Valve for the addition of water to electrochemical accumulator batteries

Apparatus for the addition of water to electrochemical accumulator batteries, said apparatus comprising:

• a plurality of battery cells;
• level-controlling means for each cell for regulating the addition of water to the cell up to a predetermined maximum level, said level controlling means connected to a supply line for the supply of water and for ventilation of gas from spaces in the cells;
• valve means connected with the supply line adjacent one end of the line for controlling the supply of water, said valve means arranged in close proximity with one of said level controlling means, said valve means including a valve body, an inlet connection extending from said valve body and including an inlet orifice communicating with the interior of the valve body, an outlet connection extending from said valve body and communicating with the interior of the valve body, a wall within the valve body positioned substantially concentrically with the inlet orifice, a membrane within the valve body, spring means for biasing said membrane against said wall, said wall dividing a space defined between the membrane and the valve body into an inner chamber of circular cross-section and an outer chamber of annular cross-section, said space communicating with the outlet connection through a constricted orifice, a spindle substantially centrally positioned on the membrane, said spindle passing freely through the inlet orifice to define an annular slot therewith, said spindle including a conically enlarged portion which extends outside the inlet orifice and has a cross-sectional area which increases in proportion to the distance from the inlet orifice and which closes the inlet orifice when fluid pressure acting on the membrane compresses the spring means;
• and a riser pipe connected to the other end of the water supply line.