Improved vents and vent casings

Abstract

To provide an improved vent and vent housing that at least reduces the intrusion of pests into the vent housing. [Solution] A vent including a vent housing, the vent housing including an upper portion, a lower portion and at least one outer aperture, the lower portion including a vent aperture covered with a membrane within the vent housing, the upper portion being fixed to the lower portion, thereby forming a channel from at least one outer aperture through the membrane to the vent aperture, thereby allowing gas to flow through the channel from the vent aperture through the membrane to at least one outer aperture during use, and at least one opening defined between the upper portion and the lower portion between at least one outer aperture and the vent aperture within the channel, the at least one opening having a minimum dimension of less than 0.6 mm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure describes an improved vent including an improved vent housing surrounding a vent membrane.

Background Art

[0002] Vents are used in sealed containers, and with this vent, gases that may be generated within the sealed container can be discharged from the sealed container, thereby ensuring that the pressure within the sealed container does not exceed a threshold at which the sealed container and its sealant may be damaged.

[0003] Vents often include a vent housing. This vent housing houses the vent membrane and protects this vent membrane from impact and contamination. Since the integrity of the vent membrane is important for the function of the vent, foreign substances such as particulate matter and liquid are prevented from entering the sealed container through the vent, and at the same time, dangerous pressure within the sealed container is avoided by ensuring that gas can reliably flow out of the closed container through the vent. Further, in at least some applications, such as when the sealed container is the housing of a battery or an electronic device, the vent membrane preferably further provides selectivity in releasing gases generated within the sealed container while minimizing the intrusion of other gases such as water vapor. Damage to the vent membrane can significantly reduce the ability of the vent membrane to provide selectivity and may cause the vent to malfunction.

[0004] Therefore, the vent needs to be balanced between facilitating the flow of gas through the vent housing to maintain the performance of the vent membrane and minimizing the intrusion of liquid and particulate matter. Further, since the water of the liquid contacting the vent membrane at least reduces the effect of the vent membrane, it is desirable to minimize the residual liquid water within the vent housing after immersion or contact with the liquid water. For this, a relatively large aperture that allows the liquid water to flow out of the vent housing through the aperture is required.

[0005] Therefore, an improved vent with an improved vent housing is needed that protects the vent membrane from damage and contact with liquids and particulate matter while maximizing the function of the vent membrane.

[0006] Furthermore, it is known that pests are attracted into the vent housing, and in at least some cases, these pests damage the vent membrane, thereby impairing its function, which may result in the need to replace the entire vent. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Therefore, improved vents and vent housings are needed that at least reduce the intrusion of pests into the vent housing.

[0008] Some embodiments of this disclosure aim to address at least one of the aforementioned problems in part. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to a first embodiment, a vent is provided, which includes a vent housing, the vent housing comprising an upper portion, a lower portion, and at least one outer aperture, the lower portion comprising a vent aperture covered with a membrane within the vent housing, the upper portion being fixed to the lower portion, thereby forming a channel from at least one outer aperture through the membrane to the vent aperture, thereby allowing gas to flow through the channel from the vent aperture through the membrane to the at least one outer aperture during use, and at least one opening defined between the upper portion and the lower portion between the at least one outer aperture and the vent aperture within the channel, the at least one opening having a minimum dimension of less than 0.6 mm.

[0010] A channel can be defined between a lower portion and an upper portion. At least a portion of the channel can be defined between the lower portion and the upper portion. Thus, during use, gas can flow along the channel from the vent aperture through at least one opening between the lower portion and the upper portion to at least one outer aperture. The channel may be a path through which fluid can flow. A vent housing can include multiple channels. One channel can extend from the vent aperture to each at least one outer aperture. Typically, each channel of multiple channels passes through at least one opening. Each channel of multiple channels can include one opening of at least one opening. Each channel of multiple channels can pass through the same at least one opening. Thus, it will be understood that the path from the vent aperture to any one of at least one outer aperture must pass through one opening of at least one opening.

[0011] In some embodiments, at least one opening may correspond to a narrowing of the channel between the lower and upper portions. At least one opening may correspond to the narrowest point or portion of the channel. At least one opening may correspond to a point or portion of the channel defined between the lower and upper portions where the distance between the lower and upper portions is minimal. At least one opening may be defined adjacent to the vent aperture. At least one opening may be defined adjacent to the outer aperture. At least one opening may be defined midway between the vent aperture and the outer aperture.

[0012] At least one opening may have a minimum dimension of less than 0.55 mm. At least one opening may have a minimum dimension of less than 0.5 mm. At least one opening may have a minimum dimension of less than 0.45 mm. At least one opening may have a minimum dimension of less than 0.4 mm. At least one opening may have a minimum dimension of less than 0.35 mm. At least one opening may have a minimum dimension of less than 0.3 mm. At least one opening may have a minimum dimension of less than 0.25 mm.

[0013] At least one opening is sized to prevent insects from entering the vent membrane from outside the vent housing. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the minimum dimension of the at least one opening is the smallest dimension of the at least one opening. Thus, the minimum dimension of the at least one opening can be referred to as the smallest dimension of the at least one opening. In embodiments where the at least one opening has a non-uniform cross-section, the at least one opening is configured to prevent insects from entering through the at least one opening along the entire length of the at least one opening.

[0014] At least one opening can extend in at least one direction. At least one opening may be a slit. A slit can extend in at least one direction. At least one opening can extend at least partially around the vent aperture. The vent aperture may be circular. At least one opening can extend around the vent aperture by at least 30 degrees. At least one opening can extend around the vent aperture by at least 45 degrees. At least one opening can extend around the vent aperture by at least 60 degrees. At least one opening can extend around the vent aperture by at least 90 degrees. At least one opening can extend around the vent aperture by at least 120 degrees. At least one opening can extend around the vent aperture by at least 180 degrees. At least one opening can extend around the vent aperture by at least 270 degrees. At least one opening can extend substantially around the entire circumference of the vent aperture.

[0015] In embodiments where at least one opening extends in at least one direction, the at least one opening may be configured to provide improved passage of liquid water through the at least one opening. Thus, if the vent is immersed in or exposed to liquid water during use, liquid water that reaches the vent membrane can be easily drained from the vent. The at least one opening may be configured to prevent the entry of pests into the vent housing or into the membrane within the vent housing. The at least one opening may have a minimum size that prevents or reduces the entry of pests into the vent housing. The at least one opening may have a minimum size that prevents or reduces the entry of pests into the vent membrane within the vent housing. The at least one opening may have a minimum size smaller than the maximum size of a pest, so that pests cannot pass through the at least one opening.

[0016] Examples of pests include insects. Examples of insects include ants, flies, and beetles. In particular, the pest may be an ant such as the small ant (Monomorium intrudens). It has been confirmed that small ants (Monomorium intrudens) can enter vents, chew through the vent membrane, and enter sealed containers. Small ants (Monomorium intrudens) are found in China, India, Japan, and the United States. Those skilled in the art will understand that the vent of this embodiment is effective in preventing the entry of pests of appropriate size, and that small ants (Monomorium intrudens) are used as an exemplary pest in this specification.

[0017] Since pests typically cannot or do not reach the inside of a sealed container by chewing through metal parts, previous solutions aimed at preventing pest intrusion into vent housings to protect the vent membrane housed within the vent housing have involved using additional metal parts as a barrier against pests. However, the use of metal parts or metal mesh increases the cost associated with the vent, increases the material list, and increases the complexity of vent installation and assembly. Furthermore, the combination of plastic and metal materials presents additional challenges under temperature changes due to the significantly different coefficients of thermal expansion of the materials involved.

[0018] In contrast, the vent of this embodiment includes at least one opening between the upper and lower portions, having a minimum dimension smaller than the maximum dimensions of the pest, and does not require the inclusion of metal parts in the vent casing. As a result, the pest cannot pass through at least one opening. Therefore, the vent of this embodiment does not require the inclusion of metal or metallic parts.

[0019] For example, since the pharaoh ant (Monomorium intrudens) typically has a head about 0.3 mm wide, at least one opening should be appropriately sized to prevent the entry of this pest. Therefore, in embodiments where at least one opening has a minimum dimension of less than 0.3 mm, at least one opening is smaller than the normal width of the pharaoh ant's head, and thus the pharaoh ant cannot pass through at least one opening. Thus, the vent membrane is protected from pests.

[0020] The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be less than 0.24 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be less than 0.22 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be less than 0.2 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be less than 0.18 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be less than 0.16 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be less than 0.14 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be less than 0.12 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be less than 0.1 mm.

[0021] The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be 0.6 mm to 0.01 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be 0.6 mm to 0.05 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be 0.6 mm to 0.1 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be 0.6 mm to 0.2 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be 0.5 mm to 0.01 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be 0.4 mm to 0.01 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be 0.3 mm to 0.01 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be 0.25 mm to 0.01 mm.

[0022] The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be 0.24 mm to 0.01 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be 0.24 mm to 0.05 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be 0.25 mm to 0.1 mm. The minimum dimension of at least one opening may be 0.25 mm to 0.15 mm.

[0023] The upper portion may include an upper ridge, and at least one opening may be defined between the upper ridge and the lower portion. The upper ridge may extend from the upper portion toward the lower portion. The upper ridge may not be in contact with the lower portion, and at least one opening may be defined in this location. The upper ridge may be in contact with the lower portion, and at least one opening may be defined by the upper ridge and at least one depression in the lower portion.

[0024] The lower portion may include a lower ridge, and at least one opening may be defined between the upper portion and the lower ridge. The lower ridge may extend from the lower portion toward the upper portion. The lower ridge may not be in contact with the upper portion, and at this location, at least one opening may be defined. The lower ridge may be in contact with the upper portion, and at least one opening may be defined by the lower ridge and at least one depression in the upper portion.

[0025] The upper portion may include an upper ridge, and the lower portion may include a lower ridge. The upper ridge may be configured to cooperate with the lower ridge to define an opening between the upper and lower ridges. The upper ridge may extend toward the lower ridge, and the lower ridge may extend toward the upper ridge, thereby defining at least one opening between the upper and lower ridges. The upper ridge may extend toward the lower portion, and the lower ridge may extend toward the upper portion, thereby defining at least one opening between the side of the upper ridge and the side of the lower ridge.

[0026] The upper part can include a plurality of upper ridges. Each of the plurality of upper ridges may be curved. Each of the plurality of upper ridges can define an arc. Each of the plurality of upper ridges can define a portion of the same circle. Each of the plurality of upper ridges may be linear. The plurality of upper ridges can define regular shapes such as a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, an octagon, etc. The lower part can include a plurality of lower ridges. Each of the plurality of lower ridges may be curved. Each of the plurality of lower ridges can define an arc. Each of the plurality of lower ridges can define a portion of the same circle. Each of the plurality of upper ridges may be linear. The plurality of upper ridges can define regular shapes such as a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a trapezoid, a pentagon, a hexagon, an octagon, etc. The upper part can include a plurality of upper ridges, the lower part can include a plurality of lower ridges, and the plurality of upper ridges can cooperate with the plurality of lower ridges to define at least one opening.

[0027] The upper ridge may be annular. The lower ridge may be annular. The upper ridge and the lower ridge may be annular. The lower ridge can have a radius smaller than that of the upper ridge. Thus, the lower ridge can be located inside the upper ridge. The lower ridge can have a radius larger than that of the upper ridge. Thus, the upper ridge can be located inside the lower ridge. The upper ridge and the lower ridge may be concentric or substantially concentric about the vent aperture.

[0028] Generally, the upper ridge and the lower ridge can have the same or similar shapes. For example, both the upper ridge and the lower ridge can be circular, elliptical, triangular, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, etc. The upper ridge and the lower ridge can have the same or similar dimensions. The upper ridge and the lower ridge can have different dimensions. The upper ridge and the lower ridge can be concentric or substantially concentric.

[0029] At least one opening can include a plurality of openings. The plurality of openings can be arranged around the vent aperture. The plurality of openings can be regularly arranged around the vent aperture.

[0030] The plurality of openings can be defined between the upper ridge and the lower ridge.

[0031] In a second aspect, there is provided a sealed container including a container wall, the container wall defining a sealed cavity and separating the interior of the sealed container from the exterior of the sealed container, the container wall including an aperture, and a vent according to the first aspect being installed inside the aperture.

[0032] The sealed container can be a housing. The sealed container can be a housing for electronic components or an enclosure for electronic components. The housing for electronic components can be part of an electronic device. The sealed container can be a housing of an acoustic device.

[0033] The sealed container can be a housing for electronic components used in automotive applications. For example, the housing for electronic components can be a control unit, a lighting device, a sensor device or the like.

[0034] The sealed container can be a housing for electronic components used in outdoor applications such as mobile communication electronic equipment or stations, solar cells or solar panels.

[0035] The sealed container may be a battery housing. The sealed container may be a battery pouch.

[0036] To avoid any ambiguity, the characteristics of the vent in the first embodiment are also characteristics of the vent in the second embodiment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings as non-limiting examples. [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of a vent according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of a vent according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a vent according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is an image of the small ant (Monomorium intrudens). [Figure 5] This is an image of a vent membrane damaged by the ant species Monomorium intrudens. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of a vent according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of a vent according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of a vent according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of a vent according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of a vent according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view of a vent according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view of a vent according to one embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a side view of a vent according to one embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view including the cut portion of a vent according to one embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a side view of a vent according to one embodiment. [Figure 16]This is a perspective view including the cut portion of a vent according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] While various embodiments of the present invention will be discussed in detail below, it should be understood that the present invention provides a number of applicable inventive concepts that can be implemented in a wide range of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways of constructing and using the present invention and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0039] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, several terms are defined below. Terms as defined herein have meanings generally understood by those skilled in the art relating to the present invention. Terms such as "a," "an," and "the" are not intended to refer only to singular entities, but include general classes for which specific examples may be used for illustrative purposes. The terminology used herein is used to describe specific embodiments of the present invention, but its use is not intended to limit the invention except as outlined in the claims.

[0040] Vents, used to maintain the pressure inside a sealed container within an acceptable level by venting, are often subjected to physical challenges that can impair or degrade their performance. While the vent membrane typically provides selectivity for the gases that can enter and exit the sealed container through it, contact with the vent membrane, such as liquids or particulate matter, can degrade its performance. Therefore, preventing the intrusion of foreign matter as much as possible is crucial to maintaining vent performance. However, it is also necessary to allow free passage of gas through the vent housing to enable the gas to flow freely out of the sealed container.

[0041] Please note that the dimensions shown in the drawings should not necessarily be interpreted as being to scale or as representing proportional relationships, and should not be interpreted in that way unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0042] Example 1 Referring to Figure 1, the vent 1 includes a vent casing 2 and a vent membrane 4 (functioning as a membrane), and the vent casing 2 includes an upper portion 6 and a bottom portion 8 (functioning as a lower portion). The bottom portion 8 includes a central aperture 10 (functioning as a vent aperture) and four outer apertures (e.g., 12) arranged around the central aperture 10. The vent membrane 4 extends over and closes the entire central aperture 10 and is located within the vent casing 2. The upper portion 6 has an upper ridge 14 extending toward the bottom portion 8, and an opening 16 is formed between the upper ridge 14 and the bottom portion 8. The upper ridge 14 extends around the central aperture 10, and the opening 16 extends around the central aperture 10. The minimum distance between the upper ridge 14 and the bottom portion 8 (i.e., the minimum distance of the opening 16) is 0.5 mm.

[0043] A path 18 (functioning as a channel) is formed from the outer aperture 12 to the central aperture 10, so that gas can flow from the central aperture 10 through the vent membrane 4 and out of the outer aperture 12 through the opening 16. Therefore, during use, gas generated in a sealed container with a vent 1 installed inside can flow out of the sealed container along the path and out of the outer aperture 12.

[0044] Example 2 Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the vent 20 includes a vent casing 22 and a membrane 24, the vent casing 22 including an upper portion 26 and a lower portion 28. The lower portion 28 includes a central aperture 30 (functioning as a vent aperture) and six outer apertures (e.g., 32) arranged around the central aperture 30 on the side walls 34 of the lower portion 28. The membrane 24 extends over and closes the entire central aperture 30 and is located within the vent casing 22. The upper portion 26 has an upper ridge 36 extending toward the lower portion 28. The lower portion 28 includes a lower ridge 38, which extends toward the upper portion 26. An opening 40 is formed between the upper ridge 36 and the lower ridge 38. The upper ridge 36 extends around the central aperture 30, and the opening 40 extends around the central aperture 30. The upper ridge 36 is annular and extends around the central aperture 30 and includes a spacer 41. The lower ridge 38 is annular and extends around the upper ridge 36. The minimum distance between the upper ridge 36 and the lower ridge 38 (i.e., the minimum distance of the opening 40) is 0.22 mm.

[0045] A path 42 (functioning as a channel) is formed from the outer aperture 32 to the central aperture 30, so that gas can flow from the central aperture 30 through the membrane 24 and out of the outer aperture 32 through the opening 40 between the upper ridge 36 and the lower ridge 38. Thus, during use, gas generated in a sealed container with a vent 20 installed inside can flow out of the sealed container along the path and out of the outer aperture 32.

[0046] In addition to problems caused by liquids and particulate matter, pests that can reach the vent membrane can damage it and enter the inside of the sealed container. For example, the small ant (Monomorium intrudens) (see Figure 4), a species of ant found in China, India, Japan, and the United States, has been found to damage the vent membrane, causing damage to the vent membrane as shown in Figure 5.

[0047] The path of the vent 20 from the outer aperture 32, which pests must follow, through the vent casing 22 to the membrane 24, includes an opening 40. Therefore, pests larger than 0.22 mm cannot pass through the opening 40, and the membrane 24 is protected from pests. For example, pests such as the small ant (Monomorium intrudens) cannot reach the membrane 24.

[0048] Therefore, the vent membrane 24 is protected from damage by both pests and other types of substances such as water and particulate matter, while also allowing sufficient gas to escape from the sealed container in which the vent 20 is installed.

[0049] Example 3 Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the vent 50 includes a vent housing 52 and a vent membrane 54 (functioning as a membrane). The vent housing 52 includes a lid 56 (functioning as an upper portion), a lower portion 58 (functioning as a lower portion), a vent aperture 60, and eight outer apertures (e.g., apertures 62) arranged around the vent aperture 60. The vent membrane 54 extends over and closes the vent aperture 60. The lid 56 includes a lid ridge 64 (functioning as an upper ridge) extending toward the lower portion 58. The lower portion 58 includes a lower ridge 66 extending toward the lid 56. The sides of the lid ridge 64 are in contact with the sides of the lower ridge 66. The lower ridge 66 includes a number of indentations 68 on its sides. These multiple indentations 68 are in contact with the side of the lid ridge 64 and form multiple openings 70 between the lower ridge 66 and the lid ridge 64. The minimum dimension of each of the multiple openings 70 is approximately 0.2 mm.

[0050] A channel is formed from the outer aperture 62 to the vent aperture 60, so that gas can flow from the central aperture 60 through the vent membrane 54 and out of the outer aperture 62 through multiple openings 70 between the lid ridge 64 and the lower ridge 66. Thus, during use, gas generated in a sealed container with a vent 50 installed inside can flow out of the sealed container along the channel and out of the outer aperture 62.

[0051] As explained above for Example 2, by providing an opening with a minimum dimension of 0.2 mm, it is prevented that pests will enter the vent housing 52 and reach the vent membrane 54, thereby preventing damage to the vent membrane 54.

[0052] Example 4 Figure 8 shows that another vent 80 includes a vent housing 82 and a vent membrane 84 (functioning as a membrane). The vent housing 82 includes a lid 86 (functioning as an upper part), a lower part 88 (functioning as a lower part), a vent aperture 90, and eight outer apertures (e.g., apertures 92) arranged around the vent aperture 90. The vent membrane 84 extends over and closes the vent aperture 90. The lower part 88 includes a lower ridge 94 that extends toward the lid 86. The lower ridge 94 forms an opening 96 between the lower ridge 94 and the lid 86. The minimum dimensions of the opening 96 are approximately 0.2 mm.

[0053] A channel is formed from the outer aperture 92 to the vent aperture 90, so that gas can flow from the vent aperture 90 through the vent membrane 84 and out of the outer aperture 92 through the opening 96 between the lid 86 and the lower ridge 94. Thus, during use, gas generated in a sealed container with a vent 80 installed inside can flow out of the sealed container along the channel and out of the outer aperture 92.

[0054] As explained above for Example 2, by providing an opening with a minimum dimension of approximately 0.2 mm, it is prevented that pests will enter the vent housing 82 and reach the vent membrane 84, thereby preventing damage to the vent membrane 84.

[0055] Example 5 Figure 9 shows that another vent 100 includes a vent housing 102 and a vent membrane 104 (functioning as a membrane). The vent housing 102 includes a cap 106 (functioning as an upper portion), a lower portion 108 (functioning as a lower portion), and a vent aperture 110. The vent membrane 104 extends over and closes the vent aperture 110. The lower portion 108 includes a lower ridge 112 extending toward the cap 106. The cap 106 includes a cap ridge 114 extending toward the lower portion 108. An opening 116 is formed between the lower ridge 112 and the cap ridge 114. The minimum dimension of the opening 116 is approximately 0.22 mm.

[0056] A channel is formed from the opening 116 through the vent membrane 104 to the vent aperture 110, so that gas can flow from the vent aperture 110 through the vent membrane 104 and out of the opening 116 between the cap ridge 114 and the lower ridge 112. Thus, during use, gas generated in a sealed container with a vent 100 installed inside can flow out of the sealed container along the channel and out of the opening 116.

[0057] As explained above for Example 2, by providing an opening with a minimum dimension of 0.22 mm, it is prevented that pests will enter the vent housing 102 and reach the vent membrane 104, thereby preventing damage to the vent membrane 104.

[0058] Example 6 Figure 10 shows that another vent 120 includes a vent housing 122 and a vent membrane 124 (functioning as a membrane). The vent housing 122 includes a cap 126 (functioning as an upper portion), a lower portion 128 (functioning as a lower portion), and a vent aperture 130. The cap 126 includes a cap ridge 132, and the lower portion 128 includes a recess 134. The cap ridge 132 extends adjacent to the recess 134, and an opening 136 is defined between the cap ridge 132 and the recess 134. The minimum dimension (or small dimension) of the opening 136 is approximately 0.20 mm.

[0059] A channel is formed from the outside of the vent 120 through the vent membrane 124 to the vent aperture 130. Therefore, gas can flow from the vent aperture 130 through the vent membrane 124 and out of the vent 120 through the opening 136. Thus, during use, gas generated in a sealed container with the vent 120 installed inside can flow out of the sealed container along the channel and out of the opening 136.

[0060] As explained above for Example 2, by providing an opening with a minimum dimension of 0.20 mm, it is prevented that pests will enter the vent housing 122 and reach the vent membrane 124, thereby preventing damage to the vent membrane 124.

[0061] Example 7 Referring to Figure 11, the vent 140 includes a vent housing 142 and a vent membrane 144 (functioning as a membrane). The vent housing 142 includes a cap 146 (functioning as an upper portion), a lower portion 148 (functioning as a lower portion), and a vent aperture 150. The cap 146 includes a cap ridge 152, and the lower portion 148 includes a lower ridge 154. An outer aperture 156 is defined between the cap ridge 152 and the lower portion 148, and an opening 158 is defined between the lower ridge 154 and the cap 146. The minimum dimension (or small dimension) of the opening 158 is approximately 0.22 mm.

[0062] A channel is formed from the outside of the vent 140 through the vent membrane 144 to the vent aperture 150. Therefore, gas can flow from the vent aperture 150 through the vent membrane 144 and out of the vent 140 through the opening 158. Thus, during use, gas generated in a sealed container with the vent 140 installed inside can flow out of the sealed container along the channel and out of the outer aperture 156.

[0063] The vent 140 further includes a fastener 160 configured to attach the vent 140 to an aperture of a housing (not shown) and secure the vent 140 to the housing.

[0064] Example 8 Referring to Figure 12, the vent 170 includes a vent housing 172 and a membrane 174. The vent housing 172 includes a cap 176 (functioning as an upper portion), a lower portion 178 (functioning as a lower portion), and a vent aperture 180. The cap 176 includes a first cap ridge 182 and a second cap ridge 184. A first opening 186 is defined between the first cap ridge 182 and the lower portion 178, and a second opening 188, functioning as an outer aperture, is defined between the second cap ridge 184 and the lower portion 178. The minimum dimension (or small dimension) of the first opening 186 is approximately 0.25 mm.

[0065] A channel is formed from the outside of the vent 170 through the vent membrane 174 to the vent aperture 180. Therefore, gas can flow from the vent aperture 180 through the vent membrane 174 and out of the vent 170 through the first opening 186 and the second opening 188. Thus, during use, gas generated in a sealed container with the vent 170 installed inside can flow out of the sealed container along the channel and out of the second opening 188.

[0066] The vent 170 further includes a screw fastener 190 configured to attach the vent 170 to an aperture of a housing (not shown) and secure the vent 170 to the housing.

[0067] Example 9 The vent 200 (shown in Figures 13 and 14) includes a vent housing 202 and a membrane 204 (Figure 14). The vent housing 202 includes an upper part 206 (functioning as the upper portion), a lower part 208 (functioning as the lower portion), and a vent aperture 210. The upper part 206 includes four upper ridges 212 evenly distributed around the periphery of the upper part 206. Each upper ridge 212 is substantially rectangular. The lower section 208 includes a lower wall 214 extending from the periphery of the lower section 208 and recesses 216 in the lower wall, each recess 216 of the lower wall configured to accommodate an upper ridge 212, with the three sides of the substantially rectangular upper ridge 212 adjacent to the sides of the recesses 216 in the lower wall, thereby defining a space 218 (functioning as an opening) between the upper ridge 212 and the corresponding recesses 216 in the lower wall along the three sides of the upper ridge 212.

[0068] The minimum dimensions of the cavity 218 correspond to the distance between each of the three sides of the upper ridge 212 and the adjacent side of the recess 216 in the lower wall, and are 0.25 mm. Therefore, pests cannot pass through the cavity 218.

[0069] The membrane 204 extends across the entire vent aperture 210, blocking it.

[0070] A channel is formed from the outside of the vent 200 through the vent membrane 204 to the vent aperture 210, so that gas can flow from the vent aperture 210 through the vent membrane 204 and through the cavity 218 to the outside of the vent 200. Therefore, during use, gas generated in a sealed container with the vent 200 installed inside can flow out of the sealed container along the channel and out of the cavity 218.

[0071] Example 10 The vent 230 (shown in Figures 15 and 16) includes a vent housing 232 and a membrane 234. The vent housing 232 includes an upper part 236 (functioning as the upper portion), a lower part 238 (functioning as the lower portion), and a vent aperture 240. The upper part 236 includes four upper ridges 242 evenly spaced around the periphery of the upper part 236. Each upper ridge 242 is substantially rectangular. The lower section 238 includes a lower wall 244 extending from the periphery of the lower section 238 and recesses 246 in the lower walls, each recess 246 of the lower wall configured to accommodate an upper ridge 242, so that the upper ridge is in contact with the recess of the lower wall, and the two sides of the substantially rectangular upper ridge 242 are adjacent to the sides of the recesses 246 of the lower wall, thereby defining a space 248 (functioning as an opening) between the upper ridge 242 and the corresponding recess 246 of the lower wall along the two sides of the upper ridge 242.

[0072] The minimum dimension of the cavity 248 corresponds to the distance between each of the three sides of the upper ridge 242 and the adjacent side of the recess 246 in the lower wall, and is 0.27 mm.

[0073] The membrane 234 extends across the entire vent aperture 240 and blocks the vent aperture 240.

[0074] A channel is formed from the outside of the vent 230 through the vent membrane 234 to the vent aperture 240, so that gas can flow from the vent aperture 240 through the vent membrane 234 and through the cavity 248 to the outside of the vent 230. Therefore, during use, gas generated in a sealed container with the vent 230 installed inside can flow out of the sealed container along the channel and out of the cavity 248.

[0075] While a reasonable embodiment of the present invention has been described above, it is clear that many and diverse changes and modifications may be made to other embodiments without departing from the present invention, in terms of the shape, design, structure, and arrangement of the elements, and it will be understood that any such changes and modifications are intended to be embodiments of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vent including a vent housing, the vent housing including an upper portion, a lower portion, and at least one outer aperture, the lower portion including a vent aperture covered with a membrane within the vent housing, the upper portion being fixed to the lower portion so as to form a channel from the at least one outer aperture through the membrane to the vent aperture, so as to allow gas to flow through the channel from the vent aperture through the membrane to the at least one outer aperture during use, and at least one opening defined between the upper portion and the lower portion between the at least one outer aperture and the vent aperture within the channel, the at least one opening having a minimum dimension of less than 0.6 mm.

2. The vent according to claim 1, wherein the minimum dimension of the at least one opening is less than 0.3 mm.

3. The vent according to claim 1, wherein the minimum dimension is 0.3 mm to 0.05 mm.

4. The vent according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one opening extends at least partially around the vent aperture.

5. The vent according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the upper portion includes an upper ridge, and the at least one opening is defined between the upper ridge and the lower portion.

6. The vent according to claim 5, wherein the upper ridge extends from the upper portion toward the lower portion.

7. The vent according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the upper ridge is not in contact with the lower portion, and the at least one opening is defined in this location.

8. The vent according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the lower portion includes a lower ridge, and the at least one opening is defined between the upper portion and the lower ridge.

9. The vent according to claim 8, wherein the lower ridge extends from the lower portion toward the upper portion.

10. The vent according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the upper portion includes an upper ridge, the lower portion includes a lower ridge, and the upper ridge is configured to cooperate with the lower ridge to define the opening between the upper ridge and the lower ridge.

11. The vent according to claim 10, wherein the upper ridge is annular, the lower ridge is annular, and the upper ridge and the lower ridge are concentric with respect to the vent aperture.

12. The vent according to claim 11, wherein the lower ridge has a smaller radius than the upper ridge, or the lower ridge has a larger radius than the upper ridge.

13. The vent according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the at least one opening includes a plurality of openings.

14. The vent according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of openings are arranged around the vent aperture, and optionally the plurality of openings are regularly arranged around the vent aperture.

15. A vent according to claim 13 or 14, which is dependent on any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the plurality of openings are defined between the upper ridge and the lower ridge.

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