JP2011117588A - Joint member and fuel cell - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a joint member and a fuel cell that suppress blockage of a passage and excel in sealing performance. <P>SOLUTION: The fuel cell includes: a fuel tank storing fuel and having a fuel outlet for discharging the fuel; a fuel cell body having a membrane electrode assembly including an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte membrane held between the anode and the cathode, and a fuel inlet for loading the fuel supplied from the fuel tank; and the joint member inserted in both fuel outlet and fuel inlet. The joint member includes a communication pipe formed of a tubular rigid body, and a cover member formed of a tubular elastic body more elastic than the communication pipe so as to cover an outer circumference of the communication pipe, and having a first ringed lip portion protruding outward from one end of the outer circumference of the communication pipe and brought in close contact with an inner surface of the fuel outlet, and a second ringed lip portion protruding outward from the outer end of the outer circumference of the communication pipe and brought in close contact with an inner surface of the fuel inlet. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a joint member and a fuel cell.

  In recent years, attempts have been made to use a fuel cell as a power source for portable electronic devices such as personal computers and mobile phones. A fuel cell enables a portable electronic device to be used for a long time without being charged. Fuel cells have the advantage that they can generate electricity simply by supplying fuel and air, and can continuously generate electricity if only the fuel is replenished / replaced. For this reason, if the size can be reduced, it can be said that the system is extremely advantageous for long-time operation of the portable electronic device.

  In particular, a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) is promising as a power source for small devices because it can be downsized and is easier to handle than hydrogen gas fuel.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a fuel cell having a configuration in which a fuel distribution mechanism that supplies fuel to a membrane electrode assembly and a fuel storage unit that stores liquid fuel are connected via a flow path. . In such a fuel cell, it is required to suppress the blockage of the flow path and to ensure a sufficient sealing property between the flow path and the member connected thereto.

  According to Patent Document 2, a seal packing composed of an O-ring member made of an elastic material and an auxiliary metal plate is disclosed. According to Patent Document 3, there is disclosed a seal ring constituted by a seal portion made of a rubber-like elastic body having one or more lips at portions contacting the inner case and the outer case, and a reinforcing ring. According to Patent Document 4, a fuel cell system having a configuration in which a collar which is a rigid cylindrical member is arranged inside a rubber hose is disclosed.

JP 2008-235243 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 04-107362 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 07-025311 JP 2008-204942 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a joint member and a fuel cell that suppresses blockage of a flow path and is excellent in sealing performance.

According to one aspect of the invention,
A communication pipe formed of a tubular rigid body, and a tubular elastic body that is more elastic than the communication pipe, covering an outer peripheral surface of the communication pipe, and at least of both ends of the outer peripheral surface of the communication pipe And a cover member having a ring-shaped lip portion projecting outward from one end portion.

According to another aspect of the invention,
A joint member inserted into each of the first opening of the first member and the second opening of the second member, a communication pipe formed of a tubular rigid body, and a tubular elastic body having elasticity more than the communication pipe A ring-shaped first lip portion that covers the outer peripheral surface of the communication pipe and protrudes outward from one end of the outer peripheral surface of the communication pipe and has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the first opening. And a ring-shaped second lip portion that protrudes outward from the other end portion of the outer peripheral surface of the communication tube and has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the second opening. A joint member is provided.

According to another aspect of the invention,
A fuel tank that contains fuel and has a fuel outlet for discharging the fuel, an anode, a cathode, and a membrane electrode assembly including an electrolyte membrane sandwiched between the anode and the cathode; A fuel cell main body having a fuel inlet for injecting fuel supplied from the fuel tank; and a joint member inserted into each of the fuel outlet and the fuel inlet, the joint member Is formed of a communication pipe formed by a tubular rigid body and a tubular elastic body having elasticity more than that of the communication pipe, and covers an outer peripheral surface of the communication pipe, and from the one end of the outer peripheral surface of the communication pipe to the outside A ring-shaped first lip projecting toward the inner surface of the fuel discharge port and projecting outward from the other end of the outer peripheral surface of the communication pipe. Fuel cell, wherein a ring-shaped second lip portion and in close contact with the inner surface of the fuel inlet, and a cover member having, further comprising: a is provided.

According to another aspect of the invention,
A ring-shaped outer periphery that is formed by a tubular rigid body and a tubular elastic body that is more elastic than the communication tube, covers one end of the outer peripheral surface of the communication tube, and projects outward. And a cover member having a lip portion.

According to another aspect of the invention,
A fuel tank that contains fuel and has a fuel outlet for discharging the fuel, an anode, a cathode, and a membrane electrode assembly including an electrolyte membrane sandwiched between the anode and the cathode; A fuel cell main body having a fuel inlet for injecting fuel supplied from the fuel tank; and a joint member inserted into each of the fuel outlet and the fuel inlet, the joint member Is formed of a communication pipe formed by a tubular rigid body and a tubular elastic body that is more elastic than the communication pipe, and covers one end of the outer peripheral surface of the communication pipe, and projects outward, and the fuel By a first cover member having a ring-shaped first outer peripheral lip portion in close contact with the inner surface of the discharge port, and a tubular elastic body having elasticity more than the communication pipe A ring-shaped second outer peripheral lip portion that covers the other end portion of the outer peripheral surface of the communication pipe and that is spaced apart from the first cover member, protrudes outward, and is in close contact with the inner surface of the fuel inlet. And a second cover member. A fuel cell is provided.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a joint member and a fuel cell that suppress blockage of a flow path and that are excellent in sealing performance.

FIG. 1 is an exploded cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a fuel cell body, a fuel supply source, and a joint member in one configuration example of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a joint member of a first configuration example applicable to the present embodiment, and a fuel discharge port and a fuel injection port into which the joint member is inserted. FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing an appearance of the joint member shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the joint member shown in FIG. 2 is inserted into the fuel discharge port and the fuel injection port, respectively. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a joint member of a second configuration example applicable to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the joint member shown in FIG. 5 is inserted into the fuel discharge port and the fuel injection port, respectively. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a joint member of a third configuration example applicable to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the joint members shown in FIG. 7 are inserted into the fuel discharge port and the fuel injection port, respectively. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the position difference between the fuel supply source and the fuel cell main body has occurred in the joint member shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is an exploded cross-sectional view schematically showing structures of a fuel cell main body, a fuel supply source, and a joint member in another configuration example of the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a joint member, and a fuel discharge port and a fuel injection port into which the joint member is inserted. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a first cover member of a fourth configuration example applicable to the joint member, and a cross-sectional view showing a state where the joint member to which the first cover member is applied is inserted into the fuel discharge port. . FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a first cover member of a fifth configuration example applicable to the joint member, and a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the joint member to which the first cover member is applied is inserted into the fuel discharge port. . FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a first cover member of a sixth configuration example applicable to the joint member, and a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the joint member to which the first cover member is applied is inserted into the fuel discharge port. . FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a first cover member of a seventh configuration example applicable to the joint member, and a cross-sectional view showing a state where the joint member to which the first cover member is applied is inserted into the fuel discharge port. . FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a first cover member of an eighth configuration example applicable to the joint member, and a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the joint member to which the first cover member is applied is inserted into the fuel discharge port. . FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a first cover member of a ninth configuration example applicable to the joint member, and a cross-sectional view showing a state where the joint member to which the first cover member is applied is inserted into the fuel discharge port. . 18 is a cross-sectional view of a first cover member of a tenth configuration example applicable to the joint member, and a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the joint member to which the first cover member is applied is inserted into the fuel discharge port. . FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the joint member to which the first cover member and the first filter of the tenth configuration example are applied is inserted into the fuel discharge port. FIG. 20 is a view for explaining the definition of the first inner peripheral lip portion.

  Hereinafter, a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a direct methanol fuel cell will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell 1 includes a fuel supply source (fuel tank) 2 that stores liquid fuel 62 and a fuel cell main body 5. A pump 7, a valve 8, a control unit 9, and the like are connected to the fuel cell main body 5.

  The fuel cell main body 5 includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) 10, a current collector 11, an anode support plate 12, a fuel supply unit 13, a moisturizing plate 18, and a cover plate 19. Yes. The membrane electrode assembly 10 includes an anode 21 as a fuel electrode, a cathode 24 as an air electrode disposed opposite to the anode 21 with a predetermined gap, and an electrolyte membrane sandwiched between the anode 21 and the cathode 24. 27.

  The anode 21 has an anode catalyst layer 22 disposed on the electrolyte membrane 27 and an anode gas diffusion layer 23 laminated on the anode catalyst layer 22. The cathode 24 has a cathode catalyst layer 25 disposed on the electrolyte membrane 27 and a cathode gas diffusion layer 26 laminated on the cathode catalyst layer 25.

  The anode catalyst layer 22 oxidizes the fuel supplied via the anode gas diffusion layer 23 and extracts electrons and protons from the fuel. The cathode catalyst layer 25 reduces oxygen and reacts electrons with protons generated in the anode catalyst layer 22 to generate water.

  Examples of the catalyst contained in the anode catalyst layer 22 and the cathode catalyst layer 25 include platinum such as platinum (Pt), ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), iridium (Ir), osmium (Os), and palladium (Pd). Examples thereof include a group element simple substance and an alloy containing a platinum group element. For the anode catalyst layer 22, it is preferable to use Pt—Ru, Pt—Mo, or the like that has strong resistance to methanol, carbon monoxide, or the like. It is preferable to use Pt, Pt—Ni, or the like for the cathode catalyst layer 25. However, the catalyst is not limited to these, and various substances having catalytic activity can be used. The catalyst may be either a supported catalyst using a conductive support such as a carbon material or an unsupported catalyst.

  The electrolyte membrane 27 is a proton conductive film. The electrolyte membrane 27 is for transporting protons generated in the anode catalyst layer 22 to the cathode catalyst layer 25. The electrolyte membrane 27 is formed of a proton conductive material that does not have electronic conductivity and can transport protons.

  As a material for forming the electrolyte membrane 27, for example, a fluororesin such as a perfluorosulfonic acid polymer having a sulfonic acid group (Nafion (trade name, manufactured by DuPont), Flemion (trade name, manufactured by Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.), etc.) And organic materials such as hydrocarbon resins having sulfonic acid groups, or inorganic materials such as tungstic acid and phosphotungstic acid. However, proton conductive materials are not limited to these.

  The anode gas diffusion layer 23 serves to uniformly supply fuel to the anode catalyst layer 22 and has a current collecting function of the anode catalyst layer 22. The cathode gas diffusion layer 26 serves to uniformly supply the oxidant to the cathode catalyst layer 25, and has a current collecting function of the cathode catalyst layer 25. The anode gas diffusion layer 23 and the cathode gas diffusion layer 26 are made of a porous substrate.

  The membrane electrode assembly 10 having such a configuration is sealed by seal members 38 and 39 such as an insulating O-ring.

  The current collector 11 has an anode current collector 31 and a cathode current collector 34. The anode current collector 31 and the cathode current collector 34 are made of, for example, a porous layer (for example, a mesh) or a foil made of a metal material such as gold or nickel, a conductive metal material such as a foil, a thin film, or stainless steel (SUS). A composite material coated with a highly conductive metal such as can be used.

  The anode support plate 12 is disposed between the anode 21 and the fuel supply unit 13. The anode support plate 12 has a plurality of fuel passage holes (not shown) that allow fuel to pass toward the anode 21 of the membrane electrode assembly 10. The anode support plate 12 may be omitted as necessary.

  Although not described in detail, the fuel supply unit 13 includes a fuel distribution mechanism that distributes the supplied fuel, a fuel diffusion mechanism that diffuses the fuel distributed by the fuel distribution mechanism, and the like. The fuel supply unit 13 includes a part of the container 50.

  The container 50 includes a bottom wall 51 and a peripheral wall 52 provided on the outer edge of the bottom wall 51. The bottom wall 51 and the peripheral wall 52 are integrally formed. The container 50 contains the membrane electrode assembly 10 and the like inside surrounded by the peripheral wall 52.

  The moisturizing plate 18 is disposed between the cathode gas diffusion layer 26 of the membrane electrode assembly 10 and the cover plate 19. The moisturizing plate 18 impregnates part of the water generated in the cathode catalyst layer 25 to suppress water evaporation and uniformly introduce an oxidant (air, particularly oxygen) into the cathode gas diffusion layer 26. Thus, it has a function of promoting uniform diffusion of the oxidizing agent to the cathode catalyst layer 25. The moisturizing plate 18 is made of, for example, a porous member, and specific constituent materials include polyethylene and polypropylene porous bodies.

  The cover plate 19 has a plurality of through holes 19a for taking in the oxidizing agent. The cover plate 19 is made of, for example, stainless steel (SUS). Such a cover plate 19 is fixed to the container 50 by a technique such as caulking, screwing, or a rivet joint.

  In the container 50 described above, a fuel inlet 53 provided by opening a part of the outer surface of the peripheral wall 52 and a first part provided by opening a part of the outer surface of the bottom wall 51 (that is, the back surface of the container 50). A first fuel discharge port 55a, a first fuel intake port 55b, a second fuel discharge port 56a, a second fuel intake port 56b, and the like are formed. The fuel injection port 53 and the first fuel discharge port 55a are connected by a first thin tube 57a that is a fuel flow path. The first fuel intake port 55b and the second fuel discharge port 56a are connected by a second thin tube 57b. The second fuel intake 56b is connected to the fuel supply unit 13 by a third thin tube (not shown).

  The pump 7 is attached to the back surface of the container 50. In this embodiment, the pump 7 is a piezoelectric pump. The pump 7 is connected to the second fuel discharge port 56a and the second fuel intake port 56b, respectively. The pump 7 feeds the liquid fuel 62 introduced from the second fuel discharge port 56a to the second fuel intake port 56b. The pump 7 is not a circulation pump that circulates the liquid fuel 62 but a fuel supply pump that sends the liquid fuel 62 to the second fuel intake port 56b. Such a pump 7 operates when necessary to send the liquid fuel 62 to the fuel supply unit 13. Thereby, the controllability of the fuel supply amount can be improved.

  The type of the pump 7 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint that a small amount of liquid fuel 62 can be fed with good controllability, and that further reduction in size and weight can be achieved, the above piezoelectric pump can be used. In addition, a rotary pump (rotary vane pump), an electroosmotic flow pump, a diaphragm pump, a squeezing pump, etc. can also be used. Among these, it is more preferable to use an electroosmotic pump or a diaphragm pump from the viewpoints of driving power and size.

  The valve 8 is attached to the back surface of the container 50. In this embodiment, the valve 8 is a shutoff valve. The valve 8 is connected to the first fuel discharge port 55a and the first fuel intake port 55b, respectively. The valve 8 is connected to the pump 7 via the second thin tube 57b. The valve 8 opens to supply the liquid fuel 62 introduced from the first fuel discharge port 55a to the first fuel intake port 55b, while closing it stops the liquid supply.

  Such a valve 8 controls the amount of liquid fuel 62 applied to the pump 7. The valve 8 increases the stability and reliability of the fuel cell. The valve 8 can also avoid the consumption of a small amount of fuel inevitably generated even when the fuel cell is not used, the above-described suction failure when the pump is restarted, and the like.

  The control unit 9 is attached to the back surface of the container 50. In this embodiment, the control unit 9 includes a power conversion circuit and the like. The control unit 9 is electrically connected to the pump 7 and the valve 8 by wires not shown. Such a control unit 9 adjusts the power generation amount by controlling the operation of the pump 7 and the opening and closing of the valve 8.

  The fuel supply source 2 is configured to accommodate the liquid fuel 62. The fuel supply source 2 is a fuel tank formed in a rectangular box shape. The fuel supply source 2 has a fuel discharge port 20 for discharging the liquid fuel 62. The fuel discharge port 20 is formed at a position facing the fuel injection port 53 of the fuel cell body 5. Further, the fuel discharge port 20 is connected to a space for accommodating the liquid fuel 62 by a thin tube 2 a that is a flow path.

  The fuel supply source 2 is a resin such as polyethersulfone (PES), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), polysulfone (PSF), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) , Cycloolefin polymer (COP), polymethylpentene (TPX) and the like. These may be used individually by 1 type, and may mix and use 2 or more types. Among these, polyethersulfone (PES), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), and polysulfone (PSF), which are excellent in impact resistance and heat resistance, are preferable, and polyethersulfone (PES) and polyphenylsulfone are preferable. (PPSU) is more preferred, and polyethersulfone (PES) is particularly preferred.

  Here, the liquid fuel 62 is not limited to a methanol fuel such as liquid methanol or an aqueous methanol solution. For example, an ethanol fuel such as an ethanol aqueous solution or pure ethanol, a propanol fuel such as a propanol aqueous solution or pure propanol, or an aqueous glycol solution. And glycol fuel such as pure glycol, dimethyl ether, formic acid, or other liquid fuel. In any case, liquid fuel corresponding to the fuel cell is used.

  In the fuel cell of this embodiment, the fuel 62 supplied from the fuel supply unit 13 to the membrane electrode assembly 10 is consumed by the power generation reaction, and then circulates back to the fuel supply unit 13 or the fuel supply source 2. It will never be. Since this type of fuel cell does not circulate the fuel, it is a method different from the conventional active method and does not impair the downsizing of the device. In addition, since the pump 7 is used to supply the liquid fuel 62 and is different from the pure passive method such as the conventional internal vaporization type, the fuel cell of this method can be called a semi-passive type.

  The above-described fuel supply source 2 is connected to a fuel injection unit (not shown) and configured to be able to inject liquid fuel 62 from the outside. The fuel supply source 2 is reinforced by a reinforcing member as necessary, and includes a leak valve and a balance valve (not shown).

  Joint members 70 are inserted into the fuel outlet 20 of the fuel supply source 2 and the fuel inlet 53 of the container 50, respectively. The detailed structure of the joint member 70 will be described later.

  Next, the mechanism of power generation by the fuel cell will be described.

First, under the control of the control unit 9, the valve 8 is switched to an open state, the pump 7 is operated, and the fuel supply source 2 starts the joint member 70, the first thin tube 57 a, the valve 8, the second thin tube 57 b, the pump 7, The liquid fuel 62 is introduced into the fuel supply unit 13 through the third thin tube. In the membrane electrode assembly 10, the fuel diffuses in the anode gas diffusion layer 23 and is supplied to the anode catalyst layer 22. When methanol fuel is used as the liquid fuel 62, an internal reforming reaction of methanol shown in the formula (1) occurs in the anode catalyst layer 22. When pure methanol is used as the methanol fuel, the water generated in the cathode catalyst layer 25 or the water in the electrolyte membrane 27 is reacted with methanol to cause the internal reforming reaction of the formula (1). Alternatively, the internal reforming reaction is caused by another reaction mechanism that does not require water.
CH ₃ OH + H ₂ O → CO ₂ + 6H ⁺ + 6e ⁻ (1)
Electrons (e ⁻ ) generated by this reaction are led to the outside from a terminal (not shown) connected to the anode current collector 31, and after operating a portable electronic device as so-called electricity, the cathode current collector A terminal (not shown) connected to 34 is led to the cathode 24. Further, protons (H ⁺ ) generated by the internal reforming reaction of the formula (1) are guided to the cathode 24 through the electrolyte membrane 27. Air is supplied to the cathode 24 as an oxidant. Electrons (e ⁻ ) and protons (H ⁺ ) reaching the cathode 24 react with oxygen in the air in the cathode catalyst layer 25 according to the formula (2), and water is generated in accordance with this reaction.
6e ⁻ + 6H ⁺ + (3/2) O ₂ → 3H ₂ O (2)
As described above, power generation by the fuel cell is performed.

  Next, the joint member 70 will be described in more detail.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the joint member 70 in the first configuration example, and the fuel discharge port 20 and the fuel injection port 53 into which the joint member 70 is inserted.

  The joint member 70 includes a communication pipe 71 formed of a tubular rigid body, and a cover member 72 formed of a tubular elastic body that is more elastic than the communication pipe 71 and covers the outer peripheral surface 71S of the communication pipe 71. I have. In the illustrated example, both the communication pipe 71 and the cover member 72 are formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending along the linear center axis O.

  The communication pipe 71 is formed of a material that has sufficient resistance to fuel such as methanol and has little elution by the fuel. For example, pure titanium (Ti), titanium treated with an oxide film, stainless steel ( SUS304 or SUS316L) is formed of various rigid bodies such as those obtained by passivating. The cover member 72 is formed of a material that has sufficient resistance to a fuel such as methanol and is easily elastically deformed. For example, the cover member 72 is formed of ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM), silicone rubber, fluorine-based rubber, or the like. Yes.

  The communication pipe 71 has a first opening 71HA on one end side located on the fuel discharge port 20 side, and a second opening 71HB on the other end side located on the fuel injection port 53 side. The communication pipe 71 communicates from the first opening 71HA to the second opening 71HB. Both the first opening 71HA and the second opening 71HB have a circular cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the central axis O.

  Further, the communication pipe 71 has one end surface 71A located on the fuel discharge port 20 side and the other end surface 71B located on the fuel injection port 53 side. The one end surface 71A is formed in a ring shape surrounding the first opening 71HA. The other end surface 71B is formed in a ring shape surrounding the second opening 71HB.

  The communication pipe 71 has an outer peripheral surface 71S. The outer peripheral surface 71S is a cylindrical surface. Such an outer peripheral surface 71 </ b> S has one end 71 </ b> SA located on the fuel discharge port 20 side and the other end 71 </ b> SB located on the fuel injection port 53 side.

  The cover member 72 has a lip portion that protrudes outward from at least one end portion of both end portions of the outer peripheral surface 71 </ b> S of the communication pipe 71. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the cover member 72 includes a first lip portion 73 protruding outward from one end portion 71SA of the outer peripheral surface 71S and a first protrusion protruding outward from the other end portion 71SB of the outer peripheral surface 71S. 2 lip portions 74. The direction outward from the one end portion 71SA and the other end portion 71SB is a normal direction of the outer peripheral surface 71S or a direction orthogonal to the central axis O. Both the first lip portion 73 and the second lip portion 74 are formed in a ring shape with the central axis O as the center.

  Further, the cover member 72 has a first opening 72HA located on the fuel discharge port 20 side and a second opening 72HB located on the fuel injection port 53 side. Both the first opening 72HA and the second opening 72HB have a circular cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the central axis O. The first opening 72HA communicates with the first opening 71HA of the communication pipe 71. The second opening 72HB communicates with the second opening 71HB of the communication pipe 71.

  A length L1 along the central axis O of the communication pipe 71 is shorter than a length L2 along the central axis O of the cover member 72. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the cover member 72 covers one end face 71 </ b> A of the communication pipe 71 located on the fuel discharge port 20 side. The cover member 72 does not cover the other end surface 71B of the communication pipe 71 located on the fuel injection port 53 side, but extends to the fuel injection port 53 side from the other end surface 71B.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the cover member 72 has a mark 75 that is unevenly distributed on the second lip portion 74 side. This mark 75 is because the structure of the joint member 70 is asymmetric (that is, the one end surface 71A of the communication pipe 71 is covered by the cover member 72 while the other end surface 71B is exposed from the cover member 72). The directionality of the joint member 70 is shown. The mark 75 protrudes in a ring shape like the second lip 74, for example.

  On the other hand, the fuel discharge port 20 and the fuel injection port 53 into which the joint member 70 having a substantially cylindrical outer diameter is inserted are formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the same direction as the central axis O of the joint member 70. That is, the inner surface 20A of the fuel discharge port 20 and the inner surface 53A of the fuel injection port 53 are both cylindrical surfaces. A thin tube 2a, which is a flow path for liquid fuel, is connected to the bottom surface 20B of the fuel discharge port 20. Connected to the bottom surface 53 </ b> B of the fuel injection port 53 is a first thin tube 57 a that is a flow path for liquid fuel.

  The outer diameter Do1 of the first lip portion 73 is larger than the inner diameter Di11 of the fuel discharge port 20 into which the joint member 70 is inserted. The inner diameter Di12 of the thin tube 2a is smaller than the inner diameter Di11 of the fuel discharge port 20.

  The outer diameter Do2 of the second lip 74 is larger than the inner diameter Di21 of the fuel injection port 53 into which the joint member 70 is inserted. The inner diameter Di22 of the first thin tube 57a is smaller than the inner diameter Di21 of the fuel injection port 53.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of the joint member 70 shown in FIG.

  The cover member 72 of the joint member 70 includes a first lip portion 73, a second lip portion 74, and a mark 75 each formed in a ring shape centered on the central axis O. A first opening 72HA is formed on the end face close to the first lip portion 73.

  4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the joint member 70 shown in FIG. 2 and the like is inserted into the fuel discharge port 20 and the fuel injection port 53, respectively.

  In the joint member 70 inserted into the fuel discharge port 20, the first lip portion 73 of the cover member 72 is elastically deformed. At this time, the flow path formed inside the communication pipe 71 is secured. That is, when the first lip portion 73 comes into contact with the inner surface 20A, the first lip portion 73 is not crushed so as to block the internal flow path, and is supported by the outer peripheral surface 71S of the communication pipe 71, and the outer peripheral surface 71S and the fuel discharge port 20. The inner surface 20A is crushed. Thereby, the first lip portion 73 is in close contact with the inner surface 20 </ b> A of the fuel discharge port 20. The ring-shaped first lip portion 73 is in close contact with the inner surface 20A around the center axis O, and there is almost no gap between the first lip portion 73 and the inner surface 20A. At this time, the surface pressure in contact with the inner surface 20A of the first lip 73 becomes substantially uniform.

  Similarly, in the joint member 70 inserted into the fuel injection port 53, the second lip 74 of the cover member 72 is elastically deformed and is in close contact with the inner surface 53 </ b> A of the fuel injection port 53. The ring-shaped second lip 74 is in close contact with the inner surface 53A over the entire circumference around the central axis O, and there is almost no gap between the second lip 74 and the inner surface 53A. At this time, the surface pressure in contact with the inner surface 53A of the second lip 74 becomes substantially uniform.

  Thereby, it is possible to realize excellent sealing performance.

  The compression ratio of the first lip portion 73 and the second lip portion 74 is preferably designed to be in the range of 10% to 20%. The compression rate in this case is defined by (the amount of collapse of the thickness of the lip portion after compression / the thickness of the cover member of the lip portion before compression) × 100. If the compression ratio is less than 10%, the sealing performance may be insufficient, and there is a concern that fuel leaks. Further, when the compression ratio exceeds 20%, the insertion into the fuel discharge port 20 or the fuel injection port 53 cannot be performed quickly, and workability may be reduced.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the joint member 70 includes the communication pipe 71 formed of a rigid body, and therefore the position of the fuel discharge port 20 or the fuel injection port 53 is set to the central axis O of the joint member 70. Even when the position deviates from the coaxial position, the deformation of the joint member 70 can be prevented and the blockage of the flow path formed inside the communication pipe 71 can be suppressed. For this reason, the flow path by the joint member 70 can be ensured between the flow path 2a of the fuel supply source 2 and the first narrow tube 57a of the fuel cell main body 5, and the fuel cell main body can be stably supplied from the fuel supply source 2. 5 can be supplied with fuel.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the first lip portion 73 of the cover member 72 formed of an elastic body is in close contact with the inner surface 20A of the fuel discharge port 20, and the second lip portion 74 is the inner surface of the fuel injection port 53. Since the joint member 70 is in close contact with 53A, it is difficult for the joint member 70 to come out of the fuel discharge port 20 and the fuel injection port 53, and reliability can be ensured, and the inner surface 20A of the fuel discharge port 20 and the fuel injection port 53 due to contact of the joint member 70 It is possible to suppress the occurrence of damage to the inner surface 53A.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, in the joint member 70, the end surface 71 </ b> A of the communication pipe 71 inserted into the fuel discharge port 20 is covered by the cover member 72. Even when it is abutted against the bottom surface 20B, the one end surface 71A of the communication pipe 71, which is a rigid body, does not directly contact the bottom surface 20B, and the cover member 72 is between the one end surface 71A and the bottom surface 20B. Intervene. For this reason, damage generation of the fuel supply source 2 can be suppressed.

  Next, a second configuration example of the joint member 70 will be described. In addition, about the same structure as a 1st structural example, the same referential mark is attached | subjected and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the joint member 70 in the second configuration example. The second configuration example is different from the first configuration example in that the cover member 72 covers not only the one end surface 71A of the communication pipe 71 but also the other end surface 71B of the communication pipe 71. Below, each part is demonstrated easily.

  That is, the joint member 70 includes a communication pipe 71 and a cover member 72 that covers the outer peripheral surface 71 </ b> S of the communication pipe 71. The cover member 72 has a first lip portion 73 and a second lip portion 74. The cover member 72 includes a first opening 72HA that communicates with the first opening 71HA of the communication pipe 71 and a second opening 72HB that communicates with the second opening 71HB of the communication pipe 71.

  The length L1 along the central axis O of the communication pipe 71 is shorter than the length L2 along the central axis O of the cover member 72, and the cover member 72 has one end surface 71A and the other end surface 71B of the communication pipe 71 respectively. Covering.

  Regarding the relationship between the inner diameter of the fuel discharge port 20 (not shown) and the outer diameter of the first lip portion 73, and the relationship between the inner diameter of the fuel injection port 53 (not shown) and the outer diameter of the second lip portion 74, the first mentioned above. This is the same as the configuration example.

  FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the joint member 70 shown in FIG. 5 and the like is inserted into the fuel discharge port 20 and the fuel injection port 53, respectively.

  In the joint member 70 inserted into the fuel discharge port 20, the first lip portion 73 of the cover member 72 is elastically deformed and is in close contact with the entire inner surface 20 </ b> A of the fuel discharge port 20. In the joint member 70 inserted into the fuel injection port 53, the second lip 74 of the cover member 72 is elastically deformed and is in close contact with the entire inner surface 53A of the fuel injection port 53.

  Thereby, it becomes possible to implement | achieve the outstanding sealing performance similarly to the 1st structural example.

  In addition, according to the second configuration example, in the joint member 70, the other end surface 71B of the communication pipe 71 inserted into the fuel injection port 53 is covered by the cover member 72. Even when it is abutted against the bottom surface 53B of the inlet 53, the other end surface 71B of the communication pipe 71 which is a rigid body does not directly contact the bottom surface 53B, and a cover is provided between the other end surface 71B and the bottom surface 53B. A member 72 is interposed. For this reason, damage generation of the fuel cell main body 5 can be suppressed.

  Furthermore, according to the second configuration example, since the cover member 72 covers the one end surface 71A and the other end surface 71B of the communication pipe 71, the joint member 70 is inserted into the fuel discharge port 20 and the fuel injection port 53, respectively. At this time, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of positional deviation between the communication pipe 71 and the cover member 72.

  Next, a third configuration example of the joint member 70 will be described. In addition, about the same structure as a 1st structural example, the same referential mark is attached | subjected and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the joint member 70 in the third configuration example. The third configuration example is different from the first configuration example in that a bellows portion 76 is provided between the first lip portion 73 and the second lip portion 74. Below, each part is demonstrated easily.

  That is, the joint member 70 includes a communication pipe 71 and a cover member 72 that covers the outer peripheral surface 71 </ b> S of the communication pipe 71. The cover member 72 has a first lip portion 73, a second lip portion 74, and a bellows portion 76. The cover member 72 includes a first opening 72HA that communicates with the first opening 71HA of the communication pipe 71 and a second opening 72HB that communicates with the second opening 71HB of the communication pipe 71.

  A part of the bellows portion 76 is separated from the outer peripheral surface 71 </ b> S of the communication pipe 71. That is, the bellows portion 76 has a convex portion 76A and a concave portion 76B. The convex portions 76A and the concave portions 76B are formed in a ring shape with the central axis O as the center. The inner surface of the convex portion 76A is separated from the outer peripheral surface 71S. The inner surface of the recess 76B is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 71S. The cover member 72 having such a bellows portion 76 can be expanded and contracted in the direction along the central axis O.

  The cover member 72 covers the one end surface 71 </ b> A of the communication pipe 71. As in the second configuration example, the cover member 72 may cover the one end surface 71A and the other end surface 71B of the communication pipe 71, respectively.

  Regarding the relationship between the inner diameter of the fuel discharge port 20 (not shown) and the outer diameter of the first lip portion 73, and the relationship between the inner diameter of the fuel injection port 53 (not shown) and the outer diameter of the second lip portion 74, the first mentioned above. This is the same as the configuration example.

  A configuration in which the cover member 72 covers not only the one end surface 71A of the communication pipe 71 but also the other end surface 71B of the communication pipe 71 may be applied as in the second configuration example.

  FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the joint member 70 shown in FIG. 7 and the like is inserted into the fuel discharge port 20 and the fuel injection port 53, respectively.

  In the joint member 70 inserted into the fuel discharge port 20, the first lip portion 73 of the cover member 72 is elastically deformed and is in close contact with the entire inner surface 20 </ b> A of the fuel discharge port 20. In the joint member 70 inserted into the fuel injection port 53, the second lip 74 of the cover member 72 is elastically deformed and is in close contact with the entire inner surface 53A of the fuel injection port 53. Further, a part of the convex portion 76 </ b> A of the bellows portion 76 is also elastically deformed, and is in close contact with the entire circumference of the inner surface 20 </ b> A of the fuel discharge port 20 and the inner surface 53 </ b> A of the fuel injection port 53.

  Thereby, it becomes possible to implement | achieve the outstanding sealing performance similarly to the 1st structural example.

  In addition, according to the third configuration example, as shown in FIG. 9, the positions of the fuel discharge port 20 and the fuel injection port 53 are the center of the joint member 70 due to the positional deviation between the fuel supply source 2 and the fuel cell main body 5. Even when the cover member 72 deviates from a position coaxial with the axis O, the cover member 72 follows the displacement due to its elasticity, and a part of the convex portion 76A of the bellows portion 76 has the inner surface 20A of the fuel discharge port 20 and the fuel. Since it is in close contact with the inner surface 53A of the injection port 53, higher sealing performance can be realized.

≪Comparative example 1≫
In the first configuration example shown in FIG. 2 and the like, when the joint member 70 in which the communication pipe is omitted is applied, when the first lip portion 73 comes into close contact with the inner surface 20A of the fuel discharge port 20, and the second lip When the portion 74 comes into close contact with the inner surface 53A of the fuel injection port 53, the cover member 72 is crushed, and the cross-sectional area of the internal flow path is reduced, and in the worst case, the flow path may be blocked. Further, when the positions of the fuel discharge port 20 and the fuel injection port 53 are shifted from the positions coaxial with the central axis O of the joint member 70 due to the positional deviation between the fuel supply source 2 and the fuel cell main body 5, the cover member 72. Is deformed, and in the worst case, the cover member 72 may be crushed and the flow path may be blocked.

≪Comparative example 2≫
In the first configuration example shown in FIG. 2 and the like, instead of omitting the first lip portion and the second lip portion from the cover member 72, one end portion of the cover member 72 that abuts against the bottom surface 20B of the fuel discharge port 20 and the fuel injection port When the joint member 70 having the ring-shaped lip portion at the other end portion of the cover member 72 that abuts against the bottom surface 53B of the 53 is applied, the lip is caused by the misalignment between the fuel supply source 2 and the fuel cell main body 5. There is a risk that seals will be poor due to insufficient compression of the parts.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a joint member and a fuel cell that suppress the blockage of the flow path and are excellent in sealing performance.

  Next, another configuration example of this embodiment will be described. Other configuration examples described below are different from the first to third configuration examples described above in that the cover member configuring the joint member does not cover the entire outer peripheral surface of the communication pipe.

  FIG. 10 is an exploded cross-sectional view schematically showing structures of a fuel cell main body, a fuel supply source, and a joint member in another configuration example of the present embodiment.

  As in the example shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell 1 includes a fuel supply source 2, a fuel cell body 5, and a joint member 80. In addition, about the structure of the fuel supply source 2 and the fuel cell main body 5, it is as above-mentioned, and detailed description and detailed illustration are abbreviate | omitted here.

  The joint member 80 includes a communication pipe 81 formed of a tubular rigid body, and a first cover member 82 and a second cover member 83 formed of a tubular elastic body that is more elastic than the communication pipe 81. Has been. In the illustrated example, the communication pipe 81 is formed in an L shape, but the shape of the communication pipe 81 is not particularly limited to this example. The outer peripheral surface 81 </ b> S of the communication pipe 81 has one end 81 </ b> SA located on the fuel discharge port 20 side and the other end 81 </ b> SB located on the fuel injection port 53 side.

  The first cover member 82 covers one end portion 81SA of the outer peripheral surface 81S of the communication pipe 81. The second cover member 83 covers the other end 81SB of the outer peripheral surface 81S of the communication pipe 81. The second cover member 83 is separated from the first cover member 82. That is, the outer peripheral surface 81 </ b> S of the communication pipe 81 is exposed without being covered by any cover member between the first cover member 82 and the second cover member 83.

  FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the joint member 80 and the fuel discharge port 20 and the fuel injection port 53 into which the joint member 80 is inserted.

  The communication pipe 81 has a first opening 81HA on one end side located on the fuel discharge port 20 side, and a second opening 81HB on the other end side located on the fuel injection port 53 side. The first opening 81HA and the second opening 81HB are formed in a circular shape. The communication pipe 81 communicates from the first opening 81HA to the second opening 81HB.

  The communication pipe 81 has one end surface 81A located on the fuel discharge port 20 side and the other end surface 81B located on the fuel injection port 53 side. The one end surface 81A and the other end surface 81B are formed in a ring shape.

  The first cover member 82 covers one end portion 81SA located on the fuel discharge port 20 side on the outer peripheral surface 81S of the communication pipe 81, and is a ring-shaped first outer peripheral lip portion protruding outward from the one end portion 81SA. It has OL1. Further, the first cover member 82 covers the one end surface 81 </ b> A of the communication pipe 81. Further, the first cover member 82 has a first opening 82HA communicating with the first opening 81HA of the communication pipe 81.

  The second cover member 83 covers the other end portion 81SB located on the fuel injection port 53 side on the outer peripheral surface 81S of the communication pipe 81, and protrudes outward from the other end portion 81SB. It has a lip portion OL2. The second cover member 83 covers the other end surface 81 </ b> B of the communication pipe 81. Further, the second cover member 83 has a second opening 83HB communicating with the second opening 81HB of the communication pipe 81.

  On the other hand, the fuel outlet 20 and the fuel inlet 53 into which the joint member 80 is inserted are formed in a cylindrical shape extending coaxially with the central axis O of the joint member 80. The outer diameter Do11 of the first outer peripheral lip portion OL1 is larger than the inner diameter Di11 of the fuel discharge port 20 into which the joint member 80 is inserted. The outer diameter Do21 of the second outer peripheral lip portion OL2 is larger than the inner diameter Di21 of the fuel injection port 53 into which the joint member 80 is inserted.

  Next, the state in which the joint member 80 is inserted into the fuel inlet 20 and the fuel outlet 53 will be described. Here, the first cover member 82 applicable to the joint member 80 and the state where the joint member 80 to which the first cover member 82 is applied are inserted into the fuel discharge port 20 will be described.

  For the second cover member 83 (not shown), the same structure as that of any of the illustrated first cover members 82 can be applied, and the first cover member 82 and the second cover member 83 may have different structures. . Further, the state in which the joint member 80 is inserted into the fuel inlet 53 is the same as any state in which the illustrated joint member 80 is inserted into the fuel outlet 20, and the state in which the joint member 80 is inserted into the fuel outlet 20. The state inserted into the fuel inlet 53 may be different.

  FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the first cover member 82 of the fourth configuration example applicable to the joint member 80 described above, and the joint member 80 to which the first cover member 82 is applied is inserted into the fuel discharge port 20. It is sectional drawing which shows a state.

  The outer peripheral surface 82OS of the first cover member 82 includes a first outer peripheral lip portion OL1 protruding outward. Further, the inner peripheral surface 82IS of the first cover member 82 is a cylindrical surface. A first opening 82HA is formed on the central axis O of the first cover member 82. Such a first cover member 82 covers one end portion 81SA of the communication pipe 81.

  In the joint member 80 inserted into the fuel discharge port 20, the first outer peripheral lip portion OL1 of the first cover member 82 is elastically deformed. At this time, the flow path formed inside the communication pipe 81 is secured. That is, the first outer peripheral lip portion OL1 is not crushed so as to close the flow path inside the communication pipe 81 when contacting the inner surface 20A of the fuel discharge port 20, but the outer peripheral surface 81S and the inner surface 20A of the communication pipe 81. Crush between.

  Accordingly, the first outer peripheral lip portion OL1 is in close contact with the inner surface 20A of the fuel discharge port 20. The ring-shaped first outer peripheral lip portion OL1 is in close contact with the entire circumference of the inner surface 20A around the central axis O, and there is almost no gap between the first outer peripheral lip portion OL1 and the inner surface 20A. At this time, the surface pressure in contact with the inner surface 20A of the first outer peripheral lip portion OL1 becomes substantially uniform.

  According to such a configuration, the same effect as the above configuration example can be obtained.

  FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the first cover member 82 of the fifth configuration example applicable to the joint member 80 described above, and the joint member 80 to which the first cover member 82 is applied is inserted into the fuel discharge port 20. It is sectional drawing which shows a state.

  Compared to the first cover member 82 of the fourth configuration example shown in FIG. 12, the first cover member 82 of the fifth configuration example shown in FIG. The difference is that the peripheral lip portion IL1 is provided.

  That is, the outer peripheral surface 82OS of the first cover member 82 includes a first outer peripheral lip portion OL1 that protrudes outward. Further, the inner peripheral surface 82IS of the first cover member 82 includes a ring-shaped first inner peripheral lip portion IL1 protruding inward. The first inner lip portion IL1 is formed at a position facing the first outer lip portion OL1. Although not shown, the second cover member 83 can be configured to have the second inner peripheral lip portion IL2 in addition to the second outer peripheral lip portion OL2.

  When the one end portion 81SA of the communication pipe 81 is inserted into the first cover member 82, the first inner peripheral lip portion IL1 is elastically deformed and is in close contact with the one end portion 81SA of the outer peripheral surface 81S. The ring-shaped first inner peripheral lip portion IL1 is in close contact with the entire circumference of the one end portion 81SA with the central axis O as the center, and even if the entire inner surface 82IS is not in close contact with the outer peripheral surface 81S, There is almost no gap between the peripheral lip IL1 and the outer peripheral surface 81S.

  According to such a configuration, in addition to the same effects as those of the above configuration example, it is possible to suppress fuel leakage transmitted through the outer peripheral surface 81S.

  Further, the first inner peripheral lip portion IL1 is formed at a position facing the first outer peripheral lip portion OL1. Therefore, when the joint member 80 is inserted into the fuel discharge port 20, the force generated along with the elastic deformation of the first outer peripheral lip portion OL1 acts on the first inner peripheral lip portion IL1, and the first inner peripheral lip portion IL1. The force with which the lip portion IL1 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface 81S of the communication pipe 81 is further increased. For this reason, it is possible to achieve higher sealing performance.

  FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the first cover member 82 of the sixth configuration example applicable to the joint member 80 described above, and the joint member 80 to which the first cover member 82 is applied is inserted into the fuel discharge port 20. It is sectional drawing which shows a state.

  Compared with the first cover member 82 of the fourth configuration example shown in FIG. 12, the first cover member 82 of the sixth configuration example shown in FIG. 14 has a first outer peripheral lip portion OL1 formed in a barrel shape. It is different in point.

  That is, the outer peripheral surface 82OS of the first cover member 82 includes a first outer peripheral lip portion OL1 that protrudes outward. Further, the inner peripheral surface 82IS of the first cover member 82 is a cylindrical surface. The first outer peripheral lip portion OL1 extends in a direction along the central axis O as compared to the example shown in FIG. Although not shown, the second cover member 83 can be configured to have the second outer peripheral lip portion OL2 formed in a barrel shape.

  When the joint member 80 to which such a first cover member 82 is applied is inserted into the fuel discharge port 20, the first outer peripheral lip portion OL1 is elastically deformed, but compared with the example shown in FIG. The area where the first outer peripheral lip portion OL1 and the inner surface 20A of the fuel discharge port 20 are in close contact with each other expands in the direction along the central axis O.

  According to such a configuration, in addition to the same effects as the above-described configuration example, it is possible to realize higher sealing performance. In addition, since the contact area with the inner surface 20A of the first outer peripheral lip portion OL1 is increased, it is possible to suppress the inclination of the joint member 80 and to improve the resistance to the impact of the joint member 80 from the outside. It becomes possible to do.

  FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the first cover member 82 of the seventh configuration example applicable to the joint member 80 described above, and the joint member 80 to which the first cover member 82 is applied is inserted into the fuel discharge port 20. It is sectional drawing which shows a state.

  The first cover member 82 of the seventh configuration example shown in FIG. 15 has a first outer peripheral lip portion OL1 formed in a barrel shape as compared with the first cover member 82 of the sixth configuration example shown in FIG. In addition, it is different in that it has a first inner peripheral lip portion IL1. The first inner lip portion IL1 is the same as the fifth configuration example shown in FIG. Although not shown, the second cover member 83 may be configured to have the second inner peripheral lip portion IL2 in addition to the second outer peripheral lip portion OL2 formed in a barrel shape.

  According to such a configuration, in addition to the effect described with reference to FIG. 14, the effect described with reference to FIG. 13 can be obtained.

  FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the first cover member 82 of the eighth configuration example applicable to the joint member 80 described above, and the joint member 80 to which the first cover member 82 is applied is inserted into the fuel discharge port 20. It is sectional drawing which shows a state.

  The first cover member 82 of the eighth configuration example shown in FIG. 16 has a first flange in addition to the first outer peripheral lip portion OL1 as compared to the first cover member 82 of the fourth configuration example shown in FIG. It is different in that it has a part F1.

  That is, the outer peripheral surface 82OS of the first cover member 82 includes a first outer peripheral lip portion OL1 and a first flange portion F1 that protrude outward. The first flange portion F1 is formed in a ring shape over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface 82OS, similarly to the first outer peripheral lip portion OL1. The outer diameter Do31 of the first flange portion F1 is smaller than the outer diameter Do11 of the first outer peripheral lip portion OL1. The inner diameter Di11 of the fuel discharge port 20 is smaller than the outer diameter Do11 of the first outer peripheral lip portion OL1 and larger than the outer diameter Do31 of the first flange portion F1. Although not shown, the second cover member 83 can be similarly configured to have the second flange portion F2 in addition to the second outer peripheral lip portion OL2.

  When the joint member 80 to which the first cover member 82 is applied is inserted into the fuel discharge port 20, the first outer peripheral lip portion OL1 is elastically deformed between the inner surface 20A of the fuel discharge port 20. The first flange portion F1 does not contact the inner surface 20A, and forms a slight gap with the inner surface 20A. For this reason, when the joint member 80 is inserted into the fuel discharge port 20, the first flange portion F1 does not become a resistance that hinders the insertion.

  According to such a configuration, in addition to the effect described with reference to FIG. 12, when a force that causes an inclination of the joint member 80 is applied, the first flange portion F1 contacts the inner surface 20A. The inclination of the joint member 80 can be suppressed.

  FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the first cover member 82 of the ninth configuration example applicable to the joint member 80 described above, and the joint member 80 to which the first cover member 82 is applied is inserted into the fuel discharge port 20. It is sectional drawing which shows a state.

  The first cover member 82 of the ninth configuration example shown in FIG. 17 has a first outer peripheral lip portion OL1 and a first flange portion F1 compared to the first cover member 82 of the eighth configuration example shown in FIG. In addition, it is different in that it has a first inner peripheral lip portion IL1. The first inner lip portion IL1 is the same as the fifth configuration example shown in FIG. Although not shown, the second cover member 83 can be configured to have the second inner peripheral lip portion IL2 in addition to the second outer peripheral lip portion OL2 and the second flange portion F2.

  According to such a configuration, in addition to the effect described with reference to FIG. 16, the effect described with reference to FIG. 13 can be obtained.

  The first flange portion F1 shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 has sufficient resistance to the material for forming the first cover member 82, that is, the fuel as described above, and is elastically deformed. Although it may be formed of a material such as various types of rubber that is easy to do, the first flange portion F1 is more preferably formed of a material that is not easily elastically deformed because it suppresses the inclination of the joint member 80.

  For example, the first flange portion F1 may be formed of a resin material or metal material that is different from the material of the first cover member 82 and has higher rigidity than the material forming the first cover member 82. Further, a portion corresponding to the first flange portion F1 may be formed as a highly rigid member by insert molding.

  18 is a cross-sectional view of the first cover member 82 of the tenth configuration example applicable to the joint member 80 described above, and the joint member 80 to which the first cover member 82 is applied is inserted into the fuel discharge port 20. It is sectional drawing which shows a state.

  The first cover member 82 of the tenth configuration example shown in FIG. 18 has a first outer peripheral lip portion OL1 and a first inner peripheral lip portion as compared with the first cover member 82 of the fifth configuration example shown in FIG. In addition to IL1, the difference is that a first counterbore hole CH1 that is a recess is provided at an end portion that covers one end surface 81A of the communication pipe 81.

  The first filter FL1 is disposed in the first counterbore CH1. In the example shown here, the first filter FL1 is press-fitted into the first counterbore CH1. When the joint member 80 is inserted into the fuel discharge port 20, the first filter FL <b> 1 is positioned between the first cover member 82 and the bottom surface 20 </ b> B of the fuel discharge port 20. In other words, the first cover member 82 is interposed between the one end surface 81A of the communication pipe 81 and the first filter FL1.

  Although not shown, the second cover member 83 also has a concave portion at the end portion that covers the other end portion 81B of the communication pipe 81 in addition to the second outer peripheral lip portion OL2 and the second inner peripheral lip portion IL2. A configuration having two counterbores CH2 is applicable. A second filter FL2 can be disposed in the second counterbore CH2.

  According to such a configuration, in addition to the effects described with reference to FIG. 13, the outflow of impurities contained in the fuel supplied from the fuel supply source 2 to the fuel cell main body 5 to the fuel cell main body 5 is suppressed. It becomes possible.

  FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the joint member 80 to which the first cover member 82 and the first filter FL1 of the tenth configuration example are applied is inserted into the fuel discharge port 20.

  The first filter FL1 is disposed in the first counterbore CH1. In the example shown here, the joint member 80 includes a cup-shaped first holder HL1 into which the first cover member 82 is fitted. The first filter FL1 is held between the first cover member 82 and the first holder HL1.

  Although not shown, the cup-shaped second holder HL2 that holds the second filter FL2 disposed in the second counterbore hole CH2 can also be applied to the second cover member 82.

  According to such a configuration, in addition to the effect described with reference to FIG. 18, it is possible to prevent the first filter FL1 from falling off from the first cover member 82.

  Next, among the above configuration examples, the fifth configuration example shown in FIG. 13, the seventh configuration example shown in FIG. 15, the ninth configuration example shown in FIG. 17, and the tenth configuration shown in FIG. The definition of the 1st inner peripheral lip part IL1 in the 1st cover member 82 of an example is demonstrated.

  FIG. 20 is a view for explaining the definition of the first inner peripheral lip IL1. The height H1 of the first outer peripheral lip portion OL1 formed on the outer peripheral surface 82OS is the outer peripheral surface 82OS from the cylindrical portion of the outer peripheral surface 82OS that does not protrude outward to the apex of the first outer peripheral lip portion OL1. Is defined as the length along the normal direction. The height H2 of the first inner peripheral lip portion IL1 formed on the inner peripheral surface 82IS is from the cylindrical portion of the inner peripheral surface 82IS that does not protrude inward to the apex of the first inner peripheral lip portion IL1. Is defined as the length along the normal direction of the inner peripheral surface 82IS.

  Desirable height H2 of the first inner peripheral lip portion IL1 is in the range of 5% to 30% of the height H1 of the first outer peripheral lip portion OL1, and more desirably 5% to 10% of the height H1. Range. As the height H2 is higher, the adhesion force that the first inner peripheral lip IL1 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface 81S of the communication pipe 81 increases. However, if the height H2 is too high, the communication pipe 81 is inserted into the first cover member 82. It is desirable to set the value within the above-mentioned range in order to increase the resistance at the time of operation and to take time for insertion work.

  The desirable height of the second inner peripheral lip IL2 formed on the second cover member 83 is also in the above-described range.

  Next, four samples of the joint member were prepared, and the pressure-resistant sealability of each sample was compared. Here, the joint member of each sample is set in a pressure-resistant jig, and high-pressure air is blown into the joint pipe of the joint member in a submerged state. Presence or absence).

  As the sample 1, a communication pipe in which the outer peripheral surface is not polished and a first cover member that does not have the first inner peripheral lip portion are prepared, and the communication pipe is inserted into the first cover member. Applied.

  As sample 2, a communication pipe in which the outer peripheral surface is not polished and a first cover member having a first inner peripheral lip portion are prepared, and a joint member in which the communication pipe is inserted into the first cover member is applied. did. When sample 1 and sample 2 were compared, it was confirmed that sample 2 provided with the first inner peripheral lip portion had higher pressure-resistant sealability than sample 1.

  As the sample 3, a communication pipe that has been subjected to polishing of the outer peripheral surface and a first cover member that does not include the first inner peripheral lip portion are prepared, and a joint member in which the communication pipe is inserted into the first cover member is prepared. Applied.

  As the sample 4, a communication pipe in which the outer peripheral surface was polished and a first cover member having a first inner peripheral lip portion were prepared, and a joint member in which the communication pipe was inserted into the first cover member was applied. . When sample 3 and sample 4 were compared, it was confirmed that sample 4 provided with the first inner peripheral lip portion had higher pressure-resistant sealability than sample 3. Further, when sample 2 and sample 4 were compared, it was confirmed that sample 4 had a higher pressure-resistant sealing property than sample 2. When sample 1 and sample 4 were compared, the applied pressure at which leakage occurred in sample 4 was more than twice the applied pressure at which leakage occurred in sample 1.

  As described above, also in other configuration examples of the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a joint member and a fuel cell that are excellent in sealing performance while suppressing blockage of the flow path.

  The fuel cell of the above-described embodiment is effective when various liquid fuels are used, and the type and concentration of the liquid fuel are not limited. The fuel cell according to the present embodiment can exert its performance and effects particularly when methanol having a concentration of 80 wt% or more is used as the liquid fuel. Therefore, the embodiment is suitable for a fuel cell using a methanol aqueous solution having a methanol concentration of 80 wt% or more or pure methanol as a liquid fuel.

  Furthermore, although embodiment mentioned above demonstrated the case where this invention was applied to a semi-passive type fuel cell, this invention is not limited to this, It is with respect to an internal vaporization type pure passive type fuel cell. Is also applicable.

  The present invention can be applied to various fuel cells using liquid fuel. Further, the specific configuration of the fuel cell, the supply state of the fuel, and the like are not particularly limited, and all of the fuel supplied to the membrane electrode assembly is liquid fuel vapor, all is liquid fuel, or part is The present invention can be applied to various forms such as liquid fuel vapor supplied in a liquid state. In the implementation stage, the constituent elements can be modified and embodied without departing from the technical idea of the present invention. Furthermore, various modifications are possible, such as appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements shown in the above embodiment, or deleting some constituent elements from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment. Embodiments of the present invention can be expanded or modified within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention, and these expanded and modified embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Fuel cell 2 ... Fuel supply source 5 ... Fuel cell main body 7 ... Pump 8 ... Valve 9 ... Control part 10 ... Membrane electrode assembly 20 ... Fuel discharge port 21 ... Anode 22 ... Anode catalyst layer 23 ... Anode gas diffusion layer 24 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Cathode 25 ... Cathode catalyst layer 26 ... Cathode gas diffusion layer 27 ... Electrolyte membrane 50 ... Container 53 ... Fuel inlet 70 ... Joint member 71 ... Communication pipe 71A ... One end surface 71B ... Other end surface 71S ... Outer peripheral surface 71SA ... One end portion 71SB ... other end 72 ... cover member 73 ... first lip part 74 ... second lip part 75 ... mark 76 ... bellows part 76A ... convex part 76B ... concave part 80 ... joint member 81 ... communication pipe 81A ... one end face 81B ... other end face 81S ... outer peripheral surface 81SA ... one end 81SB ... other end 82 ... first cover member OL1 ... first outer peripheral lip IL1 ... first inner peripheral lip Part F1 ... 1st flange part CH1 ... 1st counterbore hole FL1 ... 1st filter HL1 ... 1st holder 83 ... 2nd cover member OL2 ... 2nd outer periphery lip part IL2 ... 2nd inner periphery lip part F2 ... 2nd flange part CH2 ... Second counterbore FL2 ... Second filter HL2 ... Second holder

Claims (18)

A communication pipe formed by a tubular rigid body;
It is formed of a tubular elastic body that is more elastic than the communication pipe, covers the outer peripheral surface of the communication pipe, and protrudes outward from at least one end of both ends of the outer peripheral surface of the communication pipe. A cover member having a ring-shaped lip portion;
A joint member comprising: A joint member inserted into each of the first opening of the first member and the second opening of the second member,
A communication pipe formed by a tubular rigid body;
It is formed of a tubular elastic body that is more elastic than the communication pipe, covers the outer peripheral surface of the communication pipe, protrudes outward from one end portion of the outer peripheral surface of the communication pipe, and is larger than the inner diameter of the first opening. A ring-shaped first lip portion having a large outer diameter, and a ring-shaped second lip projecting outward from the other end portion of the outer peripheral surface of the communication pipe and having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the second opening A cover member having a portion,
A joint member comprising: A fuel tank containing a fuel and having a fuel outlet for discharging the fuel;
A fuel having an anode, a cathode, a membrane electrode assembly including an electrolyte membrane sandwiched between the anode and the cathode, and a fuel injection port for injecting fuel supplied from the fuel tank A battery body;
A joint member inserted into each of the fuel discharge port and the fuel injection port,
The joint member includes a communication pipe formed by a tubular rigid body;
It is formed of a tubular elastic body that is more elastic than the communication pipe, covers the outer peripheral surface of the communication pipe, protrudes outward from one end of the outer peripheral surface of the communication pipe, and is in close contact with the inner surface of the fuel discharge port A cover member having a ring-shaped first lip portion and a ring-shaped second lip portion protruding outward from the other end portion of the outer peripheral surface of the communication pipe and closely contacting the inner surface of the fuel injection port; ,
A fuel cell comprising:   The fuel cell according to claim 3, wherein a length of the communication pipe along a central axis of the joint member is shorter than a length of the cover member.   The fuel cell according to claim 3, wherein one end surface of the communication pipe inserted into the fuel discharge port is covered by the cover member.   The fuel cell according to claim 5, wherein the other end surface of the communication pipe inserted into the fuel inlet is covered with the cover member.   The fuel cell according to claim 3, wherein the cover member has a bellows part formed between the first lip part and the second lip part. The fuel tank has a first bottom surface of the fuel outlet;
The fuel cell according to claim 3, wherein the cover member is interposed between one end surface of the communication pipe inserted into the fuel discharge port and the first bottom surface. The fuel cell body has a second bottom surface of the fuel inlet,
9. The fuel cell according to claim 8, wherein the cover member is interposed between the other end surface of the communication pipe inserted into the fuel inlet and the second bottom surface.   In the joint member before being inserted into the fuel discharge port and the fuel injection port, the outer diameter of the first lip portion is larger than the inner diameter of the fuel discharge port, and the outer diameter of the second lip portion is the fuel injection port. The fuel cell according to claim 3, wherein the fuel cell is larger than the inner diameter of the fuel cell. A communication pipe formed by a tubular rigid body;
A cover member that is formed of a tubular elastic body that is more elastic than the communication pipe, covers one end of the outer peripheral surface of the communication pipe, and has a ring-shaped outer peripheral lip projecting outward;
A joint member comprising: A fuel tank containing a fuel and having a fuel outlet for discharging the fuel;
A fuel having an anode, a cathode, a membrane electrode assembly including an electrolyte membrane sandwiched between the anode and the cathode, and a fuel injection port for injecting fuel supplied from the fuel tank A battery body;
A joint member inserted into each of the fuel discharge port and the fuel injection port,
The joint member includes a communication pipe formed by a tubular rigid body;
A ring-shaped first outer periphery that is formed of a tubular elastic body that is more elastic than the communication pipe, covers one end of the outer peripheral surface of the communication pipe, protrudes outward, and is in close contact with the inner surface of the fuel discharge port A first cover member having a lip portion;
The other end portion of the outer peripheral surface of the communication pipe is formed by a tubular elastic body that is more elastic than the communication pipe, is spaced apart from the first cover member, protrudes outward, and the fuel injection port A second cover member having a ring-shaped second outer peripheral lip portion in close contact with the inner surface;
A fuel cell comprising: The first cover member has a ring-shaped first inner peripheral lip projecting inwardly facing the first outer peripheral lip,
13. The fuel cell according to claim 12, wherein the second cover member has a ring-shaped second inner peripheral lip portion projecting inwardly facing the second outer peripheral lip portion. The first cover member has a ring-shaped first flange portion projecting outward and having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the first outer peripheral lip portion;
13. The fuel cell according to claim 12, wherein the second cover member has a ring-shaped second flange portion that protrudes outward and has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the second outer peripheral lip portion. The fuel tank has a first bottom surface of the fuel outlet;
One end surface of the communication pipe inserted into the fuel discharge port is covered by the first cover member,
The fuel cell according to claim 12, further comprising a first filter disposed between the first bottom surface and the first cover member.   The fuel cell according to claim 15, further comprising a cup-shaped first holder that holds the first filter between the first cover member and the first cover member. The fuel cell body has a second bottom surface of the fuel inlet;
The other end surface of the communication pipe inserted into the fuel inlet is covered by the second cover member,
The fuel cell according to claim 12, further comprising a second filter disposed between the second bottom surface and the second cover member.   The fuel cell according to claim 17, further comprising a cup-shaped second holder for holding the second filter between the second cover member.

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