System for isolating batteries during testing

• US 5,558,956 A
• Filed: 08/30/1995
• Issued: 09/24/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 08/30/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Valence Technology Incorporated (Lithium Werks B.V.)
• Original Assignee: Valence Technology Incorporated (Lithium Werks B.V.)
• Inventors: Gujer, Rudolf, Simpson, Clifford B.
• Primary Examiner(s): Maples, John S.
• Application Number:
  US08/522,211
• Time in Patent Office: 391 Days
• Field of Search: 429/99, 429/100, 429/9, 429/96
• US Class Current: 429/99
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/204 Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/271 Lids or covers for the racks or secondary casings
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/291 characterised by their shape
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 6/5083 Testing apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus for shielding adjacent batteries during testing includes a shell with partitions to form an array of pockets, and a cover with shields. When a cover is placed in a closed position on top of the shell, each shield would contact a corresponding partition to completely isolate two batteries placed in two pockets adjacent to the shield and partition. In this manner, even if a battery catches fire or leaks, the partition and the shield minimizes the effect on an adjacent battery.

Claims

1. An apparatus for isolating batteries during testing, comprising:

(a) a container including

(i) a shell; and

(ii) a plurality of partitions arranged in a linear array and attached to the shell, so that any two adjacent partitions and a portion of the shell between such two adjacent partitions form a pocket, each pocket adapted to receive a battery, each pocket having an opening for passage of the battery into the pocket, and wherein at least one of the partitions separating two adjacent pockets has a edge; and

(b) a cover including at least one shield blocking the opening of at least one pocket from an adjacent pocket, said shield having a U-shaped cross-section, and being shaped to enclose the edge of said partition, so that a battery inside said at least one pocket is shielded from a battery in the adjacent pocket.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, said cover comprising a plurality of shields, each shield together with a corresponding partition separating batteries in two adjacent pockets, one on each side of the partition.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, said container further comprising an electrically insulating layer lining said pockets, and an electrically insulating layer lining said shield and cover.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cover includes an L-shaped plate, and wherein said shield is an integral part of the cover.

5. An apparatus for isolating batteries during testing, comprising:

(a) a container including

(i) a shell; and

(ii) a plurality of partitions arranged in a linear array and attached to the shell, so that any two adjacent partitions and a portion of the shell between such two adjacent partitions form a pocket, each pocket adapted to receive a battery, each pocket having an opening for passage of the battery into the pocket, wherein at least one of the partitions separating two adjacent pockets has a U-shaped cross-section portion facing at least one shield, said portion shaped to enclose a protrusion of said shield; and

(b) a cover including at least one said shield blocking the opening of at least one pocket from an adjacent pocket, and wherein the at least one shield has a said protrusion, so that batteries in two adjacent pockets separated by the partition with the U-shaped portion are shielded from each other.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, said U-shaped cross-section portion defining a space therein, wherein said shield includes one or more ridges shaped to fit into said space.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, said cover comprising a plurality of shields, each shield together with a corresponding partition separating batteries in two adjacent pockets, one on each side of such partition.

8. The apparatus of claim 5, said container further comprising an electrically insulating layer lining said pockets, and an electrically insulating layer lining said shield and cover.

9. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said cover includes an L-shaped plate, and wherein said shield is an integral part of the cover.