Vent plug for lead-acid storage battery

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application is a vent plug for a lead-acid storage battery, belonging to the technical field of lead-acid storage battery accessories. The vent plug comprises a plug body and a plug core; the interior of the plug body is provided with a cylindrical accommodating cavity, one end within the plug body is provided with an engagement recess for engaging with a gas-filtering piece, and an elongated slot is provided on the side wall at the other end of the plug body; the plug core is detachably connected to the interior of the accommodating cavity, a plurality of partition plates are obliquely arranged at intervals sequentially from one end to the other end of the plug core, adjacent partition plates have inclination angles which are opposite to one another, and a support column is arranged between adjacent partition plates; the plurality of partition plates form a plurality of partition cavities from one end to the other end in the accommodating cavity, and adjacent partition cavities communicate with one another to form a channel for gas circulation and electrolyte backflow; and a protrusion is provided on the partition plate at the end away from the engagement recess, and the protrusion is engagingly fitted with the elongated slot.

Description

A lead-acid battery vent plug

[0001] This patent application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. CN 202510372693.5, filed on March 27, 2025. The disclosure of the earlier application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This application belongs to the technical field of lead-acid battery accessories, specifically relating to a lead-acid battery vent plug. Background Technology

[0003] Lead-acid batteries are a widely used type of battery, offering advantages such as high reliability and low cost. The casing of a lead-acid battery includes the battery case, battery cover, and vent plug. The vent plug is sealed and fixed to the battery cover. During battery operation, some of the hydrogen and oxygen produced are released outside the battery through the vent plug, while the rest accumulates inside. When the amount of gas produced is large, excessive gas pressure may cause acid to surge upwards. Existing vent plugs lack acid-blocking structures, making acid leakage easy.

[0004] In addition, the design requirements of the single-layer cover of lead-acid batteries require that each cell support an independent venting system, but the existing vent plugs cannot prevent acid leakage while venting.

[0005] Therefore, how to provide a lead-acid battery vent plug that can both vent the gas and prevent acid leakage is a problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, this application provides a lead-acid battery vent plug that can prevent electrolyte leakage and also allow for better venting.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution: providing a lead-acid battery vent plug, which includes a plug body and a plug core.

[0008] The plug has a cylindrical cavity inside, and a slot is provided inside the plug adjacent to one end of the cavity. The slot engages with the air filter. The other end of the cavity has an elongated slot on the side wall of the plug.

[0009] The core is detachably connected to the interior of the cavity. The core has multiple partitions arranged at intervals from one end to the other, with adjacent partitions having opposite inclination angles. A support column is arranged between adjacent partitions. The multiple partitions divide the cavity into multiple compartments from one end to the other. Adjacent compartments are interconnected and form channels for gas flow and electrolyte return. A protrusion is provided on the partition at the end of the core away from the slot, and the protrusion engages with the elongated slot.

[0010] Compared to existing technologies, the lead-acid battery vent plug provided in this application offers the following advantages: The internal cavity of the plug provides installation space for the vent core. The vent core is equipped with multiple baffles, which, in conjunction with the plug body, form multiple interconnected cavities. These cavities extend the gas and liquid flow channels within the plug body, serving to block and store acid while venting, slowing the flow of electrolyte to the filter, and mitigating the risk of battery leakage. Furthermore, the vent core and plug body use a plug-in design, ensuring the vent core can only be installed smoothly after the filter is in place. The filter is installed in a slot, and the vent core is installed in the cavity, with the slot adjacent to the cavity. During installation, the filter is installed first, followed by the vent core. Only after the filter is properly installed and no longer occupies cavity space can the vent core be installed. This is a foolproof design, providing error prevention. After installation, both the filter and the vent core are securely fixed, ensuring stable and reliable operation of the vent plug.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the support column has a T-shaped structure, with overflow gaps formed at both ends of the support column, and a reinforcing rib is provided on at least one side wall of the support column, with the reinforcing rib being fixedly connected to adjacent partitions respectively.

[0012] The technical effects of the structure provided in this embodiment are as follows: adjacent partitions are connected by support columns, which adopt a T-shaped structure. The notches at both ends of the T-shaped structure form fluid channels, which is the key to realizing the interconnection of adjacent cavities and thus realizing exhaust and liquid return. The reinforcing ribs can improve the structural strength, thereby improving the reliability of the connection between the partitions.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the baffle is an elliptical structure, with a portion cut off at one end to form an outlet, the outlet being located at the bottom of the inclined baffle, and a raised backflow slope provided on the upper surface of the baffle adjacent to the top of the baffle.

[0014] The technical effect of the structure provided in this embodiment is that, because the partition is arranged at an incline within the cavity, the elliptical partition can achieve a sealed connection and fit between the edge of the partition and the inner wall of the cavity. Of course, considering the need for communication between adjacent cavities, a portion of the bottom end of the partition is cut off to form an outlet, ensuring both air passage and electrolyte reflux. The reflux slope facilitates electrolyte reflux, making it less likely for electrolyte to remain in the cavities and vent plugs.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the bottom edge of the return slope is aligned with the edge of the flow gap in the support column.

[0016] The technical effect of the structure provided in this embodiment is that the bottom of the return slope is close to the flow gap of the support column, which facilitates the smooth return of the electrolyte in the compartment to the next compartment. Preferably, there are two return slopes arranged symmetrically, and the bottom of the two return slopes are close to the flow gaps on the corresponding sides (there are also two flow gaps), which further facilitates the return of the electrolyte.

[0017] In one possible implementation, an annular protrusion is formed between the slot and the cavity inside the plug body, the filter is a valve-controlled filter and is embedded in the slot, and a gap is provided between the filter and the inner end face of the plug body.

[0018] The technical effect of the structure provided in this embodiment is that the annular protrusion ensures that the filter element is stably installed in the slot. After the filter element enters the cavity and passes over the annular protrusion into the slot, the plug core can be installed in place. This ensures that the filter element is installed in place, thereby preventing the filter element from accidentally falling off (e.g., due to vibration). Preferably, the bottom of the slot is provided with a vent hole that penetrates the top of the plug body. Gas inside the battery cell can be discharged through the vent hole after passing through the plug core and the filter element.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the partition plate near the slot of the stud core is provided with a limiting contact surface, which abuts against the annular protrusion.

[0020] The technical effect of the structure provided in this embodiment is that the limiting contact surface can ensure that the top of the plug is installed in place.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the plug body is an integrally molded injection molded body, the top cap of the plug body is provided with a rubber gasket, the rubber gasket is used to seal and contact the top surface of the battery cover, and the outer side wall of the plug body is provided with a threaded portion below the top cap for mating and connecting the battery cover.

[0022] The technical effect of the structure provided in this embodiment is that the vent plug is installed with an interference fit with the battery cover, and the rubber gasket is sealed to the battery cover, ensuring that the vent plug and the battery cover are sealed and leak-proof.

[0023] In one possible implementation, a circumferential positioning notch is provided at one end of the outer side wall of the plug, and the circumferential positioning notch is located directly below the elongated slot.

[0024] The technical effect of the structure provided in this embodiment is that the positioning notch is used to position the circumferential angle of the bolt during installation. The positioning notch is circumferentially aligned with the elongated slot, which helps the protrusion at the bottom of the bolt to quickly align with the elongated slot, improving the convenience and speed of bolt installation. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic three-dimensional structural diagram of the lead-acid battery vent provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lead-acid battery vent plug provided in an embodiment of this application, with the cross-section passing through the axis of the plug body;

[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic top view of the plug body of the lead-acid battery vent plug provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 4 is a schematic three-dimensional structural diagram of the core of the lead-acid battery vent plug provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 5 is a schematic side view of the core of the lead-acid battery vent plug provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lead-acid battery vent plug provided in the embodiment of this application. The cross-section passes through the axis of the vent plug, and the filter and plug core are both installed in the plug body. Multiple cavities are schematically shown in the figure.

[0031] In the picture:

[0032] 1. Bolt body, 11. Cavity, 12. Slot, 13. Top cap, 14. Cross groove, 15. Gap, 16. Vent hole, 17. Threaded part, 2. Rubber pad, 3. Ring protrusion, 4. Bolt core, 41. Partition plate, 42. Support column, 43. Flow notch, 44. Reinforcing rib, 45. Protrusion, 46. Limiting contact surface, 47. Return slope surface, 5. Positioning notch, 6. Long slot hole, 7. Air filter, 8. Chamber. Embodiments of the present invention

[0033] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0034] Please refer to Figures 1 to 6. In some embodiments, the lead-acid battery vent plug provided in this application includes a plug body 1 and a plug core 4.

[0035] The plug body 1 has a cylindrical cavity 11 inside. The plug body 1 has a slot 12 adjacent to one end of the cavity 11. The slot 12 is used to engage the filter plate 7. At the other end of the cavity 11, the side wall of the plug body 1 has an elongated slot 6. The extension direction of the elongated slot 6 is parallel to the axial direction of the plug body.

[0036] The plug core 4 is detachably connected to the interior of the cavity 11. Four partitions 41 are arranged at intervals from one end of the plug core 4, with adjacent partitions 41 having opposite inclination angles. Support columns 42 are arranged between adjacent partitions. These partitions 41 divide the cavity 11 into four chambers 8 from one end to the other. These chambers 8 extend the length of the gas passage, serving to block and store acid, thereby slowing the flow of electrolyte to the filter and mitigating the risk of battery leakage. Adjacent chambers 8 are interconnected, forming channels for gas flow and electrolyte return. The four chambers form a looping, tortuous channel that advances sequentially towards the exhaust port. A protrusion 45 is provided on the partition 41 at the end of the plug core 4 furthest from the slot 12, and the protrusion 45 engages with the elongated slot 6.

[0037] In some embodiments, the support column 42 has a T-shaped structure, with overflow notches 43 formed at both ends of the support column 42, thereby enabling communication between adjacent cavities 8 and forming a gas channel and an electrolyte return channel. The support column 42 connects two adjacent upper and lower cavities 41 into one unit, and at least one side wall of the support column 42 is provided with a reinforcing rib 44, which is fixedly connected to the adjacent cavities 41, thereby improving the overall structural strength of the core.

[0038] In some embodiments, the partition 41 has an elliptical structure to fit the cylindrical inner wall of the cavity. One end of the partition 41 is cut off to form an outlet to ensure that gas can pass through. The outlet 43 is located at the bottom end of the inclined partition. The upper surface of the partition 41 adjacent to the top end is provided with a raised reflux slope 47. The raised height can be 0.3 mm. The reflux slope 47 has two symmetrical slopes that slope to both sides to facilitate electrolyte reflux.

[0039] In some embodiments, the bottom edge of the return slope 47 is aligned with the edge of the flow gap 43 of the support column 42 to facilitate the guidance of electrolyte in the cavity 8 to the flow gap 43 and back to the cell.

[0040] In some embodiments, an annular protrusion 3 is formed between the internal slot 12 and the cavity 11 of the plug body 1. The filter 7 can be a valve-controlled filter 7. The filter 7 is embedded in the slot. The annular protrusion 3 can prevent the filter from falling off due to battery vibration. A gap 15 is provided between the filter 7 and the inner cavity end face of the plug body 1. The top of the plug body 1 is provided with an exhaust hole 16 communicating with the gap 15. The gas flowing through the filter is finally discharged from the exhaust hole 16, while the intercepted electrolyte flows back to the battery cell.

[0041] In some embodiments, a limiting contact surface 46 is provided on the partition plate 41 at one end of the plug core 4 near the slot 12. The limiting contact surface 46 abuts against the annular protrusion 3. If the filter element 7 is not installed in place, the plug core 4 cannot be installed smoothly, thereby ensuring that the filter element 7 is installed in place through the installation of the plug core 4.

[0042] In some embodiments, the plug body 1 is an integrally molded injection body. The top cap 13 of the plug body 1 is provided with a rubber pad 2. The top cap 13 is also provided with a cross groove 14 for easy unscrewing of the vent plug. The slot 12 is located on the side near the top cap 13. The rubber pad 2 is in sealed contact with the top surface of the battery cover. The outer side wall of the plug body 1 is provided with a threaded portion 17 for engaging and connecting the battery cover below the top cap 13.

[0043] In some embodiments, a positioning notch 5 is provided at one end of the outer wall of the bolt body 1. The positioning notch 5 is located directly below the elongated slot 6 and is used to quickly achieve a detachable connection of the bolt core. The positioning notch 5 is used to position the circumferential angle of the bolt core 4 when installing it. The positioning notch 5 is circumferentially aligned with the elongated slot 6. The positioning notch 5 can help the protrusion 45 at the bottom of the bolt core 4 to quickly align with the elongated slot 6, thereby improving the convenience and speed of bolt core 4 installation.

[0044] During installation, after the main body of the bolt core 4 is placed into the cavity 11 of the bolt body, the protrusion 45 at the bottom of the bolt core 4 is aligned with or placed into the positioning notch 5. At this time, the bolt core 4 is pushed axially into the cavity 11 (the protrusion 45 is made of flexible material, so it will not be stuck by the wall of the positioning notch 5) so that the protrusion 45 is inserted into the bottom of the elongated slot 6 to complete the installation of the bolt core 4. The installation process is convenient and efficient.

[0045] The vent plug provided in this application can reduce the risk of leakage and can be used in the independent venting system of each cell required by the single-layer cover design of lead-acid batteries.

[0046] The above description of the disclosed embodiments is intended to enable those skilled in the art to implement or use the technical solutions provided in this application. Various obvious modifications made by those skilled in the art to the above embodiments, without departing from the general principles and spirit defined in this application, are all within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A lead-acid battery vent plug, characterized by, Include: The plug body (1) has a cylindrical cavity (11) inside, a clamping groove (12) is arranged in the plug body (1) adjacent to one end of the cavity (11), the clamping groove (12) is used for clamping the filter sheet (7), and a long slot hole (6) is arranged on the side wall of the plug body (1) at the other end of the cavity (11); The plug core (4) is detachably connected inside the cavity (11), the plug core (4) is sequentially and spacedly arranged with multiple partitions (41) from one end to the other end, the inclination angles of adjacent partitions (41) are opposite, support columns (42) are arranged between adjacent partitions, multiple partitions (41) divide multiple cavities (8) in the cavity (11) from one end to the other end, adjacent cavities (8) are communicated with each other and form channels for gas flow and electrolyte backflow, and the partition (41) away from the clamping groove (12) end of the plug core (4) is provided with a protruding block (45), and the protruding block (45) is clamped and matched with the long slot hole (6).

2. A lead-acid battery vent plug according to claim 1, characterised in that, The support column (42) is a T-shaped structure, the two side ends of the support column (42) form flow gaps (43), and at least one side wall of the support column (42) is provided with a reinforcing rib plate (44) fixedly connected with adjacent partitions (41).

3. A lead-acid battery vent plug according to claim 1, wherein, The partition (41) is an oval structure, a part of one end of the partition (41) is cut off to form a flow port, the flow port is located at the bottom end of the inclined partition, and the upper surface of the partition (41) is provided with a protruding backflow slope (47) adjacent to the top end of the partition.

4. A lead-acid battery vent plug according to claim 3, wherein, The slope bottom edge of the backflow slope (47) is aligned with the edge of the flow gap (43) of the support column (42).

5. A lead-acid battery vent plug according to claim 1, wherein, The clamping groove (12) and the cavity (11) inside the plug body (1) form a ring protrusion (3), the filter sheet (7) is a valve control filter sheet, the filter sheet (7) is embedded in the clamping groove (12) and is blocked by the ring protrusion (3) to prevent disengagement from the clamping groove (12), and a gap (15) is formed between the filter sheet (7) and the inner cavity end face of the plug body (1).

6. A lead-acid battery vent plug according to claim 5, wherein, The partition (41) near the clamping groove (12) end of the plug core (4) is provided with a limiting contact surface (46), and the limiting contact surface (46) abuts against the ring protrusion (3).

7. A lead-acid battery vent plug according to claim 1, wherein, The plug body (1) is an integrally formed injection molded body, the plug body (1) is provided with a rubber pad (2) on the top cap portion (13), the rubber pad (2) is used for sealing contact with the top surface of the battery cover, and a threaded portion (17) for matching connection with the battery cover is arranged on the outer side wall of the plug body (1) below the top cap portion (13).

8. A lead-acid battery vent plug according to claim 1, wherein, One end of the outer side wall of the plug body (1) is provided with a positioning notch (5), and the positioning notch (5) is located directly below the long slot hole (6).

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