JP4777669B2 - Control method of pump device and control method of fuel cell - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a control method for a pump device in which an inlet and a plurality of outlets are opened in the pump device main body , and a control method for a fuel cell including the same .

  As a power source for portable electronic devices that support the information society in recent years, or as a power source for coping with air pollution and global warming, expectations for fuel cells are increasing. Among these fuel cells, direct methanol fuel cells (hereinafter referred to as DMFC) that generate electricity by directly extracting protons from methanol do not require a reformer and have a high volumetric energy density. Therefore, the expectation of application to portable electronic devices is increasing.

  Such a DMFC includes an electromotive device having an electromotive unit (cell), a container for methanol or a methanol aqueous solution (hereinafter referred to as methanol in this specification), and a liquid feed pumping methanol from the container. Various pumps have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3).

The cell is disposed between an anode electrode (fuel electrode) having an anode current collector and an anode catalyst layer, a cathode electrode (air electrode) having a cathode current collector and a cathode catalyst layer, and an anode electrode and a cathode electrode. An electrolyte membrane. Methanol is supplied to the anode electrode by a liquid feed pump, and air is supplied to the cathode electrode by an air supply pump or a blower.
JP 2004-71262 A JP 2004-127618 A JP 2004-152741 A

  In the anode electrode of the cell which is the electromotive part of the DMFC described above, the activity of methanol oxidation is low and voltage loss occurs. There is also a voltage loss at the cathode electrode. Therefore, the output that can be extracted from one cell is extremely low. Accordingly, in order to obtain a predetermined output, a plurality of cells are used in the DMFC.

  Further, when excessive methanol is supplied to the anode electrode, so-called crossover occurs in which a part of the methanol is unreacted and leaks to the cathode electrode through the electrolyte membrane. This crossover lowers the potential of the cathode electrode, and thus contributes to the above-described voltage loss at the cathode electrode. In addition, unreacted methanol that has reached the cathode electrode reacts with oxygen without generating power and generates heat, so that power generation efficiency in the cell is significantly reduced due to crossover. Therefore, it is preferable not to supply excess methanol to the anode electrode.

  From the above, as a pump device for supplying methanol to the anode electrode of a cell, a pump device having characteristics that it can be discharged to a plurality of cells and can accurately discharge an appropriate amount of methanol is desired. However, no specific proposal has been made regarding a pump device having such characteristics.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a control method for a pump device capable of accurately discharging an appropriate amount of fluid while including a plurality of outflow passages for discharging fluid, and a control method for a fuel cell including the same. There is to do.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is, in the pump apparatus main body, an inlet channel communicating with the inlet, an inlet side active valve disposed in fluid entrance road, and connected to the pump chamber to the inlet channel, A pump mechanism disposed in the pump chamber, a plurality of outflow passages extending from the pump chamber and communicating with each of the plurality of outlets, disposed in each of the plurality of outflow passages , and around the pump chamber In the control method of the pump device having the outflow side active valve arranged in a plane, the lengths of the flow paths from the pump chamber to the outflow side active valve are made equal in the plurality of outflow passages. The pump mechanism sucks the liquid required for discharging from the plurality of outflow passages into the pump chamber at a time through the inflow passage, and opens and closes the plurality of outflow side active valves. While performing sequentially, characterized in that to perform a single discharge operation to the pump mechanism.

  In the present invention, since the plurality of outflow passages connected to the pump chamber via the outflow side active valve are provided, the backflow of the fluid can be reliably prevented while the outflow side active valve is closed. Moreover, the discharge destination of the fluid discharged from the outflow path can be controlled by the outflow side active valve. Furthermore, since the fluid is discharged from each outflow path by one pump mechanism, the discharge performance is uniform. Further, since the plurality of outflow side active valves are arranged in a plane around the pump chamber, the flow paths can be shortened in each of the plurality of outflow paths. Therefore, variation in the discharge amount from each outflow passage can be suppressed, and an appropriate amount of fluid can be discharged accurately. Furthermore, since a plurality of outflow passages are provided, a plurality of outflow passageway active valves are required. However, since the plurality of outflow passageway active valves are arranged in a plane around the pump chamber, Since the flow path can be shortened in each, the pump device can be miniaturized.

In the present invention, in the plurality of outflow passages, the length of the flow path from the pump chamber to the outflow side active valve is equal properly, the flow path resistance becomes equal to the discharge amount through the respective outlet passage It can be controlled with high accuracy.

Next, the present invention includes at least an electromotive device having an electromotive unit, a storage container that stores fuel, and a pump device that supplies the fuel from the storage container. An inflow path communicating with the inflow path, an inflow side active valve disposed in the inflow path, a pump chamber connected to the inflow path, a pump mechanism disposed in the pump chamber, and a plurality of extending from the pump chamber Control of a fuel cell comprising: a plurality of outflow passages communicating with each of the outflow ports; and an outflow side active valve disposed in each of the plurality of outflow passages and arranged in a plane around the pump chamber In the method, in the plurality of outflow paths, the lengths of the flow paths from the pump chamber to the outflow side active valve are made equal, and it is necessary to discharge from the plurality of outflow paths by the suction operation of the pump mechanism. Na Body and through the inflow channel is sucked into the pump chamber at a time, while sequentially performs opening and closing operations of the plurality of outflow side active valves, characterized in that to perform a single discharge operation to the pump mechanism.

  In the present invention, since the lengths of the flow paths from the pump chamber to the outflow side active valve are equal in the plurality of outflow paths of the pump device, the flow path resistance becomes equal, and the respective outflow paths are routed through the outflow paths. Can be controlled with high accuracy.

Since the pump device of the present invention includes a plurality of outflow passages connected to the pump chamber via the outflow side active valve, the backflow of fluid can be reliably prevented while the outflow side active valve is closed. Can do. Moreover, the discharge destination of the fluid discharged from the outflow path can be controlled by the outflow side active valve. Furthermore, since the fluid is discharged from each outflow path by one pump mechanism, the discharge performance is uniform. Further, since the plurality of outflow side active valves are arranged in a plane around the pump chamber, the flow path can be shortened in each of the plurality of outflow paths, and the flow path resistance is stabilized. Therefore, variation in the discharge amount from each outflow passage can be suppressed, and an appropriate amount of fluid can be discharged accurately. In addition, since a plurality of outflow passages are provided, a plurality of outflow passage active valves are required. However, since a plurality of outflow passage active valves are arranged in a plane around the pump chamber, Since the flow path can be shortened in each, the pump device can be reduced in size and thickness. In addition, since the length of the flow path from the pump chamber to the outflow side active valve is equal in the plurality of outflow paths, the flow path resistance becomes equal and the discharge amount through each outflow path is controlled with high accuracy. be able to.

[Basic configuration of pump device]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a basic configuration of a pump device to which the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the pump device 1 of the present embodiment is used as a liquid feed pump for feeding methanol under pressure in, for example, a DMFC used in a portable electronic device. The inflow port 80 and the plurality of outflow ports 40 (40a to 40h) are opened. The pump device body 7 includes a pump chamber 2, an inflow passage 3 connected to the pump chamber 2 and the inflow port 80, and a plurality of inflow passages 4 (40a connected to the pump chamber 2 and the plurality of outflow ports 40. To 40h). Further, in the pump device body 7, the inflow side active valve 5 is configured in the inflow path 3, the pump mechanism 13 is configured in the pump chamber 2, and the outflow side active valves 6 (6 a to 6 h are provided in each of the plurality of outflow paths 4. ) Is configured. Here, each of the eight outlets 40a to 40h and the outlet channels 4a to 4h can be connected to eight cells (not shown) which are electromotive parts of the DMFC, and discharged from the outlet channels 4a to 4h. Methanol can be supplied to the anode of the cell.

  The inflow path 3 includes a first flow path 8 provided with a passive valve 10 that opens toward the inflow direction to the pump chamber 2 and a second flow path that includes a passive valve 11 that opens toward the outflow direction from the pump chamber 2. The end 9 of the first flow path 8 constitutes an inflow port 80, and the end of the second flow path 9 constitutes a reflux port 90. Here, the first flow path 8 and the second flow path 9 can be connected to a methanol storage container (not shown, hereinafter referred to as a storage container). Specifically, the first flow path 8 can be connected to the lower side of the storage container, and the second flow path 9 can be connected to the upper side of the storage container. The passive valve 10 is a rubber valve, for example, and opens when pressure is generated in the direction of methanol suction toward the pump chamber 2, but does not open even when pressure is generated in the direction of methanol discharge toward the storage container. Yes. Therefore, methanol is sucked into the pump chamber 2 from the storage container via the inlet 80, the first flow path 8 and the inflow path 3, and via the inflow path 3, the second flow path 9 and the reflux port 90, Methanol is discharged from the pump chamber 2 to the storage container.

  In the pump device 1 configured as described above, the inflow side active valve 5 can be opened and closed by a drive actuator (not shown in FIG. 1) described later. Similarly to the inflow side active valve 5, the outflow side active valves 6a to 6h can be individually opened and closed by a drive actuator (not shown in FIG. 1) described later.

  In the pump device 1 configured in this manner, when the pump mechanism 13 expands the pump chamber 2 when the outflow side active valves 6a to 6h are closed and the inflow side active valve 5 is in the open state, methanol is expanded. Is sucked into the pump chamber 2. When the pump mechanism 13 contracts the pump chamber 2 when the inflow side active valve 5 is in the closed state and at least one of the outflow side active valves 6a to 6h is in the open state, methanol is sent from the pump chamber 2 to the cell. It is discharged toward. Further, when the pump mechanism 13 contracts the pump chamber 2 when the outflow side active valves 6a to 6h are in the closed state and the inflow side active valve 5a is in the open state, methanol is discharged into the storage container.

[Pump device control method]
FIG. 2 is a timing chart for explaining a control method of the pump device 1 shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the pump device 1 opens the inflow side active valve 5 and sucks methanol into the pump chamber 2 from the first flow path 8 by the suction operation of the pump mechanism 13. In addition, after the suction step, the discharge operation of the pump mechanism 13 discharges methanol from the pump chamber 2 to the second flow path 9 to eliminate backlash of the pump device 1 and then closes the inflow side active valve 5 for the initial discharge. Control is performed by a control method including a step S2 and a discharge step S3 in which a predetermined outflow side active valve 6 is sequentially opened after the initial discharge step S2 and a predetermined amount of methanol is discharged by a discharge operation of the pump mechanism 13. ing. Hereinafter, the control method will be described in detail.

  In the chart shown in the upper part of FIG. 2, the portion extending downward from the center line indicates the state of the discharge operation in which the pump mechanism 13 operates in the discharge direction, and the portion extending upward from the center line is the pump mechanism. Reference numeral 13 denotes the state of the suction operation that operates in the suction direction. Further, in the timing chart of the actuators of the active valves 10 and 6 shown in the lower part of FIG. 2, the portion extending upward indicates the state in which the active valves 10 and 6 are open.

  In the initial state, the inflow side active valve 5 and the outflow side active valve 6 are all closed. In this state, first, the inflow side active valve 5 is opened. Thereafter, the pump mechanism 13 is operated in the methanol discharge direction. The discharge operation of the pump mechanism 13 is performed to the top dead center (origin), and the origin return of the pump mechanism 13 is performed (origin return step S0). At this time, methanol is discharged from the pump chamber 2 to the second flow path 9 via the opened passive valve 11.

  Subsequently, methanol is sucked into the pump chamber 2 (suction step S1). More specifically, the pump mechanism 13 is operated in the methanol suction direction while the inflow side active valve 5 is kept open. For example, the suction operation of the pump mechanism 13 is performed up to the bottom dead center of the pump mechanism 13. In the suction operation of the pump mechanism 13, methanol is sucked into the pump chamber 2 from the first flow path 8 through the opened passive valve 10.

  Subsequently, in the discharge operation of the pump mechanism 13, methanol is discharged from the pump chamber 2 to eliminate the backlash of the pump device 1, and then the inflow side active valve 5 is closed (initial discharge step S2). More specifically, the pump mechanism 13 is operated in the methanol discharge direction until the backlash of the pump device 1 is eliminated while the inflow side active valve 5 is kept open. In the discharge operation of the pump mechanism 13, methanol is discharged to the second flow path 9 through the opened passive valve 11, and then the inflow side active valve 5 is closed.

  Subsequently, the predetermined outflow side active valve 6 is sequentially opened, and a predetermined amount of methanol is discharged by the discharge operation of the pump mechanism 13 (discharge step S3). More specifically, after the outflow side active valve 6f is opened, the pump mechanism 13 performs a discharge operation to discharge a predetermined amount of methanol from the outflow path 4f. Next, after the outflow side active valve 6f is closed and the outflow side active valve 6g is opened, the pump mechanism 13 performs a discharge operation to discharge a predetermined amount of methanol from the outflow path 4g. As described above, when the pump mechanism 13 performs the discharge operation while sequentially performing the opening / closing operations of the outflow side active valves 6f, 6g, 6h, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e in this order, the outflow passages 4f, 4g 4h, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, and 4e, a predetermined amount of methanol can be discharged in this order.

  Here, in the case where a detector for detecting the presence or absence of bubbles is provided in the pump chamber 2, when this detector detects bubbles, for example, the inflow side active valve 5 is opened and the discharge operation of the pump mechanism 13 is performed. By performing the above, bubbles can be discharged to the second flow path 9 through the passive valve 11 in the open state. In addition, when the pump device 1 is started or after replacement of the storage container, it is possible to discharge bubbles by the same operation.

  Thus, since the pump apparatus 1 of this embodiment is provided with the outflow side active valves 6a to 6h, it is possible to reliably prevent the backflow of methanol from the outflow paths 4a to 4h to the pump chamber 2. Further, the discharge destination of methanol discharged from the outflow paths 4a to 4h can be controlled by the outflow side active valves 6a to 6h. Further, in the pump device 1, methanol is discharged from each of the outflow paths 4 a to 4 h by the discharge operation of one pump mechanism 13. Therefore, compared with the case where a pump mechanism is provided for each outflow passage 4a to 4h, the discharge performance becomes uniform, and variation in the discharge amount from each outflow passage 4a to 4h can be suppressed. Accordingly, the pump device 1 can accurately discharge an appropriate amount of methanol.

  Moreover, since the inflow path 3 is connected to the pump chamber 2 via the inflow side active valve 5, the backflow from the pump chamber 2 to the inflow path 3 can be prevented reliably.

  Moreover, in the control method of the pump apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the initial discharge step S2 for eliminating the backlash of the pump apparatus 1 is provided between the suction step S1 and the discharge step S3. Therefore, in the discharge step S3, the relationship between the movement amount of the pump mechanism and the discharge amount from the outflow passages 4a to 4h can be kept linear from the beginning. Therefore, if the movement amount of the pump mechanism is appropriately controlled, the discharge amount from the outflow passage 4f from which the fluid is first discharged in the discharge step S3 can be accurately controlled, and the discharge from each outflow passage 4a to 4h. Variation in the amount can be reduced.

  Further, in the discharge step S3, methanol necessary for discharging from the outflow passages 4a to 4h a plurality of times is sucked in the suction step S1. Therefore, even if the discharge amount of methanol discharged from each of the outflow passages 4a to 4h is extremely small, the suction amount can be secured to some extent. For example, even if each discharge amount from each outflow passage 4a to 4h is 1 μl, the suction amount can be 8 μl. Therefore, the capacity | capacitance of the pump apparatus 1 can be enlarged and it becomes easy to provide self-sufficiency performance.

[Specific configuration of pump device]
FIGS. 3A and 3B are a perspective view of a pump device to which the present invention is applied and an explanatory diagram showing the flow path and the like in plan view. 4 and 5 are an exploded perspective view when the pump device according to the embodiment of the present invention is viewed obliquely from above and an exploded perspective view when viewed from obliquely below. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of a pump device to which the present invention is applied.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the pump device 1 according to the present embodiment is provided on one surface 71 of the box-shaped device body 7 with the inlet 80 and the reflux port 90 described with reference to FIG. The pipe which comprises the outflow port 40 is connected.

  In configuring the pump device 1 having such a configuration, in this embodiment, a wiring board 74, a bottom plate 75, a base plate 76, and a flow path described later are formed in a groove shape for the pump mechanism 13 and the active valves 5 and 6 described later. The flow path component plate 77, the sealing sheet 78 that covers the upper surface of the flow channel component plate to block the upper surface of the flow channel, and the upper plate 79 to which the pipes are connected are laminated in this order, and the pump device body 7 Is configured.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, holes 137, 57, 67 a to 67 h are formed in the base plate 76 to configure the arrangement space of the pump mechanism 13 and the active valves 5, 6 described later. In addition, a round through hole 21 for forming the pump chamber 2 is formed at the center position of the flow path component plate 77, and around the through hole 21 on the lower surface side of the flow channel component plate 77. Recesses 58 and 68a to 68h constituting the valve chambers of the active valves 5 and 6 are formed.

  In addition, nine grooves 31, 41a to 41h extend radially from the through hole 21. Further, grooves 82, 92, 42a, 42b,... Are formed in the vicinity of the grooves 31, 41a to 41h of the flow path constituting plate 77.

  In this embodiment, the inflow path 3 is constituted by the groove 31 among the nine grooves 31 and 41a to 41h. That is, when the base plate 76, the flow path component plate 77, and the sealing sheet 78 are stacked, the upper surface of the groove 31 is closed and the inflow side active valve 5 is disposed with respect to the inflow path 3. . Moreover, when the base plate 76, the flow path component plate 77, and the sealing sheet 78 are overlapped, the outflow paths 4a to 4h are formed by the grooves 41a to 41h, 42a, 42b, and the outflow paths 4a to 4h. The outflow side outactive valves 6a to 6h are arranged. When the base plate 76, the flow path component plate 77, and the sealing sheet 78 are stacked, the first flow path 8 is configured by the groove 82, the concave portion 83 of the base plate 76, and the concave portion 84 of the flow path component plate 77. 92, the recess (not shown) of the base plate 76, and the recess 94 of the flow path component plate 77 constitute the second flow path 9. The passive valves 10 and 11 are installed in the recesses 84 and 94 of the flow path component plate 77 in the first flow path 8 and the second flow path 9.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the outflow side active valve 6 (6a to 6h) is arranged in a plane around the pump chamber 2, and therefore the flow path is provided in each of the plurality of outflow paths 4 (4a to 4h). The pump device 1 can be shortened and can be made thin. In addition, since variation in the discharge amount from each outflow passage 4 (4a to 4h) can be suppressed, an appropriate amount of fluid can be discharged accurately. Further, since a plurality of outflow passages 4 (4a to 4h) are provided, a plurality of outflow side active valves 6 (6a to 6h) are required, but a plurality of outflow side active valves 6 (6a to 6h) are pumped. Since it is arrange | positioned planarly around the chamber 2, the pump apparatus 1 can be reduced in size by the part which can shorten a flow path in each of the some outflow paths 4 (4a-4h). Moreover, in this form, in the some outflow path 4 (4a-4h), the length of the flow path from the pump chamber 2 to the outflow side active valve 6 (6a-6h) is equal. For this reason, the discharge amount via each outflow path 4 (4a-4h) can be controlled with high precision.

  Moreover, in this form, since the inflow port 80, the recirculation | reflux port 90, and the some outflow port 40 (40a-40h) are opened by the same surface 71 of the pump apparatus main body 7, connection with the pump apparatus 1 and the exterior. Is easy.

  Furthermore, the circuit board 74 for the inflow side active valve 5, the pump mechanism 13, and the outflow side active valve 6 has an inflow port 80, a recirculation port 90, and a plurality of outflow ports 40 (40a to 40h) in the pump device body 7. When the piping is connected to the inflow port 80, the recirculation port 90, and the plurality of outflow ports 40 (40a to 40h), the wiring board 74 and each active valve are stacked. There is an advantage that wiring with 5, 6 and the pump mechanism 13 becomes easy.

  Furthermore, the pump device main body 10 includes a flow path constituting plate 77 in which the inflow passage 3 and the outflow passage 4 are formed in a groove shape on one surface side, and a seal disposed so as to overlap the one surface side of the passage constitution plate 77. Since the stop sheet 78 is provided, a large number of flow paths can be formed in the small apparatus main body 7, and the pump apparatus 1 can be produced efficiently.

[Configuration of pump mechanism]
(Overall configuration of pump mechanism)
Hereinafter, an example of the pump mechanism 13 used in the pump device 1 to which the present invention is applied will be described. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a state in which a pump device to which the present invention is applied is vertically divided. FIGS. 8A and 8B are an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the internal volume of the pump chamber is expanded in the pump device illustrated in FIG. 7 and an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the internal volume of the pump chamber is contracted. . FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C are a perspective view, a plan view, and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of the rotor used in the rotating body of the pump mechanism shown in FIG. 10A, 10B, and 10C are a perspective view, a plan view, and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a moving body that is used as a rotating body of the pump mechanism shown in FIG.

  7 and 8 (a), the pump mechanism 13 of this embodiment is generally a valve body that expands and contracts the internal volume of the pump chamber 2 communicating with the inflow path 3 and the outflow path 4 to suck and discharge liquid. As a diaphragm valve 170, and a drive mechanism 105 for driving the diaphragm valve 170.

  In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 105 includes an annular stator 120, a rotating body 103 coaxially arranged inside the stator 120, and a coaxial arrangement inside the rotating body 103 as described below. And a conversion mechanism 140 that converts the rotation of the rotating body 103 into a force for moving the moving body 160 in the axial direction and transmits the converted force to the moving body 160. Here, the drive mechanism 105 is mounted between the bottom plate 75 and the base plate 76 in the space formed in the base plate 76.

  In the drive mechanism 105, the stator 120 has a structure in which a unit including a coil 121 wound around a bobbin 123 and two yokes 125 arranged so as to cover the coil 121 is stacked in two stages in the axial direction. ing. In this state, in any of the upper and lower two-stage units, the pole teeth protruding in the axial direction from the inner peripheral edges of the two yokes 125 are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 (a), 9 (b), and 9 (c), the rotating body 103 includes a cup-shaped member 130 that opens upward, and a cylindrical body portion of the cup-shaped member 130. An annular rotor magnet 150 fixed to the outer peripheral surface of 131 is provided. In the center of the bottom wall 133 of the cup-shaped member 130, a concave portion 135 is formed that is recessed upward in the axial direction, and a bearing portion 751 that receives the ball 118 disposed in the concave portion 135 is formed on the bottom plate 75. An annular step 766 is formed on the inner surface on the upper end side of the base plate 76, while the upper end portion of the cup-shaped member 130 is formed by the upper end portion of the body 131 and the annular flange portion 134. An annular stepped portion facing the annular stepped portion 766 on the 76 side is formed, and in the annular space defined by these annular stepped portions, an annular retainer 181 and a position spaced apart in the circumferential direction by the retainer 181 A bearing 180 composed of a bearing ball 182 held on the surface is disposed. In this way, the rotating body 103 is in a state of being supported by the pump device body 7 so as to be rotatable about the axis.

  In the rotating body 103, the outer peripheral surface of the rotor magnet 150 faces the pole teeth arranged in the circumferential direction along the inner peripheral surface of the stator 120. Here, on the outer peripheral surface of the rotor magnet 150, the S pole and the N pole are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction, and the stator 120 and the cup-shaped member 130 constitute a stepping motor.

  As shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 10 (a), 10 (b), and 10 (c), the moving body 160 includes a bottom wall 161, a cylindrical portion 163 protruding in the axial direction from the center of the bottom wall 161, A cylindrical portion 165 is provided so as to surround the cylindrical portion 163, and a male screw 167 is formed on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 165.

  In this embodiment, in configuring the conversion mechanism 140 for reciprocating the moving body 160 in the axial direction by the rotation of the rotating body 103, first, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9 (a), (b), (c As shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C, female threads 137 are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the body 131 of the cup-shaped member 130 at four locations spaced in the circumferential direction. On the other hand, a male screw 167 that forms a power transmission mechanism 141 by engaging with the female screw 137 of the cup-shaped member 130 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the body 165 of the moving body 160. Therefore, if the moving body 160 is arranged inside the cup-shaped member 130 so that the male screw 167 and the female screw 137 mesh with each other, the moving body 160 is supported on the inside of the cup-shaped member 130. In addition, six long holes 169 are formed as through holes in the bottom wall 161 of the moving body 160 in the circumferential direction, while six protrusions 769 extend from the base plate 76, and a lower end portion of the protrusion 769. Is fitted in the long hole 169, and the rotation prevention mechanism 149 is configured. That is, when the cup-shaped member 130 is rotated, the moving body 160 is prevented from rotating by the rotation prevention mechanism 149 including the protrusion 769 and the elongated hole 169, and therefore the rotation of the cup-shaped member 130 is caused by the female screw 137. As a result of being transmitted to the moving body 160 via the power transmission mechanism 141 including the male screw 167 of the moving body 160, the moving body 161 is linearly formed on one side and the other side in the axial direction according to the rotation direction of the rotating body 103. Will move.

(Valve structure)
7 and 8A again, in this embodiment, the diaphragm 160 is directly connected to the moving body 160. The diaphragm valve 170 has a cup shape including a bottom wall 171, a cylindrical body portion 173 that rises in the axial direction from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom wall 171, and a flange portion 175 that extends from the upper end of the body portion 173 to the outer peripheral side. The center portion of the bottom wall 171 is fixed to the set screw 178 and the cap 179 from above and below in a state where the center portion of the bottom wall 171 covers the cylindrical portion 163 of the moving body 160. Further, the outer peripheral edge of the flange portion 175 of the diaphragm valve 170 is a thick portion that functions as liquid tightness and positioning, and this thick portion is the base around the through hole 21 of the flow path component plate 77. It is fixed between the plate 76 and the flow path constituting plate 77. In this way, the diaphragm 170 defines the lower surface of the pump chamber 2 and ensures liquid tightness between the base plate 76 and the flow path component plate 77 around the pump chamber 2.

  In this state, the body portion 173 of the diaphragm valve 170 is folded back in a U-shaped cross section, and the shape of the folded portion 172 changes depending on the position of the moving body 160. However, in this embodiment, the movable body 160 is configured between the first wall surface 168 formed of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 163 and the second wall surface 768 formed of the inner peripheral surface of the protrusion 769 extending from the base plate 76. A folded portion 172 having a U-shaped cross section of the diaphragm valve 170 is disposed in the annular space. Therefore, in any of the state shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B and the state in the middle of the state shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the folded portion 172 of the diaphragm valve 170 has an annular space. It is deformed so as to expand or roll up along the first wall surface 168 and the second wall surface 768 while being held inside.

  Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7, 8A, 9A, 9B, and 9C, the bottom wall 133 of the cup-shaped member 130 is 270 ° in the circumferential direction. One groove 136 is formed over the angular range, while a protrusion 166 is formed downward from the bottom surface of the moving body 160. Here, the moving body 160 does not rotate around the axis but moves in the axial direction, whereas the rotating body 103 rotates around the axis but does not move in the axial direction. Accordingly, the protrusion 166 and the groove 136 function as a stopper that defines the stop positions of the rotating body 103 and the moving body 160. That is, the depth of the groove 136 is changed in the circumferential direction, and when the moving body 160 moves downward in the axial direction, the protrusion 166 fits in the groove 136 and the end of the groove 136 is rotated by the rotation of the rotating body 103. Comes into contact with the protrusion 166. As a result, the rotation of the rotating body 103 is blocked, and the stop position of the rotating body 103 and the moving body 160, that is, the maximum expansion position of the inner volume of the diaphragm valve 170 is defined.

(Operation)
In the pump mechanism 13 configured as described above, when the coil 121 of the stator 120 is supplied with power, the cup-shaped member 130 rotates, and the rotation is transmitted to the moving body 160 via the conversion mechanism 140. Therefore, the moving body 160 performs a reciprocating linear motion in the axial direction. As a result, the diaphragm valve 170 is deformed in accordance with the movement of the moving body 160 and expands and contracts the internal volume of the pump chamber 2, so that in the pump chamber 2, the inflow of liquid from the inflow passage 3 and the outflow passage 4 The spill of liquid is directed toward. In the meantime, the folded portion 172 of the diaphragm valve 170 is deformed so as to expand or roll up along the first wall surface 168 and the second wall surface 768 while being held in the annular space, and excessive sliding occurs. do not do. Moreover, even if the diaphragm valve 170 receives pressure from the fluid in the pump chamber 2, the diaphragm valve 170 is not deformed because it is defined both inside and outside in the annular space. Further, the lower position of the moving body 160 is defined by a stopper constituted by the groove 136 of the cup-shaped member 130 and the protrusion 166 of the moving body 160. Therefore, as the cup-shaped member 130 rotates, the diaphragm valve 170 changes its volume with high accuracy.

  As described above, in the pump mechanism 13 of the present embodiment, the rotating body 103 is rotated by the stepping motor mechanism via the conversion mechanism 140 using the power transmission mechanism 141 including the male screw 167 and the female screw 137. And the movable body 160 to which the diaphragm valve 170 is fixed is reciprocated linearly. For this reason, since power is transmitted from the drive mechanism 105 to the diaphragm valve 170 with the minimum necessary members, the pump mechanism 13 can be reduced in size, thickness, and cost. Further, the moving body 160 can be finely fed by reducing the lead angle of the male screw 167 and the female screw 137 in the power transmission mechanism 141 or increasing the pole teeth of the driving side stator. Therefore, since the volume of the pump chamber 2 can be strictly controlled, it is possible to perform a quantitative discharge with high accuracy.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the diaphragm valve 170 is used. The folded portion 172 of the diaphragm valve 170 is developed along the first wall surface 168 and the second wall surface 768 while being held in the annular space. Or it deform | transforms so that it may wind up and an excessive sliding does not generate | occur | produce. Therefore, useless load does not occur and the life of the diaphragm valve 170 is long. Further, the diaphragm valve 170 does not deform even when it receives pressure from the fluid in the pump chamber 2. Therefore, according to the pump mechanism 13 of the present embodiment, the quantitative discharge can be performed with high accuracy and the reliability is high.

  Furthermore, since the rotating body 103 is supported by the pump device body 7 so as to be rotatable around the axis via the bearing ball 182, the sliding loss is small and the rotating body 103 is stable in the axial direction. The thrust in the axial direction is stable. Therefore, the drive mechanism 105 can be reduced in size, improved in durability, and improved in discharge performance.

  In the above embodiment, a screw is used as the power transmission mechanism 141 of the conversion mechanism 140, but a cam groove may be used. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a cup-shaped diaphragm valve is used as the valve body, but a diaphragm valve having another shape or a piston having an O-ring may be used.

  Further, in the above embodiment, an example in which there is one inflow port 80 and eight outflow ports 40 has been described, but a plurality of inflow ports 80 may be provided. Further, each of the inlet 80, the pump mechanism 13, and the outlet 40 may be one or a combination thereof. Moreover, in the said form, although the outflow path 4 was made into equal length, you may arrange | position according to a use without being equal. Further, in the above embodiment, the reflux port 90 is provided, but it may not be necessary. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the sealing sheet 78 that closes the upper surface and the upper plate 79 to which the pipes are connected are shown separately, but there is no pipe for the upper plate 79 and the sealing sheet 78 has an outflow hole. It is also possible to configure such that only the opening is opened and the connection is made via a seal member.

[Configuration of active valve]
FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are respectively an explanatory diagram when the main part of the valve used as the active valves 5 and 6 of the pump device 1 to which the present invention is applied is cut in the axial direction, and viewed from obliquely above. It is explanatory drawing which shows a magnetic force line.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the active valves 5 and 6 include a linear actuator 201 in the holes 57 and 67 a to 67 h of the base plate 76, and the linear actuator 201 includes a cylindrical fixed body 203 and the linear actuator 201. The movable body 205 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is disposed inside the fixed body 203. The fixed body 203 includes a coil 233 that is wound around the bobbin 231 in an annular shape, and wraps around both sides in the axial direction of the coil 233 from the outer peripheral surface of the coil 233 so that one tip portion 236a and the other tip portion 236b of the coil 233 The fixed body side yoke 235 which opposes in an axial direction through the slit 237 on the inner peripheral side is provided. The movable body 205 includes a disk-shaped first movable body side yoke 251 and a pair of magnets 253a and 253b stacked on both sides in the axial direction with respect to the first movable body side yoke 251. As the pair of magnets 253a and 253b, Nd—Fe—B or Sm—Co rare earth magnets or resin magnets can be used. Further, in the movable body 205, the second movable body side yokes 255a and 255b are laminated on the end surface opposite to the first movable body side yoke 251 in each of the pair of magnets 253a and 253b.

  In this embodiment, each of the pair of magnets 253a and 253b is magnetized in the axial direction, and has the same polarity toward the first movable body side yoke 251. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the pair of magnets 253a and 253b will be described as having the N pole facing the first movable body side yoke 251 and the S pole facing the outside in the axial direction. Vice versa.

  Here, the outer peripheral surface of the first movable body side yoke 251 projects from the outer peripheral surface of the pair of magnets 253a and 253b to the outer peripheral side. Further, the outer peripheral surfaces of the second movable body side yokes 255a and 255b also protrude from the outer peripheral surfaces of the pair of magnets 253a and 253b to the outer peripheral side.

  The first movable body side yoke 251 has recesses on both end surfaces in the axial direction, and a pair of magnets 253a and 253b are fitted into these recesses and fixed with an adhesive or the like. Note that the first movable body side yoke 251, the pair of magnets 253a, 253b, and the second movable body side yokes 255a, 255b can be fixed by bonding, press-fitting, or by combining them together. Good.

  Bearing plates 271a and 271b (bearing members) are fixed to openings on both sides in the axial direction of the fixed body 203, and support shafts 257a projecting from the second movable body side yokes 255a and 255b to both sides in the axial direction. 257b is slidably inserted into the holes of the bearing plates 271a and 271b. In this way, the movable body 205 is supported by the fixed body 203 so as to be capable of reciprocating in the axial direction. In this state, the movable body 205 has an outer peripheral surface facing the inner peripheral surface of the fixed body 203 via a predetermined gap, and the distal end portions 236a and 236b of the fixed body side yoke 235 are the first movable body side yoke. In the gap between the outer peripheral surface of 251 and the inner peripheral surface of the coil 233, it is in a state of facing in the axial direction. A gap is secured between the movable body 205 and the fixed body side yoke 235. For fixing the second movable body side yokes 255a and 255b and the support shafts 257a and 257b, a configuration in which they are integrated by bonding, press-fitting, or a combination thereof may be adopted.

  In the linear actuator 201 configured as described above, a period in which a current flows from the far side to the near side on the right side in the drawing and a current flows in the coil 33 from the near side to the far side on the left side in the drawing. Then, the lines of magnetic force are expressed as shown in FIG. Therefore, the movable body 5 first receives a thrust in the axial direction by the Lorentz force and moves as indicated by an arrow A. On the other hand, when the energization direction to the coil 233 is reversed, the movable body 205 descends along the axial direction as indicated by an arrow B.

  In the linear actuator 201 of this embodiment, the movable body 205 is propelled by a magnetic force, and on one side in the axial direction, a truncated cone as a biasing member is provided between the bearing plate 271a and the second movable body side yoke 255a. Therefore, when the movable body 205 descends, it moves while deforming the compression spring, and when the movable body 205 rises, the shape return force of the compression spring assists. And move at high speed.

  In the linear actuator 201 configured as described above, in this embodiment, the central portion of the diaphragm valve 260 disposed in the valve chamber 270 (the concave portions 58 and 68a to 68h) is connected to the end portion of the one support shaft 257b. Yes. An annular thick portion 261 that functions as liquid tightness and positioning is formed on the outer peripheral side of the diaphragm valve 260. In the diaphragm valve 260, the outer peripheral side including the annular thick portion 261 is the base plate 76 and the flow path configuration. Liquid tightness is ensured by being sandwiched between the plates 77.

  In addition, about a valve body, you may use not only the diaphragm valve 260 but a bellows valve and another valve body. Further, the support shafts 257a and 257b and the valve body may be configured as separate members, or the support shafts 257a and 257b and the valve body may be formed integrally.

  As described above, in this embodiment, in the movable body 205, the pair of magnets 253a and 253b are directed to the same pole, and a magnetic repulsive force is acting, but the first between the magnets 253a and 253b. Since the movable body side yoke 251 is disposed, the pair of magnets 253a and 253b can be fixed with the same poles directed.

  Further, in the movable body 205, the pair of magnets 253a and 253b have the same polarity directed to the first movable body side yoke 251, and thus a strong magnetic flux is generated in the radial direction from the first movable body side yoke 251. Therefore, if the peripheral surfaces of the first movable body side yoke 251 and the coil 233 are opposed to each other, a large thrust can be applied to the movable body 205.

  Furthermore, since the magnets 253a and 253b may be magnetized in the axial direction, unlike the case where the magnets 253a and 253b are magnetized in the radial direction, the magnets can be easily magnetized even when downsized, and are suitable for mass production. .

  In addition, in this embodiment, since the outer peripheral surface of the first movable body side yoke 251 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the pair of magnets 253a and 253b to the outer peripheral side, even when the fixed body side yoke 235 is provided, On the other hand, the magnetic attractive force acting in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction can be reduced. Similarly, since the outer peripheral surface of the second movable body side yoke 255a, 255b projects outward from the outer peripheral surface of the pair of magnets 253a, 253b, even when the fixed body side yoke 235 is provided, Thus, the magnetic attractive force acting in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction can be reduced. Therefore, there is an advantage that the assembly work is easy to perform and the movable body 205 is not easily tilted.

  Further, in this embodiment, since the magnets 253a and 253b are arranged on the outer peripheral side of the coil 33, the magnets 253a and 253b may be smaller than the case where the magnets 253a and 253b are arranged outside the coil 233. The valves 5 and 6 can be configured at low cost. Moreover, since the coil 233 is disposed outside, the magnetic path can be closed only by the fixed side yoke.

  Furthermore, in the fixed body 203, bearing plates 271a and 271b that support the support shafts 257a and 257b so as to be movable in the axial direction are held in the opening portion that opens in the axial direction. There is no. Further, since the bearing plates 271a and 271b can be fixed on the basis of the fixed body 203, there is an advantage that the support shafts 257a and 257b do not tilt.

[Other embodiments]
Also, the use is not limited to the fuel cell. For example, in the field of chemical substance analyzers, it may be used as a substitute for a plurality of syringe pumps used in a trace reagent dropping device.

It is a conceptual diagram which shows the basic composition of the pump apparatus to which this invention is applied. It is a timing chart explaining the control method of the pump apparatus 1 shown in FIG. (A), (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the perspective view of the pump apparatus to which this invention is applied, its flow path, etc. planarly. It is a disassembled perspective view when the pump apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention is seen from diagonally upward. It is a disassembled perspective view when the pump apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention is seen from diagonally downward. It is explanatory drawing which shows the cross-sectional structure of the pump apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the state which divided | segmented the pump apparatus to which this invention was applied vertically. (A), (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the state which expanded the internal volume of the pump chamber in the pump apparatus shown in FIG. 7, and explanatory drawing which shows the state which contracted the internal volume of the pump chamber. (A), (b), (c) is the perspective view, top view, and sectional drawing of the rotor which were respectively used for the rotary body of the pump mechanism shown in FIG. (A), (b), (c) is the perspective view of the moving body used for the rotary body of the pump mechanism shown in FIG. 7, a top view, and sectional drawing, respectively. It is explanatory drawing when what cut | disconnected the principal part of the valve | bulb used as the passive valves 5 and 6 of the pump apparatus to which this invention is applied to the axial direction from diagonally upward. It is explanatory drawing which shows the magnetic force line of the valve | bulb shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pump apparatus 2 Pump chamber 3 Inflow path 4 (4a-4h) Outflow path 5 Inflow side active valve 6 (6a-6h) Outflow side active valve 7 Pump apparatus main body 8 1st flow path 9 2nd flow paths 10, 11 Passive Valve 13 Pump mechanism 40 (40a to 40h) Outlet 74 Wiring board 75 Bottom plate 76 Base plate 77 Flow path component plate 78 Sealing sheet 79 Top plate 80 Inlet 90 Return port 103 Rotating body 105 Driving mechanism 120 Stator 121 Coil 140 Conversion Mechanism 141 Power transmission mechanism 149 Rotation prevention mechanism 130 Rotor 150 Rotor magnet 160 Moving body 170 Diaphragm valve 201 Linear actuator 203 Fixed body 205 Movable body 233 Coil 235 Fixed body side yoke 236a, 36b Fixed body side yoke tip 251 First movable Body side yoke 253a, 253b 255a, 255b the second movable body side yoke 291 (biasing member)
260 Diaphragm valve

Claims (2)

An inflow path communicating with the inlet, an inflow side active valve disposed in the inflow path, a pump chamber connected to the inflow path, a pump mechanism disposed in the pump chamber, A plurality of outflow passages extending from the pump chamber and communicating with each of the plurality of outflow ports , and an outflow side active valve disposed in each of the plurality of outflow passages and disposed in a plane around the pump chamber In the control method of the pump device having
In the plurality of outflow paths, the lengths of the flow paths from the pump chamber to the outflow side active valve are equalized,
The liquid required for discharging from the plurality of outflow passages by the suction operation of the pump mechanism is sucked into the pump chamber at once through the inflow passages,
A control method for a pump device, wherein the pump mechanism is caused to perform one discharge operation while sequentially opening and closing the plurality of outflow side active valves. At least an electromotive device having an electromotive unit, a storage container that stores fuel, and a pump device that supplies the fuel from the storage container, the pump device including an inflow path that communicates with an inflow port, An inflow side active valve disposed in the inflow passage, a pump chamber connected to the inflow passage, a pump mechanism disposed in the pump chamber, and extending from the pump chamber and communicating with each of the plurality of outlets. In a control method for a fuel cell, comprising: a plurality of outflow passages; and an outflow side active valve disposed in each of the plurality of outflow passages and disposed in a plane around the pump chamber.
In the plurality of outflow paths, the lengths of the flow paths from the pump chamber to the outflow side active valve are equalized,
The liquid required for discharging from the plurality of outflow passages by the suction operation of the pump mechanism is sucked into the pump chamber at once through the inflow passages,
A fuel cell control method comprising causing the pump mechanism to perform one discharge operation while sequentially opening and closing the plurality of outflow side active valves.

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