Electrochemical device, sensor, and sensor system

Abstract

To provide an electrochemical device that prevents a reduction in a sensing function.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, an electrochemical device is provided which has a housing, a first electrochemical element present inside the housing, and a porous structure occupying at least part of the inside of the housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE Embodiments of the present invention relate to electrochemical devices, sensors and sensor systems. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, there are sensors that sense oxygen or hydrogen. In such sensors, the sensing function generally deteriorates when the sensor is exposed to steam, gas, or the like in the atmosphere in which the sensor is installed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-334738 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an electrochemical device, a sensor, and a sensor system that suppress deterioration of the sensing function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to an embodiment, an electrochemical device is provided that has a housing, a first electrochemical element present inside the housing, and a porous structure occupying at least a portion of the inside of the housing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an electrochemical device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating another example of the electrochemical device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating yet another example of the electrochemical device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4]Schematic diagram illustrating the operation of an electrochemical device. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a sensor according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 3A and 3B are a schematic plan view and a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a substrate included in the sensor according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 3A and 3B are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating a first film that may be included in the sensor according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating another example of the sensor according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components that perform the same or similar functions are given the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted. Note that each figure is a schematic diagram for explaining the embodiment and facilitating understanding thereof, and the shapes, dimensions, ratios, etc. may differ from the actual device, but these can be appropriately modified in design by taking into consideration the following description and known techniques.

[0008] [First embodiment] Sensors that sense oxygen or hydrogen may be contaminated, which may result in a decrease in sensing function or a breakdown in the sensor circuitry of the sensor. This sensor contamination may occur when the sensor is exposed to moisture or gas in the atmosphere in which the electrochemical device is installed. In order to suppress the contamination of the sensor by moisture (hereinafter collectively referred to as water vapor, but may be in the form of liquid or gas), the electrochemical device is provided with an electrochemical element such as a dehumidifier.

[0009] In addition, the housing of the electrochemical device originally contains water vapor, and the water vapor contained in the housing comes out into the housing due to heat generation caused by the operation of the sensor, etc. As a result, the sensor and sensor circuit provided inside the housing are exposed to water vapor for a long time, causing the sensor circuit to break down and the sensing function of the sensor to deteriorate. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent the sensor and sensor circuit from being exposed to water vapor for a long time and to prevent the sensor's sensing function from being deteriorated and the sensor circuit of the sensor from breaking down.

[0010] Thus, according to a first embodiment, there is provided an electrochemical device having a housing, a first electrochemical element present inside the housing, and a porous structure occupying at least a portion of the inside of the housing.

[0011] The electrochemical device that suppresses the deterioration of the sensing function of the sensor will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an electrochemical device according to a first embodiment. In FIG. 1, the electrochemical device 110 has a housing 81, a first electrochemical element 46 present inside the housing 81, and a porous structure 82 that occupies at least a part of the inside of the housing 81. The housing 81 has an opening 81o and a through hole 81t. The opening 81o corresponds to the inlet or outlet of the through hole 81t. The shape of the opening may be approximately rectangular or circular, and is not limited. In FIG. 1, the normal direction of the opening 81o is the Z-axis direction, the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction is the X-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis and the X-axis directions is the Y-axis.

[0012] The porous structure 82 occupies at least a part of the inside of the housing 81. As a result, when the humidity inside the housing 81 is kept lower than the humidity outside the housing 81, for example, when the humidity is 60% or less, the porous structure 82 can take in water vapor that enters the inside of the housing 81. This is because the presence of the porous structure 82 with a large surface area inside the housing 81 can increase the effective volume inside the housing 81, and therefore the humidity inside the housing 81 can be relatively low.

[0013] It is preferable that the porous structure 82 covers at least a part of the inner wall of the housing 81. As described above, the porous structure 82 can take in water vapor originally contained in the housing 81. This can prevent the first electrochemical element 46 from being exposed to water vapor for a long period of time. It is more preferable that the porous structure 82 covers the entire inner wall of the housing 81.

[0014] The filling rate of the porous structure 82 inside the housing 81, excluding the first electrochemical element 46 provided inside the housing, is preferably 10% or more and 100% or less.

[0015] Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating another example of the electrochemical device according to the first embodiment. In Fig. 2, the electrochemical device 110 further includes a substrate 30s and a first battery 31, the first electrochemical element 46 is provided on the substrate 30s, and the first battery 31 is provided on the surface of the substrate 30s opposite to the surface on which the first electrochemical element 46 is provided.

[0016] The first battery 31 faces the surface of the substrate 30s on which a microcomputer (hereinafter, referred to as a microcomputer) circuit is provided. A sensor circuit is provided on the surface of the substrate 30s on which the first electrochemical device 46 is provided, which is opposite to the surface on which the microcomputer circuit is provided. There are also cases where the microcomputer circuit is provided on the upper side and the sensor circuit is provided on the lower side.

[0017] The substrate 30s may contain a resin such as epoxy resin, phenol resin, polyimide resin, or glass epoxy resin containing glass cloth. As described above, the substrate 30s is a resin substrate and originally contains water vapor contained in the air. The water vapor originally contained in the substrate 30s is released from the substrate by heat generated by the operation of the sensor circuit, microcomputer circuit, etc., and contaminates the circuits, sensors, etc. described above. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, it is preferable that a porous structure 82 is provided inside the housing 81 so as to capture water vapor that may be generated on the substrate 30s.

[0018] For example, the porous structure 82 is desirably configured to substantially cover the first battery 31, the substrate 30s, and the first electrochemical device .

[0019] The porous structure 82 may be configured to substantially cover the first battery 31 .

[0020] The porous structure 82 may also be configured to substantially cover the first battery 31 and to cover a portion of the substrate 30s.

[0021] Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating yet another example of the electrochemical device according to the first embodiment. In Fig. 3, a porous structure 82 is present between the substrate 30s and the first battery 31. The porous structure 82 is preferably present between the substrate 30s and the first battery 31.

[0022] On the surface of the substrate 31s on which the first battery 31 is provided, heat due to the operation of the first battery 31 is transferred in addition to heat generated from the operation of the sensor circuit, microcomputer circuit, etc. As a result, more water vapor is released from the surface of the substrate 31s on which the first battery 31 is provided, compared to the surface of the substrate 30s on which the first electrochemical element 46 is provided. Therefore, with the configuration as shown in FIG. 3, the porous structure 82 covers the entire substrate 30s, and the water vapor released from the substrate 30s can be captured by the porous structure 82 more quickly, thereby suppressing an increase in the humidity in the surrounding area.

[0023] Furthermore, due to the presence of the porous structure 82 between the substrate 30s and the first battery 31, the first battery 31 is not in physical contact with the substrate 30s, and this makes it possible to suppress the transfer of heat caused by the operation of the first battery 31 to the substrate 30s. This makes it possible to suppress the release of water vapor from the substrate 30s due to an increase in the temperature of the substrate 30s.

[0024] 3 also includes a second electrochemical device 10. The second electrochemical device 10 includes a first electrode 11, a second electrode 12, and a member 15. The member 15 is provided between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12. For example, the member 15 includes a polymer electrolyte.

[0025] The second electrochemical element 10 is capable of, for example, at least one of dehumidification, humidification, ozone generation, oxygen generation, oxygen removal, and hydrogen generation. By applying a voltage between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12, at least one of dehumidification, humidification, ozone generation, oxygen generation, oxygen removal, and hydrogen generation is possible.

[0026] It is preferable that the porous structure 82 provided inside the housing 81 covers at least a part of the second electrochemical element 10. By covering a part of the second electrochemical element 10 with the porous structure 82, it is possible to prevent water vapor from entering the inside of the housing 81 from the outside through the member 15. It is more preferable that the entire part of the second electrochemical element 10 existing inside the housing 81 is covered by the porous structure 82.

[0027] In the following, an example in which the second electrochemical element 10 has a dehumidifying function will be described. Dehumidification is performed by applying a voltage between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12. For example, the application of a voltage causes moisture in the housing 81 to be electrochemically decomposed into hydrogen and oxygen, which are then released to the outside of the housing 81 through the member 15. This achieves dehumidification. The application of a voltage is performed, for example, by installing a battery.

[0028] For example, a voltage based on the second electrode 12 is applied to the first electrode 11. For example, when a voltage of a first polarity is applied to the first electrode 11, the second electrochemical element 10 releases water to the outside of the housing 81 through the member 15. In the following, the first polarity is defined as positive. When a voltage of the first polarity is applied to the first electrode 11, dehumidification is performed.

[0029] The second electrochemical device 10 is capable of discharging water in the space 85 inside the housing 81 to the outside of the housing 81 through the member 15. This causes the space inside the housing 81 to be dehumidified.

[0030] The electrochemical device 110 may further include a control unit 70. The control unit 70 is electrically connected to the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12. In this example, the control unit 70 includes a circuit unit 75 and a second battery 71. The second battery 71 can supply power to the circuit unit 75. The circuit unit 75 can apply a voltage between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12. The voltage is, for example, a first signal Sg1. When the first signal Sg1 (voltage) is applied to the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12, an electrochemical action (for example, dehumidification) is performed in the second electrochemical element 10.

[0031] In the embodiment, the electrochemical device 110 is driven by the second battery 71. This enables operation in places where commercial power is not supplied, expanding the range of uses of the electrochemical device 110 and various devices using the same. Since the capacity of the second battery 71 is fixed, it is desirable to reduce the power consumption of the electrochemical device 110 in order to extend the drive time of the electrochemical device 110.

[0032] In general, the second electrochemical device 10 is often driven by a DC signal (DC voltage) with a constant value. In this case, a DC current with a constant value flows in the second electrochemical device 10. This causes power to be constantly consumed, which increases power consumption.

[0033] In the embodiment, the voltage (first signal Sg1) supplied to the second electrochemical element 10 is a duty signal. At this time, by making the first signal Sg1 have a special waveform, it is possible to reduce power consumption while maintaining a high electrochemical action. The reason for this will be described later with reference to FIG. 4.

[0034] In the embodiment, the second electrochemical device 10 includes a cathode and an anode. The cathode is one of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12. The anode is the other of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12.

[0035] For example, the cathode may include a cathode substrate and a cathode-side catalytic member provided on the surface of the cathode substrate. The anode may include an anode substrate and an anode-side catalytic member provided on the surface of the anode substrate. At least a portion of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane is provided between the cathode-side catalytic member and the anode-side catalytic member. The solid polymer electrolyte membrane corresponds to member 15.

[0036] For example, the cathode substrate includes a carbon film (e.g., carbon paper). The cathode side catalyst member includes carbon powder. Platinum is attached to the surface of the carbon powder. The carbon powder holds the platinum. For example, the anode substrate includes a titanium mesh. A platinum film is provided on the surface of the titanium mesh. The platinum film is formed, for example, by a plating process. The anode side catalyst member includes platinum particles and a fluororesin. The solid polymer electrolyte membrane includes a fluororesin. The fluororesin is, for example, a fluororesin copolymer based on sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene.

[0037] Next, an example of the first signal Sg1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 illustrates the first signal Sg1. The horizontal axis of Fig. 4 is time tm. The vertical axis is the voltage Va between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12. The voltage Va is a potential based on the potential of the second electrode 12.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 4, the first signal Sg1 includes a waveform Sw1 that repeats in a first period T0. The waveform Sw1 includes a first period T1 and a second period T2. In the first period T1, the voltage Va is a first voltage V1 of a first polarity. In the second period T2, the voltage Va is a second voltage V2 of a first polarity. The first polarity is either positive or negative. In this example, the first polarity is positive. The first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2 are positive. The absolute value of the second voltage V2 is smaller than the absolute value of the first voltage V1.

[0039] In one example, the first voltage V1 is 2.5V or more and 3.5V or less. In one example, the second voltage V2 is 0.5V or more and 1.5V or less. Since the low second voltage V2 is also of the first polarity (positive) and is not 0 voltage, the current flowing during the transition period from the first period T1 of the high voltage (first voltage V1) to the second period T2 of the low voltage (second voltage V2) is unlikely to become negative. The current flowing during the transition period described above is a positive current, and even if the current flowing during the transition period is negative, its absolute value is small. This suppresses the reverse reaction in the electrochemical action, that is, the reaction in which moisture is released from the member 15 to the inside of the housing 81. In addition, by providing the second period T2 of the low second voltage V2, the first signal Sg1 can reduce power consumption while maintaining the desired high electrochemical action (e.g., dehumidification).

[0040] The porous structure is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of zeolite, silica gel, activated alumina, activated carbon, and porous polymer, but is not limited to the above-mentioned materials as long as it can increase the effective internal volume of the housing.

[0041] The housing may include, for example, zeolite, activated carbon, and resins such as silica gel.

[0042] The electrochemical device according to the first embodiment includes a housing, a first electrochemical element present inside the housing, and a porous structure occupying at least a part of the inside of the housing, thereby making it possible to suppress deterioration of the sensing function.

[0043] [Second embodiment] According to a second embodiment, there is provided a sensor including the electrochemical device according to the first embodiment and a detection unit provided inside a housing.

[0044] Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a sensor according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, a sensor 210 according to the embodiment includes the electrochemical device 110 according to the first embodiment and a detection unit 30. The sensor 210 may further include a communication unit 45. The detection unit 30 and the communication unit 45 included in the sensor 210 will be described later with reference to Fig. 6, which shows a plan view and a cross-sectional view of a substrate 30s.

[0045] In the embodiment, the distance between the second electrochemical device 10 and the detection unit 30 is preferably short. For example, the detection unit 30 is preferably fixed near the second electrochemical device 10. The distance between the second electrochemical device 10 and the detection unit 30 is, for example, 1 mm or more and 50 mm or less.

[0046] In FIG. 5, the sensor 210 includes a first film 41. The first film 41 is provided between the detection unit 30 and a first opening 81o of the housing 81. The first film 41 is provided, for example, so as to cover the opening 81o. At least a portion of the first film 41 is porous. The first film 41 includes, for example, a resin containing fluorine. The first film 41 includes, for example, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). The first film 41 does not allow, for example, liquids (such as water) to pass through. The first film 41 allows gas (such as hydrogen) to be detected by the detection unit 30 to pass through.

[0047] In the embodiment, the first film 41 may be in contact with the detection unit 30. Alternatively, the distance between the first film 41 and the detection unit 30 is 1 cm or less. By providing the detection unit 30 close to the first film 41, the detection target gas that has passed through the first film 41 can be detected with higher accuracy.

[0048] By providing the first film 41 at the opening 81o, the effect of external humidity is suppressed in the space 85 inside the housing 81. The state of the space 85 becomes a target state due to an electrochemical action (e.g., dehumidification) by the second electrochemical element 10. As will be described later, by providing a detection unit or the like inside the housing 81, the state of the detection unit can be maintained at a target state (e.g., low humidity).

[0049] 5, the sensor 210 may include a first battery 31. The first battery 31 can supply power to the detection unit 30. By providing the first battery 31, it is possible to detect the detection target even in a place where commercial power is not supplied, for example.

[0050] In the sensor 210, the detection unit 30 is provided on the substrate 30s. In the sensor 210, the detection unit 30 is provided between the opening 81o and the substrate 30s. A lid 35 may be provided between the detection unit 30 and the first film 41. The lid 35 may have a hole. A humidity sensor 46 may be provided on the substrate 30s. The humidity in the space 85 inside the housing 81 may be monitored by the humidity sensor 46.

[0051] 6A and 6B are a schematic plan view and a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a substrate included in the electrochemical device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 6(a) is a plan view of the surface of the substrate on which a microcomputer circuit is provided. Fig. 6(b) is a plan view of the surface of the substrate on which a sensor circuit is provided. Fig. 6(c) is a cross-sectional view taken in a direction intersecting the surface of the substrate.

[0052] 6, the direction from the microcomputer circuit surface to the sensor circuit surface of the substrate 30s is defined as the Z-axis direction, and the directions intersecting the Z-axis direction are defined as the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, as shown in FIG. 6(a).

[0053] The substrate 30s has a communication unit 45, a microcomputer circuit 50, a power supply circuit 51, and a power supply unit 52 on the surface having the microcomputer circuit 51.

[0054] The communication unit 45 can transmit information related to the detection result of the detection unit 30 to an external device. The detection result includes, for example, information (data) related to the concentration of the target detection target. The transmission may be performed, for example, by at least one of wired and wireless means.

[0055] The microcomputer circuit 50 controls data communication, the sensor circuit, and the on / off control of the second electrochemical device 10 .

[0056] The microcomputer circuit 50 is a software configuration that functions by executing a built-in control program, and is equipped with a dehumidification means that operates the second electrochemical element 10 based on changes in the detector in the detection section 30 to maintain the humidity within a desired range.

[0057] A power supply circuit 51 supplies an appropriate voltage to the microcomputer circuit and the sensor circuit.

[0058] The power supply unit 52 is connected to a battery that serves as a power source.

[0059] The substrate 30s has a sensor circuit on a surface opposite to the surface on which the microcomputer circuit 50 is provided. The substrate 30s has a detection unit 30, a first electrochemical element 46, an AD conversion circuit 53, a boost circuit 54, and a step-down circuit 55 on the surface of the substrate 30s having the sensor circuit.

[0060] Regarding the detection unit 30, for example, when the humidity in the environment around the detection unit 30 changes, the detection value of the detection target in the detection unit 30 is affected. By using this to maintain the humidity in the environment around the detection unit 30 within a desired range, it is possible to suppress deterioration and failure of the sensing function caused by exposure of the sensor and sensor circuit to a high humidity environment for a long period of time. This enables more accurate detection of oxygen and hydrogen.

[0061] The detection unit 30 is capable of detecting at least one selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, oxygen, and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).

[0062] The AD conversion circuit 53 is a circuit that converts voltage and capacitance analog signals into voltage digital signals.

[0063] The first electrochemical element 46 is a sensor for measuring humidity and temperature, and monitors the humidity and temperature in the space inside the housing. The first electrochemical element 46 may also be a pressure sensor.

[0064] The voltage step-up circuit 54 and the voltage step-down circuit 55 are used to adjust the power supplied to the sensor.

[0065] 6 shows an example in which a microcomputer circuit is provided on one side of a board and a sensor circuit is provided on the other side, but the board on which the microcomputer circuit 50 is provided and the board on which the sensor circuit is provided may be prepared separately. In the above-mentioned case, for example, by connecting each board with something like a cable connector, a control signal from the microcomputer circuit 50 is sent to the sensor circuit, and data acquired from the sensor circuit is sent to the microcomputer circuit 50.

[0066] Next, the first film that may be included in the electrochemical device according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0067] 7(a) and 7(b) are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating a first film that may be included in the electrochemical device according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7(a), the first film 41 may include a first layer 42 and a second layer 43. The direction from the first layer 42 to the second layer 43 is defined as the Z-axis direction. One direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction is defined as the X-axis direction. The direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction is defined as the Y-axis direction. The first layer 42 and the second layer 43 extend along the XY plane.

[0068] 7(b), the first layer 42 includes a first resin 42R. The first resin 42R has a plurality of holes 42H. The first layer 42 is, for example, a porous layer.

[0069] The first layer 42 includes a first surface 42a. The first surface 42a is a surface facing the second layer 43. At least some of the multiple holes 42H reach the first surface 42a.

[0070] The second layer 43 is provided on the first surface 42a of the first layer 42. The second layer 43 includes a second resin 43R. The second resin 43R blocks at least a portion of the holes 42H that reach the first surface 42a. The second layer 43 is, for example, an ineffective void layer. A portion of the second resin 43R may be provided in a portion close to the surface of the holes 42H.

[0071] In the embodiment, there is provided a porous first layer 42 and a second resin 43R (second layer 43) that blocks some of the multiple pores 42H of the first layer 42. For example, another part of the multiple pores 42H of the first layer 42 is not blocked by the second resin 43R.

[0072] The holes 42H that are not blocked by the second resin 43R allow the target gas to pass through the first membrane 41. The target gas is, for example, hydrogen. Meanwhile, some of the holes 42H are blocked by the second resin 43R, so that non-target substances do not pass through the first membrane 41. Non-target substances include, for example, liquids (such as water and oil). According to the embodiment, the target gas can permeate efficiently.

[0073] The first film 41 that may be included in the electrochemical device according to the embodiment may provide, for example, high water repellency; high breathability; high chemical resistance; high corrosion resistance; high dust resistance; prevention of intrusion of water and oil; and high reliability.

[0074] In the embodiment, the first resin 42R preferably contains a fluorine compound. The first resin 42R contains, for example, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). Stable permeability can be obtained. Permeation of water and the like can be effectively suppressed.

[0075] The second resin 43R includes, for example, an acrylic resin. This allows at least a portion of the holes 42H to be stably blocked. For example, permeation of unintended substances can be stably suppressed.

[0076] The thickness of the first layer 42 is the first thickness t42. The thickness of the second layer 43 is the second thickness t43. These thicknesses are lengths along the Z-axis direction. In an embodiment, for example, the first thickness t42 is thicker than the second thickness t43. In one example, the first thickness t42 is twice or more the second thickness t43. For example, the first thickness t42 may be 10,000 times or less the second thickness t43. For example, the desired gas permeability and the suppression of permeation of undesired substances are appropriately obtained.

[0077] The first thickness t42 of the first layer 42 is, for example, not less than 10 μm and not more than 5000 μm. The first thickness t42 may be, for example, not more than 1000 μm. The second thickness t43 of the second layer 43 is, for example, not less than 0.1 μm and not more than 100 μm. When a part of the second resin 43R is provided in a portion close to the surface of the hole 42H, the thickness of the second resin 43R provided in the portion close to the surface of the hole 42H may be, for example, not less than 0.1 μm and not more than 5 μm.

[0078] The second resin 43R covers at least a portion of the first surface 42a. As shown in Fig. 7(b), the first surface 42a includes a first region 42p where the second resin 43R is provided and a second region 42q where the second resin 43R is not provided. The ratio of the area of ​​the first region 42p to the area of ​​the second region 42q is 0.01 or more and 100 or less.

[0079] For example, the second resin 43R may include an opening 43o. The second region 42q where the second resin 43R is not provided corresponds to the opening 43o. The opening ratio may be, for example, 1% or more and 99% or less.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 7(b), in this example, the second layer 43 further includes a plurality of first solid pieces 43a. The plurality of first solid pieces 43a are fixed by a second resin 43R. The plurality of first solid pieces 43a include, for example, at least one of a metal, a metal oxide, and a metal nitride. For example, the plurality of first solid pieces 43a include Fe, Cr, and Ni. The plurality of first solid pieces 43a include, for example, SUS (Steel Use Stainless). For example, high corrosiveness is obtained. The plurality of first solid pieces 43a may include, for example, titanium oxide.

[0081] The average size (length) of each of the plurality of first solid pieces 43a is, for example, not less than 0.1 μm and not more than 10 μm.

[0082] The sensor according to the second embodiment is a sensor including the electrochemical device described in the first embodiment and a detection unit provided inside the housing. Since the sensor according to the second embodiment includes the electrochemical device described in the first embodiment, a sensor with improved performance can be realized.

[0083] [Third embodiment] According to a third embodiment, there is provided a sensor system comprising the sensor described in the second embodiment and a processing device, wherein the sensor includes a communication unit and the processing device is capable of processing information based on a signal obtained from the communication unit.

[0084] Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a sensor according to a third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, a sensor system 310 according to the embodiment includes the sensor 210 according to the second embodiment and a processing device 78. The processing device 78 may include, for example, a computer. The sensor 210 includes a communication unit 45. The processing device 78 is capable of processing information based on a signal obtained from the communication unit 45. The signal obtained from the communication unit 45 may include, for example, information (data) related to the detection result by the detection unit 30.

[0085] The processing of the information (detection result) in the processing device 78 may include, for example, storing the information (detection result). The processing of the information (detection result) may include, for example, comparing the information (detection result) with a reference value. The processing device 78 may output an alert or the like depending on the result of the comparison. The processing of the information (detection result) may include, for example, any calculation related to the information (detection result). The calculation may include, for example, deriving a maximum value or the like, or deriving an average value, or the like.

[0086] The sensor system of the third embodiment is a sensor system comprising the sensor described in the second embodiment and a processing device, the sensor including a communication unit, and the processing device being capable of processing information based on a signal obtained from the communication unit.

[0087] (Example) Below, examples of the results of experiments carried out by the inventors are described. Table 1 shows the rate of increase in humidity detected by a humidity sensor inside a housing when an electrochemical device having a porous structure inside a housing is placed in an atmosphere of 90% RH (RH: Relative Humidity). A porous PTFE film was used as the first film. The rate of increase in humidity when the electrochemical device does not have a porous structure is set to 1, and the values ​​of the examples are listed.

[0088] [Table 1]

[0089] It can be seen from Table 1 that the rate of increase in humidity detected by the humidity sensor can be slowed down by occupying at least a part of the inside of the housing with a porous structure, compared to a case where there is no porous structure inside the housing. Therefore, by having a porous structure occupying at least a part of the inside of the housing, the electrochemical device can prevent the sensor and the sensor circuit from being exposed to water vapor for a long period of time, and can prevent a decrease in the sensing function of the sensor and a failure of the sensor circuit of the sensor.

[0090] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

[0091] The invention according to the embodiment will be described below.

[0092] [1] A housing and a first electrochemical device present inside the housing; and a porous structure occupying at least a portion of the interior of the housing.

[0093] [2] The electrochemical device according to [1], wherein the porous structure covers at least a portion of an inner wall of the housing.

[0094] [3] A substrate; a first battery, the first electrochemical device is provided on the substrate, The electrochemical device according to [1] or [2], wherein the first battery is provided on a surface of the substrate opposite to a surface on which the first electrochemical element is provided.

[0095] [4] The electrochemical device according to [3], wherein the porous structure is present between the substrate and the first battery.

[0096] [5] The electrochemical device according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the housing has a second electrochemical element.

[0097] [6] The electrochemical device according to [5], wherein the porous structure provided inside the housing covers at least a portion of the second electrochemical element.

[0098] [7] The electrochemical device according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the porous structure is at least one selected from the group consisting of zeolite, silica gel, activated alumina, activated carbon, and porous polymers.

[0099] [8] The electrochemical device according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein a filling rate of the porous structure inside the housing, excluding the first electrochemical element provided inside the housing, is 10% or more and 100% or less.

[0100] [9] [1] to [8], and A sensor comprising: a detection unit provided inside the housing.

[0101]

[10] [9] A sensor according to the present invention; A processing device, The sensor includes a communication unit, The processing device is a sensor system capable of processing information based on a signal obtained from the communication unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 10...second electrochemical element, 11, 12...first and second electrodes, 15...member, 30...detection section, 30s...substrate, 31...first battery, 41...first film, 42...first layer, 43...second layer, 45...communication section, 46...first electrochemical element, 50...microcomputer circuit, 51...power supply circuit, 52...power supply section, 53...AD conversion circuit, 54...boosting circuit, 55...step-down circuit, 70...control section, 71...second battery, 75...circuit section, 78...processing device, 81...housing, 81o...first opening, 81t...first through hole, 85...space, 110...electrochemical device, 210...sensor, 310...sensor system

Claims

1. A housing and a first electrochemical device present inside the housing; and a porous structure occupying at least a portion of the interior of the housing.

2. The electrochemical device according to claim 1 , wherein the porous structure covers at least a portion of an inner wall of the housing.

3. A substrate; a first battery, the first electrochemical device is provided on the substrate; 2. The electrochemical device according to claim 1, wherein the first battery is provided on a surface of the substrate opposite to a surface on which the first electrochemical element is provided.

4. The electrochemical device of claim 3 , wherein the porous structure is between the substrate and the first cell.

5. The electrochemical device of claim 1 , wherein the housing includes a second electrochemical element.

6. The electrochemical device according to claim 5 , wherein the porous structure provided inside the housing covers at least a portion of the second electrochemical element.

7. 2. The electrochemical device according to claim 1, wherein the porous structure is at least one selected from the group consisting of zeolite, silica gel, activated alumina, activated carbon, and porous polymers.

8. 2. The electrochemical device according to claim 1, wherein a filling rate of the porous structure inside the casing, excluding the first electrochemical element provided inside the casing, is 10% or more and 100% or less.

9. The electrochemical device according to claim 1 ; A sensor comprising: a detection unit provided inside the housing.

10. A sensor according to claim 9; A processing device, The sensor includes a communication unit, The processing device is a sensor system capable of processing information based on a signal obtained from the communication unit.

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