JP6077900B2 - Air battery unit - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an air battery unit, and more particularly to an air battery unit having a structure in which the introduction of air that has been shut off before use is started.

  As a conventional air battery unit, there is one described in Patent Document 1 under the name of “air management system for an air battery using a resealable septum”. The air battery described in Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which a plurality of cells are accommodated in a case and the opening of the case is covered with a septum. When the air battery is used, the hollow needle is inserted into the septum, and air generation is started by supplying air into the case through the hollow portion of the needle.

Japanese Patent No. 4287061

  However, since the conventional air battery as described above is configured to introduce air with a hollow needle, a large amount of air cannot be introduced in a short time. For this reason, it is extremely difficult to apply the conventional air battery to an air battery that requires a large amount of air for power generation and cooling, such as a high-power air battery of several kW class or more used for a power source of an electric vehicle. Therefore, it was a problem to solve such problems.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional situation. A large amount of air is introduced at the time of use and can be sufficiently cooled while supplying air to each single cell uniformly. An object of the present invention is to provide an air battery unit applicable to the above.

An air battery unit according to the present invention includes a cell assembly in which a plurality of single cells each having an air electrode, an electrolyte, and a metal negative electrode are arranged, and an air flow path is formed between the single cells, and a case body that houses the cell integration body A distribution case having an air introduction part and a discharge part is provided. Further, the air battery unit includes a sealing film that blocks air from flowing to the cell aggregate accommodated in the distribution case, and a seal release unit that releases the blockage by the sealing film, and the cell aggregate and the distribution case Thus, an air flow path from the introduction part through the air flow path to the discharge part is formed in the distribution case, and the sealing film is provided in the air flow path. It is a means for solving the conventional problems.

  When the battery unit is not in use, the air flow to the cell assembly is blocked by a sealing film so as not to generate power (discharge). In use, the sealing film is removed or cleaved by the sealing release means, and air is circulated in the distribution case, and the introduced air is uniformly distributed to the air flow path between the single cells, thereby Air (oxygen) is supplied to the air electrode of each single cell, and the cell assembly is cooled.

  The air battery unit according to the present invention adopts the above-described configuration, so that a large amount of air can be introduced at the time of use, and it can be sufficiently cooled while uniformly supplying air to each single cell. It becomes possible to apply to.

In 1st Embodiment of the air battery unit of this invention, it is sectional drawing (A) which shows the state before use, and sectional drawing (B) based on the AA line in FIG. A. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view based on the line BB in FIG. 1A and a cross-sectional view of the cell integrated body based on the line A-A in FIG. 1A. In 2nd Embodiment of the air battery unit of this invention, in sectional drawing (A) with a partial enlarged view which shows the state before use, sectional drawing (B) based on the AA line in FIG. A, and FIG. Then, it is sectional drawing (C) which shows the state at the time of use. It is sectional drawing (A) explaining 3rd Embodiment of the air battery unit of this invention, and sectional drawing (B) based on the AA line in FIG. Side view (A) for explaining the state before the release of the sealing release means, perspective view (B) with the slide guide omitted, perspective view (C), plan view (D) and side view (E) showing the opening part It is. It is the side view (A) explaining the state after the cancellation | release of the sealing cancellation | release means following FIG. 5, and the perspective view (B) which abbreviate | omitted the slide guide. It is sectional drawing explaining 4th Embodiment of the air battery unit of this invention. It is sectional drawing (A) explaining 5th Embodiment of the air battery unit of this invention, and sectional drawing (B) explaining 6th Embodiment. It is sectional drawing (A) and side view (B) of the relief valve shown in FIG.

<First Embodiment>
The air battery unit C1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a cell integrated body S having a structure in which a plurality of single cells 1 are arranged, and a distribution case 2 that accommodates the cell integrated body S. The air battery unit C <b> 1 includes a sealing film 3 that blocks the flow of air to the cell assembly S accommodated in the distribution case 2, and a seal release unit 15 that releases the blocking by the sealing film 3. Here, for convenience of explanation, the arrow P shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is the air flow direction, and the same applies to the embodiments described later.

  As shown in FIG. 2 (B), the unit cell 1 has a flat air electrode 1A and a flat metal negative electrode 1B filled with an electrolyte (electrolyte) 1C, A single cell 1 and a cell frame F holding these cells constitute a cell aggregate S. The single cells 1 in the cell assembly S are arranged at a predetermined interval in a direction orthogonal to the air flow direction P, and an air flow path Af for the air electrode 1A is formed between adjacent single cells 1. . In these air flow paths Af, current collectors (not shown) that electrically connect adjacent unit cells 1 are formed. Such a cell assembly S may be referred to as an assembled battery or a cartridge.

  The frame F closes the upper and lower ends of each single cell 1, the front and rear end portions in the air flow direction P, and the upper ends of adjacent single cells 1 in a liquid-tight (water-tight) manner. Further, the frame F is provided with a liquid inlet H to the electrolyte 1C of each unit cell 1 in the center of the upper end portion. The liquid injection port H is watertightly closed by the cap 4 after the electrolyte 1C is filled. Further, the frame F has a hydrogen discharge hole 1D for discharging the hydrogen gas generated inside the single cell 1 to the outside on at least one of the upstream side and the downstream side in the air flow direction P at its upper end. Yes.

  Although the air electrode 1A constituting the single cell 1 is not shown in detail, it is composed of a positive electrode member and a liquid tight ventilation member arranged in the outermost layer. The positive electrode member includes, for example, a catalyst component and a conductive catalyst carrier that supports the catalyst component.

  Specific examples of the positive electrode catalyst component include platinum (Pt), gold (Au), silver (Ag), iridium (Ir), palladium (Pd), osmium (Os), cobalt (Co), nickel ( Ni), metals such as manganese (Mn) and alloys thereof, oxides of these metals, composite oxides, sulfides, porphyrin-type organic metals, phthalocyanine-type organic metals, WC, Mo2C, carbon such as carbon black and activated carbon A well-known thing can be used.

  The catalyst carrier functions as a carrier for supporting the above-described catalyst component, and an electron conduction path involved in the transfer of electrons between the catalyst component and another member. The catalyst carrier may be any catalyst carrier as long as it has a specific surface area for supporting the catalyst component in a desired dispersed state and has sufficient electron conductivity, and known carbon can be used.

  The liquid-tight ventilation member is a member having liquid-tightness with respect to the electrolyte and air-permeable with respect to oxygen. This liquid-tight ventilation member uses a water-repellent film such as polyolefin or fluororesin so that the electrolyte can be prevented from leaking to the outside, and on the other hand, a large number of microscopic members can supply oxygen to the positive electrode member. It has a hole.

  The metal negative electrode 1B constituting the single cell 1 includes a negative electrode active material made of a single metal or an alloy whose standard electrode potential is lower than that of hydrogen. Examples of simple metals whose standard electrode potential is lower than that of hydrogen include zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), silicon (Si), titanium (Ti), and chromium. (Cr), vanadium (V), etc. can be mentioned. Moreover, conventionally well-known material applied to an air battery is applicable as an alloy which has these elements as a main component.

  When the electrolyte 1C is an electrolytic solution, for example, an aqueous solution of potassium chloride, sodium chloride, potassium hydroxide, or the like can be used. However, the electrolyte 1C is not limited thereto, and is a conventionally known electrolytic solution applied to an air battery. A liquid can be used.

  The distribution case 2 includes a case main body 2A having an upper opening that accommodates the cell assembly S and the seal release means 15 described later, and a lid 2B that hermetically closes the upper portion of the case main body 2A. The lid 2B has an air introduction part 2C on the upstream side in the air flow direction P and an air discharge part 2D on the downstream side. Thereby, the distribution case 2 has the air introduction part 2C and the discharge part 2D with respect to the case main body 2A that accommodates the cell aggregate A.

  Further, in the distribution case 2, the cell aggregate S is arranged with its bottom part in contact with the bottom part of the case body 2A, and the introduction part 2C and the discharge part 2D are provided upstream and downstream in the air flow direction P. An upstream space 2E and a downstream space 2F that respectively communicate with each other are formed. Thereby, each air flow path Af between the adjacent single cells 1 communicates in one direction (air flow direction P) from the upstream space 2E to the downstream space 2F.

  As the sealing film 3, a single-layer or multi-layer film having a high carbon dioxide, oxygen and water barrier performance and hydrogen gas permeability can be used. Specifically, a known film made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polysulfone can be used, and the material is not particularly limited.

  Further, the sealing film 3 of this embodiment is attached to the upstream and downstream end surfaces of the cell assembly S in a state of sealing the air flow path Af so as to be peeled off. Air circulation to the cell aggregate S accommodated in the distribution case 2 is blocked. At this time, the sealing film 3 closes the outside of the hydrogen discharge hole 1D formed in the frame F of the cell assembly S. However, since the sealing film 3 has hydrogen gas permeability, the hydrogen gas can be discharged.

  In this embodiment, the seal release means 15 is disposed between the lid 2B and the cell aggregate S in the distribution case 2, and is attached to the upstream and downstream end faces of the cell aggregate S. Each of the sealing films 3 and 3 has the same configuration.

  The sealing release means 15 includes a pair of connecting ropes 5 and 5 connected to the lower end part which is a peeling start end part of the sealing film 3, and a winding shaft 6 which fixes the ends of both connecting ropes 5 and 5; A drive source 7 that rotationally drives the winding shaft 6 is provided. Further, the sealing release means 15 includes a winding shaft 6 and a cover member 8 that houses the sealing film 3 wound on the winding shaft 6.

  The material of the connecting cord 5 is not particularly limited, but it can be deformed and has sufficient strength to peel off the sealing film 3. As shown in FIG. The film 3 is connected to both sides of the lower end of the film 3. As shown in FIG. 2A, both ends of the winding shaft 6 are rotatably held by the distribution case 2. The drive source 7 is, for example, a motor, and is disposed outside the distribution case 2 to rotate the winding shaft 6.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the cover member 8 is a U-shaped member having a winding shaft 6 as a center, and as shown in FIG. And a slit 8A through which the sealing film 2 passes. In the cover member 8, the flange surface having the slits 8 </ b> A forms part of the inner surfaces of the upstream space 2 </ b> E and the downstream space 2 </ b> F in the distribution case 2.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, the air battery unit C1 includes an air supply means 9 for introducing air into the distribution case 2, and a controller for operating the drive source 7 of the air supply means 9 and the seal release means 15 And switches for operation. As the air supply means 9, a blower, a compressor, an air pump, or the like can be used. Furthermore, appropriate piping can be connected to the introduction part 2C and the discharge part 2D of the distribution case 2 in accordance with the configuration of the apparatus or system to which the air battery unit is applied.

  The air battery unit C1 having the above-described configuration is mounted on the vehicle as an auxiliary power source for an automobile, for example. When the air battery unit C1 is not used (stored), the sealing film 3 blocks the air flow with respect to the cell assembly S, and thus the air battery unit C1 maintains a state in which no power generation (discharge) occurs. At this time, hydrogen gas may be generated in the electrolyte 1 </ b> C of each single cell 1. The hydrogen gas is discharged from the hydrogen discharge hole 1D, and further passes through the sealing film 3 and discharged to the outside. Therefore, in the air battery unit C1, there is no concern that hydrogen gas accumulates inside the cell assembly S.

  Next, when the air battery unit C1 is used, for example, a switch disposed around the driver's seat is operated to activate the drive source 7 and the air supply means 9 of the seal release means 15. Then, in the air battery unit C1, the winding shaft 6 is rotationally driven by the drive source 7, and the connection cable 5 is wound around the winding shaft 6 so that the sealing is attached to the end surface of the cell assembly S. The film 3 is peeled off from the lower end, and finally the sealing film 3 is entirely wound on the winding shaft 6.

  Thereby, air battery unit C1 cancels | blocks interruption | blocking of the air flow by the sealing film 3, and introduces the air by the air supply means 9 from the introduction part 2C to the distribution case 2. FIG. The introduced air is evenly distributed from the upstream space 2E to the air flow paths Af between the single cells 1, supplied to the individual air electrodes 1B, and cools the single cells 1. Thereafter, the air is discharged from the downstream space 2F to the outside through the discharge portion 2D.

  Thus, since the air battery unit C1 employs the cell assembly S, the distribution case 2, the sealing film 3, and the sealing release means 15, a large amount of air is introduced at the time of use to each single cell. 1 can be sufficiently cooled while supplying air uniformly, and can be applied to, for example, a high-power power source of several kW class or more used for a power source of an electric vehicle or the like. The air battery unit C1 can be easily activated, and can be activated quickly even when the vehicle is running when used for an auxiliary power source for automobiles.

  Further, the air battery unit C1 shuts off air and water to the cell aggregate S during a storage period before use, while the cell aggregate S has a hydrogen discharge hole 1D and a hydrogen gas permeable seal. Since the stop film 3 is employed, hydrogen gas generated inside can be discharged to prevent deterioration of battery performance during storage.

  Further, in the air battery unit C1, the sealing film 3 is detachably attached to the end face of the cell assembly S, and the sealing release means 15 including the connecting cable 5, the winding shaft 6 and the driving source 7 is provided. By adopting, it is possible to easily realize automation of activation with a simple configuration.

  In addition, the air battery unit C1 is peeled off in the distribution case 2 because the sealing release means 15 includes the winding shaft 6 and the cover member 8 that houses the sealing film 3 wound on the winding shaft 6. The sealed film 3 does not become an obstacle to the flow of air, and a turbulent air flow is ensured. Thus, in the air battery unit C1, the air introduced into the air flow paths Af between the single cells 1 is evenly distributed, and abnormal heat generation is caused by variations in the power generation output of the single cells 1 and current bias. Deterioration caused by these can be prevented.

Second Embodiment
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a second embodiment of the air battery unit of the present invention. In the following embodiments, the same components as those of the previous embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The air battery unit C2 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B has a basic configuration equivalent to that of the first embodiment, and the sealing film 3 seals the air flow path Af. Affixed to the upstream and downstream end faces of the aggregate S so as to be peelable.

  In the air battery unit C2 of this embodiment, the sealing release means 15 has an opening squeegee 11 for scraping off the sealing film 3 from the peeling start end, and a connecting cord connected to the opening squeegee 11. 5 is provided with a winding shaft 6 with the end of 5 fixed, and a drive source 7 that rotationally drives the winding shaft 6.

  The opening squeegee 11 is a long member having a bowl-like cross-sectional shape as shown in the enlarged view in FIG. 3A, and is locked to a lower end portion that is a peeling start end portion of the sealing film 3. It is in a state. Both ends of the unsealing squeegee 11 are held up and down by a squeegee guide 12 formed over the heel direction in the distribution case 2. As shown in FIG. 3B, four connecting ropes 5 are used, each of which has one end connected to the opening squeegee 11 and the other end fixed to the winding shaft 6.

  Further, the sealing release means 15 of this embodiment also includes a cover member 8. This cover member 8 has holes 8 </ b> B through which the connecting cords 5 are respectively passed on the flange surface instead of the slit (8 </ b> A) in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the cover member 8 is disposed at a location retracted compared to the first embodiment, and forms an accommodation space 13 opened to the upstream space 2E and the downstream space 2F in front of the flange surface. .

  When the air battery unit C2 having the above-described configuration is used, when the drive source 7 is operated, the unsealing squeegee 11 is guided to the squeegee guide 12 as each connecting cable 5 is wound around the winding shaft 6. It rises while. Thereby, air battery unit C2 cancels | releases interruption | blocking of the air circulation by the sealing film 3 so that the sealing film 3 may be scraped off from a lower end part with the opening squeegee 11. FIG.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 3C, the peeled sealing film 3 is collected and finally accommodated in the accommodating space 13, so that there is no obstacle to air circulation. In addition, if the sealing film 3 has a structure in which a crease or the like is formed in advance and is regularly folded when peeled off by the opening squeegee 11, a good air flow with improved storability is obtained. It is effective in securing.

  Even in the above-described air battery unit C2, as in the first embodiment, a large amount of air can be introduced at the time of use, and the air can be sufficiently cooled while uniformly supplying air to each single cell 1. It becomes possible to apply to the output power supply.

<Third Embodiment>
4-6 is a figure explaining 3rd Embodiment of the air battery unit of this invention. The air battery unit C3 shown in FIG. 4 has a configuration in which the sealing film 3 and the sealing release means 16 are arranged in the air introduction part 2C and the discharge part 2D of the distribution case 2. For this reason, in the distribution case 2, the cell aggregate S is disposed between the bottom of the case body 2A and the lid 2B, and the upstream space 2E and the downstream in the upstream and downstream in the air flow direction P. Each side space 2F is formed.

  In addition, the cell assembly S is provided with a sealing layer 14 that closes the liquid inlet H in place of the cap (4) of the first embodiment at the upper end thereof. Like the sealing film 3, the sealing layer 14 blocks air and water and is permeable to hydrogen gas. During storage, the single cell 1 while blocking air introduction into the single cell 1 The hydrogen gas generated inside is discharged.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the introduction part 2C and the discharge part 2D of the distribution case 2 are coaxial with the fixed pipe TA on the case body 2A side and the fixed pipe TA. Is provided with a movable tube TB. The sealing film 3 blocks the air flow to the cell assembly S accommodated in the distribution case 2 by closing the outlets of the fixed pipe TA of the introduction part 2C and the discharge part 2D, respectively.

  On the other hand, the seal release means 16 is disposed on the movable tube TB and holds the movable film TB so as to be able to advance toward the fixed tube TA. An opening portion 22 is provided.

  The holding drive mechanism 21 includes a fixed plate 23 fixed near the end of the fixed tube TA, a movable plate 24 fixed near the end of the movable tube TB, a fixed plate fixed to the movable plate 24, and an outer peripheral surface of the fixed plate 23. A cylindrical slide guide 25 that comes into sliding contact is provided. 5B and 6B show the holding drive mechanism 21 in which the slide guide 25 is omitted.

  In addition, the movable plate 24 is provided with two sets of a screw shaft 26 arranged in parallel with the axes of the fixed tube TA and the movable tube TB and a motor 28 that rotationally drives the screw shaft 26 via a speed reduction mechanism 27. Each screw shaft 26 has its male thread portion 26 </ b> A screwed into a female thread portion 23 </ b> A formed on the fixing plate 23 and penetrated.

  Further, the opening portion 22 is provided at an end portion of the fixed tube TA via an opening joint 29. As shown in FIGS. 5C to 5E, the unsealing joint 29 is a cylindrical member arranged on the axis of the fixed tube TA, and in order to improve the bondability to the inside of the fixed tube TA, It has a tapered shape with a small diameter at the tip (lower end).

  As shown in FIGS. 5D and 5E, the opening portion 22 is a member having a shape in which two triangular plates are combined in a cross-shaped cross section, and the top portion is on the fixed tube TA side (lower side). In this state, it is fixed inside the opening joint 29.

  The air battery unit C3 having the above configuration operates the holding drive mechanism 21 of the seal release means 16 during use. That is, when the motor 28 is operated, the holding drive mechanism 21 rotates the screw shaft 26 via the speed reduction mechanism 27. At this time, the male screw portion 26A of the screw shaft 26 and the female screw portion 23A of the fixing plate 23 are screwed together. As a result, the movable plate 24 and the movable tube TB move forward integrally. In addition, the movable plate 24 and the movable tube TB advance along the axis while being guided by the fixed plate 23 and the slide guide 25.

  Thereby, the holding drive mechanism 21 cleaves the sealing film 3 by the opening part 22 provided in the movable tube TB, and releases the interruption of air introduction by the sealing film 3. At this time, the unsealed portion 22 has a cross-shaped cross section as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 (A) and 6 (B), the holding drive mechanism 21 connects the fixed tube TA and the movable tube TB together with the tearing of the sealing film 3, and introduces the air introduction part 2C and discharges it. Function as part 2D.

  Even in the air battery unit C3, as in the previous embodiments, a large amount of air can be introduced at the time of use, and the air can be sufficiently cooled while uniformly supplying air to each single cell 1, It becomes possible to apply to the power supply of high output.

  In the air battery unit C3, the introduction part 2C and the discharge part 2D of the distribution case 2 are constituted by the fixed tube TA and the movable tube TB, and the sealing film 3 that closes each fixed tube TA is adopted, and the movable tube The sealing release means 16 provided with the holding drive mechanism 21 that advances TB and the opening portion 22 that cleaves the sealing film 3 as the movable tube TB advances is adopted.

  For this reason, the air battery unit C3 can block the flow of air to the cell assembly S accommodated in the distribution case 2 by the sealing film 3 having a small area. In addition, the air battery unit C3 secures an air flow path as the introduction part 2C and the discharge part 2D by connecting the fixed pipe TA and the movable pipe TB with the function of releasing the interruption of the air flow by the sealing film 3. It is possible to achieve both functions.

<Fourth embodiment>
The air battery unit C4 shown in FIG. 7 has the same basic configuration as the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, but the air introduction part 2C in the distribution case 2 has a large diameter facing the upstream side in the air circulation direction P. It has become.

  Even in the above-described air battery unit C4, as in the previous embodiments, a large amount of air can be introduced at the time of use, and can be sufficiently cooled while uniformly supplying air to each single cell 1, It becomes possible to apply to the power supply of high output. In addition, since the introduction portion 2C having a large diameter and the air flow path Af between the single cells 1 are linearly continuous in the air battery unit C4, the amount of air to be introduced is further increased. The flowability of the introduced air is improved. Thereby, the equal distribution function and cooling function for each single cell 1 are further improved.

<Fifth and Sixth Embodiment>
FIG. 8 is a view for explaining the fifth embodiment (A) and the sixth embodiment (B) of the air battery unit of the present invention.
The air battery unit of the present invention employs a configuration in which the distribution case 2 includes a hydrogen discharge pipe 31 that communicates the inside and the outside of the case main body 2 </ b> A and an exhaust valve 32 that opens and closes the middle of the hydrogen discharge pipe 31. More preferred embodiments include the illustrated fifth and sixth embodiments.

  That is, in the illustrated air battery units C5 and C6, the distribution case 2 includes a hydrogen discharge pipe 31 that connects the inside of the case body 2A and at least one outlet portion of the introduction part 2C and the discharge part 2D, and a hydrogen discharge pipe 31. An exhaust valve 32 is provided for opening and closing the middle.

  The air battery unit C5 shown in FIG. 8A has a hydrogen discharge pipe 31 that allows the fixed pipe TA and the movable pipe TB to communicate with each other so as to bypass the sealing film 3 and the sealing release means 16 in the introduction portion 2C. I have. Thereby, the hydrogen discharge pipe 31 allows the inside of the case main body 2A to communicate with the outlet portion of the introduction portion 2C.

  On the other hand, the air battery unit C6 shown in FIG. 8B includes a hydrogen discharge pipe 31 that allows the inside of the case body 2A and the movable pipe T to communicate with each other in the discharge portion 2D. Thereby, the hydrogen discharge pipe 31 allows the inside of the case main body 2A and the outlet portion of the discharge portion 2D to communicate with each other. At this time, the hydrogen discharge pipe 31 is connected in accordance with the position of the liquid injection port H of the cell assembly S in the lid 2B. As described in the third embodiment, the liquid injection port H is closed with the sealing layer 14 having hydrogen gas permeability.

  The exhaust valve 32 of this embodiment is a relief valve, and as shown in FIG. 9 (A), includes a main body 33 having male threads 33A and 33A formed at both ends in the axial direction. The main body 33 is formed with an upstream flow path 34A, a valve chamber 35, and a downstream flow path 34B on the case main body 2A side (lower side in FIG. 9) in order on the internal axis. A tapered valve seat 36 is provided between the upstream flow path 34 </ b> A and the valve chamber 35. A valve body 38 provided with a packing 37 and a spring 39 that presses the valve body 38 against the valve seat 36 are accommodated in the valve chamber 35. The exhaust valve 32 is interposed in the middle part of the hydrogen discharge pipe 31 as shown in FIG.

  The air battery units C5 and C6 having the above-described configuration have the same operations and effects as the previous embodiments, and also intermittently discharge the hydrogen gas generated inside the cell assembly S during storage. be able to.

  That is, in the air battery units C5 and C6, when the pressure inside the case main body 2A exceeds a predetermined value due to generation of hydrogen gas, the valve body 38 is pressed against the spring 39 in the exhaust valve 32, and the valve body 38 is After separating from the valve seat 36 (opening the valve), the hydrogen gas is discharged to the outside. Further, when the internal pressure of the case main body 2A decreases as the hydrogen gas is discharged, the valve body 38 is pressed against the valve seat (valve closed) by the spring 39 in the exhaust valve 32 to seal the inside of the case main body 2A.

  Here, the air battery unit of the present invention can discharge the hydrogen gas during storage by adopting the hydrogen discharge pipe 31 that allows the inside and the outside of the case main body 2A to communicate with each other. Therefore, for example, as in the air battery units C1 and C2 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the present invention can be applied to a configuration in which the sealing film 3 and the sealing release means 16 are not arranged in the introduction part 2C and the discharge part 2D.

  However, if the hydrogen discharge pipe 31 is connected to the outlet portion of the introduction part 2C or the discharge part 2D as in the air battery units C5 and C6 of the above embodiment, the hydrogen gas is not simply discharged to the outside. Since hydrogen gas is discharged into the air flow path, hydrogen gas can be discharged more safely.

  Further, in the air battery units C5 and C6 of the above-described embodiment, the introduction part 2C and the discharge part 2D may be provided with a combustion catalyst outside the outlet part or the outlet part of the hydrogen discharge pipe 31 to catalytically burn hydrogen gas. It is valid. The exhaust valve 32 may be driven to open and close using a drive source. However, if a relief valve as in the above-described embodiment is used, a hydrogen gas is automatically generated with a very simple configuration without a drive source. Can be discharged.

  The configuration of the air battery unit of the present invention is not limited to each of the above-described embodiments, and details of the configuration such as the shape, number and material of each part are appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention. Is possible.

Af Air flow path C1 to C6 Air battery unit S Cell assembly TA Fixed tube TB Movable tube 1 Single cell 1A Air electrode 1B Metal negative electrode 1C Electrolyte 1D Hydrogen discharge hole 2 Distribution case 2A Case body 2C Introducing section 2D Discharging section 3 Sealing Film 5 connecting cable (sealing release means)
6 Winding shaft (sealing release means)
7 Drive source (sealing release means)
8 Cover member (sealing release means)
11 Opening squeegee (sealing release means)
12 Squeegee guide (sealing release means)
15, 16 Seal release means 21 Holding drive mechanism 22 Unsealing part 23 Fixing plate (holding drive mechanism)
24 Movable plate (holding drive mechanism)
25 Slide guide (holding drive mechanism)
26 Screw shaft (holding drive mechanism)
27 Deceleration mechanism (holding drive mechanism)
28 Motor (holding drive mechanism)
31 Hydrogen exhaust pipe 32 Exhaust valve

Claims (8)

A cell assembly in which a plurality of single cells each having an air electrode, an electrolyte, and a metal negative electrode are arranged, and an air flow path is formed between the single cells;
A distribution case having an air introduction portion and a discharge portion with respect to a case main body that accommodates the cell assembly;
A sealing film that blocks the flow of air to the cell assembly accommodated in the distribution case;
Provided with a sealing release means for releasing the blocking by the sealing film ,
By the cell assembly and the distribution case, an air flow path from the introduction part to the discharge part through the air flow path is formed in the distribution case,
The air battery unit , wherein the sealing film is provided in the air flow path .   2. The air battery unit according to claim 1, wherein the cell assembly has hydrogen discharge holes for discharging the hydrogen gas generated inside to the outside, and the sealing film has hydrogen gas permeability. The sealing film is attached to the end face of the cell assembly so as to be peeled off in a state of sealing the air flow path,
The sealing release means includes a connecting cable connected to the peeling start end of the sealing film, a winding shaft that fixes the end of the connecting cable, and a drive source that rotationally drives the winding shaft. The air battery unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that   4. The air battery unit according to claim 3, wherein the sealing release means includes a winding shaft and a cover member that stores the sealing film wound on the winding shaft. The sealing film is attached to the end face of the cell assembly so as to be peeled off in a state of sealing the air flow path,
An opening squeegee for removing the sealing film from the peeling start end, a connecting line connected to the opening squeegee, a winding shaft fixing the end of the connecting line, and a winding shaft The air battery unit according to claim 1, further comprising a drive source that rotationally drives the air battery unit. The introduction part and the discharge part of the distribution case include a fixed pipe on the case body side and a movable pipe arranged coaxially with respect to the fixed pipe,
The sealing film closes the fixed part of the introduction part and the discharge part, respectively.
The sealing release means includes a holding drive mechanism that holds the movable tube forwardly toward the fixed tube, and an opening portion that is disposed on the movable tube and that cleaves the sealing film as it advances. The air battery unit according to claim 1 or 2.   7. The distribution case according to claim 1, further comprising: a hydrogen discharge pipe that allows communication between the inside of the case body and the outside; and an exhaust valve that opens and closes an intermediate portion of the hydrogen discharge pipe. Air battery unit.   The distribution case includes a hydrogen discharge pipe that allows communication between the inside of the case main body and at least one outlet portion of the introduction section and the discharge section, and an exhaust valve that opens and closes the middle of the hydrogen discharge pipe. 6. The air battery unit according to 6.

Images