US 12,278,390 B2
Pressure release vent for battery module
Brian R. Bell, West Lafayette, IN (US)
Assigned to Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US)
Filed by Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US)
Filed on Feb. 3, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/591,882.
Prior Publication US 2023/0246288 A1, Aug. 3, 2023
Int. Cl. H01M 50/35 (2021.01); H01M 50/271 (2021.01); H01M 50/618 (2021.01)
CPC H01M 50/35 (2021.01) [H01M 50/271 (2021.01); H01M 50/618 (2021.01)] 6 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A battery module, comprising:
a housing including:
a first end plate defining a first end of the battery module, the first end plate having a passage,
a second end plate defining a second end of the battery module opposite the first end,
a first side plate coupled to the first end plate and the second end plate, and
a second side plate opposite the first side plate, the second side plate being coupled to the first end plate and the second end plate;
a plurality of battery cells secured within the housing between the first end plate, the second end plate, the first side plate, and the second side plate;
a cover surrounding the plurality of battery cells, the cover forming a first substantially fluid-tight seal with the first end plate and a second substantially fluid-tight seal with the second end plate; and
a gas-impermeable pressure release vent coupled to the first end plate and forming a third substantially fluid-tight seal with the first end plate, the gas-impermeable pressure release vent including a body having a pocket substantially overlaying the passage, the pocket of the body including:
a first portion having a first thickness, and an inner surface facing the passage when the pressure release vent is coupled to the first end plate,
a second portion adjacent to the first portion, the second portion having a second thickness less than the first thickness, and
a segment extending from the inner surface of the first portion, the segment having a segment thickness greater than the first thickness.