JPH01197975A - Indicator for storage battery - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To allow proper action of a float by placing the float within a container having a wall provided with a bubble blocking plate that, despite allowing passage of electrolytic solution, blocks passage of bubbles generated within the electrolytic solution. CONSTITUTION:A float 2 moving up and down by changes in state of an electrolytic solution 8 is placed within a container 22 consisting of a wall 9 at least a part of which is provided with a bubble blocking plate 17 for allowing passage of electrolytic solution but blocking passage of bubbles 18 generated within the electrolytic solution 8. Accordingly, invasion by bubbles 18 into the container 22 is not allowed. As a result adherence of bubbles 18 to the float 2 can be prevented. With this procedure it is possible to prevent the proper action of the float from being disturbed.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a display device for displaying the state of an electrolyte such as the amount or specific gravity of an electrolyte contained in a storage battery case. be.

[Prior art] For example, sulfuric acid is loaded as an electrolyte into the battery case of a lead-acid battery, but the amount of such electrolyte has a significant relationship with the performance and leakage of the battery, so it must always be kept at a constant level. It is necessary to manage it so that it is within the range. On the other hand, in order to manage the state of charge of a storage battery, the specific gravity of an electrolytic solution is measured.

In order to visually display the state of the electrolytic solution represented by the amount of liquid or specific gravity, some storage batteries include a display device including a float. The float is configured to move up and down as the electrolyte condition changes, with at least a portion of the float located within the electrolyte. When displaying the amount of electrolyte using such a float, a float that can continue to float on the surface of the electrolyte is used, and the displacement of the liquid surface can be determined by the vertical movement of the float. will be carried out. In addition, when displaying the specific gravity of the electrolyte, a float that rises and falls according to changes in the specific gravity of the electrolyte is used.
Check whether such a float is floating or sinking in the electrolyte! By looking at it, you can grasp the state of specific gravity. In addition, in order to be able to display both the amount and specific gravity of the electrolytic solution, generally the above-mentioned liquid amount display float and specific gravity display float are used.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, it has been found that the following problems are encountered in a display device including a float as described above.

That is, this problem is caused by bubbles generated within the electrolyte. Such bubbles can occur, for example, when injecting electrolyte or pure water into a battery case, when charging a storage battery, when the storage battery is vibrated and the electrolyte is shaken, for example in an automobile storage battery. This occurs when the temperature of the storage battery rises, such as when the bonnet of a car is heated by sunlight. Since at least a portion of the float is located within the electrolyte, air bubbles generated within the electrolyte tend to stick to the float.

However, if more or less air bubbles adhere to the float, the buoyant force acting on the 1f float increases.

However, especially in the case of a float for displaying specific gravity, if an increase in buoyancy occurs due to the presence of air bubbles, the float, which should sink due to the decrease in the specific gravity of the electrolyte, will remain afloat. This may lead to a decrease in display reliability. Furthermore, even with floats for displaying liquid level, if air bubbles adhere to the float in an uneven manner, the float may tilt undesirably, making it impossible for the float to move smoothly in the vertical direction. It may also be a condition.

In any case, the adhesion of air bubbles to the float causes a problem in that the proper operation of the float is inhibited.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to prevent bubbles from impeding the proper operation of the float in a display device for a storage battery that includes a float.

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention is directed to a display device for a storage battery, which includes a float that moves vertically depending on changes in the state of the electrolyte while being at least partially located in the electrolyte. ,
In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problem, it is characterized by having the following configuration.

That is, the float is located in a container formed by a wall that is at least partially provided with a bubble prevention plate that allows the flow of the electrolyte but prevents the passage of air bubbles generated in the electrolyte.

[Operation] In the present invention, the container in which the float is placed is formed by a wall at least partially provided with a bubble prevention plate. Therefore, air bubbles are prevented from entering the container, and as a result, air bubbles are also prevented from adhering to the float.

Further, since the bubble prevention plate allows the electrolyte to flow, there is no difference in the state of the electrolyte between the inside of the container where the float is placed and the outside of the container.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, air bubbles are prevented from adhering to the float. Therefore, for example, if it is a lubricant for displaying specific gravity, there will be no inconvenience such as air bubbles adhering to it and not sinking when it should. Therefore, the reliability of specific gravity display is improved. Further, as can be said for both the specific gravity display and the liquid volume display, it is also possible to prevent the proper operation of the float from being inhibited due to air bubbles being attached to the lW-force, for example. Therefore, according to this invention, the float can be operated with high reliability.
It can be operated properly.

[Description of Embodiment] FIGS. 1 to 3 are diagrams for explaining an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 1 shows a part of a storage battery equipped with a display device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention in a sectional view, and FIG. 2 shows only the display device 1 at 111. 3 is a perspective view, and FIG.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing two floats 2 and 3 in an exploded manner.

As shown in FIG. 1, a storage battery such as a lead-acid battery includes a container including a container body 4 and a lid 5. A window 6 made of a transparent material or a material with relatively high transparency is formed on the side wall of the battery case body 4. The window 6 is the battery case body 4
It may be formed by providing a hole at a corresponding location and secondarily molding the resin to fill the hole.
Alternatively, a separately molded window 6 may be fitted into the hole and joined using a bamboo cement or lava rock.

Inside the battery case body 4, the electrode plate 7 is arranged at the position shown by the imaginary line. Further, an electrolytic solution 8 is loaded into the battery case body 4. Further, the battery case body 4 and the lid 5 are joined to each other by, for example, thermal welding.

Note that the battery case body 4 and the lid 5 are made of an olefin resin such as polypropylene.

As shown in FIG. 1, the display device 1 is arranged along the inside of the window 6. As shown in FIG. The display device 1 is entirely made of acid-resistant materials. The display device 1 includes a frame member 9, as clearly shown in FIG.

The frame member 9 has a pair of guide rails 1 extending in the vertical direction.
0 and 11 are provided. The aforementioned float 2 is held by these guide rails 10 and 11 so as to be able to move in translation in the vertical direction. This float 2 is used exclusively to indicate the amount of liquid, and is selected to have a specific gravity such that it always floats above the liquid level 12 (FIG. 1) of the electrolytic ltk 8.

On the other hand, the other float 3 mentioned above is held by the float 2. The float 3 moves vertically depending solely on changes in the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 8. That is, 19
The child 3 is made of a resin having a specific gravity such that it floats when the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 8 is in an appropriate state, and sinks when the electrolytic solution 8 is in an insufficient state.

The mezzo element 3 includes a shaft 13 at its blade end.

On the other hand, a bearing portion 14 is formed in the float 2 with a notch that opens downward. The shaft 13 is indicated by the arrow 15 in FIG.
When the float 2 is inserted into the bearing part 14 in the direction shown by
The bearing part 14 is received in the bearing part 14 against the elasticity of the resin that constitutes the bearing part 14. Thereby, the float 3 is held rotatably relative to the float 2 around the shaft 13.

In FIG. 1, the position of the float 2 is shown by imaginary lines. The float 2 always remains floating above the liquid level 12 of the electrolytic solution 8. Therefore, when the liquid level 12 is within the vertical dimension of the window 6, the float 2 can be seen from the outside through the window 6. In this way, the float 2 is connected to the electrolyte 8
can give an indication of the liquid volume.

On the other hand, the other float 3 moves in the vertical direction along with the float 2 described above. In this case, the float 3 tends to float in the electrolytic solution 8 when the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 8 is within an appropriate range. This "floating" motion of the float 3 appears as a motion in which the float 3 rotates around the shaft 13 relative to the float 2. Therefore, when the float 3 floats, the float 3 does not form on the float 2. The robot enters the space 16 created by the robot. Needless to say, the end of the upward rotation of the float 3 is determined by the fact that the float 3 cannot rotate until it leaves the liquid surface 12. It will be in a state where it is located exactly within the space 16. Therefore, when the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 8 is within the appropriate range, l'j! The child 3 is hidden by the float 2 and cannot be seen through the window 6.

On the other hand, when the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 8 is insufficient, that is, when the storage battery needs to be charged, the float 3
moves in the direction of sinking. This sinking motion of the float 3 also appears as a motion in which the float 3 rotates around the shaft 13 relative to the float 2.

In this way, when the float 3 sinks, it hangs down from the float 2, as shown in FIG.

Therefore, not only the float 2 but also the float 3 can be visually observed through the window 6.

In this way, according to the display device 1, the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 8 can be displayed using the mezzo element 3 while displaying the amount of the electrolytic solution 8 using the float 2. In order to make the display distinction between the float 2 and the mezzo 3 clearer, it is preferable to color them in different colors or to give them different symbols or letters.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, this embodiment uses a bubble prevention plate 17, which is a feature of the present invention. The bubble prevention plate 17 allows the electrolytic solution 8 to flow, but prevents the passage of bubbles 18 generated in the electrolytic solution 8! For example, it is made of a plate with a large number of circular holes 19. The bubble prevention plate 17 is brought into contact with one end surface of the frame member 9 of the display device 1, as shown by the arrow 20 in FIG. 9.

This joining may be achieved by using an adhesive, thermal welding, ultrasonic welding, or the like, depending on the materials that constitute the frame member 9 and the bubble prevention plate 17.

As shown in FIG. 1, when the bubble prevention plate 17 is joined to the frame member 9, the bubble prevention plate 17 and the frame member 9
, a container 22 formed by walls such as a part of the battery case body 4 and a window 6 is provided, and the floats 2 and 3 are to be located within this container 22. Therefore, the state of the electrolytic solution 8, that is, the position of the liquid level 12 and the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 8, do not differ between inside and outside the container 22.
It is possible to give the floats 2 and 3 the conditions under which the electrolyte 8 is currently desired to be detected. Since the air bubbles 18 cannot pass through the air bubble prevention plate 17, they do not enter the container 22, and as a result, no air bubbles are formed on the floats 2 and 3.

Other examples of bubble prevention plates are shown in FIGS. 4 to 7.

The bubble prevention plate 17a shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 includes a square-shaped through hole 19a. These through holes 19a are
As clearly shown in FIG. 5, the cross section may have a taper.

The bubble prevention plate 17b shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is provided with a through hole 19b that is elongated in the lateral direction.

It is meaningful to illustrate that the shape, size, number, etc. of the through holes provided in these bubble prevention plates 17a and 1.7b are arbitrary. Therefore, the through holes may be formed in a manner other than the illustrated through holes 19a and 19b. In addition, through holes 19, 19 provided in the illustrated bubble prevention plates 17, 17a, 17b
Both a and 19b are provided by forming holes penetrating the plate-like member in the thickness direction. It may also be made of nonwoven fabric, etc.

FIG. 8 shows yet another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 shows a part of the battery case body 30 of the storage battery in a perspective view from above.

The battery case body 30 includes a plurality of partition walls 31, 32, etc., and is thereby divided into a plurality of cells 33, 34, 35, etc. In this embodiment, a display device 36 is provided in association with the endmost cell 33 .

The display device 36 is incorporated into a wall 38 formed by extending a part of the side wall 37 of the battery case body 30.

The projecting wall 38 forms a volume "T439", and on the opposing inner surfaces of the three containers are paired guide rails 4.
0 and 41 are formed to extend in the vertical direction. Float 42 receives guide rails 40 and 41 at its ends, respectively, and is thereby held movable in the vertical direction.

In the cell 33, an electrode plate 43 is arranged as shown by the imaginary line, and an electrolytic solution 44 is charged.

The float 42 is selected, for example, to have a specific gravity such that it continues to rise above the liquid level 45, as determined from its positional relationship with the liquid level 45 of the electrolytic solution. That is, the float 42 is for displaying the amount of the electrolytic solution 44.

Note that the wall 38 has the same function as the window 6 in the above-described embodiment, and therefore the float 42 is attached to the wall 38.
must be visible from the outside through the Therefore, in this embodiment, the wall 38 is thinner than other parts of the battery case body 30.

In FIG. 8, the bubble prevention plate 46 is shown in phantom lines. The bubble prevention plate 46 has, for example, substantially the same structure as the bubble prevention plate 17.17a or 17b described above. The bubble prevention plate 46 is arranged to close one side of the container 39, as shown by an arrow 47, and is joined to the battery case body 30 at the peripheral edge portions 48 of the three containers specified by hatching. Note that the peripheral portion 48 is
The side wall 3 is designed to accommodate the thickness of the bubble prevention plate 46 so that the bubble prevention plate 46 does not protrude from the inner surface of the side wall 37.
A step is formed between the inner surface of 7 and the inner surface of 7.

Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, the functions of the bubble prevention plate 46 and the like are substantially the same as in the embodiment described above.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the float 42 is connected to the electrolyte 4
Although the liquid level 45 of No. 4 is displayed, it can also be used to measure the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 44 by changing its specific gravity. Furthermore, in relation to the pair of guide rails 4o and 41, two floats may be attached one above the other, the upper float being used to display the amount of electrolyte solution, and the lower float being used to display the specific gravity.

Although the invention has been described above in connection with the illustrated embodiments, other modifications are possible within the scope of the invention.

For example, the structure of the display device itself is not limited to what is illustrated. For example, a patent application filed in 1983 by the same applicant.
No. 2-280201 discloses various examples of display devices, and the present invention can be applied to these display devices as well.

Further, display devices to which the present invention is applied include those illustrated in this application and the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application No. 62-28020.
It is not limited to the one provided along the side wall of the battery case as in No. 1. For example, Utility Model Application No. 52-1 by the same applicant
No. 29925, No. 52-129926, No. 52-12
No. 9927, No. 52-133926, No. 53-172
As described in Patent Publications No. 50 and No. 53-96137, the present invention can also be applied to a display device extending downward from the lid of a battery case.

In this case, the display device comes into contact with the electrolyte solution all around and below. Therefore, the bubble prevention plate may be provided so as to surround the display device all around and from below.

In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the elements corresponding to the bubble prevention plate 17 are constructed of a simple plate-like member without through holes 19, while at least a portion of the frame member 9 is provided with through holes. A part of the frame member 9 may be provided with a function as a bubble prevention plate.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a part of a storage battery including a display device 1 as an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the display device 1 and the bubble prevention plate 17 shown in FIG. 1, respectively. FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing the floats 2 and 3 included in the display device 1 shown in FIG. 2 in an exploded manner. FIG. 4 is a partial front view showing a bubble prevention plate 17a used in another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line V--■ in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a partial front view of a bubble prevention plate 17b used in still another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line ■-■ in FIG. 6; FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a part of a battery case body 30 of a storage battery equipped with a display device 36 according to still another embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 1, 36 are display devices, 2, 3, 42 are floats, 4, 30 are battery case bodies, 8, 44 are electrolyte solutions, 9 are frame members (walls), 10. 11.40.41 is guide rail, 1
2.45 is the liquid level, 17.17a, 17b, 46 are bubble prevention plates, 18 is air bubbles, 19.19a, 19b are through holes, 22
．． 39 is a container, and 38 is a wall. Figure 8

Claims (1)

[Claims] A display device for a storage battery comprising a float that moves up and down depending on changes in the state of the electrolyte while being at least partially located within the electrolyte, wherein the float allows the electrolyte to flow. 1. A display device for a storage battery, characterized in that the display device is located in a container formed by a wall at least partially including a bubble prevention plate that prevents air bubbles generated in an electrolytic solution from passing through.