Motor vehicles – Power – Battery mountings and holders
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-17
2001-04-17
Mai, Lanna (Department: 3619)
Motor vehicles
Power
Battery mountings and holders
C180S069100, C429S100000, C296S038000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06216811
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates in general to batteries. More particularly, but without restriction to the particular embodiment and/or use which is shown and described for purposes of illustration, the present invention relates to a acid retention system for a vehicular battery.
2. Discussion
Every motor vehicle includes a battery that is essential to the electrical system of the vehicle. The battery converts electrical current generated by the engine, or more specifically the alternator, into chemical energy that may be stored. The chemical potential energy of the battery can then be harnessed by conversion into the needed electrical current at a later time.
Each battery includes a plurality of positive and negative plates or electrodes immersed in an electrolyte. In a conventional lead-acid battery, the cathode or positive plates typically include lead peroxide (PbO
2
) as its active material. The anode or negative plates typically include lead (Pb), and the electrolyte typically includes an aqueous solution of sulfuric acid (H
2
SO
4
). The electrodes are connected by an external circuit such that electrons can be transferred therebetween, and thereby create an electrical current.
As electrical current is desired from the battery, energy is released from the battery's stored chemical energy. During this discharge phase the following reactions occur at the anode and cathode, providing a current from the positive to the negative electrode.
Cathode PbO
2
+4 H
+
+SO
4
2−
+2e
−
→PbSO
4
+2 H
2
O
Anode Pb+SO
4
2−
−2e
31
→PbSO
4
Overall PbO
2
+Pb+2 H
2
SO
4
→2 PbSO
4
+2 H
2
O
As electrical current is stored in the battery, potential chemical energy is created in the battery. During this charging phase the following reactions occur at the anode and the cathode, providing a current from the negative to the positive electrode.
Cathode 4 H
2
O−4e
−
→O
2
+4 H
+
Anode 4 H++4e
−
→2 H
2
Overall 2 H
2
O→2 H
2
+O
2
A battery typically will lose some water vapor due to its conversion process and the heat generated by the charging and discharging process. As this water leaves it will take a certain amount of sulfuric acid with it because of the aqueous solution environment. Sulfuric acid in aqueous form is highly corrosive. It can cause premature corrosion of any metal surface that it contacts.
Others have solved this problem in the past by providing drain tubes that direct the aqueous solution to a desired location as is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,098,366, titled “Device for Mounting A Storage Battery” issued Jul. 4, 1978. Although this apparatus may work satisfactorily in reducing corrosion on neighboring components, there continues to be a need for other inventive apparati that control the aqueous sulfuric acid discharged from a battery.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is a principal objective of the present invention to provide a battery tray for holding a battery and controlling the battery discharge in a truly unique fashion.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a battery tray that includes a fluid retention cup and a drainage system to protect a thermocouple.
It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a battery tray that includes a fluid retention cup having a vent or slot to allow the water component of an aqueous solution to evaporate over time.
In one form, the present invention provides a battery tray that includes a system for controlling the flow of fluid. 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 present invention effectively controls the flow of aqueous sulfuric acid so that the acid does not contact neighboring vehicular components that may corrode while in contact with aqueous sulfuric acid.
Additional benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention relates from a reading of the subsequent description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Lorelli Marc
Mai Lanna
Restifo Jeff
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