Patent Description:
In housings where liquid-sensitive components need to be cooled, such as an electric vehicle battery pack, coolant pipes containing coolant liquid are often passed from a pump on a "wet" side of the housing to a "dry" side of the housing. The dry side of the housing is typically where liquid-sensitive components are contained, such as battery cells and a battery management control system. In the event of coolant liquid leaking from a coolant pipe into the battery housing, accumulation of coolant liquid can pose a significant fire risk and so it is important to remove the coolant liquid from the internal compartment of the housing as soon as possible.

It is known to use a gel to absorb coolant water that has leaked from coolant pipes. However, such gels do not remove the water from the housing and as such, there is still significant fire risk due to the presence of water in the dry side of the battery pack.

<CIT> discusses a drain device including a body with a port therethrough, the body configured to be positioned in a wall of a container; means for opening the port in response to a first liquid contacting the drain device on an inside of the container; and means for resisting ingress into the container by a second liquid that contacts the drain device on an outside of the container.

Existing valves which are typically used to drain a housing remain open and thus do not prevent fluid from entering the dry side of the battery pack.

The present invention seeks to address at least some of these issues.

Viewed from a first aspect, the present invention provides a valve assembly in accordance with claim <NUM>. The valve assembly comprising a first part mountable to a fluid port of a panel and comprising a first opening for allowing ingress of fluid into the first part from a first side of the panel, and a second opening for allowing egress of fluid out of the first part through the fluid port to a second side of the panel; a second part disposed within the first part and configured to seal the second opening when in a first position within the first part, a deformable member disposed within the first part, and a resilient member biased to move the second part to a second position within the first part, so as to provide a fluid flow path from the first opening to the second opening. When in an initial state, the deformable member is arranged to retain the second part in the first position, and upon contacting a liquid within the first part, at least a portion of the deformable member is configured to deform, so as to enable the resilient member to move the second part to the second position.

Thus, the present invention provides a self-activating drain valve that can drain liquid from one side of a panel without user intervention and without the need to separately detect the liquid and inform a user.

The deformable member may comprise a synthetic polymer, such as, for example, a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA, PVOH). The deformable member may comprise a foam structure. In some cases, the deformable member comprises, as an example, a polyvinyl alcohol foam. This advantageously reacts with water and/or a water and glycol mixture, a suitable coolant liquid, in a desirable manner.

The first part may comprise a cap or closure, which may be fire-retardant and/or which may receive the deformable member. The deformable member may be configured to soften or at least partially dissolve upon contacting the liquid. This advantageously provides a deformable member which changes its material properties upon reacting with the coolant liquid so as to deform in the desired manner.

The deformable member is disposed between the first part and the second part. The resilient member is biased to move the second part towards the deformable member. A biasing member or a resilient member are examples of biasing means. A resilient biased member is a further example of biasing means. A compression spring is an example of a resilient member.

The first part may comprise a bayonet coupling adapted to attachingly engage with the fluid port of the panel.

The first part may comprise a resiliently deformable arm arranged to engage a lip of the panel on the first side of the panel so as to secure the first part within the fluid port. This advantageously only requires the user to press the valve assembly into the fluid port to secure the valve assembly to the panel. A resilient barb is an example of a resiliently deformable arm.

The valve assembly may comprise a first resiliently deformable member, preferably comprising two sealing lips, secured to the first part, preferably on a flange-like portion of the first part, and arranged to abut the second side of the panel. In use, the first resiliently deformable member and the resiliently deformable arm may secure the panel therebetween.

The first resiliently deformable sealing member may be operably encased by a cover member that is configured to protect the first resiliently deformable sealing member from external elements.

The valve assembly may comprise a second resiliently deformable sealing member attached to the first part and arranged to abut the second part when the second part is in the first position, so as to seal the second opening of the first part. A gasket, a U-shaped seal, V-shaped seal and an O-ring are all examples of resiliently deformable members.

The first resiliently deformable sealing member and the second resiliently deformable sealing member may be integrally formed with one another. This advantageously allows for the first and second resiliently deformable sealing members to be over-moulded to the first part, which provides a simpler process for manufacturing the valve assembly. Further, when in use, the first resiliently deformable sealing member and the bayonet coupling may sealingly engage the panel therebetween.

The valve assembly may comprise a gasket attached to the second part. When the second part is in the first position, the gasket may be arranged to seal the second opening.

Viewed from a further independent aspect, the present invention provides a housing comprising a panel defining an internal volume and an external volume and having a fluid port formed therein, and a valve assembly as described above secured within the fluid port. This advantageously provides a housing with a self-activating valve that activates automatically upon accumulation of liquid, within the housing.

Viewed from a further independent aspect, the present invention provides an electrical vehicle battery pack comprising a panel defining an internal volume and an external volume and having a fluid port formed therein, and a valve assembly as described above secured within the fluid port. This advantageously provides an electrical vehicle battery pack with improved safety, as the valve will automatically activate once coolant liquid within the housing comes into contact with the deformable member in the valve.

Exemplary valve assemblies are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words 'right', 'left', 'lower', 'upper', 'front', 'rear', 'upward', 'down' and 'downward' designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made and are with respect to the described component when assembled and mounted. The words 'inner', 'inwardly' and 'outer', 'outwardly' refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, a designated centreline or a geometric centre of an element being described (e.g. central axis), the particular meaning being readily apparent from the context of the description.

Further, unless otherwise specified, the use of ordinal adjectives, such as, "first", "second", "third" etc. merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner.

Like reference numerals are used to depict like features throughout.

<FIG> illustrate perspective views of an exemplary drain valve <NUM> with a first part <NUM> and a second part <NUM> contained therein. The first part <NUM> has a substantially circular body <NUM>, a cap <NUM> secured to a first end of the body <NUM> and a skirt <NUM> at a second end of the body <NUM>. The cap <NUM> has a plurality of arms <NUM> extending towards the body <NUM> and each of the arms <NUM> engages with a respective cross-member <NUM> of the body <NUM> formed by openings within the body <NUM>. The engagement between arms <NUM> and cross-members <NUM> are mechanical snap-fit joints that provide a simple and convenient way to secure the cap <NUM> to the body <NUM>. However, it would be apparent that other types of mechanical fixation would be suitable for securing the cap <NUM> to the body <NUM>, including releasable and/or temporary attachments such as screws of press-fit joints. The body <NUM> also includes a series of openings <NUM> which allow a coolant liquid, such as water, to enter a cavity <NUM> within the body <NUM> (see also <FIG>). The skirt <NUM> has a series of openings <NUM> which allow liquid to drain from the cavity <NUM>. In some cases, the cap <NUM> comprises a fire-retardant material. In some cases, the body <NUM> and/or the second part <NUM> and/or cap <NUM> comprise a plastic material.

<FIG> illustrate cross-sectional views of the drain valve <NUM> of <FIG> and illustrate the deformable disc <NUM> disposed within the cavity <NUM> and abutting the cap <NUM> when the second part <NUM> is held in a first position illustrated in <FIG>. In the first position, the deformable disk <NUM> is an initial dry state and resists the compressive force of the stainless steel compression spring <NUM> which is biased to push the second part <NUM> towards the cap <NUM>. While the spring <NUM> is illustrated as being disposed between an inner surface of the second part <NUM> and a central column <NUM> secured to the skirt <NUM> by a series of connecting struts <NUM>, it would be apparent this was not essential and that other arrangements may be suitable for use with the present drain valve <NUM>. Similarly, while a compression spring <NUM> is disclosed, it would be apparent that this was merely one example and that other components would be suitable for biasing the second part <NUM> towards the cap <NUM>.

A series of resilient barbs <NUM> extending from the body <NUM> are also provided. The barbs <NUM> are arranged to engage with an elastomeric ring <NUM> arranged on the skirt <NUM>. The barbs <NUM> and ring <NUM> define a space for receiving a lip <NUM> of a panel <NUM> to secure the drain valve <NUM> to the panel (see also <FIG>). In use, the ring <NUM> provides a seal between the panel <NUM> and the skirt <NUM>.

In one example, the deformable disc <NUM> reacts with a mixture of glycol and water, an exemplary coolant liquid. This reaction causes the disc <NUM> to at least partially dissolve, which weakens the disc <NUM> in the desired manner and enables the disc <NUM> to deform due to the compressive force of the spring <NUM>. While water and glycol is provided as an exemplary coolant liquid and polyvinyl alcohol is provided as an exemplary composition of disc <NUM>, it would be apparent that these were merely examples, and other fluids (liquid, gas) or solids (e.g. powder) suitable for cooling, and compositions of the deformable disc <NUM> would be suitable for use with the present drain valve <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, when the disc <NUM> is in an initial "dry" state, the second part <NUM> is retained in a first position at the second end of the body <NUM> and seals the second opening <NUM> by compressing a gasket <NUM> against an inner surface of the skirt <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the second part <NUM> has a substantially cylindrical profile with an open end at the first end and a closed end at a second end opposed to the first end and the gasket <NUM> is an O-ring secured within a recess <NUM> formed in the side wall of the second part <NUM>. However, it would be apparent a cylindrical profile was merely an exemplary profile and that other profiles in combination with an appropriately-shaped gasket <NUM> would be suitable for use with the present drain valve <NUM>. Similarly, while an O-ring has been described, it would be apparent other profiles would be suitable for sealing the second openings <NUM>. The open end of the second part <NUM> is arranged to receive the compression spring <NUM> and a portion of the central column <NUM>. The closed end is arranged to abut the deformable disc <NUM> and applies a compressive force onto the disc <NUM> due to the compression spring <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary housing <NUM> with a drain valve <NUM> secured in a panel <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The panel <NUM> defines internal <NUM> and outer <NUM> volumes of the housing <NUM> and battery cells of an electric vehicle battery pack (not shown) are present in the inner volume <NUM> along with coolant pipes (not shown) to cool the battery cells. A collar <NUM> is also provided in the housing <NUM> which defines an inlet <NUM> for directing coolant <NUM> towards the drain valve <NUM>. As coolant <NUM> enters the collar <NUM>, it will pass through the first openings <NUM> of the drain valve <NUM> and accumulate within the cavity <NUM> of the body <NUM> as the second openings <NUM> are sealed due to the second part <NUM> compressing O-ring <NUM> against the inner surface of the skirt <NUM>. Once the coolant within the collar <NUM> reaches a critical level, it will contact the deformable disc <NUM> and begin to dissolve the disc <NUM>. As the disc <NUM> dissolves, it will lose structural integrity and soften as the material making up the disc <NUM> dissolves into the coolant <NUM>. As the disc <NUM> dissolves, it will have a diminishing profile which provides less resistance to the compressive force exerted by the compression spring <NUM>. As more coolant accumulates in the drain valve <NUM>, more of the deformable disc <NUM> will dissolve and release the second part <NUM>.

When the disc <NUM> has been degraded sufficiently such that it is unable to resist the compressive force of the compression spring <NUM>, the disc <NUM> is in a second "wet" state (see also <FIG> and <FIG>). When the disc <NUM> is in the wet state, the compression spring <NUM> can move the second part <NUM> towards the cap <NUM> which opens the second openings <NUM> of the first part <NUM>. In this second configuration, the gasket <NUM> is spaced form the skirt <NUM> which provides a fluid flow path between the first openings <NUM> and the second openings <NUM>. The coolant liquid <NUM> is thus able to drain from the inner volume <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and the risk of damaging any liquid-sensitive components within the housing <NUM> are reduced. While a collar <NUM> provides a convenient way to direct coolant towards the drain valve <NUM>, it would be apparent a collar <NUM> was not essential in any housing <NUM> comprising a drain valve <NUM>. It would also be apparent that it was not essential for the disc <NUM> to completely dissolve for the second part <NUM> to be moved to the second position. In some cases, the disc <NUM> may partially dissolve such that structural integrity of the disc <NUM> is reduced sufficiently for the compression spring <NUM> to crush the remaining disc <NUM> material to move the second part <NUM> to the second position.

<FIG> illustrate perspective views of an alternative drain valve <NUM>. The drain valve <NUM> is similar to drain valve <NUM> and includes a first part <NUM> having a substantially circular body <NUM>, a cap <NUM> at a first end of the body <NUM> and a skirt <NUM> at a second end of the body <NUM>, and a second part <NUM>. The cap <NUM> has a plurality of arms <NUM> extending towards the skirt <NUM> and each of the arms <NUM> engages with a respective cross-member <NUM> of the body <NUM> formed by openings within the body <NUM>. The engagement between arms <NUM> and cross-members <NUM> are mechanical snap-fit joints that provide a simple and convenient way to secure the cap <NUM> to the body <NUM>. However, it would be apparent that other types of mechanical fixation would be suitable, including releasable and/or temporary attachments such as screws of press-fit joints. The body <NUM> also includes a series of openings <NUM> which allow a coolant liquid, such as water, to enter a cavity <NUM> within the body <NUM> (see also <FIG>). The skirt <NUM> has a series of openings <NUM> which allow liquid to drain from the cavity <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate cross-sectional views of the drain valve <NUM> of <FIG> and illustrate the deformable disc <NUM> disposed within the cavity <NUM> and abutting the cap <NUM> when the second part <NUM> is held in a first position illustrated in <FIG>. In the first position, the deformable disk <NUM> is an initial dry state which provides resilience against the compressive force of the compression spring <NUM> which is biased to push the second part <NUM> towards the cap <NUM>. While the spring <NUM> is illustrated as being disposed between an inner surface of the second part <NUM> and a central column <NUM> secured to the skirt <NUM> by a series of connecting struts <NUM>, it would be apparent this was not essential and that other arrangements may be suitable for use with the present drain valve <NUM>. Similarly, while a compression spring <NUM> is disclosed, it would be apparent that this was merely one example and that other components suitable for biasing the second part <NUM> towards the cap <NUM> would be suitable.

A series of resilient barbs <NUM> extending from the body <NUM> are also provided. The barbs <NUM> are arranged to engage with a first gasket <NUM> arranged on the skirt <NUM>. One difference between the drain valve <NUM> and drain valve <NUM> is the first gasket <NUM> and second gasket <NUM> are integrally formed with one another as a single component that is over-moulded over the body <NUM> which is made of a first plastic material. The first gasket <NUM> and second gasket <NUM> are both illustrated as V-shaped structures that circumscribe the body <NUM>. However, it would be apparent that neither of the first <NUM> or second <NUM> gasket requires a V-shape. In some cases, the first <NUM> and/or second <NUM> gasket may comprise an O-ring to abut the panel <NUM> and seal the second openings <NUM> respectively. The first gasket <NUM> and arms <NUM> provide a space for receiving a lip <NUM> of a panel <NUM> and provide a convenient method of securing the drain valve <NUM> to the panel <NUM> in a similar manner to drain valve <NUM> (see also <FIG>). In some cases, the first <NUM> and/or second <NUM> gasket may comprise a thermoplastic elastomeric material.

In drain valve <NUM>, the deformable disc <NUM> reacts with a mixture of glycol and water. This reaction causes the deformable disc <NUM> to at least partially dissolve when water contacts the surface of the disc <NUM>, which weakens the disc <NUM> in the desired manner and enables the disc <NUM> to deform due to the compressive force of the spring <NUM>. While water and glycol is provided as an exemplary coolant liquid and polyvinyl alcohol is provided as an exemplary composition of disc <NUM>, it would be apparent that these were merely examples, and other coolant liquids and compositions of the deformable disc <NUM> would be suitable for use with the present drain valve <NUM>. Similarly, it is not essential for the deformable disc <NUM> to have the same composition as disc <NUM>. Similarly, while disc <NUM> is illustrated as a hollow cylinder having opposed closed ends (see <FIG>) and disc <NUM> is illustrated as a solid cylinder with opposed convex surfaces, it would be apparent that neither profile was essential to the function of the drain valve <NUM>,<NUM> and that other shapes would be suitable. Similarly, while the disc <NUM> and disc <NUM> are described as being weakened by partial dissolution, it would be apparent that the deformable disc <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a material whose material properties, such as stiffness, change upon contact with liquid. This would provide an alternative or additional method of weakening the disc <NUM>, <NUM> in the desired manner.

As illustrated in <FIG>, when the disc <NUM> is in an initial "dry" state, the second part <NUM> is retained in a first position at the second end of the body <NUM> and a base <NUM> of the second part <NUM> presses against the second gasket <NUM> to seal the second openings <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the second part <NUM> has a substantially cylindrical profile with an open end at the first end and a closed end at a second end opposed to the first end. However, it would be apparent a cylindrical profile was merely an exemplary profile and that other profiles could be used in combination with the second gasket <NUM>. The open end of the second part <NUM> is arranged to receive the compression spring <NUM> and a portion of the central column <NUM> in a similar manner to that described in relation to drain valve <NUM>. The closed end is arranged to abut the deformable disc <NUM> and applies a compressive force onto the disc <NUM> due to the compression spring <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary housing <NUM> comprising the drain valve <NUM> of <FIG> in a first configuration which prevents liquid from passing through the drain valve <NUM>. The housing <NUM> comprises a panel <NUM> which defines internal <NUM> and outer <NUM> volumes of the housing <NUM>. The liquid-sensitive components of an electric vehicle battery pack (not shown) are present in the inner volume <NUM> along with a portion of a coolant system (not shown). When coolant escapes from the coolant system, it accumulates in the housing <NUM>. A collar <NUM> may also be provided in the housing <NUM> so as to define an inlet <NUM> for directing coolant <NUM> towards the drain valve <NUM>. As coolant <NUM> enters the collar <NUM>, it will pass through the first openings <NUM> formed in the body <NUM> of the drain valve <NUM> and will accumulate within the cavity <NUM> of the body <NUM> as the second openings <NUM> are sealed by the second part <NUM> abutting the second gasket <NUM>. Once the coolant within the collar <NUM> reaches a critical level, it will contact the deformable disc <NUM> and begin to dissolve the disc <NUM>. As the disc <NUM> dissolves, it will lose structural integrity and soften as the material making up the disc <NUM> dissolves into the coolant <NUM>. As the disc <NUM> dissolves, it will have a diminishing profile which provides less resistance to the compressive force exerted by the compression spring <NUM>. By selecting a convex profile, it is possible to control the rate at which the second part <NUM> is displaced, as more material needs to be dissolved for a given displacement of the second part <NUM>.

When the resistance of the disc <NUM> is insufficient to resist the compressive force of the compression spring <NUM>, the disc <NUM> is in a second wet state (see also <FIG> and <FIG>). When the disc <NUM> is in the wet state, the compression spring <NUM> can move the second part <NUM> towards the cap <NUM> which moves the base <NUM> away from the second gasket <NUM> and breaks the seal in the second openings <NUM> to provide a fluid flow path between the first openings <NUM> and the second openings <NUM>. The coolant liquid <NUM> is thus able to drain from the inner volume <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and the risk of damaging any liquid-sensitive components within the housing <NUM> are reduced. While a collar <NUM> is provided as a convenient method of directing coolant towards the drain valve <NUM>, it would be apparent a collar <NUM> was not essential in any housing <NUM> comprising a drain valve <NUM>. It would also be apparent that it was not essential for the disc <NUM> to completely dissolve for the second part <NUM> to be moved to the second position. In some cases, the structural integrity of the disc <NUM> may be sufficiently reduced such that the compression spring <NUM> may crush the remaining disc <NUM> material to move the second part <NUM> to the second position.

An example embodiment of yet another alternative drain valve <NUM> utilising a different arrangement of parts is illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, although, the basic mechanism and function of the alternative valve assembly <NUM> is alike to the mechanism and function described for the example embodiments shown in <FIG> (drain valve <NUM>) and <FIG> (drain valve <NUM>).

<FIG> illustrate respective cross-sectional views of the exemplary drain valve <NUM> with a first part <NUM> and a second part <NUM> contained therein. As with the other example embodiments <NUM>, <NUM>, the first part <NUM> has a substantially circular body and a cap <NUM> secured to an upper end <NUM> of the body, e.g. via a bayonet coupling (see example in <FIG>) provided at the upper end of the body of the first part <NUM>. The body also includes a series of first openings <NUM> which allow a coolant liquid, such as water, to enter a cavity <NUM> within the body. A lower end <NUM> of the body has a series of second openings <NUM> (not shown) which allow liquid to drain from the cavity <NUM>. As with the previous example embodiments, the cap <NUM> may comprise a fire-retardant material, and the body and/or the second part <NUM> and/or cap <NUM> may comprise a plastic material.

A deformable disc <NUM> is disposed within the cavity <NUM> and abutting a lower surface of the cap <NUM> when the second part <NUM> is held in a first position as illustrated in <FIG>. In the first position, the deformable disk <NUM> is an initial dry state and resists the compressive force of the stainless steel compression spring <NUM> which is biased to push the second part <NUM> towards the cap <NUM>. While the spring <NUM> is illustrated as being disposed between an inner surface of the second part <NUM> and a central column <NUM> provided to the lower end <NUM>, it would be apparent this was not essential and that other arrangements may be suitable for use with the present drain valve <NUM>. Similarly, while a compression spring <NUM> is disclosed, it would be apparent that this was merely one example and that other components would be suitable for biasing the second part <NUM> towards the cap <NUM> and/or towards the upper end <NUM> of the body.

When the disc <NUM> is in its initial "dry" state, the second part <NUM> is retained in the first position towards the lower end <NUM> of the body and thus, seals the second openings <NUM> by compressing a second seal member <NUM> against an inner surface of the lower end <NUM> of the body (see <FIG>). When the second part is in its second position towards the upper end <NUM> of the body, a space is formed between the second part <NUM> and the second seal member <NUM> allowing any fluid retained in the cavity <NUM> to flow through the second openings <NUM> (see <FIG>).

Referring now to the close-up illustration in <FIG> a cover member <NUM> may be provided at the upper end <NUM> of the body, (e.g. in form of a skirt or "umbrella") that is adapted to cooperate with the bayonet coupling <NUM> (see <FIG>) so as to form an encased space for a first seal member <NUM> when the valve <NUM> is attachingly engaged with the panel <NUM>. When in use, the cover member <NUM> is configured to protect the first seal member <NUM> e.g. from splashing water, dirt or other debris. In the example embodiment shown in <FIG>, the first and second seal members <NUM>, <NUM> are integral parts made from the same material (e.g. silicone or any other suitable elastomer) or at least connected to each other (and made from the same or different materials). However, first and second seal member <NUM>, <NUM> may also be separate members, either made from the same or different material(s). Each one of the first and second seal member <NUM>, <NUM> has two-lipped contact portions (i.e. seal portions), but any other suitable contact portion may be used to form a fluid seal between respective panel <NUM> and first part <NUM>, and second part <NUM> and first part <NUM>.

As already described for the previous example embodiments of valve <NUM> and <NUM>, as coolant through the first openings <NUM> of the drain valve <NUM> and accumulate within the cavity <NUM> as the second openings <NUM> are sealed due to the second part <NUM> compressing against second seal member <NUM>. Once the coolant reaches a critical level, it will contact the deformable disc <NUM> and begin to dissolve the disc <NUM>. As the disc <NUM> dissolves, it will lose structural integrity and soften as the material making up the disc <NUM> dissolves into the coolant. As the disc <NUM> at least partially dissolves, it will have a diminishing profile which provides less resistance to the compressive force exerted by the compression spring <NUM>.

When the disc <NUM> has been degraded sufficiently such that it is unable to resist the compressive force of the compression spring <NUM>, the compression spring <NUM> can move the second part <NUM> towards the upper end <NUM> and out of engagement with the second seal member <NUM>, which opens the second openings <NUM> of the first part <NUM>. The coolant liquid is thus able to drain away and the risk of damaging any liquid-sensitive components within the housing are reduced.

<FIG> shows an example of a bayonet coupling that may be used to attach the drain valve <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to the panel <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and/or secure the cap <NUM> to the body. However, it is understood by the person skilled in the art that any other suitable design may be used.

While the present valve assemblies <NUM>,<NUM> have been described in relation to an electric vehicle battery pack, it would be apparent that the valve assemblies are relevant to any housing where automatic draining of accumulating fluid would be desirable. In some cases, the housing <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise an aluminium panel for receiving a drain valve <NUM>, <NUM> of the present disclosure.

Claim 1:
A valve assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a first part (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) mountable to a fluid port of a panel (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and comprising a first opening (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for allowing ingress of fluid into the first part from a first side of the panel, and a second opening (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for allowing egress of fluid out of the first part (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) through the fluid port to a second side of the panel (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
a second part (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) disposed within the first part (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and configured to seal the second opening (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) when in a first position within the first part (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>),
a deformable member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) disposed within the first part (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and
a resilient member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) biased to move the second part (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to a second position within the first part (<NUM><NUM>, <NUM>), so as to provide a fluid flow path from the first opening (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to the second opening (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein, when in an initial state, the deformable member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is arranged to retain the second part (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) in the first position, and
wherein, upon contacting a liquid within the first part (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), at least a portion of the deformable member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is configured to deform so as to enable the resilient member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to move the second part (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to the second position,
characterized in that the deformable member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is disposed between the first part (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and the second part (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), and wherein the resilient member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is biased to move the second part (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) towards the deformable member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>).