A continuous paste mixer comprising a mixing apparatus secured to a frame is described herein. The mixing apparatus includes one or more mixer assemblies configured to extend and stack with respect to the frame, the one or more mixer assemblies to mix various ingredients (thixotropic and/or non-Newtonian) continuously and uniformly without risking uncontrolled exothermic reactions. The continuous paste mixer comprises a support member operatively connected to the mixing apparatus, and a controller configured to automatically control movement and operation of the high-shear mixer during mixing according to one or more mixing profiles.
B01F 27/706 - Mélangeurs à agitateurs tournant dans des récipients fixesPétrins avec des agitateurs tournant autour d'un axe horizontal ou incliné avec des palettes, des lames ou des bras comprenant plusieurs arbres, p. ex. dans des chambres de mélange consécutives avec tous les arbres dans le même récipient
B01F 23/53 - Mélange de liquides avec des solides en utilisant des agitateurs entraînés
B01F 23/57 - Mélange de liquides à haute viscosité avec des solides
B01F 27/702 - Mélangeurs à agitateurs tournant dans des récipients fixesPétrins avec des agitateurs tournant autour d'un axe horizontal ou incliné avec des palettes, des lames ou des bras comprenant plusieurs arbres, p. ex. dans des chambres de mélange consécutives avec des palettes s’engrenant les unes dans les autres
B01F 35/00 - Accessoires pour mélangeursOpérations auxiliaires ou dispositifs auxiliairesParties ou détails d'application générale
B01F 35/221 - Commande ou régulation des paramètres de fonctionnement, p. ex. du niveau de matière dans le mélangeur, de la température ou de la pression
B01F 35/222 - Commande ou régulation du fonctionnement du système d'entraînement, p. ex. du couple, de la vitesse ou de la puissance des moteursCommande ou régulation de la position des dispositifs ou des éléments de mélange
A paste coating system comprises a dispensing head assembly operatively connected to a coating frame, the dispensing head assembly including one or more dispensing heads configured to dispense paste (thixotropic and/or non-Newtonian) onto a grid with respect to the coating frame, and a ultrasonic transducer adjacent to the one or more dispensing heads configured to regulate viscosity of the paste such that the paste is coated onto the grid uniformly without risking material properties. The paste coating system also comprises a controller configured to automatically control operation of the dispensing head assembly and ultrasonic transducer during coating according to one or more coating profile.
H01M 4/57 - Emploi de substances spécifiées comme matériaux actifs, masses actives, liquides actifs d'oxydes ou d'hydroxydes inorganiques de plomb de "plomb gris", c.-à-d. de poudres à base de plomb et d'oxyde de plomb
H01M 4/73 - Grilles pour accumulateurs au plomb, p. ex. plaques à cadres
A continuous paste mixer comprising a mixing apparatus secured to a frame (105) is described herein. The mixing apparatus includes one or more mixer assemblies (200) configured to extend and stack with respect to the frame, the one or more mixer assemblies to mix various ingredients (thixotropic and/or non-Newtonian) continuously and uniformly without risking uncontrolled exothermic reactions. The continuous paste mixer comprises a support member operatively connected to the mixing apparatus, and a controller configured to automatically control movement and operation of the high-shear mixer during mixing according to one or more mixing profiles.
B01F 23/53 - Mélange de liquides avec des solides en utilisant des agitateurs entraînés
B01F 27/192 - Agitateurs avec plusieurs éléments de mélange montés en séquence sur un même axe avec des éléments dissemblables
B01F 27/2123 - Arbres comportant à la fois des moyens de brassage et des moyens d'alimentation ou d'évacuation
B01F 27/702 - Mélangeurs à agitateurs tournant dans des récipients fixesPétrins avec des agitateurs tournant autour d'un axe horizontal ou incliné avec des palettes, des lames ou des bras comprenant plusieurs arbres, p. ex. dans des chambres de mélange consécutives avec des palettes s’engrenant les unes dans les autres
B01F 35/82 - Formation d'un rapport prédéterminé des substances à mélanger en ajoutant une matière à mélanger à un mélange en réponse à une caractéristique détectée, p. ex. la densité, la radioactivité, la puissance consommée ou la couleur
B01F 35/92 - Systèmes de chauffage ou de refroidissement pour chauffer l'extérieur du récipient, p. ex. vestes chauffantes ou brûleurs
B01F 101/58 - Mélange de matières pour les semi-conducteurs, p. ex. pendant le processus de fabrication de semi-conducteurs ou de plaquettes
4.
CONTROL OF LEAD ACID PASTE TRANSFERRENCE THROUGH USE OF ULTRASONICS FOR VISCOSITY REGULATION
A paste coating system comprises a dispensing head assembly operatively connected to a coating frame, the dispensing head assembly including one or more dispensing heads configured to dispense paste (thixotropic and/or non-Newtonian) onto a grid with respect to the coating frame, and a ultrasonic transducer adjacent to the one or more dispensing heads configured to regulate viscosity of the paste such that the paste is coated onto the grid uniformly without risking material properties. The paste coating system also comprises a controller configured to automatically control operation of the dispensing head assembly and ultrasonic transducer during coating according to one or more coating profile.
A method and system for joining strips of battery grid comprises feeding a first strip of battery grid into a processing station at a predetermined feed rate, and progressively increasing the path length of the first strip until a target path length is reached. When the end of the first strip is reached, the path length of the first strip is progressively decreased while holding the end of the first strip. The rate of decrease allows the first strip to continue to be delivered into the processing station at the predetermined feed rate. A second strip is advanced from a second feed supply to a position adjacent the end of the first strip. The adjacent ends are joined by laser welding. The decreasing of the path length is stopped, and the second strip of battery grid is fed into the processing station at the predetermined feed rate.
Apparatus and method for aligning the lugs on a stack of battery plates in a jig box. The apparatus comprises a frame carrying a lug alignment mechanism for positioning over the jig box. The frame comprises a set of feet that engage the jig box to locate the lug alignment mechanism. The frame feet on one side comprise fixed surfaces configured to engage contact surfaces on a first side of the jig box. The frame feet on the opposite side comprise for engaging contact surfaces on the corresponding second side. The actuators are operable such that when the frame is positioned over the jig box, moveable surfaces are moveable between a first position and a second position in which they are engaged with the contact surfaces on the second side and the fixed surfaces are engaged with the contact surfaces on the first side.
A battery plate handling apparatus comprises a horizontal elongate rack and gripper modules mounted so as to be movable along the rack. Each gripper module comprises a gripper unit carrier mounted on the rack and a gripper unit mounted on the gripper unit carrier for gripping groups of battery plates. The gripper modules comprise at least two adjacent configurable modules each comprising a gripper unit sub-mounting pivotally mounted on a respective carrier so as to pivot around a vertical axis spaced to one side of the rack. The gripper unit sub-mounting comprises a horizontal sub-rack on which a pair of gripper units are mounted such that the horizontal separation between the gripper units can be varied. The horizontal sub rack of one of the sub-mountings is higher than the horizontal sub-rack of the other sub-mounting. A process for configuring the apparatus is also disclosed.
A battery plate alignment system includes a stack aligner having a head frame located above a stack support surface; a pair of clamping members mounted on the head frame so as to project below the head frame, wherein each clamping member is mounted on an actuator arranged to move the clamping member along the head frame; a rotary drive system arranged to rotate the head frame; and a vertical drive system arranged to move the head frame vertically. A method of aligning the stack includes positioning the stack to one side of the support surface; lowering the head frame; clamping the stack to the head frame; lifting the stack from the support surface; rotating the head frame around the vertical axis; moving the stack along the head frame so that the stack is over its original position; lowering the stack back onto the support surface; and unclamping the stack.
A battery cast-on-strap machine unloading apparatus includes a first and a second unit. Each unit includes a rotary drive mechanism; and, a pinion co-axial with and directly driveable by the rotary drive mechanism. The apparatus further includes an elongate rack. The rack includes teeth along a first side and an opposing second side. The first and second units are mounted adjacent to each other on the rack. Operation of each drive mechanism causes rotation of the respective pinion to be converted into linear motion of the respective unit along the rack. Adjacent rotary drive mechanisms are located on opposing sides of the rack, such that the pinion of the first unit meshes with the teeth along the first side of the rack, and the pinion of the adjacent second unit meshes with the teeth along the opposing second side of the rack.
B65G 47/90 - Dispositifs pour saisir et déposer les articles ou les matériaux
B65G 65/02 - Machines à charger ou à décharger comportant essentiellement un transporteur pour déplacer les charges associé à un dispositif pour les saisir
B65D 57/00 - Châssis ou supports internes pour objets souples, p. ex. raidisseursSéparateurs pour objets en piles ou en groupes, p. ex. pour empêcher l'adhérence des objets collants
12.
Apparatus for the manufacture of battery components
An apparatus for separating battery plates includes a work surface for receiving a stack of battery plates, and an alignment mechanism for aligning the battery plates on the work surface. The work surface is movable between a first position in which it is angled with respect to a horizontal plane and a second position in which it is substantially aligned with the horizontal plane. When the work surface moves between the first and second position adjacent battery plates of the stack are displaced relative to each other.
A lead delivery apparatus for a cast on strap machine is arranged to deliver a predetermined volume of molten lead to a mould. The apparatus includes a first needle valve, a second needle valve, and a housing. The housing has a reservoir including an inlet and an outlet. The reservoir inlet is in fluid communication with a molten lead supply. The reservoir is supplied with molten lead during use such that the molten lead in the reservoir is maintained at a constant height.
B22D 25/04 - Coulée de plaques métalliques d'accumulateurs électriques ou d'objets analogues
B22D 39/02 - Équipement pour l'alimentation en métal liquide en quantités bien définies comportant un réglage du volume de métal liquide
B22D 35/04 - Équipement de transport du métal liquide jusqu'aux sillons de lingotage ou aux moules aux moules, p. ex. plaques de base, chenaux de coulée
A lead delivery apparatus for a cast on strap machine is arranged to deliver a predetermined volume of molten lead to a mould. The apparatus includes a first needle valve, a second needle valve, and a housing. The housing has a reservoir including an inlet and an outlet. The reservoir inlet is in fluid communication with a molten lead supply. The reservoir is supplied with molten lead during use such that the molten lead in the reservoir is maintained at a constant height.
B22D 25/04 - Coulée de plaques métalliques d'accumulateurs électriques ou d'objets analogues
B22D 39/02 - Équipement pour l'alimentation en métal liquide en quantités bien définies comportant un réglage du volume de métal liquide
B22D 35/04 - Équipement de transport du métal liquide jusqu'aux sillons de lingotage ou aux moules aux moules, p. ex. plaques de base, chenaux de coulée
A lead delivery apparatus for a cast on strap machine is arranged to deliver a predetermined volume of molten lead to a mould. The apparatus includes a first needle valve, a second needle valve, and a housing. The housing has a reservoir including an inlet and an outlet. The reservoir inlet is in fluid communication with a molten lead supply. The reservoir is supplied with molten lead during use such that the molten lead in the reservoir is maintained at a constant height.
B22D 25/04 - Coulée de plaques métalliques d'accumulateurs électriques ou d'objets analogues
B22D 39/02 - Équipement pour l'alimentation en métal liquide en quantités bien définies comportant un réglage du volume de métal liquide
B22D 35/04 - Équipement de transport du métal liquide jusqu'aux sillons de lingotage ou aux moules aux moules, p. ex. plaques de base, chenaux de coulée
A mould for forming battery components includes a first mould body having a first plurality of mould cavities and a second mould body having a second plurality of mould cavities. The first mould body and the second mould body are configured to be moveable between a moulding position in which the first plurality and second plurality of mould cavities are aligned, and a fill position in which the first plurality and second plurality of mould cavities are displaced from the aligned position and are proximal to a molten metal feed.
B22D 35/04 - Équipement de transport du métal liquide jusqu'aux sillons de lingotage ou aux moules aux moules, p. ex. plaques de base, chenaux de coulée
B22D 35/02 - Équipement de transport du métal liquide jusqu'aux sillons de lingotage ou aux moules aux sillons de lingotage
B22D 39/02 - Équipement pour l'alimentation en métal liquide en quantités bien définies comportant un réglage du volume de métal liquide
A battery plate loading system includes a battery plate separator apparatus having a work surface for receiving a stack of battery plates, and a loading mechanism including an arm coupled to the work surface. The arm is pivotable to move the work surface between a substantially horizontal position and a substantially vertical position. A pallet has a surface arranged to receive a plurality of stacks of battery plates, each stack being arranged in at least a first or a second orientation; and, a robot head arrangement configured to transfer stacks of battery plates from the pallet to the battery plate separator apparatus. The robot head arrangement includes a sensor configured to detect the orientation of each stack. The pivotable arm is configured to move the work surface to the substantially horizontal position or to the substantially vertical position in response to the detected orientation of a selected stack.
A lead delivery apparatus for a cast on strap machine is arranged to deliver a predetermined volume of molten lead to a mould. The apparatus includes a first needle valve, a second needle valve, and a housing. The housing includes a reservoir having an inlet and an outlet. The reservoir inlet is in fluid communication with a molten lead supply. The reservoir is supplied with molten lead during use such that the molten lead in the reservoir is maintained at a constant height. A volume block has an inlet, an outlet and a through cavity and the volume block inlet is in fluid communication with the reservoir outlet. The through cavity together with the second needle valve defines the predetermined volume of molten lead received from the reservoir.
B22D 25/04 - Coulée de plaques métalliques d'accumulateurs électriques ou d'objets analogues
B22D 39/02 - Équipement pour l'alimentation en métal liquide en quantités bien définies comportant un réglage du volume de métal liquide
B22D 35/04 - Équipement de transport du métal liquide jusqu'aux sillons de lingotage ou aux moules aux moules, p. ex. plaques de base, chenaux de coulée
An apparatus for separating battery plates comprising a work surface for receiving a stack of battery plates, and an alignment mechanism for aligning the battery plates on the work surface. The work surface is movable between a first position in which it is angled with respect to a horizontal plane and a second position in which it is substantially aligned with the horizontal plane. When the work surface moves between the first and second position adjacent battery plates of the stack are displaced relative to each other.
An apparatus and a method for moulding battery components using an apparatus include a mould block having a plurality of mould cavities; a molten metal feed trough adjacent to the mould block and extending in a generally longitudinal direction along the mould block; a plurality of weirs between the feed trough and each of the cavities; and a supply for providing molten metal to the trough. The feed trough is provided with at least one volume adjustment mechanism, which is operable to alter the volume of the feed trough.
An apparatus for moulding battery components including a molten metal feed trough, a mould block adjacent to the feed trough, a weir between the feed trough and each cavity and a supply for feeding molten metal to the feed trough. The mould block has at least one mould cavity and a cooling arrangement which cools the mould block, and the mould block is provided with a heating arrangement adjacent to the or each mould cavity. In use, the heating arrangement maintains at least part of the, or each, mould cavity at an elevated temperature relative to the average operational temperature of the mould block.
The invention relates to an apparatus for stacking battery plates comprising a delivery conveyor for supplying battery plates sequentially along a delivery path. The delivery conveyor includes a plurality of spaced apart plate carriers each configured to support at least one battery plate in use, the plate carriers defining a series of gaps between adjacent plate carriers, wherein each gap is larger than the battery plate. The apparatus further includes a stop mechanism, configured to selectively intercept the delivery path at a plurality of indexed stop positions without impeding the delivery conveyor; wherein when the stop mechanism intercepts the delivery path at a selected one of the stop positions in use, it interrupts the movement of the battery plates on the delivery conveyor causing the battery plate(s) to move off the respective plate carrier and pass through the subsequent gap of the conveyor. The apparatus also includes a plate stacking mechanism for receiving battery plates as they are moved off the delivery conveyor by the stop mechanism.
A mould for forming battery components includes a first mould body having a first plurality of mould cavities and a second mould body having a second plurality of mould cavities. The first mould body and the second mould body are configured to be moveable between a moulding position in which the first plurality and second plurality of mould cavities are aligned, and a fill position in which the first plurality and second plurality of mould cavities are displaced from the aligned position and are proximal to a molten metal feed.
B22D 25/04 - Coulée de plaques métalliques d'accumulateurs électriques ou d'objets analogues
B22D 35/04 - Équipement de transport du métal liquide jusqu'aux sillons de lingotage ou aux moules aux moules, p. ex. plaques de base, chenaux de coulée
B22D 39/02 - Équipement pour l'alimentation en métal liquide en quantités bien définies comportant un réglage du volume de métal liquide
An apparatus for separating battery plates comprising a work surface for receiving a stack of battery plates, and an alignment mechanism for aligning the battery plates on the work surface. The work surface is moveable between a first position in which it is angled with respect to a horizontal plane and a second position in which it is substantially aligned with the horizontal plane. When the work surface moves between the first and second position adjacent battery plates of the stack are displaced relative to each other.
An apparatus for moulding battery components comprising a molten metal feed trough 130, a mould block 100 adjacent to the mould block, a weir 133 between the feed trough and each cavity and a supply 132 for feeding molten metal to the feed trough. The mould block has at least one mould cavity 1 10 and a cooling arrangement which cools the mould block, and the mould block is provided with a heating arrangement 150 adjacent to the or each mould cavity. In use, the heating arrangement maintains at least part of the, or each, mould cavity at an elevated temperature relative to the average operational temperature of the mould block.
The invention relates to an apparatus for stacking battery plates comprising a delivery conveyor for supplying battery plates sequentially along a delivery path. The delivery conveyor includes a plurality of spaced apart plate carriers each configured to support at least one battery plate in use, the plate carriers defining a series of gaps between adjacent plate carriers, wherein each gap is larger than the battery plate. The apparatus further includes a stop mechanism, configured to selectively intercept the delivery path at a plurality of indexed stop positions without impeding the delivery conveyor; wherein when the stop mechanism intercepts the delivery path at a selected one of the stop positions in use, it interrupts the movement of the battery plates on the delivery conveyor causing the battery plate(s) to move off the respective plate carrier and pass through the subsequent gap of the conveyor. The apparatus also includes a plate stacking mechanism for receiving battery plates as they are moved off the delivery conveyor by the stop mechanism.
The present invention generally relates to the forming of battery components and in particular, but not exclusively, to such apparatus for use in manufacturing cast on straps during the manufacture of batteries. More specifically the invention relates to a mould for forming battery components, a cast on strap machine for moulding battery components and a lead delivery apparatus for a cast on strap machine.
B22D 39/02 - Équipement pour l'alimentation en métal liquide en quantités bien définies comportant un réglage du volume de métal liquide
B22D 35/04 - Équipement de transport du métal liquide jusqu'aux sillons de lingotage ou aux moules aux moules, p. ex. plaques de base, chenaux de coulée
H01M 2/00 - PROCÉDÉS OU MOYENS POUR LA CONVERSION DIRECTE DE L'ÉNERGIE CHIMIQUE EN ÉNERGIE ÉLECTRIQUE, p.ex. BATTERIES - Détails de construction ou procédés de fabrication des parties non actives
The application relates to an apparatus and to a method for moulding battery components using an apparatus comprising: a mould block having a plurality of mould cavities; a molten metal feed trough adjacent to the mould block and extending in a generally longitudinal direction along the mould block; a plurality of weirs between the feed trough and each of the cavities; a supply for providing molten metal to the trough; wherein the feed trough is provided with at least one volume adjustment mechanism, which is operable to alter the volume of the feed trough.
A mold for molding post and strap in a cast on strap machine includes a mold body having an upper surface, a cavity in the upper surface for molding a strap and an opening aligned with the cavity for receiving a water-coolable insert for molding a post. The opening extends through the mold with its mouth in the upper surface to enable the insert to be inserted into the opening through the mouth. The mold body further includes a removable plate for being received in the mouth to retain releasably the insert in the opening and for defining the cavity.
An apparatus (5) for delivering a predetermined volume of lead to a mould (50) includes a housing (2) defining a lead reservoir (4) having a lead outlet defined in its base and in communication with the reservoir. A runway (30) is provided beneath the base, spaced from the base and generally parallel thereto. A block (10) is provided slidably mounted between the base and the runway and defining a through cavity (12) having the predetermined volume for receiving lead from the outlet in a first position and for releasing the lead in a second position. A mechanism (20) is provided for reciprocating the block (10) between the first and second positions. A cast on strap machine (1) is also disclosed. A lead delivery apparatus (5) comprising a delivery chute (40) is also disclosed.
An apparatus for delivering a predetermined volume of lead to a mould includes a housing defining a lead reservoir having a lead outlet defined in its base and in communication with the reservoir. A runway is provided beneath the base, spaced from the base and generally parallel thereto. A block is provided slidably mounted between the base and the runway and defining a through cavity having the predetermined volume for receiving lead from the outlet in a first position and for releasing the lead in a second position. A mechanism is provided for reciprocating the block between the first and second positions. A cast on strap machine is also disclosed. A lead delivery apparatus comprising a delivery chute is also disclosed.
A mould for moulding post and strap in a cast on strap machine includes a mould body having an upper surface, a cavity in the upper surface for moulding a strap and an opening aligned with the cavity for receiving a water- coolable insert for moulding a post. The opening extends through the mould with its mouth in the upper surface to enable the insert to be inserted into the opening through the mouth. The mould body further includes a removable plate for being received in the mouth to retain releasably the insert in the opening and for defining the cavity.
This invention relates to apparatus for placing battery plates in a line. This includes a pick up and release unit generally indicated at 16. The unit includes a central metal hollow body 17, which is divided into a number of side-by-side vacuum chambers, some of which have a perforate floor 19. A vacuum course 21 can be selectively connected to those, which have a perforate floor, while it is perpendicularly connected to a second set of chambers. Plates can be picked up from elevators 11 and 12 by use of the intermittent vacuum and then held against an endless belt 25 by the constant vacuum until they arrive at a release chamber, having a perforate floor, where upon interruption of the vacuum allows for release of the battery plate.
B27D 5/00 - Travail du placage ou du contre-plaqué par d'autres opérations spécialement adaptées au placage ou au contre-plaqué
B65G 49/05 - Systèmes transporteurs caractérisés par leur utilisation à des fins particulières, non prévus ailleurs pour des matériaux ou objets fragiles ou dommageables
This invention relates to apparatus for placing battery plates in a line from a stack of plates including an elevator for receiving a stack of plates and sequentially elevating the stack to maintain, in use, the uppermost plate in the stack in a datum region lying between two parallel generally horizontal planes and a plurality of vacuum heads arranged in a closed loop for sequentially passing over the elevator with a fixed gap from the upper plane of the datum range for picking up the uppermost plate and for subsequently releasing the plate at a release position.
This invention relates to apparatus and methods for molding battery group straps. Molding apparatus, generally indicated at (10), includes a centrally cooled mold block (11) which defines two laterally displaced sets (12, 13) of longitudinal spaced mold cavity (14) and respective lead feed block (15) and (16) having appropriate feed channels. A sensor, in the form of an electrically conducting rod (25), is disposed so that its tip forms one part of the bottom of the mold cavity (14). This can detect as soon as lead enters into the cavity and that detection is used to control the pour time for the lead to a predetermined period, so that the lead entering the cavities is of a constant quantity on each cycle.
This invention relates to apparatus for placing battery plates in a line. This includes a pick up and release unit generally indicated at 16. The unit includes a central metal hollow body 17, which is divided into a number of side-by-side vacuum chambers, some of which have a perforate floor 19. A vacuum course 21 can be selectively connected to those, which have a perforate floor, whilst it is perpendicularly connected to a second set of chambers. Plates can be picked up from elevators 11 and 12 by use of the intermittent vacuum and then held against an endless belt 25 by the constant vacuum until they arrive at a release chamber, having a perforate floor, where upon interruption of the vacuum allows for release of the battery plate.
B27D 5/00 - Travail du placage ou du contre-plaqué par d'autres opérations spécialement adaptées au placage ou au contre-plaqué
B65G 49/05 - Systèmes transporteurs caractérisés par leur utilisation à des fins particulières, non prévus ailleurs pour des matériaux ou objets fragiles ou dommageables
B65G 49/06 - Systèmes transporteurs caractérisés par leur utilisation à des fins particulières, non prévus ailleurs pour des matériaux ou objets fragiles ou dommageables pour des feuilles fragiles, p. ex. en verre
B65H 5/22 - Transfert des articles retirés des pilesAlimentation des machines en articles par jet d'air ou dispositifs aspirant
B65H 5/08 - Transfert des articles retirés des pilesAlimentation des machines en articles par pinces, p. ex. des pinces à ventouses
