JP2009140636A - Cap member, and fuel cartridge with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cap member which protects a fuel supply section and makes a user recognize leakage of a fuel in advance and is excellent on safety for previously preventing its use and reliability, and a fuel cartridge with the same cap member. <P>SOLUTION: In the cap member 20 in which it covers the fuel supply section 14 arranged on the fuel cartridge 10 with the fuel supply section 14, the cap member 20 includes a recessed section 22 for housing the fuel supply section 14, and an indicator section 26 arranged on the recessed section 22 brought into contact with the fuel supply section 14 when the fuel supply section 14 of the fuel cartridge 10 is housed in the recessed section 22. The indicator section 26 includes a discrimination means for reporting an existence of liquid suction of a fuel in the fuel cartridge 10. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cartridge connected to a device including a power generation unit composed of a fuel cell, and more particularly to a cap member that houses a fuel supply unit.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, electronic devices have become rapidly portable and cordless, and there is an increasing demand for secondary batteries that are small and lightweight and have high energy density as power sources for driving these devices. Further, a fuel cell that can be used continuously for a long time by supplying fuel is attracting attention rather than a secondary battery that requires charging.

  As a small fuel cell mounted on a small portable electronic device, a fuel cell using a liquid fuel such as methanol, an aqueous methanol solution or an aqueous formic acid solution has attracted attention. Such fuel is generally harmful to the human body.

  Therefore, as a form of supplying fuel to the fuel cell, a fuel cartridge enclosing a liquid fuel having a fuel supply unit is generally used.

  Then, when the fuel supply part of the fuel cartridge and the fuel injection part for supplying fuel to the fuel cell built in the electronic device are fitted, for example, by passing the sealed fuel by the pressing force of the spring The fuel is supplied to the fuel cell. In that case, it is strongly required that the fuel in the fuel cartridge does not leak.

  Usually, a beverage container or the like has a structure in which a sealing member is provided on the inner side of a cap, and the sealing member is brought into contact with a beverage doorway formed in the container body to be sealed. Moreover, in the case of containers such as shampoo and toothpaste, in order to prevent leakage of the contents in the container, the container has a structure in which an inlet / outlet formed in the container body and a stopper provided in the cap are fitted and sealed ( For example, see Patent Document 1).

  However, in the case of a beverage container, some leakage during opening and closing of the beverage is allowed because it is not harmful to the human body. On the other hand, in the case of a fuel cartridge, fuel leakage is not allowed as described above, and such a container structure cannot be adopted.

  Therefore, a fuel supply unit having a shape designed to prevent fuel from leaking even when an unexpected force is applied during fuel supply, and a fuel injection unit having a structure matching the fuel supply unit have been developed (for example, Patent Documents). 2).

Further, an example in which a cap that is screwed with a fuel supply portion of a fuel cartridge is provided (see, for example, Patent Document 3). As a result, infants and the like can accidentally put the fuel supply section into their mouths and prevent damage, thereby ensuring safety.
JP 2006-256622 A JP 2007-128850 A JP 2007-227092 A

  In the case of the container shown in Patent Document 1 and the fuel cartridge shown in Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3, leakage of contents, fuel, and the like in the container is an issue, and its main purpose is prevention.

  However, if the fuel supply unit is damaged due to unforeseen external force generated during storage, transportation or fuel flow from the fuel cartridge, and the fuel that is harmful to the human body leaks, use the fuel cartridge. No method is disclosed for determining whether or not there is any. For this reason, there has been a problem that it is impossible to avoid the deterioration of the function of the device main body and the influence on the user by using the leaked fuel cartridge.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and protects the fuel supply unit, and allows the user to recognize in advance the fuel leakage, and is safe and reliable to prevent use in advance. An object of the present invention is to provide a cap member and a fuel cartridge including the cap member.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a cap member that covers a fuel supply portion provided in a fuel cartridge having a fuel supply portion, and the cap member stores the fuel supply portion with a space portion. An identification means comprising a recess and an indicator portion provided in the recess that comes into contact with the fuel supply portion when the fuel supply portion of the fuel cartridge is housed in the recess, and the indicator portion notifies the presence or absence of liquid absorption of the fuel in the fuel cartridge Have

  As a result, when the fuel leaks due to an unforeseen situation, it is possible to realize a fuel cartridge excellent in safety and reliability that can notify the user of the leak in advance and prevent its use in advance.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a highly safe cap member capable of notifying a user of leakage in advance and preventing misuse, and a fuel cartridge including the cap member.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cap member that covers a fuel supply portion provided in a fuel cartridge having a fuel supply portion, the cap member including a recess for housing the fuel supply portion, and a fuel for the fuel cartridge in the recess. And an indicator part provided in a recess that contacts the fuel supply part when the supply part is housed, and the indicator part has an identification means for informing the presence or absence of liquid absorption in the fuel cartridge.

  Thereby, while protecting a fuel supply part from external force, the fuel which remains in a fuel supply part can be absorbed and a leak can be prevented reliably. In addition, when fuel leaks due to an unexpected situation, a fuel cartridge excellent in safety and reliability that can notify the user of the leak in advance and prevent its use in advance can be realized.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the indicator portion is made of a liquid absorbing material, and the identifying means is a color of the liquid absorbing material by absorbing the fuel. Thereby, it can be surely notified to the user that the liquid is leaking.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the liquid absorbing material is composed of at least a porous member and a fuel-soluble substance contained in the internal hole of the porous member. Thereby, while leaking the leaked fuel, the user can be surely informed that the leak is caused by the color of the fuel-soluble substance.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the indicator portion includes a liquid absorbing member and a colored member, and the identifying means is a color of the colored member due to the liquid absorption of the fuel. Accordingly, the fuel leaked by the liquid absorbing member is absorbed, and the user can be surely informed that the liquid is leaking due to the coloring of the colored member.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect, the liquid absorbing member is composed of at least a porous member. Thereby, the leaked fuel can be absorbed efficiently.

  In a sixth aspect of the present invention based on the fourth aspect, the coloring member is made of a material containing at least a fuel-soluble substance. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably notify the user that the liquid is soluble due to the color of the fuel-soluble substance.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect or the sixth aspect, the fuel-soluble substance is a methanol-soluble substance. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably notify the user that the methanol fuel has leaked due to the color of the methanol-soluble substance.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the seventh aspect, the methanol-soluble substance is provided in at least a part of the internal hole of the porous member. As a result, the leaked fuel can be reliably sucked and notified to the user by color development.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the seventh aspect, the methanol-soluble substance is provided in a layered manner in at least a part of the internal hole of the porous member. Thereby, it is possible to absorb the leaked liquid and notify the user by color development.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the seventh to ninth aspects, the methanol-soluble substance comprises a compound of Co and / or Mn. Thereby, the user can be surely notified of the fuel leakage by a specific color.

  In an eleventh aspect of the present invention based on the tenth aspect, the Co and / or Mn compound is Co chloride, Co nitrate or Mn chloride. Thereby, the fuel leakage can be notified to the user by a unique coloration due to the reaction with the compound.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the indicator portion is formed of a liquid absorbing deformable body, and the identification means is a deformation of the liquid absorbing deformable body due to liquid absorption of fuel. Thereby, it can be surely notified to the user that the liquid is leaking.

  In a thirteenth aspect of the present invention based on the twelfth aspect, the liquid absorbing deformable body is a member that expands by absorbing fuel. Thereby, it can be surely notified to the user that the liquid is leaking.

  In a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the thirteenth aspect, the member is a porous fluororesin. Thereby, it can recognize reliably by the expansion | swelling by the liquid absorption of a leak.

  In a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect, the periphery of a member that does not come into contact with the fuel supply portion is covered with a material that is not deformed by fuel absorption. Thereby, anisotropy can be given to the deformation of the liquid-absorbing deformable body, the deformation amount can be increased, and the user can be surely recognized the liquid leakage.

  In a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, at least a part of the cap member is made of a transparent member that allows the indicator portion to be visually observed. As a result, fuel leakage can be recognized without emptying the cap member, so that a highly safe fuel cartridge can be realized.

  A seventeenth aspect of the present invention is a fuel cartridge comprising the cap member according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects. Accordingly, it is possible to realize a fuel cartridge excellent in safety and reliability that can reliably notify the user of fuel leakage and prevent its use in advance.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the contents described below as long as it is based on the basic characteristics described in this specification.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the structure of the cap member in Embodiment 1 of this invention is demonstrated using FIG. In FIG. 1, a fuel cartridge provided with a cap member will be described as an example to help understanding.

  FIG. 1 (a) is a cross-sectional view of a fuel cartridge in a closed state provided with a cap member in a normal state in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 1 (b) is an abnormal state in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the fuel cartridge at the time of opening provided with the cap member of. Here, the normal time is a case where no fuel leaks from the fuel cartridge, and the abnormal time is a state where the fuel leaks and can be identified. The same applies to the following embodiments.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cartridge 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is configured such that at least a fuel cartridge body 12 and a cap member 20 are integrally provided.

  The fuel cartridge body 12 includes a fuel supply unit 14 connected to a fuel injection unit (not shown) of a device (not shown) such as a mobile phone. Further, the fuel supply unit 14 has a mechanical key 15 on the outer periphery thereof. The mechanical key 15 is a mechanical key (see FIG. 5) for the fuel injection part of the device in order to identify the type and concentration of fuel that matches the operation of the fuel cell of the device and whether the fuel cartridge is a pressurized type or a non-pressurized type. (Not shown) and a pair of dedicated shapes.

  Further, the cap member 20 has a cap body 24 provided with a recess 22 for housing the fuel supply part 14 of the fuel cartridge body 12 when closed, and an indicator part 26 provided in the recess 22. The opening / closing member 28 is connected to be openable / closable. And when the cap member 20 accommodates the fuel supply part 14 of the fuel cartridge main body 12, the indicator part 26 of the cap member 20 comes into contact with at least the tip part of the fuel supply part 14.

  Moreover, the indicator part 26 is comprised with the liquid absorption which consists of a porous material etc. in which many internal holes were formed so that it may demonstrate in detail using FIG. 2 below. In this case, at least a part of the internal hole is filled with a fuel-soluble substance that develops color by reacting with the fuel in the fuel cartridge.

  When the fuel supply unit 14 of the fuel cartridge 10 is damaged due to an unexpected situation, the fuel leaked from the fuel supply unit 14 is absorbed into the internal hole of the liquid absorption that is the indicator unit 26. At this time, the absorbed fuel reacts with the fuel-soluble substance filled in the internal hole to develop color.

  Thus, when the user opens the cap member 20 to supply fuel to the device (not shown) using the leaked fuel cartridge 10, the color of the indicator portion 26 causes the fuel cartridge 10 to Can identify fuel leakage. As a result, it is possible for the user to determine in advance that the fuel cartridge is leaked and to prevent its use.

  Here, the liquid absorption as the indicator portion 26 is made of, for example, a porous material made of, for example, urethane foam or a woven fabric or non-woven fabric made of polyolefin such as polyethylene or polypropylene, which hardly reacts with a fuel such as ethanol. Is done. At this time, it is preferable that the liquid absorption as the indicator portion 26 is made of a material that does not elute residues, metal cations, etc. due to contact with the fuel.

In addition, as the fuel-soluble substance that develops color by reaction with fuel, for example, a methanol-soluble substance can be used for methanol fuel used in a fuel cell of a portable device. As the methanol-soluble substance, Co chloride such as cobalt chloride (CoCl ₂ ), Co nitrate such as cobalt nitrate (Co (NO ₃ ) ₂ ), or Mn chloride such as manganese chloride (MnCl ₂ ) can be used. . In this case, for example, cobalt chloride reacts with methanol fuel to develop a light blue color, cobalt nitrate develops a rose color, and manganese chloride develops a red color.

  Although not shown, the device includes a device main body including a power generation unit configured by, for example, a fuel cell, and a fuel injection unit connected to the fuel supply unit 14 of the fuel cartridge 10. Furthermore, the power generation unit has at least a fuel cell and a tank for storing fuel of the fuel cell.

  The fuel cartridge body 12 contains a fuel such as methanol, and the fuel supply unit 14 has a structure that is sealed with a pressing member such as a coil spring and an O-ring. In general, when the fuel injection part of the device is connected, the pressing member of the fuel supply unit 14 is pushed back to open the sealed state, and fuel is injected into the device. Description is omitted.

  Below, the liquid absorption which is the indicator part 26 of Embodiment 1 of this invention is demonstrated concretely using FIG.

  Fig.2 (a) is a perspective view explaining the liquid absorption which is an indicator part of Embodiment 1 of this invention. FIG. 2 (b) is an enlarged view for explaining the internal hole of the liquid absorption that is the indicator part of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 (c) is the liquid absorption that is the indicator part of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is an enlarged view explaining another example of the internal hole.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the liquid absorption as the indicator portion 26 is made of a porous material in which a large number of internal holes 30 such as urethane foam are formed, and one end face in the drawing is a cap body ( The other end face is in contact with the fuel supply part of the fuel cartridge. For example, when fuel leaks, the liquid is sucked through the internal hole 30 from the end face of the indicator portion 26 that is in contact with the fuel supply portion. At this time, as shown in FIG. 2B, the fuel-soluble substance powder 32 provided in at least a part of the internal hole 30 reacts with the fuel to develop a color, and the leakage is identified. Specifically, for example, when the fuel is methanol, if the powder of cobalt chloride is partially filled as a methanol-soluble substance, it reacts with methanol and develops a light blue color. Further, as shown in FIG. 2C, the fuel-soluble substance may be provided in a layer 34 on a part of the wall surface of the internal hole 30.

  The fuel is intended to be a liquid fuel such as methanol, an aqueous solution thereof, or formic acid.

  The fuel cartridge body 12, the fuel supply unit 14, the cap body 24, and the opening / closing member 28 are, for example, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethyl ether ketone (PEEK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) having ethanol resistance, Super engineered plastics such as liquid crystal polymers, and resin materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and polyacetal (POM). In particular, the fuel supply unit 14 is preferably made of a material in which residues, metal cations, and the like do not elute from the base material due to contact with the fuel.

  According to the present embodiment, when the fuel supply unit is damaged and a large amount of fuel leaks inside or continuously or intermittently leaks, the color of the indicator unit causes the user to use the fuel cartridge. It is possible to inform in advance of the quality. Thereby, the fuel cartridge which can avoid the damage to the apparatus by misuse of the leaked fuel cartridge can be implement | achieved.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, even if the fuel leaks, the liquid is absorbed by the liquid absorption that is the indicator unit. Therefore, even if the fuel supply unit is accidentally touched, there is a significant possibility that the fuel will adhere to the human body. Can be reduced. As a result, a highly safe fuel cartridge can be realized even if a malfunction occurs.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the cap member is opened and closed by an opening and closing member such as a hinge structure is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is good also as a cap member which provides a thread part in a fuel cartridge main body, and screws it in it. Alternatively, the fuel cartridge main body may be provided with a concave portion or a convex portion, and the cap member may be provided with a convex portion or a concave portion that fits into the concave portion or the convex portion of the fuel cartridge. That is, the fitting structure of the cap member and the fuel cartridge is not particularly limited as long as the liquid absorption provided in the concave portion of the cap portion and the fuel supply portion are in contact with each other when closed.

  In the present embodiment, the example has been described in which the liquid absorption and the fuel supply unit abut on a plane, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it is good also as a structure where the front-end | tip part of a fuel supply part bites into a liquid absorption.

(Embodiment 2)
Hereinafter, the structure of the cap member in Embodiment 2 of this invention is demonstrated using FIG.

  FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a fuel cartridge provided with a cap member in a normal state according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and FIG. 3B is an enlarged perspective view of the indicator portion of FIG. FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of a fuel cartridge provided with a cap member at the time of abnormality in the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3D is an enlarged perspective view of the indicator portion of FIG. is there.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the fuel cartridge 40 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is configured such that a cap member 50 provided with at least a fuel cartridge main body 42 and an indicator portion 56 is integrally provided.

  That is, the second embodiment of the present invention is different from the first embodiment in that the indicator portion 56 includes a liquid-absorbing deformable body that is deformed by liquid absorption of fuel.

  The fuel cartridge main body 42 includes a fuel supply unit 44 that is connected to a fuel injection unit (not shown) of a device (not shown) such as a mobile phone. Further, the fuel supply unit 44 has a mechanical key 45 on the outer periphery thereof. The mechanical key 45 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and a description thereof is omitted.

  Further, the cap member 50 has a cap body 54 provided with a recess 52 for accommodating the fuel supply part 44 of the fuel cartridge body 42 when closed, and an indicator part 56 provided in the recess 52, for example, from a hinge part or the like. The opening / closing member 58 is connected to be openable / closable. And when the cap member 50 accommodates the fuel supply part 44 of the fuel cartridge main body 42, the indicator part 56 of the cap member 50 comes into contact with at least the front end part of the fuel supply part 44.

  The indicator portion 56 is constituted by a liquid absorption deformed body made of a porous material or the like in which a large number of internal holes 60 are formed. At this time, the liquid absorbing deformable body is made of a material that expands or swells by reacting with the fuel of the fuel cartridge 40.

  When the fuel supply unit 44 of the fuel cartridge 40 is damaged due to an unexpected situation, the fuel leaked from the fuel supply unit 44 is sucked into the internal hole 60 of the liquid-absorbing deformable body that is the indicator unit 56. At this time, the liquid-absorbing deformed body expands or swells due to the absorbed fuel, and its volume increases.

  Accordingly, when the user opens the cap member 50 to supply fuel to an apparatus (not shown) using the leaked fuel cartridge 40, the fuel cartridge is caused by expansion or swelling of the indicator portion 56. 40 fuel leaks can be identified and recognized. As a result, it is possible for the user to determine in advance that the fuel cartridge is leaked and to prevent its use.

  Here, the liquid-absorbing deformable body that is the indicator unit 56 is made of a material made of a porous fluororesin such as perfluorosulfonic acid that expands or swells by absorbing a fuel such as ethanol. Further, it is preferable that the liquid absorbing deformable body that is the indicator portion 56 is made of a material that does not elute residues, metal cations, and the like by contact with the fuel.

  In addition, since the material of each other component is the same as that of Embodiment 1, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  According to the present embodiment, when the fuel supply unit is damaged and a large amount of fuel leaks inside or continuously or intermittently leaks, the fuel cartridge is informed to the user by the expansion or swelling of the indicator unit. It is possible to inform in advance whether the use is good or bad. Thereby, the fuel cartridge which can avoid the damage to the apparatus by misuse of the leaked fuel cartridge can be implement | achieved.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, even if the fuel leaks, the liquid is absorbed by the liquid absorbing deformable body that is the indicator unit, so that the fuel may adhere to the human body even if the fuel supply unit is accidentally touched. Can be significantly reduced. As a result, a highly safe fuel cartridge can be realized even if a malfunction occurs.

  In addition, in this Embodiment, although the liquid absorption deformation body demonstrated in the example which deform | transforms into a drum shape, it is not restricted to this. For example, it goes without saying that the portion other than the liquid-absorbing deformable body of the portion fixed to the cap body can be arbitrarily deformed depending on the amount of liquid absorption or the state of liquid absorption.

(Embodiment 3)
Hereinafter, the structure of the cap member in Embodiment 3 of this invention is demonstrated using FIG.

  FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of a fuel cartridge provided with a cap member in a normal state according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, and FIG. 4B is an enlarged perspective view of the indicator portion of FIG. FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cartridge provided with a cap member at the time of abnormality in the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4D is an enlarged perspective view of the indicator portion of FIG. is there.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the fuel cartridge 70 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is configured such that a cap member 80 provided with at least a fuel cartridge main body 72 and an indicator portion 86 is integrally provided.

  That is, the third embodiment of the present invention is provided with the outer cover member 90 that is not deformed by liquid absorption, for example, on the side surface other than both end surfaces of the liquid absorption deformation member 62 that is deformed by liquid absorption of fuel as the indicator portion 86. Thus, it is different from the second embodiment.

  The fuel cartridge main body 72 includes a fuel supply unit 74 connected to a fuel injection unit (not shown) of a device (not shown) such as a mobile phone. The fuel supply unit 74 has a mechanical key 75 on the outer periphery thereof. The mechanical key 75 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof is omitted.

  Further, the cap member 80 has a cap body 84 provided with a recess 82 for accommodating the fuel supply portion 74 of the fuel cartridge body 72 when closed, and an indicator portion 86 provided in the recess 82, for example, from a hinge portion or the like. The opening / closing member 88 is connected to be openable / closable. And when the cap member 80 accommodates the fuel supply part 74 of the fuel cartridge main body 72, the indicator part 86 of the cap member 80 contacts at least the tip part of the fuel supply part 74.

  The indicator portion 86 includes a liquid absorbing deformation member 62 made of a porous material or the like in which a large number of internal holes 60 are formed, and a mantle member 90 that is not deformed by liquid absorption on the side surfaces other than both end surfaces thereof. . At this time, the liquid absorbing deformation member 62 is made of a material that reacts with the fuel of the fuel cartridge 70 and expands or swells, as in the second embodiment.

  When the fuel supply part 74 of the fuel cartridge 70 is damaged due to an unexpected situation, the fuel leaked from the fuel supply part 74 is sucked into the internal hole 60 of the liquid absorbing deformation member 62 that is the indicator part 86. . As a result, the liquid absorbing deformation member 62 expands or swells due to the absorbed fuel, and its volume increases. At this time, the direction in which the liquid-absorbing deformable member 62 expands is limited by the outer cover member 90 and has anisotropy. That is, both ends of the indicator portion 86 are limited by the cap body 84 and the fuel supply portion 74, and the diameter of the indicator portion 86 cannot be increased by the outer cover member 90. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 4D, the indicator portion 86 is deformed in a shape that is largely curved, for example.

  Thus, when the user opens the cap member 80 to supply fuel to the device (not shown) using the leaked fuel cartridge 70, the deformation of the indicator portion 86 causes the fuel cartridge 70 to be Identify and recognize fuel leaks. As a result, it is possible for the user to determine in advance that the fuel cartridge 70 is leaked and to prevent its use.

  Here, the liquid absorbing deformation member 62 that is the indicator portion 86 can use the same material as the liquid absorbing deformable body of the second embodiment. Further, as the outer member 90, the reactivity with a fuel such as ethanol is low, and it is difficult to expand or swell. For example, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethyl ether ketone (PEEK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), liquid crystal Super engineered plastics such as polymers, and resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and polyacetal (POM).

  In addition, since the material of each other component is the same as that of Embodiment 2, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  According to the present embodiment, when the fuel supply unit is damaged and the internal fuel leaks in large quantities or leaks continuously or intermittently, by giving anisotropy to the deformation of the indicator unit, The amount of deformation can be enlarged and the user can be informed in advance and reliably of the quality of use of the fuel cartridge. Thereby, the fuel cartridge which can avoid the damage to the apparatus by misuse of the leaked fuel cartridge can be implement | achieved.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, even if the fuel leaks, the liquid is absorbed by the liquid absorbing deformation member that is the indicator unit, and therefore, the fuel may adhere to the human body even if the fuel supply unit is accidentally touched. Can be significantly reduced. As a result, a highly safe fuel cartridge can be realized even if a malfunction occurs.

  Hereinafter, another example of the indicator unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 (a) is an enlarged perspective view of the indicator part at the normal time in another example of the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 (b) is a diagram at the time of abnormality in another example of the third embodiment of the present invention. It is an expansion perspective view of an indicator part.

  As shown in FIG. 5, it differs from the said embodiment by the point which has provided the cut | notch part 100 in a part of the mantle member 90 of the indicator part 86. FIG.

  When the leaked fuel is sucked into the inner hole 60 of the liquid absorbing deformation member 62 that is the indicator portion 86 due to an unexpected situation, the expansion of the liquid absorbing deformable member 62 is restricted by the outer cover member 90, Deforms with directionality. As a result, as described in the above embodiment, the indicator unit 86 is deformed, for example, in a greatly curved shape. At this time, the cut portion 100 provided in the outer cover member 90 is bent and deformed starting from the cut portion 100. The bending deformation of the indicator portion does not return to the original state by an elastic force or the like even if the cap member is opened.

  As a result, when the user opens the cap member 80 to supply fuel to an apparatus (not shown) using the leaked fuel cartridge 70, the fuel cartridge is caused by the bent deformation of the indicator portion 86. 70 fuel leaks can be identified and recognized reliably.

  According to another example of the present embodiment, the user can be surely notified of the fuel leakage of the fuel cartridge by the bending deformation of the indicator portion. Thereby, the fuel cartridge which can avoid the damage to the apparatus by misuse of the leaked fuel cartridge can be implement | achieved.

(Embodiment 4)
Hereinafter, the structure of the cap member in Embodiment 4 of this invention is demonstrated using FIG. Similarly, in FIG. 6, a fuel cartridge provided with a cap member will be described as an example to help understanding.

  FIG. 6 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cartridge in the closed state provided with the cap member at the normal time in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 (b) is a cap in the abnormal state in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the fuel cartridge at the time of opening provided with the member.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the fuel cartridge 110 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is configured such that at least a fuel cartridge body 112 and a cap member 120 are integrally provided.

  The fuel cartridge body 112 includes a fuel supply unit 114 that is connected to a fuel injection unit (not shown) of a device (not shown) such as a mobile phone. Further, the fuel supply unit 114 has a mechanical key 115 on the outer periphery thereof. The mechanical key 115 is a mechanical key (not shown) of the fuel injection part of the device in order to identify the type and concentration of fuel that matches the operation of the device and whether the fuel cartridge is a pressurized type or a non-pressurized type. It consists of a pair of exclusive shapes that can be coupled to the.

  In addition, the cap member 120 is an indicator portion that includes a cap body 124 provided with a recess 122 that houses the fuel supply portion 114 of the fuel cartridge body 112 when closed, and a liquid absorbing member 125 and a coloring member 127 provided in the recess 122. 126, and is coupled to an opening / closing member 128 made of, for example, a hinge portion so as to be opened and closed. At this time, the coloring member 127 of the indicator portion 126 is bonded to the cap body 124, and the liquid absorbing member 125 is bonded to the surface thereof. When the cap member 120 houses the fuel supply part 114 of the fuel cartridge body 112, one end surface of the liquid absorbing member 125 of the indicator part 126 of the cap member 120 abuts at least the front end part of the fuel supply part 114. Become.

  Moreover, the indicator part 126 is comprised by the liquid absorption member 125 which consists of porous materials etc., for example, and the sheet-like coloring member 127, for example. In this case, the coloring member 127 contains at least a fuel-soluble substance that reacts with the fuel of the fuel cartridge 110 and develops color.

  If the fuel supply unit 114 of the fuel cartridge 110 is damaged due to an unexpected situation, the fuel leaked from the fuel supply unit 114 is absorbed into the liquid absorbing member 125 of the indicator unit 126. Further, the fuel absorbed in the liquid absorbing member 125 by, for example, a capillary phenomenon, finally reaches the colored member 127 bonded to the liquid absorbing member 125 and is absorbed. At this time, the absorbed fuel and the fuel-soluble substance of the coloring member 127 react to develop color.

  As a result, when the user opens the cap member 120 to supply fuel to the device (not shown) using the leaked fuel cartridge 110, the coloring member 127 of the indicator portion 126 develops color, The fuel leakage of the fuel cartridge 110 can be identified. As a result, it is possible for the user to determine in advance that the fuel cartridge has leaked and to prevent its use.

  Here, the liquid-absorbing member 125 and the coloring member 127 of the indicator portion 126 are, for example, porous materials made of urethane foam or the like, which are hard to react with fuel such as ethanol, or woven fabric made of polyolefin such as polyethylene or polypropylene, Consists of non-woven materials. At this time, in particular, the liquid absorbing member 125 of the indicator part 126 that comes into contact with the fuel supply part 114 is preferably made of a material that does not elute residues, metal cations, or the like due to contact with the fuel.

  Further, as the fuel-soluble substance that develops color by reaction with the fuel contained in the coloring member 127 of the indicator part 126, a methanol-soluble substance can be used for methanol fuel used in portable equipment. As the methanol-soluble substance, Co chloride, Co nitrate or Mn chloride as described in the first embodiment can be used similarly.

  The device to which fuel is supplied and the fuel cartridge main body 112 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  According to the present embodiment, when the fuel supply unit is damaged and a large amount of fuel leaks inside or continuously or intermittently leaks, the color of the coloring member of the indicator unit causes the fuel cartridge to It is possible to inform in advance of the quality of use. Thereby, the fuel cartridge which can avoid the damage to the apparatus by misuse of the leaked fuel cartridge can be implement | achieved.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the cap member is opened and closed by an opening and closing member such as a hinge structure is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is good also as a cap member which provides a thread part in a fuel cartridge main body, and screws it in it. Alternatively, the fuel cartridge main body may be provided with a concave portion or a convex portion, and the cap member may be provided with a convex portion or a concave portion that fits into the concave portion or the convex portion of the fuel cartridge. That is, the fitting structure between the cap member and the fuel cartridge is not particularly limited as long as the liquid absorbing member of the indicator portion provided in the concave portion of the cap body and the fuel supply portion are in contact with each other when closed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the example in which only the coloring member develops color has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the liquid absorbing member may be configured to contain a fuel-soluble substance that develops color by reacting with the fuel. As a result, fuel leakage can be easily identified.

(Embodiment 5)
Hereinafter, the structure of the cap member in Embodiment 5 of this invention is demonstrated using FIG.

  FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cartridge 140 in the closed state provided with the cap member 150 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. 7 (b) to 7 (d) show the cap member 150 side showing an example of symbols 162, 164, and 166 displayed on the colored member 157 of the cap member 150 in the case of abnormality in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. It is the top view seen from.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the cap body 154 is formed of a transparent member having transparency such as PET, and the cap member 150 can be identified from the outside even when the cap member 150 is closed. This is different from the fourth embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those of the fourth embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 7A, the coloring member 157 is colored by the fuel absorbed through the liquid absorbing member 155 of the indicator portion 156, and the cap main body 154 made of a transparent member having transparency is used. The fuel leakage can be easily identified from the outside in the closed state.

  Here, as the transparent member of the cap body 154, for example, a resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene can be used in addition to PET.

  According to the present embodiment, since the presence or absence of liquid leakage can be identified without opening and closing the cap member, a fuel cartridge that is excellent in safety and user-friendly can be realized.

  In the present embodiment, the example in which the coloring of the coloring member identifies through the cap body is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7B to 7D, it is possible to have a configuration in which symbols 162, 164, and 166 for identifying leakage are displayed (raised) when the colored member is colored. These can be configured, for example, by containing the above-described fuel-soluble substance at a position corresponding to the design of the colored member. As a result, the user can be quickly and clearly identified.

  The configuration of the cap body having transparency according to this embodiment may be applied to each of the above embodiments. Thereby, the fuel cartridge which can identify the leakage of the fuel supply unit without opening the cap member can be realized.

  Needless to say, the above embodiments may be applied in combination with each other.

  The cap member of the present invention is useful in a fuel cartridge that informs the user of fuel leakage and supplies the fuel to a portable device in which the fuel cell is safely mounted.

(A) Cross-sectional view of a fuel cartridge in a closed state provided with a cap member in a normal state in Embodiment 1 of the present invention (b) Fuel in an open state provided with a cap member in an abnormal state in Embodiment 1 of the present invention Cross section of cartridge (A) The perspective view explaining the liquid absorption which is the indicator part of Embodiment 1 of this invention (b) The enlarged view (c) explaining the internal hole of the liquid absorption which is the indicator part of Embodiment 1 of this invention The enlarged view explaining another example of the internal hole of the liquid absorption which is an indicator part of Embodiment 1 of this invention (A) Cross-sectional view of a fuel cartridge provided with a cap member in a normal state in Embodiment 2 of the present invention (b) Enlarged perspective view of the indicator part in FIG. 3 (a) (c) In Embodiment 2 of the present invention Sectional drawing of fuel cartridge provided with cap member at the time of abnormality (d) Enlarged perspective view of indicator part of FIG. 3 (c) (A) Cross-sectional view of a fuel cartridge provided with a cap member in a normal state in Embodiment 3 of the present invention (b) Enlarged perspective view of the indicator part in FIG. 4 (a) (c) In Embodiment 3 of the present invention Sectional drawing of fuel cartridge provided with cap member at the time of abnormality (d) Enlarged perspective view of indicator part of FIG. 4 (c) (A) An enlarged perspective view of the indicator part at normal time in another example of Embodiment 3 of the present invention (b) An enlarged perspective view of the indicator part at the time of abnormality in another example of Embodiment 3 of the present invention (A) Cross-sectional view of a fuel cartridge in a closed state provided with a cap member in a normal state according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention (b) Fuel in an open state provided with a cap member in an abnormal state in Embodiment 4 of the present invention Cross section of cartridge (A) Sectional views (b) to (d) of the fuel cartridge at the time of closing provided with the cap member in the fifth embodiment of the present invention are displayed on the colored member of the cap member in the abnormal state in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. A plan view seen from the cap member side showing an example of the design

Explanation of symbols

10, 40, 70, 110, 140 Fuel cartridge 12, 42, 72, 112 Fuel cartridge main body 14, 44, 74, 114 Fuel supply unit 15, 45, 75, 115 Mechanical key 20, 50, 80, 120, 150 Cap Member 22, 52, 82, 122 Recess 24, 54, 84, 124, 154 Cap body 26, 56, 86, 126, 156 Indicator part 28, 58, 88, 128 Opening / closing member 30, 60 Internal hole 32 Powder 34 Layered 62 Liquid absorbing deformable member 90 Mantle member 100 Cut portion 125, 155 Liquid absorbing member 127, 157 Colored member 162, 164, 166

Claims (17)

A cap member for covering the fuel supply part provided in a fuel cartridge having a fuel supply part,
The cap member includes a recess for storing the fuel supply portion, and an indicator portion provided in the recess that contacts the fuel supply portion when the fuel supply portion of the fuel cartridge is stored in the recess.
The said indicator part has an identification means which notifies the presence or absence of the liquid absorption of the fuel of the said fuel cartridge, The cap member characterized by the above-mentioned. 2. The cap member according to claim 1, wherein the indicator portion is made of a liquid absorbing material, and the identification unit is a color of the liquid absorbing material by absorbing the fuel. 3. The cap member according to claim 2, wherein the liquid absorbing material is composed of at least a porous member and a fuel-soluble substance contained in an internal hole of the porous member. 2. The cap member according to claim 1, wherein the indicator portion includes a liquid absorbing member and a colored member, and the identification unit is a color of the colored member due to liquid absorption of the fuel. The cap member according to claim 4, wherein the liquid absorbing member is composed of at least a porous member. The cap member according to claim 4, wherein the coloring member is made of a material containing at least a fuel-soluble substance. The cap member according to claim 3 or 6, wherein the fuel-soluble substance is a methanol-soluble substance. The cap member according to claim 7, wherein the methanol-soluble substance is provided in at least a part of the internal hole of the porous member. The cap member according to claim 7, wherein the methanol-soluble substance is provided in a layered manner in at least a part of the internal hole of the porous member. The cap member according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the methanol-soluble substance comprises a compound of Co and / or Mn. The cap member according to claim 10, wherein the Co and / or Mn compound is Co chloride, Co nitrate or Mn chloride. 2. The cap member according to claim 1, wherein the indicator portion is formed of a liquid absorbing deformable body, and the identification unit is a deformation of the liquid absorbing deformable body due to liquid absorption of the fuel. The cap member according to claim 12, wherein the liquid-absorbing deformable body is a member that expands by absorbing the fuel. The cap member according to claim 13, wherein the member is a porous fluororesin. The cap member according to claim 13 or 14, wherein a periphery of the member that does not come into contact with the fuel supply portion is covered with a material that is not deformed by liquid absorption of the fuel. The cap member according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein at least a part of the cap member is made of a transparent member that allows the indicator part to be visually observed. A fuel cartridge comprising the cap member according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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