Patent attributes
The invention relates to an electrode unit for rechargeable electrochemical cells, e.g. accumulator cells, whose energy storage properties are drawn from the deposition of an element such as metal or an alloy. The electrode unit has an electrode (2) and a porous separator (5a) nearly completely surrounding said electrode, wherein an electrically insulating spacer (3) covering at least one face of the electrode is disposed between the electrode and the separator. The spacer according to the invention makes it possible to provide the necessary space for the metal or alloy deposited on the electrode, particularly during charging of the accumulator cell. The mechanical pressure as a result of changes in the volume of the electrode due to the deposited metal or alloy are intercepted, thereby reliably preventing short circuits.
