Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patents Rules, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

A VENTING ASSEMBLY FOR AN ENERGY STORAGE DEVICE

APPLICANT:

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED, an Indian Company at: “Chaitanya”, No.12 Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006.

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

 
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a venting assembly for an energy storage device. More particularly but not exclusively, the present subject matter relates to a venting assembly for an energy storage device of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, energy storage devices like batteries are usually sealed to improve the reliability of batteries and meet the basic waterproof and dustproof requirements. During the use of the battery, battery failure caused by battery heating or thermal runaway or pressure built up due to heating or altitude changes affects the efficiency and safety of the battery, resulting in different internal pressure and external pressure of the battery. However, too high or too low air pressure inside the battery may likely cause structural damage of the sealing surface, resulting in battery failure.
[0003] Existing small cell batteries and large cell batteries have several serious drawbacks. The small cells have the disadvantages constrained by the housing or “can” and are partly due to mechanical stress or electrolyte depletion, cycle life and calendar life cause restrictions. Further, when the batteries such as the lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery are charged, the electrolytes and electrodes can expand. Housing or a “can” limits the jelly-roll structure of the electrode and creates mechanical stresses which limits this life cycle. Furthermore, as larger storage capacity is desired, more active anode and cathode materials are inserted into a given volume of housing can/casing which only creates mechanical stress on the electrodes. In order to overcome these problems, particularly with regard to long-life batteries, users must compromise performance by reducing the state of charge, limiting the available capacity of the cell, or reducing the charge rate due to use of the lesser material.
[0004] Another problem with large cells is safety. The energy released in the cell going into thermal runaway is proportional to the amount of available electrolyte present in the cell during the thermal runaway scenario. As the cell becomes larger, more free space is available for the electrolyte to fully saturate the electrode structure. Since the amount of electrolyte for large cells is usually greater than that for small cells, large cell batteries are generally systems that gain more momentum during thermal runaway and are therefore less secure as it could lead to flames/fire. Of course, any thermal runaway depends on the specific scenario, but generally in the worst case, the larger the fuel (electrolyte), the larger the flame. In addition, once a large cell is in thermal runaway mode, the heat generated by the cell triggers a thermal runaway reaction in adjacent cells, causing the entire pack to be destroyed, with massive destruction to the pack and peripheral devices. The user may be in a dangerous situation by causing a cascade effect towards combustion.
[0005] Various attempts have been made in the past wherein the usage of Li-ion batteries have become prevalent which uses a polymer separator and a flammable electrolyte to constrain certain temperature limits for safe performance. However, when a Li-ion battery’s temperature increases to approximately 130–150 ͦC, the high-energy materials and the organic components are not stable and are prone to generate more heat. If the generated heat is not effectively and quickly dissipated, the battery temperature will further increase and accelerate the heat-releasing process. The safety of Li-ion batteries in applications such as vehicles is a priority of the industry to prevent the danger arising from the fire, explosion, toxic chemical reactions of liquids and gases and other thermal dangers due to high temperature short circuiting due to nail penetration events.
[0006] Additionally, in the vehicles that have various energy storage devices, the thermal runaways create a pressure build-up in energy storage devices and such high temperatures can also ignite adjacent combustibles, electricals, components thereby creating a serious fire hazard. High temperatures can also cause decomposition of some materials and initiation of gas generation. Gases generated during these events can be toxic and / or flammable and can further increase the risks associated with uncontrolled thermal runaway events. The pressure therefore must be evacuated quickly and effectively as the same may lead to the risk of an explosion. Thermal runaway can also be triggered if a battery has certain defects that can lead to short-circuiting and then eventually overheating due to subjection to high pulse power usage.
[0007] Therefore, there is a need of prevention of thermal runaway as a specific goal, which is specially addressed in the present novel and inventive venting assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The details are described with reference to an embodiment of a venting assembly along with the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference similar features and components.
[0009] Figure 1 illustrates a side perspective view of a venting assembly in one embodiment of the invention.
[00010] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the venting assembly in one embodiment of the invention.
[00011] Figure 3 illustrates a top perspective view of the energy storage device having the venting assembly in closed condition in one embodiment of the invention.
[00012] Figure 4 illustrates a top perspective view of the energy storage device having the venting assembly in open condition in one embodiment of the invention.
[00013] Figure 5 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a casing of the energy storage device having the venting assembly in one embodiment of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[00014] The present subject matter pertains to a venting assembly for an energy storage device such as a battery unit. It comprises one or more displaceable members which are configured to sealably close and open one or more first openings of the energy storage device to release any excessive pressure built up due to generation of undesirable fluids. This helps to avoid damage to the energy storage unit or surrounding components. The venting assembly also comprises a one or more retracting members being configured to apply a retracting force on the one or more displaceable members. The one or more displaceable members are configured to displace from the one or more first openings thereby at least partially exposing the one or more first openings in response in response to a predetermined condition.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00015] In order to achieve one or more of the above-mentioned objectives and overcome the related problems, the objective of the present invention is to provide a venting assembly that can effectively and quickly release a pressure of various fluids built up during excessive heat generation in an energy storage device such as a battery pack and also protect the cell and battery pack from the damage. The proposed invention thus solves problem of rapid increase in internal pressure in the battery pack while releasing gases generated during thermal runaway event with the help of the vent valve openings and closing mechanism.
[00016] The proposed invention mainly degasses the fluid including gases and vapors generated during thermal runaway event and balances the pressure inside the energy storage device. The proposed invention also saves cost as the safety solution is implemented within existing designs of known energy storage devices without substantial change in the design and without adding any complex parts.
[00017] Accordingly, the present invention is a venting assembly for an energy storage device. The venting assembly comprises one or more displaceable members which are being configured to sealably close one or more first openings of the energy storage device. The venting assembly also comprises a one or more retracting members being configured to apply a retracting force on the one or more displaceable members. The one or more displaceable members are configured to displace from the one or more first openings thereby at least partially exposing the one or more first openings in response in response to a predetermined condition.
[00018] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the venting assembly, the one or more retracting members includes a first end and a second end. The first end is attached to a portion of the energy storage device. The second end is attached to the one or more displaceable members such that the one or more retracting members being configured to retractably bias the one or more displaceable members to sealably close the one or more first openings of the energy storage device.
[00019] As per another embodiment of the invention, the venting assembly is being provided with one or more second openings on the one or more displaceable members. The one or more second openings are being configured to receive one or more valve elements. The one or more valve elements are being configured to be releasably fit into the one or more second openings on the one or more displaceable members.
[00020] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the venting assembly, the predetermined condition being a force being applied on the one or more displaceable members to displace from the one or more first openings. The force is exerted by an undesirable fluid which is generated in the energy storage device and the force being greater than the retracting force being applied by the one or more retracting members acting on the one or more displaceable members.
[00021] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the venting assembly, the one or more valve elements conforms to a profile of the one or more second openings to provide a sealable connection. The one or more valve elements are being configured to be released from the one or more second openings upon a failure of the one or more displaceable members to be displaced in spite of the predetermined condition being achieved.
[00022] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the venting assembly, the retracting force in the one or more retracting members is being provided by a plurality one or more of elastic members, hydraulic actuation systems and pneumatic systems. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the venting assembly can have two or more of the elastic members.
[00023] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the venting assembly, the one or more retracting members comprises a housing which is attached to one or more arms. The one or more arms are being hingedly coupled with the one or more displaceable members at one end. The one or more arms are being detachably attached with the housing at another end. The housing is being attached to the energy storage device.
[00024] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the venting assembly, the one or more retracting members includes a spring member. The spring member is installed in the housing. The one or more arms is being actuated by the spring member to provide the retracting force to the one or more displaceable members.
[00025] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the venting assembly, a gasket member is disposed between the one or more first openings and the one or more displaceable members thereby enabling a water proof closure of the one or more first openings.
[00026] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the venting assembly, a profile of the one or more displaceable members conforms to a profile of the one or more first openings to provide a sealable connection thereby providing a waterproof and a dustproof energy storage device.
[00027] As per one embodiment of the invention, the venting assembly is configured as a pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve is being configured to release undesirable fluids including undesirable gases being built up inside the energy storage device through the one or more first openings and the predetermined condition being a pressure of the undesirable fluids being more than 200 millibar.
[00028] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the venting assembly, the one or more valve elements is being configured to be a safety valve. The safety valve being configured as a rupture disc type member. The rupture disc type member is configured to be ruptured upon a failure of the one or more displaceable members to be displaced from the one or more first openings in spite of the predetermined condition being achieved thereby enabling the one or more second openings to vent undesirable pressure from the fluids built up in the energy storage device. The predetermined condition is a pressure of the undesirable gases being more than 300millibars.
[00029] In yet another embodiment of the invention, an energy storage device is disclosed. The energy storage device is being configured to supply power to a plurality of components. The energy storage device comprises a plurality of energy cells configured to store energy; at least one casing being configured to provide a structural strength and outer covering to the energy storage device. The at least one casing is being configured to have one or more first openings. The energy storage device comprises of a venting assembly. The venting assembly comprises one or more displaceable members which are being configured to sealably close one or more first openings of the energy storage device. The venting assembly also comprises a one or more retracting members being configured to apply a retracting force on the one or more displaceable members. The one or more displaceable members are configured to displace from the one or more first openings thereby at least partially exposing the one or more first openings. And the one or more displaceable members are also configured to displace from the one or more first openings in response to a predetermined condition.
[00030] As per another embodiment of the invention, in the energy storage device, the at least one casing comprises a top portion, a bottom portion and one or more side portions. The top portion, the bottom portion, and the one or more side portions enclose an interior space that houses the plurality of energy cells. The one or more side portions of the at least one casing have the one or more first openings. The top portion of the at least one casing have the one or more first openings.
[00031] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the energy storage device, the one or more displaceable members is being configured to be disposed towards an outer surface of the top portion of the at least one casing such that an inner surface of the one or more displaceable members being exposed to the interior space of the energy storage device. The one or more retracting members is being configured to be installed on an inner surface of the top portion of the at least one casing.
[00032] As per one embodiment of the invention, a controller is provided that is configured to actuate the venting assembly based on inputs from at least one sensor. The sensor measures one or more of a temperature, and a pressure inside the energy storage device.
[00033] In yet another embodiment of the invention, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle can include two wheelers, three wheelers, four wheelers or other types of multi-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle comprises a frame assembly for providing skeletal support to the vehicle. In case of a two or three wheeled vehicle, the frame assembly is disposed along the lateral length of the vehicle having a headtube, main tube, and a rear tube substantially defining the front, middle, and rear portions of the frame assembly. The frame assembly is configured to mount an energy storage device. The energy storage device can be mounted on front, middle or rear portion of the frame assembly depending on the design and type of the vehicle. The energy storage device is configured to supply power to a plurality of components of the vehicle. The energy storage device comprises a plurality of energy cells configured to store energy; at least one casing being configured to provide a structural strength and outer covering to the energy storage device. The at least one casing is being configured to have one or more first openings. The energy storage device also comprises a venting assembly. The venting assembly comprises one or more displaceable members which are being configured to sealably close one or more first openings of the energy storage device. The venting assembly also comprises a one or more retracting members being configured to apply a retracting force on the one or more displaceable members. The one or more displaceable members are configured to displace from the one or more first openings thereby at least partially exposing the one or more first openings. And the one or more displaceable members are also configured to displace from the one or more first openings in response to a predetermined condition.
[00034] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to an embodiment in a venting assembly along with the accompanying drawings. However, the disclosed invention is not limited to the present embodiments.
[00035] Figure 1 and Figure 2 have been taken together for discussion. Figure 1 illustrates a side perspective view of a venting assembly 100 for an energy storage device 200 (shown in Figure 3, 4 and 5). The embodiments shown in Figure 2 illustrate an exploded view of the venting assembly 100 for the energy storage device 200 of the vehicle (not shown). The venting assembly 100 comprises one or more displaceable members 101 which are configured to sealably close one or more first openings 200h (shown in Figure 5) of the energy storage device 200. The one or more first openings 200h can be on any portion of the energy storage device 200 so as to enable ejection of any built-up gases or fluids therein. In most cases, energy storage device 200 like battery units or battery packs are assembled inside at least one casing 200c (shown in Figure 3 and 4) whereby the one or more first openings 200h are provided on the at least one casing 200c itself. A gasket member 100g is disposed between the one or more first openings 200h and the one or more displaceable member 101 thereby enabling a water proof closure of the one or more first openings 200h. In one aspect the gasket member 100g is disposed on a periphery of the one or more displaceable member 101 to provide the sealable closure. It is important to note that a profile of the one or more displaceable members 101 conforms to a profile of the one or more first openings 200h to provide sealable connection. This also ensures in the closed condition the one or more displaceable members 101 is sealably closing the one or more first openings 200h while being flush with a portion of the at least one casing 200c (shown in Figure 3). The profile of the one or more displaceable members 101 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is substantially rectangular or cuboidal if the height is considered. However, the profile of the one or more displaceable members 101 can be any shape belonging to a group consisting of a circular disk, square slit, triangular slit, cuboid, conical, rhomboid, cube and polyhedron or a combination depending on the configuration and design of the energy storage device 200. The one or more displaceable members 101 are being configured to displace from the one or more first openings 200h thereby at least partially exposing the one or more first openings 200h. This displacement or movement of the one or more displaceable members 101 from the one or more first openings 200h occurs in response to a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition refers to a predetermined pressure from a fluid including a gas generated from the energy storage device 200. Therefore, in case over heating of the energy storage device 200 leading to pressure built by generation of undesirable fluids including gases, the one or more displaceable members 101 is configured to displace and expose the one or more first openings 200h to the atmosphere thereby the venting of undesirable gases from the energy storage device 200 through the one or more first openings 200h. Thereafter, a one or more retracting members 102 are configured to apply a retracting force on the one or more displaceable members 101 to bring it back to a closed position once the undesirable fluids are completely vented and the predetermined condition no longer persists. The one or more retracting members 102 includes a first end 102fe and a second end 102se. The first end 102fe is being attached to the at least one casing 200c (shown in Figure 5) of the energy storage device 200, and the second end 102se being attached to the one or more displaceable members 101 such that the one or more retracting members 102 completely subsides under the one or more displaceable members 101 upon folding of the first end 102fe and the second end 102se which leads to closing of the first opening 200h. This enables the one or more retracting members 102 to retractably bias the one or more displaceable members 101 towards sealably closing the one or more first openings 200h. In one aspect, the predetermined condition is therefore also a threshold force which is applied on the one or more displaceable members 101 by excessive pressure built up inside the energy storage device 200 to displace the one or more displaceable members 101 from the one or more first openings 200h. On the other hand, the retracting force in the one or more retracting members 102 can be provided by a one or more of elastic members, hydraulic actuation systems and pneumatic systems. In the present embodiment, the one or more retracting members 102 comprises a housing 102h which is attached to one or more arms 102ha of the one or more displaceable members 101. The one or more arms 102ha hingedly coupled with the one or more displaceable members 101 at one end and the one or more arms 102ha being detachably attached with the housing 102h at another end. The housing 102h is attached to the at least one casing 200c of the energy storage device 200. In this embodiment, the one or more elastic member is shown as a spring member 102s which is housed inside the housing 102h. The one or more arms 102ha is actuated by the spring member 102s to provide the bias to the one or more displaceable members 101. The spring member 102s belongs to a group consisting of torsion springs, prismatic springs and cylindrical springs. In one aspect, the venting assembly 100 can be designed in such a manner so that when a force is exerted by the undesirable pressure from the fluid which gets generated in the energy storage device 200 in overheat conditions and when this force becomes greater than the retracting force applied by the one or more retracting members 102, this leads to the predetermined condition based on which the one or more displaceable members 101 is moved from the one or more first openings 200h to allow the ventilation. In one aspect of the invention, the venting assembly 100 is configured as a pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve is configured to release undesirable gases being built up inside the energy storage device 200 through the one or more first openings 200h and the predetermined condition being a pressure of the undesirable gases being more than 200 millibar. However, the pressure limit can accordingly be customized to suit the requirements of energy storage device 200 or vehicle giving due regard to manufacturing tolerances and resilience limits. Alternatively, or in addition to the above design configuration, a sensor-based ventilation can also be achieved wherein a controller is responsible for actuating the venting assembly 100 based on inputs from the sensor. The sensor monitors and detects the predetermined condition including at least a temperature and a pressure inside the energy storage device 200. In case the pressure and/or temperature breaches a threshold level the controller can actuate the venting assembly 100. It is noteworthy that the said venting assembly 100 can be deployed on various energy storage devices 200 ranging from the battery deployment in vehicles, consumer electronics and other heavy equipment.
[00036] As a failsafe measure, the one or more displaceable members 101 are provided with one or more second openings 101h which are configured to receive one or more valve elements 101v. The one or more valve elements 101v can be made up of a soft polymeric material. The soft polymeric material is one of a sealant type, resin, epoxy that can be sealably fit into the one or more second openings 101h. The one or more valve elements 101v are being configured to be releasably fit into the one or more second openings 101h on the one or more displaceable members 101. Further, the one or more valve elements 101v are configured to substantially conform to a profile of the one or more second openings 101h to provide a sealable connection. This also ensures that the upon plugging of the one or more second openings 101h, the one or more valve elements 101v are installed flush with the surface of one or more displaceable members 101. This provides smooth surface of the energy storage device 200 upon closing of the one or more displaceable members 101. In one aspect of the invention, the one or more valve elements 101v is configured to be a safety valve which is further configured as a rupture disc type member. The one or more valve elements 101v gets opened or ruptured upon a failure of the one or more displaceable members 101 to be displaced from the one or more first openings 200h in spite of the predetermined condition being achieved. This enables the one or more second openings 101h to vent undesirable gases built up in the energy storage device 200 instead of the one or more first openings 200h. The one or more valve elements 101v and the one or more second openings 200h are configured in such a manner that they actuate or open or released or rupture, depending on the configuration, when the pressure of the undesirable gases from the energy storage device 200 reaches more than 300millibars when the one or more displaceable members 101 fails to be displaced from the one or more first openings 200h. It is to be noted that the pressure limit can accordingly be customized with various magnitudes and parameters to suit the requirements of energy storage device 200 or vehicle giving due regard to manufacturing tolerances and resilience limits.
[00037] Figure 3, Figure 4 and Figure 5 have been taken together for discussion. The embodiments of Figure 3 and Figure 4 illustrate a top perspective view of the energy storage device 200 having the venting assembly 100 of the vehicle in closed condition and open condition respectively. Figure 5 illustrates a bottom side perspective view of the energy storage device 200 having the venting assembly 100 of the vehicle in one embodiment of the invention. The energy storage device 200 comprises a plurality of energy cells which are configured to store energy. The energy storage device 200 includes at least one casing 200c being configured to provide a structural strength and outer covering to the energy storage device 200. The at least one casing 200c is configured to have one or more first openings 200h. The energy storage device 200 also comprises the venting assembly 100. The features and working of the venting assembly 100 have been discussed at length in the preceding paragraph. The contents thereof are therefore not reiterated and not repeated for the sake of brevity. The at least one casing 200c of the energy storage device 200 comprises a top portion 200ct, a bottom portion (not shown) and one or more side portions 200cs. The top portion 200ct, the bottom portion, and the one or more side portions 200cs enclose an interior space that houses the plurality of energy cells. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the top portion 200ct has the one or more first openings 200h. However, depending on the configuration, layout and the usage of the energy storage device 200, the one or more first openings 200h can be provided on one or more side portions 200cs also. The one or more displaceable members 101 of the venting assembly 100 is being configured to be disposed towards an outer surface 200cto of the top portion 200ct of the at least one casing 200c such that an inner surface 101i of the one or more displaceable members 101 remains exposed to the interior space of the energy storage device 200. The one or more retracting members 102 is installed on an inner surface 200cti of the top portion 200ct of the at least one casing 200c. Therefore, as can be seen from Figures 3, in the closed condition the one or more displaceable members 101 is sealably closing the one or more first openings 200h while being flush with the top portion 200ct of the at least one casing 200c. Further, Figure 4 shows the one or more displaceable members 101 in an open condition at least partially exposing the one or more first openings 200h thereby allowing quick and effective release of pressure from the undesirable fluids generated in the energy storage device 200.
[00038] In view of the above disclosed invention along with embodiments, the novel and inventive venting assembly 100 is able to overcome all the problems addressed in the background section. The venting assembly 100 is able to provide safe, effective and quick release of the excessive pressure built up inside the energy storage device 200 due to undesirable fluids generated along with excessive heat leading to a potential thermal runaway. The invention not only provides an effective solution to the pressure built up but also enhances the life of the energy storage device 200. This is achieved because the invention enables avoiding fire situation, structural distortion, over heating of electrodes and other structural wear and tear to the energy storage device 200. By virtue of one embodiment of the invention, a fail-safe mechanism by using one or more valve elements 100v is provided which ensures that even in the rare case that the displaceable members 101 does not move away from the one or more first openings 200h, the one or more valve elements 100v are released from the one or more second openings 101h which further contributes to the above-mentioned advantages. These features also enable the user of the energy storage device 200 perform servicing or repair of the energy storage device 200 before permanent damage is done to the same. Consequently, the surrounding components, for example vehicular components in one type of embodiment of the invention, can be saved from potential corrosion, damage or worse, fire even if there is irreparable damage to the energy storage device 200. This enhances not only safety of the energy storage device 200 per se but also the user of the energy storage device 200. Lastly, all the above advantages are achieved without substantially altering the design of an existing energy storage devices 200 because the venting assembly 100 is compact and hardly uses any extra parts or space outside the energy storage device 200. It can be installed with minimum effort and alteration to the existing architectures of known energy storage devices like battery packs etc. The invention can operate with minimum clearance as can be seen in Figures 3 and 4 where the displaceable members 101 is in closed open condition respectively. The number of parts in the venting assembly 100 are minimal thereby eliminating any substantial increase in the weight and cost of the energy storage device 200. Thus, the venting assembly 100 provides a waterproof, a dustproof and a temperature safe energy storage device 200.
[00039] The embodiments of this invention are not limited to particularly two-wheeled vehicle and can cover any type of energy storage device in any multi wheeled vehicle involving the venting assembly. For example, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “they” can include plural referents unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. Further, when introducing elements/components/etc. of the assembly/system described and/or illustrated herein, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that there is one or more of the elements(s)/component(s)/etc. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional element(s)/component(s)/etc. other than the listed element(s)/component(s)/etc.
[00040] This written description uses examples to provide details on the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
[00041] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure.

 
List of Reference numerals:
100
100g Venting assembly
Gasket member
101 One or more displaceable members
101i Inner surface of the displaceable member
101h One or more second openings
101v One or more valve elements
102 One or more retracting members
102fe First end of the retracting member
102se Second end of the retracting member
102h Housing
102ha One or more arms
102s Spring member
200 Energy storage device
200c At least one casing
200ct Top portion of the casing
200cs One or more side portions of the casing
200cti Inner surface of the top portion of the casing
200cto Outer surface of the top portion of the casing
200h
One or more first openings

 
, Claims:We Claim:
1. A venting assembly (100) for an energy storage device (200), the venting assembly (100) comprising:
one or more displaceable members (101), the one or more displaceable members (101) being configured to sealably close one or more first openings (200h) of the energy storage device (200);
one or more retracting members (102), the one or more retracting members (102) being configured to apply a retracting force on the one or more displaceable members (101);
the one or more displaceable members (101) being configured to displace from the one or more first openings (200h) thereby at least partially exposing the one or more first openings (200h), and
the one or more displaceable members (101) being configured to displace from the one or more first openings (200h) in response to a predetermined condition.
2. The venting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more retracting members (102) include a first end (102fe) and a second end (102se), the first end (102fe) being attached to a portion of the energy storage device (200), and the second end (102se) being attached to the one or more displaceable members (101) such that the one or more retracting members (102) being configured to retractably bias the one or more displaceable members (101) to sealably close the one or more first openings (200h) of the energy storage device (200).
3. The venting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the venting assembly (100) being provided with one or more second openings (101h) on the one or more displaceable members (101), the one or more second openings (101h) being configured to receive one or more valve elements (101v), the one or more valve elements (101v) being configured to releasably fit into the one or more second openings (101h) on the one or more displaceable members (101).
4. The venting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition being a force being applied on the one or more displaceable members (101) to displace from the one or more first openings (200h), the force being exerted by an undesirable fluid being generated in the energy storage device (200) and the force being greater than the retracting force being applied by the one or more retracting members (102) acting on the one or more displaceable members (101).
5. The venting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the one or more valve elements (101v) conforming to a profile of the one or more second openings (101h) to provide a sealable connection, and the one or more valve elements (101v) being configured to be released from the one or more second openings (101h) upon a failure of the one or more displaceable members (101) to be displaced in spite of the predetermined condition being achieved.
6. The venting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retracting force in the one or more retracting members (102) being provided by one or more of elastic members, hydraulic actuation systems and pneumatic systems.
7. The venting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more retracting members (102) comprising a housing (102h), the housing (102h) being attached to one or more arms (102ha), the one or more arms (102ha) being hingedly coupled with the one or more displaceable members (101) at one end and the one or more arms (102ha) being detachably attached with the housing (102h) at another end and the housing (102h) being attached to the energy storage device (200).
8. The venting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the one or more retracting members (102) including a spring member (102s), the spring member (102s) being installed in the housing (102h) and the one or more arms (102ha) being actuated by the spring member (102s) to provide the retracting force to the one or more displaceable members (101).
9. The venting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a gasket member (100g) being disposed between the one or more first openings (200h) and the one or more displaceable members (101), thereby enabling a waterproof closure of the one or more first openings (200h).
10. The venting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the venting assembly (100) being configured as a pressure relief valve, the pressure relief valve being configured to release undesirable fluids being built up inside the energy storage device (200) through the one or more first openings (200h) and the predetermined condition being a pressure of the undesirable fluids being more than 200 millibar.
11. The venting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the one or more valve elements (101v) being configured to be a safety valve, the safety valve being configured as a rupture disc type member, the rupture disc type member being configured to be ruptured upon a failure of the one or more displaceable members (101) to be displaced from the one or more first openings (200h) in spite of the predetermined condition being achieved, thereby enabling the one or more second openings (101h) to vent an undesirable pressure from fluids built up in the energy storage device (200), and the predetermined condition being a pressure of the undesirable fluids being more than 300 millibars.
12. An energy storage device (200), the energy storage device (200) comprising:
a plurality of energy cells, the plurality of energy cells being configured to store energy;
at least one casing (200c), the at least one casing (200c) being configured to provide a structural strength and an outer covering to the energy storage device (200), and the at least one casing (200c) being configured to have one or more first openings (200h); and
a venting assembly (100), the venting assembly (100) comprising:
one or more displaceable members (101), the one or more displaceable members (101) being configured to sealably close the one or more first openings (200h) of the energy storage device (200);
one or more retracting members (102), the one or more retracting members (102) being configured to apply a retracting force on the one or more displaceable members (101);
the one or more displaceable members (101) being configured to displace from the one or more first openings (200h) thereby at least partially exposing the one or more first openings (200h), and
the one or more displaceable members (101) being configured to displace from the one or more first openings (200h) in response to a predetermined condition.
13. The energy storage device (200) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the at least one casing (200c) comprising:
a top portion (200ct);
a bottom portion; and
one or more side portions (200cs),
the top portion (200ct), the bottom portion, and the one or more side portions (200cs) enclosing an interior space that houses the plurality of energy cells,
the one or more side portions (200cs) of the at least one casing (200c) have the one or more first openings (200h), and
the top portion (200ct) of the at least casing (200c) has the one or more first openings (200h).
14. The energy storage device (200) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the one or more displaceable members (101) being configured to be disposed towards an outer surface (200cto) of the top portion (200ct) of the at least one casing (200c) such that an inner surface (101i) of the one or more displaceable members (101) being exposed to the interior space of the energy storage device (200), and the one or more retracting members (102) being configured to be installed on an inner surface (200cti) of the top portion (200ct) of the at least one casing (200c).
15. The energy storage device (200) as claimed in claim 12, wherein a controller being configured to actuate the venting assembly (100) based on inputs from at least one sensor, the at least one sensor measuring one or more of a temperature, and a pressure inside the energy storage device (200).
16. A vehicle comprising:
a frame assembly, the frame assembly for providing skeletal support to the vehicle, the frame assembly being configured to mount an energy storage device (200); and
the energy storage device (200), the energy storage device (200) being configured to supply power to a plurality of components of the vehicle, the energy storage device (200) comprising:
a plurality of energy cells, the plurality of energy cells being configured to store energy;
at least one casing (200c), the at least one casing being configured to provide a structural strength and an outer covering to the energy storage device (200), and the at least one casing (200c) being configured to have one or more first openings (200h); and
a venting assembly (100), the venting assembly (100) comprising:
one or more displaceable members (101), the one or more displaceable members (101) being configured to sealably close the one or more first openings (200h) of the energy storage device (200);
one or more retracting members (102), the one or more retracting members (102) being configured to apply a retracting force on the one or more displaceable members (101);
the one or more displaceable member (101) being configured to displace from the one or more first openings (200h) thereby at least partially exposing the one or more first openings (200h), and
the one or more displaceable member (101) being configured to displace from the one or more first openings (200h) in response to a predetermined condition.

Dated this the 19th day of June 2023

(Digitally Signed)
Sudarshan Singh Shekhawat
IN/PA-1611
Agent for the Applicant