CA1105080A - Seal closure for a galvanic cell - Google Patents
Seal closure for a galvanic cellInfo
- Publication number
- CA1105080A CA1105080A CA318,333A CA318333A CA1105080A CA 1105080 A CA1105080 A CA 1105080A CA 318333 A CA318333 A CA 318333A CA 1105080 A CA1105080 A CA 1105080A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- cell
- galvanic cell
- notch
- cover
- container
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000000881 depressing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004480 active ingredient Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 15
- 238000013022 venting Methods 0.000 description 5
- HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc Chemical compound [Zn] HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 4
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229910052725 zinc Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000011701 zinc Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000002788 crimping Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000003792 electrolyte Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 101100230376 Acetivibrio thermocellus (strain ATCC 27405 / DSM 1237 / JCM 9322 / NBRC 103400 / NCIMB 10682 / NRRL B-4536 / VPI 7372) celI gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002730 additional effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000006229 carbon black Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008020 evaporation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910002804 graphite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010439 graphite Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/10—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings
- H01M50/147—Lids or covers
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/30—Arrangements for facilitating escape of gases
- H01M50/317—Re-sealable arrangements
- H01M50/325—Re-sealable arrangements comprising deformable valve members, e.g. elastic or flexible valve members
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Sealing Battery Cases Or Jackets (AREA)
Abstract
SEAL CLOSURE FOR A GALVANIC CELL
ABSTRACT
An improved seal closure for the open end of a cell comprising a cover including an annular depending flange which has a circumferential notch for engaging the inwardly turned peripheral edge of the cell, an annular recess located in the cover and extending below the level of the notch and a locking collar for insertion within the recess.
ABSTRACT
An improved seal closure for the open end of a cell comprising a cover including an annular depending flange which has a circumferential notch for engaging the inwardly turned peripheral edge of the cell, an annular recess located in the cover and extending below the level of the notch and a locking collar for insertion within the recess.
Description
This invention relates to a cylindrical galvan~c cell and more particularly to a ~eal closure assembly for ~ecuring the open end of ~he cell and controllably venting excess gas pressure.
Resealable vent c:Losures for cyllndrical dry cells are well known in ~he art. In U,S. Paten~ No.
3 ,8û2 ~923 the open end of the cell is closed by a cover w~ich operates as a valve in conjunction with the open end of the cell fvr releasing trapped gas when the pressure within the cell exceeds a predetermined l~mit~
The cover also servas to secure the eell from internal and ex~ernal displacement forces. The latter ls accomplished ~y pro~iding the cov~r with a depending flange having an aImular notch whicll is adapted to engage the per~pheral edge of the open container and lock lt ln place. For small di~neter cells such as~ for example, the "AAA" size dry cell the locking forces provided by this closure arrangement may be insufficient to protect against reIease of the closure particularly af~er long perîods o storage during which the zinc and/or plastic may creep.
Additional closure protection may al80 be necessary or other rolmd cell siæes in applications where abusive external forces may exis~ to cau~e separation of ;~ ~he cell container from ~he cover member. For example, internally developed .forc~ may form in a dry cell from ~che trapped gas below the cathode mix at ~he bo~tom er~d of the celI which may tend ~o cause the entire cathode mix ~truc~ure ~o rlse up against the seal closure and : unlock the cover ro~ inside the container. In addition, :; ~
:
.. ~ . . . ............ . .
.
the exte~nal ~acket of th~ dry cel~ which ~s usually of a paper composition is not designed to provide protection against externally applled forces or ~o support the container from internally developed forca~.
Accordingly, it is the prineipal object of ~he present ~nvention to provide a seal closure assembly for ~ cylindrical galvanic cell which can ~ent internally developed gas while ~ecuring the open end of the container in a locked relationship to the closure assem~ly under relatively large internal and/or external displacing forces.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when read in connection with the accompanying drawing o~ wh~ch:
Figure 1 is a perspec~ive view, partly in cross-section, of 2n as~embled primary galvanic dry cell incorporating the preferred seal closure embodiment o the prefient invention;
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view partly in cross-section of the preferred seal closure aæsembly of Figure l; and Figure 3 is ~n exploded perspective view of another embod~ment o~ the ~eal closure assembly of the present invention.
Referring now in particular ~o Flgures 1 and 2 in which is 8hown a pr~mar~ galvanic dry cell 10 embody-~ng the closure a~sembly of the present ~nven~ion. The : : dry cell 10 includes a cylindrical container 12 ha~ing ~ ~ i ,:
: ~ 3 11~992 ~n open periph~ral ~op edge 13 which is inwardly turn~d to orm a curved rlm 14. The top edge 13 ls mechanically locked to the closure assembly 16 for sealing the cell 10 in a manner to be explained in more detail hereafter. The cell container 12 serves as the anode for the cell 10 and may be formed from ~n electrochemically consumable metal such as zinc. A cathode ln the fon~ of a bobbin 18 is disposed within the container 12 abou~ a centrally disposed cathode collector rod 20. A layer of separa~or material 22 which contains elec~rolyte ~ e . g., a thin bibulous paper coated with ~n electrolyte gel paste surro~mds the cathode bobbin 18 for separating the cathode 18 from the anode container 12. The cathode bobbin 18 may represent a depolarizer mix cake contain~ng, for instance3 mangane~e dioxide, a conductive materia~ such as carbon black or graph ite and electrolyteO The cathode bobbin 18 may be molded about the collector rod 20 in a separa~e operation prior to c011 assembly and placed lnside the cell container 12 .:
: with the upper end 24 of the cathode collector rod 20 pro-. : : .
~; ~ 20 : :~ truding through the open end of the cell container 120 An : ~; air space 36 is formed be~ween the cathode bobbin 18 and the top edge ~ 3 of the container 12 to accommodate any liquid spew that may be formed on discharge of the cell.
The closure assembly 16, as i8 more clearly ~hown in Figure 2 comprises a cover 38 and a locking collar 40. The cover 38 should be composed of an elec-trically insulating and corrosion resistant material such ~: ~ : 4 :
-: - , - . .
- : .. . . . . . . . . ..
11,992 as a resilient plastic which may be molded into one piece.
Suitable resilient plastic matPrial for this purpose in-cludes thermoplastic organic resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene. The cover 38 includes three annular ring flanges depending from its lower side, i.e.~ an inner flange 42, an intermediate ~lange 44 and an outer flange 46. The flanges are all spaced apart and are substantially concentric with one another. On the upper side 39 Qf cover 38 is formed an annular recess 48 which should lie within the intermediate flange 44 to accommodate the lock;ng collar 40 and should extend below the level of notch 60 as described later. The annular recess 48 has a preferred right angle cross~sectional geometry wlth an inclined wall 50 which facllitates entry of the locking collar 40 and a substantially vertical wall 52 which may have a slight taper of up to abou~ 3.0 degrees with respect to the vertical. The locking collar 40 is a metal one piece member having a cylindrical body with a rai.sed top por~ion 41 for covering and gripping the protruding end 24 o the rod 20. The locking collar 40 is inserted into the annular recess 48 after the cover 38 is assembled in place over the container 12 as will be explained ln detail hereafter.
A central opening 54 of substantially cylind-rical ge~metry e~tend8 through th~ lnner flange 42 of the co~er 3B; and i~ of a difimeter substantially equivalen~ to the diam~ter of the collector rod 20 so as to establish a 11, 9g2 3s~
tight interference fit with ~he collector rod 20. The collector rod 20 penetrates the opening 54 when the seal assembly 16 is pressed into place. The inner flange 42 may be cha:rnfered at its bommom end 56 to failitate entry of the collector rod 20.
The outer flange 46 is in the form of a thin annular lip which extends over the curved rim 14 of the container 12. The diameter of the outer flange is slightly smaller than the diameter of the cell container 12 so that w~en the cover 38 is pressed over the open end of the cell container 12 the outer flange 46 flares out-wardly to engage the curved rim 14. The curved rim 14 may he formed by crimping the peripheral edge 13 o the open cell container 12 using a conventional crimping tool which has the desired radius of crimp (e.g., approxi-mately 1j4 inch radlus in the cas~ of a standard "D"
size zinc can). The crimping tool is forced over the open cell container 12 to turn the peripheral edge 13 inwardly until a curved rim 14 i8 formed having an appropriate radius of curvature. The flange 46 engages the curved rim 14 in interference fit to form an ef~ective fluid-tight seal at the open end of the cell container 12. This fluid~lght æeal remains closed during normal shelf storage and operation of the dry eellO Hence, the cell : i5 effectively seaIed against the escape o electrolyte , . .
, , . . . .. . . . . . .
11,992 . .
or moisture by evaporation and is also sealed against the ingress of air or oxygen from the atmosphere. How-ever, when the cell is subjected to severe or abusive condi~ions of discharge or high temperature shelf the gas pressure inside the cell 10 may reach an undesirable or excessive level. Upon the development of excessive gas pressure of above a predetermined level the outer flange 46 is caused to deflect outwardly in a direction away from the curved rim 14 thereby breaking the seal and allowing gas to escape or vent from inside the cell 10.
Once the gas pressure is released, the resiliency of the outer flange 46 causes it to reseat and to reestablish ; the seal. Accordingly, the outer flange 46 acts as a re8ilient flapper valve member which functions in con-junction with the curved rim 14 of the container 12 for resealably releasing an excess of gas pressure from inside the cell 10.
The intermediate flange 44 of the cover 38 is formed wi~h an annular notch 60 surr~unding its circum-~ ference. The inwardly turned edge 13 snaps into engage-~ ment with the annular notch GO upon depressing the cover - 38 into the container 12, Although this connection pro-vides a rel~tively secure mechanical lock~ the holding power of this lock is greatly enhanced by the insertion of the locking collar ~0 into the annular recess 48. To realize ma~imum benefit from the locking collar 40 it is i~portant that the collar 40 extend down within the recess 48 to a level at le~st equal and preferably below the j .
~1,992 ~ 3 level of the notch 60 so as to prevent the intermediate flange 44 from unsnapping.
The seal closure is assembled by placing the cover 38 on top of the cell container 12 with the inner flange 42 surrounding the cathode collector rod 20. The cover is then pressed downwardly so as to force the intermediate flange 44 through the open container 12 until the peripheral edge 13 snaps ;nto engagement with the notch 60. The locking collar 40 is then pushed down into the annular recess 48 until its lower edge lies below the level of notch 60 and top 41 is seated ln gripping engagement w;th electrode rod 20, It should be understood that the seal closure assembly 16 of the present invention does not pxeclude the passage of gas from within the cell 10 through the connection at notch 60. Internally developed gas follows a path rom the air space 36 through the mechanical junc-ture formed between the edge 13 of the container 12 and ~ the notch 60 and then into the annular space 62 between .~ 20 the curved rim 14 and the outer flange 46 which is sealed ., : off during normal use of the cell. The gas pressure inside the annular space 6~ is substantially the s~ne as the gas pressure inside the cell con~ainer lO ~nd is no~ released by the outer flange 46 until the pressure reaches a pre-determined level.
: ~ ~
' ; , ~ ,.,.~, ~: , ~ 8 :
';
ll,992 The advantages of the closure arrangement of the present invention is evidenced from the following Table I which compares holding power for a mocked-up "N"
cell configuration using the seal closure of Figures l and 2 both with and without the locking collar 40:
TABLE I - "N" SIZE CELL MOCK~UP
. ., Without Locking Collar With Locking Collar ~ on .3l5"I.D. Crimp ; Mechanical Gas pressure Mechanical Gas Pressure Pull-off Release Pull-off Release Force Force Force Force l-l/2 lb. 33 psi on 30~ Limit 200 psi Force Gage
Resealable vent c:Losures for cyllndrical dry cells are well known in ~he art. In U,S. Paten~ No.
3 ,8û2 ~923 the open end of the cell is closed by a cover w~ich operates as a valve in conjunction with the open end of the cell fvr releasing trapped gas when the pressure within the cell exceeds a predetermined l~mit~
The cover also servas to secure the eell from internal and ex~ernal displacement forces. The latter ls accomplished ~y pro~iding the cov~r with a depending flange having an aImular notch whicll is adapted to engage the per~pheral edge of the open container and lock lt ln place. For small di~neter cells such as~ for example, the "AAA" size dry cell the locking forces provided by this closure arrangement may be insufficient to protect against reIease of the closure particularly af~er long perîods o storage during which the zinc and/or plastic may creep.
Additional closure protection may al80 be necessary or other rolmd cell siæes in applications where abusive external forces may exis~ to cau~e separation of ;~ ~he cell container from ~he cover member. For example, internally developed .forc~ may form in a dry cell from ~che trapped gas below the cathode mix at ~he bo~tom er~d of the celI which may tend ~o cause the entire cathode mix ~truc~ure ~o rlse up against the seal closure and : unlock the cover ro~ inside the container. In addition, :; ~
:
.. ~ . . . ............ . .
.
the exte~nal ~acket of th~ dry cel~ which ~s usually of a paper composition is not designed to provide protection against externally applled forces or ~o support the container from internally developed forca~.
Accordingly, it is the prineipal object of ~he present ~nvention to provide a seal closure assembly for ~ cylindrical galvanic cell which can ~ent internally developed gas while ~ecuring the open end of the container in a locked relationship to the closure assem~ly under relatively large internal and/or external displacing forces.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when read in connection with the accompanying drawing o~ wh~ch:
Figure 1 is a perspec~ive view, partly in cross-section, of 2n as~embled primary galvanic dry cell incorporating the preferred seal closure embodiment o the prefient invention;
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view partly in cross-section of the preferred seal closure aæsembly of Figure l; and Figure 3 is ~n exploded perspective view of another embod~ment o~ the ~eal closure assembly of the present invention.
Referring now in particular ~o Flgures 1 and 2 in which is 8hown a pr~mar~ galvanic dry cell 10 embody-~ng the closure a~sembly of the present ~nven~ion. The : : dry cell 10 includes a cylindrical container 12 ha~ing ~ ~ i ,:
: ~ 3 11~992 ~n open periph~ral ~op edge 13 which is inwardly turn~d to orm a curved rlm 14. The top edge 13 ls mechanically locked to the closure assembly 16 for sealing the cell 10 in a manner to be explained in more detail hereafter. The cell container 12 serves as the anode for the cell 10 and may be formed from ~n electrochemically consumable metal such as zinc. A cathode ln the fon~ of a bobbin 18 is disposed within the container 12 abou~ a centrally disposed cathode collector rod 20. A layer of separa~or material 22 which contains elec~rolyte ~ e . g., a thin bibulous paper coated with ~n electrolyte gel paste surro~mds the cathode bobbin 18 for separating the cathode 18 from the anode container 12. The cathode bobbin 18 may represent a depolarizer mix cake contain~ng, for instance3 mangane~e dioxide, a conductive materia~ such as carbon black or graph ite and electrolyteO The cathode bobbin 18 may be molded about the collector rod 20 in a separa~e operation prior to c011 assembly and placed lnside the cell container 12 .:
: with the upper end 24 of the cathode collector rod 20 pro-. : : .
~; ~ 20 : :~ truding through the open end of the cell container 120 An : ~; air space 36 is formed be~ween the cathode bobbin 18 and the top edge ~ 3 of the container 12 to accommodate any liquid spew that may be formed on discharge of the cell.
The closure assembly 16, as i8 more clearly ~hown in Figure 2 comprises a cover 38 and a locking collar 40. The cover 38 should be composed of an elec-trically insulating and corrosion resistant material such ~: ~ : 4 :
-: - , - . .
- : .. . . . . . . . . ..
11,992 as a resilient plastic which may be molded into one piece.
Suitable resilient plastic matPrial for this purpose in-cludes thermoplastic organic resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene. The cover 38 includes three annular ring flanges depending from its lower side, i.e.~ an inner flange 42, an intermediate ~lange 44 and an outer flange 46. The flanges are all spaced apart and are substantially concentric with one another. On the upper side 39 Qf cover 38 is formed an annular recess 48 which should lie within the intermediate flange 44 to accommodate the lock;ng collar 40 and should extend below the level of notch 60 as described later. The annular recess 48 has a preferred right angle cross~sectional geometry wlth an inclined wall 50 which facllitates entry of the locking collar 40 and a substantially vertical wall 52 which may have a slight taper of up to abou~ 3.0 degrees with respect to the vertical. The locking collar 40 is a metal one piece member having a cylindrical body with a rai.sed top por~ion 41 for covering and gripping the protruding end 24 o the rod 20. The locking collar 40 is inserted into the annular recess 48 after the cover 38 is assembled in place over the container 12 as will be explained ln detail hereafter.
A central opening 54 of substantially cylind-rical ge~metry e~tend8 through th~ lnner flange 42 of the co~er 3B; and i~ of a difimeter substantially equivalen~ to the diam~ter of the collector rod 20 so as to establish a 11, 9g2 3s~
tight interference fit with ~he collector rod 20. The collector rod 20 penetrates the opening 54 when the seal assembly 16 is pressed into place. The inner flange 42 may be cha:rnfered at its bommom end 56 to failitate entry of the collector rod 20.
The outer flange 46 is in the form of a thin annular lip which extends over the curved rim 14 of the container 12. The diameter of the outer flange is slightly smaller than the diameter of the cell container 12 so that w~en the cover 38 is pressed over the open end of the cell container 12 the outer flange 46 flares out-wardly to engage the curved rim 14. The curved rim 14 may he formed by crimping the peripheral edge 13 o the open cell container 12 using a conventional crimping tool which has the desired radius of crimp (e.g., approxi-mately 1j4 inch radlus in the cas~ of a standard "D"
size zinc can). The crimping tool is forced over the open cell container 12 to turn the peripheral edge 13 inwardly until a curved rim 14 i8 formed having an appropriate radius of curvature. The flange 46 engages the curved rim 14 in interference fit to form an ef~ective fluid-tight seal at the open end of the cell container 12. This fluid~lght æeal remains closed during normal shelf storage and operation of the dry eellO Hence, the cell : i5 effectively seaIed against the escape o electrolyte , . .
, , . . . .. . . . . . .
11,992 . .
or moisture by evaporation and is also sealed against the ingress of air or oxygen from the atmosphere. How-ever, when the cell is subjected to severe or abusive condi~ions of discharge or high temperature shelf the gas pressure inside the cell 10 may reach an undesirable or excessive level. Upon the development of excessive gas pressure of above a predetermined level the outer flange 46 is caused to deflect outwardly in a direction away from the curved rim 14 thereby breaking the seal and allowing gas to escape or vent from inside the cell 10.
Once the gas pressure is released, the resiliency of the outer flange 46 causes it to reseat and to reestablish ; the seal. Accordingly, the outer flange 46 acts as a re8ilient flapper valve member which functions in con-junction with the curved rim 14 of the container 12 for resealably releasing an excess of gas pressure from inside the cell 10.
The intermediate flange 44 of the cover 38 is formed wi~h an annular notch 60 surr~unding its circum-~ ference. The inwardly turned edge 13 snaps into engage-~ ment with the annular notch GO upon depressing the cover - 38 into the container 12, Although this connection pro-vides a rel~tively secure mechanical lock~ the holding power of this lock is greatly enhanced by the insertion of the locking collar ~0 into the annular recess 48. To realize ma~imum benefit from the locking collar 40 it is i~portant that the collar 40 extend down within the recess 48 to a level at le~st equal and preferably below the j .
~1,992 ~ 3 level of the notch 60 so as to prevent the intermediate flange 44 from unsnapping.
The seal closure is assembled by placing the cover 38 on top of the cell container 12 with the inner flange 42 surrounding the cathode collector rod 20. The cover is then pressed downwardly so as to force the intermediate flange 44 through the open container 12 until the peripheral edge 13 snaps ;nto engagement with the notch 60. The locking collar 40 is then pushed down into the annular recess 48 until its lower edge lies below the level of notch 60 and top 41 is seated ln gripping engagement w;th electrode rod 20, It should be understood that the seal closure assembly 16 of the present invention does not pxeclude the passage of gas from within the cell 10 through the connection at notch 60. Internally developed gas follows a path rom the air space 36 through the mechanical junc-ture formed between the edge 13 of the container 12 and ~ the notch 60 and then into the annular space 62 between .~ 20 the curved rim 14 and the outer flange 46 which is sealed ., : off during normal use of the cell. The gas pressure inside the annular space 6~ is substantially the s~ne as the gas pressure inside the cell con~ainer lO ~nd is no~ released by the outer flange 46 until the pressure reaches a pre-determined level.
: ~ ~
' ; , ~ ,.,.~, ~: , ~ 8 :
';
ll,992 The advantages of the closure arrangement of the present invention is evidenced from the following Table I which compares holding power for a mocked-up "N"
cell configuration using the seal closure of Figures l and 2 both with and without the locking collar 40:
TABLE I - "N" SIZE CELL MOCK~UP
. ., Without Locking Collar With Locking Collar ~ on .3l5"I.D. Crimp ; Mechanical Gas pressure Mechanical Gas Pressure Pull-off Release Pull-off Release Force Force Force Force l-l/2 lb. 33 psi on 30~ Limit 200 psi Force Gage
2 lb. 22 psi 30 lb.
4-l/2 lb. 32 psi 30 lb 33 psi on 50# Limit Force Gage 42-l/2 lb~
:, The following Table II shows the venting characteristies for a typieal "N" cell using the seal closure assembly o the present invention.-TABLE II
_.
"N" SIZE CELL - VENTING C~RACTERISTICS
_~ AT RO~M TEMPERATURE _ _ Zinc Can Initlal Six Days Twelve Days Crimp Ven~ing Venting Venting S ~ I.D. Pressure Pressure Pressure , l .318" 60 psi* 75 psi 80 psi .' ~ .32~" 55 psi 30 psi 30 psi
4-l/2 lb. 32 psi 30 lb 33 psi on 50# Limit Force Gage 42-l/2 lb~
:, The following Table II shows the venting characteristies for a typieal "N" cell using the seal closure assembly o the present invention.-TABLE II
_.
"N" SIZE CELL - VENTING C~RACTERISTICS
_~ AT RO~M TEMPERATURE _ _ Zinc Can Initlal Six Days Twelve Days Crimp Ven~ing Venting Venting S ~ I.D. Pressure Pressure Pressure , l .318" 60 psi* 75 psi 80 psi .' ~ .32~" 55 psi 30 psi 30 psi
3 .321" 60 psi* 38 psi 37 psi ; ~ 4 .323" 60 psi* 56 psi Perforated :: Can ~ No Test ~60 psi L~mi~ on Gage : :
: - g ;
11,992 ~ ~ 5~
Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the locking collar 40 is divided into independently functioning component members 70 and 72 resp2ctively. The locking member 70 has a cylindrical body portion which is pressed into the annu-lar recess 48 to increase the holding power of the mechsnical connec~ion between the edge 13 and the notch 60 as explained heretofore. For this purpose member 70 may be composed of either plastic or metal. The contact member 72, on the other hand, functions as the positive terminal cap for the cell and must be of metal. The member 72 is positioned over and in contact with the collector rod 20 and has a rim 76 which is seated upon a circular ledge 78 formed in the cover 38. The memher 70 has a partially closed top surface 74 which is fitted over member 72. If desired rim 76 of member 72 can be embedded in cover 38 by molding or mechanically pressing to form a unitary structure.
The container 12 is crimped at its open end as explained heretofore to form the curvPd rim 14 . ~n addi-tional indenting operation may be carried out to form a number of inwardly directed projections 80 around the peripheral edge 13 of the container 12. The projections 80 will bite into the bottom of notch 60 upon depressing the cover 38 into the container 12 to provide an addition al locking force for holding the edge 13 in place wlthin the notch 60. I~ should be unders.ood that this feature may be used in combination with the one piece locking , : ' ::
.' ' ' , .. , .:
~ 3~ 11,992 collar 40 of Figures 1 and 2 or alternatively the ~wo piece locking collar of Figure 3 may be used with the crimped container 12 without forming the projections 80.
The raw cell 10 o either embodiment~ after the seal closure assembly 16 has been secured to the container 12, may be finished in a conventional manner by encasing it within an outer paper jaeket (not shown).
The paper jacket need only extend up to the outer flange 46 of the cover 38.
'' .
.
:
.
~ : 11 `.: :
: - g ;
11,992 ~ ~ 5~
Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the locking collar 40 is divided into independently functioning component members 70 and 72 resp2ctively. The locking member 70 has a cylindrical body portion which is pressed into the annu-lar recess 48 to increase the holding power of the mechsnical connec~ion between the edge 13 and the notch 60 as explained heretofore. For this purpose member 70 may be composed of either plastic or metal. The contact member 72, on the other hand, functions as the positive terminal cap for the cell and must be of metal. The member 72 is positioned over and in contact with the collector rod 20 and has a rim 76 which is seated upon a circular ledge 78 formed in the cover 38. The memher 70 has a partially closed top surface 74 which is fitted over member 72. If desired rim 76 of member 72 can be embedded in cover 38 by molding or mechanically pressing to form a unitary structure.
The container 12 is crimped at its open end as explained heretofore to form the curvPd rim 14 . ~n addi-tional indenting operation may be carried out to form a number of inwardly directed projections 80 around the peripheral edge 13 of the container 12. The projections 80 will bite into the bottom of notch 60 upon depressing the cover 38 into the container 12 to provide an addition al locking force for holding the edge 13 in place wlthin the notch 60. I~ should be unders.ood that this feature may be used in combination with the one piece locking , : ' ::
.' ' ' , .. , .:
~ 3~ 11,992 collar 40 of Figures 1 and 2 or alternatively the ~wo piece locking collar of Figure 3 may be used with the crimped container 12 without forming the projections 80.
The raw cell 10 o either embodiment~ after the seal closure assembly 16 has been secured to the container 12, may be finished in a conventional manner by encasing it within an outer paper jaeket (not shown).
The paper jacket need only extend up to the outer flange 46 of the cover 38.
'' .
.
:
.
~ : 11 `.: :
Claims (10)
1. A galvanic cell comprising a cylindrical container having an open end with an inwardly turned peripheral edge, said container including therein active ingredients of the cell and a seal closure assembly for said open end, said seal closure assembly comprising:
a cover having an upper side and lower side and a first resilient annular flange depending from the lower side thereof;
a notch circumferentially disposed about said flange for engaging said peripheral edge upon depressing said cover into said container;
an annular recess in the upper side of said cover and extending to a level below the level of said notch; and a collar for insertion within said recess.
a cover having an upper side and lower side and a first resilient annular flange depending from the lower side thereof;
a notch circumferentially disposed about said flange for engaging said peripheral edge upon depressing said cover into said container;
an annular recess in the upper side of said cover and extending to a level below the level of said notch; and a collar for insertion within said recess.
2. A galvanic cell as defined in claim 1 wherein said collar extends to below the level of said notch.
3. A galvanic cell as defined in claim 2 further comprising a second resilient annular flange surrounding said first annular flange and extending over said inwardly turned peripheral edge for forming a resealable vent in combination therewith.
11,992
11,992
4. A galvanic cell as defined in claim 3 wherein said annular recess has a substantially right angle cross-sectional geometry with an inclined wall and a substantially vertical wall.
5. A galvanic cell as defined in claim 4 wherein said wall substantially aligned with the vertical has a predetermined taper of up to about 3.0 degrees.
6. A galvanic cell as defined in claim 5 wherein said cover is plastic and wherein said collar is metal.
7. A galvanic cell as defined in claim 6 wherein said collar is of unitary construction having a cylindrical lower body and a raised centrally disposed upper portion.
8. A galvanic cell as defined in claim 7 wherein said inwardly tapered peripheral edge has a predetermined number of indented projections extending therefrom for gripping said notch.
9. A galvanic cell as defined in claim 4 wherein said collar comprises a first member of cylind-rical geometry extending within said annular recess and a second member representing the positive terminal cap for said cell.
10. A galvanic cell as defined in claim 9 wherein said inwardly turned peripheral edge has a pre-determined member of indented projections extending therefrom for gripping said notch.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US05/864,083 US4146681A (en) | 1977-12-23 | 1977-12-23 | Seal closure for a galvanic cell |
| US864,083 | 1977-12-23 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1105080A true CA1105080A (en) | 1981-07-14 |
Family
ID=25342492
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA318,333A Expired CA1105080A (en) | 1977-12-23 | 1978-12-20 | Seal closure for a galvanic cell |
Country Status (9)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4146681A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0003033B1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU524906B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR7808433A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1105080A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2861146D1 (en) |
| GR (1) | GR71658B (en) |
| MX (1) | MX145755A (en) |
| SG (1) | SG47982G (en) |
Families Citing this family (13)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE2941757C2 (en) * | 1979-10-16 | 1982-06-16 | Varta Batterie Ag, 3000 Hannover | Closure arrangement for galvanic elements and process for their production |
| EP0078263A1 (en) * | 1980-12-10 | 1983-05-11 | Macgar Holdings Proprietary Limited | Electric storage battery |
| CA1164936A (en) * | 1981-12-23 | 1984-04-03 | Charles Markin | Sealing and insulating member for galvanic cells |
| CA1179730A (en) * | 1982-06-16 | 1984-12-18 | Marian Wiacek | Snap-in sealing and insulating member for galvanic cells |
| US4442184A (en) * | 1983-03-31 | 1984-04-10 | Union Carbide Corporation | Dry path gas venting seal |
| US4481030A (en) * | 1983-06-01 | 1984-11-06 | The United States Of America As Represented By The United States Department Of Energy | Tantalum-copper alloy and method for making |
| US4539269A (en) * | 1984-07-08 | 1985-09-03 | Union Carbide Corporation | Low profile seal |
| JPWO2003044397A1 (en) * | 2001-11-22 | 2005-03-24 | Nok株式会社 | Pressure release valve |
| US20060183020A1 (en) * | 2005-02-15 | 2006-08-17 | Rovcal, Inc. | Sealing assembly for electrochemical cell |
| US20060183019A1 (en) * | 2005-02-15 | 2006-08-17 | Rovcal, Inc. | Adhesive for use in an electrochemical cell |
| AR045347A1 (en) | 2003-08-08 | 2005-10-26 | Rovcal Inc | HIGH CAPACITY ALKAL CELL |
| US20060257728A1 (en) * | 2003-08-08 | 2006-11-16 | Rovcal, Inc. | Separators for use in alkaline cells having high capacity |
| AU2004300440A1 (en) * | 2003-12-10 | 2005-06-30 | Rovcal, Inc. | High capacity alkaline cell utilizing cathode extender |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NL128666C (en) * | 1963-02-28 | |||
| FR1507299A (en) * | 1966-11-16 | 1967-12-29 | Accumulateurs Fixes | Improvement in sealed electrochemical elements |
| FR2123618A5 (en) * | 1971-01-25 | 1972-09-15 | Accumulateurs Fixes | |
| BE787331A (en) * | 1971-08-09 | 1973-02-08 | Union Carbide Corp | VALVE CAP FOR DRY BATTERIES |
| DE2200694A1 (en) * | 1972-01-07 | 1973-07-19 | Mylaeus Geb | DEVICE FOR THE SINGLE-UP AND FURTHER TRANSPORT OF PARTICULAR STICK SECTIONS |
| DE2619178B2 (en) * | 1976-04-30 | 1978-08-17 | Varta Batterie Ag, 3000 Hannover | Galvanic primary element |
-
1977
- 1977-12-23 US US05/864,083 patent/US4146681A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1978
- 1978-12-14 MX MX175998A patent/MX145755A/en unknown
- 1978-12-18 EP EP78101748A patent/EP0003033B1/en not_active Expired
- 1978-12-18 DE DE7878101748T patent/DE2861146D1/en not_active Expired
- 1978-12-20 CA CA318,333A patent/CA1105080A/en not_active Expired
- 1978-12-21 GR GR57959A patent/GR71658B/el unknown
- 1978-12-21 AU AU42784/78A patent/AU524906B2/en not_active Expired
- 1978-12-22 BR BR7808433A patent/BR7808433A/en unknown
-
1982
- 1982-09-29 SG SG47982A patent/SG47982G/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0003033B1 (en) | 1981-10-07 |
| EP0003033A1 (en) | 1979-07-25 |
| BR7808433A (en) | 1979-07-31 |
| AU524906B2 (en) | 1982-10-07 |
| AU4278478A (en) | 1979-06-28 |
| GR71658B (en) | 1983-06-20 |
| SG47982G (en) | 1984-04-19 |
| DE2861146D1 (en) | 1981-12-17 |
| US4146681A (en) | 1979-03-27 |
| MX145755A (en) | 1982-03-26 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |