Battery having an electrode mounting cage and method for its manufacture

Abstract

An electrode set (i.e., a separator between two electrodes) is placed within an electrically nonconductive mounting cage prior to sealing the mounting cage/electrode set assembly within a battery container having a cup-shaped lower part and a lid-shaped upper part. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting cage has a ring from which extend retaining arms with a projection at the end. The retaining arms are interconnected by curved-rib connections positioned near the separator. The mounting cage enables the electrode set to be accurately assembled before being sealed within the battery container. The ring of the mounting cage forms a sealing ring between the battery container (which acts as one electrical contact for the battery) and a contact spring that is placed within the mounting cage before the electrode set and acts as the other electrical contact. The retaining arms and projections hold the components of the electrode set accurately in place during battery assembly. The retaining arms define openings in the side of the mounting cage that allow the separator to be impregnated with electrolyte. The openings also define volumes between the electrode set and the battery container for lateral expansion and gas exchange. Using the mounting cage of the present invention simplifies battery production by allowing the electrode sets to be assembled before being sealed within a battery container.