Injection molded battery containment for bipolar batteries
AssigneeGlobe-Union Inc.
InventorsGerald K. Bowen, Michael G. Andrew, John P. Dinkelman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An injection molded containment for bipolar batteries of the type which include terminal electrodes and one or more bipolar battery cells is disclosed. In the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, a novel spacer is employed, including beveled edges to facilitate sealing of the injection molding material and the individual cells. Furthermore, the preferred spacer includes a crush ridge to assist in sealing. The present invention facilitates assembly of bipolar batteries in a way which improves sealing when compared to other techniques, such as vibration welding.
Claims20
A battery comprising:
- a pair of generally planar terminal electrodes, each terminal electrode
- having a peripheral edge;
- at least one bipolar battery cell located intermediate the terminal electrodes, the at least one battery cell having a peripheral edge;
- and
- a monolithic injection molded thermoplastic resin containment frame adhering to and surrounding each peripheral edge but leaving portions of the terminal electrodes exposed.
A method of making a bipolar battery of the type which includes generally planar and spaced apart terminal electrodes and bipolar battery cells disposed therebetween, comprising the steps of:
- stacking the terminal electrodes and cells;
- applying a compressive force to the terminal electrodes;
- and
- injection molding a thermoplastic resin containment frame around the periphery of the compressed stack leaving exposed a portion of the terminal electrodes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.