CA1172309A - Assembly of multi-cell cylindrical batteries with heat shrunk sleeve - Google Patents
Assembly of multi-cell cylindrical batteries with heat shrunk sleeveInfo
- Publication number
- CA1172309A CA1172309A CA000383425A CA383425A CA1172309A CA 1172309 A CA1172309 A CA 1172309A CA 000383425 A CA000383425 A CA 000383425A CA 383425 A CA383425 A CA 383425A CA 1172309 A CA1172309 A CA 1172309A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- assembly
- cells
- sleeve
- shrinkable
- heat
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Abstract
ASSEMBLY OF MULTI-CELL CYLINDRICAL BATTERIES
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A battery assembly is provided, which comprises a pluralty of generally cylindrical cells of the same type, placed axially in line one with another. The assembly is then wrapped circumferentially with at least one layer of sheet material, usually paper, such that the sheet material covers the assembly along its periphery at least so as to cover the contact regions between each adjacent pair of cells in the assembly. A
shrinkable plastic sleeve is then placed over the assembly and is shrunk at least at the ends so that the material at the ends extends radially inwardly at each end of the assembly, but not so as to cover either end.
In the preferred embodiment, the sleeve is extruded and heat shrinkable, but it may be spiral-wound or stretchable with elastic memory.
File No. PAT2012
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A battery assembly is provided, which comprises a pluralty of generally cylindrical cells of the same type, placed axially in line one with another. The assembly is then wrapped circumferentially with at least one layer of sheet material, usually paper, such that the sheet material covers the assembly along its periphery at least so as to cover the contact regions between each adjacent pair of cells in the assembly. A
shrinkable plastic sleeve is then placed over the assembly and is shrunk at least at the ends so that the material at the ends extends radially inwardly at each end of the assembly, but not so as to cover either end.
In the preferred embodiment, the sleeve is extruded and heat shrinkable, but it may be spiral-wound or stretchable with elastic memory.
File No. PAT2012
Description
FIELD OF T~IE INV~TION
... . . .
This invention relates to a battery assembly, particularly an assembly oE generally cylindrical cells placed axially in line one with another, so that the terminal voltage of the battery is the number of cells tirnes the terminal voltage of each cell. Specifically, the assembly relates to batteries comprised of an assembly of dry cells, where it is desired that the battery be handled and used as a single unit rather than as a separable plurality o~ dry cells.
BA~KGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There have been instances where it has been desirable to provide batteries, particulary for industrial and commercial use purposes, where the batteries comprise a plurality of dry cells but are desired to be handled as a single unit. For example, industrial batteries having 3.0 to 10.5 volts terminal voltage, te.g., having two to seven dry cells axially in line one with another), are desirable in certain kinds of flashlights or signalling apparatus.
Still other purposes and uses for such batteries include special purpose, low quantity assemblies, where it is nonetheless desirable that certain specific data concerning the battery, or the name o~ the user or purchaser, or other printed matter, be clearly noted on each battery. ~or example, batteries may be assembled having a particular voltage for specific use in certain kinds of equipment, and the use for 27 which the battery has been assembled may be indicated on the ``` I 1 72~V9 periphery of the battery.
However, in the past, any such assemblies of batteries have been provided in spiral-wound cardboard tubes; where a plurality of dry cells have been assembled in the tube and the ends of the tube crimped over. Such assemblies of cells have been not acceptable for a number oE reasons. Among them are the fact that the cardboard tube may swell and/or disintegrate if it becomes wet, and that the batteries may not in any way be abused such as by dropping them, at the risk of breaking the battery housing and thereby destroying the integrity of the battery assembly.
~ loreover, it has been determined that for reason of aesthetics, as well as the practical reason that they fit better into apparatus for which they are intended, it is desirable that batteries which comprise a plurality of cells axially assembled one with another should be as stiff as possible and should have a generally smooth outer surface.
It has been discovered, quite unexpectedly, that when a plurality o~ generally cylindrical cells ;s placed axially in line one with another, and wrapped circumferentlally so that at least the junction regions between axially adjacent pairs of cells are covered by at least one layer of sheet material, then a shrinkable plastic sleeve may be placed over the assembly and shrunk at least at the ends of the assembly so that the portions of the sleeve which extended beyond the ends of the assembly then extend radially inwardly at each end of the 27 assembly. By providing such a battery assembly, it is now possible to meet all of the desirable features discussed above, , 3 0 9 at a comparatively low cost in terms of assembly and materials used.
Moreover, it is now commercially possible to provide battery assemblies at the request of special users, or having special assembled cells which may be of a particular nature ~e.g., lithium/sulphur dioxide cells), where very specific information may be provided on the outside of the battery, without having to go to the expense of having special metal jackets or injection moulded plastic cases, for such battery 10 assemblies.
It has been found particulary useful, and economical in terms of assembly, where the shrinkable plastic sleeve -- which serves the function as a battery jacket - is heat-shrinkable, although as discussed hereafter, stretchable plastic material may be used.
Where heat-shrinkable plastic sleeveing material is used, the sleeve may either be a spiral-wound sleeve, or it may be extruded. ~lore specific details are provided hereafter.
Reference to the prior art has shown United States Patent 4,172,873, SPICE~, issued October 30,1979, showing an apparatus and method for applying a heat shrinkable sleeve to a plastic bottle. In that patent, a loosely fitting circumferentially heat shrinkable sleeve is shrunk onto bottles, where particularly two different amounts of heat per unit of height of the bottle are delivered to different but axially adjacent horizontal zones of the sleeve. Another patent showing use of 27 a heat shrink tubing is DALGOUTTE, United States Patent 4, 078,910, issued March 14,1978. That patent shows a method and -" I 1 72309 apparatus for Eorming a permanent butt ioint between optical fibres, using a glass sleeve.
In the present case, it has ~een found particularly useful to use a heat shrinkable plastic, preferably extruded but which may be spiral-wound, where the plastic is polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (P.T.F.E.), polyolefin or polycarbonate. Extruded sleeves of polyvinyl chloride have been especially useful in practical assembly operations, whereby relatively large numbers of batteries may be assembled very quickly, using generally automated equipment.
Thus, the present invention provides a battery assembly which comprises a plurality of like, generally cylindrical cells which are placed axially in line one with another, where each of the cells has a positive terminal at one of its ends and a negative terminal at the other end, and the cells are oriented all in the same axial direction, so that each contact region between axially adjacent cells comprises a negative terminal contacting the positive terminal of the next adjacent cell, in each case. At least one layer of sheet material is wrapped circum~erentially around the plurality of cells along at least such a portion of the axial length of the assembly that the wrapper extends beyond the contact region of each endmost cell of the assembly with its respective next adjacent cell. In other words, the wrapper of sheet material -- usually paper - covers all of the contact regions between adjacent pairs o~ cells of the battery assembly.
27 A tubular, shrinkable plastic sleeve is placed over the assembly. The length of the sleeve is longer than the -`" ! 1 7 ~ 3 0 (3 peripheral length of the assernbly, so that the sleeve extends beyond each end of the periphery oE the assembly. The sleeve is then shrunk at least at the ends thereof, so as to extend radially inwardly at each end of the assembly over a portion of the respective end oE the respective cells at the ends of the battery assembly, but not so as to cover the ends and thereby to preclude battery-to-device contact when the battery is placed in operation in any device.
The present invention also provides a method of making the battery assembly described generally above and discussed in greater detail hereaEter. The method includes the steps of placing a plurality of cylindrical cells axially in line with one another, wrapping at least one layer of sheet material circumferentially around the assembly at least so as to cover the contact regions between adjacent pairs of cells in the assembly, placin~ a tubular, shrinkable plastic sleeve over the assembly so that the ends of the sleeve extend beyond the respective ends of the periphery of the assembly, and shrinking at least the ends of the tube so that the material of those ends extends radially inwardly over a portion of the respective ends of the respective cells at the ends of the battery assembly.
RIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The specific features and objects of the invention, in 27 line with the above discussion, are described in greater detail hereafter, in association with the accompanying figures of I ~'7~309 drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is an exploded view showing the principal components of a battery assembly according to this invention, and their method of assembly;
Figure 2 is a cross section taken axially of an assembly before the sleeve is shrunk; and Figure 3 is similar to ~igure 2 but after the sleeve is shrunk.
DESCRIPTION OF T~IE PREFERRED EMBODIM~NTS
As discussed above, the battery assembly of the present invention is particulary intended to provide a battery assembly which comprises a plurality of dry cells. Generally, such dry cells are alkaline, but may in some circumstances be zinc-carbon or nickel cadmium cells; and, indeed, the cells assembled into a battery accordlng to the present invention may be such as lithium/sulphur dioxide cells. It is especially important that special notices may be required to be placed on the outside of a battery so that they are visible at all times while the battery is being handled, such as when the batteries are nickel cadmium where a notice against wrong polarity re-charging may be required to be given, or lithium/suLphur dioxide batteries which require very special handling.
Likewise, alkaline or zinc-carbon batteries may require a notice advising against re-charging.
27 What is important is that, even where small numbers of batteries are being assembled, it is possible according to the ` ' 17~309 present invention to provide a means by way of the layer o~
sheet material which is wrapped circumferentially around the plurality of cells, so that any require~ notice or other written material may be incorporated with the battery at the time of its assembly. Another example of such notice may be the name of a special purpose user, including such other material as the user may require, or for promotional purposes, etc. In all cases, it is evident that battery assemblies may be provided having such written material incorporated in them, without the necessity of having to prepare special printing or silk screening dies or matts as may be required for steel or injection moulded plastic battery cases.
Turning now to Figure 1, the battery assembly 10 comprises a plurality of like, generally cylindrical cells 12. Figure 1 shows the parts of two such cells, for economy oE space; and it is clear that parts 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d, may be each from a different cell. In any event, the present invention is generally intended for use with battery assemblies that comprise at least two cells, and very often three or more cells. As seen in Figures 2 and 3, there are contact regions 14 between axially adjacent pairs of cells. Also, as shown, all of the cells are oriented in the same axial direction, with all positive ends 16 facing the same way, so that at each contact region 14 the contact between -axially adjacent cells is negative terminal 18 to positive terminal 16, respectively.
There is at least one layer of sheet material or wrapper 27 20, wrapped circumferentially around the plurality of cells.
The length and width oE the sheet material 20 is such that it '"` ~ 'I ~230g ~ill wrap at least once completely a-round tlle circumEerence of the cells~ and is sufEiciently long that at least th~t portion of the axial length of the assembly of the cells which includes the contact regions 14 is covered by the sheet material wrapper 20. Generally, the length of the sheet material wrapper 20 is just slightly less than the overall length of the periphery of the assembly (see Figure 3); and is not longer than the assembled length of the cells along the periphery thereof when in contact with one another at the contact regions 14. A
tubular, shrinkable plastic sleeve~ 22 is placed over the assembly of cells 12 and the wrapper 20.
Referring also to Figures 2 and 3, the cells 12 are shown in general terms, where each cell has cathodic material 2~ and anodic material 2G, a positive terminal cap 28, and a slightly outwardly extending dish 30 at the negative end of the can in which the cell is assembled. No specific attempt is, however, made to describe the construction of each of the cells 12, that matter being beyond the scope of the present invention.
[Each of the cells 12 may have an individual, heat-shrunk plastic sleeve over them, in the manner usualLy provided in the assembly of individual cells which will then have a steel jacket placed over thern; it being understood that generally the cells being used in this invention are cells of the types discussed above, but before they are jacketed for final distribution to the market.]
As seen in Figure 2~ the length of the sleeve 22 is longer 27 than the peripheral length of the assembly, particularly when the cells are placed axially in contact one with another.
t ~'~2309 Thus, there are portions 32 at each end o~ the sleeve 22 which extend axially beyond each end oE the per.iphery of the assembly of cells and the wrapper 20. Figure 3 shows the assembly when the end portions 32 of the sleeve 22 have been shrunk, so that those portions extend radially inwardly at each end of the assembly, over a portion of the ends of the respective cells at the ends of the assembly; but not so as to completely cover either end so as to preclude battery-to-device contact.
When the sleeve is Eormed of al stretchable plastic, that plastic material is generally such that the tube may have to be formed over the assembly by stretching the plastic in tension and wrapping it over the periphery, and thereafter cutting the plastic across its width which is the same as along the length of the ba~.tery assembly; whereby the tension is relieved and the elastic memory recovery of the plastic material causes it to pull down against the periphery of the assembled cells except at the ends, where the material would then shrink so as to extend radially inwardly~ Hoop stress is set up in the plastic material along the periphery of the assembly.
Where the sleeve is a spiral-wound plastic tube, it may be more easily placed over the assembly of cells, much in the manner indicated in Figure 1. In that figure, the cells are shown to be destined to be brought together as at arrow 34; and the wrapper material 20 is destined then to be wrapped around the assembled cells 12, as shown at arrows 36; so that thereafter, the sleeve 22 may be placed over the assembly of 27 cells 12 and wrapper 20~ as at arrow 38.
When the spiral-wound plastic tube is in place, in the manner indicated in Figure 2, heat is then applied at least at the encls thereof, so that the end portions 32 again sh-rink arld extend radially inwarclly at the ends of the assembly, as shown in Figure 3.
A particularly practical material for use as the tubular, shrinkable plastic sleeve is an extruded heat-shrinkable plastic sleeve, generally formed of polyvinyl chloride. Such extruded, heat-shrinLcable sleeves have certain additional characteristics that make them particularly applicable to the present invention, for purposes described hereafter.
When extruded polyvinyl chloride heat-shrinkable sleeves are used, the material of those sleeves has substantially greater relative heat-shrink elastic memory circumferentially than it does axially. That is, for a given amount of heat, the material will shrink circumferentially -- i.e., across its diameter -- to a greater extent or at least to a higher percentage of shrink than it will along its length, or axially of the battery assembly.
The radial shrink of all plastic sleevP materials being contemplated is such that the sleeve material holds the wrapper tightly against the periphery of the cells within the assembly;
but on the other hand, the wrapper material 20 precludes the sleeve material from shrinking so much as to intrude into the space between adjacent cells in the contact region 14. Thus, the outer periphery of the battery assembly is substantially 27 smooth. Indeed~ if the wrapper material or sleeve material is permitted to intrude into the contact region 14 so as to form 1 17~309 an annular ring at that place, good axial contact between adjacent cells within the battery assembly may be precluded.
Moreover, the structural integrity o~ the battery is better assured, so as to permit relatively ro~lgh handling without damage to the battery.
When the sleeve material shrinks in the regions 32 so as to extend radially inwardly across the ends o~ the battery assembly, the integrity o~ the battery assembly is assured because the endmost cells will not slip out ~rom the sleeve.
However, as mentioned, the sleeve material must not extend radially inwardly so much as to cover and thereby insulate the ends, which would then preclude battery-to-device contact when the battery is in place in a device such as a ~lashlight or otherwise.
Particularly when there is also axlal shrin~age, either in respect of a spiral-wound tube and particularly in respect o~
an extruded heat-shrinkable sleeve, it is desirable to shrink entirely along the length of the assembly so that there is axial shrinkage to some extent9 or at least so there is axial tension set up in the sleeve material along the periphery o~
the battery assembly. This axial tension serves to hold the adjacent cells in contact with each other at each contact region 14, thereby preserving and assuring series connection among the cells in the battery assembly, and thereby assuring its continuing operation for so long as the cells remain operative.
27 Obviously, any desired reading matter may be printed on the outside o~ the wrapper material 20 3 especially when it is 23()9 paper, and generally the material of the plastic sleeve 22 is substantially transparent enough that it permits reading of tlle matter printed on the outside o:E the wrapper 20. Thus, no special. inks may be required, because the shrink of the sleeve 22 over the battery assembly would generally preclude rnoisture incursion under the sleeve to the wrapper 20.
Moreover, it may be desirable in some circumstances to provide an additional wrapper mater:ial underneath the generally paper wrapper, such as by way of a layer of polyethylene, so that if there is minor electrolyte leakage from any cell within the battery assembly, which escapes from that cell's own sleeve if one is present, the wrapper 20 would not be penetrated from beneath and thereby have its appearance spoiled.
Other materials froM which the plastic sleeve 22 may be formed, other than polyvinyl chloride, -nclude polyethylene, nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (P~T~FoE) ~ polyolefin, and polycarbonate film materials such as Mylar (trade mark).
As to the method of making a battery assembly according to the present invention, it is clear that the steps of assembly must include placing a plurality of like, cylindrical cells 12 axially in line with one another; wrapping at least one layer of the sheet material 20 ( and any other underlayer as may be required) around the circumferance of the assembled cells 12; placing the tubular, shrinkable plastic sleeve 22 over the assembly of cells 12 and wrapper 20, so that the ends 32 of the sleeve 22. extend beyond the respective ends 27 of the periphery of the assembly of cells 12 and wrapper 2Q;
and shrinking at least the ends 32 of the tube 22 so tha~ the ~ ~ ~23~9 - material of the ends 32 extends radially inwardly over a portion o~ each respective end of the respective cells ~2 at each end of the battery assembly 10.
Generally, the battery assembly 10 is such that the outer diameter of that assembly i5 approximately the same as that of a normal steel jacketed cell intended for use as a s;ngle cell;
although it is obvious that the outer diameter of the battery assembly need not be the same as a single jacketed cell if the purpose and apparatus into which the battery assembly is to be placed require a different dimension.
There has been described a battery assembly, having considerable advantages over any prior art battery assembly which required the use of a cardboard tube. The battery assembly of the present invention uses a shrinkable plastic tube, beneath which a wrapper is placed. Because, in general, the material of the shrinkable plastic tube is transparent, written material may be placed on the wrapper, so as to form an integral part of the battery when assembled, including the provision of any special notice as may be required, or advertising material or otherwise.
It has been noted that, especially when a shrinkable material is used that has some capacity of shrinkage axially of the battery assembly as well as circumferentially, a more positive contact between adjacent cells o~ the battery assembly is assured.
Moreover, it has been noted that a battery assembly 27 according to the present invention may be provided where non-standard cells are used, for very speciaL purposes; and I t 7~30 g that such asseMbly or any assembly according to the present invention may be economicalLy provided, even i.n low quantities of production.
A battery assembly of the present invention precludes the necessity for a special metal case or injection moulded plastic case, which otherwise would have to be used to replace the unacceptable cardboard tubes of the prior battery assemblies.
Finally, it will be notecl that a variety o~ plastic materials have been discussed, for use as the shrinkable plastic sleeve material, but other materials and other variations of the assembly may be made, beyond those which have been cdiscussed, without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
.
... . . .
This invention relates to a battery assembly, particularly an assembly oE generally cylindrical cells placed axially in line one with another, so that the terminal voltage of the battery is the number of cells tirnes the terminal voltage of each cell. Specifically, the assembly relates to batteries comprised of an assembly of dry cells, where it is desired that the battery be handled and used as a single unit rather than as a separable plurality o~ dry cells.
BA~KGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There have been instances where it has been desirable to provide batteries, particulary for industrial and commercial use purposes, where the batteries comprise a plurality of dry cells but are desired to be handled as a single unit. For example, industrial batteries having 3.0 to 10.5 volts terminal voltage, te.g., having two to seven dry cells axially in line one with another), are desirable in certain kinds of flashlights or signalling apparatus.
Still other purposes and uses for such batteries include special purpose, low quantity assemblies, where it is nonetheless desirable that certain specific data concerning the battery, or the name o~ the user or purchaser, or other printed matter, be clearly noted on each battery. ~or example, batteries may be assembled having a particular voltage for specific use in certain kinds of equipment, and the use for 27 which the battery has been assembled may be indicated on the ``` I 1 72~V9 periphery of the battery.
However, in the past, any such assemblies of batteries have been provided in spiral-wound cardboard tubes; where a plurality of dry cells have been assembled in the tube and the ends of the tube crimped over. Such assemblies of cells have been not acceptable for a number oE reasons. Among them are the fact that the cardboard tube may swell and/or disintegrate if it becomes wet, and that the batteries may not in any way be abused such as by dropping them, at the risk of breaking the battery housing and thereby destroying the integrity of the battery assembly.
~ loreover, it has been determined that for reason of aesthetics, as well as the practical reason that they fit better into apparatus for which they are intended, it is desirable that batteries which comprise a plurality of cells axially assembled one with another should be as stiff as possible and should have a generally smooth outer surface.
It has been discovered, quite unexpectedly, that when a plurality o~ generally cylindrical cells ;s placed axially in line one with another, and wrapped circumferentlally so that at least the junction regions between axially adjacent pairs of cells are covered by at least one layer of sheet material, then a shrinkable plastic sleeve may be placed over the assembly and shrunk at least at the ends of the assembly so that the portions of the sleeve which extended beyond the ends of the assembly then extend radially inwardly at each end of the 27 assembly. By providing such a battery assembly, it is now possible to meet all of the desirable features discussed above, , 3 0 9 at a comparatively low cost in terms of assembly and materials used.
Moreover, it is now commercially possible to provide battery assemblies at the request of special users, or having special assembled cells which may be of a particular nature ~e.g., lithium/sulphur dioxide cells), where very specific information may be provided on the outside of the battery, without having to go to the expense of having special metal jackets or injection moulded plastic cases, for such battery 10 assemblies.
It has been found particulary useful, and economical in terms of assembly, where the shrinkable plastic sleeve -- which serves the function as a battery jacket - is heat-shrinkable, although as discussed hereafter, stretchable plastic material may be used.
Where heat-shrinkable plastic sleeveing material is used, the sleeve may either be a spiral-wound sleeve, or it may be extruded. ~lore specific details are provided hereafter.
Reference to the prior art has shown United States Patent 4,172,873, SPICE~, issued October 30,1979, showing an apparatus and method for applying a heat shrinkable sleeve to a plastic bottle. In that patent, a loosely fitting circumferentially heat shrinkable sleeve is shrunk onto bottles, where particularly two different amounts of heat per unit of height of the bottle are delivered to different but axially adjacent horizontal zones of the sleeve. Another patent showing use of 27 a heat shrink tubing is DALGOUTTE, United States Patent 4, 078,910, issued March 14,1978. That patent shows a method and -" I 1 72309 apparatus for Eorming a permanent butt ioint between optical fibres, using a glass sleeve.
In the present case, it has ~een found particularly useful to use a heat shrinkable plastic, preferably extruded but which may be spiral-wound, where the plastic is polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (P.T.F.E.), polyolefin or polycarbonate. Extruded sleeves of polyvinyl chloride have been especially useful in practical assembly operations, whereby relatively large numbers of batteries may be assembled very quickly, using generally automated equipment.
Thus, the present invention provides a battery assembly which comprises a plurality of like, generally cylindrical cells which are placed axially in line one with another, where each of the cells has a positive terminal at one of its ends and a negative terminal at the other end, and the cells are oriented all in the same axial direction, so that each contact region between axially adjacent cells comprises a negative terminal contacting the positive terminal of the next adjacent cell, in each case. At least one layer of sheet material is wrapped circum~erentially around the plurality of cells along at least such a portion of the axial length of the assembly that the wrapper extends beyond the contact region of each endmost cell of the assembly with its respective next adjacent cell. In other words, the wrapper of sheet material -- usually paper - covers all of the contact regions between adjacent pairs o~ cells of the battery assembly.
27 A tubular, shrinkable plastic sleeve is placed over the assembly. The length of the sleeve is longer than the -`" ! 1 7 ~ 3 0 (3 peripheral length of the assernbly, so that the sleeve extends beyond each end of the periphery oE the assembly. The sleeve is then shrunk at least at the ends thereof, so as to extend radially inwardly at each end of the assembly over a portion of the respective end oE the respective cells at the ends of the battery assembly, but not so as to cover the ends and thereby to preclude battery-to-device contact when the battery is placed in operation in any device.
The present invention also provides a method of making the battery assembly described generally above and discussed in greater detail hereaEter. The method includes the steps of placing a plurality of cylindrical cells axially in line with one another, wrapping at least one layer of sheet material circumferentially around the assembly at least so as to cover the contact regions between adjacent pairs of cells in the assembly, placin~ a tubular, shrinkable plastic sleeve over the assembly so that the ends of the sleeve extend beyond the respective ends of the periphery of the assembly, and shrinking at least the ends of the tube so that the material of those ends extends radially inwardly over a portion of the respective ends of the respective cells at the ends of the battery assembly.
RIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The specific features and objects of the invention, in 27 line with the above discussion, are described in greater detail hereafter, in association with the accompanying figures of I ~'7~309 drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is an exploded view showing the principal components of a battery assembly according to this invention, and their method of assembly;
Figure 2 is a cross section taken axially of an assembly before the sleeve is shrunk; and Figure 3 is similar to ~igure 2 but after the sleeve is shrunk.
DESCRIPTION OF T~IE PREFERRED EMBODIM~NTS
As discussed above, the battery assembly of the present invention is particulary intended to provide a battery assembly which comprises a plurality of dry cells. Generally, such dry cells are alkaline, but may in some circumstances be zinc-carbon or nickel cadmium cells; and, indeed, the cells assembled into a battery accordlng to the present invention may be such as lithium/sulphur dioxide cells. It is especially important that special notices may be required to be placed on the outside of a battery so that they are visible at all times while the battery is being handled, such as when the batteries are nickel cadmium where a notice against wrong polarity re-charging may be required to be given, or lithium/suLphur dioxide batteries which require very special handling.
Likewise, alkaline or zinc-carbon batteries may require a notice advising against re-charging.
27 What is important is that, even where small numbers of batteries are being assembled, it is possible according to the ` ' 17~309 present invention to provide a means by way of the layer o~
sheet material which is wrapped circumferentially around the plurality of cells, so that any require~ notice or other written material may be incorporated with the battery at the time of its assembly. Another example of such notice may be the name of a special purpose user, including such other material as the user may require, or for promotional purposes, etc. In all cases, it is evident that battery assemblies may be provided having such written material incorporated in them, without the necessity of having to prepare special printing or silk screening dies or matts as may be required for steel or injection moulded plastic battery cases.
Turning now to Figure 1, the battery assembly 10 comprises a plurality of like, generally cylindrical cells 12. Figure 1 shows the parts of two such cells, for economy oE space; and it is clear that parts 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d, may be each from a different cell. In any event, the present invention is generally intended for use with battery assemblies that comprise at least two cells, and very often three or more cells. As seen in Figures 2 and 3, there are contact regions 14 between axially adjacent pairs of cells. Also, as shown, all of the cells are oriented in the same axial direction, with all positive ends 16 facing the same way, so that at each contact region 14 the contact between -axially adjacent cells is negative terminal 18 to positive terminal 16, respectively.
There is at least one layer of sheet material or wrapper 27 20, wrapped circumferentially around the plurality of cells.
The length and width oE the sheet material 20 is such that it '"` ~ 'I ~230g ~ill wrap at least once completely a-round tlle circumEerence of the cells~ and is sufEiciently long that at least th~t portion of the axial length of the assembly of the cells which includes the contact regions 14 is covered by the sheet material wrapper 20. Generally, the length of the sheet material wrapper 20 is just slightly less than the overall length of the periphery of the assembly (see Figure 3); and is not longer than the assembled length of the cells along the periphery thereof when in contact with one another at the contact regions 14. A
tubular, shrinkable plastic sleeve~ 22 is placed over the assembly of cells 12 and the wrapper 20.
Referring also to Figures 2 and 3, the cells 12 are shown in general terms, where each cell has cathodic material 2~ and anodic material 2G, a positive terminal cap 28, and a slightly outwardly extending dish 30 at the negative end of the can in which the cell is assembled. No specific attempt is, however, made to describe the construction of each of the cells 12, that matter being beyond the scope of the present invention.
[Each of the cells 12 may have an individual, heat-shrunk plastic sleeve over them, in the manner usualLy provided in the assembly of individual cells which will then have a steel jacket placed over thern; it being understood that generally the cells being used in this invention are cells of the types discussed above, but before they are jacketed for final distribution to the market.]
As seen in Figure 2~ the length of the sleeve 22 is longer 27 than the peripheral length of the assembly, particularly when the cells are placed axially in contact one with another.
t ~'~2309 Thus, there are portions 32 at each end o~ the sleeve 22 which extend axially beyond each end oE the per.iphery of the assembly of cells and the wrapper 20. Figure 3 shows the assembly when the end portions 32 of the sleeve 22 have been shrunk, so that those portions extend radially inwardly at each end of the assembly, over a portion of the ends of the respective cells at the ends of the assembly; but not so as to completely cover either end so as to preclude battery-to-device contact.
When the sleeve is Eormed of al stretchable plastic, that plastic material is generally such that the tube may have to be formed over the assembly by stretching the plastic in tension and wrapping it over the periphery, and thereafter cutting the plastic across its width which is the same as along the length of the ba~.tery assembly; whereby the tension is relieved and the elastic memory recovery of the plastic material causes it to pull down against the periphery of the assembled cells except at the ends, where the material would then shrink so as to extend radially inwardly~ Hoop stress is set up in the plastic material along the periphery of the assembly.
Where the sleeve is a spiral-wound plastic tube, it may be more easily placed over the assembly of cells, much in the manner indicated in Figure 1. In that figure, the cells are shown to be destined to be brought together as at arrow 34; and the wrapper material 20 is destined then to be wrapped around the assembled cells 12, as shown at arrows 36; so that thereafter, the sleeve 22 may be placed over the assembly of 27 cells 12 and wrapper 20~ as at arrow 38.
When the spiral-wound plastic tube is in place, in the manner indicated in Figure 2, heat is then applied at least at the encls thereof, so that the end portions 32 again sh-rink arld extend radially inwarclly at the ends of the assembly, as shown in Figure 3.
A particularly practical material for use as the tubular, shrinkable plastic sleeve is an extruded heat-shrinkable plastic sleeve, generally formed of polyvinyl chloride. Such extruded, heat-shrinLcable sleeves have certain additional characteristics that make them particularly applicable to the present invention, for purposes described hereafter.
When extruded polyvinyl chloride heat-shrinkable sleeves are used, the material of those sleeves has substantially greater relative heat-shrink elastic memory circumferentially than it does axially. That is, for a given amount of heat, the material will shrink circumferentially -- i.e., across its diameter -- to a greater extent or at least to a higher percentage of shrink than it will along its length, or axially of the battery assembly.
The radial shrink of all plastic sleevP materials being contemplated is such that the sleeve material holds the wrapper tightly against the periphery of the cells within the assembly;
but on the other hand, the wrapper material 20 precludes the sleeve material from shrinking so much as to intrude into the space between adjacent cells in the contact region 14. Thus, the outer periphery of the battery assembly is substantially 27 smooth. Indeed~ if the wrapper material or sleeve material is permitted to intrude into the contact region 14 so as to form 1 17~309 an annular ring at that place, good axial contact between adjacent cells within the battery assembly may be precluded.
Moreover, the structural integrity o~ the battery is better assured, so as to permit relatively ro~lgh handling without damage to the battery.
When the sleeve material shrinks in the regions 32 so as to extend radially inwardly across the ends o~ the battery assembly, the integrity o~ the battery assembly is assured because the endmost cells will not slip out ~rom the sleeve.
However, as mentioned, the sleeve material must not extend radially inwardly so much as to cover and thereby insulate the ends, which would then preclude battery-to-device contact when the battery is in place in a device such as a ~lashlight or otherwise.
Particularly when there is also axlal shrin~age, either in respect of a spiral-wound tube and particularly in respect o~
an extruded heat-shrinkable sleeve, it is desirable to shrink entirely along the length of the assembly so that there is axial shrinkage to some extent9 or at least so there is axial tension set up in the sleeve material along the periphery o~
the battery assembly. This axial tension serves to hold the adjacent cells in contact with each other at each contact region 14, thereby preserving and assuring series connection among the cells in the battery assembly, and thereby assuring its continuing operation for so long as the cells remain operative.
27 Obviously, any desired reading matter may be printed on the outside o~ the wrapper material 20 3 especially when it is 23()9 paper, and generally the material of the plastic sleeve 22 is substantially transparent enough that it permits reading of tlle matter printed on the outside o:E the wrapper 20. Thus, no special. inks may be required, because the shrink of the sleeve 22 over the battery assembly would generally preclude rnoisture incursion under the sleeve to the wrapper 20.
Moreover, it may be desirable in some circumstances to provide an additional wrapper mater:ial underneath the generally paper wrapper, such as by way of a layer of polyethylene, so that if there is minor electrolyte leakage from any cell within the battery assembly, which escapes from that cell's own sleeve if one is present, the wrapper 20 would not be penetrated from beneath and thereby have its appearance spoiled.
Other materials froM which the plastic sleeve 22 may be formed, other than polyvinyl chloride, -nclude polyethylene, nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (P~T~FoE) ~ polyolefin, and polycarbonate film materials such as Mylar (trade mark).
As to the method of making a battery assembly according to the present invention, it is clear that the steps of assembly must include placing a plurality of like, cylindrical cells 12 axially in line with one another; wrapping at least one layer of the sheet material 20 ( and any other underlayer as may be required) around the circumferance of the assembled cells 12; placing the tubular, shrinkable plastic sleeve 22 over the assembly of cells 12 and wrapper 20, so that the ends 32 of the sleeve 22. extend beyond the respective ends 27 of the periphery of the assembly of cells 12 and wrapper 2Q;
and shrinking at least the ends 32 of the tube 22 so tha~ the ~ ~ ~23~9 - material of the ends 32 extends radially inwardly over a portion o~ each respective end of the respective cells ~2 at each end of the battery assembly 10.
Generally, the battery assembly 10 is such that the outer diameter of that assembly i5 approximately the same as that of a normal steel jacketed cell intended for use as a s;ngle cell;
although it is obvious that the outer diameter of the battery assembly need not be the same as a single jacketed cell if the purpose and apparatus into which the battery assembly is to be placed require a different dimension.
There has been described a battery assembly, having considerable advantages over any prior art battery assembly which required the use of a cardboard tube. The battery assembly of the present invention uses a shrinkable plastic tube, beneath which a wrapper is placed. Because, in general, the material of the shrinkable plastic tube is transparent, written material may be placed on the wrapper, so as to form an integral part of the battery when assembled, including the provision of any special notice as may be required, or advertising material or otherwise.
It has been noted that, especially when a shrinkable material is used that has some capacity of shrinkage axially of the battery assembly as well as circumferentially, a more positive contact between adjacent cells o~ the battery assembly is assured.
Moreover, it has been noted that a battery assembly 27 according to the present invention may be provided where non-standard cells are used, for very speciaL purposes; and I t 7~30 g that such asseMbly or any assembly according to the present invention may be economicalLy provided, even i.n low quantities of production.
A battery assembly of the present invention precludes the necessity for a special metal case or injection moulded plastic case, which otherwise would have to be used to replace the unacceptable cardboard tubes of the prior battery assemblies.
Finally, it will be notecl that a variety o~ plastic materials have been discussed, for use as the shrinkable plastic sleeve material, but other materials and other variations of the assembly may be made, beyond those which have been cdiscussed, without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
.
Claims (17)
1. A battery assembly comprising a plurality of like, generally cylindrical cells placed axially in line one with another, each of said cells having a positive terminal at one of its ends and a negative terminal at the other of its ends, said cells being oriented all in the same axial direction, so that each contact region between axially adjacent cells comprises negative terminal to positive terminal of each pair of adjacent cells;
at least one layer of sheet material wrapped circumferentially-around said plurality of cells along at least such portion of the axial length of said assembly so as to extend beyond the contact region of each endmost cell of said assembly with its respective next adjacent cells; and a tubular shrinkable plastic sleeve placed over said assembly;
said sleeve being longer than the peripheral length of said assembly, and extending beyond each end of the periphery of said assembly;
said sleeve being shrunk at least at the ends thereof, so as to extend radially inwardly at each end of said assembly over a portion of the respective ends of the respective cells at the ends of said assembly.
at least one layer of sheet material wrapped circumferentially-around said plurality of cells along at least such portion of the axial length of said assembly so as to extend beyond the contact region of each endmost cell of said assembly with its respective next adjacent cells; and a tubular shrinkable plastic sleeve placed over said assembly;
said sleeve being longer than the peripheral length of said assembly, and extending beyond each end of the periphery of said assembly;
said sleeve being shrunk at least at the ends thereof, so as to extend radially inwardly at each end of said assembly over a portion of the respective ends of the respective cells at the ends of said assembly.
2. The assembly of claim 1, where said sleeve is a spiral-wound plastic tube which is heat shrinkable.
3. The assembly of claim 1, where said sleeve is stretchable plastic tape which is stretchable in tension and has elastic memory recovery after release of tension.
4. The assembly of claim 1, where said sleeve is an extruded heat-shrinkable sleeve.
5. The assembly of claim 4, where said extruded heat-shrinkable sleeve has substantially greater relative heat-shrink elastic memory circumferentially than axially, and is heat-shrunk along its entire length.
6. The assembly of claims 2, 3, or 4, where said sheet material is paper.
7. The assembly of claims 2, 3, or 4, where each cell has a positive terminal cap axially thereof, so that each cell is longer at its axis than at its periphery .
8. The assembly of claims 3 or 47 where said heat shrinkable sleeve is made of a material chosen from the group consisting of polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyolefin, and polycarbonate.
9. The assembly of claim 1, where said at least one layer of sheet material is paper.
10. The assembly of claim 9, further comprising at least one layer of polyethylene between said paper and the periphery of each of said plurality of cells.
11. The method of making a battery assembly having a plurality of like, generally cylindrical cells placed axially in line one with another, said cells being oriented all in the same axial direction with contact regions between each pair of adjacent cells; with at least one layer of sheet material wrapped circumferentially around said plurality of cells, and a tubular and shrinkable plastic sleeve placed over said assembly;
comprising the steps of:
(a) placing a plurality of like, generally cylindrical cells axially in line with one another;
(b) wrapping at least one layer of a sheet material circumferentially around said plurality of cells along at least such portion of the axial length of said assembly so as to extend beyond the contact region of each endmost cell of said assembly with its respective next adjacent cells;
(c) placing a tubular, shrinkable plastic sleeve over said assembly so that the ends of said sleeve extend beyond the respective ends of the periphery of said assembly; and (d) shrinking at least the ends of said tube so that the material of said ends extends radially inwardly over a portion of the respective ends of the respective cells at the ends of said assembly.
comprising the steps of:
(a) placing a plurality of like, generally cylindrical cells axially in line with one another;
(b) wrapping at least one layer of a sheet material circumferentially around said plurality of cells along at least such portion of the axial length of said assembly so as to extend beyond the contact region of each endmost cell of said assembly with its respective next adjacent cells;
(c) placing a tubular, shrinkable plastic sleeve over said assembly so that the ends of said sleeve extend beyond the respective ends of the periphery of said assembly; and (d) shrinking at least the ends of said tube so that the material of said ends extends radially inwardly over a portion of the respective ends of the respective cells at the ends of said assembly.
12. The method of claim 11, where said sleeve is a spiral-wound plastic tube which is heat shrinkable
13. The method of claim 11, where said sleeve is stretchable plastic tape which is stretchable in tension and has elastic memory recovery after release of tension.
14. The method of claim 11, where said sleeve is an extruded heat-shrinkable sleeve.
15. The method of claim 14, where said extruded heat-shrinkable sleeve has substantially greater relative heat-shrink elastic memory circumferentially than axially, and is heat-shrunk along its entire length.
16. The method of claim 12, 13 or 14, where said sheet material is paper.
17. The method of claim 13 or 14, where said heat shrinkable sleeve is made of a material chosen from the group consisting of polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyolefin, and polycarbonate.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000383425A CA1172309A (en) | 1981-08-07 | 1981-08-07 | Assembly of multi-cell cylindrical batteries with heat shrunk sleeve |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000383425A CA1172309A (en) | 1981-08-07 | 1981-08-07 | Assembly of multi-cell cylindrical batteries with heat shrunk sleeve |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1172309A true CA1172309A (en) | 1984-08-07 |
Family
ID=4120639
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000383425A Expired CA1172309A (en) | 1981-08-07 | 1981-08-07 | Assembly of multi-cell cylindrical batteries with heat shrunk sleeve |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1172309A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4937153A (en) * | 1988-08-29 | 1990-06-26 | Eveready Battery Company | Cell circuit interrupter |
| US5332632A (en) * | 1988-12-22 | 1994-07-26 | Eveready Battery Company, Inc. | Electrochemical cells having means for indicating the degree of cell bulging |
-
1981
- 1981-08-07 CA CA000383425A patent/CA1172309A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4937153A (en) * | 1988-08-29 | 1990-06-26 | Eveready Battery Company | Cell circuit interrupter |
| US5332632A (en) * | 1988-12-22 | 1994-07-26 | Eveready Battery Company, Inc. | Electrochemical cells having means for indicating the degree of cell bulging |
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