Thread battery and connector-attached thread battery
12142730 ยท 2024-11-12
Assignee
Inventors
- Kou Tanaka (Nagaokakyo, JP)
- Masahiko Kondo (Nagaokakyo, JP)
- Makoto Yoshioka (Nagaokakyo, JP)
- Yukio Ehara (Nagaokakyo, JP)
Cpc classification
H01M4/5825
ELECTRICITY
H01M4/485
ELECTRICITY
Y02P70/50
GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
H01M4/131
ELECTRICITY
Y02E60/10
GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
International classification
H01M4/131
ELECTRICITY
H01M4/485
ELECTRICITY
Abstract
A thread battery that includes: a thread-like solid electrolyte that extends in a longitudinal direction between a first end and a second end that face each other in the longitudinal direction; a first electrode on a first part of an outer peripheral surface of the solid electrolyte along the longitudinal direction; a second electrode on a second part of the outer peripheral surface of the solid electrolyte along the longitudinal direction, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode do not contact each other; a first current collector on an outer peripheral surface of the first electrode along the longitudinal direction; and a second current collector on an outer peripheral surface of the second electrode along the longitudinal direction.
Claims
1. A thread battery comprising: a thread-like solid electrolyte that extends in a longitudinal direction between a first end and a second end that face each other in the longitudinal direction; a first electrode on a first part of an outer peripheral surface of the solid electrolyte along the longitudinal direction; a second electrode on a second part of the outer peripheral surface of the solid electrolyte along the longitudinal direction, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode do not contact each other; a first current collector on an outer peripheral surface of the first electrode along the longitudinal direction; and a second current collector on an outer peripheral surface of the second electrode along the longitudinal direction.
2. The thread battery according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode, the second electrode, and the solid electrolyte all contain oxides.
3. The thread battery according to claim 2, wherein the oxides are selected from a lithium-containing phosphoric acid compound having a NASICON-type structure, an oxide solid electrolyte having a perovskite-type structure, and an oxide solid electrolyte having a garnet-type structure.
4. The thread battery according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode contains a same oxide as contained in the solid electrolyte.
5. The thread battery according to claim 4, wherein the same oxide is selected from a lithium-containing phosphoric acid compound having a NASICON-type structure, an oxide solid electrolyte having a perovskite-type structure, and an oxide solid electrolyte having a garnet-type or garnet-like structure.
6. The thread battery according to claim 4, wherein a content of the same oxide in the at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is 30% by weight to 70% by weight.
7. The thread battery according to claim 2, wherein each of the first electrode and the second electrode contain a same oxide as contained in the solid electrolyte.
8. The thread battery according to claim 7, wherein the same oxide is selected from a lithium-containing phosphoric acid compound having a NASICON-type structure, an oxide solid electrolyte having a perovskite-type structure, and an oxide solid electrolyte having a garnet-type or garnet-like structure.
9. The thread battery according to claim 7, wherein a content of the same oxide in each of the first electrode and the second electrode is 30% by weight to 70% by weight.
10. The thread battery according to claim 1, further comprising an insulating material covering at least a part of an outermost peripheral surface of the thread battery.
11. The thread battery according to claim 1, wherein a diameter of the thread battery is 0.005 mm to 1 mm.
12. The thread battery according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of a diameter to a length of the thread battery is 5 or more.
13. A connector-attached thread battery comprising: the thread battery according to claim 1; and a connector connected to the first end or the second end of the thread battery, wherein the connector includes: a first connection terminal connected to the first current collector; and a second connection terminal connected to the second current collector.
14. The connector-attached thread battery according to claim 13, further comprising a covering thread covering at least a part of the connector.
15. The connector-attached thread battery according to claim 13, further comprising an electronic component connected between the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal.
16. A connector-attached thread battery comprising: the thread battery according to claim 1; a first connector connected to the first end of the thread battery; and a second connector connected to the second end of the thread battery, wherein each of the first connector and the second connector include: a first connection terminal connected to the first current collector; and a second connection terminal connected to the second current collector.
17. The connector-attached thread battery according to claim 16, further comprising: a first covering thread covering at least a part of the first connector; and a second covering thread covering at least a part of the second connector.
18. The connector-attached thread battery according to claim 16, further comprising an electronic component connected between the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal of at least one of the first connector and the second connector.
Description
BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1)
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(4)
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(12)
(13)
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(14) A description will be given below of a thread battery and a connector-attached thread battery according to the present invention.
(15) However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and can be appropriately modified and applied with the modification within the scope without changing the spirit of the present invention. It should be noted that those obtained by combining two or more of individual desirable configurations to be described below are also the present invention.
(16) The thread battery of the present invention has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end in a longitudinal direction.
(17) The thread battery of the present invention includes: a thread-like solid electrolyte that extends in a longitudinal direction between a first end and a second end that face each other in the longitudinal direction; a first electrode on a first part of an outer peripheral surface of the solid electrolyte along the longitudinal direction; a second electrode on a second part of the outer peripheral surface of the solid electrolyte along the longitudinal direction, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode do not contact each other; a first current collector on an outer peripheral surface of the first electrode along the longitudinal direction; and a second current collector on an outer peripheral surface of the second electrode along the longitudinal direction.
(18) In the thread battery of the present invention, the first current collector and the second current collector extend along the longitudinal direction on the outer peripheral surfaces of the first electrode and the second electrode, respectively. Since regions from which the first electrode and the second electrode can be extended are exposed and extend along the longitudinal direction, a current can be drawn from any spot, and a degree of freedom in an extended position of an external electrode is high.
(19) Moreover, if the first current collector and the second current collector extend along the longitudinal direction on the outer peripheral surfaces of the first electrode and the second electrode, respectively, when the first current collector and the second current collector are not broken even when the first electrode, the second electrode and the solid electrolyte are broken, a portion other than such broken regions functions as a battery, and accordingly, a battery function is less likely to be stopped at the time of such breakdown. In particular, when the current collectors are composed of a highly ductile material, the current collectors are flexible and difficult to fracture, and accordingly, a short circuit can be prevented as described above.
(20) Moreover, when glass or ceramic is used as a main material of the electrodes or the solid electrolyte, even if each of the electrodes and the solid electrolyte is fractured by being applied with a stress, continuous breakdown starting from each fractured fragment is unlikely to occur, and accordingly, each of the electrodes and the solid electrolyte is less likely to shatter, a short circuit thereof is prevented, and the battery function is maintained.
(21) A configuration of the thread battery of the present invention will be described with reference to
(22)
(23) As illustrated in
(24) As illustrated in
(25) In the thread battery 1, the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20 are disposed so as to face each other with the solid electrolyte 30 interposed therebetween and not to come in contact with each other.
(26) As illustrated in
(27) In the thread battery 1 illustrated in
(28) Moreover, a distance between the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20 which are separated from each other by the gaps 60 does not have to be constant.
(29)
(30) As illustrated in
(31) The solid electrolyte 30, the first electrode 10, the second electrode 20, the first current collector 70 and the second current collector 90 all have a thread shape that extends along the longitudinal direction (direction indicated by a double arrow L in
(32) Moreover, the first current collector 70 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the first electrode 10 along the longitudinal direction, and the second current collector 90 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the second electrode 20 along the longitudinal direction.
(33) In the thread battery of the present invention, each of the first electrode and the second electrode is only required to be disposed on a part of the outer peripheral surface of the solid electrolyte, and the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20 do not necessarily have to face each other.
(34) Moreover, in the thread battery of the present invention, with regard to the first electrode, the number thereof is not limited to one as long as all thereof are disposed on a part of the outer peripheral surface of such a solid electrolyte layer so as not to come into contact with the second electrode, and two or more of the first electrodes may be disposed. In this case, preferably, the number of the first current collectors is set to two or more according to needs.
(35) With regard to the second electrode, like the first electrode, the number thereof is not limited to one as long as such second electrodes are disposed on a part of the outer peripheral surface of the solid electrolyte layer so as not to come into contact with the first electrode, and two or more of the second electrodes may be disposed. In this case, preferably, the number of the second current collectors is set to two or more according to needs.
(36) In the thread battery of the present invention, preferably, at least a part of an outermost peripheral surface thereof is covered with an insulating film made of an insulating material.
(37) Here, the outermost peripheral surface means an outermost peripheral surface of a structure composed of the first electrode, the second electrode, the solid electrolyte, the first current collector, and the second current collector.
(38) When the outermost peripheral surface is covered with an insulating film made of an insulating material, the first electrode, the second electrode and the solid electrolyte can be prevented from being damaged or unintentionally short-circuited by an external impact, vibration or the like.
(39)
(40) A thread battery 3 illustrated in
(41) In the thread battery 3, the gaps 60 illustrated in
(42) Note that the insulating film may be formed so that the gaps 60 of the thread battery 1 illustrated in
(43)
(44) A thread battery 4 illustrated in
(45) The thread battery of the present invention preferably has flexibility.
(46) If the thread battery has flexibility, the thread battery can easily follow a shape of the storage space.
(47) Note that, in the present description, the thread battery is determined to have flexibility when not being broken even if being deformed until a radius of curvature thereof becomes 50 mm.
(48) If the thread battery is not broken when the thread battery is disposed along an inner peripheral surface of a ring having an inner diameter of 100 mm, the thread battery is determined not to be broken even if being deformed until the radius of curvature becomes 50 mm, that is, to have flexibility.
(49) A diameter of the thread battery of the present invention is not particularly limited; however, is preferably 0.005 mm to 1 mm.
(50) When the diameter of the thread battery is 0.005 mm to 1 mm, the thread battery has sufficient flexibility, and becomes easy to follow the shape of the storage space.
(51) When the diameter of the thread battery is less than 0.005 mm, the diameter of the thread battery is too small to obtain a sufficient capacity. On the other hand, when the diameter of the thread battery exceeds 1 mm, the flexibility of the thread battery decreases.
(52) Note that the diameter of the thread battery can be obtained by measuring diameters of sections perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the thread battery at 10 randomly selected spots and by taking an average value therefrom. However, when a sectional shape of the thread battery is not circular, a diameter of each circle corresponding to a projected area obtained from an area of the section is defined as the diameter of the section.
(53) When the above insulating film is formed, a thickness of the insulating film is also included in the diameter of the thread battery. Moreover, when gaps are provided between the first electrode and the second electrode, an area of the gaps is not included in the area of the section.
(54) A length of the thread battery of the present invention in the longitudinal direction is not particularly limited; however, is preferably 1 mm or more.
(55) In the thread battery of the present invention, a ratio of the diameter to the length is not particularly limited; however, [(length)/(diameter)] is preferably 5 or more.
(56) In the thread battery of the present invention, the sectional shape of the section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is not particularly limited, and may be a circle, an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape, or the like, and a shape formed by combining a plurality of these shapes.
(57) In the thread battery of the present invention, one of the first electrode and the second electrode serves as a positive electrode, and the other serves as a negative electrode. A description will be given below of an example in which the first electrode is a positive electrode and the second electrode is a negative electrode.
(58) [First Electrode]
(59) The first electrode is composed of a sintered body containing positive electrode active material particles.
(60) Examples of a material that constitutes the positive electrode active material particles include oxides such as a lithium-containing phosphoric acid compound having a NASICON-type structure, a lithium-containing phosphoric acid compound having an olivine-type structure, a lithium-containing layered oxide, and a lithium-containing oxide having a spinel-type structure.
(61) Specific examples of a lithium-containing phosphoric acid compound that has a NASICON-type structure and is to be preferably used include Li.sub.3V.sub.2(PO.sub.4).sub.3, and the like. Specific examples of a lithium-containing phosphoric acid compound that has an olivine-type structure and is to be preferably used include LiFePO.sub.4, LiCoPO.sub.4, LiMnPO.sub.4, and the like. Specific examples of a preferably used lithium-containing layered oxide include LiCoO.sub.2, LiCo.sub.1/3Ni.sub.1/3Mn.sub.1/3O.sub.2, and the like. Specific examples of a lithium-containing oxide that has a spinel-type structure and is to be preferably used include LiMn.sub.2O.sub.4, LiNi.sub.0.5Mn.sub.1.5O.sub.4, and the like.
(62) Only one of these positive electrode active material particles may be used, or a plurality of types thereof may be mixed and used.
(63) Among them, Li.sub.3V.sub.2(PO.sub.4).sub.3 is particularly preferable.
(64) The first electrode may contain solid electrolyte particles and conductive particles in addition to the positive electrode active material particles.
(65) Examples of a material that constitutes the solid electrolyte particles include oxides which constitute the solid electrolyte to be described later.
(66) The solid electrolyte particles are preferably the same as the oxides which constitute the solid electrolyte to be described later.
(67) When the first electrode contains the solid electrolyte particles, and the solid electrolyte particles are the same as the oxides which constitute the solid electrolyte, then bonding between the first electrode and the solid electrolyte becomes strong, and a response rate and mechanical strength thereof are improved.
(68) Examples of the conductive particles include particles composed of a metal such as Ag, Au, Pt and Pd, carbon, a compound having electron conductivity, a mixture obtained by combining these, and the like. Moreover, these substances having conductivity may be contained in the first electrode in a state of being coated on the surfaces of the positive electrode active material particles.
(69) [Second Electrode]
(70) The second electrode is composed of a sintered body containing negative electrode active material particles.
(71) Examples of a material that constitutes the negative electrode active material particles include a compound represented by MO.sub.X (M is at least one selected from the group consisting of Ti, Si, Sn, Cr, Fe, Nb, V and Mo. 0.9X3.0), a compound represented by Li.sub.YMO.sub.X (M is at least one selected from the group consisting of Ti, Si, Sn, Cr, Fe, Nb, V and Mo. 0.9X3.0, 2.0Y4.0), a graphite-lithium compound, a lithium alloy, a lithium-containing phosphoric acid compound having a NASICON-type structure, a lithium-containing phosphoric acid compound having an olivine-type structure, a lithium-containing oxide having a spinel-type structure, and the like, and the material is preferably an oxide such as the compound represented by MO.sub.X, the compound represented by Li.sub.YMO.sub.X, the lithium-containing phosphoric acid compound having a NASICON-type structure, the lithium-containing phosphoric acid compound having an olivine-type structure, and the lithium-containing oxide having a spinel-type structure.
(72) The compound represented by MO.sub.X may have a part of oxygen substituted with P or Si, or may contain Li. Specific examples of the lithium alloy to be preferably used include LiAl and the like. Specific examples of the lithium-containing phosphoric acid compound that has a NASICON-type structure and is to be preferably used include Li.sub.3V.sub.2(PO.sub.4).sub.3, Li.sub.3Fe.sub.2(PO.sub.4).sub.3, and the like. Specific examples of the lithium-containing oxide that has a spinel-type structure and is to be preferably used include Li.sub.4Ti.sub.5O.sub.12 and the like. Only one of these negative electrode active material particles may be used, or a plurality of types thereof may be mixed and used.
(73) Among them, Li.sub.3V.sub.2(PO.sub.4).sub.3 is particularly preferable.
(74) The second electrode may contain solid electrolyte particles and conductive particles in addition to the negative electrode active material particles.
(75) Examples of a material that constitutes the solid electrolyte particles include oxides which constitute the solid electrolyte to be described later.
(76) The solid electrolyte particles are preferably the same as the oxides which constitute the solid electrolyte to be described later.
(77) When the second electrode contains the solid electrolyte particles, and the solid electrolyte particles are the same as the oxides which constitute the solid electrolyte, then bonding between the second electrode and the solid electrolyte becomes strong, and a response rate and mechanical strength thereof are improved.
(78) Examples of those to be preferably used as the conductive particles include particles composed of a metal such as Ag, Au, Pt and Pd, carbon, a compound having electron conductivity, a mixture obtained by combining these, or the like. Moreover, these substances having conductivity may be contained in the second electrode in a state of being coated on the surfaces of the negative electrode active material particles or the like.
(79) Note that, in the present description, the oxide does not include sulfide oxide.
(80) [Solid Electrolyte]
(81) Examples of the solid electrolyte include oxides such as a lithium-containing phosphoric acid compound having a NASICON-type structure.
(82) Examples of a lithium-containing phosphoric acid compound that has a NASICON-type structure and is to be preferably used include Li.sub.xM.sub.y(PO.sub.4).sub.3 (0.9x1.9, 1.9y2.1, and M is at least one selected from the group consisting of Ti, Ge, Al, Ga and Zr).
(83) As the lithium-containing phosphoric acid compound, Li.sub.1.2Al.sub.0.2Ti.sub.1.8(PO.sub.4).sub.3 is preferable.
(84) Lithium-containing phosphoric acid compounds having two or more types of NASICON-type structures having different compositions may be mixed and used.
(85) Examples of a preferred composition of the solid electrolyte include: a vitrifiable composition represented by L.sub.1+xAl.sub.xGe.sub.2x(PO.sub.4).sub.3 [for example, Li.sub.1.5Al.sub.0.5Ge.sub.1.5(PO.sub.4).sub.3, Li.sub.1.2Al.sub.0.2Ge.sub.1.8(PO.sub.4).sub.3, and the like], a vitrifiable composition represented by Li.sub.1+xAl.sub.xGe.sub.2xyTi.sub.y(PO.sub.4).sub.3 [for example, Li.sub.1.5Al.sub.0.5Ge.sub.1.0Ti.sub.0.5(PO.sub.4).sub.3, Li.sub.1.2Al.sub.0.2Ge.sub.1.3Ti.sub.0.5(PO.sub.4).sub.3, and the like], a mixture of at least one selected from the group consisting of AlPO.sub.4, SiO.sub.2 and B.sub.2O.sub.3 and Li.sub.1+xAl.sub.xGe.sub.2x(PO.sub.4).sub.3 or Li.sub.1+xAl.sub.xGe.sub.2xyTi.sub.y(PO.sub.4).sub.3, a mixture of Li.sub.1+xAl.sub.xGe.sub.2x(PO.sub.4).sub.3 and Li.sub.1+xAl.sub.xGe.sub.2xyTi.sub.y(PO.sub.4).sub.3, the one in which a part of Li of Li.sub.1+xAl.sub.xGe.sub.2x(PO.sub.4).sub.3 or Li.sub.1+xAl.sub.xGe.sub.2xyTi.sub.y(PO.sub.4).sub.3 is replaced by Na, Co, Mn or Ni [for example, Li.sub.1.1Na.sub.0.1Al.sub.0.2Ge.sub.1.3Ti.sub.0.5(PO.sub.4).sub.3, Li.sub.1.4Na.sub.0.1Al.sub.0.5Ge.sub.1.0Ti.sub.0.5(PO.sub.4).sub.3, and the like, in each of which a part of Li is replaced by Na], and the one in which a part of Ge of L.sub.1+xAl.sub.xGe.sub.2x(PO.sub.4).sub.3 or Li.sub.1+xAl.sub.xGe.sub.2xyTi.sub.y(PO.sub.4).sub.3 is replaced by Zr, Fe or V [for example, Li.sub.1.2Al.sub.0.2Ge.sub.1.7Zr.sub.0.1(PO.sub.4).sub.3, Li.sub.1.5Al.sub.0.5Ge.sub.1.0Ti.sub.0.4Zr.sub.0.1(PO.sub.4).sub.3, and the like, in each of which a part of Ge is replaced by Zr]. Two or more of these may be mixed and used.
(86) In addition to the lithium-containing phosphoric acid compound having a NASICON-type structure, the solid electrolyte may further contain an oxide solid electrolyte having a perovskite-type structure or an oxide solid electrolyte having a garnet-type or garnet-like structure. Specific examples of the oxide solid electrolyte having a perovskite-type structure include La.sub.0.55Li.sub.0.35TiO.sub.3, and specific examples of the oxide solid electrolyte having a garnet-type or garnet-like structure include, for example, Li.sub.7La.sub.3Zr.sub.2O.sub.12.
(87) In the thread battery of the present invention, preferably, the first electrode, the second electrode, and the solid electrolyte all contain oxides.
(88) When the first electrode, the second electrode, and the solid electrolyte all contain oxides, it becomes easy to form a sintered body. Moreover, even if the sintered body containing an oxide is fractured by being applied with a stress, continuous breakdown starting from each fractured fragment is unlikely to occur, and accordingly, the sintered body is less likely to shatter, a short circuit thereof is prevented, and a function of the battery is maintained.
(89) In the thread battery of the present invention, preferably, at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode contains the same oxide as that of the solid electrolyte, and more preferably, both the first electrode and the second electrode contain the same oxide as that of the solid electrolyte. In particular, preferably, at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode contains such a lithium-containing phosphoric acid compound as Li.sub.1.2Al.sub.0.2Ti.sub.1.8(PO.sub.4).sub.3, and more preferably, both the first electrode and the second electrode contain the above lithium-containing phosphoric acid compound.
(90) An electrode containing the same oxide as that of the solid electrolyte has a strong bond with the solid electrolyte, and accordingly, a response rate and mechanical strength thereof are improved.
(91) In the thread battery of the present invention, preferably, the first electrode, the second electrode and the solid electrolyte do not substantially contain a sulfide or a sulfide oxide.
(92) When the first electrode contains the same oxide as that of the solid electrolyte, a content thereof is preferably 30% by weight to 70% by weight.
(93) If the content of the oxide in the first electrode is less than 30% by weight, then bonding strength between the first electrode and the solid electrolyte may not be sufficiently improved. On the other hand, if the content exceeds 70% by weight, then a ratio of the positive electrode active material particles in the first electrode decreases, and accordingly, an energy density may decrease.
(94) Note that the content of the oxide in the first electrode can be measured by composition analysis such as inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission spectroscopy. Moreover, for simplicity, data analysis such as powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) can also be used.
(95) When the second electrode contains the same oxide as that of the solid electrolyte, a content thereof is preferably 30% by weight to 70% by weight.
(96) If the content of the oxide in the second electrode is less than 30% by weight, then bonding strength between the second electrode and the solid electrolyte may not be sufficiently improved. On the other hand, if the content exceeds 70% by weight, then a ratio of the negative electrode active material particles in the second electrode decreases, and accordingly, the energy density may decrease.
(97) Note that the oxide content in the second electrode can be measured in a similar manner to that in the first electrode.
(98) [Current Collector]
(99) The first current collector and the second current collector will be described.
(100) When the first electrode is a positive electrode, the first current collector is a positive electrode current collector, and when the second electrode is a negative electrode, the second current collector is a negative electrode current collector.
(101) The positive electrode current collector and the negative electrode current collector are not particularly limited as long as having electron conductivity. The positive electrode current collector and the negative electrode current collector can be composed of, for example, carbon, an oxide and a composite oxide which have high electron conductivity, a metal, or the like. For example, the positive electrode current collector and the negative electrode current collector can be composed of Pt, Au, Ag, Al, Cu, stainless steel, indium tin oxide (ITO), or the like.
(102) Ni or Al is preferable as such a material that constitutes the positive electrode current collector. On the other hand, Cu is preferable as such a material that constitutes the negative electrode current collector.
(103) [Insulating Film]
(104) A material that constitutes the insulating film is only required to be an insulating material, and examples thereof include glass, ceramic, an insulating resin, and the like.
(105) Examples of the glass include quartz glass (SiO.sub.2), composite oxide-based glass obtained by combining at least two selected from the group consisting of SiO.sub.2, PbO, B.sub.2O.sub.3, MgO, ZnO, Bi.sub.2O.sub.3, Na.sub.2O and Al.sub.2O.sub.3, and the like.
(106) Examples of the ceramics include alumina, cordierite, mullite, steatite, forsterite, and the like.
(107) Examples of the insulating resin include: thermoplastic resin such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyvinyl acetate, thermoplastic polyurethane, and Teflon (registered trademark); thermosetting resin such as phenol resin, epoxy resin, melamine resin, urea resin, unsaturated polyester resin, alkyd resin, polyurethane, and thermosetting polyimide; photocurable resin; and the like.
(108) A thickness of the insulating film is not particularly limited; however, is preferably 0.005 mm to 1 mm.
(109) [Connector-Attached Thread Battery]
(110) A connector-attached thread battery of the present invention includes: the thread battery described herein; and a connector connected to the first end or second end of the thread battery, wherein the connector includes: a first connection terminal connected to the first current collector; and a second connection terminal connected to the second current collector.
(111) In the connector-attached thread battery of the present invention, the thread battery can be easily connected to another electronic component with a connector interposed therebetween.
(112) Moreover, a connector diameter is not particularly limited; however, can be suppressed to be larger than a diameter of the thread battery by up to approximately 5%. When the connector diameter is suppressed to be larger than such a thread battery diameter by up to approximately 5%, a sewing process is not hindered when the thread battery is sewn onto fiber.
(113) Moreover, a stopper chuck is provided on the connector, whereby attachment/detachment thereof can also be facilitated.
(114) [Connector]
(115) The connector may be connected to only the first end of the thread battery, may be connected to only the second end thereof, or may be connected to both the first end and the second end. However, the connector connected to the first end and the connector connected to the second end are different from each other.
(116) The connector may be connected to an external connector. The external connector is a connector connected to an electronic device or the like, and is different from the connector included in the connector-attached thread battery of the present invention.
(117) The connector included in the thread battery of the present invention is connected to the external connector, whereby the thread battery of the present invention can be connected to the electronic device.
(118) The connector may have a recess or a protrusion, which is fittable to the external connector.
(119) When the connector has a recess or a protrusion, which is fittable to the external connector, the recess of the connector and a protrusion of the external connector are fitted to each other, or the protrusion of the connector and a recess of the external connector are fitted to each other, whereby the connector can be easily connected to the electronic device or the like.
(120) The thread battery and the connector-attached thread battery according to the present invention may be directly connected to the electronic device without interposing the external connector therebetween.
(121) An example of the connector-attached thread battery of the present invention will be described with reference to
(122)
(123) As illustrated in
(124) The fitting housing 210 has a recess 250. A shape of the recess 250 corresponds to a shape of a protrusion 350 included in an external connector 300 to be connected to the connector 200. The recess 250 of the connector 200 and the protrusion 350 of the external connector 300 are fitted to each other, whereby the connector 200 and the external connector 300 can be easily connected to each other.
(125) The external connector 300 includes a fitting housing 310, a first external terminal 370, and a second external terminal 390, and the first external terminal 370 and the second external terminal 390 are connected to the electronic device (not shown) with a first external conductor 470 and a second external conductor 490 (each of which is indicated by a two-dot dashed line in
(126) The connector 200 and the external connector 300 are connected to each other, whereby the first connection terminal 270 of the connector 200 is connected to the first external terminal 370 of the external connector 300, and the second connection terminal 290 of the connector 200 is connected to the second external terminal 390 of the external connector 300.
(127) As mentioned above, the first external terminal 370 of the external connector 300 is connected to the electronic device with the first external conductor 470 interposed therebetween, and the second external terminal 390 of the external connector 300 is connected to the electronic device with the second external conductor 490 interposed therebetween. Hence, the connector 200 and the external connector 300 are connected to each other, whereby the thread battery 3 can be easily connected to the electronic device.
(128) Note that the first connection terminal 270 and the first current collector 70 may be directly connected to each other without interposing the first conductor 170 therebetween. Moreover, the second connection terminal 290 and the second current collector 90 may be directly connected to each other without interposing the second conductor 190 therebetween.
(129) In the connector 200 illustrated in
(130) Moreover, in the external connector 300, both the first external terminal 370 and the second external terminal 390 protrude from the fitting housing 310 toward the electronic device; however, the first external terminal 370 and the second external terminal 390 may be disposed so as not to protrude from the fitting housing 310 toward the electronic device.
(131) A material that constitutes the fitting housings of the connector and the external connector is not particularly limited; however, examples thereof include resins such as: general-purpose resins such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET); engineering resins such as fluororesin (FR) and polyamide (PA); thermosetting resins such as phenol resin (PF) and epoxy resin (EP); styrene resin; vinyl chloride resin; olefin resin; urethane resin; and silicone rubber.
(132) The connector and the external connector may be provided with a locking mechanism.
(133) Examples of the locking mechanism include: a mechanism in which a spiral groove is provided on the surface of each of the connector and the external connector to screw the connector and the external connector to each other; a slide locking mechanism; a side locking mechanism; a center locking mechanism; a push locking mechanism; and the like.
(134) A part of the connector and a part of the external connector may be covered with a covering thread.
(135)
(136) In
(137) When the covering thread 220 is provided, the wire connection portions can be physically protected, and the first connection terminal 270 and the first conductor 170 can be prevented from being disconnected from each other, and the second connection terminal 290 and the second conductor 190 can be prevented from being disconnected from each other.
(138) For example, the covering thread 220 may cover all of the first conductor 170 and the second conductor 190, and may cover a part or all of the thread battery 3 connected to the first conductor 170 and the second conductor 190.
(139) Moreover, the first conductor 170 and the second conductor 190 may be covered with one covering thread as long as being insulated from each other; however, may be covered with different covering threads.
(140) When the first conductor 170 and the second conductor 190 are covered with the different covering threads, the first conductor 170 covered with the covering thread and the second conductor 190 covered with the covering thread may be bundled with each other by being covered with another covering thread.
(141) A part of the external connector 300 is covered with a covering thread 320. Specifically, the covering thread 320 covers: a part of the fitting housing 310; a portion of the first external terminal 370, which protrudes from the fitting housing 310 toward the electronic device; a portion of the second external terminal 390, which protrudes from the fitting housing 310 toward the electronic device; a wire connection portion between the first external terminal 370 and the first external conductor 470; a wire connection portion between the second external terminal 390 and the second external conductor 490; and a part of the first external conductor 470 and a part of the second external conductor 490. The external connector 300 is connected to the electronic device (not shown) with the first external conductor 470 and the second external conductor 490 interposed therebetween.
(142) The covering thread may be a single thread, may be a twisted thread, or may be a covered yarn composed of a core thread and a wound thread wound around an outside of the core thread.
(143)
(144) In
(145) In
(146) In
(147) When the covering thread is viewed from the front so that the core thread faces up and down, it is the Z-direction that is a direction in which the winding direction of the wound thread disposed in front of the core thread goes from lower left toward upper right or goes from upper right toward lower left, and it is the S-direction that is an opposite direction to the above, that is, in which the winding direction of the wound thread disposed in front of the core thread goes from upper left toward lower right or goes from lower right toward upper left.
(148) A material that constitutes the covering thread is not particularly limited; however, examples thereof include natural fiber, synthetic chemical fiber. and the like
(149) As a material of such chemical synthetic fiber, a hot melt resin and a thermoplastic resin are preferably used.
(150) When the covering thread is composed of the hot melt resin, the covering thread is thermally compressed to the connector after being wound therearound, whereby the covering thread is molten by heating, thus making it possible to fix the covering thread to the connector. Moreover, knits are closed by melting the covering thread, and the connector can be imparted with characteristics such as water resistance, dust resistance, heat resistance, chemical resistance and light resistance.
(151) Examples of the hot melt resin include ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) resin and the like.
(152) Examples of the thermoplastic resin include polyethylene resin, polyester resin, nylon (polyamide) resin, polypropylene resin, and the like.
(153) A method for covering the connector and the wire connection portion with the covering thread is not particularly limited; however, examples thereof include knit covering and the like.
(154) The surface of the covering thread may be further covered with a cover member as illustrated in
(155)
(156)
(157) When the connector and the wire connection portions are covered with the cover member, the connector can be imparted with characteristics such as water resistance, dust resistance, heat resistance, chemical resistance and light resistance.
(158) A material that constitutes the cover members is not particularly limited; however, a thermosetting resin or the like can be used.
(159) A periphery of each covering thread is covered with the above material, followed by heating, whereby the cover member can be formed on the covering thread.
(160) Note that the cover member may be provided without covering the surface of the connector with the covering thread. In this case, preferably, a region to be covered with the cover member is the same as a region to be provided with the covering thread.
(161) Examples of the thermosetting resin include polyvinyl chloride-based resin, polyolefin-based resin, and the like.
(162) The connector may include an electronic component in the inside thereof.
(163) Referring to
(164)
(165) Note that a positional relationship between the connector and the external connector, which is illustrated in
(166) As illustrated in
(167) Referring to
(168)
(169) Note that a positional relationship between the connector and the external connector, which is illustrated in
(170) As illustrated in
(171) Examples of the electronic component to be disposed in the connector include a fuse, an EMI filter, a sensor, a heater, an LED, a wireless chip, a chip battery, a vibrator, a memory element, a semiconductor element, an antenna, a small electronic circuit, and the like.
(172) The number of such electronic components to be disposed in the connector may be one, or may be two or more.
(173) The connector is connected to the external connector, whereby the thread battery of the present invention can be easily connected to the electronic device or the like.
(174)
(175)
(176)
(177) The connector 200 and the external connector 300 are connected to each other, whereby the first connection terminal 270 of the connector 200 is connected to the first external terminal 370 of the external connector 300, and the second connection terminal 290 of the connector 200 is connected to the second external terminal 390 of the external connector 300.
(178) The first connection terminal 270 and second connection terminal 290 of the connector 200 are connected to the first current collector and second current collector of the thread battery with the first conductor 170 and the second conductor 190 interposed therebetween, respectively. Moreover, the first external terminal 370 and second external terminal 390 of the external connector 300 are connected to the electronic component with the first external conductor 470 and the second external conductor 490 interposed therebetween, respectively. Hence, the connector 200 and the external connector 300 are connected to each other, whereby the thread battery can be easily connected to the electronic device.
(179) [Method for Manufacturing Thread Battery]
(180) A method for manufacturing the thread battery of the present invention is not particularly limited.
(181) The thread battery 2 illustrated in
(182) Examples of a method for obtaining the thread-like solid electrolyte include a method of spinning and firing a mixed solution containing a material that constitutes the solid electrolyte, an organic binder and a dispersion medium.
(183) Moreover, the material that constitutes the solid electrolyte may be processed into a thread in a molten state.
(184) Examples of a method for obtaining the thread-like first electrode include a method of spinning and firing a mixed solution containing a material that constitutes the first electrode, an organic binder and a dispersion medium.
(185) Moreover, the material that constitutes the first electrode may be processed into a thread in a molten state.
(186) Examples of a method for obtaining the thread-like second electrode include a method of spinning and firing a mixed solution containing a material that constitutes the second electrode, an organic binder and a dispersion medium.
(187) Moreover, the material that constitutes the second electrode may be processed into a thread in a molten state.
(188) Examples of a method for obtaining the thread-like first current collector include a method of processing a material that constitutes the first current collector into a thread by an extension process or the like.
(189) Moreover, the method may be a method of spinning and firing a mixed solution containing the material that constitutes the first current collector, an organic binder, and a dispersion medium.
(190) Examples of a method for obtaining the thread-like second current collector include a method of processing a material that constitutes the second current collector into a thread by an extension process or the like.
(191) Moreover, the method may be a method of spinning and firing a mixed solution containing the material that constitutes the second current collector, an organic binder, and a dispersion medium.
(192) Examples of a method for coating the outermost peripheral surface with the insulating film made of an insulating material include a method of preparing a mixed solution obtained by mixing an insulating material and a dispersion medium, and applying the mixed solution onto an outermost peripheral surface of a structure composed of a solid electrolyte, a first electrode, a second electrode, a first current collector and a second current collector, followed by drying.
(193) Moreover, when the thread battery 1 illustrated in
(194) An outlet section of the composite spinning nozzle for use has a shape corresponding to sectional shapes of the first electrode 10, the second electrode 20, and the solid electrolyte 30 which are illustrated in
(195) Moreover, flow paths for the gaps 60 are formed in the composite spinning nozzle, and a mixed solution containing only an organic binder and a dispersion medium is discharged from the flow paths during spinning, and is co-sintered, whereby the gaps 60 can be stably formed.
(196) The first current collector 70 and the second current collector 90 are formed on the surfaces of the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20 of the obtained structure, respectively by laser processing, sputtering, plating, or the like, whereby such a thread battery 1 as illustrated in
(197) The insulating film 100 is formed on the surface of this thread battery 1 by a dipping method, a coating method, or the like, whereby such a thread battery 3 as illustrated in
(198) [Method for Manufacturing Connector-Attached Thread Battery]
(199) The connector-attached thread battery of the present invention can be obtained, for example, by connecting the first electrode of the thread battery fabricated by the above procedure and the first connection terminal of the connector to each other with the first conductor interposed therebetween and connecting the second electrode of the thread battery and the second connection terminal of the connector to each other with the second conductor interposed therebetween.
(200) Moreover, the fitting housing, the first conductor, the second conductor, the wire connection portion between the first connection terminal and the first conductor, and the wire connection portion between the second connection terminal and the second conductor, all of which constitute the connector, may be covered with the covering thread, and the outside of the covering thread may be covered with the cover member.
(201) A method for manufacturing the connector is not particularly limited; however, the connector can be obtained by combining the fitting housing molded into a predetermined shape with the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal and disposing an electronic component between the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal according to needs.
(202) The first connection terminal and the first electrode may be directly connected to each other without interposing the first conductor therebetween, and the second connection terminal and the second electrode may be directly connected to each other without interposing the second conductor therebetween.
(203) For example, in the manufacturing method mentioned above, the thread-like first current collector and the thread-like second current collector may be prepared so that lengths thereof are larger than lengths of the thread-like first electrode, the thread-like second electrode, and the thread-like solid electrolyte, the thread-like first electrode, the thread-like second electrode, the thread-like solid electrolyte, the thread-like first current collector and the thread-like second current collector may be combined with one another so that the thread-like first current collector and the thread-like second current collector protrude from the same end, and the thread-like first current collector and the thread-like second current collector, which protrude, may be directly connected to the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal, which constitute the connector, respectively.
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS
(204) 1, 2, 3, 4: Thread battery 1a: First end 1b: Second end 5: Connector-attached thread battery 10: First electrode 20: Second electrode 30: Solid electrolyte 60: Gap 70: First current collector 90: Second current collector 100: Insulating film 170: First conductor 190: Second conductor 200, 201, 202: Connector 210, 211, 212, 310, 311, 312: Fitting housing 220, 221, 222, 223, 320: Covering thread 230, 330: Cover member 250, 360: Recess 260, 350: Protrusion 270: First connection terminal 290: Second connection terminal 300, 301, 302: External connector 370: First external terminal 390: Second external terminal 400: Electronic component 470: First external conductor 490: Second external conductor 500: Core thread 510, 520, 530: Wound thread