Process for the manufacture of bipolar electrodes and separators

• US 4,615,108 A
• Filed: 09/19/1985
• Issued: 10/07/1986
• Est. Priority Date: 12/19/1983
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Globe-Union Inc.
• Original Assignee: Johnson Service Company
• Inventors: Tomazic, Gerd
• Primary Examiner(s): LeFevour, Charles F.
• Application Number:
  US06/777,702
• Time in Patent Office: 383 Days
• Field of Search: 29/623.2, 29/623.1, 429/210
• US Class Current: 29/623.2
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/0413 Large-sized flat cells or batteries for motive or stationary systems with plate-like electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/365 Zinc-halogen accumulators
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/77 with external circulating path
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/2404 Processes or apparatus for grouping fuel cells
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/50 Fuel cells
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 70/50 Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49108 Electric battery cell making
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/4911 including sealing

Abstract

An electrochemical device having one or more cells, a bipolar carbon-plastic electrode element providing in combination a separator, cathode and anode, the cathode and anode each having a space formed therebetween, catholyte and anolyte electrolytes circulated from and to reservoirs therefor via distribution connector means to or from a feed or discharge orifice in the appropriate cathode space or anode space. The distribution connector means is provided with at least a configured offset pathways interconnecting feed or discharge channels and the cathode or anode orifices. The pathways of a connector can be interconnected by a cross-channel having a varying area cross-section whereby shunt current protection capabilities are provided so as to reduce or eliminate detrimental orifice blocking depositions. In one embodiment the cross channel can be provided by means having a constant cross section, but variable length. A variable length cross channel is provided by either arcuate interconnected channels having various arcuate lengths or it can be provided by separate arcuate hose-like members of the various lengths. The distribution connector means can be provided with bifurcated distribution channel means feeding it electrolyte. The bifurcated distribution channel means provide means for access into the battery whereby the battery'"'"'s operating conditions and parameters can be sensed or the electrolyte can be tested or modified as the battery'"'"'s operation dictates.

Claims

1. A process for the manufacture of an assemblage of bipolar electrodes and separators each having thermoplastic marginal portions into electrochemical cells utilizing circulating aqueous electrolyte comprising the stages of:

squeezing the assemblage of electrodes and separators against one another with said thermoplastic marginal portions in an overlapping relationship;

heating at least a portion of said marginal portions whereby said portion is softened to substantially its melting point to cause said marginal portions to form an enveloping shell; and

,

permitting the melted portions to cool and solidify while continuing to maintain the squeezing pressure.

2. The process of claim 1 comprising the further steps of:

placing release coated filler pegs between portions of the assemblage marginal portions and maintaining the filler pegs in position during the squeezing, heating and cooling steps; and

,

withdrawing said filler pegs after cooling so as to provide marginal orifice means.

3. The process of claim 1 comprising the further steps of:

positioning hose-like members between the marginal portions of the assemblage of electrodes and separators prior to squeezing the assemblage; and

,

maintaining said hose-like members so positioned throughout the squeezing, heating and cooling steps.

4. The process of claim 3 comprising the further steps of:

utilizing hose-like members of thermoplastic material compatible with the material of the marginal portions;

positioning release coated filler pegs within the hose-like members;

heat fusing said hose-like members with the assemblage marginal portions;

maintaining said filler pegs within the hose-like members throughout the squeezing, heating and cooling steps; and

,

withdrawing said filler pegs upon completion of the cooling step.