Explosion-proof valve integrated with upper lid and battery pack

Abstract

To provide an explosion-proof valve with reduced production cost, and a battery pack provided with the explosion-proof valve.SOLUTION: A battery pack includes: an upper lid main body having an accommodation chamber; and an explosion-proof valve main body integrally formed with the upper lid main body, having a pressure release pipe having one end communicating with the inside of the accommodation chamber and the other end communicating with the outside of the accommodation chamber, and a vent membrane attached to the one end of the pressure release pipe. By integrating the explosion-proof valve main body and the upper lid main body, the number of components can be reduced and the cost can be reduced. As a result, the time and cost required for manufacturing and mounting can be reduced, and a production efficiency can be improved.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority from a Chinese patent application bearing application number 2024202216141, filed with the China Patent Office on January 29, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This application relates to the technical field of explosion-proof valves, and more particularly to explosion-proof valves and battery packs integrated into top covers. [Background technology]

[0002] In conventional technology, in order to prevent thermal runaway accidents, avoid imbalances in the internal and external pressure of the battery pack, and take into account the fact that a large amount of toxic gas is instantly generated when a lithium battery catches fire, it is necessary to install an explosion-proof valve to release pressure and discharge gas.

[0003] In the prior art, when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery exceeds a limit, the explosion-proof valve automatically opens, thereby releasing the internal pressure and ensuring the safety of the battery. Battery packs in the related art usually use a single explosion-proof valve. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] First, a separate explosion-proof valve component is expensive and requires additional materials and manufacturing steps, increasing the overall cost of the battery pack.

[0005] Second, a separate explosion-proof valve must be attached to the top cover of the battery pack, which increases the assembly process and complexity of the battery pack. During the assembly process, it is necessary to ensure a seal between the explosion-proof valve and the top cover to prevent gas leakage from inside the battery pack. This requires additional processes and inspection methods, which increases production costs and time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In a first aspect of the present application, there is provided an explosion-proof valve integrated into a top cover, comprising: a top cover body having a storage chamber; a pressure release pipe integrally molded with the top cover body, one end of which communicates with the interior of the storage chamber and the other end of which communicates with the exterior of the storage chamber; and an explosion-proof valve body having an air vent membrane attached to one end of the pressure release pipe.

[0007] In a second aspect of the present application, there is provided a battery pack comprising a battery module having one or more cells and a pressure release valve attached to the cell and communicating with one end of a pressure release pipe, a battery case, and an explosion-proof valve integrated into the top lid.

[0008] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: 1. Reduction in the number of parts: By integrating the explosion-proof valve body and the upper cover body, the number of parts can be reduced, which reduces costs. This reduces the time and costs required for manufacturing and installation, and improves production efficiency. 2. Improved reliability: Integrating the explosion-proof valve body and the top cover body improves the airtightness between them, reduces the risk of leaks, and improves reliability. This improves product quality and safety and reduces costs related to breakdowns and maintenance. 3. Improved production efficiency: By integrating the explosion-proof valve body and the upper cover body, the installation work can be reduced and production efficiency can be improved, thereby reducing production cycles and costs and increasing the competitiveness of the product. 4. Improved user experience: By integrating the explosion-proof valve body and the top cover body, the volume and weight of the product can be reduced, improving the user experience, making the product more portable and easier to use, and increasing user satisfaction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a structural diagram showing the outside of the upper cover body according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a structural diagram showing the inside of the upper cover body according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]1 is an enlarged structural view showing an explosion-proof valve body according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is an exploded view showing a part of an explosion-proof valve body according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an explosion-proof valve body according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In the description of this application, the orientations or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer" are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are merely for the convenience and simplification of the description of this application. They do not indicate or imply that a device or element must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the application.

[0011] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art. In this specification, the terms used in the specification of the present application are used only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present application.

[0012] 1 to 5, an embodiment of the present application discloses an explosion-proof valve integrated into a top cover. The explosion-proof valve includes a top cover body 1 and an explosion-proof valve body 2, which are integrally molded. By providing them as an integral part, the number of parts can be reduced, costs can be reduced, installation labor can be reduced, production efficiency can be improved, problems with airtightness between the two can be avoided, the risk of leakage can be reduced, and reliability can be improved.

[0013] In a specific embodiment, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the top cover body 1 has a storage chamber 11, one side of which is open to form an opening 12, and the side opposite the opening 12 is an end surface 13 of the top cover body 1. The explosion-proof valve body 2 has a pressure relief pipe 21 and a ventilation membrane 22. One end of the pressure relief pipe 21 communicates with the interior of the storage chamber 11 and the other end communicates with the exterior of the storage chamber 11. The ventilation membrane 22 is attached to one end of the pressure relief pipe 21. Specifically, referring to FIG. 4, the pressure relief pipe 21 has a first pipe 211 and a second pipe 212. The first pipe 211 is connected perpendicularly to the end surface 13. The second pipe 212 is connected perpendicularly to the first pipe 211. The second pipe 212 is connected perpendicularly to the first pipe 211, so that the airflow encounters greater resistance when passing through the explosion-proof valve, reducing the pressure of the airflow and preventing backflow of the airflow and preventing the blast wave caused by an explosion from propagating back from the explosion-proof valve. In addition, the 90° bending reduces the noise generated when the airflow passes through the explosion-proof valve, thereby contributing to improving the reliability of the explosion-proof valve and the safety of personnel.

[0014] 1 and 4 , the end surface 13 of the top cover body 1 is adjacent to a plurality of side surfaces 14. The second pipe 212 is drilled into the adjacent side surface 14. At least a portion of the second pipe 212 is inserted into the side surface 14, and a pressure relief port 23 is formed at the end of the second pipe 212 extending from the accommodating chamber 11 through the side surface 14. When the internal pressure of the battery pack exceeds a set value, the ventilation membrane 22 breaks, allowing the internal pressure of the battery pack to be released through the pressure relief port 23. In some embodiments, the second pipe 212 is connected perpendicularly to the side surface 14. When the angle between the side surface 14 and the end surface 13 is greater than 90°, a better fitting effect can be achieved by adjusting the angle between the first pipe 211 and the second pipe 212 according to the angle between the side surface 14 and the end surface 13. Of course, in other embodiments, the angle between the side surface 14 and the end surface 13 may not correspond to the angle between the first pipe 211 and the second pipe 212, and may be changed according to the actual situation, but this embodiment is not particularly limited thereto.

[0015] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 4 , a reinforcing pipe 3 is provided within the second pipe 212 to increase the pressure release strength of the second pipe 212 and prevent explosion during pressure release. At least a portion of the reinforcing pipe 3 is inserted into the first pipe 211, and an exhaust valve 31 is provided at one end of the reinforcing pipe 3 closer to the first pipe 211. By providing the reinforcing pipe 3, the thickness of the second pipe 212 is increased, improving its strength and improving the safety and reliability of the explosion-proof valve. In one embodiment, the reinforcing pipe 3 and the second pipe 212 are integrally molded, thereby eliminating the need for an attachment process. In other embodiments, the specific attachment method between the reinforcing pipe 3 and the second pipe 212 is not limited.

[0016] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 4 , the exhaust valve 31 has at least one support beam 311 to improve the flow distribution and pressure drop of the released gas. A vent hole 312 is formed between the support beam 311 and the reinforcing pipe 3. The support beam 311 of the exhaust valve 31 is used to improve the stability and reliability of the explosion-proof valve and is typically composed of two intersecting metal support beams 311 or three intersecting metal support beams 311. In one embodiment, three support beams 311 are provided, with one end of each support beam 311 connected to the axis of the reinforcing pipe 3 and the other end of each support beam 311 connected to the inner wall of the reinforcing pipe 3. The connection methods for both ends of the support beam 311 include, but are not limited to, integral connection, welding, or adhesive bonding. A tapered block 32 is provided on the side of the connection portion of the three support beams 311 facing the receiving chamber 11. A flow distribution groove is formed on the surface of the tapered block 32 along the axis of the tapered block 32. The tapered block 32 is used to control the amount and direction of the airflow. When the airflow passes through the tapered structure, the speed of the airflow increases, thereby reducing the pressure of the airflow. The airflow is dispersed by the diverting grooves and discharged through the multiple air vents 312, thereby achieving the effect of reducing the pressure of the airflow. In other embodiments, the number of the support beams 311 is not particularly limited, and the shape of the connected support beams 311 includes, but is not limited to, a cross, a triangle, or a grid shape.

[0017] 4, a stepped mount 4 is formed between one end of the reinforcing pipe 3 facing the storage chamber 11 and the first pipe 211, and the breathable membrane 22 is provided on the stepped mount 4, which contributes to the attachment of the breathable membrane 22. In some embodiments, the breathable membrane 22 and the stepped mount 4 are connected by heat fusion or ultrasonic bonding.

[0018] 1, 2 and 5, in some embodiments, a mounting lip plate 15 extending from the storage chamber 11 is provided on the edge of the opening 12 of the storage chamber 11. In order for the mounting lip plate 15 to protect the pressure relief port 23, the end of the second pipe 212 protruding to the side surface 14 is configured not to protrude beyond the end of the mounting lip plate 15, thereby protecting the pressure relief port 23 of the second pipe 212 and reducing the risk of contact with the pressure relief port 23. This prevents the pressure relief port from being easily impacted and damaging the explosion-proof valve.

[0019] In some embodiments, in order to improve the response speed and efficiency of the explosion-proof valve, the inner wall radius of the second pipe 212 gradually increases in a direction away from the containing chamber 11. In one embodiment, referring to Figure 5, by changing the inner wall radius only in the portion of the second pipe 212 closer to the pressure release port 23, the flow area of the pressure release port 23 can be increased, the pressure release speed can be increased, and the response speed and efficiency of the explosion-proof valve can be improved.

[0020] The present application also relates to a battery pack comprising a battery module, a battery case, and an explosion-proof valve integrated into the top cover. The battery module comprises one or more cells and a pressure relief valve attached to the cell. The pressure relief valve communicates with one end of the pressure relief pipe 21. By integrating the explosion-proof valve with the top cover body 1, production efficiency of the battery pack is improved, production costs are reduced, and installation man-hours are reduced. [Explanation of symbols]

[0021] 1 upper cover body, 11 storage chamber, 12 opening, 13 end face, 14 side face, 15 mounting lip plate, 2 explosion-proof valve body, 21 pressure relief pipe, 211 first pipe, 212 second pipe, 22 ventilation membrane, 23 pressure relief port, 3 reinforcing pipe, 31 exhaust valve, 311 support beam, 312 ventilation hole, 32 tapered block, 4 stepped mounting base

Claims

1. An explosion-proof valve integrated into the top cover, an upper cover body (1) having a storage chamber (11); an explosion-proof valve body (2) integrally formed with the upper cover body (1), the explosion-proof valve body (2) having a pressure relief pipe (21) one end of which communicates with the inside of the storage chamber (11) and the other end of which communicates with the outside of the storage chamber (11), and an air vent membrane (22) attached to one end of the pressure relief pipe (21); An explosion-proof valve integrated into the top cover.

2. The storage chamber (11) has one side open to form an opening (12), and the side of the storage chamber (11) facing the opening (12) is an end surface (13) of the upper cover body (1); The pressure relief pipe (21) has a first pipe (211) that is connected perpendicularly to the end face (13) and a second pipe (212) that is connected perpendicularly to the first pipe (211).

10. The explosion-proof valve integrated into the top cover of claim 1.

3. The end surface (13) of the upper cover body (1) is adjacent to a plurality of side surfaces (14), the second pipe (212) is drilled into the side surface (14) adjacent thereto, and at least a portion of the second pipe (212) is fitted into the side surface (14), and a pressure release port (23) is formed at the end of the second pipe (212) extending from the storage chamber (11) through the side surface (14).

3. The explosion-proof valve integrated into the top cover of claim 2.

4. A reinforcing pipe (3) is provided in the second pipe (212), at least a part of the reinforcing pipe (3) is inserted into the first pipe (211), and an exhaust valve (31) is provided at one end of the reinforcing pipe (3) near the first pipe (211).

3. The explosion-proof valve integrated into the top cover of claim 2.

5. The exhaust valve (31) has at least one support beam (311) having an air hole (312) formed between the support beam and the reinforcing pipe (3).

5. The explosion-proof valve integrated into the top cover of claim 4.

6. A tapered block (32) is provided on the side of the support beam (311) facing the storage chamber (11).

6. The explosion-proof valve integrated into the top cover of claim 5.

7. A stepped mounting base (4) is formed between one end of the reinforcing pipe (3) facing the storage chamber (11) and the first pipe (211), and the breathable membrane (22) is provided on the stepped mounting base (4).

5. The explosion-proof valve integrated into the top cover of claim 4.

8. A mounting lip plate (15) extending from the storage chamber (11) is provided on the edge of the opening (12) of the storage chamber (11), and the second pipe (212) does not protrude beyond the end of the mounting lip plate (15) but protrudes out of the end of the side surface (14).

4. The explosion-proof valve integrated into the top cover of claim 3.

9. The inner wall radius of the second pipe (212) gradually increases in the direction away from the storage chamber (11).

3. The explosion-proof valve integrated into the top cover of claim 2.

10. A battery module including one or more cells, a pressure relief valve attached to the cell and communicating with one end of a pressure relief pipe (21), a battery case, and an explosion-proof valve integrated into the top cover according to any one of claims 1 to 9. Battery pack.

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