JP2011082035A - Coupler for fuel cell, and fuel cell - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a coupler for a fuel cell having superior reliability and safety or the like in which leakage of liquid fuel is suppressed. <P>SOLUTION: In a flow passage of the liquid fuel at a further tip side than an opening/closing part 56 of a valve mechanism of at least one of a socket 4 and a nozzle 5 to constitute the coupler for the fuel cell, a filter F is installed which suppresses foreign matters from invading into this opening/closing part 56. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell coupler and a fuel cell using the same.

  In recent years, attempts have been made to use a fuel cell as a power source for portable electronic devices such as notebook computers and mobile phones so that they can be used for a long time without being charged. A fuel cell can generate power only by supplying fuel and air, and can continuously generate power for a long time if fuel is replenished. For this reason, if the fuel cell can be reduced in size, it can be said that the system is extremely advantageous as a power source for portable electronic devices.

  In particular, the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) using methanol fuel with high energy density can be miniaturized and the fuel is easy to handle, so it is promising as a power source for portable devices. Has been. As a fuel supply method in the DMFC, an active method such as a gas supply type or a liquid supply type, or an internal vaporization type passive method in which the liquid fuel in the fuel container is vaporized in the fuel cell and supplied to the fuel electrode is known. ing. Of these, the passive method is advantageous for downsizing the DMFC. In a passive type DMFC, for example, methanol fuel in a fuel container is vaporized through a fuel impregnated layer, a fuel vaporized layer, or the like and supplied to the fuel electrode.

  The liquid fuel is supplied to the fuel storage unit using, for example, a satellite type (outside injection type) fuel cartridge. When liquid fuel is supplied using a fuel cartridge, a fuel cell coupler generally composed of a socket attached to the fuel cell side and a nozzle attached to the fuel cartridge side is used. Each of the socket and the nozzle has a valve mechanism. The valve mechanism is opened by bringing the valves into contact with each other at the time of connection, and the liquid fuel stored in the fuel cartridge is supplied to the fuel cell, specifically, the fuel storage portion. Can be supplied. Further, when the nozzle is removed from the socket, the valves are separated from each other and the valve mechanism is closed, so that leakage of liquid fuel can be suppressed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  Among such fuel cell couplers, for example, a fuel cartridge containing gelled fuel and a reliquefying agent for liquefying the gelled fuel, dams other than the liquefied liquid fuel at the liquid fuel outlet, What provided the filter for taking out only liquid fuel efficiently is known (for example, refer to patent documents 2). For example, a fuel cartridge including a valve mechanism and a pressure adjustment mechanism is known in which a filter is provided between the valve mechanism and the pressure adjustment mechanism (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

JP 2008-47405 A JP 2008-251289 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-200734

  As described above, a fuel cell coupler including a socket having a valve mechanism and a nozzle is used to supply liquid fuel to the fuel cell. Such a valve mechanism usually has an opening / closing part mainly composed of a valve hole and a valve for closing the valve hole.

  However, in such a valve mechanism, foreign matter such as external dust may enter and get into the gap between the opening and closing parts, which may reduce the sealing performance. As a result, the liquid fuel once supplied to the fuel cell leaks as it flows backward, and the liquid fuel stored in the fuel cartridge may leak. Although the nozzle basically discharges liquid fuel, the internal pressure of the fuel cartridge decreases due to the discharge of the liquid fuel, which may cause external foreign matter to be sucked into the gap of the opening / closing part. is there.

  With the miniaturization of the fuel cell, the valve mechanism is also miniaturized, and even a very small foreign object has a high possibility of affecting the sealing performance of the opening / closing part. In general, the supply of liquid fuel to the fuel cell is performed manually and may be performed close to the face. Therefore, it is preferable that leakage of liquid fuel due to poor sealing of the valve mechanism be suppressed as much as possible.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell coupler that is excellent in reliability, safety, and the like, in which leakage of liquid fuel is suppressed. Another object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell excellent in reliability, safety and the like using such a fuel cell coupler.

  A coupler for a fuel cell according to the present invention includes a socket having a valve mechanism provided in a fuel cell and a nozzle having a valve mechanism provided in a fuel cartridge, and connects the socket and the nozzle on the tip side of each other. The valve mechanism is opened to supply liquid fuel, and at least one of the socket and the nozzle is connected to the liquid fuel flow path on the tip side of the opening / closing part of the valve mechanism. A filter that suppresses entry of foreign matter into the opening / closing part is provided.

  The socket includes, for example, a valve seat formed by reducing the diameter of the inside, and a substantially cylindrical socket body in which a tip side of the valve seat serves as a nozzle insertion port, and the valve seat through the valve hole of the valve seat. A substantially rod-shaped valve having a front end side valve stem protruding to the nozzle insertion port and a valve head for closing the valve hole from the rear end side, and a substantially cylindrical valve surrounding the front end side valve stem protruding to the nozzle insertion port An enclosure, and the filter is disposed at the tip or inside of the valve enclosure.

  The filter may be fixed to the nozzle body so as to close the tip of the nozzle body, for example, and is fixed to the inside of the valve enclosure, for example, and the cross-sectional shape of the tip side valve stem is A stem insertion hole having substantially the same shape may be provided, and the distal end side valve stem may be slidably inserted into the stem insertion hole.

  The filter may be fixed to the distal valve stem so as to cover, for example, the distal end portion or the whole of the distal valve stem. Furthermore, the tip valve stem may be the filter.

  The nozzle is formed, for example, through a substantially cylindrical nozzle body in which a distal end side is reduced in diameter to be inserted into the socket and a valve seat is formed therein, and through a valve hole of the valve seat. A front-end side valve stem inserted into the nozzle body on the front end side relative to the valve seat, and a substantially rod-like valve having a valve head for closing the valve hole from the rear end side, The filter is disposed inside the front end side of the valve seat.

  The filter may be fixed to the nozzle body so as to close the tip of the nozzle body, for example, and is fixed to the inside of the nozzle body that is on the tip side of the valve seat, for example, A stem insertion hole having substantially the same shape as the cross-sectional shape of the distal end side valve stem may be provided, and the distal end side valve stem may be slidably inserted into the stem insertion hole.

  The filter may be fixed to the distal valve stem so as to cover, for example, the distal end portion or the whole of the distal valve stem. Furthermore, the tip valve stem may be the filter.

  A fuel cell according to the present invention includes a socket having a filter in the above-described fuel cell coupler, a fuel storage unit that stores liquid fuel supplied through the socket, and a power generation unit that performs a power generation operation using the liquid fuel. It is characterized by having.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the sealing performance of the opening / closing portion of the valve mechanism due to foreign matter being caught, thereby suppressing leakage of liquid fuel, and a fuel cell coupler having excellent reliability, safety, and the like. It can be.

  In addition, according to the present invention, by using a socket having a filter in the above-described fuel cell coupler as a socket provided in the fuel cell, a fuel cell excellent in reliability, safety, and the like can be obtained.

The correlation diagram which shows the relationship between the coupler for fuel cells of this invention, a fuel cell using the same, and a fuel cartridge. Sectional drawing which shows an example of the coupler for fuel cells of this invention. The expanded sectional view of the socket shown in FIG. The partially expanded sectional view which shows the mode of the connection state of the coupler for fuel cells shown in FIG. Sectional drawing which shows the modification of a socket. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the filter shown in FIG. 5. The top view which shows the modification of a valve | bulb. The top view which shows the other modification of a valve | bulb. The top view which shows the further another modification of a valve | bulb. Sectional drawing which shows the modification of a nozzle. Sectional drawing which shows the other modification of a nozzle. Sectional drawing which shows an example of the fuel cell of this invention.

The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a fuel cell coupler 1 of the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as a coupler), and a fuel cell 2 and a fuel cartridge 3 (hereinafter simply referred to as a cartridge) using the same.

  The coupler 1 is a connection mechanism used for supplying liquid fuel from the cartridge 3 to the fuel cell 2, and includes a socket 4 attached to the fuel cell 2 and a nozzle 5 attached to the cartridge 3. Yes.

  Each of the socket 4 and the nozzle 5 has a valve mechanism, and in the separated state as shown in the figure, the leakage of liquid fuel to the outside is suppressed by closing each valve mechanism. On the other hand, when the connection state is established, the liquid fuel can be supplied by opening each valve mechanism.

  In the present invention, a filter for suppressing entry of foreign matter into the opening / closing portion is provided in the flow path of the liquid fuel on the tip side of the opening / closing portion of the valve mechanism in at least one of the socket 4 and the nozzle 5. It is a feature. By providing such a filter, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the sealing performance of the opening / closing part due to foreign matter being caught, thereby suppressing leakage of liquid fuel, and excellent reliability, safety, etc. be able to.

  The fuel cell 2 is mainly composed of a fuel cell 6 serving as an electromotive unit and a fuel supply mechanism 7 that supplies liquid fuel to the fuel cell 6. The fuel supply mechanism 7 is provided with a fuel storage unit 71 that stores liquid fuel. It has been. The socket 4 of the coupler 1 is provided in such a fuel accommodating part 71, for example.

  The cartridge 3 has a cartridge main body 8 which is a container for storing liquid fuel, and the nozzle 5 of the coupler 1 is provided at the tip thereof. Such a cartridge 3 is connected only when liquid fuel is injected into the fuel cell 2, and is a so-called satellite type (external injection type) cartridge.

  The cartridge body 8 accommodates a liquid fuel corresponding to the fuel cell 2, for example, a methanol fuel such as a methanol aqueous solution of various concentrations or pure methanol in the case of a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). The liquid fuel accommodated in the cartridge body 8 is not necessarily limited to methanol fuel. For example, ethanol fuel such as ethanol aqueous solution and pure ethanol, propanol fuel such as propanol aqueous solution and pure propanol, glycol aqueous solution and pure glycol, etc. It may be glycol fuel, dimethyl ether, formic acid, or other liquid fuel. In any case, liquid fuel corresponding to the fuel cell 2 is accommodated.

Next, the coupler 1 will be specifically described.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a separated state of the socket 4 and the nozzle 5. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the socket 4 shown in FIG. In the following description, the end side used for each connection is referred to as a front end side, and the opposite side is referred to as a rear end side.

  The socket 4 is also called a female coupler, and as shown in detail in FIG. 3, as shown in detail in FIG. 3, the front end side is a nozzle insertion port 411 into which the nozzle 5 is inserted, and the rear end side is a substantially cylindrical shape. A socket body 41 is provided. Here, a part of the inner surface on the tip side of the valve chamber 412 is a valve seat 413, and a valve hole 413 a is provided in the axial center portion.

  As for the socket main body 41, the outer wall is formed by the 2nd cylinder part 415 being mainly fitted by the rear end side of the 1st cylinder part 414 in which the nozzle 5 is inserted. The valve chamber 412 is formed by inserting the third cylinder portion 416 and the fourth cylinder portion 417 from the rear end side of the second cylinder portion 415. Between the 3rd cylinder part 416 and the 4th cylinder part 417, the O-ring 418 for improving the sealing property of the valve chamber 412 is arrange | positioned, for example.

  The diameter of the third cylindrical portion 416 is gradually reduced toward the distal end side, and the cylindrical hole portion on the most distal end side is a guide hole 416 a that guides the distal end side valve stem 422 of the valve 42. A stepped surface inside the third cylindrical portion 416 whose diameter is reduced is a valve seat 413. The fourth cylinder portion 417 is provided with a guide hole 417a for guiding the rear end side valve stem 423 of the valve 42 in the axial center portion, and a liquid fuel flow path connected to the fuel storage portion 71 of the fuel cell 2 around the guide hole 417a. A plurality of flow passage openings 417b are provided.

  In such a socket body 41, a substantially rod-shaped valve 42 having a front end side valve stem 422 and a rear end side valve stem 423 formed on both sides of the valve head 421 is accommodated. The valve head 421 is disposed in the valve chamber 412 so as to close the valve hole 413 a via the O-ring 43. And the front end side valve stem 422 is extended so that it may protrude to the nozzle insertion port 411 through the valve hole 413a and the guide hole 416a. Further, the rear end side valve stem 423 extends so as to be inserted into the guide hole 417a.

  The front end side valve stem 422 and the rear end side valve stem 423 are slidably inserted into the guide hole 416a and the guide hole 417a, respectively, so that the valve 42 can move in the axial direction. In addition, a plurality of groove portions serving as liquid fuel flow paths are formed along the axial direction on the side surface portions of the front end side valve stem 422 and the rear end side valve stem 423, whereby the guide hole 416a and the guide hole are formed. The liquid fuel can be passed through the interior of 417a. The cross-sectional shapes of the front end side valve stem 422 and the rear end side valve stem 423 are, for example, substantially cross-shaped, but are not necessarily limited to such shapes.

  An elastic body 44 such as a compression spring is disposed on the rear end side of the valve head 421, and the O-ring 43 and the valve head 421 are pressed against the valve seat 413, thereby closing the valve hole 413 a. ing. Here, the valve seat 413, the O-ring 43 and the valve head 421 constitute an opening / closing part 45 of the valve mechanism.

  The nozzle insertion port 411 is provided with a substantially cylindrical valve enclosure 46 so as to surround the tip side valve stem 422 protruding from the nozzle insertion port 411. The valve enclosure 46 has a bellows shape made of rubber or the like, for example, and is given elasticity in the axial direction due to material characteristics (rubber elasticity) and a bellows shape. Thereby, the flow path of the liquid fuel can be formed around the front end side valve stem 422 by elastically deforming from the connection to the separation of the nozzle 5 according to the front end thereof.

  An annular edge portion is formed at the rear end portion of the valve enclosure 46 so as to protrude outward, and this portion is sandwiched between the second cylinder portion 415 and the third cylinder portion 416 from the axial direction. A valve enclosure 46 is fixed to the nozzle insertion port 411.

  Provided outside the valve enclosure 46 is a substantially cylindrical guide member 47 that is reduced in diameter toward the rear end side for guiding the tip of the nozzle 5 toward the axis when the nozzle 5 is connected. Furthermore, a holding member 48 for holding the connection state when the nozzle 5 is connected is provided on the distal end side of the guide member 47.

  The holding member 48 is provided with a plate-like elastic body on the outer side of the first cylindrical part 414, and a fitting part is provided on the inner side thereof so as to protrude inside the first cylindrical part 414. The fitting portion is provided in order to maintain the connection state by fitting into the circumferential groove 514 b of the nozzle 5. The plate-like elastic body is provided to hold the holding member 48 outside the first tube portion 414 and to apply a pressing force to the fitting portion.

  The filter F for suppressing the intrusion of foreign matter is fixed to the valve enclosure 46 so as to close the tip of the valve enclosure 46, for example. That is, the filter F is a uniform disk having a size substantially the same as the cylindrical hole at the tip of the valve enclosure 46, and the outer periphery is fixed by welding or bonding to the inner surface of the valve enclosure 46. Has been.

  The filter F provided in such a part is preferably one that can be elastically deformed. That is, when the nozzle 5 is connected, in general, the distal valve stem 422 protrudes from the valve enclosure 46 so as to contact the distal valve stem of the nozzle 5. Therefore, it is preferable that the filter F provided in such a portion can be elastically deformed so that the distal end side valve stem 422 can protrude from the valve enclosure 46.

  In this way, by disposing the filter F in the liquid fuel flow path on the tip side of the opening / closing portion 45 of the valve mechanism, it is possible to prevent the sealing performance of the opening / closing portion 45 from being deteriorated due to foreign matter being caught. it can. As a result, the liquid fuel once supplied into the fuel cell 2 can be prevented from leaking in a reverse flow, and the reliability and safety can be improved.

  On the other hand, the nozzle 5 connected to the socket 4 is also referred to as a male coupler or plug, and is provided with a socket insertion portion 511 to be inserted into the socket 4 on the distal end side as shown in FIG. The nozzle body 51 is provided with a valve chamber 512 on the end side. Here, a part of the inner surface on the front end side of the valve chamber 512 is a valve seat 513, and a valve hole 513a is provided in the axial center portion thereof.

  The nozzle main body 51 has a substantially cylindrical main body cylinder portion 514 that gradually decreases in diameter toward the distal end side and that has a vicinity of the distal end portion serving as a socket insertion portion 511. A fitting port 514a into which the valve enclosure 46 of the socket 4 is fitted at the time of connection is formed at the distal end portion of the main body cylindrical portion 514 by expanding the diameter of the cylindrical hole. In addition to the fitting of the valve enclosure 46, the fitting opening 514a also has a function of temporarily storing liquid fuel when the valve enclosure 46 is removed and preventing the operator from touching the liquid fuel. ing. In addition, a circumferential groove 514b extending in the circumferential direction in which the holding member 48 of the socket 4 is fitted is provided in a portion to be the socket insertion portion 511 of the main body cylinder portion 514 in order to hold the connection state.

  A valve chamber 512 is formed on the rear end side of the main body cylinder portion 514 by inserting a valve holder 515. An annular edge projecting outward is formed on the side surface of the valve holder 515, and this is pressed through the O-ring 52 between the inner surface of the main body cylinder portion 514 and the front end surface of the cartridge main body 8, so that the valve holder 515 is fixed. A flow path port 515 a serving as a flow path for liquid fuel from the cartridge body 8 is provided at the rear end of the valve holder 515.

  A nozzle cover 516 is provided outside the main body cylinder portion 514 so as to cover the main body cylinder portion 514 and to be fixed to the cartridge main body 8. The nozzle main body 51 includes the main body cylinder portion 514, the valve holder 515, and the nozzle cover 516.

  Such a nozzle body 51 accommodates a substantially rod-like valve 53 in which a front end side valve stem 532 and a rear end side valve stem 533 are formed on both sides of the valve head 531. The valve head 531 is disposed in the valve chamber 512 so as to close the valve hole 513 a via the O-ring 54. The distal valve stem 532 is inserted into the nozzle body 51 (main body cylinder portion 514) on the distal end side through the valve hole 513a. The rear end side valve stem 533 is inserted into the valve holder 515.

  The front end side valve stem 532 and the rear end side valve stem 533 are slidably inserted into the main body cylinder portion 514 and the valve holder 515, respectively, so that the valve 53 is movable in the axial direction. In addition, a plurality of groove portions serving as liquid fuel flow paths are formed along the axial direction on the side surface portions of the front end side valve stem 532 and the rear end side valve stem 533, whereby the main body cylinder portion 514, the valve The liquid fuel can be passed through the holder 515. The cross-sectional shapes of the leading end side valve stem 532 and the trailing end side valve stem 533 are, for example, substantially cross-shaped, but are not necessarily limited to such shapes.

  An elastic body 55 such as a compression spring is disposed on the rear end side of the valve head 531, and the O-ring 54 and the valve head 531 are pressed against the valve seat 513, thereby closing the valve hole 513a. ing. Here, the valve seat 513, the O-ring 54, and the valve head 531 constitute an opening / closing part 56 of the valve mechanism.

  FIG. 4 shows the connection state between the socket 4 and the nozzle 5 described above. When the nozzle 5 is connected to the socket 4, the holding member 48 of the socket 4 is fitted into the circumferential groove 514 b of the nozzle 5 and the connected state is held. Further, the valve 42 (front end side valve stem 422) of the socket 4 and the valve 53 (front end side valve stem 532) of the nozzle 5 come into contact with each other and move toward the rear end side, so that the opening / closing part 45 of each valve mechanism. The opening / closing part 56 is opened.

  As a result, liquid fuel is discharged from the nozzle 5, and this liquid fuel is introduced into the valve chamber 412 through the inside of the valve enclosure 46 of the socket 4 fitted in the fitting port 514 a of the nozzle 5. At this time, since the filter F is provided so as to close the tip of the valve enclosure 46, entry of foreign matter into the opening / closing portion 45 of the socket 4 can be suppressed, and sealing when the nozzle 5 is removed is performed. The deterioration of the property can be suppressed, and the leakage of the liquid fuel can be suppressed.

  As described above, since the valve 42 (front end side valve stem 422) protrudes from the valve enclosure 46 of the socket 4 and contacts the valve 53 (front end side valve stem 532) of the nozzle 5 at the time of connection as described above. The filter F provided in the portion is preferably capable of elastic deformation so that the valve 42 can protrude from the valve enclosure 46.

Next, a modified example of the coupler 1 will be described.
FIG. 5 shows a modification of the socket 4 in which the filter F is fixed inside the valve enclosure 46. As the filter F fixed inside the valve enclosure 46, for example, a substantially cylindrical one having a substantially cross-shaped stem insertion hole Fa into which the distal end side valve stem 422 is inserted as shown in FIG. It is done. Here, the stem insertion hole Fa shown in FIG. 6 has a substantially cross shape in accordance with the cross-sectional shape of the tip side valve stem 422.

  Such a filter F is fixed, for example, as shown in FIG. 5 by welding or adhering the outer peripheral portion to an annular recess having a bellows shape formed inside the valve enclosure 46, or by engaging. At this time, the distal end side valve stem 422 is slidably inserted into the stem insertion hole Fa. Thereby, without interfering with the movement of the valve 42 and the expansion and contraction of the valve enclosure 46, it is possible to fill the gap between the tip side valve stem 422 and the valve enclosure 46 and suppress the entry of foreign matter into the opening / closing part 45.

  Further, the filter F may be fixed to the valve 42 (front end side valve stem 422) instead of being fixed to the valve enclosure 46. Examples of such a filter F include those that cover only the distal end portion of the distal end side valve stem 422 as shown in FIG. 7, and those that cover the entire distal end side valve stem 422 as shown in FIG.

  As these filters F, the thing similar to the substantially cylindrical filter F which has the stem insertion hole Fa as shown in FIG. 6 fundamentally can be used. Such a filter F can be fixed by welding or bonding so as to cover the front end portion or the whole of the front end side valve stem 422. Also in such a case, the flow path of the liquid fuel inside the valve enclosure 46 can be substantially blocked by the filter F, and entry of foreign matter into the opening / closing part 45 can be suppressed.

  Further, instead of additionally fixing the filter F to the tip side valve stem 422, for example, the tip side valve stem 422 itself of the valve 42 may be used as the filter F as shown in FIG. When the front end valve stem 422 itself is used as the filter F, the front end side valve stem 422 made of the filter F may be fixed to the valve head 421 by welding or bonding, or a hole is provided in the valve head 421. The front end side valve stem 422 made of the filter F may be fitted into the base plate.

  Examples of the filter F described above include sintered bodies and porous bodies of olefin resins such as LDPE (low density polyethylene), HDPE (high density polyethylene), and PP (polypropylene), and polyester resins such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate). A porous body of a fluororesin such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), a membrane, a porous body of a urethane resin such as polyurethane, a foam, or the like can be used. These can be appropriately selected and used in accordance with the elasticity and strength required according to the shape of the filter F, the position to be fixed, and the like. Among them, a sintered body obtained by molding and firing the polymer particles made of the above resin material is preferably used from the viewpoint of resistance to liquid fuel and the like, although it varies depending on the position where the filter F is fixed.

  As the filter F, the finer the opening, the more foreign substances can be blocked. However, if the opening is too fine, it will cause pressure resistance when supplying liquid fuel, so the opening is 10 μm or more and 100 μm or less. Is preferred.

  On the other hand, the filter F can be disposed in the nozzle 5 basically in the same manner as the socket 4. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, you may fix to the insertion opening 514a so that the front-end | tip part of the nozzle main body 51, specifically, a cylinder hole may be plugged up. In this way, by arranging the filter F in the liquid fuel flow path on the tip side of the nozzle 5 with respect to the opening / closing portion 56, it is possible to prevent the sealing performance of the opening / closing portion 56 from being lowered due to foreign matter being caught. be able to. Thereby, even when it removes from the socket 4, it can suppress that a liquid fuel leaks, and it can be excellent in reliability, safety, etc.

  The filter F provided in such a portion is also preferably capable of elastic deformation. That is, at the time of connection with the socket 4, generally, the valve 42 (front end side valve stem 422) of the socket 4 is slightly inserted so as to contact the valve 53 (front end side valve stem 532). Therefore, it is preferable that the filter F provided in such a portion can be elastically deformed so that the valve 42 of the socket 4 can be inserted.

  Further, the filter F of the nozzle 5 is also fixed inside the nozzle body 51 (main body cylinder portion 514), strictly, inside the nozzle body 51 on the tip side of the valve seat 513 as shown in FIG. it can. The filter F fixed inside the nozzle body 51 is basically the same as the filter F as shown in FIG. 6, and has a substantially cross-shaped stem insertion into which the distal end side valve stem 532 is inserted. What has the hole Fa can be used.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11, such a filter F can be fixed by engaging an outer peripheral portion with a filter fixing portion 514 c formed by expanding the cylindrical hole of the nozzle main body 51 (main body cylindrical portion 514). it can. At this time, the distal end side valve stem 532 is slidably inserted into the stem insertion hole Fa. Thereby, without interfering with the movement of the valve 53, it is possible to fill the gap between the distal end side valve stem 532 and the nozzle body 51 and to prevent foreign matter from entering the opening / closing part 56.

  Further, the filter F of the nozzle 5 can also be fixed to the valve 53 (the tip side valve stem 532) instead of being fixed to the nozzle body 51. That is, basically, the filter F can be provided on the valve 53 in the same manner as when the filter F is provided on the valve 42 as shown in FIGS. Further, the tip side valve stem 532 itself may be used as the filter F in the same manner as in the case where the tip side valve stem 422 itself as shown in FIG.

  Further, the material of the filter F of the nozzle 5 can be basically the same as that of the filter F of the socket 4, and the elasticity and strength required depending on the shape of the filter F, the position to be fixed, and the like. It can be appropriately selected and used in accordance with the above. Further, the opening can be basically the same as that of the filter F of the socket 4.

  The method for providing the filter F in the socket 4 and the nozzle 5 has been described above. However, the filter F may be provided not only in one of the socket 4 and the nozzle 5 but also in both. Also, the shape of the filter F is not necessarily limited, and the gap between the inner surface of the valve enclosure 46 and the nozzle body 51 or the outer surface of the valve 42 or the valve 53 is closed. As long as the foreign matter can be prevented from entering the opening and closing portions 45 and 56 by filling in, it can be appropriately changed.

Next, the fuel cell 2 of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the fuel cell 2 of the present invention. The fuel cell 6 includes an anode (fuel electrode) composed of an anode catalyst layer 61 and an anode gas diffusion layer 62, a cathode (oxidant electrode / air electrode) composed of a cathode catalyst layer 63 and a cathode gas diffusion layer 64, and an anode catalyst. A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) composed of a proton (hydrogen ion) conductive electrolyte membrane 65 sandwiched between the layer 61 and the cathode catalyst layer 63 is included. Examples of the catalyst contained in the anode catalyst layer 61 and the cathode catalyst layer 63 include a simple substance of a platinum group element such as Pt, Ru, Rh, Ir, Os, and Pd, an alloy containing the platinum group element, and the like.

  Specifically, it is preferable to use Pt—Ru, Pt—Mo or the like having strong resistance to methanol or carbon monoxide for the anode catalyst layer 61 and platinum, Pt—Ni or the like for the cathode catalyst layer 63. Further, a supported catalyst using a conductive support such as a carbon material or an unsupported catalyst may be used. Examples of the proton conductive material constituting the electrolyte membrane 65 include a fluorine-based resin such as a perfluorosulfonic acid polymer having a sulfonic acid group (Nafion (trade name, manufactured by DuPont) or Flemion (trade name, manufactured by Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.). Etc.), hydrocarbon resins having a sulfonic acid group, and inorganic substances such as tungstic acid and phosphotungstic acid. However, it is not restricted to these.

  The anode gas diffusion layer 62 laminated on the anode catalyst layer 61 serves to uniformly supply fuel to the anode catalyst layer 61 and also serves as a current collector for the anode catalyst layer 61. On the other hand, the cathode gas diffusion layer 64 laminated on the cathode catalyst layer 63 serves to uniformly supply the oxidant to the cathode catalyst layer 63 and also serves as a current collector for the cathode catalyst layer 63. An anode conductive layer 66 is stacked on the anode gas diffusion layer 62, and a cathode conductive layer 67 is stacked on the cathode gas diffusion layer 64.

  The anode conductive layer 66 and the cathode conductive layer 67 are, for example, a porous layer (for example, a mesh) or a foil made of a conductive metal material such as gold or nickel, a conductive metal material such as a foil, a thin film, or stainless steel (SUS), or the like. It is comprised with the composite material etc. which coat | covered the highly conductive metal. Rubber O-rings 68 and 69 are interposed between the electrolyte membrane 65 and the anode conductive layer 66, and between the electrolyte membrane 65 and the cathode conductive layer 67. Prevents fuel leaks and oxidizer leaks.

  The fuel supply mechanism 7 is mainly composed of a fuel storage portion 71, and the fuel storage portion 71 is filled with, for example, methanol fuel as the liquid fuel F. Further, the fuel storage unit 71 is opened on the fuel cell 6 side, and a gas permselective membrane 72 is installed between the opening of the fuel storage unit 71 and the fuel cell 6. The gas permselective membrane 72 is a gas-liquid separation membrane that transmits only the vaporized component of the liquid fuel F and does not transmit the liquid component. Examples of the constituent material of the gas selective permeable membrane 72 include a fluororesin such as polytetrafluoroethylene. Here, the vaporization component of the liquid fuel F is a mixture of a vaporization component of methanol and a vaporization component of water when a methanol aqueous solution is used as the liquid fuel F, and a vaporization component of methanol when pure methanol is used. Means.

  A moisturizing layer 81 is laminated on the cathode conductive layer 67, and a surface layer 82 is further laminated thereon. The surface layer 82 has a function of adjusting the amount of air that is an oxidant, and the adjustment can be performed by changing the number and size of the air inlets 82a. The moisturizing layer 81 is impregnated with a part of the water generated in the cathode catalyst layer 63 and serves to suppress the transpiration of water, and by uniformly introducing an oxidant into the cathode gas diffusion layer 64, the cathode catalyst It also has a function of promoting uniform diffusion of the oxidizing agent into the layer 63. The moisturizing layer 81 is composed of, for example, a porous member, and specific constituent materials include polyethylene and polypropylene porous bodies.

  The gas selective permeable membrane 72, the fuel cell 6, the moisture retention layer 81, and the surface layer 82 are laminated in this order on the fuel storage portion 71, and a stainless steel cover 83, for example, covers the whole to hold it. Has been. The cover 83 is provided with an opening 83 a at a portion corresponding to the air inlet 82 a formed in the surface layer 82. Further, the fuel storage portion 71 is provided with a terrace 71a for receiving the claw 83b of the cover 83, and the whole is integrally held by the cover 83 by caulking the claw 83b to the terrace 71a.

In the fuel cell 2 having the above-described configuration, the liquid fuel F (for example, aqueous methanol solution) in the fuel storage portion 71 is vaporized, and this vaporized component is supplied to the fuel cell 6 through the gas selective permeable membrane 72. . In the fuel cell 6, the vaporized component of the liquid fuel F is diffused by the anode gas diffusion layer 62 and supplied to the anode catalyst layer 61. The vaporized component supplied to the anode catalyst layer 61 causes the internal reforming reaction of methanol shown in the following (1).
CH ₃ OH + H ₂ O → CO ₂ + 6H ⁺ + 6e ⁻ (1)

  In addition, when pure methanol is used as the liquid fuel F, water vapor is not supplied from the fuel storage portion 71. Therefore, the water generated in the cathode catalyst layer 63 and the water in the electrolyte membrane 65 are reacted with methanol to satisfy the above (1 The internal reforming reaction of the formula (1) occurs or the internal reforming reaction is generated by another reaction mechanism that does not require water, regardless of the internal reforming reaction of the formula (1).

Protons (H ⁺ ) generated by the internal reforming reaction are conducted through the electrolyte membrane 65 and reach the cathode catalyst layer 63. Air (oxidant) taken from the air inlet 82 a of the surface layer 82 diffuses through the moisture retaining layer 81, the cathode conductive layer 67, and the cathode gas diffusion layer 64 and is supplied to the cathode catalyst layer 63. The air supplied to the cathode catalyst layer 63 causes the reaction shown in the following formula (2). This reaction causes a power generation reaction that accompanies the generation of water.
(3/2) O ₂ + 6H ⁺ + 6e ⁻ → 3H ₂ O (2)

  As the power generation reaction proceeds, the liquid fuel F (for example, aqueous methanol solution or pure methanol) in the fuel storage unit 71 is consumed. Since the power generation reaction stops when the liquid fuel F in the fuel storage unit 71 becomes empty, the liquid fuel is supplied from the cartridge 3 at that time or before that time.

  Although the fuel cell coupler and the fuel cell of the present invention have been described above, the fuel cell coupler and the fuel cell of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiment itself, and are within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention. The component can be modified and embodied. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment.

  Further, as the fuel cell, for example, a passive DMFC which is being reduced in size is preferable, but at least a socket having a filter in the coupler for a fuel cell of the present invention is provided, and liquid fuel is supplied through the socket. As long as it can be used, the system, mechanism, and the like are not limited at all.

  For example, in the above description, the structure of the fuel cell has been described with the structure having the fuel accommodating portion 71 below the membrane electrode assembly (MEA), but the fuel supply from the fuel accommodating portion to the membrane electrode assembly is a flow path. It may be a structure connected by arranging. In addition, a passive type fuel cell has been described as an example of the configuration of the fuel cell main body. However, an active type fuel cell, and a fuel of a type called a semi-passive that uses a pump or the like for part of a fuel supply, etc. The present invention can also be applied to a battery.

  In the semi-passive type fuel cell, the fuel supplied from the fuel storage part to the membrane electrode assembly is used for the power generation reaction, and is not circulated thereafter and returned to the fuel storage part. The semi-passive type fuel cell is different from the conventional active method because it does not circulate the fuel, and does not impair the downsizing of the device. Moreover, a pump is used to supply fuel, which is different from a pure passive system such as a conventional internal vaporization type. For this reason, it is called a semi-passive method as described above.

  In this semi-passive type fuel cell, a fuel cutoff valve may be arranged in place of the pump as long as fuel is supplied from the fuel storage portion to the membrane electrode assembly. In this case, the fuel cutoff valve is provided to control the supply of liquid fuel through the flow path.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Fuel cell coupler, 2 ... Fuel cell, 3 ... Fuel cartridge, 4 ... Socket, 5 ... Nozzle, 6 ... Fuel cell (electromotive part), 41 ... Socket main body, 42 ... Valve, 45 ... Opening / closing part, 45 ... Valve enclosure, 53 ... Valve, 56 ... Opening / closing part, 71 ... Fuel storage part, 411 ... Nozzle insertion port, 413 ... Valve seat, 413a ... Valve hole, 421 ... Valve head, 422 ... Tip side valve stem, 511 ... socket insertion part, 513 ... valve seat, 513a ... valve hole, 531 ... valve head, 532 ... tip valve stem, F ... filter, Fa ... stem insertion hole

Claims (12)

A socket having a valve mechanism provided in a fuel cell and a nozzle having a valve mechanism provided in a fuel cartridge, and connecting the socket and the nozzle on the tip side of each other opens the valve mechanism to form a liquid. A fuel cell coupler for supplying fuel,
At least one of the socket and the nozzle is provided with a filter that suppresses intrusion of foreign matter into the opening / closing portion in a liquid fuel flow path that is on the tip side of the opening / closing portion of the valve mechanism. A fuel cell coupler. The socket has a valve seat formed by reducing the inner diameter, and the nozzle seat passes through a valve hole of the valve seat, and a substantially cylindrical socket body in which a tip end side of the valve seat serves as a nozzle insertion port. A substantially rod-shaped valve having a front-end side valve stem protruding from the insertion port and a valve head for closing the valve hole from the rear end side, and a substantially cylindrical valve enclosure surrounding the front-end side valve stem protruding from the nozzle insertion port Having a body,
The fuel cell coupler according to claim 1, wherein the filter is disposed at a front end portion or inside the valve enclosure.   3. The fuel cell coupler according to claim 2, wherein the filter is fixed to the valve enclosure so as to close a distal end portion of the valve enclosure. 4.   The filter is fixed inside the valve enclosure and has a stem insertion hole having substantially the same cross-sectional shape as the distal valve stem, and the distal valve stem is slidable in the stem insertion hole. The fuel cell coupler according to claim 2, wherein the coupler is inserted into the fuel cell.   3. The fuel cell coupler according to claim 2, wherein the filter is fixed to the tip side valve stem so as to cover a tip portion or the whole of the tip side valve stem.   The fuel cell coupler according to claim 2, wherein the distal valve stem comprises the filter. The nozzle includes a substantially cylindrical nozzle main body having a socket insertion portion that is reduced in diameter at the tip end and inserted into the socket, and in which a valve seat is formed, and a valve hole of the valve seat. A front-end side valve stem inserted into the nozzle body on the front end side of the seat, and a substantially rod-shaped valve having a valve head for closing the valve hole from the rear end side,
2. The fuel cell coupler according to claim 1, wherein the filter is disposed inside a tip portion of the nozzle body or a tip side of the valve seat.   8. The fuel cell coupler according to claim 7, wherein the filter is fixed to the nozzle body so as to close a tip portion of the nozzle body.   The filter is fixed to the inside of the nozzle body on the tip side of the valve seat, and has a stem insertion hole having substantially the same shape as a cross-sectional shape of the tip side valve stem. 8. The fuel cell coupler according to claim 7, wherein the distal end side valve stem is slidably inserted.   8. The fuel cell coupler according to claim 7, wherein the filter is fixed to the tip side valve stem so as to cover a tip portion or the whole of the tip side valve stem.   8. The fuel cell coupler according to claim 7, wherein the tip side valve stem comprises the filter. A socket having a filter in the fuel cell coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 6;
A fuel storage section for storing liquid fuel supplied through the socket;
A fuel cell comprising: an electromotive unit that performs a power generation operation using the liquid fuel.

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