Waterproof breathable explosion-proof valve and power battery pack

Abstract

The invention discloses a waterproof breathable explosion-proof valve, which relates to the technical field of explosion-proof valves, and comprises a retainer, a valve guide pipe, a waterproof breathable piece, a pressing assembly and an elastic assembly, the elastic assembly has pre-tightening force so that the valve guide pipe can press and cover the pressure relief channel in a breathing state, and air flow in the battery pack body can communicate with the outside through the breathing channel, the flow guide channel, the waterproof breathable piece and the pressing assembly; in the pressure relief state, the valve guide pipe can move in the direction away from the retainer under the action of air pressure in the battery pack body, so that airflow is communicated with the outside through the pressure relief channel, and the elastic assembly can elastically deform. According to the waterproof breathable anti-explosion valve, the reliability can be improved. The invention further provides a power battery pack comprising the waterproof breathable anti-explosion valve.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of explosion-proof valve technology, and in particular to a waterproof and breathable explosion-proof valve and a power battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] During use or in the event of thermal failure, power battery packs release a large amount of gas. If this gas cannot be released in time within the sealed enclosure, it will inevitably cause a rapid increase in pressure, creating a large pressure difference. This can affect the normal operation of the battery pack in minor cases, and in severe cases, cause it to explode. Therefore, explosion-proof valves are needed on the power battery pack to balance the pressure. However, existing explosion-proof valves have relatively complex structures and relatively poor stability after assembly, affecting their normal operation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a waterproof, breathable, and explosion-proof valve and a power battery pack to solve the problems existing in the prior art and improve reliability.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution: This invention provides a waterproof, breathable, and explosion-proof valve, comprising a retainer, a valve guide, a waterproof and breathable component, a clamping assembly, and an elastic assembly. The retainer is fixedly mounted on a battery pack body and has a breathing channel and a pressure relief channel. The valve guide is mounted on the retainer and has a flow channel inside. The valve guide movably passes through the breathing channel and can cover the pressure relief channel. The flow channel communicates with the breathing channel, and a pressure relief gap exists between the outer periphery of the valve guide and the inner periphery of the pressure relief channel. The waterproof and breathable component is located on the valve guide and faces away from the battery pack body. The clamping assembly is located on the back of the waterproof and breathable component. A retainer is fixedly connected to the valve guide on one side to press at least the circumferential edge of the waterproof and breathable component; the elastic component is connected to the valve guide and the retainer; the elastic component has a preload force so that the valve guide can press against the pressure relief channel during breathing, allowing airflow inside the battery pack to communicate with the outside through the breathing channel, the guide channel, the waterproof and breathable component, and the pressing component; during pressure relief, the valve guide can move away from the retainer under the pressure inside the battery pack to allow airflow to communicate with the outside through the pressure relief channel, and the elastic component can undergo elastic deformation.

[0005] Preferably, the device further includes a seal disposed on the retainer, the seal protruding from both sides of the retainer facing and away from the battery pack body, so that the retainer and the battery pack body, as well as the valve guide and the pressure relief channel, can be sealed by the seal.

[0006] Preferably, the seal is integrally formed and extends through the retainer.

[0007] Preferably, the valve guide includes a flow guide portion and a cover portion. The flow guide portion is fixedly connected to one side of the cover portion. The flow guide portion has a flow channel with openings at both ends in the axial direction. The flow guide portion can extend into the breathing channel. The flow guide portion is also provided with a connecting hole that can connect the breathing channel and the flow channel. The cover portion can be pressed tightly onto the pressure relief channel during breathing. The waterproof and breathable component and the pressing assembly are disposed on the side of the cover portion away from the flow guide portion. The pressing assembly is fixedly connected to the cover portion.

[0008] Preferably, the clamping assembly includes a fastening plate and a valve cover. The fastening plate is disposed on the side of the waterproof and breathable component away from the valve guide, and the valve cover is disposed on the side of the fastening plate away from the waterproof and breathable component. The fastening plate is pressed against the circumferential edge of one side of the waterproof and breathable component, and the valve cover is fixedly connected to the circumferential edge of one side of the valve guide to clamp the fastening plate and the waterproof and breathable component. Both the fastening plate and the valve cover are provided with vent holes, and a breathing gap is provided between the waterproof and breathable component and the valve guide and the fastening plate, as well as between the fastening plate and the valve cover.

[0009] Preferably, the elastic component includes a spring and a fastener, both of which are placed inside the breathing channel. The spring is sleeved outside the valve guide, and the fastener is fixedly connected to one end of the valve guide. There is a circumferential gap between the fastener and the breathing channel. Both ends of the spring are fixedly connected to the valve guide and the fastener, respectively. The spring is always in a compressed state.

[0010] Preferably, the retainer is detachably connected to the battery pack body.

[0011] Preferably, both the valve cover and the valve guide are made of plastic, and the valve cover is welded to the valve guide.

[0012] Preferably, the cage is integrally formed.

[0013] The present invention also provides a power battery pack, including a battery pack body and a waterproof, breathable and explosion-proof valve as described above, wherein the waterproof, breathable and explosion-proof valve is disposed on the battery pack body.

[0014] The present invention achieves the following technical effects compared to the prior art: The waterproof, breathable, and explosion-proof valve and power battery pack provided by this invention are fixedly connected to the battery pack body by a retainer. The valve guide is disposed on the retainer, and a clamping assembly presses the waterproof and breathable component against one side of the valve guide. By pressing the circumferential edge of the waterproof and breathable component, the stability of the component can be improved, and the breathability of the component can be avoided from being excessively affected. In addition, the valve guide and the retainer are connected by an elastic component. The preload of the elastic component allows the valve guide to be pressed against the retainer under normal breathing conditions, thus facilitating pressure relief. When the pressure relief channel is broken, the battery pack body cannot communicate with the outside world through the pressure relief channel. When the battery pack experiences thermal runaway, the pressure inside the battery pack body increases. Under the action of pressure, the valve guide moves away from the retainer, releasing the blockage of the pressure relief channel, allowing airflow to escape quickly through the pressure relief channel to relieve pressure. Moreover, the elastic component can deform and reset after the pressure inside the battery pack body decreases, causing the valve guide to block the pressure relief channel again to maintain normal breathing. The battery pack body communicates with the outside world through the breathing channel, the guide channel, the waterproof and breathable component, and the clamping component. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 An explosion diagram of the waterproof, breathable, and explosion-proof valve provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the waterproof, breathable, and explosion-proof valve provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; In the diagram: 1-Cage; 11-Breathing passage; 12-Pressure relief passage; 2-Valve guide; 21-Flow guide passage; 22-Pressure relief gap; 23-Flow guide section; 24-Cover section; 25-Connecting hole; 3-Waterproof and breathable component; 4-Pressure clamping assembly; 41-Fastening plate; 42-Valve cover; 43-Breathing gap; 44-Breathing hole; 5-Elastic component; 51-Spring; 52-Fastener; 6-Seal. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0018] The purpose of this invention is to provide a waterproof, breathable, and explosion-proof valve and a power battery pack to solve the problems existing in the prior art and improve reliability.

[0019] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0020] Example 1 This embodiment provides a waterproof, breathable, and explosion-proof valve. Please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery pack assembly includes a retainer 1, a valve guide 2, a waterproof and breathable component 3, a clamping assembly 4, and an elastic component 5. The retainer 1 is fixedly mounted on the battery pack body and has a breathing channel 11 and a pressure relief channel 12. The valve guide 2 is mounted on the retainer 1 and has a flow channel 21 inside. The valve guide 2 movably passes through the breathing channel 11 and can cover the pressure relief channel 12. The flow channel 21 communicates with the breathing channel 11, and a pressure relief gap 22 exists between the outer periphery of the valve guide 2 and the inner periphery of the pressure relief channel 12. The waterproof and breathable component 3 is located on the valve guide 2 and is positioned away from the outer side of the battery pack body. The clamping assembly 4 is located on the waterproof and breathable component 3. The side opposite to the valve guide 2 and fixedly connected to the valve guide 2 are used to press at least the circumferential edge of the waterproof and breathable component 3; the elastic component 5 is connected to the valve guide 2 and the retainer 1; the elastic component 5 has a preload force so that the valve guide 2 can press and cover the pressure relief channel 12 in the breathing state, and the airflow inside the battery pack body can communicate with the outside through the breathing channel 11, the guide channel 21, the waterproof and breathable component 3 and the pressing component 4; in the depressurization state, the valve guide 2 can move away from the retainer 1 under the action of the air pressure inside the battery pack body so that the airflow can communicate with the outside through the pressure relief channel 12, and the elastic component 5 can undergo elastic deformation.

[0021] The device is fixedly connected to the battery pack body by a retainer 1, with the valve guide 2 mounted on the retainer 1. A clamping assembly 4 presses the waterproof and breathable component 3 against one side of the valve guide 2. By pressing the circumferential edge of the waterproof and breathable component 3, its stability is improved, and its breathability is prevented from being excessively affected. Furthermore, the valve guide 2 and the retainer 1 are connected by an elastic assembly 5. The preload of the elastic assembly 5 allows the valve guide 2 to press firmly against the retainer 1 during normal breathing, thus disconnecting the pressure relief channel 12 and allowing the battery to breathe. The internal structure of the battery pack cannot communicate with the outside world through the pressure relief channel 12. When the battery pack experiences thermal runaway, the internal pressure of the battery pack increases. Under pressure, the valve guide 2 moves away from the retainer 1, releasing the blockage of the pressure relief channel 12. This allows airflow to escape quickly through the pressure relief channel 12 to relieve pressure. The elastic component 5 can deform and reset after the internal pressure of the battery pack decreases, causing the valve guide 2 to block the pressure relief channel 12 again, thus maintaining normal breathing. The battery pack communicates with the outside world through the breathing channel 11, the flow channel 21, the waterproof and breathable component 3, and the compression component 4.

[0022] In the optional embodiments of this embodiment, more preferably, the waterproof, breathable and explosion-proof valve provided in this embodiment also includes a sealing element 6, which is disposed on the retainer 1. The sealing element 6 protrudes from the two sides of the retainer 1 facing and away from the battery pack body, so that the retainer 1 and the battery pack body, as well as the valve guide 2 and the pressure relief channel 12, can be sealed by the sealing element 6.

[0023] The sealing between the retainer 1 and the battery pack body, as well as between the valve guide 2 and the pressure relief channel 12, by the sealing element 6 can improve the sealing performance during breathing and avoid additional pressure drop in addition to the breathing state.

[0024] In the optional embodiments of this example, it is more preferred that the seal 6 is integrally formed and penetrates the retainer 1.

[0025] The sealing element 6 is a conventional rubber sealing ring, and sealing grooves are provided on opposite sides of the retainer 1. The two sealing grooves are connected by a through hole. In this way, the sealing element 6 can be integrally formed on the retainer 1, such as by vulcanization, so that the sealing rings on both sides of the retainer 1 are connected as one piece and fixedly connected to the retainer 1, which improves stability and avoids the situation that is easy to fall off when simply placed in the sealing groove in the traditional way.

[0026] In the optional embodiment, more preferably, the valve guide 2 includes a flow guide 23 and a cover 24. The flow guide 23 is fixedly connected to one side of the cover 24. The flow guide 23 has a flow channel 21 with openings at both ends in the axial direction. The flow guide 23 can extend into the breathing channel 11. The flow guide 23 is also provided with a connecting hole 25 that can connect the breathing channel 11 and the flow channel 21. The cover 24 can be pressed and covered on the pressure relief channel 12 in the breathing state. The waterproof and breathable component 3 and the pressing assembly 4 are disposed on the side of the cover 24 away from the flow guide 23. The pressing assembly 4 is fixedly connected to the cover 24.

[0027] The function of the flow guide 23 is to connect the internal flow guide channel 21 with the breathing channel 11 through the connecting hole 25, and the function of the cover 24 is to block the pressure relief channel 12, so that in the breathing state, the airflow can pass through the breathing channel 11 and the flow guide channel 21, so that the gas can circulate with the outside through waterproof and breathable means.

[0028] In the optional embodiment, more preferably, the clamping assembly 4 includes a fastening plate 41 and a valve cover 42. The fastening plate 41 is disposed on the side of the waterproof and breathable component 3 away from the valve guide 2, and the valve cover 42 is disposed on the side of the fastening plate 41 away from the waterproof and breathable component 3. The fastening plate 41 is pressed against the circumferential edge of one side of the waterproof and breathable component 3, and the valve cover 42 is fixedly connected to the circumferential edge of one side of the valve guide 2 to clamp the fastening plate 41 and the waterproof and breathable component 3. Both the fastening plate 41 and the valve cover 42 are provided with a vent hole 44, and a breathing gap 43 is provided between the waterproof and breathable component 3 and the valve guide 2 and the fastening plate 41, as well as between the fastening plate 41 and the valve cover 42.

[0029] The fastening plate 41 further secures the waterproof and breathable component 3, enhancing its stability. The valve cover 42 secures the fastening plate 41 and the waterproof and breathable component 3 to the cover 24 of the valve guide 2. The breathing gap 43 allows airflow to pass through the breathing holes 44 during breathing. The breathing gap 43 between the waterproof and breathable component 3 and the valve guide 2 is formed by creating a perforated groove on one side of the valve guide 2, which connects to the flow channel 21. The breathing gap 43 between the waterproof and breathable component 3 and the fastening plate 41 is formed by making the portion of the fastening plate 41, except for its circumferential edge, protrude towards the valve cover 42. The breathing gap 43 between the fastening plate 41 and the valve cover 42 is formed by creating a groove on the inner side of the valve cover 42. Both the fastening plate 41 and the valve cover 42 have multiple breathing holes 44 to ensure normal operation during breathing.

[0030] In the optional embodiment, more preferably, the elastic component 5 includes a spring 51 and a fastener 52. Both the spring 51 and the fastener 52 are placed inside the breathing channel 11. The spring 51 is sleeved outside the valve guide 2. The fastener 52 is fixedly connected to one end of the valve guide 2. There is a circumferential gap between the fastener 52 and the breathing channel 11. The two ends of the spring 51 are fixedly connected to the valve guide 2 and the fastener 52, respectively. The spring 51 is always in a compressed state.

[0031] The fastener 52 can be detachably connected to one end of the guide portion 23 of the valve guide 2, such as by threaded connection or snap-fit. One end of the spring 51 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the breathing channel 11, and the other end is fixedly connected to the fastener 52. The spring 51 is in a compressed state, and the restoring force of the spring 51 makes the valve guide 2 always tend to press against the pressure relief channel 12. The preload of the spring 51 can be used as the initial pressure relief value. The preload of the spring 51 can also be adjusted by replacing the spring 51 or by adjusting the preload of the spring 51 through the fastener 52 to achieve different pressure relief values. Specifically, the fastener 52 can be bolted to the valve guide 2, and the preload of the spring 51 can be adjusted by adjusting the relative position of the fastener 52 and the valve guide 2.

[0032] In the optional embodiments of this example, more preferably, the retainer 1 is detachably connected to the battery pack body.

[0033] The retainer 1 can be detachably connected to the battery pack body by means of bolts or snap-fit, and can also be fixed to the battery pack body by welding or bonding as needed.

[0034] In the optional scheme of this embodiment, it is more preferred that both the valve cover 42 and the valve guide 2 are made of plastic, and the valve cover 42 and the valve guide 2 are welded and fixed.

[0035] Among them, by using plastic materials such as PPS, costs can be saved, the clamping component 4 and the valve guide 2 are laser welded together, which is easy to manufacture, and the modular design makes it easy to assemble and disassemble.

[0036] In the optional embodiments of this example, it is more preferred that the cage 1 is integrally formed.

[0037] Among them, the cage 1 can be injection molded as a whole to improve stability, which can reduce the number of parts, facilitate assembly, and simplify the structure.

[0038] Furthermore, the pressure relief channel 12 on the retainer 1 is formed by slotting, and multiple frames that are circumferentially spaced between the breathing channel 11 and the pressure relief channel 12 are connected and fixed to meet the gas flow under pressure relief conditions.

[0039] In the optional schemes of this embodiment, it is more preferred that the waterproof and breathable component 3 is made of membrane material such as ePTFE membrane material; the fastening plate 41 can be made of metal material such as SUS430 material; the spring 51 is made of SUS304 material; and the fastener 52 and the retainer 1 are both made of PPS material, which saves the cost of use while ensuring the strength of use.

[0040] Example 2 This embodiment provides a power battery pack, including a battery pack body and a waterproof, breathable, and explosion-proof valve as in Embodiment 1, wherein the waterproof, breathable, and explosion-proof valve is disposed on the battery pack body.

[0041] The waterproof, breathable, and explosion-proof valve is fixedly connected to the battery pack body via a retainer 1. The valve guide 2 is mounted on the retainer 1. The clamping assembly 4 presses the waterproof and breathable component 3 against one side of the valve guide 2. By pressing the circumferential edge of the waterproof and breathable component 3, the stability of the waterproof and breathable component 3 can be improved, and the breathability performance of the waterproof and breathable component 3 can be avoided from being excessively affected. In addition, the valve guide 2 and the retainer 1 are connected by an elastic assembly 5. The preload of the elastic assembly 5 allows the valve guide 2 to be pressed against the retainer 1 under normal breathing conditions, thus disconnecting the pressure relief channel 12. The battery pack body cannot communicate with the outside through the pressure relief channel 12. When the battery pack experiences thermal runaway, the pressure inside the battery pack increases. Under pressure, the valve guide 2 moves away from the retainer 1, releasing the blockage of the pressure relief channel 12, allowing airflow to escape quickly through the pressure relief channel 12 to relieve pressure. The elastic component 5 can deform and reset after the pressure inside the battery pack decreases, causing the valve guide 2 to block the pressure relief channel 12 again, thus maintaining normal breathing. The battery pack body communicates with the outside through the breathing channel 11, the flow channel 21, the waterproof and breathable component 3, and the compression component 4.

[0042] Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of this invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

Claims

1. A waterproof, breathable, and explosion-proof valve, characterized in that: include: A retainer is used to securely mount the battery pack body, and the retainer has a breathing channel and a pressure relief channel; A valve guide is disposed on the retainer. The valve guide has a flow channel inside. The valve guide is movably inserted through the breathing channel and can cover the pressure relief channel. The flow channel is connected to the breathing channel, and there is a pressure relief gap between the outer periphery of the valve guide and the inner periphery of the pressure relief channel. A waterproof and breathable component is provided on the outside of the valve guide, facing away from the battery pack body; A clamping assembly is disposed on the side of the waterproof and breathable component opposite to the valve guide and is fixedly connected to the valve guide to clamp at least the circumferential edge of the waterproof and breathable component; and An elastic component is connected to the valve guide and the retainer; the elastic component has a preload force so that the valve guide can be pressed against the pressure relief channel during breathing, and the airflow inside the battery pack body can communicate with the outside through the breathing channel, the guide channel, the waterproof and breathable component, and the pressing component; in the depressurized state, the valve guide can move away from the retainer under the action of the air pressure inside the battery pack body, so that the airflow can communicate with the outside through the pressure relief channel, and the elastic component can undergo elastic deformation.

2. The waterproof, breathable, and explosion-proof valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a seal disposed on the retainer, the seal protruding from the two sides of the retainer facing and away from the battery pack body, so that the retainer and the battery pack body, as well as the valve guide and the pressure relief channel, can be sealed by the seal.

3. The waterproof, breathable, and explosion-proof valve according to claim 2, characterized in that: The seal is integrally formed and extends through the retainer.

4. The waterproof, breathable, and explosion-proof valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve guide includes a flow guide and a cover. The flow guide is fixedly connected to one side of the cover. The flow guide has a flow channel with openings at both ends in the axial direction. The flow guide can extend into the breathing channel. The flow guide also has a connecting hole that connects the breathing channel and the flow channel. The cover can be pressed tightly onto the pressure relief channel during breathing. The waterproof and breathable component and the pressing assembly are located on the side of the cover away from the flow guide. The pressing assembly is fixedly connected to the cover.

5. The waterproof, breathable, and explosion-proof valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clamping assembly includes a fastening plate and a valve cover. The fastening plate is disposed on the side of the waterproof and breathable component away from the valve guide, and the valve cover is disposed on the side of the fastening plate away from the waterproof and breathable component. The fastening plate is pressed against the circumferential edge of one side of the waterproof and breathable component, and the valve cover is fixedly connected to the circumferential edge of one side of the valve guide to clamp the fastening plate and the waterproof and breathable component. Both the fastening plate and the valve cover are provided with vent holes, and a breathing gap is provided between the waterproof and breathable component and the valve guide and the fastening plate, as well as between the fastening plate and the valve cover.

6. The waterproof, breathable, and explosion-proof valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic component includes a spring and a fastener, both of which are placed inside the breathing channel. The spring is sleeved outside the valve guide, and the fastener is fixedly connected to one end of the valve guide. There is a circumferential gap between the fastener and the breathing channel. Both ends of the spring are fixedly connected to the valve guide and the fastener, respectively. The spring is always in a compressed state.

7. The waterproof, breathable, and explosion-proof valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The retainer is detachably connected to the battery pack body.

8. The waterproof, breathable, and explosion-proof valve according to claim 5, characterized in that: Both the valve cover and the valve guide are made of plastic, and the valve cover is welded and fixed to the valve guide.

9. The waterproof, breathable, and explosion-proof valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cage is integrally molded.

10. A power battery pack, characterized in that: It includes a battery pack body and a waterproof, breathable, and explosion-proof valve as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the waterproof, breathable, and explosion-proof valve is disposed on the battery pack body.

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