Abstract: The battery pack of the invention comprises an outer case, a battery main body disposed within the outer case, and a heat-sensitive current blocking element mounted on the outer surface of the battery main body. On the inner surface of the outer case is provided a press portion for pressing the heat-sensitive current blocking element against the outer surface of the battery main body. In this arrangement, even when the battery pack is given vibration or impact, the heat-sensitive current blocking element can be kept retained in close contact with the outer surface of the battery main body. Accordingly, the heat generated in the battery main body can be rapidly and surely transferred to the heat-sensitive current blocking element, making sure that thermal runaway of the battery is prevented.

Abstract: A battery pack adapted to be connected to an external circuit includes a battery case in which a power generating element is enclosed, the battery case having at least one side, a cover covering the side of the battery case so that a component disposing space is defined between the battery case and the cover, a circuit element disposed in the component disposing space and connected to the power generating element, and a terminal disposed in the component disposing space and connected both to the power generating element and via the cover to the external circuit.

Abstract: A battery comprising a positive electrode (10), a negative electrode (20) and a separator (31) provided interposed between the positive electrode (10) and the negative electrode (20), characterized in that at least one surface of said separator (31) is bonded to said positive electrode (10) or negative electrode (20) via a porous resin layer (41, 33) containing a solid filler. This battery can provide a battery which exhibits a high energy density and an excellent cycle life performance even if the electricity-storing element is received in a flexible material case.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nonaqueous secondary battery and a separator to be used therein. The separator comprises a polyolefin membrane containing one or more conjugated polyene compounds provided on the surface thereof. The nonaqueous secondary battery having this arrangement performs improved cycle life characteristics and shelf characteristics at high temperatures.

Abstract: A nickel hydroxide positive active material for an alkaline battery contains nickel hydroxide powder having a nickel valence of greater than 2; and a cobalt compound having a cobalt valence of greater than 2, which is formed on the surface of said nickel hydroxide powder. For example, the surface of nickel oxyhydroxide powder is covered by cobalt oxyhydroxide layer. This positive active material is used as a starting material to produce an electrode by retaining it in a three-dimensional porous material.

Abstract: When the main body of personal computer for example stays in the active state, the signal from the signal terminal 8 is always on a low level. The discharge to the main body of personal computer continues and hence the power supply is prevented from being forced to be turned off so far as the total terminal voltage of all the unit batteries 2 does not fall below 11.2 V even if some of the unit batteries 2 show a terminal voltage of less than 2.5 V, thereby keeping the switching element 4 on. Accordingly, the occurrence of defectives on hard disk or the like due to forced disconnection of power supply can be prevented as much as possible.

Abstract: The battery comprises a battery main body provided with a pair of positive and negative terminals, a pair of external positive and negative terminals for connecting the pair of positive and negative terminals to an external apparatus, and a protective element provided interposed between the terminals and the external terminals, wherein the protective element is composed of a passive element alone and comprises a thermal cut-off. Further, the resistance R across the pair of external terminals is predetermined to be always greater than Vt/It. In this arrangement, in the case of a weak external shortcircuiting causing no battery performance deterioration, burst and ignition, the thermal cut-off can be prevented from blowing to impair the battery performance. Since proper protection of the battery is realized by the use of an inexpensive passive element alone, the production cost of the battery can be reduced.

Abstract: When the main body of personal computer for example stays in the active state, the signal from the signal terminal 8 is always on a low level. The discharge to the main body of personal computer continues and hence the power supply is prevented from being forced to be turned off so far as the total terminal voltage of all the unit batteries 2 does not fall below 11.2V even if some of the unit batteries 2 show a terminal voltage of less than 2.5V, thereby keeping the switching element 4 on. Accordingly, the occurrence of defectives on hard disk or the like due to forced disconnection of power supply can be prevented as much as possible.

Abstract: The battery pack of the invention comprises an outer case, a battery main body disposed within the outer case, and a heat-sensitive current blocking element mounted on the outer surface of the battery main body. On the inner surface of the outer case is provided a press portion for pressing the heat-sensitive current blocking element against the outer surface of the battery main body. In this arrangement, even when the battery pack is given vibration or impact, the heat-sensitive current blocking element can be kept retained in close contact with the outer surface of the battery main body. Accordingly, the heat generated in the battery main body can be rapidly and surely transferred to the heat-sensitive current blocking element, making sure that thermal runaway of the battery is prevented.

Abstract: The invention lies in a battery comprising a battery container closed at one end thereof, an electric-generating element received in the battery container, and a cover body covering the opening of the battery container. The cover body has an indented portion formed on the outer side thereof extending inward and a valve disposed on the inner wall of the indented portion for releasing the inner pressure of the battery. The battery of the invention comprises a valve disposed on the deep side of the indented portion for releasing the inner pressure of the battery. In this arrangement, any foreign matters which hit the area of the cover body close to the indented portion cannot enter into the indented portion. Even foreign matters which could have entered into the indented portion, it is difficult to reach the side wall of the indented portion. Accordingly, it is less likely that foreign matters can come in direct contact with the valve.

Abstract: The process for the preparation of a battery according to the present invention comprises the following steps. An electricity-generating element having a positive electrode lead member and a negative electrode lead member drawn therefrom is inserted into a battery case. The opening of the battery case is sealed with both the positive electrode lead member and the negative electrode lead member leading to the exterior thereof. The position of the battery case and the electricity-generating element relative to each other is fixed. The positive electrode lead member and/or the negative electrode lead member are worked into an external terminal with a predetermined position on said battery case as reference. In accordance with this preparation process, the position of the external terminals can be corrected by working the lead members even if there is some variation in the position of the lead members.

Abstract: A nickel hydroxide positive active material for an alkaline battery contains nickel hydroxide powder having a nickel valence of greater than 2; and a cobalt compound having a cobalt valence of greater than 2, which is formed on the surface of said nickel hydroxide powder. For example, the surface of nickel oxyhydroxide powder is covered by cobalt oxyhydroxide layer. This positive active material is used as a starting material to produce an electrode by retaining it in a three-dimensional porous material.