GB763542A - Device for distributing liquids into the cells of electric batteries and other receptacles - Google Patents

Abstract

763,542. Batteries. SOC. EREC SOC. D'ETUDES DE REALISATIONS ET D'EXPLOITATIONS COMMERCIALS, [formerly LES LABORATOIRES PHOTOGRAPHIQUES MODERNES]. Oct. 7, 1954 [Oct. 9, 1953; Dec. 12, 1953; April 14, 1954], No. 28857/54. Class 53. A device for filling a number of cells with equal quantities of liquid simultaneously comprises a reservoir 1 having in its base an opening 5 into which the apex of a cone projects to form an annular opening 12 which distributes the liquid uniformly over the surface of the cone. The latter is provided with radial partitions 8 which form a number of channels 9 as shown in plan in Fig. 2. The channels have openings 10 below which the cells 2 are arranged round a central cell 3 which is filled through a central opening 14 in the cone. Until the cells are required to be filled the opening 5 is closed by a cap 6 which has a weak part 6a to enable it to be broken when the cells are to be filled. The cells are normally exhausted and the liquid in the reservoir is under atmospheric pressure. The channels 9 may be of sector shape as shown in Fig. 2, or of uniform width as shown in Fig. 4, and the openings 10 may be of capillary dimensions. Fig. 5 shows a modification in which the liquid is contained in a collapsible container 25 and the opening 5 is closed by a disc 16 connected by a flexible member 18 to a collar 21 surrounding the casing 15. The collar is kept in position by a pin 21a. When the pin is removed the collar can be pushed downwards to move the disc 16 and uncover the opening 5. The member 18 may alternatively be pulled by a spring to which it is attached and which is maintained under tension by a lever projecting through the casing 15. A safety device is attached to the casing to prevent accidental movement of the lever. The liquid container may be in the form of a bellows. Instead of the disc 16 a sheet of plastic material may be stuck to the base 4 of the container. The member 18 is attached to the sheet and when pulled tears away a part of the sheet to expose the opening 5. Fig. 11 shows a modification in which projecting pieces 42 on the floor 4 of the liquid container enter the grooves 9b in the cone so as to limit the height of the grooves and prevent any return of liquid from the cells 2 in whatever position they may be. A tab 44 at the end of each groove acts as a non-return valve for the same purpose. The grooves terminate in openings 10 above the cells and chambers 45 may be provided to receive gases discharged from the cells. After the member 18 has been pulled to remove the disc 16 a spring 47 forces the bellows 40 downwards to discharge the contained liquid into the cells. A boss 46 enters the opening 5 to expel any liquid therein when the bellows have reached their lowest position. Alternatively the boss may be replaced by a bulb filled with compressed gas, the bulb being fractured on contact with the apex of the cone. The escaping gas expels any liquid remaining in the opening 5.