Sealing structure for terminal posts of batteries

Abstract

A battery, particularly of the lead acid type, has two terminals ( 4 ), one connected to the positive plates and the other to the negative plates. Each terminal ( 4 ) is located in an aperture in the battery lid ( 2 ) and a seal ( 10 ) located under lid ( 2 ) surrounds the respective terminal ( 4 ). A space is also defined around each terminal and contains settable material such as epoxy resin cement in a set condition.

1 - 19 . (Canceled)  
     
     
         20 . A battery comprising: 
 a plurality of positive and negative plates;    a first strap sealed to the positive plates;    a second strap sealed to the negative plates;    a first terminal electrically connected to the first strap;    a second terminal electrically connected to the second strap;    at least one of said first and second straps comprising an annular sealing groove about its respective associated terminal;    a container;    a lid sealed to said container, the first and second straps and positive and negative plates being disposed within the sealed lid and container, said lid comprising first and second apertures, the first and second terminals protruding through said first and second apertures, the lid further comprising an annular sealing surface; and    at least one compliant seal disposed between said annular sealing groove and said annular sealing surface.    
     
     
         21 . The battery of  claim 20  wherein the annular sealing surface includes at least one surface that is substantially parallel to the annular sealing groove.  
     
     
         22 . The battery of  claim 20  wherein the annular sealing surface comprises a groove in said lid.  
     
     
         23 . The battery of  claim 20  wherein the annular sealing surface comprises a protrusion.  
     
     
         24 . The battery of  claim 20  wherein the lid further comprises at least one depression comprising a base, one of said first or second apertures being disposed in said base, the battery further comprising at least one retainer disposed about and engagable with at least one of the terminals, the retainer exerting a downward force on the base.  
     
     
         25 . The battery of  claim 24  wherein the retainer comprises an internally threaded collar and the at least one of the terminals is externally threaded such that the collar may be threaded onto the at least one of the terminals and tightened to exert a force on the base.  
     
     
         26 . The battery of  claim 24  further comprising a settable material disposed between the retainer and depression.  
     
     
         27 . The battery of  claim 20  further comprising a space between one of the terminals and its respective aperture and a settable material disposed within the space.