JP2005050631A - Fuel tank and equipment mounting fuel cell - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent fuel having the type and concentration that are not suitable for a fuel cell from being accidentally supplied to the fuel cell. <P>SOLUTION: There is a mark 37 on the surface of the case 25 of a fuel tank 12. When a photosensor 39 provided in a digital camera 10 detects the mark 37, a CPU judges that the fuel suitable for the fuel cell 16 is stored in the fuel tank 12 for enabling the fuel cell 16 to be operated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel tank that is loaded in a fuel cell mounted device that uses a fuel cell as a power source and stores fuel consumed by the fuel cell, and a fuel cell mounted device that uses the fuel cell as a power source.

  In fuel cells, fuel such as methanol is consumed every time power is generated, so it is necessary to replenish the fuel cells sequentially. As a structure for replenishing fuel cells for portable devices, the fuel cell is attached to and detached from the fuel cell. A possible structure for supplying fuel from a fuel tank to a fuel cell has been devised (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 4).

  Here, a fuel cell is a specific type of fuel and cannot generate power unless it is a specific concentration of fuel. If the fuel cell is accidentally replenished with fuel that is not compatible with the fuel cell, the fuel cell. Breaks down. However, since the type and concentration of fuel are indistinguishable, there is a risk that fuel of a different type and concentration will be accidentally replenished to the fuel cell.

Patent Document 4 discloses a fuel cell in which data of an IC chip provided in a fuel container is read so that a fuel container that is not compatible with the fuel cell cannot be attached to the fuel cell. However, this is intended to prevent forgery of the fuel container, and is not for identifying the type and concentration of the fuel in the container.
JP 2003-368879 A JP-A-9-213359 JP 2003-157881 A JP 2003-45468 A

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned facts, and in a fuel cell-equipped device that uses a fuel cell as a power source, to prevent the fuel cell from being erroneously replenished with a fuel whose type and concentration do not match the fuel cell With the goal.

  The fuel tank according to claim 1 is a fuel tank that is loaded in a device that uses a fuel cell as a power source and stores fuel consumed by the fuel cell inside the case, and is provided on a surface of the case. It has a 1st to-be-detected means which makes the identification means with which the said apparatus was equipped identify the kind of the said fuel detected and stored by the 1st detection means with which the said apparatus was equipped. .

  In the fuel tank according to the first aspect, the fuel consumed by the fuel cell is stored in the case. A first detected means is provided on the surface of the case, and when the fuel tank is loaded into a device using a fuel cell as a power source, the first detected means is provided by the first detecting means provided in the device. Detected. Then, the type of fuel stored in the case is identified by the identification means provided in the device.

  As a result, when the type of fuel in the case is compatible with the fuel cell, the device makes the fuel cell operable, and when the type of fuel in the case does not match the fuel cell, the fuel cell is not operated. It is possible to alert the user. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent fuel that is not compatible with the fuel cell from being erroneously supplied to the fuel cell.

  The fuel tank according to claim 2 is a fuel tank that is loaded in a device that uses a fuel cell as a power source and that stores fuel consumed by the fuel cell inside the case, and is provided on a surface of the case. It has 2nd to-be-detected means which makes the identification means with which the said apparatus was equipped identify the density | concentration of the said fuel detected by the 2nd detection means with which the said apparatus was stored. .

  In the fuel tank according to the second aspect, the fuel consumed by the fuel cell is stored in the case. A second detected means is provided on the surface of the case, and when the fuel tank is loaded into a device using a fuel cell as a power source, the second detected means is provided by the second detecting means provided in the device. Detected. And the density | concentration of the fuel stored in the inside of a case is identified by the identification means with which the apparatus was equipped.

  As a result, when the concentration of fuel in the case is compatible with the fuel cell, the device makes the fuel cell operable, and when the concentration of fuel in the case is not compatible with the fuel cell, the fuel cell is not operated. It is possible to alert the user. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the fuel cell having a concentration that is not suitable for the fuel cell from being erroneously supplied to the fuel cell.

  The fuel cell-equipped device according to claim 3 is a fuel cell-equipped device that uses a fuel cell as a power source and is loaded with a fuel tank that stores fuel consumed in the fuel cell inside the case. A first detecting means for detecting a first detected means provided on the surface; and when a detection signal from the first detecting means is received, it is determined that a predetermined type of fuel is stored in the fuel tank; And a first control means for making the fuel cell operable.

  In the fuel cell-equipped device according to the third aspect, the power source is a fuel cell, and a fuel tank that stores fuel consumed by the fuel cell inside the case is loaded. A first detected means is provided on the surface of the case of the fuel tank and is detected by the first detecting means. The first detected means is for identifying that a predetermined type of fuel is stored inside the fuel tank case.

  When the first control unit receives the detection signal from the first detection unit, the first control unit determines that a predetermined type of fuel is stored in the fuel tank, and makes the fuel cell operable. That is, when the first detected means is not provided on the surface of the case, and the fuel stored in the fuel tank is not a predetermined type of fuel, the fuel cell is not operated, and therefore the type that is not compatible with the fuel cell. Can be prevented from being supplied to the fuel cell.

  The fuel cell-equipped device according to claim 4 is the fuel cell-equipped device according to claim 3, wherein the first detecting means emits a light beam toward the first detected means. A first sensor for detecting the first detected means by receiving reflected light from the detecting means, the first sensor being located between the first sensor and the first detected means; Detecting a change in the concentration of the dye filled in the by-product reservoir that stores the by-product generated in the fuel cell, and detecting the amount of the by-product stored in the by-product reservoir. And

  In the fuel cell-equipped device according to claim 4, the first sensor as the first detecting means emits a light beam toward the first detected means and receives the reflected light from the first detected means to receive the first light. The detected means is detected. A by-product storage unit is located between the first sensor and the first detected means, and a by-product generated by the fuel cell is stored.

  This by-product reservoir is filled with a dye. The concentration of the dye decreases as the amount of by-product stored increases. This change in concentration is detected by the first sensor, and the amount of by-product stored in the by-product storage unit is detected. Thereby, it is possible to know when the by-product must be discharged from the by-product reservoir.

  The fuel cell-equipped device according to claim 5 is the fuel cell-equipped device according to claim 4, wherein the remaining amount of the fuel is calculated based on a change in the concentration of the dye detected by the first sensor. It has a calculation means, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  In the fuel cell-equipped device according to claim 5, the calculation means calculates the remaining amount of fuel based on the change in the concentration of the dye detected by the first sensor. Thereby, it is possible to know when the fuel tank has to be replenished.

  The fuel cell-equipped device according to claim 6 is a fuel cell-equipped device in which a fuel cell is used as a power source and a fuel tank for storing fuel consumed in the fuel cell is stored in the case. A second detecting means for detecting a second detected means provided on the surface; and when a detection signal from the second detecting means is received, it is determined that a predetermined concentration of fuel is stored in the fuel tank; And a second control means for making the fuel cell operable.

  In the fuel cell-equipped device according to the sixth aspect, the fuel cell is used as a power source, and the fuel consumed by the fuel cell is stored inside the case of the fuel tank. A second detected means is provided on the surface of the case of the fuel tank and is detected by the second detecting means. The second detected means is for identifying that a predetermined concentration of fuel is stored inside the fuel tank case.

  Then, when the second control means receives the detection signal from the second detection means, it determines that fuel of a predetermined concentration is stored inside the case of the fuel tank, and makes the fuel cell operable. In other words, when the fuel tank case is not provided with the second detection means on the surface of the fuel tank, and the fuel tank in which the concentration of fuel not suitable for the fuel cell is stored is loaded into the device, the fuel cell is activated. It becomes impossible.

  As a result, it is possible to prevent the fuel cell having a concentration that is not suitable for the fuel cell from being supplied to the fuel cell, thereby preventing the fuel cell from being damaged.

  The fuel cell-equipped device according to claim 7 is the fuel cell-equipped device according to claim 6, wherein the second detection means emits a light beam toward the second detected means. A second sensor for detecting the second detected means by receiving reflected light from the detecting means, wherein the second sensor is located between the second sensor and the second detected means; Detecting a change in the concentration of the dye filled in the by-product reservoir that stores the by-product generated in the fuel cell, and detecting the amount of the by-product stored in the by-product reservoir. And

  In the fuel cell-equipped device according to claim 7, the second sensor as the second detection means emits a light beam toward the second detection means and receives the reflected light from the second detection means to receive the second light. The detected means is detected. A by-product storage unit is located between the second sensor and the second detected means, and a by-product generated by the fuel cell is stored.

  This by-product reservoir is filled with a dye. The concentration of the dye decreases as the amount of by-product stored increases. This change in concentration is detected by the second sensor, and the amount of by-product stored in the by-product storage unit is detected. Thereby, it is possible to know when the by-product must be discharged from the by-product reservoir.

  The fuel cell-equipped device according to claim 8 is the fuel cell-equipped device according to claim 7, wherein the remaining amount of the fuel is calculated based on a change in the concentration of the dye detected by the second sensor. It has a calculation means, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  In the fuel cell-equipped device according to the eighth aspect, the calculating means calculates the remaining amount of fuel based on the change in the concentration of the dye detected by the second sensor. Thereby, it is possible to know when the fuel tank has to be replenished.

  The fuel cell-equipped device according to claim 9 is a fuel cell-equipped device in which a fuel cell is used as a power source, and a fuel tank that stores fuel consumed in the fuel cell is stored in the case. Third detection means for detecting a third detected means provided on the surface, and supply means for supplying the by-product to the fuel cell from a by-product storage section for storing a by-product generated in the fuel cell When the detection signal is received from the third detecting means and the concentration of the fuel stored in the fuel tank is determined to be a predetermined value, the fuel cell is made operable and stored in the fuel tank. And a third control means for operating the supply means when it is determined that the concentration of the fuel is higher than a predetermined value, and making the fuel cell operable while supplying the by-product to the fuel cell. Special To.

  In the fuel cell-equipped device according to the ninth aspect, the fuel cell is used as a power source, and the fuel consumed by the fuel cell is stored in the fuel tank. A third detected means is provided on the surface of the fuel tank case and is detected by the third detecting means. The third detected means displays the concentration value of the fuel stored in the fuel tank case.

  The third control means receives the detection signal from the third detection means, and the concentration of the fuel stored in the fuel tank is a predetermined value, that is, the fuel having a concentration suitable for the fuel cell is stored in the fuel tank. If it is determined that the fuel cell has been operated, the fuel cell is brought into an operable state.

  Further, when the third control means receives the detection signal from the third detection means and determines that the concentration of the fuel stored in the fuel tank is higher than a predetermined value, the third control means operates the supply means to generate a byproduct storage section. The fuel cell is brought into an operable state while supplying the by-product stored in the fuel cell to the fuel cell.

  As a result, it is possible to prevent the fuel cell from being supplied with a concentration of fuel that is not compatible with the fuel cell. Further, since a fuel having a concentration higher than the concentration suitable for the fuel cell can be used, the fuel cell can be generated even when a fuel having a concentration suitable for the fuel cell is not available.

  The fuel cell-equipped device according to claim 10 is the fuel cell-equipped device according to claim 9, wherein the third detecting means emits a light beam toward the third detected means, and the third detected means. A third sensor for receiving the reflected light from the detection means and detecting the third detected means; wherein the third sensor is located between the third sensor and the third detected means; Detecting a change in the concentration of the dye filled in the by-product reservoir that stores the by-product generated in the fuel cell, and detecting the amount of the by-product stored in the by-product reservoir. And

  In the fuel cell-equipped device according to claim 10, the third sensor as the third detecting unit emits a light beam toward the third detected unit and receives the reflected light from the third detected unit to receive the third sensor. The detected means is detected. A by-product storage unit is located between the third sensor and the third detected means, and a by-product generated by the fuel cell is stored.

  This by-product reservoir is filled with a dye. The concentration of the dye decreases as the amount of by-product stored increases. This change in concentration is detected by the third sensor, and the amount of by-product stored in the by-product storage unit is detected. Thereby, it is possible to know when the by-product must be discharged from the by-product reservoir.

  The fuel cell-equipped device according to claim 11 is the fuel cell-equipped device according to claim 10, wherein the remaining amount of the fuel is calculated based on a change in the concentration of the dye detected by the third sensor. It has a calculation means, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  In the fuel cell-equipped device according to the eleventh aspect, the calculating means calculates the remaining amount of fuel based on the change in the concentration of the dye detected by the third sensor. Thereby, it is possible to know when the fuel tank has to be replenished.

  A fuel cell-equipped device according to a twelfth aspect is the fuel cell-equipped device according to any one of the third to eleventh aspects, wherein the fuel tank is loaded with fourth detection means for detecting the fuel tank. A warning means for recognizing that there is no fuel, an opening / closing detection means for detecting opening / closing of a loading port for loading the fuel tank into the device, a detection signal received from the opening / closing detection means, and the loading port being closed And fourth control means for activating the fourth detection means when judged and activating the warning means when no detection signal is received from the fourth detection means.

  In the fuel cell-equipped device according to the twelfth aspect, the fuel tank is detected by the fourth detection means, and the opening / closing detection means detects the opening / closing of the loading port. When the fourth control means receives the detection signal from the opening / closing means and determines that the loading port is closed, the fourth control means activates the fourth detection means, and the fuel tank is not loaded without receiving the detection signal from the fourth detection means. If it is determined, the warning means is activated. This allows the user to recognize that the fuel tank is not loaded in the device. Further, since the fourth detection means is operated after the loading port is closed, power consumption can be reduced.

  Since the present invention has the above-described configuration, it is possible to prevent fuel cells equipped with a fuel cell as a power source from accidentally replenishing the fuel cell with fuel of a type or concentration that is not compatible with the fuel cell.

  The first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a digital camera (hereinafter referred to as a camera) 10 using a fuel cell 16 as a power source includes fuel consumed by the fuel cell 16 (aqueous methanol solution (CH ₃ CH + H ₂ O)). Is stored in the storage unit 14 provided in the camera 10 from above.

A methanol direct fuel that generates power by a chemical reaction between an aqueous methanol solution and oxygen (O ₂ ) at the bottom of the storage unit 14 and generates water (H ₂ O) and carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) as by-products. A battery (hereinafter referred to as a fuel cell) 16 is provided.

  The fuel tank 12 is a hollow cylindrical container that faces the fuel chamber 16A of the fuel cell 16, and is fitted in a watertight state with a liquid supply port 20 provided on the upper surface of the fuel chamber 16A. A fuel supply port 18 is provided.

  In addition, a water recovery tank 19 (by-product storage unit) is loaded from above into the storage unit 17 that is partitioned by the storage unit 14 and the partition wall 15 and faces the air chamber 16B of the fuel cell 16. The water generated in the air chamber 16B of the fuel cell 16 is recovered in the water recovery tank 19. The water recovery tank 19 is a hollow triangular prism-shaped container that faces the air chamber 16B of the fuel cell 16, and is fitted in a watertight state with a drain port 24 provided on the upper surface of the air chamber 16B. A water recovery port 22 is provided.

  Although not shown, the fuel supply port 18 and the water recovery port 22 are provided with safety valves. The safety valve is connected to the fuel supply port 18 and the liquid supply port 20, and the water recovery port 22 and the drainage port 24. It will be opened when done.

  Further, the camera 10 is provided with a heater 23 facing the fuel cell 16. The heater 23 is activated when the camera 10 is used in a low temperature environment. Here, the fuel cell 16 normally cannot cause a chemical reaction in a low temperature environment such as below freezing point, but can generate power by generating a chemical reaction when heated by the heater 23.

  A mark 37 (first detected means) is provided on the side surface of the case 25 of the fuel tank 12 so as to face the water recovery tank 19. The mark 37 is obtained by applying a paint having a high light reflectance on the side surface of the case 25, and is detected by the photosensor 39 (first detection means). The mark 37 is used to identify the first control means of the camera 10 and the CPU 50 (see FIG. 3) as the identification means that a predetermined type of fuel is stored in the case 25 of the fuel tank 12. Thus, the CPU 50 makes the fuel cell 16 operable only when it receives a detection signal from the photosensor 39, and other than that, that is, other than a predetermined type, for example, an ethanol aqueous solution is stored in the fuel tank 12. In such a case, the fuel cell 16 is disabled. As a result, it is possible to prevent fuel other than methanol from being supplied from the fuel tank 12 to the fuel cell 16 and causing the fuel cell 16 to fail.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the camera 10 of the present embodiment.

  The digital camera 10 includes a photographic lens 26, a shutter 28, and a CCD image sensor 30. A subject image formed on the CCD image sensor 30 via the photographing lens 26 and the shutter 28 is converted into an analog image signal by the CCD image sensor 30. Here, the occurrence of smear when the analog image signal is read from the CCD image sensor 30 is suppressed by the shutter 28.

  The digital camera 10 also includes a flash device 32. The flash device 32 emits flash when low illuminance or when necessary other than low illuminance, and irradiates the subject with auxiliary light.

  The digital camera 10 also includes an analog signal processing unit 34, an A / D conversion unit 36, a digital signal processing unit 38, a temporary memory 40, a compression / decompression unit 42, a built-in memory (or memory card) 44, an image monitor 46, and A drive circuit 48 is provided.

  The CCD image pickup device 30 is driven at a timing generated by a timing generation circuit (not shown) in the drive circuit 48 and outputs an analog image signal. The drive circuit 48 also includes a drive circuit that drives the photographing lens 26, the shutter 28, and the like.

  The analog image signal output from the CCD image pickup device 30 is analog signal processed by the analog signal processing unit 34, A / D converted by the A / D conversion unit 36, and digital signal processed by the digital signal processing unit 38. . Digital image data that has undergone digital signal processing is temporarily stored in the temporary memory 40.

  The digital image data stored in the temporary memory 40 is compressed by the compression / decompression unit 42 and recorded in the built-in memory (or memory card) 44. Depending on the shooting mode, the compression process may be omitted and the recording may be performed directly in the built-in memory 44. Then, the digital image data stored in the temporary memory 40 is read out to the image monitor 46 and a subject image is displayed on the image monitor 46.

  The digital camera 10 also includes a CPU 50 that controls the entire digital camera 10, an operation switch group 52 including a zoom operation switch, and a shutter button 54. The operation switch group 52 is operated to set a desired shooting state, and when the shutter button 54 is pressed, a photograph is taken.

  Further, the digital camera 10 is provided with a secondary battery 51, a converter 53, and a fuel cell 16, and each part constituting the digital camera 10 is operated by electric energy buffered in the secondary battery 51. When the electric energy buffered in the secondary battery 51 is insufficient, the CPU 50 operates the converter 53 to generate power in the fuel cell 16. When electric energy is supplied from the fuel cell 16 and the charging of the secondary battery 51 is completed, the operation of the converter 53 is stopped and the power generation of the fuel cell 16 is stopped.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a finder 56, a finder LED 58, a shooting / playback mode selection switch 60, a shooting mode selection dial 62, a multi-function cross key 64, a camera operation mode and a cross key 64 are provided on the back of the digital camera 10. A dot matrix liquid crystal display 66 for displaying the above functions and the like with characters and icons, a back switch 68, a menu / OK switch 70, an image monitor 46, a speaker 72, and the like are provided.

  A shutter button 54 is provided on the top surface of the digital camera 10, and an audio / video (A / V) output terminal 76, a digital (USB) terminal 78, and a DC input terminal 80 are provided on the side surface of the digital camera 10. Is provided.

  The digital camera 10 can select a shooting mode or a playback mode by a shooting / playback mode selection switch 60. In the shooting mode, the shooting mode selection dial 62 can be used for manual shooting, auto shooting, moving image, voice recorder, etc. The mode can be selected. The voice recorder is a mode for recording only sound.

  The image monitor 46 (warning means) can be used as an electronic viewfinder and can display a reproduced image read from the built-in memory (or memory card) 44. The image monitor 46 also displays information such as the number of storable frames and playback frame numbers, the presence / absence of flash emission, macro mode display, recording image quality (quality) display, pixel number display, and various menus. Displayed in response to an operation of the / OK button 70 or the cross key 64. Furthermore, a warning display is displayed on the image monitor 46 when fuel that does not match the fuel cell 16 is stored in the fuel tank 12 and when the fuel tank 12 is not loaded in the storage unit 14.

  Next, the structure of the fuel tank 12, the water recovery tank 19, and the fuel cell 16 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the case 25 of the fuel tank 12 is a hollow cylindrical container. The casing 128 of the fuel cell 16 is divided into a fuel chamber 16 </ b> A and an air chamber 16 </ b> B by battery cells 130. The fuel chamber 16A and the air chamber 16B are sealed by a pedestal 132 on which the fuel tank 12 and the water recovery tank 19 are placed.

  The pedestal 132 is provided with a liquid supply port 20 facing the fuel chamber 16A, and a drain port 24 facing the air chamber 16B. Fuel can be supplied from the fuel tank 21 to the fuel chamber 16A, and the air chamber 16B. The water can be recovered from the water to the water recovery tank 19.

  The battery cell 130 includes a fuel electrode 130A that constitutes the wall surface of the fuel chamber 16A, an air electrode 130B that constitutes the wall surface of the air chamber 16B, and a proton conductive film 130C sandwiched between the fuel electrode 130A and the air electrode 130B. .

  When methanol is supplied from the fuel tank 12 to the fuel chamber 16A and a voltage is applied to the fuel electrode 130A, the methanol is decomposed into carbon dioxide, hydrogen ions, and electrons as shown in the chemical reaction formula (1).

CH ₃ OH + H ₂ O → CO ₂ + 6H ⁺ + e ⁻ (1)
Carbon dioxide is released from the fuel chamber 16A by the gas-liquid separation filter 134 provided on the wall surface of the fuel chamber 16A, and hydrogen ions permeate the proton conductive film 130C and move to the air electrode 130B. And an electron goes to the secondary battery 51 (refer FIG. 3), and makes the secondary battery 51 charge.

The hydrogen ions H ⁺ moved to the air electrode 130B pass through the gas-liquid separation filter 136 provided on the wall surface of the air chamber 16B and combine with oxygen and electrons flowing into the air chamber 16B to become water. This water passes through the drain port 24 and the water recovery port 22 and is recovered in the water recovery tank 19.

  Further, a photo sensor 39 is provided to face the mark 37 with the water recovery tank 19 in between. The photosensor 39 emits light and receives and reflects light. The photosensor 39 emits light toward the mark 37 having high light reflectivity, and receives reflected light from the mark 37. 37 is detected. The water recovery tank 19 is a transparent container that can transmit light, and the partition wall 15 does not block the optical path.

  Further, a mark 112 (fourth detected means) having a high light reflectance is provided on the upper end surface of the fuel tank 12, and a photo sensor 114 (first light receiving / receiving reflection type sensor) facing the mark 112 (first sensor). 4 detection means) is provided on the back surface of the lid 82. The photosensor 114 detects the fuel tank 12 by detecting the mark 112.

  Furthermore, an opening / closing detection switch 83 is provided at the loading port 14A for loading the fuel tank 12 into the storage unit 14 so that the switch is pressed when the lid 82 is closed. When the lid 82 is closed and the open / close detection switch 83 is turned on, the CPU 50 activates the photo sensor 114 to detect the presence or absence of the fuel tank 12. When the CPU 50 does not receive the detection signal from the photosensor 114, the CPU 50 issues a warning display on the image monitor 46 to let the user recognize that the fuel tank 12 is not loaded in the storage unit 14.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure same as 1st Embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in a digital camera (hereinafter referred to as a camera) 100, a water supply pipe 120 is provided on a pedestal 132 of a fuel cell 16 on which a fuel tank 102 or a fuel tank 103 and a water recovery tank 104 are placed. ing. Both ends of the water supply pipe 120 are connected to a water supply port 132A provided at a portion of the water recovery tank 104 facing the drain port 104A and the pedestal 132 facing the fuel chamber 16A. A pump 122 is provided in the middle of the water supply pipe 120.

  A mark 110 (second detected means, third detecting means) is provided on the side surface of the case 107 of the fuel tank 102 so as to face the photo sensor 109 (second detecting means, third detecting means). A mark 118 (third detection means) is provided on the side surface of the case 107 facing the photo sensor 109.

  The mark 110 is for causing the CPU 50 (second control means, third control means, identification means) to identify that the concentration of the fuel stored in the fuel tank 102 is a predetermined value suitable for the fuel cell 16. is there.

  The mark 118 is used for identifying the CPU 50 that the concentration of the fuel stored in the fuel tank 102 is higher than the value suitable for the fuel cell 16 by a predetermined value. The reflectance of is low.

  Hereinafter, a method for adjusting the fuel concentration to a predetermined value will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the power of the camera 100 is turned on, this flow is started and the process proceeds to Step 200. In step 201, it is determined whether or not the photo sensor 109 has detected the mark 110 or the mark 118. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 201. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 202. In step 202, a warning display is displayed on the image monitor 46 so that the fuel cell 16 cannot be operated.

  Here, when the fuel tank loaded in the storage unit 14 is neither the fuel tank 102 nor the fuel tank 103, the CPU 50 cannot recognize the fuel concentration in the fuel tank. For this reason, the fuel cell 16 is not operated.

  In step 202, when the mark 110 is detected, the process proceeds to step 203, and when the mark 118 is detected, the process proceeds to step 204. In step 203, the CPU 50 determines that the concentration of the fuel in the fuel tank 102 is a predetermined concentration suitable for the fuel cell 16, and makes the fuel cell 16 operable.

  In step 204, the CPU 50 determines that the fuel concentration in the fuel tank 103 is higher than the value suitable for the fuel cell 16 by a predetermined value. Then, while the pump 122 is operated to supply water from the water recovery tank 104 to the fuel chamber 16 </ b> A, the fuel cell 16 is made operable, and fuel is supplied from the fuel tank 102 to the fuel cell 16. Here, the supply of water is adjusted according to the amount of fuel supplied so that the concentration of the fuel supplied from the fuel tank 102 to the fuel cell 16 becomes a predetermined value. Then, this flow ends.

  As a result, it is possible to prevent the fuel cell 16 from being supplied with a fuel having a concentration that is not compatible with the fuel cell 16. Further, since a fuel having a concentration higher than that suitable for the fuel cell 16 can be used, the fuel cell 16 can generate power even when a fuel having a concentration suitable for the fuel cell 16 is not available.

  In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which two types of fuel of a predetermined value suitable for the fuel cell 16 and a fuel whose concentration is higher than the value suitable for the fuel cell 16 by a predetermined value are identified. Not only the two types of fuel concentration but also the increase of the number of types such as three types and four types can be dealt with by increasing the type of mark as the third detected means.

  Next, modified examples of the cameras 10 and 100 according to the first and second embodiments will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure same as 1st, 2nd embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 8A, and 8B, the water recovery tanks 19 and 104 are filled with a dye. Since the water generated in the fuel cell 16 is recovered in the water recovery tanks 19 and 104, the concentration of this dye decreases as the amount of recovered water increases.

  A photo sensor 116 (first sensor, second sensor, third sensor) capable of detecting a change in the amount of received light is provided instead of the photo sensors 39, 109 of the first and second embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 8A, when the amount of water collected in the water collection tanks 19 and 104 is small, the dye concentration is high. For this reason, the amount of light emitted from the photosensor 116 is attenuated when passing through the water recovery tanks 19 and 104, and the amount of light returning to the photosensor 116 is reduced.

  Then, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 8B, when the amount of water collected in the water collection tanks 19 and 104 is large, the concentration of the dye is low, so that it is emitted from the photosensor 116. The amount of light attenuated when passing through the water recovery tanks 19 and 104 is less than when the concentration of the dye is high. For this reason, the amount of light returning to the photosensor 116 is larger than when the amount of water collected in the water collection tanks 19 and 104 is small.

  Thus, by detecting the change in the concentration of the dye, the amount of water collected in the water collection tanks 19 and 104 can be known, and the timing for draining from the water collection tanks 19 and 104 can be known.

  The CPU 50 stores the remaining amount of fuel corresponding to the amount of light detected by the photosensor 116, and the CPU 50 determines the amount of fuel in the fuel tanks 12 and 102 based on the amount of light detected by the photosensor 116. The remaining amount is calculated and displayed on the image monitor 46.

  In the present embodiment, the methanol direct fuel cell has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to other types of fuel cells. In addition, a description has been given of an example in which a mark having a high reflectance is provided on the fuel tank case and this mark is detected by a light-receiving / reflecting photosensor. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the side surface of the fuel tank case is described. It is also possible to provide notches (notches) in the light and allow light rays to pass between the notches. Further, a protrusion may be provided from the fuel tank, and the protrusion may block the light beam of the transmission sensor.

It is a perspective view which shows the digital camera of 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the digital camera of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the digital camera of 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the fuel tank, fuel cell, and water recovery tank of the digital camera of 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the fuel tank, fuel cell, and water recovery tank of the digital camera of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the method to adjust the fuel concentration of the camera of 2nd Embodiment. (A) It is sectional drawing which shows the fuel tank, fuel cell, and water recovery tank of the modification of the digital camera of 1st, 2nd embodiment. (B) It is sectional drawing which shows the fuel tank, fuel cell, and water recovery tank of the modification of the digital camera of 1st, 2nd embodiment. (A) It is sectional drawing which shows the fuel tank, fuel cell, and water recovery tank of the modification of the digital camera of 1st, 2nd embodiment. (B) It is sectional drawing which shows the fuel tank, fuel cell, and water recovery tank of the modification of the digital camera of 1st, 2nd embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

10 Digital camera (equipment with fuel cell)
12 Fuel tank 16 Fuel cell 19 Water recovery tank (by-product storage part)
25 case 37 mark (first detected means)
39 Photosensor (first detection means)
46 Image monitor (Warning means)
50 CPU (identification means, first control means, second control means, third control means, fourth control means, calculation means)
100 Digital camera (equipment with fuel cell)
102 Fuel tank 103 Fuel tank 104 Water recovery tank (by-product storage part)
107 Case 109 Photosensor (second detection means, third detection means)
110 mark (second detected means, third detected means)
114 Photosensor (fourth detection means)
116 photosensor (first sensor, second sensor, third sensor)
120 Water supply pipe (supply means)
122 Pump (supply means)

Claims (12)

A fuel tank that is loaded into a device that uses a fuel cell as a power source and stores fuel consumed by the fuel cell inside a case,
A first detected object that is provided on the surface of the case and that is detected by the first detecting means provided in the device and that identifies the type of the fuel stored in the case by the identifying means provided in the device. A fuel tank comprising means. A fuel tank that is loaded into a device that uses a fuel cell as a power source and stores fuel consumed by the fuel cell inside a case,
A second detected object that is provided on the surface of the case and that is detected by the second detecting means provided in the device and that identifies the concentration of the fuel stored in the case by the identifying means provided in the device. A fuel tank comprising means. A fuel cell-equipped device loaded with a fuel tank that uses a fuel cell as a power source and stores fuel consumed in the fuel cell inside a case,
First detecting means for detecting a first detected means provided on the surface of the case;
First control means for determining that a predetermined type of fuel is stored in the fuel tank when receiving a detection signal from the first detection means, and for setting the fuel cell in an operable state;
A fuel cell-equipped device comprising: The first detecting means is a first sensor that emits a light beam toward the first detected means, receives reflected light from the first detected means, and detects the first detected means;
The first sensor is located between the first sensor and the first detected means, and changes in the concentration of the dye filled in a by-product storage unit that stores a by-product generated in the fuel cell. The fuel cell-equipped device according to claim 3, wherein the amount of by-product stored in the by-product storage unit is detected.   5. The fuel cell-equipped device according to claim 4, further comprising a calculation unit that calculates a remaining amount of the fuel based on a change in the concentration of the dye detected by the first sensor. A fuel cell-equipped device loaded with a fuel tank that uses a fuel cell as a power source and stores fuel consumed in the fuel cell inside a case,
Second detecting means for detecting second detected means provided on the surface of the case;
Receiving a detection signal from the second detection means, determining that fuel of a predetermined concentration is stored in the fuel tank, and second control means for making the fuel cell operable;
A fuel cell-equipped device comprising: The second detecting means is a second sensor that emits a light beam toward the second detected means and receives reflected light from the second detected means to detect the second detected means,
The second sensor is located between the second sensor and the second detection means, and changes in the concentration of the dye filled in the by-product storage unit that stores the by-product generated in the fuel cell. The fuel cell-equipped device according to claim 6, wherein the amount of by-products stored in the by-product storage unit is detected.   8. The fuel cell-equipped device according to claim 7, further comprising a calculation unit that calculates a remaining amount of the fuel based on a change in the concentration of the dye detected by the second sensor. 9. A fuel cell-equipped device loaded with a fuel tank that uses a fuel cell as a power source and stores fuel consumed in the fuel cell inside a case,
A third detecting means for detecting a third detected means provided on the surface of the case and displaying a fuel concentration value;
Supply means for supplying a by-product from the by-product storage unit storing the by-product generated in the fuel cell to the fuel cell;
When the detection signal is received from the third detection means and the concentration of the fuel stored in the fuel tank is determined to be a predetermined value, the fuel cell is made operable.
When it is determined that the concentration of the fuel stored in the fuel tank is higher than a predetermined value, the supply means is operated to make the fuel cell operable while supplying the by-product to the fuel cell. 3 control means;
A fuel cell-equipped device comprising: The third detecting means is a third sensor that emits a light beam toward the third detected means, receives reflected light from the third detected means, and detects the third detected means,
The third sensor is located between the third sensor and the third detection means, and changes in the concentration of the dye filled in the by-product storage unit that stores the by-product generated in the fuel cell. The fuel cell-equipped device according to claim 9, wherein the amount of by-products stored in the by-product storage unit is detected.   11. The fuel cell-equipped device according to claim 10, further comprising a calculation unit that calculates a remaining amount of the fuel based on a change in the concentration of the dye detected by the third sensor. Fourth detection means for detecting the fuel tank;
Warning means for recognizing the user that the fuel tank is not loaded;
Open / close detection means for detecting opening / closing of a loading port for loading the fuel tank into the device;
A fourth control that receives a detection signal from the open / close detection means and activates the fourth detection means when it is determined that the loading port is closed, and activates the warning means when no detection signal is received from the fourth detection means. Means,
The fuel cell-equipped device according to claim 3, wherein the device has a fuel cell.

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