CA1129948A - Double seal for sodium sulfur battery - Google Patents
Double seal for sodium sulfur batteryInfo
- Publication number
- CA1129948A CA1129948A CA336,384A CA336384A CA1129948A CA 1129948 A CA1129948 A CA 1129948A CA 336384 A CA336384 A CA 336384A CA 1129948 A CA1129948 A CA 1129948A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tube
- pressure applying
- ring element
- seal
- battery
- 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
- BNOODXBBXFZASF-UHFFFAOYSA-N [Na].[S] Chemical compound [Na].[S] BNOODXBBXFZASF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 10
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910010293 ceramic material Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000003792 electrolyte Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 abstract description 3
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 abstract description 3
- DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M Ilexoside XXIX Chemical compound C[C@@H]1CC[C@@]2(CC[C@@]3(C(=CC[C@H]4[C@]3(CC[C@@H]5[C@@]4(CC[C@@H](C5(C)C)OS(=O)(=O)[O-])C)C)[C@@H]2[C@]1(C)O)C)C(=O)O[C@H]6[C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H]([C@H](O6)CO)O)O)O.[Na+] DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M 0.000 description 3
- 239000011810 insulating material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910052708 sodium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000011734 sodium Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 2
- PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Alumina Chemical compound [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Al+3].[Al+3] PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000873 Beta-alumina solid electrolyte Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulfur Chemical compound [S] NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052729 chemical element Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- APVPOHHVBBYQAV-UHFFFAOYSA-N n-(4-aminophenyl)sulfonyloctadecanamide Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)NS(=O)(=O)C1=CC=C(N)C=C1 APVPOHHVBBYQAV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000000376 reactant Substances 0.000 description 1
- RBWSWDPRDBEWCR-RKJRWTFHSA-N sodium;(2r)-2-[(2r)-3,4-dihydroxy-5-oxo-2h-furan-2-yl]-2-hydroxyethanolate Chemical compound [Na+].[O-]C[C@@H](O)[C@H]1OC(=O)C(O)=C1O RBWSWDPRDBEWCR-RKJRWTFHSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052717 sulfur Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011593 sulfur 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
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/36—Accumulators not provided for in groups H01M10/05-H01M10/34
- H01M10/39—Accumulators not provided for in groups H01M10/05-H01M10/34 working at high temperature
- H01M10/3909—Sodium-sulfur cells
-
- 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
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Secondary Cells (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This invention is directed to a seal for a sodium sulfur battery in which the sealing is accom-plished by two radial compression seals located one above the other on a ceramic component of the battery which separates an anode compartment from a cathode compart-ment of the battery.
This invention is directed to a seal for a sodium sulfur battery in which the sealing is accom-plished by two radial compression seals located one above the other on a ceramic component of the battery which separates an anode compartment from a cathode compart-ment of the battery.
Description
DOUBLE SEAL_FOR SODIUM SULF~R BATTERY
This invention is directed to a seal for a sodium sulfur battery in which the sealing is accomplished by two radial compression seals located one above the other 5 on a ceramic component of the battery which separates an anode compartment from a cathode compartment of the battery.
A prior art search conducted on the subject matter of this application resulted in the citation of U.S. Patents 3,928,071 and 3,939,007. These patents are not related 10 to the subject matter of this application because they do not shaw a double radial compression seal located one above the other against a ceramic component of the battery of the nature that is disclosed herein. U.S. Patent 3,928,071 uses a glass seal 34 to contact the ceramic inner casing 15 11 and upon reading the rest of this specification one will immediately recognize that it is not analogous or similar in any manner to the seal shown herein.
U.S. Patent 3,939,007 has an alpha alumina flange 8 bonded to an inner tube 1 in a manner which also is not 20 analogous or suggestive of the particular structure herein disclosed, as will be readily apparent upon reading of this specification.
The type of seal structure that we are aware of with respect to the seal structure disclosed in this speci-25 fication is that seal structure taught in copending Canadianpatent application Serial No. 336,365 filed September 26, 1979 for SEAL FO~ SODIU~ SULFUR BATTERY. That seal con-struction proposes radial compressive seals be made on opposite sides of a ceramic element of a sodium suIfur 30 battery. The disclosure also suggests that a single radial seal may be made on one side of the ceramic material and a different t~pe of seal be made on the other side of the ceramic material. That disclosure in no way teaches or suggests a seal construction of the specific type disclosed 35 herein ~.7herein radial seals are made one above the other against the outside diameter of a ceramic tube used to separate an anode compartment of the battery from a cathode compartment of the battery.
,, 9~8 This invention relates to a seal for a sodium sulfur battery and, more particuIarly, to a specific struc-ture which provides a pair of seals one above the other against a ceramic member which acts as a separator between an anodic compartment and a cathodic compartment of such a battery.
In accordance with the specific teachings of -the structure of this invention, an improved seal for sealing two compartments from one another, the two compartments being separated from one another at least in part by a tube of ceramic material of circular cross section which has an inner surface and an outer surface, is made as follows.
A lower can member encircles and is spaced from the outer surface of the ceramic tube. The lower can member has a top portion formed in the shape of a flange having a flat surface extending outwardly from a position closely adjacent the tube's outer surface to an extended position and then upwardly to a terminal position to thereby define a lower circumferential notch adjacent the tube's outer surface.
~ .
.
An upper can member encircles and is spaced from the tube's outer surface. This upper can member has a bottom portion formed in the shape of a flange having a flat surface extending outwardly from a position closely adjacent the tube's outer surface r to an extended position and then downwardly to a terminal position to thereby define an upper circum-ferential notch adjacent the tube's outer surface.
A soft deformable lower ring element is received in the lower circumferential notch. A soft deformable upper ring element is received in the upper circumferential notch.
An electrically insulated, pxessure apply ing element is also provided which has a lower pressure applying surface engaging the lower ring element in the lower circumferential notch and an upper pressure applying surface engaging the upper ring element in the upper circumferential notch. A pressure apply-ing and electrical insulating device is also provided for engaging the flanges formed on the top portion of the lower can member and the bottom portion of the upper can member to apply pressure thereto and to electrically insulate the same. The application of pressure ~y this device causes the pressure applying element to deform bokh the lower ring element and the upper ring element in their respective circum-ferentîal notches into sealing contact with the ~uke's outer wall and to electrically insulate the lower can member from the upper can member~
Such a sealing arrangement provides tw~
xadial seals, one above the other, against the ceramic tube material and holding flanges of the can members.
This allows separation of the battery into two reactant zones, one defined on the inside of the ceramic tube and the interior of the upper can member, and the other being defined between the exterior surface of the ceramic member and the lower can member.
In accordance with the preferred teachings of this invention, the ceramic tube is the electrolyte for the sodium sulfur cell.
The invention will now be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters indicate like parts throughout the several Figures, and in which:
Figure 1 is an elevation view, in cross section, of a sodium sulfur battery sealed by the seal of the invention;
Figure 2 is an exploded view of one corner of the battery showing the sealing structure in larger dimen-sions.
The general principle of operation of a sodium suIfur battery is well known to those skilled in the art as is evidenced by the great number of patents which have been issued in this area. Therefore, no discussion will be undertaken herein of the theory and operation of such a battery.
.
.
. .
~12~
Those skilled in the art know that it is 5 necessary to seal the anodic compartment of the battery from the cathodic compartment of the battery so that the battery may carry out its intended function. Many S different types of seals have been developed as is evidenced by the number of patents which have issued in this area. However, I am unaware of any sealing structures of the specific type disclosed and claimed herein. t ~lso, for the sake of simplicity, only the general components of a sodium sulfur battery are shown in the drawings. Reference is now made to the drawings.
In Figure 1 there is seen a sodium sulfur battery generally designated by the numeral 10. This 2 battery has a beta alumina electrolyte, closed end tube 12 of circular cross` section. This tube defines the separation between anodic and cathodic compartments s of the battery 10. The tube 12 has an outer face 14.
The seal structure of this invention will best be understood by viewing Figure 2 of the drawings. E
A lower can member 16 encircles and is spaced from the outer surface 14 of the tube 12. The lower can member 16 has a top portion generally designa~ed t by the numeral 18 formed in the shape of a flange.
This flange has a flat surface 20 extending outwardly 2 from a position 22 adjacent the outer surface 14 of the tube 12 to an extended position 24 and then up- I
wardly to a terminal position 26 to thereby define a lower circumferential notch 28 adjacent the outer surface 14 of the tube 12.
In a like manner, an upper can member 30 encircles and is spaced from an upper portion of the outer surface 14 of the tube 12. This upper can member 30 has a bottom portion generally designated by the , . 6 s numeral 32 in the shape of a flange. The bottom portion 32 has a flat surface 34 extending outwardly from a position 36 adjacent the outer surface 14 of the tube 12 ~-to an extended position 38 and then downwardly to a }
terminal position 40 to thereby define a lower circum- s ferential notch 42 adjacent the outer surface 14 of the tube 12.
A soft deformable lower ring element 44, formed from a metal such as aluminum, is received in 7 the lower circumferential notch 28. In a similar 7 manner, a soft deformable uppex ring element 46 is received in the upper circumferential notch 42. ~F
~n electrically insulated, pressure applying element 48 has a lower pressure applying sur~ace 50 enga~ing the lo~er ring element 44 and an upper pressure applying surface 52 engaging the upper ring element 46.
The electrically insulating and pressure applying ele-ment 48 has the pressure applying portions thereof made of a hard metallic material with a central electrical insulating material 54 located therebetween.
A pressure applying device, generally desig-nated by the numeral 56, takes the form of a C-shaped cross section metal band which is clamped around the entire circumferential portion~ of the top portion 18 ', of the lower can member 16 and the bottom portion 32 of the can membex 30 to apply pressure thereon and cause the seals to be fo~med. A lower leg 58 of the pressure applying device 56 is received under the outwardly extending flat surface 20 of the top portion 18 of the lo~er can member 16. In a similar manner, an upper leg 60 of the pressure applying device 56 is received over the outwardly extending flat surface 34 of the bottom portion 32 of the upper can member 30. A band of electrical insulating material 62 is positioned between the upper leg 60 and the flat surface 3~.
. , , ` .
~299~8 The pressure applying device 56 is clamped onto and formed about the assembly in a manner which generates a clamping pressure between the top portion 18 of the lower can member 16 and the bottom portion 32 of the upper can member 30. This clamping pressure is sufficient so that the lower pressure applying surface 50 and the upper pressure applying surface 52 of the electrically insulated and pressure applying element 48 deforms respectively the lower ring element 44 and the upper ring element 46 in their respective circumferen-tial notches in a manner which causes them to flow into sealing engagement with the outer surface 14 of the tube 12 and their respective circumferential notches.
The seals are made one above the other on the outer surface 14 of the tube 12. In that manner, the interior of the tube 12 and the interior of the upper can member 30 define one compartment of the battery, while the f' volume between the outer surface 14 of the tube 12 and the interior o~ the lower can member 16 define the other electrode compartment. ~`
The entire battery 10 may be assembled as follows. The lower can member 16 is slipped up over the tube 12 so that the position 22 of the top portion 18 of the lower can member 16 is adjacent the outer a 2S sur~ace 14 o~ the tube 12. The lower ring element 44 is then dropped into the lower circumferential notch 28.
The electrically insulated and pressure applying element 48 is then placed on top of the lower ring element 44 followed by positisning of the upper ring element 46 on top of the electrically insulated and pressure applying element 48~ The upper can member is then positioned about the tube 12 so t~at its bottom portion 32 is aligned so that the upper ring element 46 is received in the upper ci rcumferential notch 42 . The ' :
, , electrical insulating material 62 is then positioned on top of the flat surface of the bottom portion 32 of the upper can member 30.
Thereafter, the pressure applying device 56 S is placed on the assembly to effect the seals. This ring mayr for example, be a metal ring which is bent into the shape shown in the drawings after being placed in the illustrated position. As the pressure applying device is clamped into place, pressure is applied on the assembly sufficient to cause deformation of the lower ring element 44 and the upper ring element 46 into sealing engagement with the outer surface 14 of the tube 12 and their respective circumferential notches to produce the seals between the two compartments as previously described.
While a particular embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the invention, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.
.. ' .. ., '.: ~ :.
. '' . ' ~ .
', ~` ' '
This invention is directed to a seal for a sodium sulfur battery in which the sealing is accomplished by two radial compression seals located one above the other 5 on a ceramic component of the battery which separates an anode compartment from a cathode compartment of the battery.
A prior art search conducted on the subject matter of this application resulted in the citation of U.S. Patents 3,928,071 and 3,939,007. These patents are not related 10 to the subject matter of this application because they do not shaw a double radial compression seal located one above the other against a ceramic component of the battery of the nature that is disclosed herein. U.S. Patent 3,928,071 uses a glass seal 34 to contact the ceramic inner casing 15 11 and upon reading the rest of this specification one will immediately recognize that it is not analogous or similar in any manner to the seal shown herein.
U.S. Patent 3,939,007 has an alpha alumina flange 8 bonded to an inner tube 1 in a manner which also is not 20 analogous or suggestive of the particular structure herein disclosed, as will be readily apparent upon reading of this specification.
The type of seal structure that we are aware of with respect to the seal structure disclosed in this speci-25 fication is that seal structure taught in copending Canadianpatent application Serial No. 336,365 filed September 26, 1979 for SEAL FO~ SODIU~ SULFUR BATTERY. That seal con-struction proposes radial compressive seals be made on opposite sides of a ceramic element of a sodium suIfur 30 battery. The disclosure also suggests that a single radial seal may be made on one side of the ceramic material and a different t~pe of seal be made on the other side of the ceramic material. That disclosure in no way teaches or suggests a seal construction of the specific type disclosed 35 herein ~.7herein radial seals are made one above the other against the outside diameter of a ceramic tube used to separate an anode compartment of the battery from a cathode compartment of the battery.
,, 9~8 This invention relates to a seal for a sodium sulfur battery and, more particuIarly, to a specific struc-ture which provides a pair of seals one above the other against a ceramic member which acts as a separator between an anodic compartment and a cathodic compartment of such a battery.
In accordance with the specific teachings of -the structure of this invention, an improved seal for sealing two compartments from one another, the two compartments being separated from one another at least in part by a tube of ceramic material of circular cross section which has an inner surface and an outer surface, is made as follows.
A lower can member encircles and is spaced from the outer surface of the ceramic tube. The lower can member has a top portion formed in the shape of a flange having a flat surface extending outwardly from a position closely adjacent the tube's outer surface to an extended position and then upwardly to a terminal position to thereby define a lower circumferential notch adjacent the tube's outer surface.
~ .
.
An upper can member encircles and is spaced from the tube's outer surface. This upper can member has a bottom portion formed in the shape of a flange having a flat surface extending outwardly from a position closely adjacent the tube's outer surface r to an extended position and then downwardly to a terminal position to thereby define an upper circum-ferential notch adjacent the tube's outer surface.
A soft deformable lower ring element is received in the lower circumferential notch. A soft deformable upper ring element is received in the upper circumferential notch.
An electrically insulated, pxessure apply ing element is also provided which has a lower pressure applying surface engaging the lower ring element in the lower circumferential notch and an upper pressure applying surface engaging the upper ring element in the upper circumferential notch. A pressure apply-ing and electrical insulating device is also provided for engaging the flanges formed on the top portion of the lower can member and the bottom portion of the upper can member to apply pressure thereto and to electrically insulate the same. The application of pressure ~y this device causes the pressure applying element to deform bokh the lower ring element and the upper ring element in their respective circum-ferentîal notches into sealing contact with the ~uke's outer wall and to electrically insulate the lower can member from the upper can member~
Such a sealing arrangement provides tw~
xadial seals, one above the other, against the ceramic tube material and holding flanges of the can members.
This allows separation of the battery into two reactant zones, one defined on the inside of the ceramic tube and the interior of the upper can member, and the other being defined between the exterior surface of the ceramic member and the lower can member.
In accordance with the preferred teachings of this invention, the ceramic tube is the electrolyte for the sodium sulfur cell.
The invention will now be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters indicate like parts throughout the several Figures, and in which:
Figure 1 is an elevation view, in cross section, of a sodium sulfur battery sealed by the seal of the invention;
Figure 2 is an exploded view of one corner of the battery showing the sealing structure in larger dimen-sions.
The general principle of operation of a sodium suIfur battery is well known to those skilled in the art as is evidenced by the great number of patents which have been issued in this area. Therefore, no discussion will be undertaken herein of the theory and operation of such a battery.
.
.
. .
~12~
Those skilled in the art know that it is 5 necessary to seal the anodic compartment of the battery from the cathodic compartment of the battery so that the battery may carry out its intended function. Many S different types of seals have been developed as is evidenced by the number of patents which have issued in this area. However, I am unaware of any sealing structures of the specific type disclosed and claimed herein. t ~lso, for the sake of simplicity, only the general components of a sodium sulfur battery are shown in the drawings. Reference is now made to the drawings.
In Figure 1 there is seen a sodium sulfur battery generally designated by the numeral 10. This 2 battery has a beta alumina electrolyte, closed end tube 12 of circular cross` section. This tube defines the separation between anodic and cathodic compartments s of the battery 10. The tube 12 has an outer face 14.
The seal structure of this invention will best be understood by viewing Figure 2 of the drawings. E
A lower can member 16 encircles and is spaced from the outer surface 14 of the tube 12. The lower can member 16 has a top portion generally designa~ed t by the numeral 18 formed in the shape of a flange.
This flange has a flat surface 20 extending outwardly 2 from a position 22 adjacent the outer surface 14 of the tube 12 to an extended position 24 and then up- I
wardly to a terminal position 26 to thereby define a lower circumferential notch 28 adjacent the outer surface 14 of the tube 12.
In a like manner, an upper can member 30 encircles and is spaced from an upper portion of the outer surface 14 of the tube 12. This upper can member 30 has a bottom portion generally designated by the , . 6 s numeral 32 in the shape of a flange. The bottom portion 32 has a flat surface 34 extending outwardly from a position 36 adjacent the outer surface 14 of the tube 12 ~-to an extended position 38 and then downwardly to a }
terminal position 40 to thereby define a lower circum- s ferential notch 42 adjacent the outer surface 14 of the tube 12.
A soft deformable lower ring element 44, formed from a metal such as aluminum, is received in 7 the lower circumferential notch 28. In a similar 7 manner, a soft deformable uppex ring element 46 is received in the upper circumferential notch 42. ~F
~n electrically insulated, pressure applying element 48 has a lower pressure applying sur~ace 50 enga~ing the lo~er ring element 44 and an upper pressure applying surface 52 engaging the upper ring element 46.
The electrically insulating and pressure applying ele-ment 48 has the pressure applying portions thereof made of a hard metallic material with a central electrical insulating material 54 located therebetween.
A pressure applying device, generally desig-nated by the numeral 56, takes the form of a C-shaped cross section metal band which is clamped around the entire circumferential portion~ of the top portion 18 ', of the lower can member 16 and the bottom portion 32 of the can membex 30 to apply pressure thereon and cause the seals to be fo~med. A lower leg 58 of the pressure applying device 56 is received under the outwardly extending flat surface 20 of the top portion 18 of the lo~er can member 16. In a similar manner, an upper leg 60 of the pressure applying device 56 is received over the outwardly extending flat surface 34 of the bottom portion 32 of the upper can member 30. A band of electrical insulating material 62 is positioned between the upper leg 60 and the flat surface 3~.
. , , ` .
~299~8 The pressure applying device 56 is clamped onto and formed about the assembly in a manner which generates a clamping pressure between the top portion 18 of the lower can member 16 and the bottom portion 32 of the upper can member 30. This clamping pressure is sufficient so that the lower pressure applying surface 50 and the upper pressure applying surface 52 of the electrically insulated and pressure applying element 48 deforms respectively the lower ring element 44 and the upper ring element 46 in their respective circumferen-tial notches in a manner which causes them to flow into sealing engagement with the outer surface 14 of the tube 12 and their respective circumferential notches.
The seals are made one above the other on the outer surface 14 of the tube 12. In that manner, the interior of the tube 12 and the interior of the upper can member 30 define one compartment of the battery, while the f' volume between the outer surface 14 of the tube 12 and the interior o~ the lower can member 16 define the other electrode compartment. ~`
The entire battery 10 may be assembled as follows. The lower can member 16 is slipped up over the tube 12 so that the position 22 of the top portion 18 of the lower can member 16 is adjacent the outer a 2S sur~ace 14 o~ the tube 12. The lower ring element 44 is then dropped into the lower circumferential notch 28.
The electrically insulated and pressure applying element 48 is then placed on top of the lower ring element 44 followed by positisning of the upper ring element 46 on top of the electrically insulated and pressure applying element 48~ The upper can member is then positioned about the tube 12 so t~at its bottom portion 32 is aligned so that the upper ring element 46 is received in the upper ci rcumferential notch 42 . The ' :
, , electrical insulating material 62 is then positioned on top of the flat surface of the bottom portion 32 of the upper can member 30.
Thereafter, the pressure applying device 56 S is placed on the assembly to effect the seals. This ring mayr for example, be a metal ring which is bent into the shape shown in the drawings after being placed in the illustrated position. As the pressure applying device is clamped into place, pressure is applied on the assembly sufficient to cause deformation of the lower ring element 44 and the upper ring element 46 into sealing engagement with the outer surface 14 of the tube 12 and their respective circumferential notches to produce the seals between the two compartments as previously described.
While a particular embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the invention, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.
.. ' .. ., '.: ~ :.
. '' . ' ~ .
', ~` ' '
Claims (3)
1. In a sodium sulfur battery an improved seal for sealing two compartments from one another, the two compartments being separated from one another at least in part by a tube of ceramic material of circular cross section having an inner surface and an outer surface, said seal comprising:
a lower can member encircling and spaced from the tube's outer surface, said lower can member having a top portion formed in the shape of a flange having a flat surface extending outwardly from a position closely adjacent the tube's outer surface to an extended position and then upwardly to a terminal position to thereby define a lower circumferential notch adjacent the tube's outer surface;
an upper can member encircling and spaced from the tube's outer surface, said upper can member having a bottom portion formed in the shape of a flange having a flat surface extending outwardly from a position closely adjacent the tube's outer surface to an extended position and then downwardly to a terminal position to thereby define a lower circumferential notch adjacent the tube's outer surface;
a soft deformable lower ring element received in said lower circumferential notch?
a soft deformable upper ring element received in said upper circumferential notch;
an electrically insulated, pressure applying element having (a) a lower pressure applying. surface en-gaging said lower ring element in said lower circumferential notch, and (b) an upper pressure applying surface engaging said upper ring element in said upper circumferential notch;
and pressure applying and electrical insulating means for engaging said flanges formed on said top portion of said lower can member and said bottom portion of said upper can member to apply pressure thereto and to electrically insulate the same so that said pressure applying element deforms both said lower ring element and said upper ring element in their respective circum-ferential notches into sealing contact with the tube's outer wall and said circumferential notches and to electrically insulate said lower can member from said upper can member.
a lower can member encircling and spaced from the tube's outer surface, said lower can member having a top portion formed in the shape of a flange having a flat surface extending outwardly from a position closely adjacent the tube's outer surface to an extended position and then upwardly to a terminal position to thereby define a lower circumferential notch adjacent the tube's outer surface;
an upper can member encircling and spaced from the tube's outer surface, said upper can member having a bottom portion formed in the shape of a flange having a flat surface extending outwardly from a position closely adjacent the tube's outer surface to an extended position and then downwardly to a terminal position to thereby define a lower circumferential notch adjacent the tube's outer surface;
a soft deformable lower ring element received in said lower circumferential notch?
a soft deformable upper ring element received in said upper circumferential notch;
an electrically insulated, pressure applying element having (a) a lower pressure applying. surface en-gaging said lower ring element in said lower circumferential notch, and (b) an upper pressure applying surface engaging said upper ring element in said upper circumferential notch;
and pressure applying and electrical insulating means for engaging said flanges formed on said top portion of said lower can member and said bottom portion of said upper can member to apply pressure thereto and to electrically insulate the same so that said pressure applying element deforms both said lower ring element and said upper ring element in their respective circum-ferential notches into sealing contact with the tube's outer wall and said circumferential notches and to electrically insulate said lower can member from said upper can member.
2. The seal of Claim 1, wherein: the ceramic tube is the electrolyte of the battery.
3. The seal for a sodium sulfur battery as de-fined in Claim 1, wherein said pressure applying and electrical insulating means includes a metal band having an inwardly facing C-shaped cross section in the vertical dimension, a lower leg of the band being received under the outwardly extending flat surface of said top portion of said lower can member and an upper leg of said metal band being received over the outwardly extending flat surface of said bottom portion of said upper can member, said band member being forced into engagement with the surfaces in a manner which applies pressure on said upper and said lower ring elements to deform the same into sealing contact, and an electrical insulating member placed between at least one of the flanges of one of the can members and said metal band.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US05/954,966 US4169919A (en) | 1978-10-26 | 1978-10-26 | Double seal for sodium sulfur battery |
| US954,966 | 1978-10-26 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1129948A true CA1129948A (en) | 1982-08-17 |
Family
ID=25496175
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA336,384A Expired CA1129948A (en) | 1978-10-26 | 1979-09-26 | Double seal for sodium sulfur battery |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4169919A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1129948A (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2039130A (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4245012A (en) * | 1979-08-28 | 1981-01-13 | Ford Motor Company | Sodium sulfur battery seal |
| DE3114348A1 (en) * | 1981-04-09 | 1982-11-04 | Brown, Boveri & Cie Ag, 6800 Mannheim | "RECHARGEABLE GALVANIC SINGLE CELL" |
| DE3741238A1 (en) * | 1987-12-05 | 1989-06-15 | Asea Brown Boveri | ELECTROCHEMICAL STORAGE CELL |
| US5578393A (en) * | 1995-03-10 | 1996-11-26 | United States Advanced Battery Consortium | Thermal contact sheet for high temperature batteries |
| IN2014KN01408A (en) | 2012-01-05 | 2015-10-23 | Electrovaya Inc |
Family Cites Families (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3939007A (en) * | 1973-01-16 | 1976-02-17 | British Railways Board | Sodium sulphur cells |
| US3928071A (en) * | 1974-10-04 | 1975-12-23 | Gen Electric | Hermetically sealed primary battery |
| GB1511152A (en) * | 1975-04-24 | 1978-05-17 | Chloride Silent Power Ltd | Alkali metal-sulphur cells |
| US3959013A (en) * | 1975-06-11 | 1976-05-25 | General Electric Company | Cathode cell casing portion, a cell casing, and a hermetically sealed sodium-sulfur cell |
| GB1506505A (en) * | 1975-07-03 | 1978-04-05 | Chloride Silent Power Ltd | Alkali metal-sulphur cells |
| US4049889A (en) * | 1976-09-01 | 1977-09-20 | Ford Motor Company | Hermetically sealed alkali metal battery container |
| US4104448A (en) * | 1976-10-08 | 1978-08-01 | British Railways Board | Alkali metal-sulphur cells |
| US4110516A (en) * | 1977-06-15 | 1978-08-29 | Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. | Sodium-sulfur cell casing |
-
1978
- 1978-10-26 US US05/954,966 patent/US4169919A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1979
- 1979-09-26 CA CA336,384A patent/CA1129948A/en not_active Expired
- 1979-10-19 GB GB7936382A patent/GB2039130A/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2039130A (en) | 1980-07-30 |
| US4169919A (en) | 1979-10-02 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US6682847B2 (en) | Aluminum battery casing with corrosion preventing film | |
| US2617863A (en) | Electrolytic capacitor | |
| US5798906A (en) | Capacitor | |
| US4486809A (en) | Anchoring means for a capacitor | |
| US7274551B1 (en) | Hermetically sealed electrolytic capacitor | |
| US4632887A (en) | Galvanic primary cell | |
| SE8207311L (en) | GALVANIC CELL AND SEALING AND INSULATING ELEMENT FOR SUDAN | |
| US3427205A (en) | Spacecraft battery seals | |
| CA1129948A (en) | Double seal for sodium sulfur battery | |
| US2627538A (en) | Condenser with supplemental sealing member therein | |
| US4024321A (en) | Alkali metal-sulphur cells | |
| GB2041630A (en) | Sealing means for alkali metal battery | |
| CA1132190A (en) | Seal for sodium sulfur battery | |
| US2585922A (en) | Hermetically sealed alkaline dry cell | |
| US2729693A (en) | Dry cell | |
| ES8406799A1 (en) | Seal for electrochemical cell | |
| US6137053A (en) | Electric double-layer capacitor housing | |
| US3904939A (en) | Capacitor case seal and venting means | |
| US4934046A (en) | Method of establishing a hermetic seal about a terminal post of a battery | |
| US20170221638A1 (en) | Hermetically sealed electrolytic capacitor with double case | |
| US3953240A (en) | Sealing element for electric primary cells having steel casings | |
| US2229990A (en) | Circuit breaker | |
| GB1325848A (en) | Method of electrically welding a capacitor electrode to a capacitor housing and a capacitor thus manufactured | |
| US4028209A (en) | Electrolysis cell | |
| JPS5914231B2 (en) | Sealed alkali metal battery container |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |