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Patent Searching and Data


Title:
CURRENT INTERRUPTER FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO1997038454
Kind Code:
A3
Abstract:
A current interrupt mechanism for electrochemical cells is disclosed. A thermally activated current interrupt mechanism is integrated into an end cap assembly for an electrochemical cell. The thermally responsive mechanism preferably includes a free floating bimetallic disk which deforms when exposed to elevated temperature causing a break in an electrical pathway within the end cap assembly. This prevents current from flowing through the cell and effectively shuts down an operating cell. Alternatively, the thermally responsive mechanism may include a meltable mass of material which melts when exposed to elevated temperature to break an electrical pathway within the end cap assembly. The end cap assembly may also include integrated therein a pressure responsive current interrupt mechanism. If the internal gas pressure within an operating cell exceeds a predetermined value, the pressure responsive mechanism activates to sever an electrical pathway within the end cap assembly to prevent current from passing through the cell. The pressure responsive mechanism may include a diaphragm which ruptures when there is extreme gas pressure buildup. Gas is allowed to escape from the cell interior to the external environment through a series of vent apertures within the end cap assembly.

Inventors:
VU VIET H (US)
FONTAINE LUCIEN P (US)
MCHUGH WILLIAM T (US)
PINAULT ROBERT J (US)
BLASI JANE A (US)
SULLIVAN STEVEN K (US)
JOHNSON STEPHEN S (US)
PAQUIN GEOFFREY J (US)
MAUS GARY K (US)
CAMBRA LANCE E (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US1997/005928
Publication Date:
December 31, 1997
Filing Date:
April 10, 1997
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
DURACELL INC (US)
TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC (US)
VU VIET H (US)
FONTAINE LUCIEN P (US)
MCHUGH WILLIAM T (US)
PINAULT ROBERT J (US)
BLASI JANE A (US)
SULLIVAN STEVEN K (US)
JOHNSON STEPHEN S (US)
PAQUIN GEOFFREY J (US)
MAUS GARY K (US)
CAMBRA LANCE E (US)
International Classes:
H01H37/04; H01M50/583; H01H35/34; H01H37/54; H01H37/76; (IPC1-7): H01M2/34
Foreign References:
EP0689255A21995-12-27
US4035552A1977-07-12
US4966822A1990-10-30
US5041345A1991-08-20
US5188909A1993-02-23
Other References:
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 096, no. 005 31 May 1996 (1996-05-31)
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