075] The second scenario involves a situation where internal pressure 36 is applied to the battery pack 12, or more precisely, to the exhaust vent assembly 18. Figure 6 This scenario is depicted, where the internal pressure 36 is represented by an arrow. In the second scenario, the internal pressure is relatively low and can occur during normal operation of the battery pack 12.

[0076] As mentioned earlier, the protective sheet 24 has a certain degree of air permeability. In this scenario, the internal pressure 36 can be released because gas is discharged into the environment through the protective sheet 24.

[0077] The protective sheet 24 is configured to withstand internal pressure 36 in the second scenario. In other words, if the internal pressure 36 does not exceed a predefined internal pressure threshold, the protective sheet 24 will withstand internal pressure 36.

[0078] In the third scenario, the internal pressure 36 can be higher than the internal pressure in the second scenario, but still lower than the predetermined internal pressure threshold. Figure 7 The third scenario is shown, in which only the support wall 26 and the protective plate 24 are shown for ease of explanation.

[0079] Due to the increased internal pressure 36, the protective sheet 24 is in a slightly bent state 40. More precisely, the protective sheet 24 bulges outward toward the battery pack 12.

[0080] Figure 8 The fourth scenario is illustrated. In this scenario, the internal pressure 36 increases further compared to the third scenario, causing the internal pressure 36 to exceed a predefined internal pressure threshold. This high internal pressure 36 may be caused by thermal events within the casing 14.

[0081] Therefore, in the fourth scenario, the protective sheet 24 shatters or breaks due to the fact that the internal pressure 36 exceeds the predefined internal pressure threshold.

[0082] To illustrate fracture state 42, the protective plate 24 is in... Figure 8 The interior is represented by multiple protective sections. In this case, the vent 16 is uncovered or open, and the internal pressure 36 can be relieved by venting gas and / or particles to the outside.

[0083] The exhaust vent assembly 18 can be mounted on the battery pack 12 for the vehicle 10 according to the following method (see Figure 9 and Figure 10 ).

[0084] In the first step S1 of the method, a housing 14 for the battery pack 12 is provided. The housing 14 is used for one or more battery cells located within the housing 14.

[0085] In the second step S2 of the method, the protective sheet 24 and the retaining member 30 are mechanically connected. This means that the protective sheet 24 and the retaining member 30 form a sub-assembly.

[0086] In this example, six bolts 22 as described above are used (see Figure 10 Mechanical connection protection plate 24 and retaining member 30.

[0087] In the third step S3 of the method, the support wall 26 of the exhaust vent assembly 18 is mechanically connected to the housing 14 such that the support wall 26 covers the vent 16 of the housing 14. It should be noted that the housing 14 includes the vent 16 for discharging gases and / or particles in the event of a thermal event.

[0088] This is accomplished using the clamping mechanism 20 as described above.

[0089] It should be noted that it is also possible to change the order of steps S2 and S3 or to execute steps S2 and S3 in parallel.

[0090] Subsequently, in the fourth step S4, the protective plate 24 and the retaining member 30 are mechanically connected to the housing 14, such that the protective plate 24 covers the vent 16 of the housing 14. Additionally, the protective plate 24 covers the opening 28 of the support wall 26.

[0091] In the fourth step S4, the same mounting element 32 (i.e., bolt 22) is used to mechanically connect the protective plate 24 and the retaining member 30, and is used to mechanically connect the protective plate 24 and the retaining member 30 to the housing 14.

[0092] As used herein, the phrase “at least one” in relation to a list of one or more entities should be understood to mean at least one entity selected from any one or more entities in the entity list, but not necessarily including at least one of each entity specifically listed in the entity list, and does not exclude any combination of entities in the entity list. This definition also allows for the optional presence of entities other than those specifically identified in the entity list referred to by the phrase “at least one,” whether related to or unrelated to those specifically identified entities. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or equivalently, “at least one of A or B”, or equivalently, “at least one of A and / or B”) in one example may refer to at least one A (optionally including more than one A) without B (and optionally including entities other than B); in another example, it may refer to at least one B (optionally including more than one B) without A (and optionally including entities other than A); and in yet another example, it may refer to at least one (optionally including more than one) A and at least one B (optionally including more than one B (and optionally including other entities)). In other words, the phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and / or” are open-ended expressions that are both connected and separate in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” and “A, B, and / or C” can mean a single A, a single B, a single C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, A, B, and C together, and optionally any of the above combined with at least one other entity.

[0093] By studying the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement other variations of the disclosed examples in practice with respect to the claimed disclosure. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple. A single processor or other unit can perform the functions of several items or steps recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that combinations of these measures cannot be advantageously used. Computer programs can be stored / distributed on suitable media, such as optical storage media or solid-state media provided with or as part of other hardware, but can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0094] List of reference numerals

[0095] 10 vehicles

[0096] 12 battery packs

[0097] 14. Outer shell

[0098] 16 Ventilation openings in the casing

[0099] 18 Exhaust Vent Assembly

[0100] 20 Clamping Mechanism

[0101] 22 bolts

[0102] 24 protective plates

[0103] 26 Supporting wall

[0104] 28. Openings in the supporting wall

[0105] 30 Retaining components

[0106] 32 Mounting Components

[0107] 34 through holes

[0108] 36 Internal pressure

[0109] 38 External pressure

[0110] 40. Slightly bent state

[0111] 42. Fragmentation state

[0112] S1 First Step

[0113] S2 Second Step

[0114] S3 Third Step

[0115] S4 Fourth Step

Claims

1. A venting outlet assembly (18) for a battery pack (12) of a vehicle (10), the venting outlet assembly (18) comprising: - a protective sheet (24) configured to cover a vent hole (16) of the battery pack (12), - a support wall (26) comprising at least one opening (28), wherein the protective sheet (24) covers the at least one opening (28), - a retaining member (30) configured to retain the protective sheet (24) against the support wall (26), wherein the retaining member (30) and the support wall (26) are arranged on opposite sides of the protective sheet (24).

2. The exhaust vent assembly (18) of claim 1, wherein, The protective sheet (24) is a film or a foil.

3. The exhaust vent assembly (18) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The protective sheet (24) is impermeable to liquids.

4. The exhaust vent assembly (18) of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The protective sheet (24) is gas permeable.

5. The exhaust vent assembly (18) of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The support wall (26) comprises a plurality of openings (28), and wherein the protective sheet (24) covers the plurality of openings (28).

6. The exhaust vent assembly (18) of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The support wall (26) and / or the retaining member (30) comprise a metallic material.

7. The exhaust vent assembly (18) of claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least the protective sheet (24) and the retaining member (30) are mechanically connected using at least one mounting element (32).

8. A battery pack (12) for a vehicle (10), the battery pack (12) comprising: - a housing (14) for one or more battery cells, wherein the housing (14) comprises a vent hole (16) for venting gases and / or particles in case of a thermal event, and - the venting outlet assembly (18) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the venting outlet assembly (18) is arranged on the housing (14) such that the venting outlet assembly (18) covers the vent hole (16) of the housing (14).

9. The battery pack (12) of claim 8, wherein, The venting outlet assembly (18) is mechanically connected to the housing (14) using a clamping mechanism (20), at least one screw and / or at least one bolt (22).

10. The battery pack (12) of claim 8 or 9, wherein, The protective sheet (24) seals the vent hole (16) of the housing (14) in a liquid-tight manner.

11. The battery pack (12) of any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein, The support wall (26) is arranged closer to the housing (14) than the retaining member (30).

12. A method for mounting a venting outlet assembly (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 on a battery pack (12) of a vehicle (10), the method comprising: - providing a housing (14) of the battery pack (12), wherein the housing (14) is for one or more battery cells, and wherein the housing (14) comprises a vent hole (16) for venting gases and / or particles in case of a thermal event, and - mounting the venting outlet assembly (18) on the housing (14) of the battery pack (12). - mechanically connecting the support wall (26) of the exhaust vent assembly (18) to the housing (14) so that the support wall (26) covers the vent (16) of the housing (14), and subsequently mechanically connecting the protective sheet (24) and the retaining member (30) to the housing (14) so that the protective sheet (24) covers the vent (16) of the housing (14).

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising mechanically connecting the protective sheet (24) and the retaining member (30) prior to mechanically connecting the protective sheet (24) and the retaining member (30) to the housing (14).

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising mechanically connecting the protective sheet (24) and the retaining member (30) using the same at least one mounting element (32), and mechanically connecting the protective sheet (24) and the retaining member (30) to the housing (14).

15. A vehicle (10) comprising an exhaust vent assembly (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and / or a battery pack (12) according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

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