JP5226277B2 - Fuel cell power supply - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell type power supply technology, and is effective when applied to a fuel cell type power supply device that supplies power directly or indirectly as a charger to a desired portable electronic device or electronic device. Technology.

As a charger for a mobile electronic device, a battery charger for a mobile phone using a fuel cell is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-194434.
In Patent Document 1, a direct methanol fuel cell that can reduce the size and weight of a fuel container is used as a fuel cell for charging a mobile phone. Here, the direct methanol fuel cell can be expected to be small and light, but its output characteristics are sensitive to temperature. Therefore, in Patent Document 1, when attaching a fuel cell charger to a mobile phone, An air flow path is provided between the casings of the mobile phone.

  The reason for this is that, as described above, the output characteristics of the direct methanol fuel cell are highly temperature dependent, and as described in Patent Document 1, maintaining the output characteristics at 70 ° C. ± 5 ° C. can provide stable output characteristics. Therefore, it is configured to maintain a stable power generation capacity by air cooling by designing the air flow path assuming the environment used, the outside air temperature, and the like. That is, it has a structure provided with an air flow path for obtaining a heat radiation effect by air cooling for maintaining the power generation part of the fuel cell at 70 ° C. ± 5 ° C.

Similarly, a battery charger for a mobile phone using a fuel cell is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-88804.
In Patent Document 2, the fuel cell is in an operating state (a so-called power generation state) when the mobile phone is used, and the power generation is stopped when not in use. Specifically, in a structure of a so-called foldable mobile phone in which a display case of a mobile phone and a grip case provided with an operation unit and a fuel cell unit can be folded, the display case and the grip case are arranged. The fuel cell operates during operation (use) where one end is connected to each other, and the fuel cell stops when the display housing and grip housing are overlapped during non-operation (stop). Yes. In particular, during operation, moisture generated by power generation of the fuel cell is discharged from an exhaust port provided in the display housing.

Further, there is a robot using a fuel cell as a power source from a viewpoint different from the above-described charger, and specifically disclosed in Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent No. 3818897).
In this Patent Document 3, a legged mobile robot having a function of draining water generated by a fuel cell at a predetermined position using a fuel cell using methanol as a fuel instead of a conventional secondary battery is used. It is disclosed.

  The legged mobile robot disclosed in Patent Document 3 is configured to store water generated by a fuel cell in the robot and supply the stored water to an object that needs water supply. In other words, when supplying, the robot detects a target that needs water supply, moves to the target by a legged movement, and drains water. A plant pot is mentioned as a specific supply target of the wastewater generated by the fuel cell, and it is configured to supply water generated by the fuel cell in the manner of excretion by approaching the plant by autonomous movement by a leg type. It has become.

In the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, which is a charger for a mobile phone, the battery can be charged by attaching a fuel cell body to the mobile phone and charging a secondary battery built in the mobile phone.
However, since the technique of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 uses a direct methanol fuel cell as a fuel cell, the temperature management of the device is an important configuration in order to obtain output characteristics. For this reason, it is necessary to provide an air flow path for heat dissipation by air between the fuel cell and the mobile phone casing, assuming the environment in which the device is used and the outside air temperature. Even if the fuel cell can be downsized, Providing an air flow path for heat dissipation results in a large volume.

  In order to cool by air convection through the air flow path, the environment in which the mobile phone is used and the outside air temperature are important. However, it is easy to imagine that the environment and the outside air temperature will change throughout the season and place. Therefore, it can be said that it is very difficult to maintain the power generation unit at 70 ° C. ± 5 ° C. Even in Japan alone, the change in the outside air temperature in winter and summer is greater than ± 5 ° C required by direct methanol fuel cells, that is, the allowable temperature range of the operating environment exceeds 10 ° C. It is easy to imagine that it is difficult to maintain the temperature of the power generation unit in both environments with heat dissipation by convection by the road. Furthermore, since the temperature to be maintained in the power generation unit is about 70 ° C., which is very high compared to the outside air temperature and the body temperature of the person who carries it, it can be said that it is difficult to maintain a large temperature difference between the power generation unit and the outside.

  Furthermore, it is necessary to insulate the user while radiating heat from the power generation unit in order to prevent thermal influence from the high temperature power generation unit to the outside. From the viewpoint of such thermal characteristics It can be said that it is not suitable as a generator for portable devices.

  Further, as described in Patent Document 1, water generated after the reaction in the fuel cell is discharged as steam from the exhaust port along with the high heat. For this reason, there is also a problem that when the bag or clothes are carried around in a pocket, the bags and clothes get wet with steam. In particular, it can be said that damage to electronic devices due to steam is a major problem.

  In the above-mentioned patent document 3, from the principle of the fuel cell, as a method of treating water generated when generating power, in combination with means such as a legged movement that the robot has, fuel supply and drainage behavior are independently performed by autonomous behavior. We are trying to solve this problem. In particular, by combining with legged movement means, the robot is provided with entertainment functions and functions such as supplying water to the flower pot.

  However, the technology of this Patent Document 3 utilizes the function of a robot, and in particular, the behavior of refueling and draining the generated water and its judgment, by the behavior like an autonomous animal through performing and moving the leg by itself. Realizing this is an important point of the invention. For this reason, the electric energy generated by the fuel cell is consumed only for the activity of the robot itself and is not supposed to be used for the secondary use. This increases the entertainment value of the robot and increases the added value. For this reason, the secondary battery is abolished and power is generated only by the fuel cell, and the water generated by the power generation is separated from the fuel source methanol and stored in the water storage tank in order to ensure the output stability of the fuel cell. It is necessary.

  Furthermore, in the techniques of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 3, methanol is used as a fuel source. However, methanol is a highly volatile fuel although it is a deleterious substance and requires careful handling. In particular, there is a technical problem in that when a child or an elderly person makes a pet robot handle fuel as if it were feeding a real pet, sufficient consideration is required for handling.

  For this reason, as described in Patent Document 3, it is indispensable to construct a complicated system in which methanol moves as a fuel so that the robot automatically moves to refuel.

  In addition, in the case of Patent Document 3, since it is an autonomous legged mobile robot including fuel replenishment from the above viewpoint, it moves by itself and replenishes fuel, and by itself moving to a flowerpot and draining, as a robot It has the advantage of not being taken care of and not only being convenient for the user, but also enhancing entertainment and not taking care of it.

However, contrary to the viewpoint of Patent Document 3, taking care can be an advantage. The seemingly paradoxical utility will be described below.
In modern social activities, mental “stress” in daily life such as busy daily work and coordination or competition, or mental illness such as “withdrawal” and “depression” associated with loss of confidence There are many more. Even if it is not severe, it is said that among many people living in modern society, there are many people who are regarded as reserves, and mental illness is widespread in life in the so-called stress society. doing.

  Animal therapy, which is a psychotherapy using animals, is attracting attention as an effective means for people who are also called mental illness or reserve army. Animal therapy is one of the treatment methods that restores mental health by reducing the inherent stress by touching animals or making the patient feel confident.

  People have long been in the habit of keeping dogs and cats as pets (pets) like their families, and are trying to relieve their stress and recover mentally through pets. This is said to have been obtained through actions such as “skinship” and “care” through animals. Recently, elderly patients (elderly welfare) and patients with intractable diseases have been reported to recover from emotional effects through actions such as skinship and caring for animals or animal therapy robots. Yes. Actions such as skinship and care with animals and animal therapy robots are attracting attention as a meaningful means of restoring mental health. In particular, the care-giving action has attracted attention as an effective treatment for the loss of self-confidence as described above, making it possible to realize that it is the existence of itself and the existence that it can rely on.

  From this point of view, the technology of Patent Document 3 has a high level of robot function as a pet, but conversely, activities such as fuel replenishment and drainage are autonomously performed. Although it is convenient and convenient in terms of “it does not take”, the therapy function as described above is unsatisfactory. At the same time, since methanol is also used as a fuel source, the fuel is a highly volatile deleterious substance, requires careful handling, and requires a high degree of caution from the viewpoint described above even for the act of feeding the pet.

  For this reason, in order to use methanol as a fuel and ensure entertainment properties, as in Patent Document 3, it is an autonomous robot based on a legged movement and its own fuel supply / drainage associated with the legged movement. It is important to perform such a series of operations. This action is linked to the behavior of animals in the natural world and expresses high entertainment and safety.

The mechanism and function as in Patent Document 3 is a complicated system, and the concept itself is different from the viewpoint of being always carried and carried, and it is assumed that it is used at home after returning home or when going out.
JP 2004-194434 A JP 2007-88804 A Japanese Patent No. 3818897

  An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell type power source that can supply electric power such as charging to an electronic device such as a mobile device at any place, and can give mental healing and comfort to a person carrying the electronic device. To provide technology.

This onset Ming is a fuel cell type power source device for supplying power to the desired electronic device using the fuel cell,
A main body attached to the electronic device and having a form imitating a small animal;
An image transmission mechanism unit that reminds the small animal from the main body part to the owner of the electronic device and transmits the movement of the eyeball that constitutes the facial expression of the small animal of the main body part;
A fuel cell unit for generating the electric power;
A sensor unit for measuring the power generation output of the fuel cell unit;
A control unit that controls the image transmission mechanism unit according to the magnitude of the power generation output of the fuel cell unit;
Connection means for supplying electric power generated by the fuel cell unit to the electronic device;
A supply unit for supplying fuel to the fuel cell;
A drainage section for discharging the waste liquid generated in the fuel cell;
A fuel cell type power supply device is provided.

  According to the present invention, a fuel cell type power source that can supply electric power such as charging to an electronic device such as a mobile device at any place and can give mental healing and comfort to a person carrying the electronic device. Technology can be provided.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
In the following description, first, an example of the action of each aspect of the present invention will be described generally, and then more specifically described with reference to the drawings.

In the following, a case where the present invention is applied to a charger will be described as an example of a fuel cell type power supply device.
In the embodiment of the present invention, a technique utilizing the characteristics of a fuel cell will be exemplified by paying attention to the problems of modern society.

  That is, in each embodiment of the present invention, for example, a fuel cell type power supply device that supplies power directly or indirectly (as a charger) to a portable device that is always carried by a fuel cell. An example of an unprecedented fuel cell type power supply technology that adds a therapy function as a pet that is always carried.

  In particular, a robot having a therapy function has been researched a lot as described above. However, in each embodiment of the present invention, it is not a patient who needs a medical practice, especially in a form closely related to daily life. Assuming a "healing" effect that helps to relieve the stress from the daily stress of healthy people, and adding the characteristics and practicality of the fuel cell to it, a novel fuel cell power supply technology that has never been seen before Is illustrated.

  Specifically, for busy consumers who always carry mobile devices in the ubiquitous society, in addition to the function to charge the devices, it will be released mentally by carrying it against the stress that comes from everyday life. A portable fuel cell power supply technology, which is an unprecedented new product with a unique therapy function, will be exemplified.

  One aspect of the present invention is a fuel cell charger that uses a fuel cell to charge a secondary battery included in a mobile device such as a mobile phone or a digital camera, and has a form similar to a small animal attached to the mobile device. The main body part, the image transmission mechanism part that reminds the main body part as if it were a small animal and transmits the image like a small animal to the owner, the fuel cell part that controls power generation inside the main body, and the power generation status of the fuel cell A sensor unit for measuring, a control unit for controlling the image transmission mechanism unit according to the operation of the fuel cell unit and its operation status, and a connection cable unit for supplying electricity generated by the fuel cell unit to a mobile device And a fuel cell type power supply device including a supply unit for supplying fuel to the fuel cell and a drainage unit for draining the waste liquid generated in the fuel cell.

  In this first aspect, a battery charger for supplying power to a secondary battery mounted on a mobile device, equipped with a fuel cell that generates electricity as a power source, and a pet that is a pet animal in the image of a small animal It has a function that can be used as a breeding sensation.

  The charger body can be attached to a mobile device such as a mobile phone. The details of the attachment method will be exemplified in the embodiments described later, but it can be attached via a device dedicated to the mobile device or attached in a general-purpose form so as to sandwich the main body of the mobile device. Further, the secondary battery can be charged by connecting to the mobile device via the connection cable and supplying power to the mobile device.

  The supplied power is generated by a fuel cell mounted inside the charger body. Since it is a fuel cell, it is necessary to supply fuel for power generation and discharge the product. In the first aspect, the port provided in the main body simulating a small animal is used as a fuel supply port, and similarly, the discharge part is a small animal. Imitates the excretion opening. Here, since the fuel is supplied from the supply port imitating the mouth of a small animal, it gives the user a sense of feeding the animal.

In addition, since the fuel used for power generation generates waste liquid, this is carried out as if urination treatment of a small animal is performed by draining from a discharge part that simulates the excretion port.
Here, in supplying and discharging the fuel, the action of the pet function of the sensor provided in the fuel cell and the charger main body is important. The controller built in the charger receives a signal from a sensor that monitors the power generation status of the fuel cell, constantly measures and observes (monitors) the power generation status of the fuel cell, and sets the image transmission mechanism according to a pre-designed program. To control.

  In other words, since the entire charger imitates a small animal, emotions are expressed to the owner through an image transmission mechanism of the main body based on the activity status of the fuel cell.

  Specifically, when the fuel concentration is sufficiently high and power generation and charging are being carried out efficiently, the image transmission mechanism tells the owner that the main body imitating a small animal is “pleasant”. In the state where the efficiency is reduced, the power generation / charging state is transmitted to the owner by showing a “moody” expression.

  In addition, the situation immediately after feeding the fuel is the same as the situation immediately after the small animal ate the food, creating a facial expression with a feeling of "fullness", and conversely, when the fuel concentration decreases and the power generation efficiency decreases. It may be possible to appeal “feeling hungry”.

  Similarly, when the fuel concentration, which is “hungry”, has decreased, it is necessary to replenish the fuel, so it is necessary to drain the diluted fuel (waste liquid). At this time, urination is performed by the image transmission mechanism. By expressing an action such as prompting, the owner can be requested to take care of the urination process.

  Of course, in addition to the charging of the mobile device by the fuel cell, the operation energy (electric power) of the image transmission mechanism such as the small animal and the control unit is configured from the power generation of the fuel cell. In addition, the pet function of the main body includes only the above-described reaction and image transmission based on the power generation status of the fuel cell described above. Details are shown in the embodiment. It is not communicated in an instrument-like expression, but rather through communication as an animal.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the fuel cell type power supply device according to the first aspect, the fuel cell included in the main body is a fuel cell using glucose as fuel. I will provide a.

  As described in the first aspect above, the charger of this aspect generates power by the fuel cell provided inside the main body. However, in this aspect, it is used as a charger for mobile devices assuming a ubiquitous society. In addition, it is important to consider the use and portability in every situation, and at the same time, it is important to ensure that the fuel source is safe and easy to obtain because the fuel is replenished like a pet as a pet function. It becomes.

  Therefore, in the second aspect, a fuel cell using the same glucose as the energy source for life activity is used. Glucose, or glucose, is the root of life activity energy and is the safest energy source that exists in a variety of foods and organisms. It is exactly the same function as an animal ingesting food, and is optimal.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the fuel cell type power supply device according to the first aspect, the image transmission mechanism that transmits an image like a small animal to the owner operates like an eyeball of a small animal. A fuel cell type power supply device comprising:

  In the third aspect, a mechanically operating mechanism such as an eyeball is used as an image transmission mechanism for transmitting the power generation of the fuel cell and the charging status of the mobile device to the owner. A mechanical centerpiece to convey the power generation status of the fuel cell and the charging status of the mobile device to the owner and to give the charger a facial expression and a sense of life as a sense and emotional function like a small animal The image is transmitted by the action of. By operating a mechanical mechanism that actually has an eyeball-like structure, it is possible to convey the image of the state of the device, and it is effective for giving the owner a sense of life by operating the substance instead of a virtual display. is there. Specific structures and the like will be exemplified in each embodiment described later.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the fuel cell type power supply device according to the first aspect, the image transmission mechanism that transmits an image like a small animal to the owner is a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display that displays the facial expression of the small animal. A fuel cell type power supply apparatus is provided.

  According to the fourth aspect, if a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display is used as the image transmission mechanism, very various emotions can be expressed, and more intentions can be transmitted to the owner. If various emotions can be expressed, the owner can also exert an effective therapy function through correspondence and communication.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the fuel cell type power supply apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the connection cable for supplying electricity is provided with a signal cable for controlling a display unit included in the mobile device. provide.

  According to this 5th aspect, from the control apparatus which the charger of this aspect has by providing the communication cable for controlling the display part which a mobile device has separately from the power cable for charge in a connection cable. By controlling the display unit of the mobile device via the communication cable and expressing the emotion through the display unit of the mobile device main body in addition to the charger main body, more various communication can be achieved.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fuel cell type power supply device of the first aspect, the charger main body material reminiscent of a small animal is made of fur, leather, artificial leather, wood, or a soft rubber material. A fuel cell type power supply device is provided.

  According to the sixth aspect, in the charger used by attaching to an inorganic mobile device, the owner can use the fur, the leather, the artificial leather, the wood, the soft rubber, etc. as the main body material. Gives a sense of life and warmth when touched. In addition to being a fuel cell charger and a pet-like function, giving the body material a natural warmth and a sense of life can exert a healing effect on inorganic mobile devices.

(Embodiment 1)
An example of the fuel cell type power supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B.

In the present embodiment, as an example of a fuel cell type power supply device, an example of a charger with a fuel cell type therapy function for a mobile phone is shown.
FIG. 1A is a side sectional view showing an example of a state in which a charger according to the present embodiment is attached to a foldable mobile phone. FIG. 1B is a front view of a state where the charger according to the present embodiment is attached to the mobile phone.

In FIG. 1A, the inside of the charger is shown as a cross-sectional view, and the internal configuration of the mobile phone is omitted.
2A and 2B are a front view and a side view showing, as a model diagram, the artificially formed eyeball part that is a part of the function of the charger according to the present embodiment.

The mobile phone 2 to which the charger 1 of this embodiment is attached has a configuration in which the grip housing 2a and the display housing 2b can be folded via the hinge portion 2c.
The grip housing 2a held by the owner is provided with a keypad 2e for inputting information and an external interface 2d for exchanging power and information with the outside.

The display housing 2b is provided with a display 2f capable of displaying information.
The appearance of the charger main body 1a (main body portion) of the charger 1 of the present embodiment has a form reminiscent of a small animal. The charger main body 1a has a plurality of clamp feet 12 that appear to be feet of a small animal in order to sandwich and attach the display housing 2b of the mobile phone 2, and further, a fuel cell that controls power generation inside the charger main body 1a. 3 (fuel cell unit) is installed.

  The fuel cell 3 provided in the charger 1 of the present embodiment is a fuel cell 3 using liquid glucose (glucose) as fuel. Connected to the fuel cell 3 are a fuel supply port 4 (supply unit) for supplying glucose as fuel and a drain port 5 (drainage unit) for draining reaction water discharged after power generation in the fuel cell 3. Has been.

  The fuel supply port 4 is provided with an opening / closing valve 17 for preventing the supplied glucose fuel from leaking out. Similarly, in order to prevent glucose from leaking to the drain port 5, a drain port cover 6 that can open and close the drain port 5 and A rubber packing 16 that is in close contact with the drain 5 and prevents leakage is attached. The drain cover 6 is swingably supported by the charger main body 1a with the hinge 6a as a fulcrum, and has a structure that opens and closes by closely contacting or separating from the drain 5.

  Further, a voltmeter 7 (sensor unit) that measures the voltage of the fuel cell 3 and transmits a signal and an ammeter 8 (sensor unit) for grasping the amount of power generated are connected to the fuel cell 3. Furthermore, measuring instruments such as the voltmeter 7 and the ammeter 8 are connected to the control device 11 (control unit) that controls the charger 1 of the present embodiment via the wiring 7a and the wiring 8a, respectively.

  The control device 11 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer, and realizes control as described later by executing a program (not shown). Note that the control device 11 can also be realized by a hardware circuit having control logic.

  The fuel cell 3 is provided with a wiring 3a for supplying the generated electricity to the mobile phone 2, and is connected to an external interface 2d which is a connection portion for charging of the mobile phone 2 via the connection cable 13 (connection means). The connection can be made via the connection connector 14.

  In addition to the wiring 3 a for supplying power from the fuel cell 3 to the connection cable 13, the artificial eyeball 10 (image transmission mechanism) in which the wiring 3 b operates like an eyeball provided in the charger 1, and sound , A melody, an imitation sound, a cry, a speaker 9 (image transmission mechanism), and a control device 11.

Further, the artificial eyeball 10 and the speaker 9 are connected to a control device 11 for controlling them via a wiring 11a and a wiring 11b.
Here, the artificial eyeball 10 provided in the charger 1 of the present embodiment is an eyeball having a mechanically operating mechanism, and a structural example thereof is shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

2A and 2B are model diagrams of the artificial eyeball 10 used in the present embodiment, FIG. 2A is a diagram of the artificial eyeball 10 viewed from the front, and FIG. 2B is a diagram of the artificial eyeball 10 viewed from the side. .
The artificial eyeball 10 is attached to the base 25 via a left / right rotation motor 22 for rotating the pair of eyeballs 19 to the left / right rotation 21, and a vertical rotation motor 23 for performing the vertical rotation 20 of the arm 24 and the eyeball 19. It is the installed configuration. The left / right rotation motor 22 and the up / down rotation motor 23 are connected to the control device 11 via a wiring 11a. Each eyeball 19 is provided with an eyelid 26 that is distinguished from the eyeball 19 by painting or the like, and a cover 27 made of acrylic resin is attached to the base 25 so as to cover the eyeball 19 on the front surface.

Thus, each of the pair of eyeballs 19 can be independently rotated in the vertical and horizontal directions in accordance with a command from the control device 11.
Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the present embodiment will be described.

  The charger 1 according to the present embodiment uses a fuel cell 3 to provide electricity to a mobile device even in an environment where there is no outlet for charging the mobile device to a busy owner who uses the mobile device. At the same time as the charger 1 for charging, the charger main body 1a has a form reminiscent of a small animal in order to always provide enjoyment, joy, spiritual healing and soothing to carry with a mobile device. It is characterized by utilizing the characteristics of the fuel cell 3 in terms of functions in addition to its appearance.

With respect to the charger 1 of the present embodiment, the operation will be described below along the image to be used.
First, the main body of the charger 1 of the present embodiment is used by being attached to the mobile phone 2 as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. For this reason, the display case 2b of the mobile phone 2 is sandwiched and attached by the clamp foot 12 pretending to be an animal foot, and the mobile phone 2 is charged with the power generated by the charger 1, so that the connection cable 13 and the tip thereof are connected. It connects with the external interface 2d provided in the grip housing | casing 2a of the mobile telephone 2 through the attached connection connector 14. FIG.

  At this time, the clamp foot 12 can be attached via an existing connecting portion with a not-shown cradle for charging which the mobile phone 2 originally has, or the display housing 2b of the mobile phone 2 is sandwiched. Similarly, the connection connector 14 can be connected to a charging connector (external interface 2d) of the existing mobile phone 2.

  In order to perform power generation in this state, fuel is supplied from the fuel supply port 4 from the outside. Since this embodiment is a charger 1 for a mobile device, a fuel cell 3 using glucose, which is the easiest to handle, is used as the fuel.

  Glucose, which is a fuel here, is glucose and is an organic compound that is most abundant in nature. Glucose is a very safe substance that is contained in food, plants, and living organisms, and is known as an important energy source that is one of the three major nutrients for living organisms.

Since mobile devices are always carried and used by users, the availability of fuel and the ease of handling are very important factors in the ubiquitous society.
Among them, glucose is a completely harmless substance and is not subject to various regulations as a harmful substance (deleterious substance) that methanol fuel has. Of course, since it is neither ignitable nor volatile, it is very easy to handle and can be said to be an abundant energy source. For this reason will be easy to get the fuel, it is possible to sell anywhere because it is safe. There will be no problem with regulations regarding the use of methanol in planes, sales at convenience stores and vending machines.

  In extreme cases, since beverages containing fruit sugars and fruit juices already sold contain glucose, in the case of the charger 1 of the present embodiment, these can be used as fuel. It is possible depending on the electrode design, and it is the most abundant, easy to handle and obtainable fuel source.

  The glucose is supplied from the fuel supply port 4 as a fuel. As another function of the charger 1 of the present embodiment, the owner is given emotional value such as “healing” and “relaxation”. It has a pet-like function like a pet animal.

  As one of the devices for providing this emotional value, the charger 1 of the present embodiment supplies fuel via a fuel cartridge 15 such as a baby bottle filled with glucose fuel as shown in FIG. 1A. It can be assumed. By replenishing the charger 1 with glucose fuel in the sense of giving milk to pets and infants, the owner is given a sense of “care for” small animals. Since glucose is the same as food as described above and is an easy-to-handle substance, the fuel cartridge 15 does not need to be special, and is in the form of a baby bottle as a device for pet functions. By adopting, it gives the owner a sense of “care”.

  People are said to be able to gain mental comfort by taking care of their pets, and animal therapy that produces spiritual vitality through animals has been recognized as an important medical practice.

  In the charger 1 of the present embodiment, as described above, the mechanism of using the fuel cartridge 15 simulating a baby bottle is also expressed as a form that imagines one therapeutic role.

  Here, in order to prevent the glucose supplied from the fuel supply port 4 from leaking, the fuel supply port 4 is provided with the open / close valve 17 as described above. The open / close valve 17 may be a simple one such as an existing ball valve that opens and closes by spring pressure or the like because the supplied liquid glucose does not have to leak. Glucose fuel itself is a safety substance that can be supplied as a liquid under atmospheric pressure without the need to pressurize it at high pressure, so it functions like an existing rubber packing so that liquid does not leak and damage electronic equipment. You just have to enter.

  Although the fuel is not limited to glucose for expression of the charging function and the pet function of the fuel cell 3 of the charger 1 of the present embodiment, it can be said that it is most preferable to use glucose as the fuel as described above.

The glucose fuel replenished from the fuel supply port 4 is supplied to the fuel cell 3 to generate power by a decomposition reaction or the like. Here, power generation using glucose (C ₆ H ₁₂ O ₆ ) is represented by the reaction of the formula (1), and is energy obtained by oxidative decomposition of glucose in the same way as “respiratory activity” performed by a living body. Specifically, it is represented by a 24-electron reaction in the process of degrading glucose, and the Gibbs energy ΔG = −2,872 kJ / mol in thermodynamics. Here, since the Gibbs energy ΔG is expressed by ΔG = −nFE (n: number of electrons, F: Faraday constant, E: electromotive force), the theoretical electromotive force is 1.24 Volt and is said to be the maximum electromotive force in nature.

_{C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6O} 2 → 6CO 2 + 24H + + 24e - ... (1)
Formula (1) shows that glucose (C ₆ H ₁₂ O ₆ ) reacts with 6 oxygens (O ₂ ) and is completely decomposed, similar to the respiratory activity of living organisms. Extraction of electrons (e ⁻ ) generated in the reaction process as electric energy is known as a fuel cell using glucose of the present invention as fuel.

However, the reaction shown in the formula (1) shows an ideal result in which glucose is completely decomposed. In reality, the reaction reaches 12 formulas until the formula (1) is reached. No battery that can be completely disassembled has been developed. However, it can be expected that the battery has sufficient capability even in the middle of the 12 steps described above. At present, a battery has been developed for a two-electron reaction, which is a first-stage reaction in a 12-stage reaction, and the first-stage reaction is represented by Formula (2).
C ₆ H ₁₂ O ₆ + 1 / 2O ₂ → C ₆ H ₁₀ O ₆ + 2H ⁺ + 2e ⁻ (2)
As shown in this formula (2), even in the first stage reaction, electric energy can be obtained by a two-electron reaction that produces gluconolactone (C ₆ H ₁₀ O ₆ ) by reaction with hydrogen contained in glucose. . The Gibbs energy at this stage is ΔG = −230 kJ / mol, and the theoretical electromotive force is 1.18 Volt.

  Regarding the gluconolactone production reaction represented by the formula (2), a fuel cell electrode that uses a nanostructure of microorganisms, enzymes, or metals has already been developed, and the fuel cell in the charger 1 of the present embodiment. No. 3 uses these electrodes, and even the reaction of formula (2) can be used.

  In addition, the charger 1 according to the present embodiment does not directly operate the mobile phone 2, but is a charger 1 that charges the secondary battery that the mobile phone 2 originally has, so that the output current is large. Does not require current.

  For this reason, even a current fuel cell of the formula (2) reaction can be obtained and used by increasing the electrode area of the battery. Similarly, regarding the voltage, a sufficiently high voltage can be obtained by stacking electrodes in series and can be used even if the reaction up to the formula (1) is not achieved.

  Here, based on the reaction described above, the fuel cell 3 supplied with glucose starts power generation. The generated electric power is supplied to a secondary battery (not shown) of the mobile phone 2 through the connection cable 13, the connection connector 14, and the external interface 2d. At this time, the charge amount is controlled by the control device 11 connected to the fuel cell 3.

  Supplying the power obtained by the fuel cell 3 to the mobile phone 2 itself is the same as the charging from the existing commercial power outlet, etc. In the apparatus 11, it performs with the function of the existing charge control.

  However, unlike charging from an outlet, charging is performed using electricity supplied from the fuel cell 3, so that it can be said that the power generation state of the fuel cell 3 is in an unstable state as compared to an existing commercial power outlet. In particular, immediately after supplying glucose as fuel and in a state where glucose is consumed after supply, the power generation capacity of the fuel cell 3 also decreases because the concentration of fuel decreases.

  For this reason, the power generation status of the fuel cell 3 is always measured and monitored (monitored) by the voltmeter 7 and the ammeter 8 connected to the fuel cell 3, and the measurement result is sent to the control device 11 via the wiring 7a and the wiring 8a. Has been sent to. The control device 11 controls the entire charger 1 in accordance with a preset control program based on the measurement result signals from the voltmeter 7 and the ammeter 8.

  Next, as control of the charger 1, the electric power obtained by the fuel cell 3 is supplied to the artificial eyeball 10 and the speaker 9 provided in the charger 1 via the wiring 3 b separately from the charging to the mobile phone 2. The speaker 9 and the artificial eyeball 10 are configured to operate in accordance with a command transmitted from the device 11 via the wiring 11a and the wiring 11b.

  Here, the artificial eyeball 10 and the speaker 9 provided in the charger main body 1a are derived from the fact that the charger 1 imitates a small animal in order to perform the therapy function as described above. As well as having a role that makes you feel like, it works as a communication tool with the owner.

  The ordinary charger mechanically conveys the operating state to the user emotionally by turning on the LED lamp or changing the color of the lamp. However, the charger 1 according to the present embodiment has the functions described above. The operation is performed by the operation of the artificial eyeball 10 and the sound signal from the speaker 9.

  Here, the artificial eyeball 10 functions as an eyeball constituting the facial expression of the animal in order to imitate the charger 1 as a small animal, but is only a means for transmitting information to the owner and necessarily requires visual ability. is not. Basically, the purpose is to transmit information on the operating state of the charger 1 to the owner of the mobile phone 2 according to the manner of operation of the eyeball, the direction of the eyeball, and the like. Therefore, it has a structure that can move the eyeball by having a sphere simulating an eyeball and having a mechanism for driving and rotating the sphere with an electromagnetic coil, a small motor, or the like.

The specific mechanism and function of the artificial eyeball 10 provided in the charger 1 of the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B.
The artificial eyeball 10 is composed of a pair of artificially produced eyeball-like eyeballs 19 and a mechanism for operating the eyeballs 19. Each eyeball 19 can be rotated up and down by the operation of a vertical rotation motor 23 that performs vertical rotation 20 in accordance with a command from the control device 11. Similarly, with respect to the left / right rotation 21, the left / right rotation motor 22 can rotate the eyeball 19 and the arm 24 supporting the up / down rotation motor 23 to the left / right, whereby the eyeball 19 also rotates to the left / right. Can do.

  The left / right rotation motor 22 and the up / down rotation motor 23 are connected to the control device 11 via the wiring 11a, and can be operated independently according to a command from the control device 11, and both eyeballs 19 can be operated. It can be operated freely in the vertical and horizontal directions. Further, an eyelid 26 is attached to the upper part of the eyeball 19, and the simplest means of the eyelid 26 has a form in which the eyeball 19 is painted. As a result, the eyeball 26 is brought to the front by rotating the eyeball 19 downward by the up-and-down rotation motor 23, so that a state as if the eyes are closed can be easily obtained.

  The artificial eyeball 10 of FIGS. 2A and 2B is a function of actually operating the eyeball 19 that is a model to communicate with the owner. Therefore, the artificial eyeball 10 is also used to protect the mechanical operation and mechanism of the eyeball 19. A cover 27 made of metal is provided in front of the cover to prevent the eyeball 19 from being damaged by directly touching an external object or the like.

Depending on the power generation status of the fuel cell 3, the control device 11 issues an operation instruction command to the artificial eyeball 10 and the speaker 9 via the wiring 11a and the wiring 11b.
For example, when the power generation capacity of the fuel cell 3 has been reduced, the voltage of the voltmeter 7 is lowered or the current value of the ammeter 8 is lowered. The left and right eyeballs 19 are rotated in order to convey to the owner a sense of “hungry feeling” and “the eyes are likely to turn” with respect to the artificial eyeball 10, and “stomach sounds” from the speaker 9 as hungry. It is possible to convey the situation by producing a simple onomatopoeia.

In response, the owner senses that refueling is necessary and can refuel as if a “meal” is provided by the fuel cartridge 15.
When the fuel is replenished, a feeling of fullness is obtained, and a reaction corresponding to this is issued from the artificial eyeball 10 or the speaker 9 to communicate the intention to the owner.

  Also, when monitoring the charging status etc., when the charging is insufficient, the eyelid 26 closes and it is reported by a sleepy expression, and when the charging is satisfied, the eyelid 26 is fully opened and is active. The situation is transmitted to the owner through expression formation by the artificial eyeball 10 such as presenting a facial expression, and voice or onomatopoeia from the speaker 9, or a cry.

  The operation method according to the state of the artificial eyeball 10 as described above is merely an example, and various transmission methods are conceivable. Diversification of communication methods allows the owner to accept it as a more natural life form, and at the same time, requires a variety of care.

  As a result, the owner does not deal with mechanical operations and information transmission as in the past, but judges the situation from the appearance and facial expression of the charger 1 and “heals” through “care” to resolve the situation. By giving the effect and "softening" and giving the feeling of carrying a pet, the therapeutic effect will be exhibited as much as possible for mental relaxation in a busy life.

  In order to exert the therapeutic effect, it is necessary to incorporate various methods and expression methods for the artificial eyeball 10 as described above, and it goes without saying that the above-described contents are only examples.

Further, since the charger 1 is the fuel cell 3, if glucose is completely decomposed as in the above-described formula (1), it is water in which carbon dioxide (6CO ₂ ) and generated hydrogen (24H ⁺ ) are oxidized. Remains as product. Also if the first stage reaction shown in equation (2), Gluconobacter aqueous solution containing lactone (C 6 _H 10 _{O 6)} is produced, which will remain in the fuel cell 3 as a reactant.

  As the residual amount of these reactants in the fuel cell 3 increases, the amount of glucose serving as a fuel decreases, so that the efficiency of the fuel cell 3 decreases. For this reason, when the reaction proceeds and the concentration of glucose decreases, it is necessary to discharge (drain) the fuel cell 3.

  Regarding the discharge of the reactants, the control device 11 prompts the drainage by monitoring the power generation capacity of the fuel cell 3 with the voltmeter 7 and the ammeter 8. Even if means for detecting the concentration of glucose is used, the change in current and voltage output from the fuel cell 3 will be observed as a result. Monitoring of the fuel cell 3 is effective.

  Since the charger 1 of the present embodiment has a pet-like function as described above, the operation of the artificial eyeball 10 and the speaker 9 are also related to this waste water treatment (reactant discharge processing). The owner communicates with the voice and sound signal from the receiver, and the owner who has received the signal opens the drain cover 6 at the bottom of the charger 1 to make the pet urinate. The drainage is performed from the drainage port 5.

  This point also incorporates the viewpoint of “care for” the pet, and it is a form that allows the owner to perform manual work. Since the discharged substance in the formula (1) in which glucose is completely decomposed is water, there is no problem with respect to the environment when draining. In Formula (2), which is the first stage reaction in which glucose is decomposed, what is discharged is a solution containing gluconolactone, which is also approved as a food additive, and is used for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. It is a highly safe carboxylic acid that is also used in the process, etc., and there is no problem with the treatment of waste liquid.

  Even if a solution containing gluconolactone is drained outdoors, it is an energy source required by nature, and it is easily decomposed by microorganisms into water and carbon dioxide, which does not cause environmental problems. As for the waste liquid, since it is used at atmospheric pressure and is a safe substance as with the fuel source to be supplied, the liquid leaks out in the same manner as the existing rubber packing regarding the sealing structure such as the rubber packing 16 of the drain cover 6. Obviously, no structure is required and no special mechanism is required.

  Moreover, the above-described method of expressing the situation is only an example, and it is easily considered that various combinations of the operation of the artificial eyeball 10 and the speaker 9 are expressed from these viewpoints. Obviously, the above-described content is only an example because a sense of a pet animal can be obtained. As for the expression means, it is the action of the artificial eyeball 10 and the speaker 9, but the contents and situation of the expression means are programmed in the control device 11, and as described above, various scenes are assumed and owned by this. It is the charger 1 characterized by having a pet function role while utilizing the fuel cell 3 for a person.

  In addition, as described above, the charger 1 according to the present embodiment is not an inorganic material such as engineering plastics, such as wood, fur, A material such as leather or artificial leather that can feel warmth in nature is preferable. In particular, since the fuel cell uses glucose as a fuel, the reaction temperature during power generation is low and below body temperature, so even these natural materials do not cause a problem.

  The charger 1 according to the first embodiment can charge a mobile device such as the mobile phone 2 at any place using glucose that is easy to handle and is not subject to various regulations as well as mechanically. Through the communication with the operating artificial eyeball 10, the refueling of the fuel cell 3, the drainage treatment work, etc., the owner is given a peaceful and healing effect as if carrying a pet.

(Embodiment 2)
3A and 3B show a charger according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The charger according to the second embodiment uses a display using liquid crystal or organic electroluminescence (hereinafter referred to as organic EL) for displaying an artificial eyeball that operates as a communication tool with the owner. This is different from the first embodiment. Therefore, parts common to those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, the charger 1 according to the second embodiment has a configuration in which the charger main body 1a is reminiscent of a small animal, and is attached to the mobile phone 2 and is provided inside the charger main body 1a. Equipped with an eyeball display 28 (image transmission mechanism) (display element) that functions as an eyeball for charging the mobile phone 2 with the fuel cell 3 and communicating the operation status of the charger 1 and communicating with the owner doing. The eyeball display 28 is a display device using liquid crystal or organic EL, and performs eyeball display representing the expression of the charger 1.

  In such display by the eyeball display 28, the addition of display elements can be easily realized by software. For example, in addition to the eyeballs and eyelids, elements such as eyebrows are added to make the expression richer and more complex and more frequent. You may realize a simple emotional expression.

The effect | action of the charger 1 of this Embodiment is demonstrated.
Similar to the first embodiment, the eyeball display 28 plays a role of making the charger 1 feel like a small animal in response to the charger 1 imitating a small animal in order to exert a therapy function. At the same time, it works as a communication tool with the owner.

  However, in the charger 1 according to the second embodiment, even if a liquid crystal or an organic EL display is used, there is a mechanism that informs the user of the operation state by turning on an existing LED lamp or changing the color of the lamp. In contrast, an eyeball of an animal is displayed on the eyeball display 28 while imitating a small animal, and is used as a display function as if there is a living eyeball there.

  Therefore, unlike the existing display, in the first embodiment described above, the emotion expression and operation of the small animal similar to the artificial eyeball 10 obtained by the mechanical mechanism are expressed on the eyeball display 28 and realized. The control of the eyeball display 28 is performed by the control device 11 provided in the charger 1, and the display operation itself can be performed by an image processing technique similar to that of an existing display.

  As a display element constituting the eyeball display 28, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display with low power consumption or electronic paper capable of maintaining a display state without power is preferable. With both elements, various eyeball expressions can be easily performed with low power. It is possible to exchange information as a communication tool with the owner.

  The charger 1 according to the second embodiment is easy to handle and uses various unrestricted glucose as a fuel to charge mobile devices such as the mobile phone 2 at any location and perform various communication expressions. In addition, it is possible to give the owner a peaceful and healing effect as if they were carrying a pet through work such as fuel replenishment processing and drainage processing of the fuel cell 3.

  Further, by using the eyeball display 28 capable of displaying flexible information, it is possible to achieve more advanced communication with the owner by realizing more diverse and complex emotional expressions of small animals.

(Embodiment 3)
A configuration example of a charger according to the third embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The charger according to the third embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments described above in that it uses a display device of a mobile device such as a mobile phone to be attached in communication with the owner. Yes.

Also in the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the mechanisms common to those in the first and second embodiments described above, and the description thereof is omitted.
As illustrated in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, in the connection cable 13 for charging power from the fuel cell 3 to the mobile phone 2, the control mounted on the mobile phone 2 and the charger 1 separately from the power supply wiring 3a. A communication cable 29 for connecting the apparatus 11 is provided.

  In the third embodiment, an example in which the eyeball display 28 is provided as a communication tool in the same manner as in the above-described second embodiment is illustrated, but the artificial eyeball 10 illustrated in the above-described first embodiment is used. It goes without saying that it is also good.

Hereinafter, the operation of the charger 1 of the third embodiment will be described.
The communication cable 29 is provided for exchanging signals with a display device such as the display 2 f of the mobile phone 2.

  In the case of this third embodiment, the eyeball display 28 (or the artificial eyeball 10) communicates with the owner according to the operating status of the charger 1, and the display 2f of the mobile phone 2 is connected via the communication cable 29. It controls to display languages, calls, images, etc.

  The control device 11 of the charger 1 controls the artificial eyeball 10 and the eyeball display 28 as status transmission to the owner. Similarly, the control device 11 connects the main body of the mobile phone 2 via the communication cable 29. By sending a signal, a character, a message, a picture, etc. are transmitted to the display 2f which is a display unit such as a liquid crystal of the mobile phone 2 to perform higher-level communication (complex and diverse emotional expressions of small animals). Is.

  If the device to which the charger 1 is attached is a mobile phone 2, not only information is displayed on the display 2f, but also a vibration motor for notifying incoming calls and a transmission / reception function for calling are provided. Therefore, it is possible to emit sound and vibration, so even these functions are effective.

  As described above, in the charger 1 according to the third embodiment, in addition to the functions of the charger 1, the display device, the sound generation function, and the vibration generation function of the mobile device to be attached are used to further enhance the function. It is intended for various communications.

  According to the charger 1 of the third embodiment, the charger 1 can charge mobile devices such as the mobile phone 2 at any location using glucose which is easy to handle and obtain as a fuel, and the mobile phone 2 and the like. By effectively using user communication functions such as information display, voice function, and vibration function of mobile devices, various communication expressions can be performed between the small animal simulated by the charger body 1a and the user, Through the fuel replenishment process of the fuel cell 3 and the waste water treatment operation, it is possible to give the owner a peaceful and healing effect as if carrying a pet.

(Embodiment 4)
5A and 5B show a configuration example of a charger according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. The fourth embodiment shows an application example of a charger to any device other than a mobile phone as a mobile device, and the configuration and function are the same as in the previous embodiment. No. will be omitted.

That is, FIG. 5A shows an example in which the charger 1 of the present embodiment is attached to a portable music player 30 as a mobile device.
The music player 30 includes a music player main body 30a, a display 30b, operation keys 30c, and an external interface 30d.

The display 30b is composed of a liquid crystal display or the like that displays a song title or the like.
The operation key 30c is used to perform operations such as music selection.
The charger 1 according to the present embodiment is attached to the music player 30 by sandwiching the music player main body 30 a by the clamp legs 12. The connection cable 13 is connected to the external interface 30 d of the music player 30 via the connection connector 14.

  Thereby, while charging the music player 30 from the charger 1, the eyeball display 28 realizes a communication function between the small animal simulated by the charger main body 1a and the user.

  In this case, the charger 1 displays information using the display 30b of the music player 30 together, so that various emotion expressions of small animals can be realized as in the third embodiment.

FIG. 5B shows an example in which the charger of this embodiment is attached to a digital camera.
The digital camera 31 includes a camera body 31a, a lens 31b, a flash light 31c, a release 31d, and a tripod fixing screw 32.

  The lens 31b is an optical system for taking an image. The flashlight 31c performs auxiliary illumination during shooting. The release 31d is a button for controlling the shutter operation when passing.

Since the digital camera 31 has a screw for fixing the tripod, the charger main body 1a of the charger 1 can be fixed via the tripod fixing screw 32.
The connection cable 13 and the connection connector 14 of the charger 1 are connected to an external connection interface (not shown) of the digital camera 31, and charge from the charger 1 to the digital camera 31 and information input.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the charger 1 can be used not only for the mobile phone 2 but also for various mobile devices such as the portable music player 30 and the digital camera 31. Become.

  As described above, the charger 1 according to the present embodiment is a fuel cell type power supply device including a fuel cell that charges various mobile devices, and is not limited to a mobile phone, but the music player 30 described above. Needless to say, in addition to devices such as the digital camera 31, it can also be used for portable game machines, notebook computers, and the like.

  In addition to the function as a ubiquitous power source in the ubiquitous society, we offer a new and useful fuel cell type charger that has a therapy function that will give you a moment of healing and comfort for busy people who always have mobile devices. it can.

(Embodiment 5)
In the fifth embodiment, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 6, the artificial eyeball 10 and the eyeball display 28 based on the operation state of the fuel cell 3 by the control device 11 in each of the first to fourth embodiments described above. An example of the control method is shown.

  The control exemplified in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is realized by, for example, the control device 11 including a microcomputer executing a control program (not shown) provided in the control device 11.

  In the following description, for the sake of simplicity, for example, the output P of the fuel cell 3 measured by the voltmeter 7 and the ammeter 8 is based on two threshold values A10 and A20 (A10> A20). When the output P is “large” (output P> A10), it is determined that the state of the fuel cell 3 is good, and when the output P is medium (A10 ≧ output P ≧ A20). ), It is determined that the state of the fuel cell 3 is normal, and when the output P is small (A20> output P), the state of the fuel cell 3 is determined to be defective.

  Further, when the output P of the fuel cell 3 is “large”, it is further determined whether or not the fuel is full from the value of the output range of “large” based on the further threshold value A11 (> A10). When the output P> A11, it is determined that the tank is full.

  Similarly, when the output of the fuel cell 3 is “small”, further from the determination of the value of this “small” output range by the further threshold A21 (<A20) and threshold A22 (<A21), fuel shortage and The necessity of drainage shall be determined.

That is, when A21> output P ≧ A22, it is determined that the fuel is insufficient, and when A22> output P, it is determined that drainage is necessary.
First, when the measurement timing of a predetermined cycle comes (step 101), the control device 11 takes in a measurement value from at least one of the voltmeter 7 and the ammeter 8 (step 102), and first the state of the fuel cell 3 is good. It is determined whether or not (step 103).

When it is determined that the state of the fuel cell 3 is good, the artificial eyeball 10 and the eyeball display 28 are controlled to display a pleasant face (step 108).
Further, the value of the output range where the output of the fuel cell 3 is “large” is discriminated by a predetermined threshold value to discriminate whether or not the fuel is sufficient (step 109). When the fuel is sufficient (full tank), Then, the artificial eyeball 10 and the eyeball display 28 are operated to express a full stomach expression (step 110), and the process returns to step 101.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 103 that the state of the fuel cell 3 is not good, it is further determined whether or not the state of the fuel cell 3 is normal (step 104). If the state is normal, The artificial eyeball 10 or the eyeball display 28 is operated to display a normal face (step 111), and the process returns to step 101.

  Further, when it is determined in step 104 that the state of the fuel cell 3 is not normal (that is, defective = output “small”), the control device 11 operates the artificial eyeball 10 or the eyeball display 28 or the like to display a moody expression. It is displayed (step 105).

  Further, it is determined whether or not the fuel is insufficient by determining the output in the output “small” range with a desired threshold (step 106). If the fuel is insufficient, the artificial eyeball 10 or the eyeball display 28 is operated. An expression of “hungry” is realized (step 112).

  Further, it is determined whether or not drainage is required by determining the output in the output “small” range with a desired threshold (step 107). If drainage is necessary, the artificial eyeball 10 or the eyeball display 28 is operated. Then, the expression “excretion request” is realized (step 113), and then the process returns to step 101.

  The setting example of the relationship between the above-described threshold value A11, threshold value A10, threshold value A20, threshold value A21, threshold value A22 and the operation state of the fuel cell 3 is an example simplified for easy understanding, and various changes can be made. It goes without saying that it is possible.

For example, as a parameter for knowing the operation state of the fuel cell 3, it is needless to say that a method of directly detecting the remaining amount of fuel or the accumulated amount of wastewater itself may be used.
As described above, according to each embodiment of the present invention, for example, a mobile device can be charged at any location without requiring a complicated system for automatically supplying fuel. In addition, it can give mental healing and peace to those who carry the device.

  That is, according to the charger as the fuel cell type power supply device of each embodiment of the present invention, for example, when used as a charger for an electronic device using a fuel cell, the charger of the electronic device Use the generated water effectively, and not only the original charging function, but also give the owner a spiritual comfort, healing and joy by taking care of it by owning and carrying it. An unprecedented new battery charger with an animal therapy function can be realized.

(Embodiment 6)
FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a charger 1 that is a sixth embodiment of the fuel cell type power supply device of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation thereof.

  In this sixth embodiment, an example will be described in which the charger 1 simulating a small animal has a function of presenting an action such as an effective facial expression to the owner of the mobile phone 2 to be worn in accordance with the external environment. To do.

  That is, the charger 1 according to the sixth embodiment includes the external sensor 40 and the A / D converter 50 that digitizes the output of the external sensor 40 and inputs the digitized output to the control device 11 as described above. This is different from the first embodiment, and the others are the same.

  The external sensor 40 includes, for example, at least one of a tactile sensor 41, a temperature sensor 42, an acceleration sensor 43, a visual sensor 44, and an auditory sensor 45. For simplicity, the following description illustrates a case where any one of the tactile sensor 41 to the auditory sensor 45 is provided as the external sensor 40, but it goes without saying that some or all of them may be provided. .

  The control device 11 is further described below based on external information such as tactile sensation, temperature, acceleration, visual (video, image), and auditory (sound) input from the external sensor 40 via the A / D converter 50. 8 is provided with a function of presenting the movement of the eyeball 19 constituting the facial expression (face) of the small animal, the cry of the small animal by the speaker 9 to the owner of the mobile phone 2 by the control logic illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. .

(1) An example when the tactile sensor 41 is mounted as the external sensor 40 is shown below.
In this case, the tactile sensor 41 detects contact of the owner (user) operating the mobile phone 2 to which the charger 1 is attached to the charger 1.

When a sensor signal such as pressure is detected from the tactile sensor 41, the small animal of the charger 1 displays a facial expression (face) such as waking up, fun, painful, sleepy.
As the tactile sensor 41, for example, an existing capacitance type that can be easily manufactured by inexpensive silk printing or the like is preferable.

  That is, as a specific example of the tactile sensor 41, for example, carbon is formed by printing on sheets facing each other, and a gap (either in the opposite direction or in the horizontal direction with respect to the sheet) is formed so that the carbons do not contact each other. It consists of various patterns. As a result, the opposing carbon acts as a capacitor. For this reason, when the finger is pressed (gripped) and touched, the gap between the carbons changes, so-called capacitance (the amount of electricity stored in the capacitor) changes, and this change in capacitance is detected by a tactile signal ( The tactile change ΔS1) can be taken out from the tactile sensor 41 and input to the control device 11.

(2) When the temperature sensor 42 is mounted as the external sensor 40.
This temperature sensor 42 detects the body temperature and environmental temperature of the user of the mobile phone 2 to which the charger 1 is attached as an external environment.

As a configuration of the temperature sensor 42, for example, an inexpensive thermistor (a material having a large electric resistance change with respect to a temperature change) is preferable.
As a specific example of the temperature sensor 42, a material obtained by mixing and sintering a metal oxide is used. An existing NTC (negative temperature coefficient) thermistor whose electric resistance decreases with increasing temperature is preferable. NTC thermistors can be manufactured by mixing and sintering oxides of nickel, manganese, cobalt, iron and the like, and can be manufactured at low cost. An environmental temperature change (temperature change ΔS2) can be detected as a change in electrical resistance value.

  In addition, a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) thermistor (used for a fuse) whose electrical resistance increases as the temperature rises may be used. In addition, there are ceramic PTC using barium titanate, polymer PTC in which carbon or nickel, which is conductive powder, is mixed with low melting point polymer, all of which replace temperature change (temperature change ΔS2) with change of electrical resistance. Can be used.

  Further, as the temperature sensor 42, a thermocouple including a user's body temperature and a normal living environment temperature in a measurement range may be used. For example, in the JIS standard, the type symbol T (+ leg is made of copper,-leg is made of an alloy mainly made of copper and nickel, the measurement temperature range is -200 ° C to 300 ° C), and the type symbol E (+ It is possible to use a thermocouple whose leg is composed of an alloy mainly composed of nickel and chromium, and whose leg is composed of an alloy mainly composed of copper and nickel, and whose measurement temperature range is -200 ° C to 700 ° C.

(3) An example in which an acceleration sensor 43 is mounted as the external sensor 40.
The acceleration sensor 43 detects an impact or direction on the charger 1.
As a specific example of the acceleration sensor 43, a sensor using an existing MEMS (MEMS = Micro Electro Mechanical Systems, a fine mechanical structure manufactured by a semiconductor process) can be considered for miniaturization.

  As a specific structural example of the acceleration sensor 43 in this case, if a minute movable part and a non-movable part are formed with a gap between the members by MEMS technology, both are made of silicon. A capacitor whose capacitance is changed by the displacement of the movable part is configured.

  For this reason, when acceleration (impact) is applied, the movable part moves slightly and the gap with the non-movable part changes, so-called capacitance (the amount of electricity stored in the capacitor) changes, and this change in capacitance Can be extracted as a signal indicating the acceleration change ΔS3. The acceleration sensor 43 is desirably arranged in a three-dimensional manner so as to detect acceleration changes of three orthogonal axes. If it is MEMS, it will become easy to comprise the acceleration sensor 43 which detects the acceleration change of each direction of three dimensions by carrying out small size integration.

(4) When the visual sensor 44 is mounted as the external sensor 40.
The visual sensor 44 recognizes the face of the user of the mobile phone 2 to which the charger 1 is attached, for example.

  The visual sensor 44 can be a camera type that can recognize the user's face in the same way as the actual eye, a simple optical sensor that can detect only the brightness of light, and grasps only the distance of an object using ultrasound. It may be a sensor.

  In particular, since the charger 1 according to the sixth embodiment has a charging function for the mobile phone 2, the latter light is used to suppress the power consumption of the charger 1 itself and to realize the visual sensor 44 with a simple and inexpensive mechanism. Sensors and ultrasonic sensors are preferred. However, if the power consumption of the camera is reduced and the control system is simplified as the technology advances, it is obvious that the former camera can be used as the visual sensor 44.

  A specific structural example of the visual sensor 44 is as follows. In the former, as represented by a digital camera, an image is captured and used as a digital image by a charge conversion element such as a CCD or CMOS through an optical system using a lens. Since the image can be obtained as it is, advanced usage that recognizes the user's face and surrounding environment can be expected.

  In the latter, since the brightness and distance of light can be known, it can be determined whether or not the user is using the device toward the device, and the user can determine that the front of the device is a dark part during use. A commercially available photodiode or phototransistor can be used as the optical sensor.

(5) When an auditory sensor 45 is mounted as the external sensor 40.
In this case, the hearing sensor 45 recognizes the voice of the user of the mobile phone 2 to which the charger 1 is attached.

  As the auditory sensor 45, a microphone or the like that detects a sound pressure (auditory change ΔS5) that is a sound pressure is used. It is possible to realize an operation such as recognizing a user's voice and reacting to the voice.

(6) When other sensors are mounted as the external sensor 40.
As the external sensor 40, in addition to the touch sensor 41 to the auditory sensor 45 described above, for example, although not particularly illustrated, an olfactory sensor and a taste sensor that detect external information corresponding to olfaction and taste are provided in the same manner as the human senses. You can also

  Sensors that detect a small amount of organic matter in the air using cantilevers have been developed for the sense of smell. By implementing these mechanisms as the external sensor 40, the pet dog has the function of judging the owner. You can also have it.

  Regarding the taste, the electrode of the glucose type fuel cell 3 exemplified in each of the above-described embodiments can be used as it is, and the mouth of the small animal as the pet constituting the charger 1 (the fuel supply port 4). By providing it, it is possible to detect that glucose fuel has been introduced, and to express the joy and fullness of eating on the face of a small animal as an opportunity.

  In addition, since the fuel cell 3 using glucose fuel is inside the charger 1 (small animal), fuel input from the outside (feeding) can be determined by the power generation reaction of the fuel cell 3 itself. Although it is not necessary, if equipped, it can express more lifelike functions.

Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, while there is no change in the external state S, the charger 1 as a small animal is in a sleep state in which the artificial eyeball 10 is closed (step 201, step 202).

Here, the change in the external state S is, for example, as follows.
When the external sensor 40 is the tactile sensor 41, the change in the state S detected by the tactile sensor 41 is a tactile sense, that is, a change in capacitance.

When the external sensor 40 is the temperature sensor 42, the change in the state S is a temperature detected by the temperature sensor 42, that is, an electric resistance change.
When the external sensor 40 is the acceleration sensor 43, the change in the state S is an acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 43, that is, a change in capacitance.

When the external sensor 40 is the visual sensor 44, the state S is a visual sense detected by the visual sensor 44, that is, a light / dark change or an image change.
When the external sensor 40 is the auditory sensor 45, the change in the state S is an auditory sense detected by the auditory sensor 45, that is, a sound pressure (capacitance) change.

When a change in the state S is detected by the external sensor 40 in step 202, for example, the artificial eyeball 10 is opened to wake up (step 203).
Then, the state change ΔS0 of the state S is monitored (step 204). In this case, when the external sensor 40 is a tactile sensor 41, a temperature sensor 42, an acceleration sensor 43, a visual sensor 44, and an auditory sensor 45, the state change ΔS0 is a tactile change ΔS1, a temperature change ΔS2, and an acceleration change ΔS3, respectively. Corresponds to visual change ΔS4 and auditory change ΔS5. For simplicity, these are hereinafter collectively referred to as state change ΔS0.

  When the state change ΔS0 exceeds the upper limit specified value TB (state change ΔS0> the upper limit specified value TB), that is, when a large change is detected in the outside world, the face FA is displayed and the process returns to step 204 ( Step 210).

  Here, the face FA is “painful” in the case of the tactile change ΔS1, “hot” in the case of the temperature change ΔS2, “scary, surprise” in the case of the acceleration change ΔS3, and “absence recognition (in the case of the visual change ΔS4”. It means an expression such as “when the user disappears from the field of view” or the like, and in the case of the auditory change ΔS5, “surprise (noisy)”.

  On the other hand, if the state change ΔS0 ≦ the upper limit specified value TB in step 205, it is further determined whether or not the state change ΔS0 <the lower limit specified value TS (step 206). The FB is displayed (step 211).

  Here, the face FB is “sleepy” when the state change ΔS0 is the tactile change ΔS1, “cold” when the state change ΔS0 is the temperature change ΔS2, and “not boring” when the state change ΔS0 is the acceleration change ΔS3. "Sleep (insufficient speed stimulus)", if the state change ΔS0 is the visual change ΔS4, "recognize the presence of the user (the user will not disappear from the field of view)", if the state change ΔS0 is the auditory change ΔS5, "rest, sleepy (Quiet environment) ”, etc.

  Then, after displaying the face FB in this way, the magnitude of the absolute value of the state change ΔS0 is determined (step 212), and if this absolute value is smaller than a predetermined threshold value TA (| ΔS0 | ≦ TA) The process returns to step 210 described above.

If the absolute value of the state change ΔS0 exceeds a predetermined threshold value TA (| ΔS0 |> TA), “fun face” is displayed (step 208).
If the condition is not satisfied in step 206 described above, it is determined whether or not the absolute value of the state change ΔS0 is smaller than a predetermined threshold value TA (step 207). If | ΔS0 | ≦ TA, Branches to step 211.

If it is determined in step 207 that | ΔS0 |> TA, “fun face” is displayed (step 208).
Then, the process of controlling the facial expression of the charger 1 as a small animal according to the state of the fuel cell 3 described in the other embodiments described above (from step 101 to step 113 described above) is executed (step 209). Return to step 204.

  Thus, according to the sixth embodiment, the small animal as the charger 1 attached to the mobile phone 2 responds not only to the state of the fuel cell 3 but also to changes in the external environment of the installation environment of the charger 1. In addition, since various expressions using the artificial eyeball 10 and the like are produced, it becomes closer to the natural model of the actual small animal, and the healing effect of the charger 1 as a small animal for the user of the mobile phone 2 is even greater. Become.

As a result, the operability and convenience of the mounted device such as the mobile phone 2 provided with the charger 1 are also improved.
Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the configuration exemplified in the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

It is a sectional side view which shows an example of the state which attached the charger which is Embodiment 1 of the fuel cell type power supply device of this invention to the folding-type mobile telephone. It is a front view of the state which attached the charger which is Embodiment 1 of the fuel cell type power supply device of this invention to the foldable mobile telephone. It is a front view which shows the structural example of the artificial eyeball with which the charger which is Embodiment 1 of the fuel cell type power supply device of this invention was equipped. It is a side view which shows the structural example of the artificial eyeball with which the charger which is Embodiment 1 of the fuel cell type power supply device of this invention was equipped. It is a sectional side view which shows the structural example of the charger which is Embodiment 2 of the fuel cell type power supply device of this invention. It is a front view which shows the structural example of the charger which is Embodiment 2 of the fuel cell type power supply device of this invention. It is a sectional side view which shows the structural example of the charger which is Embodiment 3 of the fuel cell type power supply device of this invention. It is a front view which shows the structural example of the charger which is Embodiment 3 of the fuel cell type power supply device of this invention. It is a front view which shows the example of attachment with respect to the music player of the charger which is Embodiment 4 of the fuel cell type power supply device of this invention. It is a front view which shows the example of attachment with respect to the digital camera of the charger which is Embodiment 4 of the fuel cell type power supply device of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of an effect | action of the charger of each embodiment of the fuel cell type power supply device of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the structure of the charger 1 which is Embodiment 6 of the fuel cell type power supply device of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the effect | action.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Charger 1a Charger main body 2 Mobile phone 2a Grip case 2b Display case 2c Hinge part 2d External interface 2e Keypad 2f Display 3 Fuel cell 3a Wiring 3b Wiring 4 Fuel supply port 5 Drainage port 6 Drainage port cover 6a Hinge 7 Voltmeter 7a Wiring 8 Ammeter 8a Wiring 9 Speaker 10 Artificial eyeball 11 Control device 11a Wiring 11b Wiring 12 Clamp foot 13 Connecting cable 14 Connecting connector 15 Fuel cartridge 16 Rubber packing 17 Opening and closing valve 19 Eyeball 20 Vertical rotation 21 Left-right rotation 22 Left-right rotation Motor 23 vertical rotation motor 24 arm 25 base 26 eyelid 27 cover 28 eyeball display 29 communication cable 30 music player 30a music player main body 30b display 30c operation key 30d external interface 1 digital camera 31a camera body 31b lens 31c flashlight 31d release 32 tripod fixing screw 40 outside sensor 41 tactile sensor 42 Temperature sensor 43 acceleration sensor 44 visual sensor 45 auditory sensor 50 A / D converter

Claims (9)

A fuel cell type power supply device that supplies power to a desired electronic device using a fuel cell,
A main body attached to the electronic device and having a form imitating a small animal;
An image transmission mechanism unit that reminds the small animal from the main body part to the owner of the electronic device and transmits the movement of the eyeball that constitutes the facial expression of the small animal of the main body part;
A fuel cell unit for generating the electric power;
A sensor unit for measuring the power generation output of the fuel cell unit;
A control unit that controls the image transmission mechanism unit according to the magnitude of the power generation output of the fuel cell unit;
Connection means for supplying electric power generated by the fuel cell unit to the electronic device;
A supply unit for supplying fuel to the fuel cell;
A drainage section for discharging the waste liquid generated in the fuel cell;
A fuel cell type power supply device comprising: The fuel cell type power supply device according to claim 1, wherein
The fuel cell type power supply device, wherein the fuel cell in the main body is a fuel cell using glucose as the fuel. The fuel cell type power supply device according to claim 1, wherein
The fuel cell type power supply device, wherein the image transmission mechanism that transmits an image imitating the small animal to the owner is configured by a mechanism that operates the eyeball of the small animal. The fuel cell type power supply device according to claim 1, wherein
The fuel cell type power supply device, wherein the image transmission mechanism that transmits an image imitating the small animal to the owner is a display element that displays an expression of the small animal. The fuel cell type power supply device according to claim 1, wherein
Wherein the connection cable as a connection means, before SL system from control unit, the fuel cell type power supply apparatus characterized by comprising a signal cable for controlling the display unit to the electronic apparatus. The fuel cell type power supply device according to claim 1, wherein
A fuel cell type power supply device characterized in that a material of the main body part imitating the small animal is constructed using fur, leather, artificial leather, wood, or a soft rubber material. The fuel cell type power supply device according to claim 1, wherein
The electronic device is a portable electronic device, and the fuel cell type power supply device functions as a charger for charging the portable electronic device. The fuel cell type power supply device according to claim 1, wherein
In addition, an external sensor for detecting the state of the installation environment of the fuel cell type power supply device,
Control unit, the fuel cell type power source device being characterized in that further comprising a function of controlling the image transmission mechanism based on the external sensor or we enter external information. The fuel cell type power supply device according to claim 8 ,
The external sensors, tactile sensors, temperature sensors, acceleration sensors, visual sensors, Ri Do from auditory sensor, at least one of said external information, tactile, temperature, acceleration, visual (video, images), auditory (sound) fuel cell type power source device according to claim Do Rukoto from at least one of.