Valves used for venting and venting the housing of electrochemical devices

Abstract

This invention relates to a valve for mounting on a housing (5) of an electrochemical device and for venting and venting the housing (5). The valve includes a flange (1) mounted on the housing (5), the flange (1) having a central axis C and forming a central gas passage (1.1). The central gas passage (1.1) preferably extends along the central axis C over the entire length of the flange (1). The valve also includes a valve body (2) disposed in the gas passage (1.1), the valve body (2) being preloaded by means of at least one elastic element (2.3) positioned on top of the valve body (2) to close the gas passage (1.1). The valve body (2) has at least one gas opening (2.1) and a diaphragm (2.2) permeable to a gaseous medium, the gas opening (2.1) being sealed by the diaphragm (2.2). The diaphragm (2.2) covers the opening (2.1) of the valve body (2) such that only gas permeating the diaphragm (2.2) can flow through the opening (2.1). The diaphragm (2.2) is impermeable to liquids. The safety of the electrochemical device is improved by stabilizing and reducing the risk of condensation inside the housing (5). For this purpose, a diaphragm (2.2) is arranged on top of the valve body (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a valve for mounting on the housing of an electrochemical device and for venting and venting the housing. The valve includes a flange for mounting on the housing, wherein the flange has a central axis and forms a central gas passage. The central gas passage preferably extends along the entire length of the flange along the central axis. The valve also includes a movable valve body disposed at the gas passage, wherein the valve body is movable in the Y direction to open the gas passage for venting and movable in the X direction to close the gas passage for venting. The valve body is preloaded by means of at least one elastic element positioned at the top of the valve body. The valve body has at least one gas opening and a diaphragm permeable to a gaseous medium, wherein the gas opening is sealed by the diaphragm. The diaphragm covers the opening of the valve body, acting to allow only gas permeating the diaphragm to flow through the opening. The diaphragm is impermeable to liquids. Background Technology

[0002] Typical housings used to receive electronic components (such as battery cells) cannot be completely hermetically sealed relative to the environment because gas exchange between the housing and the environment is necessary due to temperature fluctuations and naturally occurring compressed air fluctuations to prevent the housing from bursting or expanding. For this purpose, valves with venting systems for the housing are used. These valves also prevent the penetration of foreign matter (such as dust, moisture, and liquid water or other liquids), which would otherwise damage the electrical system, or at worst, cause a short circuit. Therefore, valves incorporating semi-permeable diaphragms are known to allow venting by allowing gas to pass through but not by allowing liquid to pass through.

[0003] In addition to this venting, this valve must also provide emergency venting for the housing. When a pressure spike occurs inside the housing, such as when a battery cell in the housing fails, this pressure must be released as quickly as possible, otherwise the housing may be damaged. Venting is reversible if it can be done without damaging the diaphragm. Therefore, the valve body carries the diaphragm and moves in the event of overpressure in the housing to open the gas passage for venting. In the event of venting, the increased pressure in the housing causes the valve body to overcome its preload through an elastic element and be lifted. Once the pressure drops to a certain level, the valve body moves back to the sealed and closed position. Venting the housing is equivalent to releasing the pressure in the housing.

[0004] In this specification, the central axis is used as a reference, defining the axial direction X and the opposite axial direction Y. All directions X, Y, any axial, radial, circumferential, and coaxial or parallel directions or positions are relative to the central axis.

[0005] Document US 2023 / 175604 A1 discloses a pressure reducing valve for a battery pack, comprising: a valve body; a valve cover mating with the valve body; a flexible element positioned between the valve body and the valve cover and having a through-hole; and a permeable membrane covering the through-hole, wherein the flexible element has a compression portion that at least partially surrounds the through-hole and is configured to deformably displace the flexible element relative to the valve body. Document DE 10 2020 204 436 A1 describes a valve device, particularly for pressure control in an electrochemical system having two diaphragms. Document DE 10 2019 100 085 A1 describes a venting unit with a diaphragm carrier that can be displaced by overpressure against a spring force, thereby opening an emergency vent. A semi-permeable diaphragm is disposed below the valve body, which is axially raised together with the diaphragm and opens an emergency vent bypassing the diaphragm. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a valve for the housing of electronic components, wherein the valve body can be more precisely adjusted according to pressure, and it improves the safety of electrochemical devices.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved by the following feature: a diaphragm is fixed to the valve body and arranged on the top of the valve body in the direction Y.

[0008] The key to this invention lies in the fact that the preload of the valve body is largely independent of ambient temperature. Therefore, it is preferable to use an elastic element made of metal. Another key aspect of this invention is that the valve body moves in opposite directions X and Y along the central axis to open and close the gas passage. If the valve body is composed of several parts, according to the invention, at least a portion of the valve body must move along the direction of the central axis to open and close the gas passage. This movement in the two directions X and Y of the central axis can be entirely translational, or alternatively, it can at least partially include rotational movement. When the valve body rotates, for example, about a rotational axis, the valve body moves at least partially in one of the two directions X and Y, and thus also moves in both directions X and Y. Preferably, the valve body is a single piece made of a polymer plastic without an elastomer. This polymer does not possess any of the major elastic properties of rubber. Compared to rubber, a relatively rigid valve body is required.

[0009] The top of the valve body is the top side of the valve body in the Y direction. The top position corresponds to the position in the Y direction of the central axis at the front of the valve body. This front position is between the valve body and the valve's top cover. The top side of the valve body is positioned relative to the bottom side of the valve body.

[0010] Several advantages can be achieved using this position. The first significant advantage of this position, with the diaphragm at the top of the valve body, is that the diaphragm can be carried and supported by the valve body from below along the Y direction. If liquid flows in the valve from the outside toward the top of the valve body along the X direction (e.g., due to cleaning work on a vehicle), the diaphragm is stabilized by the valve body. On the other hand, if the diaphragm were positioned on the bottom side of the valve body, i.e., on the side of the valve body facing the housing, the diaphragm would have no support, and water would elastically compress the diaphragm. Further protection against water or oil penetration is achieved by the fact that the diaphragm is essentially permeable to gas but simultaneously hydrophobic and oleophobic to prevent the penetration of vapors from water and oil. To release gas and thus as protection against overpressure in the housing, only the valve body opens the gas passage and thus moves along the Y direction against the preload force. The pressure exerted by the gas in the housing pushes the diaphragm from the bottom side. The pressure on the diaphragm causes the valve body to move along the Y direction against the preload to open the gas passage for venting or pressure release. The connection from the diaphragm to the valve body must be durable enough to transmit this opening force.

[0011] Another significant advantage of positioning the diaphragm on top of the valve body is that, on the other side, on the bottom side of the valve body facing the housing, there is space for assembling an additional pressure regulating system. Related to the diaphragm's position on top of the valve body, another aspect of the invention is that the gas opening of the valve body can be closed by means of a plug, wherein the plug is attached to the valve body opposite to the diaphragm. The plug is a second valve body positioned on the bottom side of the valve body. The plug is preloaded in the direction Y, opposite to the preload direction of the valve body, by means of an elastic member. The elastic member is positioned in the direction X below a support rib in the cavity formed by the valve body. A sealing element is provided between the plug and the gas opening of the valve body. To release gas, the plug remains closed during periods of excessive venting pressure in the housing.

[0012] In venting mode, the valve body is closed, allowing only diffusion flow through the diaphragm. To improve valve safety, diffusion through the diaphragm should be reduced over time. This reduction is achieved by sealing the gas opening via a plug to prevent venting through the diaphragm. The plug ensures that venting is only possible when the housing is under negative pressure relative to the environment. In venting mode, the airflow through the diaphragm is regulated by the plug in the X direction based solely on the pressure within the housing relative to the environment. Due to the setting of the elastic member for preloading the plug, the gas opening only opens when the pressure difference between the environment and the housing volume increases, allowing diffusion flow through the diaphragm. Thus, diffusion through the diaphragm is time-limited, resulting in correspondingly lower air exchange within the housing. Consequently, the amount of condensate in the housing, which is automatically introduced into the housing during air exchange, is reduced.

[0013] Regarding the support function, the gas openings are provided with support ribs, which are designed as part of the valve body to support the diaphragm, wherein the support ribs are positioned below the diaphragm along the X direction. The diaphragm is positioned on top of the valve body and on top of the support ribs. The support ribs are arranged as backup supports for the diaphragm and extend like a grid in a plane perpendicular to the central axis. The support ribs, acting as grids, are arranged in the gas openings or at least in front of the gas openings. If there are several gas openings, there are several grids, each grid positioned in each gas opening, or one grid covering all gas openings. When water or any other liquid medium from the environment enters the valve and flows onto the diaphragm, the support ribs prevent the diaphragm from being overstretched or torn in the X direction. The support of the diaphragm is particularly important when a stream of liquid flows onto the diaphragm along the X direction.

[0014] The valve's safety is further enhanced by assembling the cover to the flange to cover the gas passage and guide the valve body radially. The cover protects the gas passage and seals from external influences and stores the valve body. The valve body, acting as a support element, is guided and supported from the cover, allowing it to move up and down substantially parallel to the central axis.

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, at least one outlet is provided in the cover, the outlet being S-shaped, labyrinthine, or tortuous. To prevent contaminating particles from entering the housing, the valve is closed with a cover facing upwards in the Y-direction. However, for venting and venting, gas must be able to flow out of the housing into the environment, and vice versa. Therefore, an outlet is provided in the cover so that gas can flow in and out unimpeded. To prevent water from directly entering the valve and thus also into the housing, the outlet is S-shaped or tortuous. By repeatedly deflecting the water flow, the water impact passing substantially radially through the outlet from the outside is reduced and dispersed. This feature protects the diaphragm by supporting ribs to prevent damage from dynamic water infiltration that may result from related impacts on the diaphragm.

[0016] To preload the valve body along direction X, an elastic element is positioned between the cover and the top of the valve body to preload the valve body along the central axis. The elastic element is designed in the form of a cylindrical or conical helical spring.

[0017] Regarding the arrangement of the elastic element and diaphragm on the same side of the valve body, it is advantageous that the diaphragm is annular with an opening at its center, through which the elastic element is inserted and positioned within the can-shaped support of the valve body. The diameter of the central opening is larger than the outer diameter of the elastic element. A can is formed at the center of the valve body, into which the elastic element is inserted axially and guided radially. On the side opposite the elastic element to the can-shaped support, a cap forms a pin, on which the elastic element rests and is also guided radially. The elastic element is stabilized by the can-shaped support and the pin, which also stabilizes the valve body to prevent tilting about the central axis C. This more stable support allows for more precise valve opening when overpressure is within the lower limit.

[0018] Regarding the number of elastic elements on the top of the valve body, another aspect of the invention is to preload the valve body by positioning more than three or more than six elastic elements. By using multiple helical springs with smaller diameters as elastic elements, instead of using a single helical spring with a larger diameter, the force around the valve body can be distributed more precisely. Helical springs with smaller diameters have advantageous spring stiffness. Spring stiffness is inversely proportional to the coil diameter of the helical spring. As the diameter of the helical spring increases, the spring stiffness decreases. In other words, the individual coils of a small spring do more work than the individual coils of a large spring. By using several helical springs with smaller diameters, the spring stiffness of each individual helical spring can be selected to be lower than the spring stiffness of a helical spring with a larger diameter.

[0019] For a simple construction, one aspect of the invention is that the inner diameter of the elastic element is larger than the diameter of the diaphragm. The larger the inner diameter of the elastic element, the more stable this elastic support of the valve body is in the radial direction. Due to the increased inner diameter, it is very easy to place the diaphragm on the same side of the valve body as the elastic element, i.e., on the top of the valve body. For this purpose, the diameter of the diaphragm is relatively small, but it is as large as or almost as large as the diameter of the gas passage.

[0020] Regarding the storage of the valve body within the cover, another aspect of the invention involves a sliding element disposed on the inner side of the cover, on which the valve body slides along a central axis. The sliding element is parallel to the central axis and arranged radially adjacent to the valve body. The diameter of the valve body is determined such that a gap exists between the sliding element and the valve body. This gap reduces friction between the sliding element and the valve body.

[0021] The safety of the valve can be further enhanced by the possibility that the valve body can be precisely adjusted regarding the pressure at which it must open. This precise adjustment can be achieved by reducing friction in the valve body within its support. Therefore, another aspect of the invention is that the valve body is mounted in a cover, allowing it to move freely in the circumferential direction. No additional guidance is required for the valve body, thus minimizing friction. The valve body is sealed to the flange using a gasket. The advantage of a valve body that can move freely in the circumferential direction is that the gasket's contact surface is not stressed on one side. The circumferential degree of freedom of movement changes the relative position between the gasket's contact surface and the sealing surface on the flange.

[0022] For safety reasons, one aspect of the invention is that the flange has a sealing surface with a conical or spherical geometry coaxial with the central axis, and a gasket arranged on the valve body is centered on the sealing surface by means of this geometry. The valve body automatically centers itself during descent. A radial support gap of a few hundredths of a millimeter is provided between the sliding element in the cover and the valve body for the required centering. This support gap further reduces friction between the valve body and the cover. The advantage of arranging the gasket on the valve body rather than at the flange is that the housing can be pre-installed, with the flange attached to the housing. If pre-attached without a gasket, the gasket will not be lost or damaged during handling and installation of the housing.

[0023] Another aspect for safety reasons is that the gas passage has a single opening with a flow cross-section. The gas passage is empty along its entire length along the central axis of the flange and across its entire flow cross-section. An open flow cross-section in the sense of this invention means that no grids, ribs, or other elements are arranged in the flow cross-section, and correspondingly in the gas passage, that could affect, interfere with, or reduce the flow from the opening in the housing into the gas passage. The diameter of the gas passage is larger than the diameter of the diaphragm. Thus, in a venting emergency, the flow velocity or flow rate in the gas passage is maximized.

[0024] For simple detection of any leakage process, it is advantageous to have a sensor in the valve body that detects changes in force or stress of at least one elastic element. This sensor is positioned between the elastic element and the cap, or between the elastic element and the valve body. Such pressure sensors, in the form of piezoelectric elements or strain gauges, operate entirely without contact, even with very small movements of the valve body within a few hundredths of a millimeter.

[0025] Regarding dynamic flow characteristics, it is advantageous that the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the gas opening or each gas opening to the cross-sectional area of ​​each grid in front of the corresponding gas opening has a value greater than 5, preferably greater than 10, and even more preferably greater than 20. As this value increases, the flow resistance through the gas opening caused by the support ribs decreases. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Various aspects of the invention, including its features and advantages, will be readily understood from the following detailed description and the exemplary embodiments discussed in the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 An exploded view of the valve is shown; Figure 2 An example view is shown from the bottom side of the valve; Figure 3 An example is shown of a valve body having a diaphragm and a plug; Figure 4a Examples are given based on Figure 2 A cross-sectional view s-s' of a valve body that is closed; Figure 4b Examples are given based on Figure 2 A cross-sectional view s-s' of the valve body with the valve open; Figure 5 Examples are given based on Figure 2 A cross-sectional view s-s' of a valve body containing a plug; Figure 6 A cross-sectional view with an annular diaphragm is shown; Figure 7a Examples are given based on Figures 2 to 5 The shape of the diaphragm in the illustrated embodiment; Figure 7b Examples are given based on Figure 6 The shape of the diaphragm in the illustrated embodiment; and Figure 8 A diagram illustrating the airflow volume depending on the pressure within the casing is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Figure 1 , Figure 4a , Figure 4b , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The basic structure of a valve is shown, comprising a flange 1 having a gas passage 1.1, and valve bodies 2 and 6 having gaskets 2.4 for tightly closing the gas passage 1.1. For this purpose, the valve bodies 2 and 6 are provided with gaskets 2.4, which are sealed by the sealing surface 1.2 of the gas passage 1.1. In the simplified embodiment shown, a single elastic element 2.3 is arranged above the valve bodies 2 and 6 to preload them. According to a more precise embodiment not shown, several individual elastic elements are provided to pre-tension the valve bodies. The valve is mounted on a battery housing 5 with the flange 1 to close the opening 5.1, as shown... Figures 4a to 6As shown. Flange 1 is screwed onto housing 5, for which sleeve 1.4 is inserted into flange 1. Additional fastening can be provided by clamps or snap-fit ​​devices or by threaded or bayonet locking. Flange 1 is isolated from housing 5 by a sealing member 1.5 surrounding opening 5.1. In addition, a cover 4 with outlets 4.1, 4.2 is provided to cover gas passage 1.1 and support valve body 2 which moves in the direction of valve central axis C.

[0028] This valve essentially isolates opening 5.1 from the environment. During normal battery operation, the pressure in the housing may rise or fall by relatively small amounts. To compensate for these relatively small pressure differences, a gas opening 2.1 is provided in the valve body 2. The gas opening 2.1 is sealed with a diaphragm 2.2 that is permeable to gas but impermeable to liquid. Gas can pass through and into the housing by closing the gas opening 2.1 through the diaphragm 2.2. This is referred to as venting to the extent that a slight pressure exchange occurs through the diaphragm 2.2. During venting, the valve body 2 is closed and does not move (see...). Figure 4a ).

[0029] In the event of a short circuit or other defect in the battery within housing 5, or due to a chemical reaction, gas is generated, resulting in a significant pressure increase within housing 5, necessitating emergency venting of housing 5. The permeability of diaphragm 2.2 is insufficient, which is why the gas passage 1.1, closed by valve body 2, is opened. To vent, the force of the elastic element 2.3 is overcome, lifting valve body 2, and gas passage 1.1 opens to allow gas to flow out of housing 5 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 4b A pressure sensor (not shown) is provided between the elastic element 2.3 and the cover 4. This pressure sensor is designed to detect the smallest change in force of the elastic element 2.3, starting from the closed position of the valve body 2, thereby detecting any movement of the valve body 2.

[0030] To enhance the safety of the electrochemical device, a diaphragm 2.2 is positioned on top of the valve body 2. The top side 2a of the valve body 2 is positioned relative to the bottom side 2b of the valve body 2. The bottom side 2b is oriented toward the gas passage 1.1 and / or oriented within the housing 5. This allows the diaphragm 2.2 to be supported and stabilized from below by the valve body 2 when a large volume of liquid enters through the outlets 4.1, 4.2 in the cover 4. The position of the diaphragm 2.2 on the top side of the valve body 2 also allows for the installation of an additional pressure control system on the bottom side of the valve body 2 facing the housing 5, further enhancing safety.

[0031] Figure 3An exploded view of valve body 2 is shown. Diaphragm 2.2 is circular and arranged above valve body 2 along direction X, i.e., at the top of valve body 2, and hermetically connected to valve body 2 at its edge region. The gas opening 2.1 in the middle of valve body 2 is completely covered and sealed by diaphragm 2.2. Valve body 2 has ribs 2.5 disposed in gas opening 2.1 to stabilize diaphragm 2.2. This is intended to stabilize diaphragm 2.2 when liquid enters the valve from the outside through outlets 4.1 and 4.2. The impact and weight of the incoming water are critical for diaphragm 2.2, therefore ribs 2.5 improve the safety of the electrochemical device. Essentially, cap 4 initially prevents the intrusion of large amounts of liquid and extreme stress on diaphragm 2.2. However, since cap 4 must be opened for venting and venting, it cannot fundamentally prevent diaphragm 2.2 from experiencing critical stress due to excessive liquid. Figure 2 , Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 5 As shown in detail, vents 4.1 and 4.2 are provided on the cover 4 to allow ventilation and venting. To prevent direct and immediate penetration of liquids such as water sprayed onto the housing 5 from the outside, certain shapes are necessary to reduce the impact of water under external pressure on the cover 4. Therefore, the vents 4.1 and 4.2 in the cover 4 are designed as follows: Figure 2 The diagram shows a tortuous shape. The outlets 4.1 and 4.2 can also be S-shaped or labyrinthine, etc. The cover 4 is cylindrical and has an outlet 4.1 located radially on its sidewall. Additionally, at least one axial outlet 4.2 is located axially on the top of the cover 4. This axial outlet 4.2 is positioned on the top side of the cover 4. When the valve body 2 is opened to release gas, some gas flows through the radial outlet 4.1 on the sidewall. However, some of this gas flows on the upper side of the cover 4. This creates back pressure on the valve body 2. Due to this back pressure, the valve lift is smaller. Due to the axial outlet 4.2, the back pressure decreases and the valve body 2 lift is larger.

[0032] like Figure 4a , Figure 4b , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in detail, the elastic element 2.3 preloads the valve body 2 along the X direction and is arranged on top of the valve body 2, between the top surfaces of the valve body 2 and the cover 4. According to the present invention, both the diaphragm 2.2 and the elastic element 2.3 are arranged on top of the valve body 2.

[0033] According to Figures 1 to 5 Following the first embodiment, it is possible to position the diaphragm 2.2 and the elastic element 2.3 on the same side of the valve body 2 because the diameter D23 of the elastic element 2.3 is larger than the diameter D22 of the diaphragm 2.2. To support and stabilize the elastic element 2.3, a groove 2.6 is provided in the valve body 2 around the diaphragm 2.2, which serves as a seat for the elastic element 2.3.

[0034] Figure 6 A preferred embodiment is shown. The elastic element 2.3 has a central location whose outer diameter D23 is smaller than the outer diameter D22 of the diaphragm 2.2. For this purpose, the diaphragm 2.2 is annular and has a central opening 2.8. The diameter D28 of the central opening 2.8 is larger than the outer diameter D23 of the elastic element 2.3. The elastic element 2.3 is inserted through the central opening 2.8 of the diaphragm 2.2. The diaphragm 2.2 is arranged around the elastic element 2.3. To guide and support the elastic element 2.3, the valve body 2 is provided with a can-shaped support 2.9 in which the elastic element 2.3 is located. The opposite side of the elastic element 2.3 rests on a pin 4.4 of the cover 4. The pin 4.4 and the can-shaped support 2.9 support the elastic element 2.3 radially and guide it axially during compression and decompression. The diameters of the can-shaped support 2.9 and the pin 4.4 have a mating portion that is just large enough for the installation of the elastic element 2.3 and for radial tight fixation.

[0035] The diaphragm 2.2 is annular, with an opening 2.8 at its center, through which the elastic element 2.3 is inserted and located in the can-shaped support 2.9 of the valve body 2, with the diameter D22 of the central opening 2.8 being greater than the outer diameter D23 of the elastic element 2.3.

[0036] Figure 7a It shows according to Figures 2 to 5 The circular geometry of the diaphragm 2.2 in the illustrated embodiment, Figure 7b It shows according to Figure 6 The geometry of the annular diaphragm 2.2 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0037] like Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 6 As shown, drain holes 2.7 are provided around the outer edge of the groove 2.6 and on the bottom of the can-shaped support 2.9. In the event that liquid medium seeps into the cover 4, the drain holes 2.7 ensure that the medium does not accumulate in the groove 2.6 or the can-shaped support (2.9), but flows out from the groove 2.6 and the can-shaped support (2.9) and thus does not affect the power of the elastic element 2.3. In order to open the gas passage 1.1 with the flow cross section 1.3, the valve body 2 moves upward in the direction of the central axis C. In the case of the valve disc design of the valve body, preload can be applied around an axis that is perpendicular to the central axis C.

[0038] In ventilation mode, when valve 2 is closed, natural moisture exchange occurs through diaphragm 2.2 (see [link to ventilation mode]). Figure 4aThis allows moisture present in the air to be introduced into housing 5. In some cases, this moisture may condense within housing 5, which is undesirable and reduces the safety of the electrochemical device. Condensation can lead to undesirable electrochemical reactions and voltage errors. Figure 5 As shown, the plug 3 is positioned below the valve body 2, on the opposite side of the diaphragm 2.2. The plug 3 seals the gas opening 2.1 with a sealing element 3.2. This prevents any gas exchange, and thus also prevents the formation of any condensate. The plug 3 is preloaded against the valve body 2 in the Y direction by means of an elastic member 3.1, ensuring that no gas can flow out of the housing 5 through the diaphragm. Under a certain negative pressure within the housing 5, the plug 3 moves in the X direction according to the setting of the elastic member 3.1, thereby opening the gas opening 2.1 for ventilation. The plug 3 and the elastic member 3.1 are attached to the valve body 2 by means of a locking element 3.3. The locking element 3.3 has an open, free-flowing cross-section through which any medium can pass at any time. The locking element 3.3 can be welded, threaded, or fixed by a bayonet system 3.4 as shown here.

[0039] The valve body 2 is installed and stored in the cover 4 such that friction between the valve body 2, the cover 4, and other valve components is minimized during vertical movement. To this end, several sliding elements 4.3 are arranged parallel to the central axis C within the cover 4, with the valve body 2 having a radial support gap of a few percent of a millimeter between itself and the sliding elements. The valve body 2 is precisely aligned with the gas passage 1.1 via a tapered sealing surface 1.2 on the gas passage 1.1 within this support gap. The sliding elements 4.3 are arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction and serve to ensure that the valve body 2 does not contact the cover 4 with its entire radial outer surface (see also...). Figure 2 No further guidance for the valve body 2 is provided in the cover 4 or flange 1. The valve body 2 can move freely in both the radial and circumferential directions, provided the pressure of the resilient element 2.3 allows. In the axial direction, the movement of the valve body 2 depends solely on the setting of the resilient element 2.3. By reducing friction, the setting of the resilient element can be adjusted very precisely, thereby accurately setting the venting according to the pressure in the housing 5.

[0040] The valve according to the invention has a modular design. In principle, the valve body 6 does not have a gas opening 2.1 (see...). Figure 1 Option A can be used. In this case, there is no venting. Due to the preload setting of the elastic element 2.3, the valve body 6 only opens in an emergency to release air. Figure 8A simplified diagram is shown where the volume V of gas exchange is represented as a function of pressure p. Venting shows a lower gradient than venting. For option A, curve A represents the corresponding volumetric flow rate for this situation. No gas flow begins from negative pressure in housing 5 until a certain positive pressure is reached. Venting only occurs when a critical pressure is reached in an emergency. The volume of gas flow increases when valve 6 is opened.

[0041] The second possibility for modular systems is covered by option B. Figure 3 , Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 5 The illustrated embodiment shows that the valve body 2 has at least one gas opening 2.1 covered by a diaphragm 2.2. Figure 8 The corresponding curve B in the diagram shows low gas exchange starting from the negative pressure range, which may reach the overpressure range within the venting range. Under critical overpressure conditions, the volume also increases when the venting process begins and valve body 2 is lifted.

[0042] The third modular option C is used according to... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The plug 3 of the illustrated embodiment, during normal operation, restricts venting to a negative pressure within the housing 5 when the valve body 2 is closed. The corresponding curve C shows that venting is only possible below a specific negative pressure when the plug 3 is open within the negative pressure range. The gradient is higher for venting and lower for venting, depending on the setting of the sealing element 3.2. Venting does not occur at lower negative pressures or at pressures up to the critical overpressure. The valve body 2 only opens to vent in emergency situations at the critical overpressure.

[0043] To avoid repetition and for clarity of the drawings, not all reference numerals are shown in all the drawings. However, individual elements have their own reference numerals, which may be included in another drawing different from the one shown.

[0044] List of reference numerals 1 flange 1.1 Gas Channel 1.2 Sealing surface 1.3 Flow cross section 1.4 Sleeve 1.5 Sealing components 2 Valve body 2a Top Side 2b bottom side 2.1 Gas opening 2.2 Membrane 2.3 Elastic Elements 2.4 Washers 2.5 ribs 2.6 Groove 2.7 Drainage hole 2.8 Center opening 2.9 Tank-shaped support component 3 plugs 3.1 Elastic Components 3.2 Sealing elements 3.3 Locking element 3.4 Checkpoint System 4 lids 4.1 Discharge outlet 4.2 Axial discharge port 4.3 Sliding element 4.4 Selling 5. Shell 5.1 Opening C Central Axis Outer diameter of D22 membrane Outer diameter of D23 elastic element Diameter of the center opening of D28 X direction Y direction

Claims

1. A valve for mounting on the housing (5) of an electrochemical device and for venting and venting the housing (5), the valve comprising: a) A flange (1) for mounting on the housing (5), wherein the flange (1) has a central axis (C) and forms a central gas passage (1.1). b) A movable valve body (2) arranged at the gas passage (1.1), wherein the valve body (2) is movable in the direction Y to open the gas passage (1.1) for venting and movable in the direction X to close the gas passage (1.1) for ventilation, wherein the valve body (2) is preloaded by means of at least one elastic element (2.3) positioned on the top of the valve body (2); c) The valve body (2) has at least one gas opening (2.1) and a diaphragm (2.2) permeable to a gaseous medium, wherein the gas opening (2.1) is sealed by the diaphragm (2.2), characterized in that, d) The diaphragm (2.2) is fixed to the valve body (2) and arranged on the top of the valve body (2) in the direction Y.

2. The valve according to claim 1, Its features are, The gas opening (2.1) of the valve body (2) can be closed by means of a plug (3), wherein the plug (3) is attached to the valve body (2) opposite to the diaphragm (2.2).

3. The valve according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, The gas opening (2.1) is provided with a support rib (2.5), which is designed as part of the valve body (2) to support the diaphragm (2.2), wherein the support rib (2.5) is positioned below the diaphragm (2.2) in the direction X.

4. The valve according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The cover (4) is assembled to the flange (1) to cover the gas passage (1.1) and guide the valve body (2) in the radial direction.

5. The valve according to claim 3, Its features are, The cover (4) is provided with at least one outlet (4.1), wherein the outlet (4.1) is S-shaped, labyrinth-shaped, or tortuous.

6. The valve according to any one of claims 3 and 4, Its features are, The elastic element (2.3) is positioned between the top of the cover (4) and the valve body (2) to preload the valve body (2) in the direction X of the central axis (C).

7. The valve according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The diaphragm (2.2) is annular, wherein there is an opening (2.8) at the center of the diaphragm (2.2), thereby the elastic element (2.3) is inserted through the central opening (2.8) of the diaphragm (2.2) and located in the can-shaped support (2.9) of the valve body (2).

8. The valve according to any one of claims 3 to 6, Its features are, A sliding element (4.3) is provided on the inner side of the cover (4), and the valve body (2) slides on the sliding element in the direction and circumferential direction along the central axis (C).

9. The valve according to any one of claims 3 to 7, Its features are, The valve body (2) is installed in the cover (4) so ​​that the valve body (2) can move freely in the circumferential direction.

10. The valve according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The flange (1) has a sealing surface (1.2) having a conical or spherical geometry coaxial with the central axis (C), and a gasket (2.4) arranged on the valve body (2) is centered on the sealing surface through this geometry.

11. The valve according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The gas passage (1.1) has a single opening.

12. The valve according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The valve body (2) has a sensor that detects changes in force or stress of at least one elastic element (2.3).

13. A modular system comprising a valve according to claims 1 to 11 and a shut-off valve body having no gas opening, wherein, The valve body (2) and the shut-off valve body (6) can be replaced as needed without any modification to the valve structure, and the valve body (2) can be used without a plug (3) or a plug (3) assembled in the valve.

14. A system comprising a valve and a housing (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and at least one electronic component, particularly a battery, disposed in said housing (5).

15. A method for exchanging gas into and out of a battery housing (5) using a valve, wherein the valve has a flange (1) assembled at the housing (5), and the flange (1) has a gas passage (1.1), and the gas passage (1.1) is closable by means of a movable valve body (2) preloaded by an elastic element (2.3), and the valve body (2) has a gas opening (2.1) covered by a breathable diaphragm (2.2) and a cap (4) assembled on the top of the flange (1), characterized in that, The diaphragm (2.2) and the elastic element (2.3) are both positioned on the top of the valve body (2) along the X direction.

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