JP7107063B2 - lead acid battery - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a lead-acid battery provided with a lid member having an exhaust port.

Patent Literature 1 describes a lead-acid battery that includes a container having a plurality of cell chambers and a lid member having an exhaust duct. This cover member has a passage wall inside. The passage wall forms a passage that guides the gas generated in the container to the exhaust duct.

JP 2016-189290 A

As the gas is discharged from the exhaust duct, the electrolyte stored in each cell chamber is reduced. In a plurality of cell chambers, the amount of decrease in the electrolytic solution may vary, and the amount of stored electrolytic solution may vary. As a result of experiments, the inventors of the present invention have found that the amount of decrease in electrolyte solution is greater in the outer cell chamber than in the inner cell chamber.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to reduce the difference in the amounts of electrolytes stored in a plurality of cell chambers.

A lead-acid battery according to an aspect of the present invention has an opening, and a partition plate is provided in an internal space that is continuous with the opening. a battery container having a second cell chamber partitioned into a second cell chamber; a lid member having a second vent that communicates the second cell chamber and the relay space, and an exhaust port that communicates the relay space and the outside; The lid member has ribs forming a first passage from the first ventilation port to the exhaust port and a second passage from the second ventilation port to the exhaust port. The length of the first passage is set longer than the length of the second passage.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the lead-acid battery which concerns on 1 aspect of this invention, the difference of the amount of electrolyte solution each stored in several cell chambers can be reduced.

Perspective view of a lead-acid battery Vertical cross-sectional view of lead-acid battery (II-II cross-sectional view in FIG. 1) Top view of battery case Disassembled perspective view of lid body Disassembled perspective view of lid body Perspective view of inner lid Top view of inner lid Bottom view of top cover Sectional view of ribs in inner lid Illustration of ribs

[Issues of lead-acid batteries]

A lead-acid battery includes a container that stores an electrolytic solution. The container has a plurality of cell chambers each storing an electrolytic solution. A lead-acid battery is mounted on a vehicle or the like and heated by heat from an engine or the like mounted on the vehicle. When the lead-acid battery is heated, the temperature of the electrolyte stored in each cell chamber rises. The electrolytic solution whose temperature has risen generates gas consisting of mist and water vapor. The generated gas increases the internal pressure of the cell chamber. When the internal pressure in the cell chamber increases, the gas in the cell chamber is discharged to the outside through an exhaust port provided in a lid member that closes the opening of the battery case.

The amount of electrolyte in the cell chamber is reduced by discharging the gas in the cell chamber to the outside through the exhaust port of the lid member. The amount of decrease in the electrolytic solution is different for each cell chamber. As a result, as the lead-acid battery is used, the amount of electrolyte stored in each cell chamber varies.

The inventor of the present application has found through experiments that the outer cell chamber, which is easily warmed by the heat from the engine, reduces the amount of electrolytic solution more than the inner cell chamber. I got some insight.

Further, the inventors of the present application have, as a result of experiments, believed that the amount of decrease in the electrolyte in the cell chamber may differ depending on the length of the passage from the vent provided in the lid member to the exhaust port. Obtained. More specifically, when the engine is stopped and the lead-acid battery is cooled by the outside air temperature, the internal pressure in the cell chamber drops as the temperature of the electrolyte drops. As the internal pressure in the cell chamber decreases, the gas remaining in the passageway is drawn into the cell chamber. The gas drawn into the cell chamber liquefies as the temperature drops and returns to the electrolyte. Therefore, the inventor of the present application believes that the longer the passage, the greater the amount of gas that stays on the passage, so the longer the passage, the more the amount of gas drawn into the cell chamber as the temperature decreases. increased, and as a result, the amount of decrease in the electrolytic solution was thought to decrease.

Therefore, the inventors of the present application reduced the difference in the amount of decrease in the electrolyte in each cell chamber by the difference in the length of a plurality of passages from the vent port to the exhaust port of each cell chamber. The inventors have made the present invention to reduce the difference in the amount of electrolyte solution.

[Overview]

First, an outline of a lead-acid battery according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. A lead-acid battery according to an embodiment of the present invention has an opening, and a partition plate is provided in an internal space that is continuous with the opening, thereby partitioning the first cell chamber on the outer edge side and the inner side of the first cell chamber. a battery container having a second cell chamber partitioned into a second cell chamber; a lid member having a second vent that communicates the second cell chamber and the relay space, and an exhaust port that communicates the relay space and the outside; The lid member has ribs forming a first passage from the first ventilation port to the exhaust port and a second passage from the second ventilation port to the exhaust port. The length of the first passage is set longer than the length of the second passage.

The temperature of the electrolyte stored in the cell chamber rises as the outside air temperature rises. The electrolytic solution whose temperature has risen generates gas consisting of mist and water vapor. When the internal pressure in the first cell chamber increases due to the generated gas, the gas generated in the first cell chamber enters the first passage through the first vent. When the internal pressure in the second cell chamber increases due to the generated gas, the gas generated in the second cell chamber enters the second passage through the second vent. The gas that has entered the first passage and the second passage is discharged to the outside through the exhaust port. When the temperature of the electrolyte stored in the cell chamber drops due to a drop in the outside air temperature, the gas in the cell chamber liquefies, and the liquefaction of the gas lowers the internal pressure in the cell chamber. The first cell chamber, whose internal pressure has decreased, draws in the gas remaining in the first passage. The second cell chamber, whose internal pressure has decreased, draws in the gas remaining in the second passage. The length of the first passage is longer than the length of the second passage. Therefore, the amount of gas staying in the first passage is greater than the amount of gas staying in the second passage. As a result, the amount of gas drawn by the first cell chamber is greater than the amount of gas drawn by the second cell chamber. That is, the first cell chamber, which produces more gas than the second cell chamber, draws in more gas than the second cell chamber as the ambient temperature drops. Therefore, the length of the first passage and the length of the second passage are the same, and the length of the first passage is shorter than the length of the second passage. and the amount of decrease in the electrolytic solution stored in the second cell chamber. As a result, the difference over time between the amount of electrolyte stored in the first cell chamber and the amount of electrolyte stored in the second cell chamber can be reduced more than the above configuration.

Here, the first passage and the second passage merge, and the length from the first vent to the confluence position of the first passage and the second passage is from the second vent. It may be set longer than the length up to the merging position.

Part of the gas entering the first and second passages is cooled and liquefied in the first and second passages. A liquid comprising liquefied gas flows through the first and second passages and back to the first and second cell chambers. Since the length from the first ventilation port to the confluence position of the first passage and the second passage is set longer than the length from the second ventilation port to the confluence position, the inside of the lid member is limited. The length of the first passage and the length of the second passage can be increased compared to the case where the first passage and the second passage do not merge in the space. Since the length of the first passage and the length of the second passage can be increased, the amount of gas liquefied in the intermediate space can be increased. As a result, it is possible to reduce the amount of decrease in the electrolytic solution in the first cell chamber and the second cell chamber.

Further, the third cell chamber may be partitioned inside the second cell chamber by the partition plate. The lid member has a third vent that communicates the intermediate space with the third cell chamber. The rib forms a third passage from the third vent to the exhaust port. The length of the second passage is set longer than the length of the third passage.

The container has a first cell chamber, a second cell chamber, and a third cell chamber in order from the outside. As the outside temperature rises, the electrolyte stored in the first cell chamber produces a larger amount of gas than the electrolyte stored in the second cell chamber. As the outside temperature rises, the electrolyte stored in the second cell chamber generates a larger amount of gas than the electrolyte stored in the third cell chamber. On the other hand, the length of the first passageway in the first cell chamber is greater than the length of the second passageway in the second cell chamber, and the length of the second passageway in the second cell chamber is greater than the length of the third passageway in the third cell chamber. longer than the length of Therefore, the difference between the amount of decrease in the electrolyte stored in the first cell chamber, the amount of decrease in the electrolyte stored in the second cell, and the amount of decrease in the electrolyte stored in the third cell is reduced. can do. As a result, the amount of electrolyte stored in the first cell chamber, the amount of electrolyte stored in the second cell chamber, and the amount of electrolyte stored in the third cell chamber vary over time. difference can be reduced.

Further, the lid member may define the intermediate space and have a convex portion projecting from the bottom surface, and the wall surface of the convex portion may be an inclined surface gradually inclined toward the exhaust port side.

For example, when a lead-acid battery is installed in a vehicle, and the vehicle equipped with the lead-acid battery runs on a slope, and the lead-acid battery is tilted so that the exhaust port side of the convex portion faces downward, the step formed by the rib causes the liquid to flow into the rib. is suppressed from flowing to the exhaust port side. On the other hand, when the lead-acid battery is tilted so that the vent side of the convex portion faces downward, the liquid may flow over the convex portion to the vent port side due to the inclined surface. As a result, it is possible to prevent the electrolyte from leaking out from the exhaust port, and to further reduce the amount of decrease in the electrolyte.

Further, the tip of the convex portion may have a projecting piece projecting toward the vent.

By providing the projecting piece at the tip of the projection on the vent port side, it is further suppressed that the liquid flows over the projection to the exhaust port side. As a result, it is possible to further reduce the amount of decrease in the electrolytic solution.

[Embodiment]

A lead-acid battery of one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

A lead-acid battery 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is mounted on a vehicle, for example, and used as a power source for starting an engine.

The lead-acid battery 10 includes a rectangular box-shaped battery case 20 having an opening on one side, and a lid member 30 that closes the opening of the battery case 20 . FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1, which is a cross-sectional view of the lead-acid battery 10 taken along a plane passing through the central axis of a negative electrode column 33, which will be described later. Hereinafter, the up-down direction 7 is defined as one side of the battery case 20 having an opening being the upper surface, the direction along the short side of the rectangular box-shaped battery case 20 is defined as the front-back direction 8, and the long side is defined as The direction along is defined as the left-right direction 9, and it demonstrates. The up-down direction 7, the front-rear direction 8, and the left-right direction 9 are orthogonal to each other.

The battery case 20 has four side plates 21 and a bottom plate 22 on the front, rear, left, and right. An internal space 23 surrounded by four side plates 21 and a bottom plate 22 stores an electrolytic solution 6 made of dilute sulfuric acid. That is, the lead storage battery 10 is a so-called liquid storage battery. The battery case 20 is, for example, a resin molded product molded using a synthetic resin having corrosion resistance and insulating properties.

As shown in FIG. 3, battery case 20 includes five partition plates 24 that partition internal space 23 into six. The partition plate 24 has a plate shape with a thickness in the left-right direction 9 . The partition plate 24 is formed integrally with the side plate 21 and the bottom plate 22 and is connected to the bottom plate 22 and the front and rear side plates 21 .

The left and right side plates 21 and the five partition plates 24 are separated from each other at approximately equal intervals in the left-right direction 9 . The upper end of the partition plate 24 is located at approximately the same height as the upper end of the side plate 21 . The five partition plates 24 partition the internal space 23 of the battery case 20 into six first to sixth cell chambers 11 to 16 . The first cell chamber 11 is positioned leftmost in the battery case 20 . Next, a second cell chamber 12, a third cell chamber 13, a fourth cell chamber 14, a fifth cell chamber 15, and a sixth cell chamber 16 are formed in the battery case 20 in order from the left. Each of the first to sixth cell chambers 11 to 16 stores the electrolytic solution 6, respectively. The first cell chamber 11 and the sixth cell chamber 16 are examples of the first cell chamber of the present invention. The second cell chamber 12 and the fifth cell chamber 15 are examples of the second cell chamber of the present invention. The third cell chamber 13 and the fourth cell chamber 14 are examples of the third cell chamber of the present invention.

Each of the first to sixth cell chambers 11 to 16 accommodates a positive electrode plate 25, a negative electrode plate 26, and a separator 27, respectively, as shown in FIG. The positive electrode plate 25 , the negative electrode plate 26 , and the separator 27 are plate-shaped with a thickness in the left-right direction 9 , and are separated from each other in the left-right direction 9 . The separator 27 is positioned between the positive electrode plate 25 and the negative electrode plate 26 to separate the positive electrode plate 25 and the negative electrode plate 26 .

The positive electrode plate 25 and the negative electrode plate 26 are, for example, a grid filled with an active material. The main component of the active material of the positive electrode plate 25 is lead dioxide. The main component of the active material of the negative plate 26 is lead.

The positive electrode plates 25 and the negative electrode plates 26 housed in the first to sixth cell chambers 11 to 16 are connected to each other by conductive straps 28 . Specifically, the positive electrode plate 25 housed in one cell chamber is connected via a strap 28 to the negative electrode plate 26 housed in the adjacent cell chamber. A negative electrode plate 26 housed in one cell chamber is connected via another strap 28 to a positive electrode plate 25 housed in an adjacent cell chamber. For example, the positive electrode plate 25 housed in the second cell chamber 12 is connected via a strap 28 to the negative electrode plate 26 housed in the first cell chamber 11 and the third cell chamber 13. The negative plate 26 housed in cell 12 is connected to the positive plate 25 housed in the first cell chamber 11 and the third cell chamber 13 via another strap 28 . That is, the first to sixth cell chambers 11 to 16 are connected in series.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lid member 30 includes a rectangular box-shaped lid body 31, a positive electrode column 32 and a negative electrode column 33 penetrating the lid body 31 in the vertical direction 7, bushings 38 and 39, Prepare.

The lid body 31 has a rectangular box shape. The thickness of the lid body 31 in the vertical direction 7 is shorter than the short side along the front-rear direction 8 and the long side along the left-right direction 9 . That is, the lid body 31 has a flat rectangular box shape. The lid body 31 has a lower surface that is larger than the upper surface of the container 20 . A peripheral wall 35 that covers the upper portion of the outer surface of the side plate 21 of the battery case 20 protrudes downward from the peripheral edge of the lower surface. The lid main body 31 is arranged by fitting the upper portion of the side plate 21 of the battery case 20 inside the peripheral wall 35 .

The lid body 31 is fixed to the container 20 . Specifically, the lid body 31 has a rectangular frame-shaped contact surface 36 provided along the peripheral wall 35 . The contact surface 36 is part of the lower surface of the lid body 31 . The contact surface 36 is in contact with the upper end of the side plate 21 of the container 20 . The contact surface 36 and the upper end of the side plate 21 of the container 20 are fixed to each other by heat welding or the like. That is, the lid body 31 is fixed to the container 20 .

Further, the lid body 31 is fixed to the battery case 20 so as to prevent the electrolyte solution 6 from moving between the first to sixth cell chambers 11 to 16 of the battery case 20 . Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the lid body 31 has five ribs 37 protruding downward from the bottom surface. Each rib 37 has a thickness in the left-right direction 9 and is provided along the front-rear direction 8 . The lower end of each rib 37 abuts the upper end of each partition plate 24 of the container 20 . The lower end of the rib 37 of the lid body 31 and the upper end of the partition plate 24 of the container 20 are fixed to each other by heat welding or the like. The partition plate 24 and ribs 37 prevent the electrolyte solution 6 from moving between the first to sixth cell chambers 11 to 16 .

The lid body 31 and the bushings 38 and 39 shown in FIG. 1 are integrally molded by, for example, so-called insert molding. That is, the bushings 38 and 39 are fixed to the lid body 31 .

The bushing 38 and the bushing 39 are both cylindrical and made of a conductive metal such as a lead alloy, and have the same shape. Although the bushing 38 will be mainly described below, the same applies to the bushing 39 as well. The bushing 38 and the bushing 39 may have different shapes, or may have the same shape but different sizes (similar shapes).

The upper portion of the bushing 38 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the lid body 31 and is exposed to the outside. That is, the bushing 38 functions as an external connection terminal. Inside the bushing 38, the upper end of the positive electrode column 32 made of conductive metal is inserted. Positive pole 32 is fixed to bushing 38, for example, by welding. The lower end of the positive pole 32 is connected to the strap 28 shown in FIG. Similarly, the lower end of the negative pole 33 is connected to another strap 28 . The lead-acid battery 10 outputs DC voltage from a pair of positive and negative bushings 38 and 39 .

As shown in FIG. 1, the lid body 31 has an exhaust port 45 for exhausting gases such as mist and water vapor generated in the battery case 20 to the outside in order to prevent the internal pressure inside the battery case 20 from becoming too high. on the sidewalls. Further, the lid body 31 has a structure that prevents liquid from leaking out from the exhaust port 45 . The configuration of the lid body 31 will be described in detail below.

[Lid body 31]

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the lid body 31 has an inner lid 40 and an upper lid 50 . The inner lid 40 and the upper lid 50 are synthetic resin moldings.

The inner lid 40 has the above-described peripheral wall 35 thermally welded to the battery case 20 and is fixed to the battery case 20 . The bushings 38 and 39 described above are located in the rear portion of the inner lid 40 with a space therebetween in the left-right direction 9 .

The inner lid 40 has six inlets 431 to 436 at the front for injecting the electrolytic solution 6 into the first to sixth cell chambers 11 to 16 of the container 20, respectively. The six injection ports 431-436 are separated from each other in the left-right direction 9. As shown in FIG. The inlets 431-436 are closed by plugs 60, respectively. Each plug 60 is fixed to the upper lid 50 respectively. Details will be described later.

A front upper surface 41, which is the upper surface of the front portion of the inner lid 40, is positioned lower than a rear upper surface 42, which is the upper surface of the rear portion. An upper lid 50 is arranged on the front upper surface 41 of the inner lid 40 . The height difference between the rear upper surface 42 and the front upper surface 41 of the inner lid 40 and the length of the upper lid 50 in the vertical direction 7 are substantially equal. That is, in the lid body 31, the rear upper surface 42 of the inner lid 40 and the upper surface of the upper lid 50 are substantially flush with each other. A front portion of the inner lid 40 constitutes a bottom wall of the lid member 30 .

The upper lid 50 has a rectangular plate-like plate portion 51 whose length along the left-right direction 9 is longer than the length along the front-rear direction 8 and whose thickness is in the up-down direction 7 , and a plate-like portion 51 extending downward from the peripheral edge of the lower surface of the plate-like portion 51 . and a protruding peripheral wall 52 . The lower end of the peripheral wall 52 is fixed to the front upper surface 41 of the inner lid 40 by thermal welding. That is, the upper lid 50 is fixed to the inner lid 40 . The upper lid 50 constitutes the top wall and side walls of the lid body 31 .

The upper lid 50 has six injection openings 531 to 536 overlapping the injection ports 431 to 436 of the inner lid 40 in the vertical direction 7 at its front portion. Thread grooves 54 are provided on the inner peripheral surfaces of the injection openings 531 to 536, respectively. The screw groove 54 is screwed with the screw groove 61 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the plug 60 having a cylindrical shape. That is, the upper lid 50 fixes six plugs 60 respectively.

The above-described exhaust port 45 is formed in the peripheral wall 52 of the upper lid 50 . The exhaust port 45 penetrates the peripheral wall 52 in the left-right direction 9 . A first passage 151 to a sixth passage 156 (the first passage 151 to sixth passage 156 ( 7) are formed. A detailed description will be given below.

As shown in FIG. 6, the inner lid 40 has six first to sixth vents 161 to 166 that serve as starting points for the first to sixth passages 151 to 156 . The first to sixth vents 161 to 166 pass through the front portion of the inner lid 40 in the vertical direction 7 respectively. The first to sixth ventilation ports 161 to 166 communicate the first to sixth cell chambers 11 to 16 with the relay space 5, respectively. Specifically, the first vent 161 communicates the first cell chamber 11 and the relay space 5, the second vent 162 communicates the second cell chamber 12 and the relay space 5, and the third vent The port 163 communicates the third cell chamber 13 and the relay space 5, the fourth vent port 164 communicates the fourth cell chamber 14 and the relay space 5, and the fifth vent port 165 communicates the fifth cell chamber. 15 and the relay space 5 , and the sixth vent 166 communicates the sixth cell chamber 16 and the relay space 5 . The first vent 161 and the sixth vent 166 are examples of the first vent of the present invention. The second vent 162 and the fifth vent 165 are examples of the second vent of the present invention. The third vent 163 and the fourth vent 164 are examples of the third vent of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the intermediate space 5, a first passage 151 to a sixth passage 156 are formed starting from the first vent 161 to the sixth vent 166, respectively. The first passage 151 is a passage from the first vent 161 communicating with the first cell chamber 11 to the exhaust port 45 . The second passage 152 is a passage from the second vent 162 communicating with the second cell chamber 12 to the exhaust port 45 . The third passage 153 is a passage from the third ventilation port 163 communicating with the third cell chamber 13 to the exhaust port 45 . The fourth passage 154 is a passage from the fourth vent 164 communicating with the fourth cell chamber 14 to the exhaust port 45 . The fifth passage 155 is a passage from the fifth vent 165 communicating with the fifth cell chamber 15 to the exhaust port 45 . The sixth passage 156 is a passage from a sixth vent 166 communicating with the sixth cell chamber 16 to the exhaust port 45 . The first passage 151 and the sixth passage 156 are examples of the first passage of the present invention. The second passage 152 and fifth passage 155 are examples of the second passage of the present invention. The third passage 153 and fourth passage 154 are examples of the third passage of the present invention.

The first passage 151 is formed by a plurality of ribs 101-127 shown in FIG. 7 and a plurality of ribs 171-197 shown in FIG. The ribs 101 to 127 protrude upward from the front upper surface 41 of the inner lid 40 . The ribs 171-197 protrude downward from the lower surface of the upper lid 50. As shown in FIG. The upper ends of ribs 101-127 and the lower ends of ribs 171-197 are in contact with each other and fixed to each other by thermal welding. In FIGS. 7 and 8, the areas to be thermally welded are indicated by hatching. Since the shape of the ribs 101 to 127 and the shape of the ribs 171 to 197 in plan view are substantially the same, the ribs 101 to 127 provided on the inner lid 40 will be described below with reference to FIG. A description of the shape of the ribs 171 to 197 provided on 50 is omitted.

The rib 127 is positioned to the right of the first vent 161 and extends along the front-rear direction 8 . The rib 101 is positioned behind the first vent 161 and extends along the left-right direction 9 . The rib 102 is positioned in front of the first vent 161 and extends along the left-right direction 9 . A portion of first passage 151 is formed between rib 101 and rib 102 . The gas that has entered the relay space 5 from the battery case 20 through the first vent 161 proceeds to the left from the first vent 161 .

The rib 103 extends diagonally rearward right from the left end of the rib 102 . A rear end of the rib 103 is separated from the rib 101 . A portion of the first passage 151 is formed between the rear end of the rib 103 and the rib 101 . The gas passes leftward between the rear end of rib 103 and rib 101 .

The rib 104 is positioned to the left of the rib 103 and extends along the front-rear direction 8 . The rear end of rib 104 is connected to the left end of rib 101 . A portion of first passage 151 is formed between rib 103 and rib 104 . The gas passes forward between ribs 103 and 104 .

A rib 110 , a rib 105 and a rib 106 are formed in front of the rib 102 . Ribs 110 are arcuate. The left end of rib 110 is connected to rib 104 . A rib 105 extends rearward from the central portion of the rib 110 in the left-right direction 9 . The rear end of rib 105 is separated from rib 102 . A portion of first passage 151 is formed between the rear end of rib 105 and rib 102 . The rib 106 extends rightward from the central portion of the rib 105 in the front-rear direction 8 . A portion of first passage 151 is formed between rib 106 and rib 102 . After passing between the rear end of rib 105 and rib 102, the gas passes between rib 106 and rib 102 toward the right.

A rib 107 is formed to the right of the rib 106 . The rib 107 is spaced apart from the rib 106 and extends along the front-rear direction 8 . A portion of first passage 151 is formed between rib 106 and rib 107 . Gas passes forward between the right end of rib 106 and rib 107 .

A rib 108 is formed in front of the rib 107 . The rib 108 extends along the left-right direction 9 and connects with the front end of the rib 107 . A rib 109 extends rearward from the left end of the rib 108 . The rear end of rib 109 is separated from rib 106 . A portion of first passage 151 is formed between rib 109 and rib 106 . The gas passes leftward between ribs 109 and 106 .

A portion of the first passage 151 is formed by the ribs 109, 105 and 110 described above. Gas passes forward between rib 109 and ribs 105 and 110 .

A rib 111 is formed in front of the rib 110 . Ribs 111 extend along the periphery of inlet 431 . The right end of rib 110 is connected to rib 111 . A portion of the first passage 151 is formed between the rib 111 and the ribs 109 and 108 . The gas passes between the rib 111 and the ribs 127 and 108 generally obliquely forward to the right.

A rib 112 is formed to the right of the rib 111 . The rib 112 extends along the left-right direction 9 . The left end of rib 112 is connected to rib 111 . The front ends of the aforementioned ribs 127 are spaced apart from the ribs 112 as indicated by hatching. A portion of first passage 151 is formed between the front end of rib 127 and rib 112 . The gas passes rightward between ribs 127 and 112 .

The right end of rib 112 is connected to rib 113 . Ribs 113 extend along the periphery of inlet 432 . A rib 124 is formed behind the rib 113 . Rib 124 extends along left-right direction 9 . A portion of the first passage is formed between rib 124 and rib 113 . The gas passes rightward between rib 124 and rib 113 .

The left end of rib 124 is separated from rib 127 . Between the left end of the rib 124 and the rib 127 is a first merging position 55 where the first passage 151 and a second passage 152 described later merge. A passage from the first vent 161 to the first confluence position 55 constitutes a first individual passage of the first passage 151 . A passage from the first merging position 55 to the exhaust port 45 , which will be described below, constitutes a common passage for the first passage 151 and the second passage 152 .

A rib 114 is formed to the right of the rib 113 . Rib 114 extends along left-right direction 9 . The left end of rib 114 is connected to rib 113 . The front end of rib 227 is spaced apart from rib 114 as shown by hatching. A portion of first passage 151 is formed between the front end of rib 227 and rib 114 . Gas passes rightward between the front end of rib 127 and rib 114 .

The right end of rib 114 is connected to rib 115 . Ribs 115 extend along the periphery of inlet 433 . A rib 125 is formed behind the rib 115 . The rib 125 extends along the left-right direction 9 . The gas passes rightward between ribs 125 and 115 . The left end of rib 125 is separated from rib 227 . A second confluence position 56 is formed between the left end of the rib 125 and the rib 124 where the first passage 151 and a third passage 153 described later merge.

A rib 126 is formed to the right of the rib 115 . The rib 126 extends along the front-rear direction 8 . The rear end of rib 126 is connected to the right end of rib 125 . A portion of first passage 151 is formed between rib 115 and rib 126 . The gas passes between the rib 115 and the rib 126 generally diagonally forward to the right.

A rib 116 is formed to the right of the rib 126 . Ribs 116 extend along the periphery of inlet 434 . Rib 116 is spaced apart from rib 115 and rib 126 . A portion of first passage 151 is formed between rib 115 and rib 116 . Gas passes forward between ribs 115 and 116 . A third confluence position 57 between the first passage 151 and a sixth passage 156 (to be described later) is provided between the ribs 115 and 116 .

Ribs 117, 118, 119, and 120 are formed on the right side of the rib 116 in order from the left. Rib 117 extends along left-right direction 9 . The left end of rib 117 is connected to rib 116 . The right end of rib 117 is connected to rib 118 . Ribs 118 extend along the periphery of inlet 435 . The rib 119 extends along the left-right direction 9 . The left end of rib 119 is connected to rib 118 . The right end of rib 119 is connected to rib 120 . Ribs 120 extend along the perimeter of inlet 436 . A rib 121 is formed in front of the ribs 116 , 118 and 120 . Rib 121 extends along left-right direction 9 . A portion of first passage 151 is formed between rib 121 and ribs 116 , 117 , 118 , 119 and 120 . Gas passes between rib 121 and ribs 116, 117, 118, 119, 120 toward the right.

A rib 122 is formed to the right of the rib 120 . The rib 122 extends along the front-rear direction 8 . The front end of rib 122 is connected to the right end of rib 121 . Rib 122 is spaced apart from rib 120 . A portion of first passage 151 is formed between rib 120 and rib 122 . Gas passes rearward between ribs 120 and 122 .

A rib 123 is formed behind the rib 120 . The left end of rib 123 is connected to rib 120 and the right end of rib 123 is connected to rib 122 . A rib 192 (see FIG. 8) of the upper lid 50 that is thermally welded to the upper end of the rib 122 has an opening 63 . The opening 63 communicates the first passage 151 and the exhaust port 45 . That is, the first passage 151 starting from the first ventilation port 161 communicates with the outside through the opening 63 and the exhaust port 45 .

A filter 64 (see FIG. 8) is arranged in a region surrounded by the ribs 120, 122, and 123. As shown in FIG. The filter 64 prevents sparks from entering the relay space 5 from the exhaust port 45 .

Next, the second passage 152 will be explained. A second vent 162, which is the starting point of the second passage 152, is located to the right of the rib 127 described above. A rib 201 is formed behind the second vent 162 . Ribs 201 extend along the left-right direction 9 . A rib 202 is formed in front of the second vent 162 . Ribs 202 extend along the left-right direction 9 . A portion of the second passage 152 is formed between the ribs 201 and 202 . The gas that has entered the relay space 5 from the second cell chamber 12 through the second vent 162 proceeds to the right from the second vent 162 .

The rib 203 extends diagonally rearward left from the right end of the rib 202 . The rear end of rib 203 is separated from rib 201 . A portion of the second passage 152 is formed between the rear end of the rib 203 and the rib 201 . The gas entering the intermediate space 5 from the second cell chamber 12 through the second vent 162 proceeds to the right from the second vent 162 and passes rightward between the rear end of the rib 203 and the rib 201. do.

The rib 227 is positioned to the right of the rib 203 and extends along the front-rear direction 8 . The rear end of rib 227 is connected to the right end of rib 201 . A portion of second passage 152 is formed between rib 203 and rib 227 . Gas passes forward between ribs 203 and 227 .

A rib 205 and a rib 206 are formed in front of the rib 202 . Rib 206 extends along left-right direction 9 . The right end of rib 206 is connected to rib 227 . The rib 205 extends along the front-rear direction 8 . The front end of rib 205 is connected to rib 206 . A portion of the second passage 152 is formed between the ribs 205 and 206 and the rib 202 . The gas passes between ribs 202 and 205 to the left and then between ribs 202 and 206 to the left.

A rib 207 is formed to the left of the rib 206 . The rib 207 is spaced apart from the rib 206 and extends along the front-rear direction 8 . A portion of second passage 152 is formed between rib 206 and rib 207 . Gas passes forward between the left end of rib 206 and rib 207 .

A rib 208 is formed in front of the rib 207 . The rib 208 extends along the left-right direction 9 and connects with the front end of the rib 207 . A portion of second passage 152 is formed between rib 208 and rib 206 . Gas passes between ribs 208 and 206 towards the right.

The right end of rib 208 is spaced apart from rib 227 . A portion of second passage 152 is formed between the right end of rib 208 and rib 227 . Gas passes forward between the right end of rib 208 and rib 227 .

Also, rib 208 is located behind rib 124 described above and is spaced apart from rib 124 . A portion of second passage 152 is formed between rib 208 and rib 124 . The gas passes leftward between ribs 208 and 124 and joins first passageway 151 at first junction 55 between the left end of rib 124 and rib 127 .

A plurality of ribs, which are thermally welded to the ribs 201 forming the second passage 152, protrude downward from the lower surface of the upper lid 50. As shown in FIG. This rib forms a second passageway 152 together with rib 201 and the like.

The third passage 153 has the same configuration as the second passage 152 . Specifically, the ribs 301 to 303, 305 to 308, 327, and 125 forming the third passage 153 have the same shape as the above-described ribs 201 to 203, 205 to 208, 227, and 124 forming the second passage 152. are the same as the shape. The third passage 153 merges with the first passage 151 at the second junction position 56 described above. A plurality of ribs that are thermally welded to the ribs 301 forming the third passage 153 project downward from the lower surface of the upper lid 50 . The shape of the ribs of the upper lid 50 thermally welded to the ribs 301 and the like is the same as the ribs 301 and the like forming the third passage 153, so the description thereof will be omitted.

The fourth passage 154 is bilaterally symmetrical with the third passage 153 with the rib 327 as the axis of symmetry. Specifically, the ribs 401-403, 405-408, 427, 410 forming the fourth passage 154 are similar to the above-described ribs 301-303, 305-308, 327, 125 forming the third passage 153, respectively. It is bilaterally symmetrical. The fourth passage 154 merges with a sixth passage 156 described later at a fifth junction position 58 between the right end of the rib 410 extending in the left-right direction 9 and the front end of the rib 427 extending in the front-rear direction 8 . A plurality of ribs, which are thermally welded to the ribs 401 forming the fourth passage 154, protrude downward from the lower surface of the upper lid 50. As shown in FIG. The shape of the ribs of the upper lid 50 thermally welded to the ribs 401 and the like is the same as the ribs 401 and the like forming the fourth passage 154, so the description thereof will be omitted.

The fifth passage 155 is bilaterally symmetrical with the second passage 152 with the rib 327 as the axis of symmetry. Specifically, the ribs 501-503, 505-508, 527, 510 forming the fifth passageway 155 are similar to the above-described ribs 201-203, 205-208, 227, 124 forming the second passageway 152, respectively. It is bilaterally symmetrical. The fifth passage 155 merges with a sixth passage 156 described later at a fourth junction position 59 between the right end of the rib 510 extending in the left-right direction 9 and the rib 527 extending in the front-rear direction 8 . A plurality of ribs, which are thermally welded to the ribs 501 forming the fifth passage 155, protrude downward from the lower surface of the upper lid 50. As shown in FIG. The shape of the ribs of the upper lid 50 thermally welded to the ribs 501 and the like is the same as the ribs 501 and the like forming the fifth passage 155, so the description thereof will be omitted.

The sixth passage 156 is bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the first passage 151 from the first vent 161 to the third confluence position 57 and the rib 327 as a symmetrical axis. Specifically, the ribs 601 - 603 , 605 - 609 , 122 , 123 , 527 forming the sixth passage 156 are similar to the ribs 101 - 103 , 105 - 109 , 104 , 110 , 127 and symmetrical. The first passage 151 and the sixth passage 156 merge at the third confluence position 57 . A plurality of ribs that are thermally welded to the ribs 601 forming the sixth passage 156 protrude downward from the lower surface of the upper lid 50 . The shape of the ribs of the upper lid 50 thermally welded to the ribs 601 and the like is the same as the ribs 601 and the like forming the sixth passage 156, so the description thereof will be omitted.

The first to sixth passages 151 to 156 allow the liquid generated by the liquefaction of the gas in the intermediate space 5 to flow through the first to sixth circulation holes 231 to 236 shown in FIG. It also functions as a passage returning to the inside of the sixth cell chamber 16 . The first to sixth circulation holes 231 to 236 penetrate the front portion of the inner lid 40 in the vertical direction 7 . The first circulation hole 231 communicates the first cell chamber 11 and the first passage 151 . The second circulation hole 232 communicates the second cell chamber 12 and the second passage 152 . The third circulation hole 233 communicates the third cell chamber 13 and the third passage 153 . The fourth circulation hole 234 communicates the fourth cell chamber 14 and the fourth passage 154 . The fifth circulation hole 235 communicates the fifth cell chamber 15 and the fifth passage 155 . The sixth circulation hole 236 communicates the sixth cell chamber 16 and the sixth passage 156 .

As shown in FIG. 6, six peripheral wall ribs 66 surrounding the first to sixth circulation holes 231 to 236 protrude downward from the lower surface of the front portion of the inner lid 40 . The peripheral wall rib 66 prevents the electrolytic solution 6 in the container 20 from reaching the first circulation hole 231 to the sixth circulation hole 236 due to shaking or vibration. Each peripheral rib 66 has a notch 67 cut upward from the lower end. The notch 67 prevents the electrolytic solution 6 from reaching the first circulation hole 231 to the sixth circulation hole 236 along the peripheral wall rib 66 .

The front upper surface 41 of the inner lid 40 forming the first to sixth passages 151 to 156 is inclined toward the first to sixth circulation holes 231 to 236 . The liquid made of the gas liquefied in the intermediate space 5, or the liquid made of the electrolytic solution 6 that has entered the first passage 151 to the sixth passage 156 from the first circulation hole 231 to the sixth circulation hole 236 due to shaking or vibration, The inclined front upper surface 41 guides the liquid to the first to sixth circulation holes 231 to 236 and returns from the first to sixth circulation holes 231 to 236 to the first to sixth cell chambers 11 to 16 .

In front of the ribs 127, 227, 427, 527 shown in FIG. 7, first ribs 131 to fourth ribs 134 protrude upward from the front upper surface 41 of the inner lid 40, which is the bottom surface of the lid body 31, respectively. It is The first rib 131 and the second rib 132 have the same shape, and the first rib 131 and the second rib 132 and the third rib 133 and the fourth rib 134 have a symmetrical shape with the rib 327 as the axis of symmetry. Therefore, the first rib 131 will be described, and descriptions of the second to fourth ribs 132 to 134 will be omitted. The ribs 131-134 are examples of the projections of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 9, the first rib 131 has a step surface 135 on the first vent 161 side (left side) and an inclined surface 136 on the exhaust port 45 side (right side). The first rib 131 also has a projecting piece 137 projecting from the upper end of the step surface 135 toward the first vent 161 . The protruding piece 137 can be formed, for example, by partially melting the first rib 131 when the inner lid 40 and the upper lid 50 are thermally welded together.

The ribs 131 to 134 are formed by the first passage 151 to the sixth passage 151 to the sixth passage 151 to the sixth passage 151 to the sixth passage 151 to the sixth passage from the first circulation hole 231 to the sixth circulation hole 236 due to shaking or vibration. The liquid entering the passage 156 is prevented from reaching the exhaust port 45, and the liquid in the passage from the ribs 131 to 134 to the exhaust port 45 is made easy to return to the first circulation hole 231 to the sixth circulation hole 236.

A detailed description will be given with reference to FIG. When the vehicle equipped with the lead-acid battery 10 runs uphill (downhill), the lead-acid battery 10 tilts (upper diagram in FIG. 10). Since the ribs 131 to 134 have stepped surfaces 135 on the side of the first vent port 161 to the sixth vent port 166, the liquid indicated by hatching with dotted lines in the figure is caused to climb over the ribs 131 to 134 by the stepped surfaces 135. The flow to the exhaust port 45 side is suppressed. A projecting piece 137 projects from the upper end of the stepped surface 135 toward the first to sixth vents 161 to 166 . The projecting piece 137 further suppresses the liquid from flowing over the ribs 131 to 134 to the exhaust port 45 side.

On the other hand, when the vehicle equipped with the lead-acid battery 10 runs downhill (uphill), the lead-acid battery 10 leans in the opposite direction (lower diagram in FIG. 10). Since the ribs 131 to 134 have an inclined surface 136 on the side of the exhaust port 45, the liquid in the passage from the ribs 131 to 134 to the exhaust port 45 is pushed over the ribs 131 to 134 by the inclined surface 136 to the first liquid. It becomes easy to flow from the return hole 231 to the sixth return hole 236 side.

[motion]

In the following, when the lead-acid battery 10 is mounted on a vehicle and used, gas is generated in the first cell chamber 11 to the sixth cell chamber 16, and the generated gas is the first cell chamber 11 to the sixth cell chamber 16. , will be described with reference to FIG.

When the engine mounted on the vehicle is started and the engine generates heat, the temperature of the electrolytic solution 6 in the first to sixth cell chambers 11 to 16 of the battery case 20 of the lead-acid battery 10 rises due to the heat from the engine. The electrolytic solution 6 whose temperature has risen generates gas consisting of water vapor and mist.

The amount of gas generated in the first cell chamber 11 to the sixth cell chamber 16 until the temperatures of the first cell chamber 11 to the sixth cell chamber 16 become substantially constant is It depends on the degree of temperature rise in chamber 16 . The degree of temperature rise is the value of temperature rise per unit time. The greater the degree of temperature rise, the greater the amount of gas generated. The degree of temperature rise in the first to sixth cell chambers 11 to 16 is greatest in the outer first and sixth cell chambers 11 and 16, which are more likely to receive heat from the engine. In addition, the degree of temperature rise in the inner third cell chamber 13 and fourth cell chamber 14 is the smallest. The degree of temperature rise in the second cell chamber 12 and the fifth cell chamber 15 is determined by the degree of temperature rise in the third cell chamber 13 and the fourth cell chamber 14, and the degree of temperature rise in the first cell chamber 11 and the sixth cell chamber 16. is in the middle of the degree of The terms “inner side” and “outer side” refer to positions relative to the center position of the battery case 20 . That is, the third cell chamber 13 and the fourth cell chamber 14 closest to the center position of the container 20 are the innermost cell chambers, and the first cell chamber 11 farthest from the center position of the container 20 The sixth cell chamber 16 is the outermost cell chamber.

Gas generated in the first cell chamber 11 enters the first passage 151 through the first vent 161 , passes through the first passage 151 , and is discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 45 .

The gas generated in the second cell chamber 12 enters the second passage 152 through the second vent 162 , joins the first passage 151 at the first junction 55 , passes through the first passage 151 and exits the exhaust port 45 . is discharged to the outside.

The gas generated in the third cell chamber 13 enters the third passage 153 through the third vent 163 , joins the first passage 151 at the second confluence position 56 , passes through the first passage 151 and exits the exhaust port 45 . is discharged to the outside.

The gas generated in the sixth cell chamber 16 enters the sixth passage 156 through the sixth vent 166 , joins the first passage 151 at the third junction 57 , passes through the first passage 151 , and exits the exhaust port 45 . is discharged to the outside.

The gas generated in the fifth cell chamber 15 enters the fifth passage 155 through the fifth vent 165, joins the sixth passage 156 at the fourth junction 59, and enters the first passage 151 at the third junction 57. They merge, pass through the first passage 151 and are discharged to the outside from the exhaust port 45 .

The gas generated in the fourth cell chamber 14 enters the fourth passage 154 through the fourth vent 164, joins the sixth passage 156 at the fifth junction 58, and enters the first passage 151 at the third junction 57. They merge, pass through the first passage 151 and are discharged to the outside from the exhaust port 45 .

When the engine is stopped and the first to sixth cell chambers 11 to 16 in the container 20 of the lead-acid battery 10 are cooled by the outside air temperature, the gases in the first to sixth cell chambers 11 to 16 are liquefied. Then, the internal pressures in the first to sixth cell chambers 11 to 16 decrease. When the internal pressure in the first cell chamber 11 to the sixth cell chamber 16 decreases, the gas remaining in the first passage 151 to the sixth passage 156 is drawn into the first cell chamber 11 to the sixth cell chamber 16, and the first cell It liquefies in chambers 11 to 6 and returns to electrolytic solution 6 .

The amount of gas drawn into each of the first to sixth cell chambers 11 to 16 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The gas remaining in the first passage 151 from the third confluence position 57 to the exhaust port 45 is divided into the first passage 151 on the left side and the sixth passage 156 on the right side at the third confluence position 57 and enters the first passage 151 . They are drawn into the cell chambers 11 to 3 and into the 4th to 6th cell chambers 14 to 16, respectively. Since the left passage and the right passage at the third confluence position 57 have a symmetrical shape, the amount of gas drawn into the first cell chamber 11 to the third cell chamber 13 and the amount of gas drawn into the fourth cell chamber 14 to the third cell chamber 14 The amount of gas drawn into the six-cell chamber 16 is approximately the same. Since the left passage and the right passage at the third merging position 57 have a symmetrical shape, the left first to third cell chambers 11 to 13 will be explained below, and the right fourth cell chamber will be explained. Description of the 14th to the 6th cell chambers 16 is omitted.

The gas remaining in the first passage 151 from the second confluence position 56 to the exhaust port 45 is drawn into the third cell chamber 13 through the third passage 153, and further through the first passage 151 and the second passage 152. It is drawn into the first cell chamber 11 and the second cell chamber 12 . The amount of gas drawn into the first cell chamber 11 and the second cell chamber 12 through the first passage 151 and the second passage 152 is much greater than the amount of gas drawn into the third cell chamber 13 through the third passage 153. many.

explain in detail. First, the gas drawing force (hereinafter also referred to as suction force) in the first cell chamber 11, the second cell chamber 12, and the third cell chamber 13 will be described. The first cell chamber 11 is located on the outermost side of the battery case 20, and has a larger contact area with the outside air via the side plate 21 of the battery case 20 than the second cell chamber 12 and the third cell chamber 13. . Therefore, the degree of temperature drop in the first cell chamber 11 is greater than that in the second cell chamber 12 and the third cell chamber 13 . The degree of temperature drop is the value of temperature drop per unit time. The first cell chamber 11 with the largest temperature drop has a larger suction force than the second cell chamber 12 and the third cell chamber 13 . The second cell chamber 12 is adjacent to the first cell chamber 11, which has the same contact area with the outside air via the side plate 21 of the battery case 20 as the third cell chamber 13, but has the largest temperature drop. Therefore, compared with the third cell chamber 13, the degree of temperature drop is large. Therefore, the second cell chamber 12 has a larger suction force than the third cell chamber 13 . That is, the suction forces of the first cell chamber 11 to the third cell chamber 13 are larger in order of the first cell chamber 11, the second cell chamber 12, and the third cell chamber 13. FIG.

At the second confluence position 56 , the combined suction force of the first cell chamber 11 and the second cell chamber 12 , and the suction force of the third cell chamber 13 cause the gas to flow into the first cell chamber 11 And it is pulled into the second cell chamber 12 side and the third cell chamber 13 side. Therefore, the amount of gas drawn into the first cell chamber 11 and the second cell chamber 12 is much larger than the amount of gas drawn into the third cell chamber 13 side.

The gas drawn into the first cell chamber 11 and the second cell chamber 12 from the second junction position 56 is drawn into the first cell chamber 11 side and the second cell chamber 12 side at the first junction position 55. . As described above, since the suction force of the first cell chamber 11 is greater than the suction force of the second cell chamber 12, the amount of gas drawn into the first cell chamber 11 side at the first merging position 55 is It is larger than the amount of gas drawn into the two-cell chamber 12 side.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the length of the first passage 151 from the first vent 161 to the first merging position 55 is the same as the length from the second vent 162 to the first merging position 55. 2 longer than the length of passage 152 . The longer the passage, the larger the amount of stagnant gas. Also, the length of the passage from the second vent 162 to the second merging position 56 is longer than the length of the passage from the third vent 163 to the second merging position 56 . The longer the passage, the larger the amount of stagnant gas.

As described above, utilizing the fact that the degree of temperature drop in the first cell chamber 11 after the engine is stopped is the largest, the gas remaining in the common portion of the first passage 151 to the third passage 153 is Two cell chambers 12 and more than the third cell chamber 13 are drawn into the first cell chamber 11. - 特許庁Also, the length of the first passage 151 from the first ventilation port 161 to the first merging position 55 is made longer than the length of the second passage 152 from the second ventilation port 162 to the first merging position 55. Therefore, the amount of gas drawn into the first cell chamber 11 is made larger than the amount of gas drawn into the second cell chamber 12 and the third cell chamber 13 .

Further, by utilizing the fact that the degree of temperature drop in the second cell chamber 12 after the engine is stopped is greater than the degree of temperature drop in the third cell chamber 13, A larger amount of stagnant gas is drawn into the second cell chamber 12 than in the third cell chamber 13. - 特許庁In addition, the length of the passage from the second vent 162 to the second merging position 56 is made longer than the length of the third passage 153 from the third vent 163 to the second merging position 56, The amount of gas drawn into the second cell chamber 12 is made larger than the amount of gas drawn into the third cell chamber 13. - 特許庁

Therefore, the first cell chamber 11, which produces the most gas after the engine is started, draws the most gas after the engine is turned off. Also, the second cell chamber 12, which produces more gas than the third cell chamber 13 after the engine is started, draws more gas than the third cell chamber 13 after the engine is stopped. The gas drawn into the cell chambers 11-13 is liquefied in the cell chambers 11-13 and returned to the electrolytic solution 6. FIG. Therefore, the difference in the amount of decrease in the electrolytic solution 6 in the first to third cell chambers 11 to 13 is reduced. That is, the difference in the amount of the electrolytic solution 6 stored in the first to third cell chambers 11 to 13 over time is reduced.

[Effect of Embodiment]

In the above-described embodiment, the length of first passageway 151 from first vent 161 to first junction 55 is equal to the length of second passageway 152 from second vent 162 to first junction 55 . Longer than length. Therefore, the first cell chamber 11 that generates a larger amount of gas than the second cell chamber 12 can draw a larger amount of gas than the second cell chamber 12 . Therefore, the difference in the amount of liquid reduction between the first cell chamber 11 and the second cell chamber 12 can be reduced. As a result, the difference in the amount of the electrolytic solution 6 over time between the first cell chamber 11 and the second cell chamber 12 can be reduced.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the first passage 151 and the second passage 152 join at the first junction position 55, and a portion of the passage from the first ventilation port 161 to the exhaust port 45 and the second passage 2 A part of the passage from the vent 162 to the exhaust port 45 is shared. Therefore, the lengths of the first passage 151 and the second passage 152 can be increased in comparison with the structure in which the first passage 151 and the second passage 152 do not merge in the intermediate space 5 inside the lid body 31 . By increasing the length of the passage, the amount of gas cooled and liquefied in the intermediate space 5 of the lid body 31 increases. As a result, the amount of electrolyte solution 6 decreased in the first to sixth cell chambers 11 to 16 can be reduced.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the length of the passage from the second vent 162 to the second merging position 56 is equal to the length of the third passage 153 from the third vent 163 to the second merging position 56. longer than Therefore, the second cell chamber 12 that generates a larger amount of gas than the third cell chamber 13 can draw a larger amount of gas than the third cell chamber 13 . Therefore, the difference in the amount of liquid reduction between the second cell chamber 12 and the third cell chamber 13 can be reduced. As a result, the difference in the amount of electrolyte solution 6 with time between the second cell chamber 12 and the third cell chamber 13 can be reduced.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the ribs 131 to 134 have the stepped surfaces 135 on the side of the first to sixth vents 161 to 166 and the inclined surfaces 136 on the side of the exhaust port 45 . Therefore, it is possible to suppress leakage of the electrolytic solution 6 to the outside from the exhaust port 45 when the vehicle equipped with the lead-acid battery 10 runs on a slope. Also, the liquid in the first to sixth passages 151 to 156 can be returned to the first to sixth circulation holes 231 to 236 . As a result, the amount of liquid decrease of the electrolytic solution 6 stored in the first to sixth cell chambers 11 to 16 can be reduced.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the ribs 131 to 134 have projecting pieces 137 projecting from the upper end of the step surface 135 toward the first circulation hole 231 to the sixth circulation hole 236 side. Therefore, it is possible to further prevent the liquid from riding over the ribs 131-134. As a result, leakage of the electrolytic solution 6 to the outside from the exhaust port 45 can be further suppressed.

Further, by merging the first passage 151 to the third passage 153, the amount of gas drawn into the first passage 151 is utilized by utilizing the difference in the degree of temperature drop between the first cell chamber 11 to the third cell chamber 13. can be made larger than when the first to third passages 151 to 153 do not merge. As a result, it is possible to further reduce the difference in the amount of the electrolytic solution 6 stored in the first to third cell chambers 11 to 13 over time.

[Other embodiments]

In the above-described embodiment, both the first circulation hole 231 to the sixth circulation hole 236 and the first vent port 161 to the sixth vent port 166 are provided in each of the first cell chamber 11 to the sixth cell chamber 16. I explained an example. However, only the first to sixth circulation holes 231 to 236 may be provided in each of the first to sixth cell chambers 11 to 16 . In that case, the first to sixth circulation holes 231 to 236 also function as the first to sixth vents 161 to 166 . That is, the gases generated in the first to sixth cell chambers 11 to 16 flow out to the first to sixth passages 151 to 156 through the first to sixth circulation holes 231 to 236, respectively.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the length of the first passage 151 from the first vent 161 to the first merging position 55 is equal to the length of the second passage 152 from the second vent 162 to the first merging position 55 . An example in which the ribs 131 to 134 are provided in the configuration longer than the length of . However, the ribs 131 to 134 may be provided regardless of the length of the first passage 151 and the second passage 152 .

Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which there is one exhaust port 45 has been described. However, the number of exhaust ports 45 may be two or more.

Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the first passage 151 to the sixth passage 156 merge has been described. However, the first to sixth passages 151 to 156 do not have to merge.

In addition, this invention can be implemented in the following forms.
(1) A first cell chamber defined on the outer edge side and a second cell chamber defined inwardly of the first cell chamber by providing a partition plate in an internal space that has an opening and is continuous with the opening. a battery case having
The opening is sealed, a relay space is defined inside, a first vent port communicates between the first cell chamber and the relay space, and a second vent port communicates the second cell chamber and the relay space. 2 a vent, and a lid member having an exhaust port that communicates the intermediate space with the outside,
The lid member has ribs forming a first passage from the first vent to the exhaust port and a second passage from the second vent to the exhaust port,
The lead-acid battery, wherein the length of the first passage is set longer than the length of the second passage.

(2) the first passage and the second passage merge;
(1), wherein a length from the first ventilation port to a confluence position of the first passage and the second passage is set longer than a length from the second ventilation port to the confluence position. lead-acid battery.

(3) a third cell chamber is defined inside the second cell chamber by the partition plate;
The lid member has a third vent that communicates between the intermediate space and the third cell chamber,
The rib forms a third passage from the third vent to the exhaust port,
The lead-acid battery according to (1) or (2), wherein the length of the second passage is set longer than the length of the third passage.

(4) the lid member defines the relay space and has a convex portion projecting from the bottom surface;
The lead-acid battery according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the wall surface of the convex portion is an inclined surface that gradually inclines toward the exhaust port.

(5) The lead-acid battery according to (4), wherein the tip of the protrusion has a projecting piece projecting toward the vent.

Reference Signs List 10 Lead-acid batteries 11 to 16 Cell chamber 20 Battery case 30 Lid member 31 Lid body 40 Inner lid 45 Exhaust port 50 Upper lid 55 ∼59 Confluence positions 101 to 127 Rib 135 Stepped surface 136 Inclined surface 137 Protruding pieces 151 to 156 Passages 161 to 166 Vents 231 to 236・・・Reflux hole

Claims (5)

The battery has a first cell chamber partitioned on the outer edge side and a second cell chamber partitioned inwardly of the first cell chamber by providing a partition plate in an internal space that has an opening and is continuous with the opening. a tank;
The opening is sealed, a relay space is defined inside, a first vent port communicates between the first cell chamber and the relay space, and a second vent port communicates the second cell chamber and the relay space. 2 a vent, and a lid member having an exhaust port that communicates the intermediate space with the outside,
The lid member has ribs forming a first passage from the first vent to the exhaust port and a second passage from the second vent to the exhaust port,
The lead-acid battery, wherein the length of the first passage is set longer than the length of the second passage. The first passage and the second passage merge,
2. The length from the first ventilation port to the confluence position of the first passage and the second passage is set longer than the length from the second ventilation port to the confluence position. lead-acid battery. A third cell chamber is defined inside the second cell chamber by the partition plate,
The lid member has a third vent that communicates between the intermediate space and the third cell chamber,
The rib forms a third passage from the third vent to the exhaust port,
3. The lead-acid battery according to claim 1, wherein the length of said second passage is set longer than the length of said third passage. The lid member defines the intermediate space and has a convex portion projecting from the bottom surface,
4. The lead-acid battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a wall surface of the projection is an inclined surface that gradually inclines toward the exhaust port. 5. The lead-acid battery according to claim 4, wherein the tip of the projection has a protruding piece protruding toward at least one of the first vent side and the second vent side .

Images