Battery terminal
Disclosed is a lead acid battery including a housing having an exterior. The battery also includes a lead terminal extending through the housing to the exterior of the housing. A coating covers the lead terminal such that there is no exposed lead exterior to the housing.
1 . A lead acid battery comprising:
a housing having an exterior;
a lead terminal extending through a surface of the housing to the exterior of the housing; and
a coating covering the lead terminal, the coating comprising a lead-free conductive film.
2 . The lead acid battery of claim 1 , wherein a thickness of the coating is less than 1 mm.
3 . The lead acid battery of claim 1 , wherein the coating extends below the surface of the housing.
4 . The lead acid battery of claim 1 , wherein the coating comprises a non-lead surface.
5 . The lead acid battery of claim 1 , wherein the coating includes an arc-sprayed conductive coating comprising zinc or tin.
6 . The lead acid battery of claim 1 , wherein the coating comprises a metal powder coat.
7 . The lead acid battery of claim 1 , wherein the coating comprises an electrically-conductive paint.
8 . The lead acid battery of claim 1 , wherein the coating comprises a conductive portion and a non-conductive portion.
9 . The lead acid battery of claim 8 , wherein the conductive portion of the coating is selected from the group consisting of tin, zinc, brass, copper, stainless steel, nickel, and alloys thereof.
10 . The lead acid battery of claim 8 , wherein the non-conductive portion of the coating comprises a sealant.
11 . The lead acid battery of claim 10 , wherein the sealant is selected from the group consisting of epoxy resin and polymer.
12 . The lead acid battery of claim 8 , wherein the lead terminal comprises a depression on a surface thereof, and wherein the non-conductive portion of the coating is provided on the depression.
13 . The lead acid battery of claim 8 , wherein the conductive portion of the coating is provided on a side of the lead terminal.
14 . The lead acid battery of claim 1 , wherein the lead terminal is a positive terminal, wherein the lead acid battery further comprises a negative terminal.
15 . The lead acid battery of claim 14 , wherein the positive terminal includes a first coating, and the negative terminal includes a second coating.
16 . The lead acid battery of claim 15 , wherein the first and second coatings are different materials.
17 . The lead acid battery of claim 1 , further comprising a battery element and a strap, wherein the battery element is coupled to an end of the strap.
18 . The lead acid battery of claim 17 , further comprising a post of the lead terminal, wherein the strap leads to the post.
19 . The lead acid battery of claim 18 , further comprising a bushing provided within the housing, wherein the post of the lead terminal extends through the bushing.