CA1199060A - Cell-container and cell-lid for electric accumulators particularly for those meant for traction - Google Patents
Cell-container and cell-lid for electric accumulators particularly for those meant for tractionInfo
- Publication number
- CA1199060A CA1199060A CA000470972A CA470972A CA1199060A CA 1199060 A CA1199060 A CA 1199060A CA 000470972 A CA000470972 A CA 000470972A CA 470972 A CA470972 A CA 470972A CA 1199060 A CA1199060 A CA 1199060A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- cell
- lid
- container
- cell lid
- pole
- 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
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Classifications
-
- 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
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- Sealing Battery Cases Or Jackets (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
CELL-CONTAINER AND CELL-LID FOR ELECTRIC-ACCUMULATORS PARTICULARLY
FOR THOSE MEANT FOR TRACTION
The cell-container, obtained by blow-forming, thus having a minor thickness, presents at the upper-rim a conformation in two steps(1) permitting the mating of the cell-lid to the cell-container remai=
ning within unified overall-dimensions, as the welding-bead between the cell-lid and the cell-container forms itself on the inside in=
stead of on the outside of the same. Furthermore, it becomes possi=
ble to increase the welding-surface according to one's need if the cell-container is cut in correspondence with the flat-part of the step. The cell-container presents, furthermore, horizontal-recessings at various levels permitting the modular-cutting of the product ac-cording to unified measures.
The cell-lid's form is concave towards the exterior in order to fol=
low the dilatations of the poles during the service-life of the bat=
tery. The cell-lid is also furnished with a molded ring, which has a circular profile around the electrolyte's inlet thus avoiding the application of a gasket onto the top-cover.
CELL-CONTAINER AND CELL-LID FOR ELECTRIC-ACCUMULATORS PARTICULARLY
FOR THOSE MEANT FOR TRACTION
The cell-container, obtained by blow-forming, thus having a minor thickness, presents at the upper-rim a conformation in two steps(1) permitting the mating of the cell-lid to the cell-container remai=
ning within unified overall-dimensions, as the welding-bead between the cell-lid and the cell-container forms itself on the inside in=
stead of on the outside of the same. Furthermore, it becomes possi=
ble to increase the welding-surface according to one's need if the cell-container is cut in correspondence with the flat-part of the step. The cell-container presents, furthermore, horizontal-recessings at various levels permitting the modular-cutting of the product ac-cording to unified measures.
The cell-lid's form is concave towards the exterior in order to fol=
low the dilatations of the poles during the service-life of the bat=
tery. The cell-lid is also furnished with a molded ring, which has a circular profile around the electrolyte's inlet thus avoiding the application of a gasket onto the top-cover.
Description
--1 ~
This application is a divisional of co-pending Canadian Application Serial No. 417,982, filed December 17, 1982.
The present invention is directed to improvements in cell lids for cell containers sui~able for use as electric accumulators. Cell containers having the cell lids of the present invention are particularly useful for batteries used for traction.
As is known in the art, the overall dimensions of accumulator cell containers have been standardized according to international specifications. As a result, there is a need in the art for solutions which enable an increase in useful volume of the electrolyte's holding capacity to obtain an increase in the energy capacity of the battery, and which solutions must still provide batteries which are within the above-mentioned standardized international specifications.
Another problem associated with batteries is the seal of the lid to the container. Thus, during the life of a batteryl the cell lid tends to crack due to the inevitable elongation of the positive pole caused by the well known phenomenon of electrochemical nature. Accordingly, there is a need to provide both a cell lid and a cell container which can withstand the above-mentioned elongation without damage.
The above problems have been solved in various different manners. The usual techni~ues for manufacturing cell containers of a parallelipiped form is by molding of thermoplastic material such as polypropylene. The standard thickness of such containers is usually about 3 mm.
In order to avoid exceeding the standard overall dimensions, the cell lid is joined to the cell container by butt welding to join the contacting parts of the lid to the rim of the cell container. However, in welding of the lid to the container, a bead is formed around the perimeter. It then becomes necessary to trim the bead so as to enable the placement of one accumulator beside another without losing any space (such as, for example, in batteries of accumulators for traction). This trimming operation, apart from the cost of the operation itself, can lead to uncovering of points lacking material caused by, for example, imprisoned air locks or imperfect welding. This opens up the possibility of electrolyte leaks and further, makes it impossible to automatically "top-up" through the pneumatic top cover.
In the parent application SN 417,982, there is disclosed a cell container suitable for use as an electric accumulator for the cell lids of this invention. The cell body for accumulator's cells has an upper portion adapted to receive a cell lid mountable on the cell body within the outer peripheral dimensions of the cell body, the cell body having a body wall with a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal recesses therein forming a stepped body configuration to permit modular cutting of tbe body, the upper portion of the body wall having a first lower stepped shoulder extending inwardly of the body wall suitable for forming a surface for receiving the side wall ~~
of a cell lid and an upper second shoulder extending inwardly of the first lower stepped shoulder, and having an upwardly extending wall portion associated therewith, whereby when the upwardly extending wall portion is cut at the second shoulder, the second shoulder has an extension formed by the width of the cut wall portion of the container so as to have a width greater than the width oE the first lower stepped shoulder to present a larger area for mounting a cell lid.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cell lid formed of a flexible plastic material capable of flexing without deformation damage and suitable for mounting on a molded cell container for ~lectric accumulators, the cell lid having a central portion and an outer peripheral edge,~at least one pair of bushings each for receiving a pole and an electrolyte aperture therein, the cell lid having a concave surface extending inwardly and downwardly from the outer peripheral edge towards said central portion whereby said cell lid having the bushings, and when a pole is mounted in the bushings, is capable of withstanding the dilalation of the pole without damage to the cell lid.
1~9~iO
-3a-The cell lid and the above container may be manufactured, for example, by blow-molcling. The process of blow molding the form of the cell container allows an extremely reduced thickness of the container walls; typically, a one-half 5 reduction in thickness of the cell walls is possible compared to conventional containers made, e.g~, by injection molding. Further advantages provided with a blow-forming process, in addition to the reduction in thickness of the cell container walls, include of course, a savings in material, and also, the molds involved are of a simple nature and are made of easily workable materials.
With the above container, it is possible to increase the welding surface between the cell lid and the cell 15 container, independently from the thickness. This is made possible by the configuration of the terminal portion of the cell container formed by blow-molding.
In a preferred embodiment, the cell container is provided with horizontal recesses which are formed during the 20 blow molding process. Such recesses may be positioned at various standard levels so that a modular system of containers is provided. That is, the container may be cut along one of the horizontal recesses so as to provide a container of the desired height, as necessary. Thus, the number of molds 25 normally required to obtain different sizes (heights and capacities) of containers is substantially reduced, as the container may be cut to the desired height along one of the horizontal recesses.
~g~
The horizontal recesses also provide structural integrity to the container. Thus, one of the functions of the horizontal recesses is to avoid deformation of the container either in the vicinity of the top portion where it is welded to a cell lid or in the central portion, where, particularly in the case of high or "tall" batteries, deformation may be a problem. Another function of the horizontal recesses is that of guiding and locking the inner cells of the battery.
The cell lid of the present invention is capable of withstanding pole elongation witllout damage. In addition, with the cell lid and the cell container, it is possible to stay within the overall outer dimensions of the cell container, and in addition, any beads formed by welding during attachment of the cell lid to the cell container, may be maintained within the overall outer dimensions of the cell container.
Having thus generally described the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention, and in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an accumulator cell-container which may be used with the present invention, together with a covering lid;
Figures 2 and 4 illustrate, in cross section, embodiments of the upper side structure with a container lid associated therewith;
il~9q:~V
Figure 3 il.lustrates the upper end of a container prior to being cut to form the extension of the shoulder at the mouth of the container, - Figure 5 illustrates in cross section the upper portion of a container along a side edge thereof;
Figures 6 and 7 show a transverse horizontal section of containers illustrating deformation due to the absence of features according to the present invention;
Figure 8 is a perspective view of a cell lid of this invention;
Figure 9 is a section taken along the line ~-D of Figure 8;
Figure 10 is an enlarged view of a portion of the cell lid of Figure 9;
Figure 11 is an enlarged view of a further portion of the cell lid of Figure 9; and Figure 12 is a section taken along the line C-C of Figure 8.
Referring now to Figures 1 through 7, in greater detail, the cell container which may be used with the cell lid of the present invention, may be made typically of plastic material such as polypropylene, and may be blow-molded into an elongated rectangularly shaped structure as shown in Figure 1.
As illustrated, the container has a wall thickness "sn. As initially formed, the container will include, in the arrangement of Figure 3, a pair of shoulders, the lower one 6 of which extends inwardly in the form of a portion of a recess;
the upper shoulder has an associated wall forming the terminal portion of the upper part of the container.
1~99~
The upper portion has an opening about which the lid is to be placed (as described hereinafter). The free upper portion of the end of the container - i.e., the wall associated with the second shoulder, is cut along the line indicated by reference letters A-A and in this manner, there is formed an extension of the upper shoulder equivalent to the thickness "S"
of the wall of the container onto which the cell lid 3 can be secured by, for example, welding (heat sealing). This increased area, indicated by reference numeral 2, provides several advantages as described hereinafter.
The actual thickness "S" will depend on the thickness of the material chosen for any given container, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In securing the cell lid 3 to the container, beads 4 and S will form along the perimeter of the rim between the cell lid and the edge of the extension on one hand, and on the other hand, between any side wall of the cell lid and the associated wall of the lower shoulder. In this manner, no beads will be formed relative to the exterior of the container.
There is provided a plurality of spaced apart hori~ontally extending recesses in the side wall of the container as indicated by reference numerals 11, 12, 13 and 14 The recesses serve to provide reinforcing for the body of the container and as well, to permit modular cutting of the container according to a desired height therefor. In the absence of such a structure as per the present invention, a similar container without such recesses will be deformed as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7. As illustrated in Figure 6, a container without a recess as ~9~
indicated by reference numeral 8 (Figure 1) at the upper portion of the container, will generally tend to deform inwardly due to tensions developed during a blow-molding process, particularly when cuts are made along the upper end portion of the container such as along the line A-A.
Conversely, in elongated or high containers, the bGdy will tend to bow outwardly as illustrated in Figure 7.
By providing a recess 8 near the upper end of the container t the problems associated with bowing inwardly are overcome while by providing at least one additional recess 11-14~ particularly in larger or elongated containers, the problems of bowing outwardly are likewise overcome.
As illustrated in the drawing tFigure 5), if the minimum possible thickness indicated by the letters SP, and lS usually bbtained by blow molding processes, (and typically running from 3.75 to 3.00 mm), one can readily see how a blow molding process can have the overall dimensions remaining within the thickness SP of the molding process, and thus permit a considerable increase of the inner volume which in turn, leads to an increased quantity of electrolyte in the battery, while at the same time, having inner and external overall dimensions which remain the same. Thus, the areas indicated by numerals 9 and lQ represent, in fact, this increased space in comparison to that of a product obtained by a standard molding process. It is well known that by increasing the quantity of electrolyte in comparison to the overall dimensions of a container results in an increased energy capacity of the battery with obvious advantages. However, previously increased dimensionsresulted in the problems associated with Figures 6 and 7.
~199~;0 Cell lids, particularly those which have side walls associated therewith, may be kept within the overall dimensions of the container body by providing the stepped shoulder arangement described above and illustrated in the drawings. In this manner, the side wall of the cell lid can be mounted within the area formed by the shoulder and its associated side wall (e.g., Figure 2). Likewise, the cell lid itself, by heat sealing or welding, does not have excess width which would exceed the overall dimensions of the container.
O For modular purposes, a container body having several recesses 11-14 may be provided and a desired height selected whereupon the height of the container may be provided by cutting along the line 7 of one of the recesses to form the arrangement as illustrated i~ Figure 4. As illustrated in Figure 4, the welding or sealing between the cell lid and a cell container is shown when the cell container of Figure 1 is cut, for example, along the line 7 in order to obtain a lower battery, starting with the preformed article. As previously mentioned, a cut is made along one of the recesses corresponding to the desired height. In this case, as there is no double shoulder or step, it thus becomes possible to use the welding surface of the cell container's thickness, with the sur~ace in question having a sufficient thickness to assure a good seal, which as will also be seen from the drawings, due to the sealing bead, contributes to an increase in thickness between the cell lid and the cell container. Again, as will be J~J
_g _ seen from the above description and the drawings, the thickness of the cell lid in terms of its side wall will normally be within the outer dimensions of the container and more particularly, within the area of the lower shoulder 6. Thus, there are no projections which would interfere with the exterior of the product.
Referring now to Figures 8 to 12, there is shown a cell lid of the present invention, which may be used with the container described above. As will be seen from Figure 9, the section identified by reference numeral 15 o~ the cell lid is provided with a concave profile, which by lowering (tapering) proceeds, in a nearly uniform manner, from the rim of the cell lid to the central area where the poles and the central charge inlet of the electrolyte and the topping-up are positioned.
The cell lid profile is connected with the bush of the poles 16 and 17 as shown in Figure 9, and further with the outline shape of the electrolyte inlet 18.
From Figure 12, taken along the line C-C of Figure 8, it will be seen that the profile of the cell lid is concave in both senses - longitudinally and transversely. The surface thus formed will therefore be flexible and will be able to stand the pressure produced by the dilatation of the positive pole or poles, permitti-ng the concave cell lid to rise to a certain extent and, depending on the entity of dilatation, it will tend to flatten or even assume a convex form. As is well known, the lead bushes 16 and 17 are flooded into the plastics of the cell lid by hot molding. The cell lid is then autogenously welded to the cell container of the accumulator on the whole surface of its rim, assuring in this manner~ a good seal.
1~9~
The poles~ previously inserted into the bush holes, are then welded to the bushes, after the autogenous welding of the cell lid to the cell container has been carried out. In this manner, a rigid lock between the cell lid of the accumulator and the poles is ensured. Notwithstanding this rigid connection, elongation of the pole is possible due to the configuration of the cell lid permitting its deformation, while still ensuring a rigid joint between the pole and the bush flooded in the pole itself.
In the molding process, a circular ring concentrical at the inlet of the electrolyte (Figure 10), may be formed.
This ring is provided with a portion which projects relative to the inlet surface. The function of the ring is twofold. I
First, it acts as a barrier to prevent eventual leaks of ,, electrolyte overflowing at recharging. This is especially important as such leaks may create channels of electric discharge between the positive and negative pole of the accumulator. Secondly, and just as important, the ring acts as a gasket since the circular and deformable configuration of the ring provides for a perfect seal when the top cover is put in place.
Figures 10 and 11 show two alternatives of the profile for this containing ring, both having the same function. In Figure 10, the portion identified by reference numeral 19 indicates the section of the circular ring which projects relative to the surface of the electrolyte inlet 18.
0~;~
Projection 19 aids in avoiding overflow of the electrolyte at recharge. Furthermore, due to the minor thickness of the ring 19, it can deform under pressure from the top cover locking the inlet 18 which, when locked, centers onto the conical part 21 thereby providing a good seal, as re~uired. With such a configuration, it is not necessary to provide the top cover with a gasket and thus, in addition to the advantages discussed above, economical advantages are also provided.
Figure 11 shows an alternative arrangement wherein the ring 22 has its profile converging towards the center of the inlet 18.
It will be appreciated that modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
This application is a divisional of co-pending Canadian Application Serial No. 417,982, filed December 17, 1982.
The present invention is directed to improvements in cell lids for cell containers sui~able for use as electric accumulators. Cell containers having the cell lids of the present invention are particularly useful for batteries used for traction.
As is known in the art, the overall dimensions of accumulator cell containers have been standardized according to international specifications. As a result, there is a need in the art for solutions which enable an increase in useful volume of the electrolyte's holding capacity to obtain an increase in the energy capacity of the battery, and which solutions must still provide batteries which are within the above-mentioned standardized international specifications.
Another problem associated with batteries is the seal of the lid to the container. Thus, during the life of a batteryl the cell lid tends to crack due to the inevitable elongation of the positive pole caused by the well known phenomenon of electrochemical nature. Accordingly, there is a need to provide both a cell lid and a cell container which can withstand the above-mentioned elongation without damage.
The above problems have been solved in various different manners. The usual techni~ues for manufacturing cell containers of a parallelipiped form is by molding of thermoplastic material such as polypropylene. The standard thickness of such containers is usually about 3 mm.
In order to avoid exceeding the standard overall dimensions, the cell lid is joined to the cell container by butt welding to join the contacting parts of the lid to the rim of the cell container. However, in welding of the lid to the container, a bead is formed around the perimeter. It then becomes necessary to trim the bead so as to enable the placement of one accumulator beside another without losing any space (such as, for example, in batteries of accumulators for traction). This trimming operation, apart from the cost of the operation itself, can lead to uncovering of points lacking material caused by, for example, imprisoned air locks or imperfect welding. This opens up the possibility of electrolyte leaks and further, makes it impossible to automatically "top-up" through the pneumatic top cover.
In the parent application SN 417,982, there is disclosed a cell container suitable for use as an electric accumulator for the cell lids of this invention. The cell body for accumulator's cells has an upper portion adapted to receive a cell lid mountable on the cell body within the outer peripheral dimensions of the cell body, the cell body having a body wall with a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal recesses therein forming a stepped body configuration to permit modular cutting of tbe body, the upper portion of the body wall having a first lower stepped shoulder extending inwardly of the body wall suitable for forming a surface for receiving the side wall ~~
of a cell lid and an upper second shoulder extending inwardly of the first lower stepped shoulder, and having an upwardly extending wall portion associated therewith, whereby when the upwardly extending wall portion is cut at the second shoulder, the second shoulder has an extension formed by the width of the cut wall portion of the container so as to have a width greater than the width oE the first lower stepped shoulder to present a larger area for mounting a cell lid.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cell lid formed of a flexible plastic material capable of flexing without deformation damage and suitable for mounting on a molded cell container for ~lectric accumulators, the cell lid having a central portion and an outer peripheral edge,~at least one pair of bushings each for receiving a pole and an electrolyte aperture therein, the cell lid having a concave surface extending inwardly and downwardly from the outer peripheral edge towards said central portion whereby said cell lid having the bushings, and when a pole is mounted in the bushings, is capable of withstanding the dilalation of the pole without damage to the cell lid.
1~9~iO
-3a-The cell lid and the above container may be manufactured, for example, by blow-molcling. The process of blow molding the form of the cell container allows an extremely reduced thickness of the container walls; typically, a one-half 5 reduction in thickness of the cell walls is possible compared to conventional containers made, e.g~, by injection molding. Further advantages provided with a blow-forming process, in addition to the reduction in thickness of the cell container walls, include of course, a savings in material, and also, the molds involved are of a simple nature and are made of easily workable materials.
With the above container, it is possible to increase the welding surface between the cell lid and the cell 15 container, independently from the thickness. This is made possible by the configuration of the terminal portion of the cell container formed by blow-molding.
In a preferred embodiment, the cell container is provided with horizontal recesses which are formed during the 20 blow molding process. Such recesses may be positioned at various standard levels so that a modular system of containers is provided. That is, the container may be cut along one of the horizontal recesses so as to provide a container of the desired height, as necessary. Thus, the number of molds 25 normally required to obtain different sizes (heights and capacities) of containers is substantially reduced, as the container may be cut to the desired height along one of the horizontal recesses.
~g~
The horizontal recesses also provide structural integrity to the container. Thus, one of the functions of the horizontal recesses is to avoid deformation of the container either in the vicinity of the top portion where it is welded to a cell lid or in the central portion, where, particularly in the case of high or "tall" batteries, deformation may be a problem. Another function of the horizontal recesses is that of guiding and locking the inner cells of the battery.
The cell lid of the present invention is capable of withstanding pole elongation witllout damage. In addition, with the cell lid and the cell container, it is possible to stay within the overall outer dimensions of the cell container, and in addition, any beads formed by welding during attachment of the cell lid to the cell container, may be maintained within the overall outer dimensions of the cell container.
Having thus generally described the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention, and in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an accumulator cell-container which may be used with the present invention, together with a covering lid;
Figures 2 and 4 illustrate, in cross section, embodiments of the upper side structure with a container lid associated therewith;
il~9q:~V
Figure 3 il.lustrates the upper end of a container prior to being cut to form the extension of the shoulder at the mouth of the container, - Figure 5 illustrates in cross section the upper portion of a container along a side edge thereof;
Figures 6 and 7 show a transverse horizontal section of containers illustrating deformation due to the absence of features according to the present invention;
Figure 8 is a perspective view of a cell lid of this invention;
Figure 9 is a section taken along the line ~-D of Figure 8;
Figure 10 is an enlarged view of a portion of the cell lid of Figure 9;
Figure 11 is an enlarged view of a further portion of the cell lid of Figure 9; and Figure 12 is a section taken along the line C-C of Figure 8.
Referring now to Figures 1 through 7, in greater detail, the cell container which may be used with the cell lid of the present invention, may be made typically of plastic material such as polypropylene, and may be blow-molded into an elongated rectangularly shaped structure as shown in Figure 1.
As illustrated, the container has a wall thickness "sn. As initially formed, the container will include, in the arrangement of Figure 3, a pair of shoulders, the lower one 6 of which extends inwardly in the form of a portion of a recess;
the upper shoulder has an associated wall forming the terminal portion of the upper part of the container.
1~99~
The upper portion has an opening about which the lid is to be placed (as described hereinafter). The free upper portion of the end of the container - i.e., the wall associated with the second shoulder, is cut along the line indicated by reference letters A-A and in this manner, there is formed an extension of the upper shoulder equivalent to the thickness "S"
of the wall of the container onto which the cell lid 3 can be secured by, for example, welding (heat sealing). This increased area, indicated by reference numeral 2, provides several advantages as described hereinafter.
The actual thickness "S" will depend on the thickness of the material chosen for any given container, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In securing the cell lid 3 to the container, beads 4 and S will form along the perimeter of the rim between the cell lid and the edge of the extension on one hand, and on the other hand, between any side wall of the cell lid and the associated wall of the lower shoulder. In this manner, no beads will be formed relative to the exterior of the container.
There is provided a plurality of spaced apart hori~ontally extending recesses in the side wall of the container as indicated by reference numerals 11, 12, 13 and 14 The recesses serve to provide reinforcing for the body of the container and as well, to permit modular cutting of the container according to a desired height therefor. In the absence of such a structure as per the present invention, a similar container without such recesses will be deformed as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7. As illustrated in Figure 6, a container without a recess as ~9~
indicated by reference numeral 8 (Figure 1) at the upper portion of the container, will generally tend to deform inwardly due to tensions developed during a blow-molding process, particularly when cuts are made along the upper end portion of the container such as along the line A-A.
Conversely, in elongated or high containers, the bGdy will tend to bow outwardly as illustrated in Figure 7.
By providing a recess 8 near the upper end of the container t the problems associated with bowing inwardly are overcome while by providing at least one additional recess 11-14~ particularly in larger or elongated containers, the problems of bowing outwardly are likewise overcome.
As illustrated in the drawing tFigure 5), if the minimum possible thickness indicated by the letters SP, and lS usually bbtained by blow molding processes, (and typically running from 3.75 to 3.00 mm), one can readily see how a blow molding process can have the overall dimensions remaining within the thickness SP of the molding process, and thus permit a considerable increase of the inner volume which in turn, leads to an increased quantity of electrolyte in the battery, while at the same time, having inner and external overall dimensions which remain the same. Thus, the areas indicated by numerals 9 and lQ represent, in fact, this increased space in comparison to that of a product obtained by a standard molding process. It is well known that by increasing the quantity of electrolyte in comparison to the overall dimensions of a container results in an increased energy capacity of the battery with obvious advantages. However, previously increased dimensionsresulted in the problems associated with Figures 6 and 7.
~199~;0 Cell lids, particularly those which have side walls associated therewith, may be kept within the overall dimensions of the container body by providing the stepped shoulder arangement described above and illustrated in the drawings. In this manner, the side wall of the cell lid can be mounted within the area formed by the shoulder and its associated side wall (e.g., Figure 2). Likewise, the cell lid itself, by heat sealing or welding, does not have excess width which would exceed the overall dimensions of the container.
O For modular purposes, a container body having several recesses 11-14 may be provided and a desired height selected whereupon the height of the container may be provided by cutting along the line 7 of one of the recesses to form the arrangement as illustrated i~ Figure 4. As illustrated in Figure 4, the welding or sealing between the cell lid and a cell container is shown when the cell container of Figure 1 is cut, for example, along the line 7 in order to obtain a lower battery, starting with the preformed article. As previously mentioned, a cut is made along one of the recesses corresponding to the desired height. In this case, as there is no double shoulder or step, it thus becomes possible to use the welding surface of the cell container's thickness, with the sur~ace in question having a sufficient thickness to assure a good seal, which as will also be seen from the drawings, due to the sealing bead, contributes to an increase in thickness between the cell lid and the cell container. Again, as will be J~J
_g _ seen from the above description and the drawings, the thickness of the cell lid in terms of its side wall will normally be within the outer dimensions of the container and more particularly, within the area of the lower shoulder 6. Thus, there are no projections which would interfere with the exterior of the product.
Referring now to Figures 8 to 12, there is shown a cell lid of the present invention, which may be used with the container described above. As will be seen from Figure 9, the section identified by reference numeral 15 o~ the cell lid is provided with a concave profile, which by lowering (tapering) proceeds, in a nearly uniform manner, from the rim of the cell lid to the central area where the poles and the central charge inlet of the electrolyte and the topping-up are positioned.
The cell lid profile is connected with the bush of the poles 16 and 17 as shown in Figure 9, and further with the outline shape of the electrolyte inlet 18.
From Figure 12, taken along the line C-C of Figure 8, it will be seen that the profile of the cell lid is concave in both senses - longitudinally and transversely. The surface thus formed will therefore be flexible and will be able to stand the pressure produced by the dilatation of the positive pole or poles, permitti-ng the concave cell lid to rise to a certain extent and, depending on the entity of dilatation, it will tend to flatten or even assume a convex form. As is well known, the lead bushes 16 and 17 are flooded into the plastics of the cell lid by hot molding. The cell lid is then autogenously welded to the cell container of the accumulator on the whole surface of its rim, assuring in this manner~ a good seal.
1~9~
The poles~ previously inserted into the bush holes, are then welded to the bushes, after the autogenous welding of the cell lid to the cell container has been carried out. In this manner, a rigid lock between the cell lid of the accumulator and the poles is ensured. Notwithstanding this rigid connection, elongation of the pole is possible due to the configuration of the cell lid permitting its deformation, while still ensuring a rigid joint between the pole and the bush flooded in the pole itself.
In the molding process, a circular ring concentrical at the inlet of the electrolyte (Figure 10), may be formed.
This ring is provided with a portion which projects relative to the inlet surface. The function of the ring is twofold. I
First, it acts as a barrier to prevent eventual leaks of ,, electrolyte overflowing at recharging. This is especially important as such leaks may create channels of electric discharge between the positive and negative pole of the accumulator. Secondly, and just as important, the ring acts as a gasket since the circular and deformable configuration of the ring provides for a perfect seal when the top cover is put in place.
Figures 10 and 11 show two alternatives of the profile for this containing ring, both having the same function. In Figure 10, the portion identified by reference numeral 19 indicates the section of the circular ring which projects relative to the surface of the electrolyte inlet 18.
0~;~
Projection 19 aids in avoiding overflow of the electrolyte at recharge. Furthermore, due to the minor thickness of the ring 19, it can deform under pressure from the top cover locking the inlet 18 which, when locked, centers onto the conical part 21 thereby providing a good seal, as re~uired. With such a configuration, it is not necessary to provide the top cover with a gasket and thus, in addition to the advantages discussed above, economical advantages are also provided.
Figure 11 shows an alternative arrangement wherein the ring 22 has its profile converging towards the center of the inlet 18.
It will be appreciated that modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (6)
1. A cell lid formed of a flexible plastic material capable of flexing without deformation damage and suitable for mounting on a molded cell container for electric accumulators, said cell lid having a central portion and an outer peripheral edge, at least one pair of bushings each for receiving a pole and an electrolyte aperture therein, said cell lid having a concave surface extending inwardly and downwardly from said outer peripheral edge towards said central portion whereby said cell lid having the bushings, and when a pole is mounted in said bushings, is capable of withstanding the dilalation of the pole without damage to the cell lid.
2. A cell lid as defined in claim 1, wherein the cell lid is formed of molded plastic material, said lid having around the electrolyte aperture a circularly profiled rim adapted to eliminate the need for a gasket.
3. A cell lid as defined in claim 1, wherein the cell lid is formed of moulded polypropylene-copolymer and the electrolyte aperture and the pole bushings are mounted in said central portion, said electrolyte aperture having a rim thereby permitting avoidance of a gasket.
4. A cell lid as defined in claim 1 or 3, wherein the cell lid is formed of molded polypropoylene-copolymer and said cell lid has a circularly-profiled rim adapted to eliminate the need for a gasket.
5. A cell lid according to claim 3, wherein the cell lid has side walls about the periphery thereof.
6. A cell lid assembly according to claim 2, wherein said cell lid is mounted on a container having, a cell body with an upper portion mounting said cell lid on said cell body within the outer peripheral dimensions of the cell body, said cell body having a body wall with a plurality of space-apart horizontal recesses therein forming a stepped body configuration to permit modular cutting of the body, the upper portion of said body wall having a first lower stepped shoulder extending inwardly of said body wall for forming a surface for receiving the side wall of the cell lid and an upper second shoulder extending inwardly of said first lower stepped shoulder, and having an upwardly extending wall portion associated therewith, whereby said upwardly extending wall portion, cut at said second shoulder, provides an extension formed by the width of the cut wall portion of the container so as to form a width greater than the width of said first lower stepped shoulder thereby presenting a larger area mounting said cell lid.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT85653/A/81 | 1981-12-21 | ||
| IT85653/81A IT1168598B (en) | 1981-12-21 | 1981-12-21 | COVER FOR LEAD ACCUMULATORS WITH DEFORMABLE ELASTIC SURFACE AND WITH RING FOR LOSS OF ELECTROLYTE |
| IT85548/A/82 | 1982-04-08 | ||
| IT85548/82A IT1193077B (en) | 1982-04-08 | 1982-04-08 | Blow moulded battery casing and lid |
| CA000417982A CA1196684A (en) | 1981-12-21 | 1982-12-17 | Cell-container and cell-lid for electric- accumulators particularly for those meant for traction |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000417982A Division CA1196684A (en) | 1981-12-21 | 1982-12-17 | Cell-container and cell-lid for electric- accumulators particularly for those meant for traction |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1199060A true CA1199060A (en) | 1986-01-07 |
Family
ID=27167314
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000470972A Expired CA1199060A (en) | 1981-12-21 | 1984-12-21 | Cell-container and cell-lid for electric accumulators particularly for those meant for traction |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1199060A (en) |
-
1984
- 1984-12-21 CA CA000470972A patent/CA1199060A/en not_active Expired
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20030107 |