Card type explosion-proof breather valve

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of explosion-proof valve and balance valve, and particularly relates to a card type explosion-proof breather valve, which comprises a waterproof breather assembly, an explosion-proof pressure relief assembly, a valve shell and an outer sealing ring, wherein the waterproof breather assembly and the explosion-proof pressure relief assembly can be assembled in multiple combinations. The waterproof breather assembly and the explosion-proof pressure relief assembly built-in the present application have simple structures, can breathe in the case of pressure difference inside and outside the battery pack, and can open and release pressure in the case of thermal runaway of the battery cell and the like, so that the waterproof, breather and explosion-proof functions meet the requirements. Moreover, the product has few constituent parts, simple part structures, fast and convenient product assembly, lower raw material cost and labor cost, cost advantage and market competitiveness.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of explosion-proof valves and balancing valves, and in particular to a card-type explosion-proof vent valve. Background Technology

[0002] The emergence of explosion-proof valves for new energy power battery packs and energy storage battery packs is primarily aimed at addressing four essential needs: thermal runaway gas generation in battery cells, pressure imbalance in sealed casings, high outdoor protection, and mandatory safety regulations. These valves have been upgraded from "optional accessories" to standard safety components for thermal runaway protection.

[0003] From new energy vehicles and electric two-wheelers to energy storage power stations and large container / commercial energy storage, all industries are in a phase of rapid growth; the risk of thermal runaway in battery packs is increasing, and safety systems are also being upgraded. The function of battery pack explosion-proof valves has also been upgraded from a single venting function to an integrated system of "venting + pressure balancing + explosion-proof + protection," specifically manifested in the following aspects:

[0004] In terms of pressure balance: the use of ePTFE5 waterproof and breathable membrane allows for two-way breathability;

[0005] In terms of explosion-proof pressure relief: it can control the pressure opening, has a rapid response, large flow rate for rapid pressure relief, and suppresses the spread of thermal runaway; in terms of protection: it has IP67 / 68 protection, temperature resistance of -40~120℃, resistance to salt spray / aging, and is suitable for automotive and energy storage and other outdoor scenarios.

[0006] For the new energy industry, cost control of explosion-proof valves directly reduces the cost of battery packs and complete vehicles / energy storage systems, accelerates the popularization of energy storage, forces the localization of the industrial chain and technological convergence, and reshapes the balance between safety and cost. Looking at the cost structure of explosion-proof valves: raw materials (structural components) account for 60%, labor 20%, and manufacturing / depreciation 20%. Therefore, reducing the cost of explosion-proof valve structural components and labor is key to improving product competitiveness and market share.

[0007] First, at the industry-wide level, the widespread adoption of battery pack safety features is being accelerated, and the prices of explosion-proof valve products are continuing to decline. Automakers and energy storage companies are no longer cutting corners on safety components due to cost, but are shifting from optional features to mandatory standard features across all product categories. This will comprehensively improve the overall safety level of power batteries and energy storage batteries, and reduce the probability of thermal runaway fires and explosions.

[0008] Secondly, the cost reduction of explosion-proof valves can drive the overall cost reduction of new energy vehicles and energy storage systems. The usage of explosion-proof valves per battery pack is stable, and the cost reduction directly compresses the battery pack BOM cost, which is passed down to the whole vehicle and energy storage system, reducing the selling price of end products, enhancing market competitiveness, and helping new energy vehicles, industrial and commercial energy storage, and residential energy storage to rapidly increase in volume.

[0009] At the same time, cost competition in explosion-proof valves is forcing the standardization of product specifications, opening pressure, installation structure, and protection level, reducing non-standard customized R&D costs, shortening the new product development cycle, improving the efficiency of generalized and large-scale production in the industry, and promoting industry standardization.

[0010] In addition, in terms of the technological development of explosion-proof valve products, cost-effective solutions will further drive the technology route towards lightweighting and integration. The structure of explosion-proof valve products will become more simplified, with one-piece molding and integrated explosion-proof design. Structural optimization will replace materials to reduce costs, achieving weight reduction and improved pressure relief efficiency while controlling costs, in line with the trend of high-density integration of battery packs.

[0011] The decreasing costs of new energy passenger and commercial vehicles are further reducing the construction costs of energy storage power stations and shortening the investment payback period, stimulating the concentrated implementation of large-scale energy storage projects. Explosion-proof valves have become the most cost-effective and fundamental core protection component in the safety system of new energy batteries. By simplifying the product structure of explosion-proof valves (raw material costs) and simplifying the product assembly process (labor costs), the cost of explosion-proof valves can be further reduced, which can effectively control and activate the market, expand demand, improve the domestic supply chain, and rapidly expand the scale of the explosion-proof valve industry. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The purpose of this invention is to provide a novel, minimally simplistic card-type explosion-proof vent valve. Its advantages include a simpler structure, fewer sub-parts, and easier assembly, while meeting the basic performance requirements of explosion-proof valves. This significantly reduces material and labor costs.

[0013] A card-type explosion-proof vent valve includes a waterproof and ventilated component, an explosion-proof pressure relief component, a valve body, and an outer sealing ring. The waterproof and ventilated component and the explosion-proof pressure relief component are assembled in the following combination.

[0014] First, if the waterproof and breathable components are installed in the center, then the explosion-proof and pressure-relief components are installed on the periphery.

[0015] Second, if the waterproof and breathable components are installed on the outside, then the explosion-proof and pressure-relief components are installed in the center.

[0016] Third, if the waterproof and breathable components are installed on one side, the explosion-proof and pressure-relief components are installed on the other side.

[0017] Waterproof and breathable components and / or explosion-proof pressure relief components are installed on the valve body;

[0018] The outer sealing ring is installed at the bottom of the valve body.

[0019] Preferably, the waterproof and breathable membrane of the waterproof and breathable component peeler and the explosion-proof adhesive film of the explosion-proof pressure relief component peeler are integrated into a waterproof, breathable and explosion-proof assembly by welding or bonding.

[0020] Preferably, the waterproof and breathable component consists of a waterproof and breathable membrane and a valve cover plate.

[0021] Preferably, the waterproof and breathable membrane and valve cover plate are assembled with the valve body by hot-melt welding of plastic materials or interference pressing of metal materials.

[0022] Preferably, the explosion-proof pressure relief assembly consists of an explosion-proof diaphragm and a retaining ring.

[0023] Preferably, the explosion-proof diaphragm and retaining ring are assembled with the valve body by hot-melt welding of plastic material or interference pressing of metal material.

[0024] Preferably, if the waterproof and breathable membrane is assembled at the center of the explosion-proof membrane, then the explosion-proof membrane is assembled on the periphery; if the waterproof and breathable membrane is assembled on the periphery of the explosion-proof membrane, then the explosion-proof membrane is assembled at its center.

[0025] Preferably, the top of the valve cover plate is designed with one or more vent holes as channels for gas to enter and exit.

[0026] Preferably, the valve body is designed with a gap space to accommodate the deformation of the explosion-proof diaphragm.

[0027] Preferably, the valve cover plate has inner and outer annular pressure portions.

[0028] The present invention has the following advantages:

[0029] This invention, while meeting the basic requirements of waterproofing, breathability, and explosion-proof performance, can enhance and improve the protective performance of explosion-proof valves. The product has no movable piston assembly, no internal sealing ring, spring, or guide rod assembly. During long-term use, external dust and other contaminants adhering to and accumulating on the outer surface of the product will not affect or damage its performance or explosion-proof opening function. This ensures the battery pack enclosure maintains sealing performance even under special operating conditions, further strengthening and improving the safety performance of vehicle battery packs.

[0030] This invention uses very few parts and requires less assembly time, resulting in a significant cost advantage and high competitiveness. Through innovative design, it effectively combines waterproof and breathable components with explosion-proof and pressure-relief components, simplifying the product structure, manufacturing process, and number of parts. Modular design allows for flexible matching to different customer product configuration needs.

[0031] The product of this invention has a simple structure, high structural strength, high degree of optimization, and stable and reliable performance. The production and processing of each sub-part are easy to achieve, and the product assembly is simpler. It does not require special equipment, tooling fixtures or special process requirements, which facilitates mass production and market promotion and application.

[0032] This invention completely abandons the conventional structural design of guide rod + piston + inner sealing ring + spring. Firstly, it prevents dust and other contaminants from accumulating in the gaps where the explosion-proof valve piston opens, at the sealing points, and in the guide rod's movement position, thus preventing potential impact or damage to the product's sealing performance. Secondly, the built-in waterproof and breathable components and explosion-proof pressure relief components have simple structures, allowing for ventilation even with pressure differences between the inside and outside of the battery pack, and enabling explosion-proof opening and pressure relief under conditions such as thermal runaway of the battery cells, meeting the functional requirements of the explosion-proof valve. The waterproof, breathable, and explosion-proof functions are all compliant. Furthermore, the product has very few constituent parts, a simple component structure, and is quick and easy to assemble, resulting in lower raw material (structural component) and labor (assembly time) costs, giving it a cost advantage and greater market competitiveness. Simultaneously, the explosion-proof valve adopts a modular design, greatly improving the flexibility, versatility, and adaptability of this type of product. It can be adjusted according to different performance and installation requirements of the client, facilitating implementation. Finally, the product assembly is simpler, requiring no special equipment, tooling, or assembly processes, making it easy for mass production and market application. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 These are the product drawings and exploded views of the structure of this invention, Type-1;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the structure of the present invention, type-1;

[0035] Figure 3 These are the product drawings and exploded views of the structure of this invention, type-2;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the structure of the present invention, type-2;

[0037] Figure 5 These are the product drawings and exploded views of the structure of this invention, type-3;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the structure of the present invention, type-3.

[0039] Among them: 1-waterproof and breathable component, 2-explosion-proof pressure relief component, 3-valve body, 4-outer sealing ring, 5-waterproof and breathable membrane, 6-valve cover plate, 7-explosion-proof diaphragm, 8-fixing ring, 10-waterproof, breathable and explosion-proof assembly, 11-breathable hole structure, 12-gap space, 13-upward protruding deformation structure. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] A card-type explosion-proof ventilated valve comprises a waterproof ventilated component 1, an explosion-proof pressure relief component 2, a valve housing 3, and an outer sealing ring 4. The waterproof ventilated component 1 includes a waterproof ventilated membrane 5 and a valve cover plate 6. The valve cover plate 6 not only serves as a protective cover but also presses and fixes the waterproof ventilated membrane 5 underneath, thus saving the need for a separate pressure ring. The explosion-proof pressure relief component 2 includes an explosion-proof diaphragm 7 and a fixing ring 8. The outer side of the explosion-proof diaphragm 7 is pressed and fixed by the fixing ring 8, while the inner side shares the valve cover plate 6 and is pressed and fixed by the valve cover plate 6, further saving the need for a separate pressure ring. The outer sealing ring 4 is installed in a groove at the bottom of the valve housing 3, serving as a seal for the explosion-proof valve. This invention has fewer components, a simpler structure, and faster assembly, resulting in lower raw material (structural component) costs and lower labor (assembly time) costs, making it more advantageous.

[0042] Traditional explosion-proof valves consist of a piston assembly made up of a guide rod, piston, inner sealing ring, and spring, along with a valve body. Dust can easily accumulate and adhere to critical areas such as the gap between the piston and the valve body, the exposed surface of the inner sealing ring, the sealing surface below the piston, and the outer side of the guide rod. This can affect or damage the product's sealing performance. At the same time, the piston assembly is also a dynamic moving part throughout the product's life cycle. Dust adhesion and accumulation in the assembly gap between the outer side of the guide rod and the valve body may cause the guide rod to jam, resulting in piston assembly failure and further damaging the product's sealing performance and explosion-proof opening and pressure relief function.

[0043] By adopting the above technical solution, the traditional guide rod + piston + inner sealing ring + spring structure design is completely abandoned. During long-term use, external dust will accumulate and adhere to the surface of the explosion-proof pressure relief component 2, forming a covering film that appears as dirt. The explosion-proof pressure relief component 2 is completely sealed and has no moving parts in its working state. Dust and other contaminants on its surface will not affect its sealing performance, nor will dust accumulation cause the explosion-proof valve's moving parts to jam, further reducing the risk of sealing performance and explosion-proof pressure relief function failure. This ensures the battery pack maintains its sealing performance even under special operating conditions, eliminating the risks of dust accumulation causing jamming or sealing failure due to dust adhesion, thus further strengthening and improving the battery pack's safety performance.

[0044] The above technical solution reduces the number of parts required, simplifies the part structure, and lowers processing costs. Furthermore, the explosion-proof valve adopts a modular design, greatly improving the flexibility, versatility, and adaptability of this type of product. It can be adjusted according to different performance and installation requirements of the client, making it easy to implement. The assembly of the explosion-proof valve is simpler, requiring no special fixtures or processes, facilitating mass production and market application.

[0045] The present invention is further configured such that: the waterproof and breathable component 1 includes a waterproof and breathable membrane 5 and a valve cover plate 6; the valve cover plate 6 has inner and outer annular pressing parts and is designed with a breathable hole structure 11; the inner annular pressing part of the valve cover plate 6 fixes the waterproof and breathable membrane 5 below it, and the outer annular pressing part fixes the explosion-proof film 7 below it, and the whole assembly is assembled into the internal cavity of the valve housing 3.

[0046] By adopting the above technical solution, the assembly of the waterproof and breathable component 1 is completed through simple pressing, welding, or bonding processes, so that the product can prevent liquid water from entering and allow gas to flow freely under normal working conditions, thus possessing waterproof and breathable functions.

[0047] The present invention is further configured such that: the explosion-proof pressure relief assembly 2 includes an explosion-proof diaphragm 7 and a fixing ring 8; the outer side of the explosion-proof diaphragm 7 is pressed and fixed by the fixing ring 8, and the inner side shares the valve cover plate 6, which is pressed and fixed by the valve cover plate 6, further saving the need for a separate pressure ring; the whole assembly is assembled into the internal cavity of the valve housing 3.

[0048] By adopting the above technical solution, the explosion-proof pressure relief component 2 is assembled through simple pressing, welding, or bonding processes, so that the product has the functions of explosion-proof opening and venting and pressure relief.

[0049] The present invention is further configured such that: the valve housing 3 has a structural cavity inside which a waterproof and breathable component 1 and an explosion-proof pressure relief component 2 are designed to accommodate and assemble, and can be designed to assemble only one set or multiple sets of waterproof and breathable component 1 + explosion-proof pressure relief component 2; its bottom surface is designed with an outer sealing ring 4 groove for assembling the outer sealing ring 4; its outer side can be designed with mounting holes or mounting threads for adapting to the installation of the client's battery pack.

[0050] The above technical solution, as the main carrier component of the explosion-proof valve product, can be equipped with one or more sets of waterproof and breathable components 1 + explosion-proof pressure relief components 2 according to the product performance requirements. The modular design is highly flexible and can meet the product installation requirements.

[0051] The invention is further configured such that: the explosion-proof pressure relief assembly 2 is internally equipped with an explosion-proof diaphragm 7, which not only serves as a complete seal but also as a key component for realizing explosion-proof opening and venting pressure relief; one side is fixed by a fixing ring 8 and the other side is fixed by a valve cover plate 6. After assembly, the middle part of the explosion-proof diaphragm 7 will form an upward convex deformation structure 13 or a downward concave deformation structure, the main purpose of which is to enhance structural stability, increase its structural strength, and improve sealing and protection performance.

[0052] By adopting the above technical solution, the upward convex deformation structure 13 or downward concave deformation structure formed in the middle part of the specially designed explosion-proof diaphragm 7 after assembly not only improves the strength of the structure, but also further improves the structural stability and enhances the sealing performance. When the battery cells in the battery pack experience abnormal conditions such as thermal runaway, the high temperature and high pressure gas in the battery pack will directly act on the explosion-proof diaphragm 7, causing the explosion-proof diaphragm 7 to detach, rupture or puncture, thereby opening the exhaust channel, quickly venting and depressurizing to the outside, and realizing the explosion-proof function.

[0053] The present invention is further configured such that: the waterproof and breathable component can be separately peeled off from the waterproof and breathable membrane 5, and the explosion-proof pressure relief component 2 can be separately peeled off from the explosion-proof diaphragm 7; the waterproof and breathable membrane 5 and the explosion-proof diaphragm 7 can be integrated into a single assembly using welding, bonding, pressing, or nesting processes, forming a waterproof, breathable, and explosion-proof assembly 10; if the waterproof and breathable membrane 5 is assembled at the center of the explosion-proof diaphragm 7, then the explosion-proof diaphragm 7 is assembled on the periphery; if the waterproof and breathable membrane 5 is assembled on the periphery of the explosion-proof diaphragm 7, then the explosion-proof diaphragm 7 is assembled at its center. The waterproof, breathable, and explosion-proof assembly 10 is then directly assembled into the cavity of the valve housing 3 through pressing, bonding, welding, and other processes to complete the product assembly.

[0054] By adopting the above technical solution, the waterproof and breathable component 1 and the explosion-proof pressure relief component 2 are integrated into a single unit. While ensuring product performance, this further reduces the number of parts and shortens assembly time. The waterproof and breathable membrane 5 prevents liquid water ingress while allowing free gas flow under normal operating conditions, providing both waterproof and breathable functionality. The explosion-proof diaphragm 7 allows for rapid venting and pressure relief in the event of thermal runaway or other abnormal conditions within the battery pack. The high-temperature, high-pressure gas inside the battery pack directly acts on the explosion-proof diaphragm 7, causing it to detach, rupture, or be punctured, thus opening the venting channel and quickly releasing gas and pressure to the outside, achieving explosion-proof functionality. This solution satisfies the performance requirements of the explosion-proof valve while significantly reducing product costs and enhancing product competitiveness.

[0055] The invention is further configured such that: a protective cover, top shell, outer cover, surrounding plate, pressure ring, or other structural components are provided on the top or outside of the waterproof and breathable component 1 or the waterproof and breathable membrane 5. These structural components have channels for gas entry and exit; these channels can be single or multiple holes, openings, or slits of different shapes, or stacked staggered channels, or openings or slots on the outer wall; while ensuring gas flow, they also serve to prevent dust, foreign object puncture, and collisions. The top or outside of the explosion-proof pressure relief component 2 or the explosion-proof diaphragm 7 has a certain cavity provided or reserved as space to accommodate the deformation of the explosion-proof diaphragm 7; when a high-temperature, high-pressure gas condition is formed inside the equipment, the high-temperature, high-pressure gas acts on the explosion-proof diaphragm 7, causing it to deform, eventually detach, burst, or puncture, forming a channel for gas to be discharged to the outside, thereby achieving the functions of explosion prevention, gas exhaust, and pressure relief.

[0056] Specifically, one or more vent holes 11 are designed on the top of the valve cover plate 6 as channels for gas to enter and exit; the valve body 3 is designed with a gap space 12 to accommodate the deformation of the explosion-proof diaphragm 7. When a high temperature and high gas pressure condition is formed inside the equipment, the high temperature and high pressure gas acts on the explosion-proof diaphragm 7, causing it to deform and eventually detach, burst, or puncture. The gap space 12 also serves as a channel for the rapid discharge and depressurization of the gas inside the equipment.

[0057] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. All equivalent substitutions made within the principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Contents not described in detail in this invention are existing technologies known to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A card-type explosion-proof vent valve, characterized in that, It includes a waterproof and breathable component (1), an explosion-proof pressure relief component (2), a valve housing (3), and an outer sealing ring (4). The waterproof and breathable component (1) and the explosion-proof pressure relief component (2) are assembled in the following combination. First, the waterproof and breathable component (1) is installed in the center, and the explosion-proof pressure relief component (2) is installed on the periphery; Second, if the waterproof and breathable component (1) is installed on the periphery, then the explosion-proof pressure relief component (2) is installed in the center; Third, if the waterproof and breathable component (1) is installed on one side, then the explosion-proof pressure relief component (2) is installed on the other side; Waterproof and breathable components (1) and / or explosion-proof pressure relief components (2) are installed on the valve body (3); The outer sealing ring (4) is installed at the bottom of the valve body (3).

2. The card-type explosion-proof vent valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, Waterproof and breathable component (1) peeling part waterproof and breathable membrane (5), explosion-proof pressure relief component (2) peeling part explosion-proof adhesive film (7), waterproof and breathable membrane (5) and explosion-proof adhesive film (7) are assembled into a whole by welding or bonding process to form a waterproof, breathable and explosion-proof assembly (10).

3. The card-type explosion-proof vent valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The waterproof and breathable component (1) consists of a waterproof and breathable membrane (5) and a valve cover plate (6).

4. The card-type explosion-proof vent valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The waterproof and breathable membrane (5) and valve cover plate (6) are assembled with the valve body (3) by hot-melt welding of plastic material or interference pressing of metal material.

5. A card-type explosion-proof vent valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The explosion-proof pressure relief assembly (2) consists of an explosion-proof diaphragm (7) and a fixing ring (8).

6. A card-type explosion-proof vent valve according to claim 5, characterized in that, The explosion-proof diaphragm (7) and the retaining ring (8) are assembled with the valve body (3) by hot-melt welding of plastic material or interference pressing of metal material.

7. A card-type explosion-proof vent valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, If the waterproof and breathable membrane (5) is assembled at the center of the explosion-proof membrane (7), then the explosion-proof membrane (7) is assembled on the periphery; if the waterproof and breathable membrane (5) is assembled on the periphery of the explosion-proof membrane (7), then the explosion-proof membrane (7) is assembled at its center.

8. A card-type explosion-proof vent valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve cover plate (6) has one or more ventilation holes (11) on its top, which serve as channels for gas to enter and exit.

9. A card-type explosion-proof vent valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve housing (3) is designed with a gap space (12) to accommodate the deformation of the explosion-proof diaphragm (7).

10. A card-type explosion-proof vent valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The valve cover plate (6) has inner and outer annular pressure parts.

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