Process and machine for manufacturing electric storage batteries

Abstract

Abstract Batteries having cell element assemblies electrically connected by a welded joint between adjacent cell element assemblies are manufactured in an automated machine including align, weld, test, and reject stations and a conveyor for transporting a battery case containing cell element assemblies to the stations with the transportation of the battery case being synchronized with operations at the various stations. A battery case, containing cell element assemblies, is transported to the align station wherein the cell element assemblies are aligned for welding. A test of the position of the cell element assemblies relative to each other and to the to the battery case and also of the electrical condition of the individual cell element assemblies is performed. The so aligned and tested battery cases are transported on the conveyor to the weld stations wherein the aligned conductive portions are pressed into engagement and welded. Upon completion of the welding, the battery case is transported, again on the conveyor, to the test station wherein the connections between adjacent cell element assemblies are tested both electrically and mechanically. The tested battery cases are then transported, on the conveyor, to the reject station where they are rejected if prior testing shows them to have been defective or allowed to pass out of the machine if acceptable.

Inventors

• 👤 Richard A Buttke
• 👤 Anthony Sabatino
• 👤 Daniel Orlando
• 👤 William H Behrens

Bibliographic Details