CURRENT INTERRUPTER FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS

摘要

A current interrupt mechanism for electrochemical cells is disclosed. A thermally activated current interrupt mechanism (38) is integrated into an end cap assembly (10) for an electrochemical cell. The thermally responsive mechanism preferably includes a free floating bimetallic disk (40) or a meltable mass of material (175) to break an electrical pathway within the end cap assembly. The end cap assembly also includes integrated therein a pressure responsive current interrupt mechanism (48). The pressure responsive mechanism activates to sever electrical contact between a diaphragm (70) and a plate (80) within the end cap assembly (10) to prevent current from passing through the cell, and may include a diaphragm (70) which ruptures when there is extreme gas pressure buildup.