Abstract:
A single cell module system, which has a mounting, base a module attached to the base, and at least one sleeve which fits into the module and receives a battery cell, with the modules stackable on the base.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     This invention relates to a single cell module system for lead-acid batteries, which system protects the cell during handling, permitting the cell to be installed or removed from the module without contacting the cell.  
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART  
       [0002]     In the prior art, it has been known to provide modular cell tray assemblies, which contain a plurality of cells, which are connected together to form batteries for use as stand by, or uninterruptible power supplies, for use by computer systems, or for other applications where uninterruptible power supplies are required. Such systems typically use a plurality of sealed lead-acid cells, which cells are connected together in series, or parallel, to form batteries, which provide the power source.  
         [0003]     Such assemblies are known in the art, such as shown in the U.S. Patent to Sherwood, No. U.S. Pat. No. 6,451,475 B1, which has a base with a plurality of cell tray assemblies thereon. While this structure is satisfactory, the cells are carried directly in the module and are not protected during installation and removal.  
         [0004]     Lead-acid cells are the cells of choice, and as the requirements for higher capacity cells has increased, the weight of the cell designs has increased, with weights reaching 200 to 300 lbs.  
         [0005]     One of the concerns arising from battery cell system installation, is that the installers often remove the cells from the module in order to reduce the weight, with the installers pulling the cells from the module by their posts. This practice can lead to stress on the posts, which can lead to acid leaks through the post, or damage to the cover leading to premature failure of the cell.  
         [0006]     These systems are typically used in the communications industry, which requires uninterruptible power. The heavy weight requires that the system be capable of withstanding high seismic conditions, such as Nebs zone 4 seismic requirements, often requiring external bracing.  
         [0007]     The single cell module system of the invention provides protection for the battery cells during installation and removal, with a small footprint, and which meets Nebs zone 4 seismic requirements without the use of external brace kits.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     A single cell module system, which consists of a mounting base, which can be fastened to the floor, a module to be fastened to the base to receive two single cell sleeves, which hold the battery cells, and which sleeves have buttons to space the cells, and to strengthen the sleeves and permit air flow, with flanges on the sleeves for mounting to the module.  
         [0009]     The principal object of the invention is to provide a single cell module system that consists of a base, a module to mount to the base, and at least one cell sleeve carried in the module to hold a battery cell.  
         [0010]     A further object of the invention is to provide a system that is simple and inexpensive to construct, but sturdy and reliable in use.  
         [0011]     A further object of the invention is to provide a system that has a small footprint.  
         [0012]     A further object of the invention is to provide a system that meets Nebs zone 4 seismic requirements. a further object of the invention is to provide a system in which the modules can be stacked.  
         [0013]     A further object of the invention is to provide a system, which provides good airflow for cooling the battery cells.  
         [0014]     Other objects and advantageous features of the invention will be apparent from the description and claims. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]     The nature and characteristic features of the invention will be more readily understood from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming part hereof in which,  
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a cell sleeve of the invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 1A  is an exploded view of the cell sleeve of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0018]      FIG. 2  is a view similar to  FIG. 1  with a battery cell carried in the sleeve;  
         [0019]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the module of the invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 3A  is an exploded view of the module of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the mounting base of the invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 4A  is an exploded view of the mounting base of the invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of the single cell module system of the invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the single cell module system of the invention in assembled condition, and  
         [0025]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the single cell module system with a plurality of stacked modules.  
     
    
       [0026]     It should, of course, be understood that the description and drawings herein are merely illustrative, and that various modifications and changes can be made in the structures, and embodiments disclosed without departing from the spirit of the invention.  
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0027]     When referring to the preferred embodiment, certain terminology will be utilized for the sake of clarity. Use of such terminology is intended to encompass not only the described embodiment, but also technical equivalents, which operate and function in substantially the same way to bring about the same result.  
         [0028]     Preferring now more particularly to the drawings and  FIGS. 1-7 , the single cell module system  10  is illustrated therein. The system  10  includes a mounting base  11 , a module  12 , and a plurality of individual cell sleeves  14 , to be described.  
         [0029]     The mounting base  11  as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 4 A is of symmetric square configuration preferably constructed of metal stampings, with a rear channel  16 , front channel  17 , and connecting side channels  18 , with support plates  19  under channels  18 . The front and rear channels  17  and  16  are of open square configuration, and the side channels  18  include U-shaped plates  20 , which reinforce the channels  18 , and L-shaped plates  21  are provided for reinforcement of front and rear channels  17  and  16 . The front channel  17 , rear channel  16 , and side channels  18  have openings  22  for bolting the base  11  to the floor (not shown).  
         [0030]     The module  12  as shown in  FIGS. 3, 3A  and  5  is of square configuration with C shaped side channels  30 , a bottom back panel  31 , with an upturned flange  33 , and a front top channel  32  connected to the side channels  30 . The module  12  in each corner is provided with L-shaped load plates  33 , which each have weld nuts  36  thereon, with three bolts extending therethrough, which mate with openings  38  in base  11 , and openings  39  in channels  30 , which places the bolts  37  in tension and compression improving their performance during a seismic event.  
         [0031]     The cell sleeves  14  are of rectangular configuration as seen in  FIG. 1A  with side plates  40 , and top and bottom plates  42 , and  43 , with flanges  44 . The side plates  40  are each provided with a plurality of buttons  45 , which serve to space the sleeves  14  from the side channels  30  for airflow to provide cooling for the battery cell  46 . The battery cells  46  are preferably of well known sealed lead acid type, carried in the sleeves  14 , and spaced from the sleeves  14  by the buttons  45 . The buttons  45  also improve the structural integrity of the side plates  40 . The sleeves  14  are carried in module  12 , and provided with upper and lower front flanges  50  and  51 , to provide for fastening the sleeves  14  to the module  12  by bolts (not shown), extending through openings  52  in the front flanges  50  and  51 , into openings  55  and  56  in the front channel  34 , and upturned flange  33  of back bottom panel  31 , to retain the sleeves  14  in module  12 . The upper and lower flanges  50  and  51  also provide for lifting, installing and removing the cell sleeves  14  without contacting the battery cells  46  It will thus be seen that a single cell module system has been provided with which the objects of the invention are achieved.