JP5102465B2 - Fuel cell and fuel cell equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell and a fuel cell-equipped device driven by the fuel cell, and in particular, a fuel cell that efficiently starts and stops the supply of air and fuel to the air electrode and the fuel electrode of the fuel cell, and such a fuel cell. The present invention relates to a fuel cell-equipped device equipped with a fuel cell.

  A portable electronic device such as a mobile phone, a PDA, or a notebook computer must have a power supply. In this case, considerations are to reduce the size and weight of the device and to make the driveable time as long as possible. As a result of taking such matters into consideration, until now, lithium ion secondary batteries have often been employed as power sources for portable electronic devices. Lithium ion secondary batteries are lighter in weight and have a relatively high driving voltage and battery capacity compared to nickel cadmium batteries or nickel metal hydride batteries.

  On the other hand, with the spread of advanced information communication networks in recent years, information communication functions in portable electronic devices are strengthened, and the operation time of the devices tends to increase. Therefore, there is a growing demand for higher capacity for batteries for portable electronic devices. As for lithium ion secondary batteries, performance has been improved by improvements in various points along with the progress of portable electronic devices. However, the improvement in performance is almost the limit from the viewpoint of materials and structure. Has reached. Therefore, lithium ion secondary batteries are becoming unable to meet the recent demand for higher capacity.

  Under such circumstances, fuel cells are attracting attention as a new power source to replace lithium ion secondary batteries. A fuel cell is expected to be capable of realizing a capacity several times that of a lithium ion secondary battery, and is considered to be a very important technology for realizing the advancement of portable electronic devices in the future.

  The fuel cell has a structure comprising a fuel electrode (negative electrode) containing a catalyst and an air electrode (positive electrode), and an electrolyte that allows movement of predetermined ions between them. In a fuel cell, when fuel or hydrogen is supplied to a fuel electrode and air or oxygen is supplied to an air electrode, an electrochemical reaction occurs at each electrode by the action of a catalyst contained in the electrode, and the fuel electrode and the air electrode In between, the direct current by the electron which uses a fuel as a supply source can be taken out.

  Since the fuel cell generates electric power by such a mechanism, it is possible to generate electric power continuously by continuously supplying fuel and oxygen. Therefore, conventional secondary electrons can be replaced by a fuel cell and used as a power source for portable electronic devices. In the case of a secondary battery, it can be used repeatedly by charging, but in the case of a fuel cell, it can be used repeatedly by replenishing fuel. Moreover, unlike a secondary battery, refueling does not require a long time such as a charging time. Therefore, fuel cells are considered very promising as a power source for portable electronic devices.

  Fuel cells are classified into phosphoric acid type, solid polymer type, molten carbonate type, solid oxide type, and the like based on the type of electrolyte. As a power source for portable electronic devices, it can be operated at a low temperature around room temperature, it can be made compact, and it has a solid electrolyte that is resistant to vibration and easy to mass-produce. A fuel cell is suitable.

  In a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, as a fuel supply method, a method in which hydrogen gas reformed from organic fuel is brought into contact with the fuel electrode, and a liquid fuel capable of supplying hydrogen is directly supplied to the fuel electrode. Techniques are known. The method using hydrogen gas is not suitable as a small power source for portable electronic devices because it requires a device for reforming the fuel or it is difficult to handle hydrogen gas. Therefore, from the viewpoint of a small power source for portable electronic equipment, a fuel cell using liquid fuel has attracted attention. In particular, a direct methanol fuel cell that supplies an aqueous methanol solution as a liquid fuel directly to the fuel electrode has attracted particular attention.

According to the direct methanol system, at the fuel electrode, as shown in the following formula (1), methanol and water react to generate carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ), protons (H ⁺ ), and electrons (e ⁻ ). . Protons pass through the polymer electrolyte membrane to the air electrode, and electrons flow to an external circuit connected to the fuel electrode. Electrons that have finished their work in the external circuit go to the air electrode. Carbon dioxide is discharged outside the system.

CH ₃ OH + H ₂ O → CO ₂ + 6H ⁺ + 6e ⁻ (1)

In the air electrode, as shown in the following formula (2), oxygen (O ₂ ) obtained from air, protons (H ⁺ ) coming from the fuel electrode, and electrons (e) coming from the fuel electrode through an external circuit (e ^- ) Reacts to form water (H ₂ O).

(3/2) O ₂ + 6H ⁺ + 6e ⁻ → 3H ₂ O (2)

A conventional polymer electrolyte fuel cell employing a direct methanol system is often provided with a device or system for forcibly circulating liquid fuel or oxygen and supplying it to each electrode. However, a fuel cell with a forced supply system is not practical because it has an excessively large size as a power source particularly for mobile phone use or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) use. A device or system for removing water generated at the air electrode by heating, blowing, or the like may be attached to the fuel cell. However, such a fuel cell is too large as a power source for mobile phones or PDAs. Therefore, it is not practical.

  On the other hand, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 described below propose fuel cells that are reduced in size and weight without using a forced supply system and a water removal system. In the fuel cells disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, a path that communicates from the fuel storage unit that stores the liquid fuel to the fuel electrode is provided so that the liquid fuel flows through the path and contacts the fuel electrode. It is configured. The air electrode is provided so that the air outside the battery can be in circulation contact, and oxygen contained in the air is in contact with the air electrode, and water generated in the air electrode is naturally evaporated in the air. . Furthermore, when a part of the housing moves, the start and stop of power generation are switched by switching between a state in which the air outside the battery is in contact with the air electrode and a state in which the air in contact with the air electrode is blocked. Control.

It is known to use a solenoid valve or the like for fuel supply to control the fuel supply.
JP 2004-55307 A JP-A-2005-32517

  However, if the forced supply system is not provided, the supply efficiency of liquid fuel and oxygen is lowered. The technique described in Patent Document 1 or 2 described above does not provide a solution to such a problem.

  Furthermore, the structure described in Patent Document 1 is a structure in which the air electrode surface is likely to be covered with a speaker's face or hand in a mobile phone. No matter how wide the air electrode surface is secured, if the air electrode surface is covered with a hand or face, the amount of air passing through the air electrode surface cannot be secured. Output may be reduced. Similarly, it is considered that there is a high possibility that the battery output is reduced even in a structure in which dust or the like is easily accumulated.

  Further, in the structure described in Patent Document 1 or 2, power generation can be temporarily stopped by stopping the supply of air to the air electrode. However, in this case, if the fuel on the fuel electrode side is left in contact with the fuel electrode, the fuel crosses over to the air electrode side, oxidizes on the air electrode side, generates heat, and wastes fuel. There is.

  The present invention has been conceived under such circumstances, and provides a fuel cell and a fuel cell-equipped device capable of suppressing a decrease in battery output and suppressing wasteful consumption of fuel when stopped. The purpose is to do.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell and a fuel cell-equipped device that can be switched between power generation and power generation stop with a simple operation, can suppress a decrease in battery output, and can suppress wasteful consumption of fuel when stopped. The purpose is to provide.

  The fuel cell according to the first aspect of the present invention enables the first housing, the electrode structure of the fuel cell fixed in the first housing, and displacement with respect to the first housing. Supply control means for controlling the supply of fuel and oxygen to the electrode structure simultaneously with the displacement in combination with the first housing.

  By displacing the supply control means with respect to the first housing, the supply of fuel and oxygen to the electrode structure can be controlled simultaneously. When the supply of oxygen is stopped, the supply of fuel can also be stopped, and fuel can be prevented from crossing over to the air electrode side by supplying fuel even when power generation is stopped. It is possible to prevent the fuel from being consumed due to oxidation and heat generation. Further, during power generation, oxygen and fuel are supplied at the same time, so that power can be generated efficiently. As a result, it is possible to provide a fuel cell that can prevent a decrease in power generation efficiency and prevent wasteful consumption of fuel when power generation is stopped.

  Preferably, the first casing and the supply control means are combined with each other so as to be displaceable between a predetermined first state and a second state, and the supply control means is in the first state. In step 2, the supply of fuel and oxygen to the electrode structure is stopped, and in the second state, supply of fuel and oxygen to the electrode structure is performed.

  If the first casing and the supply control means are in the first state, the supply of fuel and oxygen is stopped, and if the second state is set, the supply of fuel and oxygen is started. By changing the state of the first casing and the supply control means by mechanical movement, the supply of fuel and oxygen to the electrode structure can be controlled simultaneously by one operation. That is, it is possible to provide a fuel cell-equipped device that can be switched between power generation and power generation stop with a simple operation, can suppress a decrease in battery output, and can suppress wasteful consumption of fuel when stopped.

  Preferably, the electrode structure has a front surface and a back surface, and is formed on the electrolyte layer fixed inside the first housing, the air electrode formed on the surface of the electrolyte layer, and the back surface of the electrolyte layer. The supply control means includes a fuel electrode and is combined with the first casing so as to be displaceable with each other. In the first state, the supply control means is combined with the first casing in such a manner that air is not supplied to the air electrode. The second housing includes a second housing combined with the first housing in a manner capable of supplying air to the air electrode, and the first housing includes a space on the fuel electrode side and the outside. A fuel supply passage for communication is formed, and the supply control means further interlocks with the displacement of the second housing relative to the first housing, and closes the fuel supply passage in the first state, In the state, the fuel supply control means for opening the fuel supply passage is included.

  In the first state, air is supplied to the air electrode by the combination of the first housing and the second housing, and in the second state, the supply of air is stopped. The fuel supply control means supplies and stops the fuel in conjunction with the displacement of the first casing and the second casing. By changing the state of the first housing and the second housing, the supply and stop of air and fuel can be controlled simultaneously.

  More preferably, the second housing has a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape. The rectangular parallelepiped shape has first and second surfaces facing each other, and third and fourth surfaces facing each other. A predetermined opening is formed in the third surface. The first housing has first and second surfaces parallel to the first and second surfaces, respectively, and third and fourth surfaces parallel to the third and fourth surfaces, respectively. The first housing has a first state in which the opening is closed by the third surface of the first housing, and a first state in which the opening is opened by moving the third surface from the portion of the opening. Combined with the second housing so as to be displaceable between the two states. The electrode structure is attached to the first housing such that the air electrode is positioned on the first surface side of the first housing. An opening is formed in the first surface of the first housing.

  In the first state, air is supplied to the air electrode through the opening of the second housing and the opening of the first surface of the first housing. The first surface of the first housing is protected by the second surface of the second housing, and the supply of air to the air electrode is obstructed by the user's face or hand, or dust is collected on the air electrode. Will not stick. Therefore, stable and efficient power generation can be performed.

  The fuel cell-equipped device is disposed in the flow path of the air that flows from the inside of the second casing to the outside through the fuel cell and the opening on the third surface of the second casing, and is supplied by the fuel cell. And an electronic device that operates with the generated electric power.

  The air is heated by the operation of the electronic device. As a result, a temperature difference occurs in the air passing through the opening on the third surface of the second casing. Air convection occurs through the opening on the third surface of the second casing, and air can be efficiently supplied to the air electrode. As a result, it is possible to efficiently generate power from the fuel cell and to supply air to the fuel cell more efficiently by using the exhaust heat of the electronic device that uses the obtained electric power.

  An opening may be formed at a position corresponding to the opening of the third surface of the second housing on the fourth surface of the second housing.

  By forming openings at positions corresponding to both the third surface and the fourth surface of the second housing, external air passes through one of these openings and is inside the second housing. Therefore, it is efficiently supplied to the air electrode. Further, since air is discharged to the outside of the second casing through the other opening, air can be supplied smoothly and air can be stably supplied to the air electrode.

  The fuel cell-equipped device is disposed in the flow path of the air that flows from the inside of the second casing to the outside through the fuel cell and the opening on the third surface of the second casing, and is supplied by the fuel cell. And an electronic device that operates with the generated electric power.

  Preferably, the second housing is provided with first and second conductors. The fuel cell further includes means for electrically connecting the first conductor and the air electrode, and means for electrically connecting the second conductor and the fuel electrode.

  Both the air electrode and the fuel electrode are electrically connected to the conductor of the second casing. It becomes possible to derive the electric power generated in the electrode structure through the second casing.

  The fuel cell-equipped device is disposed in the flow path of the air that flows from the inside of the second casing to the outside through the fuel cell and the opening on the third surface of the second casing, and is supplied by the fuel cell. And an electronic device that operates with the generated electric power.

  More preferably, the fuel supply passage of the first housing is formed in the first housing by the electrode structure and the inner surface of the second surface of the second housing. Has an opening to the outside. A portion of the second housing corresponding to the opening of the fuel supply passage of the first housing is provided with a fuel supply port for receiving supply of fuel for the electrode structure from the outside. The fuel supply control means is interlocked with the movement of the second casing, and is separated from the tip of the fuel supply port in the first state and closes the fuel supply passage, and in the second state, the tip of the fuel supply port. And a first fuel supply valve that operates to open the fuel supply passage in contact with the fuel.

  In the first state, the supply of fuel is stopped by the first fuel supply valve. In the second state, the fuel supply passage is opened by the first fuel supply valve. The supply and stop of the fuel can be controlled by the first fuel supply valve in conjunction with changing the states of the first casing and the second casing.

  More preferably, the fuel cell is provided at the tip of the fuel supply port, and opens the fuel supply port by contact with the opening portion of the fuel supply passage of the first housing, thereby supplying the fuel to the first housing. It further includes a second fuel supply valve that operates to close the fuel supply port by being separated from a portion of the passage opening.

  In the first state, the fuel supply port to the fuel supply passage of the first housing is closed by the second fuel supply valve. In the second state, the fuel supply port to the fuel supply passage of the first housing is opened by the second fuel supply valve. In conjunction with changing the states of the first housing and the second housing, the fuel supply and stop can be controlled by the second fuel supply valve. By operating the second fuel supply valve together with the first fuel supply valve, the supply and stop of the fuel can be controlled more reliably. As a result, it is possible to control wasteful consumption of fuel and efficient supply of fuel during power generation in conjunction with changing the state of the first housing and the second housing.

  Preferably, the fuel cell is attached to one end of the space inside the second housing fixed on the inner wall on the second surface side of the second housing and the second surface of the first housing. The first volume when the first housing and the second housing are in the first state, and a second volume smaller than the first volume when in the second state. It further includes a fuel storage part that can store and discharge fuel according to the volume.

  In the first state, the fuel storage portion has the first volume. In this state, the amount of fuel stored is larger than that in the second volume. When the second state is reached, the fuel storage portion becomes the second volume. Since the volume is reduced, the fuel stored in the fuel storage section is released, sent to the electrode structure, and used for power generation. Further, when the state changes to the first state, the remaining fuel used for power generation is absorbed and stored in the fuel storage unit. It is possible to prevent the fuel from remaining on the fuel electrode and to prevent wasteful consumption of fuel.

  Preferably, the first housing and the second housing have a shape that allows the opening of the fuel supply passage and the fuel storage portion to communicate with each other in the first state.

  In the first state, the fuel remaining in the fuel supply passage is also absorbed and stored in the fuel storage part via the communication part to the fuel storage part. As a result, it is possible to prevent the fuel from remaining on the fuel electrode and to prevent wasteful consumption of fuel.

  Preferably, the first housing and the second housing are slidably combined with each other.

  By changing the state of the first housing and the second housing by a simple operation of sliding, it is possible to simultaneously control the supply and stop of fuel and the supply and stop of air. As a result, a fuel cell that is easy to operate can be provided.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the supply of fuel and oxygen to the electrode structure can be controlled simultaneously by displacing the supply control means with respect to the first casing. When the supply of oxygen is stopped, the supply of fuel can also be stopped, and the fuel can be prevented from crossing over to the air electrode side even when the power generation is stopped. It is possible to prevent the fuel from being oxidized and generating heat on the air electrode side, thereby consuming the fuel. Further, during power generation, oxygen and fuel are supplied at the same time, so that power can be generated efficiently. As a result, it is possible to provide a fuel cell that has high power generation efficiency and can prevent wasteful consumption of fuel when power generation is stopped.

  The vicinity of the air electrode is protected by the second casing, and the supply of air to the air electrode is not obstructed by the user's face or hand, and dust does not adhere to the air electrode. Therefore, stable and efficient power generation can be performed.

  If the arrangement uses the exhaust heat of the electronic device that operates using the power of the fuel cell, the air can be supplied to the fuel cell more efficiently.

  In conjunction with changing the states of the first housing and the second housing, the fuel supply and stop can be reliably controlled by the first fuel supply valve and further by the second fuel supply valve.

  Providing the fuel storage portion can prevent fuel from remaining in the fuel electrode. The fuel remaining in the fuel supply passage when power generation is stopped is also absorbed and stored in the fuel storage part via the communication part to the fuel storage part. As a result, it is possible to prevent the fuel from remaining on the fuel electrode and to prevent wasteful consumption of fuel.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings and description of the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[First Embodiment]
<Configuration>
Overall Configuration FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of the fuel cell 30 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a state where power generation is suspended, and FIG. 2 shows a state during power generation. FIG. 3 shows a front view, a plan view, and a right side view of the fuel cell 30 during power generation suspension, and FIG. 4 shows a front view and a right side view of the fuel cell 30 during power generation.

  1 to 4, a fuel cell 30 according to the first embodiment includes a first housing 44 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that holds and fixes an electrode structure of a fuel cell inside, and a hollow A second housing 40 that holds the first housing 44 so that the first housing 44 can slide up and down in the interior of the second housing 40. A substantially rectangular parallelepiped fuel tank 42 that is disposed in the lower portion and has the same planar shape as the second housing 40 is included. A gas-liquid separation structure 52 that discharges gas generated at the fuel electrode during power generation of the fuel cell 30 is formed on the side surface of the first housing 44, and is supplied to the air electrode on the upper surface of the first housing 44. An air intake 54 is formed. As will be described later, the second housing 40 can be displaced with respect to the first housing 44, and has the function of simultaneously controlling the supply of fuel and oxygen (air containing oxygen) to the electrode structure.

  These casings are made of a material having heat resistance and acid resistance because they directly contact the fuel. For example, acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene, polystyrene, polyphenylene ether, or the like is used.

  In the fuel tank 42, fuel for a fuel cell is stored as will be described later.

  The state shown in FIG. 1 in which the first housing 44 is pulled up to the top is the first state. In this state, air and fuel are not supplied to the electrode structure as will be described later. 2 with the first housing 44 lowered is the second state. In this state, an opening 50 is formed between the upper portion of the first housing 44 and the upper side of the second housing 40. The air is supplied to the air electrode of the electrode structure through the opening 50 and the air intake 54. Inside the first housing 44, the fuel in the fuel tank 42 is supplied to the fuel electrode of the electrode structure. The structure of the first housing 44 will be described later.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view in the direction of arrows in line 5-5 in FIG. 3, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view in the direction of arrows in line 6-6 in FIG.

  5 and 6, the fuel tank 42 includes a spring 60 having one end fixed to the inner wall of the fuel tank 42, a piston 62 fixed to the other end of the spring 60, and the spring 60 of the piston 62. And a fuel 64 stored between the non-fixed surface and the inner wall of the fuel tank 42. A supply port 66 for supplying the fuel 64 to the first housing 44 is formed in the upper portion of the fuel tank 42, and fuel is supplied to the first housing at the tip thereof according to the position of the first housing 44. There is provided a fuel tank side fuel supply unit 94 having a built-in valve for supplying to 44 or stopping the supply of fuel. A regulator (not shown) is provided inside the supply port 66 of the fuel tank 42 to keep the fuel pressure constant when the fuel is discharged to the outside. As the regulator, the flow rate of the fuel can be adjusted to be constant by using a valve called a micro-splitter valve.

  The first housing 44 includes a frame 70 having a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape with an open lower surface, and an electrode structure 72 disposed in the frame 70 so that an air electrode is positioned on the upper surface and a fuel electrode is positioned on the lower surface. And fixing members 82 and 84 for fixing the electrode structure 72 to the frame body 70. The sliding portion between the first housing 44 and the second housing 40 is sealed with a seal (not shown).

  The fixing member 84 has a fuel passage 90 having one end in a space facing the lower surface of the electrode structure 72 and having the other end opening toward the fuel tank side fuel supply portion 94 of the fuel tank 42. A check valve 86 is provided in a portion close to the opening on the electrode structure 72 side of the fuel passage 90, and a valve included in the fuel tank side fuel supply unit 94 is provided in an opening facing the fuel tank side fuel supply unit 94. In cooperation with the first housing 44, a first housing-side fuel supply unit 92 including a valve for controlling start and stop of fuel supply from the fuel tank 42 to the electrode structure 72 in accordance with the movement of the first housing 44 is provided. Is provided.

  A cylindrical space 96 having a diameter substantially the same as the diameter of the supply port 66 is formed in a portion of the fixing member 84 where the first housing side fuel supply unit 92 is formed. As shown in FIG. Inside, the supply port 66 and the fuel tank side fuel supply portion 94 enter the cylindrical space 96.

  The fuel cell 30 further has a bottom fixed on the inner bottom surface of the second casing 40, and a soft foamed continuous polyethylene having a coating on the periphery thereof, with the end of the top surface fixed to the lower part of the fixing member 82 and the fixing member 84. And a sponge-like sub tank 76 that absorbs and stores fuel remaining in the lower space of the electrode structure 72 when power generation is stopped, and a partition plate 74 provided on the upper surface of the sub tank 76. As will be described later, the sub-tank 76 temporarily stores the fuel that has expanded and remains when power generation is stopped, and contracts when the power generation is started to release the stored fuel.

  FIG. 7A shows a plan view of the partition plate 74, and FIG. 7B shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line 7B-7B in the arrow direction. Referring to FIG. 7, partition plate 74 includes a plate body 110 having an opening 112 formed in the center. Openings 114 to 132 are formed in a portion of the plate body 110 near the periphery. As shown in FIG. 7B, the upper surface of the plate body 110 is inclined toward these openings to form inclined surfaces 140, 142, 144, 146, 148 and 150. As will be described later, the upper surface of the partition plate 74 has a shape as shown in FIG. 6 during power generation, and the space is filled with fuel. However, when power generation is stopped, the subtank 76 is stopped as shown in FIG. Moves upward together with the frame body 70. Accordingly, the fuel remaining in the upper portion of the plate body 110 falls to the sub tank 76 side through these openings and the gap formed between the plate body 110 and the fixing members 82 and 84 and is absorbed by the sub tank 76. . Since the slopes 140, 142, 144, 146, 148 and 150 are formed, the fuel on the upper surface of the partition plate 74 quickly falls to the sub tank 76 side and is absorbed.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the current generated by the electrode structure 72 is applied to the portion of the inner side wall of the second housing 40 facing both ends of the electrode structure 72. Conductors 78 and 80 serving as electrodes for taking out to the outside are provided. The conductors 78 and 80 and the extraction electrode from the air electrode and the fuel electrode of the electrode structure 72 are brought into sliding contact. The conductor 78 is connected to the negative pole side of the load, and the conductor 80 is connected to the positive pole side of the load. That is, the electric power generated by the fuel cell is supplied to the load via the conductors 78 and 80.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the upper valve 93 provided in the first housing side fuel supply unit 92 and the lower valve 95 provided in the fuel tank side fuel supply unit 94. FIG. 8 is a view when the upper valve 93 and the lower valve 95 are separated from each other. 9 is an arrow view in the 9-9 direction in FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 is an arrow view in the 10-10 direction in FIG. 8, showing the lower surface of the upper valve 93 and the upper surface of the lower valve 95, respectively.

  8 and 9, the upper valve 93 has an upper surface 172 and a lower surface 174, and a lower opening 190, an internal space 171 and an upper opening 176 that form a fuel flow path from the lower surface 174 to the upper surface 172 are formed. And a rubber ring 180 attached to the lower surface 174 of the valve housing 170 so as to surround the opening 190. The lower opening 190 and the upper opening 176 have a circular cross section with the same diameter. The internal space 171 has a circular cross section having a larger diameter than these.

  The upper valve 93 is further arranged in the internal space 171 and includes a movable part 184 constituting a valve body, a spring 182 provided in the internal space 171 so as to urge the upper surface of the movable part 184 downward, It includes a pair of projections 186 and 188 (projections 188 are not shown in FIG. 8) formed so as to project downward from the lower surface of the movable portion 184. An opening in which the protrusions 186 and 188 can slide is formed on the lower surface of the valve housing 170. The protrusion 186 and the protrusion 188 have such a length that the tip protrudes downward from the lower surface 174 by a predetermined length when the movable portion 184 is in contact with the valve housing 170 in the lower portion of the internal space 171.

  Similarly, referring to FIGS. 8 and 10, the lower valve 95 has an upper surface 202 and a lower surface 204, and a lower opening 206, an internal space 207, and an upper opening that form a fuel flow path from the lower surface 204 to the upper surface 202. The valve housing 200 in which 220 is formed, and the rubber ring 210 attached to the lower surface 204 of the valve housing 200 so as to surround the upper opening 220 are included. Both the lower opening 206 and the upper opening 220 have a circular cross section having the same diameter as the lower opening 190 of the upper valve 93. The internal space 207 has a circular cross section having the same diameter as the internal space 171 of the upper valve 93. Further, the rubber rings 180 and 210 are formed at positions where they contact each other when the lower opening 190 of the upper valve 93 and the upper opening 220 of the lower valve 95 are in a position where they coincide with each other.

  The upper valve 95 is further arranged in the internal space 207, the movable part 214 constituting the valve body, and a spring 212 provided in the internal space 207 so as to bias the lower surface of the movable part 214 upward, It includes a pair of protrusions 216 and 218 formed so as to protrude upward from the upper surface of the movable portion 214. On the upper surface of the valve housing 200, an opening through which the protrusions 216 and 218 can slide is formed.

  In the present embodiment, the protrusion 216 and the protrusion 218 have such a length that the tip protrudes upward from the upper surface 202 by a predetermined length when the movable portion 214 is in contact with the valve housing 200 in the upper part of the internal space 207. Have This length coincides with the lengths of the protrusions 186 and 188 of the upper valve 93.

  As is apparent with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, the upper valve 93 and the lower valve 95 are configured such that the protrusions 186 and 188 of the upper valve 93 and the protrusions 216 and 218 of the lower valve 95 are the central lower openings 190 and 220. Are arranged so as to be shifted by 90 degrees from each other.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the lower surface 174 of the upper valve 93 and the upper surface 202 of the lower valve 95 are separated, the lower surface of the movable portion 184 of the upper valve 93 is pressed against the bottom surface of the internal space 171 of the valve housing 170 by the spring 182. It is done. Therefore, the fuel flow path of the upper valve 93 is closed. At this time, even if fuel remains on the upper opening 176 side, the fuel does not flow backward due to the structure of the upper valve 93. Similarly, the upper surface of the movable portion 214 of the lower valve 95 is pressed against the upper surface of the internal space 207 of the valve housing 200 by the spring 212. Accordingly, the fuel flow path of the lower valve 95 is also closed. Even in the lower valve 95, pressurized fuel exists on the lower opening 206 side, but the fuel does not flow out to the upper opening 220 side due to the structure of the lower valve 95.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11, at the position where the upper valve 93 and the lower valve 95 are strongly pressed and the lower surface 174 of the upper valve 93 is in contact with the upper surface 202 of the lower valve 95, the tips of the protrusions 186 and 188 are As a result, the movable portion 184 moves upward by overcoming the biasing force of the spring 182. Therefore, the fuel flow path formed by the lower opening 190, the internal space 171 and the upper opening 176 is opened. Similarly, the tips of the protrusions 216 and 218 come into contact with the lower surface 174 of the upper valve 93, and as a result, the movable portion 214 overcomes the biasing force of the spring 212 and moves downward. As a result, the fuel flow path formed by the lower opening 206, the internal space 207, and the upper opening 220 is opened. As shown in FIG. 11, in the state where the upper valve 93 and the lower valve 95 are strongly pressed, both the rubber ring 210 and the rubber ring 180 are deformed. Therefore, both require play for this deformation.

  The dimensions and positions of the rubber ring 180 and the rubber ring 210 are designed to contact at the same time as or just before the flow path opens. Such a design prevents the fuel from leaking out from the connecting portion between the upper valve 93 and the lower valve 95 as much as possible.

  In addition, when shifting from the state shown in FIG. 6 to the state shown in FIG. 5, a small amount of fuel may remain between the first housing side fuel supply unit 92 and the fuel tank side fuel supply unit 94. In order to suppress the leakage of these fuels to the outside, in the present embodiment, the portion facing the cylindrical space 96 of the fixing member 84 shown in FIG. 5, or the first housing side fuel supply unit 92 and the fuel tank side An absorbing member for absorbing the liquid fuel is disposed in a portion where the rubber ring 180 and the protrusions 216 and 218 are not in contact with the fuel supply unit 94. With such a design, a small amount of fuel leakage at the time of opening and closing of the first housing side fuel supply unit 92 and the fuel tank side fuel supply unit 94 can be absorbed by these absorption members, and fuel leakage to the outside is prevented. It is suppressed.

Configuration of Electrode Structure 72 FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing details of the configuration of the electrode structure 72. Referring to FIG. 12, the electrode structure 72 includes an electrolyte layer 240 fixed to the frame body 70 by fixing members 82 and 84, and portions of the upper surface of the electrolyte layer 240 that protrude from the fixing member 82 and the fixing member 84. The air electrode 242 attached over substantially the entire surface of the air electrode 242, and the air electrode side extraction electrode attached to the upper surface of the air electrode 242 and extending to a position where it contacts the conductor 80 of the second housing 40 through the fixing member 84. 244, a fuel electrode 246 attached to almost the entire portion of the lower surface of the electrolyte layer 240 that protrudes from the fixing member 82 and the fixing member 84, and attached to the lower surface of the fuel electrode 246, and further through the fixing member 82 And a fuel electrode side extraction electrode 248 extending to a position in contact with the conductor 78 of the second housing 40.

  In the present embodiment, the contact surface between the conductor 78 and the fuel electrode side extraction electrode 248 is formed with a recess formed in the sliding direction of the conductor 78, and the end of the fuel electrode side extraction electrode 248 is formed in the recess. Convex parts formed on the parts are combined. The same applies to the contact surface between the conductor 80 and the air electrode side extraction electrode 244.

<Operation>
The fuel cell 30 according to the first embodiment operates as follows. During non-power generation, as shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell 30 is an overall view, FIG. 3 is a three-sided view, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view. It has been raised to the top. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the first housing side fuel supply unit 92 and the fuel tank side fuel supply unit 94 are separated from each other. At this time, the upper valve 93 included in the first housing-side fuel supply unit 92 and the lower valve 95 included in the fuel tank-side fuel supply unit 94 are in the state shown in FIG. The lower surface 174 of the upper valve 93 and the upper surface 202 of the lower valve 95 are separated from each other. The movable portion 184 is pressed against the valve housing 170 in the internal space 171 by the urging force of the spring 182 and the fuel flow path is closed. Similarly, in the lower valve 95, the movable portion 214 is pressed against the valve housing 200 in the internal space 207 by the biasing force of the spring 212, and the fuel flow path is closed.

  Referring to FIGS. 5 and 12, at this time, no fuel is supplied to the fuel electrode 246 of the electrode structure 72. Since the first housing 44 is pulled up to the upper end of the second housing 42, the opening 50 as shown in FIG. 2 is not formed, and no air is supplied to the air electrode 242.

  Therefore, no chemical reaction occurs in the fuel electrode 246 and the air electrode 242 of the electrode structure 72, and power generation is not performed.

  When the first housing 44 is pulled down, power is generated in the electrode structure 72 by the following mechanism. In this case, the relationship between the first housing 44 and the second housing 42 is as shown in a perspective view in FIG. 2, a front view and a right side view in FIG. 4, and a cross-sectional view in FIG. become. That is, when the first housing side fuel supply unit 92 moves downward together with the first housing 44, the first housing side fuel supply unit 92 and the fuel tank side fuel supply unit 94 come into contact with each other. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the lower surface of the upper valve 93 of the first housing side fuel supply unit 92 and the upper surface of the lower valve 95 of the fuel tank side fuel supply unit 94 come into contact with each other, and the movable portion 184 of the upper valve 93 is moved. The movable part 214 of the lower valve 95 moves upward and downward. As a result, the fuel flow path of the lower valve 95 and the fuel flow path of the upper valve 93 are both opened. Since the fuel in the fuel tank 42 is pressurized by the spring 60, it passes through the lower valve 95, the upper valve 93, the fuel passage 90, and the check valve 86 toward the space below the fuel electrode 246 of the first housing 44. Flowing.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, an opening 50 is formed between the first housing 44 and the second housing 40. When air passes through here, air is supplied to the air electrode 242 on the upper surface of the first housing 44.

  Referring to FIG. 12, since fuel is supplied to fuel electrode 246 and air is supplied to air electrode 242, power generation is performed in electrode structure 72. The obtained current is taken out from the air electrode 242 through the air electrode side extraction electrode 244 to the conductor 80 and from the fuel electrode 246 through the fuel electrode side extraction electrode 248 to the conductor 78.

  When stopping power generation, the first casing 44 is again pulled up to the upper end of the second casing 40. As a result, the state of the fuel cell 30 returns to the initial state. However, in this case, the sub tank 76 changes from the compressed state as shown in FIG. 6 to the expanded state as shown in FIG. The fuel remaining in the lower space of the fuel electrode 246 is absorbed by the sub tank 76 through the openings 120 to 132 and the gap between the partition plate 74 and the fixing members 82 and 84 from the upper surface of the partition plate 74 shown in FIG. The Further, the fuel remaining in the gap 98 between the first housing side fuel supply unit 92 and the fuel tank side fuel supply unit 94 is also cylindrical when the sub tank 76 expands as shown in FIG. Absorbed by the absorbing member disposed in the portion facing the space 96 or the portion of the contact surface between the first housing side fuel supply unit 92 and the fuel tank side fuel supply unit 94 that does not contact the rubber ring 180 and the protrusions 216, 218. Is done.

  At the same time when the sub tank 76 starts expanding and the fuel on the fuel electrode 246 side begins to be absorbed by the sub tank 76, the first housing side fuel supply unit 92 and the fuel tank side fuel supply unit 94 are separated, and the fuel supply is stopped. Stopped. On the fuel electrode 246 side, the fuel remaining in the vicinity is absorbed by the sub tank 76. Instead, gas such as the atmosphere flows into the space near the fuel electrode 246 via the gas-liquid separation structure 52 or the first housing-side fuel supply unit 92, and power generation stops soon.

  Therefore, no fuel remains in the vicinity of the fuel electrode 246 when the power generation of the fuel cell 30 is stopped. As a result, the fuel does not cross over to the air electrode side when power generation is stopped, and there is no problem of fuel oxidation and heat generation on the air electrode side due to the crossover and accompanying fuel consumption.

  Further, when power generation is to be started in a state where fuel is contained in the sub tank 76, the internal state changes from the state shown in FIG. 5 to the state shown in FIG. At this time, since the sub tank 76 is compressed, the fuel contained in the sub tank 76 is pushed out from the sub tank 76 to the space on the fuel electrode 246 side. The gas in the space facing the fuel electrode 246 is discharged out of the first housing 44 through the gas-liquid separation structure 52 formed in the first housing 44.

  At the end of the operation in which the fuel is pushed out from the sub tank 76, the first housing side fuel supply unit 92 and the fuel tank side fuel supply unit 94 are connected, and the upper valve 93 and the lower valve 95 inside thereof are opened, and the fuel is supplied. Is supplied from the fuel tank 42 to the space facing the fuel electrode 246, and the power generation state described above is established.

<Effect of the first embodiment>
As described above, in the fuel cell 30 according to the present embodiment, power generation is stopped when the first housing 44 is pulled up, and power generation is started when the first housing 44 is pulled down. During power generation, the air electrode 242 is protected by the frame body 70 of the first housing 44. There is little possibility that the air supply to the air electrode 242 is hindered by the user's hand or face, and power generation can be performed efficiently. In the current experiment, it has been found that if the height of the space in the vicinity of the air electrode 242 during power generation is approximately 4 mm or more, power generation is performed with no problem. However, this condition varies depending on the area of the air electrode 242.

  Further, the electrode structure 72 is maintained in a state protected by the first housing 44 during non-power generation. There is little possibility that dust will adhere to the electrode structure 72, and it can prevent that the efficiency of electric power generation falls.

<Deformation>
In the above-described embodiment, the upper valve 93 provided in the first housing side fuel supply unit 92 is a check valve. Therefore, it is not originally necessary to provide another check valve 86. However, in the present embodiment, in order to ensure safety when the timing of the opening / closing operation of the upper valve 93 is shifted, a check valve 86 is provided to prevent the fuel on the fuel electrode 246 side from flowing backward. In the case where the first housing side fuel supply unit 92 does not have a reverse valve structure, the check valve 86 is required.

  The fuel supply flow path opening / closing mechanism of the present embodiment is merely an example. Along with changing the state of the first housing 44 and the second housing 40 from the first state to the second state, fuel supply to the fuel electrode 246 and air supply to the air electrode 242 are started, When changing from the second state to the first state, any mechanism may be used as long as the fuel supply to the fuel electrode 246 and the air supply to the air electrode 242 are stopped simultaneously. A solenoid valve or the like may be used as the valve.

  In the above-described embodiment, the current from the electrode structure 72 is obtained by bringing the air electrode side extraction electrode 244 and the fuel electrode side extraction electrode 248 into sliding contact with the conductors 78 and 80 provided on the fuel tank 42 side, respectively. Is taken out. However, the method of taking out the current is not limited to such a method. For example, there is a method in which a gap is provided between the first housing 44 and the second housing 40 and wiring is performed using a coated copper wire or a flexible printed wiring board (FPC).

  In the first embodiment, in the contact portion between the conductor 78 and the fuel electrode side extraction electrode 248, the conductor 78 forms a concave portion, and the end portion of the fuel electrode side extraction electrode 248 forms a convex portion. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The convex portion and the concave portion may be reversed. The connection between the conductor 80 and the air electrode side extraction electrode 244 is the same.

<Second Embodiment>
FIG. 13 (A) shows a left side view of the fuel cell device 280 according to the second embodiment of the present invention during non-power generation, and FIG. 13 (B) shows a front view thereof. FIG. 13C is a left side view of the fuel cell device 280 during power generation.

  Referring to FIG. 13, this fuel cell-equipped device 280 includes a first casing 294, a second casing 290, and a fuel tank 292 that are the same as those of the fuel cell 30 according to the first embodiment. The fuel cell device 280 further includes a monitor 296 provided in front of the second housing 290.

  The first housing 294 has the same structure as the first housing 44 of the first embodiment, and the second housing 290 is the second housing of the first embodiment except that a monitor 296 is provided. The fuel tank 292 has the same structure as the body 40, and the fuel tank 292 has the same structure as the fuel tank 42 of the first embodiment.

  In the state shown in FIG. 13A, the air electrode side is closed. Therefore, power generation is not performed. As shown in FIG. 13C, when the air electrode side is opened, the fuel cell is activated and the display on the monitor 296 is performed. During power generation, the fuel cell in the first housing 294 generates heat. The monitor 296 also generates heat during operation. Therefore, during power generation of the fuel cell, the air in the gap 302 between the first casing 294 and the second casing 290 is warmed and rises from the upper opening as indicated by the arrow 300. As a result, as shown by an arrow 298, air flows into the gap 302 from the opening below the gap 302. That is, an upward flow of air is generated in the gap 302 by convection, and air is efficiently supplied to the air electrode.

  The structure of the portion related to the fuel cell of the fuel cell device 280 is the same as that of the fuel cell 30 according to the first embodiment in other respects. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 14 (A) shows a left side view of the fuel cell device 320 according to the third embodiment of the present invention during non-power generation, and FIG. 14 (B) shows a front view thereof. FIG. 14C shows a left side view of the fuel cell device 320 according to the third embodiment during power generation, and FIG. 14D shows a front view thereof.

  The fuel cell device 320 according to the present embodiment includes a first housing 334 having the same configuration as the first housing 294 of the fuel cell device 280 according to the second embodiment, and a fuel cell device 280. The fuel tank 332 having the same configuration as that of the fuel tank 292 and the second casing 290 of the fuel cell-equipped device 280 have the same configuration but differ from the second casing 290 in that the monitor 296 is not provided. And a housing 330.

  The fuel cell-equipped device 320 further includes a third housing 336 having a monitor 338 attached to the front surface of the second housing 330 so as to be slidable up and down.

  The configurations of the first casing 334, the second casing 330, and the fuel tank 332 are the same as the configurations of the first casing 294, the second casing 290, and the fuel tank 292 according to the second embodiment. The detailed description will not be repeated.

  In the fuel cell-equipped device 320 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14C and 14D, during the operation, the third housing 336 provided with the monitor 338 is slid upward. At the same time, the air gap 352 is formed between the first housing 334 and the second housing 330 by sliding the first housing 334 in the second housing 330 toward the fuel tank 332. As the air flows through the gap 352, the fuel cell in the first housing 334 generates electric power as in the first and second embodiments. The fuel cell mounted device 320 operates using the electric power obtained as a result.

  When the third housing 336 is slid upward, the air near the air electrode in the first housing 334 in the gap 352 between the first housing 334 and the second housing 330 is removed from the monitor 338. It is warmed by the generated exhaust heat. As a result, a temperature difference is likely to occur in the air in the gap 352, and an air flow as indicated by arrows 340 and 342 is likely to occur.

<Fourth embodiment>
FIG. 15A shows a side view of the fuel cell mounted device 360 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention during non-power generation, and FIG. 15B shows a side view of the fuel cell mounted device 360 during power generation. Show. The fuel cell-equipped device 360 has the same configuration as that obtained by rotating the fuel cell-equipped device 320 according to the embodiment of the third embodiment by 90 degrees to be substantially horizontal, and the first housing 374, A second housing 370, a fuel tank 372, and a third housing 376 having a monitor (not shown) attached to the front surface of the second housing 370 are included.

  The first casing 374 corresponds to the first casing 334, the second casing 370 corresponds to the second casing 330, the fuel tank 372 corresponds to the fuel tank 332, and the third casing 376 corresponds to the third casing 336. To do. However, the upper surfaces of the first housing 374 and the second housing 370 have an inclination such that the left portion in FIG. The third housing 376 is slidable on the upper surface of the second housing 370, but the third housing 376 is also attached to the second housing 370 so that the left portion in FIG. Except for these points, the configuration of each part of the fuel cell-equipped device 360 according to the fourth embodiment is the same as the configuration of each part of the fuel cell-equipped device 320 according to the third embodiment. Details will not be repeated.

  In the fuel cell-equipped device 360, as shown in FIG. 15B, when the first housing 374 is moved downward, a gap 390 is provided between the first housing 374 and the second housing 370. Is formed. When air enters the gap 390 as indicated by an arrow 380, air is supplied to the air electrode in the first housing 374, and power generation is started. Due to the exhaust heat of the monitor in the third housing 376, the air on the lower surface of the third housing 376 is heated. The heated air expands, becomes lighter in specific gravity, flows gently along the lower surface of the third housing 376 as indicated by the arrow 382, and turns around the left end of the third housing 376 as indicated by the arrow 384. To rise further. As a result, air flows along the flow paths indicated by arrows 380, 382, and 384, and air is efficiently supplied to the air electrode in the first housing 374.

  Therefore, the same effect as that of the fuel cell or the fuel cell-equipped device according to the first to third embodiments can be obtained even by the configuration of the fuel cell-equipped device 360 according to the fourth embodiment.

  In the embodiment described above, the sub tank 76 is formed of a sponge-like substance. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The subtank 76 may be formed in a hollow bellows shape to store and extrude fuel. In this case, it is advantageous to dispose a porous material made of expanded polypropylene at the inflow and outflow portions of the fuel in the sub-tank so that the remaining fuel can be reduced when the fuel is absorbed into the bellows.

  The embodiment disclosed herein is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The scope of the present invention is indicated by each claim in the claims after taking into account the description of the detailed description of the invention, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wording described therein are intended. Including.

1 is a perspective view of a fuel cell 30 according to a first embodiment of the present invention during non-power generation. 3 is a perspective view of the fuel cell 30 during power generation. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a front surface, a plane surface, and a right side surface of the fuel cell 30 when no power is generated. 2 is a diagram showing a front side and a right side of the fuel cell 30 during power generation. FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view in the direction of the arrow in line 5-5 in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view in the direction of the arrow in line 6-6 in FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view of a partition plate 74 used in the fuel cell 30. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an upper valve 93 and a lower valve 95 when the fuel cell 30 is not generating electricity. FIG. FIG. 9 is a bottom view in the arrow direction of the upper bulb 93 taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 8. It is an arrow direction top view of the lower valve | bulb 95 in the 10-10 line | wire of FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an upper valve 93 and a lower valve 95 during power generation of the fuel cell 30. FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an electrode structure 72 of the fuel cell 30. FIG. It is a figure which shows the left side surface and the front surface at the time of the non-power generation of the fuel cell mounting apparatus 280 which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and the left side surface at the time of electric power generation. It is a figure which shows the left side surface and the front at the time of the non-electric power generation and the electric power generation of the fuel cell mounting apparatus 320 which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the left side surface at the time of the non-power generation and electric power generation of the fuel cell mounting apparatus 360 which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

30 Fuel cell, 40, 290, 330, 370 Second housing, 42, 292, 332, 372 Fuel tank, 44, 294, 334, 374 First housing, 50, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 124, 128, 130, 132 Opening, 52 Gas-liquid separation structure, 54 Air intake, 60 Spring, 62 Piston, 64 Fuel, 66 Supply port, 70 Frame, 72 Electrode structure, 74 Partition plate, 76 Sub tank , 78, 80 Conductor, 82, 84 Fixing member, 86 Check valve, 92 First housing side fuel supply part, 94 Fuel tank side fuel supply part, 182, 212 Spring, 184, 214 Movable part, 186, 188, 216, 218 Projection, 240 Electrolyte layer, 242 Air electrode, 244 Air electrode side extraction electrode, 246 Fuel electrode, 248 Fuel electrode side extraction electrode, 280, 320, 360 Fuel cell device, 296 monitor, 336,376 Third housing

Claims (6)

A housing,
An electrode structure of a fuel cell provided in association with the housing,
By controlling the supply of fuel and oxygen to the electrode structure by changing the state of the housing ,
The housing includes first and second housings combined to be displaceable between the first and second states, and the first state and the second state, Control the supply of fuel and air to the electrode structure;
The electrode structure is mounted in the first housing;
The first housing has an opening for taking in air supplied to the electrode structure,
The first and second housings are combined such that the opening is closed by the second housing in the first state, and the opening is opened in the second state,
The second housing includes a fuel tank,
The first housing includes a fuel supply unit,
The fuel supply unit is a fuel cell that is separated from the fuel tank in the first state and is connected to the fuel tank in the second state . The electrode structure is
An electrolyte layer having a front surface and a back surface;
An air electrode formed on the surface of the electrolyte layer;
A fuel electrode formed on the back surface of the electrolyte layer ,
Prior Symbol electrode structure, Ru Tei said attached to the first housing such that the air electrode into the opening portion side of the first casing is located, the fuel cell according to claim 1. In the second state, the opening of the first case is communicated to the outside in the second state, and the second case is closed by the first case. The fuel cell according to claim 2 , wherein Two openings are formed in the second casing, and both of the openings in the first casing communicate with the outside in the second state. The fuel cell according to claim 3 , wherein the fuel cell is closed by the first housing in a state. The first housing is provided inside the second housing and outside the first housing so as to communicate with the inside of the first housing. In the first state, the first housing has a first volume. 5. The fuel cell according to claim 4 , further comprising a fuel storage section that has a second volume smaller than the first volume in the state of 2 and can store and discharge fuel according to the volume. A fuel cell according to claim 4 or 5 , and
Wherein the second of the openings formed at two positions of the housing is disposed in a flow path of air Ru passing, including an electronic device which is operated by power supplied by the fuel cell, the fuel cell-equipped apparatus.

Images