JP2003113983A - Fluid connector device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fluid connector device superior in safety capable of receiving and sending fluid only when a mating connector is connected. SOLUTION: A pair of fluid connector devices 1 is composed of a male connector 2 and a female connector 3, and makes connection by inserting the male connector 2 into the female connector 3. The male connector 2 includes a first channel 4 for receiving and sending fluid with the female connector 3, and the female connector 3 includes a second channel 12 for receiving and sending fluid with the male connector 2 and a shut-off valve 11 fixed in a state shutting off the second channel 12. The fixed state of the shut-off valve 11 is released by fitting the male connector 2 into the female connector 3 to open the shut-off valve 11, and the first channel 4 and the second channel 12 are communicated.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a pair of fluid connector devices which can be connected to and detached from the other connector and exchange fluid with the other connector.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, as a new power generation system, a fuel cell system, which generates electricity by an electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen using hydrogen as fuel, has been attracting attention. A fuel cell is a device that takes out the energy generated when hydrogen and oxygen react to generate water as electrical energy. A fuel cell is a clean power generation device that is friendly to the global environment because no harmful by-products are generated when electric energy is taken out, and is expected to be used more and more in the future.

This fuel cell system has been attracting attention as a power generation system for automobiles and homes. In this fuel cell system, researches on a hydrogen production method, a hydrogen storage method, and the like have been conducted with respect to a hydrogen supply method. It has been actively conducted and various proposals have been made.

[0004]

By the way, hydrogen, which is a fuel for a fuel cell, is supplied, for example, from a hydrogen storage device having a storage tank for storing it in a liquid or gas state or a hydrogen cartridge having a hydrogen storage alloy to a fuel cell. Is supplied to.

Further, recently, it has been proposed to use a fuel cell system as a portable power source, and research is being actively conducted. With the spread of fuel cells including such portable power sources, the distribution and trading of hydrogen becomes common, and the handling of hydrogen storage devices for storing hydrogen becomes a problem. That is, the current hydrogen storage device is connected to the fuel cell through a connector device, and a check valve is arranged inside the hydrogen storage device to prevent stored hydrogen from flowing out.

However, when such a check valve is used, the closed state of the hydrogen storage device can be released by pushing the check valve with an appropriate member, and hydrogen can be easily released by mischief or the like. It is dangerous because it is possible to take out or inject different kinds of gas or liquid. Moreover, when other types of gas or liquid are stored in a container similar to the hydrogen storage device, there is a possibility that the storage container may be confused. If a connector device similar to the connector device that connects the hydrogen storage device and the fuel cell is also used in a container that stores another gas or liquid, the connector device may be connected as it is.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and provides a fluid connector device having excellent safety in which fluid can be transferred only when corresponding connectors are connected. The purpose is to

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A connector device according to the present invention which achieves the above object comprises a male connector and a female connector, and a pair of male and female connectors inserted into the female connector for connection. In the fluid connector device, the male connector has a first flow path for exchanging fluid with the female connector, and the female connector exchanging fluid with the male connector. A shutoff valve having a second flow path and a shutoff valve fixed in a state of shutting off the second flowpath from the male connector side, and by inserting the male connector into the female connector The fixed state of is released and the shutoff valve opens,
The first flow path and the second flow path communicate with each other.

In the fluid connector device according to the present invention configured as described above, the shutoff valve is opened and fluid can be exchanged only when the uniquely formed connectors are connected to each other. As a result, in this fluid connector device, the shutoff valve is not opened when a connector similar to the connector that constitutes the fluid connector device is connected or when the shutoff valve is pushed by an appropriate member, Malfunction is prevented.

Therefore, except when the connectors formed uniquely are connected to each other, it is different from the fluid stored in the storage container that is taken out of the closed state of the storage device to which the connector device is connected and the fluid is taken out. Injecting different types of fluids, ie different types of gases or liquids, is prevented.

[0011]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, a fluid connector device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the following description, and can be appropriately modified without departing from the gist of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a structural example of a fluid connector device 1 to which the present invention is applied. A fluid connector device 1 to which the present invention is applied includes a plug 2 which is a male connector shown in FIG.
And a coupler 3 which is a female connector shown in FIG. 1, and the plug 2 and the coupler 3 are connected by inserting the plug 2 into the coupler 3 as shown in FIG. Note that FIG. 1 shows a state in which the plug 2 is inserted into the coupler 3 and the lock of the first fixing ring 9 described later is unlocked. Such a fluid connector device 1 is
For example, it can be used in a fuel cell system or the like. When used in a fuel cell system, the coupler 3 is connected to the hydrogen storage device side that stores hydrogen and the plug 2 is connected to the fuel cell side.
Connect. Then, by inserting the plug 2 into the coupler 3, the hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage device can be taken out. Hereinafter, each component of the fluid connector device 1 will be described.

The plug 2 is provided with an internal cavity penetrating in the longitudinal direction at a substantially central portion thereof for transmitting and receiving a fluid.
It is defined as the flow path 4. The shape, size, etc. of the first flow path 4 are not particularly limited and may be appropriately set in consideration of various conditions such as the flow rate and pressure of the fluid. In addition, the plug 2 has an outer peripheral surface on the insertion direction side, which is provided with irregularities having a predetermined shape in the outer peripheral direction which functions as a key. Further, a shoulder portion 5, a shoulder portion 6 and a dent portion 7 which serve as a stopper are provided on the outer periphery of the plug 2 in the detaching direction side. Here, the insertion direction is a direction in which the plug 2 approaches and is inserted into the coupler 3, and the removal direction is a direction in which the plug 2 separates from the coupler 3 as it separates.
The coupler 3 includes a coupler body 8, a first fixing ring 9 incorporated in the coupler body 8, and a part of the first fixing ring 9 held between the inner peripheral surface of the coupler body 8 and the first fixing ring 9. Like the first fixing ring 9, the second fixing ring 10 having a substantially ring shape is provided.

A space 3 formed by the coupler body 8, the first fixing ring 9 and the second fixing ring 10.
At 0, a shutoff valve 11 that shuts off the second flow path is arranged. The shutoff valve 11 is pushed in the detaching direction by a return prevention spring 39 arranged inside the shutoff valve 11 so as to bias the shutoff valve 11 in the detaching direction.

Here, the second flow path is a combination of the internal cavity 12 provided in the substantially central portion of the coupler body 8 on the insertion direction side and for exchanging fluid, and the above-mentioned cavity portion. It is a generic term. Further, the shape, size, etc. of the internal cavity 12 and the second flow path are not particularly limited and may be appropriately set in consideration of various conditions such as the flow rate and pressure of the fluid.

As described above, the coupler body 8 is provided with an internal cavity 12 which is provided at a substantially central portion of the coupler body 8 on the side of the insertion direction thereof and which forms the second flow path, and communicates with the internal cavity 12 and has a predetermined shape. It has a cavity (not shown) provided with an uneven shape. That is, the first fixing ring 9 and the second fixing ring 10 are incorporated in this cavity.

The inner peripheral surface of the coupler body 8 is
A cylinder spring 14 is provided on the peripheral surface facing the first fixing ring 9 so as to bias the locking pin 13 in the inner diameter direction at a position corresponding to a locking pin 13 described later in a normal state.
Is embedded in the spring hole 16 while being covered by the spring receiver 15. The spring receiver 15 has a diameter and a depth capable of receiving the cylinder spring 14. Here, the normal state represents a state in which the first fixing ring 9 described later is locked.

An O-ring 17 is embedded in the inner peripheral surface of the coupler body 8 on the insertion side of the cylinder spring 14 in the insertion direction. Further, the plug fixing ball 1 is provided as a member for fixing the plug 2 at the end portion on the detaching direction side.
8, a return prevention spring 19 and a spring receiver 20 are provided.

The first fixing ring 9 has a hollow portion having a step formed with a predetermined slope, and has a shape that substantially fits the plug 2. The inner surface of the first fixing ring 9 has the first fixing ring. The locking pin 13 having a substantially cylindrical shape, which has a function as a key for locking or unlocking 9 and is locked by the unevenness formed on the outer peripheral surface of the plug 2 described above, is provided in the first fixing ring 9. Locking pin holes 21 at three locations in the longitudinal direction
Has been installed in.

The tip of the locking pin 13 is connected to the plug 2
Has a rounded shape so that it can slide smoothly on the outer peripheral surface of the plug 2 when the plug is inserted. Further, the length of each locking pin 13 protruding from the inner peripheral surface is such that when the plug 2 is inserted into the coupler 3, the concave and convex portions provided on the outer peripheral surface of the plug 2 are surely contacted and locked. It has such a size that the fixing ring 9 of 1 can be unlocked.

The diameter of the locking pin hole 22 is changed by providing a step at a predetermined position in the depth direction, and the diameter of the first fixing ring 9 on the inner diameter side (hereinafter referred to as a small diameter). Is smaller than the diameter on the outer diameter side (hereinafter referred to as the large diameter). And the locking pin 13
Has a diameter substantially equal to the small diameter, and only the end portion thereof, that is, the shoulder portion 21 provided at the outer peripheral end on the outer diameter side of the first fixing ring 9 is substantially equal to the large diameter. This allows
The shoulder portion 21 of the locking pin 13 is locked to a step in the locking pin hole 22.

Here, in FIG. 1, the locking pins 13 are provided at three positions in the longitudinal direction of the first fixing ring 9, but the positions of the locking pins 13 are not limited to three. It can be changed as appropriate. That is, it is sufficient that the locking pin 13 is arranged at one or more places, and the greater the number, the higher the reliability as a key for locking or unlocking the first fixing ring 9. Also, the locking pin 13
The shape, size, thickness, etc. of the plug are not particularly limited as long as they correspond to the irregularities provided on the outer peripheral surface of the plug 2 and can uniquely determine the combination of the plug 2 and the coupler 3. good. An O-ring 23 is embedded in the inner peripheral surface of the first fixing ring 9 on the insertion direction side.

The second fixing ring 10 is arranged on the insertion side of a cavity (not shown) of the coupler body 8 in which a predetermined concave-convex shape is provided, and the second fixing ring 10 is provided.
A fixing ring return preventing spring 24 is incorporated in a space between the coupler body 8 and the coupler body 8 so as to urge the second fixing ring 10 toward the detaching direction.

The shutoff valve 11 is arranged in the cavity (not shown) formed by the coupler body 8, the first fixing ring 9 and the second fixing ring 10 as described above. An O-ring 25 for sealing is attached to the end face of the shutoff valve 11 on the detaching direction side. In the shutoff valve 11, the O-ring 25 for sealing is attached to the end face 26 on the inserting direction side of the second fixed ring 10. It is configured so that the airtightness can be surely maintained when abutting and blocking the second flow path.

Further, the second fixing ring 10 and the shutoff valve 11
A shutoff valve fixing member 27 is sandwiched between and. The shutoff valve fixing member 27 has a substantially spherical shape, and is arranged in the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral surface of the shutoff valve 11.

Next, the shutoff valve lock system of the fluid connector device 1 will be described. This system is configured so that the shut-off valve 11 is opened only when the plug 2 that is uniquely formed on the coupler 3 is inserted into the coupler 3 at a predetermined position.

That is, in a normal state, the cylinder spring 14 covered by the spring receiver 15 has both the locking pin hole 22 provided in the first fixing ring 9 and the spring hole 16 provided in the coupler body 8. Therefore, the first fixing ring 9 is locked by the cylinder spring 14 at a predetermined position of the coupler body 8, that is, at a position where the spring hole 16 and the locking pin hole 22 correspond to each other. It At this time, the second fixing ring 10 is pushed by the fixing ring return prevention spring 24 in the detaching direction, and the end face 28 on the detaching direction side abuts on the end face 29 on the inserting direction side of the coupler main body 8 and is engaged. It has been stopped. Also, the shutoff valve 11
Are locked by the second fixing ring 9 via the shutoff valve fixing member 27 in a state of being pushed in the disengagement direction side. As a result, the shutoff valve 11 is locked in a state in which the sealing O-ring 25 is in close contact with the end surface 26 of the first fixing ring 9 on the insertion direction side, whereby the second flow path has the first flow path. It is cut off from the flow path 4.

That is, in this fluid connector device 1,
Since the shut-off valve fixing member 27 is sandwiched and fixed between the first fixing ring 9 and the shut-off valve 11, in a normal state, the shut-off valve fixing member 27 can be moved by merely pushing the shut-off valve 11. Therefore, the shutoff valve 11 cannot be opened, and therefore the first flow path 4 and the second flow path cannot be communicated with each other.

Therefore, in order to unlock the shut-off valve 11 and open the shut-off valve 11, it is necessary to release the shut-off valve fixing member 27 and then move the shut-off valve 11 by pushing it in the inserting direction. Become. Hereinafter, a method of opening the shutoff valve 11 will be described along with the operation of the fluid connector device 1.

When the plug 2 is inserted into the coupler 3 to connect the plug 2 and the coupler 3, the plug 2 is inserted into the coupler 3 at a predetermined position.
While the outer peripheral surface of the sliding member slides on the locking pin 13,
3 is pushed up in the outer diameter direction of the coupler 3.

Here, before the plug 2 is arranged to a predetermined position in the coupler 3, the cylinder spring 14 covered by the spring receiver 15 has the locking pin hole 22 of the first fixing ring 9 and the coupler body. Since the first fixing ring 9 is inserted into both the spring hole 16 of the coupler 8 and the spring hole 16 of the coupler 8,
That is, the spring hole 16 and the locking pin hole 22 are locked at corresponding positions.

When the plug 2 is placed at a proper position in the coupler 3 and each locking pin 13 moves to a predetermined position due to the unevenness provided on the outer peripheral surface of the plug 2, the first fixing ring 9 is The lock is released. That is, when each locking pin 13 is moved to a predetermined position, the inner diameter side end portion of the cylinder spring 14 covered by the spring receiver 15 is brought into contact with the coupler body 8 and the first fixing ring 9. That is, it is pushed back to the inner peripheral surface of the coupler body 8. As a result, the cylinder spring 14
Is inserted into both the locking pin hole 22 of the first fixing ring 9 and the spring hole 16 of the coupler body 8 and the cylinder spring 14 is inserted into the spring hole 16 of the coupler body 8 only. It As a result, the first fixed ring 9 is unlocked and made movable.

When the plug 2 is further inserted in this state, the plug 2 pushes the first fixing ring 9 in the inserting direction,
Further, since the first fixing ring 9 pushes the second fixing ring 10 in the inserting direction, the first fixing ring 9 and the second fixing ring 10 are pushed back by the fixing ring return prevention spring 24 in the releasing direction. Slide to the insertion direction side against. Here, in the normal state, the second fixing ring 1
The end surface 28 on the side of 0 of the separation direction is in contact with and fixed to the end surface 29 of the groove formed on the inner peripheral surface of the coupler body 8 by the pushing-back force in the separation direction by the fixing ring return prevention spring 24.

By sliding the second fixing ring 10 in the inserting direction, the shut-off valve fixing member sandwiched between the second fixing ring 10 and the shut-off valve 11 is movable in the outer diameter direction. Thus, the shutoff valve 11 is movable in the inserting direction. That is, when the lock of the first fixing ring 9 by the locking pin 13 is released, the lock of the second fixing ring 10, the shutoff valve fixing member 27, and the shutoff valve 11 can be sequentially released.

When the plug 2 is inserted into the coupler 3 with certainty by further inserting the plug 2, the shut-off valve 11
Is pushed in the insertion direction by the tip end of the plug 2 on the insertion direction side, the sealing O-ring 25 is separated from the end surface 26 of the first fixing ring 9 on the insertion direction side, and A predetermined space is created between the shutoff valve 11. Then, the first flow path 4 and the second flow path communicate with each other through this space, and it becomes possible to exchange the fluid between the first flow path 4 and the second flow path. It is possible to exchange fluid between the plug 2 and the coupler 3.

Therefore, for example, when gas is supplied from the coupler 3 side to the plug 2 side, the gas supplied from the internal cavity 12 of the second flow path is generated between the coupler body 8 and the second fixing ring 10. The gap flows into a space 30 formed by the coupler body 8, the first fixing ring 9 and the second fixing ring 10, and further passes through a space formed between the first fixing ring 9 and the shutoff valve 11. It will flow into the first channel.

Further, when the plug 2 is completely inserted into the coupler 3, the plug 2 has a convex portion 31 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the plug 2 and having a predetermined slope, in the shape of the convex portion 31. Correspondingly, by being locked by the inner wall 32 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the first fixing ring 9 and having a predetermined slope, it cannot be pushed further in the insertion direction side. That is, by providing the outer peripheral surface of the plug 2 and the inner peripheral surface of the first fixing ring 9 with substantially the same shape, the plug 2 functions as a stopper. Further, the end face 33 of the shoulder portion 5 of the plug 2 on the insertion direction side is also locked by the end face 34 of the first fixing ring 9 on the disengagement direction side, thereby similarly obtaining a function as a stopper.

When the plug 2 is completely inserted into the coupler 3, the plug fixing ball 18 fits into the recess 7 provided on the outer peripheral projection of the plug 2. Then, the elastic force of the return prevention spring 19 is applied to the plug 2 fixing ball 18 so as to be urged toward the insertion direction side, and this force is also applied from the plug fixing ball 18 to the dent portion 7. By fitting the plug fixing ball 18 into the recess 7, the plug 2 and the coupler 3 are locked.

Then, when the stopper 35 is slid in the detaching direction in this state, the convex portion 36 provided on the inner peripheral surface of the stopper 35 is curved so that the stopper 35 is pushed open in the outer shape, and the plug fixing ball 18 is formed. Get on. Further, when the stopper 35 is slid in the detaching direction, the protrusion 36 rides over the plug fixing ball 18 and is locked, whereby the plug fixing ball 18 is locked. Then, the stopper 35 returns to the non-bent state before sliding due to its own elasticity. Further, since the convex portion 37 provided on the inner peripheral surface of the stopper 35 on the insertion direction side is locked by the convex portion 38 provided on the outer peripheral portion of the coupler body 8, the stopper 35 is further slid in the detaching direction. Can not.

As described above, since the plug 2 and the coupler 3 are securely fixed to each other, even if an external force is accidentally applied to the plug 2 in the detaching direction, the plug 2 and the coupler 3 are also inserted in the inserting direction. The plug 2 and the coupler 3 do not separate from each other even when the force of
The connection state with is reliably maintained.

As described above, in the fluid connector device 1, the shutoff valve 11 is opened only when the plug 2 uniquely formed with respect to the coupler 3 is inserted into the coupler 3. Plug 2 and coupler 3
It is possible to exchange fluids with the fluid. Therefore, in this fluid connector device 1, for example, the shutoff valve 1 is made of an appropriate member.
It is possible to release the fluid by unsealing the storage device to which the coupler 3 is attached by pressing 1 or to inject a fluid of a different type from the fluid stored in the storage container, that is, to inject a different gas or liquid. To be prevented.
Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the fluid from being taken out from the storage device to which the coupler 3 is attached or the fluid from being injected into the storage device due to mischief.

Further, even when other kinds of gas or liquid are stored in similar containers, when the fluid connector device 1 is used, even if the coupler 3 has a plug 2 for another container. Even if it enters, the shut-off valve 11 cannot be opened unless the plug 2 that is uniquely formed is inserted into the coupler 3, so that the fluid stored in the storage container must be taken out or stored in the storage container. It is possible to prevent injecting a different type of fluid from the stored fluid, that is, a different type of gas or liquid. That is, the fluid connector device 1 can be said to be a fluid connector device 1 having both a check valve function and a key lock function.

Therefore, according to the fluid connector device 1, the fluid can be exchanged only when the uniquely formed connectors are connected to each other, and the similar connectors are not operated due to connection or mischief. An excellent fluid connector device can be realized.

Next, a specific example of use of the fluid connector device according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of a portable electronic device equipped with a fuel cell system configured by applying the fluid connector device according to the present invention. A fuel cell system 202 to which the present invention is applied, which is mounted on a portable electronic device 201, stores hydrogen therein, or a hydrogen storage cartridge 203 for supplying the stored hydrogen to a fuel cell power generator 204, The fuel cell power generation device 204 is configured to generate electric power using hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage cartridge 203 as fuel.

The fuel cell power generator 204 of the fuel cell system 202 is permanently installed in the portable electronic device 201, but the hydrogen storage cartridge 203 is detachably attached to the portable electronic device 201, and is portable as required. The electronic device 201 is loaded or unloaded. That is, the hydrogen storage cartridge 203 is
When driving the portable electronic device 201, the portable electronic device 201 is loaded into the
Supply hydrogen to. Meanwhile, the portable electronic device 2
01 is not driven, for example, the portable electronic device 20
When the No. 1 is suspended for a long time or when hydrogen is stored in the hydrogen storage cartridge 203, it is removed from the portable electronic device 201.

Such a hydrogen storage cartridge 203
Is a tank (not shown) for storing hydrogen, a regulator (bidirectional regulator) 101 which is a pressure adjusting mechanism for adjusting the pressure of hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage cartridge 203 to the fuel cell power generator 204, and hydrogen. The storage cartridge 203 is provided with a coupler 3 that is a part of the fluid connector device 201 that connects the fuel cell power generation device 204. The hydrogen storage cartridge 203 contains a hydrogen storage alloy such as LaNi ₅ or a hydrogen storage carbon material typified by carbon nanotubes. By storing hydrogen in these cartridges, a large amount of hydrogen can be stored. ing.

Here, when a normal regulator is used as the hydrogen pressure adjusting mechanism, the normal regulator can flow the fluid only in one direction, and when the fluid is forced to flow in the opposite direction, for example, In the case of a diaphragm type regulator, the regulator is damaged by the fluid pressure. When such a regulator is arranged in the direction for storing hydrogen in the hydrogen storage cartridge 203, that is, in the direction for storing hydrogen, this regulator supplies hydrogen from the hydrogen storage cartridge 203 to the outside, that is, when taking out hydrogen. Cannot be used.

On the other hand, when the regulator is arranged in the direction of supplying hydrogen from the hydrogen storage cartridge 203 to the outside, that is, in the direction of taking out hydrogen, when storing hydrogen in the hydrogen storage cartridge 203, that is, when storing hydrogen. Cannot be used. For this reason, two types of regulators are required, and the regulators must be replaced according to the intended use of the hydrogen storage cartridge 203, which complicates the operation. Moreover, if the wrong type of regulator is used, the regulator may be damaged, which may adversely affect the hydrogen storage container.

Therefore, in the fuel cell system 202, the hydrogen storage direction and the hydrogen storage cartridge 2 are set.
It is possible to cope with the two directions of supplying hydrogen from 03 to the outside, that is, the direction of taking out hydrogen, and it is possible to conveniently store or supply hydrogen under appropriate conditions. (Hereinafter, it may be called a bidirectional regulator to distinguish it from a normal regulator.). Hereinafter, such a regulator will be described. This bidirectional regulator 101
Operates at a high pressure so that hydrogen can be stored in a short time during the intake operation, and functions so that the equilibrium pressure of hydrogen can be exhausted according to the operating condition of the electric energy generating element 209 during the exhaust operation.

FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the bidirectional regulator 101. The regulator 101 shown in FIG. 3 has a first external connection hole 102 and a second external connection hole 1 which are external connection holes.
The inside of the case 104 provided with 03 is the first gas flow hole 1
No. 05 is provided and the second partition 108 having the second gas flow hole 106 is divided into three parts, and the first pressure adjusting chamber 109 and the second pressure adjusting chamber 110 are divided.
And a third pressure adjusting chamber is formed. And the first
Of the pressure adjusting chamber 109 is communicated with a high-pressure gas supply unit (not shown) through a first external connection hole 102 formed in the side surface thereof, and the second pressure adjusting chamber 110 has a side surface thereof. It is communicated with, for example, a constant pressure storage unit (not shown) through a second external connection hole 103 formed in the. And the first
Of the second pressure adjusting chamber 109 and the second pressure adjusting chamber 110 are communicated with each other through the first gas flow hole 105 provided in the first partition wall 107, and the second pressure adjusting chamber 110 and the third pressure adjusting chamber 110 are connected to each other.
The pressure adjusting chamber 111 is communicated with the pressure adjusting chamber 111 via the second gas flow hole 106 provided in the second partition 108.

The adjusting spring 1 is provided in the third pressure adjusting chamber 111.
Diaphragm 11 which is a pressure adjusting wall that is pushed by 12 and can be moved forward and backward toward second partition wall 108.
3 is attached, and the gas flow hole 10 of each partition is further provided.
5, 106 and the diaphragm 11
A support shaft 114 which is connected to the diaphragm 3 and moves as the diaphragm 113 moves forward and backward is arranged. Also,
The adjustment spring 112 is connected to an adjustment screw 115 fixed to the case 104, and the pressing force on the diaphragm 113 can be adjusted by the adjustment screw 115. Then, in the third pressure adjusting chamber 111, the adjusting spring 11 in the space divided by the diaphragm 113 is
The space where 2 is arranged is an atmospheric pressure chamber 116 whose pressure is set to atmospheric pressure in a normal state.

Further, in the second pressure adjusting chamber 110, a second pressure adjusting valve which is fixed to the support shaft 114 and opens and closes the second gas flow hole 106 provided in the second partition 108 is attached. ing.

Then, in the first pressure adjusting chamber 109, the first pressure adjusting chamber 109 moves as the support shaft 114 moves forward and backward and moves to the first pressure adjusting chamber 109.
The first protection valve 119, which is an elastic material, is configured to urge the first pressure regulating valve 118 that opens and closes the first gas passage hole 105 provided in the partition wall 107 toward the first partition wall 107.
It is attached to the support shaft 114 via. As such a protection spring 119, a bellows or the like is suitable.

Here, the material forming the case 104, the first partition wall 107, the second partition wall 108, the diaphragm 113, the first pressure adjusting valve 118 and the second pressure adjusting valve 117 is not particularly limited. Any material can be used as long as it has corrosion resistance to the gas when the gas flows into the regulator 101 and strength to withstand the gas pressure. Further, the shape and size of these are not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected according to various conditions such as intended use.

Further, the material forming the protective spring 119 is not particularly limited either, and when the gas flows into the regulator 101, it has corrosion resistance to the gas and strength to withstand the gas pressure. Any material can be used as long as it has the above properties and can be processed into a predetermined shape, molded, cast welded, and the like. As such materials,
For example, rubber, plastic, Teflon (registered trademark), metal, nonmetal, rare metal and the like can be exemplified.

Next, the operation of the regulator 101 configured as above will be described. First, the gas flows in the forward direction, that is, through the first external connection hole 102,
A case where the pressure-adjusted gas is caused to flow out from the second gas flow hole 106 will be described.

In this regulator 101, the high pressure gas sent under pressure through the first external connection hole 102 is
A part of the pressure adjusting chamber 109 of the first gas flow hole 1
05 into the second pressure adjusting chamber 110, and a part of the second pressure adjusting chamber 110 passes through the second gas flow hole 106 into the third pressure adjusting chamber 111, and the diaphragm 113 is closed. The adjustment spring 112 is pushed downward against the pushing force of the adjustment spring 112, that is, retracted toward the first pressure adjustment chamber 109. Along with this, as shown in FIG. 4, the support shaft 114 retracts toward the first pressure adjustment chamber 109,
At a predetermined set pressure, the first pressure regulating valve 118 attached to the support shaft 114 comes into contact with the first gas flow hole 105 provided in the first partition wall 107 to close it.
At this time, the second pressure adjusting chamber 110 and the third pressure adjusting chamber 111 have substantially the same predetermined pressure, and the gas pressures of the second pressure adjusting chamber 110 and the third pressure adjusting chamber 111 are the same. Becomes larger in proportion to the pressing force of the adjusting spring 112 against the diaphragm 113.

Then, the gas sealed in the second pressure adjusting chamber 110 flows out from the second external connection hole 103 to the outside, for example, a constant pressure storage unit while being adjusted to a predetermined pressure.
In addition, gas flows out from the second external connection hole 103
When the pressure of the gas in the pressure adjusting chamber 110 and the third pressure adjusting chamber 111 decreases, the diaphragm 11 of the adjusting spring 112
The diaphragm 113 is pushed upward by the pressing force applied to 3, that is, the diaphragm 113 advances toward the first pressure adjusting chamber 109. Along with this, the support shaft 114 advances toward the first pressure adjustment chamber 109, and the first pressure adjustment valve 118 attached to the support shaft 114 causes the first partition wall 107 to move.
The closed state is released by separating from the first gas flow hole 105 provided in the. Thereby, the first external connection hole 10
The high-pressure gas pressure-fed through 2 again flows into the second pressure adjustment chamber 110 through the first gas flow hole 105.

By repeating the above operation,
For example, it is possible to adjust the pressure of high-pressure gas to a predetermined pressure.

Next, the gas flows in the opposite direction, that is, through the second external connection hole 103, and the first gas flow hole 10
A case where the gas is caused to flow out from No. 5 will be described.

When the gas flows in through the second external connection hole 103, the gas pressure-fed to the second pressure adjusting chamber 110 through the second external connection hole 103 at a predetermined pressure is the second pressure. A part of the adjustment chamber 110 enters the third pressure adjustment chamber 111 through the second gas flow hole 106,
The diaphragm 113 is pushed downward against the pushing force of the adjusting spring 112, that is, the first pressure adjusting chamber 10
Retreat towards 9. Along with this, as shown in FIG. 5, the support shaft 114 retracts toward the first pressure adjustment chamber 109, and the first pressure adjustment valve 118 attached to the support shaft 114 is provided in the first partition wall 107. The first gas flow hole 105 and the closed state, and then the support shaft 11
The second pressure regulating valve 117 attached to the No. 4 abuts on the second gas flow hole 106 provided in the second partition wall 108 to close it. And after this, diaphragm 1
Since no further pressure is applied to 13, the diaphragm 113 will not be pushed further downward while stopped at a predetermined position, that is, it will not retract toward the first pressure adjusting chamber 109.

Therefore, in this regulator, the second
The pressure control valve 117 plays a role of preventing the diaphragm 113 from being damaged by being pressed downward due to excessive pressure. That is, it plays a role of protecting the diaphragm 113.

The second pressure adjusting chamber 110 has a second
The internal pressure rises due to the gas flowing in from the external connection hole 103, and this pressure pushes the first pressure regulating valve 118 upward, that is, advances it toward the first pressure regulating chamber 109. As a result, the closed state of the first gas flow hole 105 is released, and the gas in the second pressure adjustment chamber 110 passes through the first gas flow hole 105 and the first pressure adjustment chamber 10
9 and further flows out from the first external connection hole 102 to the outside. At this time, since the first pressure regulating valve 118 is held by the elasticity of the protection spring 119, it is prevented from being blown off or damaged by the pressure of the gas. That is, in this regulator, the protection spring 1
19 serves to protect the first pressure regulating valve 118.

With the above operation, the diaphragm 1
It is possible to supply, for example, a gas, which is regulated to a predetermined pressure and stored, to the outside under a predetermined pressure state without damaging 13.

Therefore, the regulator 101 described above
In the above, in the case of flowing the gas in the forward direction, it is possible to regulate the gas to a predetermined pressure as in the conventional regulator. The regulator 101 is also capable of flowing gas in the reverse direction. That is, since the regulator 101 has the above-described structure, it is possible to flow the gas in the reverse direction at a predetermined pressure without damaging the diaphragm 113. That is, according to the regulator 101, it is possible to cope with two directions, that is, the forward direction and the backward direction, and it is possible to easily adjust and supply the gas under appropriate conditions, which is excellent in convenience. A pressure adjusting mechanism is realized.

In the above description, the case where the diaphragm 113 is used as the pressure adjusting wall has been described.
The pressure adjusting wall is not limited to this, and when the pressure of the high pressure gas is high, for example, a piston can be used. Even if a piston is used as the pressure adjusting wall and the atmospheric pressure of the atmospheric pressure chamber 116 is used as an elastic force for pressing the piston, the same effect as above can be obtained. However,
When a slight adjustment of the set pressure is required, the diaphragm 11
It is preferable to use a pressure adjusting film such as No. 3 or the like.

In the regulator described above, the gas pressure of the gas introduced from the high pressure gas side, that is, the first external connection hole 102 is, for example, 1 kg / cm ² or more and 350 kg.
/ Cm ² or less, the set pressure side, that is, the gas pressure of the gas flowing out from the second external connection hole 103 is, for example, 1 kg.
The range of about / cm ² or less is preferable. However,
It can be used in a wider range by changing the strength of each member.

By using this regulator 101, in equipment etc. equipped with a regulator,
The space for the regulator can be saved, and the simplification, downsizing, weight reduction, and cost reduction of the device configuration can be realized.

Further, the fuel cell system 20 using hydrogen
When this regulator 101 is applied to No. 2, without using two types of regulators, hydrogen is stored in the hydrogen storage container only by this regulator 101, that is, in the direction of putting hydrogen, and from the hydrogen storage container to the outside. It is possible to correspond to two directions of hydrogen supply, that is, hydrogen extraction, and it is possible to easily store or supply hydrogen under appropriate conditions without replacing the regulator. In the fuel cell system 202 using hydrogen, for example, on the high pressure gas side,
That is, the gas pressure of the gas flowing in from the first external connection hole 102 is, for example, about 3 kg / cm ² , and the gas pressure of the gas flowing out from the set pressure side, that is, the second external connection hole 103 is, for example, 0.03 kg / cm 2. ^The above-mentioned regulator can be preferably used under the condition of about ² .

Next, another configuration example of such a bidirectional regulator will be shown. FIG. 6 is another configuration example of the bidirectional regulator. The difference between the regulator 121 shown in FIG. 6 and the regulator 101 described above is that the second pressure adjusting chamber 11
No. 0, the first gas is attached to the support shaft 114 via the second adjusting spring 122, which is an elastic material, so as to be biased toward the first partition wall 107, and the first gas provided in the first partition wall 107. Third pressure regulating valve 1 for closing the flow hole 105
24, and the auxiliary flow hole 1 in the first partition 107.
25 is formed, and the auxiliary pressure valve 1 that is elastically biased in the first pressure adjusting chamber 109 toward the first partition wall 107 by the third adjusting spring 123 and closes the auxiliary flow hole 125.
26 is provided.

Here, in a normal state, the first external connection hole 102 is closed from the second pressure adjusting chamber 110 side by the third pressure adjusting valve 124 pushed upward by the second adjusting spring 122. It is in a state. In the normal state, the auxiliary flow hole 125 is closed from the first pressure adjusting chamber 109 side by the auxiliary pressure valve 126 elastically biased by the third adjusting spring 123 toward the first partition wall 107. It is said that. The same members as those of the regulator 101 described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

Here, the material forming the case 104, the third pressure regulating valve 124, and the auxiliary pressure valve 126 is not particularly limited, and when the gas flows into the regulator 121, If it has corrosion resistance and strength that can withstand the gas pressure,
Any material can be used. Further, the shape and size of these are not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected according to various conditions such as intended use.

The material forming the second adjusting spring 122 and the third adjusting spring 123 is not particularly limited, and has a corrosion resistance to the gas when the gas flows into the regulator 121. Any material can be used as long as it has a strength capable of withstanding the gas pressure and can be processed into a predetermined shape, molded, cast welded, and the like. Examples of such a material include rubber, plastic, Teflon (registered trademark), metal, nonmetal, and rare metal.

Next, the operation of the regulator configured as described above will be described. First, the positive direction, that is,
A case will be described where gas flows in through the first external connection hole 102 and pressure-adjusted gas flows out through the second gas flow hole 106.

In this regulator 121, a part of the high-pressure gas that is pressure-fed through the first external connection hole 102 passes through the first gas flow hole 105 and the third pressure adjusting valve 124 is adjusted to the second adjusting gas. The spring 122 is pushed downward against the pushing force of the spring 122, that is, retracted toward the first pressure adjusting chamber 109. Thereby, the first external connection hole 1
02, the closed state is released, and the high-pressure gas enters the second pressure adjustment chamber 110 through the first external connection hole 102. Then, a part of the gas that has entered the second pressure adjustment chamber 110 is second
The third pressure adjusting chamber 111 is passed through the gas passage hole 106, the diaphragm 113 is pushed downward against the pushing force of the adjusting spring 112, that is, the diaphragm 113 is moved backward toward the first pressure adjusting chamber 109. Along with this, as shown in FIG. 7, the support shaft 114 retracts toward the first pressure adjusting chamber 109, and at a predetermined set pressure, the first pressure adjusting valve 118 attached to the support shaft 114 becomes the first pressure adjusting valve 118. Partition wall 10
The first gas flow hole 105 provided in the nozzle 7 is brought into contact with the first gas flow hole 105 to close the gas. At this time, the second pressure adjusting chamber 110 and the third pressure adjusting chamber 110
Of the second pressure adjusting chamber 110 and the third pressure adjusting chamber 11
The gas pressure of 1 is the diaphragm 11 of the adjusting spring 112.
If the pressing force on 3 is large, it will be proportionally large.

Then, the gas sealed in the second pressure adjusting chamber 110 flows out from the second external connection hole 103 to the outside, for example, a constant pressure storage unit while being adjusted to a predetermined pressure.
In addition, gas flows out from the second external connection hole 103
When the pressure of the gas in the pressure adjusting chamber 110 and the third pressure adjusting chamber 111 decreases, the diaphragm 11 of the adjusting spring 112
The diaphragm 113 is pushed upward by the pressing force applied to 3, that is, the diaphragm 113 advances toward the first pressure adjusting chamber 109. Along with this, the support shaft 114 advances toward the first pressure adjustment chamber 109, and the first pressure adjustment valve 118 attached to the support shaft 114 causes the first partition wall 107 to move.
The closed state is released by separating from the first gas flow hole 105 provided in the. Thereby, the first external connection hole 10
The high-pressure gas pressure-fed through 2 again flows into the second pressure adjustment chamber 110 through the first gas flow hole 105.

By repeating the above operation,
For example, it is possible to adjust the pressure of high-pressure gas to a predetermined pressure.

Next, the gas is introduced in the opposite direction, that is, through the second external connection hole 103, and the first gas flow hole 10
A case where the gas is caused to flow out from No. 5 will be described.

When the gas flows in through the second external connection hole 103, the gas pressure-fed to the second pressure adjusting chamber 110 through the second external connection hole 103 at a predetermined pressure is the second pressure. A part of the adjustment chamber 110 enters the third pressure adjustment chamber 111 through the second gas flow hole 106,
The diaphragm 113 is pushed downward against the pushing force of the adjusting spring 112, that is, the first pressure adjusting chamber 10
Retreat towards 9. Along with this, the support shaft 114 retracts toward the first pressure adjusting chamber 109, and the support shaft 11
The first pressure regulating valve 118 attached to the No. 4 abuts on the first gas flow hole 105 provided in the first partition wall 107 to close it, and then the second pressure attached to the support shaft 114. The regulating valve 117 comes into contact with the second gas flow hole 106 provided in the second partition 108 to close it.

At this time, since the first pressure regulating valve 118 is held by the elasticity of the protection spring 119, it is prevented from being blown off or damaged by the pressure of the gas. That is, in this regulator, the protection spring 119 plays a role of protecting the first pressure regulating valve 118.

Further, since no further pressure is applied to the diaphragm 113 after this, the diaphragm 11
3 is pushed down further while being stopped at a predetermined position, that is, it does not retreat toward the first pressure adjusting chamber 109. So with this regulator,
The second pressure control valve 117 plays a role of preventing the diaphragm 113 from being damaged by being pressed downward due to excessive pressure. That is, it plays a role of protecting the diaphragm 113. Also,
At this time, since the third pressure adjusting valve 124 is pushed upward by the second adjusting spring 122, the first gas flow hole 105 is formed in the first pressure adjusting chamber 109 side and the second pressure adjusting chamber 109. The chamber 110 is closed from both sides.

The second pressure adjusting chamber 110 has a second
The internal pressure rises due to the gas flowing in from the external connection hole 103 of the auxiliary pressure valve 126 as shown in FIG.
Upward, that is, the first pressure adjustment chamber 109
Move towards. As a result, the closed state of the third pressure adjusting valve 124 is released, and the second pressure adjusting chamber 110 is released.
The gas inside enters into the first pressure adjusting chamber 109 through the third gas flow hole, and further flows out from the first external connection hole 102.

By the above operation, the diaphragm 1
It is possible to supply, for example, a gas, which is regulated to a predetermined pressure and stored, to the outside under a predetermined pressure state without damaging 13.

Therefore, in the regulator 121, when the gas is allowed to flow in the forward direction like the above-mentioned regulator 101, it is possible to regulate the gas to a predetermined pressure as in a normal regulator. It is also possible to flow gas in the opposite direction. That is, since the regulator 121 has the above-described structure, it is possible to flow the gas in the reverse direction under a predetermined pressure state without damaging the diaphragm 113. That is, this regulator 1
According to No. 21, it is possible to cope with two directions of the forward direction and the reverse direction, and it is possible to easily perform pressure regulation and supply of gas under appropriate conditions, which is a highly convenient pressure regulation mechanism. Has been realized.

Therefore, this fuel cell system 202
In this case, since the bidirectional regulator 101 configured as described above is used, when flowing the fluid in the forward direction, the hydrogen is regulated to a predetermined pressure in the same manner as a normal regulator, and the fuel cell power generation device is regulated. It is possible to supply to 204, and it is possible to flow hydrogen in the reverse direction with one regulator. As a result, in the fuel cell system 202, it is possible to easily store or supply hydrogen under appropriate conditions with a small size and a simple configuration, and the fuel cell system 202 having excellent convenience is realized. .

The coupler 3 constitutes a fluid connector device having a check valve function in a pair with the plug 2 described later, and connects the hydrogen storage cartridge 203 to the fuel cell power generator 204.

Here, the above-mentioned fluid connector device 1 is used as the fluid connector device. As a result, hydrogen can be transferred and received only when the uniquely formed connectors are connected to each other, that is, when the plug 2 and the coupler 3 are connected, and the fuel with excellent safety does not operate due to connection of similar connectors or mischief. The battery system 202 is realized.

In the hydrogen storage cartridge 203, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the fuel cell power generator 204 is operated by the coupler 3 and the connector releasing mechanism 205 by the plug 2.
The connection and disconnection with the side are performed. The connector release mechanism 205 has a structure in which connection and disconnection can be performed with one touch, and the hydrogen storage cartridge 203 can be handled more safely and easily. More specifically, when the hydrogen storage cartridge 203 is connected to the fuel cell power generator 204 side, the hydrogen storage cartridge 203 is inserted into the hydrogen storage cartridge holder 212 fixed to the mounting base 211 as shown in FIG. , The plug 2 is inserted into the coupler 3 up to a predetermined position for connection.

Here, the hydrogen storage cartridge holder 21
2 has a function of guiding and fixing the hydrogen storage cartridge 203 in a predetermined position. Here, in FIGS. 9 and 10, the hydrogen storage cartridge holder 212 is shown in a substantially cylindrical shape, but the shape of the hydrogen storage cartridge holder 212 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and the hydrogen storage cartridge is not limited thereto. If 203 can be reliably guided and fixed, it can be formed into various shapes.

In the case of the hydrogen storage system using a hydrogen storage alloy, for example, when hydrogen is stored (stored) in the hydrogen storage cartridge 203, the temperature of the hydrogen storage cartridge 203 rises due to an exothermic reaction, and conversely hydrogen is stored. When supplying (releasing) to another device, the temperature of the hydrogen storage cartridge 203 decreases due to the maturation reaction. Then, the decrease in the temperature inside the hydrogen storage cartridge 203 is not preferable because it increases the time required to supply (release) hydrogen. Therefore, the heat absorption during the hydrogen storage described above causes a problem that the time required to supply (release) hydrogen is increased.

Therefore, in this fuel cell system 202, the hydrogen storage cartridge holder 212 has a double structure as shown in FIG. 11, for example, and a spiral groove 231 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the double cylinder on the inner side. . And this groove 2
In FIG. 31, warm air stopped at the time of power generation by the electric energy generating element 209 described later is supplied from the warm air supply port 233 by the electric energy generating element 209 connection hose 232 and exhausted from the exhaust port 234. As a result, the temperature of the hydrogen storage cartridge 203 can be prevented from lowering due to the maturation reaction when releasing hydrogen, and the problem that the time required to supply (release) hydrogen increases can be prevented.

When the connection between the hydrogen storage cartridge 203 and the fuel cell power generator 204 side is released, the hydrogen storage cartridge holder 21 is attached to the hydrogen storage cartridge 203.
Slide the connector release bar 206 in the direction of inserting 2. Here, the connector release bar 206 is supported at a predetermined position by the two holders 213 and 213, and is movable only in the longitudinal direction of the connector release bar 206. Further, the connector release bar 206 is provided with a compression coil spring 214 through which the connector release bar 206 is inserted.
The connector release bar 206 is held in a predetermined state, that is, in a state in which the hydrogen storage cartridge 203 is connected by the elasticity of. The connector release bar 206 does not slide unless the connector release bar 206 is pressed with a predetermined stress, and the connector release bar 206 malfunctions due to external stress such as impact, and the hydrogen storage cartridge 203 and the fuel cell The connection with the power generation device 204 side is not released.

Then, when the connector release bar 206 is slid, it is pivotally supported by the first pin 215 provided at the tip of the connector release bar 206 and is pivotally supported by the second pin 216 to move up and down by the fulcrum block 217. The held link 218 moves clockwise around the second pin 216 as a fulcrum. This movement is transmitted to the slide block 220 via the third pin 219 provided on the other end side of the link 218, and the slide block 220 is provided with the two guide bars 2 provided on the guide block 221.
The hydrogen storage cartridge 203 is slid in the direction of being detached from the hydrogen storage cartridge holder 212 by being guided by 22. Here, the plug 2 is fixed to the plug mounting block 23 and cannot move, and the coupler 3
10 is pushed by the slide block together with the hydrogen storage cartridge 203 and slides in the direction of detachment.
Connection between the plug 2 and the coupler 3, that is, the fuel cell power generator 20 of the hydrogen storage cartridge 203 as shown in FIG.
The connection with the 4 side is released.

Next, the fuel cell power generator 204 will be described. The fuel cell power generator 204 includes an electric energy generating element 209, a flow rate adjusting pinhole 207 that is a flow rate adjusting hole, a stop valve 208 that is a hydrogen supply control unit that controls the supply of hydrogen, and a hydrogen storage cartridge 20.
3 and the fuel cell power generator 204, and the above-described coupler 3 which is a part of the fluid connector device 1.

The electric energy generating element 209 is a fuel cell main body for generating electric power using hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage cartridge 203 as fuel. That is, when hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen storage cartridge 203 to the electric energy generating element 209, electric power is generated in the electric energy generating element 209 using the hydrogen as a fuel, and the electric energy obtained by the electric power generation is used as the portable electronic device 20.
1 is supplied.

The flow rate adjusting pinhole 207 is a so-called flow rate adjusting means, and is a flow rate adjusting hole for adjusting the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage cartridge 203 to the electric energy generating element 209 to a predetermined flow rate. In order to perform stable power generation in the electric energy generation element 209 and supply stable electric energy to the portable electronic device 201, it is necessary to stably supply hydrogen as fuel to the electric energy generation element 209 at a predetermined flow rate. is there. When the amount of hydrogen supplied to the electric energy generation element 209 is small, a desired amount of electric power cannot be generated due to lack of fuel, and the electric energy supplied to the portable electronic device 201 is insufficient.
1 cannot be driven stably. On the other hand, even when the amount of hydrogen supplied to the electric energy generating element 209 is too large, the amount of electric power generated is reduced. As a result, even when the amount of hydrogen supplied to the electric energy generation element 209 is too large, the portable electronic device 201 cannot be stably driven. And the amount of electric energy required to drive is different for each electronic device,
The fuel cell system 2 cannot be stably driven even if the supplied electric energy is small or large.
It is necessary to supply the optimum electric energy to the electronic device in which 02 is mounted.

Therefore, the electric energy generating element 20
9 is required to supply a predetermined amount of hydrogen capable of generating optimal electric energy to the portable electronic device 201 in which the fuel cell system 202 is mounted. Therefore, the hydrogen supply amount is adjusted. There is a need.
Normally, a flow rate adjusting mechanism using a valve or the like is used to adjust the hydrogen supply amount. However, such a flow rate adjusting mechanism has a complicated structure and requires a certain amount of space for arranging the structure, which causes a problem in downsizing the fuel cell system 202.

Therefore, in this fuel cell system 202, the flow rate adjusting pinhole 20 which is a flow rate adjusting hole serves as a flow rate adjusting means for adjusting the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage cartridge 203 to the electric energy generating element 209.
7 is used. To adjust the flow rate of hydrogen by the flow rate adjusting pinhole 207, for example, a pinhole of a predetermined size set so that only a predetermined flow rate of hydrogen is allowed to pass is formed in the base material, and this base material is used as a fuel. It is arranged in the hydrogen flow path to the electric energy generating element 209 in the battery power generator 204. As a result, the hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage cartridge 203 is adjusted to a predetermined flow rate set in advance when passing through the flow rate adjusting pinhole 207, and then supplied to the electric energy generating element 209. Therefore, hydrogen serving as a fuel can be stably supplied to the electric energy generating element 209 at a predetermined flow rate.
As a result, a predetermined amount of stable power generation can be performed in the electric energy generation element 209, and stable electric energy can be supplied to the portable electronic device 201.

Further, when the flow rate adjusting pinhole 207 is used as the flow rate adjusting means, the structure is very simple and a wide space is not required. Therefore, it is very useful for downsizing the fuel cell system 202. It is effective. Further, since the structure is simple, the fuel cell system 202 is highly resistant to external stress such as impact and the like, and does not break or malfunction due to some impact or the like and has excellent durability. be able to.

Here, the number of flow rate adjusting pinholes 207 formed in the base material is not particularly limited, and may be one or plural. That is, a large number of small pinholes may be provided and a small number of large pinholes may be provided as long as only a predetermined flow rate of hydrogen can be passed.

The stop valve 208 is a hydrogen supply control means for controlling the supply of hydrogen to the electric energy generating element 209, and has a function of controlling the supply and stop of hydrogen gas when the electric energy generating element 209 is operated. Further, the seal O-ring also has a function of reducing the influence of impurities such as minute dust and dust. FIG. 12 shows a configuration example of the stop valve 208. The stop valve 208 includes a lube body 241 and a tapered stem 242.
, Stem seal O-rings 243, 244, stem screw 245, supply port 246, exhaust port 247, and flow path 2
And 48. Here, the supply port 246
Is connected to the hydrogen supply side of the hydrogen flow path from the hydrogen storage cartridge 203 to the electric energy generating element 209, that is, the hydrogen storage cartridge 203 side, and the exhaust port 247 is connected to the hydrogen storage cartridge 203.
From the electric energy generating element 209 to the electric energy generating element 209.

Then, when the supply of hydrogen to the electric energy generating element 209 is stopped, the state shown in FIG.
The tapered stem 242 is closed as shown in FIG. As a result, the supply port 246 and the flow path 248 are shut off, so that the supply of hydrogen to the electric energy generating element 209 can be stopped by the stop valve 208. When supplying hydrogen to the electric energy generating element 209, the tapered stem 242 is opened as shown in FIG. 13. As a result, a space is formed between the supply port 246 and the flow path 248, and hydrogen is supplied to the supply port 24.
6 can pass through the flow path 248 to the exhaust port 247, so that hydrogen can be supplied to the electric energy generating element 209.

When the tapered stem 242 is opened as shown in FIG. 13, the tapered stem 242
The size of the above-mentioned space can be adjusted by adjusting the position of, and the flow rate of hydrogen can be controlled by adjusting the size of the space. Therefore,
In the fuel cell system 202, the flow rate can be adjusted not only by the flow rate adjusting pinhole 207 but also by the stop valve 208, and the flow rate of hydrogen can be adjusted in a double manner, so that the flow rate can be more reliably achieved. It is possible to control the flow rate of hydrogen.

In the fuel cell system 202 as described above, the fuel is supplied to the fuel cell power generator 204 from a tank (not shown) provided in the hydrogen storage cartridge 203 in a state where the pressure is adjusted to a predetermined pressure by the bidirectional regulator 101. To be done. Then, the hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell power generator 204 is adjusted in the flow rate adjusting pinhole 207 to an optimum flow rate for generating the power to be supplied to the portable electronic device 7, and the hydrogen is supplied to the stop valve 208 and the electric energy generating element 209. Sent. Then, in the electric energy generating element 209, power is generated using this hydrogen as fuel,
The generated electric energy is supplied to the portable electronic device 201 to drive the portable electronic device 201. Therefore, in this portable electronic device 201, a predetermined amount of stable power generation can be performed in the fuel cell system 202, and stable electric energy is supplied to the portable electronic device 201, which enables stable driving. .

In the above description, as a pressure adjusting mechanism for adjusting the pressure of hydrogen, a bidirectional regulator capable of supporting two directions, that is, the direction of introducing hydrogen and the direction of supplying hydrogen from the hydrogen storage cartridge 203 to the outside, that is, the direction of taking out hydrogen. Although the case where 101 is used has been described, the usable pressure adjusting mechanism is not limited to the bidirectional regulator 101, and is a normal regulator (hereinafter referred to as a fixed pressure regulator to distinguish it from the bidirectional regulator 101). ) Can also be used. When adjusting the hydrogen pressure using the fixed pressure regulator 301, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, the hydrogen storage cartridge 203 is arranged to adjust the hydrogen pressure, and then the hydrogen storage cartridge 203 is used to adjust the fuel cell power generator. Hydrogen can be supplied to 204.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the fixed pressure regulator 301 is arranged between the plug 2 and the flow rate adjusting pinhole 207 in the fuel cell power generator 204, and the pressure of hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage cartridge 203 is adjusted. It can be configured to adjust the flow rate of the hydrogen after adjusting the. Even in the case of the above configuration, the effects according to the present invention and the effects of each component described above can be obtained.

Further, in the above, the stop valve 2
Although the case where 08 is arranged immediately before the electric energy generating element 209 has been described, the arrangement position of the stop valve 208 is not limited to the above, and can be changed as appropriate. That is, for example, in the case of using the bidirectional regulator 101, as shown in FIG. 16, the stop valve 208 is arranged between the plug 2 and the flow rate adjusting pinhole 207 in the fuel cell power generator 204. be able to.

In the case of using the fixed pressure regulator 301, the fixed pressure regulator 301 is arranged between the plug 2 and the flow rate adjusting pinhole 207 in the fuel cell power generator 204 as shown in FIG. Then
The fixed pressure regulator 301 and the flow rate adjusting pinhole 2
A stop valve 208 may be arranged between the stop valve 208 and the stop valve 208. Further, as shown in FIG. 18, a stop valve 208 is arranged next to the plug 2 in the fuel cell power generator 204, and a fixed pressure regulator 301 is provided between the stop valve 208 and the flow rate adjusting pinhole 207.
It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which Even in the case of the above configuration, the effects according to the present invention and the effects of each component described above can be obtained.

Further, in the above-mentioned fuel cell system, by incorporating an electronic element in the hydrogen storage cartridge, it is possible to store and recall various information necessary for supplying hydrogen to the electric energy generating element. It is said that Thereby, for example, it is possible to easily purchase hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage cartridge and sell the hydrogen storage cartridge. Further, since the amount of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage cartridge, the pressure, and other various information relating to hydrogen can be constantly grasped, hydrogen and the hydrogen storage cartridge can be managed easily and reliably. .

Since the fuel cell system as described above has a simple structure, it can be miniaturized, and since hydrogen can be supplied by a simple operation, for example, an electric energy generating element using hydrogen as a fuel can be provided. It is suitable for mounting on a built-in camcorder, personal computer, robot, etc.

[0111]

The fluid connector device according to the present invention is a pair of fluid connector devices comprising a male connector and a female connector for inserting the male connector into the female connector for connection. Male connector has a first flow path for exchanging fluid with the female connector, and the female connector has a second flow path for exchanging fluid with the male connector. And a shutoff valve fixed in a state of shutting off the second flow path from the male connector side,
By inserting the male connector into the female connector, the fixed state of the shutoff valve is released, the shutoff valve is opened, and the first flow path and the second flow path communicate with each other. Is.

In the fluid connector device according to the present invention having the above-mentioned structure, the fluid can be transferred only when the uniquely formed connectors are connected to each other. Therefore, the connection of similar connectors, mischief, etc. It is possible to prevent a malfunction due to, and to realize a fluid connector device having excellent safety.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing one structural example of a fluid connector device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a portable electronic device equipped with a fuel cell system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of a bidirectional regulator.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of a bidirectional regulator.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of a bidirectional regulator.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating another configuration example of the bidirectional regulator.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view illustrating another configuration example of the bidirectional regulator.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view illustrating another configuration example of the bidirectional regulator.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a connector releasing mechanism.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a connector releasing mechanism.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a hydrogen storage cartridge holder.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the stop valve is closed.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a stop valve is open.

FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a portable electronic device equipped with a fuel cell system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram showing another example of a portable electronic device equipped with a fuel cell system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram showing another example of a portable electronic device equipped with a fuel cell system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram showing another example of a portable electronic device equipped with a fuel cell system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 18 is a configuration diagram showing another example of a portable electronic device equipped with a fuel cell system to which the present invention is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Fluid connector device 2 plugs 3 couplers 4 First flow path 9 First fixing ring 10 Second fixing ring 11 shutoff valve 13 Locking pin

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Tomiichi Watanabe             6-735 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Soni             -Inside the corporation (72) Inventor Toshihiro Nakamura             1-4-20 Sonezaki Shinchi, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Prefecture             No. Sakurabashi IM Building 6F High-tech Co., Ltd.             Within F term (reference) 3J106 BC04 BC12 CA11 EB07 ED32                       EE12                 5H027 AA02 BA13

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A pair of fluid connector devices comprising a male connector and a female connector for inserting and connecting the male connector to the female connector, wherein the male connector is the female connector. Has a first flow path through which fluid is exchanged, and the female connector has a second flow path through which fluid is exchanged with the male connector and the second flow path. A shutoff valve fixed in a state of shutting off the passage from the male connector side, and by inserting the male connector into the female connector, the shutoff valve is made movable, and the first flow path is provided. And a second flow path communicating with each other. 2. The fluid connector device according to claim 1, wherein the shutoff valve is fixed and movable in a state where the second flow path is shut off from the male connector side by mechanical means. . 3. The female connector comprises a female connector body and a fixing member for fixing the shutoff valve, and the shutoff valve is fixed by fixing the fixing member to the female connector body. The second flow path is fixed while being blocked from the male connector side, and the fixing member fixed to the female connector body is made movable so that the cutoff valve is made movable and the first flow path and the The second flow path is communicated with the second flow path.
The fluid connector device described. 4. The fluid connector device according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of the fixing members are provided. 5. An uneven portion having a predetermined shape is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the male connector facing the female connector, and the uneven portion is formed on an inner peripheral surface of the female connector facing the male connector. A locking piece to be locked by the female connector is movably inserted in the radial direction of the female connector, the male connector is arranged at a predetermined position in the female connector, and the locking piece is provided with the concave and convex portion. 3. The fluid connector device according to claim 2, wherein the shutoff valve is made movable by locking the cutoff valve at a predetermined position so that the first flow path and the second flow path communicate with each other. 6. The fluid connector device according to claim 5, wherein the locking piece has a substantially cylindrical shape. 7. The fluid connector device according to claim 5, wherein the locking piece is movable in a radial direction of the female connector by an elastic material. 8. The fluid connector device according to claim 1, wherein the fluid is a gas. 9. The fluid connector device according to claim 1, wherein the gas is hydrogen. 10. The fluid connector device according to claim 1, wherein the fluid is a liquid.