Rechargeable battery with temperature controlled switch

A non-aqueous electrolyte rechargeable battery comprising:

• an element for electromotive force including an electrode of first polarity and an electrode of second polarity;
• a battery case having an open top end for accommodating the element for electromotive force, and being electrically connected to the electrode of first polarity;
• and
• a closure assembly for closing the open top end of the battery case, including an external terminal, an internal terminal electrically connected to the electrode of second polarity, a switch element electrically connecting the external terminal and the internal terminal in an initial state, and a ring shaped conductive element electrically connected to the battery case and an electrical insulation electrically insulating the ring shaped conductive element from both of the external terminal and the internal terminal;
• the switch element being responsive to a first temperature change to break connection to the external terminal and effect electrical contact with the ring shaped conductive element to establish a second state of operation, breaking electrical connection between the battery and an external power source and establishing a short circuit to cause the battery to discharge;
• and
• the switch element being responsive to a second temperature change, opposing said first temperature change, to return to the initial state, re-establishing electrical connection between the battery and the external power source.

A non-aqueous electrolyte rechargeable battery, comprising:

• an element for electromotive force including an electrode of first polarity and an electrode of second polarity;
• a battery case having an open top end for accommodating the element for electromotive force, and being electrically connected to the electrode of first polarity;
• and
• a closure assembly for closing the open top end of the battery case, including an external terminal, an internal terminal electrically connected to the electrode of second polarity, a switch element electrically connecting the external terminal and the internal terminal in an initial state, and a ring shaped conductive element electrically connected to the battery case and an electrical insulation electrically insulating the ring shaped conductive element from both of the external terminal and the internal terminal;
• the switch element being responsive to a first temperature change to break connection to the external terminal and effect electrical contact with the ring shaped conductive element to establish a second state of operation, breaking electrical connection between the battery and an external power source and establishing a short circuit to cause the battery to discharge;
• and
• the switch element being responsive to a second temperature change, opposing said first temperature change, to return to the initial state, re-establishing electrical connection between the battery and the external power source,
• wherein the electrical insulation between the ring shaped conductive element and the external terminal and the internal terminal is effected by a ring shaped gasket disposed on an inner peripheral side of the ring shaped conductive element, the external terminal and the internal terminal being arranged on an inner side of the ring shaped gasket, the ring shaped conductive element having an inwardly extending protrusion passing through a hole formed in the ring shaped gasket towards between the external terminal and the internal terminal.