JP2005332736A - Fuel cell device, and portable information equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide small-sized fuel cells usable for a portable information equipment, and provide the portable information equipment mounted by these fuel cells wherein the impossibility of use of the portable information equipment caused by the failure of power generation of the fuel cells during the use of the portable information equipment is prevented, the reduction of power generation efficiency due to a reverse flow of generated water into a fuel battery cell is prevented. <P>SOLUTION: This is a fuel cell device 1 having a fuel container 1c1 into which a fuel for power generation is sealed and which has a prescribed capacity, and a water recovery container 1c2 of the water generated in generating electric energy. The fuel container 1c1 and the water recovery container 1c2 have a fuel and water recovery cartridge 1c which is separated by a barrier rib and integrated, the water recovery container 1c2 is equipped with a water absorbing carrier having a color tone change agent inside, has a concentration detecting means to detect the color tone concentration of the water absorbing carrier, and the confirmation of residual amount of the fuel in the fuel and water recovery cartridge 1c and the confirmation of a changing period of the water absorbing carrier is made possible. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell device and a portable information device using the fuel cell device.

  In recent years, various chemical batteries have been used in all fields for consumer and industrial use. For example, primary batteries such as alkaline dry batteries and manganese dry batteries are widely used in watches, cameras, toys, portable audio equipment, etc. It is easy to obtain.

  On the other hand, secondary batteries such as nickel / cadmium storage batteries, nickel / hydrogen storage batteries, and lithium ion batteries are widely used in portable devices such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), digital video cameras, and digital still cameras, which have been popular in recent years. In addition, since it can be repeatedly charged and discharged, it has a feature that is excellent in economic efficiency. Among secondary batteries, lead-acid batteries are used as power sources for starting vehicles and ships, or as emergency power sources for industrial facilities and medical facilities.

  By the way, in recent years, with increasing interest in environmental problems and energy problems, the above-mentioned problems related to disposal after use of chemical batteries and the problem of energy conversion efficiency have been highlighted. In response to these demands, fuel cells have recently been actively developed as energy with low environmental impact.

  A fuel cell is a device that generates electric power in a power generator by supplying fuel gas. Such a fuel cell is expected to be mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile and used as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. In addition, its structure can be easily reduced in weight and reduced in size. The application to portable devices such as a personal computer, a digital camera, a mobile phone, and a PDA is being studied as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-7322.

  However, in the future, in order to reduce the size and weight of a power system with high energy use efficiency such as a fuel cell, and to apply it as a replacement (compatible product) of a portable or portable portable power source, for example, a chemical battery as described above It is necessary to solve the problem of 1) treatment of water generated with power generation and 2) battery replacement time. Hereinafter, these problems will be specifically described.

The treatment of water generated with power generation will be described. The electrolyte membrane of the fuel cell is sandwiched between the hydrogen side electrode and the oxygen side electrode, and the dissociated proton (H ⁺ ) moves in the membrane of the electrolyte membrane from the hydrogen side electrode toward the oxygen side electrode. A catalyst layer is formed between the hydrogen side electrode and the electrolyte membrane, and a catalyst layer is formed between the oxygen side electrode and the electrolyte membrane. In use, hydrogen gas (H ₂ ) is supplied as a fuel gas from the inlet at the hydrogen side electrode and hydrogen is discharged from the outlet. Hydrogen gas (H ₂ ), which is a fuel gas, generates electrons while passing through the gas flow path, and these electrons move to the oxygen side electrode. The moved electrons are supplied to the gas flow path from the introduction port and react with oxygen (air) toward the exhaust port, thereby taking out a desired electromotive force.

In the fuel cell having such a configuration, when hydrogen is used as a fuel, a reaction such as H ₂ → 2H ⁺ + 2e ⁻ occurs at the contact interface between the catalyst and the polymer electrolyte in the hydrogen-side electrode as the negative electrode. When oxygen is used as the oxidizing agent, a reaction such as 1 / 2O ₂ + 2H ⁺ + 2e ⁻ = H ₂ O occurs in the oxygen side electrode, which is the positive electrode, and water is generated.

  Here, when a fuel cell is applied as a portable power source, if the generated water (or moisture) is discharged to the outside or leakage occurs, the fuel cell is connected or attached. In the main body of equipment and peripheral equipment, there has been a problem of causing electric leakage, deterioration of electrical parts, poor contact, and the like.

Studies on the treatment of generated water have been made so far. For example, by connecting a generated water recovery device filled with absorbent material from the outside of the fuel cell to recover the generated water, and separating the fuel cell from the fuel cell and recovering the generated water absorbed by the absorbent material by the external device, excess There is known a generated water recovery device capable of maintaining the power generation efficiency by preventing deterioration of the material without causing the electrode to get wet by the moisture (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The cartridge filled with absorbent polymer material is detachably attached to the anode chamber and cathode chamber provided on both sides of the fuel cell (power generation cell), and the generated water is recovered, so that the electrode does not get wet by excessive moisture. There is known a generated water recovery device capable of preventing power deterioration and maintaining power generation efficiency (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
However, the techniques described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 can surely recover the generated water, but cannot absorb water when the absorbent material is saturated, so a cartridge filled with an absorbent polymer material. When the replacement time is delayed, there is a concern that water flows back into the fuel cell (power generation cell).

  The battery replacement time will be described. As another feature of the fuel cell, the conventional chemical cell gradually decreases the electromotive force, but does not generate power when the fuel is exhausted. For this reason, it is difficult to detect the remaining amount of fuel from the output voltage. Therefore, when a fuel cell is used in a portable information device such as a personal computer, a digital camera, a mobile phone, or a PDA, the device is suddenly used during use. There is a danger of becoming impossible. In this way, studies have been made so far in order to prevent power generation from being interrupted during use of equipment using fuel cells. For example, a method is known in which the fuel consumption rate is calculated in advance from the power generation amount, and the remaining amount of fuel is estimated based on this (for example, see Patent Document 3). A method of detecting the remaining amount of fuel gas with a pressure sensor is known (see, for example, Patent Document 4). However, in the methods described in Patent Document 3 and Patent Document 4, the fuel cell becomes complicated and large, and it becomes difficult to use it for portable information equipment.

From these situations, when using a fuel cell as a power source for a portable information device, in order to prevent the use of the portable information device due to the inability to generate power of the fuel cell during the use of the portable information device, The recovery status of water generated by power generation and the remaining amount of fuel can be easily confirmed, the portable information device is protected from the water generated by power generation by the fuel cell, and the generated water in the fuel cell (power generation cell) Development of a small-sized fuel cell that can be used in a portable information device that prevents a reduction in power generation efficiency due to backflow into the portable terminal, and a portable information device equipped with these fuel cells is desired.
JP 2003-203668 A JP 2003-323907 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-312820 JP 9-31820 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and an object of the present invention is to generate power from a fuel cell in order to prevent the use of a portable information device due to the inability to generate power from the fuel cell during use of the portable information device. It is easy to check the recovery status of the water generated along with the remaining amount of fuel, protect the portable information device from the water generated by the power generation of the fuel cell, and into the generated water fuel cell (power generation cell) The present invention is to provide a small-sized fuel cell that can be used for portable information devices and a portable information device equipped with these fuel cells.

  The above object of the present invention has been achieved by the following constitution.

(Claim 1)
A fuel container having a predetermined capacity in which power generation fuel is sealed, a power generation cell that generates electric energy using the power generation fuel, and a water recovery container for water generated when the electric energy is generated In a fuel cell device having
The fuel container and the water recovery container are integrated in a state of being separated by a partition wall, and have a fuel / water recovery cartridge detachably disposed in the power generation cell,
The water recovery container includes a water absorbent carrier of an absorbent material having a color tone indicator inside, and has a concentration detection means for detecting the color density of the water absorbent carrier,
A fuel cell device characterized in that it is possible to check the remaining amount of fuel in the fuel container and the replacement timing of the water-absorbing carrier from the information of the concentration detection means.

(Claim 2)
2. The fuel cell device according to claim 1, wherein the concentration detection means is at least one color concentration detection portion formed of a transparent member provided in a storage portion of the fuel / water recovery cartridge.

(Claim 3)
3. The fuel cell device according to claim 1, wherein the concentration detection means is at least one color concentration detection portion configured by a transparent member provided in a water recovery container.

(Claim 4)
A color indicating the relationship between the collected amount of the water-absorbing carrier and the color density, which is pasted in the vicinity of at least one color density detection portion formed of a transparent member provided in the water recovery container. The fuel cell device according to claim 1, wherein the fuel cell device is a concentration sample.

(Claim 5)
The fuel cell apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the concentration detecting means is an optical sensor.

(Claim 6)
6. The fuel cell device according to claim 1, wherein a capacity of the fuel container is 0.5 to 5.0% larger than a recoverable capacity of the water recovery container.

(Claim 7)
A portable information device using the fuel cell device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

(Claim 8)
A portable information device in which the fuel cell device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is housed in a main body, wherein the color concentration of the absorbent carrier in the water recovery container of the fuel cell device is confirmed. A portable information device characterized in that a part is provided in the main body.

(Claim 9)
The portable information device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein a concentration sample indicating a relationship between the collected amount of the water-absorbing carrier in the water recovery container and the color concentration is attached in the vicinity of the confirmation site.

(Claim 10)
A portable information device in which the fuel cell device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is housed in a main body, the remaining amount of fuel in the fuel container of the fuel cell device and the water absorption of the water recovery container The portable information device according to claim 7, further comprising a fuel remaining amount monitoring unit that displays a water recovery state of the sex carrier.

  In order to prevent the inability to use portable information devices due to the inability to generate power from fuel cells while using portable information devices, it is possible to easily check the recovery status of fuel and the remaining amount of fuel generated by power generation by fuel cells. The portable information device can be used for a small portable information device that protects the portable information device from the water generated by the power generation of the fuel cell and prevents a decrease in power generation efficiency due to the backflow of generated water into the fuel cell. Fuel cells and portable information devices equipped with these fuel cells can be provided, and portable information devices can be used with peace of mind.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing a general configuration of a fuel cell.

  In the figure, 1 indicates a fuel cell. A fuel cell 1 shown in the figure shows a solid polymer fuel cell as an example. 101 is an ion exchange membrane, 102 is a positive electrode formed in a layer on one surface of the ion exchange membrane 101, 103 is a negative electrode formed in a layer on the other surface of the ion exchange membrane 101, and the ion exchange membrane 101, the positive electrode 102, A unit battery 104 (fuel cell) is constituted by the negative electrode 103.

  Reference numeral 105a denotes an introduction port for hydrogen gas as fuel, and 105b denotes a circulation port for hydrogen gas as fuel, which is detachably connected to the fuel cartridge. The hydrogen gas introduction port 105a or the hydrogen gas circulation port 105b has a hydrogen flow rate control valve (not shown), and the amount of power generation can be controlled by opening and closing the control valve. Reference numeral 106 denotes an air introduction port. The air introduction port 106 has a control valve (not shown) for air supply amount, and the power generation amount can be controlled by opening and closing the control valve. Reference numeral 107 denotes a generated water outlet.

In the configuration using the ion exchange membrane 101, when hydrogen is used as the fuel, in the negative electrode 103, a reaction of H ₂ → 2H ⁺ + 2e ⁻ occurs at the contact interface between the catalyst and the polymer electrolyte constituting the ion exchange membrane 101. When oxygen in the air is used as the oxidant, the reaction of 1 / 2O ₂ + 2H ⁺ + 2e ⁻ = H ₂ O occurs in the positive electrode 102 as in the negative electrode 103, and water is generated. Here, the catalyst becomes an active point of reaction, the negative electrode 103 and the positive electrode 102 are electron conductors of these reactions, and the polymer electrolyte of the ion exchange membrane 101 becomes a hydrogen ion conductor. However, the polymer electrolyte exhibits practical hydrogen ion permeability only when it contains water.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the fuel cell apparatus having the configuration shown in FIG.

  In the figure, reference numeral 1 a denotes a fuel cell device case that constitutes the outer shell of the fuel cell device 1. The fuel cell device case 1a has a case 1a1 for a fuel cell main body (not shown) and a storage case 1a2 for storing a fuel / water recovery cartridge 1c. Reference numeral 1a21 denotes a lid portion of the storage case 1a2. Reference numeral 1a22 denotes a fuel container 1c1 for storing hydrogen used in a fuel cell body (not shown) and a water recovery container 1c2 for recovering water generated by power generation. A storage portion for storing the fuel / water recovery cartridge 1c is shown. The fuel / water recovery cartridge 1c will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The water recovery container 1c2 has a battery side connection part 1c21 that is connected to a water discharge port of a fuel cell main body (not shown), and the water retained in the water recovery container 1c2 is used to humidify hydrogen gas. It is also possible. It is preferable to provide a check valve for preventing the collected water from flowing back to the fuel cell main body (not shown) in the battery side connecting portion 1c21. The water collection container 1c2 is filled with a water-absorbing carrier 1c23 (see FIG. 3) of a polymer absorbent material having a color tone indicating agent.

  1a211 is a concentration detection means for detecting the concentration of the water-absorbing carrier in the absorbent material of the water recovery container 1c2 constituting the fuel / water recovery cartridge 1c stored in the storage portion 1a22, provided in the lid portion 1a21. A color density detection part made of a transparent member is shown. A transparent member which is a concentration detection means for detecting the concentration of the water-absorbing carrier of the absorbent material having a color tone changing agent inside the water recovery container 1c2 provided on the upper surface 1c3 of the fuel / water recovery cartridge 1c from the color density detection portion 1a211 It is possible to detect the concentration of the water-absorbing carrier of the absorbent material inside the water recovery container 1c2 through the color density detection part 1c22 made in step 1).

  The color concentration detection part disposed in the fuel / water recovery cartridge 1c is not limited to the position shown in the figure, and the concentration of the water absorbing carrier of the absorbent material inside the water recovery container 1c2 is detected. There is no limitation as long as it is possible, for example, it may be a side surface. An example of another arrangement of the color density detection portion arranged in the fuel / water recovery cartridge 1c will be described with reference to FIG.

  Reference numeral 1a212 is a concentration sample provided in the lid portion 1a21, which is a concentration detection means that indicates the relationship between the amount of the water-absorbing carrier in the water recovery container 1c2 and the color change. Since the concentration sample can theoretically calculate the amount of water generated from the power generation of the fuel cell shown in FIG. 1, the amount of water generated as the fuel is consumed is calculated from the amount of fuel in the fuel / water recovery cartridge 1c used. It is preferable to calculate the amount and make the color density according to the calculated water content. In this way, by preparing the color density sample, it is possible to know the amount of water-absorbing carrier recovered and the amount of fuel consumed (the remaining amount of fuel) from the color density sample.

  Since the concentration of the water-absorbing carrier in the water recovery container 1c2 is detected from the color density detection portion 1a211 and compared with the color density sample, the state of the recovery amount in the water recovery container 1c2 can be known. When the saturated water absorption amount of the water-absorbing carrier 1c2 is reached, the fuel / water recovery cartridge 1c can be replaced.

  By providing the color density detection part and the color density sample, it is possible to clearly check the water absorption state of the absorbent carrier of the water recovery container, so when the water recovery container reaches the saturated water absorption amount, water recovery Since the container is exchanged, the water collected in the water collection container 1c2 can be prevented from being discharged or leaked to the outside, and the electromotive force can be prevented from being lowered due to the back flow to the fuel cell body. It became. In addition, even when used in a portable device, it is possible to prevent leakage, deterioration of electrical components, contact failure, and the like in the mounted device body and peripheral devices.

  Reference numeral 1b denotes a connector for joining with the portable information device when the fuel cell device 1 is accommodated in the portable information device, and is detachably accommodated in the portable information device via the connector. Reference numeral 1b1 denotes a terminal provided on the connector. This joining may be similar to the joining in a conventional battery device made of nickel metal hydride or the like, and is configured to be detachable electrically and mechanically.

  In a fuel cell device case 1a constituting the outer shell of the fuel cell device 1, a fuel cell main body (not shown), a fuel container 1c1 for storing hydrogen used in the fuel cell main body (not shown), and a fuel cell A fuel / water recovery cartridge 1c integrated with a water recovery container 1c2 for recovering water generated by the main body, and the fuel container 1c1 and a fuel cell main body (including a power generation cell, not shown) are connected to supply hydrogen. Hydrogen supply means (not shown) that leads from the fuel container 1c1 to the fuel cell main body (including a power generation cell, not shown), and air for supplying oxygen necessary for power generation of the fuel cell main body are supplied to the fuel cell main body (power generation cell An air supply means (not shown) having an intake port (not shown) and an exhaust port (not shown) made up of a fan or the like to be supplied to (including / not shown), and a fuel cell body (including a power generation cell / not shown). Control unit that controls power generation (not shown) ) And a power controller that controls the power generated (not shown) is housed.

  A hydrogen supply means (not shown) is detachably coupled to the fuel container 1c1 at an end thereof, and allows fuel (hydrogen) from the fuel container 1c1 to leak from the fuel container 1c1 without leaking hydrogen in the fuel container 1c1 (not shown). A plurality of fuel (hydrogen) supply pipes (not shown) led to the fuel cell, and a plurality of fuel (hydrogen) supply pipes, and a battery side connection portion 1c11 that connects to a hydrogen supply port of a fuel cell body (not shown). Has been. The fuel container 1c1 is preferably provided with a connection port (valve) having a check valve capable of injecting hydrogen gas as fuel.

  As the fuel cell device 1, for example, phosphoric acid fuel cells described in JP-A-4-308662 and JP-A-6-60894, JP-A-54-22537, and JP-A-2-260371. And a polymer electrolyte fuel cell described in the above.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a fuel / water recovery cartridge having a color density detection part at a position different from the color density detection part shown in FIG. FIG. 3A is a schematic perspective view of a fuel / water recovery cartridge having two color density detection sites. FIG. 3A is a schematic perspective view of a fuel / water recovery cartridge having a color density detection portion only at an end portion away from the generated water intake side.

  In the figure, reference numeral 1c23 denotes a color density detection part on the battery side connecting part 1c21 side which is an intake of the generated water, and 1c24 is arranged at the end of the fuel / water recovery cartridge which is separated from the battery side connecting part 1c21 side. The color density detection part 1c23 and the color density detection part 1c24 are paired. Reference numeral 1c25 denotes a color density detection portion disposed at the end of the fuel / water recovery cartridge that is separated from the battery side connecting portion 1c21 side. When using a fuel / water recovery cartridge having a color density detection portion at a position as shown in this figure, the color disposed at the end of the fuel / water recovery cartridge is also applied to the lid 1a21 (see FIG. 2). It is necessary to arrange the color density detection part in accordance with the density detection part.

  From the color density detection part made of a transparent member which is a density detection means for detecting the density of the water absorbing carrier of the absorbent material in the water recovery container disposed in the fuel / water recovery cartridge shown in FIGS. As a concentration detection method, a method of visual detection or an optical sensor may be used. Examples of the optical sensor include a diffuse reflection type density sensor and a photographing type (CCD) color sensor. When an optical sensor is used, it is installed in a portable information device that uses a fuel remaining amount monitoring means that can convert the information from the optical sensor into the recovery state of the water recovery container and the remaining amount of fuel in the fuel container. It is preferable to do. The case where monitoring is provided in a portable information device will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The water-absorbing carrier filled in the water recovery container of the fuel / water recovery cartridge changes color by absorbing water and contains a color indicator that indicates that the water has been absorbed. When it is collected, the place where the color first changes is on the side of the battery side connecting part 1c21 (see FIG. 2) which is a water intake, and as the water absorption increases sequentially, the entire water-absorbing carrier spreads. To go. Along with this, the color of the water-absorbing carrier changes sequentially. Using this, it is possible to check the water recovery state of the water recovery container from the color density detection site.

  In the case of the color density detection part shown in FIG. 2, the color density detection part is arranged from the battery side connecting part 1c21 (see FIG. 2), which is a water intake, to the end of the water recovery container. Therefore, the color of the water-absorbing carrier detected from the color density detection site is a color density sample that is attached in the vicinity of the color density detection site and shows the relationship between the collected amount of the water-absorbing carrier and the color density. By detecting the color that is constant in the color indicating the amount, the replacement time of the water recovery container can be known.

  In the case of the color density detection part shown in FIG. 3 (a), the color density detection part 1c23 (see FIG. 3 (a)) on the battery side connecting part 1c21 (see FIG. 2) side which is a water intake port. ) And the color density of the water-absorbing carrier detected from the color density detection part 1c24 (see (a) of FIG. 3) disposed at the end are the same color density. It is now possible to know when to replace the water collection container.

  In the case of the color density detection part shown in FIG. 3B, the water absorption detected from the color density detection part 1c23 (see FIG. 3A) disposed at the end of the fuel / water recovery cartridge. A color density sample showing the relationship between the amount of water-absorbing carrier collected and the color density, which is affixed in the vicinity of the color density detection site. By detecting this, it is possible to know the replacement time of the water recovery container.

  It is preferable that the position of the color density detection portion disposed in the fuel / water recovery cartridge is appropriately selected from the size of the fuel / water recovery cartridge to be used and the color tone indicator to be used. The color tone indicating agent will be described later.

  4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line AA 'of the fuel / water recovery cartridge shown in FIG.

  The fuel / water recovery cartridge 1c forms a fuel container 1c1 and a water recovery container 1c2 by separating an interior surrounded by an outer wall 1c, a bottom surface 1c5, and an upper surface 1c3 (see FIG. 2) by a partition wall 1c6. It has such an integral structure.

  Reference numeral 1c23 denotes a water-absorbing carrier of absorbent material filled in the water recovery container 1c2. The water absorbing carrier 1c23 has a color tone indicating agent whose color density changes depending on the amount of water absorption. There are the following two methods for setting the internal volume of the fuel container 1c1.

  1) It is preferable to design 0.5 to 5.0% larger than the saturated water absorption amount of the water absorbing carrier of the water recovery container 1c2. By doing so, the concentration at which the water-absorbing carrier has reached the saturated water absorption amount is detected from the color concentration detection site shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and when the saturated water absorption amount of the water-absorbing carrier is reached, the fuel / water recovery is performed. By exchanging the cartridge 1c, it is possible to prevent power generation from being stopped due to running out of fuel. When the internal volume of the fuel container 1c1 is less than 0.5% with respect to the saturated water absorption amount of the water-absorbing carrier, when the timing for detecting the concentration of the water-absorbing carrier in the water recovery container 1c2 is delayed, or when the fuel runs out There is. When the internal volume of the fuel container 1c1 exceeds 5.0% with respect to the saturated water absorption amount of the water-absorbing carrier, the fuel / water recovery cartridge 1c becomes larger than necessary and the fuel cell device 1 (see FIG. 2) becomes larger. It may be difficult to use for portable information devices. In addition, the fuel may be wasted and the cost may be increased, and the disposal process may be difficult.

  2) The highest concentration indicating the saturated water absorption amount of the water-absorbing carrier of the color density sample 1a212 (see FIG. 1) attached to the lid 1a21 (see FIG. 1) of the storage case 1a2 (see FIG. 1). The amount of fuel remaining is set to 0.5 to 5.0%, and the capacities of the fuel container and the water recovery container are made the same. In the case of 0.5%, when the timing for detecting the concentration of the water-absorbing carrier in the water recovery container 1c2 is delayed, the fuel may run out. If it exceeds 5.0%, the fuel may be wasted and the cost may be increased, or the disposal process may be difficult.

  When the water absorbing carrier in the water recovery container 1c2 of the fuel / water recovery cartridge 1c becomes saturated, the water absorbing carrier can be replaced by replacing only the water recovery container 1c2 and replenishing the fuel container 1c1 with fuel. (However, in this case, it is necessary to provide a water-absorbing carrier replacement port in the water recovery container 1c2 and a replenishment nozzle in the fuel container 1c1), and the fuel / water recovery cartridge 1c A method of exchanging them completely is mentioned.

  The water-absorbing carrier of the absorbent material that absorbs the generated water is a polymer absorbent material (SAP) such as starch-based graft polymer, carboxyl methylated product, cellulose-based graft polymer, carboxyl methylated product, synthesis Polyacrylic acid-based, polyacrylate-based, polyvinyl alcohol-based, polyacrylamide-based, polyoxyethylene-based, isobutylene maleate-based, etc. as a polymer or a composite of each, or starch-based, cellulose-based, Examples thereof include synthetic polymer-based mixtures. As an example, when sodium polyacrylate resin is used, when water is absorbed, sodium ions are discharged from the polymer network, and water flows into the gaps in the polymer network that are enlarged due to electron repulsion between carboxylate ions in the polymer side chain. Absorption effect. In addition, since the sodium polyacrylate resin not only absorbs moisture but also retains water, when using a sodium polyacrylate resin, the surface is retained again while retaining moisture even after absorbing moisture. It can be kept dry. Therefore, after the absorbing material absorbs the moisture generated by the power generator during power generation, the moisture can be reliably retained in the interior with the surface dried, and the absorbed moisture can be reliably absorbed without flowing into the fuel cell. it can.

  In addition, as other water-absorbing carriers, for example, sanitary products such as paper diapers and sanitary products as described in the magazine “Surface, Vol. 33, No. 4, 52-59, (1995)”, soil water retention materials It is also possible to use various superabsorbent polymers used for agricultural and horticultural supplies.

  The color tone indicating agent according to the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it exhibits color change (discoloration, fading) and coloring when wetted with water, for example, as a color tone display agent indicating color change (discoloration), Examples thereof include methyl violet and a transition element complex (for example, cobalt (II) chloride salt, copper sulfate, etc.). Examples of the color tone indicating agent showing coloring include Red No. 2, Red No. 102, Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Yellow No. 5, and the like.

  A specific method for using these color tone indicating agents will be described in the case of using a cobalt (II) chloride salt. A sodium polyacrylate resin was allowed to absorb an aqueous solution of cobalt (II) chloride and then dried to obtain a water-absorbing carrier. The amount of sodium polyacrylate resin to be used and the concentration of the cobalt chloride salt are preferably selected according to the size of the water recovery container of the fuel / water recovery cartridge. A sodium polyacrylate resin containing a cobalt (II) chloride salt is blue in a dry state, and changes color to pink by absorbing water. Utilizing such characteristics, the water recovery container of the fuel / water recovery cartridge shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is filled with a dried sodium polyacrylate resin containing a cobalt (II) chloride salt as a water absorbing carrier. As a result, the color density of the water-absorbing carrier can be detected from the color density detection portion disposed in the fuel / water recovery cartridge.

  For example, when used in the fuel / water recovery cartridge shown in FIG. 2, the color of the water-absorbing carrier changes to pink from the side of the battery-side connecting portion, which is the intake of the generated water, and the water-absorbing property visible from the color density detection site. When the color density of the carrier is all pink, this indicates that the water-absorbing carrier in the water collection container has reached the saturated water absorption amount, so the fuel / water collection cartridge is replaced. When the water absorption capacity of the water-absorbing carrier in the water recovery container reaches saturation and the amount of the fuel container remains 0.5 to 5%, it is possible to prevent running out of fuel by replacing the fuel / water recovery cartridge. It is possible to do.

  When the water recovery container of the fuel / water recovery cartridge shown in FIG. 3A is filled with a sodium polyacrylate resin containing cobalt (II) chloride salt as a water-absorbing carrier, The color density of the water-absorbing carrier that can be seen from the color density detection part arranged on the battery side connecting part side that is the intake, and the color of the water-absorbing carrier that can be seen from the color density detection part arranged at the end of the fuel / water recovery cartridge Replace the fuel / water collection cartridge when the color density is the same.

  When the water recovery container of the fuel / water recovery cartridge shown in FIG. 3B is filled with a sodium polyacrylate resin containing cobalt (II) chloride salt as a water-absorbing carrier, the fuel / water recovery is performed. The fuel / water recovery cartridge is replaced when the color density of the water-absorbing carrier that can be seen from the color density detecting portion disposed at the end of the cartridge reaches the color density that indicates the saturated water absorption amount of the water-absorbing carrier. The determination of the color density indicating the saturated water absorption amount can be made from a color density sample attached in the vicinity of the color density detection site. The color density and water absorption amount of the water-absorbing carrier when using the fuel / water recovery cartridge shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. Judgment is possible from the sample.

  The following effects can be obtained by the fuel cell device of the present invention shown in FIGS.

  1) The water recovery status of the water-absorbing carrier in the water recovery container can be easily confirmed, and the time for replacement has been clarified, so there is no risk of water leakage from the water recovery container, making it possible to use it with peace of mind. .

  2) Since the saturated water absorption amount of the water-absorbing carrier in the water recovery container and the fuel consumption amount are linked, it is possible to prevent troubles caused by running out of fuel.

  3) By using a fuel / water recovery cartridge in which the fuel container and the water recovery container are integrated, it is possible to easily replenish the fuel simply by replacing the fuel / water recovery cartridge, preventing problems caused by running out of fuel. It became possible to use it with confidence.

  4) The water recovery status of the water-absorbing carrier in the water recovery container can be easily confirmed, and the replacement time of the water recovery container has been clarified, preventing a decrease in power generation efficiency due to backflow into the fuel cell due to water leakage. In addition, damage to peripheral devices and peripheral devices can be prevented, and the device can be used with peace of mind.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a portable information device having a fuel cell device. FIG. 5A is a schematic perspective view of a portable information device having a fuel cell device. FIG. 5B is an enlarged schematic plan view of a portion indicated by F in FIG.

  In the figure, 2 indicates a portable information device. The portable information device 2 includes an information input unit 201 and an information display unit 202. Reference numeral 203 denotes a fuel cell device storage unit provided in the information input unit 201. A fuel cell device storage portion 203a is used to check the water recovery container 1c2 (see FIG. 2) of the fuel / water recovery cartridge of the fuel cell device 1 (see FIG. 2) stored in the fuel cell device storage portion 203. A color density detection part provided on the upper side of 203 is shown. The state of water recovery in the water recovery container 1c2 (see FIG. 2) of the fuel / water recovery cartridge of the fuel cell device 1 (see FIG. 2) housed in the fuel cell device housing portion 203 through the color density detection portion 203a. It is possible to confirm.

  The color density detection part 203a arranged in the fuel / water recovery cartridge shown in this figure is matched with the color density detection part 1a211 (see FIG. 2) arranged in the fuel / water recovery cartridge shown in FIG. In the case where the fuel / water recovery cartridge shown in FIG. 3 is used, the portable information device is similarly adapted to the color density detection portion disposed in the fuel / water recovery cartridge. It is necessary to arrange a color density detection part on the side.

  Reference numeral 203b shows a sample of the color tone concentration of the absorbent carrier in the water recovery container 1c2 (see FIG. 2) attached in the vicinity of the color concentration detection portion 203a, and is attached to the fuel cell device 1 (see FIG. 2). It is preferably the same as the color tone density sample 1a212 (see FIG. 2). It is also possible to charge the secondary battery held in the portable information device main body from the fuel cell device 1 (see FIG. 2).

  This figure shows a method for visually confirming the state of water recovery in the water recovery container 1c2 (see FIG. 2) of the fuel / water recovery cartridge through the portion 203a. A sensor is used to display on the information display unit 202 by fuel remaining amount monitoring means (not shown) for displaying the remaining amount of fuel in the fuel container of the fuel cell device and the recovery state of the water recovery container from the information of the optical sensor. It may be a method. The display method may be a lighting method, and it is preferable to adopt an optimum method depending on the type of portable information device to be used.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the portable information device of the present invention.
According to the block diagram showing the configuration of the portable information device shown in this figure, the fuel cell device 1, the portable information device 2, and the optical sensor of the water recovery container of the fuel / water recovery cartridge of the fuel cell device 1 are attached. explain. An example of control by a control unit (not shown) provided in a fuel cell device case 1a (see FIG. 2) of the fuel cell device 1 (see FIG. 2) is used in a portable information device. The case will be described.

  By turning on a use / nonuse switch (not shown) of the fuel cell device provided in the portable information device, information on using the fuel cell device is input to the control unit.

  Information relating to the usage status (required electricity, usage time, etc.) of the portable information device is input to the control unit from the portable information device body. The water recovery state of the water recovery container is input to the control unit from an optical sensor provided in the water recovery container of the fuel / water recovery cartridge.

  Based on each input information, it is possible to control each part constituting the portable information device as follows.

  The air supply means is configured to supply the oxygen necessary for power generation of the fuel cell main body according to the power generation amount of the fuel cell main body. The opening and closing of the mouth is controlled by the control unit to adjust the power generation amount.

  The fuel container that supplies fuel for power generation to the fuel cell body is controlled by the control unit to open and close the control valve of the fuel (hydrogen) supply pipe provided in the fuel container according to the amount of power generated by the fuel cell body. The amount of fuel (hydrogen) sent to the plant is controlled to adjust the power generation amount. Information on the amount of fuel (hydrogen) sent to the fuel cell body is input from the fuel container.

  The power controller adjusts the supply amount by controlling the amount of the generated power supplied to the fuel cell main body by the control unit. Whether or not to charge the secondary battery is controlled from the amount of power generated and the amount supplied to the fuel cell body.

  From the information on the recovery state of the water generated by the power generation of the water recovery container from the optical sensor provided in the water recovery container, the control unit is input in advance, the color density of the water-absorbing carrier and the amount of water recovered, The power generation amount, fuel consumption amount, and generated water amount are calculated, and the replacement timing of the water-absorbing carrier in the water recovery container and the remaining amount of fuel in the fuel container are displayed on the information display unit. The fuel / water recovery cartridge is exchanged according to the information in the information display section of the portable information device.

  The fuel cell device of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 was incorporated in the portable information device shown in FIG. 5 and the following effects were obtained.

  1) Since it is easy to confirm the water recovery state of the water-absorbing carrier in the water recovery container, it is possible to clearly determine the replacement time of the water recovery container and to prevent damage due to water leakage.

  2) Since the fuel container is replaced with the replacement of the water recovery container, it is possible to prevent the use of the portable information device due to running out of fuel, and it is possible to use the portable information device with peace of mind.

It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the general structure of a fuel cell. FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a fuel cell device having the configuration shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a fuel / water recovery cartridge having a color density detection part at a position different from the color density detection part shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view along AA ′ of the fuel / water recovery cartridge shown in FIG. 2. It is the schematic of portable information equipment which has a fuel cell apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the portable information device of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Fuel cell 102 Positive electrode 103 Negative electrode 1a Fuel cell apparatus case 1a2 Storage case 1a21 Cover part 1a211, 1c22, 1c23-1c25, 203a Color density detection part 1a212, 203b Color tone density sample 1a22 Storage part 1b Connector 1c Fuel and water collection cartridge 1c1 Fuel container 1c2 Water recovery container 1c23 Water-absorbing carrier 1c6 Bulkhead 2 Portable information device 201 Information input unit 202 Information display unit 203 Fuel cell device storage unit

Claims (10)

A fuel container having a predetermined capacity in which power generation fuel is sealed, a power generation cell that generates electric energy using the power generation fuel, and a water recovery container for water generated when the electric energy is generated In a fuel cell device having
The fuel container and the water recovery container are integrated in a state of being separated by a partition wall, and have a fuel / water recovery cartridge detachably disposed in the power generation cell,
The water recovery container includes a water absorbing carrier of an absorbent material having a color tone indicator inside, and has a concentration detection means for detecting the color density of the water absorbing carrier,
A fuel cell device characterized in that it is possible to check the remaining amount of fuel in the fuel container and the replacement timing of the water-absorbing carrier from the information of the concentration detection means. 2. The fuel cell device according to claim 1, wherein the concentration detection means is at least one color concentration detection portion formed of a transparent member provided in a storage portion of the fuel / water recovery cartridge. 3. The fuel cell device according to claim 1, wherein the concentration detection means is at least one color concentration detection portion configured by a transparent member provided in a water recovery container. A color indicating the relationship between the collected amount of the water-absorbing carrier and the color density, which is pasted in the vicinity of at least one color density detection portion formed of a transparent member provided in the water recovery container. The fuel cell device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fuel cell device is a concentration sample. The fuel cell apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the concentration detecting means is an optical sensor. 6. The fuel cell device according to claim 1, wherein a capacity of the fuel container is 0.5 to 5.0% larger than a recoverable capacity of the water recovery container. A portable information device using the fuel cell device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A portable information device in which the fuel cell device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is housed in a main body, wherein the color concentration of the absorbent carrier in the water recovery container of the fuel cell device is confirmed. A portable information device characterized in that a part is provided in the main body. The portable information device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein a concentration sample indicating a relationship between the collected amount of the water-absorbing carrier in the water recovery container and the color concentration is attached in the vicinity of the confirmation site. A portable information device in which the fuel cell device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is housed in a main body, the remaining amount of fuel in the fuel container of the fuel cell device and the water absorption of the water recovery container The portable information device according to claim 7, further comprising a fuel remaining amount monitoring unit that displays a water recovery state of the sex carrier.

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