Pressure regulating valve for energy storage module

Abstract

Provided is a pressure-regulating valve for a power storage module with which maintenance can be improved.　A pressure-regulating valve (1) for a power storage module comprises a case (2) having a recess (21) and a through-hole (211A) formed at the bottom (211) of the recess (21), a valve body (3) that is positioned in the recess (21) and can open and close the through-hole (211A) due to elasticity, and a plug (4) that blocks the recess (21), wherein the case (2) and the plug (4) are removably secured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pressure regulating valve for a power storage module.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a power storage module for a battery mounted on a vehicle, a power storage module provided with a pressure regulating valve has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the power storage module described in Patent Document 1, the pressure regulating valve includes a case member having a cylindrical portion, a valve body which is an elastic member housed in the cylindrical portion, and a cover member closing an opening of the case member. Further, this cover member presses the valve body against the opening end. Thereby, when the pressure in the internal space becomes equal to or higher than a set value, the closing of the opening end by the valve body is released.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the power storage module described in Patent Document 1, the cover member is joined to the case member by welding or the like. Therefore, the cover member cannot be removed from the case member, and for example, when the valve body deteriorates and its elasticity decreases, when the desired valve opening characteristics cannot be obtained due to an initial defect, when the battery electrolyte is insufficient, etc., it is impossible to cope, and there is a disadvantage that the maintainability is low.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a pressure regulating valve for a power storage module capable of improving maintainability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the pressure regulating valve for a power storage module according to the present invention includes a case having a recess and a through hole formed at the bottom of the recess, a valve body disposed in the recess and capable of opening and closing the through hole by elasticity, and a plug body closing the recess, and the case and the plug body are detachably fixed.

[0007] In the pressure regulating valve for a power storage module according to one aspect of the present invention, screw engaging portions are formed on each of the case and the plug body, so that they can be detachably attached.

[0008] In the pressure regulating valve for a power storage module according to one aspect of the present invention, a fitting convex portion is provided on one of the plug body and the case, and a fitting concave portion that fits with the fitting convex portion is provided on the other, so that the plug body and the case can be detachably attached.

[0009] In the pressure regulating valve for a power storage module according to one aspect of the present invention, the case has a case body in which the recess is formed and a lid portion provided on the opposite side of the bottom with respect to the recess. The plug body is rotatably provided with respect to the case with the insertion direction into the recess as the axial direction, and has a convex portion facing the outer peripheral side. The lid portion has a through hole through which the plug body at a predetermined rotation angle can pass. After passing through the through hole, the plug body rotates so that the convex portion cannot pass through the through hole and the dropout is restricted.

[0010] In the pressure regulating valve for a power storage module according to one aspect of the present invention, the case has a plurality of the recesses, and the valve body and the plug body are provided for each of the plurality of recesses.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the pressure regulating valve for a power storage module of the present invention, the maintainability can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a power storage unit 100 including a pressure regulating valve 1 for a power storage module according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the pressure regulating valve 1 for a power storage module. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the pressure regulating valve 1 for a power storage module. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the pressure regulating valve 1 for a power storage module. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a valve body 3 of the pressure regulating valve 1 for a power storage module. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a plug body 4 of the pressure regulating valve 1 for a power storage module. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a case 2 of the pressure regulating valve 1 for a power storage module.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the pressure regulating valve 1 for a power storage module according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a case 2 having a recess 21 and a through hole 211A formed in a bottom portion 211 of the recess 21, a valve body 3 disposed in the recess 21 and capable of opening and closing the through hole 211A elastically, and a plug body 4 closing the recess 21. The case 2 and the plug body 4 are detachably fixed. Hereinafter, the pressure regulating valve 1 for a power storage module will be specifically described. Note that since FIGS. 2 and 3 are schematic views, there are some differences from FIGS. 4 to 7 on the drawing, but they show the same embodiment.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the power storage unit 100 is constituted by the pressure regulating valve 1 for a power storage module and a power storage device (power storage module) 10. The pressure regulating valve 1 for a power storage module is configured to release pressure when the internal pressure rises in the power storage device 10. The power storage device 10 is, for example, a nickel-hydrogen battery, and is provided to supply power to a motor in a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.

[0017] Case 2 is formed of, for example, a synthetic resin and has a plurality of recesses 21. Although FIGS. 3, 4, and 7 illustrate only one recess 21, it is assumed that the other recesses are the same. The recess 21 has a bottom portion 211, a valve body arrangement portion 212, and a large-diameter portion 213, and is formed in a concave shape that opens upward in FIG. 3. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the depth direction (vertical direction in FIG. 3) of the recess 21 is defined as the Z direction, the side where the recess 21 opens in the Z direction is defined as the opening side, and the side where the bottom portion 211 of the recess 21 is provided in the Z direction (lower side in FIG. 3) is defined as the introduction side.

[0018] The bottom portion 211 extends along a plane orthogonal to the Z direction and has a through hole 211A formed in the central portion, a groove portion 211B communicating with the through hole 211A, and a bead 211C protruding from the surface on the opening side. An opening for discharging the gas of the power storage device 10 is disposed on the introduction side of the bottom portion 211, and the gas is introduced into the recess 21 from the introduction side through the through hole 211A.

[0019] The groove portion 211B is formed so as to partially increase the diameter of the through hole 211A. Thereby, the area of the pressure of the gas introduced into the recess 21 from the through hole 211A acting on the valve body 3 becomes large. The groove portion 211B may be formed according to the set pressure for opening the valve body 3, or the groove portion may be omitted.

[0020] The bead 211C is formed, for example, in an annular shape around an axis along the Z direction and has a triangular cross section (blade shape) with the opening side as the apex. The bead 211C functions as a valve seat when the valve body 3 contacts it. When the bead 211C is formed in a blade shape, it can bite into the valve body 3, which is an elastic member, and the surface pressure can be improved to ensure the sealing performance. Note that the bead 211C is not limited to a triangular cross section and may have other shapes.

[0021] The valve body placement part 212 is formed on the opening side rather than the bottom part 211, and is formed to be able to accommodate the valve body 3. On the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical valve body placement part 212, a screwing part 212A is formed. The screwing part 212A is a female screw part. Note that the screwing part 212A only needs to be formed at least in the part where the plug body 4 is provided, and the screwing part 212A may be formed on the entire valve body placement part 212, or the screwing part 212A may not be formed in the part where the valve body 3 is provided.

[0022] The large-diameter part 213 is arranged on the opening side (the side opposite to the bottom part 211 with the valve body placement part 212 in between) rather than the valve body placement part 212, and its inner peripheral surface is cylindrical, and it is formed to have a larger diameter than the valve body placement part 212.

[0023] The valve body 3 is entirely formed of an elastic member, and is formed in a cylindrical shape (or disk shape) with the Z direction as the height direction. The outer diameter of the valve body 3 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the valve body placement part 212, and the valve body 3 can be arranged inside the valve body placement part 212 and is prevented from tilting. The bottom surface (the surface on the introduction side) 31 of the valve body 3 serves as a seating surface and can come into contact with the bead 211C.

[0024] The plug body 4 is formed of, for example, synthetic resin, and integrally has a disk-shaped flange part 41, a protruding part 42 protruding from the flange part 41 to the introduction side, and a pressing part 43 provided at the tip of the protruding part 42.

[0025] The outer diameter of the flange part 41 is larger than the inner diameter of the valve body placement part 212 and slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the large-diameter part 213, and the flange part 41 is arranged in the large-diameter part 213. On the upper surface (the surface on the opening side) of the flange part 41, a +-shaped groove part 411 is formed and can be operated by a plus driver. Note that the tool for operating the flange part 41 is not limited to a plus driver, and it is sufficient if a groove or the like with a shape corresponding to the tool is formed on the upper surface.

[0026] The flange portion 41 is formed with a vent hole 412 penetrating in the Z direction, and the space inside the recess 21 and the external space on the opening side are in communication. Thereby, when the internal pressure of the power storage device 10 rises and gas is introduced into the recess 21, this gas can be discharged to the external space.

[0027] The protruding portion 42 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a threaded portion 421 is formed on its outer peripheral surface. The threaded portion 421 is a male thread portion. The threaded portion 421 can be screwed with the threaded portion 212A formed in the recess 21. That is, by operating the flange portion 41 with a tool and rotating the plug body 4 in one direction around the axis along the Z direction, the plug body 4 moves to the introduction side, and by rotating it in the other direction, it moves to the opening side. In this way, the plug body 4 is fixed to the case 2 by screwing. Note that the position where the threaded portion is formed is not limited to the recess 21 and the protruding portion 42, and it is sufficient that the threaded portion is formed at positions corresponding to each other on the case side and the plug body side.

[0028] The pressing portion 43 has a tapered shape in which the outer diameter becomes smaller toward the tip side (introduction side), and its tip surface is in contact with the upper surface (the surface on the opening side) 32 of the valve body 3. When the plug body 4 is rotated in one direction as described above with the valve body 3 accommodated in the recess 21, the pressing portion 43 approaches and contacts the valve body 3. When the rotation continues in this state, the valve body 3 is pressed and pressed against the bead 211C of the case 2 and compressed. When the lower surface of the flange portion 41 comes into contact with the upper surface of the large-diameter portion 213, the movement of the plug body 4 to the introduction side is restricted, and the pressing amount is controlled.

[0029] The pressure regulating valve 1 for the power storage module as described above is provided in the power storage device 10. When the internal pressure of the power storage device 10 changes, the pressure regulating valve 1 for the power storage module functions as follows. First, when the internal pressure of the power storage device 10 is smaller than a preset reference value, the force acting on the valve body 3 due to this internal pressure towards the valve opening side is smaller than the force for opening the valve body 3. Therefore, the valve body 3 remains in the closed state. On the other hand, when the internal pressure of the power storage device 10 becomes equal to or higher than the reference value, the force towards the valve opening side becomes equal to or higher than the force for opening the valve body 3, and the valve body 3 deforms and the bottom surface 31 separates from the bead 211C. That is, the valve body 3 opens, and gas passes through the through hole 211A and flows into the recess 21 from the power storage device 10. This gas is discharged to the outside from the recess 21 through the vent hole 412 of the flange portion 41.

[0030] Due to defects in each component or poor assembly of the pressure regulating valve 1 for the power storage module, initial defects such as not being able to obtain the desired valve opening characteristics may occur. At this time, by removing the plug body 4 screwed into the case 2, it is possible to replace components or correct the assembled state. As described above, a plurality of recesses are formed in the case 2, and the same valve body 3 and plug body 4 as described above are provided in each of these recesses. Therefore, when an initial defect occurs in some valves, it is possible to remove the plug body 4 only for this valve.

[0031] When using the power storage device 10 provided with the pressure regulating valve 1 for the power storage module, various deteriorations and the like may occur in each part. For example, the valve body 3, which is an elastic member, may deteriorate and its elasticity may decrease, or the battery electrolyte may be insufficient. At this time, by removing the plug body 4, it is possible to replace the valve body 3 or replenish the battery electrolyte.

[0032] As described above, according to the pressure regulating valve 1 for the power storage module according to the embodiment of the present invention, since the plug body 4 and the case 2 are detachably fixed, the plug body 4 can be removed from the case 2 according to initial defects, deterioration, etc., and the maintainability can be improved.

[0033] In addition, since the case 2 has a plurality of recesses 21 and a plug body 4 is provided for each of the plurality of recesses 21, only some of the plug bodies 4 can be removed, and compared with a configuration in which a common cover is provided for the plurality of recesses, the maintainability can be improved. In particular, in a configuration in which a common cover is provided for the plurality of recesses, when a defect occurs in some of the valves, it is necessary to replace the whole, whereas in a configuration in which a plug body 4 is provided for each of the plurality of recesses 21, it is possible to deal with it by replacing parts only in the valve in which the defect has occurred.

[0034] [Second Embodiment] As shown in FIG. 8, the pressure regulating valve 1B for a power storage module according to the second embodiment of the present invention is different from the pressure regulating valve 1 for a power storage module of the first embodiment in that a fitting recess 213A and a fitting projection 413 are provided instead of the screwing portions 212A and 421, and the positions where these are provided. The same reference numerals are given to the common configurations and the description thereof is omitted.

[0035] A fitting recess 213A is formed in the large-diameter portion 213 of the case 2, and a fitting projection 413 is formed in the flange portion 41 disposed in the large-diameter portion 213 of the plug body 4. For example, by pushing the plug body 4 along the Z direction, the fitting projection 413 and the fitting recess 213A are fitted (inserted) to fix the case 2 and the plug body 4. Further, for example, by tilting the plug body 4 with respect to the case 2 using a tool, the fitting can be released.

[0036] Also in the pressure regulating valve 1B for a power storage module according to the second embodiment as described above, the maintainability can be improved in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Note that a configuration may be adopted in which a fitting recess is provided on the plug body side and a fitting projection is provided on the case side. Further, the formation positions of the fitting recess and the fitting projection are not limited to this.

[0037] [Third Embodiment] Figs. 9 to 11 are perspective views of the pressure regulating valve 1C for the power storage module according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The pressure regulating valve 1C for the power storage module according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a case 5 having a recess 51 and a through hole formed at the bottom of the recess 51, a valve body 6 disposed in the recess 51 and capable of opening and closing the through hole by elasticity, and a plug body 7 having a pressing portion 73 that presses the valve body 6 toward the valve closing side and closing the recess 51. The case 5 and the plug body 7 are detachably fixed.

[0038] The case 5 has a case body 5A in which the recess 51 is formed, and a lid portion 5B provided on the side opposite to the bottom with respect to the recess 51. That is, the lid portion 5B is provided so as to close the recess 51. The case body 5A and the lid portion 5B may be fixed, for example, by welding over the entire surface.

[0039] A through hole 52 through which the plug body 7 can pass is formed in the lid portion 5B. The through hole 52 has a circular portion 521 and three notch portions 522 formed so that the circular portion 521 is enlarged in a predetermined circumferential position. The three notch portions 522 are arranged, for example, at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0040] The recess 51 has a circular portion 511 that overlaps the circular portion 521 of the through hole 52 and in which the valve body 6 is disposed, and three notch portions 512 formed so that the circular portion 511 is enlarged in a predetermined circumferential position. The notch portion 512 of the recess 51 is formed with a larger circumferential dimension than the notch portion 522 of the through hole 52. Thereby, the notch portion 522 of the through hole 52 is arranged so as to overlap a part of the notch portion 512 of the recess 51.

[0041] The valve body 6 is the same as the valve body 3 of the first embodiment.

[0042] The plug body 7 has a cylindrical base portion 71, three convex portions 72 formed to protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface of the base portion 71, and a pressing portion 73 that protrudes from the base portion 71 toward the inside of the concave portion 51 (toward the valve body 6 side). The base portion 71 has a size that allows it to pass through the through-hole 52. A groove portion 711 is formed on the surface of the base portion 71 facing away from the valve body 6, similar to the first embodiment, and can be operated by a tool, enabling the plug body 7 to rotate around the axial direction along the Z direction.

[0043] The convex portions 72 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, similar to the notch portions 522, and have a size that allows them to pass through the notch portions 522. Further, the circumferential dimension of the convex portions 72 is smaller than the circumferential dimension of the notch portions 512 of the concave portion 51, enabling the convex portions 72 to move in the circumferential direction within the notch portions 512. That is, the plug body 7 can rotate while being accommodated in the concave portion 51. The pressing portion 73 is the same as the pressing portion 43 of the first embodiment.

[0044] Only when the rotatable plug body 7 is set to a predetermined rotation angle, each of the three convex portions 72 is in a position corresponding to the three notch portions 522, and the plug body 7 can pass through the through-hole 52. When the plug body 7 passes through the through-hole 52, the convex portions 72 are arranged in the notch portions 512 of the concave portion 51. Then, when the plug body 7 is rotated around the axial direction, the convex portions 72 move within the notch portions 512, and the convex portions 72 and the notch portions 522 no longer overlap in the Z direction. That is, the convex portions 72 cannot pass through the notch portions 522 of the through-hole 52 (and abut against the portion around the through-hole 52 in the lid portion 5B), and the movement toward the outside of the concave portion 51 is restricted. As a result, the plug body 7 is restricted from falling off and is fixed to the case 5.

[0045] On the other hand, when the plug body 7 is rotated in the opposite direction to the above while the plug body 7 is fixed to the case 5, the convex portions 72 move to a position where they overlap with the notch portions 522, and the plug body 7 can pass through the through-hole 52 again. That is, the plug body 7 can be removed from the case 5.

[0046] Also in the pressure regulating valve 1C for the power storage module of the third embodiment as described above, like in the first embodiment, the maintainability can be improved.

[0047] Note that the present invention is not limited to the forms of the above-described embodiments, and includes other configurations and the like that can achieve the object of the present invention. Modifications and the like as described below are also included in the present invention. For example, in the first embodiment of the present invention described above, the case 2 has a plurality of recesses 21, and the plug bodies 4 are provided for each of the plurality of recesses 21. However, the case may have a configuration having only one recess. This also applies to the second and third embodiments.

[0048] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been explained. However, the present invention is not limited to the pressure regulating valve for the power storage module according to the above-described embodiments of the present invention, and includes all aspects included in the concept and claims of the present invention. Also, each configuration may be appropriately and selectively combined so as to achieve at least part of the above-described problems and effects. For example, the shape, material, arrangement, size, etc. of each component in the above-described embodiment can be appropriately changed according to the specific usage mode of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0049] 1, 1B, 1C... Pressure regulating valve for power storage module, 2, 5... Case, 21, 51... Recess, 211... Bottom, 211A... Through hole, 211B... Groove, 211C... Bead, 212... Valve body arrangement part, 212A... Threaded part, 213... Large diameter part, 213A... Fitting recess, 3, 6... Valve body, 31... Bottom surface, 32... Upper surface, 4, 7... Plug body, 41... Flange part, 411, 711... Groove, 412... Vent hole, 413... Fitting convex part, 42... Protrusion, 421... Threaded part, 43, 73... Pressing part, 5A... Case body, 5B... Cover part, 52... Through hole, 511... Circular part, 512... Notch, 521... Circular part, 522... Notch, 71... Base part, 72... Convex part, 10... Power storage device (power storage module), 100... Power storage unit

Claims

1. A case having a recess and a through hole formed at the bottom of the recess, A valve body disposed in the recess and capable of opening and closing the through hole by elasticity, A plug body for closing the recess, and The case and the plug body are detachably fixed, The bottom has a valve seat with which the valve body contacts, The plug body has a pressing portion that abuts against the valve body from the side opposite to the valve seat, a pressure regulating valve for a power storage module.

2. The pressure regulating valve for a power storage module according to claim 1, wherein screwing portions are formed on each of the case and the plug body to enable detachable attachment.

3. The pressure regulating valve for a power storage module according to claim 1, wherein a fitting convex portion is provided on one of the plug body and the case, and a fitting concave portion that fits with the fitting convex portion is provided on the other, so that the plug body and the case are detachable.

4. A case having a recess and a through hole formed at the bottom of the recess, A valve body disposed in the recess and capable of opening and closing the through hole by elasticity, A plug body for closing the recess, and The case and the plug body are detachably fixed, The case has a case body in which the recess is formed and a lid portion provided on the side opposite to the bottom with respect to the recess, The plug body is rotatably provided with respect to the case with the insertion direction into the recess as the axial direction, and has a convex portion facing the outer peripheral side, The lid portion has a through hole through which the plug body at a predetermined rotation angle can pass, The plug body rotates after passing through the through hole, so that the convex portion cannot pass through the through hole and the detachment is restricted, a pressure regulating valve for a power storage module.

5. The case has a plurality of the recesses, The pressure regulating valve for a power storage module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the valve body and the plug body are provided for each of the plurality of recesses.

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