Power supply device set, power supply device, and battery cartridge

Abstract

This power supply device set comprises: a battery cartridge that includes a battery assembly having a plurality of air battery cells, and that includes a battery-side terminal connected to the battery assembly; a housing capable of detachably accommodating the battery cartridge; and a power supply device that includes a power supply device-side terminal to which the battery-side terminal is detachably connected when the battery cartridge is accommodated in the housing, that includes a voltage output terminal which is exposed from the housing, to which a terminal of an electronic device can be connected, and which is capable of outputting, to the electronic device, a DC voltage outputted from the battery cartridge via the power supply device-side terminal, and that includes a circuit which outputs the DC voltage from the power supply device-side terminal to the voltage output terminal.

Description

Power supply set, power supply and battery cartridge

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply device, a battery cartridge housed in the power supply device, and a power supply device set having the power supply device and the battery cartridge.

[0002] When charging an electronic device, it is known to install a charger powered by an external power source and charge the battery of the electronic device (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Utility Model Registration No. 3218109

[0004] However, if an external power source becomes unavailable due to a disaster or the like, it will become impossible to supply power from the charger to the electronic device.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a power supply device that is particularly suitable for charging electronic devices during disasters, a battery cartridge to be housed in the power supply device, and a power supply device set that includes the power supply device and the battery cartridge.

[0006] A power supply set according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: 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 housing capable of detachably accommodating the battery cartridge; a power supply device having a power supply terminal portion to which the battery-side terminal portion is detachably connected when the battery cartridge is accommodated in the housing; a voltage output terminal portion exposed from the housing, capable of connecting to a terminal of an electronic device, and capable of outputting a DC voltage output from the battery cartridge via the power supply-side terminal portion to the electronic device; and a circuit portion that outputs the DC voltage from the power supply-side terminal portion to the voltage output terminal portion.

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a power supply device that is particularly suitable for charging electronic devices during disasters, a battery cartridge that is housed in the power supply device, and a power supply device set that includes the power supply device and the battery cartridge.

[0008] The effects described here are not necessarily limited to those described herein, and may be any of the effects described in this disclosure.

[0009] 1 shows a power supply set according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 shows a battery cartridge; FIG. 3 shows the structure of a power supply; FIG. 4 shows the circuit section of a power supply; FIG. 5 shows the discharge characteristics of a zinc-air battery; FIG. 6 shows the discharge characteristics of a lithium-ion battery; FIG. 7 shows an example of a discharge curve resulting from a discharge test of a zinc-air battery; FIG. 8 shows a prediction of the slope of battery capacity consumption; FIG. 9 shows the basic principle circuit of a power meter; FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of the principle of a changeover switch; FIG. 11 shows a schematic diagram of the arrangement of a fan and a battery cartridge; and FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the backflow prevention function.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] 1. Power supply set

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a power supply set according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] The power supply set 1 includes two battery cartridges 10 and a power supply unit 20 .

[0014] The two battery cartridges 10 are identical. Hereinafter, unless there is a need to distinguish between two or more components, only one component will be described. The battery cartridge 10 has a battery terminal 101. The battery terminal 101 is a three-pin connector, e.g., a female type.

[0015] The power supply device 20 has a housing 200 and, inside, two power supply device-side terminal units 201. A changeover switch 202, two lamps 203, a main switch 204, two remaining capacity indicators 205, and a voltage output terminal unit 206 are provided and exposed on a front surface 211 of the housing 200.

[0016] The housing 200 can detachably accommodate two battery cartridges 10. The battery cartridges 10 can be replaced after consumption as fuel for the power supply device 20. When two battery cartridges 10 are accommodated in the housing 200, the battery-side terminals 101 of the two battery cartridges 10 are detachably connected to the two power supply device-side terminals 201. The power supply device-side terminals 201 are 3-pin connectors, e.g., male type.

[0017] The voltage output terminal unit 206 can be connected to a terminal of an external electronic device (not shown), and can output to the electronic device the DC voltage output from the battery cartridge 10 via the power supply device side terminal unit 201. The voltage output terminal unit 206 has a first main voltage output terminal 207, a second main voltage output terminal 208, and a sub-voltage output terminal 209.

[0018] The first main voltage output terminal 207 and the second main voltage output terminal 208 have the same specifications as a vehicle cigarette lighter socket, are detachable terminals for external electronic devices (not shown), and each outputs a DC voltage of 12 V to the electronic device.

[0019] The main switch 204 can reversibly turn on and off the electrical connection between the two battery cartridges 10 connected via the two power supply device side terminals 201 and the voltage output terminal 206. 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 two remaining amount indicators 205. The remaining amount indicators 205 may display the battery capacities by emitting different colors of light (e.g., green, yellow, red).

[0020] The changeover switch 202 is a switch for switching the voltage output mode between a simultaneous output mode and a single 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 single output mode, power can be supplied from the first main voltage output terminal 207, but not from the second main voltage output terminal 208. This allows power to be supplied to one electronic device for twice the time.

[0021] The two lamps 203 respectively indicate whether or not power can be supplied from the first main voltage output terminal 207 and the second main voltage output terminal 208. In the simultaneous output mode, the 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 single-side output mode, the one lamp 203 corresponding to the first main voltage output terminal 207 is lit, and the one lamp 203 corresponding to the second main voltage output terminal 208 is extinguished.

[0022] 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.).

[0023] 2. Battery cartridge

[0024] FIG. 2 shows the battery cartridge.

[0025] 1A is a perspective view of the battery cartridge 10. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a battery assembly 102 included in the battery cartridge 10. FIG. 1C is a side view of the battery cartridge 10.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1A, the battery cartridge 10 includes a battery assembly 102 , a battery terminal portion 101 connected to the battery assembly 102 , a packaging container 103 , and a grip 104 .

[0027] As shown in (B), the battery assembly 102 has a plurality (24 in this example) of air battery cells 100. The air battery cell 100 is an air battery (also called a metal-air battery), which is a primary battery, covered with a cover made of, for example, ABS resin.

[0028] As shown in (C), the air battery cell 100 has an oxygen introduction portion 110, a positive electrode current collecting layer 120, a negative electrode active material layer, and a negative electrode 130.

[0029] The oxygen introducing portion 110 has an oxygen introducing surface that can be exposed to air, and introduces oxygen in the air as a positive electrode active material.

[0030] The positive electrode current collecting layer 120 contains an electrolyte that reacts with oxygen introduced from the oxygen introducing section 110. Specifically, the oxygen introducing section 110 is an MEA (Membrane Electrode Assembly), which is a membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell in which a catalyst layer, an electrolyte membrane, and a gas diffusion layer are stacked. The positive electrode current collecting layer 120 contains an electrolyte that transports carriers between the oxygen introducing section 110, which functions as a positive electrode, and the negative electrode active material layer and negative electrode 130, which function as negative electrodes. 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.

[0031] The negative electrode active material layer and the negative electrode 130 are laminated on the positive electrode current collecting layer 120 and contain a metal as the negative electrode active material. The negative electrode 130 may be in a mesh shape. The negative electrode active material layer 130 typically contains zinc as the metal, but may also contain tin, aluminum, magnesium, lithium, or the like. When the negative electrode active material layer 130 contains zinc, the air battery cell 100 can be said to be an air-zinc battery cell.

[0032] The battery assembly 102 is composed of six stacked sets of air battery cells 100 arranged in a 2x2 configuration. When the battery cartridge 10 is housed in the housing 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 introducing 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 part 110 and the positive electrode current collecting layer 120 is improved. Conversely, if the oxygen introducing part 110 is located in the uppermost layer, a gap may be generated between the oxygen introducing part 110 and the positive electrode current collecting layer 120, which may reduce power generation efficiency.

[0033] The packaging container 103 is, for example, a cardboard box, and integrally packages the battery assembly 102 (24 air battery cells 100). The packaging container 103 has openings 105 on a pair of opposing side surfaces that serve as air passages. The openings 105 expose the stacked surfaces of the oxygen introduction section 110, the positive electrode current collecting layer 120, the negative electrode active material layer, and the negative electrode 130 of the air battery cell 100. 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. The air is exhausted through the opening 105 on the other side. A sponge frame made of ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM) or the like may be provided on a portion of the inner layer of the packaging container 103. This allows the battery assembly 102 and the battery-side terminal section 101 to be easily stored.

[0034] The grip 104 is attached to the packaging container 103 and is used to attach and detach the battery cartridge 10 to and from the housing 200 .

[0035] 3. Structure of the power supply set

[0036] FIG. 3 shows the structure of the power supply set.

[0037] 1A is a rear view of the power supply set 1 (power supply 20), FIG. 1B is an internal configuration diagram of the power supply set 1 seen from above, and FIG. 1C is a front view of the power supply set 1 (power supply 20).

[0038] The power supply device 20 has, within the housing 200 , one or more intake ports 215 , exhaust ports 216 , a fan 217 , a chamber 218 , a partition wall 219 , and a temperature sensor 220 .

[0039] The rear surface 212 opposite the front surface 211 of the housing 200 is configured as a door that can be opened entirely, and functions as a battery replacement opening for attaching and detaching the two battery cartridges 10 .

[0040] The partition wall 219 is provided on a plane perpendicular to the front surface 211 and the rear surface 212, and divides the storage space of the housing 200 into two equal parts. Two battery cartridges 10 can be stored in each of the spaces partitioned by the partition wall 219.

[0041] One or more (four in this example) air intakes 215 are provided on the rear surface 212. When two battery cartridges 10 are housed in the housing 200, the stacking surfaces of the sets of air battery cells 100 stacked in six layers face each of the four air intakes 215. Filters are provided in the four air intakes 215. The four air intakes 215 supply air from the outside to the multiple air battery cells 100.

[0042] The chamber 218 is a space between the two battery cartridges 10 and the fan 217. Air that is supplied from the air intake 215 and has passed through the multiple air battery cells 100 reaches the chamber 218.

[0043] The temperature sensor 220 is provided in the 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. The temperature sensor 220 measures the temperature of the air inside the chamber 218. The temperature sensor 220 is, for example, a thermocouple.

[0044] The fan 217 is a blower fan. The axial direction of the fan 217's air intake port coincides with the direction from the rear surface 212 to the front surface 211 of the housing 200 and faces the two battery cartridges 10. The surface of the fan 217 opposite the air intake port faces the front surface 211 of the housing 200. The axis of the fan 217 approximately coincides with the center of the front surface 211 of the housing 200. The air outlet of the fan 217 is adjacent to the air outlet 216 of the housing 200. The air outlet 216 is provided on one side surface 213 of the housing 200, closer to the front surface 211. The fan 217 draws in and exhausts air from the chamber 218. Specifically, operation of the fan 217 creates a negative pressure in the chamber 218, allowing air flowing in through one or more air intake ports 215 to smoothly flow into the chamber 218, pass through the fan 217, and be exhausted from the air outlet 216.

[0045] When the main switch 204 is turned on, the motor operates and rotates the fan 217. As a result, air flows in through the multiple air intake ports 215, flows into each stacking boundary of the multiple air battery cells 100 facing the multiple air intake ports 215, flows from each air battery cell 100 into the chamber 218, and is exhausted from the housing 200 via the exhaust port 216 by the fan 217. This allows air to circulate effectively through the two battery cartridges 10, ensuring that a sufficient amount of oxygen for the chemical reaction in the air battery cells 100 is supplied to the oxygen introduction surface, and at the same time, the reaction heat cooling performance of the multiple air battery cells 100 is improved, suppressing temperature rise.

[0046] The air battery cell 100 generates heat as it generates electricity through chemical reactions between materials inside. If this heat exceeds an appropriate range and thermal runaway occurs, the performance of the air battery cell 100 will rapidly deteriorate. In particular, when the outside temperature is high in the summer, heat will run away inside the air battery cell 100, significantly affecting performance degradation. The structure of this embodiment effectively cools the air battery cell 100 to prevent this, and at the same time, it is possible to suppress the effects of high temperatures on the circuit section (described below).

[0047] 4. Power supply circuit section

[0048] FIG. 4 shows the circuitry of the power supply device.

[0049] The power supply device 20 has a circuit section 300. The circuit section 300 outputs a DC voltage from a power supply device side terminal section 201 connected to two battery cartridges 10 to a voltage output terminal section 206 (a first main voltage output terminal 207, a second main voltage output terminal 208, and a sub-voltage output terminal 209).

[0050] (1) Battery cartridge and terminals

[0051] The battery assembly 102 of the battery cartridge 10 includes a first series battery group BT1-BT2 and a second series battery group BT3-BT4. The first series battery group BT1-BT2 includes 12 series-connected air battery cells 100, each of which is configured by two sets BT1 and BT2 of air battery cells 100 stacked in six layers and connected in series. The second series battery group BT3-BT4 includes 12 series-connected air battery cells 100, each of which is configured by two sets BT3 and BT4 of air battery cells 100 stacked in six layers and connected in series. The first series battery group BT1-BT2 and the second series battery group BT3-BT4 are connected in parallel. The battery assembly 102 includes a total of 24 air battery cells 100.

[0052] The air battery cell 100 has, for example, a load voltage of DC 1.1 V and a nominal voltage (open circuit voltage) of DC 1.4 V. The number of series-connected cells in the first series battery group BT1-BT2 and the second series battery group BT3-BT4 is 12. Therefore, the open circuit voltage (OCV) of the battery assembly 102 in one battery cartridge 10 is 1.4 x 12 = 16.8 V.

[0053] The battery terminal portion 101 of the battery cartridge 10 has a first battery pin M1, a second battery pin M2, and a third battery pin M3. The first battery pin M1 is connected to the positive terminal of the first series battery group BT1-BT2. The second battery pin M2 is connected to the positive terminal of the second series battery group BT3-BT4. The third battery pin M3 is connected in parallel to the negative terminal of the first series battery group BT1-BT2 and the negative terminal of the second series battery group BT3-BT4.

[0054] The power supply terminal unit 201 has a first case pin F1, a second case pin F2, and a third case pin F3. The first case pin F1 is detachably connectable to the first battery pin M1. The second case pin F2 is detachably connectable to the second battery pin M2 and is connected to the first case pin F1. The third case pin F3 is detachably connectable to the third battery pin M3 and is connected to ground.

[0055] Within the battery cartridge 10, the positive electrodes of the first series battery group BT1-BT2 and the second series battery group BT3-BT4, which are connected in parallel, are not connected to each other but are connected in parallel to the first battery pin M1 and the second battery pin M2, respectively. Therefore, within the power supply device 20, by connecting the second case pin F2 to the first case pin F1, the currents of the first series battery group BT1-BT2 and the second series battery group BT3-BT4 are unified. Isolating the positive electrodes of the first series battery group BT1-BT2 and the second series battery group BT3-BT4 prevents self-deterioration of the battery assembly 102 due to electrical transfer between the first series battery group BT1-BT2 and the second series battery group BT3-BT4 while the battery cartridge 10 is stored.

[0056] (2) Power meter

[0057] The two power meters 301 are connected to the two power supply device terminal units 201 in a one-to-one relationship via the main switch 204. The power meters 301 measure the battery capacity (remaining capacity) of the battery assemblies 102 connected via the power supply device terminal units 201. The operating principle of the power meters 301 will be described below.

[0058] FIG. 5 shows the discharge characteristics of a zinc-air battery.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 5, the voltage of a zinc-air battery fluctuates little up to the end voltage during discharge, so the remaining battery capacity cannot be measured based on the voltage change.

[0060] FIG. 6 shows the discharge characteristics of a lithium ion battery.

[0061] As shown in Figure 6, the voltage of a lithium-ion battery decreases during discharge, so it is possible to calculate the remaining battery capacity by differentiating the amount of voltage drop. For a zinc-air battery (Figure 5), the remaining battery capacity cannot be calculated using this method (differentiating the amount of voltage drop). Therefore, in this embodiment, the remaining battery capacity of the battery assembly 102, which is a zinc-air battery, is measured using the following method.

[0062] First, the measurement principle is explained. The battery-side terminal 101, which is the output terminal of the battery cartridge 10, is electronically shorted temporarily (i.e., for an extremely short, predetermined period of time). This temporary short lasts for a few nanoseconds (1 nanosecond = 1 billionth of a second). As a result, there is almost no effect on power consumption, and because it is an electronic short, there is no effect on the load device, and deterioration of the battery cartridge 10 can be prevented. Three types of data are detected: the current A when the battery-side terminal 101 is temporarily shorted, the recovery voltage V after a predetermined time (e.g., 1 second) after the short, and P(W) = A x V.

[0063] The detection data A, V, and P(W) change as the battery capacity decreases. Specifically, it is thought that the current A gradually decreases as the remaining battery capacity of the air-zinc battery decreases. In addition, it is thought that the time required for voltage recovery gradually increases, and as a result, the recovery voltage V after the same time gradually decreases. For this reason, it is thought that the value of P(W) = A x V gradually decreases as the remaining battery capacity of the air-zinc battery decreases.

[0064] Therefore, statistical values ​​of the three types of data (A, V, P) and detection intervals are programmed and embedded in the microcomputer control circuit in advance. These statistical values ​​are determined by measuring several tens of battery cartridges 10 in advance, and the average value P(W) is used as a reference. Specifically, at least pairs of data of P(W) and remaining battery capacity are stored in a table format, for example, in the microcomputer (not shown) of the power meter 301. Alternatively, pairs of data of the three types of data (A, V, P) and remaining battery capacity are stored in a table format, for example, in the microcomputer of the power meter 301.

[0065] The microcomputer of the power meter 301 periodically shorts the battery side terminal 101 temporarily, detects three types of data (A, V, P), and reads the remaining charge of the battery assembly 102 from the table based on the change in the data.

[0066] FIG. 7 shows an example of a discharge curve obtained as a result of a discharge test of a zinc-air battery at 3 A.

[0067] In the figure, the vertical axis represents voltage (DCV) and the horizontal axis represents elapsed time. The battery capacity is 630 Wh. It can be seen that there is little change in voltage under a constant current load of 3 A.

[0068] FIG. 8 shows the predicted battery capacity depletion slope.

[0069] As shown in Figure 8, the voltage (DCV) does not decrease, but the current A when shorted, the recovery voltage V, and the value of P(W) = A x V decrease. The decrease in battery capacity over time makes it possible to measure the remaining battery capacity.

[0070] FIG. 9 shows the basic principle circuit of the power meter.

[0071] In the basic circuit of the power meter 301, the microcomputer control circuit is omitted from the illustration. BT1 is the 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 for Q1.

[0072] The operating principle of this basic circuit will be explained below. First, the electronic switch (S1) is turned on for a few nanoseconds. This causes the MOSFET (Q1) to electronically short-circuit the battery cartridge 10 (BT1). A few nanoseconds later, the electronic switch (S1) is turned off, and the voltage begins to recover. The current meter (M2) detects the short-circuit current value from the SHUNT resistor (R1). The voltage meter (M1) detects the recovery voltage a predetermined time (e.g., 1 second) after the short circuit. Note that the short-circuit time of the electronic switch (S1), the delay time for measuring the recovery voltage (e.g., 1 second), the SHUNT resistance value, and the detection gap can be changed to optimize the measurement.

[0073] The remaining capacity indicator 205 may be incorporated into a microcomputer control circuit. The remaining capacity indicator 205 displays the battery capacity measured by the power meter. The remaining capacity may be displayed digitally as a numerical value such as a percentage. Alternatively, an analog display according to the remaining capacity may be used. As an example of an analog display, the remaining capacity may be displayed by lamp color, such as a green lamp indicating 50-100%, a yellow lamp indicating 20-50%, and a red lamp indicating 20% ​​or less.

[0074] (3) Selector switch

[0075] Hereinafter, when there are multiple identical parts and they need to be distinguished from one another, they will be referred to as "first" and "second" and will be distinguished by adding "A" and "B" to the reference numeral. For example, two battery cartridges 10 will be distinguished as the first battery cartridge 10A and the second battery cartridge 10B.

[0076] FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of the principle of the changeover switch.

[0077] The changeover switch 202 is a switch for switching the voltage output mode between (a) a simultaneous output mode and (b) a one-side output mode.

[0078] (a) In the simultaneous output mode, the DC voltage from one of the first battery cartridges 10A is output to the first main voltage output terminal 207, and at the same time, the DC voltage from the second battery cartridge 10B is output to the second main voltage output terminal 208. This makes it possible to simultaneously supply power to two electronic devices from the first main voltage output terminal 207 and the second main voltage output terminal 208.

[0079] In the (b) single-side 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 not to the second main voltage output terminal 208. In other words, in the (b) single-side output mode, the selector switch 202 disconnects the second main voltage output terminal 208. This allows power to be supplied to one electronic device for twice the time.

[0080] First lamp 203A is connected in parallel to first main voltage output terminal 207 of selector switch 202. Second lamp 203B is connected in parallel to second main voltage output terminal 208 of selector switch 202. First lamp 203A indicates whether first main voltage output terminal 207 is in a state where power can be supplied.

[0081] 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 single-side output mode, the first lamp 203A corresponding to the first main voltage output terminal 207 is lit, and the second lamp 203B corresponding to the second main voltage output terminal 208 is extinguished.

[0082] (4) Fan and chamber

[0083] FIG. 11 shows a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the fan and the battery cartridge.

[0084] (A) shows the air flow path inside the housing 200. (B) shows the arrangement of the fans 217 relative to the two battery cartridges 10.

[0085] If the chamber 218 were not present (the width of the chamber 218 in the fan axial direction were extremely short), the fan 217 would be located very close to (in close contact with) the two battery cartridges 10, resulting in a large dead zone for intake air compared to the inner diameter and area of ​​the intake port of the fan 217. For example, if the air passage surface of the battery cartridge 10 and the fan 214 were in close contact, only about 20% of the total effective ventilation area would be usable, leaving about 80% as a dead zone.

[0086] Therefore, by installing a chamber 218 between the battery cartridges 10 and the fan 214, a uniform negative pressure is generated across the entire air passage surface, optimizing the oxygen supply and cooling conditions. The width of the chamber 218 in the fan axial direction, i.e., the distance between the two battery cartridges 10 and the fan 217, is at least approximately equal to the inner diameter of the fan 217 air intake.

[0087] The circuit unit 300 has 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. When 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 by the plurality of air battery cells 100 to a chamber 218, where it is discharged to the outside via the fan 217. Therefore, air heated 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 reaches after passing through the plurality of air battery cells 100, and measures the temperature of the air in the chamber 218. The fan controller 302 controls the fan speed of the fan 217 based on the value detected by the temperature sensor 220.

[0088] When the room temperature is high, such as in summer, the air battery cell 100 may overheat and the battery capacity may decrease rapidly. When the room temperature is low, such as in winter, the air battery cell 100 may overcool and the output may decrease. The temperature suitable for the air battery cell 100 to generate power is 30 to 50 degrees.

[0089] When the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 220 is, for example, between below zero and 30 degrees, the fan controller 302 controls the fan speed to low. This allows only the oxygen necessary for the air battery cell 100 to generate electricity to be supplied, and reduces the amount of air discharged from the air battery cell 100, thereby increasing the temperature of the air battery cell 100. Controlling the fan speed to low shortens the time it takes to reach the normal temperature, and at the same time, minimizes the power consumption of the fan 217.

[0090] If the detected value of the temperature sensor 220 is, for example, 30 to 50 degrees, the fan controller 302 controls the fan speed to medium. 30 to 50 degrees is a temperature suitable for the air battery cell 100 to generate electricity. The fan controller 302 supplies the oxygen necessary for the air battery cell 100 to generate electricity, and also properly exhausts air from the air battery cell 100. This prevents the air temperature from rising or falling outside the range of 30 to 50 degrees, and maintains the air temperature at an appropriate level.

[0091] If the detected value of the temperature sensor 220 is higher than, for example, 50 degrees, the fan controller 302 controls the fan speed to high, thereby supplying the oxygen necessary for the power generation of the air battery cell 100, promoting the exhaust of air from the air battery cell 100, and suppressing chemical reactions caused by thermal runaway in the air battery cell 100.

[0092] (5) Backflow prevention function

[0093] Two regulators 303 are connected to the two battery cartridges 10 via the main switch 204. A DC voltage (12 V) is output from the first main voltage output terminal 207 and the second main voltage output terminal 208. As described above, the open circuit voltage (OCV) of one battery cartridge 10 is 16.8 V. The regulator 303 inputs a maximum DC voltage of 16.8 V from the battery cartridge 10 and outputs a DC voltage of 12 V ±10% to the first main voltage output terminal 207 or the second main voltage output terminal 208. The regulator 303 can input a voltage between 9 V and 17 V depending on the voltage change of the battery cartridge 10. That is, the regulator 303 receives a DC voltage (9 V) lower than the DC voltage (12 V) output from the first main voltage output terminal 207 or the second main voltage output terminal 208 and a DC voltage (17 V) higher than the DC voltage (12 V), and outputs a DC voltage within a predetermined range (±10%) to the first main voltage output terminal 207 or the second main voltage output terminal 208, based on the DC voltage (12 V) output from the first main voltage output terminal 207 or the second main voltage output terminal 208.

[0094] A diode 304 is provided downstream of each of the two regulators 303. The diode 304 is, for example, a Schottky diode.

[0095] Specifically, the first diode 304A is provided between the first battery cartridge 10A and a connection point 305 of the path from the second battery cartridge 10B via the selector switch 202. The first diode 304A prevents backflow from the selector switch 202 to the first battery cartridge 10A. The second diode 304B is provided between the second battery cartridge 10B and the selector switch 202 and prevents backflow from the selector switch 202 to the second battery cartridge 10B.

[0096] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the backflow prevention function.

[0097] As shown in (A), in simultaneous output mode, if 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 are independent, no backflow will occur even without diode 304.

[0098] On the other hand, as shown in (B), in the single-side output mode, if the output is concentrated at one point (the first main voltage output terminal 207), there is a risk of reverse current flowing from the higher voltage side to the lower voltage side between the first battery cartridge 10A and the second battery cartridge 10B, without the diode 304. This could result in an unstable power supply.

[0099] Therefore, as shown in (C), by providing a diode 304 upstream of the connection point 305 of the changeover switch 202, reverse current can be prevented and forward current can be passed from the first battery cartridge 10A and the second battery cartridge 10B.

[0100] (6) USB charging function

[0101] The sub-voltage output terminal 209 may be a USB-A terminal capable of outputting, for example, 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 sub-voltage output terminal 209 outputs a DC voltage from the battery cartridge 10 in both the simultaneous output mode and the single-side output mode.

[0102] The circuit unit 300 includes a charge controller circuit 310. The charge controller circuit 310 supports various charging standards (such as BC1.2) for electronic devices (not shown) connected to the sub-voltage output terminal 209 (USB-A connector). The charge controller circuit 310 includes a circuit that enables an interface compatible with various firmware, such as iOS (registered trademark) and Android (registered trademark). The charge controller circuit 310 performs a handshake with various electronic devices (not shown) via the interface and initiates charging. For example, the charge controller circuit 310 recognizes electronic devices (not shown) connected to the sub-voltage output terminal 209 (USB-A connector) via various types of connection cables (such as Lightning, Micro-B, or Type-C) and initiates charging. Because the charge controller circuit 310 in the charger 300 itself supports interfaces compatible with various firmware, various electronic devices can be directly connected to the sub-voltage output terminal 209 and directly charged without the need for a separate interface module.

[0103] 5. Conclusion

[0104] The "Disaster Preparedness Manual for Children Requiring Medical Equipment - Focusing on Ensuring Power Sources" (first edition March 31, 2019) by the National Center for Child Health and Development states that multiple external batteries should be prepared in case of a disaster, that power can be obtained from the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket to ensure power in the event of a power outage, and that the electricity supplied from the vehicle should be 12V direct current (DC) (pages 5-7) (accessed August 21, 2023). (https: / / www.ncchd.go.jp / hospital / about / section / cooperation / shinsai_manual.pdf)

[0105] The power supply set 1 according to this embodiment is used by detachably mounting two battery cartridges 10 to the power supply 20. Therefore, by stockpiling one power supply 20 and multiple spare battery cartridges 10, it is possible to stockpile a large number of fuels (battery cartridges 10) with less space and at lower costs than stockpiling multiple non-detachable power supplies. This makes the power supply set 1 extremely useful as an emergency power supply or uninterruptible power supply.

[0106] Power supply device 20 according to this embodiment has two terminals, a first main voltage output terminal 207 and a second main voltage output terminal 208, which output direct current (12 V DC) power, and a sub-voltage output terminal 209 which outputs USB-compatible direct current (5 V DC) power. Power supply device 20 conforms to output specifications that enable it to be used as a supplement to an external power battery for medical devices such as ventilators, heated humidifiers, and sputum aspirators for home treatment, which are required as emergency power sources primarily in the event of a disaster.

[0107] The two first and second main voltage output terminals 207 and 208, which output DC 12V power, have the same power supply specifications as a vehicle's cigarette lighter terminal. For artificial ventilators, and especially for heated humidifiers used in conjunction with artificial ventilators for children receiving medical care, the vehicle's battery is recognized as an external power battery that can be used in emergencies. The first and second main voltage output terminals 207 and 208 of the power supply unit 20 have the same specifications as a vehicle's cigarette lighter socket. Therefore, the power supply unit 20 can be used as an auxiliary power source when the vehicle's battery cannot be used indoors, etc.

[0108] The power supply device 20 is provided with two main voltage output terminals, a first main voltage output terminal 207 and a second main voltage output terminal 208, which output power. This allows the user to simultaneously supply emergency power to different medical devices (e.g., a ventilator and a heated humidifier or sputum suction device, etc.), or to use only the first main voltage output terminal 207 to supply up to twice the emergency power to one medical device as a measure against long-term power outages (3 days = 72 hours). In particular, compared to adults, children receiving medical care often use a heated humidifier in addition to a ventilator.

[0109] In addition, the sub-voltage output terminal 209, which outputs one DC 5V power supply, can be used to charge mobile electronic devices (smartphones, personal computers, tablet computers, wearable devices, small LED lamps, flashlights, etc.). The voltage of the battery cartridge 10 may drop below DC 9V, making it impossible to supply power to medical devices from the first main voltage output terminal 207 and the second main voltage output terminal 208. Even in this case, the remaining battery capacity of the battery cartridge 10 can be effectively utilized as long as the battery capacity remains at DC 5V.

[0110] The air battery cells 100 (air-zinc batteries) used in the battery cartridge 10 are a type of fuel cell that uses oxygen from the air for the positive electrode and zinc for the negative electrode, with a nominal voltage of 1.4 V per battery cell during discharge. The power supply device 20 has two first and second main voltage output terminals 207 and 208 that output DC 12 V power, and two battery cartridges 10 are inserted as fuel cells into these terminals, allowing for easy attachment and detachment. Each battery cartridge 10 is configured with 12 air battery cells 100 connected in series, for a total of 24 air battery cells 100 connected in parallel.

[0111] Zinc-air batteries generate electricity through a chemical reaction between oxygen in the air and zinc. They exhibit a stable, flat operating voltage (DC 12V) during discharge, continuing until the end-of-discharge voltage (EDV). However, determining battery capacity does not allow for the use of a typical lithium-ion battery method of estimating battery capacity by measuring changes in operating voltage (as discharge capacity increases, the remaining battery charge decreases and the battery voltage drops). Furthermore, it is necessary to quantify all 24 air battery cells 100 installed in the battery cartridge 10. In this embodiment, the remaining battery charge can be measured from the detected value when the power meter 301 periodically temporarily shorts the battery-side terminals 101.

[0112] In particular, when the power supply set 1 is used in medical equipment (such as a ventilator, heated humidifier, or phlegm suction device), the remaining charge in the battery cartridge 10 can be life-threatening, so there is a high need for users to periodically know the remaining charge in the battery cartridge 10. Air batteries are completely free of explosion and fire hazards, making them highly safe during storage and use in the event of a disaster.

[0113] Although the embodiments and modified examples of the present technology have been described above, the present technology is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present technology.

[0114] Power supply set 1 Battery cartridge 10 Power supply 20

Claims

1. A power supply set comprising: a battery cartridge having a battery assembly having a plurality of air battery cells; a battery side terminal portion connected to the battery assembly; a casing capable of detachably housing the battery cartridge; a power supply device having a terminal portion to which the battery side terminal portion is detachably connected when the battery cartridge is housed in the casing; a voltage output terminal portion exposed from the casing, to which a terminal of an electronic device can be connected and which is capable of outputting a DC voltage output from the battery cartridge via the power supply device side terminal portion to the electronic device; and a circuit portion which outputs the DC voltage from the power supply device side terminal portion to the voltage output terminal portion.

2. A power supply set as claimed in claim 1, wherein said circuit section has a power meter which temporarily shorts out said battery side terminal section, detects a current A when said battery side terminal section is temporarily shorted, a recovery voltage V a predetermined time after the short-circuit, and P(W)=AxV, and judges a battery capacity of said battery assembly based on P.

3. A power supply set according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the air battery cell is an air zinc battery cell.

4. A power supply set according to claim 2, wherein said power supply has a remaining battery capacity indicator for displaying the battery capacity measured by said power meter.

5. A power supply set as described in claim 1, wherein the housing is capable of accommodating two of the battery cartridges, a first battery cartridge and a second battery cartridge, and the power supply 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 detachably connected, respectively.

6. A power supply set as described in claim 5, wherein the voltage output terminal section has a first main voltage output terminal and a second main voltage output terminal, and the circuit section has a changeover switch for switching between a simultaneous output mode in which the DC voltage from the first battery cartridge is output to the first main voltage output terminal and, simultaneously, the DC voltage from the second battery cartridge is 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 not to the second main voltage output terminal.

7. A power supply set as described in claim 6, wherein the circuit section comprises: a first diode provided between the first battery cartridge and a connection point of a path from the second battery cartridge by the changeover switch, for preventing reverse current from the changeover switch to the first battery cartridge; and a second diode provided between the second battery cartridge and the changeover switch, for preventing reverse current from the changeover switch to the second battery cartridge.

8. A power supply set as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the circuit section has a regulator which receives a DC voltage lower and a DC voltage higher than the DC voltage output from the first main voltage output terminal or the second main voltage output terminal, and outputs a DC voltage within a predetermined range to the first main voltage output terminal or the 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.

9. A power supply set according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first main voltage output terminal and the second main voltage output terminal each output a DC voltage of 12V.

10. A power supply set as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the voltage output terminal section further has a sub-voltage output terminal, and in either the simultaneous output mode or the one-sided output mode, DC voltages from the first battery cartridge and the second battery cartridge are output to the sub-voltage output terminal.

11. A power supply set as claimed in claim 1, wherein the battery assembly comprises: a first series battery group having a plurality of air battery cells connected in series; and 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; the battery side terminal portion comprises: 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; and 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; and the power supply side terminal portion comprises: a first case side pin detachably connectable to the first battery side pin, a second case side pin detachably connectable to the second battery side pin and connected to the first case side pin, and a third case side pin detachably connectable to the third battery side pin and connected to ground.

12. A power supply set as described in claim 1, wherein the power supply set has: an intake port for supplying air from the outside to the plurality of air battery cells; a chamber into which air supplied from the intake port and passed through the plurality of air battery cells reaches; a fan connected to the circuit unit for drawing in and discharging air within the chamber; an exhaust port for discharging air discharged from the fan; and a temperature sensor connected to the circuit unit and provided in the chamber, wherein the circuit unit has a fan controller for controlling the fan speed of the fan based on the detection value of the temperature sensor.

13. A power supply set according to claim 12, wherein the distance from the plurality of air battery cells to the fan is equal to or greater than the inner diameter of the fan.

14. A power supply set as described in claim 1, wherein the air battery cell has: an oxygen introduction section having an oxygen introduction surface for introducing oxygen in the air as a positive electrode active material; a positive electrode current collecting layer laminated on the surface opposite to the oxygen introduction surface of the oxygen introduction section; and a negative electrode and a negative electrode active material layer containing a metal as a negative electrode active material laminated on the positive electrode current collecting layer, wherein the negative electrode active material layer and negative electrode are located at the top when the battery cartridge is accommodated in the casing of the power supply.

15. A power supply set as described in claim 1, wherein the circuit section is exposed from one side of the housing and has a main switch that can reversibly turn on and off the electrical connection between the battery cartridge and the voltage output terminal section connected via the power supply side terminal section.

16. A power supply device comprising: a housing capable of detachably housing 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 portion exposed from the housing and capable of connecting to a terminal of an electronic device and capable of outputting a DC voltage output from the battery cartridge via the power supply side terminal portion to the electronic device; and a circuit portion that outputs the DC voltage from the power supply side terminal portion to the voltage output terminal portion.

17. 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, wherein the battery cartridge can be removably housed in a power supply device having: a casing capable of removably housing the battery cartridge; a power supply device side terminal portion to which the battery side terminal portion is removably connected when the battery cartridge is housed in the casing; a voltage output terminal portion exposed from the casing, capable of connecting to a terminal of an electronic device and capable of outputting a DC voltage output from the battery cartridge via the power supply device side terminal portion to the electronic device; and a circuit portion for outputting the DC voltage from the power supply device side terminal portion to the voltage output terminal portion.

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