Acid retention system for a vehicle battery

• US 6,216,811 B1
• Filed: 03/17/1999
• Issued: 04/17/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 03/17/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: FCA US LLC (Stellantis NV)
• Original Assignee: Daimler Chrysler Corporation (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)
• Inventors: Herc, Matthew J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Mai, Lanna
• Assistant Examiner(s): RESTIFO, JEFFREY J
• Application Number:
  US09/271,308
• Time in Patent Office: 762 Days
• Field of Search: 180/68.5, 180/69.1, 429/99, 429/100, 296/38, 261/74
• US Class Current: 180/68.5
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/04 Arrangement of batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/202 Casings or frames around the primary casing of a single cell or a single battery
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/222 Inorganic material
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/227 Organic material
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/229 Composite material consisting of a mixture of organic and inorganic materials
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/253 adapted for specific cells, e.g. electrochemical cells operating at high temperature
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries

Abstract

A battery tray that includes a system for controlling the flow of fluid is provided. The battery tray includes a base surface having a retention cup formed therein. The retention cup collects aqueous sulfuric acid discharged from the battery. The retention cup includes a vent or slot formed therein to allow its contents to evaporate over time. A system of troughs and channels are included in the base surface to direct fluid flow towards the retention cup. The battery tray effectively controls the flow of aqueous sulfuric acid so that the acid does not contact neighboring vehicular components. If aqueous sulfuric acid contacts metal vehicle components it will promote corrosion of the components.

Claims

1. A battery tray adapted to receive a battery, said battery tray comprising:

a base surface having a retention cup formed therein, said retention cup adapted for collecting an aqueous acid having an acid component and a water component that is discharged from the battery;

wherein said retention cup includes a slot formed therethrough to allow the water component of the aqueous acid to evaporate over time.

2. The invention as set forth in claim 1, wherein said base structure also includes an opening for reception of a thermocouple.

3. The invention as set forth in claim 2, wherein said base structure includes a circular through disposed about said opening.

4. The invention as set forth in claim 3, wherein said base structure includes a channel interconnecting said circular through and said retention cup.

5. The invention as set forth in claims 4, wherein said base structure includes a side-wall extending upward therefrom.

6. The invention as set forth in claims wherein said base structure includes an outer channel disposed adjacent to said side-wall and connected to said retention cup.

7. The invention as set forth in claim 6, wherein said base structure is comprised of glass filled polypropylene.

8. A system for controlling fluid flow around a battery in a motor vehicle, the invention comprising a base surface having a retention cup formed therein, said retention cup having a slot formed therein, said base surface including an opening for reception of a-thermocouple and a circular trough formed about said opening, said base surface also includes a channel interconnecting said circular trough and said retention cup, said base structure also includes a plurality of side-walls extending perpendicularly therefrom, said base structure also includes an outer channel disposed adjacent to at least two of said side-walls and connected to said retention cup, wherein said base surface is adapted to receive a battery.