Bottom seals in air depolarized electrochemical cells

Abstract

An elongate, generally tubular, air depolarized electrochemical cell ( ) comprising a cathode ( ), including an air cathode assembly ( ), extending about the tubular circumference, and along the tubular length, of the cell ( ), an anode ( ), a separator ( ) between the anode ( ) and the cathode ( ), electrolyte, a top closure member ( ), and a bottom closure member ( ). The cathode assembly ( ) is fixedly held, by a friction fit, in a slot ( ) at the bottom of the cell. The slot can be developed, for example, by inner ( ) and outer ( ) wars of a cathode can ( ), by inner ( ) and outer ( ) walls of a bottom closure member ( ), or by an outer wall ( ) of a cathode can ( ) and an opposing outer wall of a plug ( ) on the interior of the cell. Preferably, bottom closure structure of the cell ( ) and receives a bottom edge portion ( ) of the cathode current collector ( ), and makes electrical contact with, the bottom edge portion ( ), preferably at an inner surface ( ) of the cathode current collector. A diffusion member ( ) of the cathode assembly ( ) is preferably compressed as a seal, at the bottom of the cell ( ), between an outer side wall ( ) of the cell and the remainder of the cathode assembly ( ). The diffusion member ( ) is also used at least as an assist in sealing the cell ( ) against electrolyte leakage from the anode cavity ( ) and past the cathode assembly ( ). Various embodiments comprehend a variety of bottom seal members ( ) between the bottom wall ( ) and the electroactive anode material ( ), typically in combination with a bottom slot ( ) receiving the cathode assembly ( ) adjacent an outer side wall ( ) of the bottom closure member ( ).