GB1298812A - Improvements in and relating to electrochemical cells - Google Patents

Abstract

1298812 Metal-air electric-cell ENERGY CONVERSION Ltd 23 April 1970 [30 April 1969] 22023/69 Heading H1B A replaceable electrolyte reservoir adapted to be mounted on a metal/oxygen (air) cell contains sufficient electrolyte for full discharge of the cell. Alternatively the reservoir may be included in a replaceable anode. In one embodiment Fig. 5 the reservoir 40 is mounted on cell casing 41 which carries externally protruding hollow pins 42 which are received through apertures 43 in reservoir wall for transferring electrolyte from reservoir 40 to cell 41. The apertures 43 are sealed by a disc of self-sealing material. In another embodiment, Fig. 1, a replaceable anode comprising active portion 11, e.g. zinc and outer peripheral framework 12 is topped by housing 13 which contains a sealed flexible bag type reservoir 14 containing electrolyte, e.g. aqueous KOH. Reservoir 14 is punctured by pin 15 attached to housing 13 which is actuated by rod 17 in passage 18 formed in anode framework 12 when it contacts a protrusion in the cell on insertion therein. Wicks 19 may be provided which extend from housing 13 to the active portion of the anode. In another embodiment a sealed passage is formed in the peripheral framework of the anode which leads to the reservoir. Another passage is provided on the other side of the seal remote from the reservoir which leads to the active material. The seal is broken by on protrusion carried on the cell upon insertion of the anode. In a further embodiment the reservoir is mounted above the anodic active material and when this assembly is inserted in the cell it is activated by pressing on a weakened portion of the reservoir head which causes an internally protruding member to fracture a weakened portion at the bottom of the reservoir.