Abstract A battery assembly of the consumable metal anode type has now been constructed for ready assembly as well as disassembly. In a non-conductive and at least substantially inert cell body, space is provided for receiving an open-structured, non-consumable anode cage. The cage has an open top for facilitating insertion of an anode. A modular cathode is used, comprising a peripheral current conductor frame clamped about a grid reinforced air cathode in sheet form. The air cathode may be double gridded. The cathode frame can be sealed, during assembly, with electrolyte-resistant-sealant as well as with adhesive. The resulting cathode module can be assembled outside the cell body and readily inserted therein, or can later be easily removed therefrom.
A unitized electrode module having a sheet electrode in a frame, said module being adapted for assembly external to a cell body and for subsequent containment within said cell body by mechanical means without metallurgical bonding, as well as being readily insertable and removable from said body, which module comprises: a porous sheet gas-diffusion electrode member of at least substantially planar shape a foraminous metal conductor member of at least substantially planar shape, said conductor member being pressed in electrically conductive contact against a planar face of said sheet electrode member a conductive metal frame around the periphery of both said sheet electrode member and conductor member, having at the frame edges a tight, electrically-conductive contact with said sheet electrode and conductor members, thereby providing a firm mechanical bond between said conductor member, sheet electrode member and frame; and an electrolyte resistant sealant between the edges of the metal frame for assisting in a liquid tight seal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
157 words
A unitized electrode module having a sheet electrode in a frame, said module being adapted for assembly external to a cell body and for subsequent containment within said cell body by mechanical means without metallurgical bonding, as well as being readily insertable and removable from said body, which module comprises: a porous sheet gas-diffusion electrode member of at least substantially planar shape a foraminous metal conductor member of at least substantially planar shape, said conductor member being pressed in electrically conductive contact against a planar face of said sheet electrode member a conductive metal frame around the periphery of both said sheet electrode member and conductor member, having at the frame edges a tight, electrically-conductive contact with said sheet electrode and conductor members, thereby providing a firm mechanical bond between said conductor member, sheet electrode member and frame; and an electrolyte resistant sealant between the edges of the metal frame for assisting in a liquid tight seal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The electrode module of claim 1 wherein said electrode has a conductive metal frame U-shaped in cross-section with frame edges crimped around said peripheral edges of said sheet electrode and conductor members.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
The electrode module of claim 1, wherein a first foraminous metal conductor member is pressed against a face of said sheet electrode member and a second foraminous conductor member is pressed against the obverse face of said sheet electrode member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The electrode module of claim 1, wherein said metal frame contains breaks at corners of the frame and electrolyte-resistant adhesive assists in the sealing of said breaks.