JP2008133953A - Connector mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a connector mechanism which can be closed at both plug and socket sides with by connecting operation. <P>SOLUTION: In the connector mechanism, a male connector is inserted into a female connector for giving and receiving fluid. Each of the female connector and the male connector has a flow path where the fluid is given to and received from the other connector side, and a light propagation path for giving and receiving light. The male connector is fitted into the female connector to make the first flow path communicate with the second flow path, whereby the end face of the first light propagation path is opposed to the end face of the second light propagation path to contact with or approach it to enable optical communication. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a connector mechanism that transmits and receives a fluid and transmits optical information by providing an optical communication means at a connecting portion.

  In recent years, fuel cells have attracted attention as power generation devices that generate electrical energy. A fuel cell is a device that extracts, as electric energy, energy generated when water and oxygen are reacted to generate water. A fuel cell is a clean power generation device that is friendly to the global environment because no harmful by-products are generated when electric energy is extracted.

  By the way, hydrogen which is the fuel of the fuel cell is supplied to the fuel cell from a hydrogen storage cartridge including a storage tank that stores in a liquid or gas state, a hydrogen cartridge including a hydrogen storage alloy, and the like. Here, hydrogen gas is supplied to the fuel cell through a fluid passage formed in the connecting portion between the fuel cell and the hydrogen storage body. In order to supply hydrogen gas under optimum conditions, information is transmitted through an information transmission path formed between a hydrogen storage body and a power generation body including a fuel cell. Specifically, an electrical signal or the like may be transmitted / received through a signal line provided separately from a fluid flow path for supplying hydrogen gas. It is also conceivable to transmit and receive electrical signals by providing signal lines in the fluid flow path.

  Information for smoothly supplying hydrogen gas such as the type and amount of gas stored in the hydrogen storage body and the hydrogen gas supply pressure and flow rate during hydrogen gas supply when sending and receiving electrical signals Are transmitted and received between the hydrogen storage body and the power generation body, and hydrogen gas is supplied under appropriate conditions. At this time, if a signal line for transmitting such information is provided separately from the flow path for supplying hydrogen gas, the signal line routing and the operation of connecting the signal line when the occlusion body or power generation body is connected are complicated. It may become.

  Further, when connecting the hydrogen storage body and the power generation body, there is a problem that contact failure is likely to occur if the signal lines arranged in each are connected. Furthermore, when the signal line is provided in the fluid flow path, the signal line may be deteriorated by the fluid flowing in the fluid flow path such as hydrogen gas. In some cases, it is difficult to stably transmit and receive signals between connecting portions that are connected to exchange fluid.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to a fuel cell using hydrogen gas, and even when a fluid as a fuel is supplied from a fuel storage body to another storage body or a power generation body, in order to supply the fuel under optimum conditions, between these devices Communication of information has become important.

  Furthermore, along with recent advances in information and communication technology, electronic devices are rapidly becoming smaller and more sophisticated, and power generators such as fuel cells can be used for small portable information such as mobile phones and notebook personal computers. It is also considered to use it as a power source for driving terminals. At the same time, not only miniaturization of portable information terminals, but also miniaturization of drive power supply and connection mechanisms between these devices are required to be miniaturized, high performance, and easy connection operation.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and stable information transmission can be achieved by using light between the connecting portions without newly arranging wiring for transmitting and receiving electrical signals. It is an object of the present invention to provide a connector mechanism that can be performed and that can seal both the plug side and the socket side with a simple connection operation.

  In order to solve the above problems, the connector mechanism of the present invention is a connector mechanism for inserting and receiving a fluid by inserting a male connector into a female connector, wherein the female connector is connected to the male connector side. And a first light propagation path for transmitting and receiving light, and the male connector exchanges fuel fluid with the female connector. A second light propagation path for transmitting and receiving light, and the first flow path and the second flow path by inserting the male connector into the female connector. And the end face of the first light propagation path and the end face of the second light propagation path are opposed to or in contact with each other.

  When the male connector is inserted into the female connector, the flow paths of the male connector and the female connector communicate with each other, and the end surfaces of the light propagation paths face each other so that they are in contact with or close to each other. It is possible to exchange fluids and exchange information.

  In order to solve the above problems, the connector mechanism according to the present invention is configured such that the female connector is urged toward the male connector and is movable in the main flow direction of the first flow path. A first movable member provided on the flow path and blocking the first flow path from the male connector side, wherein the male connector is urged toward the female connector side and the second flow A second movable member provided on the second flow path so as to be movable in a main flow direction of the path and blocking the second flow path from the female connector side; and the male connector is connected to the female connector. When the first movable member is inserted, the first movable member is moved to the rear end side against the force biased to the male connector side, and the second movable member is moved to the female connector. Opening action by moving against the force applied to the side Wherein a first flow path and the second flow path and wherein the communicating by the.

  When the male connector is inserted into the female connector, the first movable member moves toward the rear end against the force biased toward the male connector, and the second movable member is attached to the female connector. Since the first channel and the second channel communicate with each other by opening the lid by moving against the force applied, only the operation of inserting the male connector and the female connector is performed. It is possible to exchange fluid and exchange information between both connectors.

  In order to solve the above problems, the connector mechanism of the present invention is such that the female connector and the male connector include a fixing mechanism that fixes the female connector and the male connector, and the fixing mechanism The connection between the female connector and the male connector is maintained, and the fixing mechanism further has a protrusion formed on one of the female connector or the male connector and the protrusion. The male connector is inserted into the female connector so that the first channel and the second channel communicate with each other, and the projection is fitted into the groove. Thus, the connection between the female connector and the male connector is maintained.

  The male connector is inserted into the female connector in order to maintain the connection between the female connector and the male connector when the first channel and the second channel communicate with each other and the protrusion fits into the groove. It is possible to maintain a connection for exchanging fluid between the two connectors by only the fitting operation.

  When hydrogen gas is used in a fuel cell or the like, the connector mechanism of the present invention is used to connect the fuel cell power generation device and the hydrogen storage cartridge, and between the power generation body having the fuel cell and the hydrogen gas supply body that supplies the hydrogen gas. By transmitting the information in step 1, hydrogen gas can be supplied under appropriate conditions. At this time, since information can be transmitted by light, a complicated signal line is not provided in the connecting portion, and a complicated connection operation of the signal line is not performed. In addition, since no complicated signal lines are provided, the size of the device itself including the connecting portion can be reduced. In particular, the use of the connector mechanism of the present invention in a device that is increasingly miniaturized, such as a portable information terminal, can be expected to be further miniaturized. In addition, since an optical communication means having a simple structure can be used, the number of parts can be reduced, leading to a reduction in the cost of equipment including the connector mechanism of the present invention.

  The connector mechanism of the present invention is provided with a movable member and a stopper in both the socket and the plug, and is provided with a shut-off valve having a structure for pressing the movable member against the stopper by the repulsive force of an elastic body so that the lid can be mechanically opened. Therefore, when the connection between the socket and the plug is released, the socket side and the plug side can be held in a sealed state, and fluid can be exchanged reliably and stably. In addition, a spherical part (steel ball) like a ball plunger is pushed from the inside of the socket with a spring and the protrusion fits into the groove to keep the socket and plug connected. When a force is applied, the spherical part (steel ball) overcomes the repulsive force of the spring, the protrusion retracts, and the lock is released. For this reason, the plug can be pulled out of the socket by a simple operation of simply pulling the socket and the plug in opposite directions, and the socket and the plug can be inserted and removed by a simple operation.

[First Embodiment]

  Hereinafter, a connector mechanism according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited to the following description, In the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention, it can change suitably. FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a connector mechanism 1 to which the present invention is applied. 2 is a schematic sectional view of a socket used in the connector mechanism 1 to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of a plug.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a state in which a socket 2 and a plug 4 constituting the connector mechanism 1 of this embodiment are connected. A connector mechanism 1 to which the present invention is applied includes a socket 2 that is a female connector shown in FIG. 2 and a plug 4 that is a male connector shown in FIG. 3, and the plug 4 is shown in FIG. The plug 4 and the socket 2 are connected by being inserted into the socket 2. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the plug 4 is inserted into the socket 2 and a locking mechanism described later works, the connection between the socket 2 and the plug 4 is maintained, and the fuel flow path between the socket 2 and the plug 4 is communicated. Indicates. At this time, the optical fibers arranged inside the socket 2 and the plug 4 are in contact with each other, and information transmission by light between the socket 2 and the plug 4 is possible.

  Such a connector mechanism 1 is suitable for use in, for example, a fuel cell system. For use in a fuel cell system, for example, a socket 2 is mounted on the fuel cell side and plugged on the hydrogen storage cartridge side that stores hydrogen. 4 is installed. Then, the hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage cartridge can be taken out by inserting the plug 4 into the socket 2. Hereinafter, each component of the connector mechanism 1 will be described. In this example, the socket 2 is provided on the hydrogen storage device side and the plug 4 is provided on the fuel cell power generation device side. However, the socket 2 is provided on the hydrogen storage device side and the plug 4 is provided on the fuel cell power generation device side. Further, the socket 2 and the plug 4 are connected to connect between the devices that deliver the fluid, without being limited to the connection between the fuel cell power generation device and the hydrogen storage device. It can be used as the connector mechanism 1. In the following, the socket 2 is referred to as the front end on the side where the plug 4 is inserted and the opposite side is referred to as the rear end. In the plug 4, the side where the socket 2 is inserted is the front end and the opposite side is the rear end. That is to say.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the socket 2 has an outer shape formed by coupling a base 21 and a side wall member 22. The base 21 is a flange-like member in which a cylindrical tube portion 21a and a disk-shaped flat plate portion 21b are connected to have the same central axis, and a fluid flow path 21c that is a cavity is formed on the central axis. ing. The side wall member 22 is a substantially cylindrical member, the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion is substantially the same as the outer periphery of the flat plate portion 21 b of the base 21, and the cylindrical central axis of the side wall member 22 is substantially coincident with the central axis of the base 21. It is arranged. In order to improve the airtightness of the joint portion between the base 21 and the side wall member 22, a seal member 23 composed of various O-rings is disposed between the joint surfaces of the base 21 and the side wall member 22. Inside the side wall member 22, a holding member 24, a movable member 25, a stopper 26, an elastic body 27, and an optical fiber 28 are arranged.

  The holding member 24 has a shape in which a cylindrical portion 24a is coupled to the center of the disc-shaped portion 24b. The rear end surface of the disc-shaped portion 24 b is fixed in close contact with the base 21, the side surface is fixed in close contact with the side wall member 22, and the cylindrical portion 24 a passes through the approximate center inside the side wall member 22 in the front end direction of the socket 2. Is growing. In order to maintain the airtightness of the contact portion between the base 21 and the side wall member 22 and the holding member 24, measures for airtightness maintenance such as providing a sealing material shall be taken. In addition, the optical fiber 28 is fixed and held through the central axis of the disk-like portion 24b and the cylindrical portion 24a of the holding member 24, and one end face of the optical fiber 28 is exposed at the tip of the cylindrical portion 24a. It has become. The other end face of the optical fiber 28 is disposed so as to reach the optical communication means on the fuel cell side through the fluid flow path 21 c of the base 21. At this time, in order to maintain the airtightness between the holding member 24 and the optical fiber 28, a measure for maintaining airtightness such as a sealant is taken. Further, the holding member 24 is formed with a fluid flow path 24c, which is a tube for securing the flow of fluid, in a circular shape centering on the optical fiber 28, and is continuously connected to the fluid flow path 21c of the base 21. It forms a fluid flow path.

  The movable member 25 is a ring-shaped member, and the outer diameter is formed to be substantially the same as the inner wall surface of the side wall member 22, and the inner edge diameter is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 24 a of the holding member 24. . Further, the outer edge portion is disposed along the inner wall surface of the side wall member 22, and the inner edge portion is slidably disposed along the cylindrical portion 24 a of the holding member 24. At this time, a gap generated by the difference between the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 24a of the holding member 24 and the inner edge diameter of the movable member 25 forms a fluid flow path 25c that is a space for securing a fluid flow. Since there is a gap between the outer edge side surface of the movable member 25 and the inner wall surface of the side wall member 22 so that the movable member 25 can slide, airtightness cannot be maintained. A seal member 29 for improving airtightness is provided. The seal member 29 is characterized by high fuel sealing and low sliding resistance when the movable member 25 slides. Any shape may be used as long as it satisfies the conditions of high hermeticity and low sliding resistance, such as a general O-ring shape or an oil seal shape. In addition, a similar seal member 30 is disposed on the surface where the movable member 25 is in contact with the stopper 26, and the airtightness in a state where the movable member 25 is pressed against the stopper 26 is maintained. Further, a similar seal member 31 is disposed on the surface where the movable member 25 contacts the plug 4 described later.

  The stopper 26 is a disk-shaped member that is fixed to the tip of the cylindrical portion 24 a of the holding member 24. In order to maintain the airtightness between the holding member 24 and the stopper 26, an airtightness such as a sealing material is provided. Measures shall be taken to preserve Since the stopper 26 is fixed to the tip of the cylindrical portion 24 a, the movable range of the movable member 25 is limited between the disc-shaped portion 24 b of the holding member 24 and the stopper 26. The sealing member 30 disposed on the surface where the movable member 25 contacts the stopper 26 is disposed on the stopper 26 side, so that the airtightness in a state where the movable member 25 is pressed against the stopper 26 is maintained. It may be done.

  The elastic body 27 is a member such as a spring that generates a repulsive force, and is disposed in a compressed state between the holding member 24 and the movable member 25. By arranging the elastic body 27 between the holding member 24 and the movable member 25 in a compressed state, a repulsive force acts between the holding member 24 and the movable member 25 due to the force generated from the elastic body 27. Thus, the movable member 25 moves toward the distal end of the socket 2 and is pressed against the stopper 26. In a state where the movable member 25 is pressed against the stopper 26, the sealing member 30 is disposed between the movable member 25 and the stopper 26, so that airtightness between the movable member 25 and the stopper 26 is maintained. The shutoff valve is configured by a combination of the movable member 25, the stopper 26, and the elastic body 27. Here, the elastic body 27 is not limited to a spring member, and various members can be used as long as they can provide elasticity to urge the movable member 25 in the distal direction. . Further, the means for urging the movable member 25 in the distal direction is not limited to the elastic body 27 described above, and may be configured using the elasticity of the material, or configured using the difference in thermal expansion coefficient of the material. In addition, a configuration using electromagnetic force may be used, and any means can be used as long as a function as a shutoff valve can be added to the combination of the movable member 25 and the stopper 26.

  The inner wall portion of the side wall member 22 is provided with a protrusion 32 serving as one end of a lock mechanism for maintaining the state when the joint is connected. For example, a ball-shaped plunger (steel ball) is pressed from the inside of the socket 2 by a spring, and the protrusion 32 is received by a stopper provided on the inner surface of the socket 2 to be always spherical. The part (steel ball) has a function of maintaining a certain amount of protrusion. However, the lock mechanism shown here is an example, and the basic function of the joint of the present invention is established even with other structures.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the plug 4 has an outer shape formed by coupling a base 41 and a side wall member 42. The base 41 is a flange-like member in which a cylindrical tube portion 41a and a disk-shaped flat plate portion 41b are connected to have the same central axis, and a fluid flow path 41c that is a cavity is formed on the central axis. ing. The side wall member 42 is a member formed by joining two substantially cylindrical shapes having different outer diameters. A portion having a large outer diameter is a cylindrical portion 42a, and a portion having a small outer diameter is an insertion portion 42b. The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 42 a is substantially the same as the outer periphery of the flat plate portion 41 b of the base 41, and the outer diameter of the insertion portion 42 b is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the side wall member 22 of the socket 2 and can be inserted into the side wall member 22. It has become. The cylindrical central axis of the side wall member 42 is disposed so as to substantially coincide with the central axis of the base 41. The rear end surface of the cylindrical portion 42a is fixed in close contact with the flat plate portion 41b of the base 41, and in order to improve the airtightness of the joint portion between the base 41 and the side wall member 42, it is not between the joint surfaces of the base 41 and the side wall member 42. A seal member 43 composed of various O-rings is disposed. Inside the side wall member 42, a holding member 44, a movable member 45, a stopper 46, an elastic body 47, and an optical fiber 48 are arranged.

  The holding member 44 has a shape in which a cylindrical portion 44a is coupled to the center of the disc-shaped portion 44b. The rear end surface of the disc-shaped portion 44 b is fixed in close contact with the base 41, the side surface is fixed in close contact with the side wall member 42, and the cylindrical portion 44 a passes through the approximate center inside the side wall member 42 in the distal direction of the plug 4. Is growing. In order to maintain the airtightness of the contact portion between the base 41 and the side wall member 42 and the holding member 44, measures for airtightness maintenance such as providing a sealing material are taken. The optical fiber 48 is fixed and held through the central axis of the disk-shaped portion 44b and the cylindrical portion 44a of the holding member 44, and one end face of the optical fiber 48 is exposed at the tip of the cylindrical portion 44a. It has become. The other end face of the optical fiber 48 is arranged so as to reach the optical communication means on the fuel cell side through the fluid flow path 41 c of the base 41. At this time, in order to maintain the airtightness between the holding member 44 and the optical fiber 48, measures for airtightness maintenance such as arranging a sealing material are taken. Further, the holding member 44 is formed with a fluid flow path 44c, which is a tube for securing a fluid flow, in a circular shape centering on the optical fiber 48, and is continuous with the fluid flow path 41c of the base 41. It forms a fluid flow path.

  The movable member 45 is a ring-shaped member, and the outer diameter is formed to be substantially the same as the inner wall surface of the side wall member 42, and the inner edge diameter is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 44 a of the holding member 44. . Further, the outer edge portion is disposed along the inner wall surface of the side wall member 42, and the inner edge portion is slidably disposed along the cylindrical portion 44 a of the holding member 44. At this time, a gap generated by the difference between the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 44a of the holding member 44 and the inner edge diameter of the movable member 45 forms a fluid flow path 45c, which is a space for securing a fluid flow. Since there is a gap between the outer edge side surface of the movable member 45 and the inner wall surface of the side wall member 42 so that the movable member 45 can slide, airtightness cannot be maintained. A seal member 49 for increasing the airtightness is provided. The seal member 49 is characterized by high fuel sealing and low sliding resistance when the movable member 45 slides. Any shape may be used as long as it satisfies the conditions of high hermeticity and low sliding resistance, such as a general O-ring shape or an oil seal shape. A similar seal member 50 is also disposed on the surface where the movable member 45 is in contact with the stopper 46, and the airtightness in a state where the movable member 45 is pressed against the stopper 46 is maintained.

  The distal end portion of the outer diameter of the movable member 45 forms a cylindrical outer edge tip 45a. The outer diameter of the outer edge tip 45a is substantially the same as the inner wall surface of the side wall member 42, and the inner diameter is outside the stopper 46. When the movable member 45 is larger than the diameter and pressed against the stopper 46, the outer edge portion tip 45 a reaches a position where the tip end of the plug 4 protrudes from the tip end surface of the stopper 46. The outer edge portion tip 45 a of the movable member 45 protruding to the tip side from the stopper 46 has substantially the same shape as the stopper 26 of the socket 2, and the tip surface of the stopper 26 enters the outer edge portion tip 45 a of the movable member 45. It is a magnitude | size of the grade contact | abutted with the front end surface of the outer edge part front end 45a without. Further, a flow path groove 45b, which is a groove, is formed on the front end surface of the outer edge part tip 45a. Even when the stopper 26 of the socket 2 and the outer edge part front end 45a abut, the flow path groove 45b is interposed. Fuel can be exchanged.

  The stopper 46 is a disk-shaped member that is fixed to the tip of the cylindrical portion 44 a of the holding member 44, and in order to maintain the airtightness between the holding member 44 and the stopper 46, an airtightness such as a seal material is provided. Measures shall be taken to maintain the sex. Since the stopper 46 is fixed to the tip of the cylindrical portion 44 a, the movable range of the movable member 45 is limited between the disk-shaped portion 44 b of the holding member 44 and the stopper 46. The seal member 50 disposed on the surface where the movable member 45 contacts the stopper 46 is disposed on the stopper 46 side, so that airtightness is maintained when the movable member 45 is pressed against the stopper 46. It may be done. The outer diameter of the stopper 46 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the outer edge tip 45a of the movable member 45. When the movable member 45 is pressed against the stopper 46, the stopper 46 enters the outer edge tip 45a. The rear end surface of the movable member 45 comes into contact with the disk-shaped surface of the movable member 45. Further, the sealing member 50 disposed on the surface where the movable member 45 contacts the stopper 46 is disposed on the stopper 46 side, so that the airtightness in a state where the movable member 45 is pressed against the stopper 46 is provided. May be held.

  The elastic body 47 is a member such as a spring that generates a repulsive force, and is disposed in a compressed state between the holding member 44 and the movable member 45. Since the elastic body 47 is disposed between the holding member 44 and the movable member 45 in a compressed state, a repulsive force acts between the holding member 44 and the movable member 45 due to the force generated from the elastic body 47. Thus, the movable member 45 moves toward the distal end of the plug 4 and is pressed against the stopper 46. In a state where the movable member 45 is pressed against the stopper 46, the sealing member 50 is disposed between the movable member 45 and the stopper 46, so that the airtightness between the movable member 45 and the stopper 46 is maintained. The shut-off valve is configured by a combination of the movable member 45, the stopper 46, and the elastic body 47. Here, the elastic body 47 is not limited to a spring member, and various members can be used as long as they can provide elasticity so as to bias the movable member 45 in the distal direction. . The means for urging the movable member 45 in the distal direction is not limited to the elastic body 47 described above, and may be configured using the elasticity of the material, or configured using the difference in thermal expansion coefficient of the material. In addition, a configuration using electromagnetic force may be used, and any means can be used as long as a function as a shutoff valve can be added to the movable member 45 and the stopper 46.

  The protrusion 32 provided on the side wall member 22 of the socket 2 described above reaches the outer wall portion of the insertion portion 42b of the side wall member 42 fitted to the socket 2 in a state where the socket 2 and the plug 4 are fitted. A groove 51 serving as one end of a lock mechanism for maintaining the state when the joint is connected is provided at the position. The protrusion 32 provided on the side wall member 22 of the socket 2 enters the groove 51, whereby the connection state between the socket 2 and the plug 4 is maintained. However, as described in the description of the socket 2, the lock mechanism shown here is only an example, and the function of the joint of the present invention is established even with other structures, so the plug 4 is limited to the shape shown in FIG. Absent.

  4 is a plan view of the movable member 45 of the plug 4 as viewed from the direction of arrow A in FIG. The outer edge 45a is formed with a channel groove 45b, which is a groove of a size that allows fuel to flow. FIG. 4 shows a case where four channel grooves 45b are formed at intervals of 90 degrees on the circumference of the outer edge portion tip 45a. However, the size and number of the channels functioning as a fuel channel can be appropriately selected. The arrangement method is not limited to that shown in FIG.

  Next, the operation of the connector mechanism 1 and the function as a shutoff valve will be described with reference to FIG. When the plug 4 is attached to the socket 2, both are arranged so that the central axis of the plug 4 and the central axis of the socket 2 are on the same axis, and the plug 4 is pushed into the side wall member 22 of the socket 2.

  In FIG. 5, a first contact surface and a second contact surface are defined for convenience of explanation. When the socket 2 and the plug 4 are connected, first, the front end surface of the movable member 25 of the socket 2 and the front end surface of the insertion portion 42b of the plug 4 are in contact with each other. . When the connection operation further proceeds after the first contact surface 61 is joined, the stopper 26 of the socket 2 and the tip surface of the outer edge 45a of the movable member 45 of the plug 4 come into contact with each other. The contact surface 62 is used. The operation of each part from the state where the socket 2 and the plug 4 are separated as shown in FIG. 5 to the state where the connection between the socket 2 and the plug 4 is completed will be described as follows. .

  FIG. 5 shows a state where the socket 2 and the plug 4 are separated. In the socket 2 at this time, since the movable member 25 is urged toward the distal end by the repulsive force of the elastic body 27 and is in contact with the stopper 26, the seal member 30 disposed between the movable member 25 and the stopper 26. The airtightness is maintained. In addition, since the airtightness is also maintained by the seal member 29 disposed between the inner wall of the side wall member 22 and the outer wall of the movable member 25, the shutoff valve constituted by the movable member 25 and the stopper 26 is closed. State. Similarly, in the plug 4, since the movable member 45 is urged in the distal direction by the repulsive force of the elastic body 47 and is in contact with the stopper 46, the seal member 50 disposed between the movable member 45 and the stopper 46 is used. Airtightness is maintained. Further, since the airtightness is also maintained by the seal member 49 arranged between the inner wall of the side wall member 42 and the outer wall of the movable member 45, the shutoff valve constituted by the movable member 45 and the stopper 46 is closed. State.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6, when the connection is started so that the insertion portion 42 b of the plug 4 is inserted into the side wall member 22 of the socket 2, the distal end surface of the movable member 25 of the socket 2 and the insertion portion of the plug 4 are inserted. The front end surface of 42b, that is, the first contact surface 61 comes into contact. In this state, in the socket 2, since the movable member 25 is urged in the distal direction by the repulsive force of the elastic body 27 and is in contact with the stopper 26, the sealing member disposed between the movable member 25 and the stopper 26. The airtightness is maintained by 30. In addition, since the airtightness is also maintained by the seal member 29 disposed between the inner wall of the side wall member 22 and the outer wall of the movable member 25, the shutoff valve constituted by the movable member 25 and the stopper 26 is closed. State. Similarly, in the plug 4, since the movable member 45 is urged in the distal direction by the repulsive force of the elastic body 47 and is in contact with the stopper 46, the seal member 50 disposed between the movable member 45 and the stopper 46 is used. Airtightness is maintained. Further, since the airtightness is also maintained by the seal member 49 arranged between the inner wall of the side wall member 42 and the outer wall of the movable member 45, the shutoff valve constituted by the movable member 45 and the stopper 46 is closed. State. Accordingly, the space inside the joint and the space outside the joint are blocked, and a sealed space is formed inside the joint, and the shutoff valves of the socket 2 and the plug 4 remain closed.

  When the joint connecting operation further proceeds, as shown in FIG. 7, the plug portion 42 b of the plug 4 is inserted into the side wall member 22 of the socket 2, and the movable member 25 of the socket 2 resists the repulsive force of the elastic body 27. Is moved toward the rear end of the socket 2. As a result, in the socket 2, a gap is generated between the seal member 30 attached to the movable member 25 and the stopper 26. At this time, the stopper 26 of the socket 2 relatively enters the rear end direction of the plug portion 42 b of the plug 4, and the front end surface of the stopper 26 of the socket 2 and the outer end portion 45 a of the plug 4, that is, the second contact surface. 62 contacts.

  After that, when the plug 4 is further inserted into the socket 2 and the connection operation proceeds, the insertion portion 42b of the plug 4 is further inserted into the side wall member 22 of the socket 2 as shown in FIG. The movable member 45 of the plug 4 is moved toward the rear end of the plug 4 against the repulsive force of the body 47. As a result, in the plug 4, a gap is generated between the seal member 50 attached to the movable member 45 and the stopper 46, and thereafter, the movable member 25 of the socket 2 and the movable member 45 of the plug 4 slide to each side wall. It moves toward the rear end direction of the member 22 and the side wall member 42. When the stopper 26 of the socket 2 and the stopper 46 of the plug 4 come close to or come into contact with each other, the protrusion 32 serving as one end of the lock mechanism of the joint is fitted into the groove 51, and the lock mechanism works to complete the connection of the joint. At this time, the end face of the optical fiber 28 held by the holding member 24 of the socket 2 and the end face of the optical fiber 48 held by the holding member 44 of the plug 4 are close to or in contact with each other, and the optical fiber is connected between the socket 2 and the plug 4. Communication using light as a catalyst via the optical fiber 28 and the optical fiber 48 becomes possible.

  FIGS. 9 to 12 illustrate the space (fuel flow) in which the fuel exists in the socket 2 and the plug 4 in each stage of FIGS. 5 to 8 of the connection operation. In each of FIGS. 9 to 12, the hatched portion is a space where a fluid that is fuel exists. Here, the hatched area of the socket 2 is referred to as a first flow path 63 that is a flow path through which the fuel flows, and the hatched area of the plug 4 is a second flow path through which the fuel flows. It will be referred to as a flow path 64. The direction in which the fuel flows in the first flow path 63 and the second flow path 64 will be referred to as the main flow direction.

  FIG. 9 shows a state where the socket 2 and the plug 4 are separated. In the socket 2 at this time, airtightness is maintained by the seal member 30 disposed between the movable member 25 and the stopper 26, and the seal disposed between the inner wall of the side wall member 22 and the outer wall of the movable member 25. Airtightness is also maintained by the member 29. For this reason, the first flow path 63, which is an area indicated by hatching in the figure, is formed by the fluid flow path 21c, the fluid flow path 24c, the fluid flow path 25c and the inside of the side wall member 22 communicating with each other. The interior and exterior spaces are blocked. Similarly, in the plug 4, airtightness is maintained by the seal member 50 disposed between the movable member 45 and the stopper 46, and the seal member disposed between the inner wall of the side wall member 42 and the outer wall of the movable member 45. The airtightness is also maintained by 49. Therefore, the second flow path 64, which is a hatched area in the figure, is formed by the fluid flow path 41c, the fluid flow path 44c, the fluid flow path 45c and the inside of the side wall member 42 communicating with each other, and the plug 4 The interior and exterior spaces are blocked.

  FIG. 10 shows a state in which the distal end surface of the movable member 25 of the socket 2 and the distal end surface of the insertion portion 42 b of the plug 4, that is, the first contact surface 61 are in contact with each other. Until this state is reached, the movable member 25 is still in contact with the stopper 26 and the airtightness is maintained by the seal member 30 disposed between the movable member 25 and the stopper 26. Further, airtightness is also maintained by a seal member 29 arranged between the inner wall of the side wall member 22 and the outer wall of the movable member 25. For this reason, the first flow path 63, which is an area indicated by hatching in the figure, is formed by the fluid flow path 21c, the fluid flow path 24c, the fluid flow path 25c and the inside of the side wall member 22 communicating with each other. The interior and exterior spaces are blocked. Similarly, in the plug 4, since the movable member 45 is in contact with the stopper 46, airtightness is maintained by the seal member 50 disposed between the movable member 45 and the stopper 46. Further, airtightness is also maintained by a seal member 49 disposed between the inner wall of the side wall member 42 and the outer wall of the movable member 45. Therefore, the second flow path 64, which is a hatched area in the figure, is formed by the fluid flow path 41c, the fluid flow path 44c, the fluid flow path 45c and the inside of the side wall member 42 communicating with each other, and the plug 4 The interior and exterior spaces are blocked. That is, no fuel is exchanged between the first flow path 63 and the second flow path 64.

  FIG. 11 shows a state in which the connector is further connected after the front end surface of the movable member 25 of the socket 2 and the front end surface of the insertion portion 42 b of the plug 4, that is, the first contact surface 61, so that the stopper 26 of the socket 2 is connected. The state until the distal end surface and the distal end surface of the outer edge 45a of the movable member 45 of the plug 4 are in contact with each other, that is, the second contact surface 62 is shown. Since there is a gap between the seal member 30 attached to the movable member 25 and the stopper 26, the first flow path 63, which is a region indicated by hatching in the figure, is a fluid flow path 21c, a fluid flow path 24c, In addition to the fluid flow path 25 c and the inside of the side wall member 22, it communicates with the peripheral region of the stopper 26. Here, the peripheral region of the stopper 26 is a space defined by the distal end surface of the movable member 25, the inner wall surface of the side wall member 42, and the movable member 45, and the gap between the stopper 26 and the movable member 25, the stopper 26 and the side wall. They are the gap with the inner wall of the member 42, the flow path groove 45 b, and the inside of the outer edge portion tip 45 a of the movable member 45.

  At this time, the seal member 31 is disposed between the movable member 25 and the insertion portion 42b of the side wall member 42, and the movable member 25 is biased in the distal direction by the repulsive force of the elastic body 27. The inside of 2 is cut off from the outside and kept airtight. Further, a seal member 49 is disposed between the movable member 45 and the inner wall of the side wall member 42 to maintain airtightness, and a seal member 50 is disposed between the movable member 45 and the stopper 46 to achieve airtightness. Is held. For this reason, the second flow path 64 formed by communication between the fluid flow path 41c, the fluid flow path 44c, the fluid flow path 45c, and the inside of the side wall member 42, which is a hatched area in the drawing, is described above. The first flow path 63 is cut off, and the first flow path 63 and the second flow path 64 are not in communication.

  After the connection operation further proceeds and the stopper 26 of the socket 2 and the distal end surface of the outer edge 45a of the movable member 45 of the plug 4, that is, the second contact surface 62 contact, the plug portion 42 b of the plug 4 is connected to the socket 2. Further inserted into the side wall member 22, the movable member 45 of the plug 4 is moved toward the rear end of the plug 4 against the repulsive force of the elastic body 47. Thereby, in the plug 4, a gap is generated between the seal member 50 attached to the movable member 45 and the stopper 46. Thereafter, the movable member 25 of the socket 2 and the movable member 45 of the plug 4 slide to move toward the rear ends of the side wall member 22 and the side wall member 42, respectively. Thereby, a gap is generated between the stopper 46 and the movable member 45, and the first flow path 63 and the second flow path 64 are communicated. When the stopper 26 of the socket 2 and the stopper 46 of the plug 4 come close to each other or come into contact with each other, as shown in FIG. 12, the protrusion 32 that bears one end of the locking mechanism of the joint is fitted into the groove 51, and the locking mechanism works. Connection of the joint is completed.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the state where the connection between the socket 2 and the plug 4 is completed, the stopper 26 of the socket 2 and the stopper 46 of the plug 4 come close to or come into contact with each other, and at the same time, the protrusion 32 that bears one end of the lock mechanism of the joint. Is fitted in the groove 51, the lock mechanism is activated, and the connection of the joint is completed, so that the fluid channel 21c, the fluid channel 24c, the fluid channel 25c, the fluid channel 41c, the fluid channel 44c, and the fluid channel 45c are formed. The fluid that is held in communication and is a fuel between the socket 2 and the plug 4 can be exchanged.

  When removing the plug 4 from the socket 2, the socket 2 and the plug 4 are pulled in opposite directions. In the connector mechanism 1, the socket 2 and the plug 4 are provided with a locking mechanism, but a spherical part (steel ball) such as a ball plunger is pushed from the inside of the socket 2 by a spring, and the protrusion 32 is formed in the groove 51. Since the fitted state is a locked state, when a force exceeding the allowable range of the locking mechanism is applied, the spherical part (steel ball) overcomes the repulsive force of the spring and the protrusion 32 retracts, and the lock Will come off. For this reason, the plug 4 can be pulled out from the socket 2 by a simple operation of simply pulling the socket 2 and the plug 4 in opposite directions.

  When the plug 4 is pulled out from the socket 2 and the plug 4 and the socket 2 are separated separately, the shutoff valves of the plug 4 and the socket 2 are closed. That is, the movable member 25 and the movable member 45 are returned to the distal end side by the elastic force of the elastic body 27 and the elastic body 47, respectively, and pressed against the seal member 31 and the seal member 50, respectively. As a result, the shutoff valve is closed by the movable member 25 and the movable member 45, and the flow path of the fluid as the fuel is at the positions of the distal end surface of the movable member 25 and the movable member 45 and the positions of the seal member 31 and the seal member 50, respectively. It is shut off again and the airtightness is maintained. Therefore, after the plug 4 is pulled out from the socket 2, the fluid in the device to which the plug 4 and the socket 2 are connected does not leak to the outside. As a result, it is possible to release the lock mechanism and remove the plug 4 from the socket 2 by simply pulling the socket 2 and the plug 4 in the opposite directions to shut off the fluid as fuel.

  The connector mechanism 1 configured as described above is a shutoff valve that shuts off the flow of fluid to both the socket 2 and the plug 4 and maintains a sealed state, that is, the movable member 25 and the stopper 26, and the movable member 45 and the stopper 46. Is provided. Thereby, in this connector mechanism 1, in the state where the connection between the socket 2 and the plug 4 is released, the communicating apparatus to which the socket 2 is connected is kept in a sealed state. Further, in a state where the connection between the socket 2 and the plug 4 is released, the inside of the communicating device to which the plug 4 is connected is kept in a sealed state. Therefore, even when the connection between the socket 2 and the plug 4 is released, the inside of the device to which the plug 4 is connected is kept in a sealed state, so that the fluid remaining in the device may be discharged to the outside. In addition, it is possible to prevent a mixed gas other than a predetermined fluid such as air from flowing into the device. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operation efficiency of the device from being lowered and the fluid from being deteriorated due to the mixed gas when the device is operated next time. In addition, it is not necessary to provide a processing mechanism for mixed gases other than a predetermined fluid such as air in the device, and the structure on the device side can be simplified and reduced in size.

  In the connector mechanism 1, both the movable member 25 and the movable member 45 are mechanically opened. Thereby, in this connector mechanism 1, the opening operation of the shutoff valve is always reliably performed, and the fluid can be exchanged reliably and stably. However, the opening operation of the movable member 25 or the movable member 45 is not limited to a mechanical operation. For example, when the direction of flowing the fluid is only one direction, the fluid inflow side The shut-off valve may be configured such that the opening operation is performed by the pressure of the fluid.

  The connector mechanism according to the present invention as described above can be applied not only when a gas is used as a fuel fluid but also when a liquid is used as a fuel fluid.

  Next, specific usage examples of the connector mechanism according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a portable electronic device equipped with a fuel cell system configured by applying the connector mechanism according to the present invention. A fuel cell system 72 to which the present invention is applied mounted on a portable electronic device 71 includes a hydrogen storage cartridge 73 that stores hydrogen therein or supplies hydrogen stored therein to a fuel cell power generator 74; And a fuel cell power generation device 74 that generates power using the hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage cartridge 73 as fuel.

  In the fuel cell system 72, the fuel cell power generation device 74 is permanently installed in the portable electronic device 71. However, the hydrogen storage cartridge 73 is configured to be detachable from the portable electronic device 71. Loaded or removed. That is, when the portable electronic device 71 is driven, the hydrogen storage cartridge 73 is loaded in the portable electronic device 71 and supplies hydrogen to the fuel cell power generation device 74. On the other hand, when the portable electronic device 71 is not driven, for example, when the portable electronic device 71 is paused for a long time or when hydrogen is stored in the hydrogen storage cartridge 73, it is removed from the portable electronic device 71.

  Such a hydrogen storage cartridge 73 connects the hydrogen storage body 75, the pressure adjustment mechanism 76, the sensor 77, the information processing unit 78, the optical communication means 79, and the hydrogen storage cartridge 73 to the fuel cell power generator 74. A socket 2 that is a part of the connector mechanism 1 is provided. The hydrogen occlusion body 75, the pressure adjusting mechanism 76, and the socket 2 communicate with each other through a flow path through which a fluid as fuel flows, so that fuel can be exchanged. Further, the sensor 77, the information processing unit 78, and the optical communication means 79 are connected via a signal line so that information can be transmitted.

The hydrogen storage body 75 contains a hydrogen storage alloy such as LaNi ₅ or a hydrogen storage carbon material typified by carbon nanotubes, and a large amount of hydrogen can be stored by storing hydrogen therein. ing.

  The pressure adjustment mechanism 76 adjusts the pressure of hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage body 75 to the fuel cell power generation device 74 to a predetermined pressure. In order to perform stable power generation in the fuel cell power generation device 74 and supply stable electric energy to the portable electronic device 71, it is necessary to stably supply hydrogen as fuel to the fuel cell power generation device 74 at a predetermined pressure. is there. Therefore, the pressure of the hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage body 75 is adjusted to a predetermined pressure by the pressure adjusting mechanism 76 and supplied to the fuel cell power generation device 74.

  The sensor 77 is connected to the hydrogen storage body 75 and monitors temperature, pressure in the cell, and the like. The monitored result is sent to the information processing unit 84 via a signal line.

  The information processing unit 78 is connected to the sensor 77, the pressure adjustment mechanism 76, and the optical communication unit 79 via a signal line, and exchanges information. Further, the information is processed and the pressure adjusting mechanism 76 is controlled to smoothly supply hydrogen from the hydrogen storage body 75.

  The optical communication means 79 is a light emitting / receiving element that is connected to the information processing section 78 through a signal line and performs mutual conversion between an electric signal and an optical signal. The light receiving / emitting portion is connected to the optical fiber 28 provided in the socket 2. Optical communication is performed via the optical propagation path. By using optical communication means 79 and 83 provided in both the hydrogen storage cartridge 73 and the fuel cell power generation device 74, information is transmitted by transmission and reception of light, and hydrogen is controlled by the pressure adjustment mechanism 76 by the information processing unit 78. Gas supply and power generation are performed smoothly. Here, a light emitting diode, a laser element, a photodiode, or the like is used as the light emitting / receiving element.

  Next, the fuel cell power generator 74 will be described. The fuel cell power generator 74 includes a flow rate adjusting mechanism 80, a hydrogen supply control mechanism 81, an electric energy generating element 82, an optical communication means 83, an information processing unit 84, a sensor 85, a hydrogen storage cartridge 73, and a fuel cell. A plug 4 that is a part of a connector mechanism for connecting the power generation device 74 is provided. The flow rate adjusting mechanism 80, the hydrogen supply control mechanism 81, the electric energy generating element 82, and the plug 4 communicate with each other through a flow path through which a fluid, which is a fuel, and can exchange fuel. Further, the optical communication means 83, the information processing unit 84, and the sensor 85 are connected via a signal line so that information can be transmitted.

  The flow rate adjusting mechanism 80 adjusts the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage body 75 to the electric energy generating element 82 to a predetermined flow rate. In order to perform stable power generation in the electric energy generating element 82 and supply stable electric energy to the portable electronic device 71, it is necessary to stably supply hydrogen as a fuel to the electric energy generating element 82 at a predetermined flow rate. is there. Therefore, based on the information obtained from the sensor 85 and the information communication result from the hydrogen storage cartridge 73 side, the flow rate adjusting mechanism 80 supplies the hydrogen storage body 75 to the electric energy generating element 82 under the control of the information processing unit 84. The hydrogen flow rate is adjusted to a predetermined flow rate and supplied to the electric energy generating element 82.

  The hydrogen supply control mechanism 81 controls the supply of hydrogen to the electric energy generating element 82, and has a function of controlling the supply and stop of hydrogen gas when the electric energy generating element 82 is operated. Such a hydrogen supply control mechanism 81 can be configured, for example, by using or combining valves.

  The electric energy generating element 82 is a fuel cell main body that generates power using hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage body 75 as fuel. That is, when hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen storage body 75 to the electric energy generating element 82, electric power is generated in the electric energy generating element 82 using the hydrogen as fuel, and the electric energy obtained by this power generation is supplied to the portable electronic device 71. Supplied.

  The optical communication unit 83 is a light emitting / receiving element that is connected to the information processing unit 84 by a signal line and performs mutual conversion between an electric signal and an optical signal. The light receiving / emitting part is an optical fiber 48 provided on the plug 4. Optical communication is performed via the optical propagation path. By using optical communication means 79 and 83 provided in both the hydrogen storage cartridge 73 and the fuel cell power generation device 74, information is transmitted by transmission and reception of light, and hydrogen is controlled by the flow rate adjustment mechanism 80 by the information processing unit 84. Gas supply and power generation are performed smoothly. Here, a light emitting diode, a laser element, a photodiode, or the like is used as the light emitting / receiving element.

  The information processing unit 84 is connected to the flow rate adjusting mechanism 80, the hydrogen supply control mechanism 81, the optical communication unit 83, and the sensor 85 via a signal line, and exchanges information. Further, the fuel cell power generator 74 is smoothly operated by processing the information and controlling the flow rate adjusting mechanism 80 and the hydrogen supply control mechanism 81.

  The sensor 85 is connected to the electric energy generating element 82 and monitors temperature, pressure in the cell, and the like. The monitored result is sent to the information processing unit 84 via a signal line.

  The socket 2 and the plug 4 constitute the connector mechanism 1 and connect the fuel cell power generation device 74 to the hydrogen storage cartridge 73. Here, since the connector mechanism 1 described above is used as the connector mechanism, when the socket 2 and the plug 4 are connected, the projection 32 of the socket 2 enters the groove 51 of the plug 4 to operate the lock mechanism. The connection between the socket 2 and the plug 4 is securely held. At that time, the optical fiber 28 of the socket 2 and the end face of the optical fiber 48 of the plug 4 are in contact with each other, whereby information can be transmitted by light between the socket 2 and the plug 4. Further, in the state where the connection is maintained, as described above, the transfer of the fluid as the fuel between the socket 2 and the plug 4 is performed stably and reliably. Information is transmitted via the optical fiber 28 and the optical fiber 48. As a result, hydrogen serving as fuel can be stably supplied to the fuel cell power generator 74. As a result, the fuel cell power generation device 74 can perform stable power generation and supply stable electric energy to the portable electronic device 71.

  In the fuel cell system 72 configured as described above, information is transmitted by transmission / reception of light by the optical communication means 79 and the optical communication means 83 via the optical fiber 28 and the optical fiber 48 provided in the socket 2 and the plug 4 respectively. Then, the hydrogen storage body 75 provided in the hydrogen storage cartridge 73 is supplied to the fuel cell power generation device 74 in a state of being regulated to a predetermined pressure by the pressure adjustment mechanism 76. The hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell power generation device 74 is adjusted to an optimum flow rate for generating electric power to be supplied to the portable electronic device 71 in the flow rate adjusting mechanism 80, and the hydrogen supply control mechanism 81 and the electric energy generating element 82 are adjusted. Sent to. The electric energy generating element 82 generates electric power using this hydrogen as fuel, and supplies the generated electric energy to the portable electronic device 71 to drive the portable electronic device 71.

  Since the portable electronic device 71 as described above includes the connector mechanism 1, the hydrogen storage cartridge 73 is kept sealed in a state where the connection between the socket 2 and the plug 4 is released. In the state where the connection with the plug 4 is released, the inside of the fuel cell power generation device 74 is kept sealed.

  Therefore, even in a state where the connection between the socket 2 and the plug 4 is released, hydrogen remaining in the socket 2 and the plug 4 is not released to the outside, and air or the like is contained in the socket 2 and the plug 4. It is possible to prevent a mixed gas other than hydrogen from flowing in, and it is possible to prevent the operating efficiency of the fuel cell power generation device 74 from being lowered due to the mixed gas and the deterioration of hydrogen. Accordingly, since it is not necessary to provide a processing mechanism for mixed gas such as air in the fuel cell system 72, the structure of the fuel cell power generation device 74 can be simplified and downsized. 71 can be downsized.

  Further, the arrangement positions of the pressure adjustment mechanism 76, the flow rate adjustment mechanism 80, and the hydrogen supply control mechanism 81 are not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 13, and for example, as shown in FIG. A configuration may be adopted in which the flow rate adjusting mechanism 80 and the hydrogen supply control mechanism 81 are arranged in the power generation device 74. Further, as shown in FIG. It is also good. Even in the case of the above configuration, the above-described effects according to the present invention can be obtained. In these cases, the information processing unit 84 provided in the fuel cell power generation device 74 performs the function provided by the information processing unit 78 provided in the hydrogen storage cartridge 73 in FIG. The processing unit 78 becomes unnecessary.

  In the fuel cell system 72 described above, it is possible to transmit various information necessary for supplying hydrogen to the electric energy generating element 82. As a result, the amount and pressure of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage cartridge 73 and various other information relating to hydrogen can be constantly grasped, so that the management of the hydrogen storage cartridge 73 can be performed easily and reliably. .

  The fuel cell system as described above can be reduced in size and can be supplied with hydrogen by a simple operation. Equipment, portable printers and facsimiles, telephones, television receivers, communication equipment, portable terminals, cameras, audio-video equipment, electric fans, refrigerators, irons, pots, vacuum cleaners, rice cookers, electromagnetic cookers, game machines and radio controlled cars Such as toys, power tools, medical equipment, measuring equipment, on-vehicle equipment, office equipment, health and beauty equipment, electronic control robots, clothing-type electronic equipment, leisure equipment, sports equipment, and other various applications Is possible.

  In the above description, an example in which hydrogen gas is mainly used as the fuel has been described. However, methanol (liquid) may be used as the fuel corresponding to the so-called direct methanol system. Moreover, although the case where this invention was applied to the fuel cell system was demonstrated, this invention is not limited to this, It is applicable to the various field | areas which use a fluid.

  In addition, the connector mechanism 1 of the present embodiment is not limited to information transmission between the hydrogen storage cartridge 73 and the fuel cell power generation device 74, and can be widely used for information transmission between devices that deliver fluid. Information can be transmitted between connected devices without connecting signal lines. Therefore, even if the fluid is supplied over a long period of time without causing a connection failure between the devices or deterioration of the signal line due to the delivered fluid, the fluid should be supplied stably. Can do.

[Second Embodiment]

  Next, another embodiment of the connector mechanism according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 16 shows a configuration example of the connector mechanism 91 to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 17 is a schematic sectional view of a socket used in the connector mechanism 91 to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 18 is a schematic sectional view of a plug.

  FIG. 16 is an external perspective view showing a state in which the socket 92 and the plug 94 constituting the connector mechanism 91 of this embodiment are connected. A connector mechanism 91 to which the present invention is applied includes a socket 92 that is a female connector shown in FIG. 17 and a plug 94 that is a male connector shown in FIG. 18. The plug 94 is shown in FIG. The plug 94 and the socket 92 are connected by being inserted into the socket 92. FIG. 16 shows a state in which the plug 94 is inserted into the socket 92 and a locking mechanism which will be described later works, the connection between the socket 92 and the plug 94 is maintained, and the fuel flow path between the socket 92 and the plug 94 is communicated. Indicates. At this time, the optical fibers arranged inside the socket 92 and the plug 94 are in contact with each other, and information transmission by light between the socket 92 and the plug 94 is possible.

  Such a connector mechanism 91 is suitable for use in, for example, a fuel cell system. When used in a fuel cell system, for example, a socket 92 is mounted on the fuel cell side and plugged on the hydrogen storage cartridge side that stores hydrogen. 94 is installed. The hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage cartridge can be taken out by inserting the plug 94 into the socket 92. Hereinafter, each configuration of the connector mechanism 91 will be described. In this example, the socket 92 is provided on the hydrogen storage device side and the plug 94 is provided on the fuel cell power generation device side, but the socket 92 is provided on the hydrogen storage device side and the plug 94 is provided on the fuel cell power generation device side. Further, it is not limited to being used for connection between the fuel cell power generation device and the hydrogen storage device, and the socket 92 and the plug 94 are connected to connect between the devices for delivering the fluid. The connector mechanism 91 can be used. In the following, the socket 92 is referred to as the front end on the side where the plug 94 is inserted, and the opposite side is referred to as the rear end. In the plug 94, the side where the socket 92 is inserted is the front end, and the opposite side is the rear end. That is to say.

  Referring to FIG. 17, the socket 92 has a base 921 and a side wall member 922 joined to form an outer shape. The base 921 is a flange-like member in which a cylindrical cylindrical portion 921a and a disc-shaped flat plate portion 921b are connected to have the same central axis, and a fluid flow path 921c that is a cavity is formed on the central axis. ing. The side wall member 922 is a substantially cylindrical member, the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion is substantially the same as the outer periphery of the flat plate portion 921b of the base 921, and the cylindrical central axis of the side wall member 922 is substantially coincident with the central axis of the base 921. It is arranged.

  Inside the side wall member 922, a holding portion 924 for fixing and holding an optical fiber to be described later, a guide portion 924a for determining a sliding direction of the movable member to be described later, and a stopper 926 for limiting the movable range of the movable member are formed. Yes. Further, a movable member 925, an elastic body 927, an optical fiber 928, a movable seal member 930, and an elastic body 931 are disposed inside the side wall member 922.

  The holding portion 924 is a flat plate-like portion that is a part of the side wall member 922 formed so as to come into contact with the base 921, and the rear end surface thereof is in close contact with the base 921 and is fixed in the vicinity of the central axis of the side wall member 922. The optical fiber 928 is fixedly held. At this time, in order to maintain the airtightness between the holding portion 924 and the optical fiber 928, measures for airtightness maintenance such as arranging a sealing material are taken, and the side wall member 922 and the contact portion between the holding portion 924 and the base 921 are taken. In order to maintain the airtightness, measures to maintain the airtightness, such as arranging a sealing material, shall be taken. The holding portion 924 is formed with a fluid flow path 924c, which is a pipe for securing the flow of fluid, in a circular shape centering on the optical fiber 928, and is continuous with the fluid flow path 921c of the base 921. It forms a fluid flow path. One end face of the optical fiber 928 is disposed so as to reach the optical communication means on the fuel cell side through the fluid flow path 921c of the base 921.

  The guide portion 924a is a cylindrical portion that is a part of the side wall member 922, and its inner diameter is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the movable member 925 so that the movable member 925 can slide in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder. Act as a guide. Further, the front end portion of the guide portion 924a is separated from the cylinder forming the outer shape of the side wall member 922 to form a double cylindrical structure, and the rear end is connected to and integrated with the holding portion 924.

  The stopper 926 is an annular portion formed at the tip of the guide portion 924a, and the inner diameter thereof is smaller than the inner diameter of the guide portion 924a, and the outer diameter thereof is larger than the outer shape of the guide portion 924a. Since the inner diameter of the stopper 926 is smaller than the inner diameter of the guide portion 924a, the stopper 926 limits the region in which the movable member 925 slides along the guide portion 924a. In addition, since the outer diameter of the stopper 926 is larger than the outer shape of the guide portion 924a, the stopper 926 limits the region in which the movable seal member 930 slides along the guide portion 924a. Further, a seal member 929 for improving airtightness is disposed on the inner wall of the guide portion 924a on the movable member 925 side of the stopper 926. The seal member 929 is characterized by high fuel sealing performance. Any shape may be used as long as it satisfies the condition of high hermeticity, such as a general O-ring shape or an oil seal shape.

  The movable member 925 is a substantially spherical member, and the outer diameter is formed to be substantially the same as the inner wall surface of the guide portion 924a and is slidably disposed along the longitudinal inner wall surface of the guide portion 924a. The movable member 925 is formed with a central hole 925a which is a hole penetrating along the cylindrical central axis of the side wall member 922. A lens 925b is disposed and embedded in the movable member 925 in the distal direction of the central hole 925a. ing. The diameter of the center hole 925a is larger than the diameter of the optical fiber 928, and the optical fiber 928 is slidably inserted. Here, since the optical fiber 928 is slidable in the center hole 925a, the optical fiber 928 is not moved even when the movable member 925 is slid. Since it is difficult to add, the possibility of breakage of the optical fiber 928 can be reduced. A fluid channel 925c that is a groove is formed on the outer periphery of the movable member 925 along the longitudinal direction of the guide portion 924a. The depth of the groove of the fluid flow path 925c is sufficient to ensure the fluid flow. However, when the movable member 925 contacts the seal member 929, the groove is shielded by the seal member 929, and fuel leakage occurs. No more.

  FIG. 18 shows a cross section of the movable member 925 at the position indicated by AA in the figure. A center hole 925a is provided at the center of the circular cross section, and a fluid flow path 925c is provided at the outer peripheral portion. 18A is a cross section when the fluid flow path 925c is formed at four positions at intervals of 90 degrees, and FIG. 18B is a cross section when the fluid flow path 925c is formed at six positions at intervals of 60 degrees. However, the size and number that function as a fuel flow path can be selected as appropriate, and the arrangement method is not limited to that shown in FIG. Further, the movable member 925 forms a seat 924d by scraping part of the rear end portion of the sphere, so that the elastic body 927 can be attached stably. By forming the seat 924d, the uniformity of the force that acts on the movable member 925 stably with the elastic body 927 at the center is maintained. It is also possible to prevent the movable member 925 from rotating and applying a load to the optical fiber 928.

  The elastic body 927 is a member such as a spring that generates a repulsive force, and is disposed in a compressed state between the holding portion 924 and the movable member 925. Since the elastic body 927 is disposed between the holding portion 924 and the movable member 925 in a compressed state, a repulsive force acts between the holding portion 924 and the movable member 925 due to the force generated from the elastic body 927. Thus, the movable member 925 moves toward the distal end of the socket 92 and is pressed against the stopper 926. In a state where the movable member 925 is pressed against the stopper 926, the seal member 930 is disposed between the movable member 925 and the stopper 926, and the fluid flow path 925c formed in the movable member 925 is shielded by the seal member 930. Therefore, airtightness between the movable member 925 and the stopper 926 is maintained, and a combination of the movable member 925, the stopper 926, and the elastic body 927 constitutes a shut-off valve. At this time, the center hole 925a is kept airtight by the lens 925b. Here, the elastic body 927 is not limited to a spring member, and various members can be used as long as they can provide elasticity so as to bias the movable member 925 in the distal direction. . In addition, the means for urging the movable member 925 in the distal direction is not limited to the elastic body 927 described above, and may be configured using the elasticity of the material, or configured using the difference in thermal expansion coefficient of the material. In addition, a configuration using electromagnetic force may be used, and any means can be used as long as a function as a shut-off valve can be added to the combination of the movable member 925 and the stopper 926.

  The movable seal member 930 is an annular seal member, the outer diameter is formed to be substantially the same as the inner wall surface of the side wall member 922, the inner edge diameter is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the guide portion 924a, and the outer edge portion is the side wall. Along the inner wall surface of the member 924, the inner edge portion is slidably disposed along the guide portion 924a. The material forming the movable seal member 930 has a high fuel sealing property and a low sliding resistance when sliding, so that airtightness between the movable seal member 930 and other members in contact with the movable seal member 930 is maintained. The The rear end portion of the movable seal member 930 becomes an annular portion 930a smaller than the outer diameter of the stopper 926 and enters between the inner wall of the side wall member 922 and the outer wall of the guide portion 924a, and the annular portion 930a and the stopper 926 are formed. In order to interfere, the movable seal member 930 is pressed against the stopper 926 to limit the slidable range. When the movable seal member 930 is pressed against the stopper 926, the tip of the movable seal member 930 reaches a position protruding in the tip direction of the socket 92 from the tip of the movable member 925, and when the plug 94 is inserted into the socket 92, The plug 94 comes into contact with the movable seal member 930 before the movable member 925.

  The elastic body 931 is a member such as a spring that generates a repulsive force, and is disposed in a compressed state between the side wall member 922 and the guide portion 924a. By disposing the elastic body 931 between the side wall member 922 and the guide portion 924a in a compressed state, the movable seal member 930 is urged toward the distal end by the repulsive force generated from the elastic body 931 and pressed against the stopper 926. It is done. Here, the elastic body 931 is not limited to a spring member, and various members can be used as long as they can provide elasticity so as to bias the movable seal member 930 in the distal direction. is there. Further, the means for urging the movable seal member 930 in the distal direction is not limited to the elastic body 931 described above, and may be configured using the elasticity of the material, utilizing the difference in the thermal expansion coefficient of the material. It is good also as a structure, and it is good also as a structure using an electromagnetic force.

  The inner wall portion of the side wall member 922 is provided with a protrusion 932 serving as one end of a lock mechanism for maintaining the state when the joint is connected. The protrusion 932 is a spherical plunger (steel ball) that is pressed by a spring from the inside of the socket 92, such as a ball plunger. The part (steel ball) has a function of maintaining a certain amount of protrusion. However, the lock mechanism shown here is an example, and the basic function of the joint of the present invention is established even with other structures.

  Referring to FIG. 19, the plug 94 has an outer shape formed by coupling a base 941 and a side wall member 942. The base 941 is a flange-like member in which a cylindrical tube portion 941a and a disc-shaped flat plate portion 941b are connected to have the same central axis, and a fluid flow path 941c that is a cavity is formed on the central axis. ing. The side wall member 942 is a substantially cylindrical member, the outer diameter of the cylinder portion is substantially the same as the outer periphery of the flat plate portion 941b of the base 941, and the cylindrical central axis of the side wall member 942 is substantially coincident with the central axis of the base 941. It is arranged.

  The side wall member 942 is a cylindrical member, and is formed with a holding portion 944 for fixing and holding an optical fiber, which will be described later, and a stopper 946 for limiting the movable range of the movable member, which will be described later. A movable member 945, an elastic body 947, an optical fiber 948, and a seal member 949 are disposed inside the side wall member 942. The inner diameter of the side wall member 942 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the movable member 945 and functions as a guide so that the movable member 945 can slide in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder. When the joint is connected to the outer wall portion of the side wall member 942 at the position where the projection 932 provided on the side wall member 922 of the socket 92 described above reaches the socket 92 and the plug 94 in a fitted state, that state There is provided a groove 951 that bears one end of the lock mechanism for holding the. The projection 932 provided on the side wall member 922 of the socket 92 enters the groove 951, whereby the connection state of the socket 92 and the plug 94 is maintained. However, as described in the description of the socket 92, the lock mechanism shown here is only an example, and the function of the joint of the present invention is established even with other structures, so the plug 94 is limited to the shape shown in FIG. Absent.

  The holding portion 944 is a flat plate-like portion that is a part of the side wall member 942 formed so as to come into contact with the base 941, and the rear end surface thereof is in close contact with the base 941 and is fixed near the central axis of the side wall member 942. An optical fiber 948 is fixedly held. At this time, in order to maintain the airtightness between the holding portion 944 and the optical fiber 948, measures for airtightness maintenance such as arranging a sealing material are taken, and the side wall member 942 and the contact portion between the holding portion 944 and the base 941 are taken. In order to maintain the airtightness, measures to maintain the airtightness, such as arranging a sealing material, shall be taken. The holding portion 944 is formed with a fluid flow path 944c, which is a tube for securing a fluid flow, in a circular shape centered on the optical fiber 948, and is continuous with the fluid flow path 941c of the base 941. It forms a fluid flow path. One end face of the optical fiber 948 is disposed so as to reach the optical communication means on the fuel cell side through the fluid flow path 941c of the base 941.

  The stopper 946 is an annular portion formed at the tip of the side wall member 942, and the inner diameter thereof is smaller than the inner diameter of the side wall member 942. Since the inner diameter of the stopper 946 is smaller than the inner diameter of the side wall member 942, the stopper 946 limits the region in which the movable member 945 slides along the side wall member 942. Further, a seal member 949 for improving airtightness is disposed on the inner wall of the side wall member 942 on the movable member 945 side of the stopper 946. The seal member 949 is characterized by high fuel sealing performance. Any shape may be used as long as it satisfies the condition of high hermeticity, such as a general O-ring shape or an oil seal shape.

  The movable member 945 is a substantially spherical member. The outer diameter of the movable member 945 is formed to be substantially the same as the inner wall surface of the side wall member 942, and is slidably disposed along the inner wall surface in the longitudinal direction of the side wall member 942. Further, the movable member 945 is formed with a central hole 945a which is a hole penetrating along the cylindrical central axis of the side wall member 942, and a lens 945b is disposed and embedded inside the movable member 945 in the distal direction of the central hole 945a. ing. The diameter of the center hole 945a is larger than the diameter of the optical fiber 948, and the optical fiber 948 is slidably inserted. Here, since the optical fiber 948 is slidable in the center hole 945a, the optical fiber 948 is not moved even when the movable member 945 is slid, and a load that the optical fiber 948 is bent or pulled is generated. Since it is difficult to add, the possibility of breakage of the optical fiber 948 can be reduced. A fluid flow path 945 c that is a groove is formed on the outer periphery of the movable member 945 along the longitudinal direction of the side wall member 942. The depth of the groove of the fluid flow path 945c is sufficient to ensure the flow of fluid. However, when the movable member 945 comes into contact with the seal member 949, the groove is shielded by the seal member 949 and fuel leakage occurs. Not to the extent. The cross section of the movable member 945 is the same as that shown in FIG. Further, the movable member 945 forms a seat 944d by scraping part of the rear end portion of the sphere, so that the elastic body 947 can be attached stably. The formation of the seat 944d maintains the uniformity of the force that acts on the movable member 945 stably with the elastic body 947 at the center. Further, it is possible to prevent the movable member 945 from rotating and applying a load to the optical fiber 948.

  The elastic body 947 is a member such as a spring that generates a repulsive force, and is disposed in a compressed state between the holding portion 944 and the movable member 945. Since the elastic body 947 is disposed between the holding portion 944 and the movable member 945 in a compressed state, a repulsive force acts between the holding portion 944 and the movable member 945 due to the force generated from the elastic body 947. Thus, the movable member 945 moves toward the distal end of the plug 94 and is pressed against the stopper 946. In a state where the movable member 945 is pressed against the stopper 946, the seal member 949 is disposed between the movable member 945 and the stopper 946, and the fluid flow path 945c formed in the movable member 945 is shielded by the seal member 949. Therefore, the airtightness between the movable member 945 and the stopper 946 is maintained, and a combination of the movable member 945, the stopper 946, and the elastic body 947 constitutes a shut-off valve. At this time, the center hole 945a is kept airtight by the lens 945b. Here, the elastic body 947 is not limited to the spring member, and various members can be used as long as they can provide elasticity so as to bias the movable member 945 in the distal direction. . The means for urging the movable member 945 in the distal direction is not limited to the elastic body 947 described above, and may be configured using the elasticity of the material, or configured using the difference in thermal expansion coefficient of the material. In addition, a configuration using electromagnetic force may be used, and any means can be used as long as a function as a shut-off valve can be added to the combination of the movable member 945 and the stopper 946.

  Next, the operation of the connector mechanism 91 and the function as a shutoff valve will be described with reference to FIGS. When the plug 94 is attached to the socket 92, both are arranged so that the central axis of the plug 94 and the central axis of the socket 92 are on the same axis, and the plug 94 is pushed into the side wall member 922 of the socket 92.

  In FIG. 20, a first contact surface and a second contact surface are defined for convenience of explanation. When the socket 92 and the plug 94 are connected, the distal end surface of the movable seal member 930 of the socket 92 and the distal end surface of the side wall member 942 of the plug 94 first come into contact with each other. The contact surface at this time is defined as a first contact surface 961. . When the connection operation further proceeds after the first contact surface 961 comes into contact, the tip of the movable member 925 of the socket 92 and the tip of the movable member 945 come into contact. The surface that contacts at this time is defined as a second contact surface 962. The operation of each part from the state where the socket 92 and the plug 94 are separated as shown in FIG. 20 to the state where the connection between the socket 92 and the plug 94 is completed will be described as follows. .

  FIG. 20 shows a state where the socket 92 and the plug 94 are separated. In the socket 92 at this time, the movable member 925 is urged in the distal direction by the repulsive force of the elastic body 927 and comes into contact with the stopper 926 and the seal member 929, and the fluid flow path 925 c is shielded by the seal member 929 and airtightness is maintained. Therefore, the shutoff valve constituted by the movable member 925 and the stopper 926 is in a closed state. Similarly, in the plug 94, the movable member 945 is urged in the distal direction by the repulsive force of the elastic body 947 and comes into contact with the stopper 946 and the seal member 949, and the fluid flow path 945c is shielded by the seal member 949, so that airtightness is maintained. Therefore, the shutoff valve constituted by the movable member 945 and the stopper 946 is in a closed state. The movable seal member 930 is biased in the distal direction by the repulsive force of the elastic body 931 and abuts against the stopper 926, and the distal end of the movable seal member 930 protrudes in the distal direction of the socket 92 from the distal end of the movable member 925. The position has been reached.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 21, when the connection is started so that the plug 94 is inserted into the side wall member 922 of the socket 92, the front end surface of the movable seal member 930 and the front end surface of the side wall member 942, that is, the first contact surface 961 come into contact. . In this state, in the socket 92, since the movable member 925 is urged in the distal direction by the repulsive force of the elastic body 927 and is in contact with the stopper 926, the seal member disposed between the movable member 925 and the stopper 926 is still present. Airtightness is maintained by 929, and the shutoff valve constituted by the movable member 925 and the stopper 926 is closed. Similarly, in the plug 94, since the movable member 945 is urged in the distal direction by the repulsive force of the elastic body 947 and is in contact with the stopper 946, the seal member 949 disposed between the movable member 945 and the stopper 946 is used. The airtightness is maintained and the shutoff valve constituted by the movable member 945 and the stopper 946 is closed. Therefore, the space inside the joint and the space outside the joint are shut off, and a sealed space is formed inside the joint, and the shutoff valves of the socket 92 and the plug 94 remain closed. At this time, the space between the stopper 926 of the socket 92 and the stopper 946 of the plug 94 is also sealed by the contact between the distal end surface of the movable seal member 930 and the distal end surface of the plug 94.

  When the joint connecting operation further proceeds, as shown in FIG. 22, the plug 94 is inserted into the side wall member 922 of the socket 92, and the distal end of the movable member 925 and the distal end of the movable member 945, that is, the second contact surface 962 contact each other. . When the connection operation further proceeds, the movable member 925 moves in the rear end direction against the repulsive force of the elastic body 927 in the socket 92, and the movable member 945 moves in the rear end direction against the repulsive force of the elastic body 947 in the plug 94. Moving. Thereby, in the socket 92, the fluid flow path 925c formed in the movable member 925 is separated from the seal member 929, and in the plug 94, the fluid flow path 945c formed in the movable member 945 is separated from the seal member. The movable seal member 930 is also pushed by the tip of the plug 94 and moves in the rear end direction against the repulsive force of the elastic body 931.

  When the stopper 926 of the socket 92 and the stopper 946 of the plug 94 come close to or contact with each other, the projection 932 serving as one end of the lock mechanism of the joint is fitted into the groove 951, and the lock mechanism works to complete the connection of the joint. At this time, when the movable member 925 moves toward the rear end, the optical fiber 928 is relatively inserted into the center hole 925a, and the end face of the optical fiber 928 approaches the lens 925b. Similarly, when the movable member 945 moves in the rear end direction, the optical fiber 948 is relatively inserted into the center hole 945a, and the end surface of the optical fiber 948 approaches the lens 945b. The end face of the optical fiber 928 and the lens 925b come close to each other, and the end face of the optical fiber 948 and the lens 945b come close to each other, so that communication using light as a catalyst can be performed between the socket 92 and the plug 94.

  FIG. 23 is a partially enlarged view of the state around the second contact surface 962 when the protrusion 932 is fitted into the groove 951 and the lock mechanism works to complete the connection of the joint. Although the diameters of the center holes 925a and 945a are larger than the diameters of the optical fibers 928 and 948, since the lenses 925b and 945b are embedded in the movable members 925 and 945, the lenses 925b and 945b function as a sealing material. Thus, the airtightness of the center holes 925a and 945a is maintained. It is assumed that the lenses 925b and 945b are embedded slightly inside the movable members 925 and 945 rather than the most distal portions so that the lenses 925b and 945b come into contact with each other and the surface is not damaged. The movable member 925 and the movable member 945 are in contact with each other at the second contact surface 962, the end surface of the optical fiber 928 is close to the lens 925b, and the end surface of the optical fiber 948 is close to the lens 945b. The positional relationship between the end faces of the optical fibers 928 and 948 and the lenses 925b and 945b is such that the light indicated by the arrows in the figure is emitted from the optical fibers 928 and 948 and refracted through the lenses 925b and 945b to become parallel light. It is. Therefore, when parallel light is incident on the lenses 925b and 945b, the light is refracted by the lenses 925b and 945b and focused on the end faces of the optical fibers 928 and 948. As a result, communication using the light via the optical fibers 928 and 948 and the lenses 925b and 945b as a catalyst between the socket 92 and the plug 94 becomes possible.

  24 to 26 illustrate the space (fuel flow) in which the fuel exists in the socket 92 and the plug 94 at each stage of the connection operation in FIGS. 20 to 22. In each of FIGS. 24 to 26, the hatched portion is a space in which a fluid that is fuel exists. Here, the hatched area of the socket 92 is referred to as a first flow path 963 that is a flow path through which the fuel flows, and the hatched area of the plug 94 is a second flow path through which the fuel flows. It will be referred to as a flow path 964. Further, the direction in which the fuel flows in the first flow path 963 and the second flow path 964 will be referred to as a main flow direction.

  FIG. 24 shows a state where the socket 92 and the plug 94 are separated. In the socket 92 at this time, the fluid flow path 925c is shielded by the seal member 929 and airtightness is maintained. Therefore, the first flow path 963, which is a hatched area in the figure, is formed by the fluid flow path 921c, the fluid flow path 925c and the inside of the guide portion 924a communicating with each other. Is blocked. Similarly, in the plug 94, the fluid flow path 945c is shielded by the seal member 949 and airtightness is maintained. For this reason, the second flow path 964, which is a hatched area in the figure, is formed by communication between the fluid flow path 941 c, the fluid flow path 945 c and the inside of the side wall member 942. Is blocked.

  FIG. 25 shows a state where the distal end surface of the movable seal member 930 and the distal end surface of the side wall member 942, that is, the first contact surface 961 are in contact with each other. Also in this state, the fluid flow path 925c is shielded by the seal member 929 and kept airtight, and the fluid flow path 945c is shielded by the seal member 949 and kept airtight. However, at this time, the space between the stopper 926 of the socket 92 and the stopper 946 of the plug 94 is also sealed due to the contact between the distal end surface of the movable seal member 930 and the distal end surface of the plug 94.

  In FIG. 26, when the connecting operation of the connector is further performed, the tip of the movable member 925 and the tip of the movable member 945, that is, the second contact surface 962 come into contact with each other, and in the socket 92, the movable member 925 resists the repulsive force of the elastic body 927. In the plug 94, the movable member 945 moves in the rear end direction against the repulsive force of the elastic body 947. Thereby, in the socket 92, the fluid flow path 925c formed in the movable member 925 is separated from the seal member 929, and in the plug 94, the fluid flow path 945c formed in the movable member 945 is separated from the seal member. As a result, the first channel 963 and the second channel 964 communicate with each other. When the stopper 926 of the socket 92 and the stopper 946 of the plug 94 come close to or contact with each other, the projection 932 serving as one end of the lock mechanism of the joint is fitted into the groove 951, and the lock mechanism works to complete the connection of the joint. At this time, the movable seal member 930 is also pushed by the distal end of the plug 94 and moves in the rear end direction against the repulsive force of the elastic body 931. However, the movable seal member 930 is in contact with the distal end surface of the plug 94. Therefore, the inside of the socket 92 and the plug 94 is kept airtight, and no fluid is exchanged with the outside.

  As shown in FIG. 26, in the state where the connection between the socket 92 and the plug 94 is completed, the stopper 926 of the socket 92 and the stopper 946 of the plug 94 are close to or in contact with each other, and at the same time, the protrusion 932 serving as one end of the locking mechanism of the joint. Is fitted in the groove 951, the locking mechanism works, the connection of the joint is completed, and the fluid channel 921c, the fluid channel 925c, the fluid channel 941c, and the fluid channel 945c are held in communication with each other. The fluid as fuel can be exchanged with the plug 94.

  When removing the plug 94 from the socket 92, the socket 92 and the plug 94 are pulled in opposite directions. In the connector mechanism 91, a lock mechanism is provided on the socket 92 and the plug 94, but a spherical component (steel ball) like a ball plunger is pushed from the inside of the socket 92 by a spring, and the protrusion 932 is formed in the groove 951. Since the fitted state is a locked state, when a force exceeding the allowable range of the locking mechanism is applied, the spherical part (steel ball) overcomes the repulsive force of the spring and the protrusion 932 retracts, and the lock Will come off. For this reason, the plug 94 can be pulled out from the socket 92 by a simple operation of simply pulling the socket 92 and the plug 94 in the opposite directions.

  When the plug 94 is pulled out from the socket 92 and the plug 94 and the socket 92 are separated separately, the shut-off valves of the plug 94 and the socket 92 are closed. That is, the movable member 925 and the movable member 945 are returned to the distal end side by the elastic forces of the elastic body 927 and the elastic body 947, respectively, and are pressed against the seal member 929 and the seal member 949, respectively. As a result, the shutoff valve is closed by the movable member 925 and the movable member 945, and the flow path of the fluid as the fuel is shut off again to maintain the airtightness. Therefore, after the plug 94 is pulled out from the socket 92, the fluid in the device to which the plug 94 and the socket 92 are connected does not leak to the outside. As a result, it is possible to release the lock mechanism and remove the plug 94 from the socket 92 by simply pulling the socket 92 and the plug 94 in the opposite directions, thereby blocking the fluid as fuel.

  The connector mechanism 91 configured as described above is a shut-off valve that shuts off the flow of fluid to both the socket 92 and the plug 94 and maintains a sealed state, that is, a movable member 925 and a stopper 926, and a movable member 945 and a stopper 946. Is provided. Thereby, in this connector mechanism 91, in the state where the connection between the socket 92 and the plug 94 is released, the inside of the communicating device to which the socket 92 is connected is kept in a sealed state. Further, in a state where the connection between the socket 92 and the plug 94 is released, the inside of the communicating device to which the plug 94 is connected is kept sealed. Therefore, even when the connection between the socket 92 and the plug 94 is released, the inside of the device to which the plug 94 is connected is kept in a sealed state, so that the fluid remaining in the device may be discharged to the outside. In addition, it is possible to prevent a mixed gas other than a predetermined fluid such as air from flowing into the device. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operation efficiency of the device from being lowered and the fluid from being deteriorated due to the mixed gas when the device is operated next time. In addition, it is not necessary to provide a processing mechanism for mixed gases other than a predetermined fluid such as air in the device, and the structure on the device side can be simplified and reduced in size.

  In the connector mechanism 91, the movable member 925 and the movable member 945 are both mechanically opened. Thereby, in this connector mechanism 91, the opening operation of the shut-off valve is always reliably performed, and the fluid can be exchanged reliably and stably. However, the opening operation of the movable member 925 or the movable member 945 is not limited to a mechanical operation. The shut-off valve may be configured such that the opening operation is performed by the fluid pressure.

  The connector mechanism according to the present invention as described above can be applied not only when a gas is used as a fuel fluid but also when a liquid is used as a fuel fluid.

[Third Embodiment]

  As another embodiment of the present invention, a modification of the second embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. This embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that the elastic bodies 927 and 947 for biasing the movable members 925 and 945 of the socket 92 and the plug 94 in the distal direction are plate springs instead of compression coil springs. There are other configurations and operations similar to those of the second embodiment. An external perspective view showing a state where the socket 92 and the plug 94 constituting the connector mechanism 91 of this embodiment are connected is the same as that shown in FIG. Hereinafter, members having the same configurations as those of the second embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.

  A connector mechanism 91 to which the present invention is applied includes a socket 92 that is a female connector shown in FIG. 27 and a plug 94 that is a male connector shown in FIG. 29. The plug 94 is shown in FIG. The plug 94 and the socket 92 are connected by being inserted into the socket 92. FIG. 16 shows a state in which the plug 94 is inserted into the socket 92 and a locking mechanism which will be described later works, the connection between the socket 92 and the plug 94 is maintained, and the fuel flow path between the socket 92 and the plug 94 is communicated. Indicates. At this time, the optical fibers arranged inside the socket 92 and the plug 94 are in contact with each other, and information transmission by light between the socket 92 and the plug 94 is possible.

  Such a connector mechanism 91 is suitable for use in, for example, a fuel cell system. When used in a fuel cell system, for example, a socket 92 is mounted on the fuel cell side and plugged on the hydrogen storage cartridge side that stores hydrogen. 94 is installed. The hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage cartridge can be taken out by inserting the plug 94 into the socket 92. Hereinafter, each configuration of the connector mechanism 91 will be described. In this example, the socket 92 is provided on the hydrogen storage device side and the plug 94 is provided on the fuel cell power generation device side, but the socket 92 is provided on the hydrogen storage device side and the plug 94 is provided on the fuel cell power generation device side. Further, it is not limited to being used for connection between the fuel cell power generation device and the hydrogen storage device, and the socket 92 and the plug 94 are connected to connect between the devices for delivering the fluid. The connector mechanism 91 can be used. In the following, the socket 92 is referred to as the front end on the side where the plug 94 is inserted, and the opposite side is referred to as the rear end. In the plug 94, the side where the socket 92 is inserted is the front end, and the opposite side is the rear end. That is to say.

  Referring to FIG. 27, the socket 92 has an outer shape formed by coupling a base 921 and a side wall member 922. The base 921 is a flange-like member in which a cylindrical cylindrical portion 921a and a disc-shaped flat plate portion 921b are connected to have the same central axis, and a fluid flow path 921c that is a cavity is formed on the central axis. ing. The side wall member 922 is a substantially cylindrical member, the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion is substantially the same as the outer periphery of the flat plate portion 921b of the base 921, and the cylindrical central axis of the side wall member 922 is substantially coincident with the central axis of the base 921. It is arranged.

  Inside the side wall member 922, a holding portion 924 for fixing and holding an optical fiber to be described later, a guide portion 924a for determining a sliding direction of the movable member to be described later, and a stopper 926 for limiting the movable range of the movable member are formed. Yes. In addition, a movable member 925, a plate spring 970, an optical fiber 928, a movable seal member 930, and an elastic body 931 are disposed inside the side wall member 922.

  The holding portion 924 is a flat plate-like portion that is a part of the side wall member 922 formed so as to come into contact with the base 921, and the rear end surface thereof is in close contact with the base 921 and is fixed in the vicinity of the central axis of the side wall member 922. The optical fiber 928 is fixedly held. At this time, in order to maintain the airtightness between the holding portion 924 and the optical fiber 928, measures for airtightness maintenance such as arranging a sealing material are taken, and the side wall member 922 and the contact portion between the holding portion 924 and the base 921 are taken. In order to maintain the airtightness, measures to maintain the airtightness, such as arranging a sealing material, shall be taken. The holding portion 924 is formed with a fluid flow path 924c, which is a pipe for securing the flow of fluid, in a circular shape centering on the optical fiber 928, and is continuous with the fluid flow path 921c of the base 921. It forms a fluid flow path. One end face of the optical fiber 928 is disposed so as to reach the optical communication means on the fuel cell side through the fluid flow path 921c of the base 921.

  The guide portion 924a is a cylindrical portion that is a part of the side wall member 922, and its inner diameter is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the movable member 925 so that the movable member 925 can slide in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder. Act as a guide. Further, the front end portion of the guide portion 924a is separated from the cylinder forming the outer shape of the side wall member 922 to form a double cylindrical structure, and the rear end is connected to and integrated with the holding portion 924.

  The stopper 926 is an annular portion formed at the tip of the guide portion 924a, and the inner diameter thereof is smaller than the inner diameter of the guide portion 924a, and the outer diameter thereof is larger than the outer shape of the guide portion 924a. Since the inner diameter of the stopper 926 is smaller than the inner diameter of the guide portion 924a, the stopper 926 limits the region in which the movable member 925 slides along the guide portion 924a. In addition, since the outer diameter of the stopper 926 is larger than the outer shape of the guide portion 924a, the stopper 926 limits the region in which the movable seal member 930 slides along the guide portion 924a. Further, a seal member 929 for improving airtightness is disposed on the inner wall of the guide portion 924a on the movable member 925 side of the stopper 926. The seal member 929 is characterized by high fuel sealing performance. Any shape may be used as long as it satisfies the condition of high hermeticity, such as a general O-ring shape or an oil seal shape.

  The movable member 925 is a substantially spherical member, and the outer diameter is formed to be substantially the same as the inner wall surface of the guide portion 924a and is slidably disposed along the longitudinal inner wall surface of the guide portion 924a. The movable member 925 is formed with a central hole 925a which is a hole penetrating along the cylindrical central axis of the side wall member 922. A lens 925b is disposed and embedded in the movable member 925 in the distal direction of the central hole 925a. ing. The diameter of the center hole 925a is larger than the diameter of the optical fiber 928, and the optical fiber 928 is slidably inserted. Here, since the optical fiber 928 is slidable in the center hole 925a, the optical fiber 928 is not moved even when the movable member 925 is slid. Since it is difficult to add, the possibility of breakage of the optical fiber 928 can be reduced. A fluid channel 925c that is a groove is formed on the outer periphery of the movable member 925 along the longitudinal direction of the guide portion 924a. The depth of the groove of the fluid flow path 925c is sufficient to ensure the fluid flow. However, when the movable member 925 contacts the seal member 929, the groove is shielded by the seal member 929, and fuel leakage occurs. No more.

  The cross section of the movable member 925 at the position indicated by AA in the figure is the same as that shown in FIG. A center hole 925a is provided at the center of the circular cross section, and a fluid flow path 925c is provided at the outer peripheral portion. 18A is a cross section when the fluid flow path 925c is formed at four positions at intervals of 90 degrees, and FIG. 18B is a cross section when the fluid flow path 925c is formed at six positions at intervals of 60 degrees. However, the size and number that function as a fuel flow path can be selected as appropriate, and the arrangement method is not limited to that shown in FIG. Further, the movable member 925 forms a seat 924d by partially scraping the rear end portion of the sphere, and the leaf spring 970 can be stably attached. The formation of the seat 924d maintains the uniformity of the force that acts on the movable member 925 stably with the leaf spring 970 at the center. It is also possible to prevent the movable member 925 from rotating and applying a load to the optical fiber 928.

  FIG. 28 shows an external view of the leaf spring 970 in a plan view. The leaf spring 970 is a ring-shaped flat member having elasticity, and the outer peripheral diameter thereof is larger than the inner wall of the guide portion 924a. A seat hole 970a for fitting the seat 924d is formed at the center of the leaf spring 970. The diameter of the seat hole 970a is large enough to fit the seat 925d of the movable member 925. In addition, a plurality of fuel flow path holes 970b are provided so that fluid can pass through the fuel flow path groove 970b. FIG. 28 shows an example in which four fuel flow path holes 970b are formed, but the number, shape, and size may be suitable for the amount of fuel passing.

  The outer periphery of the leaf spring 970 is embedded in the inner wall of the guide portion 924a. The position where the leaf spring 970 is embedded is a position where the movable member 925 is moved toward the distal end of the socket 92 and pressed against the stopper 926 by the force generated from the leaf spring 970. The seat 925d of the movable member 925 is fitted in a seat hole 970a formed at the center of the leaf spring 970. In a state where the movable member 925 is pressed against the stopper 926, the seal member 930 is disposed between the movable member 925 and the stopper 926, and the fluid flow path 925c formed in the movable member 925 is shielded by the seal member 930. Therefore, the airtightness between the movable member 925 and the stopper 926 is maintained, and a combination of the movable member 925, the stopper 926, and the leaf spring 970 constitutes a shut-off valve. At this time, the center hole 925a is kept airtight by the lens 925b. Here, the means for urging the movable member 925 in the distal direction is not limited to the leaf spring 970 described above, and may be configured using the elasticity of the material, and utilizing the difference in the thermal expansion coefficient of the material. Any means may be used as long as it can add a function as a shut-off valve to the combination of the movable member 925 and the stopper 926.

  The movable seal member 930 is an annular seal member, the outer diameter is formed to be substantially the same as the inner wall surface of the side wall member 922, the inner edge portion diameter is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the guide portion 924a, and the outer edge portion is the side wall. Along the inner wall surface of the member 942, the inner edge is slidably disposed along the guide portion 924a. The material forming the movable seal member 930 has a high fuel sealing property and a low sliding resistance when sliding, so that airtightness between the movable seal member 930 and other members in contact with the movable seal member 930 is maintained. The The rear end portion of the movable seal member 930 becomes an annular portion 930a smaller than the outer diameter of the stopper 926 and enters between the inner wall of the side wall member 922 and the outer wall of the guide portion 924a, and the annular portion 930a and the stopper 926 are formed. In order to interfere, the movable seal member 930 is pressed against the stopper 926 to limit the slidable range. When the movable seal member 930 is pressed against the stopper 926, the tip of the movable seal member 930 reaches a position protruding in the tip direction of the socket 92 from the tip of the movable member 925, and when the plug 94 is inserted into the socket 92, The plug 94 comes into contact with the movable seal member 930 before the movable member 925.

  The elastic body 931 is a member such as a spring that generates a repulsive force, and is disposed in a compressed state between the side wall member 922 and the guide portion 924a. By disposing the elastic body 931 between the side wall member 922 and the guide portion 924a in a compressed state, the movable seal member 930 is urged toward the distal end by the repulsive force generated from the elastic body 931 and pressed against the stopper 926. It is done. Here, the elastic body 931 is not limited to the spring member, and various members can be used as long as they can provide elasticity so as to bias the movable seal member 930 in the distal direction. It is. Further, the means for urging the movable seal member 930 in the distal direction is not limited to the elastic body 931 described above, and may be configured using the elasticity of the material, utilizing the difference in the thermal expansion coefficient of the material. It is good also as a structure, and it is good also as a structure using an electromagnetic force.

  The inner wall portion of the side wall member 922 is provided with a protrusion 932 serving as one end of a lock mechanism for maintaining the state when the joint is connected. The protrusion 932 is a spherical plunger (steel ball) that is pressed by a spring from the inside of the socket 92, such as a ball plunger. The part (steel ball) has a function of maintaining a certain amount of protrusion. However, the lock mechanism shown here is an example, and the basic function of the joint of the present invention is established even with other structures.

  Referring to FIG. 29, the plug 94 has an outer shape formed by coupling a base 941 and a side wall member 942. The base 941 is a flange-like member in which a cylindrical tube portion 941a and a disc-shaped flat plate portion 941b are connected to have the same central axis, and a fluid flow path 941c that is a cavity is formed on the central axis. ing. The side wall member 942 is a substantially cylindrical member, the outer diameter of the cylinder portion is substantially the same as the outer periphery of the flat plate portion 941b of the base 941, and the cylindrical central axis of the side wall member 942 is substantially coincident with the central axis of the base 941. It is arranged.

  The side wall member 942 is a cylindrical member, and is formed with a holding portion 944 for fixing and holding an optical fiber, which will be described later, and a stopper 946 for limiting the movable range of the movable member, which will be described later. A movable member 945, a leaf spring 971, an optical fiber 948, and a seal member 949 are disposed inside the side wall member 942. The inner diameter of the side wall member 942 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the movable member 925, and functions as a guide so that the movable member 925 can slide in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder. When the joint is connected to the outer wall portion of the side wall member 942 at the position where the projection 932 provided on the side wall member 922 of the socket 92 described above reaches the socket 92 and the plug 94 in a fitted state, that state There is provided a groove 951 that bears one end of the lock mechanism for holding the. The projection 932 provided on the side wall member 922 of the socket 92 enters the groove 951, whereby the connection state of the socket 92 and the plug 94 is maintained. However, as described in the description of the socket 92, the lock mechanism shown here is only an example, and the function of the joint of the present invention is established even with other structures, so the plug 94 is limited to the shape shown in FIG. Absent.

  The holding portion 944 is a flat plate-like portion that is a part of the side wall member 942 formed so as to come into contact with the base 941, and the rear end surface thereof is in close contact with the base 941 and is fixed near the central axis of the side wall member 942. An optical fiber 948 is fixedly held. At this time, in order to maintain the airtightness between the holding portion 944 and the optical fiber 948, measures for airtightness maintenance such as arranging a sealing material are taken, and the side wall member 942 and the contact portion between the holding portion 944 and the base 921 are taken. In order to maintain the airtightness, measures to maintain the airtightness, such as arranging a sealing material, shall be taken. The holding portion 944 is formed with a fluid flow path 944c, which is a tube for securing a fluid flow, in a circular shape centered on the optical fiber 948, and is continuous with the fluid flow path 941c of the base 941. It forms a fluid flow path. One end face of the optical fiber 948 is disposed so as to reach the optical communication means on the fuel cell side through the fluid flow path 941c of the base 941.

  The stopper 946 is an annular portion formed at the tip of the side wall member 942, and the inner diameter thereof is smaller than the inner diameter of the side wall member 942. Since the inner diameter of the stopper 946 is smaller than the inner diameter of the side wall member 942, the stopper 946 limits the region in which the movable member 945 slides along the side wall member 942. Further, a seal member 949 for improving airtightness is disposed on the inner wall of the side wall member 942 on the movable member 945 side of the stopper 946. The seal member 949 is characterized by high fuel sealing performance. Any shape may be used as long as it satisfies the condition of high hermeticity, such as a general O-ring shape or an oil seal shape.

  The movable member 945 is a substantially spherical member. The outer diameter of the movable member 945 is formed to be substantially the same as the inner wall surface of the side wall member 942, and is slidably disposed along the inner wall surface in the longitudinal direction of the side wall member 942. Further, the movable member 945 is formed with a central hole 945a which is a hole penetrating along the cylindrical central axis of the side wall member 942, and a lens 945b is disposed and embedded inside the movable member 945 in the distal direction of the central hole 945a. ing. The diameter of the center hole 945a is larger than the diameter of the optical fiber 948, and the optical fiber 948 is slidably inserted. Here, since the optical fiber 928 is slidable in the center hole 925a, the optical fiber 928 is not moved even when the movable member 925 is slid. Since it is difficult to add, the possibility of breakage of the optical fiber 928 can be reduced. A fluid flow path 945 c that is a groove is formed on the outer periphery of the movable member 945 along the longitudinal direction of the side wall member 942. The depth of the groove of the fluid flow path 945c is sufficient to ensure the flow of fluid. However, when the movable member 945 comes into contact with the seal member 949, the groove is shielded by the seal member 949 and fuel leakage occurs. Not to the extent. The cross section of the movable member 945 is the same as that shown in FIG. Further, the movable member 945 has a seat 944d formed by scraping part of the rear end of the sphere, and the leaf spring 971 can be attached stably. The formation of the seat 944d maintains the uniformity of the force that acts on the movable member 945 stably with the leaf spring 971 as the center. Further, it is possible to prevent the movable member 945 from rotating and applying a load to the optical fiber 948.

  The external appearance of the leaf spring 971 is the same as that shown in FIG. The outer periphery of the leaf spring 971 is embedded in the inner wall of the guide portion 944a. The position where the leaf spring 971 is embedded is a position where the movable member 945 moves toward the distal end of the plug 94 and is pressed against the stopper 946 by the force generated from the leaf spring 971. The seat 945d of the movable member 945 is fitted in a seat hole 970a formed at the center of the leaf spring 971. In a state where the movable member 945 is pressed against the stopper 946, the seal member 949 is disposed between the movable member 945 and the stopper 946, and the fluid flow path 945c formed in the movable member 945 is shielded by the seal member 949. Therefore, the airtightness between the movable member 945 and the stopper 946 is maintained, and a combination of the movable member 945, the stopper 946, and the leaf spring 971 constitutes a cutoff valve. At this time, the center hole 945a is kept airtight by the lens 945b. Here, the means for urging the movable member 945 in the distal direction is not limited to the leaf spring 971 described above, and may be configured using the elasticity of the material, and utilizing the difference in the thermal expansion coefficient of the material. Any means may be used as long as it can add a function as a shut-off valve to the combination of the movable member 945 and the stopper 946.

  Next, the operation of the connector mechanism 91 and the function as a shutoff valve will be described with reference to FIGS. 30 to 32. When the plug 94 is attached to the socket 92, both are arranged so that the central axis of the plug 94 and the central axis of the socket 92 are on the same axis, and the plug 94 is pushed into the side wall member 922 of the socket 92.

  In FIG. 30, a first contact surface and a second contact surface are defined for convenience of explanation. When the socket 92 and the plug 94 are connected, the distal end surface of the movable seal member 930 of the socket 92 and the distal end surface of the side wall member 942 of the plug 94 first come into contact with each other. The contact surface at this time is defined as a first contact surface 961. . When the connection operation further proceeds after the first contact surface 961 comes into contact, the tip of the movable member 925 of the socket 92 and the tip of the movable member 945 come into contact. The surface that contacts at this time is defined as a second contact surface 962. The operation of each part from the state where the socket 92 and the plug 94 are separated as shown in FIG. 30 to the state where the connection between the socket 92 and the plug 94 is completed will be described as follows. .

  FIG. 30 shows a state in which the socket 92 and the plug 94 are separated. In the socket 92 at this time, the movable member 925 is urged in the distal direction by the repulsive force of the plate spring 970 and comes into contact with the stopper 926 and the seal member 929, and the fluid flow path 925 c is shielded by the seal member 929 and airtight. Since it is held, the shutoff valve constituted by the movable member 925 and the stopper 926 is in a closed state. Similarly, in the plug 94, the movable member 945 is urged in the distal direction by the repulsive force of the plate spring 971 and comes into contact with the stopper 946 and the seal member 949, and the fluid flow path 945c is shielded by the seal member 949 to maintain airtightness. Therefore, the shutoff valve constituted by the movable member 945 and the stopper 946 is in a closed state. The movable seal member 930 is biased in the distal direction by the repulsive force of the elastic body 931 and abuts against the stopper 926, and the distal end of the movable seal member 930 protrudes in the distal direction of the socket 92 from the distal end of the movable member 925. The position has been reached.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 31, when the connection is started so that the plug 94 is inserted into the side wall member 922 of the socket 92, the front end surface of the movable seal member 930 and the front end surface of the side wall member 942, that is, the first contact surface 961 come into contact. . In this state, in the socket 92, the movable member 925 is urged in the distal direction by the repulsive force of the leaf spring 970 and is in contact with the stopper 926, so that the seal member disposed between the movable member 925 and the stopper 926 is used. Airtightness is maintained by 929, and the shutoff valve constituted by the movable member 925 and the stopper 926 is closed. Similarly, in the plug 94, the movable member 945 is urged in the distal direction by the repulsive force of the leaf spring 971 and abuts against the stopper 946, so that the seal member 949 disposed between the movable member 945 and the stopper 946 is used. In this state, the airtightness is maintained and the shutoff valve constituted by the movable member 945 and the stopper 946 is closed. Therefore, the space inside the joint and the space outside the joint are shut off, and a sealed space is formed inside the joint, and the shutoff valves of the socket 92 and the plug 94 remain closed. At this time, the space between the stopper 926 of the socket 92 and the stopper 946 of the plug 94 is also sealed by the contact between the distal end surface of the movable seal member 930 and the distal end surface of the plug 94.

  When the joint connecting operation further proceeds, as shown in FIG. 32, the plug 94 is inserted into the side wall member 922 of the socket 92, and the distal end of the movable member 925 and the distal end of the movable member 945, that is, the second contact surface 962 come into contact. . When the connection operation further proceeds, the movable member 925 moves in the rear end direction against the repulsive force of the leaf spring 970 in the socket 92, and the movable member 945 moves in the rear end against the repulsive force of the leaf spring 971 in the plug 94. Move in the direction. Thereby, in the socket 92, the fluid flow path 925c formed in the movable member 925 is separated from the seal member 929, and in the plug 94, the fluid flow path 945c formed in the movable member 945 is separated from the seal member. The movable seal member 930 is also pushed by the tip of the plug 94 and moves in the rear end direction against the repulsive force of the elastic body 931.

  When the stopper 926 of the socket 92 and the stopper 946 of the plug 94 come close to or contact with each other, the projection 932 serving as one end of the lock mechanism of the joint is fitted into the groove 951, and the lock mechanism works to complete the connection of the joint. At this time, when the movable member 925 moves toward the rear end, the optical fiber 928 is relatively inserted into the center hole 925a, and the end face of the optical fiber 928 approaches the lens 925b. Similarly, when the movable member 945 moves in the rear end direction, the optical fiber 948 is relatively inserted into the center hole 945a, and the end surface of the optical fiber 948 approaches the lens 945b. The end face of the optical fiber 928 and the lens 925b come close to each other, and the end face of the optical fiber 948 and the lens 945b come close to each other, so that communication using light as a catalyst can be performed between the socket 92 and the plug 94.

  FIG. 32 is a partially enlarged view of the state around the second contact surface 962 when the protrusion 932 is fitted into the groove 951 and the lock mechanism works to complete the connection of the joint. Although the diameters of the center holes 925a and 945a are larger than the diameters of the optical fibers 928 and 948, since the lenses 925b and 945b are embedded in the movable members 925 and 945, the lenses 925b and 945b function as a sealing material. Thus, the airtightness of the center holes 925a and 945a is maintained. It is assumed that the lenses 925b and 945b are embedded slightly inside the movable members 925 and 945 rather than the most distal portions so that the lenses 925b and 945b come into contact with each other and the surface is not damaged. The movable member 925 and the movable member 945 are in contact with each other at the second contact surface 962, the end surface of the optical fiber 928 is close to the lens 925b, and the end surface of the optical fiber 948 is close to the lens 945b. The positional relationship between the end faces of the optical fibers 928 and 948 and the lenses 925b and 945b is such that the light indicated by the arrows in the figure is emitted from the optical fibers 928 and 948 and refracted through the lenses 925b and 945b to become parallel light. It is. Therefore, when parallel light is incident on the lenses 925b and 945b, the light is refracted by the lenses 925b and 945b and focused on the end faces of the optical fibers 928 and 948. As a result, communication using the light via the optical fibers 928 and 948 and the lenses 925b and 945b as a catalyst between the socket 92 and the plug 94 becomes possible.

  In this embodiment, the space in which the fuel exists (fuel flow) in the socket 92 and the plug 94 at each stage of the connection operation shown in FIGS. 30 to 32 is the same as that shown in FIGS. It is the same. In each of FIGS. 24 to 26, the hatched portion is a space in which a fluid that is fuel exists.

  The connector mechanism according to the present invention as described above can be applied not only when a gas is used as a fuel fluid but also when a liquid is used as a fuel fluid.

It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the state in which the socket and plug which comprise the connector mechanism of 1st Embodiment were connected. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the socket used for the connector mechanism in 1st Embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the plug used for the connector mechanism in 1st Embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is the top view which looked at the movable member of the plug in 1st Embodiment from the arrow A direction of FIG. It is the schematic sectional drawing which showed the state which the socket 2 and the plug 4 isolate | separated in the connection process of the connector mechanism in 1st Embodiment. It is the schematic sectional drawing which showed the state which the 1st contact surface of the socket 2 and the plug 4 contacted in the connection process of the connector mechanism in 1st Embodiment. It is the schematic sectional drawing which showed the state which the 2nd contact surface of the socket 2 and the plug 4 contacted in the connection process of the connector mechanism in 1st Embodiment. It is the schematic sectional drawing which showed the state by which the connection of the socket 2 and the plug 4 was completed in the connection process of the connector mechanism in 1st Embodiment, and the connection was hold | maintained. It is the schematic sectional drawing which showed the area | region where the fluid exists in the state which the socket 2 and the plug 4 isolate | separated in the connection process of the connector mechanism in 1st Embodiment. It is the schematic sectional drawing which showed the fluid existing area | region in the state which the 1st contact surface of the socket 2 and the plug 4 contacted in the connection process of the connector mechanism in 1st Embodiment. It is the schematic sectional drawing which showed the fluid existing area | region in the state which the 2nd contact surface of the socket 2 and the plug 4 contacted in the connection process of the connector mechanism in 1st Embodiment. It is the schematic sectional drawing which showed the area | region where the fluid exists in the state by which the connection of the socket 2 and the plug 4 was completed in the connection process of the connector mechanism in 1st Embodiment, and the connection was hold | maintained. It is a block diagram of the structural example of the portable electronic device carrying the fuel cell system comprised by applying the connector mechanism which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram of the other structural example of the portable electronic device carrying the fuel cell system comprised by applying the connector mechanism which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram of the other structural example of the portable electronic device carrying the fuel cell system comprised by applying the connector mechanism which concerns on this invention. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the state in which the socket and plug which comprise the connector mechanism of 2nd Embodiment were connected. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the socket used for the connector mechanism in 2nd Embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is AA sectional drawing of a movable member. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the plug used for the connector mechanism in 2nd Embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is the schematic sectional drawing which showed the state which the socket 92 and the plug 94 isolate | separated in the connection process of the connector mechanism in 2nd Embodiment. It is the schematic sectional drawing which showed the state which the 1st contact surface of the socket 92 and the plug 94 contacted in the connection process of the connector mechanism in 2nd Embodiment. It is the schematic sectional drawing which showed the state by which the connection of the socket 92 and the plug 94 was completed in the connection process of the connector mechanism in 2nd Embodiment, and the connection was hold | maintained. It is the schematic diagram which expanded partially the 2nd contact surface periphery in the state with which the connection was hold | maintained in 2nd Embodiment. It is the schematic sectional drawing which showed the area | region where the fluid exists in the state which the socket 92 and the plug 94 isolate | separated in the connection process of the connector mechanism in 2nd Embodiment. It is the schematic sectional drawing which showed the fluid existing area | region in the state which the 1st contact surface of the socket 92 and the plug 94 contacted in the connection process of the connector mechanism in 2nd Embodiment. It is the schematic sectional drawing which showed the area | region where the fluid exists in the state by which the connection of the socket 92 and the plug 94 was completed in the connection process of the connector mechanism in 2nd Embodiment, and the connection was hold | maintained. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the socket used for the connector mechanism in 3rd Embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is a top view which shows the structure of a leaf | plate spring. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the plug used for the connector mechanism in 3rd Embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is the schematic sectional drawing which showed the state which the socket 92 and the plug 94 isolate | separated in the connection process of the connector mechanism in 3rd Embodiment. It is the schematic sectional drawing which showed the state which the 1st contact surface of the socket 92 and the plug 94 contacted in the connection process of the connector mechanism in 3rd Embodiment. It is the schematic sectional drawing which showed the state by which the connection of the socket 92 and the plug 94 was completed in the connection process of the connector mechanism in 3rd Embodiment, and the connection was hold | maintained.

Explanation of symbols

1,91 Connector mechanism 2,92 Socket 4,94 Plug 21,41,921,941 Base 21a, 921a Tube portion 21b, 921b Flat plate portion 21c, 24c, 25c, 41c, 44c, 45c, 921c, 924c, 925c, 941c , 944c, 945c Fluid flow path 22, 42, 922, 942 Side wall member 23, 29, 30, 31, 43, 49, 50, 52, 929, 930, 949 Seal member 24, 44 Holding member 24a, 44a Cylindrical portion 24b, 44b Disc-shaped part 25, 45 Movable member 26, 46, 926, 946 Stopper 27, 47, 927, 931, 947 Elastic body 28, 48, 928, 948 Optical fiber 32, 932 Protrusion 41a, 941a Tube part 41b, 941b Flat part 42a Cylindrical part 42b Insertion part 45a Outside Edge tip 45b Channel groove 51,951 Channel 61,961 First contact surface 62,962 Second contact surface 63,963 First channel 64,964 Second channel 71 Portable electronic device 72 Fuel cell system 73 Hydrogen storage cartridge 74 Fuel cell power generation device 75 Hydrogen storage body 76 Pressure adjustment mechanism 77 Sensor 78 Information processing section 79 Optical communication means 80 Flow rate adjustment mechanism 81 Hydrogen supply control mechanism 82 Electric energy generating element 83 Optical communication means 84 Information processing section 85 Sensor 924a Guide portions 924, 944 Holding portions 924d, 944d Seats 925, 945 Movable members 925a, 945a Center holes 925b, 945b Lens 930a Annular portion 930 Movable seal members 970, 971 Leaf spring 970a Seat hole 970b Fuel flow hole

Claims (6)

A female connector disposed on the fuel cartridge side or the fuel cell power generator side and a male connector disposed on the fuel cell power generator side or the fuel cartridge side, and the male connector is inserted into the female connector A connector mechanism for delivering and receiving fuel fluid,
The female connector includes a first flow path through which fuel fluid is exchanged with the male connector side and a shut-off valve;
The male connector includes a second flow path and a shutoff valve through which fuel fluid is transferred to and from the female connector;
The first flow path and the second flow path communicate with each other by inserting the male connector into the female connector,
When the connection between the female connector and the male connector is released, the shut-off valve holds the female connector and the male connector in a sealed state. The female connector is urged toward the male connector and is provided on the first flow path so as to be movable in the main flow direction of the first flow path. A first movable member that is cut off from the connector side;
The male connector is urged toward the female connector and is provided on the second flow path so as to be movable in the main flow direction of the second flow path, and the second flow path is connected to the female connector. A second movable member that is cut off from the side,
When the male connector is inserted into the female connector, the first movable member is moved to the rear end side against the force urged toward the male connector side, and the lid is opened. The first channel and the second channel communicate with each other when the second movable member moves against the force urged toward the female connector to open the lid. The connector mechanism according to claim 1. The connector mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the first movable member is provided on the first flow path so as to be urged toward the male connector by a first elastic body. The connector mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the second movable member is provided on the second flow path so as to be urged toward the female connector by a second elastic body. The first movable member is provided on the first flow path so as to be urged toward the male connector by the first elastic body, and the second movable member is a second elastic body. Is provided on the second flow path so as to be biased toward the female connector side,
When the male connector is inserted into the female connector, the first movable member is moved to the rear end side against the elasticity of the first elastic body to open the lid, and the second The first channel and the second channel communicate with each other when the movable member is moved to the rear end side against the elasticity of the second elastic body to open the lid. The connector mechanism according to claim 2. After the distal end of the male connector is in contact with the first movable member and airtightness of the first flow path and the second flow path is secured,
The first movable member is moved to the rear end side against the force urged toward the male connector side to open the lid, and the second movable member is attached to the female connector side. The first flow path and the second flow path are communicated with each other by opening the lid by moving to the rear end side against the force exerted. Connector mechanism.

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