CURRENT INTERRUPTER FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS

摘要

A current interrupter assembly (220) for electrochemical cells (215) may be self-contained, sealed unit which may be separately inserted into the cell during cell construction. The current interrupter assembly (220) has particular utility for thin rechargeable cells and when inserted in the cell forms a portion of the electrical pathway between a cell electrode (211) and corresponding terminal (245). The current interrupt mechanism comprises a thin thermally responsive member preferably comprising a disk (250) of a shape memory metal alloy having a curved surface. When cell temperature exceeds a predetermined value the disk deflects to cause a break in the electrical pathway within the assembly.