JP3114148U - Detachable fuel cell and power supply system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a detachable fuel cell satisfying portability and ease of mounting on a device.
A detachable fuel cell F including a power supply terminal 21 detachably attached to a power supply terminal on a device side, and a main body 20 that supports the power supply terminal 21, and an external appearance of the main body 20. A body portion case 22 composed of at least a wall surface portion 22a facing in a different direction, a support substrate 30 disposed along the wall surface portion 22a, and a unit for power generation mounted on the support substrate 30 A cell U and a hydrogen gas generation unit 40 that generates fuel gas to be supplied to the unit cell U are provided. A large number of opening holes 4c for taking in air are formed in the unit cell U, and an opening window 22d for facilitating taking in air from the opening hole 4c is formed in the main body case 22.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a detachable fuel cell and a power supply system having a power supply terminal that is detachably attached to a power supply terminal on the device side, and a main body that supports the power supply terminal.

  With the development of IT in recent years, lithium-ion secondary batteries are used for most power sources of mobile devices (portable devices) such as mobile phones, notebook computers, and digital cameras. However, power consumption tends to increase as these mobile devices become more sophisticated, and attention is focused on clean and highly efficient fuel cells for power supply or charging.

  In particular, when a fuel cell is used in a portable device such as a notebook computer or a mobile phone, a structure that can maintain portability or downsizing is desired. Also, when a fuel cell is mounted on a device, the ease of mounting is required.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a detachable fuel cell that satisfies portability and ease of mounting on a device, and a power supply system including the detachable fuel cell.

In order to solve the above problems, a detachable fuel cell according to the present invention provides:
A power supply terminal that is detachably attached to the power terminal on the device side;
A detachable fuel cell comprising a main body that supports the power supply terminal,
A main body case that forms the appearance of the main body and is composed of at least a wall surface facing in a different direction;
A support substrate arranged along the wall surface;
A unit cell for power generation mounted on the support substrate;
And a fuel gas generator that generates fuel gas to be supplied to the unit cell.

  The operation and effect of such a detachable fuel cell will be described. This detachable fuel cell has a power supply terminal that is detachably attached to the power supply terminal of the device, and may be attached to and detached from the power supply terminal of the device when necessary. Thereby, mounting | wearing ease is securable.

  Moreover, the main body part which supports a power supply terminal is provided, and an external appearance part is formed of this main body part by the main body part case. The main body case includes at least a wall surface facing in a different direction, and a support substrate on which unit cells are mounted is disposed along the wall surface. For example, when the unit cell is formed to be thin, it is possible to efficiently arrange the unit cell in the main body case and to secure a sufficient space for the fuel gas generation unit by arranging the unit cell along the wall surface in this way. it can. Thus, it can be set as component arrangement which used space effectively, and it can contribute to size reduction. As a result, it is possible to provide a detachable fuel cell that satisfies portability and ease of attachment to equipment.

In the present invention, the unit cell is formed with an opening for taking in air,
It is preferable that an opening window for facilitating taking in air from the opening hole is formed in the main body case.

  When the unit cell has an opening hole for taking in air, it is possible to easily take in air by providing an opening window at an appropriate location of the main body case.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the opening hole of the unit cell is exposed to the outside by the opening window.

  By exposing the opening hole of the unit cell through the opening window, air can be taken in more efficiently regardless of the posture when the detachable fuel cell is mounted, and the design has an excellent appearance. be able to.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that a power supply terminal is disposed on one end side in the axial direction of the main body, and an opening / closing section for attaching or detaching part or all of the fuel gas generating section is disposed on the other end side.

  By disposing the power supply terminal on one end side in the axial direction of the main body, the main body does not get in the way when being attached to the device, and can be easily attached and detached. In addition, by attaching or detaching part or all of the fuel gas generation unit from the other end side, a sufficient opening window can be secured for the unit cell to take in air, and the fuel gas generation unit can be easily taken out. A structure can be adopted. For example, only the fuel storage portion can be attached or detached, or the storage portion for a substance that acts on the fuel (for example, water when the fuel is aluminum) can be attached and detached together.

  In the present invention, the support substrate is arranged along the entire wall surface portion to form a cylindrical shape, a circuit board for boosting is arranged on one end side of the cylindrical shape, and a power supply terminal is provided on the circuit board. It is preferable to attach.

  By arranging the support substrate along all the wall surfaces, for example, a cylindrical shape having a square cross section (square or rectangular) can be formed. A circuit board for boosting is arranged on one end side of this cylindrical shape (one end side in the axial direction described above), and the voltage is boosted to a voltage value required for the device. Therefore, since this boosted voltage is supplied via the power supply terminal, if the circuit board is arranged as described above, it is possible to obtain an arrangement arrangement that is efficient in terms of space.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the circuit board is detachably attached to the support board.

  When boosting the generated voltage, the required voltage differs depending on the device. Therefore, by making the circuit board for boosting detachable, it is possible to change only the boosting function without changing the unit of the support substrate, and it is possible to easily cope with various types.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that a metal connection member that mechanically connects adjacent support substrates is provided, and the connection member also has a function of electrically connecting the electrode patterns.

  Adjacent support substrates can be connected by a metal connecting member to ensure bonding strength. In addition, when the voltage generated in each unit cell is connected in series, it is necessary to connect the electrode pattern of the adjacent support substrate, but by using the above connecting member for electrical connection, Connection can be made without using wiring.

  The connecting member according to the present invention preferably has a “<” shape along the outer shape of the main body case.

  By having such a shape, the connecting member can be arranged while effectively utilizing the space, which can contribute to downsizing.

A unit cell according to the present invention includes a plate-shaped solid polymer electrolyte, a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate disposed on both sides of the solid polymer electrolyte, and a first electrode disposed further outside these electrode plates. 1 metal plate and a second metal plate, the peripheral region of these metal plates is sealed with an insulating layer interposed therebetween,
A first electrode pattern for electrically connecting a first metal plate that does not face the substrate surface and a second electrode pattern that is in direct contact with the second metal plate that faces the substrate surface are formed on the support substrate. And
A connector for connecting the unit cell to the first electrode pattern and the second electrode pattern of the support substrate,
A frame-shaped pressing portion for pressing the outer periphery of the first metal plate toward the support substrate;
A connecting portion for electrically connecting the frame-shaped pressing portion to the first electrode pattern of the support substrate is integrally formed,
By connecting the connecting portion to the first electrode pattern, the first metal plate is electrically connected to the first electrode pattern, and the second metal plate is electrically connected to the second electrode pattern of the support substrate. Is preferred.

  The unit cell includes a plate-shaped solid polymer electrolyte, first and second electrode plates disposed on both sides of the solid polymer electrolyte, a first metal plate and a first metal plate disposed further outside these electrode plates. 2 metal plates, and the peripheral regions of these metal plates are sealed with an insulating layer interposed therebetween. A unit cell is configured based on a plate-shaped solid polymer electrolyte, and the thickness of the cell is reduced. The support substrate to which the unit cell is connected includes a first electrode pattern for electrically connecting a first metal plate that does not face the substrate surface, and a second electrode pattern that is in direct contact with the second metal plate that faces the substrate surface. And are formed. Electrical output is taken out by these first and second electrode patterns.

  The connector has a frame-shaped pressing portion and a connecting portion integrally formed, and the frame-shaped pressing portion presses the outer periphery of the first metal plate toward the outer side of the support substrate. The connecting portion is electrically connected to the first electrode pattern of the support substrate. Therefore, the first metal plate is electrically connected to the first electrode pattern through the connector. Moreover, since it presses with the frame-shaped press part, the whole 1st metal plate can be pressed equally and an output can be taken out efficiently. Moreover, the 2nd metal plate can be equally pressed with respect to a 2nd electrode pattern by pressing a 1st metal plate equally.

In the present invention, a plurality of unit cells are mounted on one of the support substrates,
A pipe for connecting the fuel gas flow paths of the plurality of unit cells in series;
In order to arrange the pipe within the thickness of the support substrate, it is preferable to include a pipe placement opening formed in the support substrate.

  Although it is necessary to supply fuel gas to each unit cell, when a plurality of unit cells are mounted on one support substrate, gas flow dew can be connected in series. In this case, it is necessary to connect the unit cells with a pipe, but by forming an opening so as to accommodate all or part of the pipe within the thickness of the support substrate, the space can be effectively utilized. This can contribute to downsizing.

  In order to solve the above problems, a power supply system according to the present invention comprises a detachable fuel cell according to the present invention and a device that receives power supply from the detachable fuel cell.

  Examples of the device include a notebook computer, a PDA, and a mobile phone, but are not limited to a specific device. The detachable fuel cell may be directly attached to and detached from the power supply terminal of the device, or may be connected via a connection cord.

  A preferred embodiment of a detachable fuel cell according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
First, a preferred embodiment of a detachable fuel cell (hereinafter simply referred to as a fuel cell) according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external shape of the fuel cell F. FIG. The fuel cell F has a stick-like appearance as a whole. The fuel cell F includes a main body 20 and a power supply terminal 21 provided on one end side of the main body 20 in the axial direction (indicated by y in FIG. 1). Although the USB terminal is illustrated as the power supply terminal 21, other types of terminals may be used.

  The main body 20 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the main body case 22 constitutes an appearance portion. The main body case 22 includes four wall surfaces 22a, and functions necessary for the fuel cell F are mounted in an internal space formed by the wall surfaces 22a. A first end surface portion 22b is formed on one end side of the main body case 22 in the axial direction, and the power supply terminal 21 is provided so as to protrude to the outside. A second end face portion 22c (not visible in FIG. 1) is formed on the other axial end of the main body case 22, and an opening / closing portion for detachably removing the hydrogen gas generation unit (equivalent to a fuel gas generation portion). Is configured. The main body case 22 is configured as described above, but the number of parts that make up the main body case 22 can be appropriately designed.

  Two open windows 22d are formed in each of the four wall surface portions 22a. A total of eight unit cells U (fuel cell) are mounted inside the main body case 22, and it is necessary to take air into the cathode side. For this reason, two opening windows 22d are formed in each wall surface portion 22a so that air can be taken into the unit cell U.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the main body case 22 is removed from the fuel cell F shown in FIG. Four rectangular support substrates 30 are arranged along the four wall surfaces 22 of the main body case 22, and the four support substrates 30 form a cylindrical frame having a square cross section. A square circuit board 31 is attached to one end of the cylindrical frame in the axial direction, and the power supply terminal 21 is coupled to the circuit board 31. The circuit board 31 is mounted with chip components constituting a booster circuit and a stabilizing circuit, and supplies a stable power with a desired voltage to the device.

  The circuit board 31 is configured to be detachable from the support board 30 formed in the cylindrical frame. That is, a connector (not shown) for connecting the circuit board 31 is provided on at least one of the four support boards 30, and the circuit board 31 is mounted by inserting the circuit board 31 into this connector. Can do. When boosting with the circuit board 31, the voltage to be boosted to V varies depending on the device used. Therefore, by preparing a plurality of types of circuit boards 30 corresponding to the number of devices used, the support substrate 30 is prepared. Can be used in common, and can correspond to a wide variety of products at low cost.

  Adjacent support substrates 30 are connected by an L-shaped plate 32 (corresponding to a connecting member and corresponding to a “<”) shape. Coupling by the L-shaped plate 32 is performed at two locations in the longitudinal direction of the support substrate 30, whereby the four support substrates 30 can be firmly connected to each other and desired strength can be maintained. The L-shaped plate is made of metal, and has a function of electrically connecting the electrode patterns formed on the support substrate 30 as well as mechanically connecting the support substrates 30 to each other. Therefore, wiring connection for connecting the patterns between the support substrates 30 becomes unnecessary, space can be used effectively, and assemblability is improved. The L-shaped plate 32 couples adjacent support substrates 30 using screws 32a.

  Further, since the total height of the L-shaped plate 32 and the screw 32a can be accommodated at the same height as the unit cell U mounted on the support substrate 30, a special arrangement for arranging the L-shaped plate 32 is possible. This space is not necessary and can contribute to miniaturization of the fuel cell F.

  The support substrate 30 is a rectangular substrate, and two unit cells U are mounted along the longitudinal direction thereof. Further, a connector 33 for attaching the unit cell U to the support substrate 30 is provided, and the connector 33 is formed with a rectangular opening 33a. The position of the opening 33 a is arranged at a position corresponding to the opening window 22 d formed in the main body case 22. By providing the opening 33a, the unit cell U can take in air.

<Configuration of unit cell (fuel cell)>
First, a preferred embodiment of a unit cell mounted on a fuel cell F according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is an assembled perspective view showing an example of the unit cell, and FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the unit cell shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 2, the fuel cell of the present invention includes a plate-shaped solid polymer electrolyte 1 and a cathode-side electrode plate 2 (first electrode) disposed on one side of the solid polymer electrolyte 1. And an anode side electrode plate 3 (corresponding to a second electrode plate) disposed on the other side. Further, a cathode side metal plate 4 (corresponding to a first metal plate) and an anode side metal plate 5 (second metal plate) are provided on the outer side of these electrode plates 2 and 3. In this embodiment, a fuel flow channel 9 is formed in the anode-side metal plate 5 by etching, and the peripheral portions of the anode-side metal plate 5 and the cathode-side metal plate 4 are made thinner than other portions by etching. Here is an example.

  The solid polymer electrolyte 1 may be any solid polymer membrane battery as long as it is used in a conventional solid polymer membrane type battery. From the viewpoint of chemical stability and conductivity, a perfluorocarbon having a sulfonic acid group which is a super strong acid. A cation exchange membrane made of a polymer is preferably used. Nafion (registered trademark) is preferably used as such a cation exchange membrane. In addition, for example, a porous film made of a fluororesin such as polytetrafluoroethylene impregnated with the above Nafion or other ion conductive material, a porous film made of a polyolefin resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene, or a non-woven fabric. A material carrying Nafion or another ion conductive material may be used. The thinner the solid polymer electrolyte 1 is, the more effective it is to make the whole thinner. However, in consideration of ion conduction function, strength, handling property, etc., 10 to 300 μm can be used, but 25 to 50 μm is preferable. .

  Electrode plates 2 and 3 (gas diffusion plates) that function as gas diffusion layers are used to supply and discharge fuel gas, oxidant gas, and water vapor, and at the same time collect electricity it can. As the electrode plates 2 and 3, the same or different ones can be used, and it is preferable to support a catalyst having an electrode catalytic action on the base material. The catalyst is preferably supported at least on the inner surfaces 2 b and 3 b in contact with the solid polymer electrolyte 1.

  As the electrode base material, for example, conductive carbon materials such as carbon paper, fibrous carbon such as carbon fiber nonwoven fabric, and aggregates of conductive polymer fibers can be used. In general, the electrode plates 2 and 3 are prepared by adding a water-repellent substance such as a fluororesin to such a conductive porous material. When the catalyst is supported, a catalyst such as platinum fine particles and fluorine It is formed by mixing a water-repellent substance such as a resin, mixing it with a solvent to form a paste or ink, and then applying this to one side of an electrode substrate that should face the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The

  In general, the electrode plates 2 and 3 and the solid polymer electrolyte 1 are designed according to the reducing gas and the oxidizing gas supplied to the fuel cell. In the present invention, it is preferable to use air as the oxidizing gas and hydrogen gas as the reducing gas. In addition, methanol, dimethyl ether, or the like can be used instead of the reducing gas.

  For example, when hydrogen gas and air are used, the cathode side electrode 2 on the side where the air is naturally supplied causes a reaction between oxygen and hydrogen ions, so that water is generated. Is preferred. In particular, under the operating conditions of low operating temperature, high current density, and high gas utilization rate, the electrode porous body is likely to be clogged (flooded) due to the condensation of water vapor, particularly at the air electrode where water is generated. Therefore, in order to obtain stable characteristics of the fuel cell over a long period of time, it is effective to ensure the water repellency of the electrode so that the flooding phenomenon does not occur.

  As the catalyst, at least one metal selected from platinum, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, silver, nickel, iron, copper, cobalt, and molybdenum, or an oxide thereof can be used. A supported one can also be used.

  The thickness of the electrode plates 2 and 3 is more effective for reducing the overall thickness as the thickness is reduced, but is preferably 50 to 500 μm in view of electrode reaction, strength, handling properties, and the like. The electrode plates 2 and 3 and the solid polymer electrolyte 1 may be laminated and integrated in advance by adhesion, fusion, or the like, or may simply be arranged in a stacked manner. Such a laminated body can also be obtained as a thin film electrode assembly (MEA), and may be used.

  A cathode side metal plate 4 is disposed on the surface of the cathode side electrode plate 2, and an anode side metal plate 5 is disposed on the surface of the anode side electrode plate 3. The anode side metal plate 5 is provided with a fuel inlet 5c and a discharge port 5d, and further, in the present embodiment, a flow channel 9 is provided in the anode side metal plate 5.

  The cathode side metal plate 4 is provided with a large number of opening holes 4c for supplying oxygen in the air. As long as the cathode side electrode plate 2 can be exposed, the number, shape, size, formation position, and the like of the opening 4c may be any. However, in consideration of the supply efficiency of oxygen in the air and the current collection effect from the cathode side electrode plate 2, the area of the opening 4c is preferably 10 to 50% of the area of the cathode side electrode plate 2, In particular, 20 to 40% is preferable. As for the opening hole 4c of the cathode side metal plate 4, for example, a plurality of circular holes or slits may be provided regularly or randomly, or the opening hole may be provided by a metal mesh.

  As the metal plates 4 and 5, any metal can be used as long as it does not adversely affect the electrode reaction, and examples thereof include stainless steel plates, nickel, copper, and copper alloys. However, from the viewpoint of elongation, weight, elastic modulus, strength, corrosion resistance, press workability, etching workability and the like, a stainless steel plate, nickel and the like are preferable.

  The channel groove 9 provided in the anode side metal plate 5 may have any planar shape or cross-sectional shape as long as a channel for hydrogen gas or the like can be formed by contact with the electrode plate 3. However, in consideration of the channel density, the lamination density at the time of lamination, the flexibility, etc., it is preferable to mainly form the vertical groove 9a parallel to one side of the metal plate 5 and the vertical groove 9b. In this embodiment, a plurality of (three in the illustrated example) vertical grooves 9a are connected in series to the horizontal grooves 9b to balance the flow path density and the flow path length.

  A part of the channel groove 9 (for example, the lateral groove 9 b) of the metal plate 5 may be formed on the outer surface of the electrode plate 3. As a method of forming the flow channel groove on the outer surface of the electrode plate 3, a mechanical method such as a hot press or cutting may be used. However, it is preferable to perform groove processing by laser irradiation in order to suitably perform fine processing. From the viewpoint of performing laser irradiation, the base material for the electrode plates 2 and 3 is preferably an aggregate of fibrous carbon.

  One or a plurality of inlets 5c and outlets 5d communicating with the channel groove 9 of the metal plate 5 can be formed. In addition, although the thickness of the metal plates 4 and 5 is more effective for reducing the overall thickness as the thickness is reduced, 0.1 to 1 mm is preferable in consideration of strength, elongation, weight, elastic modulus, handling property, and the like. Etching is preferable as a method of forming the flow channel 9 in the metal plate 5 in view of processing accuracy and ease. In the channel groove 9 by etching, a width of 0.1 to 10 mm and a depth of 0.05 to 1 mm are preferable. The cross-sectional shape of the channel groove 9 is preferably substantially square, substantially trapezoidal, substantially semicircular, V-shaped or the like.

  Etching is also preferably used for forming the opening hole 4 c in the metal plate 4, thinning the peripheral portion of the metal plates 4, 5, and forming the inlet 5 c to the metal plate 5. Etching can be performed using, for example, a dry film resist or the like, after forming an etching resist having a predetermined shape on the metal surface, and then using an etching solution corresponding to the type of the metal plates 4 and 5. Moreover, the cross-sectional shape of the flow-path groove | channel 9 can be controlled more precisely by performing a selective etching for every metal using the laminated board of 2 or more types of metals.

  The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is an example in which the caulking portions (peripheral portions) of the metal plates 4 and 5 are thinned by etching. In this way, the caulking portion is etched to have an appropriate thickness, whereby sealing by caulking can be performed more easily. From this viewpoint, the thickness of the crimped portion is preferably 0.05 to 0.3 mm.

  In the present invention, the peripheral edges of the metal plates 4 and 5 are sealed by caulking (corresponding to press bending) in an electrically insulated state. Electrical insulation can be performed by interposing the insulating material 6, the peripheral edge of the solid polymer electrolyte 1, or both. In the present invention, when caulking, as shown in FIG. 4, a structure in which the solid polymer electrolyte 1 is sandwiched between the peripheral edges of the metal plates 4 and 5 is preferable, and the solid polymer electrolyte 1 is sandwiched while the insulating material 6 is interposed. More preferable is the structure. According to such a structure, inflow of gas or the like from one of the electrode plates 2 and 3 to the other can be effectively prevented. The thickness of the insulating material 6 is preferably 0.1 mm or less from the viewpoint of thinning. In addition, it is possible to further reduce the thickness by coating the insulating material (for example, the insulating material 6 can have a thickness of 1 μm).

  As the insulating material 6, sheet-like resin, rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, ceramics, and the like can be used, but resin, rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, and the like are preferable for improving the sealing performance, and in particular, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, fluorine Resin and polyimide are preferable. The insulating material 6 can be integrated with the metal plates 4 and 5 in advance by sticking or coating the peripheral edges of the metal plates 4 and 5 directly or via an adhesive.

  As the caulking structure, the structure shown in FIG. That is, the peripheral region 5a of one metal plate 5 is made larger than the peripheral region 4a of the other, and the peripheral region 5a of one metal plate 5 is replaced with the peripheral region 4a of the other metal plate 4 while the insulating material 6 is interposed. A caulking structure that is folded back so as to sandwich pressure is preferable. In this caulking structure, it is preferable to provide a step in the peripheral region 4a of the metal plate 4 by pressing or the like. Such a caulking structure itself is known as metal processing, and can be formed by a known caulking device.

  In FIG. 4, a metal pin 5 e for joint is attached to the metal plate 5 at the inlet 5 c. This attachment can be performed by caulking or press fitting. The metal pipe 10 can be press-fitted and attached to the pin 5e. A gas supply flow path can be formed by further inserting the resin pipe 11 into the metal pipe 10 (see also the exploded perspective view of FIG. 4B). The same configuration can be adopted for the outlet 5d.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the metal plates 4 and 5 are formed with protrusions 4f and 5f. In the space formed inside the protrusions 4f and 5f, the electrode plates 2 and 3 are provided. Be contained. The protrusions 4f and 5f can be formed by drawing (punching) the metal plates 4 and 5.

<Configuration of main parts>
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the main part, and FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of an electrode pattern formed on the support substrate 30. In the unit cell U, the front surface side (side seen from the outside) corresponds to the cathode side (+), and the back surface side (side facing the support substrate 30) corresponds to the anode side (−).

  The connector 33 includes a frame-shaped pressing portion 33b, and a rectangular opening window 33a is formed at the center thereof. Due to the opening window 33a, a large number of openings 4c formed in the cathode side metal plate 4 are exposed. The frame-shaped pressing portion 10 has a function of pressing the metal plate 4 toward the circuit board, and presses the outer peripheral region of the metal plate 4. Moreover, as shown in FIG.4 (c), the frame-shaped press part 10 presses the circumference | surroundings of the protrusion part 4f of the metal plate 4. As shown in FIG. As a result, an appropriate pressing force acts between the metal plates 4 and 5, the electrode plates 2 and 3, and the solid polymer electrolyte 1 so as to keep a good contact between these members. Thereby, contact resistance can be reduced and an electrical output can be taken out efficiently.

  A pair of leg portions 33 c are integrally formed on both sides of the frame-shaped pressing portion 33 a and are connected to the cathode electrode pattern formed on the support substrate 30. In addition, holes 33d for allowing the coupling pins 34 (or screws) to pass therethrough are formed at the four corners of the frame-shaped pressing portion 33a. A coupling hole 30a is also formed in the support substrate 30 corresponding to the hole 33d. Therefore, the unit cell U can be mounted on the support substrate 30 by the connector 33 by inserting the connection pin 34 through the hole 33 d and press-fitting it into the connection hole 30 a of the support substrate 30.

  The height of the leg 33c of the connector 33 can be determined in consideration of the height dimension of the unit cell U to be connected. That is, the unit cell U is set to be pressed against the support substrate 30 with an appropriate pressing force. Moreover, the strength as the connector 33 can be ensured by providing the leg portion 33c.

  The connector 33 can be manufactured by bending a metal plate such as brass, and is subjected to a plating process to reduce contact resistance as necessary. The thickness of the connector 33 is about 0.5 mm so that the entire thickness including the unit cell U does not increase. The thickness dimension can be set according to the size of the unit cell U.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a cathode electrode pattern (+) (corresponding to the first electrode pattern) and an anode electrode pattern (−) (corresponding to the second electrode pattern) are formed on the support substrate 30. The leg 33c of the connector 33 is in contact with the cathode electrode pattern (+). Thereby, the cathode side metal plate 4 and the cathode electrode pattern (+) are electrically connected. The connector 33 is firmly coupled to the support substrate 30 by the coupling pins 34, and the mechanical coupling strength and the electrical contact can be reliably ensured. The connection between the connector 33 and the support substrate 30 is not limited to the above, and may be performed by bolts / nuts or soldering.

  Further, as can be seen from the electrode pattern shown in FIG. 6, the cathode electrode pattern (+) of the unit cell U1 and the anode electrode pattern (−) of the unit cell U2 shown in FIG. 5 are connected. That is, the unit cell U1 and the unit cell U2 have electrodes connected in series. This also applies to the unit cell U3 and the unit cell U4. Further, the cathode electrode pattern (+) of the unit cell U2 mounted on the adjacent support substrate 30 and the anode electrode pattern (−) of the unit cell U4 are electrically connected via the L-shaped plate 32, and again Connected in series. In this way, eight unit cells U can be connected in series, and a large voltage is taken.

  A rectangular hole 30b is formed in the support substrate 30 in order to secure an arrangement place of the resinous pipe 11 described in FIG. That is, the discharge port 5d of the unit cell U1 shown in FIG. 5 and the injection port 5c of the unit cell U2 are connected by the pipe 11, and the gas flow path between the unit cells U is coupled. By accommodating the pipe 11 in the rectangular hole 30 b formed in the support substrate 30, it is possible to effectively use the space, and it is not necessary to project the gas flow path to the back side of the support substrate 30.

  Further, in order to connect the gas flow paths of the unit cell U2 and the unit cell U4 in FIG. 5, a space for accommodating the pipe 11 is secured by forming a notch 30c in the support substrate 30 as shown in FIG. .

  A configuration example of the gas flow path will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 7A, the gas flow paths are divided into two groups consisting of four unit cells U connected in series, and the hydrogen gas generated from the hydrogen gas generation unit 40 branches in the middle, and each group Is supplied with hydrogen gas. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 7B, the gas flow paths of eight unit cells U are connected in series. As described above, the gas flow path can be configured by series connection, parallel connection, or an appropriate combination of series connection and parallel connection.

  Returning to FIG. 6, the anode electrode pattern (−) can be secured by directly contacting the protruding portion 5 f of the anode side metal plate 5 and connecting the unit cell U to the support substrate 30 by the connector 33. . In addition, the connector 33 presses the protruding portion 4f of the cathode side metal plate 4, so that a sufficient contact pressure can be secured.

  The size of the opening window 22d formed in the main body case 22 only needs to be large enough to expose the many opening holes 4c formed in the unit cell U. In consideration of assemblability, the outer size of the frame-shaped pressing portion 33b of the connector 33 can be set to substantially the same size or slightly smaller than this.

<Configuration example of hydrogen gas generation unit>
Next, a configuration example of the hydrogen gas generation unit 40 (fuel gas generation unit) will be described. The hydrogen gas generation unit 40 is detachably disposed in a space formed on the back side (inside) of the four support substrates 30. Therefore, the external shape of the hydrogen gas generation unit 40 is also formed in a cubic shape or a rectangular parallelepiped shape. FIG. 8 is a diagram conceptually showing the configuration of the hydrogen gas generation unit 40.

  In FIG. 8A, the hydrogen gas generation unit 40 includes a water storage unit 41 and a metal storage unit 42, and a water supply paper 43 is bridged between the water storage unit 41 and the metal storage unit 42. In the metal accommodating part 43, the metal powder of aluminum is accommodated, for example. Hydrogen gas can be generated by reacting aluminum with water.

  The water supply paper 43 supplies the water in the water storage part 41 into the metal storage part 42 using a capillary phenomenon. A filter paper can be preferably used as the water supply paper 43.

  On one end side of the unit main body 44, a pipe connection terminal 44a is provided, and the resin pipe 11 is inserted. When removing the hydrogen generation unit 40, this part is cut off.

  FIG. 8 (b) shows another embodiment of the hydrogen gas generation unit 40, in which a water accommodating part 41 is arranged in the lower part and a metal accommodating part 42 is arranged in the upper part, and there is a space 46 for evaporating water between them. Provided. A water supply paper 43 is inserted into the water accommodating portion 41, and the water that has risen through the water supply paper 43 is heated in the space 46 to become water vapor. The water vapor passes through the mesh 45 and reacts with the metal accommodated in the metal accommodating portion 42 to generate hydrogen gas. As the metal, pure iron can be used, and it can be accommodated in the form of powder or tablet. As a heating means for heating water, an appropriate method such as using a film heater can be adopted.

  Various methods for generating hydrogen gas are known, and as the present invention, which method is to be adopted can be appropriately selected.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state when the hydrogen gas generation unit 40 is attached and detached. As shown in FIG. 9, the second end surface portion 22c of the main body case 22 can be opened and closed by a hinge 22e. That is, the second end surface portion 22c functions as an open / close door. Further, a locking claw 22f is formed and engages with an engaging recess (not shown) formed inside the main body case 22. The engagement can be released by elastically deforming the engagement claw 22f by an appropriate method. Various open / close mechanisms for attaching and detaching the hydrogen gas generation unit 40 are conceivable and are not limited to the illustrated ones.

  Moreover, you may comprise so that the 2nd end surface part 22c may be eliminated and the end surface part 40a of the hydrogen gas generation unit 40 may be exposed to an external appearance. In this case, an engagement mechanism is provided in the hydrogen gas generation unit 40 itself. Moreover, it is preferable that a guide mechanism for smoothly attaching and detaching the hydrogen gas generation unit 40 is provided inside.

  8 and 9, the configuration in which the entire fuel gas generation unit is attached and detached has been described, but a configuration in which only the metal accommodating portion 42 is attached and detached may be employed. In the example of FIG. 8A, only the metal accommodating portion 42 that accommodates aluminum is configured to be detachable, and when the aluminum is consumed, the metal accommodating portion 42 is removed to accommodate new aluminum. When water is consumed, a supply port for supplying water is provided, and new water is supplied from this supply port. The above points can be made the same in the case of FIG.

Second Embodiment
Next, the structure of the fuel cell F according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The main body case is shown in a removed state. The difference from the first embodiment is that one unit cell U is mounted on one support substrate 30, and the total number of unit cells U is four. The other mechanisms are generally the same as those in the first embodiment, and the parts having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals. The configuration of the hydrogen gas generation unit 40 can be the same as described with reference to FIG. This also applies to the case of the third embodiment described below.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, the structure of the fuel cell F according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The difference from the first embodiment is that there are two support substrates 30. Two unit cells U are mounted on one support substrate 30 (FIG. 11 (a)), but only one unit cell U is mounted on the other support substrate 30, and the remaining space has A booster circuit 35 is mounted. Further, the two support substrates 30 are electrically connected by lead wires 36. Alternatively, struts (spacers) may be inserted between the support substrates 30, thereby making electrical connection and securing a space for arranging the hydrogen gas generation unit 40.

  In the case of this embodiment, the number of opening windows formed in the main body case 22 is also three.

<Another embodiment>
Various embodiments of the fuel cell have been described, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Although four configuration examples and two configuration examples have been described for the number of support substrates 30, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the support substrate 30 may be configured by three support substrates 30. In short, the support substrate 30 may be disposed along the wall surface portion 22a.

  In addition, although one example and two examples are shown for the number of unit cells U to be mounted on one support substrate 30, it is not limited to this, and for example, three or more units may be mounted. . The number of unit cells U can be determined according to the device in which the fuel cell F is used. Further, the size of the unit cell U can be determined as appropriate.

  The device in which the fuel cell F according to the present invention is used is particularly suitable for portable devices, but is not limited to this, and can be used for various devices. Moreover, the usage purpose of the fuel cell F may be used as a main power source of the device, or may be used for the purpose of charging a secondary battery used in the device. In addition, when the fuel cell F is attached to or detached from the device, the present invention includes a case where the fuel cell F is connected to the device via a connection cord instead of being directly attached to the device (terminal exposed outside the device). .

  About the cross-sectional shape of the main-body part 20, it can form in squares, such as a square and a rectangle. An R shape may be provided at the corner of the main body case 22. Further, a clip may be attached to the main body case 22 so that it can be inserted into a pocket of an outer jacket or the like.

  About the cross-sectional shape of the main-body part 20, it can be made into polygons, such as a hexagon and an octagon other than a square and a rectangle. Moreover, the shape of the main-body part 20 can be made into a cylindrical shape, an elliptical cylinder shape, and other arbitrary shapes. When the main body portion 20 is cylindrical, the wall surface portion is one, but the wall surface portion faces in a different direction.

  In the present embodiment, the opening window 22d is formed in the main body case 22, but the opening window 22d is not necessarily required in the present invention. By forming the opening window 22d, it is possible to easily take in air and to provide an appearance shape that is excellent in design.

  In the case of this embodiment, the size of the opening window 22d is formed so as to expose all the many opening holes 4c formed in the unit cell U, but only a part of the opening window 22d is exposed. It may be a size. Furthermore, when forming an opening window, it can be formed at an arbitrary position of the main body case 22, and may be formed regardless of the arrangement of the opening holes 4c. For example, you may form in the position which does not expose the opening hole 4c outside. Various modifications of the shape of the opening window are conceivable, and the shape of the opening window is not limited to a rectangle, but may be a circle or a slit.

  In addition, when a wall surface part is made to face in a different direction as this invention, it is not limited to the structure which arrange | positions the support substrate 30 with respect to all directions. For example, in the configuration of FIGS. 9 and 10, the support base 30 plate is disposed on all four wall surface portions 22a facing in different directions, but in FIG. 11, two wall surface portions 22a out of the four wall surface portions 22a are arranged. A support substrate 30 is disposed along the substrate. By arranging the support substrate 30 on which the unit cell U is mounted on the wall surface portion 22a facing at least a different direction, the efficiency in taking in air can be increased.

The perspective view which shows the external appearance shape of the fuel cell concerning 1st Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the state which removed the main-body-part case Assembly perspective view showing an example of the fuel battery cell of the present invention The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows an example of the fuel battery cell of this invention Exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the main part The figure which shows the structural example of the electrode pattern formed in a support substrate Diagram showing configuration example of gas flow path Conceptual diagram showing a configuration example of a hydrogen gas generation unit The figure which shows the aspect when attaching or detaching a hydrogen gas generation unit The perspective view which shows the external shape of the fuel cell concerning 2nd Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the external appearance shape of the fuel cell concerning 3rd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Solid polymer electrolyte 2 Cathode side electrode plate 3 Anode side electrode plate 4 Cathode side metal plate 4c Opening hole 5 Anode side metal plate 5c Inlet 5d Outlet 10 Metal pipe 11 Resinous pipe 20 Main body 21 Power supply terminal 22 Main body Part case 22a Wall surface part 22b First end face part 22c Second end face part 22d Opening window 30 Support substrate 31 Circuit board 32 L-shaped plate 33 Frame-shaped pressing part 33a Opening window 33b Frame-shaped pressing part 34 Binding pin 35 Boosting circuit F Detachable Fuel cell U Unit cell

Claims (6)

A power supply terminal that is detachably attached to the power terminal on the device side;
A detachable fuel cell comprising a main body that supports the power supply terminal,
A main body case that forms the appearance of the main body and is composed of at least a wall surface facing in a different direction;
A support substrate arranged along the wall surface;
A unit cell for power generation mounted on the support substrate;
A detachable fuel cell comprising a fuel gas generator for generating fuel gas to be supplied to the unit cell. The unit cell has an opening for taking in air,
2. The detachable fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein an opening window for facilitating taking in air from the opening hole is formed in the main body case.   The power supply terminal is disposed on one end side in the axial direction of the main body, and the open / close section for attaching or detaching part or all of the fuel gas generating section is disposed on the other end side. Removable fuel cell.   By arranging the support substrate along all of the wall surface portion, a cylindrical shape is formed, a circuit board for boosting is arranged on one end side of the cylindrical shape, and a power supply terminal is attached to the circuit board. The detachable fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   5. A metal connecting member that mechanically couples adjacent support substrates is provided, and the connecting member also has a function of electrically connecting electrode patterns to each other. 2. The removable fuel cell according to item 1.   The power supply system comprised from the detachable fuel cell of any one of Claims 1-5, and the apparatus which receives power supply by this detachable fuel cell.

Images