Electrochemical apparatus, sensors, and sensor systems

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] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electrochemical device, a sensor, and a sensor system.

Background Art

[0002] For example, there are sensors that sense oxygen or hydrogen. In such sensors, generally, the sensing function deteriorates when the sensor is exposed to vapors, gases, etc. in the installed atmosphere.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an electrochemical device, a sensor, and a sensor system that suppress a decrease in the sensing function.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to an embodiment, there is provided an electrochemical device including a housing, a first electrochemical element present inside the housing, and a porous structure that occupies at least a part of the inside of the housing.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1] A schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an electrochemical device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] A schematic cross-sectional view illustrating another example of the electrochemical device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] A schematic cross-sectional view illustrating still another example of the electrochemical device according to an embodiment. [[ID=5,7]] [Figure 4]A schematic diagram illustrating the operation of an electrochemical apparatus. [Figure 5] A schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a sensor according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] A schematic plan view and a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a substrate included in the sensor according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] A schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a first film that may be included in the sensor according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] A schematic cross-sectional view illustrating another example of the sensor according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components that perform the same or similar functions will be given the same reference numerals throughout all drawings, and redundant descriptions will be omitted. Note that each figure is a schematic diagram intended to explain the embodiments and facilitate their understanding, and their shapes, dimensions, ratios, etc., may differ from those of the actual device. These can be appropriately modified in consideration of the following description and known technology.

[0008] [First Embodiment] Sensors that sense oxygen and hydrogen are susceptible to contamination, which can lead to a decrease in sensing function or malfunction of the sensor's circuitry. This contamination can occur when the sensor is exposed to moisture, gases, etc., in the atmosphere in which the electrochemical apparatus is installed. To suppress contamination of sensors by moisture (hereinafter collectively referred to as water vapor, but which may be in liquid or gaseous form), the electrochemical apparatus is equipped with an electrochemical element such as a dehumidifier.

[0009] Furthermore, the casing of electrochemical equipment inherently contains water vapor, and heat generated by the operation of sensors causes this water vapor to escape into the casing. As a result, sensors and sensor circuits installed inside the casing are exposed to water vapor for extended periods, leading to sensor circuit failure and a decrease in the sensor's sensing function. Therefore, it is necessary to suppress prolonged exposure of sensors and sensor circuits to water vapor, thereby preventing a decrease in the sensor's sensing function and failure of the sensor's sensor circuit.

[0010] Therefore, according to the first embodiment, an electrochemical apparatus is provided, comprising a housing, a first electrochemical element located inside the housing, and a porous structure occupying at least a portion of the inside of the housing.

[0011] The following describes an electrochemical apparatus for suppressing the degradation of sensing function in a sensor, using drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an electrochemical apparatus according to the first embodiment. In Figure 1, the electrochemical apparatus 110 includes a housing 81, a first electrochemical element 46 located inside the housing 81, and a porous structure 82 occupying 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 entrance or exit of the through hole 81t. The shape of the opening may be approximately rectangular or circular, and is not limited to a specific shape. In Figure 1, the normal direction of the opening 81o is defined as the Z-axis direction, the direction perpendicular to this Z-axis direction is defined as the X-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis and X-axis direction is defined as the Y-axis.

[0012] The porous structure 82 occupies at least a portion of the interior of the housing 81. This allows the porous structure 82 to absorb water vapor entering the housing 81 when the humidity inside the housing 81 is kept lower than the humidity outside the housing 81, for example, 60% or less. This is because the presence of the porous structure 82 with a large surface area inside the housing 81 increases the effective volume inside the housing 81, thereby relatively lowering the humidity inside the housing 81.

[0013] The porous structure 82 preferably covers at least a part of the inner wall of the housing 81. As described above, the porous structure 82 can take in the water vapor originally contained in the housing 81. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the first electrochemical element 46 from being exposed to water vapor for a long time. More preferably, 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, excluding the first electrochemical element 46 provided inside the housing 81, 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 on the opposite side to the surface where 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 microcontroller) circuit is provided. Also, on the surface where the first electrochemical element 46 is provided, which is opposite to the surface of the substrate 30s on which the microcontroller circuit is provided, a sensor circuit is provided. Note that there may be a configuration where the microcontroller circuit is on the upper side and the sensor circuit is on the lower side.

[0017] The substrate 30s may include a resin such as, for example, an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a polyimide resin, or a glass epoxy resin containing a glass cloth. Here, 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 this substrate 30s is released from the substrate by the heat generated from the driving of the sensor circuit, the microcontroller circuit, etc., and thus contaminates the above-described circuits, sensors, etc. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, it is preferable that the porous structure 82 is provided inside the housing 81 so as to take in the water vapor that may occur on the substrate 30s.

[0018] For example, it is desirable that the porous structure 82 is configured to substantially cover the first battery 31, the substrate 30s, and the first electrochemical element 46.

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

[0020] Alternatively, the porous structure 82 may be configured to substantially cover the first battery 31 and a part of the substrate 30s.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating still another example of the electrochemical device according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 3, a porous structure 82 exists between the substrate 30s and the first battery 31. The porous structure 82 preferably exists 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, in addition to the heat generated from the driving of the sensor circuit, the microcomputer circuit, etc., the heat due to the operation of the first battery 31 is transmitted. As a result, more water vapor is released from the surface of the substrate 31s on which the first battery 31 is provided than from the surface of the substrate 30s on which the first electrochemical element 46 is provided. Therefore, with the configuration as shown in FIG. 3, since the porous structure 82 covers the entire substrate 30s and can capture the water vapor released from the substrate 30s more quickly with the porous structure 82, an increase in the surrounding humidity can be suppressed.

[0023] In addition, since the porous structure 82 exists between the substrate 30s and the first battery 31, the first battery 31 does not physically contact the substrate 30s, so that the heat due to the driving of the first battery 31 can be suppressed from being transmitted to the substrate 30s. As a result, the release of water vapor from the substrate 30s due to an increase in the temperature of the substrate 30s can be suppressed.

[0024] Furthermore, the electrochemical apparatus 110 in Figure 3 has a second electrochemical element 10. The second electrochemical element 10 includes a first electrode 11, a second electrode 12, and a component 15. The component 15 is provided between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12. For example, the component 15 contains a polymer electrolyte.

[0025] The second electrochemical element 10 is capable of, for example, 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 the following functions becomes possible: dehumidification, humidification, ozone generation, oxygen generation, oxygen removal, and hydrogen generation.

[0026] Preferably, the porous structure 82 provided inside the housing 81 covers at least a portion of the second electrochemical element 10. By covering a portion of the second electrochemical element 10 with the porous structure 82, it is possible to prevent water vapor from entering the housing 81 from the outside through the member 15. More preferably, the entire portion of the second electrochemical element 10 that is located inside the housing 81 is covered with the porous structure 82.

[0027] The following describes an example in which the second electrochemical element 10 has a dehumidifying function. Dehumidification is performed by applying a voltage between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12. For example, when a voltage is applied, the moisture inside the housing 81 is separated into hydrogen and oxygen by electrochemical decomposition and released to the outside of the housing 81 through the component 15. This is how dehumidification is performed. The voltage is applied, 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 the 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. Hereinafter, the first polarity will be considered positive. Dehumidification occurs when a voltage of the first polarity is applied to the first electrode 11.

[0029] The second electrochemical element 10 can release water from the space 85 inside the housing 81 to the outside of the housing 81 through the component 15. This dehumidifies the space inside the housing 81.

[0030] The electrochemical apparatus 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 is capable of supplying power to the circuit unit 75. The circuit unit 75 is capable of applying 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 (e.g., dehumidification) occurs in the second electrochemical element 10.

[0031] In this embodiment, the electrochemical apparatus 110 is powered by a second battery 71. This enables operation in locations where commercial power is not supplied, expanding the applications of the electrochemical apparatus 110 and various devices using it. Since the capacity of the second battery 71 is fixed, reducing the power consumption of the electrochemical apparatus 110 is desirable in order to extend its operating time.

[0032] Generally, the second electrochemical element 10 is often driven by a DC signal (DC voltage) of a constant value. In this case, a constant DC current flows through the second electrochemical element 10. As a result, power is constantly consumed, which increases power consumption.

[0033] In this embodiment, the voltage supplied to the second electrochemical element 10 (first signal Sg1) is a duty cycle signal. By making the first signal Sg1 a special waveform, power consumption can be reduced while maintaining high electrochemical activity. The reason for this will be explained later with reference to Figure 4.

[0034] In this embodiment, the second electrochemical element 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 catalyst member provided on the surface of the cathode substrate. The anode may include an anode substrate and an anode-side catalyst 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 catalyst member and the anode-side catalyst 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 copolymer of fluororesins based on sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene.

[0037] Next, an example of the first signal Sg1 will be explained using Figure 4. Figure 4 illustrates the first signal Sg1. The horizontal axis of Figure 4 represents time tm. The vertical axis represents the voltage Va between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12. The voltage Va is the potential relative to the potential of the second electrode 12.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the first signal Sg1 includes a waveform Sw1 that repeats in the first period T0. Waveform Sw1 includes a first period T1 and a second period T2. In the first period T1, the voltage Va is the first voltage V1 of the first polarity. In the second period T2, the voltage Va is the second voltage V2 of the 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 less than the absolute value of the first voltage V1.

[0039] In one example, the first voltage V1 is between 2.5V and 3.5V. In another example, the second voltage V2 is between 0.5V and 1.5V. Thus, the low voltage second voltage V2 is also of the first polarity (positive) and not zero voltage, making it less likely for the current flowing during the transition period from the first period T1 of high voltage (first voltage V1) to the second period T2 of low voltage (second voltage V2) to be a negative current. The current flowing during the aforementioned transition period 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 electrochemical action, namely the reaction in which moisture is released from the component 15 into the interior of the housing 81. Furthermore, by providing a second period T2 of the low voltage second voltage V2, such a 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 aforementioned materials as long as it can increase the effective volume inside the enclosure.

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

[0042] The electrochemical apparatus according to the first embodiment includes a housing, a first electrochemical element located inside the housing, and a porous structure occupying at least a portion of the inside of the housing. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in sensing function.

[0043] [Second Embodiment] According to the second embodiment, a sensor is provided comprising the electrochemical apparatus described in the first embodiment and a detection unit provided inside the housing.

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

[0045] In the embodiment, it is preferable that the distance between the second electrochemical element 10 and the detection unit 30 be short. For example, it is preferable that the detection unit 30 be fixed close to the second electrochemical element 10. The distance between the second electrochemical element 10 and the detection unit 30 is, for example, 1 mm or more and 50 mm or less.

[0046] In Figure 5, the sensor 210 includes a first membrane 41. The first membrane 41 is provided between the detection unit 30 and the first opening 81o of the housing 81. The first membrane 41 is provided, for example, to cover the opening 81o. At least a portion of the first membrane 41 is porous. The first membrane 41 includes, for example, a resin containing fluorine. The first membrane 41 includes, for example, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). The first membrane 41 is impermeable to liquids (such as water). The first membrane 41 is permeable to the gas to be detected by the detection unit 30 (such as hydrogen).

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

[0048] The first membrane 41 is provided at the opening 81o, which suppresses the influence of external humidity in the space 85 inside the housing 81. The electrochemical action (e.g., dehumidification) by the second electrochemical element 10 brings the state of the space 85 to the desired state. As will be described later, by providing a detection unit inside the housing 81, the state of the detection unit can be maintained in the desired state (e.g., low humidity).

[0049] As shown in Figure 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, the object to be detected can be detected even in locations where commercial power is not supplied.

[0050] In the sensor 210, a 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 cover 35 may be provided between the detection unit 30 and the first film 41. The cover 35 may have holes. A humidity sensor 46 may be provided on the substrate 30s. The humidity sensor 46 may monitor the humidity in the space 85 inside the housing 81.

[0051] Figure 6 is a schematic plan view and a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a substrate provided in an electrochemical apparatus according to the first embodiment. Figure 6(a) is a plan view of the surface of the substrate on which the microcontroller circuit is provided. Figure 6(b) is a plan view of the surface of the substrate on which the sensor circuit is provided. Figure 6(c) is a cross-sectional view taken in a direction intersecting the surface of the substrate.

[0052] In Figure 6, the direction from the microcontroller circuit side to the sensor circuit side 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, respectively, as shown in Figure 6(a).

[0053] The circuit board 30s has a communication unit 45, a microcontroller circuit 50, a power supply circuit 51, and a power supply unit 52 on the side having the microcontroller circuit 51.

[0054] The communication unit 45 can transmit information regarding the detection results of the detection unit 30 to an external device. The detection results include, for example, information (data) regarding the concentration of the target object to be detected. Transmission may be performed, for example, by wired or wireless means.

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

[0056] The microcontroller circuit 50, as a software configuration that functions by executing a built-in control program, includes a dehumidification means that activates the second electrochemical element 10 based on changes in the detector in the detection unit 30 to maintain the humidity within the desired range.

[0057] The power supply circuit 51 supplies the appropriate voltage to the microcontroller circuit and the sensor circuit.

[0058] The power supply unit 52 is the part that connects to the battery, which is the power source.

[0059] The substrate 30s has a sensor circuit on the side opposite to the side on which the microcontroller circuit 50 is provided. On the side of the substrate 30s having this sensor circuit, the substrate 30s has a detection unit 30, a first electrochemical element 46, an AD conversion circuit 53, a boost circuit 54, and a buck circuit 55.

[0060] Regarding the detection unit 30, for example, if the humidity in the environment surrounding the detection unit 30 changes, the detected value of the object to be detected in the detection unit 30 will be affected. By using this to maintain the humidity in the environment surrounding the detection unit 30 within the desired range, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of sensing function and failure caused by prolonged exposure of the sensor and sensor circuit to high humidity environments. 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 that measures 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 boost circuit 54 and the buck circuit 55 are used to adjust the power supply provided to the sensor.

[0065] Figure 6 shows an example where a microcontroller circuit is provided on one side of the circuit board and a sensor circuit is provided on the other side. However, the circuit board on which the microcontroller circuit 50 is provided and the circuit board on which the sensor circuit is provided may be prepared separately. In the case described above, for example, by connecting each circuit board with a cable connector, control signals from the microcontroller circuit 50 are sent to the sensor circuit, and data acquired from the sensor circuit is sent back to the microcontroller circuit 50.

[0066] Next, the first membrane that may be included in the electrochemical apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 7.

[0067] Figures 7(a) and 7(b) are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating a first film that may be included in an electrochemical apparatus according to a second embodiment. As shown in Figure 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 directions perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction are defined as the Y-axis direction. The first layer 42 and the second layer 43 extend along the XY plane.

[0068] As shown in Figure 7(b), the first layer 42 includes a first resin 42R. The first resin 42R has a plurality of pores 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 the 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 some of the multiple pores 42H that reach the first surface 42a. The second layer 43 is, for example, an ineffective void layer. Part of the second resin 43R may be provided in the portion of the pores 42H that is close to the surface.

[0071] In this embodiment, 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 are provided. For example, another portion of the multiple pores 42H of the first layer 42 is not blocked by the second resin 43R.

[0072] The pores 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. On the other hand, some of the multiple pores 42H are blocked by the second resin 43R, preventing unintended substances from passing through the first membrane 41. Unintended substances include, for example, liquids (water and oil, etc.). According to the embodiment, the target gas can be efficiently permeated.

[0073] According to the first film 41 that may be included in the electrochemical apparatus according to the embodiment, for example, high water repellency can be obtained. For example, high permeability can be obtained. For example, high chemical resistance can be obtained. For example, high corrosion resistance can be obtained. For example, high dustproofness can be obtained. For example, the intrusion of water and oil is suppressed. For example, high reliability can be obtained.

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

[0075] The second resin 43R includes, for example, an acrylic resin. This stably blocks at least some of the multiple pores 42H. For example, the permeation of unintended substances can be stably suppressed.

[0076] Let the thickness of the first layer 42 be the first thickness t42. Let the thickness of the second layer 43 be the second thickness t43. These thicknesses are lengths along the Z-axis. In the embodiment, for example, the first thickness t42 is thicker than the second thickness t43. In one example, the first thickness t42 is more than twice the second thickness t43. For example, the first thickness t42 may be 10,000 times or less the second thickness t43. For example, appropriate permeability of the target gas and suppression of permeability of unintended substances can be obtained.

[0077] The first thickness t42 of the first layer 42 is, for example, 10 μm or more and 5000 μm or less. The first thickness t42 may also be, for example, 1000 μm or less. The second thickness t43 of the second layer 43 is, for example, 0.1 μm or more and 100 μm or less. If a part of the second resin 43R is provided in the portion close to the surface of the pore 42H, the thickness of the second resin 43R provided in the portion close to the surface of the pore 42H may be, for example, 0.1 μm or more and 5 μm or less.

[0078] The second resin 43R covers at least a portion of the first surface 42a. As shown in Figure 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 between 0.01 and 100.

[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 Figure 7(b), in this example, the second layer 43 further comprises a plurality of first solid pieces 43a. The plurality of first solid pieces 43a are fixed by the second resin 43R. The plurality of first solid pieces 43a include, for example, at least one of metals, metal oxides, and metal nitrides. 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 can be obtained. The plurality of first solid pieces 43a may also include, for example, titanium oxide.

[0081] The average size (length) of one of the multiple first solid pieces 43a is, for example, between 0.1 μm and 10 μm.

[0082] The sensor according to the second embodiment is a sensor comprising the electrochemical apparatus described in the first embodiment and a detection unit provided inside the housing. Since the sensor according to the second embodiment is equipped with the electrochemical apparatus described in the first embodiment, it is possible to realize a sensor with improved performance.

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

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

[0085] The processing of information (detection results) in the processing unit 78 may include, for example, saving the information (detection results). The processing of information (detection results) may also include, for example, comparing the information (detection results) with a reference value. The processing unit 78 may output an alert or the like depending on the result of the comparison. The processing of information (detection results) may also include, for example, any calculations related to the information (detection results). The calculations may include, for example, deriving the highest value or deriving the average value.

[0086] The sensor system according to the third embodiment comprises the sensor described in the second embodiment and a processing unit, wherein the sensor includes a communication unit and the processing unit is capable of processing information based on signals obtained from the communication unit.

[0087] (Examples) The following describes examples of experimental results conducted by the inventor. Table 1 shows the rate of increase in humidity detected by a humidity sensor inside the enclosure when an electrochemical apparatus having a porous structure inside the enclosure is placed in a 90% RH (RH: Relative Humidity) humidity atmosphere. A porous PTFE membrane was used for the first membrane. The values ​​for the examples are listed with the rate of increase in humidity when the electrochemical apparatus does not have a porous structure set to 1.

[0088] [Table 1]

[0089] Table 1 shows that, compared to the case where there is no porous structure inside the enclosure, having a porous structure occupy at least a portion of the inside of the enclosure can slow down the rate of humidity increase detected by the humidity sensor. Therefore, by having a porous structure occupying at least a portion of the inside of the enclosure of such an electrochemical apparatus, it is possible to suppress the prolonged exposure of the sensor and sensor circuit to water vapor, thereby suppressing a decrease in the sensing function of the sensor and failure of the sensor circuit.

[0090] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents.

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

[0092] [1] The casing and A first electrochemical element located inside the aforementioned housing, An electrochemical apparatus having a porous structure that occupies at least a portion of the interior of the aforementioned housing.

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

[0094] [3] circuit board and The first battery and further comprises, The first electrochemical element is provided on the substrate, The electrochemical apparatus according to [1] or [2], wherein the first battery is provided on the surface of the substrate opposite to the surface on which the first electrochemical element is provided.

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

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

[0097] [6] The electrochemical apparatus 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 apparatus 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 polymer.

[0099] [8] The electrochemical apparatus according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the 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] An electrochemical apparatus as described in any one of items [1] to [8], A sensor comprising a detection unit provided inside the aforementioned housing.

[0101]

[10] [9] The sensor described above, A processing unit, and The aforementioned sensor includes a communication unit, The processing unit is a sensor system capable of processing information based on signals obtained from the communication unit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0102] 10...Second electrochemical element, 11, 12...First and second electrodes, 15...Component, 30...Detection unit, 30s...Substrate, 31...First battery, 41...First film, 42...First layer, 43...Second layer, 45...Communication unit, 46...First electrochemical element, 50...Microcontroller circuit, 51...Power supply circuit, 52...Power supply unit, 53...AD conversion circuit, 54...Boost circuit, 55...Step-down circuit, 70...Control unit, 71...Second battery, 75...Circuit unit, 78...Processing device, 81...Housing, 81o...First opening, 81t...First through hole, 85...Space, 110...Electrochemical device, 210...Sensor, 310...Sensor system

Claims

1. The casing and A humidity sensor located inside the housing measures the humidity inside the housing, A porous structure occupying at least a portion of the interior of the housing, circuit board and The first battery and It has, The humidity sensor is provided on the substrate, The first battery is provided on the surface of the substrate opposite to the surface on which the humidity sensor is provided, and is connected to an electrochemical device. A detection unit is provided inside the housing and detects at least one selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, oxygen, and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), A sensor equipped with this feature.

2. Housing and A humidity sensor located inside the housing measures the humidity inside the housing, A porous structure occupying at least a portion of the interior of the housing, The housing has an electrochemical element that performs at least one of the following: dehumidification, humidification, ozone generation, oxygen generation, oxygen removal, and hydrogen generation. The porous structure provided inside the housing covers at least a portion of the electrochemical element, and the electrochemical apparatus A sensor comprising a detection unit provided inside the housing for detecting at least one selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, oxygen, and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).

3. The sensor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the porous structure covers at least a portion of the inner wall of the housing.

4. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein the porous structure is present between the substrate and the first battery.

5. The sensor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the porous structure is at least one selected from the group consisting of zeolite, silica gel, activated alumina, activated carbon, and porous polymer.

6. The sensor according to claim 2, wherein the filling rate of the porous structure inside the housing, excluding the electrochemical element provided inside the housing, is 10% or more and 100% or less.

7. A sensor according to claim 1 or 2, Processing device and Equipped with, The aforementioned sensor includes a communication unit, The processing unit is a sensor system capable of processing information based on signals obtained from the communication unit.

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