JP2007123168A - Fuel cell and power supply system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make the whole of a fuel cell compact by efficiently arranging each unit cell constituting a fuel cell. <P>SOLUTION: The fuel cell is equipped with a power generation unit W having at least one unit cell U installed for power generation, a hydrogen cartridge 11 for generating hydrogen gas to be supplied to the unit cell U, a unit connection part 13 for detachably connecting the hydrogen cartridge 11, and a connection piping part 15 for supplying hydrogen gas generated in the hydrogen cartridge 11 from the unit connection part 13 to the power generation unit W, and a second side L21 of a second arranging space S2 having a square shape for arranging the hydrogen cartridge 11 is adjoined to a first side L11 of a first arranging space S1 having a square shape for arranging the power generation unit W, and the connection piping part 15 and the unit connection part 13 are arranged in arranging spaces S4, S3 formed on the side of the second side L12 crossing at right angles to the first side L11 of the first arranging space S1 and on the side of the second side L22 crossing at right angles to the first side L21 of the second arranging space S2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell including a power generation unit including at least one unit cell provided for power generation, a fuel gas generation unit that generates fuel gas supplied to the unit cell, and a power supply including the fuel cell It is about the system.

  With the development of IT in recent years, lithium-ion secondary batteries are used for most power sources of mobile devices (portable devices) such as mobile phones, notebook computers, and digital cameras. However, the power consumption tends to increase as the performance of these mobile devices increases, and attention has been focused on clean and highly efficient fuel cells for power supply or charging. In particular, when a fuel cell is used in a portable device such as a notebook computer or a mobile phone, a structure that can maintain portability or downsizing is desired. Also, when a fuel cell is mounted on a device, it is required to be easily mounted.

  As a unit cell (fuel cell) that constitutes a fuel cell, a device that has been reduced in size suitable for a portable device or the like is known from the following Patent Document 1 by the present applicant. The unit cell includes a plate-shaped solid polymer electrolyte, a cathode side electrode plate and an anode side electrode plate arranged on both sides thereof, and a cathode side metal plate and an anode side metal plate arranged further outside these electrode plates. And form a thin unit cell. And many opening holes for taking in air are formed in the cathode side metal plate. Further, a fuel gas such as hydrogen gas is supplied to the anode side.

JP 2005-268176 A

  In order to reduce the size of the fuel cell, it is naturally important to reduce the size of the unit cells constituting the fuel cell. However, other fuel gas generation units and the fuel gas generated by the fuel gas generation unit must be reduced. It is necessary to efficiently arrange gas piping or the like for supplying to the unit cell in the space (without creating a useless space).

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the size of the entire fuel cell by efficiently arranging the units constituting the fuel cell.

In order to solve the above problems, a fuel cell according to the present invention provides:
A power generation unit comprising at least one unit cell provided for power generation;
A fuel gas generation unit for generating fuel gas to be supplied to the unit cell;
A unit connecting part for detachably connecting the fuel gas generating unit;
A gas pipe for supplying the fuel gas generated by the fuel gas generation unit from the unit connection to the power generation unit;
Adjacent to the first side of the rectangular first arrangement space in which the power generation unit is arranged, the first side of the square second arrangement space in which the fuel gas generating unit is arranged is adjacent to the first arrangement space. The gas pipe part and the unit connection part are respectively disposed in a second side perpendicular to the first side and a placement space formed on the second side perpendicular to the first side of the second placement space. It is characterized by the arrangement.

  The operation and effect of the fuel cell having such a configuration will be described. This fuel cell includes at least a power generation unit, a fuel gas generation unit, a unit connection part, and a gas pipe part. These units are efficiently arranged in a given arrangement space. The power generation unit is arranged in a first arrangement space having a square shape (square shape or rectangular shape). Since the unit cells constituting the power generation unit are usually rectangular in plan view, the power generation units are efficiently arranged in the first arrangement space. A rectangular second arrangement space is arranged adjacent to the first arrangement space, and a fuel gas generation unit is arranged here. By matching the external shape of the fuel gas generation unit to the square-shaped second arrangement space, the fuel gas generation unit can be efficiently arranged without generating a useless space.

  In addition, a gas pipe part and a unit connection part are arranged on the second side of the first arrangement space and the second arrangement space, respectively. According to such a configuration, the unit connecting portion is disposed at a position where the fuel gas generating unit is smoothly connected, and the gas piping from the unit connecting portion to the power generation unit can be efficiently positioned at the shortest distance. As a result, the entire fuel cell can be reduced in size by efficiently arranging the units constituting the fuel cell.

The fuel gas generation unit according to the present invention comprises:
A cylindrical body,
A connecting portion provided on one end side of the main body portion and connected to the unit connecting portion;
A gas reaction part that is provided inside the main body part and generates fuel gas by reacting with water;
A water storage section provided on the other end of the main body section, in which water supplied to the gas reaction section is stored;
It is preferable to include a biasing unit that biases the water in the water storage portion in the supply direction.

  The fuel gas generation unit includes a cylindrical main body, and can be configured to accommodate the unit without waste in the square second arrangement space. A gas reaction part that generates fuel gas by reacting with water is provided inside the main body part, and the generated fuel gas is supplied to the power generation unit via the unit connection part and the gas pipe part. In the gas reaction part, for example, aluminum powder is stored, and this is reacted with water to generate hydrogen gas as a fuel gas. Water is accommodated in a water accommodating portion provided on the other end side of the main body portion. Moreover, in order to be able to supply the water in a water accommodating part into a gas reaction part, the biasing means (for example, coil spring) which urges | biases water to a supply direction is provided. Thereby, water can be reliably supplied in a gas reaction part. Further, since the fuel gas generation unit has a structure in which the communication part and the water storage part are arranged at both ends of the cylindrical main body part, the fuel gas generation unit can have a unified external shape, and is a wasteful space in the second arrangement space. It can arrange | position, without producing.

  In the present invention, a screw that is screwed to the other end of the main body is formed on the case member that constitutes the water accommodating portion, and the amount of water supply can be adjusted by the degree of screwing by the screw. It is preferable.

  A screw is formed on the case member constituting the water accommodating portion, and the case member can be coupled to the other end side of the main body portion using the screw. In addition, the amount of water supply can be adjusted by the degree of screwing (such as the amount of screw rotation) when screwing. Thereby, it is possible to supply an appropriate amount of water to the gas reaction unit.

A unit cell according to the present invention includes a plate-shaped solid polymer electrolyte, a cathode-side electrode plate and an anode-side electrode plate disposed on both sides thereof, a cathode-side metal plate disposed further outside these electrode plates, and Having an anode side metal plate and an opening hole for taking in a large number of air formed in the cathode side metal plate;
It is preferable that the unit cell is mounted on the support substrate so that the opening of the unit cell faces the outer surface, and the circuit substrate is disposed on the back surface side of the support substrate.

  Since the unit cell having such a configuration is formed in a plate shape, it has a shape suitable for reducing the thickness and size. A large number of opening holes for taking in air are formed on the cathode side of the unit cell. When this unit cell is mounted on the support substrate and arranged in the first arrangement space, the unit cell is arranged so that a large number of opening holes face the outer surface side. Thereby, the path | route for taking in air from the outside can be ensured easily. Further, by arranging the circuit board on the back side of the support substrate, the board can be arranged without creating a useless space. For example, a booster circuit, a stabilization circuit, and the like are mounted on the circuit board and connected to the power supply terminal.

  In order to solve the above problems, a power supply system according to the present invention includes the fuel cell of the present invention and a device that receives power supply from the fuel cell.

  Examples of the device include a notebook computer, a PDA, and a mobile phone, but are not limited to a specific device. The fuel cell may be directly attached to and detached from the power terminal of the device, or may be connected via a connection cord.

  A preferred embodiment of a fuel cell according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a power supply system comprising a mobile phone and a fuel cell. The fuel cell F is used as a charging unit for charging a secondary battery accommodated in the mobile phone 100. The fuel cell F is provided with a power supply terminal 10, and the mobile phone 100 is provided with a charging terminal 101. Specifically, these terminals can be configured by USB terminals, and the secondary battery in the mobile phone 100 can be charged by the fuel cell F by connecting with the USB cord.

  The fuel cell F is detachably provided with a hydrogen cartridge 11 (corresponding to a fuel gas generation unit), and its external shape is cylindrical or substantially cylindrical. In addition, a large number of small opening windows 12 are formed in the outer case, and this is provided for taking in air on the cathode side of the internal unit cell.

<Internal configuration>
Next, the internal configuration of the fuel cell F shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the perspective view of FIG. 2 and the conceptual diagram of FIG. The hydrogen cartridge 11 has a cylindrical main body 110, and a connecting screw 111 (corresponding to a connecting portion) is formed on one end side of the hydrogen cartridge 11, and is screwed to the unit connecting portion 13. The interior of the main body 110 functions as a gas reaction unit 112, and contains aluminum powder that reacts with water to generate hydrogen gas. On the other end side of the main body 110, a water storage portion 113 is provided to store water that reacts with aluminum. A partition 114 is provided at the boundary between the gas reaction unit 112 and the water storage unit 113, and a communication hole 114a for allowing water to pass through is provided at the center thereof. The communication hole 114a is set to a size that can supply an appropriate amount of water.

  A water supply paper 14 is inserted into the partition wall 114 on the gas reaction unit 112 side, and water is supplied to the aluminum via the water supply paper 14. By supplying the water supply paper 14, the supply of a large amount of water is suppressed, and control is performed so as to supply an appropriate amount of water. The water supply paper 14 can suck up water by capillary action, and filter paper or the like is used. A case member 115 is provided in the water accommodating portion 113, and a screw 115a that is screwed with a screw 110a formed on the other end side of the main body portion 110 is formed on the inner side. The case member 115 has a cylindrical shape slightly larger than the main body 100, and a knob 115b is provided on the exterior. The case member 115 can be attached to and detached from the main body 110 by operating the knob 115b.

  A pressure plate 116 and a coil spring 117 (corresponding to an urging means) are provided in the case member 115 to urge water in the water storage part 113 toward the gas reaction part 112 side. As a result, a force always acts on the supply side with respect to water, and water can be reliably supplied into the gas reaction unit 11. When all the water in the water storage unit 113 is consumed, the case member 115 can be removed to store the water. Further, by changing the amount of screwing the case member 115, the pressing force can be adjusted, and an appropriate amount of water can be supplied. The amount of screwing can be adjusted by operating the knob 115b.

  The aluminum powder in the gas reaction unit 112 is also a consumable item. When consumed, new aluminum powder can be accommodated. However, the hydrogen cartridge 11 may be replaced with a new one. In this case, the used hydrogen cartridge 11 is preferably recovered and reused.

  The connection piping portion 15 (gas piping portion) includes a gas piping 16 for supplying the hydrogen gas generated by the hydrogen cartridge 11 to the power generation unit W. A pressure sensor 17 is provided in the middle of the gas pipe 16 to detect the gas pressure in the gas pipe 16.

  The safety valve 18 prevents a pressure exceeding a predetermined level from acting in the pipe. For example, the safety valve 18 is set to leak when an internal pressure of 50 kPa or more acts. The pressure-resistant film 19 functions so that the internal pressure of the unit cell falls within a predetermined range. For example, the pressure-resistant film 19 can be set to 10 to 20 kPa to protect the unit cell and control the charge amount. The pressure-resistant film 19 can be a film that causes a high pressure loss such as PTFE.

  As the power generation unit W, four unit cells U (fuel cell) are arranged. As shown in FIG. 2, two unit cells U are arranged on the front side, and two unit cells U are arranged on the back side. These unit cells U are electrically connected in series. The number of connected unit cells U can be determined according to the purpose of use and the like, and is not limited to the present embodiment. The gas flow paths of the unit cells U are connected in series by a pipe 20, and the hydrogen gas generated by the hydrogen cartridge 11 is sequentially supplied from the upstream side to the downstream unit cell U. The piping 21 connected to the unit cell U located on the most downstream side is provided with a pressure regulating valve 22 and is set so that the internal pressure of the unit cell U falls within a predetermined range, like the pressure-resistant film 19. The downstream side of the pressure regulating valve 22 is in a state of being opened for standby. In addition, about a gas flow path, it does not need to be connected in series and may be comprised in parallel connection or the combination of series connection and parallel connection.

  On the circuit board 23, a control circuit 23a, a booster circuit 23b, a stabilization circuit 23c, and the like are mounted. The control circuit 23 a controls the magnitude of the electric output based on the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 17. The booster circuit 23b boosts the output voltage of the unit cell U to a predetermined voltage value so that the voltage becomes appropriate for charging the battery of the mobile phone. The stabilization circuit 23c acts so that the electric output can be supplied in a stable state.

<Arrangement configuration>
Next, the arrangement configuration of each member in the fuel cell F will be described. If the internal configuration shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is divided into arrangement spaces, it can be divided into five arrangement spaces S1 to S5 as shown in FIG. The first arrangement space S1 has a rectangular shape (rectangular in the illustrated example) in plan view, and the power generation unit W is arranged here. Since the unit cell U constituting the power generation unit W is rectangular in plan view, it can be accommodated in the first arrangement space S1 without waste.

  A second placement space S2 is set adjacent to the first placement space S1, and the hydrogen cartridge 11 is placed here. The second arrangement space S2 is also rectangular, and the first side L11 of the first arrangement space S1 and the first side L21 of the second arrangement space are just adjacent (or coincident). Since the hydrogen cartridge 11 is formed in an elongated cylindrical shape as a whole, the hydrogen cartridge 11 can be accommodated without generating a useless space in the second arrangement space S2. In this embodiment, the hydrogen cartridge 11 has a cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto, and may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped having a square cross section. Or it is good also as a rod-shaped cartridge with an irregular cross section.

  In the third arrangement space S3, the unit connection portion 13 is arranged and is located on the second side L22 side of the second arrangement space S2. Thus, by providing the screw 111 on one end side of the main body 110 of the hydrogen cartridge 11, a structure that can be easily connected to the unit connecting portion 13 can be obtained, and the waste of the hydrogen cartridge 11 can be reduced without creating a useless space. A connection structure can be provided.

  In the fourth arrangement space S4, the connection pipe portion 15 is arranged, and is located on the second side L12 side of the first arrangement space S1. The second side L12 of the first placement space S1 and the second side L22 of the second placement space S2 are exactly on a straight line or substantially a straight line, and the third placement space S3 and the fourth placement space S4 are also placed adjacent to each other. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to arrange the gas piping from the unit connection portion 13 to the power generation unit W at the shortest distance, and it is also possible to collectively arrange the pressure sensor 17 and the safety valve 18 provided around the piping.

  A fifth arrangement space S5 is further provided on the second side L12 side of the first arrangement space S1, and the power supply terminal 10 is provided there. The fifth arrangement space S5 is adjacent to the fourth arrangement space S4. As described above, by setting the arrangement spaces S1 to S5 of the respective members, the respective members can be efficiently arranged without causing a useless space.

<Configuration of unit cell>
Next, a preferred embodiment of the unit cell U mounted on the fuel cell F according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is an assembled perspective view showing an example of the unit cell, and FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the unit cell shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 to 6, the fuel cell of the present invention includes a plate-shaped solid polymer electrolyte 1, a cathode-side electrode plate 2 disposed on one side of the solid polymer electrolyte 1, and the other side. And an anode-side electrode plate 3 disposed on the substrate. Further, a cathode side metal plate 4 and an anode side metal plate 5 are provided on the outer side of the electrode plates 2 and 3. In the present embodiment, a fuel flow channel 9 is formed in the anode side metal plate 5 by etching, and the peripheral portions of the anode side metal plate 5 and the cathode side metal plate 4 are made thinner than other portions by etching. Here is an example.

  The solid polymer electrolyte 1 may be any solid polymer membrane battery as long as it is used in conventional solid polymer membrane batteries. From the viewpoint of chemical stability and conductivity, a perfluorocarbon having a sulfonic acid group which is a super strong acid. A cation exchange membrane made of a polymer is preferably used. Nafion (registered trademark) is preferably used as such a cation exchange membrane. In addition, for example, a porous film made of a fluororesin such as polytetrafluoroethylene impregnated with the above Nafion or other ion conductive material, a porous film made of a polyolefin resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene, or a non-woven fabric. A material carrying Nafion or another ion conductive material may be used. The thinner the solid polymer electrolyte 1 is, the more effective it is to make the whole thinner. However, in consideration of ion conduction function, strength, handling property, etc., 10 to 300 μm can be used, but 25 to 50 μm is preferable. .

  Electrode plates 2 and 3 (gas diffusion plates) that function as gas diffusion layers are used to supply and discharge fuel gas, oxidant gas, and water vapor, and at the same time collect electricity it can. As the electrode plates 2 and 3, the same or different ones can be used, and it is preferable to support a catalyst having an electrode catalytic action on the base material. The catalyst is preferably supported at least on the inner surfaces 2 b and 3 b in contact with the solid polymer electrolyte 1.

  As the electrode base material, for example, conductive carbon materials such as carbon paper, fibrous carbon such as carbon fiber nonwoven fabric, and aggregates of conductive polymer fibers can be used. In general, the electrode plates 2 and 3 are prepared by adding a water-repellent substance such as a fluororesin to such a conductive porous material. When the catalyst is supported, a catalyst such as platinum fine particles and fluorine It is formed by mixing a water-repellent substance such as a resin, mixing it with a solvent to form a paste or ink, and then applying this to one side of an electrode substrate that should face the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The

  In general, the electrode plates 2 and 3 and the solid polymer electrolyte 1 are designed according to the reducing gas and the oxidizing gas supplied to the fuel cell. In the present invention, it is preferable to use air as the oxidizing gas and hydrogen gas as the reducing gas. In addition, methanol, dimethyl ether, or the like can be used instead of the reducing gas.

  For example, when hydrogen gas and air are used, the cathode side electrode 2 on the side where the air is naturally supplied causes a reaction between oxygen and hydrogen ions, so that water is generated. Is preferred. In particular, under the operating conditions of low operating temperature, high current density, and high gas utilization rate, the electrode porous body is likely to be clogged (flooded) due to the condensation of water vapor, particularly at the air electrode where water is generated. Therefore, in order to obtain stable characteristics of the fuel cell over a long period of time, it is effective to ensure the water repellency of the electrode so that the flooding phenomenon does not occur.

  As the catalyst, at least one metal selected from platinum, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, silver, nickel, iron, copper, cobalt and molybdenum, or an oxide thereof can be used. A supported one can also be used.

  The thickness of the electrode plates 2 and 3 is more effective for reducing the overall thickness as the thickness is reduced, but is preferably 50 to 500 μm in view of electrode reaction, strength, handling properties, and the like. The electrode plates 2 and 3 and the solid polymer electrolyte 1 may be laminated and integrated in advance by adhesion, fusion, or the like, or may simply be arranged in a stacked manner. Such a laminated body can also be obtained as a thin film electrode assembly (MEA), and may be used.

  A cathode side metal plate 4 is disposed on the surface of the cathode side electrode plate 2, and an anode side metal plate 5 is disposed on the surface of the anode side electrode plate 3. The anode side metal plate 5 is provided with a fuel inlet 5c and a discharge port 5d, and further, in the present embodiment, a flow channel 9 is provided in the anode side metal plate 5.

  The cathode side metal plate 4 is provided with a large number of opening holes 4c for supplying oxygen in the air. As long as the cathode side electrode plate 2 can be exposed, the number, shape, size, formation position, and the like of the opening holes 4c may be any. However, in consideration of the supply efficiency of oxygen in the air and the current collection effect from the cathode side electrode plate 2, the area of the opening 4c is preferably 10 to 50% of the area of the cathode side electrode plate 2, In particular, 20 to 40% is preferable. The opening hole 4c of the cathode side metal plate 4 may be provided with a plurality of circular holes, slits, or the like regularly or randomly, or may be provided with a metal mesh.

  As the metal plates 4 and 5, any metal can be used as long as it does not adversely affect the electrode reaction, and examples thereof include stainless steel plates, nickel, copper, and copper alloys. However, from the viewpoint of elongation, weight, elastic modulus, strength, corrosion resistance, press workability, etching workability and the like, a stainless steel plate, nickel and the like are preferable.

  The channel groove 9 provided in the anode side metal plate 5 may have any planar shape or cross-sectional shape as long as a channel for hydrogen gas or the like can be formed by contact with the electrode plate 3. However, in consideration of the channel density, the lamination density at the time of lamination, the flexibility, etc., it is preferable to mainly form the vertical groove 9a parallel to one side of the metal plate 5 and the vertical groove 9b. In this embodiment, a plurality of (three in the illustrated example) vertical grooves 9a are connected in series to the horizontal grooves 9b to balance the flow path density and the flow path length.

  A part of the channel groove 9 (for example, the lateral groove 9b) of the metal plate 5 may be formed on the outer surface of the electrode plate 3. As a method of forming the flow channel groove on the outer surface of the electrode plate 3, a mechanical method such as heating press or cutting may be used. However, it is preferable to perform groove processing by laser irradiation in order to perform fine processing suitably. From the viewpoint of performing laser irradiation, the base material for the electrode plates 2 and 3 is preferably an aggregate of fibrous carbon.

  One or a plurality of inlets 5c and outlets 5d communicating with the channel groove 9 of the metal plate 5 can be formed. In addition, although the thickness of the metal plates 4 and 5 is more effective for reducing the overall thickness as the thickness is reduced, 0.1 to 1 mm is preferable in consideration of strength, elongation, weight, elastic modulus, handling property, and the like. Etching is preferable as a method of forming the flow channel 9 in the metal plate 5 in view of processing accuracy and ease. In the channel groove 9 by etching, a width of 0.1 to 10 mm and a depth of 0.05 to 1 mm are preferable. The cross-sectional shape of the channel groove 9 is preferably substantially square, substantially trapezoidal, substantially semicircular, V-shaped or the like.

  Etching is also preferably used for forming the opening hole 4 c in the metal plate 4, thinning the peripheral portion of the metal plates 4, 5, and forming the inlet 5 c to the metal plate 5. Etching can be performed using, for example, a dry film resist or the like, after forming an etching resist having a predetermined shape on the metal surface, and then using an etching solution corresponding to the type of the metal plates 4 and 5. Moreover, the cross-sectional shape of the flow-path groove | channel 9 can be controlled more precisely by performing a selective etching for every metal using the laminated board of 2 or more types of metals.

  The embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is an example in which the caulking portions (peripheral portions) of the metal plates 4 and 5 are thinned by etching. In this way, the caulking portion is etched to have an appropriate thickness, whereby sealing by caulking can be performed more easily. From this viewpoint, the thickness of the crimped portion is preferably 0.05 to 0.3 mm.

  In the present invention, the peripheral edges of the metal plates 4 and 5 are sealed by caulking (corresponding to press bending) in an electrically insulated state. Electrical insulation can be performed by interposing the insulating material 6, the peripheral edge of the solid polymer electrolyte 1, or both. In the present invention, when caulking, a structure in which the solid polymer electrolyte 1 is sandwiched between the peripheral edges of the metal plates 4 and 5 as shown in FIG. 6 is preferable, and the solid polymer electrolyte 1 is sandwiched with the insulating material 6 interposed. More preferable is the structure. According to such a structure, inflow of gas or the like from one of the electrode plates 2 and 3 to the other can be effectively prevented. The thickness of the insulating material 6 is preferably 0.1 mm or less from the viewpoint of thinning. In addition, it is possible to further reduce the thickness by coating the insulating material (for example, the insulating material 6 can have a thickness of 1 μm).

  As the insulating material 6, a sheet-like resin, rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, ceramics, and the like can be used. However, in order to improve the sealing performance, resin, rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, and the like are preferable, and in particular, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, fluorine Resin and polyimide are preferable. The insulating material 6 can be integrated with the metal plates 4 and 5 in advance by sticking or coating the peripheral edges of the metal plates 4 and 5 directly or via an adhesive.

  As the caulking structure, the structure shown in FIG. 5 is preferable from the viewpoint of sealing performance, ease of manufacture, thickness, and the like. That is, the peripheral region 5a of one metal plate 5 is made larger than the peripheral region 4a of the other, and the peripheral region 5a of one metal plate 5 is replaced with the peripheral region 4a of the other metal plate 4 while the insulating material 6 is interposed. A caulking structure that is folded back so as to sandwich pressure is preferable. In this caulking structure, it is preferable to provide a step in the peripheral region 4a of the metal plate 4 by pressing or the like. Such a caulking structure itself is known as metal processing, and can be formed by a known caulking device.

  In FIG. 6, a metal pin 5 e for joint is attached to the metal plate 5 at the inlet 5 c. This attachment can be performed by caulking or press fitting. The metal pipe 10 can be press-fitted and attached to the pin 5e. A gas supply flow path can be formed by further inserting the resin pipe 11 into the metal pipe 10 (see also the exploded perspective view of FIG. 5B). The same configuration can be adopted for the outlet 5d.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the metal plates 4 and 5 are formed with protrusions 4f and 5f. In the space formed inside these protrusions 4f and 5f, the electrode plates 2 and 3 are provided. Be contained. The protrusions 4f and 5f can be formed by drawing (punching) the metal plates 4 and 5.

<Configuration of power generation unit>
Next, the configuration of the power generation unit W will be described. Two support substrates 30 for supporting the unit cells U are provided, and two unit cells U are mounted on each support substrate 30. Each unit cell U is supported by the support substrate 30 such that a large number of opening holes 4c formed on the cathode side face the outer surface side. As shown in FIG. 1, an opening window 12 is formed in the outer case of the fuel cell F, and a region where the opening window 12 is formed corresponds to a region where the opening hole 4c is arranged.

  A connector 35 for coupling the unit cell U to the support substrate 30 will be described. The connector 35 includes a frame-shaped pressing portion 35b, and a rectangular opening window 35a is formed at the center thereof. A large number of opening holes 4 c formed in the cathode side metal plate 4 are exposed by the opening window 35 a. The frame-shaped pressing portion 35 b has a function of pressing the metal plate 4 in the direction of the substrate surface of the support substrate 30 and presses the outer peripheral region of the metal plate 4. The frame-shaped pressing portion 35b presses the periphery of the protruding portion 4f (see FIG. 6) of the metal plate 4. As a result, an appropriate pressing force acts between the metal plates 4 and 5, the electrode plates 2 and 3, and the solid polymer electrolyte 1 so that the contact between these members is kept good. Thereby, frictional resistance can be reduced and an electrical output can be taken out efficiently.

  A pair of leg portions 35 c are integrally formed on both sides of the frame-shaped pressing portion 35 b and are connected to the cathode electrode pattern formed on the support substrate 30. Further, the connector 35 is configured to be coupled to the support substrate 30 by screws 36 at the four corners of the frame-shaped pressing portion 35b. That is, the connector 35 is formed with a female screw 35d along the periphery of the frame, and the screw 36 is configured to be screwed into the female screw 35d, thereby attracting the connector 35 to the support substrate 30. Join. Accordingly, the unit cells U are coupled to the support substrate 30 by the connector 35 so as to be mechanically and electrically connected.

  The height of the leg portion 35c of the connector 35 can be determined in consideration of the height dimension of the unit cell U to be connected. That is, the unit cell U is set to be pressed against the support substrate 30 with an appropriate pressing force. Moreover, the strength as the connector 35 can be ensured by providing the leg portion 35c.

  The connector 35 can be manufactured by bending a metal plate such as brass, and is subjected to a plating process to reduce contact resistance as necessary. The thickness of the connector 35 is about 0.5 mm so that the entire thickness including the unit cell U does not increase. The thickness dimension can be set according to the size of the unit cell U.

  Although not shown, the support substrate 30 is formed with a cathode electrode pattern (+) and an anode electrode pattern (−). The leg part 35c of the connector 35 contacts the cathode electrode pattern (+). Thereby, the cathode side metal plate 4 and the cathode electrode pattern are electrically connected. Since the connector 35 is coupled by the screw 36, it is possible to ensure electrical contact with the pattern. The connection between the connector 35 and the support substrate 30 is not limited to the above, and may be performed by bolts / nuts or soldering.

  Further, the circuit board 23 described above is disposed between the two support boards 30. In order to unitize these substrates, columns 37, bolts 38, and nuts 39 are provided. Thereby, a board | substrate can be unitized and the electric power generation unit W can be efficiently arrange | positioned in 1st arrangement | positioning space S1. The electrical connection between the unit cells U arranged on the two support substrates 30 may be made by a lead wire, or may be made by using the support column 37.

<Another embodiment>
Although the embodiment of the fuel cell F has been described, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and various modifications and application examples are possible. Although an example of the configuration of two support substrates 30 has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one or three or more support substrates 30 may be used. Further, the number of unit cells U mounted on one support substrate 30 is not particularly limited, and an arbitrary number can be mounted. The number of unit cells U can be determined according to the device in which the fuel cell F is used. Further, the size of the unit cell U can be determined as appropriate.

  The device using the fuel cell F according to the present invention is particularly suitable for a mobile phone, but is not limited to this, and can be used detachably with respect to various devices. Moreover, the usage purpose of the fuel cell F may be used as a main power source of the device, or may be used for the purpose of charging a secondary battery used in the device. Further, when the fuel cell F is attached to or detached from the device, the case where the fuel cell F is connected to the device via a connection cord instead of being directly attached to the device (terminal exposed to the outside of the device) is also included in the present invention. . Further, as exemplified by the USB terminal as the power supply terminal 21, it is preferable to provide the power supply terminal 21 so as to be detachable from the device. For example, it is preferable to have the same usability as a memory that can be detachably attached to a USB terminal.

The figure which shows the constitution of the power supply system which consists of the portable telephone and the fuel cell The perspective view which shows the internal structure of a fuel cell Conceptual diagram showing the internal structure of the fuel cell Diagram explaining the layout space The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows an example of the fuel battery cell of this invention Exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the main part The figure which shows the example of composition of the power generation unit

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Solid polymer electrolyte 2 Cathode side electrode plate 3 Anode side electrode plate 4 Cathode side metal plate 4c Opening hole 5 Anode side metal plate 10 Power supply terminal 11 Hydrogen cartridge 13 Unit connection part 15 Connection piping part 23 Circuit board 30 Support board 35 Connector W Power generation unit F Fuel cell U Unit cell S1 to S5 Arrangement space L11, L21 First side L21, L22 Second side

Claims (5)

A power generation unit comprising at least one unit cell provided for power generation;
A fuel gas generation unit for generating fuel gas to be supplied to the unit cell;
A unit connecting part for detachably connecting the fuel gas generating unit;
A gas pipe for supplying the fuel gas generated by the fuel gas generation unit from the unit connection to the power generation unit;
Adjacent to the first side of the rectangular first arrangement space in which the power generation unit is arranged, the first side of the square second arrangement space in which the fuel gas generating unit is arranged is adjacent to the first arrangement space. The gas pipe part and the unit connection part are respectively disposed in a second side perpendicular to the first side and a placement space formed on the second side perpendicular to the first side of the second placement space. A fuel cell characterized by being arranged. The fuel gas generation unit
A cylindrical body,
A connecting portion provided on one end side of the main body portion and connected to the unit connecting portion;
A gas reaction part that is provided inside the main body part and generates fuel gas by reacting with water;
A water storage section provided on the other end of the main body section, in which water supplied to the gas reaction section is stored;
The fuel cell according to claim 1, further comprising: an urging unit that urges water in the water storage portion in a supply direction.   The case member constituting the water storage portion is formed with a screw that is screwed to the other end of the main body, and is configured such that the amount of water supply can be adjusted depending on the degree of screwing by the screw. The fuel cell according to claim 2. The unit cell includes a plate-shaped solid polymer electrolyte, a cathode-side electrode plate and an anode-side electrode plate disposed on both sides thereof, and a cathode-side metal plate and an anode-side metal plate disposed further outside these electrode plates. And an opening hole for taking in a large number of air formed in the cathode side metal plate,
The fuel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the unit cell is mounted on the support substrate so that the opening of the unit cell faces the exterior surface side, and the circuit substrate is disposed on the back surface side of the support substrate. battery.   The power supply system comprised from the fuel cell of any one of Claims 1-4, and the apparatus which receives power supply by this fuel cell.

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