Patent ID: 6010802
Filing Date: 2000-01-04
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
A current collector assembly for closing and sealing a cup-shaped container having electrochemically active materials therein, for thereby forming an electrochemical cell, and for collecting current from such electrochemically active materials contained therein, said current collector assembly comprising:(a) a resilient and electrically non-conductive seal body having an opening therethrough, and a vent panel;(b) a current collector subassembly including (i) a current collector inserted through the opening in the seal body and for insertion into one of such electrochemically active materials, and (ii) a bottom plate for closing such cell at the cup-shaped container and for providing a portion of the outer surface of such cell, said current collector providing electrical continuity between such electrochemically active material and the outer surface of such cell at said bottom plate; and(c) a structurally reinforcing washer between said seal body and said bottom plate, said washer comprising a rigid metal disk having a structurally reinforcing shape providing sufficient strength to protect said bottom plate against inwardly-directed force imposed on said bottom plate that such electrochemical cell, into which said current collector assembly is assembled, when installed into a flashlight, can routinely survive a 3-foot drop test of such flashlight without rupture of said vent panel.