Breather valve, electric drive system, and vehicle

Abstract

The application provides a breathable valve, an electric drive system and a vehicle. The breathable valve comprises a valve body, a channel is arranged in the valve body, a waterproof breathable film is arranged at the top end of the channel, and an opening and closing piece is arranged at the side end of the channel. When the air pressure in the channel is not balanced with the air pressure outside, the air in the channel and the air outside are exchanged through the waterproof breathable film. When the air pressure in the channel is greater than the air pressure outside, and the ejection force caused by the pressure difference exceeds the pre-tightening force of the opening and closing piece, a breathable gap is formed between the opening and closing piece and the side end wall surface of the channel. The opening and closing piece is electrically connected with a controller. When the breathable gap is formed between the opening and closing piece and the side end wall surface of the channel, the opening and closing piece sends an alarm signal to the controller. When the controller receives the alarm signal, the controller controls the alarm device to alarm. The potential risks of oil leakage, oil emission and ejection of the breathable valve caused by the blockage of the breathable film by oil, dust and the like are eliminated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of breather valve technology, specifically to a breather valve, an electric drive system, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] For precision instruments or equipment (such as vehicle transmissions and electric drive boxes), some require that the enclosure be free of water, dust, and other impurities, while others require that oil or water not leak out. To meet these requirements, the enclosure needs to be completely sealed. However, if the enclosure is completely sealed, during operation, the internal components heat up, and when operation stops, the internal components cool down, and changes in the external ambient temperature can cause an imbalance in air pressure inside and outside the enclosure, potentially leading to serious accidents. To address this, a vent valve was developed.

[0003] The pressure-balancing, waterproofing, and oil-repellent functions of the vent valve are achieved through a waterproof and oil-repellent breathable membrane. This membrane has millions of micropores, with pore sizes smaller than the diameter of a liquid water molecule but larger than the diameter of an air molecule. Therefore, air can pass through the membrane smoothly, while water and oil cannot, thus achieving the functions of pressure balancing, waterproofing, and oil repellency. However, under prolonged use or extreme conditions, the micropores of this membrane may become clogged with oil, dust, etc., leading to decreased breathability and even loss of the pressure-balancing function. This can result in the chamber being under high pressure for extended periods, potentially causing oil seal leaks, oil leakage from the vent cap, or even dangerous malfunctions such as the vent valve being forced out by the high pressure.

[0004] In view of the above, this application is hereby submitted. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a breather valve, an electric drive system, and a vehicle that eliminates the potential risks of oil leakage, oil spillage, and the breather valve being pushed out due to blockage of the breather membrane by oil, dust, etc.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a breathable valve, comprising: a valve body, wherein a channel is provided inside the valve body, a waterproof and breathable membrane is provided at the top end of the channel, and a switch is provided at the side end of the channel;

[0007] When the air pressure inside the channel is not in balance with the external air pressure, the gas inside the channel exchanges with the external gas through the waterproof and breathable membrane;

[0008] When the air pressure inside the channel is greater than the outside air pressure, and the push-out force caused by the air pressure difference exceeds the pre-tightening force of the switch, an air-permeable gap is formed between the switch and the side wall of the channel, wherein the pre-tightening force of the switch is less than the push-out force corresponding to the maximum withstand air pressure of the waterproof and breathable membrane.

[0009] When the ejection force caused by the air pressure difference does not exceed the preload of the switch, or when the air pressure in the channel is lower than the external air pressure, the switch and the side wall of the channel are sealed together.

[0010] The controller includes a switch electrically connected to it. When a ventilation gap is formed between the switch and the side wall of the channel, the switch sends an alarm signal to the controller. Upon receiving the alarm signal, the controller activates the alarm device to sound an alarm.

[0011] According to the technical solution provided in the embodiments of this application, optionally, it further includes: a filter layer, which is disposed at the other end of the channel opposite to the waterproof and breathable membrane, for filtering the gas exchanged through the waterproof and breathable membrane.

[0012] According to the technical solution provided in the embodiments of this application, optionally, it further includes: a valve cover, the valve cover covering the valve body and located above the waterproof and breathable membrane, and a gap is maintained between the valve cover and the valve body.

[0013] According to the technical solution provided in the embodiments of this application, optionally, the width of the valve cover is greater than the width of the valve body that contacts the valve cover.

[0014] According to the technical solution provided in the embodiments of this application, optionally, the switching device includes a push rod, a switch body, a positive pin, and a negative pin;

[0015] Wherein, when the ejection force caused by the air pressure difference does not exceed the pre-tightening force of the switch, or when the air pressure in the channel is less than the external air pressure, the push rod is pushed out in the first direction under the action of the pre-tightening force, and the push rod is sealed and fitted with the side wall of the channel;

[0016] When the push rod is subjected to a pushing force in the second direction that is greater than the preload force, the push rod slides in the second direction, and an air gap is formed between the push rod and the side wall of the channel. The first direction and the second direction are opposite to each other.

[0017] A mechanical switching structure is provided inside the switch body. When the push rod is pushed out in the first direction, the positive pin and the negative pin are disconnected. When a ventilated gap is formed between the push rod and the side wall of the channel, the positive pin and the negative pin are connected.

[0018] According to the technical solution provided in the embodiments of this application, optionally, the positive pin and the negative pin are electrically connected to the corresponding terminals of the controller.

[0019] According to the technical solution provided in the embodiments of this application, optionally, the mechanical conversion structure includes: a stationary contact and a moving contact spring;

[0020] When the push rod is pushed out in the first direction, the stationary contact separates from the moving contact spring, and the positive pin and the negative pin are disconnected.

[0021] When the push rod is subjected to a pushing force in the second direction that is greater than the preload force, the push rod slides in the second direction, causing the moving contact spring to connect with the stationary contact, and the positive pin and the negative pin to be in a connected state.

[0022] According to the technical solution provided in the embodiments of this application, optionally, the mechanical conversion structure includes: a conductive slider and a fixed contact;

[0023] When the push rod is pushed out in the first direction, the conductive slider and the fixed contact separate, and the positive pin and the negative pin are disconnected.

[0024] When the push rod is subjected to a pushing force in the second direction that is greater than the preload force, the push rod slides in the second direction, causing the conductive slider to contact the fixed contact, and the positive terminal pin and the negative terminal pin are in a connected state.

[0025] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide an electric drive system, including at least a motor and a reducer, and an oil cooling device for cooling the motor and the reducer. The motor, the reducer, and the oil cooling device are integrated into a sealed housing, and the housing achieves internal and external air pressure balance through the aforementioned vent valve.

[0026] Thirdly, embodiments of this application also provide a vehicle that includes the aforementioned electric drive system.

[0027] In summary, this application proposes a breathable valve, comprising: a valve body, wherein a channel is provided within the valve body, a waterproof and breathable membrane is provided at the top end of the channel, and a switch element is provided at the side end of the channel; when the air pressure inside the channel is not balanced with the external air pressure, the gas inside the channel exchanges with the external gas through the waterproof and breathable membrane; when the air pressure inside the channel is greater than the external air pressure, and the push-out force caused by the air pressure difference exceeds the preload force of the switch element, a breathable gap is formed between the switch element and the side wall of the channel, wherein the switch element... The pre-tightening force is less than the ejection force corresponding to the maximum air pressure that the waterproof and breathable membrane can withstand. When the ejection force caused by the air pressure difference does not exceed the pre-tightening force of the switch, or when the air pressure inside the channel is lower than the external air pressure, the switch and the side wall of the channel are sealed together. The switch is electrically connected to the controller. When a breathable gap is formed between the switch and the side wall of the channel, the switch sends an alarm signal to the controller. Upon receiving the alarm signal, the controller activates the alarm device. This eliminates the potential risks of oil leakage, oil spillage, and the ejection of the breathable valve caused by blockage of the breathable membrane by oil, dust, etc. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a breather valve provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a switching device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a controller and a switch connection provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of gas exchange inside and outside a vent valve provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of gas exchange inside and outside the vent valve provided in another embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0034] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0035] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a breathable valve provided in an embodiment of this application. The breathable valve includes: a valve body 1, a channel 2 disposed within the valve body, a waterproof and breathable membrane 3 disposed at the top end of the channel 2, and a switch 4 disposed at the side end of the channel;

[0036] When the air pressure inside the channel 2 is not in balance with the external air pressure, the gas inside the channel 2 exchanges with the external gas through the waterproof and breathable membrane 3, so as to balance the air pressure inside the channel 2 with the external air pressure.

[0037] When the air pressure inside the channel 2 is greater than the external air pressure, and the pressure difference causes the ejection force to exceed the pre-tightening force of the switch 4, a breathable gap is formed between the switch 4 and the side wall of the channel 2. This is to protect the waterproof and breathable membrane 3 from damage. If the air pressure inside the channel 2 is significantly greater than the external air pressure, and the pressure cannot be released in time, the waterproof and breathable membrane 3 may be damaged by the high pressure, causing a major safety accident. The solution proposed in this embodiment involves setting a switch 4 with a pre-tightening force less than the ejection force corresponding to the maximum withstand air pressure of the waterproof and breathable membrane. When the pressure difference causes the ejection force to exceed the pre-tightening force of the switch 4, a breathable gap is formed between the switch 4 and the side wall of the channel 2, allowing for timely pressure release and preventing damage to the waterproof and breathable membrane 3 by high pressure, thus achieving the purpose of protecting the waterproof and breathable membrane 3.

[0038] When the ejection force caused by the pressure difference does not exceed the preload of the switch 4, or when the air pressure in the channel 2 is lower than the external air pressure, the switch 4 and the side wall of the channel 2 are sealed together; controller ( Figure 1 (Not shown), the switch 4 is electrically connected to the controller. When a ventilated gap is formed between the switch 4 and the side wall of the channel 2, the switch 4 sends an alarm signal to the controller. Upon receiving the alarm signal, the controller activates the alarm device to sound an alarm and perform timely maintenance. For example, it sets the vent valve fault flag and reports a vent valve fault to the vehicle, reminding the owner to replace the vent valve.

[0039] Furthermore, it also includes a filter layer 5, which is disposed at the other end of the channel 2 opposite to the waterproof and breathable membrane 3, for filtering the gas exchanged through the waterproof and breathable membrane 3.

[0040] Furthermore, it also includes: a valve cover 6, which covers the valve body 1 and is located above the waterproof and breathable membrane 3, with a gap maintained between the valve cover 6 and the valve body 1.

[0041] The width of the valve cover 6 is greater than the width of the valve body 1 that contacts the valve cover 6, in order to protect the waterproof and breathable membrane 3.

[0042] In some implementations, reference Figure 2 As shown, the switch 4 includes a push rod 41, a switch body 42, a positive pin 43, and a negative pin 44.

[0043] Specifically, when the ejection force caused by the air pressure difference does not exceed the preload of the switch, or when the air pressure inside the channel is lower than the external air pressure, the push rod 41 is pushed out in the first direction (towards the side wall of the channel) under the action of the preload, and the push rod 41 is sealed and fitted with the side wall of the channel; when the ejection force on the push rod 41 in the second direction (which is generated by the air pressure inside the channel, and at this time the air pressure inside the channel is greater than the external air pressure) is greater than the preload, the push rod 41 slides in the second direction, and an air gap is formed between the push rod 41 and the side wall of the channel 2, and the first direction and the second direction are opposite to each other.

[0044] A mechanical switching structure is provided inside the switch body 42. When the push rod 41 is pushed out in the first direction, the positive pin 43 and the negative pin 44 are in a disconnected state; when a ventilated gap is formed between the push rod 41 and the side wall of the channel 2, the positive pin 43 and the negative pin 44 are in a connected state.

[0045] The positive and negative pins are electrically connected to the corresponding terminals of the controller, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the positive and negative terminals of the switch are connected to the signal port of the controller. When the push rod is pushed to the right by the positive pressure inside the cavity, the positive and negative terminals of the switch are connected, the controller receives a high-level signal, sets the vent valve fault flag, and reports the vent valve fault to the vehicle, reminding the owner to replace the vent valve.

[0046] In one embodiment, the mechanical conversion structure includes a stationary contact and a moving contact spring. When the push rod is pushed out in a first direction, the stationary contact separates from the moving contact spring, and the positive pin is disconnected from the negative pin. When the push rod is subjected to a pushing force in a second direction greater than the preload force, the push rod slides in the second direction, causing the moving contact spring to connect with the stationary contact, and the positive pin is connected to the negative pin, sending an electrical signal to the controller as an alarm signal. When the controller receives the alarm signal, it controls the alarm device to sound an alarm.

[0047] In another embodiment, the mechanical conversion structure includes: a conductive slider and a fixed contact;

[0048] When the push rod is pushed out in the first direction, the conductive slider and the fixed contact separate, and the positive pin and the negative pin are disconnected; when the push rod is subjected to a pushing force in the second direction that is greater than the preload force, the push rod slides in the second direction, causing the conductive slider and the fixed contact to contact, and the positive pin and the negative pin are connected.

[0049] For details, please refer to Figure 4 As shown, the push rod of switch 4 is pushed out to the left under the preload, tightly sealing against the valve body wall. The positive and negative terminals of switch 4 are in the open state, and the controller's electrical control signal terminal receives a low-level signal. During the operation of the electric drive, heat is generated, heating the air inside the cavity and increasing its pressure, creating a positive pressure difference with the outside. At this time, the airflow direction is as shown by arrow A, exchanging gases with the outside through the waterproof and breathable membrane 3. When the electric drive stops working, the gas temperature inside the electric drive cavity drops, causing its pressure to decrease and creating a negative pressure difference with the outside. At this time, the airflow direction is as shown by arrow B, exchanging gases with the outside through the waterproof and breathable membrane.

[0050] When the waterproof and breathable membrane fails, the air inside the electric drive cavity cannot exchange with the outside through the membrane. The air pressure inside the electric drive cavity continuously increases. When this pressure exceeds the preload of the switch push rod, it will push the push rod to the right until the electric drive cavity is connected to the outside. Figure 5 As shown, at this time, the direction of gas exchange between the electric drive cavity and the outside is as indicated by arrow C. After the gas pressure inside and outside the cavity is balanced, the push rod is pushed out to the left under the action of preload to seal against the valve body wall.

[0051] The vent valve provided in this embodiment eliminates the potential risks of oil leakage, oil spillage, and valve being pushed out due to blockage of the waterproof and breathable membrane. By connecting to the controller signal terminal, the malfunction of the waterproof and breathable valve can be detected and relevant personnel can be reminded to replace it.

[0052] In some embodiments, an electric drive system is also provided, which includes at least a motor and a reducer, and an oil cooling device for cooling the motor and the reducer. The motor, the reducer and the oil cooling device are integrated into a sealed enclosure, which balances the internal and external air pressure through a vent valve as described in any embodiment.

[0053] In some embodiments, a vehicle is also provided that includes the aforementioned electric drive system.

[0054] For ease of description, the above system is described by dividing it into various modules based on their functions. Of course, in implementing this application, the functions of each module can be implemented in one or more software and / or hardware.

[0055] It should be noted that the terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. As shown in the specification and claims of this application, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, words such as "a," "an," "an," and / or "the" do not specifically refer to the singular and may also include the plural. The terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising an..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0056] It should also be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," "linked," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0057] This document uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the methods and core ideas of this application. The above descriptions are only preferred embodiments of this application. It should be noted that due to the limitations of written expression, while there are objectively infinite specific structures, those skilled in the art can make several improvements, modifications, or changes without departing from the principles of this invention, and can also combine the above technical features in an appropriate manner. These improvements, modifications, changes, or combinations, or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution to other situations without modification, should all be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A vent valve, characterized in that, include: The valve body has a channel inside, a waterproof and breathable membrane is provided at the top of the channel, and a switch is provided at the side of the channel. When the air pressure inside the channel is not in balance with the external air pressure, the gas inside the channel exchanges with the external gas through the waterproof and breathable membrane; When the air pressure inside the channel is greater than the outside air pressure, and the push-out force caused by the air pressure difference exceeds the pre-tightening force of the switch, an air-permeable gap is formed between the switch and the side wall of the channel, wherein the pre-tightening force of the switch is less than the push-out force corresponding to the maximum withstand air pressure of the waterproof and breathable membrane. When the ejection force caused by the air pressure difference does not exceed the preload of the switch, or when the air pressure in the channel is lower than the external air pressure, the switch and the side wall of the channel are sealed together. The controller includes a switch electrically connected to it. When a ventilation gap is formed between the switch and the side wall of the channel, the switch sends an alarm signal to the controller. Upon receiving the alarm signal, the controller activates the alarm device to sound an alarm.

2. The vent valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A filter layer is disposed at the other end of the channel opposite to the waterproof and breathable membrane, for filtering the gas exchanged through the waterproof and breathable membrane.

3. The vent valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A valve cover, which covers the valve body and is located above the waterproof and breathable membrane, with a gap maintained between the valve cover and the valve body.

4. The vent valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The width of the valve cover is greater than the width of the valve body that contacts the valve cover.

5. The vent valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switching device includes a push rod, a switch body, a positive pin, and a negative pin; Wherein, when the ejection force caused by the air pressure difference does not exceed the pre-tightening force of the switch, or when the air pressure in the channel is less than the external air pressure, the push rod is pushed out in the first direction under the action of the pre-tightening force, and the push rod is sealed and fitted with the side wall of the channel; When the push rod is subjected to a pushing force in the second direction that is greater than the preload force, the push rod slides in the second direction, and an air gap is formed between the push rod and the side wall of the channel. The first direction and the second direction are opposite to each other. A mechanical switching structure is provided inside the switch body. When the push rod is pushed out in the first direction, the positive pin and the negative pin are disconnected. When a ventilated gap is formed between the push rod and the side wall of the channel, the positive pin and the negative pin are connected.

6. The vent valve according to claim 5, characterized in that, The positive and negative pins are electrically connected to the corresponding terminals of the controller.

7. The vent valve according to claim 5, characterized in that, The mechanical conversion structure includes: a stationary contact and a moving contact spring; When the push rod is pushed out in the first direction, the stationary contact separates from the moving contact spring, and the positive pin and the negative pin are disconnected. When the push rod is subjected to a pushing force in the second direction that is greater than the preload force, the push rod slides in the second direction, causing the moving contact spring to connect with the stationary contact, and the positive pin and the negative pin to be in a connected state.

8. The vent valve according to claim 5, characterized in that, The mechanical conversion structure includes: a conductive slider and fixed contacts; When the push rod is pushed out in the first direction, the conductive slider and the fixed contact separate, and the positive pin and the negative pin are disconnected. When the push rod is subjected to a pushing force in the second direction that is greater than the preload force, the push rod slides in the second direction, causing the conductive slider to contact the fixed contact, and the positive terminal pin and the negative terminal pin are in a connected state.

9. An electric drive system, comprising at least a motor and a reducer, and an oil cooling device for cooling the motor and the reducer, characterized in that, The motor, reducer, and oil cooling equipment are integrated into a sealed enclosure, which achieves internal and external air pressure balance through a vent valve as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, Including the electric drive system as described in claim 9.

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