Apparatus and method of forming battery parts

Abstract

An apparatus and method for pressure casting a battery part wherein the state of molten lead is monitored so that when the molten lead enters a liquid-to-solid transformation stage, the volume of the mold available for the lead to solidify therein is quickly reduced through a volume contraction step to thereby cause the molten lead to flow into the remaining volume at the same time one maintains pressure on the molten lead. As the molten lead solidifies under the reduced volume and high pressure it produces a battery part that is substantially free of both tears and cracks. In an alternate method, the lead is allowed to solidify and at least a portion of the lead is mechanically deformed through a volume contraction step to cause cracks or tears in the battery part to be eliminated thereby providing a battery part free of cracks or tears. In another method of forming a pressure cast battery part free of cracks a molten lead under pressure is flowed into a battery part cavity and the pressure of the molten lead is increased to sufficiently high pressure so that when the molten lead solidifies it forms a battery part free of cracks and voids.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to pressure casting of battery terminals and, more specifically to pressure casting of lead and lead alloy battery terminals to inhibit the formation of cracks and tears during and after the solidification of the battery terminal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Battery parts such as terminals, which are typically made of lead or a lead alloy, are usually cold formed in order to produce a battery terminal that is free of voids and cracks. If lead or lead alloy battery terminals are pressure cast, air is left in the battery terminal cavity in the mold so that as the lead solidifies, the air bubbles prevent the battery terminal from cracking. That is, the air bubbles act as fillers so the lead remains distributed in a relatively uniform manner throughout the battery terminal. Unfortunately, air bubbles within the battery terminals cause the battery terminals to be rejects as the air bubbles can produce large voids in the battery terminal. In order to minimize the air bubbles in the battery terminal, a vacuum can be drawn in the battery terminal cavity mold; however, although the vacuum removes air from the mold and inhibits the forming of air bubbles in the battery terminal, the battery terminals cast with a vacuum in the battery terminal cavity often times solidify in an uneven manner producing battery terminals with cracks or tears which make the battery terminals unacceptable for use. The present invention provides a method of forming a battery part during a pressure casting part through volume shrinkage of the mold during various phases of the solidification process.

[0004] In one embodiment of the invention, a battery terminal is cast which is substantially free of cracks and tears by pressure casting a lead alloy while a vacuum is being applied to the battery terminal cavity. At the moment when the lead in the battery terminal cavity reaches the liquid-to-solid transformation stage, a piston is driven into the mold to rapidly reduce the volume of the mold for solidification. By precisely controlling the time of application of an external compression force to the molten lead in the battery terminal cavity, and consequently, the time at which the volume of the battery terminal cavity is reduced., one can force the molten lead or lead alloy in the flowable state into a smaller volume where the pressure on the battery terminal cavity is maintained. By maintaining the pressure on the battery terminal cavity during the solidification process the battery terminal can be cast in a form that is free of cracks and tears.

[0005] In another embodiment of the invention, the mold for forming the pressure cast battery part is sealed off while the molten lead is still in the molten state and before the molten lead can begin to solidify the supply of pressurized lead is shut off and at the same time the internal pressure of the molten lead is increased by driving a piston into the molten metal. This process is suited for those applications where the entire mold can withstand the higher pressures. That is, when the liquid metal is in a molten state an increase in pressure of the molten lead throughout the mold and the maintaining of the increased pressure during solidification can produce a battery part free of tears and cracks. This process allows one to obtain greater molding pressure than is available with conventional pressure casting techniques.

[0006] In another embodiment of the invention, the cast battery part is subjected to at least a partial cold forming during the volume contraction step by rapidly driving a piston into the solidified cast battery part with sufficient force to cold form a portion of the lead in the battery part to thereby produce a battery part that is free of cracks and tears. This method is more suitable for those battery parts where one does not want to subject the mold to excessively higher pressures than the die casting pressures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Briefly, the system comprises an apparatus and method for pressure casting a battery terminal wherein the state of molten lead is monitored so that when the molten lead enters a transformation stage from liquid-to-solid, the volume of the mold available for the lead to solidify therein is quickly reduced to thereby cause the molten lead to flow into the remaining volume while one maintain pressures on the molten lead. As the molten lead solidifies under the reduced volume and pressure, it produces a battery terminal that is substantially free of both tears and cracks. In another embodiment of the pressure casting of a battery terminal, the battery terminal is allowed to solidify in the mold, but before removal of the battery terminal from the mold a piston is driven into the battery terminal with sufficient force so as to at least partially cold form a portion of the battery terminal to thereby produce a battery terminal that is free of cracks and tears. In a further embodiment of the invention the mold is sealed off while the molten lead is in a molten state and the pressure of the molten lead is increased and maintained until the molten lead solidifies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a partial schematic of a system for pressure casting of a battery terminal to inhibit the cracking or tearing of the battery terminal during the solidification process;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a portion of the mold and the piston that is driven into the runner of the mold;

[0010] FIG. 3 shows a portion of the system of FIG. 1 with the piston in the extended position that produces a reduced volume for the solidification of a lead or lead alloy;

[0011] FIG. 4 shows an alternate system wherein a piston is maintained under pressure during the casting process;

[0012] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a mold and a piston that is positioned having its end surface at the end surface of the mold cavity during the pressure casting process;

[0013] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 5 showing the piston driven into the battery terminal to deform the metal into a shape free of cracks and tears;

[0014] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a mold and a piston that is positioned having its end surface spaced from the end surface of the mold cavity during the pressure casting process;

[0015] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 7 showing the end of the piston driven up to the end surface of the mold cavity to deform the metal into a shape free of cracks and tears;

[0016] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a mold and a piston that is positioned having its end surface spaced from the end surface of the mold cavity during the pressure casting process;

[0017] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 9 showing the end of the piston driven to a condition spaced from the end surface of the mold cavity to deform the metal into a shape free of cracks and tears;

[0018] Figure 11 is a view of a battery terminal of FIG. 10 with the pressure cast extension being sheared off;

[0019] FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the piston of FIG. 10 driving the sheared pressure cast extension from the mold cavity;

[0020] FIG. 13 is a front view of a two-metal battery connector;

[0021] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 14-14 of FIG. 13;

[0022] FIG. 15 is cross-sectional view of a mold and holding apparatus for pressure casting the battery connector of FIG. 13;

[0023] FIG. 16 is cross-sectional view of a mold and holding apparatus of FIG. 15 with a pair of holding pins in the retracted position and the driving pins in the extended position;

[0024] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure cast battery part with an extension pressure cast on the end of the battery with the length of the extension limited by the end of an annular drive punch;

[0025] FIG. 18 shows the battery part of FIG. 17 with the annular drive punch driven into the extension to cold form the battery part free of cracks and voids; and

[0026] FIG. 19 shows a mold with a core pin and slidable collar for pressure casting a battery part and volume contraction of the battery part to provide a battery part free of cracks and tears.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 generally identifies a system for pressure casting of a battery terminal or battery part to inhibit formation of cracks and tears in the pressure cast battery terminal or battery part. The system 10 includes a source of pressurized molten lead 12 (which could be a source of pressurized alloy of lead) for directing molten lead under pressure into a mold 11. Mold 11 has a battery terminal cavity 20 located therein with a runner 24 extending therefrom for supplying molten pressurized lead from pressurized lead source 12 to battery terminal cavity 20.

[0028] System 10 includes a vacuum source 15 which is connected to a cold spot i.e. a spot that cools at a rapid rate and cools before the rest of the molten metal in the battery terminal cavity 20. This enable the vacuum source 15 to evacuate the air from battery terminal cavity 20 through passage 21 prior to supplying molten lead to the battery terminal cavity 20.

[0029] System 10 also includes a pressure sensor 16 having a probe 17 mounted in mold 11 with probe 17 mounted in position to form a portion of the mold surface surrounding the battery terminal cavity 20. Pressure sensor probe 17 is preferably placed in a hot spot of the mold, i.e. a spot that cools at a slower rate. By placing the probe 17 in a portion of the mold that remains in a liquid state, one can monitor the pressure of the molten lead in the liquid state as the molten lead is supplied to battery terminal cavity 20.

[0030] Located in slideable relationship in passage 25 is a cylindrical piston 23 for driving into runner passage 25 of mold 11. A piston driver 13, which carries piston 23 connects to mold 11 to hold piston 23 in an out of the way condition as molten lead is being forced into battery terminal cavity 20. Piston 23 provides a mechanical means for reducing the volume available for solidification of the lead therein.

[0031] In order to control the operation of system 10, a control unit 14 is included with system 10.

[0032] Control unit 14 connects to vacuum source 15 via electrical lead 14a and to pressure sensor 16 via electrical lead 14b. Similarly, control unit 14 connects to molten lead supply 12 through electrical lead 14d and to piston driver 13 through electrical lead 14c.

[0033] The control unit 14, which can be a computer with appropriate software, receives signals from pressure sensor 16, which transmits the pressure of the molten lead in battery terminal cavity 20. That is, as the molten lead from the pressurized lead source 12 fills the battery terminal cavity 20, the pressure on probe 17 is continually transmitted to pressure sensor 16 and onward to control unit 14. When the pressure in battery terminal cavity 20 reaches a predetermined level, control unit 14 sends a signal to piston driver 13 through electrical lead 14c which quickly drives piston 23 into passage 25 to simultaneously cutoff and seal passage 25 to prevent continued lead flow from runner 24. As piston 23 plunges into the passage, it reduces the volume for the lead that is in the liquid-to-solid transformation stage. By reducing the volume of the lead during the liquid-to-solid transformation stage, one can compensate for the lead shrinking and contracting as the molten lead solidifies. Consequently, the finished cast product is free of the tears and cracks that would have a detrimental effect on the performance of the battery terminal.

[0034] The system of FIG. 1 is described with respect to volume shrinkage during the liquid-to-solid transformation stage; however, the system of FIG. 1 can also be used with the method of volume shrinkage when the molten lead is in the molten state. If the pressure of the molten lead is to be increased the vacuum source connected to the mold is sealed off while the lead is in the molten state. This leaves a closed mold with liquid molten metal having substantially the same pressure throughout the mold. Next, with the pressure of the molten lead being maintained by the source of pressurized lead 22 a piston 23 is driven inward to simultaneously shut off the supply of further molten lead while at the same time substantially increasing the liquid pressure throughout the mold. By increasing the pressure of the molten lead sufficiently the molten lead can solidify into a part free of cracks and tears. This process may not be used with all types of molds as it may not be feasible to build a mold to withstand the required high pressures throughout the mold. The required pressure of the molten lead to achieve a battery part free of cracks and tears will to a certain extend depend on the shape of the battery part and can be readily determined through trial and error.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 2, mold 11 has been opened to reveal a portion of mold 11 and piston 23 which are shown in perspective view in relation to a portion of battery terminal cavity 20. Extending out of one side of mold 11 is piston 23 having a head 31 for engagement with a hydraulic cylinder or the like. Battery terminal cavity 20 is defined by a set of radial fins 34 that project into the battery terminal cavity 20.

[0036] With system 10 one can pressure cast a lead battery terminal to inhibit formation of tears and cracks in the battery terminal. In order to inhibit the formation of tears and cracks in the cast battery terminal, the state of molten lead is continuously monitored so that when the molten lead enters the liquid-to-solid transformation stage, the volume of the mold available for the lead to solidify therein can be quickly reduced to force the lead, while it is still flowable, into the smaller volume. By rapidly reducing the volume and maintaining pressure on the molten lead during the critical liquid-to-solid transformation stage, one causes the molten lead to solidify as a solid terminal or battery part substantially free of tears and cracks. It should be pointed out that in the liquid-to-solid transformation stage, the lead is in a condition where it can flow and is sometimes referred to as a “mush”. Normally, as the molten lead goes through the liquid-to-solid transformation stage, the volume of lead contracts which results in a finished product that will have cracks or tears when it is completely solidified. The step of volume contraction at the moment when the lead is in the liquid-to-solid transformation stage produces a battery part when cooled that is substantially free of cracks and tears. This procedure is particularly useful where the battery cavity may have an unusual shape as the pressure produced by volume contraction can be transmitted throughout the part to produce sufficient pressure to prevent the formation of cracks and tears in the battery part.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1 to illustrate the operation of system 10, the mold 11 is assembled with the battery terminal cavity 20 located within the mold. One end of a vacuum conduit 21 is attached to vacuum source 15, and the other end of vacuum conduit 21 is attached to a location on the mold 11 which is referred to as a “cold spot”. That is, the lead in this portion of the mold is referred to as a “cold spot” as the molten lead in this region will solidify sooner than the molten lead being fed into the mold through runner passage 25. Consequently, as the lead begins to solidify in the “cold spot” the solidified lead immediately closes the end of conduit 21 which prevents molten lead from being drawn into the vacuum source 15. The location of a cold spot or cold spots will vary depending on the shape and size of the casting. For any particular shape battery casting, one can generally determine the cold spots by determining the regions of the mold that are less massive than others. If needed, one can also determine the cold spot through trail and error.

[0038] In addition to the position of a vacuum passage in mold 11, one places a pressure probe 17 on the surface boundary of the battery mold cavity 20 in order to determine when the molten lead is in the liquid-to-solid transformation stage. While the temperature could be measured to determine when the lead reaches the liquid-to-solid transformation stage, the time lag between the actual temperature of the lead and the measured tempo may be sufficiently long so that the actual temperature of the molten lead may have cooled sufficiently so the lead is no longer in the liquid-to-solid transformation stage even though the temperature probe indicates that the temperature of the lead is in the liquid-to-solid transformation stage. However, by measuring the pressure using a pressure probe, one is able to obtain a pressure reading which can more quickly determine when the molten lead enters the liquid-to-solid transformation stage. By being able to more quickly determine the molten state of the lead, one still has sufficient time to active the piston driver 13 to drive the piston 23 into the molten lead and force the molten lead to flow into a reduced volume before the molten lead passes completely through the liquid-to-solid transformation stage.

[0039] With the system 10 in the condition,shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 14 can activate the molten lead supply to deliver molten lead under pressures of 40,000 psi or higher to deliver molten lead to pipe 22 which delivers the molten lead under pressure to runner 24. The molten lead flows in the directions indicated by the arrows in runners 24 and 25. Note, in this condition piston 23 is located behind runner 24 so that molten lead flows from runner 24 to runner 25 and into battery terminal cavity 20. While the molten lead is flowing into battery terminal cavity 20, the vacuum source is removing air from battery terminal cavity 20 with the air flowing through vacuum source 15 as indicated by arrow in conduit 21. As previously mentioned, air evacuation conduit 21 terminates at a cold spot indicated by reference numeral 29 while the molten lead enter battery terminal cavity at what is considered a hot spot 28, i.e. an area where the lead solidifies last.

[0040] Once the molten lead enters the battery terminal cavity 20, the molten lead fills up the battery terminal cavity and the lead in the cold spot 29 begins to solidify thereby preventing further molten lead from being drawn out of the mold and into conduit 21. It should be pointed out that the size of the opening in the cold spot is kept sufficiently small so that the molten lead will solidify and quickly fill the open end of conduit 21, yet the conduit 21 is sufficiently large so that the air can quickly be evacuated from the battery terminal cavity 20.

[0041] As the vacuum passage 21 is sealed off, the pressure in the battery terminal cavity 20 begins to rise under the pressure of the molten lead supply. When the pressure reaches a predetermined level, which can be determined by the shape and size of the battery terminal being cast, the control unit 14 senses the pressure and sends a signal to piston driver 13. Piston driver 13 includes a quick action hydraulic cylinder or the like which quickly fires piston 23 foreword, which simultaneously cuts off the supply of additional molten lead from runner 24, while reducing the volume in which the lead will solidify.

[0042] If desired, the decree in volume can be determined based on trial and error That is, by observing the finished product for cracks and tears, one can determine if more volume reduction is necessary as insufficient volume reduction of the lead or lead alloy leaves cracks and tears in the finished battery terminal.

[0043] FIG. 3 shows a portion of system 10 with mold 11. In the condition shown in FIG. 3 the piston 23 has been driven into the passage 25 thereby cutting off the flow of additional molten lead through runner 24. At the same time the end of piston 23 has forced the molten lead in passage 25 into the mold by pushing the molten lead ahead of end 23a of piston 23. Thus the volume for molten lead to solidify therein has been decreased by forcing the piston end 23a proximate the battery terminal cavity 20. In the preferred method, the piston end 23a is driven to the outer confines of the battery terminal cavity 20 thereby eliminating a protrusion on the battery casting. That is, the end 23a, when in the piston shown in FIG. 3 defines the end of a portion of the battery terminal being cast therein.

[0044] FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment of my system that uses a piston 41 that is maintained under a predetermined pressure. The components of system 50 that are identical to the components in system 10 are shown with identical numbers. System 50 includes a housing 40 which is secured to mold 11. Housing 40 includes a cylinder 42 that has a slidable piston 41 located therein. A chamber 43 is located above the top end of piston 41. A high pressure source 45 connects to chamber 43 though conduit 46. The control for high pressure 45 source comes from control unit 14 and through lead 14e. Piston 41 is shown in the slightly elevated condition and during the course of its operation the lower end 41a of piston 41 will move from a position flush with the surface of the battery terminal casting 20 to a position above the battery terminal casting 20 (shown in FIG. 4) and eventually again to a position where end 41a is flush with the surface of the lead battery terminal casting 20.

[0045] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the piston 41 is positioned in a hot spot in the mold. The lead is then injected under pressure into mold 28 though runner 24. During this stage of the molding process the injection pressure of the lead builds to a level where the pressure of the lead in the mold is sufficient to force piston 41 upward as shown in FIG. 4. As the mold begins to cool and the supply of lead to the battery terminal cavity is terminated, the pressure in the battery terminal cavity 20 begins to decrease. As the pressure in the mold decreases, it reaches a point where the pressure forces on the top end of piston 41 become greater than the pressure forces on the bottom end 41a of piston 41. In this condition piston 41 is driven downward by the pressurized air in chamber 43 causing the volume available for the lead to solidify in to be reduced. As long as the piston 41 is located in a hot spot on the mold, the lead is forced into a smaller volume as it solidifies. Consequently, the reduction of volume causes the battery casting formed therefrom to be formed substantially free of cracks. If desired, one can ensure that the lead does not solidify in the area where the piston contacts the molten the piston by maintaining a temperature of the piston in excess of the molten lead in the mold.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a mold 50 in cross section. A battery terminal cavity 51 is shown therein having an upper cylindrical electrical contact surface 51a and a lower non-electrical contact surface 51b. The electrical contact surface is defined as the surface of the battery terminal that is mechanically clamped to a battery cable to transmit electrical energy from the battery terminal to the battery cable. The non-electrical contact surface 51b is the surface of the battery terminal that is either connected to the battery casing, remains free of contact with another part or is fused to another battery part Generally, the electrical contact surface should have a smooth and continuous finish for mechanically engaging a battery clamp thereto while smoothness and continuous of the non-electrical contact surface is less critical because there are no mechanical connections thereto. Mold 50 includes a blow hole or vent passage 56 for removing air from the battery mold cavity. Depending upon the conditions of molding, a vacuum source could be connected thereto to remove air more rapidly. A cylindrical piston 54 is positioned in a cylindrical passage with the piston 54 having an end source 51b flush with the surface of the non-electrical contact surface of the mold cavity during the pressure casting process. A piston driver 53 is positioned proximate the mold 50 and includes therein means (not shown) for driving the piston 54 toward the battery terminal cavity 51 or for retracting the piston 54 away from the battery terminal cavity.

[0047] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the mold in FIG. 5 showing a solidified battery terminal 60 located in battery cavity 51. The piston 54 has been driven into the solidified battery terminal 60 with sufficient force so as to at least partially cold form the solidified lead into a battery terminal which is free of cracks and tears. That is, the end of piston 54ais shown penetrating into the batter terminal to decrease the volume of the battery terminal cavity while at the same time mechanically deforming at a least a portion of the battery terminal 60 located therein. In the embodiment shown, the mechanical pressure is sufficient to force solidified lead through passage 56 and out of mold 50 as indicated by solidified lead 60a extending from vent passage 56. Thus, one can pressure cast a battery part and allow the pressure cast battery part to solidify and while the battery part is still in the mold but in the solidified state a piston can be driven into the solidified part to mechanically deform the lead which will remove cracks or tears in the battery terminal that occur as a result of the pressure casting process. FIG. 6 shows that the piston can be driven into the battery terminal 60 to leave a recess within the battery terminal. As the piston is driven into the portion of the battery terminal that contains the non-electrical contact surface, a feature such as a recess can be tolerated thereon without adverse conditions for operation of the battery terminal. This procedure of volume contraction is suitable when the battery pert has a shape so that the volume contraction can cause the deformation of the lead in remote portions of the battery part. That is, in some battery parts the configuration of the battery part may be such that a volume reduction in one region produces only partial cold deformation or reworking the battery part thereby leaving a battery part with a crack or tear. However, in those battery parts where the cold deformation can effectively move metal throughout the battery cavity the volume contraction can be performed after the solidification of the battery part The advantage of this method is that the internal pressure within the mold is increased locally but not throughout the mold as the solidified battery part does not transmit pressure forces in the same manner as if it were a liquid.

[0048] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a mold 50 and a piston 54 that is positioned having its end surface 54a spaced from the non-electrical contact surface 51b. A pressure cast solidified battery terminal 65 is shown therein with a solidified extension 65aextending outward from the battery terminal 65 to the end surface 54a of piston 54. In this condition, the extension 65a has solidified as an integral part of the battery terminal. Battery terminal 65 having been formed by a pressure cast process can include cracks and tears. In order to remove any tears or cracks the piston 54 is driven toward battery terminal post 65 with sufficient force to force the material in extension 65a into the battery terminal and thereby mechanically deform the battery terminal to a condition wherein the tears and cracks are removed.

[0049] FIG. 8 illustrates the driving of the piston to a condition flush with the surface of the battery terminal. By driving the piston end 54a to a condition flush with the battery terminal 65, the battery terminal is provided with a continuous surface. Consequently, the method illustrated by FIG. 8 can be used on either the non-electrical contact surface or the electrical contact surface as the finished surface remains flush with the adjacent surface.

[0050] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a mold 55 with a solidified battery terminal 66 therein. A piston 54 is positioned having its end surface 54a spaced from the mold cavity end surface 51b. In the condition shown, a solidified cylindrical extension of length L1 extends from battery terminal 66.

[0051] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the mold in FIG. 9 showing the end of the piston driven to a condition which is also spaced from the end surface of the mold cavity. That is the piston has been driven in passage 55 until the extension 66b has been shortened to length L2. The purpose of mechanically reducing the volume of the solidified battery terminal 66 is to cold form at least a portion of the metal in the battery terminal to thereby relieve any cracks or tears in the pressure cast battery terminal. The method illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 requires less precession in the piston movement to deform the metal into a shape free of cracks and tears. For example, the amount of force applied to piston 53 could be the determining factor of the travel of the piston rather than the length of piston travel determining the pressure of deformation on the battery terminal.

[0052] FIG. 11 is a view of a battery terminal of FIG. 10 with the pressure cast extension 66bbeing schematically shown as being sheared off. In practice the removal of the battery terminal 66 from the mold may cause the extension 66b to shear off and remain in cylindrical passage 55. That is, the extension 66b is sufficiently small in diameter so that the extension can be broken with the battery terminal removal force.

[0053] To illustrate the removal of the extension 66b from the mold, reference should be made to FIG. 12 which is a partial cross-sectional view of the piston of FIG. 10. Piston 53 is shown driving the pressure cast extension 66b from the passage 55. Thus with the method illustrated in FIGS. 9-12 one can leave an extension on the cast battery terminal and then break the extension off during the removal of the battery terminal. The use of the piston 54 allows one to clear the passage 55 for the next casting.

[0054] FIG. 13 is a front view of a two-metal battery connector 70 having an intermediate member 73 with a first connector end 71 having an opening 71a and a second connector end 72 having an opening 72a therein. The exterior of connector 70 is lead.

[0055] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 14-14 of FIG. 13 showing the extension connector 73 of lead and the inner core 75 which is a different metal such as copper. Core 75 is surrounded by a lead sheathing that has been pressure cast thereon.

[0056] To illustrate the pressure casting of the battery part of FIG. 13, reference should be made to FIG. 15 which is a cross-sectional view of a mold 80 and a holding apparatus for pressure casting the battery connector of FIG. 13. Holding apparatus comprises a pair of retractable members 82 and 83 that are oppositely disposed with the core 75 being supported therebetween in a condition that leaves an envelope of space 86 around core 75 to allow for molten metal to flow therein. Retractable members 82 and 83 are held in pressure contact with core 75 through means not shown. A source of pressured lead 81 is located in fluid communication with mold cavity 86 through feed runner 82. In the condition shown, the mold 80 is ready to receive molten lead. In the condition to receive molten lead a first piston 84 is located in a retracted condition to provide a mold space 84ain front of the end of piston 84 and similarly, piston 85 is located in a retracted condition to provide mold space 85a in front of the end of piston 85. During the pressure casting of connector 70, the molten lead will be forced into void 86 and into the space 85a and 85b. Once the lead in the mold has solidified to support core therein, the retractable members 82 and 83 are retracted leaving the pressure cast lead to support the core therein. The withdrawn of the retractable members 82 and 83 will leave a void in the solidified material in mold 80. In order to fill the voids produced by retraction of retractable members 82 and 83, the pistons 84 and 85 are driven inward to a condition flush with the exterior of the remaining portion of the mold.

[0057] FIG. 16 is cross-sectional view of a mold and holding apparatus of FIG. 15 with a pair of retractable members 82 and 83 in the retracted position and the driving pistons 84 and 85 in the extended position. In this condition, the metal present in region 85a and 84a of FIG. 14 has been forced into the voids produced by the withdrawal of retractable members 82 and 83. Consequently, the connector 70 can be formed in a pressure cast process with the completion of the battery connector accomplished with a deformation of the pressure cast lead to thereby produce a finished product.

[0058] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate, embodiment of a pressure cast part 91 that has formed a cylindrical extension 91a thereon. The length of the cylindrical extension 91a is limited by the end of an annular drive punch 95.

[0059] FIG. 18 shows the battery part of FIG. 17 with the annular drive punch 95 driven into the solidified extension 91a to cold form the battery part 91 free of cracks and voids. Thus with the present process, one can pressure cast a variety of battery parts and through a process of decreasing the volume during either the pre-solidification state or the solidified state, one can produce a battery terminal that is free of tears and cracks.

[0060] FIG. 19 shows a mold 100 with a core pin 101 and slidable collar 108 for pressure casting a battery part which is defined by cavity 10 which includes the annular cavity surrounding core pin 101. In operation of the mold of FIG. 19, molten lead under pressure enters runners 103 to fill the battery part cavity 110. A slidable collar 108 is located within fixed collar 109 with the end of collar 108 and the inner portion of collar 109 defining a portion of the battery part. Casting of the battery part with the collars in the position shown produces an annular extension of the battery part in the battery cavity portion defined by 110a. In order to provide the volume contraction of the battery part to provide a battery part free of cracks and tears, there is included a piston 106 that is slidable in chamber 107. A first port 104 receives a first fluid and a second port 105 receives a second fluid. When the pressure in port 105 is increased rapidly, it forces piston 106 upward which drives collar 108 upward into the battery cavity region 110a which compresses the annular lead extension located therein by reducing the volume available for the lead extension. In the mold shown in FIG. 19, the collar 108 can be driven upward to reduce the volume while the lead is in the transition state between liquid and solid or when the lead has cooled. If the lead has cooled to solid state before the slideable collar 108 is driven upward the lead is cold formed into a battery part The piston 106 can be lowered again by increasing the pressure in port 104 and reducing the pressure in port 105, thus withdrawing the piston 106 from the drive collar 108.

Claims

1. A system for pressure casting of a battery terminal to inhibit the formation of cracks and tears in the pressure casting of battery terminals comprising: a source of pressurized molten lead; a mold, said mold having a battery terminal cavity therein, said mold including a runner for supplying the molten lead to said battery terminal cavity; a vacuum source, said vacuum source connected to said battery terminal cavity to enable said vacuum source to evacuate the air from said battery terminal cavity prior to supplying molten lead to said battery terminal cavity; a pressure sensor, said pressure sensor mounted in said mold to monitor the pressure of the lead as the molten lead is supplied to said battery terminal cavity; a driver, said driver including a piston for driving into the runner of said mold; and a control unit, said control unit responsive to the pressure of the molten lead in said battery terminal cavity so that when the molten lead in said battery terminal cavity enters a liquid-to-solid transformation range wherein the molten lead is no longer molten but not yet solid, said control unit activates said driver to drive a piston into said runner at sufficient velocity to thereby simultaneously shut off the supply of molten lead to said battery terminal cavity and to compress the molten lead in the battery terminal cavity before the molten lead has solidified, to thereby produce a pressure cast battery terminal substantially free of cracks and tears.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the vacuum source connects to a cold spot in the battery terminal cavity so that the molten lead solidifies in the cold spot before solidifying in the remaining portion of the battery terminal cavity to thereby prevent molten lead from entering the vacuum source.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the piston is driven sufficiently far so that the piston forms a continuous portion of the battery terminal cavity that the battery terminal cast therein requires no further finishing after removal from said battery terminal cavity.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the piston is round.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the driver includes a hydraulic cylinder.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the control unit includes a computer.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the pressure sensor forms a continuous portion of the battery terminal cavity so that the battery terminal cast therein requires no further finishing after removal from the battery terminal cavity.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the molten lead is a lead alloy.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the piston is located in axial alignment with the runner of the mold.

10. The method of pressure casting a lead battery terminal to inhibit the formation of cracks and tears in the battery terminal comprising the steps of: evacuating a battery terminal cavity to remove air therefrom; injecting molten lead under pressure into the battery terminal cavity; and reducing the volume of the battery terminal cavity while the molten lead is in a liquid-to-solid transformation stage to cause the molten lead to flow into the reduced volume before the molten lead solidifies thereby inhibiting the formation of cracks and tears in the battery terminal.

11. The method of claim 10 including monitoring the pressure of the molten lead in the battery terminal cavity to determine when the molten lead enters the liquid-to-solid transformation stage.

12. The method of claim 10 including the step of evacuating the air from the battery terminal cavity at a cold spot on the battery terminal.

13. The method of claim 10 including the step of driving a piston into a runner in the mold to force molten lead in the runner into the battery terminal cavity.

14. The method of claim 13 including the step of driving the piston to a point coterminous with the battery terminal cavity outline in the mold to thereby produce a battery terminal that is free of a protrusion that would require further processing.

15. The method of claim 14 including the step of driving the piston at sufficient speed so as to reduce the volume of the molten lead before the molten lead solidifies.

16. The method of claim 10 wherein a piston is maintained under a pressure sufficient to move the piston outward to increase volume during the injection process and inward to decrease mold volume during the solidification process.

17. A system for pressure casting of a battery terminal to inhibit formation of cracks and tears in the pressure cast battery terminal comprising: a source of pressurized molten lead; a mold, said mold having a battery terminal cavity therein, said mold including a runner for supplying the molten lead to said battery terminal cavity; a vacuum source, said vacuum source connected to said battery terminal cavity to enable said vacuum source to evacuate the air from said battery terminal cavity prior to supplying molten lead to said battery terminal cavity; a pressure responsive piston located in a hot spot of the mold, said pressure responsive piston movable into said mold to decrease the volume of the mold in response to pressure within the mold to thereby produce a pressure cast battery terminal substantially free of cracks and tears.

18. The system of claim 17 including heating the piston to maintain the piston at a temperature above the melting point of lead to thereby prevent solidification of the molten lead proximate the piston.

19. A system for pressure casting and at least partially cold forming a battery part free of cracks and tears comprising: a source of pressurized molten lead; a mold, said mold having a battery part cavity therein with a portion of the mold having a surface defining a battery part electrical contact surface and a further portion of the mold defining a battery part non-electrical contact surface; a source of pressurized lead for filling the battery part cavity with molten lead; and a piston, said piston having a surface positioned proximate the portion of the battery part cavity defining a non-electrical contact surface for the molten lead to flow and solidify thereagainst to thereby produce a solidified battery part that can contain cracks and tears, said piston movable toward said solidified battery part to decrease the volume of the battery part and thereby cold form the battery part into a condition free of cracks and tears.

20. The system of claim 19 wherein the mold includes a passage for removal of air from the battery part cavity and said piston is driven sufficiently far into said solidified battery part to force excess solidified lead out said passage.

21. The system of claim 20 wherein the surface of the piston is positioned from the non-electrical contact surface to allow molten lead to solidify as an extension of the battery part.

22. A method for pressure casting and partial cold forming a battery part free of cracks and tears comprising: forming a mold with a battery part cavity having a non-electrical contact surface and an electrical contact surface; placing a piston having an end surface proximate the battery part; injecting lead under pressure into the battery part cavity; allowing the lead to solidify therein to produce a solidified battery part cavity that can contain cracks and tears; and driving a piston toward the solidified battery part with sufficient force so as to mechanically deform at least a portion of the solidified battery part to thereby remove any cracks or tears from the solidified battery part.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein the piston end surface is positioned to form a portion of the non-electrical contact surface of the battery part cavity.

24. The method of claim 22 wherein the piston end surface is positioned in a spaced condition from the battery part cavity to thereby allow the molten lead to solidify as an extension to the battery part.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein the piston is driven sufficiently far until the piston end surface forms a continuous end surface with the battery part.

26. The method of claim 24 wherein the piston is driven short of the battery part cavity to thereby leave an extension on the battery part.

27. The method of claim 26 including the step of shearing the extension from the battery part when the battery part is removed from the mold.

28. The method of claim 27 including the step of ejecting the extension sheared from the battery part by driving the piston into the battery cavity occupied by the battery part.

29. The method of claim 22 wherein an annular punch is driven into the solidified battery part.

30. The method of claim 22 including placing a retractable collar in position to suspend an insert for a battery part before injecting the molten lead into the mold.

31. The method of claim 30 including the retraction of the retractable collar once the lead has solidified in battery part cavity;

32. The method of claim 31 wherein at least two pistons are driven toward the battery part to cold form the battery part into a finished battery part.

33. An apparatus for forming a two piece battery part comprising; a mold having a battery part cavity therein; a retractable member for supporting a core within the battery part cavity while molten lead solidifies around the core to form a battery part; and a piston, said piston located in said mold and driveable toward said battery part cavity to simultaneously reduce the volume of the battery cavity and deform at least a portion of a solidified battery part therein to thereby produce a finished battery part substantially free of cracks and tears.

34. A system for pressure casting of a battery terminal to inhibit formation of cracks and tears in the pressure cast battery part comprising: a source of pressurized molten lead for maintaining the molten lead under a first pressure; a mold, said mold having a battery part cavity therein, said mold including a runner for supplying the molten lead to said battery part cavity; a piston, said piston movable toward said battery part cavity to shut off the supply of pressurized molten lead to said battery part cavity and to increase the pressure of the molten lead within the battery part cavity to a sufficiently high pressures so that when the molten lead solidifies it forms a battery part free of cracks and tears.

35. The system of claim 34 including a vacuum source, said vacuum source connected to said battery terminal cavity to enable said vacuum source to evacuate the air from said battery part cavity prior to supplying molten lead to said battery part cavity.

36. The system of claim 34 wherein the piston simultaneously shuts off the supply of molten pressurized lead and increases the pressure of the molten lead in the battery part cavity.

37. The method of forming a pressure cast battery part free of cracks and voids comprising the steps of: introducing a molten lead under pressure to a battery part cavity; sealing off the battery part cavity while the battery part cavity contains molten lead to thereby form a closed volume for the molten lead; and increasing the pressure of the molten lead in the battery part cavity to sufficiently high pressure so that when the molten lead solidifies it forms a battery part free of cracks and voids.