초록 ▼

One or more additional chambers are provided in the cover above the central cells of the battery housing. These additional chambers are in a geometrically central area of the battery cover away from the outside perimeter of the cover. Unlike the cell chambers, the additional chambers directly commun

One or more additional chambers are provided in the cover above the central cells of the battery housing. These additional chambers are in a geometrically central area of the battery cover away from the outside perimeter of the cover. Unlike the cell chambers, the additional chambers directly communicate with atmosphere through a convoluted passage and atmospheric vent. Additionally, each additional chamber includes a drain-back/vent directly communicating with one of the central most cells in the battery housing. Thus, the central most cells communicate with the most central cell chambers and the additional chamber. The remaining battery cells do not communicate with the additional chambers.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A leak resistant battery cover for a battery of the type having a housing with a plurality of cells comprising:a) a flat rectangular cover member having an upper wall, a lower wall, a perimeter and a central area away from said perimeter;b) an interior area disposed betwe

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A leak resistant battery cover for a battery of the type having a housing with a plurality of cells comprising:a) a flat rectangular cover member having an upper wall, a lower wall, a perimeter and a central area away from said perimeter;b) an interior area disposed between and formed by said upper and lower walls, said interior area lying over a portion of each of the plurality of cells, said interior area divided into a plurality of chambers and further comprising:i) a first cell chamber communicating with a first associated centrally located cell in the housing through a first chamber drain aperture and a first chamber vent;ii) a second cell chamber within said interior area and communicating with a second cell via a second chamber drain aperture and a second chamber vent;iii) an additional chamber within said interior area communicating with the first associated cell through an additional drain aperture and an additional vent, said additional drain aperture and vent located in said central area; andiv) an inter-chamber path communicating with said first and second cell chambers providing for the flow of liquid electrolyte and electrolyte gases between said first and second cell chambers;c) at least one atmospheric vent along said perimeter of said cover communicating said interior area to atmosphere; andd) an additional path providing for the flow of liquid electrolyte and electrolyte gases between said additional chamber and said atmospheric vent;wherein gases emitted at the second cell travel upwardly into said second cell chamber, through said first cell chamber, downwardly into the first associated cell, upwardly into said additional chamber, along said additional path and through said atmospheric vent in order to exit to atmosphere.