Bipolar metal/air battery

• US 4,927,717 A
• Filed: 04/03/1989
• Issued: 05/22/1990
• Est. Priority Date: 06/01/1987
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Eltech Systems Corporation (Industrie De Nora S.p.A)
• Original Assignee: Eltech Systems Corporation (Industrie De Nora S.p.A)
• Inventors: Niksa, Andrew J., Niksa, Marilyn J., Pohto, Gerald R., Turley, Homer L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kalafut, Stephen J.
• Application Number:
  US07/332,086
• Time in Patent Office: 414 Days
• Field of Search: 429/27, 429/36-38, 429/66, 429/208
• US Class Current: 429/405
• 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 10/0468 Compression means for stacks of electrodes and separators
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 12/065 with plate-like electrodes or stacks of plate-like electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2004/024 Insertable electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/8626 characterised by the form
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 6/48 with bipolar electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/0232 Metals or alloys
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/0247 characterised by the form characterised by a channel configuration H01M8/0258
• 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

Abstract

A bipolar battery assembly of the consumable metal anode type is described. Contact between internal battery elements is now enhanced by air assisted, internally exerted compressive force. Battery elements are constructed in modular manner that assists in the ease of battery assembly and disassembly. Furthermore, ease of anode replenishment is maintained. A multitude of individual cells can now be joined together in an efficient bipolar assembly cell stack for augmented electrical energy generation. In addition to being bipolar, the battery is of rugged construction, providing for dependable, long-life operation that is desirably maintenance-free.

Claims

1. A metal-air battery cell having an anode support comprising:

an elongated lower frame member of a generally inverted U-shape in cross-section upon which an anode rests when inserted into said anode support, said lower frame member having apertures extending from the chamber defined by said general inverted U-shape upwardly toward said anode along said frame member; and

a pair of upright, elongated side rails spaced apart, one from the other whereby each extend from an end of said lower frame member, with each side rail providing lateral support for an anode.

2. The anode support of claim 1 further characterized by being snugly housed in a battery cell frame and having said chamber connected to electrolyte supply means.

3. The anode support of claim 1, wherein each of said side rails contains a vertical notch extending the length of said rail and facilitating access to an anode supported by said lower frame member.

4. In a metal-air battery cell for use in a bipolar battery, the improvement comprising an anode current collector assembly containing

a solid current collector plate member for planar face-to-face contact with a plate-like anode;

conductive and compressible members affixed to said plate member and extending therefrom directionally away from said anode; and

a flexible, peripheral diaphragm member in a firm engagement around said current collector plate member but spaced apart from, and out of contact with, said anode, said diaphragm member extending initially away from said plate member in like direction as said conductive and compressible members and then directionally into sealing engagement with a container for said battery.

5. The battery cell of claim 4, wherein said compressible members are metal spring members and said spring members extend to a battery cathode member.

6. The battery cell of claim 4, wherein said compressible members extend across an air chamber to an electrode terminal contact plate of a battery end plate.

7. The battery cell of claim 4, wherein said compressible members extend across an air chamber to a plate-shaped and air porous metal member.

8. The battery cell of claim 4, wherein peripheral edges of said plate member are crimped around adjoining raised edges of said flexible diaphragm member.

9. In a cell having a current collector surrounded by a diaphragm, the improvement comprising an axially flexible diaphragm of

a frame member having size at least substantially as large as the perimeter of said current collector;

a first raised edge element positioned rearwardly of said frame member and extending vertically and outwardly from said frame;

an at least essentially flat front facing on said first raised edge element for face-to-face engagement with at least a portion of a current collector; and

a second, segmented raised edge element positioned forwardly of said frame member, having a first segment projecting outwardly at an angle from said frame member and then extending to a vertically and outwardly projecting front edge second segment positioned around the periphery of said first segment.

10. The axially flexible diaphragm of claim 9, wherein said front edge second segment has an apertured channel element depending therefrom.

11. The axially flexible diaphragm of claim 9, wherein said first raised edge element is clamped under metal frame edge projections of a current collector.