Button cell generating hydrogen and electricity, includes porous layer saturated with paraffin oil, to form uni-directional gas seal for central vent hole

The casing comprises a cathode (6) cover (3) matching the anode (5) cup (2). The two components (2, 3) are united by a ring seal (4). A separator is also included. In novel design, within the cathode cover, close to the cathode and the separator, a non-perforated, open-pore: paper-, card- or plastic layer (7) is included. Its open pore system forms a venting disc, and is filled with paraffin oil (white oil). The cover, its components and the ring seal, form a pre-assembled unit, to be inserted into the anode cup. The cover is deep-drawn sheet metal with a cylindrical section and a base, which closes one end. The cover includes a central vent hole. The cylindrical vent disc rests on the inner surface of the cover and seals over the central vent hole. The anode cup has a cylindrical casing with an upper annular enlargement, into which the pre-assembled cover unit is inserted from above. A short circuit is used to cause reduction of oxides in the cathode region, without hydrogen generation, by equivalent zinc oxidation. This is achieved by bridging the anode to the cathode with a suitable resistance. The cell voltage is monitored and the short circuit is discontinued on reaching a constant value of about 0.5V. In this state the cell is ready for immediate hydrogen generation by connecting the cathode and anode, using a suitable resistance. The vent hole is sealed by an external sticker symbolizing freshness or readiness. An independent claim IS INCLUDED FOR the corresponding method of cell operation. Eine Gasentwicklungszelle oder eine aus mehreren solcher Zellen bestehende Batterie in je einem Gehäuse, das einen Kathodendeckel (1), einen Anodenbecher (2) und einen Dichtring (3) aufweist und das wenigstens eine Anode, eine Kathode und einen Separator aufnimmt, und das sich dadurch auszeichnet, dass im Deckel (1) die Kathode, der Separator und die poröse Ventilscheibe aus Papier, Pappe oder Kunststoff mit Paraffinöl im Porensystem zusammengefasst sind und dass der Deckel mit diesen Elementen und dem Dichtring (3) eine vormontierte Einheit zum Einsetzen in den Anodenbecher (2) bildet (Fig. 1).