Valve device, battery pack and electric appliance

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a valve device used on a battery pack, a battery pack and an electrical equipment. The valve device comprises a substrate and a first valve sheet. The substrate is provided with a first slit. The first valve sheet is laminated with the substrate, located on a first side of the substrate, and covers the first slit to limit the airflow from the first side through the substrate to a second side of the substrate opposite to the first side in the thickness direction. When the air pressure of the second side exceeds the air pressure of the first side and the pressure difference is greater than a first target pressure difference, the first valve sheet can be partially lifted away from the substrate to allow the airflow to pass through the first slit from the second side to the first side through the substrate. According to the valve device with the above structure, the unidirectional flow of the airflow can be controlled by the pressure difference between the second side and the first side. In addition, the valve device is only a simple lamination of the substrate and the valve sheet, and the opening and closing of the airflow passage are realized by partially lifting the valve sheet by the pressure difference. The overall structure is flat, the space occupation is small, the structure is simple, and the cost is low.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of batteries, and more specifically to a valve device for use in a battery pack, a battery pack having the valve device, and an electrical device having the battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] Under abnormal conditions such as overheating or internal short circuits, batteries may experience thermal runaway, leading to electrolyte decomposition and the generation of large amounts of gas, causing a sharp increase in internal pressure within the battery pack. If this pressure cannot be released in time, it may cause the battery pack casing to expand, rupture, or even explode, seriously threatening user safety and equipment reliability.

[0003] Battery packs typically include pressure relief valves such as umbrella valves. An umbrella valve is a type of valve that uses the deformation of an elastic material (usually rubber or silicone) under pressure to open and achieve one-way pressure relief. Due to its simple structure and low cost, it is widely used for pressure relief in battery packs. However, umbrella valves require sufficient space to fully open and form an effective airflow channel, resulting in a relatively large space occupied by the umbrella valve and a larger overall battery pack size. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the present disclosure provides a valve device for use in a battery pack, so as to at least solve or improve the problem of large space occupation of conventional valve devices.

[0005] The valve device includes a substrate and a first valve plate. The substrate has a first slit. The first valve plate is stacked on the substrate, located on a first side of the substrate, and covers the first slit to restrict airflow from passing through the first slit across the substrate from the first side to a second side of the substrate opposite to the first side in the thickness direction. When the air pressure on the second side exceeds the air pressure on the first side and the pressure difference is greater than a first target pressure difference, the first valve plate can be partially lifted in a direction away from the substrate to allow airflow to pass through the first slit from the second side across the substrate to the first side.

[0006] According to the valve device constructed above, the unidirectional flow of air can be controlled by the pressure difference between the second side and the first side. Under normal circumstances, the valve plate is tightly attached to the substrate, which can block the airflow from the first side and the second side from passing through the substrate through the first slit. When the air pressure on the second side exceeds the air pressure on the first side and the pressure difference is greater than the first target pressure difference, the airflow can lift part of the valve plate away from the substrate, forming an airflow channel, allowing the airflow to pass through the first slit from the second side through the substrate to the first side, realizing the unidirectional passage of airflow. When the air pressure on the second side is balanced with the air pressure on the first side, the valve plate automatically returns to its original position and attaches to the substrate, forming a sealing structure. In addition, this valve device is only a simple stack of substrate and valve plate. The airflow channel is opened and closed by partially lifting the valve plate by the pressure difference. The overall structure is flat, occupies little space, is simple in structure, and has a low cost.

[0007] This disclosure also provides a battery pack including a plurality of batteries, a housing, and a valve device according to the above description. The housing houses the plurality of batteries. The valve device is mounted on the housing.

[0008] This disclosure also provides an electrical device that includes the aforementioned battery pack. Attached Figure Description

[0009] It should be understood that the following figures only illustrate certain embodiments of this disclosure and should not be construed as limiting the scope.

[0010] It should be understood that the same or similar reference numerals are used in the accompanying drawings to denote the same or similar elements.

[0011] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are only schematic, and the dimensions and scales of the elements in the drawings are not necessarily precise.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a valve device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the substrate structure.

[0014] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the substrate structure in another embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a valve device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a valve device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a valve device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the substrate structure.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a valve device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the valve device is in the closed state.

[0021] Figure 10 for Figure 9 Another schematic cross-sectional view of the battery pack, in which the first valve plate is in the open state.

[0022] Figure 11 for Figure 9 Another schematic cross-sectional view of the battery pack, in which the second valve is in the open position.

[0023] Figure 12 for Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the valve cover structure.

[0024] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: Valve device - 100, 100a, 100b; Substrate - 10, 10a; Slit - 11, 11a; First slit - 12; Second slit - 13; Valve plate - 20, 20a; First valve plate - 21; Second valve plate - 22; Waterproof and breathable membrane - 30b; First waterproof and breathable membrane - 30, 31; Second waterproof and breathable membrane - 32; Battery pack - 200; Box - 210; Internal space of box - 211; Box opening - 212; Battery - 220; Valve cover - 230; Valve cover top wall - 231; Valve cover peripheral wall - 232; Electrical equipment - 1000. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Numerous specific details are set forth below to provide an understanding of the structure, function, and use of the embodiments described and illustrated in the specification and figures. It is to be understood that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it will be appreciated that the particular structural and functional details disclosed herein are representative and exemplary. Variations and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0027] For ease of description, directional terms such as first direction, second direction, and thickness will be used below. In this disclosure, the first direction, second direction, and third direction are perpendicular to each other. In the accompanying drawings of this disclosure, the first direction is indicated by arrow X, the second direction by arrow Y, and the thickness direction by arrow Z.

[0028] <Exemplary Valve Device> refer to Figure 1 According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a valve device 100 may include a substrate 10 and a valve plate 20. (In conjunction with...) Figure 2 and Figure 3 The substrate 21 is provided with a slit 11. In some embodiments, the slit 11 is a straight slit extending along a second direction. In other embodiments, the slit 11 is a curved slit extending along the second direction. In still other embodiments, the slit 11 may also be other types of slits. This disclosure does not limit its type.

[0029] The valve plate 20 is stacked with the substrate 10, located on the first side of the substrate 10, and covers the slit 11 to restrict airflow from passing through the substrate from the first side to the second side of the substrate 10 opposite to the first side in the thickness direction. When the air pressure on the second side exceeds the air pressure on the first side and the pressure difference is greater than a first target pressure difference, the valve plate 20 can be partially lifted in a direction away from the substrate 10 to allow airflow to pass through the first slit from the second side to the first side.

[0030] This disclosure does not specifically limit the value of the first target pressure difference, as long as the valve remains closed when the air pressure on the second side exceeds the air pressure on the first side and the pressure difference is less than or equal to the first target pressure difference, and opens when the air pressure on the second side exceeds the air pressure on the first side and the pressure difference is greater than the first target pressure difference. For example, the value range of the first target pressure difference can be 1 kPa to 15 kPa. Preferably, the value range of the first target pressure difference can be 3 kPa to 12 kPa. More preferably, the value range of the first target pressure difference can be 5 kPa to 10 kPa. Alternatively, the first target pressure difference can be 2 kPa, 4 kPa, 7 kPa, 8 kPa, 9 kPa, or 14 kPa.

[0031] According to the valve device 100 constructed as described above, the unidirectional flow of air can be controlled by the pressure difference between the second side and the first side. Under normal circumstances, the valve plate 20 is tightly attached to the substrate 10, which can block the airflow from the first side or the second side from passing through the slit 11 through the substrate 10. When the air pressure on the second side exceeds the air pressure on the first side and the pressure difference is greater than the first target pressure difference, the airflow can lift part of the valve plate 20 in the direction away from the substrate 10, forming an airflow channel, so that the airflow can pass through the slit 11 from the second side through the substrate 10 to the first side, realizing the unidirectional passage of airflow. When the air pressure on the second side is balanced with the air pressure on the first side, the valve plate 20 automatically returns to its original position and attaches to the substrate 10, forming a sealing structure. In addition, the valve device 100 is only a simple stack of the substrate 10 and the valve plate 20. The valve plate 20 is partially lifted by the pressure difference to realize the opening and closing of the airflow channel. The overall structure is flat, occupies little space, has a simple structure, and has a low cost.

[0032] The elastic modulus of the substrate 10 is E1, where 1000 (MPa) ≤ E1 (MPa) ≤ 210000 (MPa). Preferably, 3000 (MPa) ≤ E1 ≤ 180000 (MPa). More preferably, 6000 (MPa) ≤ E1 (MPa) ≤ 160000 (MPa). Alternatively, E1 can also be 9000 (MPa), 20000 (MPa), 60000 (MPa), 80000 (MPa), 100000 (MPa), or 130000 (MPa). By way of example only, the material of the substrate 10 can be selected from aluminum alloy, steel plate, stainless steel, epoxy resin board, PC, silicone, etc.

[0033] If E1 is too large, meaning the elastic modulus of substrate 10 is greater than 210,000 MPa, or the stiffness of substrate 10 is too high, substrate 10 is susceptible to external vibrations, which can cause it to crack, leading to the cracking of slit 11 and reducing its sealing performance. If E1 is too small, meaning the elastic modulus of substrate 10 is less than 1,000 MPa, the slit 11 on substrate 10 will change due to the airflow. Either the cross-sectional area of ​​slit 11 will increase, reducing its sealing performance, or the slit 11 will nearly close, preventing airflow from the second side from passing through the slit 11 and reaching the first side of substrate 10 in time. Therefore, within the range of 1,000 MPa ≤ E1 MPa ≤ 210 MPa, substrate 10 will not be affected by external vibrations, and the change in the cross-sectional area of ​​slit 11 is minimally affected by airflow.

[0034] The elastic modulus of the valve plate 20 is E2, where 1 (MPa) ≤ E2 (MPa) ≤ 100 (MPa). Preferably, 20 (MPa) ≤ E2 (MPa) ≤ 80 (MPa). More preferably, 40 (MPa) ≤ E2 (MPa) ≤ 60 (MPa). Alternatively, E2 can also be 10 (MPa), 30 (MPa), 50 (MPa), 70 (MPa), or 90 (MPa). By way of example only, the material of the valve plate can be selected from ordinary silicone, fluorosilicone, rubber, etc.

[0035] If E2 is too large, meaning the elastic modulus of valve plate 20 is greater than 100 MPa, or the stiffness of valve plate 20 is too large, a large first target pressure difference is required for a portion of valve plate 20 to be lifted, preventing airflow from the second side from passing through the substrate 10 to the first side via the first slit. If E2 is too small, meaning the elastic modulus of valve plate 20 is less than 1 MPa, or the stiffness of valve plate 20 is too small, a small instantaneous change in air pressure on the second side can easily cause a portion of valve plate 20 to be accidentally lifted. Within the reasonable range of 1 MPa ≤ E2 MPa ≤ 100 MPa, a smaller first target pressure difference is required for valve plate 20 to be partially lifted in the direction away from substrate 10, allowing airflow to pass through the substrate 10 to the first side via the slit 11. Furthermore, valve plate 20 will not be accidentally lifted due to small instantaneous changes in air pressure on the second side.

[0036] A portion of the edge of the valve plate 20 is fixedly connected to the substrate 10, and another portion of the edge is separably attached to the substrate 10.

[0037] According to the above structure, when the air pressure on the second side exceeds the air pressure on the first side and the pressure difference is greater than the first target pressure difference, the edge of the valve plate 20, which is separably attached to the substrate 10, can be lifted, allowing airflow to pass through the slit 11 from the second side through the substrate 10 to the first side. With the valve device 11 having the above structure, when the air pressure on the second side exceeds the air pressure on the first side and the pressure difference is less than or equal to the first target pressure difference, under the action of a portion of the edge fixedly connected to the substrate 10, the edge of the valve plate 20 can be tightly attached to the substrate 10, forming a sealing structure, which can effectively block airflow, moisture, dust, and other contaminants from the first side from reaching the second side.

[0038] In one example, the valve plate 20 may include two first long edges opposite each other in a first direction and two first short edges opposite each other in a second direction. The two first short edges and one first long edge are fixedly connected to the substrate 10, and the other first long edge is detachably attached to the substrate 10.

[0039] By separably attaching one of the first long edges of the valve plate 20 to the substrate 10, a smaller first target pressure difference can lift the first long edge, allowing airflow to pass through the slit 11 from the second side through the substrate 10 to the first side. Furthermore, the opening degree of the first long edge when lifted is greater than that of the first short edge. This facilitates smooth airflow through the slit 11 from the second side through the substrate 10 to the first side, reducing flow resistance and improving airflow efficiency.

[0040] In another example, the valve plate 20 may include two first long edges opposite each other in a first direction and two first short edges opposite each other in a second direction. The two first short edges are fixedly connected to the substrate 10, and the two first long edges are separably attached to the substrate 10.

[0041] In the valve device 100 with the above-described structure, when the air pressure on the second side exceeds the air pressure on the first side and the pressure difference is greater than the first target pressure difference, both first long edges of the valve plate 20 can be lifted in a direction away from the substrate 10, allowing airflow to pass through the slit 11 from the second side through the substrate 10 to the first side. Compared to the two short edges, the two first long edges are separably attached to the substrate 10, which allows for lower flow resistance and higher airflow efficiency when the airflow reaches the first side from the second side.

[0042] In one embodiment, reference Figure 3 The valve plate 20 has a dimension of a1 in the first direction, in mm. The valve plate 20 has a dimension of a2 in the second direction, in mm. The ratio a1 / a2 can satisfy: 0.025 ≤ a1 / a2 ≤ 5. Preferably, 0.1 ≤ a1 / a2 ≤ 4. More preferably, 2 ≤ a1 / a2 ≤ 3. Alternatively, the ratio a1 / a2 can also be 0.05, 0.5, 1, 2.5, 3.5, or 4.5.

[0043] If the ratio a1 / a2 is too small, meaning the valve plate 20 is too narrow, a small external force can cause the valve plate 20 to be lifted, reducing the sealing performance. When the air pressure on the second side changes instantaneously, the valve plate 20 is easily lifted accidentally. Alternatively, airflow on the first side can also easily lift a portion of the valve plate 20 accidentally. If the ratio a1 / a2 is too large, meaning a1 and a2 are nearly equal, a larger first target pressure difference is required to lift a portion of the edge of the valve plate 20, preventing the airflow on the second side from passing through the slit 11 and reaching the first side from the second side via the substrate 10. Within the range of 0.025 ≤ a1 / a2 ≤ 5, the valve plate 20 can maintain a sealing contact with the substrate 10, improving the sealing performance. Furthermore, when the air pressure on the second side exceeds the air pressure on the first side and the pressure difference is greater than the first target pressure difference, a portion of the valve plate 20 can be lifted in time, allowing the airflow on the second side to pass through the slit 11 and reach the first side from the second side via the substrate 10.

[0044] In another embodiment, reference Figure 4 The thickness of the substrate is T, in mm. The length of the first slit is b1, in mm. The width of the first slit is b2, in mm, and 0.0005 ≤ (b1 × b2) / T 2 ≤95000. Preferably, 10≤(b1×b2) / T 2 ≤75000. More preferably, 100≤(b1×b2) / T2 ≤55000. Alternatively, the ratio (b1×b2) / T 2 It can also be 200, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400 or 76800.

[0045] If the ratio (b1×b2) / T 2 If the cross-sectional area of ​​slit 11 is too small, meaning the thickness T of substrate 10 is too large, the cross-sectional area for airflow will be too small, and the path of airflow through slit 11 from the second side through substrate 10 to the first side will be too long, thus increasing flow resistance and reducing airflow efficiency. If the ratio (b1×b2) / T 2 If the cross-sectional area of ​​the slit 11 is too large and the thickness T of the substrate 10 is too small, the cross-sectional area for airflow will be too large, and the path of the airflow through the slit 11 from the second side through the substrate 10 to the first side will be too short. This will cause a sudden change in air pressure on the second side, resulting in the accidental lifting of part of the edge of the valve plate 20. (The value is in the range of 0.0005≤(b1×b2) / T). 2 Within the range of ≤95000, when the airflow passes through the slit 11 from the second side through the substrate 10 to the first side, it has low flow resistance and high airflow efficiency. In addition, it can ensure that the pressure difference between the air pressure on the second side and the air pressure on the first side is consistently and stably greater than the first target pressure difference before a portion of the edge of the valve plate 20 is lifted, thus preventing the accidental lifting of a portion of the edge of the valve plate 20.

[0046] Continue to refer to Figure 4 The valve device 100 may also include a first waterproof and breathable membrane 30 laminated with the substrate 10, the first waterproof and breathable membrane 30 covering the slit 11.

[0047] The waterproof and breathable membrane allows gas to pass through while preventing contaminants such as moisture and dust from passing through the slit 11. By providing the first waterproof and breathable membrane 30, gas exchange can be ensured even when the air pressure on the second side is unbalanced with that on the first side. Simultaneously, it also blocks contaminants such as moisture and dust from passing through the slit 11. The waterproof and breathable membrane material can be fiber aerogel, polytetrafluoroethylene microporous membrane, ceramic fiber, etc.

[0048] In some examples, the first waterproof and breathable membrane 30 is located between the substrate 10 and the valve plate 20, and the first waterproof and breathable membrane 30 is at least partially located between the valve plate 20 and the substrate 10.

[0049] The first waterproof and breathable membrane 30 is placed between the substrate and the first valve plate to prevent the first waterproof and breathable membrane 30 from blocking the valve plate 20 and preventing the valve plate 20 from being unable to open. The first waterproof and breathable membrane 30 can also prevent external moisture, dust and other pollutants from reaching the second side from the first side through the slit 11.

[0050] In other examples, the first waterproof and breathable membrane 30 is located on the second side of the substrate 10.

[0051] By placing the first waterproof and breathable membrane 30 on the second side of the substrate 10, it is possible to prevent dust and other pollutants on the first side from clogging and damaging the first waterproof and breathable membrane 30, thus reducing its breathability.

[0052] In another embodiment, reference Figure 5 The valve device 100a may include a substrate 10a and a valve plate 20a. The substrate 10a has a slit 11a. The valve plate 20a is stacked on the substrate 10a, located on the second side of the substrate 10a, and covers the slit 11a to restrict airflow from passing through the slit 11a from the second side through the substrate 10a to the opposite side of the first side. When the air pressure on the first side exceeds the air pressure on the second side and the pressure difference is greater than a second target pressure difference, the valve plate 20a can be partially lifted in a direction away from the substrate 10a to allow airflow to pass through the slit from the first side through the substrate 10a to the second side.

[0053] This disclosure does not specifically limit the value of the second target pressure difference, as long as the valve remains closed when the air pressure on the first side exceeds the air pressure on the second side and the pressure difference is less than or equal to the second target pressure difference, and opens when the air pressure on the first side exceeds the air pressure on the second side and the pressure difference is greater than the second target pressure difference. For example, the value range of the second target pressure difference can be 3 (kPa) to 6 (kPa). Preferably, the value range of the second target pressure difference can be 3.5 (kPa) to 5.5 (kPa). More preferably, the value range of the second target pressure difference can be 4 (kPa) to 5 (kPa). Alternatively, the second target pressure difference can be 3.8 (kPa), 4.5 (kPa), or 5.8 (kPa).

[0054] According to the valve device 100a constructed as described above, the unidirectional flow of airflow can be controlled by the pressure difference between the second side and the first side. Under normal circumstances, the valve plate 20a is tightly attached to the substrate 10a, which can block the airflow from the first side and the second side from passing through the substrate 10a via the slit 11a. When the air pressure on the first side exceeds the air pressure on the second side and the pressure difference is greater than the second target pressure difference, the airflow can lift part of the valve plate 20a in the direction away from the substrate 10a, forming an airflow channel, allowing the airflow to pass through the slit 11a from the second side through the substrate 10a to the first side, thus realizing the unidirectional passage of airflow. When the air pressure on the second side is balanced with the air pressure on the first side, the valve plate 20a automatically returns to its original position and attaches to the substrate 10a, forming a sealing structure. Furthermore, this valve device 100a is simply a stack of the substrate 10a and the valve plate 20a. The valve plate 20a is partially lifted by the pressure difference to realize the opening and closing of the airflow channel. The overall structure is flat, occupies little space, has a simple structure, and is low in cost.

[0055] In another embodiment, reference Figure 6 The valve device 100b may include a substrate 10b and a valve plate. The substrate 10b has a first slit 12 and a second slit 13. The valve plate is stacked on the substrate 10b and may include a first valve plate 21 and a second valve plate 22. The first valve plate 21 is located on a first side of the substrate 10b and covers the first slit 12 to restrict airflow through the first slit 12 from the first side through the substrate 10b to a second side of the substrate 10b opposite to the first side in the thickness direction. When the air pressure on the second side exceeds the air pressure on the first side and the pressure difference is greater than a first target pressure difference, the first valve plate 21 can be partially lifted in a direction away from the substrate to allow airflow through the first slit 12 from the second side through the substrate to the first side. The second valve plate 22 is located on a second side of the substrate 10b and covers the second slit 13 to restrict airflow through the second slit 13 from the second side through the substrate 10b to the first side opposite to the second side. When the air pressure on the first side exceeds the air pressure on the second side and the pressure difference is greater than the second target pressure difference, the second valve plate 22 can be partially lifted in the direction away from the substrate 10b to allow airflow to pass through the second slit 13 from the first side through the substrate 10b to the second side.

[0056] According to the valve device 100b constructed as described above, the bidirectional flow of airflow can be controlled by utilizing the pressure difference between the second side and the first side. Under normal conditions, the first valve plate 21 and the second valve plate 22 are tightly attached to the substrate 10b, which can block the airflow from the first side or the second side from passing through the substrate 10b via the first slit 12 or the second slit 13. When the air pressure on the second side exceeds the air pressure on the first side and the pressure difference is greater than the first target pressure difference, the airflow can lift a portion of the first valve plate 21 in a direction away from the substrate 10b, forming an airflow channel, allowing the airflow to pass through the first slit 12 from the second side through the substrate 10b to the first side. When the air pressure on the first side exceeds the air pressure on the second side and the pressure difference is greater than the second target pressure difference, the airflow can lift a portion of the second valve plate 22 in a direction away from the substrate 10b, forming an airflow channel, allowing the airflow to pass through the second slit 13 from the first side through the substrate 10b to the second side. Furthermore, the valve device 100b is simply a stack of substrate 10b, first valve plate 21 and second valve plate 22. The first valve plate 21 or the second valve plate 22 is partially lifted by the pressure difference between the first side and the second side, thereby opening and closing the airflow channel. The overall structure is flat, occupies little space, has a simple structure and low cost.

[0057] refer to Figures 6 to 8The first slit 12 and the second slit 13 are arranged at intervals along a first direction. Both the first slit 12 and the second slit 13 extend along a second direction. In some embodiments, the first slit 12 and the second slit 13 are straight slits extending along the second direction. In other embodiments, the first slit 12 and the second slit 13 are curved slits extending along the second direction. In other embodiments, one of the first slit 12 and the second slit 13 is a straight slit extending along the second direction, and the other is a curved slit extending along the second direction. In other embodiments, the first slit 12 and the second slit 13 may also be other types of slits. This disclosure does not limit their types.

[0058] The first slit 12 and the second slit 13 are arranged at intervals, and both the first slit 12 and the second slit 13 extend along the second direction. In this way, it can be ensured that the airflow passing through the first slit 12 from the second side through the substrate 10b to the first side and the airflow passing through the second slit 13 from the first side through the substrate 10b to the second side can work independently and not affect each other.

[0059] refer to Figure 7 The length of the first slit 12 is b1, the length of the second slit 13 is c1, and the distance between the first slit 12 and the second slit 13 in the first direction is D, where 0.0007 ≤ (b1 × c1) / D 2 ≤36100. Preferably, 10≤(b1×c1) / D 2 ≤16100. More preferably, 100≤(b1×c1) / D 2 ≤9000. Alternatively, the ratio (b1×c1) / D 2 It can also be 400, 800, 1600, 3200 or 6400.

[0060] In 0.0007≤(b1×c1) / D 2 Within the reasonable range of ≤36100, the space utilization of substrate 10b can be effectively improved, and the mutual interference between the airflow through the first slit 12 and the airflow through the second slit 13 can be avoided, thereby ensuring that the first valve plate 21 and the second valve plate 22 will not be accidentally lifted. If the ratio (b1×c1) / D 2 If the lengths of the first slit 12 (b1) and / or the second slit 13 (c1) are too small, and the distance D between the first slit 12 and the second slit 13 in the first direction is too large, the space utilization of the substrate 10b will decrease, and the cost will increase. Furthermore, if the lengths of the first slit 12 (b1) and / or the second slit 13 (c1) are too small, a larger first or second target pressure difference is required to lift the first valve plate 21 or the second valve plate 22, preventing timely airflow exchange between the first and second sides. If the ratio (b1×c1) / D 2If the lengths b1 and c1 of the first slit 12 and / or the second slit 13 are too large, and the distance D between the first slit 12 and the second slit 13 in the first direction is too small, the airflow through the first slit 12 and the airflow through the second slit 13 will interfere with each other. Specifically, when the airflow passes through the first slit 12 from the second side through the substrate 10b to the first side, the airflow reaching the first side will cause the second valve plate 22 to be accidentally lifted in a direction away from the substrate 10b. When the airflow passes through the second slit 13 from the first side through the substrate 10b to the second side, the airflow reaching the second side will cause the first valve plate 21 to be accidentally lifted in a direction away from the substrate 10b.

[0061] The first valve plate 21 includes two first long edges opposite each other in a first direction and two first short edges opposite each other in a second direction, the two first short edges being fixedly connected to the substrate. The second valve plate 22 includes two second long edges opposite each other in a first direction and two second short edges opposite each other in a second direction, the two second short edges being fixedly connected to the substrate. Adjacent first long edges and second long edges are fixedly connected to the substrate 10b, while non-adjacent first long edges and second long edges are separably attached to the substrate 10b.

[0062] The adjacent first and second long edges of the first valve plate 21 and the second valve plate 22 are fixedly connected to the substrate 10b, while the non-adjacent first and second long edges are separably attached to the substrate 10b. This prevents mutual interference between the first valve plate 21 and the second valve plate 22. Specifically, when airflow passes through the substrate from the second side via the first slit 12 to the first side, the airflow near the first side of the substrate 10b may momentarily pass through the second slit 13 and impact the second valve plate 22, causing a portion of the second valve plate 22 to be accidentally lifted. Conversely, when airflow passes through the substrate from the first side via the second slit 13 to the second side, the airflow near the second side of the substrate 10b may momentarily pass through the first slit 12 and impact the first valve plate 21, causing a portion of the first valve plate 21 to be accidentally lifted.

[0063] In one embodiment, combined with Figure 6 The valve device 100b also includes a waterproof and breathable membrane 30b laminated with the substrate 10b, which covers the first slit 12 and the second slit 13.

[0064] By setting up a waterproof and breathable membrane 30b, gas exchange can be ensured when the air pressure on the second side is unbalanced with that on the first side. At the same time, it can also prevent pollutants such as moisture and dust from passing through the first slit 12 and the second slit 13.

[0065] In some embodiments, the waterproof and breathable membrane 30b is located on the first side of the substrate 10b and is partially located between the substrate 10b and the first valve plate 21.

[0066] In another embodiment, reference Figure 8 The valve device 100b also includes a first waterproof and breathable membrane 31 and a second waterproof and breathable membrane 32 laminated with the substrate 10b. The first waterproof and breathable membrane 31 and the second waterproof and breathable membrane 32 respectively cover the first slit 12 and the second slit 13.

[0067] In some embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 8 The first waterproof and breathable membrane 31 is located on the second side of the substrate 10b, and the second waterproof and breathable membrane 32 is located on the first side of the substrate 10b.

[0068] In other embodiments, the first waterproof and breathable membrane 31 is located on the second side of the substrate 10b, and the second waterproof and breathable membrane 32 is located on the second side of the substrate 10b, with the second waterproof and breathable membrane 32 being located at least partially between the second valve plate 22 and the substrate 10b.

[0069] <Example Battery Pack> According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery pack 200 is in Figure 9 The following is an example illustrating the overall structure of the battery pack 200. It should be noted that the structure of the battery pack 200 is not limited to the description below. For example, one or more elements mentioned below may be omitted or replaced, and their layout relationships may be altered.

[0070] refer to Figure 9 The battery pack 200 may include a battery group composed of multiple batteries 220 connected in series and / or parallel, and integrates a battery management system (BMS), a thermal management system, an electrical connection system (high-voltage / low-voltage connectors, wiring harnesses, etc.), structural components (casing, brackets, etc.), and protective components. The battery pack 200 may also include a housing 210, in which the aforementioned components are housed within an internal space 211 and sealed with a top cover, forming a complete functional unit capable of directly outputting electrical energy. The battery pack 200 can serve as a rechargeable battery and a power source for new energy vehicles, primarily used for storing and providing electrical energy.

[0071] A battery pack can be formed by connecting multiple batteries 220 with similar capacity and internal resistance. For example, multiple batteries 220 can be connected in series to form a battery pack, or multiple batteries 220 can be connected in parallel to form a battery pack, or a portion of multiple batteries 220 can be connected in series and another portion can be connected in parallel to form a battery pack.

[0072] The battery pack 200 may also include conductive elements. The conductive elements can electrically connect the terminals of at least two batteries 220, i.e., the output terminals of the battery current, to enable multiple batteries 220 to be connected in series or in parallel.

[0073] Battery 220 is the basic energy storage unit in battery pack 200, used to store and release electrical energy, and capable of converting chemical energy into electrical energy (discharging process) or storing electrical energy as chemical energy (charging process) through internal chemical reactions. In the battery pack, multiple battery cells can be electrically connected in series or parallel to meet different voltage, capacity, and power requirements. In some embodiments, the battery cell is a prismatic battery. In other embodiments, the battery cell is a cylindrical battery. In other embodiments, the battery cell is a pouch battery. In other embodiments, the battery cell may also be other types of batteries. This disclosure does not limit the type of battery.

[0074] The housing 210 is a component used to house multiple batteries 220. Specifically, the housing 210 has an internal space 211 in which the multiple batteries 220 are stored. The housing 210 effectively prevents external collisions, compression, and vibrations from affecting the batteries 220, battery management system, electrical circuits, and other components inside the housing 210. In addition, the housing 210 also prevents external moisture or dust and other contaminants from entering the housing.

[0075] Under abnormal conditions, battery pack 200 may experience thermal runaway, which occurs when a short circuit, overcharging, or high temperature triggers a chain reaction of exothermic reactions inside battery 220, causing a rapid rise in temperature and loss of control. Thermal runaway can not only damage battery cells but may also lead to safety accidents.

[0076] Combination Figure 10 and Figure 11The battery pack 200 may also include a valve device 100. The housing 210 also has a housing opening 212, and the valve device 100 is disposed on the housing 210 and located at the housing opening 212. In one example, the first side is the outer space side, and correspondingly, the second side is the inner space 211 side. When the air pressure in the inner space 211 is balanced with the air pressure in the outer space, the valve device 100 remains closed. In the event of abnormal conditions such as thermal runaway in the battery pack 200, the valve device 100 provides an exhaust channel to discharge gas from the inner space 211 to the outer space to balance the air pressure inside and outside the housing 210. Specifically, when the air pressure in the inner space 211 exceeds the air pressure in the outer space and the difference between the two is greater than a first target pressure difference, the first valve plate 21 can be partially lifted in the direction away from the substrate to allow gas to be discharged from the inner space 211 sequentially through the housing opening 212 and the first slit 12 to the outer space. When the air pressure outside the chamber exceeds the air pressure inside the chamber and the difference between the two is greater than the second target pressure difference, the second valve plate 22 can be partially lifted in the direction away from the substrate to allow gas to be introduced from the outside chamber through the chamber opening 212 and the second slit 13 into the chamber interior space 211. Conversely, in another example, the first side could be the chamber interior space 211 side, and correspondingly, the second side could be the outside chamber space side.

[0077] refer to Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 The battery pack 200 also includes a valve cover 230, which is disposed on the housing 210 and covers the valve device 100 to prevent external liquid from directly impacting the valve device 100.

[0078] By providing a valve cover 230 to cover the valve device 100, when external liquid impacts the valve device 100, the external liquid will not directly impact the valve device 100, thus avoiding the valve plate from being deformed due to direct impact of external liquid on the valve device 100, thereby preventing external liquid from entering the internal space 211 of the battery pack. This helps to improve the electrical performance, service life and safety of the battery pack 200.

[0079] refer to Figure 12 The valve cover 230 may include a valve cover top wall 231.

[0080] The valve cover top wall 231 is provided with a first open area and a first unopened area, and the first open area is provided with at least one first vent hole. In some embodiments, the at least one first vent hole is arranged circumferentially at intervals. In other embodiments, the at least one first vent hole is arranged radially at intervals.

[0081] According to the above configuration, the first opening area ensures that gas can be discharged or introduced into the battery pack 200 through at least one first vent. Simultaneously, the first unopened area prevents external liquid from directly impacting the valve device 100.

[0082] Continue to refer to Figure 12 The valve cover 230 also includes a valve cover peripheral wall 232. The valve cover peripheral wall 232 is provided with a second opening area and a second non-opening area, and the second opening area is provided with at least one second exhaust hole.

[0083] According to the above structure, the second opening area ensures that gas can be discharged or introduced into the battery pack 200 through at least one second vent. At the same time, the second unopened area can prevent external liquid from directly impacting the valve device 100 from the side.

[0084] <Example Electrical Equipment> This disclosure also provides an electrical device 1000, which may include the battery pack 200 described above.

[0085] By way of example only, electrical equipment 1000 can be, but is not limited to, vehicles, ships, aircraft, household appliances, and industrial equipment. For example, vehicles can be passenger cars, trucks, engineering vehicles, etc.

[0086] In addition, the electrical equipment 1000 can also be used for the storage, conversion and release of recyclable electrical energy.

[0087] In a non-restrictive example, refer to Figure 13 Electrical equipment 1000 can be used for electric vehicles, and battery pack 200 can be used as a power source to power electric vehicles.

[0088] It should be noted that the elements described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. To avoid unnecessary repetition, this disclosure will not describe the various possible combinations separately.

[0089] It should be understood that multiple components and / or parts can be provided by a single integrated component or part. Alternatively, a single integrated component or part can be divided into multiple separate components and / or parts. The use of the public designation "a" or "an" to describe a component or part does not imply the exclusion of other components or parts.

[0090] It should be understood that although terms such as “first” or “second” may be used in this disclosure to describe various elements (such as the first side and the second side), these elements are not defined by these terms, which are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0091] The basic principles of this disclosure have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, benefits, and effects mentioned in this disclosure are merely examples and not limitations, and should not be considered as essential features of each embodiment of this disclosure. Furthermore, the specific details disclosed above are for illustrative and facilitative purposes only, and are not limitations. These details do not limit the scope of this disclosure to the necessity of employing the aforementioned specific details for implementation.

[0092] The above are merely specific embodiments of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A valve device for use in a battery pack, characterized in that, The valve device includes: The substrate has a first slit; and A first valve plate, stacked with the substrate, is located on a first side of the substrate and covers the first slit to restrict airflow from passing through the first slit from the first side through the substrate to a second side of the substrate opposite the first side in the thickness direction. When the air pressure on the second side exceeds the air pressure on the first side and the pressure difference is greater than the first target pressure difference, the first valve plate can be partially lifted in the direction away from the substrate to allow airflow to pass through the substrate from the second side to the first side via the first slit.

2. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A portion of the edge of the first valve plate is fixedly connected to the substrate, and another portion of the edge is detachably attached to the substrate.

3. The valve device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first valve plate includes two first long edges opposite each other in a first direction and two first short edges opposite each other in a second direction. The two first short edges and one first long edge are fixedly connected to the substrate, and the other first long edge is detachably attached to the substrate. The first direction, the second direction and the thickness direction are perpendicular to each other.

4. The valve device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first valve plate includes two first long edges opposite each other in a first direction and two first short edges opposite each other in a second direction. The two first short edges are fixedly connected to the substrate, and the two first long edges are separably attached to the substrate. The first direction, the second direction, and the thickness direction are perpendicular to each other.

5. The valve device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The first valve plate has a dimension of a1 in the first direction, in mm, and a dimension of a2 in the second direction, in mm, where 0.025 ≤ a1 / a2 ≤ 5.

6. The valve device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first slit is a straight slit or a curved slit extending along the second direction.

7. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the substrate is T in mm, the length of the first slit is b1 in mm, the width of the first slit is b2 in mm, and 0.0005 ≤ (b1 × b2) / T 2 ≤95000.

8. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first waterproof and breathable membrane laminated with the substrate, the first waterproof and breathable membrane covering the first slit.

9. The valve device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first waterproof and breathable membrane is located between the substrate and the first valve plate, and the first waterproof and breathable membrane is at least partially located between the first valve plate and the substrate.

10. The valve device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first waterproof and breathable membrane is located on the second side of the substrate.

11. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a second valve plate, and the substrate is further provided with a second slit. The second valve plate is stacked with the substrate, located on the second side of the substrate, and covers the second slit to restrict airflow from passing through the second slit from the second side through the substrate to the first side opposite to the second side. When the air pressure on the first side exceeds the air pressure on the second side and the pressure difference is greater than the second target pressure difference, the second valve plate can be partially lifted in the direction away from the substrate to allow airflow to pass through the substrate from the first side to the second side via the second slit.

12. The valve device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first slit and the second slit are arranged at intervals along a first direction, and both the first slit and the second slit extend along a second direction. The first direction, the second direction, and the thickness direction are perpendicular to each other.

13. The valve device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The length of the first slit is b1, the length of the second slit is c1, and the distance between the first slit and the second slit in the first direction is D, where 0.0007 ≤ (b1 × c1) / D 2 ≤36100.

14. The valve device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first valve plate includes two first long edges opposite each other in the first direction and two first short edges opposite each other in the second direction, the two first short edges being fixedly connected to the substrate. The second valve plate includes two second long edges opposite each other in the first direction and two second short edges opposite each other in the second direction, the two second short edges being fixedly connected to the substrate. Adjacent first long edges and second long edges are fixedly connected to the substrate, and non-adjacent first long edges and second long edges are separably attached to the substrate.

15. The valve device according to claim 11, characterized in that, It also includes a waterproof and breathable membrane laminated with the substrate, the waterproof and breathable membrane covering the first slit and the second slit.

16. The valve device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The waterproof and breathable membrane is located on the first side of the substrate and is partially located between the substrate and the first valve plate.

17. The valve device according to claim 11, characterized in that, It also includes a first waterproof and breathable membrane and a second waterproof and breathable membrane stacked with the substrate, the first waterproof and breathable membrane and the second waterproof and breathable membrane respectively covering the first slit and the second slit.

18. The valve device according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first waterproof and breathable membrane is located on the second side of the substrate, and the second waterproof and breathable membrane is located on the first side of the substrate.

19. The valve device according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first waterproof and breathable membrane is located on the second side of the substrate, the second waterproof and breathable membrane is located on the second side of the substrate, and the second waterproof and breathable membrane is at least partially located between the second valve plate and the substrate.

20. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic modulus of the substrate is E1, and the elastic modulus of the first valve plate is E2, where 1000MPa≤E1≤210000MPa and 1MPa≤E2≤100MPa.

21. The valve device according to claim 20, characterized in that, The substrate is made of materials selected from aluminum alloy, steel plate, stainless steel, epoxy resin board, PC, and silicone.

22. The valve device according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, The material of the first valve plate is selected from ordinary silicone, fluorosilicone, and rubber.

23. A battery pack, characterized in that, include: Multiple batteries; The housing contains the multiple batteries; as well as The valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 is installed on the housing.

24. The battery pack according to claim 23, characterized in that, It also includes a valve cover, which is disposed on the housing and covers the valve device to block the direct impact of external liquid on the valve device.

25. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, Includes the battery pack as claimed in claim 23 or 24.

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