KR100599224B1 - Fuel cell container, fuel cell and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is a fuel cell for a portable electronic device, which is capable of accommodating an electrolyte member, and is compact and robust, and has a reliable fuel cell capable of equally supplying gas, uniform temperature gradient in a container, high electrical connection, and high efficiency power generation. To provide a container and a fuel cell. The fuel cell container includes a base body 6 having a recess for accommodating the electrolyte member 3 having the first and second electrodes 4 and 5, and an agent formed over the outer surface of the base body 6 from the bottom of the recess. One fluid flow path 8, one end is disposed on the bottom of the recess, and the other end is on the first wiring conductor 10 led to the outer surface of the base body 6, and on the upper surface around the recess of the base body 6. One end is disposed on the lid 7 to be provided, the second fluid flow path 9 formed from the lower surface of the lid 7 to the outer surface, and the lower surface of the lid 7, and the other end of the lid 7 is closed. An opening width of one end of the electrolyte member 3 is at least one of the first fluid passage 8 and the second fluid passage 9 having the second wiring conductor 11 drawn to the outer surface. It is larger.

Description

FUEL CELL CONTAINER, FUEL CELL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT}

Part A of FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a fuel cell using the container for fuel cells of one embodiment of the present invention, and part B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the fuel cell of part A. FIG.

2 is a cross-sectional view showing a fuel cell using the container for fuel cells according to another embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a cross-sectional view showing a fuel cell using the fuel cell container according to another embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional fuel cell.

The present invention relates to a compact and highly reliable fuel cell container made of ceramics containing an electrolyte member, a fuel cell using the same, and an electronic device.

In recent years, development of a small fuel cell operating at a lower temperature than ever before has been actively performed. Fuel cells are known to be solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells (hereinafter referred to as PEFCs), phosphoric acid fuel cells, or solid electrolyte fuel cells, depending on the type of electrolyte used therein.

Among them, PEFC is a low temperature, the operating temperature of about 80 ~ 100 ℃,

(1) High power density, small size and light weight

(2) Since the electrolyte is not corrosive and the operating temperature is low, there are few restrictions on the battery constituent materials in terms of corrosion resistance, so it is easy to reduce costs.

(3) The start time is short because it can be started at room temperature.

It has excellent features. For this reason, PEFC is not only applicable to driving power for vehicles and cogeneration systems for homes, but also for output of mobile phones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), notebook computers, digital cameras and video cameras. Its use as a power source for portable electronic devices of several W to several tens of W has been considered.

PEFC is largely divided into, for example, a fuel electrode (cathode) composed of a carbon electrode with catalyst fine particles such as platinum or platinum-ruthenium, an air electrode (anode) comprising a carbon electrode with catalyst fine particles such as platinum, and a fuel electrode. And an film-like electrolyte member (hereinafter referred to as electrolyte member) interposed between the cathode and the cathode. Here, the hydrogen gas H ₂ extracted through the reforming unit is supplied to the fuel electrode, while the oxygen gas O ₂ in the atmosphere is supplied to the air electrode. As a result, a predetermined electric energy is generated (generated) by the electrochemical reaction, and electric energy serving as a driving power source (voltage / current) for the load is generated.

Specifically, when hydrogen gas (H ₂ ) is supplied to the anode, hydrogen ions (protons; H ⁺ ) from which electrons (e ⁻ ) are separated by the catalyst are generated as shown in the following chemical reaction formula (1). Then, the electrons e ^- are taken out by the carbon electrode constituting the fuel electrode and passed to the cathode through the electrolyte member, and are supplied to the load.

_{^{3H 2 → 6H + + 6e -}} ... (One)

On the other hand, when air is supplied to the cathode, as shown in the following chemical reaction formula (2), electrons (e ⁻ ) through the load by the catalyst and hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ) passing through the electrolyte member and in the air Oxygen gas (O ₂ ) is reacted to generate water (H ₂ O).

_{^{6H + + 3 / 2O 2 +}} 6e - → 3H 2 O ... (2)

Such series of electrochemical reactions (formulas (1) and (2)) generally proceed at relatively low temperature conditions of 80 to 100 ° C, and by-products other than electric power are basically water (H ₂ O) alone. do.

The ion conductive membrane (exchange membrane) constituting the electrolyte member is a polystyrene-based cation exchange membrane having a sulfonic acid group, a mixed membrane of fluorocarbon sulfonic acid and polyvinylidene fluoride, and grafted trifluoroethylene on a fluorocarbon matrix. And the like, and perfluorocarbon sulfonic acid membranes (for example, the product name "Nafion" manufactured by DuPont) are used in recent years.

4, the structure of the conventional fuel cell PEFC is shown in sectional drawing. In FIG. 4, 21 is a PEFC, 23 is an electrolyte member, 24 and 25 are disposed on the electrolyte member 23 so as to sandwich the electrolyte member, and a pair of porous electrodes having a function as a gas diffusion layer and a catalyst layer, that is, a fuel electrode and an air electrode. 26 is a gas separator, 28 is a fuel flow path, 29 is an air flow path.

The gas separator 26 is provided with a stacking portion and a gas inflow / outflow frame forming the outer shape of the gas separator 26, a separator portion separating the fuel flow passage 28 and the air flow passage 29, and installed to penetrate the separator portion. And electrodes arranged to correspond to the fuel electrode 24 and the air electrode 24 of the electrolyte member 23. A plurality of fuel cells 24 and air electrodes 25 of the electrolyte member 23 are electrically stacked in series through the gas separator 26 so as to be electrically connected in series and / or in parallel to form a fuel cell stack that is the smallest unit of the battery. The stack of the stack in a box is a general PEFC body.

A fuel gas (hydrogen-rich gas) containing water vapor from a reformer is supplied to the anode 24 through the fuel passage 28 formed in the gas separator 26, and the cathode 25 is supplied through the air passage 29. Air is supplied from the atmosphere as an oxidizing gas and is generated by a chemical reaction in the electrolyte member 23.

Related technologies include Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-266910 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-507501.

However, the fuel cell 21 conventionally proposed and developed as such a high-voltage, high-capacity cell is a large-sized, large-sized cell having a stack structure and a large area of components, and using a fuel cell as a small cell. Is hardly considered in the prior art.

That is, the conventional gas separator 26 in such a fuel cell 21 has the following problems. That is, in the laminated body in which the electrolyte member 23 is laminated using the gas separator 26, the side surface of the electrolyte member 23 is exposed to the outside, and therefore, the fuel cell may be easily damaged by dropping when carrying. 21) There is a problem that it is difficult to secure the overall mechanical reliability.

Moreover, in order to mount the fuel cell 21 in a portable electronic device, the fuel cell container excellent in compactness, simplicity, and safety unlike the conventional large fuel is required. In other words, in order to be applied as a portable power source such as a general-purpose chemical cell, it is necessary to miniaturize and lower the fuel cell container in order to shorten the temperature rise to the operating temperature for a short time and to reduce the heat capacity. However, in the conventional fuel cell 21, the gas separator 26, which occupies most of the ratio of the heat capacity, is particularly fragile when thinned, such as in the case of the gas separator 26 formed by cutting on the surface of the carbon plate. A few millimeters of thickness is required. For this reason, there also exists a problem that miniaturization and low height are difficult.

The output voltage of the fuel cell 21 is determined by the partial pressure of the gas supplied to the electrodes 24 and 25 on the front and back of the electrolyte member 23. That is, when the fuel gas supplied to the electrolyte member 23 advances through the gas flow path 28 and is consumed in the power generation reaction, the partial pressure of the fuel gas on the surface of the fuel electrode 24 is lowered, and the output voltage is lowered. Similarly to this, when the air pole also passes through the air flow path 29 and is consumed, the partial pressure of oxygen on the surface of the air pole 25 decreases, and the output voltage decreases. Therefore, it is necessary to supply fuel gas evenly. However, since the gas separator 26 of the conventional fuel cell 21 forms a flow path on the surface of a carbon plate especially by cutting, the groove | channel of a flow path becomes narrow when it thins. Therefore, there also exists a problem that flow path resistance becomes large and uniform gas supply is difficult.

In addition, the combination of the plurality of electrolyte members 23, the fuel electrode 24, the air electrode 25, and the gas separator 26 facing each other is arbitrarily and efficiently connected in series or parallel, so that the overall output voltage and output current It needs to be adjusted. However, in the conventional fuel cell 21, in order to take out electricity from the fuel electrode and the air electrode which sandwich the electrolyte member 21, the method of drawing out and contacting the outside or the gas separator 26 as a conductive material are overlapped. There is only a method of connecting in series, and there is a problem that it is difficult in a small fuel cell.

The present invention has been completed in view of the problems of the prior art as described above, and its object is to provide a compact and robust fuel cell container capable of accommodating an electrolyte member, and to provide an even supply of gas, to uniform temperature gradient in the fuel cell container, The present invention provides a container for a highly reliable fuel cell capable of achieving efficient electrical connection and a fuel cell using the same.

The present invention provides a base body made of ceramics having, on one side, a concave portion accommodating an electrolyte member having first and second electrodes on one and the other main surface, and the concave portion facing the one main surface of the electrolyte member. A first fluid passage formed from a bottom surface to an outer surface of the base body, one end of which is disposed on a bottom surface of the concave portion facing the first electrode of the electrolyte member, and the other end of which is led to the outer surface of the base body; A cover body hermetically sealing the recessed portion, which is attached to one surface around the recessed portion of the base body and covers the recessed portion, and one side of the lid body opposite to the other main surface of the electrolyte member. A second fluid flow path formed over the outer surface of the lid from the side and one side of the lid opposing the second electrode of the electrolyte member; A second wiring conductor having one end disposed at the other end and leading to the outer surface of the lid body, wherein at least one of the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage has an opening at one end of the electrolyte member side. A fuel cell container characterized in that the width is larger than the opening width of the other end.

In the present invention, at least one of the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage is gradually enlarged as its cross-sectional area is directed toward the electrolyte member.

In the present invention, at least one of the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage is formed so as to widen at an angle of 35 to 70 degrees toward the electrolyte member.

In the present invention, at least one of the base member and the lid member has a bending strength of 200 MPa or more.

In the present invention, at least one of the base member and the lid member is formed of an aluminum oxide sintered body made of a dense material having a relative density of 95% or more.

In the present invention, at least one of the base member and the lid member has a thickness of 0.2 to 5 mm.

In the present invention, the first wiring conductor is protruded from the bottom of the concave portion of the base body.

In the present invention, the second wiring conductor protrudes from one side of the lid.

In the present invention, at least one of the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage is characterized in that a moisture absorbent is deposited on an inner wall thereof.

In the present invention, the moisture absorbing material has a thickness of 10% or less with respect to the opening area in the cross section of the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage.

The present invention includes an electrolyte member having first and second electrodes on one side and the other main surface, and the fuel cell container as described above, wherein the electrolyte member is accommodated in the recess of the fuel cell container, and the electrolyte The first electrode may be disposed between the one main surface of the member and the first fluid passage and between the other main surface of the electrolyte member and the second fluid passage to exchange fluid. Electrically connecting the first wiring conductor, electrically connecting the second electrode to the second wiring conductor, and covering the recess on one side of the base around the recess to attach the lid. It is a fuel cell characterized in that.

The electronic device of the present invention is characterized by having the above-described fuel cell as a power source.

The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and drawings.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

A part and B part of FIG. 1 are sectional drawing which shows the container for fuel cells of one Embodiment of this invention, and the fuel cell using the same. In parts A and B of FIG. 1, 1 is a fuel cell, 2 is a fuel cell container, 3 is an electrolyte member, 4 is a first electrode, 5 is a second electrode, 6 is a base body, 7 is a cover body, 8 Is the first fluid flow path, 9 is the second fluid flow path, 10 is the first wiring conductor, 11 is the second wiring conductor, and 12 is the opening shape.

The electrolyte member 3 according to the present invention includes, for example, a fuel electrode (not shown) serving as an anode side electrode and an air electrode serving as a cathode side electrode on both main surfaces of an ion conductive film (exchange membrane). This is formed integrally. The first electrode 4 is formed on the lower main surface, which is one main surface of the electrolyte member 3, to face the fuel electrode. The second electrode 5 is formed on the upper main surface of the other main surface of the electrolyte member 3 so as to face the air electrode. Then, the electric current generated by the electrolyte member 3 flows to the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 to be drawn out to the outside.

The ion conductive membrane (exchange membrane) of the electrolyte member 3 is made of a proton conductive ion exchange resin such as a perfluorocarbon sulfonic acid resin, for example, a brand name "Nafion" (manufactured by DuPont). The anode and the cathode are gas diffusion electrodes in a porous state, and have a function of both a porous catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer. These anodes and cathodes are composed of a porous body in which conductive fine particles carrying a catalyst such as platinum, palladium, or an alloy thereof, such as carbon fine particles, are held by a hydrophobic resin binder such as polytetrafluoroethylene.

The first electrode 4 on the lower main surface of the electrolyte member 3 and the second electrode 5 on the upper main surface of the electrolyte member 3 hot press a carbon electrode to which catalyst fine particles such as platinum or platinum-ruthenium are added. Or a method of applying or transferring a mixture of a carbon electrode material to which catalyst fine particles such as platinum or platinum-ruthenium and a solution in which an electrolyte material is dispersed is applied or transferred onto an electrolyte.

The fuel cell container 2 is composed of a base body 6 and a lid 7 having a recessed portion on an upper surface side, which is one side, and has a role of sealing an airtight seal by mounting the electrolyte member 3 inside the recessed portion. , Aluminum oxide (Al ₂ O ₃ ) sintered body, mullite (3Al ₂ O ₃ ㆍ 2SiO ₂ ) sintered body, silicon carbide (SiC) sintered body, aluminum nitride (AlN) sintered body, silicon nitride (Si ₃ N ₄ ) sintered body And ceramic materials such as glass ceramic sintered body.

Further, as a glass ceramic sintered body but is made of a glass component and a filler (filler) component, glass component, e.g., SiO ₂ -B ₂ O _{3 based, SiO 2 -B 2 O 3 -Al} 2 O 3 based, SiO ₂ - _{B 2 O 3 -Al 2 O 3} - MO series (where, M denotes a Ca, Sr, Mg, Ba or _{Zn), SiO 2 -Al 2 O} 3 -M 1 OM 2 O -based (where, M ¹ and M ² is the same or different and represents Ca, Sr, Mg, Ba or Zn), SiO ₂ -B ₂ O ₃ -Al ₂ O ₃ -M ¹ OM ² O-based, provided that M ¹ and M ² are the same or Or different and represent Ca, Sr, Mg, Ba or Zn), SiO ₂ -B ₂ O ₃ -M ³ ₂ O-based, provided that M ³ represents Li, Na or K, SiO ₂ -B ₂ O ₃ -Al ₂ O ^₃ -M _{3 2} O system may include (where, M ³ represents a Li, Na or K), Pb-based glass, Bi-based glass or the like.

In addition, as a filler component, for example, Al ₂ O _3, SiO _2, 1 kind selected from ZrO _2, and complex oxide, Al ₂ O ₃ and SiO ₂ in the composite oxide, TiO ₂ and alkaline earth metal oxides, alkaline earth metal oxide And complex oxides containing the foregoing (eg, spinel, mullite, cordierite) and the like.

The fuel cell container 2 is composed of a base body 6 and a lid body 7 having a fouling portion. The recess is hermetically sealed by attaching the lid 7 while covering the recess around the recess of the base body 6. Particularly, joining with metal bonding materials such as solder and silver lead, joining with resin materials such as epoxy resin, sealing rings made of iron alloy and the like on the upper surface around the recesses, welding by seam welding, electron beam or laser, etc. The lid 7 is attached to the base 6 by a method such as the like. Moreover, you may form the recessed part similar to the base body 6 also in the cover body 7.

It is preferable that the base body 6 and the cover body 7 have a thin thickness, respectively, and the bending strength, which is mechanical strength, is 200 MPa or more in order to enable the height of the fuel cell 1 to be reduced.

The base body 6 and the lid 7 are preferably formed of, for example, an aluminum oxide sintered body made of dense material having a relative density of 95% or more. In that case, for example, the rare earth oxide powder or the sintering aid is first added to the aluminum oxide powder and mixed to prepare a raw material powder of the aluminum oxide sintered body. Subsequently, an organic binder and a dispersion medium are added to the raw material powder of the aluminum oxide sintered compact, mixed and pasted, and the paste is prepared by a doctor blade method or an organic binder is added to the raw material powder, followed by press molding or rolling molding. The green sheet of predetermined thickness is produced. Then, the green sheet is subjected to the through-holes as the first fluid passage 8 and the second fluid passage 9 by a drilling method using a mold, a drilling method using a micro drill, a drilling method using laser light irradiation, and the like. A through hole for arranging the first wiring conductor 10 and the second wiring conductor 11 is formed.

At this time, with respect to at least one of the first fluid passage 8 and the second fluid passage 9 formed in the ceramic green sheet, an angle θ of 35 to 70 degrees from one main surface of the ceramic green sheet to the other main surface. To broaden). Thereby, at least one of the 1st fluid flow path 8 and the 2nd fluid flow path 9 can be set as the opening shape 12 which becomes larger gradually as a cross-sectional area goes to the electrolyte member 3 side.

As a punching method for forming such an opening 12 into a mold, a clearance (clearance) may be set so that the diameter of the through hole of the die is larger than the diameter of the punch (rod-shaped punching frame) of the punching die. This makes it possible to form a through hole in which the exit side at the time of drilling is larger than the entrance side. For example, when the thickness of the ceramic green sheet is about 0.5 mm, the clearance between the outer surface of the punch pin and the inner surface of the through hole of the die may be about 0.2 to 0.5 mm. By doing so, angle (theta) can be set to 35-70 degree | times. Moreover, when angle (theta) is less than 35 degree | times, it will become difficult to form the inner wall of a flow path stably and efficiently at such angle (theta).

The first wiring conductor 10 and the second wiring conductor 11 are preferably formed of tungsten and / or molybdenum in order to prevent oxidation. In that case, for example, a conductive paste prepared by adding ₃ to 20 parts by mass of Al ₂ O ₃ and 0.5 to 5 parts by mass of Nb ₂ O ₅ with respect to 100 parts by mass of tungsten and / or molybdenum powder as an inorganic component is prepared. do. This conductor paste is filled into the through holes of the green sheet to form a via conductor as a through conductor.

In these conductor pastes, in order to improve the adhesiveness with the ceramic of the base body 6 and the lid | cover 7, the composition powder similar to the ceramic component which forms the base body 6 and the lid | cover 7 is For example, it is also possible to add in the ratio of 0.05-2 volume%.

In addition, the formation of the first wiring conductor 10 and the second wiring conductor 11 on the surface layer and the inner layer of the base body 6 or the cover body 7 forms a via conductor by filling a conductor paste in the through hole. Before and after or at the same time, the same conductor paste is printed and applied to a green sheet in a predetermined pattern by a method such as screen printing or gravure printing.

Thereafter, the sheet paste is formed by aligning a predetermined number of sheet-shaped molded bodies printed and filled with a conductor paste, and laminating and crimping. Thereafter, the laminated body is fired at a temperature of 1200-1500 ° C. in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, for example, so that the base body 6, the lid 7, and the first wiring conductor of the target ceramics ( 10), the second wiring conductor 11 is obtained.

Moreover, it is preferable that the thickness of the base body 6 and the lid | cover 7 which consist of ceramics shall be 0.2 mm or more and 5 mm or less. If the thickness is less than 0.2 mm, the strength tends to decrease, so that cracks and the like occur in the base body 6 and the cover 7 due to the stress generated when the cover body 7 is attached to the base body 6. It tends to be easy to do. On the other hand, if the thickness exceeds 5 mm, it becomes difficult to reduce the thickness and the height, and therefore, it becomes unsuitable as a fuel cell to be mounted in a small portable device, and the heat capacity becomes large. Therefore, the electrochemical reaction conditions of the electrolyte member 3 It tends to be difficult to quickly set to an appropriate temperature corresponding to.

The first wiring conductor 10 and the second wiring conductor 11 are electrically connected to the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 of the electrolyte member 3, respectively, and are generated by the electrolyte member 3. It functions as a conductive path for drawing current out of the fuel cell container 2.

One end of the first wiring conductor 10 is disposed at a portion of the first concave portion of the base body 6 opposite to the first electrode 4 of the electrolyte member 3, and the other end thereof is the outer surface of the base body 6. It is derived and formed. As described above, the first wiring conductor 10 is formed integrally with the base body 6, so that the first wiring conductor 10 is easily contacted with the first electrode 4. It is preferable to form so that 10 micrometers or more may protrude from the bottom face of the recessed part of 6). In order to obtain this height, when printing-coated and forming a conductor paste as mentioned above, what is necessary is just to set so that printing conditions may become thick. In addition, a plurality of first wiring conductors 10 are disposed to face the first electrode 4 to reduce electrical losses caused by the first wiring conductors 10, and the base of the first wiring conductors 10 may be reduced. About the penetrating part of the sieve 6, it is preferable to set it as 50 micrometers or more in diameter.

In addition, one end of the second wiring conductor 11 is disposed at a portion of the second body 5 opposite to the second electrode 5 of the electrolyte member 3 on one side of the lid 7, and the other end of the lid 7 is provided. It is derived from and formed on the outer surface. Like the first wiring conductor 10, the second wiring conductor 11 is also formed integrally with the lid 7, and the second wiring conductor 11 is easily in contact with the second electrode 5. In order to protrude from the lower surface of the cover 7 so that it is 10 micrometers or more, it is preferable. In order to obtain this protrusion height, it is good to set so that printing conditions may become thick, when printing and coating a conductor paste as mentioned above. In addition, a plurality of second wiring conductors 11 may be disposed to face the second electrodes 5 to reduce electrical losses caused by the second wiring conductors 11, and the cover of the second wiring conductors 11 may be reduced. It is preferable to set it as the diameter of 50 micrometers or more about the penetration part of the sieve 7.

The first wiring conductor 10 and the second wiring conductor 11 have a good conductivity of nickel on the exposed surface, and a metal having good corrosion resistance and good wettability with a brazing material is deposited by plating. The electrical connection with the 1st wiring conductor 10 and the 2nd wiring conductor 11, the 1st wiring conductor 10, the 2nd wiring conductor 11, and an external electric circuit can be made favorable. Therefore, it is preferable that the first wiring conductor 10 and the second wiring conductor 11 have a good conductivity of nickel on the exposed surface, and deposit a metal having good corrosion resistance and good wettability with the brazing material by the plating method. desirable.

In addition, the electrical connection between the first wiring conductor 10 and the first electrode 4 and the electrical connection between the second wiring conductor 11 and the second electrode 5 include the base body 6 and the cover body. By inserting the electrolyte member 3 into (7), the first wiring conductor 10 and the first electrode 4 are pressed into contact, and the second wiring conductor 11 and the second electrode 5 are pressed into contact. What is necessary is just to perform it by the structure, such as electrical connection.

In addition, a first fluid passage 8 is disposed on the bottom of the concave portion of the base 6 facing the first electrode 4, and on the bottom of the lid 7 facing the second electrode 5. The second fluid passage 9 is arranged. The first fluid passage 8 is formed from the bottom of the concave portion of the base body 6 to the outer surface of the base body 6, and the second fluid passage 9 is formed from the lower surface of the lid 7 from the lid body. It is formed over the outer surface of (7). These first and second fluid passages 8 and 9 are formed by through holes or grooves formed in the base body 6 and the cover body 7, respectively, and are fuel gas, for example, reformed gas containing a lot of hydrogen, or oxidation. It is formed as a passage of the fluid supplied to the electrolyte member 3, such as gas, for example, or as a passage of the fluid discharged from the electrolyte member 3 after the reaction, such as water generated by the reaction.

The through-holes or grooves formed in the base body 6 and the lid 7 as the first fluid passage 8 and the second fluid passage 9 are equal to the electrolyte member 3 in the fuel gas, the oxidizing gas, or the like. The diameter and number of through holes, or the width, depth and arrangement of the through holes may be determined according to the specification of the fuel cell 1 so that the fluid is supplied.

In the fuel cell container (2) and the fuel cell (1) of the present invention, the first fluid passage (8) and the second fluid passage (9) are preferably fluid at a uniform pressure to the electrolyte member (3). In order to flow, it is good to make it diameter diameter 0.1mm or more, and to arrange | position a regular space | interval.

 As such, the first fluid passage 8 is formed by opposing the lower main surface on which the first electrode 4 of the electrolyte member 3 is formed, and the second fluid passage is formed by opposing the upper main surface on which the second electrode 5 is formed. 9), it is possible to exchange fluid between the lower and upper main surfaces of the electrolyte member 3 and the first and second fluid passages 8 and 9, and the fluid is supplied or discharged through the respective passages. Will be. For example, when the gas is supplied as a fluid, the partial pressure of the gas supplied to the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 of the electrolyte member 3 can be lowered, and the predetermined stable output voltage can be eliminated. Can be obtained. In addition, since the gas partial pressure supplied is stabilized, the internal pressure of the fuel cell 1 is made uniform, and as a result, the thermal stress generated in the electrolyte member 3 can be suppressed, thereby improving the reliability of the fuel cell 1. Can be.

In the present invention, in at least one of the first fluid passage 8 and the second fluid passage 9 (the second fluid passage 9 in the present embodiment), one end of the electrolyte member 3 is disposed. The opening width is larger than the opening width of the other end. As a result, the area of the contact portion between the first wiring conductor 10 and the first electrode 4 and the contact portion between the second wiring conductor 11 and the second electrode 5 is reduced, thereby reducing the base body 6 and the lid. When pressing the sieve 7 onto the electrolyte member 3, the contact portion of the first wiring conductor 10 and the first electrode 4 and the contact portion of the second wiring conductor 11 and the second electrode portion 5 are pressed. The load around the applied unit area can be increased, and connection reliability can be improved. As a result, even if the loads applied to the base body 6 and the cover body 7 are reduced, the first wiring conductor 10 and the second wiring conductor 11 are connected to the first electrode 4 and the second electrode ( 5) can be brought into good contact, and the cracks and cracks can be effectively prevented from occurring in the base 6 and the lid 7.

In addition, since the area in which air and fuel gas are in contact with the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 can be increased, the electrochemical reaction of the air and fuel gas can be promoted and the power generation efficiency can be made high.

In the present invention, preferably, at least one of the first fluid passage 8 and the second fluid passage 9 becomes gradually larger as the cross-sectional area thereof faces the electrolyte member 3. As a result, when the base body 6 and the cover body 7 are pressed against the electrolyte member 3, the loads applied to the base body 6 and the cover body 7 are applied to the first wiring conductor 10. The contact portion of the first electrode 4 and the contact portion of the second wiring conductor 11 and the second electrode 5 can be concentrated well, and the periphery of the first fluid passage 8 and the second fluid passage ( The stress generated in the periphery of 9) can be effectively dispersed, and the occurrence of cracks and cracks in the base 6 and the lid 7 can be effectively prevented.

In addition, since the wall surfaces of the first fluid passage 8 and the second fluid passage 9 are smooth, the first fluid passage 8 and the second fluid passage 9 are formed without retaining air or fuel gas. The first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 can be efficiently diffused and supplied effectively, and the power generation efficiency can be made very high.

In addition, a moisture absorbent may be deposited on the inner wall of the first fluid passage 8 or the second fluid passage 9. In this case, since the water vapor and water generated by the electrochemical reaction in the electrolyte member 3 can be absorbed and removed by the absorbent material, the first and second fluid flow paths 8 and 9 serving as air flow paths 8 and 9. ) Can be effectively prevented. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the surfaces of the electrodes of the first and second electrodes 4 and 5 from being covered with water (H ₂ O), and to wait through the first and second fluid flow paths 8 and 9. Air can be effectively supplied from the inside as an oxidizing gas. Therefore, the electrochemical reaction in the electrolyte member 3 can be promoted, and high efficiency power generation can be performed.

As the hygroscopic material, a material which easily absorbs water (H ₂ O) such as silica gel, alumina, clay, activated carbon, paper, wood flour, etc. may be used. In particular, inorganic powders such as silica gel, alumina, clay, etc. by adjusting the area because it is easy to control the absorption of water (H ₂ O), it is preferred in that it is easy to obtain the desired hygroscopic properties.

When the moisture absorbent is deposited on the inner walls of the first fluid passage 8 and the second fluid passage 9, the uniformity of the flow of air as oxidizing gas from the atmosphere through the first and second fluid passages 8 and 9 is achieved. In view of maintaining the castle, it is preferable to deposit the moisture absorbents on all the first and second fluid passages 8 and 9. In addition, since the thickness of the moisture absorbent needs to reduce the influence of the pressure loss when supplying air as the oxidizing gas, the area of 10% or less of the opening area in the cross section of the first and second fluid passages 8 and 9. The thickness which becomes is preferable.

In addition, in order to promote the evaporation of water from the moisture absorbent by the flow of air, it is preferable to deposit the moisture absorbent on the entire inner walls of the first and second fluid passages 8 and 9. As a result, when the fuel cell container 2 and the fuel cell 1 of the present invention are used in a small type such as, for example, a portable direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC), the fuel cell container 2 and the fuel cell 1 of the present invention are, for example, 10 ml of methanol. In addition to being able to operate for a time, the amount of water (H ₂ O) produced at that time also becomes a trace amount of 1 ml with respect to 1 g of methanol. Therefore, the water (H ₂ O) absorbed by the hygroscopic material becomes an amount of water which can be sufficiently evaporated by blowing with a fan, and thus there is no problem in continuous operation.

With the above structure, the compact and robust fuel cell container 2 which can accommodate the electrolyte member 3 as shown in FIG. 1 is obtained, and the fuel cell 1 of this invention which can control high efficiency is obtained.

Next, the electronic device of the present invention having the fuel cell 1 as a power source will be described.

Since the electronic device of the present invention has the above-described fuel cell 1 as a power source, the electronic device of the present invention is compact, low in height and long-term with the characteristics of the fuel cell container 2 of the present invention as described above. The electronic device which is excellent in safety and convenience which can be operated stably over is obtained.

In addition, when the fuel cell 1 having a power source is provided with an external connection terminal (positive electrode terminal and negative electrode terminal) on at least one of the base body 6 and the cover body 7, the circuit board of the electronic device is provided. Electrical connection is easily possible, and attachment and detachment are possible. Therefore, the fuel cell 1 can be easily replaced with a new one without using a facility equipped with special safety equipment or the like, and the convenience of the electronic device can be made high.

In addition, since the metal layer can be formed in various shapes and electrical characteristics inside the base body 6 of the fuel cell container 2 by a metallization method or the like, the base body 6 can be formed as a resistance, capacitance or inductance. A functioning electronic circuit element can be formed. Thus, for example, when a large capacity capacitor is formed in parallel with the fuel cell 1, when the current output from the fuel cell 1 is insufficient, the insufficient current is supplemented to secure a current supply according to the target output current. have. In addition, since the boosting circuit can be formed, a voltage necessary for the electronic device can be ensured.

In addition, when forming resistance, capacitance, or inductance in the inside of the base body 6 in this way, it is preferable that the base body 6 consists of glass ceramics.

As the electronic device of the present invention, specifically, portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), toys such as digital cameras, video cameras, game machines, and the like, portable computers including notebook PCs (personal computers) Electronic devices such as printers, fax televisions, communication equipment, audio and video equipment, electric appliances such as fans, and electric tools.

These electronic devices have recently been used to add a function of moving picture display using a liquid crystal display device or the like. Since such a moving picture display consumes a very large amount of power, the electronic device of the present invention becomes inoperable in a short time in an electronic device using a conventional storage battery. And a long-term operation is possible even if moving picture display is performed.

For example, in the case of a mobile phone, a CPU, a control unit, a random access memory (RAM), a read-on memory (ROM), an input unit for inputting data manipulated by a user to the CPU, an antenna, And a radio unit for demodulating the signal received from the antenna and supplying it to the control unit, modulating the signal supplied from the control unit and transmitting the signal from the antenna, a speaker sounding based on a sound signal from the control unit, and control by the control unit. A light-emitting diode (LED) which is lit, turned off or flashes, a display unit which displays information by a signal from a controller, a vibrator vibrated by a drive signal from the controller, and a user's voice is converted into a voice signal and transmitted to the controller. The voice signal from the control unit is composed of a handset unit for converting and outputting voice signal and a power supply unit for supplying power to each unit. The fuel cell 1 and the fuel cell container 2 of the present invention are assembled to the power supply unit, whereby the fuel cell 1 and the fuel cell container 2 are excellent in compactness, simplicity and safety, and the fuel supply and efficiency are high. The long-term power supply is possible by the electrical connection of the mobile phone, making it possible to reduce the size, height and weight of the mobile phone.

In addition, considering that a recent mobile phone is sufficient in terms of miniaturization and low height, a function other than a telephone function such as a camera or a video is used in a space created by miniaturizing and reducing the fuel cell 1 in this way. It is possible to newly assemble an electronic component having a structure, and further multifunctionalization can be performed.

In addition, instead of assembling electronic components newly, a shock absorbing material, an impact preventing member, or the like may be provided to protect the main electronic circuit. In this case, it is also possible to have a structure that can make the impact resistance when an impact is applied to the main body of the mobile phone by falling or the like, and the waterproofness when using it in the rain, etc., stronger than before.

In addition, since the electric circuit portion inside the main body of the cellular phone can be made smaller, the restrictions on the external appearance of the main body of the cellular phone are lessened. You can do it.

In addition, when the structure of the power supply unit is configured such that the fuel cell 1 and the fuel cell container 2 are detachable as described above, the spare fuel cell 1 and the fuel cell container 2 are prepared. In this case, when the battery is completely discharged or the like, the spare fuel cell 1 and the fuel cell container 2 can be easily replaced or the fuel cell 1 can be taken out to supply or replace fuel. It is possible to make a call and the like, and it is excellent in convenience as compared with using a conventional storage battery as a power source.

In addition, since the used fuel cell 1 that has been replaced can be immediately reused by replenishing fuel, it is more convenient to use than charging and can also effectively use resources. In addition, there is an advantage that can be used in emergencies, such as a power outage over a long period due to a natural disaster or outdoors.

In addition, in the case of a notebook PC (personal computer), the personal computer main body, the first housing which accommodates a keyboard for inputting predetermined data into the personal computer main body, and the data inputted by the keyboard or the personal computer main body are processed. A second housing having a display for displaying the data, the second housing being provided to be opened and closed in the first housing, and a power supply unit for supplying power to each unit installed in the first housing The fuel cell 1 and the fuel cell container 2 are assembled to the power supply unit. In this case, similar to the mobile phone, the fuel cell 1 and the fuel cell container 2 assembled in the electronic device of the present invention are excellent in compactness, simplicity, and safety, and provide equal fuel supply and high efficiency electrical connection. Long time power supply is possible. Therefore, the notebook PC (personal computer) main body can be made compact, low in height, light in weight, and multifunctional, and a large current can be stably supplied for a long time in response to the increase in size and resolution of the display. It is possible to make a notebook PC (personal computer) having high convenience such as easy to see the display and less burden on the weight and volume when carrying.

In the case where the structure of the power supply unit is such that the fuel cell 1 and the fuel cell container 2 are detachable, the fuel cell 1 and the fuel cell container 2 of the present invention are provided in advance. In the situation of using only secondary batteries such as outdoors or inside a moving body such as an airliner, there is an advantage that it is possible to supply power for a long time dramatically compared to the conventional. Moreover, since safety is excellent also when using in a public place in this way, it becomes excellent in the very convenience which can be used without being restrict | limited.

 In addition, this invention is not limited to the example of the above-mentioned embodiment, As long as it does not deviate from the summary of this invention, even if various changes are made, it does not interfere at all. For example, in the first fluid passage or the second fluid passage, the entire fuel cell 1 may be thinned, so that an inlet from the side surface of the base body 6 or the lid 7 may be formed. This makes it particularly effective for miniaturization for portable electronic devices. In addition, with respect to the 1st and 2nd wiring conductors 10 and 11, the other end guide | induced to the outer surface of the base body 6 and the cover body 7 may be arrange | positioned so that it may draw out to the side surface of the same side, respectively. As a result, a fuel cell capable of integrating wiring, a flow path, and the like on one side of the fuel cell, miniaturization and protection of the junction to the outside, a highly reliable design, and stable operation for a long time can be obtained. do.

In addition, a plurality of electrolyte members 3 are accommodated in the recesses of the base body 6 and electrically connected to each other by the first and second wiring conductors 10 and 11 to obtain an output of high voltage or large current as a whole. You may also do it.

2, the fuel cell container and fuel cell of another embodiment of this invention are shown in sectional drawing. In the fuel cell container 2 ', at least one of the first fluid passage 8' and the second fluid passage 9 'includes an opening 13, a connecting portion 14, a fluid introduction portion 15, And a discharge portion (not shown) of the fluid. The opening 13 has a plurality of groove-like grooves having the same length and the same width so as to face the lower main surface of the electrolyte member 3 or the lower main surface of the electrolyte member 3 on the lower surface of the recess or the lower surface of the lid 7 '. Openings are formed at equal intervals. The connecting portion 14 connects one end and the other end of the plurality of openings formed in at least one of the base 6 'and the lid 7', respectively. The introduction portion 15 of the fluid is formed from one side of the connecting portion 14 over the outer surface of at least one of the base 6 'and the lid 7'. The discharge portion of the fluid is formed from the other side over the outer surface of at least one of the base 6 'and the lid 7'. Further, the electrolyte member 3 is accommodated in the recess of the base body 6 'having the recess, and the first and second electrodes 4 and 5 are connected to the first and second wiring conductors 10' and 11 '. The fuel cell 1 'may be configured to be electrically connected to each other.

According to this, it is easy to supply fluid to the opening part 13 formed in the several groove shape by the fluid introduction part 15 and the connection part 14, and the several groove-shaped opening in the opening part 13 is the same. Since they are formed at equal intervals at the same width as the length, even when the inflow velocity of the fluid is high, the distance from the inlet section 15 to the outlet section becomes short, and the flow path resistance becomes small. As a result, the uniform supplyability of the fluid supplied to the electrolyte member 3 can be improved, and water (H ₂ O) generated by the chemical reaction when the air supplied as the oxidizing gas from the atmosphere is allowed to enter and exit. Drying can be removed continuously.

3, the fuel cell container of another embodiment of this invention, and the fuel cell using the same are shown in sectional drawing. In the fuel cell container 2 ", the electrolyte member 3 is accommodated in each recessed part of the base body 6" which has a some recessed part, and the 3rd wiring conductor 16 is spread over the edge part of the adjacent recessed part. ), And electrically connected between the first electrode 4 or the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 of the plurality of electrolyte members 3, and are disposed at both ends. The fuel cell 1 "may be configured by electrically connecting the first wiring conductor 10" and the second wiring conductor 11 "to each so as to take out the whole output in (3).

According to this, since the first to third wiring conductors 10 ", 11 ", and 16 can be freely wired in three dimensions, the plurality of electrolyte members 3 can be arbitrarily connected in series or in parallel. As a result, since the entire output voltage and output current can be adjusted efficiently, the fuel cell container 2 "and the fuel cell capable of taking out the electrochemically generated electricity from the electrolyte member 3 to the outside favorably. (1 ").

This invention can be implemented in other various forms, without deviating from the mind or main characteristics. Therefore, the above embodiments are merely examples in all respects, and the scope of the present invention is shown in the claims, and is not limited to the specification text at all. In addition, all the modifications and changes which belong to a claim are within the scope of the present invention.

According to the present invention, a fuel cell container includes a base body made of ceramics having, on one side, a recess for accommodating an electrolyte member having first and second electrodes on one and the other main surface, and around the recess of the base body. The cover body which hermetically seals a recessed part is attached to one side and covers and attaches a recessed part. Therefore, by hermetically sealing the inside of the fuel cell container, there is no leakage of fluid such as gas, and there is no need to provide a container such as a package other than this container. In this way, a fuel cell capable of operating efficiently can be obtained, and it is also effective for miniaturization. In addition, since a plurality of electrolyte members can be accommodated in a box body formed of a base body made of ceramics having a concave portion on the upper surface and a cover body sealing the concave portion, the electrolyte member is exposed to the outside of the container and damaged. The mechanical reliability of the fuel cell as a whole is improved without receiving. In addition, since there is no need for unnecessary electrical contact to the electrolyte member itself except for the first and second wiring conductors having one end arranged inside the container composed of the recess and the cover body, a fuel cell with high reliability and safety can be obtained. In addition, by using ceramics as a constituent material of the fuel cell container, a fuel cell excellent in corrosion resistance to fluids including various gases can be obtained.

Further, the first fluid flow path is formed from the bottom of the concave portion facing one main surface of the electrolyte member to the outer surface of the base body, and from the one surface of the cover body opposite the other main surface of the material member to the outer surface of the lid body. A second fluid passage is provided. Therefore, since each of the plurality of fluid flow paths is provided on the inner wall surfaces facing each other with the electrolyte member interposed therebetween, the uniform supplyability of the fluid supplied to the electrolyte member can be improved. According to such a fluid flow path, since the fluid flows perpendicularly to the electrolyte member, for example, when the fluid is hydrogen gas and air (oxygen) gas, the first and second electrodes of the electrolyte member on the lower and upper main surfaces, respectively Each partial pressure of the gas supplied to the power supply does not fall, and there is an effect that a predetermined stable output voltage can be obtained. In addition, since the pressure of the fluid to be supplied, for example, the gas partial pressure, is stabilized, the distribution of the internal temperature of the fuel cell container is made uniform, and as a result, the thermal stress generated in the electrolyte member can be suppressed, thereby ensuring the reliability of the fuel cell. Can improve. In addition, each fluid flow path is formed of a base body and a cover body. Therefore, the airtightness of each flow path is excellent, and two types of raw materials fluids (for example, oxygen gas, hydrogen gas or methanol, etc.) which should be separated from each other in the flow path are mixed so that the function as a fuel cell is not expressed. It doesn't happen. In addition, there is no risk of ignition or explosion after the combustible fluid is mixed at a high temperature, thereby providing a safe fuel cell.

In the fuel cell container of the present invention, in at least one of the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage, the opening width of one end of the electrolyte member side is larger than the opening width of the other end. Accordingly, the area of the contact portion between the first wiring conductor and the first electrode and the contact portion between the second wiring conductor and the second electrode is reduced, and the first wiring conductor and the first electrode are pressed when the base body and the lid are pressed against the electrolyte member. The load around the unit area applied to the contact portion and the contact portion between the second wiring conductor and the second electrode can be increased, and connection reliability can be improved. As a result, the first wiring conductor and the second wiring conductor can be brought into good contact with the first electrode and the second electrode even if the load applied to the base body and the cover body is small. The occurrence of cracks can be effectively prevented.

In addition, since the area in which air and fuel gas are in contact with the first electrode and the second electrode can be increased, the electrochemical reaction of the air and fuel gas can be promoted to increase the power generation efficiency.

According to the present invention, at least one of the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage is gradually larger as its cross-sectional area is directed toward the electrolyte member. Therefore, when compressing the base member and the lid member onto the electrolyte member, the load applied to the base member and the lid member is favorably focused on the contact portion between the first wiring conductor and the first electrode, and the contact portion between the second wiring conductor and the second electrode. In addition, it is possible to effectively dissipate stresses generated around the first fluid passage and around the second fluid passage, and effectively prevents cracks and cracks from occurring in the base body and the cover body. can do.

In addition, since the walls of the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage are smooth, the walls of the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage are smoothly diffused efficiently to the first electrode and the second electrode through the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage without retaining air or fuel gas. It can supply and power generation efficiency can be made very high.

According to the present invention, a fuel cell accommodates an electrolyte member in a concave portion of a container for a fuel cell of the present invention, between one main surface of the electrolyte member and the first fluid passage, and between the other main surface of the electrolyte member and the second fluid passage. One side and the other main surface are arranged to exchange fluids, the first electrode is electrically connected to the first wiring conductor, the second electrode is electrically connected to the second wiring conductor, and The cover is formed by covering the recess on one side of the recess. Therefore, the fuel cell container of the present invention as described above has a small size, a robust fuel cell, a uniform supply of gas, a uniform temperature gradient in the fuel cell container, and a highly reliable fuel cell that can achieve high efficiency electrical connection. Can be obtained.

According to the present invention, since the electronic device has the fuel cell of the present invention as a power source, it is compact, low in height, and stably operated for a long time with the characteristics of the fuel cell container of the present invention as described above. Electronic devices excellent in safety and convenience can be obtained.

In addition, when a fuel cell that is used as a power source is provided with an external connection terminal (positive terminal and negative terminal) in at least one of the base body and the cover body, electrical connection can be easily made to the circuit board of the electronic device. This becomes possible. Therefore, the fuel cell can be easily replaced with a new one without using a facility equipped with special safety equipment or the like, and the convenience of the electronic device can be made high.

In addition, since the metal layer can be formed in various shapes and electrical characteristics inside the base body of the fuel cell container by metallization or the like, an electronic circuit element functioning as a resistance, capacitance or inductance can be formed inside the base body. Can be. Therefore, for example, when a large capacity capacitor is formed in parallel with the fuel cell, when the current output from the fuel cell is insufficient, it is possible to compensate for the insufficient current and to secure the current supply according to the target output current. In addition, since the boosting circuit can be formed, it is possible to secure a voltage necessary for the electronic device.

Claims (12)

A base body made of ceramics having, on one side, a concave portion accommodating an electrolyte member having first and second electrodes on one and the other main surface, respectively; A first fluid passage formed from the bottom of the concave portion facing the one main surface of the electrolyte member to the outer surface of the base body; A first wiring conductor having one end disposed on a bottom surface of the concave portion facing the first electrode of the electrolyte member, and the other end led to an outer surface of the base body; A lid body which hermetically seals the recessed portion, which covers the recessed portion and is attached to one surface around the recessed portion of the base body; A second fluid passage formed from one surface of the cover body opposite the other main surface of the electrolyte member to an outer surface of the cover body; And One end is disposed on one side of the lid body opposite to the second electrode of the electrolyte member, and the other end is provided with a second wiring conductor led to the outer surface of the lid body. A fuel cell container in at least one of the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage, wherein an opening width of one end of the electrolyte member side is larger than an opening width of the other end. The fuel cell container according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage is gradually enlarged as its cross-sectional area faces the electrolyte member. The fuel cell container according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage is formed to widen at an angle of 35 to 70 degrees toward the electrolyte member. The fuel cell container according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the base member and the lid member has a bending strength of 200 MPa or more. The fuel cell container according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the base body and the cover body is formed of an aluminum oxide sintered body made of dense material having a relative density of 95% or more. The fuel cell container according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the base member and the lid member has a thickness of 0.2 to 5 mm. The fuel cell container according to claim 1, wherein the first wiring conductor protrudes from the bottom of the concave portion of the base body. The fuel cell container according to claim 1, wherein the second wiring conductor protrudes from one side of the lid. The fuel cell container according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage has an absorbent material deposited on an inner wall thereof. 10. The fuel cell container according to claim 9, wherein the hygroscopic material has a thickness of 10% or less with respect to the opening area in the cross section of the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage. An electrolyte member having first and second electrodes on one and the other main surface, respectively; And A fuel cell container according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The electrolyte member is accommodated in the concave portion of the container for the fuel cell, and between the one main surface of the electrolyte member and the first fluid passage and between the other main surface of the electrolyte member and the second fluid passage. And arranging each fluid to be exchanged with each other, electrically connecting the first electrode to the first wiring conductor, and electrically connecting the second electrode to the second wiring conductor. A fuel cell, wherein the cover body is attached to one surface of a recess around the recess. An electronic apparatus comprising the fuel cell according to claim 11 as a power source.

Images