WO2013084806A1 - Air battery and battery assembly using same - Google Patents

Abstract

An air battery, having: a power generating unit (B) having a negative electrode (30) and a positive electrode (31) facing each other at prescribed intervals; and an electrolyte storage vessel (20) that stores electrolyte (W) for supply to this power generating unit (B). The air battery has an electrolyte diffusion groove (C1) for diffusing and permeating into all areas in the power generating unit (B) the electrolyte (W) supplied from the electrolyte storage vessel (20), formed in the mutually facing surface of the negative electrode (30) or the positive electrode (31), or in both of these facing surfaces.

Description

Air battery and battery pack using the same

The present invention relates to an air battery in which an electrolyte layer is formed between a negative electrode and a positive electrode, and an assembled battery using the same.

As this type of air battery, there is one disclosed in Patent Document 1 under the name of “aluminum-air battery”.
The aluminum-air battery disclosed in Patent Document 1 employs an air electrode as a positive electrode and aluminum or an aluminum alloy as a negative electrode, and an anion exchange membrane or electrolyte as an electrolyte interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. An anion exchange resin is used.

JP 2002-184472 A

However, in the aluminum-air battery described in Patent Document 1, it takes time for the electrolytic solution supplied to the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the electrolyte to diffuse and penetrate into the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the electrolyte to obtain a favorable power generation state. The issue remains unresolved.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an air battery capable of quickly generating an electric power by quickly distributing the electrolytic solution supplied from the electrolytic solution storage container to the power generation unit throughout the power generation unit, and an assembled battery using the air battery. It is aimed.

An air battery according to the present invention for solving the above-described problems has a power generation unit having a negative electrode and a positive electrode facing each other, and an electrolyte storage container for storing an electrolyte to be supplied to the power generation unit. Then, an electrolyte solution diffusion groove for diffusing and penetrating the electrolyte solution supplied from the electrolyte solution storage container throughout the entire power generation unit is formed on the opposing surfaces of the negative electrode or the positive electrode or both of them.
According to this configuration, the electrolyte supplied from the electrolyte storage container is quickly diffused and permeated throughout the power generation section through the electrolyte diffusion groove formed on the negative electrode and / or the positive electrode. To do.

An assembled battery according to the present invention for solving the above-described problems is obtained by connecting the above-described air batteries in series and parallel. Thereby, an arbitrary output voltage and current value are obtained.

According to the present invention, the electrolytic solution fed from the electrolytic solution storage container to the power generation unit can be quickly diffused and penetrated throughout the power generation unit, and can be quickly generated.

1 is a plan view of an air battery according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which follows the II line | wire shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which follows the II-II line | wire shown in FIG. It is a bottom view which shows the groove | channel for electrolyte solution diffusion which concerns on the other example formed in the lower surface of a separator. (A) is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example in which the above-described electrolytic solution diffusion groove is formed on the negative electrode, and (B) is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example in which the above-described electrolytic solution diffusion groove is formed on the upper surface of the separator. is there. (A) is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example in which the above-described electrolyte diffusion grooves are formed on both upper and lower surfaces of the separator, and (B) is a part showing an example in which the above-described electrolyte diffusion grooves are formed on the lower surface of the positive electrode. It is sectional drawing. It is a schematic plan view of the air battery which concerns on 2nd embodiment. (A) is schematic sectional drawing which shows the structure of the liquid diffusion part when the groove | channel for electrolyte solution diffusion is formed in a negative electrode, (B) is the structure of the liquid diffusion part when the groove | channel for electrolyte solution diffusion is formed in a separator. (C) is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the structure of a liquid-diffusion part when the groove | channel for electrolyte solution diffusion is formed in a positive electrode. (A) is a partial sectional view showing an example in which the above-described electrolyte diffusion groove is formed in the negative electrode, and (B) is an example in which the electrolyte diffusion groove is formed on the opposing surfaces of both the negative electrode and the positive electrode. FIG. 4C is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example in which an electrolyte diffusion groove is formed on the positive electrode. FIG. 9 shows a configuration in which a holding member is disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the air battery shown in FIG. 9, and (A) shows an electrolyte diffusion diffusion on both surfaces of the holding member according to an example facing the positive electrode and the negative electrode. (B) is a partial cross-sectional view showing a form in which an electrolytic solution diffusion groove is formed on the surface of the holding member facing the positive electrode, and (C) is a negative view of the holding member. FIG. 6D is a partial cross-sectional view showing a form in which an electrolyte solution diffusion groove is formed on the opposing surface, and FIG. 4D is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example in which an electrolyte solution diffusion groove is formed on the side surface of a holding member according to another example.

Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 is a plan view of the air battery according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is taken along line II-II shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which follows.

The air battery A1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a power generation unit B accommodated in the housing 10 and an electrolyte storage container 20 for storing the electrolyte W supplied to the power generation unit B. Have.

The housing 10 is formed by standing up side walls 12 to 15 along the outer edge of the bottom wall 11 having a square shape in plan view.
In the side wall 12, three liquid introduction holes 12 a to 12 c for introducing the electrolytic solution W fed from the electrolytic solution storage container 20 into the housing 10 are formed.

The liquid introduction holes 12a to 12c shown in this embodiment are positions at which the side wall 12 is divided into three parts in a plan view, and are arranged at a height position that coincides with the lower surface 32a of the separator 32 forming a part of the power generation unit B. Has been. By providing the plurality of liquid introduction holes 12a to 12c in this way, the electrolyte solution W can be easily diffused throughout the power generation unit B.
In the present embodiment, an example in which three liquid introduction holes 12a to 12c are provided is shown, but it is needless to say that two or four or more liquid introduction holes may be appropriately provided. .

In the power generation unit B, a separator 32 is disposed between the negative electrode 30 and the positive electrode 31, and an electrolytic solution flow for flowing the electrolytic solution W by a capillary phenomenon between the separator 32 and the negative electrode 30. A path 33 is defined.
A current collector 40 is laminated on the upper surface of the positive electrode 31 in the figure.

The electrolyte storage container 20 is fixed to the outer wall surface of the side wall 12 of the housing 10, which is a horizontally long rectangular parallelepiped having a width substantially the same as that of the side wall 12 and a volume for storing a required amount of the electrolyte W. It is formed into a shape.

The electrolyte storage container 20 has three feeds for feeding the electrolyte W stored therein into the housing 10 at positions facing the liquid introduction holes 12a to 12c formed in the side wall 12. A supply hole (not shown) is formed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the electrolyte solution W fed from the electrolyte solution storage container 20 is supplied to the lower surface 32 a of the separator 32 from the edge 32 b on the side wall 12 side to the edge 32 c facing each other. An electrolyte solution diffusion groove C1 for diffusing and penetrating the entire region of B is formed.

The electrolyte solution diffusing groove C1 shown in the present embodiment has a concavo-convex shape formed continuously between the side edge 32b and the side edge 32c, in parallel with each other at a constant interval. Is.
In addition, what is necessary is just to set suitably about the space | interval and height (depth) of an unevenness | corrugation according to the electrolyte solution etc. to be used.

Formation of the electrolyte solution diffusion groove on the surface of the negative electrode 30 can be performed by machining (polishing), etching, or surface treatment.
In the case of machining, the already known hairline processing is easy because it can be finished in the manufacturing process of the material.
Etching and surface treatment can be formed by masking in accordance with the uneven shape.
A current collector 41 is disposed between the lower surface of the negative electrode 30 and the bottom wall 11.

Formation of the electrolyte solution diffusion groove on the surface of the separator 32 is performed by forming irregularities on the mold surface in advance when forming a sheet-like separator in the case of a porous and non-conductive resin. Shaped ones can be formed.

The formation of the electrolyte solution diffusion groove on the surface of the positive electrode 31 can be formed by the same process as the separator when the positive electrode 31 is porous and conductive, for example, when a film is formed from a slurry. In addition, a conductive / non-conductive material can be formed on the surface using a technique such as printing.

According to the air battery A1 having the above configuration, the electrolytic solution W fed from the electrolytic solution storage container 20 is introduced to the lower surface 32a of the separator 32 through a feeding hole and liquid introducing holes 12a to 12c (not shown). .

The electrolytic solution W introduced into the lower surface 32a of the separator 32 quickly diffuses and permeates throughout the power generation unit B through the electrolytic solution diffusion groove C1 formed in the lower surface 32a. Thereby, after supplying the electrolyte solution W, electric power can be generated quickly.

By the way, in this embodiment, when supplying the electrolyte solution W from the electrolyte storage container 20 into the housing 10, by holding the housing 10 so that the electrolyte storage container 20 is positioned on the upper side, The edge 32b of the separator 32 is on the upper side, and the edge 32e is on the lower side.

As a result, gravity is applied to the electrolyte W supplied to the edge 32b, and the electrolyte W is caused to flow more quickly from the edge 32b toward the edge 32b, but the capillary phenomenon is used. The permeation diffusion described above may be achieved.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view showing an electrolyte solution diffusing groove according to another example formed on the bottom surface of the separator. In addition, about the thing equivalent to what was demonstrated in embodiment mentioned above, the code | symbol same as them is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

The electrolytic solution diffusing groove C2 according to another example shown in the figure is formed by forming grooves inclined at a required angle with respect to the edge 32b of the separator 32 in a lattice shape. Even in such a lattice shape, the same effect as that of the air battery A1 described above can be obtained.

FIG. 5A is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example in which the above-described electrolytic solution diffusion groove is formed on the negative electrode, and FIG. 5B is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example in which the above electrolytic solution diffusion groove is formed on the upper surface of the separator. FIG. 6A is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example in which the above-described electrolyte diffusion groove is formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the separator, and FIG. 6B is the above-described electrolyte diffusion groove formed on the lower surface of the positive electrode. It is a fragmentary sectional view showing an example.

The electrolytic solution diffusion groove C1 (C2) shown in FIG. 5 (A) is formed on the upper surface 30a of the negative electrode 30, and therefore on the side 30a of the negative electrode 30 facing the separator 30 on the side wall 12 side of the negative electrode 30. To the edge on the side wall 14 side.

The electrolytic solution diffusing groove C1 (C2) shown in FIG. 5 (B) is formed on the upper surface 32b of the separator 32, and hence on the surface 32b facing the positive electrode 31 of the separator 32, on the side wall 14 side of the separator 32. To the edge on the side wall 14 side.

6A is formed on the upper and lower surfaces 32b and 32a of the separator 32, and thus on the surfaces 32b and 32a of the separator 32 facing the positive electrode 31 and the negative electrode 32. 32 from the side edge on the side wall 14 side to the side edge on the side wall 14 side.

The electrolyte solution diffusion groove C1 (C2) shown in FIG. 6B is formed on the lower surface 31a of the positive electrode 31 and, therefore, on the side 31a of the positive electrode 31 facing the separator 32, on the side wall 14 side of the positive electrode 31. To the edge on the side wall 14 side.

As described above, even when the electrolyte diffusion groove is formed on at least one of the opposing surfaces of the separator and the positive electrode, or at least one of the opposing surfaces of the separator and the negative electrode, the air described above The same effect as battery A1 can be acquired.

FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of the air battery according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 8A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the liquid diffusion portion when the electrolytic solution diffusion groove is formed in the negative electrode. ) Is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the liquid diffusion portion when the electrolytic solution diffusion groove is formed in the separator, and (C) shows the configuration of the liquid diffusion portion when the electrolytic solution diffusion groove is formed in the positive electrode. It is a schematic sectional drawing. In addition, about the thing equivalent to what was demonstrated in embodiment mentioned above, the code | symbol same as them is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

In the air battery A2 according to the second embodiment, a space α extending between the side walls 13 and 15 is provided between the side wall 12 of the housing 10 and the separator 32, and the liquid diffusion portion 40 is disposed in the space α. It is different from the air battery A1 in that it is provided.

In the electrolytic solution storage container 20 shown in the present embodiment, two supply holes (not shown) for supplying the electrolytic solution W stored therein to the inside of the housing 10 are spaced from each other at a required interval. Is formed.

The side wall 12 is provided with two liquid introduction holes 12d and 12e for introducing the electrolytic solution W fed from the electrolytic solution storage container B into the housing 10 at a position facing the feeding hole (not shown). It is installed.

The liquid diffusion part 40 is for diffusing the electrolytic solution W introduced from the liquid introduction holes 12d and 12e in the width direction intersecting the opposing direction β of the separator 32, the negative electrode 30, and the positive electrode 31, It is formed in a triangular shape in plan view that rises from the edge 32a toward the liquid introduction holes 12d and 12e.
The liquid diffusion unit 40 causes the electrolyte W introduced from the liquid introduction holes 12d and 12e to flow down toward the electrolyte diffusion groove C1 (C2) of the separator 32 as the electrolyte W is diffused in the width direction. Concavities and convexities 40b are formed on the surface.

By the way, the said liquid diffusion part 40 is set as the different structure according to the site | part which forms the groove | channel C1 (C2) for electrolyte solution diffusion.
As shown in FIG. 8A, when the electrolytic solution diffusion groove C1 (C2) is formed on the upper surface 30a of the negative electrode 30, it is disposed at the same height as the electrolytic solution diffusion groove C1 (C2). Good.
As shown in FIG. 8B, when the electrolytic solution diffusion groove C1 (C2) is formed on the upper surface 32a of the separator 32, the separator 32 is disposed at the same height as the electrolytic solution diffusion groove C1 (C2). Good.
As shown in FIG. 8C, when the electrolyte solution diffusion groove C <b> 1 (C <b> 2) is formed on the lower surface 31 a of the positive electrode 31, it may be disposed at the same height as the separator 32.

According to each liquid diffusion part 40 described above, the electrolyte solution W introduced from the liquid introduction holes 12d and 12e has a width that intersects the opposing direction β of the negative electrode 30 and the positive electrode 31 by the oblique side edges 40a and 40a of the liquid diffusion part 40. It is diffused in the direction and flows down.
Thereby, the electrolyte solution W can be diffused and permeated more quickly throughout the power generation unit B.

By the way, a desired voltage and current value can be obtained by configuring the assembled battery by connecting the above-described air batteries A1 and A2 in series and parallel.
Further, by configuring the assembled battery from two or more modules formed by integrating a plurality of air batteries, for example, even when a failure occurs in some of the air batteries forming the assembled battery, only the air battery It becomes possible to replace only the module containing the, so that maintenance can be easily performed.

In the above-described embodiment, the power generation unit in which the separator is disposed between the negative electrode and the positive electrode opposed to each other with a predetermined interval has been described as an example, but the oxide generated due to the difference in the type of the negative electrode metal In the case of insulation, it is not always necessary to provide a separator when the electrolytic solution is circulated or when the electrolytic solution is accommodated in a limited battery volume as much as possible.
In the air battery having the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, when the separator is not provided, the electrolyte solution diffusing groove can be formed as shown in FIG.

FIG. 9A is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example in which the above-described electrolyte diffusion groove is formed on the surface facing the negative electrode of the negative electrode, and FIG. 9B is a surface of the electrolyte diffusion groove facing the negative electrode of the negative electrode. And (C) is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example in which the electrolytic solution diffusion groove is formed on the surface facing the negative electrode of the positive electrode. In addition, about the thing equivalent to what was demonstrated in embodiment mentioned above, the code | symbol same as them is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

The electrolyte solution diffusion groove C1 (C2) shown in FIG. 9A is formed on the upper surface 30a of the negative electrode 30, and therefore, on the surface 30a facing the positive electrode 31 of the negative electrode 30 on the side wall 12 side. It is formed from the edge to the edge on the side wall 14 side.

The electrolyte solution diffusion groove C1 (C2) shown in FIG. 9B is formed on the upper surface 30a of the negative electrode 30 and the lower surface 31a of the positive electrode 31, and thus on the opposing surfaces 30a and 31a of the negative electrode 30 and the positive electrode 31. The negative electrode 30 and the positive electrode 31 are formed from the side edge on the side wall 12 side to the side edge on the side wall 14 side.

The electrolytic solution diffusion groove C1 (C2) shown in FIG. 9C is formed on the lower surface 31a of the positive electrode 31, and thus on the surface 31a of the positive electrode 31 facing the negative electrode 30, on the side wall 12 side of the positive electrode 31. It is formed from the edge to the edge on the side wall 14 side.

By forming the electrolyte solution diffusion groove C1 (C2) in the positive electrode 31 or the negative electrode 30, the surface area can be increased, and the power generation performance with respect to the apparent area can be improved.

FIG. 10 shows a configuration in which a holding member is disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the air battery shown in FIG. 9, and (A) shows on both surfaces of the holding member according to an example facing the positive electrode and the negative electrode. A partial cross-sectional view showing a form in which a groove for electrolytic solution diffusion is formed. (B) is a partial cross-sectional view showing a form in which a groove for electrolytic solution diffusion is formed on the surface of the holding member facing the positive electrode. The partial cross section figure which shows the form which formed the groove | channel for electrolyte solution diffusion in the surface facing the negative electrode of a member, (D) is a partial cross section which shows the example which formed the groove | channel for electrolyte solution diffusion in the side surface of the holding member which concerns on another example FIG.
In addition, about the thing equivalent to what was demonstrated in embodiment mentioned above, the code | symbol same as them is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

The holding members 50... According to the example are arranged at predetermined intervals between two opposing frame members of a rectangular frame (not shown).
These holding members 50... Hold the gap between the positive electrode 31 and the negative electrode 30 shown in FIG. 9 and diffuse and permeate the electrolytic solution W fed from the electrolytic solution storage container 20 throughout the power generation unit B. The electrolytic solution diffusion groove C1 (C2) is formed.

In the present embodiment, the electrolyte solution diffusion grooves C1 (C2) are formed in all the holding members 50..., For example, only formed in the arrangement facing the liquid introduction holes 12a. You may make it do. In other words, the electrolyte solution diffusion grooves C1 (C2) need not be formed in all the holding members 50.

That is, by arranging a plurality of holding members 50 at a predetermined interval between the positive electrode 31 and the negative electrode 30 arranged at a predetermined interval, the interval between the positive electrode 31 and the negative electrode 30 can be increased. For example, a non-woven fabric can be used.
Thus, for example, when the above-described assembled battery is used, even when pressure acts in the facing direction α, the positive electrode 31 and the negative electrode 30 can be prevented from being deformed by the pressure and coming into contact with each other. .

10A is provided on the upper and lower surfaces 50a and 50b of the holding member 50, and accordingly, the opposing surfaces 50a and 50b of the positive electrode 31 and the negative electrode 30 of the holding member 50. Further, the holding member 50 is formed from the side edge on the side wall 12 side to the side edge on the side wall 14 side.

The electrolyte solution diffusing groove C1 (C2) shown in FIG. 10 (B) is formed on the upper surface 50a of the holding member 50 and accordingly on the opposite surface 50a of the positive electrode 31 of the holding member 50. It is formed from the edge to the edge on the side wall 14 side.

The electrolytic solution diffusion groove C1 (C2) shown in FIG. 10C is formed on the lower surface 50b of the holding member 50 and on the opposite surface 50b of the holding member 50 facing the negative electrode 30 on the side wall 12 side. It is formed from the edge to the edge on the side wall 14 side.

A holding member 51 according to another example shown in FIG. 10D is different from those shown in the above (A) to (C), and is, for example, a stranded wire having a substantially circular cross section.
In the holding member 51 having such a configuration, the electrolyte solution diffusing groove C1 ′ (C2 ′) can also be formed on the side surfaces (side portions) 51a and 51a.
Unlike the above-described electrolyte solution diffusion groove C1 (C2), the unevenness of the fibers forming the holding member 51 functions as the “groove” in the electrolyte solution diffusion groove C1 ′ (C2 ′).

When the holding members 50 and the holding members 51 shown in FIG. 10 are provided, it takes time to fill the space defined between the adjacent holding members 50 and 50 (51 and 51) with the electrolytic solution. Therefore, the space has a function as a escape place for the air pushed out during the injection.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the following modifications can be made.
-In embodiment mentioned above, the opposing surface to the positive electrode of a separator, the opposing surface to the separator of a positive electrode, or both opposing surfaces, the opposing surface to the negative electrode of a separator, or the opposing surface to the separator of a negative electrode, or both Although the example in which the electrolyte diffusion grooves are formed on the surfaces facing each other has been described, the electrolyte solution diffusion grooves may be formed on the side surfaces of the separator that do not face the negative electrode and the positive electrode.

12a to 12e Liquid introduction hole 20 Electrolyte storage container 30 Negative electrode 31 Positive electrode 32 Separator 40 Liquid diffusion part 50, 51 Holding member A1, A2 Air battery C1, C2 Electrolyte diffusion groove

Claims (12)

1. A power generation unit having a negative electrode and a positive electrode opposed to each other at a predetermined interval, and an electrolyte storage container for storing an electrolyte for feeding to the power generation unit,
   Electrolytic solution diffusion grooves for diffusing and penetrating the electrolytic solution supplied from the electrolytic solution storage container throughout the entire power generation unit are formed on the opposing surfaces of the negative electrode or the positive electrode or on the opposing surfaces of both. An air battery characterized by that.
2. A power generation unit in which a separator is disposed between a negative electrode and a positive electrode opposed to each other at a predetermined interval; and an electrolyte storage container that stores an electrolyte solution to be supplied to the power generation unit,
   An electrolyte diffusion groove for diffusing and penetrating the electrolyte supplied from the electrolyte storage container throughout the power generation unit is formed on at least one of the separator, the negative electrode, and the positive electrode. Air battery to play.
3. 3. The air battery according to claim 2, wherein an electrolyte solution diffusion groove is formed on a side surface of the separator that does not face the negative electrode and the positive electrode.
4. The air battery according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the electrolytic solution diffusing groove is formed on a surface facing the positive electrode of the separator, a surface facing the separator of the positive electrode, or both surfaces facing each other.
5. The air battery according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the electrolytic solution diffusing groove is formed on a surface facing the negative electrode of the separator, a surface facing the separator of the negative electrode, or both surfaces facing each other.
6. The liquid diffusion part for diffusing the electrolytic solution supplied from the electrolytic solution storage container in a direction intersecting with the opposing direction of the separator, the negative electrode, and the positive electrode is formed. Air battery.
7. The power generation unit is housed in a casing whose side walls are formed upright on the outer edge of the bottom wall, and a plurality of liquid introduction holes for introducing the electrolyte supplied from the electrolyte storage container into the casing are provided on the side walls. The air battery according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the air battery is formed as described above.
8. A holding member formed with an electrolytic solution diffusion groove for holding the gap between the positive electrode and the negative electrode and for diffusing and penetrating the electrolytic solution supplied from the electrolytic solution storage container to the entire region of the power generation unit is interposed. 1. The air battery according to 1.
9. The air battery according to claim 8, wherein the electrolytic solution diffusing groove is formed on a surface facing the positive electrode of the holding member, a surface facing the negative electrode of the holding member, or a surface facing both of them.
10. The air battery according to claim 8 or 9, wherein an electrolyte solution diffusion groove is formed on a side surface of the holding member that does not face the negative electrode and the positive electrode.
11. An assembled battery comprising the air batteries according to any one of claims 1 to 10 connected in series and parallel.
12. The assembled battery which comprises the assembled battery of Claim 11 from the 2 or more module formed by integrating several air battery.

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