Modular multicell battery and rack
OwnerRobert D. Millerinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A multicell storage battery may be assembled to fit various floor space and height requirements by using standardized multicell modules having keyed connector means such that the modules can be connected only in selected orientations which facilitate the electrical connection of terminals. These standardized modules eliminate the need for standard and reverse polarity modules which existed in the prior art, and simplify battery assembly on site while allowing greater flexibility to adjust to space limitations. The keyed connectors comprise mating structures on the sides of the rectangular frame of the modules, which in combination with the modules being configured to stand vertically, create cooling ducts for the cells. An easily installed safety shield encloses the terminals of the cells and provides a front cooling duct.
Claims37
A rack for the assembly of multiple cell modules adapted to be connected to form a multicell battery, said rack comprising:
- (a) a generally rectangular frame having a plurality of internal compartments to receive storage battery cells;
- (b) said frame having attached external connector means for joining the rack to at least one identical rack;
- and,
- (c) said connector means characterized by keyed mating structure such that the rack can be joined only in selected orientations with respect to an identical rack.
A rack for the assembly of multiple cell modules adapted to be connected to form a multicell battery, said rack characterized by:
- (a) a generally rectangular frame adapted to stand with its longer axis oriented vertically, said frame having closed vertical sides, closed top and bottom, a closed back face and an open front face;
- (b) said frame having a plurality of internal compartments arranged in vertical column and adapted to have a storage battery cell installed in each compartment;
- and,
- (c) said frame having external connector means for joining the rack to at least one identical rack, said connector means including keyed mating structure such that the rack can be joined only in a selected vertical orientation and a selected side-by-side orientation with respect to an identical rack.
A multiple cell storage battery module adapted to be connected with identical modules to form a multicell battery, said module comprising:
- (a) a generally rectangular frame having a plurality of internal compartments containing storage battery cells;
- (b) said frame having attached external connector means for joining the module to at least one identical module;
- and,
- (c) said connector means characterized by keyed mating structure such that the module can be joined only in selected orientations with respect to an identical module.
A multiple cell storage battery module adapted to be connected with identical modules to form a multicell battery, said module characterized by:
- (a) a generally rectangular frame adapted to stand with its longer axis oriented vertically, said frame having closed vertical sides, closed top and bottom, a closed back face and an open front face;
- (b) said frame having a plurality of internal compartments containing storage battery cells, said compartments being arranged in vertical column;
- and,
- (c) said frame having external connector means for joining the module to at least one identical module, said connector means including keyed mating structure such that the module can be joined only in a selected vertical orientation and a selected side-by-side orientation with respect to an identical module.
A multicell storage battery assembled from multicell modules, said modules characterized by:
- connector means including keyed mating structure such that each module can be joined only in selected orientations with respect to an identical module.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.