Non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell

Abstract

A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery has a pressure-sensitive elastic element reliably operating at a desired operating pressure. The battery includes an outer can having an opening; an electrode assembly which is housed in the outer can and comprises a positive electrode having a positive electrode current collector and a negative electrode having a negative electrode current collector; a sealing plate sealing the opening; an external electrode terminal whose one end is engaged with the throughhole of the sealing plate and whose other end projects outside the sealing plate; and a pressure-sensitive elastic element which is disposed inside the sealing plate in the battery and deforms in accordance with an increase in the gas pressure in the battery, the external electrode terminal. The external electrode terminal includes therein a hole connecting the outside of the battery and the space in contact with the outer side of pressure-sensitive elastic element.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries, and more particularly to non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries having a pressure-sensitive elastic element. [0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0004] In recent years, non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries have been used not only in compact devices such as mobile phones, notebook PCs, and digital cameras but also as the power source for driving electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. [0005] When used for the latter application, a plurality of batteries are connected in series using their external electrode terminals so as to produce a high output. Non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries are made of highly reactive materials and therefore required to have a much higher safety level when used as large size batteries than when used in compact devices. [0006] In attempts to improve the safety of large size batteries, various ...

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