Battery module gasket

Abstract

A gasket sealing system for providing a gasket seal disposed between a lid removably connectable at a receiving module containing electrical circuitry and/or batteries. The lid includes a perimeter surface that is removably insertable against a rim bordering an opening into the module. A gasket is adapted to bond to the perimeter surface of the lid. The gasket includes a first contacting surface having an arcuate shape that deforms upon contact against the module rim. The gasket includes a bonding surface adapted to bond to the shape of the perimeter surface of the lid. The gasket is composed of a resilient material that is self-lubricating. When the lid is removed from the rim of the opening, the deformable gasket is disconnected from sealing against the rim of the module without disruption of the integrity of the gasket.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0003] 1. Field of Invention

[0004] This invention relates to an improved gasket for maintenance of a water resistant seal. More specifically, this invention relates to an improved gasket bonded on a surface connecting a lid to a housing.

[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0006] Prior devices have included gaskets that are composed of synthetic rubber or polyvinyl materials. The prior gaskets include “O” ring gaskets that are positioned to removably attach to a sealing lid utilized to provide a water resistant seal between the lid and a module or housing onto which the lid is attached.

[0007] The prior devices have required that the “O” ring gaskets be separated from the lid when the lid is removed for lubrication of the gasket, or for cleaning or replacement of electrical circuitry and/or batteries within the module or housing. Upon reinsertion of the prior “O” ring gaskets against the lid, the design of a prior gasket led to improper sealing of the lid when threaded onto the module or housing, and/or tearing of the gasket with resulting loss of the water resistant seal. Further, when a prior gasket was compressed for an extended time without periodic lubrication of the gasket, the prior “O” ring gasket failed due to drying of the gasket and sealing between the gasket, lid, and the module or housing surface, with resulting tearing of the gasket upon removal of the lid from the module or housing surface.

[0008] An improved gasket is needed to provide a resilient gasket which maintains unity with a lid to provide a seal between the surfaces of a lid and a receiving module, despite repetitive removal and reinsertion of the lid against the receiving module surface with the gasket positioned therebetween.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0009] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an improved gasket sealing system including a gasket that is bonded to a perimeter portion of a first surface of a lid. The lid is removably attachable to a rim bordering an opening in a receiving module containing equipment requiring protection from moisture. The gasket includes a configuration that is bonded to a perimeter surface of the lid. The gasket includes a first surface that is deformable upon contacting against a surface of a receiving module while being adapted to match the shape of a perimeter surface of a lid. The gasket is composed of resilient material that is self-lubricating such as a thermoplastic elastomer material, a rubber material, or a similarly resilient material. When the lid is removably positioned against the receiving module, the gasket is deformed and maintained between the perimeter surface of the lid and the interior surface of the receiving module to form a seal that is substantially resistant to moisture and resistant to tearing. An interior portion of the gasket contains lubricant material that diffuses through exterior surfaces of the gasket to self-lubricate the gasket surfaces to maintain the resiliency of the gasket during extended periods of contact of the lid against the receiving module. An alternative embodiment of the gasket includes an outwardly tapered portion adjacent the first surface, with the outwardly tapered portion adapted to contact against an interior side surface of the receiving module opening when the lid is attached to the receiving module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF DRAWINGS

[0010] The present invention is illustrated in the drawings in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective bottom view of an embodiment of a receiving module illustrating a gasket disposed on a lid in accordance with the present invention;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a side view, in section taken along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1, illustrating a gasket disposed on a perimeter surface of the lid;

[0013] FIG. 3a is an exploded side view, in section taken along 3-3 of FIG. 2, illustrating one embodiment of the gasket positioned on the lid;

[0014] FIG. 3b is an exploded side view, in section taken along 3-3 of FIG. 2, illustrating an alternative embodiment of the gasket positioned on the lid;

[0015] FIG. 3c is an exploded side view, in section taken along 3-3 of FIG. 2, illustrating an additional alternative embodiment of the gasket positioned on the lid;

[0016] FIG. 3d is an exploded side view, in section taken along 3-3 of FIG. 2, illustrating an additional alternative embodiment of the gasket positioned on the lid;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a side view of the lid and one embodiment of the gasket before being positioned on the perimeter surface of the lid;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a side view of the lid rotated about ninety degrees from the view of FIG. 4, with the gasket disposed on the perimeter surface of the lid; and

[0019] FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating an alternative position for an alternative embodiment of the gasket of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an improved gasket sealing system 10 including a gasket 30 that is bonded on a perimeter surface of a lid 12. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lid 12 includes a perimeter edge 14, a top surface 16, and a first surface 22 forming a ridge with an opening 24 therein having a shallow depth. An interior oriented perimeter of the lid 12 includes a first bonding surface 28, and a perimeter ledge 26 having a side wall 26′ extended from the first bonding surface 28. Any alternative embodiment of the gasket 30 of the present invention may be bonded along the first bonding surface 28 of the lid 12 (see FIGS. 2, 3a, 3b and 3c).

[0021] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3a, one embodiment of the gasket 30 includes a pliable shape that is adapted to match a perimeter portion of the lid 12. The gasket 30 may be circular, rectangular, or other configuration to match the perimeter of the lid 12. The gasket 30 includes a first, exterior faced surface 40 positioned proximate to a perimeter edge 26 of the lid 12. A first bonding surface 32 is substantially planar to allow bonding of the surface 32 against first bonding surface 28 of the lid 12. The gasket 30 includes an exterior faced curved surface 34 that forms a curved continuation of first surface 40. The first surface 40 is deformable in an axial direction when the lid 12 is positioned against a receiving module 60. An exterior lateral surface 34 is deformable outwardly from side wall 26′ of lid 12. An interior side surface 36 is laterally deformable into a void space along the side wall 26′ of the lid 12 when the lid 12 is positioned against a receiving module 60. One or more void areas (not shown) or grooves (see FIGS. 3b and 3c) may be included in first surface 40 or interior side surface 36 of gasket 30. An alternative shape for the gasket 30, as known to those skilled in the art, may be utilized to provide a deformable gasket 30 that is adapted to be positioned between a first surface 22 of a lid 12 and an opposed surface of a receiving module 60.

[0022] An alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3b includes a gasket 30′ having a “D” shape, with a first bonding surface 32′ that is substantially flat for bonding to a first bonding surface 28 of lid 12 (see FIG. 3b). The gasket 30′ includes a first, exterior faced surface 40′ positioned proximate to a perimeter edge 26 of the lid 12. The rounded exterior lateral surface 34′ of the gasket 30′ is deformable when the lid 12 is positioned against a receiving module 60. An interior side surface 36′ may be rounded or planar, and is laterally deformable into a void space along the perimeter edge 26 and side wall 26′ of the lid 12. A void or groove 42′ is positioned along a portion of the first surface 40′. The groove 42′ allows for deformation of the first surface 40′ when gasket 30′ is positioned with lid 12 against a receiving module 60.

[0023] An additional alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3c includes a gasket 30″ having a first contacting surface 40″ that is deformable to provide axial sealing when contacting surface 40″ is positioned against a receiving surface of the receiving module 60 with the lid 12 is inserted into the receiving module 60. An interior surface 36″ is positioned proximate the perimeter ledge 26 having a side wall 26′. The first contacting surface 40″ includes a groove 42″ positioned to extend inwardly of the first contacting surface 40″. The groove 42″ originates proximate to an interior corner 44″ of the first contacting surface 40″. The first contacting surface 40″ further includes an outwardly tapered corner 46″ that is laterally deformable during contact against a wall or a portion of the receiving surface of the receiving module 60 when the lid 12 is positioned into an opening 62 of the receiving module 60 (see FIG. 5). Upon positioning of the lid 12 into the receiving module 60, a water resistant connection is maintained between the gasket 30″ and the wall of the receiving surface, to provide an enclosure that is substantially moisture-free for storage of electrical components such as electrical circuitry, and/or a power source such as a battery.

[0024] An additional alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3d includes a gasket 30″' having a substantially planar first bonding surface 32″' for bonding the gasket 30″' to the lid 12 (see FIG. 3d). An exterior lateral surface 34″' forms an outer surface of the gasket 30″. An interior surface 36″' is positioned proximate the perimeter edge 26 having a side wall 26′. The first contacting surface 40″' includes a ridge 42″' is positioned at a central position or at an off-center position along the first contacting surface 40″'. A means for bonding known to those skilled in the art, such as sonic welding, is utilized for bonding each of the gaskets 30, 30′, 30″, or 30″ , to surface 28.

[0025] For any of the configurations illustrated for the gasket 30 (see FIG. 3a), 30′ (see FIG. 3b), 30″ (see FIG. 3c), or 30″' (see FIG. 3d), the gasket 30 is composed of a resilient material selected from the group including a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material, a rubber material or a similar resilient material utilized for sealing gaskets commonly known to those skilled in the art. The TPE material, rubber material, or similar resilient material of the gasket 30 includes an internal lubricant that is integrally blended into the resilient material, and which may gradually be released from the interior 38 of the gasket 30 for diffusion out of the exterior lateral surface 34 and first contacting surface 40 of the gasket 30. The self-lubricating property of the TPE material provides for a resilient gasket 30 when bonded for extended periods of time to the lid 12. Further, the gasket 30 remains substantially resilient to tearing and sticking to the receiving module upon disconnection of the lid from receiving module 60. Prior seals have torn when a lid is removed from a receiving surface due to drying and cracking of prior seals. Also, prior seals have become bonded during use to both surfaces of the lid and the receiving module during contact over extended periods of time and are torn during removal of a lid for replacement of batteries inside the module.

[0026] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the top surface 16 of the lid 12 includes a pair of raised peaks 18, 18′ that are spaced apart to provide a groove 20 therebetween for insertion of a screwdriver or tool (not shown) for rotating of the lid 12 for detaching from, and re-attaching into the opening 62 of the receiving module 60.

[0027] The opening 62 of receiving module 60 is delineated by a rim 64 bounding the top portion of the receiving module 60. An interior ledge 66 borders the interior perimeter of the opening 62. When gasket 30″ as illustrated in FIG. 3c is positioned on a lid 12 that is inserted into opening 62, the outwardly tapered perimeter corner 46″ is tapered to be disposed against the interior perimeter of the opening 62 of the receiving module 64 when the first surface 22 of the lid 12 is inserted into opening 62 formed by the rim 64 of receiving module 60.

[0028] Those skilled in the art will recognize advantages of the gasket sealing system 10 including an improved moisture resistant seal provided by the internally lubricated gasket 30 positioned between the lid 12 and the receiving module 60. The gasket 30 remains bonded to the lid 12 to allow the gasket 30 to be positioned against an interior ledge 66 of the opening 62 of the receiving module 60, and also allows the gasket 30 to be repetitively disconnected from sealing against the interior surface of the opening and/or against the interior ledge 66 within the opening 62 of the receiving module 60, without disruption of the integrity of the gasket 30. The gasket 30 further provides lubrication from an interior 38 of the gasket 30 that provides friction against respective surfaces of the opening 62 during the locking process of inserting the lid 12 into the opening 62, and during the unlocking process of removing the lid 12 from opening 62.

[0029] As illustrated in FIG. 6, an alternative configuration for the gasket of the present invention includes a receiving module 60′ having a receiving gasket 30″, or a gasket of comparable shape, which is configured to be bonded within the receiving module 60′. The receiving gasket 30″ includes a configuration having a cross-section as illustrated in any one of FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c, or 3d. One configuration of the receiving gasket includes groove 42″ positioned therein. The gasket 30″ includes a first bonding surface 32″ being bonded to an interior diameter of interior ledge 66′ within the opening 62′ of the receiving module 60′. If gasket 30″ as illustrated in FIG. 3c is utilized, an outwardly tapered corner 46″ extends outwardly from the first contacting surface 40′ and is disposed to form a perimeter seal against an exterior perimeter side wall 26′ of the first surface 22′ of the lid 12′ when the lid 12′ is inserted into the opening 62′ of the receiving module 60′. The configuration of gasket 30″ provides an axial seal due to the deformation of the contacting surface 40″ and outwardly tapered corner 46″, which are pressed against the first surface 22′ and side wall 26′ of the lid 12′. Gasket 30″ remains bonded at first bonding surface 32″ to interior ledge 66′ of receiving module 60′, without disruption of the integrity of gasket 30″, or a gasket of comparable shape, during repetitive removal and reinsertion of the lid 12′ against the receiving module 60′.

[0030] An alternative configuration of the gasket 30 (not shown) includes an gasket having a perimeter portion shaped as a square or rectangle that is adapted to match the shape of the surface of a square or a rectangular lid. Additional alternative shaped gaskets having perimeter portions of other shapes may be utilized as known to those skilled in the art to adequately encircle the perimeter surface of any alternative shaped lid.

[0031] While a preferred embodiment is shown and described, it will be understood it is not intended to limit the disclosure of the invention, but rather it is intended to cover all modifications and alternate configurations falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A gasket configured to provide a seal between a lid and a receiving module, the lid having a perimeter surface, the lid being removably insertable against a surface bounded by a rim portion on the receiving module, comprising:

a gasket having a first bonding surface adapted to bond against a perimeter surface of the lid; and

a contacting surface disposed proximal to said first bonding surface of said gasket, said contacting surface adapted to contact the surface of the receiving module;

whereby when the lid is removed from insertion against the surface of the receiving module, said contacting surface of said gasket is disconnected from sealing against the receiving module while said first bonding surface of said gasket remains bonded against the lid perimeter surface without tearing of said gasket.

2. The gasket of claim 1, wherein said contacting surface of said gasket includes a arcuate surface, said contacting surface being deformable upon contact against the surface of the receiving module.

3. The gasket of claim 1, wherein said contacting surface of said gasket includes a perimeter corner, said perimeter corner is disposed to form a perimeter seal against the rim of the receiving module when the first surface of the lid is inserted into the rim of the opening of the receiving module.

4. The gasket of claim 1, wherein said gasket includes having an annular configuration, said gasket further including:

said first contacting surface having an arcuate surface;

an interior surface between said first contacting surface and said first bonding surface; said interior surface being substantially arcuate, said interior surface positioned a spaced apart distance from the perimeter surface of said lid;

an outer faced surface of said gasket opposed from said second bonding surface, said outer faced surface being curved outwardly from said first bonding surface; and

a perimeter corner extended from said outer faced surface and said first contacting surface being tapered to extend outwardly from said first contacting surface.

5. The gasket of claim 1, wherein said gasket is composed of a resilient material selected from the group consisting essentially of a thermoplastic elastomer material, a rubber material, or a similar resilient material.

6. The gasket of claim 5, wherein said first contacting surface, said outer faced surface, and said interior surface, and said perimeter corner of said gasket being deformed when the lid is removed from insertion against the surface of the receiving module.

7. The gasket of claim 6, wherein said gasket including an internal lubricant that is integrally blended into said resilient material, whereby said internal lubricant is gradually released from the interior of the gasket.

8. An improved gasket sealing system to provide a seal between a lid and a receiving module, the lid having a first surface and a perimeter surface that is removably insertable into a rim bordering an opening of the receiving module, the contents of the module requiring protection from moisture, the improvement comprising:

a gasket including a first bonding surface adapted to conform to the shape of the perimeter surface of the lid, said first bonding surface being bonded to the first surface of the lid; and

a contacting surface opposed from said first bonding surface of said gasket;

whereby when the lid is removed from insertion in the rim of the opening of the module, said contacting surface of said gasket is disconnected from sealing against the rim of the receiving module, without disruption of the integrity of said gasket.

9. The improved gasket sealing system of claim 8, wherein said gasket including said contacting surface having a groove therein; and

a perimeter corner of said contacting surface of said gasket, said perimeter corner being tapered to extend outwardly from said contacting surface, said tapered corner is disposed to form a perimeter seal against an interior of the opening of the module when the perimeter surface of the lid is inserted into the rim of the opening of the module.

10. The improved gasket sealing system of claim 8, wherein said gasket including

said contacting surface having a ridge thereon; and

a perimeter corner of said contacting surface of said gasket, said perimeter corner being tapered to extend outwardly from said contacting surface, said tapered corner is disposed to form a perimeter seal against an interior of the opening of the module when the perimeter surface of the lid is inserted into the rim of the opening of the module.

11. The improved gasket sealing system of claim 8, wherein said gasket includes a substantially rectangular shaped cross-section when bonded to the lid perimeter surface.

12. The improved gasket sealing system of claim 11, wherein said substantially rectangular shaped cross-section including a second bonding surface positioned against a perimeter side wall portion of the first surface of the lid, and an outer surface of said gasket, said second bonding surface being bonded to the perimeter side wall of the lid.

13. The improved gasket sealing system of claim 8, wherein said gasket is composed of a resilient material selected from the group consisting essentially of a thermoplastic elastomer material, a rubber material, or a similar resilient material.

14. The improved gasket sealing system of claim 13, wherein said gasket including an internal lubricant that is integrally blended into said resilient material, whereby said internal lubricant is gradually released from the interior of the gasket.

15. A gasket configured to provide a seal between a lid and a receiving module, the lid having a first surface that is removably insertable against a rim surface bordering an opening of the receiving module, the opening having an interior side ledge a selected depth into the opening, the module containing electrical circuitry and/or a power source, said gasket comprising:

a first contacting surface having an arcuate surface thereon, said first contacting surface adapted to match the first surface of said lid, and

a first bonding surface opposed from said first contacting surface, said first bonding surface being bonded to the interior side ledge of the receiving module;

whereby when the lid is removed from insertion into the rim of the opening of the module, said first contacting surface of said gasket is disconnected from sealing against the exterior diameter of the first surface of the lid and said first bonding surface of said gasket remains bonded to the interior side ledge of the receiving module, without disruption of the integrity of said gasket.

16. The gasket of claim 15, wherein said gasket including a perimeter corner of said first contacting surface of said gasket, said perimeter corner being extended outwardly from said first contacting surface, said perimeter corner is disposed to form a perimeter seal against an exterior diameter of the first surface of the lid when the first surface of the lid is inserted into the rim of the module.

17. The gasket of claim 15, wherein said gasket including:

a substantially rectangular shaped cross-section;

a second bonding surface connecting said first contacting surface and said first bonding surface, said second bonding surface being bonded against the interior side ledge of the receiving module; and

an exterior surface opposed from said second bonding surface, said exterior surface being curved outwardly.