JP2000208383A - Method and apparatus for injecting electrolyte into electric double layer capacitor - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: A method and an apparatus for injecting an electrolytic solution into an electric double-layer capacitor capable of eliminating waste of the electrolytic solution are provided. A chamber (16) formed in a fitting member (156) is provided.
The lid member 190 inside 8 rises, the gas in the housing 160 is exhausted from the supply path 146, and then the electrolyte 110 is injected from the supply path 146 into the housing 160 via the chamber 168.
The lid member 190 is lowered to close the opening 180, the inert gas is introduced into the chamber 168 from the inert gas supply path 196, and the electrolyte 110 in the chamber 168 is pushed back from the supply path 146 to the electrolyte tank. . Therefore, when the gas in the next housing 160 is discharged, the electrolytic solution 110 is not discharged, and the amount of the unused electrolytic solution 110 can be reduced.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for injecting an electrolytic solution into an electric double layer capacitor in which an electrolytic solution is injected into a housing of the electric double layer capacitor in order to manufacture the electric double layer capacitor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When manufacturing an electric double layer capacitor, it is necessary to inject an electrolytic solution into a housing in which electrodes are arranged. This electrolyte is prepared by dissolving an electrolyte such as triethylmethylammonium and tetrafluoroborate in a solvent such as propylene carbonate, and oxidizes when exposed to the atmosphere. FIG. 5 shows a conventional electrolyte injection device 10. The electrolyte injection device 10 includes an electrolyte supply unit 12, a gas discharge unit 13, and an electrolyte injection unit 14 arranged in an inert gas atmosphere.

The electrolyte supply section 12 has an electrolyte tank 18 in which an electrolyte 16 is stored. The electrolyte tank 18 includes a high-pressure tank 22 filled with a high-pressure inert gas such as nitrogen. 20. In addition, a conduit 24 is inserted into the electrolytic solution 16 into the electrolytic solution tank 18, and an electrolytic solution pressure feed line 26 communicates with the conduit 24. An electromagnetic valve 28 is provided on the electrolyte pressure feed line 26. A discharge line 32 constituting the gas discharge unit 13 is connected to the electrolyte pressure feed line 26 via a branch 30, and a vacuum pump 38 is connected to the discharge line 32 via a solenoid valve 34 and a trap 36. The branch 30 is connected to the electrolyte injection part 14 by a conduit 40.

[0004] The inside of a chamber 41 constituting the electrolyte injection part 14 is filled with an inert gas. In the electrolyte injection part 14,
The conduit 40 is branched into a plurality of parts, each of which is connected to a solenoid valve 42, and a conduit 44 is connected to the solenoid valve 42. Conduit 44
Is a housing 4 of the electric double layer capacitor as shown in FIG.
6 is detachably connected to the opening 48. A plurality of electrodes 50 are arranged inside the housing 46 in parallel with each other, and a separator 52 is arranged between the electrodes 50.

In order to inject the electrolyte 16 into the housing 46 of the electric double layer capacitor, first, with the solenoid valve 28 closed, the vacuum pump 38 is driven and the solenoid valve 3
4 and 42 are opened to discharge the gas inside the housing 46 to the outside. Next, the electromagnetic valve 34 is closed and the electromagnetic valve 28 is opened, and an inert gas is supplied to the electrolyte tank 18 from the high-pressure tank 22. The electrolytic solution 16 is injected into the inside of the housing 46 through the conduit 24, the electrolytic solution feed line 26, the conduit 40, and the conduit 44 by the pressure of the inert gas. When a predetermined amount of the electrolytic solution 16 is injected into the housing 46, the electromagnetic valves 28, 42
Is closed, and the conduit 44 is removed from the opening 48. Then, the opening 48 is sealed in an inert gas atmosphere.

Next, the opening 48 of the new casing 46 is connected to the conduit 44, and the gas inside the casing 46 is discharged again by the vacuum pump 38. At this time, the electrolyte 16 remains in the conduits 40 and 44, and the electrolyte 16 is collected by the trap 36.

[0007]

However, in the electrolyte injection device 10 for an electric double layer capacitor according to the prior art described above, when the electrolyte 16 remaining in the conduits 40 and 44 is collected in the trap 36. , Oxidizes in contact with the atmosphere and cannot be used again. Therefore, there is a problem that a large amount of the electrolyte 16 that cannot be reused is generated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and has as its object to provide a method and an apparatus for injecting an electrolytic solution into an electric double layer capacitor, which can eliminate waste of the electrolytic solution. .

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a method of discharging gas in a housing constituting an electric double layer capacitor through a discharge path, and closing the discharge path. Then, a step of injecting the electrolyte from the electrolyte supply unit into the housing via a supply path, and after the injection of the electrolyte, supplying an inert gas to the supply path from the housing side,
Returning the electrolytic solution remaining in the supply path to the electrolytic solution supply unit.

According to the present invention, the amount of unusable electrolyte can be reduced because the electrolyte remaining in the supply path when the electrolyte is injected into the housing is returned to the electrolyte supply section using an inert gas. Can be done.

In this case, the supply path is connected to the plurality of casings, and the pressure of the inert gas supplied from each of the casings to the supply path is controlled to be substantially constant. This is preferable because the electrolyte in each supply path is pushed back to the electrolyte supply section in a well-balanced manner.

Further, the present invention provides a gas discharging portion for discharging gas in a housing constituting an electric double layer capacitor, an electrolytic solution supplying portion for supplying an electrolytic solution into the housing, the gas discharging portion and the housing. A discharge path communicating the body, a supply path communicating the electrolytic solution supply unit and the housing, and an inert gas supply unit supplying an inert gas to the supply path from the opening side.
Comprising, after injecting the electrolytic solution into the casing, returning the electrolytic solution remaining in the supply path to the electrolytic solution supply unit by the inert gas supplied from the inert gas supply unit. It is characterized by.

According to the present invention, the amount of unusable electrolyte can be reduced because the electrolyte remaining in the supply passage when the electrolyte is injected into the housing is pushed back to the electrolyte supply section using an inert gas. Can be done.

In this case, a plurality of the casings and pressure control means for controlling the pressure of the inert gas supplied from the inert gas supply unit for each of the casings are connected to the supply path, When the pressure control means controls the pressure of the inert gas supplied to the supply path from each opening side of each housing to be substantially constant, the electrolyte in each supply path is balanced. It is well pushed back to the electrolyte supply section and is suitable.

[0015]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment of the method for injecting an electrolytic solution of an electric double layer capacitor according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. I do.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes an electrolyte injection device for an electric double layer capacitor 102 according to the present embodiment. The electrolyte injection device 100 basically includes an electrolyte supply unit 104, an electrolyte injection unit 106, a gas discharge unit 108, and an inert gas supply unit 109.

The electrolyte supply section 104 has an electrolyte tank 112 in which an electrolyte 110 is stored. The electrolyte tank 112 has a high-pressure tank 116 filled with a high-pressure inert gas such as nitrogen. Connected via valve 114.
In addition, in the electrolyte 110 of the electrolyte tank 112,
The solenoid valve 120 is connected to the conduit 118. The solenoid valve 1 is provided above the electrolyte tank 112.
A conduit 122 is provided that is connected to 20. Solenoid valve 12
0 is connected to an electrolyte pumping line 124, and the electrolyte pumping line 124 is connected to a discharge path 1 that constitutes a gas exhaust unit 108.
26 is connected via a solenoid valve 128. Further, a discharge line 132 communicating with the atmosphere via the electromagnetic valve 130 is connected to the discharge path 126. The trap 1 is located in the discharge path 126.
The vacuum pump 138 is connected to the trap 134.
Is connected. The trap 134 is provided with a storage section 140, and the electrolyte 110 introduced into the trap 134 from the discharge path 126 is stored in the storage section 140, and the vacuum pump 13
From 8 only the gas is exhausted.

The electrolyte injection section 106 has a chamber 142 filled with an inert gas such as nitrogen. In the chamber 142, a manifold 144 connected to the electrolyte pressure feed line 124 is provided. A plurality of supply paths 146 are connected to the manifold 144, and each supply path 146 has a solenoid valve 148,
A flow meter 150 for injection, a flow meter 152 for recovery, and a pressure sensor 154 are provided.

A fitting member 156 is connected to the supply path 146. A plurality of housings 160 constituting the electric double layer capacitor 102 are arranged below each fitting member 156, and the housing 160 is elastically pressed toward the fitting member 156 by a spring 164 provided on a pallet 162. Is done.

As shown in FIG. 2, the fitting member 156 has
A chamber 168 communicating with the supply path 146 is formed. Room 16
8 is formed on the inner wall portion through the inclined portion 170.
72 are formed, and a fitting portion 176 is formed below the reduced diameter portion 172 via an inclined portion 174 inclined toward the end of the opening 180. The fitting part 176 is the housing 1
60 can be freely fitted into the opening 180. The fitting 176 is provided with a packing 182 so as to surround the opening 180.

A support plate 184 is provided on the wall forming the chamber 168.
Is fixed, and a plurality of holes 186 are formed in the support plate 184. One end of a coil spring 188 is seated substantially at the center of the support plate 184, and a substantially disc-shaped lid member 190 made of a magnetic material is displaced inside the chamber 168 at the other end of the coil spring 188. It is provided as possible. Although not shown, a member formed of a magnetic material may be separately attached to the lid member 190. The cover member 190 is constantly urged toward the opening 180 of the housing 160 by the elastic force of the coil spring 188. The outer periphery of the lid member 190 is formed so as to be freely fitted to the reduced diameter portion 172, and an O-ring 192 is provided on the outer periphery. The lower surface of the cover member 190 is formed so as to be freely fitted to the inclined portion 174.

An electromagnet 194 is provided on the outside of the fitting member 156 so as to be displaceable, and the cover member 190 is displaced in accordance with the position of the electromagnet 194 to communicate the chamber 168 with the opening 180.
Or shut off.

An inert gas supply passage 196 communicating with the chamber 168 is formed in the inclined portion 170.
As shown in FIG. 1, an inert gas pressure feed line 200 constituting the inert gas supply unit 109 is connected to 6 via a pressure control valve 198. The inert gas pressure feed line 200 is connected to a high pressure tank 202 disposed outside the chamber 142 via a pressure regulating valve 204.

The electrolyte injection device 100 of the electric double layer capacitor 102 according to the present embodiment is basically configured as described above. Next, the electrolyte injection device 100 Will be described.

The housing 1 of the electric double layer capacitor 102
An opening 180 is formed in the upper part of the opening 60 as shown in FIG. An inclined surface 210 is formed at an end of the opening 180 so that when the fitting member 156 is fitted, the inclined surface 210 is flush with the inclined portion 174 of the fitting member 156. Case 1
60, thin film electrodes 212 are arranged in parallel with each other, and a separator 214 is interposed between the electrodes 212.
Is arranged. Therefore, the respective electrodes 212 are prevented from contacting each other. Although not shown, the electrode 212 is composed of a thin film of a metal such as aluminum, and an electrode material made of activated carbon or the like provided on the surface of the thin film.

The housing 160 of the electric double layer capacitor 102
The electrolyte solution 110 to be injected is prepared by dissolving an electrolyte such as triethylmethylammonium and tetrafluoroborate in a solvent such as propylene carbonate.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 4 in relation to the method of injecting the electrolytic solution of the electric double layer capacitor 102 according to the present embodiment.

The pressure of the inert gas introduced into the electrolyte tank 112 from the high-pressure tank 116 is maintained at a predetermined value by adjusting the pressure regulating valve 114 in advance. Further, the pressure of the inert gas introduced into the inert gas pressure feed line 200 is maintained at a predetermined value by adjusting the pressure adjusting valve 204. Further, a drive current is supplied to the electromagnet 194.

When the housing 160 of the electric double layer capacitor 102 disposed on the pallet 162 is pressed toward the fitting member 156 by the resilience of the spring 164, the opening 180 of the housing 160 is opened. (Step S1). Next, when the electromagnet 194 is displaced in the upward direction of the fitting member 156, as shown in FIG.
The cover member 190 is attracted by the magnetic force of No. 4, the cover member 190 is raised against the elastic force of the coil spring 188, and the opening 180 communicates with the chamber 168 of the fitting member 156 (step S2). Next, when the vacuum pump 138 is driven and the solenoid valves 128 and 148 are opened, the casing 16
The gas in 0 is sucked by the vacuum pump 138 (see FIG. 1). For this reason, the pressure in the housing 160 decreases (Step S3).

When the pressure in the housing 160 is sufficiently reduced,
The electromagnetic valve 128 is closed to stop the gas suction. Next, the solenoid valve 120 is driven to make the conduit 118 communicate with the electrolyte pressure feed line 124. Then, the electrolyte tank 11
2 from the electrolyte 110 to the conduit 118, the electrolyte pressure feed line 1
24 and the chamber 1 of the fitting member 156 through the supply path 146.
68, and the outer periphery of the lid member 190 and the chamber 16
It is injected into the inside of the housing 160 through the gap between the inner wall and the inner wall of the housing 160 (step S4). At this time, since the pressure inside the housing 160 is reduced, the electrolyte 110 is
60 is injected. Then, the electrolyte solution 110 is
Infiltrate activated carbon.

Injection of electrolyte 110 injected into casing 160
Input V_inIs measured by the injection flow meter 150. this
Injection volume V_inOf the electrolyte solution 110 injected into the housing 160
Target value V₀(Step S5), and the injection amount V_inBut
Target value V₀If not reached, return to step S4,
The injection of the electrolyte 110 is continued. Injection volume V_inIs the target value V ₀
Is reached, the electromagnet 194 is moved downward of the fitting member 156.
Displace. For this reason, the cover member 190 is
188 lowers due to the resilience of the cover 188, as shown in FIG.
The member 190 has a reduced diameter portion 172, an inclined portion 174, and an inclined surface.
210 to close the opening 180 (step
S6). At this time, the reduced diameter portion 172 near the opening 180,
Electrolyte solution 11 attached to inclined portion 174 and inclined surface 210
0 flows through the inclined portion 174 and the inclined surface 210 and the opening 180
From the housing 160. Therefore, the fitting member 15
The electrolyte 110 does not remain in the inclined portion 174 of FIG.
No.

Next, the solenoid valve 120 is driven to connect the electrolyte pumping line 124 to the conduit 122, and the pressure control valve 198 is driven to drive the inert gas pumping line 200 from the high pressure tank 202 to the inert gas supply passage. When an inert gas is introduced into the chamber 168 of the fitting member 156 through 196,
The electrolyte 110 in the electrolyte solution 68 is supplied by the pressure of the inert gas to the supply path 146,
4. It is pushed back to the electrolyte tank 112 via the conduit 122 (step S7). At this time, the plurality of supply paths 146
When the pressure of any one of the inert gases becomes high, the electrolyte 110 is introduced into the supply path 146 of another low pressure through the manifold 144, and the electrolyte 110 can be pushed back to the electrolyte tank 112. There is concern that it will disappear. Therefore, the pressure in each supply passage 146 is measured by the pressure sensor 154, and the pressure control valve 198 is controlled so that the respective pressures match. Therefore, the electrolyte 110 in all the supply paths 146 is pushed back to the electrolyte tank 112 in a well-balanced manner.

The recovery amount V _out of the electrolyte 110 pushed back to the electrolyte tank 112 is measured by a recovery flow meter 152. And the recovery amount V _out, predetermined and compared with the target value V ₁ (step S8), and if no recovery of V _out reaches the desired value V ₁ returns to step S7, the electrolyte 110 to the electrolyte tank 112 Push back. Recovery amount V _out is the target value V
_When the value reaches ₁ , the solenoid valve 120 is driven to cut off the communication between the electrolyte pumping line 124 and the pipe 122, and the pressure control valve 198 is controlled to supply the inert gas to the inert gas supply path 196. Is stopped (step S9).

Then, the fitting member 156 is removed from the opening 180 of the housing 160, and the opening 180 of the housing 160 is closed with a lid member (not shown) (step S10). The electric double layer capacitor 102 manufactured as described above is transported to the next step.

Then, the opening 180 of the new housing 160 is fitted into the fitting member 156 again (step S1).
Next, the lid member 190 is raised, and the opening 180 communicates with the chamber 168 of the fitting member 156 (step S2). Next, the gas in the housing 160 is sucked by the vacuum pump 138. For this reason, the pressure in the housing 160 decreases (Step S3). At this point, since the electrolyte 110 has been pushed back into the electrolyte tank 112 from inside the supply passage 146 and the chamber 168, only the electrolyte 110 slightly adhered to the inner wall forming the supply passage 146 and the chamber 168 is discharged. The amount of the electrolyte 110 collected in the trap 134 without being sucked into the casing 160 and being injected into the housing 160 is extremely small.

After that, the electrolytic solution 110 is injected into the housing 160 as described above.

According to the method for injecting the electrolytic solution of the electric double layer capacitor 102 and the electrolytic solution injecting apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the electrolytic solution 11 remaining in the supply path 146 and the chamber 168 is provided.
0 is pushed back into the electrolyte tank 112,
Since the gas inside is discharged, the amount of electrolyte 110 discharged together with the gas when discharging the gas is extremely small,
The amount of the electrolyte solution 110 that is collected without being injected into the housing 160 can be reduced.

The fitting member 156 is formed with an inclined portion 174 inclined toward the end of the opening 180 of the housing 160, so that the electrolyte 110 flows from the inclined portion 174 toward the opening 180. 156
Is removed from the opening 180, the electrolytic solution 110 remaining in the fitting member 156 does not drip, so that the working environment is not polluted and the electrolytic solution not used by the dripping is used. The generation of the liquid 110 can be prevented.

Further, since the electrolyte injection section 106 includes a plurality of fitting members 156 corresponding to the plurality of housings 160, the electrolyte can be injected into the plurality of housings 160 at one time. The pressure control valves 198 are controlled so that the pressures of the inert gases applied to the respective supply passages 146 substantially match each other.
To control the electrolyte 11 in all the supply paths 146.
0 is pushed back to the electrolyte tank 112 in a well-balanced manner.

[0040]

According to the method and the apparatus for injecting an electrolytic solution of an electric double layer capacitor according to the present invention, the following effects and advantages can be obtained.

After the electrolytic solution remaining in the supply path is pushed back to the electrolytic solution supply section, the gas in the housing constituting the electric double layer capacitor is discharged, so that when the gas is discharged, the electrolytic solution discharged together with the gas is discharged. Since the amount of the solution is extremely small, the amount of the electrolyte solution that is recovered without being injected into the housing can be significantly reduced as compared with the related art. Therefore, the production efficiency of the electric double layer capacitor can be improved.

Further, since the electrolyte injection section includes a plurality of fitting members corresponding to the plurality of housings, the electrolyte can be injected into a plurality of housings at a time, and the respective electrolytes can be injected. In order to control the pressure of the inert gas applied to the supply paths so as to be substantially the same, the electrolytes in all the electrolyte supply paths are pushed back to the electrolyte supply section in a well-balanced manner. Therefore, due to an increase in the pressure of any one of the plurality of electrolyte supply paths, the electrolyte is introduced into the other low-pressure electrolyte supply paths, and the electrolyte is pushed back to the electrolyte supply section. It is possible to prevent the inability to do so.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrolyte injection device for an electric double layer capacitor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing the electrolytic solution injection device of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing a method of using the electrolyte injection device of FIG. 2, with a lid member closed.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for injecting an electrolytic solution into an electric double layer capacitor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a conventional electrolyte injection device for an electric double layer capacitor.

6 is a partially enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing an electric double layer capacitor into which an electrolyte is injected by the electrolyte injection device of FIG. 5;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Electrolyte injection apparatus 102 ... Electric double layer condenser 104 ... Electrolyte supply part 106 ... Electrolyte injection part 108 ... Gas discharge part 109 ... Inert gas supply part 110 ... Electrolyte 112 ... Electrolyte tank 124 ... Electrolyte pump Line 126 ... Discharge path 138 ... Vacuum pump 146 ... Supply path 150 ... Injection flow meter 152 ... Recovery flow meter 154 ... Pressure sensor 156 ... Mating member 160 ... Housings 170 and 174 ... Inclination 190; … Electromagnet 196… inert gas supply path 198… pressure control valve 200… inert gas pressure feed line

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A step of discharging gas in a casing constituting an electric double layer capacitor through a discharge path, and after closing the discharge path, the electrolytic solution is supplied from an electrolytic solution supply section through a supply path. A step of injecting the electrolyte into the housing, and a step of supplying an inert gas to the supply path from the housing side after the injection of the electrolyte, and returning the electrolyte remaining in the supply path to the electrolyte supply unit. A method for injecting an electrolytic solution of an electric double layer capacitor, comprising: 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the supply path is connected to the plurality of housings, and a pressure of the inert gas supplied from each of the housings to the supply path is substantially constant. A method for injecting an electrolytic solution into an electric double layer capacitor, characterized by being controlled to 3. A gas discharge unit for discharging gas in a housing constituting an electric double layer capacitor; an electrolyte supply unit for supplying an electrolyte into the housing; and a communication between the gas discharge unit and the housing. A discharge path, a supply path communicating the electrolytic solution supply section with the casing, and an inert gas supply section supplying an inert gas to the supply path from the opening side. The electrolyte remaining in the supply path is returned to the electrolyte supply unit by the inert gas supplied from the inert gas supply unit after the electrolyte is injected into the electric power supply. Electrolyte injection device for multilayer capacitors. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the supply path controls a plurality of the housings and a pressure of the inert gas supplied from the inert gas supply unit for each of the housings. Pressure control means is connected, and the pressure control means controls the pressure of the inert gas supplied to the supply path from each of the openings of each of the housings to be substantially constant. Electrolyte injection device for electric double layer capacitor.