WO2024008335A1 - Vanne de vidange de batterie - Google Patents

Vanne de vidange de batterie Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2024008335A1
WO2024008335A1 PCT/EP2023/025313 EP2023025313W WO2024008335A1 WO 2024008335 A1 WO2024008335 A1 WO 2024008335A1 EP 2023025313 W EP2023025313 W EP 2023025313W WO 2024008335 A1 WO2024008335 A1 WO 2024008335A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
drain valve
float
battery case
valve
disposed
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2023/025313
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Vaughn Kevin Mills
Jens BUHLINGER
Sagar Dilip PINGALE
Shahajahan Aslam DESAI-DANWADE
Pushparaj R
Sascha Hermann
Original Assignee
Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Eaton Intelligent Power Limited filed Critical Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
Publication of WO2024008335A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024008335A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/30—Arrangements for facilitating escape of gases
    • H01M50/317—Re-sealable arrangements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/60—Arrangements or processes for filling or topping-up with liquids; Arrangements or processes for draining liquids from casings
    • H01M50/691—Arrangements or processes for draining liquids from casings; Cleaning battery or cell casings

Definitions

  • Water (liquid and/or vapor) and/or other fluids can accumulate within the interior of a battery case. This fluid adversely affects operation of the battery.
  • Certain types of batteries can experience a phenomenon called thermal runaway in which the cells of the battery enter an uncontrollable, self-heating state.
  • the heat produced by the cells increases the pressure within the battery case beyond the normal operating limits. This over pressure may lead to an explosion that damages the battery case and surrounding objections and/or endangers those around the battery case.
  • the drain valve includes a valve housing, a float captured within the valve housing in alignment with a port; and a seal disposed between the float and the port.
  • the seal being coupled to the float so that at least a portion of the seal moves in unison with the float.
  • the valve housing is disposed at least partially within the battery case.
  • the valve housing defines the port leading to an interior of the valve housing (and hence between the interior of the battery case and atmosphere).
  • the valve housing is fluid permeable to enable fluid within the battery case to pass into the interior of the valve housing.
  • an elastic element biases the float away from the port.
  • the elastic element is a spring having a first end coupled to the valve housing and a second end coupled to the float.
  • the float is more dense than water.
  • the seal has a first portion and a second portion.
  • the first portion is configured to move unitarily with the float and the second portion is configured for delayed movement with the float.
  • the seal includes a rubber o-ring.
  • the drain valve includes an over pressure relief mechanism.
  • Other aspects of the disclosure are directed to a battery case including a battery case body and a drain valve arrangement as described above.
  • the battery case body defines an interior having a bottom.
  • the battery case body defining an opening through the bottom.
  • the drain valve is disposed at the opening so that the drain valve extends at least partially into the interior of the battery case body.
  • the opening is defined at a lowest-point of the battery case body.
  • the drain valve is configured to be inserted through the opening from an exterior of the battery case body. In other implementations, the drain valve can be mounted to the battery case body from an interior of the battery case body.
  • the over pressure relief mechanism includes an outer body, a biasing member (e.g., a spring or other elastic element), and a seal.
  • the outer body forms part of the valve housing and surrounds an inner body of the valve housing.
  • the inner body is movable relative to the outer body against the bias of the biasing member.
  • the biasing member biases the inner body to seal against the outer body. Movement of the inner body relative to the outer body against the bias of the biasing member disengages the seal and opens a flow pathway out of the battery case.
  • the outer body can be snap-fit, cam-locked, threaded, bayonet mounted, bonded, welded, or otherwise attached to the battery case.
  • At least a portion of the drain valve is disposed exterior of the battery case when the outer body is sealingly mounted to the battery case.
  • the drain valve arrangement includes an outer body that seals to the battery case, a drain valve supported by the outer body, and a seal between the drain valve and the outer body.
  • the drain valve moves relative to the outer body between sealing and release positions.
  • the seal provides environmental sealing between the outer and inner bodies when the inner body is disposed in the sealing position.
  • the seal is spaced from one of the inner and outer bodies to open the second flow path when the inner body is disposed in the release position.
  • the seal is carried by the inner body.
  • the seal is mounted to the outer body.
  • the outer body defines a first spring stop around the opening; and the drain valve defines a second spring stop that opposes the first spring stop.
  • the drain valve defines a port that the drain valve selectively seals.
  • the drain valve opens the port when a predetermined amount of fluid is present and seals port when the predetermined amount of fluid is not present.
  • the drain valve includes a float valve.
  • the method includes disposing a float valve at a lowest point of the battery case; and biasing the float toward the open position.
  • the float valve includes a float having a density greater than a density of a fluid intended to be drained.
  • the float is movable between open and closed positions relative to a port providing a fluid pathway.
  • the float is biased toward the open position with a biasing member having a biasing force that is insufficient to move the float away from a closed position.
  • the biasing force is sufficient to move the float to the open position when combined with a buoyancy force from the fluid intended to be drained.
  • the method also includes guiding the float between the open and closed positions using a guide arrangement.
  • the float is fluid-assisted.
  • the guide arrangement includes first guides and second guides.
  • the first guides are disposed at an interior of a housing of the float valve.
  • the second guides are disposed at the float.
  • the fluid pathway is a first fluid pathway.
  • the float valve also includes relieving over pressure within the battery case by opening a second fluid pathway.
  • the first fluid pathway remains closed while the second pathway is open (e.g., during an over pressure event).
  • a drain valve including two conduits extending through a valve body.
  • the first conduit extends from the interior of the battery case to a chamber defined within a cap mounted to the valve body.
  • the second conduit extends from the chamber to an exterior of the batter case.
  • the first conduit, the second conduit, and the cap define a bell siphon.
  • the valve housing is disposed at least partially within the battery case.
  • the valve housing defines the port leading to an interior of the valve housing (and hence between the interior of the battery case and atmosphere).
  • the valve housing is fluid permeable to enable fluid within the battery case to pass into the interior of the valve housing.
  • the over pressure relief mechanism includes a first body, a biasing member, and a seal.
  • the first body forms part of the valve housing and surrounds a second body of the valve housing.
  • the second body is movable relative to the first body against the bias of the biasing member.
  • the biasing member biases the second body to seal against the first body. Movement of the second body relative to the first body against the bias of the biasing member disengages the seal and opens a flow pathway out of the battery case.
  • the drain valve arrangement includes a first body that seals to the battery case, a drain valve supported by the first body, and a seal between the drain valve and the first body.
  • the drain valve moves relative to the first body between sealing and release positions.
  • the seal provides environmental sealing between the outer and inner bodies when the second body is disposed in the sealing position.
  • the seal is spaced from one of the inner and outer bodies to open the second flow path when the second body is disposed in the release position.
  • the disclosure includes installing a drain valve arrangement that selectively defines a drainage flow path and an over pressure relief flow path.
  • inventive aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based. Brief Description of the Drawings
  • FIG. l is a schematic diagram showing drain valve arrangements disposed at a battery case
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example drain valve arrangement
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the drain valve arrangement of FIG. 2 including an over pressure relief mechanism
  • FIG. 4 shows the drain valve arrangement of FIG. 3 with the port opened for fluid to drain
  • FIG. 5 shows the drain valve arrangement with the drain valve in the release position during an over pressure event
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a cooling circuit disposed within the battery case having the drain valve arrangement of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an example drain valve arrangement including an ingress protection mechanism and configured in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the drain valve arrangement of FIG. 7;
  • FIG. 9 is an axial cross-sectional view of the drain valve arrangement of FIG. 7 with the first float disposed in the closed position and the second float disposed in the open position;
  • FIG. 10 is an axial cross-sectional view of the drain valve arrangement of FIG. 7 with the first float disposed in the open position in the presence of liquid within the drain valve;
  • FIG. 11 is an axial cross-sectional view of the drain valve arrangement of FIG. 7 with the second float disposed in the closed position in the presence of liquid external of the battery case;
  • FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of an example implementation of a valve housing suitable for use with the drain valve arrangement of FIG. 7;
  • FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of example implementations of a first float, a seal, and a biasing member suitable for use with the drain valve arrangement of FIG. 7, the first float, seal, and biasing member being shown exploded away from each other for ease in viewing;
  • FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the first float and seal of FIG. 13;
  • FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of an example implementation of a second float suitable for use with the drain valve arrangement of FIG. 7;
  • FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the second float of FIG. 15;
  • FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of another example implementation of a first float defining a vent passage, the first float shown spaced from a hydrophobic membrane for ease in viewing the vent passage;
  • FIG. 18 is an axial cross-sectional view of another drain valve arrangement including the first float of FIG. 17, the drain valve arrangement including the ingress protection mechanism of FIG. 7;
  • FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of another example implementation of a drain valve arrangement configured in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, the drain valve arrangement including both ingress protection and thermal run-away relief;
  • FIG. 20 is an exploded view of the drain valve arrangement of FIG. 19;
  • FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an axial cross-section taken of the drain valve arrangement of FIG. 19 with the first float shown in the closed position, the second float shown in the open position, and the inner and outer bodies shown in the sealing position;
  • FIG. 22 shows the drain valve arrangement of FIG. 21 with the first and second bodies shown in the releasing position
  • FIG. 23 is a first perspective view of an example inner body and example cover suitable for use with the drain valve arrangement of FIG. 19;
  • FIG. 24 is a second perspective view of the inner body and cover of FIG. 23;
  • FIG. 25 is a bottom perspective view of an example outer body suitable for use with the drain valve arrangement of FIG. 19.
  • FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing an example drain valve defining a drainage flow path along first and second conduits
  • FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram of the drain valve of FIG. 26 disposed within a battery case and with the second conduit angled outwardly from the battery case;
  • FIG. 28 shows the drain valve arrangement of FIG. 27 with a flow stopper selectively closing the second conduit
  • FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram of an example drain valve arrangement including the drain valve of FIG. 26, the drain valve arrangement shown in a pressure sealing position while the drainage flow path is open;
  • FIG. 30 shows the drain valve arrangement of FIG. 29 disposed in the release position during an over pressure event within the battery case
  • FIG. 31 shows the drain valve arrangement of FIG. 26 with the second conduit having a reducing cross-sectional area as the second conduit extends away from the chamber towards the egress end;
  • FIG. 32 is an enlarged view of the drain valve arrangement of FIG. 26 with a float shown attached to the flow stopper.
  • the drain valve 100 includes a valve housing 102 mounted at an opening defined in the battery case 130.
  • the drain valve 100 is configured to enable fluid F (e.g., water, such as from condensation on cooling pipes, or other types of liquid) pooling within the battery case 130 to exit the battery case 130 (e.g., see FIG. 4).
  • fluid F e.g., water, such as from condensation on cooling pipes, or other types of liquid
  • multiple drain valves 100 are disposed at the battery case 130 to enable fluid egress from multiple points along the battery case 130 (e.g., see FIG. 1).
  • the valve housing 102 is configured to mount (e.g., snap fit, twist-to- lock, etc.) to the battery case 130.
  • the valve housing 102 defines the port 106 leading between an exterior and an interior of the valve housing 102.
  • the port 106 aligns with the opening of the battery case 130.
  • the valve housing 102 is permeable to fluid (e.g., has windows or other openings) to allow passage of fluid from the battery case 130 into the valve housing 102. The fluid can then pass out of the valve housing 102 through the port 106.
  • the valve housing 102 is disposed at least partially within the battery case 130 (e.g., see FIG. 1). In some examples, the valve housing 102 is fully seated within the battery case 130. In other examples, the valve housing 102 extends at least partially out of the battery case 130. For example, the valve housing 102 may mount to an exterior of the battery case 130 and extend into the interior of the battery case 130 through the opening in the battery case 130. In certain examples, the drain valve 100 is disposed at a lowest point in the battery case 130. In certain examples, a portion of the drain valve 100 is disposed outside of the battery case 130 so that a port 106 of the drain valve 100 is located below a surrounding area of the battery case 130 (e.g., see FIG. 4).
  • the drain valve 100 includes a float 104 captured within an interior of the valve housing 102 (e.g., see FIG. 2).
  • the float 104 is aligned with the port 106 and is configured to move (e.g., slide) within the interior of the valve housing 102 to open and close the port 106.
  • the float 104 is configured to slide along a valve axis A that extends through the port 106.
  • the float 104 is sufficiently heavy to maintain the float against the valve seat 108 to close the port 106 absent fluid. Accordingly, the drain valve 100 guards against backsplash or other fluid ingress through the port 106.
  • the float 104 carries a seal 110 that extends over or across the port 106 when the port 106 is closed to environmentally seal the interior of the valve housing 110 against the exterior of the battery case 130.
  • the valve housing 102 defines a valve seat 108 around the port 106.
  • the seal 110 is aligned with the valve seat 108 so that the seal 110 contacts the valve seat 108 when the drain valve 100 is closed.
  • the seal 110 is spaced from the valve seat 108 when the float 104 moves away from the port 106 to open the port 106, thereby creating a drainage flow path Pl from the interior of the battery case 130, through the port 106, to an exterior of the battery case 130.
  • the float 104 is more dense than the fluid intended to be drained from the battery case 130. Accordingly, the presence of the fluid would not alone be sufficient to lift the float 104 away from the valve seat 108.
  • a biasing member 116 is configured to bias the float 104 away from the valve seat 108 towards an open position.
  • the biasing member 116 is a spring such as a coil spring. Other types of biasing members are possible.
  • the biasing member 116 is configured to have a biasing force that is less than the weight of the float 104. Accordingly, the biasing member 116 would not alone lift the float 104 away from the valve seat 108. Instead, the combination of the biasing member 116 and the presence of a fluid to be drained would lift the float 104 away from the valve seat 108. Therefore, in the absence of a fluid to be drained, the drain valve 100 remains closed.
  • the seal 110 is configured to move unitary with the float 104 so that the seal 110 fully lifts off the valve seat 108 when the float 104 moves away from the port 106.
  • the seal 110 has a first portion 112 that moves unitarily with the float 104 and a second portion 114 that does not move unitarily with the float 104. Accordingly, the first portion 112 lifts off the valve seat 108 when the float 104 starts moving away from the port 106 while the second portion 114 remains contacting the valve seat 108.
  • movement of the second portion is delayed from the start of movement of the float 104, but does lift off the valve seat 108 when the float 104 has moved a predetermined distance from the port 106.
  • the seal 110 flexes, deforms, or pivots to allow movement of the first portion 112 before movement of the second portion 114.
  • the second portion 114 remains in contact with the valve seat 108 even when the drain valve 100 is fully open.
  • the valve housing 102 includes one or more perimeter walls 118 surrounding the float 104.
  • the valve housing 102 includes an annular perimeter wall 118.
  • the valve housing 102 includes four perimeter walls 118 cooperating to define a rectangular shaped housing.
  • a top 120 e.g., a separate cap or an integral surface
  • the biasing member is a spring and an extension of the spring 116 provides the upper limit.
  • the float 104 may move along guides defined by the valve housing 102. In certain examples, the float 104 may move along guides disposed at an interior of the valve housing 102. In certain examples, the guides provide the limits for movement of the float 104 relative to the port 106. In certain examples, the guides include ribs or channels defined at interior surface(s) of the perimeter wall(s) 118. In certain examples, the float 104 may define grooves or protruding rails that engage the guides to direct the float 104 through movement towards and away from the port 106. In other examples, the guides may include grooves along which protrusions from the float 104 slide.
  • the drain valve 100 is part of a drain valve arrangement 170 configured to provide over pressure relief to the battery case 130.
  • the drain valve 100 may be configured to provide a pressure relief flow path P2 (e.g., see FIG. 5) for air or other gases to exit the battery case 130 when the interior I of the battery case 130 is over pressurized. Accordingly, hot air or other gases can be released from the battery case 130 to atmosphere O during thermal runaway or other pressurizing events.
  • the pressure relief flow path P2 does not extend through the port 106 of the drainage flow path Pl and instead extends through an opening 140 (see FIG. 5) unique to the pressure relief flow path P2.
  • the second flow path P2 extends through both the port 106 and the additional opening 140 unique to the second flow path P2.
  • the opening 140 of the pressure relief flow path P2 is sealed closed until sufficient pressure builds up within the battery case.
  • the opening 140 of the pressure relief flow path P2 may have a ring shape that extends around the port 106.
  • the valve housing 102 of the drain valve 100 includes an inner body 142 and an outer body 144.
  • the float 104 is disposed within the inner body 142, which is formed from the perimeter wall(s) 118 and top 120. At least the perimeter wall(s) 118 of the inner body 142 is permeable to the fluid intended to be drained.
  • the top 120 also may be permeable.
  • the outer body 144 surrounds the inner body 142.
  • the outer body 144 also is permeable to the fluid intended to be drained.
  • the outer body 144 may define a plurality of windows or other openings through which the fluid may flow between the battery case interior and the inner body 142.
  • fluid within the battery case 130 can pass through the outer body 144 and the inner body 142 to reach the float 104 and port 106.
  • At least the outer body 144 also is permeable to air or other gases to be released from the interior of the battery case 130 when the battery case 130 is over pressurized.
  • the outer body 144 sealingly mounts to the battery case 130.
  • the outer body 144 includes a seal support 146 carrying a seal 148 (e.g., an o-ring) and a stop member 150 spaced from the seal 148.
  • the stop member 150 defines a ramp 152 that faces away from the seal 148 and a stop surface 154 that faces the seal 148.
  • the outer body 144 can be pressed into the battery case 130 through an aperture 132 so that edges of the battery case 130 cam over the ramp 152 and then snap into the gap between the stop surface 154 and the seal 148.
  • the outer body 144 can be mounted to the battery case 130 using a twist-to- lock mechanism (e.g., threads, bayonet, etc.) or any other mounting mechanism.
  • the inner body 142 is spring-mounted to the outer body 144.
  • a first end 158 of a spring 156 (e.g., a coil spring) may seat on a first spring stop 160 of the outer body 144 and a second end 162 of the spring 156 may seat on a second spring stop 164 defined by the top 120 of the inner body 142.
  • the spring 156 biases the inner body 142 to a sealing position relative to the outer body 144.
  • the spring 156 has a predetermined spring force sufficient to remain closed even when fluid is present at the float 104. The spring force is selected to enable movement of the inner body 142 relative to the outer body 144 only when the pressure within the battery case reaches a predetermined threshold that exceeds normal operating conditions.
  • the spring 156 pushes the inner body 142 back to the sealing position when sufficient pressure is released from the battery case 130 so that the drain valve arrangement 100 continues to protect the battery case 130 against fluid ingress.
  • the inner body 142 is otherwise biased to the sealing position relative to the outer body 144.
  • a seal 166 engages both the inner body 142 and the outer body 144 to environmentally seal therebetween when the inner body 142 is disposed in the sealing position.
  • the inner body 142 can be moved against the bias of the spring 156 or other biasing member to a release position. Moving the inner body 142 to the release position separates the seal 166 from one of the inner body 142 and the outer body 144, thereby opening the pressure relief flow path P2 therebetween.
  • the seal 166 is carried by the inner body 142.
  • the seal 166 may seat on a support flange 168 extending outwardly from the inner body 142.
  • the seal 166 may remain on the outer body 144 so that a sealing flange of the inner body 142 is moved away from the seal 166 when the inner body 142 is moved to the release position.
  • a cooling circuit 180 may be disposed within the case 130.
  • the cooling circuit 180 includes one or more cooling pipes P or other conduits that carry coolant through the battery case 130 to cool the battery or other internal components.
  • the cooling circuit 180 includes a condenser C that extracts heat from the cooling pipes P.
  • one or more drain valves 100 can be disposed beneath or otherwise near the cooling circuit 180 to drain fluid from the cooling circuit 180.
  • the drain valve(s) 100 may be configured to drain condensation that drips from an exterior of the condenser C and/or the pipes P.
  • the drain valve(s) 100 may be configured to drain coolant that leaks from the condenser C and/or the pipes P.
  • FIG. 6 the drain valve 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown at the case 130. It will be understood, however, that the drain valve arrangement of FIGS. 3- 5 also/alternatively could be disposed at the case 130 to drain condensation, coolant, and/or other fluid from the case 130.
  • the drain valve 100 is part of a drain valve arrangement 200 configured to provide additional ingress protection and over pressure relief to the battery case 130.
  • the drain valve arrangement 200 may include an ingress protection mechanism 202 that inhibits liquid from entering the drain valve arrangement 200 through the port 106.
  • the ingress protection mechanism 202 is disposed at an opposite side of the port 106 from the float 104.
  • the valve housing 102 may extend below the port 106 to support the ingress protection mechanism 202.
  • the ingress protection mechanism 202 includes a second float 210 located at an opposite side of the port 106 from the float 104 (i.e., the first float).
  • the second float 210 moves between open and closed positions to expose and seal the port, respectively.
  • the first float 104 is disposed in the closed position until exposed to liquid, which raises the first float 104 to the open position.
  • the second float 210 is disposed in the open position until exposed to liquid, which raises the second float 210 to the closed position.
  • the port 106 is defined through a platform 212 that extends between the first and second floats 104, 210.
  • the valve housing 102 includes a downward extension 203 that continues below the platform 212 to hold the second float 210.
  • the platform 212 separates at least part of an interior of the valve housing 102 into a first portion 220 and a second portion 222 that are connected through the port 106 (e.g., see FIG. 9).
  • the first float 104 is disposed in the first portion 220 of the valve housing interior and the second float 210 is disposed in the second portion 222.
  • the seal 110 carried by the first float 104 seals the port 106 from a first side of the platform 212.
  • the platform 212 may define a raised valve seat 108 (e.g., see FIG. 2) disposed within the first portion 220 of the valve housing interior and engaged by the seal 110 when the first float 104 is disposed in the sealed/closed position.
  • the seal 110 (or a portion thereof) is spaced from the valve seat 108 when the first float 104 is disposed in the releasing/open position.
  • the platform 212 does not define a raised valve seat and the seal 110 engages and seals against a planar surface of the platform 212 when the first float 104 is disposed in the closed position (e.g., see FIG.
  • the valve housing 102 is permeable to fluid.
  • the valve housing 102 defines one or more windows 260 that enable passage of fluid from the battery case 130 into the first portion 220 of the valve housing 102. As described above, the presence of fluid within the first portion 220 raises the first float 104 to open the port 106. In the absence of such fluid, the first float 104 returns to the closed position to seal the port 106.
  • the second float 210 is configured to move (e.g., slide) relative to the valve housing 102 independent of the first float 104.
  • the second float 210 moves between an open position (e.g., see FIG. 9) and a closed position (e.g., see FIG. 11).
  • the closed position the second float 210 closes the port 106 from a second, opposite side of the platform 212 from the first float 104. Accordingly, liquid cannot enter the first portion 220 of the drain valve interior from an exterior of the battery case 130.
  • the second float 210 allows liquid to pass through the port 106 from the first portion 220 to an exterior of the battery case 130 (e.g., see FIG. 10).
  • the second float 210 carries a gasket that engages the surface around the port 106 at the second side of the platform 212.
  • a surface of the second float 210 directly engages the surface around the port 106 (e.g., see FIG. 11).
  • the surface around the port 106 at the second side of the platform 212 includes a valve seat 208 protruding into the second portion 222 of the valve housing interior (e.g., see FIG. 11).
  • the surface around the port 106 at the second side of the platform 212 is planar.
  • the second float 210 is shaped to close the port 106 when liquid is present within the second portion 222 of the housing interior and to facilitate drainage of liquid from the port 106 to an exterior of the housing 102 when liquid is present in the first portion 220 of the housing interior.
  • the second float 210 is biased (e.g., gravity biased) to the open position.
  • an upper portion of the second float 210 has a tapered or contoured surface to facilitate liquid rolling off the second float 210 from the port 106 when dropped onto the second float 210 from the port 106.
  • the second float 210 is configured to rise from the open position to the closed position due to buoyancy when liquid is present within the second portion 222 of the housing interior.
  • the second float 210 defines one or more hollow cavities 250 to enhance buoyancy of the second float 210.
  • the second float 210 defines a single hollow cavity.
  • the second float 210 defines multiple hollow cavities 250 separated by strength ribs (e.g., see FIG. 7).
  • the one or more hollow cavities 250 are open at the bottom of the second float 210.
  • the first and second floats 104, 210 are aligned with each other on the opposite sides of the platform 212.
  • the first and second floats 104, 210 may be coaxial with the axis A along which the first float 104 moves (e.g., see FIG. 9.
  • the second float 210 also moves along the axis A.
  • the port 106 is coaxial with the axis A.
  • the port 106 may be offset from the axis A.
  • the port 106 includes a single passage extending through the platform 212.
  • the port 106 may be formed from a plurality of passages defined through the platform 212 and covered and exposed by the floats 104, 210.
  • each float 104, 210 slides along guides defined by the valve housing 102.
  • the guides include vertically extending guide rails 252 that position the float 104, 210 to center the float 104, 210 relative to the port 106.
  • the guide rails 252 also provide a gap between the floats 104, 210 and the valve housing 102 to form fluid pathways (e.g., channels) past the floats 104, 210. Accordingly, fluid entering the first portion 220 of the valve housing 102 flows through the fluid pathways between the first float 104 and the housing 102 to reach the platform 212.
  • the ribs 254 also extend upwardly from the platform 212 to limit downward movement of the first float 104.
  • a body 230 of the first float 104 rests on the ribs 254 and the seal 110 engages the platform 212 (or valve seat thereon).
  • the ribs 254 extend radially towards the port 106 but terminate before reaching the port 106.
  • the ends 256 facing the port 106 may facilitate holding the assisting biasing member 116 in position (e.g., see FIG. 9).
  • each float 104, 210 may define channels along which the guide rails 252 of the valve housing 102 glide. In other implementations, the guides 252 glide along an exterior surface of the floats 104, 210.
  • a separate cover 120 secures to the drain valve housing 102.
  • the cover 120 limits upward movement of the first float 104 (e.g., see FIG. 10).
  • the cover 120 is permeable to fluid.
  • the cover 120 may define one or more apertures 122 (e.g., see FIG. 9) through which fluid can pass from the battery case 130 to the first portion 220 of the valve housing 102.
  • the apertures 122 include a ring of apertures 122.
  • Other configurations are possible (e.g., only a central aperture, a ring of apertures 122 surrounding a central aperture 122 (e.g., see FIG. 21), multiple apertures of the same or different sizes in rings, rows, or other patterns or randomly located).
  • the cover 120 is configured to snap-fit to the drain valve housing 102.
  • one of the cover 120 and the drain valve housing 102 may include ramped retention members 124 while the other defines catch surfaces 126 that engage the retention members 124 (e.g., see FIG. 7).
  • the valve housing 102 defines the catch surfaces 126 and the cover 120 defines the retention members 124.
  • the drain valve housing 102 is configured to secure within the battery case 130.
  • the valve housing 102 includes one or more latches 205 that are configured to snap past an edge of the battery case 130 (e.g., see FIG. 10).
  • valve housing 102 can be threaded to either engage an interior of the battery case 130 or to engage a nut within the battery case 130.
  • Other configurations e.g., bayonet mounting, fastener mounting, welding, frictionfitting, etc.
  • the drain valve housing 102 sealingly mounts to the battery case 130.
  • the drain valve housing 102 includes a seal support 146 carrying a seal 148 (e.g., an o-ring).
  • seal support 146 define an annular channel surrounding the drain valve housing 102 and the seal 148 seats in the channel.
  • FIGS. 13 and 14 show an example implementation of a first float 104 suitable for use in the drain valve arrangement 200.
  • the first float 104 has a body 230 configured to retain and carry the seal 110.
  • a portion of the seal 110 may press-fit within a recess of the body 230.
  • the seal 110 may be adhesively secured or otherwise attached to the body 230.
  • the body 230 includes stop members 234 at the top of the first float 104 to engage the cover 120 when the first float 104 is disposed in the open position.
  • the first float 104 is configured to accommodate the assisting biasing member 116 (e.g., assisting spring).
  • the float body 230 defines an annular pocket 232 open at the bottom of the first float 104.
  • the assisting biasing member 116 mounts within the annular pocket 232 to bias the first float 104 towards the open position.
  • one or more ribs 233 may extend along the annular pocket 232 to facilitate positioning the biasing member 116.
  • the body 230 of the first float 104 is sufficiently heavy/dense to counteract the bias of the biasing member 116 and remain closed absent an external force (e.g., a buoyant force).
  • the first float 104 begins to rise to the open position in response to a combination of buoyancy and the bias of the assisting biasing member 116.
  • FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate an example implementation of the second float 210 suitable for use with the drain valve arrangement 200.
  • the second float 210 is engaged with the drain valve housing 102 to enable limited travel between the open and closed positions.
  • a body 235 of the second float 210 includes one or more retention members 236 that travel within respective windows 242 defined in the extension 203 of the valve housing 102.
  • a lower boundary of the window 242 limits downward movement of the second float 210 (e.g., see FIG. 7).
  • upward movement of the second float 210 is limited by engagement with the platform or corresponding valve seat 208 (e.g., see FIG. 11).
  • each retention member 236 has an upward-facing ramp surface 238 and a downward facing shoulder 240.
  • the window 242 is closed at the bottom by arms 244 extending towards each other to define a gap 246 therebetween.
  • the second float 210 is inserted into the drain valve housing 102 through an open bottom of the drain valve housing 102.
  • the ramped surfaces 238 of the retention members 236 flex the respective arms 244 away from each other to enlarge the respective gaps 246.
  • Each retention member 236 passes through the gaps 246 so that the retention members 236 enter the windows 242.
  • the arms 244 return to their initial position due to natural resiliency to support the retention members 236 and inhibit return passage through the gaps 246.
  • certain types of drain valve arrangements 100, 200, 300 can be configured to provide passive venting of the battery case 130.
  • a passive vent pathway V can be provided from the battery case 130, through the first float 104, through the seal 110, and through the port 106 (e.g., see FIG. 18).
  • the vented gas can flow past the second float 210 and out of the drain valve housing 102.
  • the body 230 of the first float 104 defines a vent passage 224 extending from the seal 110 to a hydrophobic membrane 226.
  • the membrane 226 forms a sheet extending across the vent passage 224. In the example depicted in FIG. 17, the sheet membrane 226 is disposed at a first end of the float body 230 opposite the seal 110. In other examples, the membrane 226 may form a tube or other shape extending into the vent passage 224. In still other examples, the membrane 226 may be disposed at the seal end of the first float 104.
  • the vent passage 224 extends coaxial with the axis A (e.g., see FIG. 18). In some examples, the vent passage 224 has a constant cross-dimension.
  • vent passage 224 tapers inwardly as the vent passage 224 extends towards the seal 110 (e.g., see FIG. 18). In still other examples, the vent passage 224 tapers outwardly as the vent passage 224 extends towards the seal 110.
  • the seal 110 has an opening 115 therethrough leading between the vent passage 224 and exterior of the first float body 230 (e.g., see FIG. 18). Accordingly, gas from within the battery case 130 that has a higher pressure than ambient may follow a vent flow path V to pass through the membrane 226, along the vent passage 224, through the opening 115 of the seal 110, and through the port 106. In certain implementations, the gas follows the vent flow path V even while the first float 104 is disposed in the closed position (e.g., see FIG. 18). The gas passes around at least part of the body 235 of the second float 210 while the second float 210 is disposed in the open position to leave the valve housing 102.
  • the gas passes out of the valve housing 102 through the open bottom of the valve housing 102. In other examples, the gas may pass through one or more apertures defined along the side of the valve housing 102.
  • the float 104 with passive venting is shown arranged in drain valve arrangement 300, which will be discussed below with reference to FIGS. 17-25. However, the passive venting can be applied to any of the first floats 104 shown and described herein, such as in drain valve 100 or drain valve arrangement 200.
  • the first float 104 defines a vent passage 224 regardless of whether or not the seal 110 defines the opening 115. Accordingly, passive venting can be added to a drain valve arrangement 100, 200, 300 by switching out the seal 110 and by adding the hydrophic membrane 226. In other examples, however, the first float 104 may be solid. In still other examples, the first float 104 may define hollow cavities to enhance buoyancy, but the hollow cavities may not extend fully through the first float 104.
  • a drain valve arrangement 100, 200, 300 also may include an over pressure relief mechanism 204 (e.g., see FIG. 19) as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 3-5.
  • the drain housing 102 may include an inner body 142 and an outer body 144 (e.g., see FIG. 18).
  • the inner body 142 is movable along the axis A relative to the outer body 144 between a sealing position and a release position.
  • An inner seal 166 engages both the inner body 142 and the outer body 144 to environmentally seal therebetween when the inner body 142 is disposed in the sealing position. Moving the inner body 142 to the release position separates the seal 166 from one of the inner body 142 and the outer body 144, thereby providing the pressure relief flow path P2 therebetween.
  • the inner body 142 includes the platform 212 that defines the port 106.
  • the first and second floats 104, 210 are mounted to the inner body 142 for movement with the inner body 142 relative to the outer body 144.
  • Each of the first and second floats 104, 210 is independently movable relative to the inner body 142 between the respective open and closed positions.
  • the outer body 144 is configured to mount to the battery case 130 (e.g., using latches 205).
  • the outer body 144 includes the seal support 146 carrying the seal 148.
  • the outer body 144 defines one or more windows 145 disposed beneath the seal support 146 to facilitate fluid (e.g., gas and/or liquid) from passing between the inner body 142 and the exterior of the drain valve arrangement 300.
  • the inner body 142 is biased towards the sealing position by a biasing member 156 (e.g., a spring).
  • the inner body 142 can be moved against the bias of the biasing member 156 to the release position.
  • the seal 166 is carried by the inner body 142.
  • the seal 166 may seat on a support flange 168 extending outwardly from the inner body 142.
  • the seal 166 may remain on the outer body 144 so that a sealing flange of the inner body 142 is moved away from the seal 166 when the inner body 142 is moved to the release position.
  • a cover 120 is mounted to the inner body 142 to move with the inner body 142.
  • the cover 120 defines an annular channel 123 (e.g., see FIG. 23) sized to receive one end of the biasing member 156 (e.g., see FIG. 21).
  • the biasing member 156 is contained between the platform 212 and the cover 120. The biasing member 156 applies the biasing force to the cover 120 to press the cover 120 away from the platform 212, which entrains the inner body 142 to move the inner body 142 relative to the outer body 144.
  • FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate example implementations of a cover 120 and inner body 142 suitable for use with the drain valve arrangement 300.
  • the cover 120 includes inwardly protruding retention members 124 configured to engage catch surface 126 defined by the inner body 142.
  • the retention members 124 may protrude outwardly from the cover 120.
  • the retention members 124 may be disposed on the inner body 142 while the catch surfaces 126 are defined by the cover 120.
  • the cover 120 may be otherwise secured to the inner body 142 for movement therewith.
  • the inner body 142 defines the vertical guides 252 that position the first float 104 and the second float 210. As shown in FIG. 24, the inner body 142 also defines the ribs 254 on which the first float 104 seats when disposed in the closed position. In certain implementations, the inner body 142 defines one or more openings 143 through which fluid (e.g., gas and/or liquid) may pass. In certain examples, the openings 143 are disposed circumferentially between the guide rails 252. In the depicted example, the openings 143 are elongate in a direction running parallel to the axis A. In certain examples, the openings 143 extend along a majority of the first portion 220 of the inner housing 142 (e.g., see FIG. 24).
  • fluid e.g., gas and/or liquid
  • FIG. 25 illustrates an example implementation of an outer body 144 suitable for use in the drain valve arrangement 300.
  • the outer body 144 includes a sealing surface 266 that engages the seal 166 when the inner body 142 is disposed in the sealed position (e.g., see FIG. 21).
  • the sealing surface 266 is spaced from the seal 166 when the sealing surface 266 when the inner body 142 is disposed in the releasing position (e.g., see FIG. 22).
  • the sealing surface 266 includes an inwardly extending ledge defining a central passage through which the inner body 142 slides.
  • the drain valve arrangement 300 includes passive venting.
  • the first float 104 may carry a hydrophobic membrane 226 and the seal 110 may define the opening 115 (e.g., see FIG. 22).
  • the drain valve arrangement 300 does not include passive venting.
  • the seal 110 of the first float 104 may be closed (e.g., see FIG. 21) and/or the first float 104 may not define a vent passage 224.
  • the drain valve 400 includes a valve body 402 disposed at least partially within a battery case 330 (e.g., see FIG. 27).
  • the drain valve 400 is configured to enable fluid F (e.g., water, such as from condensation on cooling pipes, or other types of liquid) pooling within the battery case 330 to exit the battery case 330 along a drain path P3 (e.g., see FIG. 29).
  • fluid F e.g., water, such as from condensation on cooling pipes, or other types of liquid
  • P3 e.g., see FIG. 29
  • multiple drain valves 400 are disposed at the battery case 330 to enable fluid egress from multiple points along the battery case 330.
  • the drain valve 400 is disposed at a lowest point in the battery case 330. In other examples, the drain valve 400 is disposed at an elevated position within the battery case 330 or at a side or top of the battery case 330. In some examples, a portion of the drain valve 400 is disposed outside of the battery case 330 so that a port 406 of the drain valve 400 is located below a surrounding area of the battery case 330 (e.g., see FIG. 29). In other examples, the drain valve 400 is located fully within the battery case 330.
  • the drain valve 400 includes a body 402 defining a first conduit 404 and a second conduit 406 that provide the drain path P3 out of the battery case 330 to atmosphere.
  • the first conduit 404 extends between an ingress end 408 and an egress end 410.
  • the second conduit 406 extends between an ingress end 412 and an egress end 414.
  • the conduits 404, 406 are defined by separate pipes held by the body 402.
  • at least portions of the conduits 404, 406 are defined by or integrally formed with the valve body 402.
  • the egress end 414 of the second conduit 406 extends out of the battery case 330 to define a drain port.
  • a cap 416 is mounted to the body 402 to enclose the egress end 410 of the first conduit 404 and the ingress end 412 of the second conduit 406 within a chamber 418.
  • the cap 416 and the first conduit 404 form the bell of a bell siphon while the second conduit 406 forms the riser of the bell siphon.
  • the cap 416 is impermeable to the fluid F. In certain examples, the cap 416 also is impermeable to air.
  • the cap 416 is removable from the valve body 402 (e.g., friction fit, threaded, snap-fit, fastened, etc.).
  • the cap 416 is movable (e.g., pivotal, slidable, etc.) relative to the valve body 402 to provide selective access to the egress end 410 of the first conduit 404 and the ingress end 412 of the second conduit 414.
  • a flow stopper 420 or other valve is disposed at the egress end 410 of the first conduit 404.
  • the flow stopper 420 is biased to close the egress end 410 of the first conduit 404.
  • the flow stopper 420 can be gravity-biased, spring-biased, magnetically-biased, or otherwise biased to the closed position.
  • the flow stopper 420 inhibits any fluid F (e.g., air, water, etc.) within the chamber 418 from re-entering the first conduit 404. Accordingly, any fluid F that enters the chamber 418 through the second conduit 406 will not leak into the battery case 330.
  • the ingress end 408 of the first conduit 404 is accessible from an accumulation chamber A (e.g., the interior of a battery case 330).
  • an accumulation chamber A e.g., the interior of a battery case 330.
  • the fluid F enters the first conduit 404 through the ingress end 408 and exerts pressure on the flow stopper 420, which initially remains biased closed.
  • the fluid pressure is sufficient to open the flow stopper 420 and enter the chamber 418.
  • the fluid F then flows from the chamber into the second conduit 406 through the ingress end 412.
  • a vacuum is created within the chamber 418 and the fluid F continues to flow along the drain path P3 to reach atmosphere outside the battery case 330 (e.g., see FIG. 27).
  • the flow stopper 420 is biased back to the closed position to inhibit atmospheric air or other fluid from entering the batter case 330 through the first conduit 404.
  • a cross-dimensional area of the second conduit 406 is less than a cross-dimensional area of the first conduit 404.
  • each conduit 404, 406 has a round cross-dimensional area.
  • the conduits 404, 406 may have rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, pentagonal, or otherwise shaped cross-sectional area.
  • the first and second conduits 404, 406 have constant cross-dimensions (e.g., diameters).
  • the cross-dimension of one or both of the first and second conduits 404, 406 may change over the length of the conduit. For example, in FIG. 31, the cross-section of the second conduit 406 is shown to decrease as the second conduit 406 extends away from the chamber 418 and towards the egress end 414.
  • FIG. 27 shows the drain valve 400 disposed within a battery case and mounted to a side of the battery case 330.
  • the second conduit 406 of the drain valve 400 is directed (e.g., contoured or angled) to extend through an opening 332 defined in a sidewall of the battery case 330.
  • the drain valve 400 is disposed within a pocket 334 or walled-off section that defines an accumulation chamber A within the battery case 330.
  • an angled conduit 426 may lead from the accumulation chamber A to the ingress end 408 of the first conduit 404. This angled conduit 426 directs the accumulated fluid F to the first conduit 404 to increase the amount of fluid F siphoned out of the battery case 330.
  • the pocket 334 or walled-off section is disposed in alignment with a fluid source S so that fluid F from the source S drops or flows into the accumulation chamber A.
  • the fluid source S includes a cooling pipe running through the interior of the battery case 330.
  • the fluid source S includes a condenser disposed within the interior of the battery case 330. Other types of fluid sources are possible.
  • the drain valve 400 includes a stop 422 configured to limit movement of the flow stopper 420 away from the closed position. Limiting the movement of the flow stopper 420 facilitates closing the flow stopper 420 when the fluid F has been drained from the battery case 330 because the flow stopper 420 will not need to travel as far to close.
  • the stop 422 may inhibit movement of the flow stopper 420 past the point where the flow stopper 420 could be returned to the closed position (e.g., retains the flow stopper 420 within magnetic range, within 90 degrees for a gravity bias, within range to not overstress a biasing member, etc.).
  • the stop 422 includes a tab projecting inwardly from the cap 416.
  • the flow stopper 420 may include a tab 424 or other extension that engages the stop 422.
  • the flow stopper 420 includes a flapper. In other implementations, the flow stopper 420 includes a spring-loaded ball. Oher types of one-way valves are possible.
  • a float 425 may be attached to the flow stopper 420 (e.g., to an interior surface of a flapper) to assist in opening the flow stopper 420 (e.g., see FIG. 32). The float 425 would exert an opening force on the flow stopper 420 when fluid within the first conduit 404 reached a predetermined level (e.g., level with or just above the float).
  • FIG. 28 shows an alternative example 420’ of the drain valve 420.
  • the drain valve 420’ is substantially the same as the drain valve 420 of FIG. 27, except a flow stopper 420’ is disposed outside the battery case 330 instead of within the cap 416.
  • the flow stopper 420’ is disposed at the egress end 414 of the second conduit 406.
  • the flow stopper 420’ provides the same function as the flow stopper 420 of FIGS. 26 and 27 — it inhibits fluid (e.g., gas or liquid) from outside O the battery case 330 from entering the battery case 330 through the drain valve 400.
  • the flow stopper 420’ can be biased to the closed position.
  • the drain valve 400 is part of a drain valve arrangement 470 configured to provide over pressure relief to the battery case 330.
  • the drain valve arrangement 470 may be configured to provide a pressure relief flow path P4 (e.g., see FIG. 30) for air or other gases to exit the battery case 330 when the interior I of the battery case 330 is over pressurized. Accordingly, hot air or other gases can be released from the battery case 330 to atmosphere O during thermal runaway or other pressurizing events.
  • the drain valve arrangement 470 is configured to open the relief pathway P4 when the interior I of the battery case 330 reaches at least 60 kPa (0.6 bar). In certain implementations, the drain valve arrangement 470 is configured to open the relief pathway P4 when the interior I of the battery case 330 reaches at least 100 kPa (1 bar). In certain implementations, the drain valve arrangement 470 is configured to open the relief pathway P4 when the interior I of the battery case 330 reaches at least 150 kPa (1.5 bar). In certain implementations, the drain valve arrangement 470 is configured to open the relief pathway P4 when the interior I of the battery case 330 reaches at least 200 kPa (2 bar).
  • the drain valve arrangement 470 is configured to open the relief pathway P4 when the interior I of the battery case 330 reaches at least 500 kPa (5 bar). In certain implementations, the drain valve arrangement 470 is configured to open the relief pathway P4 when the interior I of the battery case 330 reaches at least 1000 kPa (10 bar).
  • the pressure relief pathway P4 does not extend along the drain flow path P3 and instead extends through an opening 340 (see FIG. 30) unique to the pressure relief pathway P4. In other examples, the pressure relief pathway P4 extends through both the port 406 and the additional opening 340 unique to the pressure relief pathway P4. The opening 340 of the second flow path P2 is sealed closed until sufficient pressure builds up within the battery case. In certain examples, the opening 340 of the pressure relief pathway P4 may have a ring shape that extends around the port 406.
  • the drain valve arrangement 470 includes a second body 342 and a first body 344.
  • the second body 342 includes one or more perimeter wall(s) 318 and a top 320. At least the perimeter wall(s) 318 of the second body 342 is permeable to the fluid intended to be drained.
  • the second body 342 may define one or more windows 343 through which the fluid F may flow.
  • the top 320 also may be permeable.
  • the valve body 402 of the drain valve 400 is mounted to the second body 342.
  • the first body 344 surrounds the second body 342.
  • the first body 344 also is permeable to the fluid intended to be drained.
  • the first body 344 may define a plurality of windows or other openings through which the fluid may flow between the battery case interior and the second body 342. Accordingly, fluid within the battery case 330 can pass through the first body 344 and the second body 342 to reach the drain valve 400.
  • At least the first body 344 also is permeable to air or other gases to be released from the interior of the battery case 330 when the battery case 330 is over pressurized.
  • the first body 344 sealingly mounts to the battery case 330.
  • the first body 344 includes a seal support 346 carrying a seal 348 (e.g., an elastomeric seal such as an o-ring).
  • a seal 348 e.g., an elastomeric seal such as an o-ring
  • the first body 344 can be welded, adhesively-bonded, or otherwise sealed directly to the battery case 330.
  • a stop member 350 is spaced from the seal 348.
  • the stop member 350 defines a ramp 352 that faces away from the seal 348 and a stop surface 354 that faces the seal 348 (e.g., see FIG. 28).
  • the first body 344 can be pressed into the battery case 330 through an aperture 332 so that edges of the battery case 330 cam over the ramp 352 and then snap into the gap between the stop surface 354 and the seal 348.
  • the first body 344 can be mounted to the battery case 330 using a twist-to-lock mechanism (e.g., threads, bayonet, etc.) or any other mounting mechanism (e.g., welding, bonding, etc.).
  • the second body 342 is mounted to the first body 344 and biased relative to the first body 344 towards a sealing position.
  • a biasing member 356 has a predetermined biasing force sufficient to remain closed even when fluid is present at the drain valve 400. The biasing force is selected to enable movement of the second body 342 relative to the first body 344 only when the pressure within the battery case reaches a predetermined threshold that exceeds normal operating conditions. The biasing member 356 pushes the second body 342 back to the sealing position when sufficient pressure is released from the battery case 330 so that the drain valve arrangement 400 continues to protect the battery case 330 against fluid ingress.
  • the biasing member 356 includes a spring.
  • the spring 356 may be disposed between the first and second bodies 344, 342.
  • a first end 358 of the spring 356 e.g., a coil spring
  • a first spring stop 360 of the first body 344 and a second end 362 of the spring 356 may seat on a second spring stop 364 defined by the top 320 of the second body 342.
  • the second body 342 and the first body 344 environmentally seal together when the second body 342 is disposed in the sealing position.
  • a seal 366 e.g., an elastomeric seal such as an o-ring
  • portions of the first and second bodies 344, 342 may be pressed sufficiently close together to seal therebetween.
  • the second body 342 can be moved against the bias of the biasing member 356 to a release position. Moving the second body 342 to the release position separates the seal 366 from one of the second body 342 and the first body 344, thereby providing the pressure relief pathway P4 therebetween.
  • the seal 366 is carried by the second body 342.
  • the seal 366 may seat on a support flange 368 extending outwardly from the second body 342.
  • the seal 366 presses against a bottom of the first spring stop 360 when the second body 342 is disposed in the sealing position.
  • the seal 366 may remain on the first body 344 so that a sealing flange of the second body 342 is moved away from the seal 366 when the second body 342 is moved to the release position.
  • a drain valve for a battery case comprising: a valve housing disposed at least partially within the battery case, the valve housing defining a port leading to an interior of the valve housing, the valve housing being fluid permeable to enable fluid within the battery case to pass into the interior of the valve housing; a float captured within the valve housing in alignment with the port; and a seal disposed between the float and the port, the seal being coupled to the float so that at least a portion of the seal moves in unison with the float.
  • Aspect 2 The drain valve of aspect 1, further comprising a biasing member having a first end coupled to the valve housing and a second end coupled to the float, the biasing member biasing the float away from the port.
  • Aspect 3 The drain valve of aspect 2, wherein the float is more dense than water.
  • Aspect 4 The drain valve of any of aspects 1-3, wherein the seal has a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being configured to move unitarily with the float and the second portion being configured for delayed movement with the float.
  • Aspect 5 The drain valve of aspect 1 or aspect 4, wherein the seal includes a rubber o-ring.
  • Aspect 6 The drain valve of any of aspects 1-3, wherein the float is a first float; and wherein the drain valve also includes an ingress protection mechanism for providing ingress protection to the battery case separate from the float.
  • Aspect 7 The drain valve of aspect 6, wherein the ingress protection mechanism includes a second float disposed beneath the first float, the second float being configured to open and close the port of the valve housing from an opposite side of the ingress protection mechanism
  • Aspect 8 The drain valve of aspect 6, wherein the first float defines a vent passage extending from the seal to a hydrophobic membrane, the seal having an opening therethrough leading between the vent passage and exterior of the first float.
  • Aspect 9 The drain valve of any of aspects 6-8, wherein the hydrophobic membrane includes a sheet extending across the vent passage.
  • Aspect 10 The drain valve of any of aspects 6-9, wherein the second float is gravity biased to a closed position.
  • Aspect 11 The drain valve of any of aspects 6-10, wherein the second float is hollow.
  • Aspect 12 The drain valve of any of aspects 6-11, wherein the second float does not carry a separate gasket.
  • Aspect 13 The drain valve of any of aspects 1-12, further comprising an over pressure relief mechanism.
  • Aspect 14 The drain valve of aspect 13, wherein the valve housing extends along an axis from a first end to a second end, the valve housing including an outer body and an inner body, the inner body being slidable along the axis relative to the outer body between a closed position and an open position, the inner and outer body sealing together to close a through-passage when the inner body is disposed in the closed position, and the through-passage being open when the inner body is disposed in the open position, and the inner body being biased towards the closed position.
  • Aspect 15 The drain valve of aspect 14, wherein the inner body is biased towards the closed position by a second biasing member.
  • Aspect 16 The drain valve of aspect 13 or aspect 14, wherein the first and second floats are carried by the inner body between the open and closed positions.
  • a battery case comprising: a battery case body defining an interior having a bottom, the battery case body defining an opening through the bottom; and the drain valve of any of aspects 1-16 disposed at the opening so that the drain valve extends at least partially into the interior of the battery case body.
  • Aspect 18 The battery case of aspect 17, wherein the opening is defined at a lowest-point of the battery case body.
  • Aspect 19 The battery case of aspect 17, wherein the drain valve is configured to be inserted through the opening from an exterior of the battery case body.
  • Aspect 20 The battery case of any of aspects 17-19, wherein the valve housing snap-fits to the battery case.
  • Aspect 21 The battery case of any of aspects 17-20, wherein at least a portion of the drain valve is disposed exterior of the battery case when the valve housing is sealingly mounted to the battery case.
  • a drain valve arrangement for a battery case comprising: an outer body configured to mount to the battery case at an opening leading to an interior of the battery case, the outer body defining an opening leading to an interior of the outer body, the outer body also defining a first spring stop around the opening; a first seal disposed between the outer body and the battery case to provide sealing therebetween; a drain valve at least partially disposed within the outer body, the drain valve defining a port that the drain valve selectively seals, the drain valve opening the port when a predetermined amount of fluid is present and sealing port when the predetermined amount of fluid is not present, the drain valve defining a second spring stop that opposes the first spring stop, the drain valve being movable relative to the outer body between a sealing position and a release position; a seal mounted to one of the outer body and the inner body, the seal being spaced from the other of the outer and inner bodies when the inner body is disposed in the release position relative to the outer body, the seal being configured to provide environmental sealing between the outer and inner
  • Aspect 23 The drain valve arrangement of aspect 22, wherein the seal is mounted to the outer body.
  • Aspect 24 The drain valve arrangement of aspect 22 or aspect 23, wherein the drain valve includes a float valve.
  • Aspect 25 The drain valve arrangement of any of aspects 22-24, wherein the outer body defines a plurality of windows through which fluid can flow.
  • Aspect 26 The drain valve arrangement of any of aspects 22-25, wherein the outer body is configured to snap-fit to the battery case.
  • Aspect 27 The drain valve arrangement of any of aspects 22-26, wherein the drain valve is disposed at least partially outside the battery case when the outer body is mounted to the battery case.
  • a method for draining a battery case comprising: disposing a float valve at a lowest point of the battery case, the float valve including a float having a density greater than a density of a fluid intended to be drained, the float being movable between open and closed positions relative to a port providing a fluid pathway; and biasing the float toward the open position with a biasing member having a biasing force that is insufficient to move the float away from a closed position, the biasing force being sufficient to move the float to the open position when combined with a buoyancy force from the fluid intended to be drained.
  • Aspect 29 The method of aspect 28, further comprising guiding the float between the open and closed positions using a guide arrangement.
  • Aspect 30 The method of aspect 29, wherein the guide arrangement includes first guides and second guides, the first guides being disposed at an interior of a housing of the float valve, and the second guides being disposed at the float.
  • Aspect 31 The method of any of aspects 28-30, wherein the fluid pathway is a first fluid pathway; and wherein the float valve further comprising relieving over pressure within the battery case by opening a second fluid pathway.
  • Aspect 32 The method of aspect 31, wherein the first fluid pathway remains closed while the second pathway is open.
  • Aspect 33 The method of aspect 31 or aspect 32, wherein the biasing member is a first biasing member; and wherein opening the second fluid pathway comprises moving the float valve relative to an outer body against a bias of a second biasing member.
  • a drain valve arrangement comprising: a valve housing extending along an axis between opposite first and second ends, the valve housing being configured to seal to an enclosure so that a first portion of the valve housing is disposed within the enclosure and a second portion of the valve housing is disposed external of the enclosure, the first portion including the first end and the second portion including the second end; a first float valve disposed within the first portion of the valve housing, the first float being slidable along the axis between an open position and a closed position, the first float sealing closed a first passage between the first and second portions of the valve housing when disposed in the closed position, the first float opening the first passage when slid to the open position; a second float valve disposed within the second portion of the valve housing, the second float valve being movable along the axis between first and second positions independent of the first float valve, the second float valve sealing a second passage between an interior of the valve housing and an exterior of the valve housing when the second float valve is disposed in the first position
  • Aspect 35 The drain valve arrangement of aspect 34, wherein the second float valve is coaxially aligned with the first float valve.
  • Aspect 36 The drain valve arrangement of aspect 34, wherein the first float valve is different from the second float valve.
  • Aspect 37 The drain valve arrangement of aspect 36, wherein the first float valve defines a vent passage through a hydrophobic membrane.
  • Aspect 38 The drain valve arrangement of aspect 37, wherein the second float valve does not define a through-passage.
  • Aspect 39 The drain valve arrangement of aspect 36, wherein the first float valve defines an annular pocket in which a biasing member is disposed to facilitate sliding the first float valve to the respective open position.
  • Aspect 40 The drain valve arrangement of aspect 39, wherein the second float valve has a cup shape.
  • Aspect 41 The drain valve arrangement of any of aspects 34-40, wherein an inner body of the valve housing includes a platform extending between the first and second float valves, the platform defining the first passage.
  • a first body configured to mount to the battery case at an opening leading to an interior of the battery case, the first body defining an opening leading to an interior of the first body; a first seal disposed between the first body and the battery case to provide sealing therebetween; a second body movable relative to the first body between a sealing position and a release position; a biasing member disposed within an interior of the first body, the biasing member biases the second body to the sealing position relative to the first body; the first and second bodies being configured to open a pressure relief pathway therebetween when the second body is disposed in the release position relative to the first body, and the first body and the second body being configured to seal together to close the pressure relief pathway when the second body is disposed in the sealing position; and a drain valve carried by the second body between the sealing and release positions, the drain valve defining a drain pathway between the battery case and atmosphere, the drain valve being configured to selectively close the drain pathway so that the drain valve opens the drain pathway when a predetermined amount of fluid is present and closes the drain pathway when the predetermined
  • Aspect 44 The drain valve arrangement of aspect 43, wherein the biasing member includes a spring.
  • Aspect 45 The drain valve arrangement of aspect 44, wherein the first body defines a first spring stop around the opening and the second body defines a second spring stop that opposes the first spring stop, the spring having a first end disposed at the first spring stop and a second end disposed at the second spring stop.
  • Aspect 46 The drain valve arrangement of any of aspects 43-45, further comprising a second seal carried by one of the first and second bodies, the second seal providing the seal between the first and second bodies when the second body is disposed in the sealing position; and wherein the second seal is spaced from the other of the outer and inner bodies when the second body is disposed in the release position.
  • Aspect 47 The drain valve arrangement of aspect 46, wherein the second seal is mounted to the first body.
  • Aspect 48 The drain valve arrangement of any of aspects 43-47, wherein the drain valve includes first and second conduits each having ends accessible within a cap to define a bell siphon.
  • Aspect 49 The drain valve arrangement of aspect 48, wherein the drain valve includes a flow stopper that selectively inhibits fluid flow from atmosphere into the battery case.
  • Aspect 50 The drain valve of aspect 49, wherein the flow stopper is disposed within the cap.
  • Aspect 51 The drain valve of aspect 49, wherein the flow stopper is disposed outside of the battery case.
  • Aspect 52 The drain valve arrangement of any of aspects 43-51, wherein the first body defines a plurality of windows through which fluid can flow.
  • Aspect 53 The drain valve arrangement of any of aspects 43-52, wherein the first body is configured to snap-fit to the battery case.
  • Aspect 54 The drain valve arrangement of any of aspects 43-53, wherein the drain valve is disposed at least partially outside the battery case when the first body is mounted to the battery case.
  • Aspect 55 The drain valve arrangement of any of aspects 43-54, wherein the drain valve arrangement defines a first fluid pathway through the drain valve to drain liquid from an interior of the battery case; and wherein the drain valve arrangement defines a second fluid pathway to release gas from the interior of the battery case, the second fluid pathway being different from the first fluid pathway.
  • a drain valve for a battery case comprising: a valve body disposed at least partially within the battery case; a cap coupled to the valve body to define a chamber; a first conduit extending through the valve body from an ingress end outside the valve body to an egress end within the chamber; and a second conduit extending through the valve body from an ingress end inside the chamber to an egress end outside the valve body and outside the battery case, the first conduit, the cap, and the second conduit cooperating to define a fluid pathway extending from an interior of the battery case to an exterior of the battery case.
  • Aspect 57 The drain valve of aspect 56, wherein a cross-sectional area of the second conduit is less than a cross-sectional area of the first conduit.
  • Aspect 58 The drain valve of aspect 56 or aspect 57, wherein the second conduit tapers inwardly as the second conduit extends away from the chamber towards the egress end of the second conduit.
  • Aspect 59 The drain valve of any of aspects 56-58, wherein the cross-sectional areas of the first and second conduits are rounded.
  • Aspect 60 The drain valve of aspect 56, further comprising a flow stopper movable between open and closed positions, wherein the flow stopper closes the fluid pathway when disposed in the closed position and opens the fluid pathway when disposed in the open position.
  • Aspect 61 The drain valve of aspect 60, wherein the flow stopper is disposed in the chamber.
  • Aspect 62. The drain valve of aspect 60, wherein the flow stopper is disposed outside of the battery case.
  • Aspect 63 The drain valve of any of aspects 60-62, wherein the flow stopper is biased to the closed position.
  • Aspect 64 The drain valve of any of aspects 60-63, wherein the flow stopper is biased by gravity.
  • Aspect 65 The drain valve of any of aspects 60-63, wherein the flow stopper is biased by a spring.
  • Aspect 66 The drain valve of any of aspects 60-63, wherein the flow stopper is biased by a magnetic force.
  • Aspect 67 The drain valve of any of aspects 60-66, wherein the flow stopper includes a flapper.
  • Aspect 68 The drain valve of aspect 67, wherein the flapper includes a floater.
  • Aspect 69 The drain valve of any of aspects 60-66, wherein the flow stopper includes a spring-loaded ball.
  • a battery case comprising: a battery case body defining an opening leading to an interior of the battery case; and the drain valve of any of aspects 56-27 disposed at the opening so that the second conduit leads from an interior of the battery case to an exterior of the battery case.
  • Aspect 71 The battery case of aspect 70, wherein the opening is defined through a bottom of the battery case.
  • Aspect 72 The battery case of aspect 70, wherein the opening is defined through a side of the battery case.
  • Aspect 73 The battery case of any of aspects 70-72, wherein the battery case includes a pocket or walled-off section at which the drain valve is disposed.
  • Aspect 74 The battery case of aspect 73, further comprising a fluid source disposed within the battery case, the pocket or walled-off section being aligned with the fluid source.
  • Aspect 75 The battery case of aspect 74, wherein the fluid source is a pipe of a cooling circuit.
  • Aspect 76 The battery case of aspect 74, wherein the fluid source is a condenser.
  • Aspect 77 The battery case of aspect 70, further comprising an over pressure relief mechanism including: a first body sealingly mounted to the battery case; a second body movable relative to the first body between a sealing position and a release position, the second body carrying the drain valve; a biasing member disposed between the first body and the second body to bias the second body to the sealing position; and a seal mounted to one of the first body and the second body, the seal being configured to contact both the second body and the first body when the valve housing is disposed in the sealing position relative to the first body, and the seal being configured to contact only one of the first body and the second body when the second body is disposed in the release position.
  • an over pressure relief mechanism including: a first body sealingly mounted to the battery case; a second body movable relative to the first body between a sealing position and a release position, the second body carrying the drain valve; a biasing member disposed between the first body and the second body to bias the second body to the sealing position; and a seal mounted to one of the first body and
  • a method of regulating an interior of a battery case comprising: mounting a drain valve arrangement at an opening defined in a battery case; opening a first flow path through the drain valve arrangement in a presence of liquid within the battery case; and opening a second flow path through the drain valve arrangement in a presence of over pressure within the battery case, the second flow path being different from the first flow path.
  • opening the first flow path includes activating a bell siphon.
  • Aspect 80 The method of aspect 78, wherein opening the second flow path includes compressing a biasing element to move a sealing surface away from a seal.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Self-Closing Valves And Venting Or Aerating Valves (AREA)

Abstract

Un agencement de vanne de vidange pour un boîtier de batterie permet au fluide de quitter le boîtier de batterie tout en empêchant le fluide et/ou d'autres contaminants de pénétrer dans le boîtier de batterie. L'agencement de vanne de vidange s'ouvre automatiquement en présence de fluide à l'intérieur du boîtier de batterie. Certains types d'agencements de vanne de vidange comprennent un ou plusieurs flotteurs. D'autres types d'agencements de vanne de vidange comprennent un siphon à cloche. Certains types d'agencements de vanne de vidange permettent d'obtenir une atténuation de l'emballement thermique pour le boîtier de batterie.
PCT/EP2023/025313 2022-07-05 2023-07-05 Vanne de vidange de batterie WO2024008335A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202263358497P 2022-07-05 2022-07-05
US63/358,497 2022-07-05
US202263390885P 2022-07-20 2022-07-20
US63/390,885 2022-07-20
IN202211041514 2022-07-20
IN202211041514 2022-07-20
IN202311013688 2023-03-01
IN202311013688 2023-03-01

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2024008335A1 true WO2024008335A1 (fr) 2024-01-11

Family

ID=87280906

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2023/025313 WO2024008335A1 (fr) 2022-07-05 2023-07-05 Vanne de vidange de batterie

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2024008335A1 (fr)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2760075B1 (fr) * 2013-01-25 2019-06-19 Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. Système de batterie avec boîtier
CN112886157A (zh) * 2021-02-01 2021-06-01 王晶 一种新能源汽车的电池防护结构

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2760075B1 (fr) * 2013-01-25 2019-06-19 Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. Système de batterie avec boîtier
CN112886157A (zh) * 2021-02-01 2021-06-01 王晶 一种新能源汽车的电池防护结构

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
KR101638217B1 (ko) 소형 엔진 배출물 제어 밸브
JP2006266265A (ja) 逆向きに流通させる性能を備えた、低めの輪郭のオーバフィル制限装置
EP0649506B1 (fr) Ensemble de commande du systeme de mise a l'air libre d'un reservoir
EP1617113B1 (fr) Vanne de purge actionnée par un flotteur pour vapeur de carburant et procédé de fabrication
TWI659178B (zh) 自動排放裝置
KR20070049588A (ko) 롤 오버 벤트 밸브
KR101909759B1 (ko) 롤 오버 밸브
SE442042B (sv) Kylarlockanordning
JP2011201535A (ja) 燃料タンク用の２重機能のバルブ
KR20120023775A (ko) 동적 압력 방출이 일어나는 연료 증기 벤트 밸브
KR20090077675A (ko) 플로트 밸브 장치
JP4767675B2 (ja) 燃料漏れ防止弁
KR101638667B1 (ko) 릴리프 밸브 및 연료 증기 밸브 조립체
WO2024008335A1 (fr) Vanne de vidange de batterie
KR20140047019A (ko) 연료 밸브
US9393862B2 (en) Fuel valve
SE531865C2 (sv) Bränsletankavluftningsanordning för en fordonsbränsletank samt en bränsletank utrustad med nämnda anordning
US11077748B2 (en) Liquid reservoir shutoff vent
WO2023237234A1 (fr) Contrôle de l'étanchéité des enceintes par des soupapes de mise à l'air libre ou de décompression
WO2017068883A1 (fr) Soupape de commande de mise à l'air libre de réservoir de carburant
CN210344439U (zh) 用于油箱上的内置重力阀
WO2012127918A1 (fr) Dispositif de clapet à flotteur
JP2007177913A (ja) 空気弁
US20100059123A1 (en) Fuel Tank Valve Assembly With Adjustable Bypass Vent Flow
US20050161085A1 (en) Vent valve for re-circulating hydraulic system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 23741261

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1