CA1147022A - Vibration resistant electrochemical cell - Google Patents
Vibration resistant electrochemical cellInfo
- Publication number
- CA1147022A CA1147022A CA000354321A CA354321A CA1147022A CA 1147022 A CA1147022 A CA 1147022A CA 000354321 A CA000354321 A CA 000354321A CA 354321 A CA354321 A CA 354321A CA 1147022 A CA1147022 A CA 1147022A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- seat
- strap
- lid
- electrochemical cell
- support
- 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
- 239000003792 electrolyte Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000002991 molded plastic Substances 0.000 claims 2
- 230000002035 prolonged effect Effects 0.000 abstract 1
- 230000000977 initiatory effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000013022 venting Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000011149 active material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000562 conjugate Substances 0.000 description 2
- YADSGOSSYOOKMP-UHFFFAOYSA-N dioxolead Chemical compound O=[Pb]=O YADSGOSSYOOKMP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004793 Polystyrene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003181 co-melting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005336 cracking Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002788 crimping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000013536 elastomeric material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012811 non-conductive material Substances 0.000 description 1
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002223 polystyrene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000758 substrate 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
- H01M50/50—Current conducting connections for cells or batteries
- H01M50/531—Electrode connections inside a battery casing
- H01M50/54—Connection of several leads or tabs of plate-like electrode stacks, e.g. electrode pole straps or bridges
- H01M50/541—Connection of several leads or tabs of plate-like electrode stacks, e.g. electrode pole straps or bridges for lead-acid accumulators
-
- 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
- H01M50/172—Arrangements of electric connectors penetrating the casing
- H01M50/174—Arrangements of electric connectors penetrating the casing adapted for the shape of the cells
- H01M50/179—Arrangements of electric connectors penetrating the casing adapted for the shape of the cells for cells having curved cross-section, e.g. round or elliptic
-
- 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
- H01M50/166—Lids or covers characterised by the methods of assembling casings with lids
- H01M50/167—Lids or covers characterised by the methods of assembling casings with lids by crimping
-
- 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
-
- 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
- Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
- Y02P70/00—Climate change mitigation technologies in the production process for final industrial or consumer products
- Y02P70/50—Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Connection Of Batteries Or Terminals (AREA)
- Secondary Cells (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A sealed electrochemical cell has an open-mouthed container con-taining opposite polarity electrode plates, interleaved separators and electro-lyte. A molded lid is affixed to and seals the mouth of the container. The lid has on its underside at least one seat with a through bore therein. A
post connector is received within the seat and makes a through-the-lid con-nection to current collector tabs attached to the electrode plates by means of a strap which projects laterally from the post externally of the seat, the strap being welded to the current collector tabs. the lid has at least one protuberant: support portion on its underside adjacent the seat and positioned to provide a mechanical support in close proximity to the strap. the support provides great resistance to rupture of the strap which is liable to occur under prolonged vibration of the cell.
A sealed electrochemical cell has an open-mouthed container con-taining opposite polarity electrode plates, interleaved separators and electro-lyte. A molded lid is affixed to and seals the mouth of the container. The lid has on its underside at least one seat with a through bore therein. A
post connector is received within the seat and makes a through-the-lid con-nection to current collector tabs attached to the electrode plates by means of a strap which projects laterally from the post externally of the seat, the strap being welded to the current collector tabs. the lid has at least one protuberant: support portion on its underside adjacent the seat and positioned to provide a mechanical support in close proximity to the strap. the support provides great resistance to rupture of the strap which is liable to occur under prolonged vibration of the cell.
Description
Q2~
This invention relates to electrochemical cells and batteries and means for improving vibration resistance.
Electrochemical cells and batteries are oftentimes subjected to thrusts and vibrations along various axes of the cell or battery. Cells are particularly susceptible to vibration or rotation tending to displace the cell pack of electrode plates and interleaved separators, placing the current col-lector tab and strap connections in stress normally lengthwise of the plates and in the direction of the respective interconnections, i.e., axially in the case of a cylindrical wound cell. It has been found that severe vibration will cause stress cracking particularly in the strap connecting the ou,tput ter-minal post to current collector tabs of the plates, leading to eventual loss of the electrical connection. Crack initiation and propagation is particul-arly severe in high purity lead straps, cmd current collector tabs integral with the plate grids, such as the high purity type taught :in United States Patent No. 3,862,861 to McClelland et al.
One attempt to solve this problem entailed crimping ~indenting) the container to immobilize the cell pack but this created additional problems such as an increased tendency to fail by short-circuiting.
Briefly described, the invention is directed to a sealed electro-chemical cell having an open-mouthed container, opposite polarity electrode plates, separator material interleaved between the plates, and electrolyte all confined within the container, and a molded lid of non-conductive material affixed to and sealing the mouth of the container. The molded lid includes a top surface portion and, on the underside of the top surface portion, at least one seat with a through bore therein, and a post connector of metal such as lead received within the seat making a through-the-lid connection. The pos-t ; connector has a strap projecting laterally from the body of the post and ~7~2~
externally of the seat ~at its underneath opening) and which is cojoined to current collector tabs emanating from the electrode plates. To provide vibra-tion resistance, the invention is characterized in an improved lid design which includes at least one protuberant support portion on the underside of the top surface portion adjacent to the seat and which is positioned to pro-vide a mechanical support in close proximity to the laterally projecting strap.
The invention is also drawn to the improved lid itself.
Preferred embodiments of the invention will be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals designate like parts, and in which:
Figure 1 is a top plan view of a molded lid of an electrochemical cell according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a partial cutaway sectional view, to an enlarged scale with respect to Figure l, of an electrochemical cell according to the inven-tion, incorporating as a component thereof the molded lid of Figure l viewed along line 2-2;
Figure 3 depicts the lid of Figure l viewed from the opposite, bottom side;
Figure 4 is a perspective view~ to a scale intermediate of that used in Figure 1 and 2, of the bottom side of the molded lid showing the lead post and straps in assembled position; and Figure 5 is a partial view of Figure 4 showing the molded seat and an adjacent protuberance in accordance with the invention.
For illustration purposes, the invention will be described in res-pect to a sealed, cylindrical spirally wound lead-acid cell of the general type disclosed in the aforementioned United States Patent No. 3,862,861. It will be ~mderstood that the invention is applicable to various types and configurations 7~Z2 of batterles, including the traditional parallel plate monoblock cell and bat-tery design.
Referring first to Figure 2, an electrochemical cell is generally shown at 10, and which includes an internal cell pack consisting of a positive plate 12 interspaced from negative plate 14 with interleaved separator mater-ial 16. The individual plates are formed of respective grid substrates 18, 20 pasted with elec~rochemically active material. In the case of the lead-acid battery the active materials are primarily lead dioxide and lead in formed state, respectively.
The cell pack shown is spirally wound (as shown in United States Patent No. 3,862,861, for instance), and sealed in a container 26 consisting of an inner polymeric liner 30, and an outer metallic container 28. The inner liner 30 is sealed to a molded polymeric lid 32, shown also in Figures 1, 3 and 4. The outer metal container 28 is crimped at its upper portion around the molded lid as shown.
The molded lid 32, which may be formed of a resilient plastic material such as polypropylene or polystyrene, for instance, generally in-cludes a top generally planar surface portion 35, a central vent stem 34, and a pair of juxtaposed seats 40 for receiving lead post terminal connectors 42.
The central vent stem 34 includes a central venting passageway 38 and venting orifices 36, permitting gas release in certain circumstances frGm within the cell to the exterior. A b~msen valve 39 of elastomeric material is positioned over the vent stem and set to release gas at a desired pressure, e.g., 25-60 psi, and then automatically reseal when the pressure is reduced below the venting pressure. Molded seat 40 protrudes from the underside of planar surface 35 and is integral ~and unitary) with the top and includes a cylindrical sidewall 44, a transverse shoulder 46 provided with annular boss '7~
48, and includes a central ~ore 50 for making a through-the-lid conncction to the negative and positive terminals of the cell.
Post connector 42 is received within seat 40 and forms a mutual pressure-exerting seal therewith, as disclosed more fully in United States Patent No. 3,704,173 to McClelland et al. Briefly~ the post 42 is formed of a deformable lead, preferably high purity soft lead, which has been expanded radially outwardly and upwardly upon actuation of blind rivet 58. In known manner, once the mandrel is extracted from the rivet, an internal expansion occurs which forces the soft lead radially outwardly and axially upwardly against shoulder 46, with lead flowing around boss 48 to fully disrupt its oxide layer and form an electrolyte-tight seal. Attached to the upper end of the rivet are terminal members 60, 62 which penetrate through openings in an upper lid 64.
The lower end of post 42 includes strap member 24 projecting lat-erally therefrom, and whichipenetrates the side of seat 40 through underside opening 52 provided therein, as shown best in Figure 5. Strap 24, in turn, is cojoined with the current collector tabs 22 emanating from the respective posi-tive and negative electrode plates, as by welding, as more fully described for instance in United States Patent No. 4,037,077 to Harder. The welding opera-tion produces a fused weld bead 23 resulting from partial co-melting of the lead of the tabs 22 and leg strap 24.
In accordance with the invention, the molded lid 32 on its under-side is provided with at least one protuberant support 54 adjacent seat 40 in the area of strap opening 52 to provide mechanical support for the laterally projecting strap 24. The protuberant support 54 is positioned in close pro-ximity to the strap 24, and it has been found that it is especially important to provide such support adjacent the underside of the strap/post interconnection ~3L4~ 22 area 25. By "close proximity" is meant 0ither direct contact ~preferred), or in such closely spaced relationship that vibration could cause the lead parts to come into contact with the protuberant support. ~he support and lead parts may actually establish a slight interference fit, or partially melted conju-gate fit upon heating, if a thin support is used which is deformed by the lead parts.
It is preferred to employ additional protuberant support 56 gener~-ally centered longitudinally of the weld bead 23 and extending transversely thereof. Protuberant support 56 will extend upwardly from the under su~face of lid 32 a lesser distance than support 54, to provide adequate room for the weld bead 23, so that protuberan~ support 56, like support 54, is also in close proximity to the strap member 24 through its welded interconnection with collector tabs 22.
; It is preferred to employ a ribbedllupstanding support 54 as shown ; which is integrally attached to the seat 40 in the area of the strap opening 52, and thereby provide support directly along the surface of strap 24 imme-diately adjacent the strap interconnection 25 with the post 42, which has been found an area most vulnerable to crack initiation and propagation induced by axial vibration of the cell.
Use of the second support 56 in conjunction with protuberant sup-port 54 provides a balancing effect which evenly distributes axial loads trans-ferred from the cell pack up through its collector tabs 22, and minimizes any chance for stress crack initiation. Clearly, while discrete supports have been shown for this purpose, these can be interconnected as a single support e.g., along the centerline of leg 24, or take on any shape required to provide a substantially conjugate physical support adjacent the strap~post and weld bead area.
The protuberant support preferably is molded as a unitary part of the lid 32, but may be formed separately and bonded to the lid~ for instance.
In addition to ribs, the supports could be in the form of bosses~ dish-shaped, U-shaped to also provide lateral vibration resistance, ramped, etc.
Vibration tests conducted on a limited number of size "D" (2.5 ampere hour), size "X" (5.0 ampere hour) and 25 ampere hour size cells have demonstrated significant increase in test lives whan employing the protuberant supports 54 and 56 of the inven*ion. In the test, the spirally wound cylin-drical cells were subjected to a sinusoidal varying load between 6g and 18g, with the cells being vibrated both horizontally and vertically with different tab orientations. Dramatic improvements in test lives were shown with the "X"
size cell. In the vertical ~axial) vibration test of the "X" size cell, the - two cells had lives of 3 hours and 30 minutes and 9 hours and 45 minutes be-fore failure, respectively, compared with the controls (which did not employ protuberances 54 and 56) having lives of 1 hour and 2 hours and 30 minutes, respec*ively. In the same test where the cell was vibrated horizontally (per-pendicular to the axis of the cell), the cells having the improved lids of the invention had test lives of 16 hours 10 minutes and 18 hours 50 minutes, res-pectively, contrasted with the controls which had lives of 40 minutes and 1 hour and 5 minutes, respectively. All cells were vibrated on an All-American Tool and Manufacturing Company vibration table, Model No. lO-VP-D, with peak-to-peak travel (displacement) of the table set at 0.20 inches. The frequency was varied by increasing from 26 cps up to 42 cps, and then back to 26 cps in 18 seconds. All cells were rigidly attached to the table and oriented so that - the cell axis was either parallel to the direction of travel ~vertical test) or perpendicular to the direction of travel ~horizontal test). The cells vi-brated in the pe pendicular mode had the current collector tabs positioned ., ., 7~
either in line with respect to the direction of travel, or perpendicular to the direction of travel.
While certain representative embodiments and details have been shown for the purpose of illustrating the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
. . .
This invention relates to electrochemical cells and batteries and means for improving vibration resistance.
Electrochemical cells and batteries are oftentimes subjected to thrusts and vibrations along various axes of the cell or battery. Cells are particularly susceptible to vibration or rotation tending to displace the cell pack of electrode plates and interleaved separators, placing the current col-lector tab and strap connections in stress normally lengthwise of the plates and in the direction of the respective interconnections, i.e., axially in the case of a cylindrical wound cell. It has been found that severe vibration will cause stress cracking particularly in the strap connecting the ou,tput ter-minal post to current collector tabs of the plates, leading to eventual loss of the electrical connection. Crack initiation and propagation is particul-arly severe in high purity lead straps, cmd current collector tabs integral with the plate grids, such as the high purity type taught :in United States Patent No. 3,862,861 to McClelland et al.
One attempt to solve this problem entailed crimping ~indenting) the container to immobilize the cell pack but this created additional problems such as an increased tendency to fail by short-circuiting.
Briefly described, the invention is directed to a sealed electro-chemical cell having an open-mouthed container, opposite polarity electrode plates, separator material interleaved between the plates, and electrolyte all confined within the container, and a molded lid of non-conductive material affixed to and sealing the mouth of the container. The molded lid includes a top surface portion and, on the underside of the top surface portion, at least one seat with a through bore therein, and a post connector of metal such as lead received within the seat making a through-the-lid connection. The pos-t ; connector has a strap projecting laterally from the body of the post and ~7~2~
externally of the seat ~at its underneath opening) and which is cojoined to current collector tabs emanating from the electrode plates. To provide vibra-tion resistance, the invention is characterized in an improved lid design which includes at least one protuberant support portion on the underside of the top surface portion adjacent to the seat and which is positioned to pro-vide a mechanical support in close proximity to the laterally projecting strap.
The invention is also drawn to the improved lid itself.
Preferred embodiments of the invention will be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals designate like parts, and in which:
Figure 1 is a top plan view of a molded lid of an electrochemical cell according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a partial cutaway sectional view, to an enlarged scale with respect to Figure l, of an electrochemical cell according to the inven-tion, incorporating as a component thereof the molded lid of Figure l viewed along line 2-2;
Figure 3 depicts the lid of Figure l viewed from the opposite, bottom side;
Figure 4 is a perspective view~ to a scale intermediate of that used in Figure 1 and 2, of the bottom side of the molded lid showing the lead post and straps in assembled position; and Figure 5 is a partial view of Figure 4 showing the molded seat and an adjacent protuberance in accordance with the invention.
For illustration purposes, the invention will be described in res-pect to a sealed, cylindrical spirally wound lead-acid cell of the general type disclosed in the aforementioned United States Patent No. 3,862,861. It will be ~mderstood that the invention is applicable to various types and configurations 7~Z2 of batterles, including the traditional parallel plate monoblock cell and bat-tery design.
Referring first to Figure 2, an electrochemical cell is generally shown at 10, and which includes an internal cell pack consisting of a positive plate 12 interspaced from negative plate 14 with interleaved separator mater-ial 16. The individual plates are formed of respective grid substrates 18, 20 pasted with elec~rochemically active material. In the case of the lead-acid battery the active materials are primarily lead dioxide and lead in formed state, respectively.
The cell pack shown is spirally wound (as shown in United States Patent No. 3,862,861, for instance), and sealed in a container 26 consisting of an inner polymeric liner 30, and an outer metallic container 28. The inner liner 30 is sealed to a molded polymeric lid 32, shown also in Figures 1, 3 and 4. The outer metal container 28 is crimped at its upper portion around the molded lid as shown.
The molded lid 32, which may be formed of a resilient plastic material such as polypropylene or polystyrene, for instance, generally in-cludes a top generally planar surface portion 35, a central vent stem 34, and a pair of juxtaposed seats 40 for receiving lead post terminal connectors 42.
The central vent stem 34 includes a central venting passageway 38 and venting orifices 36, permitting gas release in certain circumstances frGm within the cell to the exterior. A b~msen valve 39 of elastomeric material is positioned over the vent stem and set to release gas at a desired pressure, e.g., 25-60 psi, and then automatically reseal when the pressure is reduced below the venting pressure. Molded seat 40 protrudes from the underside of planar surface 35 and is integral ~and unitary) with the top and includes a cylindrical sidewall 44, a transverse shoulder 46 provided with annular boss '7~
48, and includes a central ~ore 50 for making a through-the-lid conncction to the negative and positive terminals of the cell.
Post connector 42 is received within seat 40 and forms a mutual pressure-exerting seal therewith, as disclosed more fully in United States Patent No. 3,704,173 to McClelland et al. Briefly~ the post 42 is formed of a deformable lead, preferably high purity soft lead, which has been expanded radially outwardly and upwardly upon actuation of blind rivet 58. In known manner, once the mandrel is extracted from the rivet, an internal expansion occurs which forces the soft lead radially outwardly and axially upwardly against shoulder 46, with lead flowing around boss 48 to fully disrupt its oxide layer and form an electrolyte-tight seal. Attached to the upper end of the rivet are terminal members 60, 62 which penetrate through openings in an upper lid 64.
The lower end of post 42 includes strap member 24 projecting lat-erally therefrom, and whichipenetrates the side of seat 40 through underside opening 52 provided therein, as shown best in Figure 5. Strap 24, in turn, is cojoined with the current collector tabs 22 emanating from the respective posi-tive and negative electrode plates, as by welding, as more fully described for instance in United States Patent No. 4,037,077 to Harder. The welding opera-tion produces a fused weld bead 23 resulting from partial co-melting of the lead of the tabs 22 and leg strap 24.
In accordance with the invention, the molded lid 32 on its under-side is provided with at least one protuberant support 54 adjacent seat 40 in the area of strap opening 52 to provide mechanical support for the laterally projecting strap 24. The protuberant support 54 is positioned in close pro-ximity to the strap 24, and it has been found that it is especially important to provide such support adjacent the underside of the strap/post interconnection ~3L4~ 22 area 25. By "close proximity" is meant 0ither direct contact ~preferred), or in such closely spaced relationship that vibration could cause the lead parts to come into contact with the protuberant support. ~he support and lead parts may actually establish a slight interference fit, or partially melted conju-gate fit upon heating, if a thin support is used which is deformed by the lead parts.
It is preferred to employ additional protuberant support 56 gener~-ally centered longitudinally of the weld bead 23 and extending transversely thereof. Protuberant support 56 will extend upwardly from the under su~face of lid 32 a lesser distance than support 54, to provide adequate room for the weld bead 23, so that protuberan~ support 56, like support 54, is also in close proximity to the strap member 24 through its welded interconnection with collector tabs 22.
; It is preferred to employ a ribbedllupstanding support 54 as shown ; which is integrally attached to the seat 40 in the area of the strap opening 52, and thereby provide support directly along the surface of strap 24 imme-diately adjacent the strap interconnection 25 with the post 42, which has been found an area most vulnerable to crack initiation and propagation induced by axial vibration of the cell.
Use of the second support 56 in conjunction with protuberant sup-port 54 provides a balancing effect which evenly distributes axial loads trans-ferred from the cell pack up through its collector tabs 22, and minimizes any chance for stress crack initiation. Clearly, while discrete supports have been shown for this purpose, these can be interconnected as a single support e.g., along the centerline of leg 24, or take on any shape required to provide a substantially conjugate physical support adjacent the strap~post and weld bead area.
The protuberant support preferably is molded as a unitary part of the lid 32, but may be formed separately and bonded to the lid~ for instance.
In addition to ribs, the supports could be in the form of bosses~ dish-shaped, U-shaped to also provide lateral vibration resistance, ramped, etc.
Vibration tests conducted on a limited number of size "D" (2.5 ampere hour), size "X" (5.0 ampere hour) and 25 ampere hour size cells have demonstrated significant increase in test lives whan employing the protuberant supports 54 and 56 of the inven*ion. In the test, the spirally wound cylin-drical cells were subjected to a sinusoidal varying load between 6g and 18g, with the cells being vibrated both horizontally and vertically with different tab orientations. Dramatic improvements in test lives were shown with the "X"
size cell. In the vertical ~axial) vibration test of the "X" size cell, the - two cells had lives of 3 hours and 30 minutes and 9 hours and 45 minutes be-fore failure, respectively, compared with the controls (which did not employ protuberances 54 and 56) having lives of 1 hour and 2 hours and 30 minutes, respec*ively. In the same test where the cell was vibrated horizontally (per-pendicular to the axis of the cell), the cells having the improved lids of the invention had test lives of 16 hours 10 minutes and 18 hours 50 minutes, res-pectively, contrasted with the controls which had lives of 40 minutes and 1 hour and 5 minutes, respectively. All cells were vibrated on an All-American Tool and Manufacturing Company vibration table, Model No. lO-VP-D, with peak-to-peak travel (displacement) of the table set at 0.20 inches. The frequency was varied by increasing from 26 cps up to 42 cps, and then back to 26 cps in 18 seconds. All cells were rigidly attached to the table and oriented so that - the cell axis was either parallel to the direction of travel ~vertical test) or perpendicular to the direction of travel ~horizontal test). The cells vi-brated in the pe pendicular mode had the current collector tabs positioned ., ., 7~
either in line with respect to the direction of travel, or perpendicular to the direction of travel.
While certain representative embodiments and details have been shown for the purpose of illustrating the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
. . .
Claims (11)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. In a sealed electrochemical cell having an open-mouthed container, opposite polarity electrode plates, separator interleaved between the plates, and electrolyte all within the container, and a molded lid affixed to and seal-ing the mouth of the container, and said molded lid including a top surface portion and, on the underside of the the top surface portion, at least one seat with a through bore therein, and a post connector received within the seat making a through-the-lid connection and having a strap projecting later-ally from the post externally of the seat and cojoined to current collector tabs attached to the electrode plates, the lid having at least one protuberant support portion on the underside of the top surface portion adjacent said seat and positioned to provide a mechanical support in close proximity to said lat-erally projecting strap.
2. The electrochemical cell of Claim 1 wherein said top surface por-tion is planar.
3. The electrochemical cell of Claim 1 wherein at least two protub-erant support portions are provided, one adjacent said seat to provide support to the strap near its junction with the post, and another support being posi-tioned in close proximity to that area of the strap cojoined to the current collector tabs.
4. The electrochemical cell of Claim 3 wherein at least one of said supports makes direct contact with said strap or with that portion of the strap cojoined with the current collector tabs.
5. The electrochemical cell of Claim 1 wherein the protuberant support is formed of a rib integral with and extending laterally from said seat in substantial longitudinal alignment with said strap.
6. The electrochemical cell of Claim 3 wherein the current collector tabs and strap are welded together forming a bead interconnection, which is in close proximity to one of said protuberant support portions.
7. A molded plastic lid for use in an electrochemical cell comprising:
a generally planar top surface portion;
at least one molded seat projecting from the under-side of the top surface portion, adapted to receive a metal terminal post connector; and at least one protuberant support portion on the under-side of the top surface portion and positioned to provide mechanical support in close proximity to a metal extension laterally projecting from said post.
a generally planar top surface portion;
at least one molded seat projecting from the under-side of the top surface portion, adapted to receive a metal terminal post connector; and at least one protuberant support portion on the under-side of the top surface portion and positioned to provide mechanical support in close proximity to a metal extension laterally projecting from said post.
8. The molded lid of Claim 7 wherein said seat is provided with a lateral window opening adapted to accommodate said laterally projecting portion.
9. The molded lid of Claim 8 wherein the protuberant support is at-tached to a sidewall of said seat at the opening, and projects generally per-pendicularly outwardly therefrom.
10. In a sealed lead-acid electrochemical cell or battery having an open-mouthed plastic container, opposite polarity electrode plates, separator material interleaved between the plates, and electrolyte absorbed within the plates and separators and all confined within the container, and a molded lid of acid-resistant plastic affixed to and sealing the mouth of the container, and said molded plastic lid including a generally planar top surface portion and at least one seat attached to the underside of the planar surface portion with a through bore therein, and a post connector received within the seat making a through-the-lid connection and having an elongate strap projecting laterally from the post externally of the seat and welded to current collector tabs of lead attached to the electrode plates, the lid having at least one protuberant supporting rib on the underside of the surface portion adjacent to the seat and positioned to provide a mechanical support in close proximity to the laterally projecting strap.
11. The electrochemical cell of Claim 10 wherein two discrete upstand-ing ribs are provided, one immediately adjacent said seat where the strap joins the post connector, and the other rib positioned in close proximity to the welded connection between the strap and current collector tabs, the latter rib extending generally transversely to the elongate strap portion.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US50,589 | 1979-06-21 | ||
| US06/050,589 US4216277A (en) | 1979-06-21 | 1979-06-21 | Vibration resistant electrochemical cell |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1147022A true CA1147022A (en) | 1983-05-24 |
Family
ID=21966142
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000354321A Expired CA1147022A (en) | 1979-06-21 | 1980-06-18 | Vibration resistant electrochemical cell |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4216277A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1147022A (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0082826B1 (en) * | 1981-12-21 | 1987-09-09 | Olimpio Stocchiero | Cell-container for electric-accumulators particularly for those meant for traction |
| DE3436290A1 (en) * | 1983-10-08 | 1985-04-25 | Honda Giken Kogyo K.K., Tokio/Tokyo | Sealed lead-acid battery |
| US6004689A (en) * | 1995-09-27 | 1999-12-21 | Bolder Technologies Corporation | Battery case |
| US5895728A (en) * | 1995-09-27 | 1999-04-20 | Bolder Technologies Corp. | Battery case |
| JP3547927B2 (en) * | 1996-07-10 | 2004-07-28 | 三洋電機株式会社 | Alkaline storage battery and method for manufacturing the same |
| US5882812A (en) * | 1997-01-14 | 1999-03-16 | Polyplus Battery Company, Inc. | Overcharge protection systems for rechargeable batteries |
| US6001504A (en) * | 1998-03-11 | 1999-12-14 | Duracell Inc. | Prismatic battery housing |
| JP6597014B2 (en) * | 2015-07-21 | 2019-10-30 | 三洋電機株式会社 | Secondary battery |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3228804A (en) * | 1963-07-29 | 1966-01-11 | Electric Storage Battery Co | Electric storage battery terminal post and cover assembly |
| US3964934A (en) * | 1975-05-15 | 1976-06-22 | The Gates Rubber Company | High discharge capability sealed through connector |
-
1979
- 1979-06-21 US US06/050,589 patent/US4216277A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1980
- 1980-06-18 CA CA000354321A patent/CA1147022A/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US4216277A (en) | 1980-08-05 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US4346151A (en) | Multicell sealed rechargeable battery | |
| EP0818842B1 (en) | Alkaline storage battery and method of manufacturing the same | |
| EP1134819B1 (en) | Nonaqueous electrolyte secondary cells | |
| KR920008406B1 (en) | Multi cell recombination lead-acid battery with vibration resistant intercell connector | |
| US4121017A (en) | Portable rechargeable lead-acid battery | |
| EP2228848B1 (en) | Cylinder type secondary battery with electrode tab protection | |
| US4495259A (en) | Vibration resistant battery | |
| JPS606073B2 (en) | Method for manufacturing a battery with a spiral electrode body | |
| CA1147022A (en) | Vibration resistant electrochemical cell | |
| CA1276676C (en) | Battery comprising dual terminal bushings | |
| US9040193B2 (en) | Cap assembly and rectangular type secondary battery having the cap assembly | |
| JP5001497B2 (en) | Current collector seal assembly for electrochemical cells | |
| EP0726608B1 (en) | Electrochemical cell | |
| WO2000039868A8 (en) | Cylindrical alkaline storage battery and method of manufacturing the same | |
| JP3594404B2 (en) | Sealed battery | |
| US6569562B1 (en) | Electrochemical cell with novel header assembly | |
| EP1153446A1 (en) | Cylindrical storage battery | |
| JPH1125936A (en) | Square sealed storage battery and method of manufacturing the same | |
| US3837925A (en) | Electrochemical generators | |
| KR102907169B1 (en) | Rechargeable battery | |
| CA1153793A (en) | Side terminal battery and method of making same | |
| JP2004327453A (en) | Square sealed storage battery and method of manufacturing the same | |
| JP2004063231A (en) | Alkaline storage battery | |
| CA2037332C (en) | Rollback inner cover | |
| KR20260009218A (en) | battery, battery pack and vehicle comprising the same |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |