Electrochemical cell safety vent
US6080505A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 14, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jun 27, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 14, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/10
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A safety vent is provided for incorporation into sealed electrochemical cells. The vent is particularly applicable to cells experiencing transient conditions producing pressures above 250 psi (17.6 kg/cm.sup.2). By configuring a cover plate to plastically deform at elevated pressures, an increased venting area can be produced. The increased venting area allows for venting of solid matter which may be forced into vent holes during high temperatures and pressures. Effective plastic deformation is obtained by proper selection of a ductile material and cover plate thickness. By ensuring that vent clogging does not occur, pressures are limited and the integrity of the cell is maintained. By incorporating this vent into a cell, methods of successfully passing industry standard test procedures for secondary cells are provided. The vent also includes an elastomeric sealing element which is captured between the cover plate and a rigid upper plate. The upper plate has a skirt that covers the sealing element but is lifted out of the way of vented matter by the deforming cover plate. Testing of example nickel-metal hydride based Cs cells demonstrate successful survival of a "hot plate" and "co…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.