Pressure balancing unit for battery and battery

Abstract

The utility model provides a pressure balancing unit for a battery and the battery. The pressure balancing unit includes: a body defining a mounting portion and a channel, the mounting portion being configured to be connected to a battery case of the battery, and the channel communicating an inside and an outside of the battery; the diaphragm is arranged in the channel of the body; wherein the mounting portion includes a threaded structure to be threadingly connected to the battery case, and the body includes a torque applying portion. The pressure balancing unit according to the present application can be prevented from being tampered.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of batteries, and more particularly, to a pressure balancing unit for a battery and a battery. Background Art

[0002] Batteries, such as those used in new energy vehicles, typically include a housing and battery components within the housing. The interior of the battery housing is typically connected to the outside via a pressure-balancing unit. The pressure-balancing unit includes a diaphragm that allows gas to pass while inhibiting liquid flow, thereby maintaining pressure within the battery housing and protecting the battery components from moisture. Access to the interior of the battery housing through the mounting holes of the pressure-balancing unit can pose a safety hazard. Therefore, tampering with the pressure-balancing unit is undesirable. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this application is to solve or at least alleviate the problems existing in the prior art.

[0004] According to some aspects of the present application, there is provided a pressure balancing unit for a battery, comprising:

[0005] a body defining a mounting portion configured to be connected to a battery housing of the battery and a passage communicating the interior and exterior of the battery; and

[0006] a diaphragm disposed in the channel of the body;

[0007] Wherein, the mounting portion includes a threaded structure for threaded connection to the battery housing and the body includes a torque applying portion.

[0008] Optionally, in an embodiment of the pressure balancing unit, the torque applying portion of the body is configured to be suitable for receiving a positive torque corresponding to a direction of tightening the pressure balancing unit to the battery housing, and is not suitable for receiving a reverse torque corresponding to a direction of loosening the pressure balancing unit from the battery housing.

[0009] Optionally, in an embodiment of the pressure balancing unit, the body further comprises a flange portion, the mounting portion is located on a first side of the flange portion, and the body is configured as a pipe orifice at a second side of the flange portion opposite to the first side.

[0010] Optionally, in an embodiment of the pressure balancing unit, the torque applying portion is provided in an outer peripheral area of the flange portion.

[0011] Optionally, in an embodiment of the pressure balancing unit, the peripheral area of the flange portion includes a plurality of ratchet teeth.

[0012] Optionally, in an embodiment of the pressure balancing unit, the second side surface of the flange portion includes a plurality of notches distributed along the circumference.

[0013] Optionally, in an embodiment of the pressure balancing unit, the depths of the plurality of notches vary along a circumferential direction.

[0014] Optionally, in an embodiment of the pressure balancing unit, the torque applying portion is arranged on an inner side surface or an outer side surface of the pipe opening.

[0015] Optionally, in an embodiment of the pressure balancing unit, the inner side surface of the pipe opening includes a plurality of notches distributed along the circumference, and the depths of the plurality of notches vary along the circumferential direction.

[0016] Optionally, in an embodiment of the pressure balancing unit, the outer side surface of the nozzle includes a plurality of ratchet teeth distributed along the circumference.

[0017] Optionally, in an embodiment of the pressure balancing unit, the torque applying portion is removable.

[0018] Optionally, in an embodiment of the pressure balancing unit, the torque applying portion is configured to have a polygonal shape.

[0019] Optionally, in an embodiment of the pressure balancing unit, the body includes a flange portion, the flange portion includes an outer portion, an inner portion and a weakened portion, the torque applying portion is arranged in the outer portion, and the torque applying portion can be separated from the inner portion along the weakened portion.

[0020] Optionally, in an embodiment of the pressure balancing unit, the mounting portion is tubular and includes an external thread, the end of the mounting portion has a plurality of clips, and the first side surface of the flange portion has a sealing ring groove and a sealing ring arranged in the sealing ring groove.

[0021] A battery is also provided, comprising the pressure balancing unit according to various embodiments.

[0022] The pressure balancing unit according to the present application can be protected against tampering. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The disclosure of this application will be more easily understood with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Furthermore, similar numbers in the figures represent similar components, where:

[0024] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a battery according to an embodiment;

[0025] Figure 2 and Figure 3 shows an separated perspective view and an engaged perspective view, respectively, of a pressure balancing unit and a corresponding installation tool according to one embodiment;

[0026] Figure 4 and Figure 5 shows an separated view and an engaged view, respectively, of a pressure balancing unit and a corresponding installation tool according to another embodiment;

[0027] Figure 6 and Figure 7 shows an separated perspective view and a joined perspective view, respectively, of a pressure balancing unit and a corresponding installation tool according to yet another embodiment;

[0028] Figure 8 and Figure 9 1. The figures show perspective views of a pressure balancing unit before and after installation according to another embodiment;

[0029] Figure 10 A perspective view showing another angle of a pressure balancing unit according to one embodiment; and

[0030] Figure 11 A cross-sectional view shows the connection position between the pressure balancing unit and the battery housing according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] First reference Figure 1 , which shows a battery and a pressure balancing unit. The battery includes a battery housing 1, which defines an internal cavity 10 and a port 11. Multiple battery components 3 are arranged in the cavity 10. A pressure balancing unit 2 is mounted to the port 11 of the battery housing 1. The pressure balancing unit includes a body, which defines a mounting portion 21 and a channel 23. The mounting portion 21 is configured to be connected to the battery housing 1 of the battery. The mounting portion 21 may include a threaded structure for threaded connection to the battery housing 1. For example, the mounting portion 21 may have external threads for threaded connection to the internal threads of the port 11 of the battery housing 1. The channel 23 of the pressure balancing unit 2 connects the interior and exterior of the battery. The pressure balancing unit 2 also includes a diaphragm 4 disposed in the channel 23. The diaphragm 4 is a breathable and waterproof diaphragm that allows ventilation between the interior of the housing 1 and the exterior, thereby maintaining a stable pressure inside the battery housing 1 during, for example, thermal cycling, while preventing water from entering the interior of the battery housing 1. Therefore, the diaphragm 4 is configured to make the channel 23 breathable and waterproof, that is, the diaphragm 4 spans the channel 23. In addition, the body further comprises a torque applying portion, which is configured to tighten the pressure balancing unit 2 to the battery housing 1 by using a dedicated tool to prevent the pressure balancing unit 2 from being tampered with, ie, manually removed.

[0032] Continue to refer Figure 2 and Figure 3 , which shows one embodiment of a torque application unit and a dedicated tool. In some embodiments, the body further includes a flange portion 22. A first side of the flange portion 22 forms a mounting portion 21, while a second side of the flange portion 22, opposite the first side, forms a nozzle 25. In some embodiments, the second side surface 222 of the flange portion mates with the port 11 of the battery housing 1, with a sealing ring disposed therebetween.

[0033] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the torque applying portion is provided in the peripheral area of the flange portion 22. More specifically, the peripheral area of the flange portion includes a plurality of ratchet teeth 224, with gaps 220 between adjacent ratchet teeth 224. In some embodiments, the special tool 5 may include an annular portion 51 having a plurality of slide grooves and a plurality of sliders 52 that can slide along the plurality of slide grooves of the annular portion. Although not shown, it should be understood that each special tool 5 may include a handle to facilitate the application of torque. Figure 3 As shown, the plurality of teeth 51 of the special tool 5 fit into the gaps 220 between adjacent ratchet teeth 224, thereby applying torque along arrow R by the special tool 5 to tighten the pressure balancing unit 2 to the battery housing 1. In some embodiments, the torque applying portion of the pressure balancing unit 2 is configured to be adapted to receive a positive torque corresponding to the direction of tightening the pressure balancing unit 2 to the battery housing 1, i.e., Figure 3 In some embodiments, the torque applying portion is configured to be unsuitable for receiving a reverse torque corresponding to the direction of loosening the pressure balance unit 2 from the battery housing 1, i.e., when ... Figure 3 When torque is applied in the direction opposite to the R direction, each slider 52 will slide out along the slide groove to separate from the gap 220 between adjacent ratchet teeth 224, thereby preventing the pressure balance unit 2 from being removed. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the special tool 5 acts on the outer circumferential surface 223 of the flange portion 22 of the pressure balancing unit 2 .

[0034] Continue to refer Figure 4 and Figure 5 , which shows another embodiment of the torque applying portion and the special tool. In some embodiments, the second side surface 222 of the flange portion 22 includes a plurality of notches 226 distributed along the circumference, and the plurality of notches 226 can also be provided in the peripheral area of the flange portion 22. In some embodiments, the depth of the plurality of notches 226 of the second side surface 222 of the flange portion 22 varies along the circumferential direction, for example, gradually deepening along the direction corresponding to the tightening. Correspondingly, the special tool 5' is sleeve-shaped, which includes a plurality of bosses 53 distributed along the circumference, and the plurality of bosses 53 have a shape corresponding to the plurality of notches 226. As shown Figure 5As shown, when a positive torque is applied in the direction of tightening the pressure balancing unit 2′ using the special tool 5′, the positive torque will be easily transmitted to the pressure balancing unit 2′. On the contrary, when a reverse torque is applied, the special tool 5′ will slide out of the pressure balancing unit 2′, thereby preventing the pressure balancing unit 2′ from being removed.

[0035] Continue to refer Figure 6 and Figure 7 , which shows another embodiment of a torque applying portion and a special tool. In some embodiments, the torque applying portion is provided on the inner side surface 251 of the nozzle 25, rather than on the flange portion 22. In some embodiments, the inner side surface 251 of the nozzle 25 includes a plurality of notches 253 distributed along the circumference, the depth of the plurality of notches 253 varies along the circumferential direction, and the plurality of notches 253 may, for example, have a shape corresponding to ratchet teeth. Correspondingly, the special tool 5" includes a cylindrical portion, and the cylindrical portion includes a plurality of ratchet teeth 54. As shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, when a positive torque is applied in the direction of tightening the pressure balancing unit 2" using the dedicated tool 5", the torque can be easily transmitted to the pressure balancing unit 2". In some embodiments, the torque applying portion can be provided on the outer side surface 252 of the nozzle 25, for example, configured as ratchets on the outer side surface 252 of the nozzle 25. In some embodiments, the number of the plurality of notches 253 and the corresponding ratchets can be provided in an odd number, making it difficult for a user to disassemble the unit when using a conventional tool having an even number of ratchets, thereby preventing tampering.

[0036] In some embodiments, the torque applying portion is configured to accept both positive and negative torques, but the torque applying portion is removable. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the torque applying portion is configured to have a polygonal shape, such as a regular polygonal shape or a convex polygonal shape. For example, the flange portion 22 is configured to have a regular hexagonal shape, and the dedicated tool can be a wrench of a corresponding shape. In some embodiments, the flange portion includes an outer portion 229, an inner portion 227 and a weakened portion 228. The torque applying portion is provided on the outer portion 229, and the torque applying portion can be separated from the inner portion 227 along the weakened portion 228. Figure 9 As shown, the outer part 229 of the pressure balancing unit 2"" is removed, while the inner part 227 no longer has a torque application portion, for example, a rounded shape. In this embodiment, after the pressure balancing unit 2"' has been tightened, the outer part 229 can be removed, thereby preventing the pressure balancing unit 2"" from being disassembled.

[0037] Continue to refer Figure 10 and Figure 11In some embodiments, the mounting portion 21 is tubular and includes external threads 211. The end of the mounting portion may have multiple snaps 212. These snaps 212 ensure that the pressure balance unit 2 is difficult to remove. In some embodiments, the first side surface 221 of the flange portion 22 includes a sealing ring groove, and the sealing ring 6 is disposed in this sealing ring groove. When the pressure balance unit 2 is tightened onto the battery housing 1, the sealing ring 6 is also compressed.

[0038] According to another aspect, a battery is provided, comprising the pressure balancing unit according to various embodiments.

[0039] The specific embodiments described above are intended only to more clearly illustrate the principles of the present invention, wherein the various components are clearly shown or described to make the principles of the present invention easier to understand. Those skilled in the art may readily make various modifications or variations to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention. It should be understood that such modifications or variations are intended to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pressure balancing unit for a battery, comprising: a body defining a mounting portion (21) configured to be connected to a battery housing (1) of the battery and a passage (23) communicating the interior and exterior of the battery; and a diaphragm (4) disposed in the passage (23) of the body; It is characterized in that the mounting portion (21) includes a threaded structure for being threadedly connected to the battery housing (1) and the body includes a torque applying portion.

2. The pressure balancing unit according to claim 1, characterized in that The torque applying portion of the body is configured to be suitable for receiving a positive torque corresponding to a direction of tightening the pressure balancing unit (2) to the battery housing (1), and is not suitable for receiving a reverse torque corresponding to a direction of loosening the pressure balancing unit (2) from the battery housing (1).

3. The pressure balancing unit according to claim 1, characterized in that The body further comprises a flange portion (22), the mounting portion (21) is located on a first side of the flange portion (22), and the body is configured as a pipe opening (25) on a second side of the flange portion (22) opposite to the first side.

4. The pressure balancing unit according to claim 3, characterized in that The torque applying portion is arranged in the peripheral area of the flange portion, wherein the peripheral area of the flange portion includes a plurality of ratchet teeth (224), or the second side surface (222) of the flange portion includes a plurality of notches (226) distributed along the circumference, wherein the depths of the plurality of notches (226) vary along the circumferential direction.

5. The pressure balancing unit according to claim 3, characterized in that: The torque applying portion is arranged on the inner side surface (251) or the outer side surface (252) of the pipe mouth (25), wherein the inner side surface (251) of the pipe mouth includes a plurality of notches (253) distributed along the circumference, and the depths of the plurality of notches (253) vary along the circumferential direction, or the outer side surface (252) of the pipe mouth includes a plurality of ratchet teeth distributed along the circumference.

6. The pressure balancing unit according to claim 1, characterized in that The torque applying portion is removable.

7. The pressure balancing unit according to claim 6, characterized in that The torque applying portion is configured to have a polygonal shape.

8. The pressure balancing unit according to claim 6, characterized in that The body includes a flange portion (22), the flange portion (22) includes an outer portion (229), an inner portion (227) and a weakened portion (228), the torque applying portion is provided on the outer portion (229), and the torque applying portion can be separated from the inner portion (227) along the weakened portion (228).

9. The pressure balancing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The mounting portion (21) is tubular and includes an external thread (211). The end of the mounting portion (21) has a plurality of snaps (212). The body includes a flange portion (22). A first side surface (221) of the flange portion (22) has a sealing ring groove and a sealing ring (6) disposed in the sealing ring groove.

10. A battery, characterized in that: The battery comprises: A battery housing (1), the battery housing (1) defining a cavity (10) and a port (11); a battery component (3) arranged in the cavity (10); and A pressure balancing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9 mounted to a port (11) of the battery housing (1).

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