Lead storage battery safety valve, lead storage battery, and method for using same

Abstract

A lead storage battery safety valve, comprising a valve body (1). A first exhaust hole is disposed in the valve body (1) along an axial direction thereof, a rubber cap valve seat used to install a rubber cap (3) being disposed at a top end of the first exhaust hole, and a valve cover (2) being fittingly disposed at a top end of the valve body (1). A module (4) is assembled at a bottom end of the valve body (1), a top end of the module (4) and the bottom end of the valve body (1) being connected by means of a detachable first assembly structure, a bottom end of the module (4) being provided with a second assembly structure that can be detachably connected to a top end of another module (4), and the module (4) being provided with a second exhaust hole disposed along an axial direction thereof, a cavity for installing a functional material being provided in the second exhaust hole. Also provided are a lead storage battery and a method for using same. The lead storage battery safety valve is combined with different modules (4) in different use stages, so that the battery is in a suitable state, thereby extending the service life of the battery.

Description

Lead-acid battery safety valve, lead-acid battery, and method of using the same Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of lead-acid battery manufacturing, and in particular relates to a lead-acid battery safety valve and a lead-acid battery and a use method thereof. Background Art

[0002] A lead-acid battery is a type of battery whose electrodes are primarily made of lead and its oxides, and whose electrolyte is a sulfuric acid solution. Common lead-acid batteries are categorized into two types: vented and valve-regulated. Valve-regulated lead-acid batteries have a one-way exhaust valve, commonly known as a safety valve, installed on their lid. This valve automatically opens and closes when the internal gas pressure exceeds a certain value. Specifically, when the internal pressure reaches a certain level, the valve automatically opens, vents the gas, and then automatically closes. In existing technology, the safety valve is installed during production, making it impossible to adjust the valve during use based on the battery's condition.

[0003] Patent document CN212648414U discloses a lead-acid battery safety valve comprising: a valve seat with a cylindrical body disposed in the middle; a first air filter fixed to the bottom of the cylindrical body by heat press; a rubber cap mounted on top of the cylindrical body; a positioning member mounted above the rubber cap; a second air filter mounted above the positioning member; and a valve cover mounted on top of the valve seat. This invention employs two air filters. When excessive internal pressure in the battery causes exhaust, the gas pushes open the rubber cap. The second air filter ensures timely discharge of the gas, while the first air filter prevents the acidic electrolyte from escaping. The coordinated use of the first and second air filters prevents the rubber cap from being corroded by acid mist, thereby extending the service life of the safety valve. This patented invention employs two air filters to filter acid mist, but cannot adjust the safety valve based on the battery's acid content, i.e., the saturation of the separator. Therefore, the safety valve structure requires further improvement.

[0004] Patent document CN201130679Y discloses a lead-acid battery safety valve, comprising a protective cover and a valve seat. The valve seat is assembled from a pressing disc, a gland, two acid filter discs, a safety valve body, a rubber cap, a base plate, and a sealing rubber ring. The protective cover is an inverted cup-shaped structure with a reinforcing rib on the top inner side and a claw on the bottom edge of the inner side, which corresponds to a boss on the top edge of the valve body. The protective cover is connected to the safety valve body in an inverted buckle manner and can rotate freely relative to the valve seat. The gland is a cylindrical structure, its outer wall tightly fitting the inner cavity wall of the safety valve body. The gland has a constriction at the bottom of the gland cavity, and an upper acid filter disc and a pressing disc are located above the constriction, both of which tightly fit the inner cavity wall of the gland. However, the safety valve has a disadvantage in that the acid filter disc in the safety valve cannot be removed and replaced individually if it corrodes, requiring replacement of the entire body after the acid filter disc corrodes, reducing the effectiveness of the safety valve on the battery.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] In order to solve the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides a lead-acid battery safety valve and a lead-acid battery and a method of using the same. The lead-acid battery safety valve provided by the present invention is combined with different modules in different use stages, so that the battery is in a comfort zone, thereby extending the battery life.

[0007] In order to achieve the first purpose of the present invention, a lead-acid battery safety valve is provided, which includes a valve body, a first exhaust hole arranged axially inside the valve body, a rubber cap valve seat for installing a rubber cap at the top of the first exhaust hole, a valve cover provided at the top of the valve body, a module assembled at the bottom end of the valve body, the top end of the module and the bottom end of the valve body are assembled through a detachable first assembly structure, the bottom end of the module has a second assembly structure that can be detachably assembled with the top end of another module, a second exhaust hole arranged axially inside the module, and a cavity for installing functional materials is provided in the second exhaust hole.

[0008] During use, corresponding functional materials are set in the cavity of the module according to the functions to be achieved. If there is only one module, the module is assembled with the bottom end of the valve body; if there are at least two modules, the top end of one module is assembled with the bottom end of the valve body, and the remaining modules are assembled and connected in series through the top end of the module and the bottom end of the module located above. The same or different functional materials are set in the cavities of different modules.

[0009] Specifically, the first assembly structure and the second assembly structure are each independently at least one of the following: a threaded connection structure, a snap connection structure, an interference fit connection structure, and a pin connection structure.

[0010] Specifically, the first assembly structure and the second assembly structure are the same, and the top end of the module can be assembled with the bottom end of the valve body to form the first assembly structure, and can also be assembled with the bottom end of another module to form the second assembly structure.

[0011] Specifically, the first assembly structure includes a first assembly groove provided at the bottom end of the valve body, and an assembly column provided at the top end of the module and extending into the first assembly groove during assembly. The side wall of the first assembly groove is provided with a first fixing ring, and the outer periphery of the assembly column is provided with a second fixing ring. Both the first fixing ring and the second fixing ring have a notch. During assembly, the second fixing ring extends through the notch to the top of the first fixing ring and is fixed with the first fixing ring by rotating.

[0012] The second assembly structure includes a second assembly groove provided at the bottom end of the module, and the structure of the second assembly groove is the same as that of the first assembly groove.

[0013] Specifically, a first step structure is formed between the outer peripheral side wall of the module and the assembly column, and a module sealing ring is provided on the step surface of the first step structure. During assembly, the bottom end surface of the valve body abuts and seals against the module sealing ring.

[0014] Specifically, the valve cover is buckled with the top end of the valve body, the bottom surface of the valve cover is provided with a mounting groove that matches the top end portion of the valve body, and the valve cover is provided with a plurality of air leakage holes.

[0015] Specifically, the diameter of the first exhaust hole located at the top end portion of the valve body is enlarged to form a disc installation groove, and the disc installation groove is used to install an air filter or an acid absorption disc.

[0016] The top of the valve body is fastened to the valve cover, where the outer diameter of the part is reduced and a second step structure is formed between the middle outer peripheral side wall of the valve body. The step surface of the second step structure is provided with a valve body sealing ring. During assembly, the bottom edge of the valve cover abuts and seals against the valve body sealing ring.

[0017] Specifically, the functional material is at least one of an acid filter sheet, a gas-liquid filter screen, a filter membrane and an internal catalyst, and the functional material is prepared into a sheet shape that matches the size of the cavity.

[0018] Acid filter sheets: AGM separator sheets, PE polymer microporous plastic sheets, PP polymer microporous plastic sheets, used to adsorb small droplets carried in the gas.

[0019] Gas-liquid filter: It is composed of multiple layers of PP wire mesh, PTFE wire mesh, stainless steel wire mesh, and titanium wire. It is fixed with support frames on both sides and all around. It is used to gather small droplets entrained in the steam into large droplets. The large droplets can drip freely and return to the battery.

[0020] Filter membrane: waterproof and breathable membrane, mainly made of EPTFE material, which can filter liquid in steam and only allow gas to pass through.

[0021] Internal catalyst: Use precious metal platinum or palladium as a catalyst, loaded on a polytetrafluoroethylene sheet or molecular sieve. The hydrogen and oxygen escaping from the battery are combined into water in the catalyst, and the water returns to the battery.

[0022] In order to achieve the second object of the present invention, a lead-acid battery is provided, which uses the lead-acid battery safety valve proposed above, thereby improving the service life of the lead-acid battery.

[0023] In order to achieve the third object of the present invention, a method of use is provided for the lead-acid battery equipped with the lead-acid battery safety valve, the specific steps of which are as follows:

[0024] In the early stage of use of the lead-acid battery, the lead-acid battery safety valve is provided with only one module, and an acid filter disc is installed in the cavity of the module.

[0025] In the middle period of the use of the lead-acid battery, the lead-acid battery safety valve is provided with two modules, wherein an acid filter disc is installed in the cavity of one module, and an internal catalyst is installed in the cavity of the other module.

[0026] In the later stage of use of the lead-acid battery, the lead-acid battery safety valve is provided with two modules, wherein an acid filter is installed in the cavity of one module, and a gas-liquid filter is installed in the cavity of the other module; or, the lead-acid battery safety valve is provided with three modules, wherein an acid filter is installed in the cavity of one module, a gas-liquid filter is installed in the cavity of one module, and an internal catalyst is installed in the cavity of the other module.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0028] Connect functional modules under the safety valve body. Use safety valves connected to different modules during different battery usage stages to keep the battery in a comfort zone, which can extend the battery life. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the safety valve structure of the present invention;

[0030] FIG2 is a cross-sectional view of the safety valve structure of the present invention;

[0031] FIG3 is a cross-sectional view of the safety valve body of the present invention;

[0032] FIG4 is a cross-sectional view of the safety valve cover of the present invention;

[0033] FIG5 is a cross-sectional view of a safety valve module according to the present invention;

[0034] FIG6 is a view of the safety valve module of the present invention from another angle;

[0035] FIG7 is a view of the safety valve module of the present invention from different angles;

[0036] FIG8 is a mid-term structural diagram of the safety valve of the present invention;

[0037] FIG9 is a cross-sectional view of the mid-term structure of the safety valve of the present invention;

[0038] FIG10 is a later structural diagram of the safety valve of the present invention;

[0039] FIG11 is a cross-sectional view of the safety valve of the present invention in the later stage of the structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The present invention is described in further detail below by way of examples.

[0041] The present invention provides a lead-acid battery safety valve for lead-acid batteries in different use stages.

[0042] As shown in FIG1 and FIG2 , a lead-acid battery safety valve includes: a valve body 1 , a valve cover 2 , a rubber cap 3 , a module 4 , a valve body sealing ring 5 and a module sealing ring 6 .

[0043] The valve body 1 has a first exhaust hole arranged axially inside, and the top of the first exhaust hole has a rubber cap valve seat for installing the rubber cap 3. The top of the valve body 1 is equipped with a valve cover 2, and the bottom end of the valve body 1 is equipped with a module 4. The top of the module 4 and the bottom end of the valve body 1 are assembled through a detachable first assembly structure. The bottom end of the module 4 has a second assembly structure that can be detachably assembled with the top of another module 4. The module 4 has a second exhaust hole arranged along the axial direction, and the second exhaust hole is provided with a cavity for installing functional materials.

[0044] More specifically, as shown in Figures 3 to 7, the center of the valve body 1 is a hollow vent 11. From top to bottom, there are a disc mounting groove 12, a rubber cap valve seat 13, and a module retaining ring 14. The periphery of the valve body 1 is provided with a sealing ring groove 15 and fastening threads 16. The valve body 1 is connected to the valve cover 2 with glue at the top and to the module 4 with a bayonet connection at the bottom. The disc mounting groove 12 is used to install gas filters, acid absorbers, etc., to absorb liquids released by escaping gases from the battery.

[0045] The valve body sealing ring 5 is installed in the sealing ring groove 15 of the valve body 1 to prevent acid and gas from overflowing between the valve cover 2 and the battery.

[0046] The rubber cap 3 is mounted on the rubber cap valve seat 13 of the valve body 1. When the internal pressure of the battery reaches a certain value, the valve opens and releases gas. After opening, the valve automatically closes and seals the battery.

[0047] The valve cover 2 is installed on the upper part of the valve body 1. A mounting groove 21 is provided on the bottom of the valve cover 2 and is sealed with the valve body 1 by glue. A mounting bolt 22 is provided on the top of the valve cover 2, and a plurality of air leakage holes 23 are provided on the side of the mounting bolt 22.

[0048] Module 4, the upper part of the module has a fixing ring 41 and a fixing groove 42 for connecting to the valve body 1 or module 4, and a module sealing ring groove 45 is provided under the fixing groove 42. The lower part of the module 4 has a fixing ring 41 for connecting to the next module 4. The middle cavity 43 is used to place functional materials such as acid filter sheets, gas-liquid filter screens, filter membranes, internal catalysts, etc., and a card holder 44 is provided under the cavity.

[0049] In this embodiment, the specific materials of each module are as follows:

[0050] Acid filter sheets: AGM separator sheets, PE polymer microporous plastic sheets, PP polymer microporous plastic sheets, adsorb small droplets carried in the gas.

[0051] Gas-liquid filter: It is composed of multiple layers of PP wire mesh, PTFE wire mesh, stainless steel wire mesh, and titanium wire. It is fixed with support frames on both sides and all around. It gathers small droplets entrained in the steam into large droplets. The large droplets can drip freely and return to the battery.

[0052] Filter membrane: waterproof and breathable membrane, mainly made of EPTFE material, which can filter liquid in steam and only allow gas to pass through.

[0053] Internal catalyst: Use precious metal platinum or palladium as a catalyst, loaded on a polytetrafluoroethylene sheet or molecular sieve. The hydrogen and oxygen escaping from the battery are combined into water in the catalyst, and the water returns to the battery.

[0054] The module sealing ring 6 is installed in the sealing ring groove 45 of the module 4 to prevent gas from directly entering the valve body 1.

[0055] This embodiment provides a lead-acid battery equipped with the lead-acid battery safety valve described in the above embodiment.

[0056] This embodiment also provides a method for using the lead-acid battery proposed in the above embodiment, the specific process of which is as follows:

[0057] In the early stage of battery use (i.e., the number of charges is less than 50, the usage time is less than two months, or the battery weight change is less than 0.5%), the battery contains a lot of acid, the separator saturation is high, and the oxygen recombination efficiency is low. In order to decompose and release the excess water as quickly as possible, only one acid filter sheet or gas-liquid filter is used.

[0058] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, in the middle period of battery use (i.e., the number of charges is 50 to 300, the usage time is two to fifteen months, or the battery weight changes by 0.5% to 1.0%), the excess water has been decomposed and the battery oxygen recombination efficiency is high. In order to reduce the water loss of the battery, an internal catalyst (first layer) and an acid filter or a gas-liquid filter (second layer) can be placed in sequence at the bottom of the valve body from top to bottom.

[0059] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, after prolonged battery use (i.e., more than 300 charges, more than 15 months of use, or a weight change of more than 1.0%), the battery enters a lifespan decline. During charging, the battery experiences high temperatures and high internal vapor. This can be achieved by using a module containing an acid filter and a module containing a gas-liquid filter. For batteries used in high-temperature environments, an internal catalyst (first layer), an acid filter (second layer), and a gas-liquid filter or membrane (third layer) can be placed at the bottom of the valve body, in this order.

Claims

1. A lead-acid battery safety valve, comprising a valve body, wherein the valve body has a first exhaust hole arranged axially therein, the top end of the first exhaust hole has a rubber cap valve seat for mounting a rubber cap, and the top end of the valve body is matched with a valve cover, characterized in that: The bottom end of the valve body is equipped with a module, the top end of the module is assembled with the bottom end of the valve body through a detachable first assembly structure, the bottom end of the module has a second assembly structure that can be detachably assembled with the top end of another module, the module has a second exhaust hole arranged along the axial direction, and the second exhaust hole is provided with a cavity for installing a functional material, When in use, corresponding functional materials are arranged in the cavity of the module according to the functions to be achieved. If there is only one module, the module is assembled with the bottom end of the valve body; if there are at least two modules, the top end of one of the modules is assembled with the bottom end of the valve body, and the remaining modules are assembled and connected in series through the top end of the module and the bottom end of the module located above, and the same or different functional materials are arranged in the cavities of different modules.

2. The lead-acid battery safety valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first assembly structure and the second assembly structure are each independently at least one of the following: a threaded connection structure, a snap connection structure, an interference fit connection structure, and a pin connection structure.

3. The lead-acid battery safety valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first assembly structure is the same as the second assembly structure. The top end of the module can be assembled with the bottom end of the valve body to form the first assembly structure, and can also be assembled with the bottom end of another module to form the second assembly structure.

4. The lead-acid battery safety valve according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first assembly structure comprises a first assembly groove provided at the bottom end of the valve body, and an assembly column provided at the top end of the module and extending into the first assembly groove during assembly, a first fixing ring is provided on the side wall of the first assembly groove, and a second fixing ring is provided on the outer periphery of the assembly column, and both the first fixing ring and the second fixing ring have a notch, and during assembly, the second fixing ring extends through the notch to the top of the first fixing ring and is fixed by rotating and buckling with the first fixing ring; The second assembly structure includes a second assembly groove arranged at the bottom end of the module, and the structure of the second assembly groove is the same as that of the first assembly groove.

5. The lead-acid battery safety valve according to claim 4, characterized in that: A first step structure is formed between the outer peripheral side wall of the module and the assembly column, and a module sealing ring is provided on the step surface of the first step structure. During assembly, the bottom end surface of the valve body abuts and seals against the module sealing ring.

6. The lead-acid battery safety valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve cover is buckled with the top end of the valve body, the bottom surface of the valve cover is provided with a mounting groove matched with the top end portion of the valve body, and the valve cover is provided with a plurality of air leakage holes.

7. The lead-acid battery safety valve according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first exhaust hole is located at the top end of the valve body and has a diameter enlarged to form a disc installation groove, and the disc installation groove is used to install an air filter or an acid absorption sheet; The top of the valve body is snapped onto the valve cover, where the outer diameter of the part is reduced and a second step structure is formed between the middle outer peripheral side wall of the valve body. A valve body sealing ring is provided on the step surface of the second step structure. During assembly, the bottom edge of the valve cover abuts and seals against the valve body sealing ring.

8. The lead-acid battery safety valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The functional material is at least one of an acid filter sheet, a gas-liquid filter screen, a filter membrane and an internal catalyst, and the functional material is prepared into a sheet shape matching the size of the cavity.

9. A lead-acid battery, characterized in that: Use the lead-acid battery safety valve according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A method for using a lead-acid battery, characterized in that: The lead-acid battery uses the lead-acid battery safety valve according to any one of claims 1 to 8, In the early stage of use of the lead-acid battery, the lead-acid battery safety valve is provided with only one module, and an acid filter sheet is installed in the cavity of the module; In the middle period of the use of the lead-acid battery, the lead-acid battery safety valve is provided with two modules, wherein an acid filter sheet is installed in the cavity of one module, and an internal catalyst is installed in the cavity of the other module; In the later stage of the use of the lead-acid battery, the lead-acid battery safety valve is provided with two modules, wherein an acid filter is installed in the cavity of one module, and a gas-liquid filter is installed in the cavity of another module; or, the lead-acid battery safety valve is provided with three modules, wherein an acid filter is installed in the cavity of one module, a gas-liquid filter is installed in the cavity of one module, and an internal catalyst is installed in the cavity of another module.

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