JP7444421B1 - Power supply set, power supply and battery cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

The power supply set includes a battery assembly having a plurality of air battery cells, a battery cartridge having a battery side terminal portion connected to the battery assembly, a casing that can removably house the battery cartridge, and the A power supply side terminal portion to which the battery side terminal portion is removably connected when the battery cartridge is housed in the housing, and a power supply side terminal portion exposed from the housing to which a terminal of an electronic device can be connected and connected to the battery side terminal portion from the battery cartridge. a voltage output terminal section capable of outputting the DC voltage outputted through the power supply side terminal section to the electronic device; and a circuit section that outputs the DC voltage from the power supply side terminal section to the voltage output terminal section. , and a power supply device having the following.

Description

The present disclosure relates to a power supply device, a battery cartridge housed in the power supply device, and a power supply set including the power supply device and the battery cartridge.

When charging an electronic device, it is known to install a charger supplied with power from an external power source to charge the battery of the electronic device (Patent Document 1).

Utility model registration No. 3218109

However, if the external power source is unavailable due to a disaster or the like, the charger will not be able to supply power to the electronic device.

In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a power supply device suitable for charging electronic devices especially in times of disaster, a battery cartridge housed in the power supply device, and a power supply set including the power supply device and the battery cartridge. The aim is to provide the following.

A power supply set according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:
a battery assembly having a plurality of air battery cells;
a battery side terminal portion connected to the battery assembly;
a battery cartridge having;
a casing that can removably house the battery cartridge;
a power supply side terminal portion to which the battery side terminal portion is detachably connected when the battery cartridge is housed in the housing;
a voltage output terminal section that is exposed from the casing, is connectable to a terminal of an electronic device, and is capable of outputting a DC voltage outputted from the battery cartridge via the power supply side terminal section to the electronic device;
a circuit section that outputs the DC voltage from the power supply side terminal section to the voltage output terminal section;
a power supply device having;
Equipped with.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a power supply device particularly suitable for charging electronic devices in the event of a disaster, a battery cartridge housed in the power supply device, and a power supply device set including the power supply device and the battery cartridge.

Note that the effects described here are not necessarily limited, and may be any of the effects described in this disclosure.

1 shows a power supply set according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A battery cartridge is shown. The structure of the power supply device is shown. The circuit section of the power supply device is shown. This shows the discharge characteristics of a zinc-air battery. This shows the discharge characteristics of a lithium ion battery. An example of a discharge curve that is the result of a discharge test of a zinc-air battery is shown. The prediction of the battery capacity consumption slope is shown. The basic principle circuit of a power meter is shown. The principle of a changeover switch is schematically shown. The arrangement of the fan and battery cartridge is schematically shown. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a backflow prevention function.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1. power supply set

FIG. 1 shows a power supply set according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The power supply set 1 includes two battery cartridges 10 and a power supply 20.

The two battery cartridges 10 are the same battery cartridge. Hereinafter, if there is no need to distinguish between two or more parts, only one part will be explained. The battery cartridge 10 has a battery side terminal section 101. The battery side terminal portion 101 is a 3-pin connector, and is, for example, a female type.

The power supply device 20 includes a housing 200 and two power supply device side terminal portions 201 inside. The changeover switch 202, the two lamps 203, the main switch 204, the two remaining amount indicators 205, and the voltage output terminal section 206 are provided to be exposed on the front surface 211 of the housing 200.

The housing 200 can removably accommodate two battery cartridges 10. The battery cartridge 10 can be used as fuel for the power supply device 20 and can be replaced after consumption. When the two battery cartridges 10 are housed in the casing 200, the battery side terminal parts 101 of the two battery cartridges 10 are removably connected to the two power supply side terminal parts 201. The power supply side terminal section 201 is a 3-pin connector, and is, for example, a male type.

The voltage output terminal section 206 can be connected to a terminal of an external electronic device (not shown), and can output the DC voltage output from the battery cartridge 10 via the power supply side terminal section 201 to the electronic device. The voltage output terminal section 206 has a first main voltage output terminal 207, a second main voltage output terminal 208, and a sub voltage output terminal 209.

The first main voltage output terminal 207 and the second main voltage output terminal 208 have the same specifications as a vehicle's cigarette lighter socket, and are capable of attaching and detaching terminals for external electronic equipment (not shown), and each have a 12V DC power supply. Output voltage to electronic equipment.

The main switch 204 can reversibly turn on and off the electrical connection between the two battery cartridges 10 and the voltage output terminal section 206, which are connected via the two power supply side terminal sections 201. When the main switch 204 is turned on by the user, the battery capacities (remaining amounts) of the two battery cartridges 10 are displayed on the two remaining amount indicators 205, respectively. The remaining capacity display 205 may display the battery capacity by different colors of emitted light (for example, green, yellow, and red).

The changeover switch 202 is a switch for switching the voltage output mode between the simultaneous output mode and the one-sided output mode. In the simultaneous output mode, power can be supplied to two electronic devices simultaneously from the first main voltage output terminal 207 and the second main voltage output terminal 208. On the other hand, in the one-sided output mode, power can be supplied from the first main voltage output terminal 207, and power cannot be supplied from the second main voltage output terminal 208. This makes it possible to supply power for twice as long to one electronic device.

The two lamps 203 each indicate whether or not the first main voltage output terminal 207 and the second main voltage output terminal 208 are in a state where power can be supplied. In the simultaneous output mode, two lamps 203 corresponding to both the first main voltage output terminal 207 and the second main voltage output terminal 208 are lit. On the other hand, in the one-sided output mode, one lamp 203 corresponding to the first main voltage output terminal 207 is lit, and one lamp 203 corresponding to the second main voltage output terminal 208 is turned off.

The sub voltage output terminal 209 may be, for example, a USB-A terminal capable of outputting a DC voltage of 5 V, and is capable of charging electronic devices (smartphones, personal computers, tablet computers, wearable devices, small LED lamps, flashlights, etc.).

2. battery cartridge

Figure 2 shows a battery cartridge.

(A) is a perspective view of the battery cartridge 10. (B) is a perspective view of the battery assembly 102 included in the battery cartridge 10. (C) is a side view of the battery cartridge 10.

As shown in (A), the battery cartridge 10 includes a battery assembly 102, a battery side terminal portion 101 connected to the battery assembly 102, a packaging container 103, and a grip 104.

As shown in (B), the battery assembly 102 includes a plurality of (24 in this example) air battery cells 100. The air battery cell 100 is a primary battery, which is an air battery (also called a metal air battery), covered with a cover made of, for example, ABS resin.

As shown in (C), the air battery cell 100 includes an oxygen introducing section 110, a positive electrode current collecting layer 120, a negative electrode active material layer, and a negative electrode 130.

The oxygen introduction section 110 has an oxygen introduction surface that can be exposed to air, and introduces oxygen in the air as a positive electrode active material.

The positive electrode current collecting layer 120 includes an electrolyte that reacts with oxygen introduced from the oxygen introducing section 110. Specifically, the oxygen introduction section 110 is an MEA (Membrane Electrode Assembly), which is a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly in which a catalyst layer, an electrolyte membrane, and a gas diffusion layer are stacked. The positive electrode current collecting layer 120 includes an electrolyte that transports carriers between the oxygen introduction part 110 that functions as a positive electrode, and the negative electrode active material layer and negative electrode 130 that function as a negative electrode. The negative electrode active material layer 130 typically contains potassium hydroxide as an electrolyte, but may also contain ammonium chloride, sodium hydroxide, or the like.

The negative electrode active material layer and the negative electrode 130 are stacked on the positive electrode current collecting layer 120 and contain metal as a negative electrode active material. The negative electrode 130 may have a mesh shape. The negative electrode active material layer 130 typically contains zinc as a metal, but may also contain tin, aluminum, magnesium, lithium, or the like. When the negative electrode active material layer 130 contains zinc, it can be said that the air battery cell 100 is a zinc-air battery cell.

The battery assembly 102 includes a set of six stacked air battery cells 100 arranged in a 2x2 arrangement. When the battery cartridge 10 is housed in the casing 200 of the power supply device 20, the negative electrode active material layer and the negative electrode 130 are located in the uppermost layer, and the oxygen introduction part 110 is located in the lowermost layer. By positioning the relatively heavy negative electrode active material layer and the negative electrode 130 at the top, the connection performance between the oxygen introducing section 110 and the positive electrode current collecting layer 120 is improved. On the other hand, if the oxygen introducing section 110 is located at the top layer, a gap may occur between the oxygen introducing section 110 and the positive electrode current collecting layer 120, which may reduce power generation efficiency.

The packaging container 103 is, for example, a paper box, and integrally packages the battery assembly 102 (24 air battery cells 100). The packaging container 103 has openings 105 serving as air passages on a pair of opposing sides. From the opening 105, a laminated surface of the oxygen introduction part 110 of the air battery cell 100, the positive electrode current collecting layer 120, and the negative electrode active material layer and the negative electrode 130 is exposed. Air is introduced through the opening 105 on one side, and oxygen in the air is introduced into the oxygen introduction section 110 of the air battery cell 100. Air is exhausted from the opening 105 on the other side. A sponge frame made of ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM) or the like may be provided on a part of the inner layer side of the packaging container 103. Thereby, the battery assembly 102 and the battery side terminal portion 101 can be easily stored.

The grip 104 is installed on the packaging container 103 and is used to attach and detach the battery cartridge 10 to and from the housing 200.

3. Power supply set structure

FIG. 3 shows the structure of the power supply set.

(A) is a rear view of the power supply device set 1 (power supply device 20). (B) is an internal configuration diagram of the power supply set 1 viewed from above. (C) is a front view of the power supply set 1 (power supply device 20).

The power supply device 20 has one or more intake ports 215, an exhaust port 216, a fan 217, a chamber 218, a partition wall 219, and a temperature sensor 220 within the housing 200.

A rear surface 212 facing the front surface 211 of the casing 200 is configured as a door that can be opened entirely, and functions as a battery exchange port for installing and removing two battery cartridges 10.

The partition wall 219 is provided on a surface perpendicular to the front surface 211 and the rear surface 212, and divides the housing space of the housing 200 into two equal parts. Two battery cartridges 10 can be accommodated in the spaces partitioned by the partition walls 219, respectively.

One or more (four in this example) air intake ports 215 are provided on the back surface 212. When the two battery cartridges 10 are housed in the housing 200, the stacked surfaces of the sets of air battery cells 100 stacked in six stages each face the four intake ports 215. The four intake ports 215 are provided with filters. The four air intake ports 215 supply air to the plurality of air battery cells 100 from the outside.

The chamber 218 is a space between the two battery cartridges 10 and the fan 217. Air supplied from the intake port 215 and passed through the plurality of air battery cells 100 reaches the chamber 218 .

A temperature sensor 220 is provided in chamber 218. Specifically, the temperature sensor 220 is provided at the center of the chamber 218, for example, facing the axis of the fan 217. Temperature sensor 220 measures the temperature of the air within chamber 218. Temperature sensor 220 is, for example, a thermocouple.

Fan 217 is a blower fan. The axial direction of the intake port of the fan 217 coincides with the direction from the back surface 212 to the front surface 211 of the housing 200 and faces the two battery cartridges 10 side. A surface of the fan 217 opposite to the intake port faces the front surface 211 of the housing 200. The axis of the fan 217 substantially coincides with the center of the front surface 211 of the housing 200. The air outlet of the fan 217 is adjacent to the exhaust port 216 of the housing 200. The exhaust port 216 is provided on one side 213 of the housing 200 near the front surface 211. Fan 217 takes in air in chamber 218 and exhausts it. Specifically, a negative pressure is formed in the chamber 218 by the operation of the fan 217, and air flowing from one or more intake ports 215 smoothly flows into the chamber 218, passes through the fan 217, and is exhausted from the exhaust port 216. .

When the main switch 204 is turned on, the motor operates and the fan 217 rotates. As a result, air flows in from the plurality of intake ports 215, flows into each laminated boundary of the plurality of air battery cells 100 facing the plurality of air intake ports 215, flows from each air battery cell 100 into the chamber 218, and flows into the chamber 218. 217 and is discharged from the housing 200 via the exhaust port 216. As a result, air flows effectively within the two battery cartridges 10, so that a sufficient amount of oxygen for the chemical reaction of the air battery cells 100 can be supplied onto the oxygen introduction surface, and at the same time, the air can flow through the two battery cartridges 10. The reaction heat cooling performance of the cell 100 is improved, and temperature rise is suppressed.

The air battery cell 100 generates heat because it generates electricity through a chemical reaction of internal substances. If this heat exceeds an appropriate range and thermal runaway occurs, the performance of the air battery cell 100 will rapidly deteriorate. Particularly in the summer when the outside temperature is high, the heat inside the air battery cell 100 runs out of control, which has a significant effect on the deterioration of performance. According to the structure of this embodiment, in order to suppress this, the air battery cell 100 can be effectively cooled, and at the same time, the influence of high temperature on the circuit section (described later) can be suppressed.

4. Power supply circuit section

FIG. 4 shows the circuit section of the power supply device.

The power supply device 20 has a circuit section 300. The circuit section 300 has voltage output terminal sections 206 (first main voltage output terminal 207, second main voltage output terminal 208, sub voltage output) from a power supply side terminal section 201 connected to two battery cartridges 10. A DC voltage is output to the terminal 209).

(1) Battery cartridge and terminal section

The battery assembly 102 of the battery cartridge 10 includes a first series battery group BT1 to BT2 and a second series battery group BT3 to BT4. The first series battery group BT1 to BT2 is composed of 12 air battery cells connected in series, each consisting of two sets BT1 and BT2 of air battery cells 100 stacked in six stages and connected in series. It has 100. The second series battery group BT3 to BT4 is composed of 12 air battery cells connected in series, each consisting of two sets BT3 and BT4 of air battery cells 100 stacked in six stages and connected in series. It has 100. The first series battery group BT1 to BT2 and the second series battery group BT3 to BT4 are connected in parallel. Battery assembly 102 has a total of 24 air battery cells 100.

The air battery cell 100 has, for example, a load voltage of 1.1 V DC and a nominal voltage (open circuit voltage) of 1.4 V DC. The number of cells connected in series in the first series battery group BT1 to BT2 and the second series battery group BT3 to BT4 is twelve. Therefore, the open circuit voltage (OCV) of the battery assembly 102 of one battery cartridge 10 is 1.4×12=16.8V.

The battery side terminal section 101 of the battery cartridge 10 has a first battery side pin M1, a second battery side pin M2, and a third battery side pin M3. The first battery side pin M1 is connected to the positive electrode of the first series battery group BT1 to BT2. The second battery side pin M2 is connected to the positive electrode of the second series battery group BT3 to BT4. The third battery side pin M3 is connected in parallel to the negative electrodes of the first series battery groups BT1 to BT2 and the negative electrodes of the second series battery groups BT3 to BT4.

The power supply side terminal section 201 has a first case side pin F1, a second case side pin F2, and a third case side pin F3. The first case-side pin F1 can be detachably connected to the first battery-side pin M1. The second case-side pin F2 can be detachably connected to the second battery-side pin M2, and is connected to the first case-side pin F1. The third case-side pin F3 can be detachably connected to the third battery-side pin M3 and is grounded.

In the battery cartridge 10, the positive electrodes of the first series battery group BT1 to BT2 and the second series battery group BT3 to BT4 connected in parallel are not connected to each other, but are connected in parallel to the first battery side pin M1. , is connected to the second battery side pin M2. Therefore, by connecting the second case side pin F2 to the first case side pin F1 in the power supply device 20, the first series battery group BT1 to BT2 and the second series battery group BT3 to BT4 can be connected. The current is unified. By isolating the positive electrodes of the first series battery group BT1 to BT2 and the second series battery group BT3 to BT4, the positive electrodes of the first series battery group BT1 to BT2 and the second series battery group BT1 to BT2 can be isolated from each other. Self-deterioration of battery assembly 102 due to electrical movement between battery groups BT3 and BT4 is prevented.

(2) Power meter

The two power meters 301 are each connected one-to-one to the two power supply side terminal sections 201 via the main switch 204. The power meter 301 measures the battery capacity (remaining amount) of the battery assembly 102 connected via the power supply side terminal section 201. The operating principle of the power meter 301 will be explained below.

Figure 5 shows the discharge characteristics of the zinc-air battery.

As shown in FIG. 5, since the zinc-air battery has little voltage fluctuation up to the final voltage during discharge, it is not possible to measure the remaining battery power based on voltage changes.

FIG. 6 shows the discharge characteristics of a lithium ion battery.

As shown in FIG. 6, since the voltage of a lithium ion battery decreases during discharge, it is possible to calculate the remaining battery power by differentiating the amount of voltage decrease. For zinc-air batteries (FIG. 5), the remaining battery capacity cannot be calculated using this method (differentiating the amount of voltage drop). Therefore, in this embodiment, the remaining battery power of the battery assembly 102, which is a zinc-air battery, is measured using the following method.

First, the principle of measurement will be explained. The battery side terminal portion 101, which is the output terminal of the battery cartridge 10, is temporarily (ie, for an extremely short predetermined period of time) electronically shorted. This temporary short time is several nanoseconds (1 nanosecond = 1 billionth of a second). Therefore, there is almost no effect on power consumption, and since the short circuit is electronic, deterioration of the battery cartridge 10 can be prevented without affecting the load device. Three types of data are detected: current A when the battery side terminal section 101 is temporarily short-circuited, recovery voltage V after a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) after short-circuiting, and P (W) = Ax V. .

The detected data A, V, and P(W) change as the battery capacity decreases. Specifically, it is considered that the current A gradually decreases as the remaining battery capacity of the zinc-air battery decreases. In addition, it is considered that the time required for voltage recovery gradually increases, and as a result, the recovery voltage V after the same time gradually decreases. Therefore, it is considered that as the remaining battery capacity of the zinc-air battery decreases, the value of P(W)=AxV gradually decreases.

Therefore, the statistical values and detection intervals of the three types of data (A, V, P) are programmed and embedded in the microcomputer control circuit in advance. This statistical value is determined by measuring several dozen battery cartridges 10 in advance, and using, for example, the average value P(W) as a standard. Specifically, at least the pair data of P(W) and remaining battery power is made into a table and recorded in the microcomputer (not shown) of the power meter 301, for example. Alternatively, data of pairs of three types of data (A, V, P) and remaining battery power may be made into a table and recorded in the microcomputer of the power meter 301, for example.

The microcomputer of the power meter 301 periodically shorts out the battery side terminal section 101 temporarily, detects three types of data (A, V, P), and calculates the remaining power of the battery assembly 102 based on this change value. Read from the table.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a discharge curve that is the result of a discharge test of a zinc-air battery at 3A.

In the figure, the vertical axis shows voltage (DCV), and the horizontal axis shows elapsed time. The battery capacity is 630Wh. It can be seen that there is little voltage change with a constant current load of 3A.

FIG. 8 shows a prediction of the battery capacity consumption slope.

As shown in FIG. 8, although the voltage (DCV) does not decrease, the values of current A, recovery voltage V, and P(W)=A×V when short-circuited decrease. As the battery capacity decreases over time, it becomes possible to measure the remaining battery power.

FIG. 9 shows the basic principle circuit of a power meter.

In the basic principle circuit of the power meter 301, illustration of the microcomputer control circuit is omitted. BT1 is a battery cartridge 10. R1 is a SHUNT resistor. M1 is a voltage meter. M2 is a current meter. Q1 is a MOSFET (field effect transistor). S1 is an electronic switch as a short circuit switch. V1 is the gate power supply of Q1.

The operating principle of this basic principle circuit will be explained. First, the electronic switch (S1) is turned on for several nanoseconds. Then, MOSFET (Q1) electronically shorts battery cartridge 10 (BT1). When the electronic switch (S1) is turned off after a few nanoseconds, the voltage begins to recover at the same time. The current meter (M2) detects the short current value at this time from the SHUNT resistor (R1). The voltage meter (M1) detects the recovery voltage after a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) after the short circuit. Note that the short-circuit time of the electronic switch (S1), the delay time of recovery voltage measurement (for example, 1 second), the SHUNT resistance value, the detection gap, etc. can be changed for measurement optimization.

The remaining amount indicator 205 may be incorporated into the microcomputer control circuit. The remaining capacity indicator 205 displays the battery capacity measured by the power meter. The remaining amount may be displayed digitally using numerical values such as %. Alternatively, an analog display according to the remaining amount may be used. As an example of an analog display, a green lamp may indicate 50 to 100%, a yellow lamp may indicate 20 to 50%, and a red lamp may indicate 20% or less.

(3) Selector switch

Hereinafter, when there are a plurality of identical parts, to distinguish between them, they will be referred to as "first" and "second," and "A" and "B" will be added to the reference numerals to distinguish them. For example, the two battery cartridges 10 are distinguished as a first battery cartridge 10A and a second battery cartridge 10B.

FIG. 10 schematically shows the principle of the changeover switch.

The changeover switch 202 is a switch for switching the voltage output mode between (a) simultaneous output mode and (b) one-sided output mode.

(a) Simultaneous output mode outputs the DC voltage from one first battery cartridge 10A to the first main voltage output terminal 207, and simultaneously outputs the DC voltage from the second battery cartridge 10B to the second main voltage output terminal 207. It is output to the voltage output terminal 208. Thereby, power can be supplied to two electronic devices simultaneously from the first main voltage output terminal 207 and the second main voltage output terminal 208.

(b) In the one-sided output mode, the DC voltages of the first battery cartridge 10A and the second battery cartridge 10B are output to the first main voltage output terminal 207, but are not output to the second main voltage output terminal 208. In other words, the selector switch 202 disconnects the second main voltage output terminal 208 in the (b) one-sided output mode. This makes it possible to supply power for twice as long to one electronic device.

The first lamp 203A is connected to the changeover switch 202 in parallel with the first main voltage output terminal 207. The second lamp 203B is connected to the changeover switch 202 in parallel with the second main voltage output terminal 208. The first lamp 203A indicates whether or not the first main voltage output terminal 207 is in a state where power can be supplied.

The second lamp 203B indicates whether or not the second main voltage output terminal 208 is in a state where power can be supplied. In the simultaneous output mode, the first lamp 203A and the second lamp 203B corresponding to both the first main voltage output terminal 207 and the second main voltage output terminal 208 are lit. On the other hand, in the one-sided output mode, the first lamp 203A corresponding to the first main voltage output terminal 207 is turned on, and the second lamp 203B corresponding to the second main voltage output terminal 208 is turned off.

(4) Fan and chamber

FIG. 11 schematically shows the arrangement of the fan and battery cartridge.

(A) shows an air flow path within the housing 200. (B) shows the arrangement of fans 217 with respect to two battery cartridges 10.

If there is no chamber 218 (the width of the chamber 218 in the fan axial direction is extremely short), the fan 217 would be extremely close to (in close contact with) the two battery cartridges 10, and the width would be smaller than the inner diameter and area of the fan's 217 intake port. The intake dead zone becomes larger. For example, if the air passage surface of the battery cartridge 10 and the fan 214 are brought into close contact, only about 20% of the entire effective ventilation area can be used, and about 80% becomes a dead zone.

Therefore, by installing the chamber 218 between the battery cartridge 10 and the fan 214, a homogeneous negative pressure is generated over the entire air passage surface, optimizing the oxygen supply and cooling conditions. The width of the chamber 218 in the fan axial direction, that is, the distance between the two battery cartridges 10 and the fan 217 is equal to or larger than the inner diameter of the air intake port of the fan 217, or at least about the inner diameter.

The circuit section 300 includes a fan controller 302. A fan 217 including a motor M and a temperature sensor 220 such as a thermocouple are connected to the fan controller 302 . As the air passes through the plurality of air battery cells 100 , the air supplies oxygen to the plurality of air battery cells 100 and transports heat generated from the plurality of air battery cells 100 to the chamber 218 and through the fan 217 . Discharge outside. Therefore, air warmed by the plurality of air battery cells 100 reaches the chamber 218 . The temperature sensor 220 is provided in the chamber 218 where the air that has passed through the plurality of air battery cells 100 reaches, and measures the temperature of the air within the chamber 218. The fan controller 302 controls the fan speed of the fan 217 based on the detected value of the temperature sensor 220.

When the room temperature is high, such as in the summer, if the air battery cell 100 overheats, the battery capacity may decrease rapidly. When the room temperature is low, such as in winter, the air battery cell 100 may become overcooled and its output may drop. The temperature suitable for the air battery cell 100 to generate electricity is 30 to 50 degrees.

When the detected value of the temperature sensor 220 is, for example, below zero to 30 degrees, the fan controller 302 controls the fan speed to a low level. Thereby, only the oxygen necessary for power generation of the air battery cell 100 is supplied, the discharge of air from the air battery cell 100 is suppressed, and the temperature of the air battery cell 100 is increased. By controlling the fan speed to a low level, it is possible to shorten the time it takes to reach the normal temperature, and at the same time, it is possible to suppress the power consumption of the fan 217 as much as possible.

When the detected value of temperature sensor 220 is, for example, 30 to 50 degrees, fan controller 302 controls the fan speed to medium. 30 to 50 degrees is a suitable temperature for the air battery cell 100 to generate electricity. Oxygen necessary for power generation of the air battery cell 100 is supplied, and air is appropriately discharged from the air battery cell 100. This prevents the temperature of the air from rising or falling beyond the range of 30 to 50 degrees, and maintains the temperature of the air appropriately.

If the detected value of the temperature sensor 220 is higher than 50 degrees, for example, the fan controller 302 strongly controls the fan speed. Thereby, it is possible to supply the oxygen necessary for power generation of the air battery cell 100, promote the discharge of air from the air battery cell 100, and suppress chemical reactions due to thermal runaway in the air battery cell 100. .

(5) Backflow prevention function

Two regulators 303 are connected to the two battery cartridges 10 via the main switch 204, respectively. A DC voltage (12V) is output from the first main voltage output terminal 207 and the second main voltage output terminal 208, respectively. On the other hand, as described above, the open circuit voltage (OCV) of one battery cartridge 10 is 16.8V. The regulator 303 inputs a maximum DC voltage of 16.8V from the battery cartridge 10 and outputs a DC voltage of 12V±10% to the first main voltage output terminal 207 or the second main voltage output terminal 208. The regulator 303 can receive a voltage of 9V to 17V depending on the change in the voltage of the battery cartridge 10. That is, the regulator 303 receives a lower DC voltage (9V) and a higher DC voltage (17V) than the DC voltage (12V) output from the first main voltage output terminal 207 or the second main voltage output terminal 208, With respect to the first main voltage output terminal 207 or the second main voltage output terminal 208, the DC voltage (12V) output from the first main voltage output terminal 207 or the second main voltage output terminal 208 is used as a reference. Outputs a DC voltage within a predetermined range (±10%).

A diode 304 is provided downstream of the two regulators 303, respectively. Diode 304 is, for example, a Schottky diode.

Specifically, the first diode 304A is provided between the first battery cartridge 10A and the connection point 305 of the path from the second battery cartridge 10B via the changeover switch 202. The first diode 304A prevents reverse flow from the changeover switch 202 to the first battery cartridge 10A. The second diode 304B is provided between the second battery cartridge 10B and the changeover switch 202, and prevents backflow from the changeover switch 202 to the second battery cartridge 10B.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the backflow prevention function.

As shown in (A), in the simultaneous output mode, the circuit from the first battery cartridge 10A to the first main voltage output terminal 207 and the circuit from the second battery cartridge 10B to the second main voltage output terminal 208 If the circuit is independent, no backflow will occur even without the diode 304.

On the other hand, as shown in (B), in the one-sided output mode, if the output is concentrated in one place (first main voltage output terminal 207), if the diode 304 is not present, the first battery cartridge 10A and the second There is a possibility that a backflow phenomenon may occur between the battery cartridge 10B and the battery cartridge 10B from the higher voltage side to the lower voltage side. As a result, the state of electricity supply may become unstable.

Therefore, as shown in (C), by providing a diode 304 upstream of the connection point 305 by the changeover switch 202, backflow is prevented and the forward flow from the first battery cartridge 10A and the second battery cartridge 10B, respectively. Can conduct current.

(6) USB charging function

The sub voltage output terminal 209 may be, for example, a USB-A terminal capable of outputting a DC voltage of 5 V, and is capable of charging electronic devices (smartphones, personal computers, tablet computers, wearable devices, small LED lamps, flashlights, etc.). The DC voltage from the battery cartridge 10 is output to the sub-voltage output terminal 209 in both the simultaneous output mode and the one-sided output mode.

The circuit section 300 includes a charge controller circuit 310. The charge controller circuit 310 has charging standards (various standards such as BC1.2) with an electronic device (not shown) connected to the sub-voltage output terminal 209 (USB-A connector). The charging controller circuit 310 includes a circuit that can interface with various firmwares such as iOS (registered trademark) and Android (registered trademark). The charging controller circuit 310 performs handshaking through interfaces with electronic devices (not shown), which are various products, and starts charging. For example, the charge controller circuit 310 connects electronic devices (not shown) connected to the sub-voltage output terminal 209 (USB-A connector) via connection cables of various types (Lightning, Micro-B, Type-C, etc.). will be recognized and charging will begin. Since the charge controller circuit 310 itself in the charger 300 can interface with various firmwares, various electronic devices can be directly connected to the sub-voltage output terminal 209 without the need for a separate interface module. It is possible to charge the battery directly.

5. Conclusion

According to "Disaster Preparedness Manual for Children in Need of Medical Equipment - Focusing on Securing Power" (first published on March 31, 2019), written by the National Center for Child Health and Development, the National Center for Child Health and Child Development (National Center for Child Health and Development) writes: It states that multiple external batteries should be prepared, that power can be obtained from the car's cigarette lighter socket to ensure power in the event of a power outage in the event of a disaster, and that the electricity supplied from the car is 12V direct current (DC). ~7 pages) (accessed August 21, 2023).
(https://www.nchd.go.jp/hospital/about/section/cooperation/shinsai_manual.pdf)

The power supply set 1 according to this embodiment is used by attaching two battery cartridges 10 to a power supply 20 in a removable manner. Therefore, if you stock one power supply device 20 and a plurality of spare battery cartridges 10, you can save space and reduce costs compared to stockpiling multiple non-removable power supply devices. A large number of fuels (battery cartridges 10) can be stored. Therefore, the power supply set 1 is very useful as an emergency power supply or an uninterruptible power supply.

The power supply device 20 according to the present embodiment has two first main voltage output terminals 207 and a second main voltage output terminal 208 that output a direct current (DC12V) power supply, and a USB compatible direct current (DC5V) power supply. It has a sub-voltage output terminal 209. The power supply device 20 can be used as an auxiliary power source for external power batteries for medical devices such as ventilators for home treatment, heating humidifiers, and sputum aspirators, which are mainly required as emergency power sources during disasters. Conforms to output specifications.

The two first main voltage output terminals 207 and the second main voltage output terminal 208 that output 12V DC power had the same power supply specifications as the cigarette socket terminals of a vehicle. Vehicle batteries are recognized as a power source that can be used as an external power source for ventilators, and in particular for heating humidifiers used with ventilators by children in medical care. The first main voltage output terminal 207 and the second main voltage output terminal 208 of the power supply device 20 have the same specifications as a cigarette lighter socket in a vehicle. Therefore, the power supply device 20 can be used as an auxiliary power source when the vehicle battery cannot be used indoors or the like.

The power supply device 20 is provided with two first main voltage output terminals 207 and a second main voltage output terminal 208 that output power. This allows, depending on the user's selection, to simultaneously supply emergency power to different medical devices (for example, a ventilator, a heating humidifier, or a sputum aspirator), or to By using only the output terminal 207, up to twice the emergency power can be supplied to one medical device as a countermeasure against a long power outage (3 days = 72 hours). In particular, compared to adults, children under medical care are more likely to use a heating humidifier along with a ventilator.

Further, the sub-voltage output terminal 209 that outputs one DC5V power source can be used for charging mobile electronic devices (smartphones, personal computers, tablet computers, wearable devices, small LED lamps, flashlights, etc.). The voltage of the battery cartridge 10 may drop to DC9V or less, and it may become impossible to supply power to medical equipment from the first main voltage output terminal 207 and the second main voltage output terminal 208. Even in this case, it is possible to effectively utilize the remaining battery capacity of the battery cartridge 10 as long as the battery capacity remains at DC5V.

The air battery cell 100 (zinc-air battery) used in the battery cartridge 10 is a type of fuel cell that uses oxygen in the air for the positive electrode and zinc for the negative electrode, and the nominal voltage during discharge per battery cell unit is 1. It is 4V. In the power supply device 20, two battery cartridges 10 are inserted as fuel cells into two first main voltage output terminals 207 and a second main voltage output terminal 208 that output DC12V power, and can be easily attached and detached. We designed it to be possible. Moreover, one battery cartridge 10 is configured by connecting 12 air battery cells 100 in series and connecting a total of 24 air battery cells 100 in parallel.

Zinc-air batteries have a mechanism that generates electricity through a chemical reaction between oxygen and zinc in the air, and exhibit a flat and stable operating voltage (DC12V) during discharge, which continues until the end of discharge voltage (EDV). There is. However, in order to understand the battery capacity, there is a method to estimate the battery capacity by measuring the change in the operating voltage of a general lithium-ion battery (as the discharge capacity increases, the remaining battery capacity decreases and the battery voltage decreases). cannot be used. Furthermore, it is necessary to quantify all 24 air battery cells 100 attached to the battery cartridge 10. In this embodiment, the remaining battery power can be measured from the detected value when the power meter 301 periodically shorts out the battery side terminal section 101 temporarily.

In particular, when the power supply set 1 is used for medical equipment (ventilator, heating humidifier, sputum suction device, etc.), the remaining amount of the battery cartridge 10 may be life-threatening if the remaining amount of the battery cartridge 10 runs out. Users have a high need for regular information. Since air batteries have no risk of explosion or fire, they are highly safe during storage and use during disasters.

Although each embodiment and each modification of the present technology has been described above, the present technology is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes may be made within the scope of the gist of the present technology. Of course.

Power supply set 1
battery cartridge 10
Power supply device 20

Claims (17)

a battery assembly having a plurality of air battery cells;
a battery side terminal portion connected to the battery assembly;
a battery cartridge having;
a casing that can removably house the battery cartridge;
a power supply side terminal portion to which the battery side terminal portion is detachably connected when the battery cartridge is housed in the housing;
a voltage output terminal section that is exposed from the casing, is connectable to a terminal of an electronic device, and is capable of outputting a DC voltage outputted from the battery cartridge via the power supply side terminal section to the electronic device;
a circuit section that outputs the DC voltage from the power supply side terminal section to the voltage output terminal section;
a power supply device having;
Equipped with
The circuit section includes:
temporarily short-circuiting the battery side terminal part,
Detecting the current A when the battery side terminal part is temporarily short-circuited, the recovery voltage V after a predetermined time after the short-circuit, and P (W) = AxV,
determining the battery capacity of the battery assembly based on P;
has a power meter
Power supply set. The power supply set according to claim 1 ,
The power supply device includes a remaining capacity indicator that displays the battery capacity measured by the power meter. a battery assembly having a plurality of air battery cells;
a battery side terminal portion connected to the battery assembly;
a battery cartridge having;
a casing that can removably house the battery cartridge;
a power supply side terminal portion to which the battery side terminal portion is detachably connected when the battery cartridge is housed in the housing;
a voltage output terminal section that is exposed from the casing, is connectable to a terminal of an electronic device, and is capable of outputting a DC voltage outputted from the battery cartridge via the power supply side terminal section to the electronic device;
a circuit section that outputs the DC voltage from the power supply side terminal section to the voltage output terminal section;
a power supply device having;
Equipped with
The casing can accommodate the two battery cartridges, a first battery cartridge and a second battery cartridge,
The power supply device has two power supply side terminal portions to which the battery side terminal portions of the first battery cartridge and the second battery cartridge can be respectively detachably connected;
The voltage output terminal section has a first main voltage output terminal and a second main voltage output terminal,
The circuit section includes:
a simultaneous output mode in which a DC voltage from the first battery cartridge is output to the first main voltage output terminal, and a DC voltage from the second battery cartridge is simultaneously output to the second main voltage output terminal; and,
a one-sided output mode in which the DC voltages of the first battery cartridge and the second battery cartridge are output to the first main voltage output terminal and are not output to the second main voltage output terminal;
A power supply set with a changeover switch to switch between. The power supply set according to claim 3 ,
The circuit section includes:
A first battery provided between the first battery cartridge and a connection point of the path from the second battery cartridge by the changeover switch, and configured to prevent backflow from the changeover switch to the first battery cartridge. diode and
a second diode provided between the second battery cartridge and the changeover switch to prevent backflow from the changeover switch to the second battery cartridge;
Has a power supply set. The power supply set according to claim 3 or 4 ,
The circuit unit receives a DC voltage lower and a higher DC voltage than the DC voltage output from the first main voltage output terminal or the second main voltage output terminal, and A power supply device including a regulator that outputs a DC voltage in a predetermined range to a second main voltage output terminal based on the DC voltage output from the first main voltage output terminal or the second main voltage output terminal. set. The power supply set according to claim 3 or 4 ,
The first main voltage output terminal and the second main voltage output terminal each output a DC voltage of 12V. The power supply set. The power supply set according to claim 3 or 4 ,
The voltage output terminal section further includes a sub voltage output terminal,
In either of the simultaneous output mode and the one-sided output mode, the DC voltage from the first battery cartridge and the second battery cartridge is output to the sub-voltage output terminal. The power supply set according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The battery assembly includes:
a first series battery group having a plurality of air battery cells connected in series;
a second series battery group having a plurality of air battery cells connected in series and connected in parallel to the first series battery group;
has
The battery side terminal portion is
a first battery side pin connected to the positive electrode of the first series battery group;
a second battery side pin connected to the positive electrode of the second series battery group;
a third battery side pin connected in parallel to the negative electrode of the first series battery group and the negative electrode of the second series battery group;
has
The power supply side terminal section is
a first case-side pin that is detachably connectable to the first battery-side pin;
a second case-side pin that is detachably connectable to the second battery-side pin and connected to the first case-side pin;
a third case-side pin that is detachably connectable to the third battery-side pin and connected to ground;
Has a power supply set. The power supply set according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The power supply device includes:
an intake port for supplying air from the outside to the plurality of air battery cells;
a chamber to which air supplied from the intake port and passed through the plurality of air battery cells reaches;
a fan connected to the circuit unit and sucking and exhausting air in the chamber;
an exhaust port that exhausts air exhausted from the fan;
a temperature sensor connected to the circuit section and provided in the chamber;
has
The circuit unit includes a fan controller that controls a fan speed of the fan based on a detected value of the temperature sensor. The power supply set according to claim 9 ,
The distance from the plurality of air battery cells to the fan is greater than or equal to the inner diameter of the fan. The power supply set according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The air battery cell is
an oxygen introduction part having an oxygen introduction surface and for introducing oxygen in the air as a positive electrode active material;
a positive electrode current collecting layer laminated on a surface opposite to the oxygen introduction surface of the oxygen introduction section;
comprising a negative electrode and a negative electrode active material layer laminated on the positive electrode current collecting layer and containing a metal as a negative electrode active material,
A power supply set in which the negative electrode active material layer and the negative electrode are located at the uppermost position when the battery cartridge is housed in the casing of the power supply device. A power supply set according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The circuit section includes a main switch that is exposed from one surface of the housing and that can reversibly turn on and off the electrical connection between the battery cartridge and the voltage output terminal section, which are connected via the power supply side terminal section. A power supply set comprising: The power supply set according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The air battery cell is a zinc air battery cell. Power supply set. a casing that can removably house a battery cartridge having a battery assembly having a plurality of air battery cells and a battery side terminal portion connected to the battery assembly;
a power supply side terminal portion to which the battery side terminal portion is detachably connected when the battery cartridge is housed in the housing;
a voltage output terminal section that is exposed from the casing, is connectable to a terminal of an electronic device, and is capable of outputting a DC voltage outputted from the battery cartridge via the power supply side terminal section to the electronic device;
a circuit section that outputs the DC voltage from the power supply side terminal section to the voltage output terminal section;
Equipped with
The circuit section includes:
temporarily short-circuiting the battery side terminal part,
Detecting the current A when the battery side terminal part is temporarily short-circuited, the recovery voltage V after a predetermined time after the short-circuit, and P (W) = AxV,
determining the battery capacity of the battery assembly based on P;
has a power meter
power supply. a casing that can removably house a battery cartridge having a battery assembly having a plurality of air battery cells and a battery side terminal portion connected to the battery assembly;
a power supply side terminal portion to which the battery side terminal portion is detachably connected when the battery cartridge is housed in the housing;
a voltage output terminal section that is exposed from the casing, is connectable to a terminal of an electronic device, and is capable of outputting a DC voltage outputted from the battery cartridge via the power supply side terminal section to the electronic device;
a circuit section that outputs the DC voltage from the power supply side terminal section to the voltage output terminal section;
Equipped with
The casing can accommodate the two battery cartridges, a first battery cartridge and a second battery cartridge,
The power supply device has two power supply side terminal portions to which the battery side terminal portions of the first battery cartridge and the second battery cartridge can be respectively detachably connected;
The voltage output terminal section has a first main voltage output terminal and a second main voltage output terminal,
The circuit section includes:
a simultaneous output mode in which a DC voltage from the first battery cartridge is output to the first main voltage output terminal, and a DC voltage from the second battery cartridge is simultaneously output to the second main voltage output terminal; and,
a one-sided output mode in which the DC voltages of the first battery cartridge and the second battery cartridge are output to the first main voltage output terminal and are not output to the second main voltage output terminal;
Has a changeover switch to switch between
power supply . a battery assembly having a plurality of air battery cells;
a battery side terminal portion connected to the battery assembly;
A battery cartridge comprising:
a casing that can removably house the battery cartridge;
a power supply side terminal portion to which the battery side terminal portion is detachably connected when the battery cartridge is housed in the housing;
a voltage output terminal section that is exposed from the casing, is connectable to a terminal of an electronic device, and is capable of outputting a DC voltage outputted from the battery cartridge via the power supply side terminal section to the electronic device;
a circuit section that outputs the DC voltage from the power supply side terminal section to the voltage output terminal section;
A power supply device having:
The circuit section includes:
temporarily short-circuiting the battery side terminal part,
Detecting the current A when the battery side terminal part is temporarily short-circuited, the recovery voltage V after a predetermined time after the short-circuit, and P (W) = AxV,
determining the battery capacity of the battery assembly based on P;
has a power meter
A battery cartridge that can be removably housed in the power supply . a battery assembly having a plurality of air battery cells;
a battery side terminal portion connected to the battery assembly;
A battery cartridge comprising:
a casing that can removably house the battery cartridge;
a power supply side terminal portion to which the battery side terminal portion is detachably connected when the battery cartridge is housed in the housing;
a voltage output terminal section that is exposed from the casing, is connectable to a terminal of an electronic device, and is capable of outputting a DC voltage outputted from the battery cartridge via the power supply side terminal section to the electronic device;
a circuit section that outputs the DC voltage from the power supply side terminal section to the voltage output terminal section;
A power supply device having:
The casing can accommodate the two battery cartridges, a first battery cartridge and a second battery cartridge,
The power supply device has two power supply side terminal portions to which the battery side terminal portions of the first battery cartridge and the second battery cartridge can be respectively detachably connected;
The voltage output terminal section has a first main voltage output terminal and a second main voltage output terminal,
The circuit section includes:
a simultaneous output mode in which a DC voltage from the first battery cartridge is output to the first main voltage output terminal, and a DC voltage from the second battery cartridge is simultaneously output to the second main voltage output terminal; and,
a one-sided output mode in which the DC voltages of the first battery cartridge and the second battery cartridge are output to the first main voltage output terminal and are not output to the second main voltage output terminal;
Has a changeover switch to switch between
Can be removably housed in the power supply
battery cartridge .

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