Oxygen supply device

Abstract

An oxygen supply device (1) comprises: an oxygen generation layer (2) containing a first electron conductive material, a first lithium ion conductive material, and a lithium oxide; a lithium deposition layer (3) disposed at an interval from the oxygen generation layer (2) in the thickness direction and including a second electron conductive material; a lithium ion conduction part (4) disposed between the oxygen generation layer (2) and the lithium deposition layer (3) and including a second lithium ion conductive material; and a cover (6) covering the lithium deposition layer (3). The cover (6) comprises an externally-facing lithium sealing part (60) disposed inside a passageway (68) that contacts the lithium deposition layer (3) or faces the lithium deposition layer (3). The lithium sealing part (60) is permeable to water vapor.

Description

Oxygen delivery device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to oxygen delivery devices.

[0002] An oxygen supply device that supplies oxygen to the outside is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). The oxygen supply device described in Patent Document 1 includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, an electrolyte layer, and a cover. The electrolyte layer contains zinc ions. Oxygen is generated at the positive electrode. Zinc is deposited at the negative electrode based on a reduction reaction of the zinc ions. The electrolyte layer is located therebetween. The cover covers the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the electrolyte layer. A plurality of holes are formed in the portion of the cover facing the positive electrode.

[0003] JP 2009-062235 A

[0004] Depending on the application and purpose, oxygen supply devices are required to have the ability to absorb (adsorb) water vapor from the outside. Therefore, a tentative idea is to form holes in the cover in the area facing the negative electrode. However, this idea allows foreign matter (dust) resulting from metal deposits on the negative electrode to leak out of the device through the holes. In this case, there is a problem in that the foreign matter contaminates the outside. Furthermore, oxygen supply devices are required to be smaller and generate more oxygen.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an oxygen supply device that can be made smaller and that can increase the amount of oxygen generated while taking in water vapor outside the oxygen supply device and suppressing leakage of foreign matter to the outside.

[0006] The oxygen supply device according to the present disclosure includes an oxygen generating layer including a first electron conductive material, a first lithium ion conductive material, and a lithium oxide; a lithium deposition layer disposed at a distance from the oxygen generating layer in the thickness direction, the lithium deposition layer including a second electron conductive material; a lithium ion conducting portion disposed between the oxygen generating layer and the lithium deposition layer, the lithium ion conducting portion including the second lithium ion conductive material; and a cover covering the lithium deposition layer. The cover is in contact with the lithium deposition layer or is disposed in a communication passage that is a space connecting the lithium deposition layer to the outside of the oxygen supply device, and includes a lithium sealing portion that seals the communication passage and faces the outside. The lithium sealing portion is permeable to water vapor.

[0007] The oxygen supply device according to the present disclosure can be made smaller and generate more oxygen while taking in external water vapor and preventing foreign matter from leaking to the outside.

[0008] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of an oxygen delivery device according to the present disclosure, Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a variation of the first embodiment of the oxygen delivery device, and Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the oxygen delivery device according to the present disclosure.

[0009] [Summary of the embodiment] The oxygen supply device according to the present disclosure includes an oxygen generating layer including a first electron conductive material, a first lithium ion conductive material, and a lithium oxide; a lithium deposition layer disposed at a distance from the oxygen generating layer in the thickness direction, the lithium deposition layer including a second electron conductive material; a lithium ion conducting portion disposed between the oxygen generating layer and the lithium deposition layer, the lithium ion conducting portion including the second lithium ion conductive material; and a cover covering the lithium deposition layer. The cover is in contact with the lithium deposition layer or is disposed in a communication passage that is a space connecting the lithium deposition layer to the outside of the oxygen supply device, and includes a lithium sealing portion that seals the communication passage and faces the outside. The lithium sealing portion is permeable to water vapor.

[0010] This oxygen supplying device can prevent foreign matter resulting from lithium deposited in the lithium deposition layer from leaking to the outside by using a cover. Furthermore, this oxygen supplying device can allow external water vapor to react with the lithium deposited in the lithium deposition layer through the lithium sealing portion. This allows the water vapor to be taken into the device. Furthermore, because lithium has a higher ionization tendency than zinc, the amount of oxygen generated in the oxygen generating layer can be increased despite the device's small size.

[0011] In the oxygen supplying device, the lithium sealing portion may be made of a dense material. In this oxygen supplying device, leakage of foreign matter resulting from lithium precipitated in the lithium precipitate layer to the outside can be further suppressed.

[0012] In the oxygen supply device, the lithium sealing portion may have a plurality of pores with an average pore diameter of 0.4 nm or more and 50 nm or less. Since the average pore diameter of the plurality of pores in the lithium sealing portion is 50 nm or less, leakage of foreign matter resulting from lithium precipitated in the lithium deposition layer to the outside can be suppressed. Since the average pore diameter of the plurality of pores in the lithium sealing portion is 0.4 nm or more, water vapor can be efficiently taken in from the outside. This water vapor can be reacted with lithium more efficiently, reducing the amount of water vapor outside and deactivating the lithium.

[0013] In the oxygen supply device, the lithium sealing portion may be permeable to carbon dioxide. In this oxygen supply device, carbon dioxide that has permeated the lithium sealing portion reacts with lithium in the lithium deposit layer, thereby reducing the amount of external carbon dioxide and deactivating the lithium.

[0014] The oxygen supply device may further include a second cover that covers the oxygen generating layer. The second cover may be in contact with the oxygen generating layer or disposed within a second communication passage, which is a space connecting the oxygen generating layer to the outside, and may include an oxygen permeable layer that seals the second communication passage and faces the outside, allowing oxygen to pass through. In this oxygen supply device, the second cover can prevent foreign matter from leaking to the outside through the oxygen permeable layer. Oxygen generated in the oxygen generating layer can be reliably discharged to the outside via the oxygen permeable layer.

[0015] In the oxygen supply device, the lithium ion conductive portion may have a sheet shape. A peripheral edge of the lithium ion conductive portion may be in contact with the lithium sealing portion. This can prevent lithium from leaking from the peripheral edge of the lithium ion conductive portion.

[0016] In the oxygen supply device, the cover may further include an exterior material that houses the oxygen generating layer, the lithium deposition layer, and the lithium ion conducting portion. The exterior material may include a main body having an opening and a lid that closes the opening so as to form a communication path. The lithium sealing portion may be located between the main body and the lid to seal the communication path. In this oxygen supply device, the exterior material can reliably prevent foreign matter that may be generated from the oxygen generating layer, the lithium deposition layer, and the lithium ion conducting portion from leaking to the outside.

[0017] In the oxygen supply device, the cover may further include an oxygen permeable layer that is in contact with the oxygen generating layer or that is disposed in a second communication passage that is a space connecting the oxygen generating layer to the outside, that seals the second communication passage, that faces the outside, and that allows oxygen to permeate. In this oxygen supply device, oxygen generated in the oxygen generating layer can be reliably discharged to the outside through the oxygen permeable layer.

[0018] [Specific Example of First Embodiment] A specific example of a first embodiment of the oxygen supply device of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 1. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the oxygen supply device according to the present disclosure.

[0019] [Basic Configuration of the Oxygen Supply Device 1 of the First Aspect] The oxygen supply device 1 extends along a plane P. The oxygen supply device 1 has a thickness. A thickness direction D of the oxygen supply device 1 is perpendicular to the plane P. The oxygen supply device 1 has a sheet shape. The oxygen supply device 1 includes an oxygen generating layer 2, a lithium deposition layer 3, a lithium ion conducting portion 4, a second cover 5, a cover 6, a first terminal 7, and a second terminal 8.

[0020] [Oxygen Generating Layer 2] The oxygen generating layer 2 extends along the plane P. The oxygen generating layer 2 has a sheet shape. The oxygen generating layer 2 includes a peripheral edge 21 and a central portion 22. The peripheral edge 21 includes the outer edge of the oxygen generating layer 2 in the thickness direction TD. The central portion 22 is located inside the peripheral edge 21 in the thickness direction TD. The oxygen generating layer 2 has a first main surface 23, a second main surface 24, and a side surface 25. The second main surface 24 is spaced apart from the first main surface 23 in the thickness direction. The side surface 25 connects the outer edge of the first main surface 23 and the outer edge of the second main surface 24. The side surface 25 is an end face of the peripheral edge 21. The oxygen generating layer 2 is porous or non-porous. The oxygen generating layer 2 is preferably porous. The oxygen generating layer 2 is capable of generating oxygen.

[0021] The oxygen generating layer 2 includes a first electron conductive material, a first lithium ion conductive material, and a lithium oxide. The first electron conductive material may be a conductive inorganic material. Examples of inorganic materials include metals and conductive carbon. Examples of metals include at least one selected from the group consisting of aluminum, titanium, gold, silver, copper, platinum, chromium, and nickel. The metal may include an alloy. Examples of alloys include stainless steel. Examples of conductive carbon include acetylene black, carbon black, carbon fiber, and graphite. Examples of the first lithium ion conductive material include electrolytes such as oxide-based inorganic lithium ion conductive solid electrolytes, sulfide-based inorganic lithium ion conductive solid electrolytes, halide-based inorganic lithium ion conductive solid electrolytes, and organic-based lithium ion conductive electrolytes. Examples of oxide-based inorganic lithium ion conductive solid electrolytes include Nasicon-type solid electrolytes, garnet-type solid electrolytes, and perovskite-type solid electrolytes. Examples of sulfide-based inorganic lithium ion conductive solid electrolytes include argyrodite-type solid electrolytes and thiolisicone-type solid electrolytes. The sulfide-based inorganic lithium ion conductive solid electrolyte may be crystalline or amorphous. The halide-based inorganic lithium ion conductive solid electrolyte may be, for example, an antiperovskite-type solid electrolyte. The halide-based inorganic lithium ion conductive solid electrolyte may be, for example, a crystalline or amorphous. The organic lithium ion conductive electrolyte may be, for example, a polyethylene oxide compound. The organic lithium ion conductive electrolyte may be either an intrinsic polymer or a gel polymer. The lithium oxide may be lithium peroxide (Li ２ O ２ ) and lithium oxide (Li ２O). The first electron conductive material, the first lithium ion conductive material, and the lithium oxide in the oxygen generating layer 2 are, for example, in the form of a compact. The content of the first electron conductive material in the oxygen generating layer 2 is 20 mass% or more and 70 mass% or less. The content of the lithium oxide in the oxygen generating layer 2 is 10 mass% or more and 50 mass% or less. The content of the first lithium ion conductive material in the oxygen generating layer 2 is the balance of the first electron conductive material and the lithium oxide. When the oxygen generating layer 2 is porous, the porosity of the oxygen generating layer 2 is 10% or more and 50% or less. The thickness of the oxygen generating layer 2 is 100 μm or more and 2000 μm or less.

[0022] [Lithium Deposit Layer 3] The lithium deposit layer 3 is disposed at a distance from the oxygen generating layer 2 in the thickness direction TD. The lithium deposit layer 3 faces the oxygen generating layer 2 in the thickness direction TD. The lithium deposit layer 3 overlaps the oxygen generating layer 2 in the thickness direction TD. The lithium deposit layer 3 extends along the plane P. The lithium deposit layer 3 has a sheet shape. The lithium deposit layer 3 includes a peripheral edge 31 and a central portion 22. The peripheral edge 31 includes the outer edge of the lithium deposit layer 3 when viewed in the thickness direction TD. The central portion 32 is located inside the peripheral edge 31 when viewed in the thickness direction TD. The lithium deposit layer 3 has a third major surface 33, a fourth major surface 34, and a side surface 35. The third major surface 33 faces the second major surface 24. The fourth major surface 34 is disposed at a distance from the third major surface 33 in the thickness direction. The side surface 35 connects the outer edge of the third main surface 33 and the outer edge of the fourth main surface 34. The side surface 35 is an end face of the peripheral edge 31. The side surface 35 overlaps the side surface 25 when viewed in the thickness direction TD. The lithium deposit layer 3 is porous or non-porous. The lithium deposit layer 3 is preferably non-porous.

[0023] The lithium deposit layer 3 contains a second electronic conductive material. Preferably, the lithium deposit layer 3 consists solely of the second electronic conductive material. Examples of the second electronic conductive material include the conductive inorganic materials listed above as the first electronic conductive material. The content of the second electronic conductive material in the lithium deposit layer 3 is 90% by mass or more, preferably 97% by mass or more, and more preferably 99% by mass or more, and the upper limit of the content of the second electronic conductive material in the lithium deposit layer 3 is 100% by mass.

[0024] [Lithium ion conductive portion 4] The lithium ion conductive portion 4 is disposed between the oxygen generating layer 2 and the lithium deposit layer 3. The lithium ion conductive portion 4 extends along the plane P. The lithium ion conductive portion 4 has a sheet shape. The lithium ion conductive portion 4 includes a peripheral edge portion 41 and a central portion 42. The peripheral edge portion 41 includes the outer edge of the lithium ion conductive portion 4 when viewed in the thickness direction TD. The central portion 42 is located inside the peripheral edge portion 41 when viewed in the thickness direction TD. Both surfaces 43, 44 of the lithium ion conductive portion 4 in the thickness direction TD are in contact with the oxygen generating layer 2 and the lithium deposit layer 3, respectively. Specifically, the peripheral edge portion 41 and the central portion 42 on the surface 43 are in contact with the peripheral edge portion 21 and the central portion 22 on the second main surface 24, respectively. The peripheral edge portion 41 and the central portion 42 on the surface 44 are in contact with the peripheral edge portion 31 and the central portion 32 on the third main surface 33, respectively.

[0025] The lithium ion conductive portion 4 may or may not have fluidity at 25°C. Preferably, the lithium ion conductive portion 4 does not have fluidity at 25°C, from the viewpoint of preventing leakage of the lithium ion conductive portion 4 to the outside. Specifically, the lithium ion conductive portion 4 is solid at 25°C. The lithium ion conductive portion 4 includes a second lithium ion conductive material. Examples of the second lithium ion conductive material include the electrolytes listed for the first lithium ion conductive material. The lithium ion conductive portion 4 is composed of a lithium ion conductive electrolyte. The lithium ion conductive electrolyte is a solid electrolyte. The lithium ion conductive portion 4 may contain a second lithium ion conductive material and a polymer. The polymer disperses the second lithium ion conductive material that is particulate at 25°C. Examples of the polymer include polyethylene oxide, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinylidene fluoride. The content of the second lithium ion conductive material in the lithium ion conductive portion 4 is 50% by mass or more and 100% by mass or less. The thickness of the lithium ion conductive portion 4 is 10 μm or more and 200 μm or less.

[0026] [Second cover 5] The second cover 5 faces the outside of the oxygen supply device 1. The second cover 5 covers the oxygen generating layer 2. Specifically, the second cover 5 covers the first main surface 23 and the side surface 25 of the oxygen generating layer 2. The second cover 5 contacts the first main surface 23 and the side surface 25. The second cover 5 has a sheet shape. The second cover 5 has a shape that follows the first main surface 23 and the side surface 25. The second cover 5 includes a peripheral edge 51 and a central portion 52. The central portion 52 is located inside the peripheral edge 51. The central portion 52 extends along the plane P. The thickness of the second cover 5 (the central portion 52) is 100 μm or more and 500 μm or less.

[0027] [Cover 6] The cover 6 faces the outside of the oxygen supply device 1. The cover 6 covers the lithium deposit layer 3 and the lithium ion conductive portion 4. Specifically, the cover 6 covers the fourth main surface 34 and the side surface 35 of the lithium deposit layer 3 and the end face of the peripheral edge 41 of the lithium ion conductive portion 4. The cover 6 seals the lithium deposit layer 3 and the lithium ion conductive portion 4. In other words, the cover 6 seals the lithium deposit layer 3 and the lithium ion conductive portion 4. The cover 6 follows the shapes of the fourth main surface 34 and the side surface 35 of the lithium deposit layer 3 and the end face of the peripheral edge 41 of the lithium ion conductive portion 4. The cover 6 contacts the fourth main surface 34, the side surface 35, and the end face of the peripheral edge 41. The cover 6 includes a peripheral edge portion 61 and a central portion 62. The peripheral edge portion 61 contacts the peripheral edge portion 51. In the present disclosure, the end face of the peripheral edge 61 contacts the end face of the peripheral edge 51. As a result, the second cover 5 and the cover 6 have a structure that seals the oxygen generating layer 2, the lithium deposition layer 3, and the lithium ion conducting portion 4. The central portion 62 is located inside the peripheral edge 61 when viewed in the thickness direction TD. The central portion 62 extends along the plane P. The central portions 62 are arranged with an interval in the thickness direction TD. The thickness of the cover 6 (the central portion 62) is 10 μm or more and 1000 μm or less.

[0028] The first terminal 7 includes a first end 71 and a second end 72. The first end 71 contacts a portion of the oxygen generating layer 2. The second end 72 is spaced apart from the first end 71. The second end 72 is exposed to the outside. The second end 72 can be electrically connected to a power source. The first terminal 7 penetrates the peripheral edge 51 of the second cover 5. The first terminal 7 is made of a conductive material. Examples of conductive materials include copper, nickel, aluminum, and stainless steel.

[0029] The second terminal 8 includes a third end 81 and a fourth end 82. The third end 81 contacts a portion of the lithium deposit layer 3. The fourth end 82 is spaced apart from the third end 81. The fourth end 82 is exposed to the outside. The second terminal 8 can be electrically connected to the power source described above. The second terminal 8 penetrates the peripheral end 61 of the cover 6. The second terminal 8 is made of a conductive material. Examples of conductive materials include copper, nickel, aluminum, and stainless steel.

[0030] [Details of Cover 6 and Second Cover 5] [Cover 6] The cover 6 includes a lithium sealing portion 60. In the present disclosure, the cover 6 is composed only of the lithium sealing portion 60. In the present disclosure, the entire peripheral edge 61 and central portion 62 of the cover 6 are the lithium sealing portion 60. The lithium sealing portion 60 contacts the lithium deposit layer 3. Specifically, the lithium sealing portion 60 contacts the fourth main surface 34 and the side surface 35 of the lithium deposit layer 3. The lithium sealing portion 60 also contacts the peripheral edge 41 of the lithium ion conductive portion 4. Specifically, the peripheral edge 61 of the lithium sealing portion 60 contacts the end face of the peripheral edge 41. The lithium sealing portion 60 faces the outside.

[0031] The lithium sealing portion 60 is permeable to water vapor. Water vapor is water in a gaseous state at least at 25°C and 1 atmosphere. Furthermore, the lithium sealing portion 60 is permeable to carbon dioxide. That is, the lithium sealing portion 60 is preferably permeable to water vapor and carbon dioxide. The lithium sealing portion 60 is a dense material. The lithium sealing portion 60 may have a plurality of pores with an average pore diameter of 0.4 nm to 50 nm. Preferably, the average pore diameter is 0.4 nm to 10 nm. When the average pore diameter is equal to or greater than the above-mentioned lower limit, the permeability of water vapor (and carbon dioxide) can be improved. When the average pore diameter is equal to or less than the above-mentioned upper limit, leakage of foreign matter resulting from metal precipitated in the lithium deposit layer 3 to the outside of the oxygen supply device 1 can be effectively prevented. The lithium sealing portion 60 is insulating. Examples of materials for the lithium sealing portion 60 include polyurethane, cellulose acetate, nylon, and polymethylpentene. The thickness of the lithium sealing portion 60 is the same as the thickness of the cover 6 .

[0032] [Second cover 5] The second cover 5 includes an oxygen permeable layer 50. In the present disclosure, the second cover 5 consists only of the oxygen permeable layer 50. In the present disclosure, the second cover 5 is the oxygen permeable layer 50. In the present disclosure, the peripheral edge 51 and the central portion 52 of the oxygen permeable layer 50 are entirely made up of the oxygen permeable layer 50. The oxygen permeable layer 50 is in contact with the oxygen generating layer 2. The oxygen permeable layer 50 faces the outside. The oxygen permeable layer 50 is permeable to oxygen. The oxygen permeable layer 50 has insulating properties. Materials for the oxygen permeable layer 50 include silicone resin, ethyl cellulose, polymethylpentene, and polybutadiene.

[0033] [Supply of Oxygen Using the Oxygen Supply Device 1] A method for supplying oxygen using the oxygen supply device 1 will be described. The oxygen supply device 1 is used in applications requiring oxygen supply. Examples of applications include electronic devices that require oxygen in a sealed enclosure, portable oxygen masks, and small oxygen combustion devices. A power source is electrically connected to the first end 71 of the first terminal 7 and the third end 81 of the second terminal 8. The power source includes a battery. Specifically, the positive electrode of the power source is electrically connected to the first terminal 7. The negative electrode of the power source is electrically connected to the second terminal 8. Then, a current is passed from the power source through the oxygen generating layer 2 and the lithium precipitate layer 3 via the first terminal 7 and the second terminal 8.

[0034] In the oxygen generating layer 2, the reaction represented by the following formula proceeds: Li ２ O ｘ → 2Li ＋ +2e － +x / 20 ２ ↑ (x is 1 or 2) In the oxygen generating layer 2, lithium oxide is reduced. As a result, oxygen is generated in the oxygen generating layer 2, and lithium ions and electrons are released. The oxygen passes through the oxygen permeation layer 50 and is supplied to the outside of the oxygen supply device 1. Meanwhile, the lithium ions pass through the lithium ion conducting portion 4 and reach the lithium deposition layer 3. In other words, the lithium ion conducting portion 4 conducts the lithium ions from the oxygen generating layer 2 to the lithium deposition layer 3. The electrons flow to the power source via the first terminal 7.

[0035] In the lithium deposition layer 3, the reaction represented by the following formula proceeds: Li ＋ +e － → Li In the lithium deposition layer 3, the electrons flowing from the second terminal 8 combine with the lithium ions flowing from the lithium ion conducting portion 4, causing lithium to deposit. That is, lithium is deposited at the contact point between the second electron conducting material of the lithium deposition layer 3 and the lithium ion conducting portion 4.

[0036] During the above-described deposition of lithium, minute foreign matter (dust) derived from lithium is captured by the cover 6. Therefore, the foreign matter can be kept inside the oxygen supply device 1. Furthermore, the foreign matter derived from lithium reacts efficiently with water that has permeated the lithium sealing portion 60. At the same time, it also reacts with carbon dioxide that has permeated the lithium sealing portion 60. Therefore, the amount of water vapor and carbon dioxide outside can be reduced, and the lithium can be deactivated.

[0037] Foreign matter may also be generated in the lithium ion conductive portion 4. However, in the present disclosure, the cover 6 comes into contact with the peripheral edge 41 of the lithium ion conductive portion 4 to seal the lithium ion conductive portion 4. Therefore, leakage of foreign matter to the outside through the peripheral edge 41 of the lithium ion conductive portion 4 can be suppressed.

[0038] [Modification of First Aspect] A modification of the oxygen supply device of the first aspect will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a modification of the oxygen supply device of the first aspect.

[0039] The cover 6 (lithium sealing portion 60) only needs to cover at least the lithium precipitate layer 3. The cover 6 does not need to cover the lithium ion conductive portion 4. In a modified example, the end face of the peripheral edge 41 of the lithium ion conductive portion 4 is exposed to the outside. The peripheral edge 61 of the cover 6 does not contact the second cover 5, but contacts the peripheral edge 41 of the lithium ion conductive portion 4.

[0040] Of the first embodiment and the modified example, the first embodiment is preferred. According to the first embodiment, lithium is effectively prevented from leaking to the outside from the peripheral edge 41 of the lithium ion conductive portion 4. Furthermore, the oxygen supply device 1 is easy to manufacture.

[0041] [Specific Example of Second Embodiment] A specific second embodiment of the oxygen supply device of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the oxygen supply device according to the present disclosure.

[0042] The oxygen supplying device 1 includes an oxygen generating layer 2, a lithium deposition layer 3, a lithium ion conducting section 4, and a cover 6. The oxygen generating layer 2, the lithium deposition layer 3, and the lithium ion conducting section 4 each have the same configuration as the oxygen generating layer 2, the lithium deposition layer 3, and the lithium ion conducting section 4 of the first embodiment, respectively. The cover 6 includes an exterior material 65, a lithium sealing section 60, and an oxygen permeable layer 50.

[0043] [Exterior Material 65] The exterior material 65 houses the oxygen generating layer 2, the lithium deposition layer 3, and the lithium ion conductive portion 4. In the present disclosure, the exterior material 65 includes a can. The exterior material 65 is made of metal. Examples of metals include stainless steel and aluminum. The exterior material 65 is also referred to as an exterior body. The exterior material 65 includes a main body 66 and a lid 67.

[0044] The main body 66 can be electrically connected to the negative electrode of the power supply. The main body 66 includes a plate 661 and a tubular portion 662. The plate 661 extends in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction TD. The plate 661 has a circular shape. The plate 661 has a peripheral end portion 6611 and a central portion 6612. The peripheral end portion 6611 includes the outer edge of the plate 661. The central portion 6612 is located inside the peripheral end portion 6611. The tubular portion 662 extends from the outer edge of the peripheral end portion 6611 along the thickness direction TD. The tubular portion 662 has a cylindrical shape. The tubular portion 662 includes a protruding portion 663 that protrudes radially inward from its tip (upper end). The protruding portion 663 has an annular shape when viewed in the thickness direction TD. The main body 66 is made of metal. The inner edge of the protruding portion 663 forms an opening 665. In other words, the main body 66 has an opening 665. The opening 665 is located at one end of the main body 66 in the thickness direction TD.

[0045] The lid 67 can be electrically connected to the positive electrode of the power supply. The lid 67 closes the opening 665. The lid 67 includes a second plate 671 and a second cylindrical portion 672. The second plate 671 is disposed at a distance from the plate 661 in the thickness direction. The second plate 671 faces the plate 661. The second plate 671 has a circular shape. The second plate 671 is smaller than the plate 661. When viewed in the thickness direction TD, the second plate 671 is included in the plate 661. The second plate 671 extends in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction TD. The second plate 671 is parallel to the plate 661. When viewed from the protruding portion 663, the second plate 671 is located on the opposite side of the plate 661 in the thickness direction TD. The second plate 671 has a peripheral end portion 6711 and a central portion 6712. The peripheral end 6711 includes the outer edge of the second plate 671. The central portion 6712 is located inside the peripheral end 6711.

[0046] The second tubular portion 672 extends from the outer edge of the second plate 671 along the thickness direction TD. A portion of the second tubular portion 672 is parallel to the tubular portion 662 when viewed in a cross section along the thickness direction TD. The second tubular portion 672 has a cylindrical shape. The diameter of the second tubular portion 672 is shorter than the diameter of the tubular portion 662. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction TD, a portion of the second tubular portion 672 overlaps a portion of the tubular portion 662. When viewed in the thickness direction TD, the second tubular portion 672 is disposed at a distance from the tubular portion 662. The second tubular portion 662 includes a second protruding portion 673 that protrudes from its tip radially outward (toward the tubular portion 662). The second protruding portion 673 is located between the plate 661 and the protruding portion 663 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction TD. The second protruding portion 673 is located on the opposite side of the second plate 671 from the protruding portion 663 in the thickness direction TD. The second protruding portion 673 has a circular ring shape when viewed in the thickness direction TD. The outer end of the second protruding portion 673 overlaps with the inner end of the second protruding portion 673 when viewed in the thickness direction TD. The second protruding portion 673 is disposed at a distance from the tubular portion 662.

[0047] [Oxygen Evolving Layer 2, Lithium Deposit Layer 3, and Lithium Ion Conducting Unit 4] The first main surface 23 of the oxygen generating layer 2 contacts the central portion 6712 of the lid 67. The fourth main surface 34 of the lithium deposit layer 3 contacts the central portion 6612 of the main body 66. The side surface 25 of the oxygen generating layer 2, the side surface 35 of the lithium deposit layer 3, and the end face of the peripheral edge 41 of the lithium ion conducting unit 4 are arranged at intervals from the second cylindrical portion 672 when viewed in the thickness direction TD. The side surface 35 of the lithium deposit layer 3 and the end face of the peripheral edge 41 of the lithium ion conducting unit 4 face a part (lower part) of the cylindrical portion 662. Spaces are formed between the fourth main surface 34, the side surface 35, and the end faces of the peripheral edge 41 and the cylindrical portion 662 and the second cylindrical portion 672.

[0048] [Lithium Sealing Portion 60] The above-mentioned space connects the lithium deposition layer 3 to the outside of the oxygen supply device 1. This space is defined as a communication path 68. The lid 67 closes the opening 665 so that the communication path 68 is formed. The communication path 68 includes the space between the main body 66 and the lid 67. The lithium sealing portion 60 is disposed in the above-mentioned communication path 68. The lithium sealing portion 60 seals the communication path 68 by being positioned between the main body 66 and the lid 67. The lithium sealing portion 60 is disposed in the space between the cylindrical portion 662 and the second cylindrical portion 672. The lithium sealing portion 60 contacts the peripheral end portion 6611, the cylindrical portion 662 (the cylindrical portion 662 including the protruding portion 663), and the second cylindrical portion 672 (the second cylindrical portion 672 including the second protruding portion 673). The lithium sealing portion 60 does not contact any of the oxygen generating layer 2, the lithium deposition layer 3, and the lithium ion conducting portion 4. The lithium sealing portion 60 is disposed with a gap between the side surface 25 , the side surface 35 and the end face of the peripheral end portion 41 when viewed in the thickness direction TD.

[0049] [Oxygen permeable layer 50] The oxygen permeable layer 50 closes the second opening 674. The second opening 674 is a through-hole located in the central portion 6712 of the lid 67. The oxygen permeable layer 50 contacts the oxygen generating layer 2. A second plate 671 around the oxygen permeable layer 50 in the lid 67 also contacts the oxygen generating layer 2.

[0050] [Oxygen Supply Using the Oxygen Supply Device 1 of Second Aspect 2] A method for supplying oxygen using the oxygen supply device 1 will be described. The positive electrode of the power supply is electrically connected to the lid 67. The negative electrode of the power supply is electrically connected to the main body 66. Then, a current is passed from the power supply through the lid 67 and the main body 66 to the oxygen generating layer 2 and the lithium deposition layer 3.

[0051] [Modification of the Second Aspect] Although not shown, a second communication passage 69, which is a space connecting the oxygen generating layer 2 with the outside, may be formed inside the cover 6. In this modification, the oxygen permeable layer 50 seals the second communication passage 69.

[0052] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not limiting in any respect. The scope of the present disclosure is defined not by the above description but by the claims, and it is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0053] 1 oxygen supply device, 2 oxygen generation layer, 21 peripheral edge, 22 central portion, 23 first main surface, 24 second main surface, 25 side surface, 3 lithium deposition layer, 31 peripheral edge, 32 central portion, 33 third main surface, 34 fourth main surface, 35 side surface, 4 lithium ion conductive portion, 41 peripheral edge, 42 central portion, 43 surface, 44 surface, 5 second cover, 50 oxygen permeable layer, 51 peripheral edge, 52 central portion, 6 cover, 60 lithium sealing portion, 61 peripheral edge, 62 central portion, 65 exterior material, 66 main body, 661 plate, 662 cylindrical portion, 663 protruding portion, 665 opening, 6611 peripheral edge, 6612 central portion, 67 lid, 671 second plate, 6711 peripheral edge, 6712 central portion, 672 Second cylindrical portion, 673 second protruding portion, 674 second opening, 68 communication path, 69 second communication path, 7 first terminal, 71 first end, 72 second end, 8 second terminal, 81 third end, 82 fourth end, P plane, TD thickness direction

Claims

1. An oxygen supply device comprising: an oxygen generating layer including a first electron conductive material, a first lithium ion conductive material, and a lithium oxide; a lithium deposition layer disposed at a distance from the oxygen generating layer in the thickness direction, the lithium deposition layer including a second electron conductive material; a lithium ion conducting portion disposed between the oxygen generating layer and the lithium deposition layer, the lithium ion conducting portion including a second lithium ion conductive material; and a cover covering the lithium deposition layer, wherein the cover is in contact with the lithium deposition layer or is disposed in a communicating passage that is a space connecting the lithium deposition layer to the outside of the oxygen supply device, and includes a lithium sealing portion that seals the communicating passage and faces the outside, and the lithium sealing portion is permeable to water vapor.

2. The oxygen delivery device of claim 1, wherein the lithium seal is a dense material.

3. The oxygen supply device according to claim 1, wherein the lithium sealing portion has a plurality of pores with an average pore diameter of 0.4 nm or more and 50 nm or less.

4. The oxygen delivery device of claim 1, wherein the lithium seal is permeable to carbon dioxide.

5. An oxygen supply device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a second cover covering the oxygen generating layer, the second cover being in contact with the oxygen generating layer or being arranged within a second communication passage which is a space connecting the oxygen generating layer to the outside, and including an oxygen permeable layer which seals the second communication passage and faces the outside and through which oxygen can pass.

6. The oxygen supply device according to claim 5, wherein the lithium ion conducting portion has a sheet shape, and the peripheral edge of the lithium ion conducting portion is in contact with the lithium sealing portion.

7. An oxygen supply device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cover further includes an exterior material that houses the oxygen generating layer, the lithium precipitate layer, and the lithium ion conducting portion, the exterior material comprising: a main body having an opening; and a lid that closes the opening so that the communicating passage is formed, and the lithium sealing portion is located between the main body and the lid to seal the communicating passage.

8. The oxygen supply device of claim 7, wherein the cover is in contact with the oxygen generating layer or is disposed within a second communication passage, which is a space connecting the oxygen generating layer with the outside, and further includes an oxygen permeable layer that seals the second communication passage, faces the outside, and is permeable to oxygen.

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