Fuel cell for human-powered vehicle and human-powered vehicle

Abstract

To provide a fuel battery for a man-powered vehicle that can contribute to improvement in appearance, and a man-powered vehicle.SOLUTION: A fuel battery for a man-powered vehicle includes a fuel storage part, a power generation part connected to the fuel storage part, and a power storage part connected to the power generation part. The man-power vehicle has a housing part configured to house the fuel battery. The fuel storage part, the power generation part and the power storage part are arranged side by side in a line.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to fuel cells for human-powered vehicles and human-powered vehicles. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, the human-powered vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a fuel cell and an electric motor that is driven by the power supplied from the fuel cell. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-119180 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the human-powered vehicle of Patent Document 1, the fuel cell is attached to the outside of the frame of the human-powered vehicle, which results in an unattractive appearance. One object of the present disclosure is to provide a fuel cell for a human-powered vehicle and a human-powered vehicle that can contribute to improving the appearance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A fuel cell for a human-powered vehicle according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a fuel storage unit, a power generation unit connected to the fuel storage unit, and a power storage unit connected to the power generation unit, wherein the human-powered vehicle has a housing configured to house the fuel cell, and the fuel storage unit, the power generation unit, and the power storage unit are arranged in a line. According to the fuel cell of the first aspect, the components of the fuel cell, namely the fuel storage unit, the power generation unit, and the power storage unit, are accommodated in a row within the accommodation unit of the human-powered vehicle, thereby improving the appearance of the human-powered vehicle.

[0006] In the fuel cell of the second aspect according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the human-powered vehicle further includes a drive unit configured to be driven by power supplied from the fuel cell, and the fuel cell is configured such that when the fuel cell is housed in the housing, the power storage unit is positioned closer to the drive unit than the fuel storage unit and the power generation unit. According to the fuel cell of the second aspect, the power storage unit is disposed near the drive unit, so that the wiring for supplying power from the power storage unit to the drive unit can be shortened.

[0007] In a third aspect of the fuel cell according to the first or second aspect of the present disclosure, the fuel storage unit, the power generation unit, and the power storage unit are arranged in this order. According to the fuel cell of the third aspect, fuel is supplied from the fuel storage unit to the power generation unit adjacent to the fuel storage unit, and power is supplied from the power generation unit to the power storage unit adjacent to the power generation unit, thereby simplifying the configuration of the fuel cell.

[0008] In a fuel cell of a fourth aspect according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present disclosure, the human-powered vehicle includes at least one of a head tube, a top tube, a down tube, a seat tube, a seat stay, a chain stay, a stem, a front fork, a mudguard, a carrier, a saddle, and a seat post, and the storage portion is provided in at least one of the head tube, the top tube, the down tube, the seat tube, the seat stay, the chain stay, and the seat post. According to the fuel cell of the fourth aspect, the accommodation section is provided in a relatively large-diameter and long portion of the human-powered vehicle, so that a sufficient size for the accommodation section can be ensured.

[0009] In a fuel cell according to a fifth aspect of any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present disclosure, the fuel storage section, the power generation section, and the power storage section are shaped like a column as a whole. According to the fuel cell of the fifth aspect, the fuel cell has a simple and elongated shape, so that a housing for housing the fuel cell can be easily provided in a human-powered vehicle that has many elongated hollow components.

[0010] In a fuel cell of a sixth aspect according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present disclosure, the fuel cell further includes a housing that accommodates the fuel storage unit, the power generation unit, and the power storage unit, and the housing has an air intake hole configured to allow the introduction of air from outside the housing to the power generation unit. According to the fuel cell of the sixth aspect, oxygen in the air introduced into the power generation section through the air intake can be used for power generation, and the introduced air can cool the power generation section.

[0011] In the fuel cell of the seventh aspect according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, an air purifying filter is disposed in the intake hole. According to the fuel cell of the seventh aspect, foreign matter is prevented from entering the power generation section, thereby preventing contamination of the power generation section and performance problems resulting from contamination.

[0012] In a fuel cell of an eighth aspect according to any one of the first to seventh aspects of the present disclosure, the power generation unit and the power storage unit form a main body, and the fuel storage unit is configured to be detachable from the main body. According to the fuel cell of the eighth aspect, when the fuel in the fuel storage unit runs out, the fuel storage unit can be removed from the main body and replaced with a new fuel storage unit.

[0013] In a ninth aspect of the fuel cell according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present disclosure, the fuel cell further includes a housing that accommodates the fuel storage unit, the power generation unit, and the power storage unit, wherein the power generation unit and the power storage unit form a main body, the fuel storage unit is configured to be detachable from the main body, and the housing includes a holding mechanism configured to be selectively switched between a holding state that holds the fuel storage unit and a release state that releases the holding state. According to the fuel cell of the ninth aspect, when the fuel in the fuel storage unit runs out, the fuel storage unit can be removed from the main body and replaced with a new fuel storage unit. According to the fuel cell of the ninth aspect, the fuel storage unit is suitably held in the housing when the holding mechanism is in the held state, and can be easily removed from the housing when the holding mechanism is in the released state.

[0014] A human-powered vehicle according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure comprises a vehicle body and a fuel cell, the vehicle body comprising a housing configured to house the fuel cell, and an air intake configured to allow air to be introduced into the housing from outside the vehicle body. According to the human-powered vehicle of the tenth aspect, the fuel cell is housed in a housing of the human-powered vehicle, thereby improving the appearance of the human-powered vehicle. According to the human-powered vehicle of the tenth aspect, oxygen in the air introduced into the housing through the air intake can be used to generate electricity, and the introduced air can cool the fuel cell.

[0015] In a human-powered vehicle of an eleventh aspect according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the air intake is provided in a portion of the vehicle body facing forward of the human-powered vehicle. According to the human-powered vehicle of the eleventh aspect, air can be efficiently introduced into the storage section.

[0016] The human-powered vehicle of a twelfth aspect according to the tenth or eleventh aspect of the present disclosure further includes an air cleaning filter disposed between the air intake and the storage section. According to the human-powered vehicle of the twelfth aspect, foreign matter is prevented from entering the housing, thereby preventing contamination of the fuel cell and performance problems resulting from contamination.

[0017] In a human-powered vehicle of a thirteenth aspect according to any one of the tenth to twelfth aspects of the present disclosure, the vehicle body further includes an exhaust port configured to allow air to be discharged from the storage section to the outside of the vehicle body. According to the human-powered vehicle of the thirteenth aspect, air can flow smoothly from the intake port through the accommodation section to the exhaust port, thereby efficiently supplying oxygen to the fuel cell and cooling the fuel cell.

[0018] In the human-powered vehicle of a fourteenth aspect according to the thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the exhaust port is provided in a portion of the vehicle body facing rearward of the human-powered vehicle. According to the human-powered vehicle of the fourteenth aspect, the air inside the storage section can be smoothly discharged from the exhaust port.

[0019] The human-powered vehicle of a fifteenth aspect according to any one of the tenth to fourteenth aspects of the present disclosure further includes an adjusting unit configured to adjust the flow rate of air introduced into the storage unit from the air intake port. According to the human-powered vehicle of the fifteenth aspect, the flow rate of air introduced into the housing can be adjusted according to the operating state of the fuel cell.

[0020] In the human-powered vehicle of the sixteenth aspect according to the fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the adjustment unit is configured to adjust the flow rate of air introduced into the accommodation unit in accordance with the amount of power generated by the fuel cell. According to the human-powered vehicle of the sixteenth aspect, the flow rate of air introduced into the housing can be appropriately adjusted according to the amount of power generated by the fuel cell.

[0021] In the human-powered vehicle of a seventeenth aspect according to the fifteenth or sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the adjustment unit includes at least one of an electric fan, a movable louver, and a movable shutter. According to the human-powered vehicle of the seventeenth aspect, the flow rate of air introduced into the storage section can be appropriately adjusted by at least one of the electric fan, the movable louver, and the movable shutter.

[0022] The human-powered vehicle of an eighteenth aspect according to any one of the tenth to fourteenth aspects of the present disclosure further includes a louver provided at the air intake. According to the human-powered vehicle of the eighteenth aspect, the louvers allow air to be smoothly introduced from the intake port into the storage section.

[0023] The human-powered vehicle of a nineteenth aspect according to the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure further comprises a louver provided in at least one of the intake port and the exhaust port. According to the human-powered vehicle of the nineteenth aspect, the louver allows air to be smoothly introduced into the storage section from the intake port, or allows air in the storage section to be smoothly discharged from the exhaust port.

[0024] In a human-powered vehicle of a twentieth aspect according to the eighteenth or nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the louvers are arranged so as to face obliquely upward toward the front of the vehicle body. According to the human-powered vehicle of the twentieth aspect, the louvers can prevent foreign matter such as mud from entering the storage section through at least one of the intake port and the exhaust port.

[0025] The human-powered vehicle of a twenty-first aspect according to any one of the tenth to fourteenth aspects of the present disclosure further includes an electric fan disposed near the intake port. According to the human-powered vehicle of the twenty-first aspect, the flow rate of air introduced into the accommodation section from the intake port can be adjusted by the electric fan.

[0026] The human-powered vehicle of the twenty-second aspect according to the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure further includes an electric fan disposed near at least one of the intake port and the exhaust port. According to the human-powered vehicle of the twenty-second aspect, the flow rate of air flowing inside the storage section can be adjusted by the electric fan.

[0027] In a human-powered vehicle of a 23rd aspect according to any one of the 10th to 22nd aspects of the present disclosure, the fuel cell includes a main body having a power generation unit and a power storage unit, and a fuel storage unit configured to be detachable from the main body, and the vehicle body further includes an openable / closable access opening that allows the fuel storage unit to be inserted into and removed from the storage unit. According to the human-powered vehicle of the twenty-third aspect, when the fuel in the fuel storage unit runs out, the fuel storage unit can be removed from the main body through the access port and replaced with a new fuel storage unit.

[0028] A human-powered vehicle according to a 24th aspect of the present disclosure comprises a fuel cell, the fuel cell including a main body having a power generation unit and a power storage unit, and a fuel storage unit configured to be attachable and detachable to the main body, the fuel storage unit, the power generation unit, and the power storage unit being arranged in a line, the human-powered vehicle comprising a storage unit configured to store the fuel cell, and an openable and closable access opening that allows the fuel storage unit to be inserted and removed from the storage unit. According to the human-powered vehicle of the 24th aspect, the fuel cell is housed in a housing of the human-powered vehicle, improving the appearance of the human-powered vehicle. According to the human-powered vehicle of the 24th aspect, when the fuel in the fuel storage unit runs out, the fuel storage unit can be removed from the main body through the access opening and replaced with a new fuel storage unit.

[0029] In a human-powered vehicle of aspect 25 according to aspect 23 or aspect 24 of the present disclosure, the storage section includes a holding mechanism configured to be selectively switched between a holding state that holds the fuel storage section and a release state that releases the holding state. According to the human-powered vehicle of the twenty-fifth aspect, the fuel storage unit is suitably held within the storage unit when the holding mechanism is in the held state, and can be easily removed from the storage unit when the holding mechanism is in the released state.

[0030] A human-powered vehicle according to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present disclosure is configured to selectively use a fuel cell or a secondary battery, the human-powered vehicle having a storage section configured to selectively store the fuel cell or the secondary battery, and the fuel cell and the secondary battery each having a connecting section having substantially the same shape. According to the human-powered vehicle of the 26th aspect, the fuel cell is housed within a housing of the human-powered vehicle, improving the appearance of the human-powered vehicle. According to the human-powered vehicle of the 26th aspect, if the human-powered vehicle is provided with a connection receiving portion that corresponds to the connection portion of either the fuel cell or the secondary battery, either the fuel cell or the secondary battery can be selected and used without changing the connection receiving portion.

[0031] In the human-powered vehicle of the twenty-seventh aspect according to the twenty-sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the fuel cell and the secondary battery have substantially the same dimensions. According to the human-powered vehicle of the twenty-seventh aspect, both the fuel cell and the secondary battery can be housed in the same housing section without changing the size of the housing section.

[0032] In the human-powered vehicle of a twenty-eighth aspect according to the twenty-sixth or twenty-seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the fuel cell and the secondary battery are configured to have substantially the same electrical characteristics. According to the human-powered vehicle of the twenty-eighth aspect, it is possible to use the power supplied from the fuel cell and the secondary battery without making electrical adjustments according to the type of battery accommodated.

[0033] In a human-powered vehicle of a 29th aspect according to any one of the 26th to 28th aspects of the present disclosure, the fuel cell and the secondary battery include a communication unit configured to communicate using the same communication method. According to the human-powered vehicle of the twenty-ninth aspect, communication with the fuel cell and the secondary battery can be performed without changing the communication method according to the type of battery accommodated. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] The fuel cell for a human-powered vehicle and the human-powered vehicle of the present disclosure can contribute to improving the appearance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of a human-powered vehicle including a fuel cell according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] Cross-section of the down tube of the human-powered vehicle in Figure 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the down tube of FIG. 2 with the louvers closed. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an end of the fuel cell of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in Figure 2. [Figure 6]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a down tube of a first modified example having shutters instead of louvers. [Figure 7] A cross-sectional view of a down tube of a second modified example equipped with an electric fan. [Figure 8] A cross-sectional view of a third modified down tube equipped with an electric fan. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a down tube that houses a fuel cell according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a down tube that houses a fuel cell according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] First Embodiment A fuel cell for a human-powered vehicle and a human-powered vehicle according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. The human-powered vehicle 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a vehicle that has at least one wheel and can be driven at least by human driving force. Examples of the human-powered vehicle 10 include various types of bicycles, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, hand bikes, and recumbent bikes. The number of wheels that the human-powered vehicle 10 has is not limited. Examples of the human-powered vehicle 10 include one-wheeled vehicles and vehicles with two or more wheels. The human-powered vehicle 10 is not limited to vehicles that can be driven solely by human driving force. The human-powered vehicle 10 also includes e-bikes that use not only human driving force but also the driving force of an electric motor for propulsion. E-bikes include electrically assisted bicycles whose propulsion is assisted by an electric motor. In the following embodiments, the human-powered vehicle 10 will be described as an electrically assisted bicycle.

[0037] In this specification, the following directional terms, "front," "rear," "forward," "backward," "left," "right," "sideways," "upward," and "downward," as well as any other similar directional terms, refer to those directions determined with reference to a rider facing the handlebars in a reference position on the human-powered vehicle 10 (e.g., on a saddle or seat).

[0038] 1, the human-powered vehicle 10 includes a front wheel 12, a rear wheel 14, a handlebar 16, and a drive mechanism 18. The drive mechanism 18 includes a crank 20, a pair of pedals 22, and a chain 24. The crank 20 includes a crankshaft 20A and a crank arm 20B. The human-powered vehicle 10 runs when human driving force applied to the pedals 22 is transmitted to the rear wheel 14 via the crank 20 and the chain 24.

[0039] The human-powered vehicle 10 includes at least one of a head tube 26, a top tube 28, a down tube 30, a seat tube 32, seat stays 34, a chain stay 36, a stem 38, a front fork 40, a mudguard 42, a carrier 44, a saddle 46, and a seat post 48. The human-powered vehicle 10 includes a vehicle body 50.

[0040] The vehicle body 50 has at least one of a top tube 28, a down tube 30, and a seat tube 32, at least one of a seat stay 34 and a chain stay 36, a head tube 26, and a front fork 40. A stem 38 is connected to the upper end of the head tube 26, and a front fork 40 is connected to the lower end of the head tube 26. Handlebars 16 are connected to the stem 38. The front fork 40 rotatably supports the front wheel 12. The top tube 28 connects the head tube 26 to the upper end of the seat tube 32. The down tube 30 connects the head tube 26 to the lower end of the seat tube 32. A seat post 48 is inserted inside the seat tube 32. The seat post 48 supports a saddle 46 at its upper end. The seat stay 34 connects the upper end of the seat tube 32 to the rear wheel 14. The chain stay 36 connects the lower end of the seat tube 32 to the rear wheel 14.

[0041] The mudguard 42 prevents mud and the like kicked up by the front wheel 12 and the rear wheel 14 from hitting the rider or the vehicle body 50. The carrier 44 is used to carry luggage. The saddle 46 is configured so that the rider can sit on it.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 , the human-powered vehicle 10 includes a fuel cell 60. The fuel cell 60 includes a fuel storage unit 62, a power generation unit 64 connected to the fuel storage unit 62, and a power storage unit 66 connected to the power generation unit 64. The fuel storage unit 62 is, for example, a cylinder that compresses and stores fuel such as hydrogen. The fuel storage unit 62 and the power generation unit 64 are connected to each other so that fuel can be supplied from the fuel storage unit 62 to the power generation unit 64. The power generation unit 64 generates power by reacting the fuel supplied from the fuel storage unit 62 with oxygen in the air. The power generation unit 64 and the power storage unit 66 are connected to each other so that power can be sent from the power generation unit 64 to the power storage unit 66. The power generated by the power generation unit 64 is sent to the power storage unit 66 and stored in the power storage unit 66. The power storage unit 66 is, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery.

[0043] For example, the power generation unit 64 includes a stack. The stack is formed by stacking a plurality of cells. The plurality of cells are electrically connected in series to one another. For example, each cell includes a sheet-shaped membrane electrode gas-diffusion assembly (MEGA), a resin plate joined to the peripheral portion of the membrane electrode gas-diffusion assembly, and a pair of conductive plate-shaped separators. The separators sandwich the membrane electrode gas-diffusion assembly and the resin plate in the thickness direction. The type and material of the stack can be changed as appropriate. The shape and number of the stack and the stacking direction of the cells can be changed as appropriate depending on the external shape of the power generation unit 64.

[0044] The power generation unit 64 may include a compressor that supplies oxygen-containing air to the stack. Electrical energy is generated by a chemical reaction between hydrogen supplied from the fuel storage unit 62 and oxygen supplied from the compressor within the stack. The compressor may be configured to be driven by the electrical energy generated by the power generation unit 64. For example, the power generation unit 64 may be configured such that the compressor is located further forward of the stack in the human-powered vehicle 10. A solenoid valve for adjusting the amount of hydrogen supplied may be provided in the fuel supply path from the fuel storage unit 62 to the stack. The power generation unit 64 may also include a cooling unit that cools the stack. For example, the cooling unit may include a flow path for circulating a refrigerant or water. The power generation unit 64 may also be provided with an exhaust path for discharging exhaust gas from the stack. For example, the stack is electrically connected to the power storage unit 66 via a DC / DC converter. The DC / DC converter may be provided in the power generation unit 64 or the power storage unit 66. The DC power generated by the stack is stepped down to a predetermined voltage by the DC / DC converter and then supplied to the power storage unit 66.

[0045] The fuel storage unit 62, the power generation unit 64, and the power storage unit 66 are arranged in a line. For example, the fuel storage unit 62, the power generation unit 64, and the power storage unit 66 are arranged in this order. The fuel storage unit 62, the power generation unit 64, and the power storage unit 66 are collectively shaped like a cylinder. Adjacent fuel storage units 62, the power generation unit 64, and the power storage unit 66 are joined together to form a single unit. In other words, the fuel cell 60 is formed as a fuel cell unit. The cross-sectional shape of the fuel cell 60 may be a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon. The cross-sectional shape of the fuel cell 60 may be a cut-out shape of a circle or an ellipse, as shown in FIG. 5, for example. Preferably, the diameter or maximum width of the fuel cell 60 is 100 mm or less.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1 , the human-powered vehicle 10 has a storage compartment 80 configured to store the fuel cell 60. The storage compartment 80 is provided in at least one of the head tube 26, the top tube 28, the down tube 30, the seat tube 32, the seat stays 34, the chain stays 36, and the seat post 48. The storage compartment 80 may be formed in the interior space of the human-powered vehicle 10. In this embodiment, the storage compartment 80 is provided in the down tube 30. The storage compartment 80 includes a holding mechanism 82 configured to be selectively switched between a holding state that holds the fuel cell 60 and a release state that releases the holding state. The holding mechanism 82 includes, for example, a first holder 82A and a second holder 82B that are disposed at both ends of the storage compartment 80 in the longitudinal direction of the down tube 30. The fuel cell 60 stored in the storage compartment 80 is stably held within the down tube 30 by the first holder 82A and the second holder 82B. At least one of the first holder 82A and the second holder 82B is movable in the longitudinal direction of the down tube 30. When at least one of the first holder 82A and the second holder 82B moves in a direction away from the fuel cell 60, the fuel cell 60 is released from its held state. The first holder 82A and the second holder 82B are an example of the holding mechanism 82, and any configuration can be adopted for the holding mechanism 82.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 1 , for example, the human-powered vehicle 10 further includes a drive unit 52 configured to be driven by electric power supplied from a fuel cell 60. The drive unit 52 includes a drive source such as an electric motor. Electric power stored in a power storage unit 66 is supplied to the drive unit 52. The drive unit 52 generates driving force using the electric power supplied from the power storage unit 66 and outputs the driving force to the crankshaft 20A. The driving force output to the crankshaft 20A is transmitted to the rear wheels 14 via a chain 24. For example, the fuel cell 60 is configured such that, when the fuel cell 60 is housed in the housing unit 80, the power storage unit 66 is located closer to the drive unit 52 than the fuel storage unit 62 and the power generation unit 64.

[0048] In this embodiment, the human-powered vehicle 10 is configured to selectively use either a fuel cell 60 or a secondary battery. The human-powered vehicle 10 includes a vehicle body 50 having a housing 80 configured to selectively house either the fuel cell 60 or the secondary battery. The fuel cell 60 and the secondary battery each include a connection portion 68 having substantially the same shape. The fuel cell 60 and the secondary battery have substantially the same dimensions. Note that the secondary battery referred to here differs from the secondary battery that can form the power storage unit 66 and can replace the fuel cell 60 itself. In other words, the human-powered vehicle 10 ensures compatibility between the fuel cell 60 and existing secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries. This increases the options for backup power sources.

[0049] FIG. 4 shows a connection portion 68 provided at an end of the fuel cell 60 in this embodiment. The connection portion 68 is coupled to the power storage unit 66. A connection portion similar to the connection portion 68 shown in FIG. 4 is provided at the end of the secondary battery. That is, the connection portion 68 of the fuel cell 60 has substantially the same shape and dimensions as the connection portion of an existing secondary battery. The existing secondary battery may be any of various secondary batteries commonly distributed and used as secondary batteries for human-powered vehicles. The connection portion 68 includes a terminal 68A for electrical connection and an engaging portion 68B for mechanical connection. The first holder 82A has a connection receptacle that is detachably connected to the connection portion 68. The connection receptacle of the first holder 82A includes a connector that connects with the terminal 68A and a protrusion that engages with the engaging portion 68B. The connection receptacle of the first holder 82A can be mechanically and electrically connected to either the connection portion 68 of the fuel cell 60 or the connection portion of the secondary battery.

[0050] For example, the fuel cell 60 and the secondary battery are configured to have substantially the same electrical characteristics. For example, the fuel cell 60 is configured to have the same rated voltage as an existing secondary battery. For example, the fuel cell 60 and the secondary battery include a communication unit 70 configured to communicate using the same communication method. As shown in FIG. 2 and other figures, the fuel cell 60 includes the communication unit 70. For example, the communication unit 70 of the fuel cell 60 is configured to communicate using the same communication method as an existing secondary battery. For example, the communication unit 70, like an existing secondary battery, can communicate with the drive unit 52 and at least one of the other components of the human-powered vehicle 10 using a communication method such as power line communication (PLC), a controller area network (CAN), or a universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART). Like an existing secondary battery, the communication unit 70 can transmit authentication information such as model number and information such as remaining fuel amount to components such as the drive unit 52.

[0051] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 5, the vehicle body 50 is provided with an openable / closable access opening 84 that allows the fuel cell 60 and the secondary battery to be inserted into and removed from the storage section 80. In this embodiment, the access opening 84 is provided in the down tube 30. The access opening 84 has a length in the longitudinal direction of the down tube 30 that is equal to or greater than the length of the fuel cell 60. The access opening 84 can be opened and closed by an openable cover 86. By opening the openable cover 86, the fuel cell 60 or the secondary battery can be removed from the storage section 80, or the fuel cell 60 or the secondary battery can be inserted into the storage section 80.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , for example, the vehicle body 50 includes an air intake port 88 configured to allow air to be introduced into the housing 80 from outside the vehicle body 50. The air intake port 88 is provided in a portion of the vehicle body 50 facing forward of the human-powered vehicle 10. In this embodiment, the air intake port 88 is provided in a portion of the down tube 30 facing forward and diagonally downward of the human-powered vehicle 10. The air intake port 88 is, for example, a long hole extending in the longitudinal direction of the down tube 30. The air intake port 88 may also be a plurality of short holes arranged intermittently in the longitudinal direction of the down tube 30. The air intake port 88 may be provided in the longitudinal direction of the down tube 30 so as to correspond substantially to the entire fuel cell 60, or may be provided so as to correspond to only a portion of the fuel cell 60. The air intake port 88 may also be provided in the longitudinal direction of the down tube 30 so as to correspond to at least a portion of the fuel cell 60 that generates a relatively large amount of heat. For example, the air intake 88 may be provided in the longitudinal direction of the down tube 30 so as to correspond to at least the power generation unit 64 out of the power generation unit 64 and the power storage unit 66 .

[0053] A portion of the air introduced into the housing 80 through the air intake 88 is supplied to the power generation unit 64, and oxygen in the air is used for power generation. The air introduced into the housing 80 is also used to cool the fuel cell 60, particularly the power generation unit 64 and the power storage unit 66. For example, the human-powered vehicle 10 further includes an air purification filter 92 disposed between the air intake 88 and the housing 80. The filter 92 purifies the air introduced into the housing 80 from outside the vehicle body 50. The filter 92 may be attached to the inner surface of the vehicle body 50 that forms the air intake 88. In this embodiment, the filter 92 is attached to a portion of the inner surface of the down tube 30 surrounding the air intake 88. The filter 92 may be attached to the fuel cell 60 so as to surround all or part of the circumferential surface of the fuel cell 60. The filter 92 may also be attached to the fuel cell 60 so as to surround only the power generation unit 64 of the fuel cell 60.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , for example, the vehicle body 50 further includes an exhaust port 90 configured to allow air to be discharged from the accommodation section 80 to the outside of the vehicle body 50. The exhaust port 90 is provided in a portion of the vehicle body 50 facing rearward of the human-powered vehicle 10. In this embodiment, the exhaust port 90 is provided in a portion of the down tube 30 facing rearward and diagonally upward of the human-powered vehicle 10. The exhaust port 90 may also be provided in the openable cover 86. The exhaust port 90 is, for example, an elongated hole extending in the longitudinal direction of the down tube 30. The exhaust port 90 may be provided in the longitudinal direction of the down tube 30 so as to substantially correspond to the entire fuel cell 60, or may be provided so as to correspond to only a portion of the fuel cell 60. The exhaust port 90 may also be provided in the longitudinal direction of the down tube 30 so as to correspond to at least a portion of the fuel cell 60 that includes one end of the fuel cell 60. The exhaust port 90 may be provided in the longitudinal direction of the down tube 30 so as to correspond to at least a portion including the lower end of the fuel cell 60. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the exhaust port 90 is provided in the longitudinal direction of the down tube 30 so as to correspond to the power generation unit 64 and the power storage unit 66. The exhaust port 90 may also be provided in the longitudinal direction of the down tube 30 so as to correspond to only the power storage unit 66. The air introduced into the housing 80 from the intake port 88 is used to supply oxygen to the power generation unit 64 and to cool the power generation unit 64, etc., and is then discharged from the exhaust port 90.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , for example, the human-powered vehicle 10 further includes louvers 94 provided in at least one of the intake port 88 and the exhaust port 90. Preferably, the human-powered vehicle 10 further includes louvers 94 provided in the intake port 88. In this embodiment, louvers 94 are provided in each of the intake port 88 and the exhaust port 90. The louvers 94 are arranged so as to face obliquely upward toward the front of the vehicle body 50. Each louver 94 has a plurality of blades 94A arranged in a line in the longitudinal direction of the down tube 30. Each blade 94A has a base end supported by the down tube 30. The blade 94A of the louver 94 provided in the exhaust port 90 may have a base end supported by the openable cover 86. As shown in FIG. 2 , the blade 94A of the louver 94 provided in the intake port 88 extends obliquely upward from the base end toward the front of the vehicle body 50. A blade 94A of a louver 94 provided at the exhaust port 90 extends obliquely downward from a base end toward the rear of the vehicle body 50.

[0056] The blades 94A of the louvers 94 are rotatable between an open position shown in FIG. 2 and a closed position shown in FIG. 3 . That is, the louvers 94 are movable louvers. The blades 94A open the intake port 88 or the exhaust port 90 in the open position and close the intake port 88 or the exhaust port 90 in the closed position. The blades 94A can be positioned at any open position between the maximum open position and the closed position. The opening amount of the intake port 88 or the exhaust port 90 is adjusted by changing the open position of the blades 94A. The blades 94A may be configured to be rotated manually or electrically. In the louvers 94 provided at each of the intake port 88 and the exhaust port 90, all the blades 94A may be configured to rotate in unison, or each blade 94A may be configured to rotate independently. The blades 94A may be fixed at a fixed open position. That is, the louvers 94 may be fixed louvers. The louvers 94 may be a combination of movable and fixed louvers. The movable louvers 94, which can rotate between an open position and a closed position, can also be considered as movable shutters that can close the intake port 88 or the exhaust port 90.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 6 , the human-powered vehicle 10 may be provided with a movable shutter 96 that can slide between an open position and a closed position, instead of or in addition to the movable louver 94. The movable shutter 96 can be moved, for example, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the down tube 30. The movable shutter 96 may be configured to slide manually or electrically. While FIG. 6 shows the movable shutter 96 that opens and closes the intake port 88, a movable shutter that opens and closes the exhaust port 90 may also be provided. The movable shutter 96 can also be positioned at any open position between the maximum open position and the closed position. By changing the open position of the movable shutter 96, the amount of opening of the intake port 88 or the exhaust port 90 can be adjusted. The movable or fixed louver 94 may be provided at one of the intake port 88 and the exhaust port 90, and the movable shutter 96 may be provided at the other of the intake port 88 and the exhaust port 90.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , for example, the human-powered vehicle 10 may further include an electric fan 98 arranged near at least one of the air intake port 88 and the exhaust port 90. Preferably, the human-powered vehicle 10 further includes an electric fan 98 arranged near the air intake port 88. In this embodiment, the electric fans 98 are arranged near the air intake port 88 and near the exhaust port 90. The electric fans 98 are used to adjust the flow rate of air passing through the housing section 80. The electric fan 98 arranged near the air intake port 88 promotes the introduction of air from the air intake port 88 into the housing section 80 and promotes the flow of air through the housing section 80 toward the exhaust port 90. The electric fan 98 arranged near the exhaust port 90 promotes the flow of air through the housing section 80 toward the exhaust port 90 and promotes the exhaust of air from the exhaust port 90 to the outside of the human-powered vehicle 10. The electric fan 98 disposed near the intake port 88 may be disposed above the housing 80 inside the down tube 30 as shown in Fig. 7, or may be attached to the intake port 88 as shown in Fig. 8. The electric fan 98 disposed near the exhaust port 90 may be attached to the exhaust port 90.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 2 , 3 , and 5 to 8 , for example, the human-powered vehicle 10 further includes an adjustment unit 100 configured to adjust the flow rate of air introduced into the accommodation unit 80 from the air intake port 88. For example, the adjustment unit 100 is configured to adjust the flow rate of air introduced into the accommodation unit 80 in accordance with the amount of power generated by the fuel cell 60. For example, the adjustment unit 100 includes at least one of an electric fan 98, a movable louver 94, and a movable shutter 96. When at least one of the electric fan 98, the movable louver 94, and the movable shutter 96 is included in the adjustment unit 100, each of the electric fan 98, the movable louver 94, and the movable shutter 96 includes an electric actuator such as an electric motor or an electromagnetic solenoid for adjusting the air flow rate. Power is supplied to the electric actuator from the power generation unit 64 or the power storage unit 66.

[0060] The adjustment unit 100 further includes a control circuit 102. When the adjustment unit 100 includes the movable louvers 94, the control circuit 102 monitors the amount of power generated by the fuel cell 60 and controls the movable louvers 94 in accordance with the amount of power generated. For example, when the amount of power generated by the fuel cell 60 is large, the amount of oxygen consumed in the power generation unit 64 increases, and the temperature of the power generation unit 64 and other components also rises. Therefore, the control circuit 102 increases the opening degree of the movable louvers 94 to increase the flow rate of air introduced into the accommodating unit 80. Instead of changing the opening degree of the movable louvers 94, the control circuit 102 may move the movable louvers 94 to one of two positions, an open position or a closed position, in accordance with the amount of power generated by the fuel cell 60. The control circuit 102 may control the louvers 94 provided in the intake port 88 and the louvers 94 provided in the exhaust port 90 individually or uniformly. A sensor for detecting the temperature of the fuel cell 60 may be provided in the accommodating unit 80. The control circuit 102 may control the movable louvers 94 in response to at least one of the amount of power generation and the temperature of the fuel cell 60 .

[0061] When the adjustment unit 100 includes the movable shutter 96, the control circuit 102 controls the movable shutter 96 in accordance with at least one of the amount of power generation and the temperature of the fuel cell 60. The method of controlling the movable shutter 96 may be the same as the method of controlling the movable louver 94 described above.

[0062] When the adjustment unit 100 includes the electric fan 98, the control circuit 102 controls the electric fan 98 in accordance with at least one of the power generation amount and the temperature of the fuel cell 60. For example, the control circuit 102 may switch the electric fan 98 between an operating state and a stopped state, or may control the rotation speed of the electric fan 98, in accordance with at least one of the power generation amount and the temperature of the fuel cell 60. When multiple electric fans 98 are provided, the multiple electric fans 98 may be controlled individually or uniformly.

[0063] Second Embodiment The second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 9 , in this embodiment, the fuel cell 60 includes a main body 72 having a power generation unit 64 and a power storage unit 66, and a fuel storage unit 62 configured to be detachable from the main body 72. For example, the accommodation unit 80 includes a holding mechanism 112 configured to be selectively switched between a holding state that holds the fuel storage unit 62 and a release state that releases the holding state. The fuel storage unit 62 is, for example, a cartridge-type fuel tank. The holding mechanism 112 includes, for example, a first holder 112A and a second holder 112B disposed at both ends of the accommodation unit 80 in the longitudinal direction of the down tube 30. The first holder 112A is a fixed holder having a connection receiving portion that connects to the connection portion 68 of the fuel cell 60. The second holder 112B is a movable holder that is movable in the longitudinal direction of the down tube 30.

[0065] When the holding mechanism 112 is in the holding state, the second holder 112B is positioned in contact with the fuel storage unit 62. This maintains the fuel storage unit 62 in a connected state to the main body 72. When the holding mechanism 112 is in the released state, the second holder 112B is positioned away from the fuel storage unit 62. This allows the fuel storage unit 62 to be removed from the main body 72. The holding mechanism 112 may include any locking mechanism for locking the fuel storage unit 62 in the held state. The main body 72 may have any fixing mechanism for firmly fixing the fuel storage unit 62 to the main body 72.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 9, holding mechanism 112 may be configured to hold fuel storage units 62 of different sizes. For example, as shown by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 9, when a fuel storage unit 62 having a relatively small length is used, second holder 112B is positioned closer to first holder 112A than when a fuel storage unit 62 having a relatively large length is used.

[0067] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the human-powered vehicle 10 is provided with an openable / closable access opening 84 that allows the fuel storage unit 62 to be taken in and out of the storage unit 80. For example, the vehicle body 50 further includes an openable / closable access opening 84 that allows the fuel storage unit 62 to be taken in and out of the storage unit 80. In this embodiment, the access opening 84 is provided in the down tube 30. The access opening 84 has a length in the longitudinal direction of the down tube 30 that is equal to or greater than the length of the fuel storage unit 62. The access opening 84 can be opened and closed by an openable cover 86. By opening the openable cover 86, the fuel storage unit 62 can be removed from the storage unit 80 or placed in the storage unit 80.

[0068] Third Embodiment The third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 10 , in this embodiment, the fuel cell 60 further includes a housing 120 that houses the fuel storage unit 62, the power generation unit 64, and the power storage unit 66. The housing 120 has an air intake hole 122 configured to allow air to be introduced into the power generation unit 64 from outside the housing 120. For example, an air purification filter 124 is disposed in the air intake hole 122. For example, the power generation unit 64 and the power storage unit 66 form a main body 72. The fuel storage unit 62 is configured to be detachable from the main body 72. For example, the housing 120 includes a holding mechanism 126 configured to be selectively switched between a holding state that holds the fuel storage unit 62 and an open state that releases the holding state.

[0070] The housing 120 is accommodated inside the vehicle body 50 and fixed to the vehicle body 50 by any fixing mechanism. The housing 120 may be removably attached to the vehicle body 50. The housing 120 includes, for example, a cylindrical portion 128 that accommodates the main body 72 and a semi-cylindrical portion 130 that accommodates the fuel storage unit 62. An air intake hole 122 and a filter 124 are provided in the portion of the cylindrical portion 128 that accommodates the power generation unit 64. The filter 124 is disposed around the power generation unit 64. The air intake hole 122 may also be provided in the portion of the cylindrical portion 128 that accommodates the power storage unit 66. The cylindrical portion 128 has a connection portion that enables electrical connection for power supply, etc. The semi-cylindrical portion 130 is configured to allow the fuel storage unit 62 to be inserted into and removed from the housing 120.

[0071] The holding mechanism 126 includes, for example, a first holder 126A disposed within the cylindrical portion 128 and a second holder 126B disposed within the semi-cylindrical portion 130. The first holder 126A is a fixed holder coupled to the main body portion 72. The second holder 126B is a movable holder that is movable in the longitudinal direction of the semi-cylindrical portion 130. In the holding state of the holding mechanism 126, the second holder 126B is disposed in a position that contacts the fuel storage unit 62. This maintains the fuel storage unit 62 connected to the main body portion 72 via the first holder 126A. In the released state of the holding mechanism 126, the second holder 126B is disposed in a position away from the fuel storage unit 62. This allows the fuel storage unit 62 to be removed from the main body portion 72.

[0072] The holding mechanism 126 may be configured to be able to hold different sizes of fuel reservoirs 62. By changing the position of the second holder 126B relative to the first holder 126A, fuel reservoirs 62 of different lengths can be held.

[0073] As in the second embodiment, the access opening 84 has a length in the longitudinal direction of the down tube 30 that is equal to or greater than the length of the fuel storage section 62. Air introduced into the accommodation unit 80 from the intake port 88 passes through the intake holes 122 and is supplied to the power generation unit 64 inside the housing 120. The air used to supply oxygen to the power generation unit 64 and to cool the power generation unit 64 and other components is exhausted from the exhaust port 90.

[0074] <Modification> The descriptions of each embodiment are intended to exemplify possible forms of a fuel cell for a human-powered vehicle and a human-powered vehicle according to the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the forms. A fuel cell for a human-powered vehicle and a human-powered vehicle according to the present disclosure can take the form of, for example, a modified version of each of the embodiments shown below, or a combination of at least two mutually consistent modified versions. In the following modified versions, parts that are common to the embodiments are given the same reference numerals as in the embodiments, and their description will be omitted.

[0075] The air intake port 88 and the air exhaust port 90 do not have to be provided with the louvers 94 and the movable shutters 96. In this case, the air intake port 88 and the air exhaust port 90 may have, for example, mesh-like holes, slit-like holes, or honeycomb-like holes.

[0076] The arrangement order of the fuel storage unit 62, the power generation unit 64, and the power storage unit 66 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the power storage unit 66 may be disposed between the fuel storage unit 62 and the power generation unit 64, or the fuel storage unit 62 may be disposed between the power generation unit 64 and the power storage unit 66.

[0077] The fuel cell 60 may further include a pipe that supplies fuel from the fuel storage unit 62 to the power generation unit 64. The power generation unit 64 may be configured to be cooled by the fuel flowing through the pipe. The pipe may be provided with fins for heat dissipation.

[0078] The phrase "at least one" as used herein means "one or more" of the desired options. As an example, the phrase "at least one" as used herein means "only one option" or "both of two options" when the number of options is two. As another example, the phrase "at least one" as used herein means "only one option" or "any combination of two or more options" when the number of options is three or more. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 10...human-powered vehicle, 26...head tube, 28...top tube, 30...down tube, 32...seat tube, 34...seat stay, 36...chain stay, 38...stem, 40...front fork, 42...mudguard, 44...carrier, 46...saddle, 48...seat post, 50...body, 52...drive unit, 60...fuel cell, 62...fuel storage section, 64...power generation section, 66...power storage section, 68...connection section, 70...communication section, 72...main body, 80...storage section, 82, 112, 126...holding mechanism, 84...access opening, 88...air intake, 90...exhaust port, 94...louver, 96...movable shutter, 98...electric fan, 100...adjustment section, 120...housing, 122...air intake hole.

Claims

1. A fuel cell for a human-powered vehicle, the human-powered vehicle has a housing configured to house the fuel cell; a fuel storage unit, a power generation unit connected to the fuel storage unit, and a power storage unit connected to the power generation unit, the fuel storage unit, the power generation unit, and the power storage unit are arranged in a line, The power storage unit is a secondary battery that stores the power supplied from the power generation unit.

2. further including a housing that accommodates the fuel storage unit, the power generation unit, and the power storage unit; 2. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the housing has an air intake configured to allow air to be introduced into the power generation section from outside the housing.

3. 3. The fuel cell according to claim 2, wherein a filter for cleaning air is disposed in the air intake hole.

4. the power generation unit and the power storage unit constitute a main body, The fuel storage unit is configured to be detachable from the main body unit.

4. The fuel cell according to claim 1.

5. further including a housing that accommodates the fuel storage unit, the power generation unit, and the power storage unit; the power generation unit and the power storage unit constitute a main body, the fuel storage unit is configured to be detachable from the main body unit, The fuel cell according to claim 1 , wherein the housing includes a holding mechanism configured to be selectively switched between a holding state that holds the fuel storage portion and a release state that releases the holding state.

6. A fuel cell for a human-powered vehicle, the human-powered vehicle has a housing configured to house the fuel cell; a fuel storage unit, a power generation unit connected to the fuel storage unit, a power storage unit connected to the power generation unit, and a housing that accommodates the fuel storage unit, the power generation unit, and the power storage unit, the fuel storage unit, the power generation unit, and the power storage unit are arranged in a line, the power generation unit and the power storage unit constitute a main body, the fuel storage unit is configured to be detachable from the main body unit, The fuel cell, wherein the housing includes a holding mechanism configured to be selectively switched between a holding state that holds the fuel storage unit and a release state that releases the holding state.

7. the human-powered vehicle further includes a drive unit configured to be driven by electric power supplied from the fuel cell; 7. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the fuel cell is configured such that, when the fuel cell is housed in the housing, the power storage unit is positioned closer to the drive unit than the fuel storage unit and the power generation unit.

8. 8. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the fuel storage unit, the power generation unit, and the power storage unit are arranged in this order.

9. the human-powered vehicle includes at least one of a head tube, a top tube, a down tube, a seat tube, a seat stay, a chain stay, a stem, a front fork, a mudguard, a carrier, a saddle, and a seat post; 9. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the storage portion is provided in at least one of the head tube, the top tube, the down tube, the seat tube, the seat stays, the chain stays, and the seat post.

10. 10. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the fuel storage unit, the power generation unit, and the power storage unit are shaped like a column as a whole.

11. A human-powered vehicle equipped with a fuel cell, The fuel cell is a main body having a power generation unit and a power storage unit; a fuel storage unit configured to be detachable from the main body unit, the fuel storage unit, the power generation unit, and the power storage unit are arranged in a line, the power storage unit is a secondary battery that stores the power supplied from the power generation unit, a housing configured to house the fuel cell; a closable access opening that allows the fuel storage unit to be inserted into and removed from the accommodation unit.

12. The human-powered vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the accommodation unit includes a holding mechanism configured to be selectively switched between a holding state in which the fuel storage unit is held and a release state in which the holding state is released.

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