Patent ID: 6538415
Filing Date: 2003-03-25
Classification: G01K,H01M,Y02E,Y10S

Abstract:
An elongate temperature-sensing apparatus which can be connected to an electrical power supply to provide a sensor for monitoring the temperature of a plurality of batteries, the apparatus comprising(A) a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) element which (1) is in the form of a continuous elongate tape having opposite first and second surfaces, and (2) comprises a conductive polymer exhibiting PTC behavior; (B) a plurality of first electrodes which (1) are secured to the first surface of the PTC element, and (2) are longitudinally spaced apart from each other; (C) a plurality of second electrodes which (1) are secured to the second surface of the PTC element, and (2) are longitudinally spaced apart from each other, the first and second electrodes being in a staggered and overlapping relationship, so that each electrode has (a) a central portion which does not overlap an electrode on the opposite surface and (b) two end portions which overlap respective end portions of adjacent electrodes on the opposite surface; (D) a polymeric insulating jacket which surrounds the PTC element and the first and second electrodes, (E) a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart sensing components, each sensing component comprising (1) an overlapping end portion of one of the first electrodes, (2) an overlapping end portion of one of the second electrodes, and (3) a portion of the PTC element, through which current runs transversely between the overlapping end portions of the electrodes when the apparatus is connected to a power supply; and (F) a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart connecting components, each connecting component (1) connecting two adjacent sensing components electrically in series, and (2) comprising (a) a portion of the PTC element, and (b) a central portion of one of the first electrodes or a central portion of one of the second electrodes, through which current will run longitudinally when the apparatus is connected to a power supply.