JPS6336615Y2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to an explosion-proof exhaust system for closing cell openings of storage batteries. More particularly, it also relates to so-called gang vents in which two or more exhaust vents are mounted on a common frame for evacuating a plurality of cells of a battery.

If ignited by a spark, the gas jet escaping from the exhaust opening of the battery cell creates an explosion that damages or destroys the battery.

To prevent such explosions, the cell is vented with an exhaust body that uses a porous flame arresting element to diffuse the escaping gas and prevent the entry of sparks or flames into the cell. Measures have been taken.

When a plurality of exhaust bodies are arranged in sets on a common frame, the internal gases from the cells in the set are collected in and passed through a single porous element. be done.

The general purpose of the invention is to provide for inexpensive production due to its very rapid manufacturing and assembly techniques, and to include a porous flame arresting element that is safely protected from both dust, oil and other contaminants as well as electrolyte splashes. To provide an explosion-proof exhaust system with a new and improved explosion-proof exhaust body.

Another object is to provide a combined explosion-proof exhaust system in which each cell can be evacuated directly and specifically through an associated flame arrester in order to better prevent explosion hazards.

A related purpose is to create an explosion-proof exhaust system that uses the frame of the assembled exhaust system to protect the flame arrester from external contaminants such as dust and oil, and to capture the flame arrester so that it does not deviate from the exhaust body. It is on offer.

A more specific object is to provide an explosion-proof exhaust system having an inexpensively molded exhaust body with integral and uniformly placed splash bubbles for protecting a flame arrester from electrolyte splash. Furthermore, the present invention provides a structure in which the droplet baffle cooperates with an integral funnel-shaped body for causing the electrolyte to flow back into the cell.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Although the invention will be described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the invention to this embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to include all substitutions, modifications, equivalents, etc. included within the spirit and scope limited by the scope of the claims for utility model registration. Although grouping multiple exhaust fuselages on one common frame constitutes an advantageous embodiment, one frame per single exhaust fuselage may be used if desired. should also be understood.

Additionally, some means for retaining the flame arrester in its proper position within the exhaust fuselage structure is described;
Other suitable means may be used as well, such as incorporating the blocker into the barrel by spin welding, heat sealing, ultrasonic welding, etc.

Similarly, although exemplary means for providing a positive exhaust system for gases diffusing through the gas barrier are shown, other functionally equivalent means may be used.

In FIG. 1, a storage battery 10 has a battery case 11 which is divided into a plurality of cells and which is closed by a lid 12 formed with a cylindrical protrusion 13 forming an exhaust opening 14 conducting into the cells. It is shown.

In this illustrated structure, these three parallel holes form an exhaust assembly 16 embodying features of the present invention.
It is adapted to be closed by a corresponding number of exhaust stacks or exhaust bodies 15 forming part of the exhaust cylinder.

The assembled exhaust system 16 comprises a one-piece upper horizontal frame 1 having a substantially flat but rectangular top plate 19 and a skirt 20 depending from its periphery.
7 (Figures 2 and 3). Three pairs of ribs 21 are provided on the lower surface of the upper plate 19 at equal intervals and protrude inwardly from the longer side of the skirt and serve to fix the exhaust bodies 15 to the frame 17. . Each pair of ribs 21 are disposed opposite each other and each rib 21 includes an inwardly projecting lower tongue 23 spaced downwardly from the top plate 19 and having an inner concave surface. . The inner surfaces of these ribs 21 are also concave.

The assembly exhaust system may be manufactured from any of a variety of plastic materials. Functionally, the material should be at least relatively acid resistant and should be capable of serving its intended purpose under the temperature and other conditions to which the cell will be exposed.

Typical examples include high-temperature polystyrene, polypropylene and its copolymers, polyvinyl chloride,
ABS material and other similar materials are used accordingly.

According to one aspect of the invention, each exhaust body 15 is formed primarily as a single inexpensive molded piece and includes a porous flame arrester 24 (FIG. 3).

The blocking body 24 can be quickly and easily incorporated into the molded body part. The three exhaust bodies 15, when attached to the frame 17, provide their own explosion-proof exhaust for the corresponding cells of the battery 10. Additionally, the top plate 19 of the frame 17 protects the flame arresters 24 from contaminants such as oil and dirt and ensures that each arrester 24 is secured in a built-in relationship with its associated molded body section. .

More specifically, each exhaust body 15 has an exhaust opening 1
A molded cylindrical body 25 that is dimensioned to fit into or just fit into one of the parts of 4 and to be detachable.
(Figure 3).

The lower end of the cylindrical body 25 is tapered inwardly and downwardly, as indicated by 26 in FIG. 3, to facilitate its insertion into the opening 14. In addition to the above-mentioned main functional requirements for the frame 17, the material used for the exhaust body 15 should be such that the exhaust body 15 has sufficient flexibility and elasticity to permit assembly within the frame 17 as described above. The formation of the fuselage 15 should be provided.

As the material used for the frame 17, various known polyethylene materials are suitable.

A bulging collar 27 is formed around the upper end of the cylindrical body 25 . Its lower end 28 is made suitable for seating against the upper surface of the vent projection 13. A radially projecting flange 30 is formed on the upper peripheral surface of the collar 27 and cooperates with the rib 21 and tongue 23 to fix the exhaust body 15 to the frame 17.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the flange 30
are sandwiched between the lower surface of the upper plate 19 and the upper surface of one opposing pair of tongues 23, and are further held by the concave surfaces of these ribs 21, and the concave surfaces of these tongues 23 form the cylindrical shape of the collar 27. Hug the outer surface.

The exhaust body 15 is assembled to the frame 17 by moving the exhaust body 15 in the longitudinal direction of the upper plate 19 and pushing the collar 27 between the tongues 23. These ribs 21 and these tongues 23 are arranged so that these exhaust bodies 15 are arranged in the longitudinal and width directions of the upper plate 19, so that the cylindrical body 25 fits into the exhaust opening 14 and automatically centers itself. , it is allowed to be displaced a limited distance.

Each flame arrester 24 has the shape of a cylindrical plate (see FIG. 3) and can be made from a variety of known materials used for similar purposes.

Suitable materials include, for example, polypropylene, ultra-high polymer polyethylene, and fluorocarbon resin polymers (eg, PennWort's ``Kynar'' vinylidene fluoride resin polymer).

The material is porous with relatively uniform pore size and suitable elasticity and toughness that typically allows manufacture through conventional die cutting and assembly equipment without special tools. It should permit the formation of a gas-permeable flame stopper 24.

The flame arrester 24 should have an average pore size of from about 10 microns to perhaps less than about 100 microns. When the flame arrester 24 has an average pore size ranging from about 10 microns to perhaps less than about 20 microns, it prevents electrolyte leakage if the cell is inadvertently rolled over or briefly inverted. It was found that this prevents the electrolyte from flowing out.

Preferably and for normal use, pore sizes ranging from about 10 microns to about 60 microns provide optimal venting characteristics and explosion protection. The use of a flame arrester 24 having a pore size in the range of about 60 to 100 microns provides venting and explosion arresting properties.

According to the present invention, the flame blocking body 24 has a recess 31 (a third
(Figure).

The lower end of the recess 31 is connected to the flame stopper 24.
It has an annular shoulder 33 forming a seat for the underside of the.

The flame stopper 24 can also be glued into the recess 31;
In order to simplify the assembly of the recess 31, it is preferable that the recess 31 be dimensioned so that it can be fitted or fitted into the recess 31 with a relatively hard press fit. The flame blocking body 24
An upwardly open but circumferentially extending groove 34 is formed in the collar 27 to facilitate press fit into the recess 31 of the collar 27.

The groove 34 allows its circumferential wall to flex radially outwardly to accommodate the flame arrester 24 when the flame arrester 24 is forced into the recess 31.

When the assembled exhaust body 15 is mounted in this manner, the top plate 19
lying close to the top of the flame stopper 24 to prevent the possibility of the flame stopper 24 escaping from the recess 31, and also to prevent the porous material of the flame stopper 24 from becoming clogged with contaminants such as dust. prevent this from happening.
These flame arresters 24 thus remain clean during the service life of the battery 10, effectively diffusing gases generated within the cells of its associated connections, and preventing the battery from being exposed to external flames or sparks. It acts to prevent flames from entering the cell even if

In another aspect of the invention, a relatively small spacing is maintained at least in part between the lower surface of the top plate 19 and the upper surface of the flame arrester 24, thereby preventing the gas from diffusing through the flame arrester 24. Means is provided to provide positive exhaust and effectively prevent flame from entering the battery cell and into the gap between the upper plate 19 and the flame arrester 24. It will be done.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a shallow concave passage or groove 35 extending in the longitudinal direction is formed on the lower surface of the upper plate 19, and flame arresters 24 are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction. It extends across each of the. The depth of the recess 35 should preferably be small enough so that a flame is not sustained within the area of the flame arrester 24 in the event that the escaping gas ignites. It was decided that the depth of the groove should not exceed 0.038 cm (0.015 inch). Also, approximately 0.0038cm (0.0015
It has been found that a depth of 1.5 inches is a preferred spacing for purposes of reliable exhaust ventilation and flame control through the flame arrester 24.

During normal use and recharging of the battery, small amounts of hydrogen and oxygen gas are liberated from the battery.
It accumulates under the upper plate 19 of the. If these gases are ignited, a small but harmless explosion will occur under the exhaust frame 17 and near the hole formed by the groove 35. This explosion, with its resulting shock wave, tends to momentarily reverse the flow of gas through the groove 35 and flame arrester 24, but long enough to prevent re-ignition of the gas. Such small explosions therefore further improve the explosion-proof properties of the exhaust by further inhibiting the ingress of flame into the groove area.

As is often experienced, if there is a detection voltage regulator, or if the battery is subjected to faster than normal charging, when the battery's gassing rate reaches an abnormally high level, this emanating gas It is possible to sustain continuous combustion. In the event of such excess gas venting, the relatively small orifice formed by the groove 35 acts as a ribbon burner and is effective in directing the flame away from the flame arrester 24 and the exhaust body 15. In this way, flames are prevented from entering the gap between the flame stopper 24 and the frame 17, thereby preventing the flame stopper 24 from being damaged at an early stage.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, the inside of the cylindrical body 25 is
Buffle 36 to prevent liquid electrolyte chamber from the cell from splashing onto the lower surface of the porous blocker 24
(Figures 3 and 4) are formed. Furthermore, according to an advantageous and optional feature of the invention, it preferably has a generally downwardly sloping ridge which allows the upwardly splashed electrolyte to easily flow back downwardly into the cell. A partition wall or funnel-shaped body 37 is provided.

In this example, the funnel 37 divides the interior of the cylindrical body 25 into an upper compartment 39 and a lower compartment 40 (FIG. 3). A downwardly tapered truncated conical wall 4 is formed integrally with the cylindrical body 25.
Contains 1. A substantially upright wall 43 is formed integrally with the lower end of the wall 41, and the lower end of the upright wall 43 is integral with a substantially horizontal bottom 44. The hole 45 is formed perpendicularly to the bottom wall 44 and is located at the upper end of a cylindrical protrusion 46 that hangs down from and is integral with the bottom wall 44 . Gas from the cell is exhausted through the protrusion 46 and the hole 45 into the upper compartment 39 for subsequent diffusion through the porous block 24. The protrusion 46 acts as a flow deflector to reduce the amount of electrolyte splashing up through the hole 45.

The splash bubble 36 is spaced apart from the hole 45 and lies above the hole 45 to deflect the electrolyte escaping upward into the cell below, but at the same time Then, the gas is further discharged into the upper isolation chamber 39. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the illustrated baffle 36 is formed in the shape of a disk having approximately the same diameter as the hole 45. As shown in FIGS. Two narrow girders 47 are formed integrally with the upper surface of the baffle 36 and the bottom wall 44, and are disposed around the hole 45 facing each other with a radial distance therebetween. These spars 47 support the baffle 36 above the holes 45 while simultaneously allowing gas to flow through the holes 45 and into the upper compartment 39.

From the above it will be apparent that the splash baffle 36 helps to prevent the porous flame arrester 24 from becoming clogged with electrolyte. Additionally, the baffle 36 prevents the risk of materials from within the battery cell, such as oxide particles and other solid particles, coming into contact with, packing, and interfering with the pores of the blocker 24.

The electrolytic solution passing through the baffle 36 and flying upward is connected to the tapered wall 41 at the bottom of the funnel-shaped body 37.
It easily flows down and back into the cell.

Since the lower compartment 40 is formed by the open cylindrical end of the cylindrical body 25, the end of the body 25 can be made long enough to fit within the cell hole, and its flexibility allows it to The battery hole is reliably sealed so that all escaping gas passes through the flame stopper 24. Furthermore, the funnel-shaped partition wall 37 can also be installed at a relatively high position within the exhaust body 15, thereby making it possible to reduce the amount of electrolyte entering the upper compartment 39.

5 and 6, another assembled exhaust system embodying the present invention is illustrated. In this, parts similar to those described above are numbered the same with the addition of a distinguishing conjunction "a".

The assembled exhaust system 16a has an elongated upper horizontal frame 17a provided with an upper plate 19a, and a plurality of exhaust bodies 15a are disposed at intervals in the longitudinal direction from the frame 17a in the above-described manner. Tongue piece 2 of frame body 17a
3a, it is removably fixed in a suspended state. These exhaust bodies 15a have the same structure as described above. Each exhaust body 15a has a tapered partition wall or funnel-shaped body 37 that divides it into an upper compartment 39a and a lower compartment 40a with an open bottom end.
It includes a cylindrical main body 25a having a. The cylindrical plate-shaped flame stopper 24a is seated at the upper end of the upper compartment 39a, and the funnel-shaped body 37a is formed with a gas hole 45a and a splash bubble 36a.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, each flame blocker 24a and the exhaust body 15a are maintained in a close and spaced relationship with the lower surface of the upper plate 19a, and the flame blocker 24a is Means are provided for forming a positive escape zone around substantially the entire outer circumference of the tube. According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6,
Such spacing means consist of a pair of small ridges 50 formed on the underside of the top plate 19a and extending longitudinally along the length of the top plate 19a.

As best shown in FIG. 6, both the exhaust body 15a and the flame stopper 24a are in contact with the protrusions 50, and the frame tongue piece 23a
is held in place by the The flame blocking body 24a is seated on the upper end of the exhaust body 15a so that its upper surface is in the same horizontal plane as the end of the exhaust body 15a, so that the flame blocking body 24a and the exhaust body 15a are placed on the top of the upper plate 19a. A gap is formed uniformly on the lower surface, thus forming an orifice surrounding the entire circumference of the exhaust body 15a.

Although two longitudinal ridges 50 are used in the embodiment, additional ridges or other equivalent means may be used to extend the flame arrester 24 to the upper plate 19a of the frame 17a.
Of course, it can also be used to maintain a gap between the exhaust body 15a and the exhaust body 15a.

The air gap between the top plate 19a, the flame arrester 24a and the exhaust body 15a should not exceed 0.015 inches. Also, favorable results are obtained with air gaps as small as 0.005 inches. As previously indicated, in normal use of the battery, a small amount of escaping gas accumulates under the upper plate 19a of the frame 17a, causing the gas flow to flow back momentarily and Sustained gas present there would prevent ignition resulting in a harmless explosion.

If ignited, if the rate of gas generation within the cell reaches such a high level that even the exhausted gas maintains continuous combustion, the gap between the frame 17a and the flame stopper 24a and the exhaust body 15a The small orifice formed by the presence of an air gap here again acts as a ribbon burner and directs the flame outwardly away from the flame arrester 24a and the exhaust body 15a.

Another feature of this embodiment of the invention is that such sustained combustion occurs around substantially the entire circumference of the exhaust body 15a, so that at least a portion of the flame is located on the sides of the exhaust body 17a. is directed outwardly toward and burns upwardly away from the cell surface as shown by the arrows in FIG.

Not only does such lateral and upward direction of the flame away from the cell surface tend to minimize damage to the cell, but the black smoke that naturally results from such combustion allows for quick correction of the problem. Serves as an early warning of danger.

From the above, those familiar with this technology know that the exhaust fuselage is
Since the main body baffle and the funnel of each exhaust fuselage are all molded as a one-piece unit, and the flame catcher can be incorporated into a recess within the body, it is well suited for inexpensive, high-volume production. You will understand that.

Three exhaust bodies are assembled on one common frame, and these bodies are effective in preventing battery explosions, as gas from each cell is exhausted through its own flame arrester. . Furthermore, the relatively small space provided between each flame arrester and the lower surface of the frame allows for reliable exhaustion of any gas present, preventing any flame from penetrating into the space between the flame arrester and the frame. It also prevents the flame arrester from being damaged even when the escaping gas is ignited.

The embodiment of the present invention is as follows.

(1) the spacing means comprises at least one ridge formed on the lower surface of the frame so as to maintain substantially the entire upper surface of the board in a spaced relation to the lower surface of the frame; Explosion-proof exhaust system according to claim 1 of the claimed utility model registration.

2. The explosion-proof exhaust system of embodiment 1, including means for maintaining the cylindrical body in the same spatial relationship to the frame as the disk is maintained.

3. The explosion-proof exhaust system according to claim 1, wherein the separating means comprises a concave passage formed on the lower surface of the frame body across the board.

4. The explosion-proof exhaust system according to claim 2, which includes means for maintaining a relatively small spatial separation between each of the exhaust bodies and the lower surface of the upper frame.

5. The explosion-proof method according to embodiment 4, wherein the means for maintaining the spatial relationship between the frame, the panel, and the exhaust body includes at least one narrow ridge formed on the lower surface of the frame. Exhaust device.

6. The explosion-proof exhaust according to embodiment 4, wherein the means for maintaining the spatial relationship between the frame, the panel, and the exhaust body includes a pair of narrow protrusions formed on the lower surface of the frame. Device.

7 These protrusions are 0.038 cm (0.015
Embodiment 6. The explosion-proof exhaust system of embodiment 6, which maintains a spacing of less than 1 inch).

8 These protrusions are approximately 0.013 cm (0.005 cm) between these panels, the exhaust body, and the lower surface of the frame.
Embodiment 7. The explosion-proof exhaust system of Embodiment 7, wherein the explosion-proof exhaust system maintains a spatial separation of 1 inch).

9. The explosion-proof exhaust system according to embodiment 7, wherein the protrusions extend longitudinally across each of the panel and the body.

10 Each funnel-shaped body has a circular cross section and further includes (a) an inwardly downwardly sloping upper wall, (b) a substantially upright lower wall integral with the lower end of the upper wall, and (c) the lower wall. 2. The explosion-proof exhaust system according to claim 2, which comprises a substantially horizontal bottom wall integral with the lower remaining end of the explosion-proof exhaust system.

11 The internal upper end of each body is formed by a recess defining an inner annular shoulder at the lower end, and the disc is seated on the shoulder by being fitted in a press fit into the recess; The explosion-proof exhaust system according to claim 2, wherein the lower compartment is formed by a relatively flexible cylindrical portion having an open end.

12 including a recessed passage formed in the lower surface of the frame, the recessed passage extending across each plate and extending outwardly beyond the circumferential surface of the upper end of each cylindrical body and exiting through the plate; The explosion-proof exhaust system according to claim 2, which is configured to form a passage for gas.

13 Each of these exhaust bodies is formed with a radially extending gripping flange on the outer periphery of its upper end, and further, means for fixing each exhaust body is integrally formed in the frame body on both opposite sides of the concave passage. , an explosion-proof exhaust system according to embodiment 12, comprising a pair of tongues removably engaged with a flange of the exhaust body.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a battery equipped with an exhaust assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, one of which is shown in exploded relation to the battery. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one of the assembled exhaust systems, and one part of the exhaust body.
One is shown in exploded relation to the exhaust frame. FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along line 3-3 of FIG. FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of the exhaust fuselage shown in FIG. 3, mainly showing the splash bubbles of the exhaust fuselage. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the assembled exhaust system according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along line 6-6 of FIG. 10...Storage battery, 14...Cell exhaust opening, 15
...Exhaust fuselage, 16...Set exhaust system, 17,17
a... Frame body, 19, 19a... Top plate, 23... Tongue piece, 24... Flame blocking body, 25... Cylindrical main body, 3
0...Bulge, 35...Concave path, 50...Protrusion.

Claims (1)

[Claims for Utility Model Registration] 1. Consisting of an upper horizontal frame and at least one exhaust body suspended and removably attached to the horizontal frame, the exhaust body sealing the cell opening of the battery. The exhaust body is formed of plastic for engagement, the exhaust body having a plastic molded cylindrical body and being integrally molded with and within the body and connecting the interior to the upper and lower compartments. a funnel-shaped body tapering downwardly so as to be divided into two parts; a generally vertical hole at the lower end of the funnel-shaped body through which gas from the battery escapes into the upper compartment; a droplet baffle separated from and overlying the liquid for directing upwardly escaping liquid back downwardly toward the hole; and a droplet baffle extending between and integrally formed with the buffle and the lower end of the funnel. a plurality of angularly spaced girders supporting the buttful above the hole and allowing gas to escape into the upper compartment; and the horizontal frame. a disc that fits snugly into the upper end of the body in overlying relation and covers the upper end of the upper compartment, the disc further permitting gas to escape upwardly from the upper compartment. and is made of a porous material capable of inhibiting downward penetration of flame into the upper compartment, and further allowing gas within the compartment to easily escape through the plate. the horizontal frame and the plate so as to form a gas escape area around the plate to prevent flames from entering the space between the horizontal frame and the plate; 0.038 to at least a portion between
Explosion-proof exhaust system for closing cell openings of storage batteries equipped with spacing means to maintain a spatial separation of less than a centimeter (0.015 inch). 2. The explosion-proof exhaust system according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the exhaust bodies are mounted at intervals from each other in the length direction of the horizontal frame.