Battery safety enclosure

A battery safety enclosure is provided that contains a battery pack and is attached to a vehicle with a frame. The enclosure has a flat surface that is close to and overlays a flat surface on the frame. The flat surface includes a vent port that is covered by a plug. If the battery pack should fail and release gas, the plug separates from the vent port and pressure is released in a controlled fashion. The flat surface of the enclosure further contains release channels that are recessed from the flat surface on the enclosure. The release channels slow and disperse the release of flammable gas. The safety enclosure may contain a control circuit board that controls the charging and discharging of the battery.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This present disclosure relates to riding toys, namely two-wheeled scooters, designed for a single person to stand on and control by moving the position and angle of their feet. Other devices exist in the art, such as the well-known Segway® transporter, various aspects being covered in many U.S. Patents. These require a steering bar or other member that the user rotates or twists to accomplish the steering. The forward and reverse direction is caused by the user shifting their weight. Another example is by Shane Chen, U.S. Pat. No. 8,738,278, covering a personal transporter with independently moveable foot placement sections. The Chen patent removes the steering bar and relies on the user tilting the independently moveable foot placement sections to move forward, backward, and steer.

The prior art has still-unresolved issues, such as the inherent instability of independently moveable foot placement sections. By allowing them to be fully independent, sudden directional changes are possible. The device can begin dangerous oscillations, particularly when the user is mounting or dismounting. The Chen patent discloses that each independent foot placement section controls a respective motor. The independent nature frequently causes an inexperienced rider to lose balance and fall, causing injuries and other harm.

This present disclosure relates to enclosures for containing and restricting the release of noxious or flammable gas from a failing battery or battery pack. Lithium batteries, when damaged, defective, mistreated, or otherwise compromised, can release flammable gas or other hazardous by-products that can be toxic or self-ignite, creating property damage and personal injury. Other battery safety enclosures attempt to address this issue, but fall short due to overly complex designs or inadequate protection. An improved enclosure is needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure describes a scooter, personal recreational toy, or fun travel device that is for a single user to ride, and by shifting their weight or changing the angle of their feet, can cause the device to steer, accelerate, decelerate, and perform various tricks. The device improves on the Chen patent by including a center section that couples the two halves. The left and right sections are tied together through a spider gear held in the center, allowing controlled movement between the left and right sections. By controlling the movement between the left and right sections, stability is increased, allowing for increased comfort and safety, particularly for the novice. Optionally, a return-to-center feature can be implemented using a spring, magnet, or other means to further stabilize the scooter and provide an easier learning curve for the beginner.

The present disclosure also relates to a synchronous movement scooter which includes a left side, a right side, and a rotating mechanism located between and coupled to both left and right sides. The rotating mechanism is meshed with a gear portion of the left side and a gear portion of the right side respectively through a drive gear. When a user angles the left side or the right side to turn over, the right side or the left side is automatically driven by the drive gear to turn over reversely, thus the synchronous movement scooter is controlled to turn left or right; moreover, the radius of rotation of the synchronous movement scooter is smaller so that it is easy for the user to operate and control the synchronous movement scooter, and hazards occurred during operating and controlling is prevented.

The movement principle of a synchronous movement scooter is mainly established on a fundamental principle called “dynamic stabilization (Dynamic Stabilization)”, i.e., the automatic balancing ability of the scooter itself. After the posture state of a side is judged using built-in precise solid-state gyroscopes (Solid-State Gyroscopes), and a proper instruction is calculated out using a precise and high speed CPU, a motor is driven to achieve a balancing effect.

Generally, the synchronous movement scooter may be operated and controlled to swerve by angling the left and right sides or changing center of gravity; however, the radius of rotation of the synchronous movement scooter is too large, which is inconvenient to swerve in narrow space. Furthermore, the synchronous movement scooter may rotate in place by angling the left and right sides at the same time and making them turn over towards different directions; however, this operation and control manner requires a user to have excellent coordination, and it is generally easier for a beginner to grasp.

In order to solve the foregoing technical problems, the present disclosure discloses a synchronous movement scooter, characterized by including a left side, a right side, a rotating mechanism, two sensing devices and controllers, wherein the rotating mechanism comprises a connecting shaft, a left shaft sleeve, a right shaft sleeve and a drive gear, the left shaft sleeve and the right shaft sleeve are arranged in a left connecting portion of the left side and a right connecting portion of the right side respectively, the left end and the right end of the connecting shaft are sheathed in the left shaft sleeve and the right shaft sleeve respectively, the drive gear is pivoted in the connecting shaft and located between the left connecting portion and the right connecting portion, and is meshed with a left gear portion of the left connecting portion and a right gear portion of the right connecting portion; the two sensing devices are arranged in the left side and in the right side respectively; and the controllers are arranged in the left side and in the right side, and are connected to the sensing devices, a left drive motor of the left side and a right drive motor of the right side; wherein, the left side or the right side turns over, the left gear portion or the right gear portion drives the drive gear, and the drive gear drives the right gear portion or the left gear portion, so as to automatically drive the right side or the left side to turn over.

The left side further comprises a left shell, a left body, a left pedestal and a left wheel body, the left shell and the left pedestal are arranged above and below the left body respectively, the left wheel body is pivoted in a left pivot joint between the left body and the left pedestal and comprises a left tire and the left drive motor arranged on the center of the left tire; the right body further comprises a right shell, a right body, a right pedestal and a right wheel body, the right body and the right pedestal are arranged above and below the right body respectively, the right wheel body is pivoted in a right pivot joint between the right body and the right pedestal and comprises a right tire and the right drive motor arranged on the center of the right tire; and the left connecting portion and the right connecting portion are located at one side of the left body and the right body respectively, the left connecting portion is opposite to the right connecting portion, the left gear portion and the right gear portion are located at the upper ends of the left connecting portion and the right connecting portion respectively.

The two sensing devices optionally include a support mount and two angle and accelerometer gyroscopes respectively, the two support mounts are arranged in the left pedestal and the right pedestal respectively, and the two gyroscopes of each of the sensing devices are arranged at the two supporting ends of the support. The controller further includes a control circuit board and a power supply unit.

The two sensing devices can include an infrared sensor or a piezoelectric sensor respectively, the two infrared sensors or piezoelectric sensors are arranged in the left shell of the left side and the right shell of the right side respectively, the front sides of the left side and the right side are provided with an indicator lamp respectively, and the two infrared sensors or piezoelectric sensors and the two indicator lamps are connected to the control circuit board.

The left shell and the right shell are further extended and arranged on a left wheel cover and a right fender respectively, the left fender and the right fender are arranged above the left wheel and the right wheel; and the upper surfaces of the left shell and the right shell are further provided with an antiskid pedal respectively, and the two antiskid pedals are provided with a plurality of antiskid strips respectively.

The scooter may include anti-collision sensors, the anti-collision sensors may be arranged at the front sides and the rear sides of the left pedestal and the right pedestal respectively, and the anti-collision sensors are connected to the control circuit board. The controller further includes a charging port and a power switch, the charging port and the power switch are connected to the control circuit board.

Compared with the prior art, the present disclosure may acquire the following technical effects. The left and right scooter sides are automatically driven by the rotating mechanism to turn over relatively, so that the synchronous movement scooter is driven to rotate in a small radius of rotation; the insides of the left and right scooter bodies are provided with the sensing device respectively, and each of the sensing device senses the change of the gravity center of the corresponding side, and controls the rolling directions and speeds of the left and right wheel bodies; the left and right scooter bodies are provided with the infrared sensor or the piezoelectric sensor and the trample indicator lamp respectively, so that the object of identifying whether a user steps on the device, synchronous movement scooter is achieved; the left and right scooter bodies are provided with the antiskid pedal respectively, which prevents the user from slipping and falling over the scooter; and the left and right scooter bodies may optionally contain anti-collision sensors respectively to sense the distance between the synchronous movement scooter and an obstacle; when the distance is less than a safe distance, the synchronous movement scooter may slow down or stop moving, which prevents the scooter from colliding with the obstacle.

An optional aspect of the invention involves a handle that protrudes upwardly from the center section to assist the user for stability. The angle of the handle is determined by the average angle of both sides, such that when one side is angled forward and the other side is angled backward, the angle of the handle does not change.

The present disclosure describes a two-piece safety enclosure with a metered release port. The enclosure is designed to be attached to another separate component, where it overlays a flat or mostly flat surface. The enclosure also offers a separate egress for wires and is designed to be sealed to prevent or restrict gas transfer from the inside to the outside of the enclosure. The enclosure contains a series of individual batteries or cells that make up a battery pack. The enclosure may also contain optional charging circuitry, and a convoluted internal path for gas to escape. The port is covered by a material or valve that safely releases any excessive gas pressure. When attached to the other component, the port and valve is obscured but not blocked. The port and channels cooperate with the flat surface on the separate component to form a tunnel or series of tunnels that disperse any vented gases. Internal or external reinforcements may be added to strengthen the enclosure for the elevated pressure that may be present in the event a battery or several batteries fail.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A scooter10is shown inFIGS. 1-5and has three primary portions. The portions include a left side12, a right side,14, and a center section16. The left side12has a left wheel18and the right side14has a right wheel20. Both are adapted to roll on the ground or other horizontal surface.

Turning now to the detail of the left side12, an upper housing22and a lower housing24form a protective and decorative cover for internal components and electrical connections, shown inFIGS. 6, 8, 10. As shown inFIG. 8, the left wheel18is attached on one side and is covered by a fender portion26of the upper housing22. The left side12, specifically the upper housing22, further includes an anti-slip foot pad28that is made for the user to place their weight or stand on. The foot pad28may also contain a presence sensor30to detect the rider's presence. Directly underneath the foot pad28is a structure31that has downwardly extending protrusions29that change the state of the presence sensor30. This is shown inFIG. 12. It is contemplated that the sensor30is contained elsewhere in the left side12. The sensor30can change between a state where the rider is present and a state where the rider is present and applying weight to a portion of the left side12. The sensor30can be as simple as a spring-return momentary switch or have other sensing technology such as load cells, non-contacting proximity, or further sensing technology not described herein. As shown in the exploded view inFIG. 10, between the upper housing22and lower housing24are several components. A frame32provides structural support for the housings22,24and has several mounting points. The left wheel18is attached on a wheel attachment portion34. The frame32also has mounting locations for a control board36. The frame32further has a receiver38for a central shaft40, shown inFIG. 10. As shown inFIG. 12, the control board36has the presence sensor30. The foot pad28or structure31has the protrusions29that extend down and away from its upper surface to contact the presence sensor30. Adjacent the receiver38is a gear portion48, shown inFIG. 9. The gear portion48, also referred to as a sector gear, shares a center point that is intersected by a receiver axis50, shown inFIG. 10. The gear portion48is a portion of an entire gear, and it is contemplated that the gear portion is a complete gear. As shown, the gear portion48is affixed to the frame32, but it is contemplated that the gear portion48is integral to the frame32or housings22,24.

The control board36further includes a level sensor42that detects the angle of the left side12with respect to the earth's gravity. The level sensor42reports the angle as a variable amount of tilt of the left side12. The reported angle is the amount of forward and reverse tilt, with a neutral point between the transition between forward and reverse tilt. The neutral point is located where the left side12, particularly the foot pad28, is substantially parallel with the horizon. The control board36receives signals from the level sensor42and presence sensor30to determine the speed and direction for a motor46that is connected to the left wheel18. As shown, the motor46is a brushless DC motor that has position sensor feedback and a series of coils (sensor and coils not shown). The sensor feedback in the motor46allows the control board36to appropriately enable the series of coils to drive the left wheel18. Electric commutation of brushless DC (BLDC) motors is well known in the art. While the motor46described herein is a BLDC motor, it is contemplated that other types of motors could be used, such as a brushed DC, induction, or other type not disclosed herein.

The level sensor42can be a MEMS or other vibrating structure gyroscope sensor, commonly used in smartphones, portable gaming devices, and other electronic devices that sense angles. The level sensor42measures the angle of the left side12with respect to earth's gravity. Further, because the angle reported by gyroscopes can be influenced by dynamics, such as acceleration, vibration, and elevation changes, it is contemplated to further include an accelerometer in addition to the level sensor42. Gyroscopes and comparable level sensors are well-known in the art. The data generated by the accelerometer can be combined with the data generated by the gyroscope to generate an angle that is much more accurate than one of those measuring devices alone. It is contemplated that the level sensor is another type that is not specifically described but functions to determine the angle of the left side12to the earth's gravity. It is further contemplated that the level sensor42is mounted elsewhere on the left side12, while still detecting its angle. For example, the level sensor42detects the angle of the left side12, typically the foot pad28, such that when the left side12is at a slight angle in one direction, the control board36commands the motor46to rotate (and left wheel18) in a first direction. If the angle of left side12increases, the control board36would increase the speed of the motor46. If the left side12is tipped in the opposite direction, the control board36would reverse the direction of the motor46. If the left side12is substantially level and the level sensor42is located at the neutral point, the control board36would stop the motor46from rotating. It is contemplated that the control board36includes other features, such as remote monitoring capabilities, Bluetooth accessories, speakers60, and lighting. For example, lights56can provide important status of the device10, such as battery life, charge status, or simply provide decorative illumination. It is further contemplated that the previously described other features are affixed to the housings22,24or frame32. The lights56,156can be used to indicate battery charge by changing color or illuminating different segments.

The right side14is nearly identical and symmetrical to the left side12but will be described for clarity. The right side14, an upper housing122and a lower housing124form a protective and decorative cover for internal components and electrical connections. The right wheel20is attached on one side and is covered by a fender portion126of the upper housing122. The right side14, specifically the upper housing122, further includes an anti-slip foot pad128that is made for the user to place their weight or stand on. The foot pad128may also contain a presence sensor130to detect the rider's presence. It is contemplated that the sensor130is contained elsewhere in the right side14. The sensor130can change between a state where the rider is not present and a state where the rider is present and applying weight to a portion of the right side14. The sensor130can be as simple as a spring-return momentary switch or have other sensing technology such as load cells, non-contacting proximity, or further sensing technology not described herein. A frame132provides structural support for the housings122,124and has several mounting points. The right wheel20is attached on a wheel attachment portion134. The frame132also has mounting locations for a control board136. As with the frame32, frame132further has a receiver for a central shaft40. As shown, the control board136has the sensor130. The foot pad128has protrusions identical to protrusions29that extend down and away from its upper surface to contact the sensor130. Adjacent the receiver is a gear portion148. The gear portion148, also referred to as a sector gear, shares a center point that is intersected by a receiver axis50. The gear portion148is a portion of an entire gear, and it is contemplated that the gear portion is a complete gear. As shown, the gear portion148is affixed to the frame132, but it is contemplated that the gear portion148is integral to the frame132or housings122,124.

The control board136further includes a level sensor142that detects the angle of the right side14with respect to earth's gravity. The level sensor142reports the angle as a variable amount of tilt of the right side14. The reported angle is the amount of forward and reverse tilt, with a neutral point between the transition between forward and reverse tilt. The neutral point is located where the right side14, particularly the foot pad128, is substantially parallel with the horizon. The control board136receives signals from the level sensor142and presence sensor130to determine the speed and direction for a motor146that is connected to the right wheel20. As shown, the motor146is a brushless DC motor that has position sensor feedback and a series of coils (sensor and coils not shown). The sensor feedback in the motor146allows the control board136to appropriately enable the series of coils to drive the right wheel20. Electric commutation of brushless DC (BLDC) motors is well known in the art. While the motor146described herein is a BLDC motor, it is contemplated that other types of motors could be used, such as a brushed DC, induction, or other type not disclosed herein.

The level sensor142can be a MEMS or other vibrating structure gyroscope sensor, commonly used in smartphones, portable gaming devices, and other electronic devices that sense angles. The level sensor142measures the angle of the left side12with respect to earth's gravity. Further, because the angle reported by gyroscopes can be influenced by dynamics, such as acceleration, vibration, and elevation changes, it is contemplated to further include an accelerometer in addition to the level sensor142. The data generated by the accelerometer can be combined with the data generated by the gyroscope to generate an angle that is much more accurate than one of those measuring devices alone. Gyroscopes and comparable level sensors are well-known in the art. It is contemplated that the level sensor is another type that is not specifically described but functions to determine the angle of the right side14to earth's gravity. It is further contemplated that the level sensor142is mounted elsewhere on the right side14, while still detecting its angle. For example, the level sensor142detects the angle of the right side14, typically the foot pad128, such that when the right side14is at a slight angle in one direction, the control board136commands the motor146to rotate (and right wheel20) in a first direction. If the angle of left side12increases, the control board136would increase the speed of the motor146. If the right side14is tipped in the opposite direction, the control board136would reverse the direction of the motor146. If the right side14is substantially level and the level sensor142is located at the neutral point, the control board136would stop the motor146from rotating. It is contemplated that the control board136includes other features, such as remote monitoring capabilities, Bluetooth accessories, speakers160, and lighting. It is further contemplated that the scooter10has a single control board36,136in the left or right side12,14.

The left side12and right side14are powered by an onboard battery52,152, shown inFIG. 8. As shown, the battery52,152is located on both the left and right sides12,14, but it is contemplated that only one side holds a battery52,152. The battery52will be discussed as the primary battery enclosed by enclosure100. A charging port54allows an external power source to restore charge to the battery52,152or batteries after the rider depletes them from use. The battery52,152is optionally located inside a battery enclosure100.

It is commonplace to integrate controls inside of one main control board, also referred to as a motherboard, that would contain the software and logic that would control each of the motors46,146and receive sensor data from the various sensors. The control boards36,136, as well as a motherboard, would have software that interprets the tilt of its respective side12,14and provide power to the appropriate motor and appropriate direction to maintain balance or motion. The software typically resides in a microcontroller or microcontrollers where the inputs involve the rotational position, speed, and direction of the wheels18,20. Other inputs are the angles of the sides provided by the respective level sensors42,142, along with the state of the rider presence sensors30,130. Further, the battery charge level, charging status, and other inputs are contemplated. In some embodiments, the control boards36,136would only contain the necessary sensors to detect the presence of the rider and the angle of the side12,14. The motherboard would contain a single microcontroller to handle the functions for both sides, and the sensors and motors would communicate with the motherboard. Another embodiment is contemplated where the onboard battery52is located in only one side, and the motherboard is located where the battery152is presently shown. The battery52,152provides power to the control boards36,136.

Rotatably connecting and located between the left side12and right side14is the center section16, shown inFIG. 1. The center section16is located directly between the two, and serves to couple them. This is detailed inFIGS. 7, 9, and 11. A spider gear70meshes with gear portions48,148to rotatably couple the left side12to the right side14. The spider gear70rotates on a spider axis72and is held in by a fastener74. The fastener74screws into a collar76that rides on the central shaft40. The collar serves76to keep the spacing of the left side12and the right side14correct to maintain the proper meshing of the spider gear70. As shown, the spider gear70rotates about an axis that extends outwardly and perpendicular to the receiver axis50. The embodiment shows the spider gear70as a bevel gear, but other types of gears, such as worm, straight, hypoid, miter, helical, or spiral are contemplated.

A stop pin78engages the left side12and right side14to prevent excessive rotational movement of the left side12in relation to the right side14. As shown inFIG. 9, the collar76has two upwardly protruding fingers75,77that form a channel that the stop pin78passes through. A decorative top cover80and bottom cover82safely protect the user from getting fingers or other things pinched between the gears as they rotate. The covers80,82also prevent objects from becoming entangled in the mechanism and creating issues with movement. It is contemplated that the covers80,82contain other features, such as lights or external decoration that moves with the covers80,82or has external moving parts.

To control the scooter10, first the user turns the power on with the power switch154. If the batteries52,152have sufficient charge, the control boards36,136enable an indicator that the device is powered and any self-test passed. Next, the user puts a foot on one of the foot pads28,128, enabling the respective motor46,146and wheel18,20. The level sensor42,142reports the angle of the respective side12,14to the control board36,136and moves the motor46,146one direction or the other, based on the angle. The user next puts the other foot on the other side20,18, tripping the other foot pad128,28and enabling the other motor46,146and wheel20,18. The other level sensor142,42reports the angle of the other side20,18and the control board136,36moves the other motor146,46and wheel20,18, based on the angle of the other side20,18.

Inside the control board36,136or motherboard, a program runs that receives data from the level sensors42,142and foot pads28,128and, based on the angle and presence of the rider, will either rotate the respective wheel and motor in a forward or reverse direction based upon the angle of the respective side as calculated by the program. This program may include averaging function to filter out noise and allow more stability. The greater the angle of the level sensors42,142, the greater the torque or speed is applied to the motors46,146and wheels18,20. As speed increases, other factors may optionally be implemented by the control board36,136, such as a speed alarm or angular offset. If the scooter10is over a predetermined speed, an alarm may sound to indicate potentially dangerous condition to the user. Other options include a low battery alarm to indicate to the user that the scooter10needs to be recharged.

As shown inFIG. 13, the center section16may include a staff90that protrudes upwardly toward the user. At the end of the staff90is a handle92that the user can grip. The handle would provide stability for the rider, and because it is coupled to the center section16, forward leaning of the handle would correspond to forward movement. If the user were to tip one of the sides12,14one direction and the other side14,12in the opposite direction in the same amount, the angle of the handle would not change due to the gear driven coupling of the center section16to the sides12,14. The handle92may include controls94or information about the scooter. The controls94would be in communication with the control board36,136. Further, the controls may include speakers, power switch, battery information, charge status, scooter speed, and other useful information or controls. Further, the staff90and handle92may be removable or collapsible to allow the scooter to be easily transported or stored. The staff90may be telescopically extendable between a stored position and an extended position. The scooter10is usable with or without the handle92and staff90.

A battery enclosure100as shown inFIGS. 14-21has a lower shell64and an upper shell66. The enclosure100is designed to be attached to another device, such as a balancing scooter, electric skateboard, or other battery powered device, such as the device shown inFIGS. 1-13. The enclosure100is shown simplified as battery52,152inFIG. 8. The enclosure100is attached through mounting tabs68and holes96to the frame32as shown inFIG. 19. A power lead98extends outwardly from the enclosure100for the user to connect the enclosure100to external circuitry for charging and discharging of the batteries52,152contained therein. The connection happens at the connector62, located at the terminal end of the power lead98.

As shown inFIG. 18, the upper shell66is affixed to the lower shell64through fasteners102. As shown, the fasteners102are screws, but it is contemplated that rivets, bolts, welding, or other mechanical means are used to fasten the upper shell66to the lower shell64. The shells66,64are made out of a durable material, such as plastic, zinc, aluminum, steel, or fiberglass. As shown, they are made from a die-cast aluminum. Die-casting is well-known in the housing and enclosure art. The lower shell64is a bowl shape and is the primary shape on the inside to receive the batteries52,152. It is contemplated that the lower shell64further contains reinforcing ribs or mounting features that are not shown in the FIGS. The upper shell66may be sealed to the lower shell64to prevent any liquid, air, or gas infiltration through the life of the enclosure100. When the upper shell66is affixed to the lower shell64, an internal volume104is created within the enclosure100.

The shells64,66may have tapped holes to receive the fasteners102. The upper shell66has a top surface105with a perimeter edge107shown inFIG. 15that is designed to be in contact or close proximity with a mating surface, such as the mating surface33on the frame32. This proximity is shown inFIG. 19. As shown, the top surface105and mating surface33are planar, but the surfaces33,105can be any shape or contour as long as they are complimentary. The mounting tabs68are used to affix the enclosure100to the frame32to maintain proper contact or spacing between the enclosure100and the mating surface33of the frame32. The mating surface33does not have to be planar; it could be curved or irregular. The top shell66further contains a pressure release port106, shown inFIGS. 15, 16, 19, and 21. The pressure release port106faces the mating surface33. The portion of the mating surface33that is directly over the pressure release port106is typically made from or covered by a flame-retardant material, in the event any superheated gases exit the release port106. Leading from the perimeter of the upper shell66and meeting at the release port106are a series of gas release channels108. The channels108extend outwardly from the release port106to the perimeter edge107. They are oriented to increase the distance from the release port106to the perimeter edge107. As shown, there are four channels108, but it is contemplated that a different number is used. The more channels108that are incorporated, the more any released gases are dispersed. The channels108have a surface109that is recessed from the top surface105and serve to create a path from the batteries52to the release port106. The channels108interrupt the top surface105. As shown, the surface109is coplanar with the surface111around the release port106. It is common for the batteries52to consume nearly all of the internal volume of the enclosure100, as shown inFIGS. 16 and 19. In the event a battery fails and begins to generate gas pressure, the internal volume104will begin to become pressurized. The release port106allows gases that are released from the batteries52exit the enclosure100and travel through the channels108. It is contemplated that the release channels108are located on the mating surface33of the frame32. The release channels108as shown are straight, but it is contemplated that the channels are convoluted to increase the distance between the release port108and the perimeter edge107of the top surface105. The release channels108cooperate with the surfaces105and33to form tunnels that allow gases to escape in a controlled fashion.

The port106is covered by a valve110, shown inFIG. 21. The valve110controls the release of any gas from the batteries52. By controlling the release of gas, the potential for fire and property damage from a thermal event in the batteries52is significantly reduced. As shown inFIG. 21, the valve110may be a simple adhesive patch that adheres and seals to the port106. It could also be a simple disc of metal with a score mark or other weakening feature that allows the metal to split at a predetermined pressure. It is further contemplated that a flame arrestor such as a dense mesh is present that would prevent any sparks or flame on one side of the valve110from passing through to the other side. The valve110may also be a check valve that allows gas to pass from one side to the other but not the other way around. Another possible embodiment of the valve110would involve a spring-loaded disc that would function as a check valve. It is further contemplated that the combination of any of the above embodiments could function as the valve110.

An optional battery control board112is used to control the charging and discharging of the battery52. The battery control board112can be used to monitor overall battery health, temperature, charge level, or other parameter to maintain safe operating conditions. The battery control board112may further include communication to a control board through the power lead98and connector62or a separate lead and connector. The battery control board112is for reducing or eliminating the potential of any external electrical malfunction from damaging or destroying the batteries52. The battery control board112is connected to the power lead98and the batteries52. The power lead98exits the enclosure100at an egress114. As shown, the egress114is an aperture that is formed at the union of upper shell66and lower shell64. A sealing grommet116protects the wires in the power lead98from being damaged at the egress114and also seals them. By sealing the wires, any vented gas from the batteries52is directed to the pressure release port106.

In the unlikely event of a battery failure and subsequent outgassing, gas is released from the batteries52into the internal volume104of the enclosure100. The gas begins to generate internal pressure in the enclosure100. When a predetermined pressure is reached, the valve110opens to release the gas through the release port106. Gas travels from the batteries52and then through the release port106. Finally, it passes out through the release channels108. The quantity of release channels108spreads out the released gas and reduces its temperature.

The enclosure100may include baffles or other convoluting feature may be incorporated to further disrupt the flow of any gas, thereby lowering the gas temperature and reducing potential ignition.

It is understood that while certain aspects of the disclosed subject matter have been shown and described, the disclosed subject matter is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects. No specific limitation with respect to the specific embodiments disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred. Modifications may be made to the disclosed subject matter as set forth in the following claims.