A small metal-air battery and battery pack thereof

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of energy equipment technology and discloses a small metal-air battery and its battery pack. The small metal-air battery includes a housing, a support body, an air electrode plate, a metal sheet, external threads, and internal threads. The design, employing the meshing of the internal and external threads of the front and rear batteries, allows for manual assembly of the small metal-air battery without the need for tools. Furthermore, the inclusion of an electrode liquid injection hole and a matching sealing ring effectively prevents the risk of leakage. The battery pack assembled from this small metal-air battery achieves internal series connection without the need for external wires during the connection process. It also boasts advantages such as small size, ease of connection and assembly, and prevention of leakage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of energy equipment technology, specifically to a small metal-air battery and its battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] Energy devices are carriers of electrocatalysts, which are devices that can convert chemical reactions in the catalytic process into energy. Among them, metal-air batteries are one of the macroscopic manifestations of energy conversion in ORR and OER reactions. Currently, specific forms of metal-air batteries include zinc-air batteries, magnesium-air batteries, etc. Metal-air batteries are semi-open batteries. Reasonable design can not only maximize the use of catalysts, but also greatly improve the lifespan of metal-air batteries. In laboratory environments, metal-air batteries are mainly small-scale. Small-scale design can greatly reduce the probability of leakage. At present, the main components of metal-air battery devices commonly used in laboratories to evaluate catalyst performance include an upper plate, a waterproof and breathable membrane, a stainless steel mesh current collector, a gasket on one side of the air electrode, a middle plate, a metal plate, and a bottom plate.

[0003] However, most laboratory metal-air battery devices at present are large in size, and the assembly process is cumbersome and prone to errors. In addition, the large size of the metal plate will also cause some waste. Although the design of multiple bolts can effectively avoid leakage, it can cause excessive pressure during assembly, which can easily damage the middle plate and lead to the risk of battery failure. In addition, the existing small metal-air batteries also have the problem of difficulty in connecting the batteries in series, requiring external wires to connect them in series, which further leads to the large size of the battery. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the first objective of this invention is to provide a small metal-air battery that has the advantages of small size, easy series connection, simple assembly, and reduced risk of leakage.

[0005] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, a second objective of the present invention is to provide a battery pack for a small metal-air battery.

[0006] To achieve the first objective of this invention, the following technical solution is adopted:

[0007] A small metal-air battery is provided, comprising a device housing, a metal sheet fixedly mounted at one end of the device housing, and an air electrode plate provided at the opposite end of the metal sheet. A support body is provided at one end of the edge of the air electrode plate, and a placement area is provided at the other end of the support body opposite to the air electrode plate. The side wall of the support body is provided with multiple sets of second through holes, and the second through holes overlap with first through holes. The first through holes are located on the side wall of the device housing. The inner wall of one end of the device housing is provided with an internal thread, and the outer wall of the other end of the device housing is provided with an external thread. The side wall of the device housing is provided with an inlet hole, and a second sealing ring is fitted on the outer side of the inlet hole.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, the problems of large size, cumbersome and error-prone assembly process, and waste caused by excessively large metal sheets in most laboratory metal-air battery devices are solved. The present invention designs a small metal-air battery device that realizes internal series connection of the battery. No external wires are required during the series connection process, and the utilization rate of metal sheets and air electrode plates is greatly improved. It is convenient for use in the laboratory to evaluate the ORR and OER performance of electrocatalysts. Through the setting of the second sealing ring and the inlet hole, the sealing design adopts a rubber ring design. Especially in the air electrode part, the two types of upper and lower rubber rings are designed to prevent leakage. The small metal-air battery with this design can greatly reduce the risk of leakage. In addition, to further solve the leakage problem, an electrolyte injection inlet hole is opened on the side wall of the device housing, and a second sealing ring is fitted on the outside of the inlet hole. In practical applications, the electrolyte is added into the small metal-air battery by inserting a syringe needle into the inlet hole, and then the inlet hole is sealed with the second sealing ring to solve the sealing problem and save on custom sealing parts. Therefore, the small metal-air battery is not only simple to assemble, but also easy to add electrolyte.

[0009] Furthermore, the inner wall of the device housing is provided with a third sealing ring, and the third sealing ring is in contact with the support body. And / or, the support body is a conductive support body.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, the sealing performance between the support and the device housing is improved, and the third sealing ring can effectively avoid the risk of damage to the support.

[0011] Furthermore, the support body is attached to the air electrode plate, and one end of the air electrode plate is provided with a fourth sealing ring, the other end of which is attached to the inner wall of the device housing.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the fourth sealing ring effectively buffers the air electrode plate, preventing the air electrode plate from directly contacting the device housing, thus improving the overall performance of the device and enhancing the sealing performance around the air electrode plate and the support.

[0013] Furthermore, the metal sheet is used to engage with the placement area of ​​another small metal-air battery, and one end of the metal sheet is provided with a first sealing ring.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, multiple small metal-air batteries are connected in series through the engagement of external and internal threads, and the metal sheet is engaged with the placement area, so that the metal-air battery module achieves internal series connection without the need for wire connection, and the setting of the first sealing ring improves the sealing around the metal sheet.

[0015] Furthermore, the inlet hole is an inlet hole for electrolyte injection, and the inlet hole is located on one side of the external thread.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, an inlet hole is opened on the side wall of the device housing. In practical applications, an electrolyte is added to the small metal-air battery by inserting a syringe needle into the inlet hole, and then the inlet hole is sealed with a second sealing ring. This further prevents leakage and makes electrolyte addition simpler. In addition, the inlet hole is preferably tapered, which ensures that gas is not easily left inside the electrolyte when it is full.

[0017] Furthermore, the first through hole and the second through hole have the same shape and size, and are located in the same position.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, external air enters the inner wall of the support through the first through hole and the second through hole. The first through hole and the second through hole ensure air circulation and also meet the mechanical strength requirements of the small metal-air battery.

[0019] Furthermore, the metal sheet includes zinc, magnesium, aluminum, or lithium sheets. The selected metal sheets are capable of undergoing redox reactions and are therefore suitable for use in the assembly of this small metal-air battery.

[0020] Furthermore, the internal thread is configured as a circular arc thread profile; wherein, configuring the internal thread as a circular arc thread profile facilitates 3D printing and also saves materials.

[0021] Furthermore, the external thread is configured with a circular arc thread profile. This circular arc thread profile facilitates 3D printing and also saves material.

[0022] To achieve the second objective of this invention, the following technical solution is adopted:

[0023] A battery pack is provided, which is assembled from a small metal-air battery as described above.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, multiple small metal-air batteries can be assembled into a battery pack, which is convenient for application in different occasions.

[0025] Furthermore, in this battery pack, there are at least two small metal-air batteries, the internal thread of the first small metal-air battery engages with the external thread of the second small metal-air battery, and the metal plate of the second small metal-air battery engages with the placement area of ​​the first small metal-air battery.

[0026] By adopting the above technical solution, the battery pack can be easily connected in series, and multiple small metal-air batteries can be connected together without external wires. It also offers advantages such as simple assembly and reduced risk of leakage. Furthermore, it makes the battery pack smaller and more compact.

[0027] Furthermore, the battery pack also includes a cap that engages with the external threads of the foremost small metal-air battery.

[0028] By adopting the above technical solution, after multiple small metal-air batteries are assembled, one end of the battery pack is equipped with a cap, and the cap is connected to the external thread, which can press the metal sheet of the first small metal-air battery and seal the battery pack.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following main advantages:

[0030] (1) The small metal-air battery of the present invention, through the setting of support body, air electrode plate, metal sheet, external thread and internal thread, adopts the design of meshing of front and rear battery internal threads and external threads to realize the manual assembly of the small metal-air battery without the aid of tools, and realizes a small metal-air battery pack device with small size, easy assembly and easy series connection. It solves the problems of large size, cumbersome assembly process and easy error in most laboratory metal-air battery devices, and the waste caused by excessively large metal sheets.

[0031] (2) The small metal-air battery of the present invention adopts a rubber ring design for sealing through the setting of the second sealing ring and the inlet hole. In particular, the air electrode part has two rubber rings with upper and lower structures to prevent leakage. The small metal-air battery with this design can greatly reduce the risk of leakage. In addition, in order to further solve the leakage problem, an inlet hole for electrolyte injection is opened on the side wall of the device housing by adding electrolyte. The second sealing ring is sleeved on the outside of the inlet hole. In actual application, the electrolyte is added into the small metal-air battery by inserting the syringe needle into the inlet hole, and then the inlet hole is sealed with the second sealing ring to solve the sealing problem and save on custom sealing parts. Therefore, the small metal-air battery is not only simple to assemble, but also easy to add electrolyte.

[0032] (3) The present invention uses a battery pack assembled from small metal-air batteries. The internal series connection is achieved by meshing the internal and external threads of the front and rear batteries. No external wires are required during the series connection process. The battery pack is small in size, can avoid leakage, and greatly improves the utilization rate of metal sheets and air electrode plates. It is convenient to use it in the laboratory to evaluate the ORR and OER performance of electrocatalysts. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the small metal-air battery of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the small metal-air battery of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the small metal-air battery of the present invention from another perspective;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the small metal-air battery of the present invention from another perspective;

[0037] Figure 5 This is an exploded structural diagram of the small metal-air battery of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a side view of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional connection diagram of the present invention.

[0040] In the figure: 1. Device housing; 2. Metal sheet; 3. First sealing ring; 4. Second sealing ring; 5. Third sealing ring; 6. Fourth sealing ring; 7. Air electrode plate; 8. Support body; 9. Placement area; 10. External thread; 11. Internal thread; 12. First through hole; 13. Inlet hole; 14. Second through hole; 15. Cap. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0042] The terminology used in the embodiments of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. In this invention, the singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” as used in the embodiments and appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0043] Furthermore, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” “front,” and “back” used in this invention are for descriptive purposes only, to distinguish the purposes from each other, and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated.

[0044] The overall structure of the present invention will be described below in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0045] Example 1.

[0046] A small metal-air battery, such as Figures 1-7 As shown, the device includes a housing 1. A metal sheet 2 is fixedly installed at one end of the housing 1, and an air electrode plate 7 is provided at the opposite end of the metal sheet 2. A support body 8 is provided at one end of the edge of the air electrode plate 7, and a placement area 9 is provided at the other end of the support body 8 opposite to the air electrode plate 7. The side wall of the support body 8 is provided with multiple sets of second through holes 14, and the second through holes 14 overlap with the first through holes 12. The first through holes 12 are provided on the side wall of the housing 1. The inner wall of one end of the housing 1 is provided with an internal thread 11, and the outer wall of the other end of the housing 1 is provided with an external thread 10. The side wall of the housing 1 is provided with an inlet hole 13, and a second sealing ring 4 is fitted on the outside of the inlet hole 13. This invention, through the arrangement of the support body 8, air electrode plate 7, metal sheet 2, external thread 10, and internal thread 11, and the design of the engagement between the internal thread 11 and the external thread 10 of the front and rear batteries, enables the manual assembly of this small metal-air battery without the need for tools. It also achieves a small-sized metal-air battery pack device that is easy to assemble and connect in series, solving the problems of large size, cumbersome and error-prone assembly processes, and waste caused by excessively large metal sheet 2 in most laboratory metal-air battery devices. Furthermore, the designed small metal-air batteries can be internally connected in series without the need for external wires, and the utilization rate of metal sheet 2 and air electrode plate 7 is greatly improved, facilitating their use in laboratory evaluation of the ORR and OER performance of electrocatalysts.

[0047] Furthermore, the present invention employs a rubber ring design for sealing through the setting of the second sealing ring 4 and the inlet hole 13. Especially in the air electrode part, the two types of upper and lower rubber rings are designed to prevent leakage. This design of the small metal-air battery can greatly reduce the risk of leakage. In addition, to further solve the leakage problem, an electrolyte injection inlet hole 13 is opened on the side wall of the device housing, and the second sealing ring 4 is fitted on the outside of the inlet hole 13. In practical applications, the electrolyte is added into the small metal-air battery by inserting a syringe needle into the inlet hole 13, and then the inlet hole 13 is sealed with the second sealing ring 4, thus solving the sealing problem and saving on custom-made sealing parts. Therefore, the small metal-air battery is not only simple to assemble, but also easy to add electrolyte.

[0048] Please see Figures 4-5 The inner wall of the device housing 1 is provided with a third sealing ring 5, which fits snugly against the support body 8, thereby improving the sealing performance between the support body 8 and the device housing 1, and effectively preventing the risk of damage to the support body 8. In addition, the support body 8 is a conductive support body, which facilitates internal series connection between batteries without the need for external wires.

[0049] Please see Figures 2-5 The support body 8 is in contact with the air electrode plate 7, and one end of the air electrode plate 7 is provided with a fourth sealing ring 6. The other end of the fourth sealing ring 6 is in contact with the inner wall of the device housing 1. The fourth sealing ring 6 can effectively buffer the air electrode plate 7 and prevent the air electrode plate 7 from directly contacting the device housing 1, thereby improving the overall performance of the device and improving the sealing around the air electrode plate 7 and the support body 8.

[0050] Please see Figures 4-5 The metal sheet 2 is used to engage with the placement area 9 of another small metal-air battery, and one end of the metal sheet 2 is provided with a first sealing ring 3. In practical applications, multiple small metal-air batteries are connected in series through the engagement of external threads 10 and internal threads 11, and the metal sheet 2 is engaged with the placement area 9, thereby enabling the metal-air battery module to achieve internal series connection without the need for wire connection, and the setting of the first sealing ring 3 improves the sealing around the metal sheet 2.

[0051] Please see Figures 1-5The inlet hole 13 is for injecting electrolyte and is located on one side of the external thread 10. The inlet hole 13 is formed on the side wall of the device housing 1. In practical applications, an injector needle is inserted into the inlet hole 13 to add electrolyte into the small metal-air battery. The inlet hole 13 is then sealed with the second sealing ring 4, thus further preventing leakage and simplifying electrolyte injection. Furthermore, the inlet hole 13 is preferably tapered, which ensures that gas is not easily retained inside the electrolyte when it is full.

[0052] Please see Figures 1-5 as well as Figure 7 The first through hole 12 and the second through hole 14 have the same shape and size, and are in the same position, so that external air can enter the inner wall of the support body 8 through the first through hole 12 and the second through hole 14. The first through hole 12 and the second through hole 14 ensure air circulation and also ensure the mechanical strength requirements of the small metal-air battery.

[0053] Please see Figures 1-5 Metal sheet 2 can be made of zinc, magnesium, aluminum, or lithium. The metal sheets selected above can undergo redox reactions, and are therefore suitable for use as metal sheets in the assembly of this small metal-air battery.

[0054] Please see Figures 1-5 The internal thread 11 is set with a circular arc thread profile; the external thread 10 is set with a circular arc thread profile. The circular arc thread profile of the internal thread 11 and the external thread 10 facilitates 3D printing and also saves materials.

[0055] Example 2.

[0056] A battery pack, please refer to Figures 6-7 The battery pack is assembled from a small metal-air battery as described in Example 1. The battery pack is assembled from multiple small metal-air batteries, making it suitable for various applications.

[0057] This battery pack contains at least two small metal-air batteries. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 6-7 The battery pack consists of three miniature metal-air batteries. The internal thread 11 of the first miniature metal-air battery engages with the external thread 10 of the second miniature metal-air battery, and the metal plate 2 of the second miniature metal-air battery engages with the placement area 9 of the first miniature metal-air battery. This allows the battery pack to be easily connected in series without the need for external wires, and it offers advantages such as simple assembly and reduced risk of leakage. Furthermore, it results in a smaller and more compact battery pack.

[0058] In this embodiment, please refer to Figures 6-7 The battery pack also includes a cap 15, which engages with the external thread 10 of the foremost small metal-air battery. When multiple small metal-air batteries are assembled, one end of the battery pack is provided with a cap 15, and the cap 15 is connected to the external thread 10, thereby pressing the metal sheet 2 of the foremost small metal-air battery and sealing the battery pack.

[0059] The working principle of this invention is as follows: multiple small metal-air batteries are connected in series through the meshing of external threads 10 and internal threads 11, and the metal sheet 2 is engaged with the placement area 9, thereby realizing the internal series connection of the metal-air battery module without the need for wire connection. The battery pack is more compact, and the design of the inlet hole 13 makes the assembly of the small metal-air battery device simple and the addition of electrolyte convenient. In addition, multiple sets of second through holes 14 are provided on the side of the support body 8. The second through holes 14 overlap with the first through holes 12 to form a hollow part, which ensures air circulation and meets the mechanical strength requirements of the device. The space utilization is more reasonable and it can be used to evaluate the ORR and OER performance of electrocatalysts in the laboratory.

[0060] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, these specific embodiments are merely explanations of the invention and are not intended to limit it. The specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art may make modifications, substitutions, and variations to the embodiments as needed without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, but such modifications, substitutions, and variations are protected by patent law as long as they are within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A small metal-air battery, comprising a device housing (1), characterized in that: A metal sheet (2) is fixedly mounted on one end of the device housing (1), and an air electrode plate (7) is provided on the opposite end of the metal sheet (2). A support body (8) is provided at one end of the edge of the air electrode plate (7), and a placement area (9) for engaging with the metal sheet (2) of another small metal-air battery is provided on the other end of the support body (8) opposite to the air electrode plate (7). The side wall of the support body (8) is provided with multiple sets of second through holes (14), and the second through holes (14) are connected to the first through holes. The holes (12) overlap, the first through hole (12) is provided on the side wall of the device housing (1), the inner wall of one end of the device housing (1) is provided with an internal thread (11), the outer wall of the other end of the device housing (1) is provided with an external thread (10), the side wall of the device housing (1) is only provided with an inlet hole (13), the inlet hole (13) is an inlet hole for electrolyte injection, and the inlet hole (13) is located on one side of the external thread (10), and a second sealing ring (4) is sleeved on the outside of the inlet hole (13). The inner wall of the device housing (1) is provided with a third sealing ring (5), and the third sealing ring (5) is in contact with the support body (8); The support (8) is an conductive support (8); The support (8) is attached to the air electrode plate (7), and one end of the air electrode plate (7) is provided with a fourth sealing ring (6), and the other end of the fourth sealing ring (6) is attached to the inner wall of the device housing (1); The metal sheet (2) is used to engage with the placement area (9) of another small metal-air battery, and one end of the metal sheet (2) is provided with a first sealing ring (3). The diameter of the end of the device housing (1) with internal thread (11) is greater than the diameter of the end with external thread (10).

2. A small metal-air battery according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first through hole (12) and the second through hole (14) have the same shape and size, and are in the same position.

3. A small metal-air battery according to claim 1, characterized in that: The metal sheet (2) includes zinc sheet, magnesium sheet, aluminum sheet or lithium sheet; and / or The internal thread is configured with a circular arc thread profile; and / or The external thread is configured as a circular arc thread profile.

4. A battery pack, characterized in that: It is assembled from a small metal-air battery as described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A battery pack according to claim 4, characterized in that: The small metal-air battery is at least two, with the internal thread (11) of the first small metal-air battery engaging with the external thread (10) of the second small metal-air battery, and the metal plate (2) of the second small metal-air battery engaging with the placement area (9) of the first small metal-air battery.

6. A battery pack according to claim 5, characterized in that: The battery pack also includes a cap (15) that engages with the external threads (10) of the foremost small metal-air battery.

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