Liquid-filled batteries

Abstract

To provide a liquid-filled battery that can achieve the desired performance. [Solution] The device comprises a container in which an electrolyte is sealed and which breaks when a predetermined impact force is applied; a power generation unit positioned adjacent to the downstream side of the container in the direction of the impact force and generating electricity when the electrolyte seeps in; and a weight provided on the upstream side of the container in the direction of the force and movable downstream in the direction of the force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid-injection type battery.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses a highly reliable liquid-injection type battery with stable output in which the electrolyte is reliably maintained in the power generation unit during flight. This liquid-injection type battery includes an ampoule filled with an electrolyte, a power generation unit composed of a plurality of single cells, and a structure having a liquid injection path and an exhaust path. The single cell is composed of a separator disposed with a gap formed between a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The ampoule and the power generation unit are linearly arranged via the liquid injection path. The liquid injection path is divided for each single cell and is located above the single cell so as to correspond to the gap of the single cell. Further, a liquid absorbent for holding the electrolyte in the gap is housed therein.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the liquid-injection type battery according to the above background art, when the flying object is launched, the ampoule is broken by the acting impact force, and the electrolyte leaks into the battery. Then, when this electrolyte soaks into the separator, the state of the liquid-injection type battery changes from an inactive state to an active state. In order for such a liquid-injection type battery to exhibit desired performance, it is necessary to sufficiently soak the separator with the electrolyte. For this purpose, it is necessary to continuously apply an impact force to the liquid-injection type battery for a predetermined period or more. [[ID=Z36]]

[0005] However, depending on the type of projectile, the direction of the impact force may reverse after launch. If the direction of the impact force reverses after launch, some of the electrolyte that has seeped into the separator will separate from the separator. As a result, there is a risk that the electrolyte-filled battery may not be able to perform as intended.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances and aims to provide a liquid-filled battery that can exhibit desired performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the present invention employs a first solution relating to a liquid-filling battery, comprising: a container in which an electrolyte is sealed and which is destroyed when a predetermined impact force is applied; a power generation unit positioned downstream of the container in the direction in which the impact force is applied and which generates electricity when the electrolyte seeps in; and a weight provided upstream of the container in the direction in which the force is applied and which is movable downstream in the direction in which the force is applied.

[0008] In the present invention, as a second solution relating to a liquid-filled battery, the first solution described above employs a method in which the weight is positioned on the upstream side and has a projection facing the container.

[0009] In the present invention, as a third solution relating to a liquid-filled battery, the present invention adopts the method of providing multiple protrusions at the same height or at different heights, as in the second solution described above.

[0010] In the present invention, as a fourth solution relating to a liquid-filled battery, the method adopted in the second or third solution described above is such that the container is destroyed by being pressed by the weight, and the fragments are contained around the protrusion.

[0011] In the present invention, as a fifth solution relating to a liquid-filled battery, the present invention adopts a method in which, in any of the first to fourth solutions described above, the movement of the weight toward the downstream side is restricted by a claw portion provided on its periphery, and when the impact force is applied, the weight overcomes the claw portion and applies a pressing force to the container.

[0012] In the present invention, as a sixth solution relating to a liquid-filled battery, a means is adopted in which, in any of the first to fifth solutions described above, a flow path is provided on the outer circumference of the weight to release air between the container and the power generation unit.

[0013] In the present invention, as a seventh solution relating to a liquid-filled battery, the container is provided with a recess in the central part of the downstream side that is recessed toward the upstream side, in any of the first to sixth solutions described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid-filled battery that can exhibit desired performance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] These are a cross-sectional view (a) and a cross-sectional perspective view (b) showing the structure of a liquid-filled battery according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the weight and weight case in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view showing the detailed configuration of the power generation unit in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the state change of a liquid-filled battery according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a magnified view showing fragments of an electrolyte ampoule in one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid injection type battery A according to this embodiment includes a case 1, a weight case 2, a weight 3, a first inner 4, an electrolyte ampoule 5, an electrolyte 6, a second inner 7, a filter 8, and a power generation unit 9. This liquid injection type battery A is a cylindrical object as a whole and is mounted, for example, inside a flying object.

[0017] Note that FIG. 1(a) is a cross-sectional view (vertical cross-section) showing a cross-section of the cylindrical liquid injection type battery A along its central axis. FIG. 1(b) is a perspective view of the above vertical cross-section. Such a liquid injection type battery A is a DC power supply that supplies DC power of a predetermined voltage to a power demand unit provided in a flying object.

[0018] The case 1 is a substantially cylindrical member formed from a predetermined metal material. That is, this case 1 is a cylindrical member having a predetermined diameter and both ends open. In this embodiment, the upper end portion in FIG. 1 is referred to as the upper end, and the lower end portion in FIG. 1 is referred to as the lower end. As shown in the figure, a protruding portion 1a that protrudes inward by a predetermined height and toward the center is provided at this lower end portion.

[0019] The weight case 2 is a bottomed cylindrical member formed from a predetermined resin material and is mounted inside the upper side of the case 1 as shown in the figure. This weight case 2 has flexibility. That is, this weight case 2 is a cylindrical member having a predetermined diameter, with the upper end closed and the lower end open. Such a weight case 2 is accommodated inside the case 1 with the weight 3 accommodated therein as shown in the figure.

[0020] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of claw portions 2a that protrude by a predetermined height are provided at the lower end opening of the weight case 2. That is, the plurality of claw portions 2a are provided in an annular shape at a predetermined interval at the lower end opening of the weight case 2. Such a plurality of claw portions 2a function as locking portions for holding the weight 3 inside the weight case 2 by abutting against the outer peripheral portion of the lower end of the weight 3.

[0021] Furthermore, a plurality of slits 2b are provided in the weight case 2. The plurality of slits 2b are rectangular portions that extend upward from the lower end opening of the weight case 2 at a predetermined dimension at an angle of 90° around the central axis of the weight case 2. Such a plurality of slits 2b are for increasing the amount of deflection of the weight case 2 and facilitating the accommodation of the weight 3 inside the weight case 2.

[0022] The weight 3 is a substantially columnar member formed from a predetermined metal material. That is, this weight 3 is a weight (heavy object) having a predetermined diameter and a predetermined weight. Such a weight 3 is stored in a state of being held inside the weight case 2 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0023] Here, although details will be described later, an impact force acts on the liquid injection type battery A at the start of flight of the flying object. The acting direction of this impact force is downward in the drawing. The weight 3 is provided upstream of the electrolyte ampoule 5 in the acting direction of such an impact force and is movable in the downstream direction in the acting direction, that is, in the direction of the electrolyte ampoule 5.

[0024] That is, when the above acceleration acts, the weight 3 moves to the downstream side (below the drawing) in the acting direction of the impact force by overcoming a plurality of claw portions 2a provided on the weight case 2. In this case, since the plurality of claw portions 2a are formed such that the weight case 2 has flexibility, they cannot resist the pressing force applied from the weight 3 and fall down to allow the weight 3 to pass downstream.

[0025] As shown in the drawing, such a weight 3 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 3a facing the electrolyte ampoule 5. That is, the plurality of protrusions 3a are portions that protrude downward from the lower end surface of the weight 3 at a predetermined height and are provided in a discrete state on the lower end surface of the weight 3. Such a plurality of protrusions 3a are for effectively destroying the electrolyte ampoule 5 when it comes into contact with the electrolyte ampoule 5.

[0026] As shown in the figure, the heights of the multiple protrusions 3a from the lower end surface of the weight 3 are all the same, but they may be different as needed. For example, the protrusions 3a closer to the center on the lower end surface of the weight 3 may be made higher. Conversely, the protrusions 3a closer to the center on the lower end surface of the weight 3 may be made lower.

[0027] The first inner 4 is a cylindrical member formed from a predetermined resin material and is installed in the center of the inside of the case 1, as shown in Figure 1. That is, the first inner 4 is a cylindrical member having a predetermined diameter and open at both ends (upper and lower ends). Such a first inner 4 is a protective member that protects the electrolyte ampoule 5 housed inside.

[0028] As shown in the figure, the first inner 4 is provided with a projection 4a that protrudes inward to a predetermined height. This projection 4a is provided at the lower end of the first inner 4 in an annular (ring-shaped), or endless, form, and is for holding the electrolyte ampoule 5. Such a first inner 4 houses the electrolyte ampoule 5 while holding it inside.

[0029] The electrolyte ampoule 5 is an ampoule, that is, a bottomed cylindrical container made of glass. In other words, this electrolyte ampoule 5 is a cylindrical container with a predetermined diameter and both ends (upper and lower ends) closed. Such an electrolyte ampoule 5 has a roughly cylindrical internal space that serves as the storage space for the electrolyte 6, and it can hold a predetermined volume of electrolyte 6.

[0030] Furthermore, the electrolyte ampoule 5 is a container that is destroyed by a predetermined impact force. As described above, a predetermined impact force acts on the liquid-filled battery A during the flight of the projectile. Due to the action of this impact force, the weight 3 moves downward and makes contact, destroying the electrolyte ampoule 5.

[0031] Furthermore, the electrolyte ampoule 5 is provided with a recess 5a. As shown in the figure, this recess 5a is a depression located in the center of the lower end of the electrolyte ampoule 5. In other words, this recess 5a is the part of the lower surface center of the electrolyte ampoule 5 that is recessed upward, and is closer to the upper end of the electrolyte ampoule 5.

[0032] The electrolyte 6 is a liquid obtained by dissolving an ionic substance in a predetermined solvent, and it is electrically conductive. This electrolyte 6 is, for example, a perchloric acid aqueous solution obtained by dissolving perchloric acid in water as a solvent. Such an electrolyte 6 is sealed inside the electrolyte ampoule 5 described above. In other words, the electrolyte 6 is contained in a state that prevents it from scattering inside the liquid-filling battery A before the projectile takes flight.

[0033] The second inner 7 is a bottomed cylindrical member formed from a predetermined resin material and is installed on the lower inside of the case 1 as shown in the figure. That is, this second inner 7 is a cylindrical member having a predetermined diameter, with its lower end closed and its upper end open. Such a second inner 7 is a protective member that protects the power generation unit 9 housed inside.

[0034] As shown in the figure, the second inner 7 is provided with an engaging portion 7a at its lower end. This engaging portion 7a is a recess that engages with the protrusion 1a of the case 1, and is provided in an annular (ring-shaped), or endless, form at the lower end of the first inner 4, thereby restricting the downward movement of the second inner 7. This second inner 7 houses the power generation unit 9 while holding it inside.

[0035] The filter 8 is a disc-shaped member formed from a predetermined resin material and is installed inside the case 1 between the electrolyte ampoule 5 and the power generation unit 9, as shown in Figure 1. That is, the filter 8 is positioned between the electrolyte ampoule 5 and the power generation unit 9 perpendicular to the central axis of the cylindrical electrolyte-filling battery A. As shown in Figure 1(b), numerous holes are discretely formed in the filter 8. Such a filter 8 prevents fragments of the electrolyte ampoule 5 from entering the power generation unit 9.

[0036] The power generation unit 9 is generally cylindrical in shape and is located inside the second inner unit 7, as shown in Figure 1. This power generation unit 9 is positioned downstream of the electrolyte ampoule 5 in the direction of the impact force acting on the aforementioned electrolyte-filled battery A (downward direction in the paper).

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the power generation unit 9 is made up of multiple positive electrodes 9a, multiple negative electrodes 9b, and multiple separators 9c stacked alternately, and has a predetermined diameter as a whole. This power generation unit 9 is activated and generates electricity when the electrolyte 6 that flows out from the electrolyte ampoule 5 permeates into it, producing DC power of a predetermined voltage.

[0038] Multiple positive electrodes 9a, multiple negative electrodes 9b, and multiple separators 9c are stacked such that the stacking direction, corresponding to the left-right direction in Figure 3, is perpendicular to the central axis of the cylindrical liquid-filled battery A. That is, each of the multiple negative electrodes 9b and multiple separators 9c is a rectangular member formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and its size differs depending on the stacking position.

[0039] The multiple positive electrodes 9a are rectangular members formed from a predetermined conductive material, and their size varies depending on their stacking position. In other words, the positive electrodes 9a closer to the center of the stacking are formed with a larger outer shape, and conversely, the ones further from the center of the stacking are formed with a smaller outer shape.

[0040] The negative electrode 9b is a rectangular member formed from a different conductive material than the positive electrode 9a, and like the multiple positive electrodes 9a, its size varies depending on its stacking position. That is, like the multiple positive electrodes 9a, the negative electrodes 9b have a larger outer shape the closer they are to the center of the stacking, and conversely, the ones further from the center of the stacking have a smaller outer shape.

[0041] Furthermore, the multiple separators 9c are substantially rectangular members formed from a porous insulating material, and their size varies depending on their stacking position. That is, similar to the multiple positive electrodes 9a and the multiple negative electrodes 9b, the separators 9c are formed so that those closer to the center of the stacking are larger in external shape, and conversely, those further from the center of the stacking are smaller in external shape.

[0042] Such multiple separators 9c are provided between the positive electrode 9a and the negative electrode 9b, and around the positive electrode 9a and the positive electrode 9a and negative electrode 9b located at the stacking edges, so that the positive electrode 9a and the negative electrode 9b do not come into mechanical contact with each other. In other words, the multiple separators 9c are provided so as to individually cover the multiple positive electrode 9a and the multiple negative electrode 9b. The multiple separators 9c are, for example, porous films made of resin.

[0043] Next, the state changes of the electrolyte-filled battery A according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figure 4.

[0044] Figure 4 shows the state change of the electrolyte-filled battery A after the projectile begins flight. In Figure 4, the arrow above the electrolyte-filled battery A indicates the direction of the projectile's flight. In other words, in Figure 4, the projectile flies upwards at a predetermined speed. Such a projectile begins to fly in the direction of flight (upwards) when an extreme impact is applied from the outside.

[0045] Therefore, at the start of flight, an initial acceleration acts on the liquid-filled battery A in the direction of flight. This initial acceleration acts on the liquid-filled battery A in the opposite direction to the direction of the initial acceleration, that is, in the downward direction. This initial impact force acts as a downward external force on the heavy object, weight 3.

[0046] As described above, weight 3 is held inside weight case 2 by a plurality of claws 2a provided at the lower end opening of weight case 2. However, when an impact force is applied, weight 3 overcomes the claws 2a and begins to move downward. Then, the plurality of protrusions 3a provided on weight 3 come into contact with the upper end of electrolyte ampoule 5 and destroy the electrolyte ampoule 5.

[0047] In other words, as shown in the leftmost diagram of Figure 4, the electrolyte ampoule 5 is destroyed first from the upper end closer to the weight 3. Then, the projection 3a of the weight 3 comes into contact with the recess 5a of the electrolyte ampoule 5, as shown in the second diagram from the left of Figure 4, and destroys the recess 5a, as shown in the second diagram from the right of Figure 4.

[0048] As a result, the electrolyte 6 sealed in the electrolyte ampoule 5 flows first from the lower center of the electrolyte ampoule 5, where the recess 5a has been destroyed, towards the filter 8 below. The electrolyte 6 then passes through the filter 8 and enters the power generation unit 9. In other words, in the electrolyte ampoule 5, because the recess 5a in the lower center is destroyed first by the weight 3, the electrolyte 6 enters the upper center of the power generation unit 9 first, rather than the upper periphery.

[0049] As shown in the far right diagram of Figure 4, the electrolyte ampoule 5 is destroyed not only at the recess 5a (center of the lower end) but at its entire lower end as the weight 3 descends further. In other words, the electrolyte ampoule 5 is destroyed entirely by contact with the protrusion 3a of the weight 3. As a result, most of the electrolyte 6 sealed in the electrolyte ampoule 5 seeps into the interior from the upper end of the power generation unit 9.

[0050] Here, as the weight 3 moves downstream, the air between the electrolyte ampoule 5 and the filter 8 flows to the upper side of the weight 3, passing through the gap between the side of the weight 3 and the inner surface of the first inner 4, as shown in the far right diagram of Figure 4. As a result, it is possible to prevent the air from acting on the lower end of the weight 3 to exert pressure that would otherwise suppress its downstream movement.

[0051] Then, as shown in Figure 5, the weight 3 stops descending when its lower peripheral edge comes into contact with the protrusion 4a of the first inner 4. In other words, the weight 3 stops descending just before the protrusion 3a comes into contact with the filter 8. As a result, the weight 3 does not exert any pressing force on the filter 8 and the power generation unit 9.

[0052] Furthermore, the destruction of the electrolyte ampoule 5 generates fragments 5d of the electrolyte ampoule 5. As shown in Figure 5, these fragments 5d are contained in the gaps formed around the multiple spaced protrusions 3a at the lower end of the weight 3. In other words, the fragments 5d of the electrolyte ampoule 5 are contained in the space formed between the multiple protrusions 3a and do not enter the power generation unit 9.

[0053] The electrolyte-filling battery A according to this embodiment comprises an electrolyte ampoule 5 (container) containing an electrolyte 6 that is destroyed when a predetermined impact force is applied, a power generation unit 9 positioned downstream of the electrolyte ampoule 5 (container) in the direction of the impact force and generating electricity as the electrolyte 6 seeps into it, and a weight 3 (weight) provided upstream of the electrolyte ampoule 5 (container) in the direction of the impact force and movable downstream in the direction of the impact.

[0054] In this embodiment, the weight 3 moves and presses against and breaks the electrolyte ampoule 5 (container) from the upstream side, so that the electrolyte 6 sealed in the electrolyte ampoule 5 (container) is accurately permeated by the power generation unit 9 on the downstream side. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to suppress poor permeation of the electrolyte 6 into the power generation unit 9, thereby enabling the electrolyte-filling battery A to exhibit the desired performance.

[0055] Furthermore, in the electrolyte-filled battery A according to this embodiment, the weight 3 (weight) is positioned upstream of the electrolyte ampoule 5 (container) in the direction of the impact force acting on the electrolyte-filled battery A, and has a projection 3a facing the electrolyte ampoule 5 (container). According to this embodiment, it is possible to effectively destroy the electrolyte ampoule 5 (container).

[0056] Furthermore, in the electrolyte-filled battery A according to this embodiment, the protrusions 3a of the weight 3 are provided in multiple locations at the same height or at different heights. According to this embodiment, it is possible to destroy the electrolyte ampoule 5 (container) more effectively compared to the case where a single protrusion 3a is provided.

[0057] Furthermore, in the electrolyte-filled battery A according to this embodiment, the electrolyte ampoule 5 (container) is destroyed by being pressed by the weight 3 (weight), and the fragments 5d are contained around the projection 3a. According to this embodiment, it is possible to effectively prevent the fragments 5d from entering the power generation unit 9.

[0058] Furthermore, in the electrolyte-filled battery A according to this embodiment, the weight 3 (weight) is restricted from moving downstream by a claw portion 2a provided at its peripheral edge, that is, at the lower end opening of the weight case 2. When an impact force is applied, the weight overcomes the claw portion 2a, thereby applying a pressing force to the electrolyte ampoule 5 (container). According to this embodiment, by providing the claw portion 2a, it is possible to easily hold the weight 3 (weight) and move it downstream.

[0059] Furthermore, in the electrolyte-filled battery A according to this embodiment, a gap (flow channel) is provided on the side (outer circumference) of the weight 3 (weight) to allow air to escape between the electrolyte ampoule 5 (container) and the power generation unit 9. According to this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the pressure exerted on the weight 3 (weight) by air that would otherwise restrict its movement downstream.

[0060] Furthermore, in the electrolyte-filling battery A according to this embodiment, the electrolyte ampoule 5 (container) has a recess 5a in the central part on the downstream side, i.e., the central part of the lower end, that is recessed on the upstream side, i.e., the upper end. According to this embodiment, since the central part on the downstream side (central part of the lower end) of the electrolyte ampoule 5 (container) is destroyed first, it is possible to effectively permeate the central part of the power generation unit 9 with the electrolyte 6.

[0061] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and for example, the following modifications are possible. The container, power generation unit, and weight in the present invention are not limited to the electrolyte ampoule 5, power generation unit 9, and weight 3 in the above embodiment. For example, the container in the present invention does not need to be made of glass like the electrolyte ampoule 5. The container in the present invention only needs to be able to break under pressure from the weight, and may be made of a material other than glass.

[0062] Furthermore, the power generation unit in the present invention is not limited to a configuration where, as in the power generation unit 9 of the above embodiment, the overall structure is substantially cylindrical by increasing the outer shape of the rectangular members formed by a plurality of positive electrodes 9a, a plurality of negative electrodes 9b, and a plurality of separators 9c, with the outer shape increasing closer to the center of the stack. In other words, the shapes of the positive electrodes 9a, negative electrodes 9b, and separators 9c are not limited to a rectangular shape, and the overall shape of the power generation unit 9 is not limited to a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0063] Furthermore, the weight in the present invention is not limited to the weight 3 in the above embodiment. For example, the multiple protrusions 3a may be omitted from the weight 3. Alternatively, instead of multiple protrusions 3a, a single protrusion 3a may be provided at the center of the lower end of the weight 3. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] A Injectable battery 1 case 2 Weight Cases 3 weights 4. First Inner 5 Electrolyte ampoules 6 Electrolyte 7. Second Inner 8 filters 9. Power Generation Department

Claims

1. A container that contains an electrolyte solution and is destroyed when a predetermined impact force is applied, A power generation unit is positioned downstream of the container in the direction of the impact force, and generates electricity as the electrolyte seeps in; A weight is provided on the upstream side of the container in the aforementioned direction of action and is movable on the downstream side in the aforementioned direction of action. A liquid-filling battery characterized by having the following features.

2. The liquid-filling battery according to claim 1, characterized in that the weight is positioned on the upstream side and has a projection facing the container.

3. The liquid-filled battery according to claim 2, characterized in that the aforementioned protrusions are provided in multiple locations at the same height or at different heights.

4. The liquid-filled battery according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the container is destroyed by being pressed by the weight, and the fragments are contained around the projection.

5. The liquid-filling battery according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the movement of the weight toward the downstream side is restricted by a claw portion provided on its peripheral edge, and when the impact force is applied, it overcomes the claw portion and applies a pressing force to the container.

6. The liquid-filled battery according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a flow path is provided on the outer circumference of the weight to release air between the container and the power generation unit.

7. The liquid-filling battery according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container has a recess in the central part of the downstream side that is recessed toward the upstream side.

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