Explosion-proof valve integrated on upper cover and battery pack

Abstract

An explosion-proof valve integrated on an upper cover and a battery pack. The explosion-proof valve integrated on the upper cover comprises an upper cover body (1), which is provided with an accommodating cavity (11); and an explosion-proof valve body (2), the explosion-proof valve body (2) comprising a pressure relief pipe (21) and an air-permeable membrane (22), the pressure relief pipe (21) and the upper cover body (1) being integrally formed, one end of the pressure relief pipe (21) being communicated with the interior of the accommodating cavity (11), the other end of the pressure relief pipe (21) being communicated with the exterior of the accommodating cavity (11), and the air-permeable membrane (22) being assembled at one end of the pressure relief pipe (21).

Description

An explosion-proof valve and battery pack integrated in the upper cover

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on January 29, 2024, with application number 2024202216141. The entire contents of the above application are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of explosion-proof valves, and in particular to an explosion-proof valve and a battery pack integrated in an upper cover. Background Art

[0003] In related technologies, explosion-proof valves are required to relieve pressure and discharge gases to prevent thermal runaway accidents and avoid imbalances in pressure inside and outside the battery pack. Furthermore, considering that lithium batteries can instantly produce large amounts of toxic gases when they catch fire, explosion-proof valves are required to release the gases.

[0004] In the related art, when the internal pressure or temperature of the battery exceeds the limit, the explosion-proof valve will automatically open to release the internal pressure and ensure the safety of the battery. The battery pack of the related art generally adopts a separate explosion-proof valve. Technical issues

[0005] First, the cost of separate explosion-proof valve components is high and requires additional materials and manufacturing processes, thereby increasing the cost of the entire battery pack.

[0006] Secondly, the separate explosion-proof valve needs to be assembled with the battery pack's top cover, which increases the assembly process and complexity. During the assembly process, the seal between the explosion-proof valve and the top cover must be ensured to prevent gas leakage inside the battery pack. This requires additional processing and testing methods, increasing production costs and time. Technical Solutions

[0007] In the first aspect, the present application provides an explosion-proof valve integrated in an upper cover, comprising: an upper cover body, the upper cover body having a accommodating cavity; an explosion-proof valve body, the explosion-proof valve body comprising a pressure relief pipe and a breathable membrane, the pressure relief pipe and the upper cover body being integrally formed, one end of the pressure relief pipe being connected to the interior of the accommodating cavity, the other end of the pressure relief pipe being connected to the outside of the accommodating cavity, and the breathable membrane being assembled at one end of the pressure relief pipe.

[0008] In the second aspect, the present application provides a battery pack, including a battery module, a battery case and an explosion-proof valve integrated in the upper cover, wherein the battery module includes one or more battery cells and a pressure relief valve assembled on the battery cells, and the pressure relief valve is connected to one end of the pressure relief pipe. Beneficial effects

[0009] 1. Reduce the number of parts: By integrating the explosion-proof valve body and the upper cover body into one, the number of parts can be reduced and the cost can be reduced. This can reduce the time and cost of manufacturing and assembly and improve production efficiency.

[0010] 2. Improve reliability: Integrating the explosion-proof valve body and the upper cover body can enhance the airtightness between the two, reduce the risk of leakage, and improve reliability. This can improve product quality and safety and reduce failure and maintenance costs.

[0011] 3. Improve production efficiency: Integrating the explosion-proof valve body and the upper cover body can reduce assembly processes and improve production efficiency. This can reduce production cycle and cost and improve product competitiveness.

[0012] 4. Improve user experience: Integrating the explosion-proof valve body and the upper cover body can reduce the volume and weight of the product and improve user experience. This makes the product more portable and easy to use, improving user satisfaction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the outer structure of the upper cover body according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0014] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the inner structure of the upper cover body according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0015] FIG3 is an enlarged structural diagram of the explosion-proof valve body according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0016] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a partially disassembled structure of an explosion-proof valve body according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0017] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the explosion-proof valve body according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0018] Among them, the meanings of the figure marks are as follows: 1. Upper cover body; 11. Accommodating cavity; 12. Opening; 13. End face; 14. Side face; 15. Assembly lip plate; 2. Explosion-proof valve body; 21. Pressure relief pipe; 211. First pipe; 212. Second pipe; 22. Breathable membrane; 23. Pressure relief port; 3. Reinforced pipe; 31. Exhaust valve; 311. Support beam; 312. Vent; 32. Conical block; 4. Stepped assembly table. Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limiting this application.

[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application pertains. The terms used herein in the specification of this application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application.

[0021] The embodiments of the present application refer to Figures 1 to 5, which disclose an explosion-proof valve integrated in the upper cover, including an integrally formed upper cover body 1 and an explosion-proof valve body 2. The integrated design reduces the number of parts and reduces costs. It can also reduce the assembly process, improve production efficiency, avoid the problem of airtightness in the assembly between the two, reduce the risk of leakage, and improve reliability.

[0022] In a specific embodiment, referring to Figures 1-2, the upper cover body 1 has a accommodating cavity 11, one side of the accommodating cavity 11 is open to form an opening 12, and the side of the accommodating cavity 11 opposite to the opening 12 is the end face 13 of the upper cover body 1, and the explosion-proof valve body 2 includes a pressure relief pipe 21 and a breathable membrane 22, one end of the pressure relief pipe 21 is connected to the inside of the accommodating cavity 11, and the other end of the pressure relief pipe 21 is connected to the outside of the accommodating cavity 11, and the breathable membrane 22 is assembled on one end of the pressure relief pipe 21. Specifically, referring to Figure 4, the pressure relief pipe 21 includes a first pipe 211 and a second pipe 212. The first pipe 211 is vertically connected to the end face 13, and the second pipe 212 is vertically connected to the first pipe 211. The vertical connection of the second pipe 212 to the first pipe 211 can make the airflow encounter greater resistance when passing through the explosion-proof valve, thereby reducing the pressure of the airflow, and can also prevent the airflow from flowing back, thereby avoiding the explosion wave from propagating in the opposite direction from the explosion-proof valve. At the same time, the 90° bend can also reduce the noise generated when the airflow passes through the explosion-proof valve, thereby helping to improve the reliability of the explosion-proof valve and the safety of personnel.

[0023] Referring to Figures 1 and 4 , the end surface 13 of the upper cover body 1 is adjacent to a plurality of side surfaces 14 . The second conduit 212 is disposed through the adjacent side surfaces 14 and is at least partially embedded within the side surfaces 14 . The end portion of the second conduit 212 extending through the side surfaces 14 and outward from the accommodating chamber 11 forms a pressure relief vent 23 . When the internal pressure of the battery pack exceeds a set value, the second conduit 212 breaks through the breathable membrane 22 , releasing the pressure within the battery pack through the pressure relief vent 23 . In some embodiments, the second conduit 212 is perpendicular to the side surfaces 14 . When the angle between the side surfaces 14 and the end surfaces 13 is greater than 90°, the angle between the first conduit 211 and the second conduit 212 can be appropriately adjusted to correspond to the angle between the side surfaces 14 and the end surfaces 13 , thereby achieving a better fit. Of course, in other embodiments, the angle between the side surfaces 14 and the end surfaces 13 may not correspond to the angle between the first conduit 211 and the second conduit 212 . This angle can be modified according to actual circumstances and is not specifically limited in this embodiment.

[0024] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG4 , to enhance the pressure relief strength of the second pipe 212 and prevent explosions during pressure relief, a reinforcing pipe 3 is provided within the second pipe 212. The reinforcing pipe 3 at least partially extends into the first pipe 211. An outlet valve 31 is provided at one end of the reinforcing pipe 3 proximate to the first pipe 211. The provision of the reinforcing pipe 3 increases the thickness of the second pipe 212, providing additional strength and thereby enhancing the safety and reliability of the explosion-proof valve. In one embodiment, the reinforcing pipe 3 is integrally formed with the second pipe 212, thereby reducing assembly steps. In other embodiments, the specific assembly method between the reinforcing pipe 3 and the second pipe 212 is not limited.

[0025] In order to better divert and reduce the pressure of the decompressed gas, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG4 , the outlet valve 31 includes at least one support beam 311, and a vent hole 312 is formed between the support beam 311 and the reinforcement pipe 3. The support beam 311 of the outlet valve 31 is used to increase the stability and reliability of the explosion-proof valve, and is usually composed of two crossed metal support beams 311 or three crossed metal support beams 311. In one embodiment, three support beams 311 are provided, one end of the three support beams 311 is connected to the axis of the reinforcement pipe 3, and the other end of the three support beams 311 is connected to the inner wall of the reinforcement pipe 3. The connection method of the two ends of the support beam 311 includes but is not limited to integral connection, welding, or bonding. A conical block 32 is provided at the junction of the three support beams 311 on the side facing the accommodating cavity 11. The surface of the conical block 32 is provided with a diverter groove arranged along the axis of the conical block 32. The conical block 32 is used to control the flow rate and direction of the airflow. When the airflow passes through the conical structure, the airflow speed increases, thereby reducing the airflow pressure. The diverter groove disperses the airflow and discharges it through the multiple vents 312, thereby achieving the effect of reducing the airflow pressure. In other embodiments, the number of support beams 311 is not specifically limited, and the shapes of the support beams 311 include but are not limited to a cross, a triangle, or a crisscross shape.

[0026] 4 , a stepped assembly platform 4 is formed between the end of the reinforcement pipe 3 facing the accommodating cavity 11 and the first pipe 211. The breathable membrane 22 is disposed on the stepped assembly platform 4, facilitating assembly of the breathable membrane 22. In some embodiments, the breathable membrane 22 is connected to the stepped assembly platform 4 by heat fusion or ultrasonic welding.

[0027] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1, 2 and 5, the edge of the opening 12 of the accommodating cavity 11 is provided with an assembly lip 15 extending outward from the accommodating cavity 11. In order to enable the assembly lip 15 to protect the pressure relief port 23, the end of the second pipe 212 passing through the side 14 is designed not to protrude from the end of the assembly lip 15, which can protect the pressure relief port 23 of the second pipe 212, reduce the risk of touching the pressure relief port 23, and prevent it from being easily bumped and causing damage to the explosion-proof valve.

[0028] In some embodiments, to improve the response speed and efficiency of the explosion-proof valve, the inner wall radius of the second conduit 212 gradually increases in the direction away from the accommodating chamber 11. In one embodiment, referring to FIG5 , only the inner wall radius of the portion of the second conduit 212 near the pressure relief port 23 is changed. This can increase the flow area of ​​the pressure relief port 23, thereby accelerating the pressure release rate and improving the response speed and efficiency of the explosion-proof valve.

[0029] The present application also relates to a battery pack, comprising a battery module, a battery box and an explosion-proof valve integrated in an upper cover, wherein the battery module comprises one or more battery cells and a pressure relief valve mounted on the battery cells, wherein the pressure relief valve is connected to one end of the pressure relief pipe 21, and the integrated design of the explosion-proof valve and the upper cover body 1 improves the production efficiency of the battery pack, reduces production costs and reduces assembly processes.

Claims

1. An explosion-proof valve integrated in an upper cover, comprising: An upper cover body (1), the upper cover body (1) having a receiving cavity (11); An explosion-proof valve body (2), the explosion-proof valve body (2) comprising a pressure relief pipe (21) and a breathable membrane (22), the pressure relief pipe (21) and the upper cover body (1) being integrally formed, one end of the pressure relief pipe (21) being in communication with the interior of the accommodating cavity (11), the other end of the pressure relief pipe (21) being in communication with the exterior of the accommodating cavity (11), and the breathable membrane (22) being assembled on one end of the pressure relief pipe (21).

2. The explosion-proof valve integrated into the upper cover according to claim 1, wherein: One side of the accommodating cavity (11) is open to form an opening (12); the side of the accommodating cavity (11) opposite to the opening (12) is the end face (13) of the upper cover body (1); the pressure relief pipe (21) comprises a first pipe (211) and a second pipe (212); the first pipe (211) is vertically connected to the end face (13), and the second pipe (212) is vertically connected to the first pipe (211).

3. The explosion-proof valve integrated into the upper cover according to claim 2, wherein: The end surface (13) of the upper cover body (1) is adjacent to a plurality of side surfaces (14), the second pipe (212) is passed through the side surfaces (14) adjacent thereto, and the second pipe (212) is at least partially embedded in the side surfaces (14), and the end portion of the second pipe (212) extending through the side surfaces (14) to the outside of the accommodating cavity (11) forms a pressure relief port (23).

4. The explosion-proof valve integrated into the upper cover according to claim 2, wherein: A reinforcement pipe (3) is provided in the second pipe (212), and the reinforcement pipe (3) at least partially extends into the first pipe (211). An air outlet valve (31) is provided at one end of the reinforcement pipe (3) close to the first pipe (211).

5. The explosion-proof valve integrated with the upper cover according to claim 4, wherein: The air outlet valve (31) comprises at least one supporting beam (311), and a vent hole (312) is formed between the supporting beam (311) and the reinforcement pipe (3).

6. The explosion-proof valve integrated with the upper cover according to claim 5, wherein: A conical block (32) is provided on one side of the support beam (311) facing the accommodating cavity (11).

7. The explosion-proof valve integrated with the upper cover according to claim 4, wherein: A stepped assembly platform (4) is formed between one end of the reinforcement pipe (3) facing the accommodating cavity (11) and the first pipe (211), and the breathable membrane (22) is arranged on the stepped assembly platform (4).

8. The explosion-proof valve integrated with the upper cover according to claim 3, wherein: The edge of the opening (12) of the accommodating cavity (11) is provided with a mounting lip plate (15) extending outward from the accommodating cavity (11), and the end of the second pipe (212) passing through the side surface (14) does not protrude beyond the end of the mounting lip plate (15).

9. The explosion-proof valve integrated with the upper cover according to claim 2, wherein: The inner wall radius of the second pipe (212) gradually increases in a direction away from the accommodating chamber (11).

10. A battery pack comprising a battery module, a battery box and an explosion-proof valve integrated in an upper cover as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the battery module comprises one or more battery cells and a pressure relief valve assembled on the battery cells, and the pressure relief valve is connected to one end of the pressure relief pipe (21).

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