JP2021072214A - Liquid plug for lead acid battery, and lead acid battery - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a float-type liquid plug for lead acid batteries, which includes a filter.SOLUTION: A liquid plug for lead acid batteries includes: a float which includes a cylindrical part, a float body located on one opening side in the cylindrical axis direction of the cylindrical part, and an interlocking part linked to the movement of the float body in the cylindrical axis direction and displaced on the other opening side in the cylindrical axis direction of the cylindrical part; a cap capable of opening/closing the other opening of the cylindrical part; a seal part for a cap, disposed between the cap and the other opening of the cylindrical part while the cap is closed; and a filter disposed to a through hole that is formed in at least one of the cap and a side wall of the cylindrical part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The techniques disclosed herein relate to liquid spouts for lead-acid batteries.

Lead-acid batteries are installed in electric vehicles such as automobiles, and are used as a power source for electric vehicles and as a power supply source for electrical components mounted on electric vehicles. Some such lead-acid batteries are provided with a float-type liquid port plug for replenishing the electrolytic solution.

This float type liquid spout plug includes a tubular portion, a float, and a cap. The tubular portion is formed with an injection hole for replenishing the electrolytic solution, and is mounted in a mounting hole formed in the housing of the lead storage battery. The cap can open and close the upper end opening of the tubular portion. The float has a float main body located in the housing and an interlocking portion that is interlocked with the movement of the float body and can protrude from the upper end opening side of the tubular portion. When the liquid level height of the electrolytic solution in the housing changes, the float body moves up and down, and in conjunction with this, the protruding length of the interlocking portion on the upper end opening side of the tubular portion changes. Therefore, the height of the electrolytic solution in the housing can be grasped from the protruding length of the interlocking portion (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Jikkai Sho 52-5924

Conventionally, it has not been sufficiently studied to provide a filter for a float type liquid spout.

The present specification discloses a technique capable of providing a float-type lead-acid battery liquid spout with a filter.

The liquid port plug for a lead storage battery disclosed in the present specification is a liquid port plug for a lead storage battery, and includes a tubular portion, a float main body located on one opening side in the tubular portion in the tubular axial direction, and the like. A float having an interlocking portion that is interlocked with the movement of the float body in the tubular axis direction and is displaced on the other opening side of the tubular portion in the tubular axial direction, and the other opening of the tubular portion. An openable and closable cap, a cap seal portion arranged between the other opening of the tubular portion and the cap when the cap is closed, and at least one of the side wall of the tubular portion and the cap. It is provided with a filter arranged in a through hole formed in.

It is a perspective view which shows the appearance structure of the lead-acid battery 100 in this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the XZ cross-sectional structure of the lead-acid battery 100 at the position of II-II of FIG. Perspective view (closed posture) showing the external configuration of the liquid spout 200 Perspective view (open posture) showing the external configuration of the liquid spout 200 It is explanatory drawing which shows the XY cross-sectional structure of the lead-acid battery 100 at the position of VV of FIG. It is the explanation which shows the YZ plane structure of the liquid mouth plug 200. It is a perspective view which shows the appearance structure of the integral packing 250. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the operation in an Embodiment and a comparative example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the measuring method of the internal pressure of the liquid mouth plug 200.

The techniques disclosed herein can be realized in the following forms.

(1) The lead-acid battery liquid port plug disclosed in the present specification is a lead-acid battery liquid port plug, and is a float located on a tubular portion and one opening side in the tubular portion in the tubular axial direction. A float having a main body and an interlocking portion that is interlocked with the movement of the float main body in the tubular axial direction and is displaced at the other opening side of the tubular portion in the tubular axial direction, and the other of the tubular portion. A cap that can open and close the opening, a cap seal portion that is arranged between the other opening of the tubular portion and the cap when the cap is closed, a side wall of the tubular portion, and the cap. A filter arranged in a through hole formed in at least one of the above. In this lead-acid battery liquid spout, when the cap is closed, the sealing portion for the cap ensures the airtightness between the opening of the tubular portion and the cap. Further, the filter is arranged in a through hole formed in a side wall of the tubular portion or a cap. Therefore, when the lead-acid battery liquid port plug is attached to the lead-acid battery housing, the gas generated by gassing or the like in the lead-acid battery housing can be discharged to the outside through a filter.

(2) In the lead-acid battery liquid port plug, the cap protrudes to the other side in the tubular axial direction in a closed state, and has a convex portion formed of at least a part of a transparent material. The interlocking portion of the float can be projected into the convex portion of the closed cap, and the through hole in which the filter is arranged is formed with the convex portion of the side wall of the tubular portion and the cap. May be configured to be formed at different positions. In this lead-acid battery liquid spout, the filter is arranged at a position other than the convex portion of the cap on which the float protrudes. According to this lead-acid battery liquid spout, the effect of the filter can be obtained while ensuring the visibility of the float when the cap is closed.

(3) In the lead-acid battery liquid port plug, the through hole may be formed on the side wall of the tubular portion. According to the lead-acid battery liquid port plug, the filter is arranged in a through hole formed in the side wall of the tubular portion. As a result, it is possible to prevent the filter function from being deteriorated due to the electrolytic solution that has entered the tubular portion due to gassing or the like being directly applied to the filter.

(4) The lead-acid battery liquid port plug may be further provided with an annular filter seal portion arranged between the through hole and the filter. According to this lead-acid battery liquid spout, the airtightness between the through hole and the filter can be improved.

(5) In the lead-acid battery liquid port plug, the through hole may have a notch shape opened on the other side of the tubular portion. According to this lead-acid battery liquid spout, the pressing force from the closed cap is applied to the filter seal through the cap seal to improve the airtightness between the through hole and the filter. Can be done.

(6) In the lead storage battery liquid port plug, the cap seal portion and the filter seal portion may be integrally formed. According to this lead-acid battery liquid port plug, the number of parts of the lead-acid battery liquid port plug can be reduced, and compared to the configuration in which the cap seal part and the filter seal part are separate, the cap seal part and the cap seal part It is possible to suppress a decrease in airtightness due to a positional deviation from the filter sealing portion.

(7) In the lead-acid battery liquid port plug, the cap is provided on the tubular portion so as to be openable and closable around a predetermined rotation shaft, and has an engaging portion that engages with the tubular portion. The through hole may be located between the rotating shaft and the engaging portion in the direction of the rotating shaft. According to this lead-acid battery liquid spout, the through hole (filter seal and filter) is arranged between the position where the cap is pivotally supported and the position where the cap is engaged, so that the cap is strengthened from the cap. Since a sufficient pressing force is applied to the seal portion for the filter, the airtightness between the through hole and the filter can be improved more effectively.

(8) In the lead-acid battery liquid port plug, communication is performed so that the inside and the outside of the tubular portion are communicated on the condition that the internal pressure of the tubular portion becomes equal to or higher than a reference value with the cap closed. It may be configured to include a part. According to this lead-acid battery liquid spout, when the internal pressure of the tubular part exceeds the standard value with the cap closed, the inside and outside of the tubular part communicate with each other, so that the internal pressure of the tubular part is increased. It is possible to suppress an excessive rise.

(9) In the lead-acid battery liquid port plug, the communication portion is provided on the condition that the tubular portion and the cap are engaged with each other and the internal pressure of the tubular portion is equal to or higher than the reference value. The configuration may be such that the engagement between the tubular portion and the cap is disengaged. According to the lead-acid battery liquid port plug, the communication portion can be easily formed by adjusting the degree of engagement between the tubular portion and the cap.

(10) In the lead-acid battery liquid port plug, the communication portion is arranged at at least one of the tubular portion and the cap, and is opened on condition that the internal pressure of the tubular portion becomes equal to or higher than the reference value. The configuration may be such that the configuration is to be performed. According to the lead-acid battery liquid spout, it is possible to prevent an excessive increase in the internal pressure of the tubular portion by providing a mechanism for opening the tubular portion to the outside at least one of the tubular portion and the cap.

(11) In the lead-acid battery, a housing having mounting holes and any one of the lead-acid battery liquid spouts (1) to (10) mounted in the mounting holes of the housing. , A positive electrode and a negative electrode housed in the housing may be provided.

A. Embodiment:
A-1. overall structure:
(Structure of lead-acid battery 100)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the lead-acid battery 100 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, for convenience, a part of the housing 101 described later included in the lead storage battery 100 is broken, and the internal structure is shown. FIG. 1 shows XYZ axes that are orthogonal to each other to specify the direction. In the present specification, for convenience, the Z-axis positive direction is referred to as "upward" and the Z-axis negative direction is referred to as "downward", but the lead-acid battery 100 is actually different from such an orientation. It may be installed facing. The same applies to FIGS. 2 and later. Hereinafter, "P" will be added to the end of the code of the component on the positive electrode side, and "N" will be added to the end of the code of the component on the negative electrode side. The vertical direction (Z-axis direction) is an example of the tubular axis direction within the scope of claims.

As shown in FIG. 1, the lead storage battery 100 includes a housing 101 and a plate group 104. The housing 101 includes an electric tank 102 and a lid 106. The electric tank 102 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped container with an open upper surface, and is formed of, for example, a synthetic resin. The electrolytic solution U (not shown in FIG. 1) and the electrode plate group 104 are housed in the internal space S of the housing 101. The electrolytic solution U is, for example, dilute sulfuric acid.

(Structure of electrode plate group 104)
The electrode plate group 104 includes a plurality of flat plate-shaped positive electrode plates 110P, a plurality of flat plate-shaped negative electrode plates 110N, and a plurality of separators 120 arranged between the positive electrode plate 110P and the negative electrode plate 110N. Specifically, a plurality of positive electrode plates 110P and a plurality of negative electrode plates 110N are alternately arranged one by one via the separator 120. As a result, a plurality of cells having one positive electrode plate 110P and one negative electrode plate 110N facing each other via the separator 120 are arranged in a predetermined direction (X-axis direction). Hereinafter, the cell arrangement direction (X-axis direction) is referred to as a "cell arrangement direction". Each of the electrode plates 110P and 110N is a conductive member in which a lattice body is filled with an active material. The plurality of positive electrode plates 110P are connected by a current collecting member 112P on the positive electrode side, and the plurality of negative electrode plates 110N are connected by a current collecting member (not shown) on the negative electrode side.

(Structure of lid 106)
The lid 106 is a substantially rectangular member with an open lower surface, has a size corresponding to the upper end opening of the electric tank 102, and is formed of, for example, a synthetic resin. The lid 106 is fitted into the upper end opening of the electric tank 102, and the lid 106 and the electric tank 102 are heat-welded, for example, so that the internal space S of the housing 101 is sealed.

The lid 106 is provided with a terminal portion 150P on the positive electrode side and a terminal portion 150N on the negative electrode side. The terminal portion 150P on the positive electrode side and the terminal portion 150N on the negative electrode side are respectively arranged near both ends in the cell arrangement direction (X-axis direction). The lower end of the terminal portion 150P on the positive electrode side is electrically connected to the plurality of positive electrode plates 110P via the current collector member 112P on the positive electrode side. The terminal portion 150N on the negative electrode side is electrically connected to the plurality of negative electrode plates 110N via the current collecting member on the negative electrode side.

The lid 106 is formed with a mounting hole 106A (see FIG. 2 described later) that penetrates the lid 106 in the vertical direction. Specifically, the mounting hole 106A is formed between the terminal portion 150P on the positive electrode side and the terminal portion 150N on the negative electrode side of the lid 106. A liquid spout 200 is mounted in the mounting hole 106A.

(Structure of liquid spout 200)
The liquid spout 200 includes a tubular portion 210, a cap 230, and a float 240. FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing an XZ cross-sectional configuration of the lead-acid battery 100 at the position II-II in FIG. FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the peripheral portion of the liquid spout 200 in the lead storage battery 100. 3 and 4 are perspective views showing the external configuration of the liquid spout 200. FIG. 3 shows the liquid port plug 200 when the cap 230, which will be described later, is in the closed position, and FIG. 4 shows the liquid port plug 200 when the cap 230 is in the open position. Has been done. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the float 240 is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tubular portion 210 is a tubular member in which an injection hole 211 penetrating in the vertical direction as a whole is formed, and is mounted in the mounting hole 106A of the lid 106 (housing 101). Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the tubular portion 210 includes an outer tubular wall portion 212 and an inner tubular wall portion 214.

The outer tubular wall portion 212 is a portion of the tubular portion 210 that is arranged outside the housing 101, and the inner tubular wall portion 214 is arranged inside the housing 101 of the tubular portion 210. It is a part. The outer diameter of the outer cylinder wall portion 212 is larger than the diameter of the mounting hole 106A of the lid 106, and the outer diameter of the inner cylinder wall portion 214 is smaller than the diameter of the mounting hole 106A. An annular sealing member 260 (for example, an O-ring) is fitted in the stepped portion between the outer tubular wall portion 212 and the inner tubular wall portion 214 (see FIG. 2). A plurality of locking projections 224 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder wall portion 214 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). Each locking projection 224 is locked to the lower surface 107 of the lid 106. As a result, the liquid spout 200 is mounted on the housing 101, and the outer periphery of the tubular portion 210 and the inner peripheral wall forming the mounting hole 106A in the lid 106 are sealed by the sealing member 260.

The tubular portion 210 has a support portion 220 that supports the float 240 so as to be vertically movable. The support portion 220 is arranged on the inner peripheral side of the tubular portion 210. Specifically, the support portion 220 is arranged at a position deviated from the central axis Z1 of the injection hole 211 of the tubular portion 210 in the vertical view (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 5 described later). The support portion 220 is a tubular body in which an insertion hole 222 penetrating in the vertical direction is formed, and is integrally formed on the inner peripheral wall of the tubular portion 210. In the present embodiment, the support portion 220 extends in the vertical direction over substantially the entire length of the tubular portion 210 (outer cylinder wall portion 212 and inner cylinder wall portion 214).

The cap 230 is provided so that the upper end opening of the tubular portion 210 can be opened and closed. Specifically, the cap 230 has a disk shape as a whole. The cap 230 has a closed posture (see FIG. 3) that closes the upper end opening side of the tubular portion 210 and an opening that opens the upper end opening side of the tubular portion 210 around a predetermined rotation axis Y1 (see FIG. 2). It is supported by the tubular portion 210 so as to be displaceable in the posture (see FIG. 4). The cap 230 is entirely made of a transparent material (eg, transparent plastic). Therefore, the inside of the tubular portion 210 can be visually recognized through the cap 230 in the closed posture. The handle portion 230A is formed so as to protrude on the side of the cap 230 opposite to the rotation shaft Y1. By gripping the handle portion 230A, the user can easily open and close the cap 230.

The cap 230 has an annular peripheral wall portion 232 and an upper wall portion 234 that closes the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 232. The inner diameter of the peripheral wall portion 232 is larger than the outer diameter of the outer tubular wall portion 212 of the tubular portion 210. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, when the cap 230 is in the closed posture, the peripheral wall portion 232 is arranged so as to surround the outer periphery of the upper end portion (and the integrated packing 250 described later) of the outer tubular wall portion 212. To. As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of first engaging convex portions 236 are formed on the inner peripheral side of the peripheral wall portion 232. A second engaging convex portion 216 that can be engaged with each of the plurality of first engaging convex portions 236 is formed on the outer peripheral side of the outer tubular wall portion 212. When the cap 230 is in the closed posture, the closed posture of the cap 230 is firmly maintained by each of the plurality of first engaging convex portions 236 engaging with the second engaging convex portion 216. The first engaging convex portion 236 is an example of the engaging portion within the scope of the claims.

As shown in FIG. 2, the upper wall portion 234 of the cap 230 in the closed posture has a cap convex portion 230B that partially protrudes upward. The inside of the cap convex portion 230B is a cavity H that opens downward. In the vertical view, the cap convex portion 230B (cavity H) overlaps with the rod-shaped portion 244 described below of the float 240. Therefore, the upper end portion of the rod-shaped portion 244 can enter the cavity H of the cap convex portion 230B. The cap convex portion 230B is an example of the convex portion in the claims.

As shown in FIG. 2, the float 240 has a float body 242 and a rod-shaped portion 244. The float body 242 is a hollow body having a closed cavity inside, and is located on the lower end opening side of the tubular portion 210. The outer shape of the float body 242 in the vertical direction is such that it cannot be inserted into the insertion hole 222 of the support portion 220. Specifically, the width of the float body 242 in at least one direction perpendicular to the vertical direction is larger than the inner diameter of the insertion hole 222 of the support portion 220. The rod-shaped portion 244 is a rod-shaped body extending in the vertical direction, and is inserted into the insertion hole 222 of the support portion 220 so as to be vertically movable. Specifically, the outer diameter of the rod-shaped portion 244 is smaller than the inner diameter of the injection hole 211 of the support portion 220, and the total length of the rod-shaped portion 244 is longer than the total length of the insertion hole 222. A float body 242 is provided at the lower end of the rod-shaped portion 244. A protrusion 246 that locks to the upper end opening of the support portion 220 is formed at the upper end portion of the rod-shaped portion 244. The protrusion 246 prevents the float 240 (rod-shaped portion 244) from coming out of the insertion hole 222 downward. The rod-shaped portion 244 is provided with a mark 244A. The upper end portion of the rod-shaped portion 244 is an example of an interlocking portion within the scope of claims.

With the above configuration, the upper end portion of the rod-shaped portion 244 is interlocked with the vertical movement of the float main body 242 and can protrude from the upper end opening side of the tubular portion 210. When the cap 230 is in the closed posture, the upper end portion of the rod-shaped portion 244 can protrude into the cap convex portion 230B of the cap 230. As a result, the upper end portion of the rod-shaped portion 244 fulfills a function of marking the liquid level height of the electrolytic solution U in the housing 101 (referred to as “liquid level marking function”). Hereinafter, a specific description will be given. First, as shown in FIG. 2, when the float body 242 of the float 240 is submerged in the electrolytic solution U in the housing 101, the float 240 is pushed upward by the buoyancy acting on the float body 242. Therefore, the float 240 moves up and down according to the liquid level height of the electrolytic solution U in the housing 101. For example, when a sufficient amount of the electrolytic solution U is contained in the housing 101 and the liquid level height of the electrolytic solution U is at an appropriate position, the mark 244A has a tubular shape with the cap 230 in the open position. The upper end of the rod-shaped portion 244 of the float 240 protrudes from the upper end opening of the tubular portion 210 to the extent that it is located near the upper end opening of the portion 210. When the cap 230 is closed in this state, the upper end of the rod-shaped portion 244 comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the cap convex portion 230B of the cap 230, and the float 240 pushes down against the buoyancy of the electrolytic solution U. (See Fig. 2). At this time, the upper end portion of the rod-shaped portion 244 is located in the cavity H of the cap convex portion 230B and can be visually recognized from the side of the cap convex portion 230B.

For example, when the lead storage battery 100 is used for a long time and the liquid level of the electrolytic solution U in the housing 101 decreases due to the decrease of the electrolytic solution U, the float 240 also decreases accordingly. The fact that the float 240 is lowered to the extent that the upper end portion of the rod-shaped portion 244 cannot be visually recognized from the side of the cap convex portion 230B means that it is necessary to replenish the rehydration solution (electrolyte solution U or water). In such a case, the cap 230 is changed from the closed posture to the open posture, and the replenishing liquid is replenished from the injection hole 211 of the tubular portion 210. When the mark 244A is located at a position higher than the upper end opening of the tubular portion 210 by a predetermined distance or more when the replenishing liquid is replenished, it means that the replenishing liquid is excessively replenished in the tubular portion 210.

A-2. Countermeasures against overflow of electrolyte U due to gassing:
(Specific configuration)
The liquid spout 200 has a configuration for suppressing overflow of the electrolytic solution U due to gassing (a state in which water in the electrolytic solution is electrolyzed by overcharging to generate bubbles (gas: oxygen or hydrogen)). FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing an XY cross-sectional configuration of the lead-acid battery 100 at the VV position of FIG. In FIG. 5, the cap 230 and the float 240 are omitted from the liquid spout 200. FIG. 6 is an explanation showing a YZ plane configuration of the liquid spout 200. In FIG. 6, of the liquid spout 200, the inner tubular wall portion 214 of the tubular portion 210 is mainly shown, and the float 240 is omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the tubular portion 210 includes a plate-shaped projecting body 270. The projecting body 270 is a substantially semicircular plate-shaped body, projects from the lower end opening of the tubular portion 210, and is interposed between the lower end opening and the float main body 242. The base end of the projecting body 270 is joined to the lower end side of the support portion 220, and the projecting body 270 is inclined so that the distance from the float 240 becomes longer as it approaches the tip end. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the projecting body 270 extends to a position where the tip thereof exceeds the central axis Z1 in the vertical view.

Here, a slit 272 is formed in the projecting body 270. The slit 272 penetrates the projecting body 270 and opens at the peripheral edge of the projecting body 270. That is, the slit 272 extends to the peripheral edge of the projecting body 270. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the slit 272 extends to the most advanced end of the projecting body 270 (in FIG. 2, the lowermost end closest to the liquid level of the electrolytic solution U). Further, the slit 272 extends linearly substantially parallel to the projecting direction of the projecting body 270. Further, the slit 272 is formed in the projecting body 270 at substantially the center in the left-right direction (the direction perpendicular to the Y-axis direction and the cylinder-axis direction). Further, the upper end P1 (closed end) of the slit 272 is located in the tubular portion 210 in the vertical direction. In other words, the upper end P1 of the slit 272 is located above the lower end opening of the tubular portion 210. The width of the slit 272 is preferably 1.5 mm or more, and preferably less than 2 mm.

A side slit 228 is formed in a portion of the tubular portion 210 located inside the housing 101 (inner tubular wall portion 214). The side slit 228 penetrates the inner cylinder wall portion 214 and opens at the lower end of the inner cylinder wall portion 214. Further, the side slit 228 extends linearly in the vertical direction. The side slit 228 is located on the surface of the projecting body 270 (the surface opposite to the float 240). In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 and 6, the side slit 228 is formed at a position of the inner cylinder wall portion 214 facing the surface of the projecting body 270. Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, side slits 228 are formed at positions on both sides of the projecting body 270 in the inner cylinder wall portion 214, respectively. Further, the upper end P2 of each side slit 228 extends to a position above the lower surface 107 of the lid 106 in the vertical direction.

(Action effect)
If, in the above embodiment, the tubular portion 210 does not include the projecting body 270, when the electrolytic solution U is replenished, the replenishing liquid replenished from the injection hole 211 of the tubular portion 210 directly enters the float body 242. It takes. Then, the float 240 (the upper end portion of the rod-shaped portion 244) does not normally move up and down according to the liquid level height of the electrolytic solution U in the housing 101, so that the liquid level marking function cannot be exhibited. On the other hand, in the liquid port plug 200 according to the present embodiment, the projecting body 270 is interposed between the lower end opening of the tubular portion 210 and the float main body 242. Therefore, it is prevented that the replenished rehydration liquid is directly applied to the float main body 242, and as a result, the float 240 can normally exert the liquid level marking function.

Here, in the above-described embodiment, in the configuration in which the slit 272 is not formed in the projecting body 270 (hereinafter, referred to as “liquid spout 200a of the comparative example”), overflow of the electrolytic solution U due to gassing is likely to occur. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the operation between the present embodiment and the comparative example. FIG. 8A schematically shows the action of the liquid spout 200a of the comparative example, and FIG. 8B schematically shows the action of the liquid spout 200 of the present embodiment. ing. In FIG. 8, only a part of each of the liquid spouts 200 and 200a is shown, and the float 240 and the housing 101 are omitted. “Gas G” in FIG. 8 means a gas (bubble) generated in the electrolytic solution U by gassing.

Here, in the overflow of the electrolytic solution U due to gassing, when gassing occurs, the foaming electrolytic solution U adheres to the lower end opening side of the tubular portion 210 of the liquid port plugs 200 and 200a to form a liquid film, and the liquid is formed. It is considered that the film is formed by being pushed out of the housing 101 by the gas G through the tubular portion 210. As shown in FIG. 8A, the liquid spout 200a of the comparative example includes a projecting body 270a that projects toward the electrolytic solution U in the housing 101. Therefore, as the distance between the tip of the projecting body 270a and the liquid level of the electrolytic solution U is short, the lower end opening of the tubular portion 210 (accurately, a part of the peripheral edge of the lower end opening of the tubular portion 210 and the projecting body 270a A liquid film is likely to be formed in the opening formed by the peripheral edge). Further, in the comparative example, no slit or hole is formed in the projecting body 270a. Therefore, on the back side of the projecting body 270a (the float body 242 side), the path of the gas G to the lower end opening of the tubular portion 210 is restricted by the projecting body 270a, so that the generated gas G is sent to the outside of the housing 101. Hard to be discharged. On the other hand, on the front side of the projecting body 270a (the side opposite to the float body 242), the path of the gas G to the lower end opening of the tubular portion 210 (white arrow in FIG. 8A) is not restricted, so that the projecting body 270a protrudes. Gas G is more active and intensively generated than the back side of the body 270a. From these facts, it is considered that in the comparative example, overflow of the electrolytic solution U due to gassing is likely to occur.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8B, since the liquid port plug 200 of the present embodiment also includes the projecting body 270, the distance between the tip of the projecting body 270 and the liquid level of the electrolytic solution U is short. Therefore, a liquid film is likely to be formed at the lower end opening of the tubular portion 210. However, in the present embodiment, since the slit 272 that penetrates the projecting body 270 is formed in a part of the projecting body 270, the gas G to the lower end opening of the tubular portion 210 is also formed on the back side of the projecting body 270. Route is secured (white arrow in FIG. 8B). As a result, it is possible to suppress the overflow of the electrolytic solution U due to gassing while suppressing the rehydration liquid from directly applying to the float body 242.

In the present embodiment, the slit 272 is open to the peripheral edge of the projecting body 270 (see FIGS. 2 to 6). The presence of the opening of the slit 272 suppresses the formation of a liquid film on the lower end opening side of the tubular portion 210, and as a result, the overflow of the electrolytic solution U due to gassing can be suppressed more effectively. it can.

In the present embodiment, the upper end P1 (closed end) of the slit 272 is located in the tubular portion 210 in the vertical direction (see FIG. 2). According to the present embodiment, the gas G generated on the back side of the projecting body 270 is more likely to escape to the lower end opening side of the tubular portion 210 as compared with the configuration in which the slit 272 is not located in the tubular portion 210. The generation of gas G on the front side of the projecting body 270 is suppressed by the amount. As a result, the overflow of the electrolytic solution U due to gassing can be suppressed more effectively.

In the present embodiment, a side slit 228 is formed in the inner tubular wall portion 214 of the tubular portion 210 (see FIGS. 2 to 4 and 6). According to the present embodiment, as compared with the configuration in which the side slit 228 is not formed in the tubular portion 210, the path of the gas G from the periphery of the tubular portion 210 to the lower end opening of the tubular portion 210 is secured, and the path thereof is secured. The generation of gas G on the front side of the projecting body 270 is suppressed by the amount. As a result, the overflow of the electrolytic solution U due to gassing can be suppressed more effectively. Further, the side slit 228 is opened at the lower end of the tubular portion 210 (inner tubular wall portion 214). Therefore, it is possible to more effectively suppress the formation of a liquid film at the lower end opening of the tubular portion 210.

In the present embodiment, the upper end P2 of the side slit 228 extends to a position above the lower surface 107 of the lid 106 in the vertical direction. According to the present embodiment, as compared with the configuration in which the side slit 228 is located below the lower surface 107 of the lid 106, the gas G generated around the tubular portion 210 is more likely to escape to the lower end opening side of the tubular portion 210. Therefore, the generation of gas G on the front side of the projecting body 270 is suppressed by that amount. As a result, the overflow of the electrolytic solution U due to gassing can be suppressed more effectively.

A-3. Sealing and gas emission measures:
(Specific configuration)
The liquid spout 200 has a configuration capable of discharging the gas G generated by gassing or the like to the outside while ensuring the airtightness between the tubular portion 210 and the cap 230. Specifically, the liquid spout 200 further includes an integral packing 250 and a filter 280. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the integrated packing 250. As shown in FIG. 7, in the integral packing 250, the cap packing 252 and the filter packing 254 are integrally formed. That is, in the integral packing 250, the cap packing 252 and the filter packing 254 are integrally formed (molded) with the same material. The integral packing 250 is formed of a sealing material such as rubber.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the shape of the cap packing 252 in the vertical direction is an annular shape corresponding to the upper end opening of the tubular portion 210. The cap packing 252 is arranged between the upper end opening of the tubular portion 210 and the cap 230 in the closed posture. A groove 252A is formed on the lower surface of the cap packing 252, and the upper end portion of the tubular portion 210 is inserted into the groove 252A (see FIG. 5). As a result, the airtightness between the cap packing 252 and the tubular portion 210 is improved. Of the cap packing 252, two contact ribs 257 are formed over the entire length on the upper surface facing the cap 230 in the closed posture (see FIGS. 4 and 7). The two contact ribs 257 come into contact with the lower surface of the cap 230 in the closed position. As a result, the airtightness between the cap packing 252 and the cap 230 is improved. The cap packing 252 is an example of a cap seal portion within the scope of claims.

The filter 280 is, for example, an explosion-proof filter that ignites the hydrogen gas discharged from the injection hole 211 of the tubular portion 210 and prevents the hydrogen gas in the housing 101 from igniting and exploding. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the shape of the filter 280 is, for example, a rectangular shape, and the filter rib 282 is formed over the entire length of the outer peripheral surface.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 7, the shape of the filter packing 254 is a rectangular ring shape, and the filter 280 is arranged in the opening 255 formed in the filter packing 254. Of the filter packing 254, a filter groove 256 is formed on the inner peripheral surface forming the opening 255 over the entire circumference, and a filter rib formed in the filter 280 is formed in the filter groove 256. 282 is inserted. As a result, the airtightness between the integral packing 250 and the filter packing 254 is improved. The upper end of the filter packing 254 is integrally connected to the lower surface of the cap packing 252. Two contact ribs 258 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the filter packing 254 over the entire length (only one contact rib 258 is shown in FIG. 7). Further, an engaging rib 259 having a protrusion length longer than that of the contact rib 258 is formed between the two contact ribs 258 over the entire length. The filter packing 254 is an example of a filter seal portion within the scope of claims.

A through hole 226 in which the filter 280 is arranged is formed in the outer tubular wall portion 212 of the tubular portion 210. Specifically, the through hole 226 has a rectangular shape and opens at the upper end of the tubular portion 210. Further, the through hole 226 is viewed in a direction parallel to the rotation axis Y1 (Y-axis direction), and the rotation axis Y1 and the second engaging convex portion 216 (engagement position between the cap 230 and the tubular portion 210). It is located between and (see FIG. 5). The filter packing 254 is arranged in the through hole 226. Of the outer cylinder wall portion 212, an engaging groove (not shown) is formed over the entire length on the inner peripheral surface forming the through hole 226, and the filter packing 254 is formed in the engaging groove. The engaged rib 259 is inserted. Further, the two contact ribs 258 formed on the filter packing 254 come into contact with the inner peripheral surface forming the through hole 226 while sandwiching the engaging rib 259. As a result, the airtightness between the filter packing 254 and the tubular portion 210 is improved. The outer tubular wall portion 212 of the tubular portion 210 is an example of a side wall portion of the tubular portion within the scope of the claims.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a valve mechanism 290 is arranged on the outer tubular wall portion 212 of the tubular portion 210. Specifically, the valve mechanism 290 is arranged in the through hole formed in the outer cylinder wall portion 212. The valve mechanism 290 has a valve that can be displaced between an open state that communicates the inside and the outside of the tubular portion 210 and a closed state that closes the tubular portion 210, and the internal pressure of the tubular portion 210 is a reference value when the cap 230 is closed. On condition that the above is satisfied, the inside and the outside of the tubular portion 210 are communicated with each other. For example, when the ventilation area of the filter 280 is 314 mm ² or more, the reference value is preferably 206 Pa, and when the ventilation area of the filter 280 ^{is less than 314 mm 2} , the reference value is preferably 441 Pa. In a configuration in which the liquid spout 200 does not have a filter 280 and the through hole 226 is closed, the reference value is preferably 441 Pa. In the present embodiment, the cap 230 maintains the closed posture even when the internal pressure of the tubular portion 210 becomes equal to or higher than the reference value. The valve mechanism 290 is an example of a communication unit within the scope of claims.

The internal pressure of the tubular portion 210 (hereinafter referred to as “open pressure”) when the valve mechanism 290 changes from the closed state to the open state can be measured as follows. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing a method of measuring the internal pressure (opening pressure) of the liquid spout 200. As shown in FIG. 9, the measurement housing 500 includes an introduction hole 510 into which air is inserted, a discharge hole 520 for discharging air to the outside, and a mounting hole 530 in which the liquid spout 200 is mounted in a sealed state. , Equipped with. A pressure gauge 600 is attached to the discharge hole 520. With the cap 230 in the closed position, air is introduced from the introduction hole 510 into the internal space 502 of the measurement housing 500. With the introduction of air, the internal pressure of the liquid spout 200 rises, and the pressure measured by the pressure gauge 600 when the cap 230 is in the open position is defined as the open pressure.

(Action effect)
If the filter 280 is to be arranged on the inner peripheral side of the tubular portion 210, the presence of the filter 280 reduces the visibility of the displacement of the float 240 (the upper end portion of the rod-shaped portion 244) from the cap 230 side, and the float It becomes impossible to confirm the liquid level by 240. In order to solve this problem, it is conceivable to arrange the filter 280 on the inner peripheral side of the tubular portion 210 so as to avoid the space while securing a space in which the float 240 can be visually recognized. However, in this configuration, a part of the generated gas G is discharged from the tubular portion 210 to the outside of the housing 101 without passing through the filter, so that the effect of the filter 280 cannot be obtained.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the cap packing 252 ensures the airtightness between the opening of the tubular portion 210 and the cap 230. Further, the filter 280 is arranged in the side wall of the tubular portion 210 or the through hole 226 formed in the cap 230. Therefore, when the liquid port plug 200 is attached to the housing 101 of the lead storage battery 100, the gas G generated by gassing or the like in the housing 101 of the lead storage battery 100 can be discharged to the outside through the filter 280.

In the present embodiment, the filter 280 is arranged at a position other than the cap convex portion 230B of the cap 230 on which the float 240 protrudes. According to this embodiment, the effect of the filter 280 can be obtained while ensuring the visibility of the float 240. Specifically, a through hole 226 in which the filter 280 is arranged is formed in the outer tubular wall portion 212 of the tubular portion 210. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the filter function from being deteriorated due to the electrolytic solution U that has entered the tubular portion 210 due to gassing or the like being directly applied to the filter 280.

In the present embodiment, since the filter packing 254 is arranged between the through hole 226 formed in the tubular portion 210 and the filter 280, the airtightness between the through hole 226 and the filter 280 can be improved. it can. Further, the through hole 226 formed in the tubular portion 210 opens at the upper end of the tubular portion 210. Therefore, the pressing force of the cap 230 in the closed posture is applied to the filter packing 254 via the cap packing 252, so that the airtightness between the through hole 226 and the filter 280 can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the cap packing 252 and the filter packing 254 are integrally formed. According to this embodiment, the number of parts of the liquid spout 200 can be reduced. Further, as compared with the configuration in which the cap packing 252 and the filter packing 254 are separate bodies, the airtightness due to the positional deviation between the cap packing 252 and the filter packing 254 due to the opening and closing of the cap 230, for example, is improved. The decrease can be suppressed.

In the present embodiment, a through hole 226 (filter packing 254 and filter 280) is arranged between the position where the cap 230 is pivotally supported and the position where the cap 230 is engaged. According to the present embodiment, since a strong pressing force from the cap 230 is applied to the packing packing 254 for the filter, the airtightness between the through hole 226 and the filter 280 can be improved more effectively.

According to the present embodiment, when the internal pressure of the tubular portion 210 exceeds the reference value in the state where the cap 230 is closed, the inside and the outside of the tubular portion 210 communicate with each other, so that the internal pressure of the tubular portion 210 is increased. It is possible to suppress an excessive rise.

B. Modification example:
The technique disclosed in the present specification is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be transformed into various forms without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the following modifications are also possible.

The configurations of the lead-acid battery 100 and the liquid spout 200 in the above embodiment are merely examples, and can be variously modified. For example, the housing 101 may have a configuration in which the internal space S is divided into a plurality of cell chambers, and the electrolytic solution U and the electrode plate group 104 are housed in each cell chamber. Further, in the above embodiment, the flat plate-shaped positive electrode plate 110P and the negative electrode plate 110N are exemplified as the positive electrode and the negative electrode, but shapes other than the flat plate may be used. For example, the positive electrode may be in the form in which a plurality of braided tubes are arranged.

The cap 230 may not be supported by the tubular portion 210 and may be completely detached from the tubular portion 210. Further, in the above embodiment, the cap 230 in the closed posture is held by the tubular portion 210 by the engaging means such as the first engaging convex portion 236, but for example, the cap 230 is held by the screwing means or the like. It may be held by the shape portion 210. Further, in the above embodiment, the first engaging convex portion 236 may be a concave portion that engages with the convex portion provided on the tubular portion 210 side. Further, in the above embodiment, only a part of the cap 230 (for example, the cap convex portion 230B) may be formed of a transparent material. The cap 230 does not have to have the cap convex portion 230B.

In the above embodiment, the upper end portion of the rod-shaped portion 244 is illustrated as the interlocking portion, but a shape other than the rod-shaped portion may be used. All you need is.

In the above embodiment, the slit 272 is exemplified as the through-passage formed in the projecting body 270, but for example, one or a plurality of slits or holes that do not reach the peripheral edge of the projecting body 270 may be used. Further, in the above embodiment, the slit 272 is opened on the tip end side (lower end side) of the projecting body 270, but may be configured to be opened on the side side of the projecting body 270, for example. Further, in the above embodiment, the opening shape of the slit 272 is not limited to a linear shape, and may be, for example, a curved shape. Further, the slit 272 may be formed in the projecting body 270 at a position other than the center in the left-right direction. Further, the upper end P1 of the slit 272 may be located below the tubular portion 210 in the vertical direction. In short, the gangway may be a gangway formed in a part of the projecting body 270. The opening area of the gangway (when there are a plurality of gangways, the total opening area) is preferably 1/2 or less of the area of the projecting body, and is preferably 1/4 or less of the area of the projecting body. More preferred. In the above embodiment, the protrusion 270 may not have the slit 272 formed, or the protrusion 270 itself may not be provided.

In the above embodiment, the side slit 228 is exemplified as the gangway formed in the tubular portion 210, but for example, one or a plurality of slits or holes that do not reach the lower end of the tubular portion 210 may be used. Further, in the above embodiment, the opening shape of the side slit 228 is not limited to a linear shape, and may be, for example, a curved shape. In short, the gangway may be a gangway formed in the tubular portion 210. Further, in the above embodiment, the side slit 228 may not be formed in the tubular portion 210.

In the above embodiment, the cap packing 252 and the filter packing 254 may be separate bodies. In the above embodiment, the shape of the cap packing 252 is an annular shape, but it may be an annular shape other than the annular shape (for example, a rectangular annular shape). Further, the shape of the cap packing 252 may be a shape other than the annular shape. Further, in the above embodiment, the filter packing 254 may not be provided, and for example, the filter 280 may be press-fitted into the through hole 226 formed in the tubular portion 210. Further, in the above embodiment, the through hole 226 formed in the tubular portion 210 may not be open to the upper end side of the tubular portion 210.

In the above embodiment, the filter 280 is not limited to the explosion-proof filter, and may be a filter having other functions (for example, a filter that absorbs a predetermined component of gas G). Further, the shape of the filter 280 is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be, for example, a circular shape. In the above embodiment, the filter 280 may be arranged, for example, on the cap 230. In this case, the filter 280 is arranged at a position where the displacement of the float 240 can be visually recognized with the cap 230 closed.

In the above embodiment, the valve mechanism 290 is illustrated as the communication portion. For example, the internal pressure of the tubular portion 210 becomes equal to or higher than the reference value when the door is provided so as to be openable and closable and the cap 230 is closed. In some cases, the opening / closing mechanism may be used so that the door changes from the closed position to the open position. Further, in the communicating portion, when the internal pressure of the tubular portion 210 becomes equal to or higher than the reference value with the cap 230 closed, the first engaging convex portion 236 of the cap 230 and the second engaging convex portion 236 of the tubular portion 210 The configuration may be such that the engagement with the engaging convex portion 216 is released. In the above embodiment, the configuration may not include a communication unit (valve mechanism 290).

In the present embodiment, the housing 101 may have the battery case 102 and the lid 106 integrally formed. Further, in the above embodiment, the tubular portion 210 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be, for example, a square tubular shape.

In the above embodiment, the cap packing 252 is a separate member from the cap 230 and the tubular portion 210, but may be integrated with the cap 230 or the tubular portion 210. Specifically, the portion of the cap 230 that comes into contact with the tubular portion 210 has a known seal structure (for example, a seal material joined to the cap 230 or a seal portion integrally formed of the same material as the cap 230). You may. Further, the portion of the tubular portion 210 that comes into contact with the cap 230 has a known seal structure (a seal material joined to the tubular portion 210 or a seal portion integrally formed of the same material as the tubular portion 210). May be good. In this case, the known seal structure is an example of the cap seal portion within the scope of the claims.

In the present embodiment, the transparent portion for visually recognizing the float 240 is formed on the cap 230, but it may be formed on the tubular portion 210.

The material for forming each component of the lead-acid battery 100 and the liquid spout 200 in the above embodiment is merely an example and can be variously deformed.

100: Lead-acid battery 101: Housing 102: Electric tank 104: Electrode plate group 106: Lid 106A, 530: Mounting hole 107: Bottom surface 110N: Negative electrode plate 110P: Positive electrode plate 112P: Current collecting member 120: Separator 150N, 150P: Terminal Part 200, 200a: Liquid spout 210: Cylindrical part 211: Injection hole 212: Outer cylinder wall part 214: Inner cylinder wall part 216: Second engaging convex part 220: Support part 222: Insertion hole 224: Locking Protrusion 226: Through hole 228: Side slit 230: Cap 230A: Handle 230B: Cap convex part 232: Peripheral wall part 234: Upper wall part 236: First engaging convex part 240: Float 242: Float body 244: Rod-shaped part 244A: Mark 246: Protrusion 250: Integrated packing 252: Cap packing 252A: Groove 254: Filter packing 255: Opening 256: Filter groove 257, 258: Contact rib 259: Engagement rib 260: Seal member 270, 270a: Projection 272: Slit 280: Filter 282: Filter rib 290: Valve mechanism 500: Measurement housing 502, S: Internal space 510: Introduction hole 520: Discharge hole 600: Pressure gauge G: Gas H: Cavity P1, P2: Upper end U: Electrolyte Y1: Rotating axis Z1: Central axis

Claims (11)

A liquid spout for lead-acid batteries
Cylindrical part and
The float main body located on one opening side in the tubular portion in the tubular axial direction and the float body are displaced on the other opening side in the tubular axial direction in conjunction with the movement of the float main body in the tubular axial direction. With an interlocking part and a float with
A cap that can open and close the other opening of the tubular portion,
With the cap closed, a cap seal portion arranged between the other opening of the tubular portion and the cap,
A filter arranged in a through hole formed in at least one of the side wall of the tubular portion and the cap,
To prepare
Liquid spout for lead-acid batteries. The lead storage battery liquid spout according to claim 1.
The cap has a convex portion that protrudes to the other side in the tubular axial direction in the closed state and is at least partially formed of a transparent material.
The interlocking portion of the float is capable of projecting into the convex portion of the closed cap.
The through hole in which the filter is arranged is formed at a position different from the convex portion of the side wall of the tubular portion and the cap.
Liquid spout for lead-acid batteries. The lead-acid battery liquid spout according to claim 1 or 2.
The through hole is formed in the side wall of the tubular portion.
Liquid spout for lead-acid batteries. The lead storage battery liquid spout according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
Further, an annular filter seal portion arranged between the through hole and the filter is provided.
Liquid spout for lead-acid batteries. The liquid port plug for a lead storage battery according to claim 4.
The through hole has a notch shape that opens on the other side of the tubular portion.
Liquid spout for lead-acid batteries. The lead-acid battery liquid spout according to claim 4 or 5.
The cap seal portion and the filter seal portion are integrally formed.
Liquid spout for lead-acid batteries. The lead storage battery liquid spout according to claim 5 or 6.
The cap is provided on the tubular portion so as to be openable and closable around a predetermined rotation axis, and has an engaging portion that engages with the tubular portion.
The through hole is located between the rotating shaft and the engaging portion in the direction of the rotating shaft.
Liquid spout for lead-acid batteries. The lead storage battery liquid spout according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
Further, a communicating portion for communicating the inside and the outside of the tubular portion is provided on condition that the internal pressure of the tubular portion becomes equal to or higher than a reference value in a state where the cap is closed.
Liquid spout for lead-acid batteries. The liquid port plug for a lead storage battery according to claim 8.
In the communication portion, the engagement between the tubular portion and the cap is released on condition that the tubular portion and the cap are engaged with each other and the internal pressure of the tubular portion becomes equal to or higher than the reference value. Is the composition to be done,
Liquid spout for lead-acid batteries. The liquid port plug for a lead storage battery according to claim 8.
The communication portion is arranged in at least one of the tubular portion and the cap, and is opened on condition that the internal pressure of the tubular portion becomes equal to or higher than the reference value.
Liquid spout for lead-acid batteries. A housing with mounting holes and
The lead-acid battery liquid spout according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which is mounted in the mounting hole of the housing.
A lead-acid battery including a positive electrode and a negative electrode housed in the housing.

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