JP2002158022A - Electricity generating device, and hydrogen cartridge for the use of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electricity generating device securing the safety of user's handling. SOLUTION: The electricity generating device comprises a hydrogen cartridge 3 housing a hydrogen occlusion material 32 insides, an electricity generating part 8 generating electricity by using the hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen cartridge 3, and a check valve 5 preventing the gas, flowing from the electricity generating part 8 to the hydrogen cartridge 3, from back flow. By the above, the hydrogen gas remaining at the electricity generating part 8 does not back flow and not released into the air even if the hydrogen cartridge 3 is removed from the electricity generating part 8.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a power generator and a hydrogen cartridge used for the power generator,
The present invention relates to a power generation device that ensures safe handling and a hydrogen cartridge used for the power generation device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Since the industrial revolution, fossil fuels such as gasoline and light oil have been widely used not only as energy sources for automobiles but also as energy sources for electric power production. The use of fossil fuels has enabled humankind to enjoy such dramatic improvements in living standards and the development of industry, but on the other hand, the planet has been threatened with serious environmental destruction, There is a possibility that fuel will be depleted, and a long-term stable supply will be questioned.

[0003] Therefore, hydrogen is contained in water, is inexhaustibly present on the earth, has a large amount of chemical energy per substance, and when used as an energy source, harmful substances and earth. Because it does not emit greenhouse gases, it is a clean alternative to fossil fuels, and
In recent years, it has attracted great attention as an inexhaustible energy source.

[0004] In particular, in recent years, research and development of an electric energy generator capable of extracting electric energy from hydrogen energy has been actively carried out. From large-scale electric power generation to on-site in-house electric power generation, and further for automobiles, The application as a power supply is expected.

[0005] An electric energy generating device for extracting electric energy from hydrogen energy, that is, a fuel cell, has a hydrogen electrode to which hydrogen is supplied and an oxygen electrode to which oxygen is supplied. Hydrogen supplied to the hydrogen electrode is dissociated into protons (protons) and electrons by the action of a catalyst, and the electrons are collected by the current collector of the hydrogen electrode, while the protons are carried to the oxygen electrode. The electrons collected at the hydrogen electrode are transferred to the oxygen electrode via a load. On the other hand, the oxygen supplied to the oxygen electrode is
Combined with protons and electrons carried from the hydrogen electrode,
Produces water. In this way, an electromotive force is generated between the hydrogen electrode and the oxygen electrode, and a current flows to the load.

[0006] Since such a fuel cell can generate power using hydrogen and oxygen, it is also suitable as a power source for portable equipment.

That is, at present, as a power source for portable equipment, an alkaline battery,
These are primary batteries such as manganese batteries, and secondary batteries such as nickel cadmium batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, and lithium ion batteries, all of which are chemical batteries in which a chemical reaction is completed in a closed space. For this reason, the various components that constitute it, for example, the positive electrode material, the negative electrode material, the separator, the electrolyte, the safety device, and the sealed container that seals them are integrally formed as an integral part.

Therefore, when a chemical battery is used as a power source for a portable device, it is necessary to replace the battery itself when the remaining battery power runs out, and it is not possible to replenish only a part of the battery. For this purpose, the user needs to carry many batteries.

On the other hand, when a fuel cell is used as a power source for a portable device, it is possible to generate power only by supplying hydrogen and oxygen as fuel from the outside. Install the main unit on the portable device side,
As the user replenishes hydrogen from time to time,
It is not necessary to carry all of the fuel cells, but only one fuel cell body. Therefore, the convenience for the user becomes very high.

[0010]

As described above, although the fuel cell is suitable as a power source for portable equipment,
Since hydrogen, which is a fuel, is a flammable gas, it is required that its handling by users be safe.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a power generation device that ensures safe handling and a hydrogen cartridge used for the power generation device.

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is as follows.
A hydrogen cartridge containing a hydrogen storage material, a power generation unit that generates power using hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen cartridge, and a backflow prevention unit that prevents backflow of gas from the power generation unit to the hydrogen cartridge. This is achieved by a power generator characterized by comprising:

According to the present invention, since the backflow preventing means for preventing the backflow of gas from the power generation unit to the hydrogen cartridge is provided, the backflow of hydrogen gas originally flowing to the power generation unit is prevented, and the handling safety is improved. Is secured.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hydrogen cartridge is configured to be detachable from the power generation unit.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, power generation can be continued by simply replacing the hydrogen cartridge. Therefore, when using such a power generation device as a power source of a portable device, the user:
It is not necessary to carry a plurality of power generation units themselves, and by carrying only some hydrogen cartridges, the portable device can be used for a long time. In addition, since the backflow prevention means is provided, even if the user removes the hydrogen cartridge from the power generation unit, the hydrogen gas remaining in the power generation unit is not released to the outside. , Handling safety is ensured.

In a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the backflow preventing means is constituted by a check valve.

In a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the power generation unit uses at least a regulator for adjusting a pressure of hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen cartridge and a hydrogen gas whose pressure is adjusted by the regulator. And a power generation unit main body for generating power.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, since a regulator for adjusting the pressure of the hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen cartridge is provided, it is possible to supply the hydrogen gas at an optimum pressure to the power generation unit main body. Becomes

[0019] In a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the power generation section is further provided between the regulator and the power generation section main body, and a backflow preventing gas from flowing back from the power generation section main body to the regulator. It has prevention means.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the backflow preventing means is provided between the regulator and the power generation unit main body, so that the hydrogen gas remaining in the power generation unit main body flows back to the regulator. Can be reliably prevented.

[0021] In a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the hydrogen cartridge is provided with a gas supply end for supplying hydrogen gas to the power generation unit, and the gas supply end is provided with the hydrogen cartridge. When detached from the part, the inside of the hydrogen cartridge and the outside of the hydrogen cartridge are shut off.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the hydrogen cartridge is removed from the power generation unit, the inside and the outside of the hydrogen cartridge are shut off, so that the user can remove the hydrogen cartridge from the power generation unit. Even if hydrogen gas leaks from the hydrogen cartridge,
Conversely, air or the like does not enter the inside of the hydrogen cartridge.

In a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the gas supply end is provided with a backflow preventing means for preventing a backflow of gas from the power generation unit to the hydrogen cartridge.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gas supply end is provided with the backflow preventing means, so that the backflow of the gas from the power generation unit to the hydrogen cartridge is more reliably prevented.

In a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the power generation unit is provided integrally with a portable device.

In a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the hydrogen storage material is made of a hydrogen storage alloy.

[0027] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hydrogen storage material comprises a carbonaceous hydrogen storage material.

The object of the present invention is also a hydrogen cartridge containing a hydrogen storage material, having a gas supply end for supplying hydrogen gas to a power generator, wherein the gas supply end is provided with the hydrogen cartridge. When the hydrogen cartridge is detached from the power generation device, the inside of the hydrogen cartridge and the outside of the hydrogen cartridge are shut off.

According to the present invention, when the hydrogen cartridge is removed from the power generation device, the inside and outside of the hydrogen cartridge are shut off. Therefore, when the user removes the hydrogen cartridge from the power generation device, the hydrogen gas is removed from the hydrogen cartridge. Does not leak, and conversely, air or the like does not enter the inside of the hydrogen cartridge. Therefore, safety of handling by the user is ensured.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gas supply end is provided with a backflow preventing means for preventing gas from entering the inside of the hydrogen cartridge.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, since the backflow preventing means is provided at the gas supply end, the backflow of the gas from the power generator to the hydrogen cartridge can be reliably prevented.

In a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the backflow prevention means is constituted by a check valve.

In the present invention, the hydrogen storage material is not particularly limited, but as the hydrogen storage material, a hydrogen storage alloy or a carbonaceous hydrogen storage material can be preferably used. Although the material of the hydrogen storage alloy is not particularly limited, LaNi ₅ can be preferably used, and the carbonaceous hydrogen storage material is not particularly limited, but fullerene, carbon nanofiber, carbon nanotube, Carbon soot, nanocapsules, bucky onions, carbon fibers and the like can be preferably used.

[0034]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power generator 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the power generation device 1 according to the present embodiment has a power generation section main body 2 where power is actually generated.
And a hydrogen cartridge 3 in which hydrogen as fuel is sealed
A regulator 4 for adjusting the pressure of hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen cartridge 3 and supplying it to the power generation unit main body 2, and a check valve 5 and a valve provided in a hydrogen supply passage between the hydrogen cartridge 3 and the regulator 4. 6 and regulator 4
A check valve 7 provided in a hydrogen supply passage between the power generation unit 2 and the power generation unit main body 2. The check valve 5 is a valve that blocks a gas flow from the valve 6 toward the hydrogen cartridge 3, and the check valve 7 is a valve that blocks a gas flow from the power generation unit main body 2 to the regulator 4. The valve 6 has a control valve that can be manually operated, and the supply of gas can be stopped by closing the control valve.

Of these elements constituting the power generator 1,
The power generation unit main body 2, the regulator 4, the check valve 5, the valve 6, and the check valve 7 constitute a power generation unit 8, and the hydrogen cartridge 3 and the power generation unit 8 are configured to be detachable. Power generation unit 8
Is a device that uses power supplied from the power generation unit main body 2,
For example, it can be provided integrally with a portable device such as a portable radio, a headphone stereo, a mobile phone, and a portable personal computer. Hereinafter, a device that uses the power supplied from the power generation device 1 according to the present embodiment is referred to as a “utilized device”.

The power generation unit main body 2 has a hydrogen gas inlet 9 to which hydrogen gas is supplied and an air inlet 10 to which oxygen gas (air) is supplied. A desired electromotive force is generated between the positive electrode lead 11 and the negative electrode lead 12 by combining oxygen contained in the air introduced from the inlet 10 with oxygen. The electric power generated between the positive electrode lead 11 and the negative electrode lead 12 is supplied to a device to be used.

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view schematically showing the structure of the power generation unit main body 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, the power generation unit main body 2
A hydrogen electrode 13 serving as a fuel electrode, an oxygen electrode 14, a proton conductor portion 15 serving as an electrolyte membrane sandwiched between the hydrogen electrode 13 and the oxygen electrode 14, and a fixed block 1 serving as a housing.
6, the first movable block 17 provided on the hydrogen electrode 13 side, the second movable block 18 provided on the oxygen electrode 14 side, and the first movable block 17 are attached to the positions shown in FIG. And a biasing spring 19.

The hydrogen electrode 13 comprises an electrode substrate 20 made of a fibrous carbon aggregate and a catalyst layer 21 formed on the surface thereof.
Similarly, the oxygen electrode 14 is composed of an electrode substrate 22 made of a fibrous carbon aggregate and a catalyst layer 23 formed on the surface thereof. As the type of catalyst, platinum, platinum alloy, palladium, magnesium,
Titanium, manganese, lanthanum, vanadium, zirconium, nickel-lanthanum alloys, titanium-iron alloys, iridium, rhodium, gold and the like are preferred, with preference given to platinum and platinum alloys.

Further, as shown in FIG.
The positive electrode lead 11 is led out from the electrode base 22 of No. 4 and the negative electrode lead 12 is led out of the electrode base 20 of the hydrogen electrode 13.
Reference numeral 2 is connected to the power supply of the device to be used.

A flow path 24 for supplying hydrogen gas to the hydrogen electrode 13 and a flow path 25 for supplying oxygen to the oxygen electrode 14 are formed in the fixed block 16. The supplied hydrogen gas flows through the flow path 24 to reach the hydrogen electrode 13, and the air introduced from the air inlet 10 flows through the flow path 25, and the oxygen gas contained therein reaches the oxygen electrode 14. The gas flowing through the flow paths 24 and 25 is configured to be able to be discharged from the discharge ports 26 and 27, respectively. That is, the discharge of the hydrogen gas flowing through the flow path 24 from the discharge port 26 is prevented or enabled according to the position of the first movable block 17, and the air flowing through the flow path 25 is Depending on the position, ventilation through the air inlet 10 and the outlet 27 is prevented or allowed to drain. First movable block 17
The operation of the second movable block 18 will be described later.

The hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen gas inlet 9 to the flow path 24 reaches the catalyst layer 21 formed on the surface thereof via the electrode substrate 20 made of a fibrous carbon aggregate.
It is dissociated into protons and electrons by catalytic action. Among them, the electrons move to the negative electrode lead 12 via the electrode substrate 20 and are supplied to a utilization device (not shown).
It moves to the oxygen electrode 14 side via the proton conductor 15. On the other hand, the oxygen gas contained in the air supplied from the air inlet 10 to the flow channel 25 reaches the catalyst layer 23 formed on the surface thereof via the electrode substrate 22 made of a fibrous carbon aggregate, and is catalyzed. , Proton conductor section 15
Combined with the protons supplied from the above and the electrons supplied from the load via the positive electrode lead 11, they become water. In this way, a desired electromotive force is extracted.

Here, the proton conductor portion 15 is a membrane that prevents the permeation of hydrogen gas and allows the passage of protons. The material thereof is not particularly limited, but a carbonaceous material containing carbon as a main component is used as a base material. It is preferable to use a material into which a proton dissociable group is introduced. still,
The “proton dissociable group” means a “functional group from which a proton can be eliminated by ionization”.

As the carbonaceous material serving as a base material of the proton conductor portion 15, any material can be used as long as it contains carbon as a main component, but a proton-dissociable group is introduced. Later it is necessary that the ionic conductivity be greater than the electronic conductivity. Here, specific examples of the carbonaceous material serving as a base include a carbon cluster which is an aggregate of carbon atoms and a carbonaceous material including a carbon tube.

There are various types of carbon clusters, and preferred are fullerenes, those having an open end in at least a part of the fullerene structure, those having a diamond structure, and the like. Of course, the invention is not limited thereto, and any material may be used as long as the ion conductivity after introduction of the proton dissociating group is higher than the electron conductivity.

Carbonaceous material serving as a base of proton conductor portion 15
The most preferred material is fullerene
In addition, a proton dissociating group such as -OH group, -O
SO ₃H group, -COOH group, -SO₃H group, -OPO
(OH)₂The material into which the group has been introduced is
It is preferable to use it as a material.

Next, the hydrogen cartridge 3 will be described.

FIG. 3A is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of the hydrogen cartridge 3, and FIG. 3B is a schematic sectional view showing the internal structure of the hydrogen cartridge 3.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the hydrogen cartridge 3 comprises a main body 28, a lid 29, and a hinge 30 for opening and closing the main body 28 and the lid 29.
And a nozzle 3 with a check valve for supplying hydrogen gas to the power generation unit 8
1 is provided.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the main body 28 is filled with a hydrogen storage material 32. As the type of the hydrogen storage material, a hydrogen storage alloy or a carbonaceous hydrogen storage material can be used. The hydrogen storage alloy is not particularly limited, but LaNi ₅ can be used. As the carbonaceous hydrogen storage material, But not limited to fullerene, carbon nanofiber, carbon nanotube,
Carbon soot, nanocapsules, bucky onions, carbon fibers, and the like can be used.

The hydrogen storage material 32 can occlude the hydrogen gas by supplying a hydrogen gas having a pressure equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure which differs depending on the type of the material to be used. , Predetermined pressure (hydrogen release equilibrium pressure) that varies depending on the type of material used
It is released when: Generally, the hydrogen release equilibrium pressure is 1
Often higher than atmospheric pressure, typically 5-10 atmospheres.

The main body 28 is further provided with a flow path 33 for hydrogen gas released from the hydrogen storage material 32, and this flow path 33 is terminated by a nozzle 31 with a check valve. In addition, a cup-shaped filter member 34 is disposed in the flow path 33.

On the other hand, the lid 29 is provided with a flow path 35 for guiding the hydrogen gas released from the hydrogen storage material 32 to the flow path 33, so that when the lid 29 is closed, The hydrogen gas released from the hydrogen storage material 32 is supplied to the channel 33 without leaking to the outside.

When replenishing the hydrogen storage material 32 with hydrogen gas, the lid 29 is opened, and in this state, the hydrogen storage material 32 stores hydrogen gas.

When the hydrogen cartridge 3 having such a structure is mounted on the power generation unit 8, the check valve-equipped nozzle 31 constituting the hydrogen cartridge 3 and the check valve 5 constituting the power generation unit 8 are connected. Thereby, the hydrogen gas released from the hydrogen storage material 32 is sent to the power generation unit 8 through the nozzle 31 with the check valve. On the other hand, when the hydrogen cartridge 3 is removed from the power generation unit 8, the nozzle 31 with the check valve is
3 and the outside are completely shut off, thereby preventing the release of hydrogen gas present in the flow path 33 and the flow path 33
The flow of gas into the air is prevented.

[0058] Here, if the hydrogen storage material 32 is made of a hydrogen storage alloy such as LaNi _5, by repeating the insertion and extraction of hydrogen gas, gradually alloy is pulverized and scattered. Further, when the hydrogen storage material 32 is made of a carbonaceous hydrogen storage material such as fullerene or carbon nanofiber, the hydrogen storage material 32 itself is very fine, and thus easily scatters. When the alloy or carbonaceous hydrogen storage material finely divided in this way scatters outside the hydrogen cartridge 3,
There is a possibility that various elements existing in the hydrogen gas flow path, for example, the regulator 4 and the check valve 5 may be contaminated, and the hydrogen electrode 1
If it reaches 3, there is a danger of lowering the power generation efficiency. However, the hydrogen cartridge 3 has a hydrogen gas passage 3
Since the filter member 34 is provided in the cartridge 3, the finely divided alloy and the carbonaceous hydrogen storage material do not scatter outside the hydrogen cartridge 3.

As described above, the regulator 4 has a function of adjusting the pressure of hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen cartridge 7 and supplying the same to the hydrogen gas inlet 9 of the power generation unit main body 2. That is, as described above, the hydrogen release equilibrium pressure of the hydrogen storage material 32 is often 1 atm or more, and typically 5 to 10 atm. 2, the power generation unit main body 2 may be damaged. For this reason, such high-pressure hydrogen gas is supplied by the regulator 4 to a pressure close to the atmospheric pressure,
For example, hydrogen gas adjusted to about 1.3 atm and adjusted in pressure is supplied to the hydrogen gas inlet 9 of the power generation unit main body 2.

Next, the function of the power generator 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view schematically showing a state of the power generation unit main body 2 in a state where the hydrogen cartridge 3 is detached from the power generation unit 8 (non-mounted state).

When the hydrogen cartridge 3 is detached from the power generation unit 8 (non-attached state), the second movable block 18 is set at the position shown in FIG. When the second movable block 18 is set at the position shown in FIG. 4, the air inlet 10 and the outlet 27 are closed, whereby the flow path 25 is closed. Therefore, in such a state, not only is no new air supplied to the oxygen electrode 14, but also the entry of foreign substances such as dust and dust is prevented.

Next, from this state, when the hydrogen cartridge 3 in which the hydrogen storage material 32 has sufficiently absorbed the hydrogen gas is mounted on the power generation unit 8, the nozzle 31 with a check valve provided in the hydrogen cartridge 3 is provided. And the check valve 5 provided in the power generation unit 8 are connected, so that hydrogen gas released from the hydrogen storage material 32 can flow into the power generation unit 8 (mounted state). At this time, if the valve 6 is in a closed state, the control valve is opened and hydrogen gas flows into the regulator 4.

The hydrogen gas sent to the regulator 4 is adjusted to a pressure close to the atmospheric pressure by the function of the regulator 4. For example, if the pressure of the hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen cartridge 3 is 5 to 10 atm, the regulator 4 reduces the pressure to about 1.3 atm.

The hydrogen gas whose pressure has been adjusted as described above is supplied to the power generation unit main body 2 through the check valve 7 and reaches the hydrogen electrode 13 provided in the power generation unit main body 2.

During this time, the user operates the second movable block 1
Operate 8 to set it to the position shown in FIG.
When the second movable block 18 is set at the position shown in FIG. 2, the air inlet 10 and the outlet 27 are opened,
As a result, new air flows into the flow path 25. The oxygen gas contained in the air flowing into the flow path 25 is
The oxygen electrode 14 is reached.

As a result, the power generation section main body 2 is in a power generation state, and a predetermined electromotive force is generated between the positive electrode lead 11 and the negative electrode lead 12. As described above, since the positive electrode lead 11 and the negative electrode lead 12 are connected to the power supply of the used device, it becomes possible to operate the used device.

When the device to be used is operated in this way,
Naturally, the remaining amount of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage material 32 of the hydrogen cartridge 3 gradually decreases, and eventually becomes zero. Therefore, when the user wants to continue operating the utilization device, the user needs to set the hydrogen cartridge 3 before the remaining amount of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage material 32 becomes zero.
May be removed from the power generation unit 8 and another hydrogen cartridge 3 in which sufficient hydrogen gas is stored in the hydrogen storage material 32 may be mounted.

Here, even if the hydrogen cartridge 3 is detached from the power generation unit 8, a nozzle 31 with a check valve is provided on the hydrogen cartridge 3 side, so that the flow path 33 in the hydrogen cartridge 3 and the outside are completely connected. Since it is shut off, hydrogen gas existing in the flow path 33 is not released to the outside, and air or the like does not flow into the flow path 33 from the outside.

On the other hand, since the check valve 5 is also provided on the power generation unit 8 side, the hydrogen gas remaining inside the regulator 4 is not released to the outside. That is,
The pressure of the hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen cartridge 3 is 5
If the pressure is 10 to 10 atm, the pressure of the hydrogen gas near the inlet of the regulator 4 also becomes the same high pressure, but even if the hydrogen cartridge 3 is removed without closing the valve 6, the check valve 5 Does not release such high-pressure hydrogen gas to the outside.

Further, since the check valve 7 is provided, the hydrogen gas remaining inside the power generation unit main body 2 does not flow back to the regulator 4.

Next, an operation for stopping the power generation by the power generation unit main body 2 will be described.

In order to stop the power generation by the power generation unit main body 2, the supply of the hydrogen gas to the hydrogen electrode 13 or the supply of the air to the oxygen electrode 14 may be stopped. In the power generator 1 according to the present embodiment, power generation can be stopped by any method.

That is, when the power generation is stopped by cutting off the supply of the hydrogen gas to the hydrogen electrode 13, the control valve provided on the valve 6 may be closed by a user's operation. When the valve 6 is closed, the hydrogen cartridge 3
Since the supply of hydrogen gas from the power generation unit stops, the power generation by the power generation unit main body 2 stops.

Further, the supply of hydrogen gas can be cut off by removing the hydrogen cartridge 3 from the power generation unit 8 by a user's operation, whereby the power generation by the power generation unit main body 2 can be stopped.

On the other hand, when power generation is stopped by cutting off the supply of air to the oxygen electrode 14, the second movable block 18 is moved from the position shown in FIG. 2 to the position shown in FIG. Move it to. When the second movable block 18 is set to the position shown in FIG.
Since the flow path 25 is closed, the power generation by the power generation unit main body 2 stops.

When the power generation by the power generation unit main body 2 is stopped, power generation is stopped by using both of the method of cutting off the supply of hydrogen gas and the method of cutting off the supply of air. You may.

Next, the operation of discharging the impurity gas accumulated in the flow path 24 will be described.

High-purity hydrogen gas is supplied to the flow channel 24 from the hydrogen gas inlet 9. When the hydrogen gas is consumed by power generation, the concentration of the impurity gas in the flow channel 24 gradually increases. The impurity gas in the flow path 24 hinders the hydrogen gas from reaching the hydrogen electrode 13, thereby lowering the power generation efficiency. Therefore, it is necessary to discharge the impurity gas accumulated in the flow path 24 to the outside.

In order to discharge the impurity gas accumulated in the flow channel 24 to the outside, the first operation is performed by a user operation while the hydrogen cartridge 3 is mounted on the power generation unit 8.
The movable block 17 may be pushed in.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a state of the power generation unit main body 2 in a state where the first movable block 17 is pushed in.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the first movable block 17 is pushed in, the flow path 24 can be ventilated to the outside through the discharge port 26. In this state, when high-purity hydrogen gas is supplied from the hydrogen gas inlet 9, the impurity gas accumulated in the flow path 24 is pushed out by the hydrogen gas and exhausted from the outlet 26. Thereafter, when the user stops pushing the first movable block 17, the first movable block 17 is automatically returned to the position shown in FIG.

If such an operation is performed periodically, the flow path 2
4 can always keep the purity of the hydrogen gas high, whereby the power generation efficiency can be kept high. In addition, since the first movable block 17 is urged by the spring 19, the airtightness of the flow path 24 in the normal state is ensured.

As described above, in the power generator 1 according to the present embodiment, the check valve 5 is provided between the removable hydrogen cartridge 3 and the regulator 4, so that the hydrogen cartridge 3 is removed. Also, the hydrogen gas remaining in the regulator 4 does not flow backward and is discharged to the outside. Similarly, the regulator 4 and the power generation unit main body 2
Since the check valve 7 is also provided between the two, the hydrogen gas remaining in the power generation unit main body 2 does not flow back to the regulator 4.

In the power generator 1 according to this embodiment, since the valve 6 is provided between the removable hydrogen cartridge 3 and the regulator 4, the valve 6 is closed to stop the supply of hydrogen gas. The power generation by the power generation unit main body 2 can be stopped.

Further, in the power generator 1 according to the present embodiment, since the first movable block 17 is provided in the power generator main body 2, by operating the first movable block 17, the impurity gas accumulated in the flow path 24 is operated. Can be exhausted.

In the power generator 1 according to the present embodiment, the second movable block 18 is provided in the power generator main body 2 and the air supply can be stopped by operating the second movable block 18. By doing so, the power generation by the power generation unit main body 2 can be stopped. Also,
By operating the second movable block 18, the flow path 2
When the sealing member 5 is in a sealed state, it is possible to prevent foreign substances such as dust and dust from entering the inside of the power generation unit main body 2.

Further, in the power generator 1 according to the present embodiment, since the filter member 34 is provided inside the hydrogen cartridge 3, the finely divided alloy or carbonaceous hydrogen storage material scatters outside the hydrogen cartridge 3. Nothing.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention. It goes without saying that it is a thing.

For example, in the above embodiment, the operation of the first movable block 17 is left to the user, but the operation may be performed automatically. For example, the first movable block 17 may be moved to the position shown in FIG. 5 for a certain period of time in response to the start of power generation so that the impurity gas is exhausted every time the power generation starts. Each time, the first movable block 17 may be moved to the position shown in FIG.

In the above embodiment, the operation of the second movable block 18 is left to the user. However, the operation may be performed automatically. For example, when the hydrogen cartridge 3 is mounted on the power generation unit 8, the second movable block 18 is mechanically moved to the position shown in FIG. 2 in conjunction with this, and the hydrogen cartridge 3 is removed from the power generation unit 8. The second movable block 18 may be mechanically moved to the position shown in FIG.

Further, in the above embodiment, the operation of the valve 6 is left to the user. However, the operation may be performed automatically. For example, when the hydrogen cartridge 3 is mounted on the power generation unit 8, the valve 6 is mechanically opened in conjunction therewith, and when the hydrogen cartridge 3 is removed from the power generation unit 8, the valve 6 is mechanically operated in conjunction therewith. May be closed. However, in order to freely stop the power generation by the power generation unit main body 2 in a state where the hydrogen cartridge 3 is mounted on the power generation unit 8, at least one of the second movable block 18 and the valve 6 needs to be freely operated by the user. Needs to be possible.

In the above embodiment, the material of the proton conductor 15 is made of a carbonaceous material whose main component is carbon. However, a different material, for example, perfluorosulfone An acid resin or the like may be used.

Further, the power generator 1 according to the above embodiment
Is provided with a valve 6 to enable the shutoff of hydrogen gas. However, in the present invention, it is not essential to provide the power generator with the valve 6, and this may be omitted.

Although the power generator 1 according to the above-described embodiment has the regulator 4 to regulate the pressure of the hydrogen gas, it is not essential in the present invention to provide the power generator with the regulator 4. May be omitted.

Further, the power generator 1 according to the above embodiment
Although two check valves 5 and 7 are provided between the hydrogen cartridge 3 and the power generation unit main body 2 to prevent back flow of hydrogen gas, in the present invention, the hydrogen cartridge 3 and the power generation unit main body 2 It is not essential to provide two check valves between them, and only one check valve may be provided.

Further, the power generator 1 according to the above embodiment has the first movable block 17, which enables the discharge of the impurity gas in the flow path 24. However, in the present invention, the power generator is provided with the impurity gas. It is not essential to provide a discharging means, and this may be omitted.

Further, the power generator 1 according to the above embodiment
Is provided with a second movable block 18 so that air can be cut off. However, in the present invention, it is not essential to provide a power generation device with air cut-off means, and this may be omitted.

The power generator 1 according to the above-described embodiment is provided with a filter member 34 in the hydrogen cartridge 3, thereby preventing the finely divided alloy or carbonaceous hydrogen storage material from scattering outside the hydrogen cartridge 3. However, in the present invention, it is not essential to provide a filter member in the hydrogen cartridge, and this may be omitted.

[0100]

As described above, according to the present invention, the check valves 5 and 7 are provided between the detachable hydrogen cartridge 3 and the power generation unit main body 2, so that the power generation unit main body 2 Backflow of hydrogen gas is prevented. Therefore, even when the hydrogen cartridge 3 is removed from the power generation unit 8, the hydrogen gas remaining in the power generation unit main body 2 and the regulator 4 included in the power generation unit 8 is not released to the outside. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power generator 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view schematically showing a structure of a power generation unit main body 2.

FIG. 3A is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of a hydrogen cartridge 3, and FIG.
It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a state of the power generation unit main body 2 in a state where the hydrogen cartridge 3 is detached from the power generation unit 8 (non-mounted state).

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a state of the power generation unit main body 2 in a state where the first movable block 17 is pushed in.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 power generating device 2 power generating unit main body 3 hydrogen cartridge 4 regulator 5, 7 check valve 6 valve 8 power generating unit 9 hydrogen gas inlet 10 air inlet 11 positive electrode lead 12 negative electrode lead 13 hydrogen electrode 14 oxygen electrode 15 proton conductor 16 Fixed block 17 First movable block 18 Second movable block 19 Spring 20,22 Electrode substrate 21,23 Catalyst layer 24,25 Flow path 26,27 Discharge port 28 Main body 29 Cover 30 Hinge 31 Nozzle with check valve 32 Hydrogen Storage material 33, 35 Channel 34 Filter member

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Takashi Kajiura 6-7-35 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Inside Sony Corporation (72) Ryuichiro Maruyama 6-73, Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Inside Sony Corporation (72) Inventor Yoshihiro Nakamura 6-35, Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Sony Inside (72) Mitsushi Miyakoshi 6-35, Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Soni -Inc. (72) Inventor Hiroshi Miyazawa 6-35, Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Sony Corporation F-term (reference) 4G040 AA12 4G140 AA12 5H026 AA06 5H027 AA02 BA13 BA14

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A hydrogen cartridge containing a hydrogen storage material, a power generation unit for generating power using hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen cartridge, and a backflow of gas from the power generation unit to the hydrogen cartridge is prevented. A power generator comprising: a backflow prevention unit. 2. The power generator according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogen cartridge is configured to be detachable from the power generator. 3. The power generator according to claim 1, wherein said backflow prevention means is constituted by a check valve. 4. A power generation unit, wherein the power generation unit controls at least a pressure of hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen cartridge, and a power generation unit main body that generates power using the hydrogen gas whose pressure is adjusted by the regulator. The power generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: 5. The power generation unit is provided between the regulator and the power generation unit main body, and further includes a backflow prevention unit that prevents a backflow of gas from the power generation unit main body to the regulator. The power generator according to claim 4, wherein 6. The hydrogen cartridge is provided with a gas supply end for supplying hydrogen gas to the power generation unit, and the gas supply end is connected to the hydrogen cartridge when the hydrogen cartridge is removed from the power generation unit. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inside of the cartridge and the outside of the hydrogen cartridge are shut off.
A power generator according to the item. 7. The power generating apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a backflow preventing means for preventing a backflow of gas from the power generation unit to the hydrogen cartridge, at the gas supply end. 8. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the power generation unit is provided integrally with the portable device.
The power generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 9. The power generator according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogen storage material is made of a hydrogen storage alloy. 10. The power generator according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogen storage material is made of a carbonaceous hydrogen storage material. 11. A hydrogen cartridge containing a hydrogen storage material, having a gas supply end for supplying hydrogen gas to a power generation device, wherein the gas supply end is provided when the hydrogen cartridge is detached from the power generation device. The hydrogen cartridge is configured to shut off the inside of the hydrogen cartridge and the outside of the hydrogen cartridge when the hydrogen cartridge is closed. 12. The hydrogen cartridge according to claim 11, further comprising a backflow prevention means for preventing gas from entering the inside of the hydrogen cartridge at the gas supply end. 13. The hydrogen cartridge according to claim 12, wherein said backflow prevention means is constituted by a check valve. 14. The hydrogen cartridge according to claim 11, wherein the hydrogen storage material is made of a hydrogen storage alloy. 15. The hydrogen cartridge according to claim 11, wherein the hydrogen storage material is made of a carbonaceous hydrogen storage material.