Texas Instruments Corporation

Duracell Inc.

Lance E Cambra

Viet H Vu

William T McHugh

Lucien Paul Fontaine

Steven K Sullivan

Jane A Blasi

Robert J Pinault

Gary K Maus

Stephen S Johnson

Geoffrey J Paquin

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.

Current interrupter for electrochemical cells

Growing community of inventors

Acushnet, MA, United States of America

Lance E Cambra