JP2007141637A - Fuel cell stack - Google Patents

Fuel cell stack Download PDF

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JP2007141637A
JP2007141637A JP2005333657A JP2005333657A JP2007141637A JP 2007141637 A JP2007141637 A JP 2007141637A JP 2005333657 A JP2005333657 A JP 2005333657A JP 2005333657 A JP2005333657 A JP 2005333657A JP 2007141637 A JP2007141637 A JP 2007141637A
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connecting member
cell stack
tension plate
fuel cell
plate
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Toshiyuki Suzuki
稔幸 鈴木
Akira Aoto
晃 青砥
Chikashige Konno
周重 紺野
Akihiko Takami
晃彦 高見
Hideyuki Tanaka
秀幸 田中
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Toyota Motor Corp
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Toyota Motor Corp
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    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells

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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell stack needing a small machining amount for forming irregularity of a tension plate for engagement with an end plate. <P>SOLUTION: This fuel cell stack 23 includes the tension plate 24A, and a linking member 24B restricted in relative movement in a cell stacking direction to the end plate by engagement with the end plate 22 fixed to the tension plate. The linking member 24B is formed separately from the tension plate and fixed to the tension plate, and the engagement part with the end plate is formed only on the linking member 24B. A part (thin part) 24Bb of the linking part 24B is superposed on the tension plate 24A, and the part 24Bb of the linking member 24B can have a structure located on the side distant from a cell layered product 41 relative to the tension plate 24A. The fuel cell stack 23 can have a structure having a cover 54 covering the linking member 24B from the outside. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、燃料電池スタックに関する。   The present invention relates to a fuel cell stack.

特開２０００−６７８８７号公報は、テンションプレートをエンドプレートに係合させた燃料電池スタックを開示している。テンションプレートの、エンドプレートとの係合のための凸部はテンションプレート自体に形成されている。
特開２０００−６７８８７号公報 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-67887 discloses a fuel cell stack in which a tension plate is engaged with an end plate. A convex portion for engaging the tension plate with the end plate is formed on the tension plate itself.
JP 2000-67887 A

従来の燃料電池スタックにおいて、係合のための凹凸（たとえば、凸部）をテンションプレートに形成するには、長尺もののテンションプレート自体に係合のための凹凸（たとえば、凸部）を削り出し加工する必要がある。そのため、テンションプレートの、凹凸を形成しない部分をその全長にわたって削り取って、削り取らない部分を凸部として残す必要があり、テンションプレートの削り加工量が多くなり、製造が煩雑になる。   In a conventional fuel cell stack, in order to form irregularities (for example, convex portions) for engagement on the tension plate, the irregularities (for example, convex portions) for engagement are cut out on the long tension plate itself. Need to be processed. For this reason, it is necessary to scrape the portion of the tension plate that does not form unevenness over its entire length and leave the portion that is not scraped as a convex portion, which increases the amount of shaving of the tension plate and makes manufacturing complicated.

本発明の目的は、テンションプレート（およびその端部に取り付けた連結部材）の、エンドプレートとの係合のための凹凸を形成するのに、削り出し加工量が少ない燃料電池スタックを提供することにある。   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell stack with a small amount of machining for forming irregularities for engagement with an end plate of a tension plate (and a connecting member attached to the end thereof). It is in.

上記課題を解決する、そして上記目的を達成する、本発明の燃料電池スタックは、テンションプレートと、該テンションプレートに固定されエンドプレートと係合することによりエンドプレートとのセル積層方向の相対移動を制限された連結部材とを、有する燃料電池スタックである。
上記燃料電池スタックにおいて、連結部材はテンションプレートと別体に形成されてテンションプレートに固定され、エンドプレートとの係合部がテンションプレートと連結部材のうち連結部材のみに形成されている構成をとることができる。
上記燃料電池スタックにおいて、連結部材の一部はテンションプレートと重なっており、該連結部材の一部はテンションプレートよりセル積層体から遠い側にある構成をとることができる。
上記燃料電池スタックにおいて、連結部材を外側から覆うカバーを有する構成をとることができる。 The fuel cell stack of the present invention that solves the above-described problems and achieves the above-described object is provided with a tension plate and a relative movement in the cell stacking direction with the end plate by being fixed to the tension plate and engaging with the end plate. A fuel cell stack having a limited connecting member.
In the fuel cell stack, the connection member is formed separately from the tension plate and fixed to the tension plate, and the engaging portion with the end plate is formed only on the connection member of the tension plate and the connection member. be able to.
In the fuel cell stack, a part of the connecting member overlaps the tension plate, and a part of the connecting member can be on the side farther from the cell stack than the tension plate.
The fuel cell stack may have a cover that covers the connecting member from the outside.

上記燃料電池スタックは、テンションプレートと連結部材を有し、連結部材がエンドプレートと係合する構造（たとえば、凹凸）を有するので、係合構造の加工（たとえば、削り出し加工）を連結部材に限ることができ、テンションプレートのほぼ全長にわたって削り出し加工を行っていた従来構造に比べて、凹凸形成の加工量が少なくなり、加工が簡素化する。
また、連結部材はテンションプレートと別体に形成されてテンションプレートに固定される場合は、連結部材における凹凸の削り出し加工を行った後に、連結部材をテンションプレートに溶接等により固定することができ、連結部材の係合構造（たとえば、凹凸）の加工（たとえば、削り出し加工）が容易になる。
また、連結部材の一部（後述する薄肉部）がテンションプレートと重なっており、連結部材の一部はテンションプレートよりセル積層体から遠い側にある場合は、燃料電池スタックにセル積層方向の締結荷重がかかった時に、エンドプレートおよびテンションプレートに曲げ変形が生じても、燃料電池スタックに近い側の連結部材の角部が燃料電池スタックのセル積層体に干渉することが無いか、あるいは干渉することが抑制され、セルの損傷が防止される。
また、連結部材の一部がテンションプレートよりセル積層体から遠い側にある場合は、連結部材の角部がテンションプレートより外側に露出しその近傍にセル電圧モニタなどのワイヤハーネスケーブルが配索されているとケーブルが連結部材の角部に当たって車両の振動を繰り返し受けたときにケーブル被覆が損傷するおそれがあるが、連結部材を外側から覆うカバーを有する場合は、カバーがケーブルの連結部材角部への当たりを阻止するので、ケーブルの損傷を防止または抑制することができる。 Since the fuel cell stack has a tension plate and a connecting member, and the connecting member has a structure (for example, unevenness) that engages with the end plate, processing of the engaging structure (for example, machining) is used as the connecting member. Compared to the conventional structure in which machining is performed over almost the entire length of the tension plate, the amount of processing for forming irregularities is reduced and the processing is simplified.
In addition, when the connecting member is formed separately from the tension plate and is fixed to the tension plate, the connecting member can be fixed to the tension plate by welding or the like after the unevenness of the connecting member is cut out. In addition, the processing (for example, machining) of the engagement structure (for example, unevenness) of the connecting member is facilitated.
In addition, when a part of the connecting member (thin wall portion to be described later) overlaps with the tension plate and a part of the connecting member is on the side farther from the cell stack than the tension plate, the fuel cell stack is fastened in the cell stacking direction. Even when bending deformation occurs in the end plate and the tension plate when a load is applied, the corner of the connecting member near the fuel cell stack does not interfere with or interfere with the cell stack of the fuel cell stack. Is suppressed, and cell damage is prevented.
In addition, when a part of the connecting member is on the side farther from the cell stack than the tension plate, the corner of the connecting member is exposed outside the tension plate, and a wire harness cable such as a cell voltage monitor is routed in the vicinity. If the cable hits the corner of the connecting member and repeatedly receives the vibration of the vehicle, the cable cover may be damaged. However, if the cable has a cover that covers the connecting member from the outside, the cover is connected to the corner of the connecting member of the cable. Since the hitting is prevented, damage to the cable can be prevented or suppressed.

以下に、本発明の燃料電池スタックを図１〜図８を参照して説明する。
本発明が適用される燃料電池は、たとえば固体高分子電解質型燃料電池１０である。燃料電池１０は、たとえば移動体、たとえば燃料電池自動車に搭載されてもよい。ただし、自動車以外、たとえば家庭用の固定型燃料電池に用いられてもよい。 Hereinafter, the fuel cell stack of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
The fuel cell to which the present invention is applied is, for example, a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell 10. The fuel cell 10 may be mounted on, for example, a mobile body, for example, a fuel cell vehicle. However, it may be used for a fixed fuel cell for home use other than an automobile.

固体高分子電解質型燃料電池（セルともいう）１０は、図６〜図８に示すように、膜−電極アッセンブリ１９（ＭＥＡ：Membrane-Electrode Assembly ）とセパレータ１８とを重ねた構造を有する。
膜−電極アッセンブリ１９は、イオン交換膜からなる電解質膜１１とこの電解質膜１１の一面に配置された触媒層からなる電極（アノード、燃料極）１４および電解質膜の他面に配置された触媒層からなる電極（カソード、空気極）１７とからなる。膜−電極アッセンブリ１９とセパレータ１８との間には、アノード側、カソード側にそれぞれ拡散層１３、１６が設けられる。 The solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell (also referred to as a cell) 10 has a structure in which a membrane-electrode assembly 19 (MEA: Membrane-Electrode Assembly) and a separator 18 are stacked as shown in FIGS.
The membrane-electrode assembly 19 includes an electrolyte membrane 11 made of an ion exchange membrane, an electrode (anode, fuel electrode) 14 made of a catalyst layer disposed on one surface of the electrolyte membrane 11, and a catalyst layer disposed on the other surface of the electrolyte membrane. Electrode (cathode, air electrode) 17. Between the membrane-electrode assembly 19 and the separator 18, diffusion layers 13 and 16 are provided on the anode side and the cathode side, respectively.

膜−電極アッセンブリとセパレータ１８を重ねてセル１０を構成し、セル１０を積層してセル積層体４１とし、セル積層体４１のセル積層方向両端に、ターミナル２０、インシュレータ２１、エンドプレート２２を配置し、セル積層体の外側でセル積層方向に延びる締結部材２４をエンドプレート２２にボルト・ナット２５にて固定し、セル積層体４１に荷重付与部４０によりセル積層方向に締結荷重を付与して、燃料電池スタック２３を構成する。   The cell 10 is formed by stacking the membrane-electrode assembly and the separator 18, the cells 10 are stacked to form the cell stack 41, and the terminal 20, the insulator 21, and the end plate 22 are disposed at both ends of the cell stack 41 in the cell stacking direction. The fastening member 24 extending in the cell stacking direction outside the cell stack is fixed to the end plate 22 with bolts and nuts 25, and a fastening load is applied to the cell stack 41 in the cell stacking direction by the load applying portion 40. The fuel cell stack 23 is configured.

セパレータ１８には、アノード１４に燃料ガス（水素）を供給するための燃料ガス流路２７が形成され、カソード１７に酸化ガス（酸素、通常は空気）を供給するための酸化ガス流路２８が形成されている。また、セパレータ１８には冷媒（通常、冷却水）を流すための冷媒流路２６も形成されている。セパレータ１８には、燃料ガスマニホールド３０、酸化ガスマニホールド３１、冷媒マニホールド２９が形成されている。燃料ガスマニホールド３０は燃料ガス流路２７と連通しており、酸化ガスマニホールド３１は酸化ガス流路２８と連通しており、冷媒マニホールド２９は冷媒流路２６と連通している。   The separator 18 is formed with a fuel gas flow path 27 for supplying fuel gas (hydrogen) to the anode 14 and an oxidizing gas flow path 28 for supplying oxidizing gas (oxygen, usually air) to the cathode 17. Is formed. The separator 18 is also formed with a refrigerant flow path 26 for flowing a refrigerant (usually cooling water). The separator 18 is formed with a fuel gas manifold 30, an oxidizing gas manifold 31, and a refrigerant manifold 29. The fuel gas manifold 30 is in communication with the fuel gas passage 27, the oxidizing gas manifold 31 is in communication with the oxidizing gas passage 28, and the refrigerant manifold 29 is in communication with the refrigerant passage 26.

各セル１０の、アノード１４側では、水素を水素イオン（プロトン）と電子に変換する電離反応が行われ、水素イオンは電解質膜１１中をカソード１７側に移動し、カソード１７側では酸素と水素イオンおよび電子（隣りのＭＥＡのアノードで生成した電子がセパレータを通してくる、またはセル積層方向一端のセルのアノードで生成した電子が外部回路を通して他端のセルのカソードにくる）から水が生成され、次式にしたがって発電が行われる。
アノード側：Ｈ2 →２Ｈ+ ＋２ｅ-
カソード側：２Ｈ+ ＋２ｅ- ＋（１／２）Ｏ2 →Ｈ2 Ｏ An ionization reaction that converts hydrogen into hydrogen ions (protons) and electrons is performed on the anode 14 side of each cell 10, and the hydrogen ions move through the electrolyte membrane 11 to the cathode 17 side. Water is generated from ions and electrons (electrons generated at the anode of the adjacent MEA come through the separator, or electrons generated at the anode of the cell at one end in the cell stacking direction come to the cathode of the other end cell through an external circuit), Power generation is performed according to the following formula.
Anode side: H 2 → 2H + + 2e −
Cathode side: 2H + + 2e − + (1/2) O 2 → H 2 O

各種流体は、互いに、かつ外部から、それぞれシールされる。各セル１０のＭＥＡを挟む２つのセパレータ１８間は、第１のシール部材３２によってシールされており、隣接するセル１９同士の間は、第２のシール部材３３によってシールされている。
第１のシール部材３２は、たとえばシール接着剤からなり、第２のシール部材３３は、たとえば、ゴム等からなるガスケットからなる。ただし、第１のシール部材３２、第２のシール部材３３とも、シール接着剤、またはガスケットから構成されてもよい。 Various fluids are sealed from each other and from the outside. The two separators 18 sandwiching the MEA of each cell 10 are sealed by a first seal member 32, and the adjacent cells 19 are sealed by a second seal member 33.
The first seal member 32 is made of, for example, a seal adhesive, and the second seal member 33 is made of, for example, a gasket made of rubber or the like. However, both the first seal member 32 and the second seal member 33 may be formed of a seal adhesive or a gasket.

締結部材２４は、たとえば、テンションプレート２４Ａ、および／または、テンションプレート２４Ａとは別体で作製されテンションプレート２４Ａにたとえばスポット溶接等で固定されエンドプレート２２に凹凸５０（セル積層方向と直交する方向に突出、後退する凹凸）でセル積層方向に係合される連結部材２４Ｂを、含む。エンドプレート２２のうち凹凸５０が形成されるのは、その端面である。テンションプレート２４Ａとセル積層体４１の外周面との間には、隙間４２が設けられている。連結部材２４Ｂは、エンドプレートの側面に接触する位置にある厚肉部２４Ｂａと、厚肉部２４Ｂａより薄くセル積層体４１の外周側に近づく方向にセル積層方向に張り出す薄肉部２４Ｂｂを有し、薄肉部２４Ｂｂはテンションプレート２４Ａと重なり、薄肉部２４Ｂｂにてテンションプレート２４Ａにたとえばスポット溶接５１等で固定される。連結部材２４Ｂの厚肉部２４Ｂａの厚さは、テンションプレート２４Ａの厚さより大である。   The fastening member 24 is manufactured separately from, for example, the tension plate 24A and / or the tension plate 24A, and is fixed to the tension plate 24A by, for example, spot welding or the like, and is uneven on the end plate 22 (a direction orthogonal to the cell stacking direction). And a connecting member 24B engaged in the cell stacking direction. It is the end surface of the end plate 22 where the irregularities 50 are formed. A gap 42 is provided between the tension plate 24 </ b> A and the outer peripheral surface of the cell stack 41. The connecting member 24B has a thick portion 24Ba that is in contact with the side surface of the end plate, and a thin portion 24Bb that extends in the cell stacking direction in a direction that is thinner than the thick portion 24Ba and approaches the outer peripheral side of the cell stack 41. The thin portion 24Bb overlaps with the tension plate 24A and is fixed to the tension plate 24A with the thin portion 24Bb, for example, by spot welding 51 or the like. The thickness of the thick portion 24Ba of the connecting member 24B is larger than the thickness of the tension plate 24A.

凹凸５０については、連結部材２４Ｂとエンドプレート２２の一方に形成された凸部を５０Ａ、連結部材２４Ｂとエンドプレート２２の他方に形成された凹部を５０Ｂとする。図示例は、連結部材２４Ｂに凸部５０Ａが形成され、エンドプレート２２に凹部５０Ｂが形成された場合を示す。ただし、エンドプレート２２に凸部５０Ａが形成され、連結部材２４Ｂに凹部５０Ｂが形成されてもよい。
連結部材２４Ｂがテンションプレート２４Ａと別体であるため、テンションプレート２４Ａに固定される前の、連結部材２４Ｂ単独の段階で、凹凸５０（たとえば、凸部５０Ａ）が、連結部材２４Ｂに、たとえば削り出し加工にて、形成される。 Regarding the unevenness 50, a convex portion formed on one of the connecting member 24B and the end plate 22 is 50A, and a concave portion formed on the other of the connecting member 24B and the end plate 22 is 50B. The illustrated example shows a case where the convex portion 50A is formed on the connecting member 24B and the concave portion 50B is formed on the end plate 22. However, the protrusion 50A may be formed on the end plate 22, and the recess 50B may be formed on the connecting member 24B.
Since the connecting member 24B is separate from the tension plate 24A, the unevenness 50 (for example, the convex portion 50A) is cut into the connecting member 24B, for example, at the stage of the connecting member 24B alone before being fixed to the tension plate 24A. It is formed by the extrusion process.

締結部材２４が凹凸５０構造でエンドプレート２２にセル積層方向に係合する場合は、締結部材２４を摩擦力（＝摩擦係数×ボルト２５の締結力）のみでエンドプレート２２にセル積層方向に固定する必要がないので、締結部材２４をエンドプレート２２の側面に締結するボルト２５の締結力は小で済み、極端な場合、凹凸５０が外れない程度に締結部材２４をエンドプレート２２の側面に連結すればよい。   When the fastening member 24 has an uneven 50 structure and is engaged with the end plate 22 in the cell stacking direction, the fastening member 24 is fixed to the end plate 22 in the cell stacking direction only by frictional force (= friction coefficient × bolt 25 fastening force). Therefore, the fastening force of the bolt 25 for fastening the fastening member 24 to the side surface of the end plate 22 is small, and in an extreme case, the fastening member 24 is connected to the side surface of the end plate 22 so that the unevenness 50 is not removed. do it.

セル積層体４１の外周面には、セル１０の積層構造におけるセル間の微小の段差や、セル間のガスケット配置のための隣接セル間の外周部の隙間が、存在することがある。したがって、スタック締結部材２４が連結部材２４Ａを含む場合、スタック締結部材２４の連結部材２４Ａが、セル積層体４１との熱膨張差などによって、セル積層体４１の外周面に対して相対的に少量移動すると、連結部材２４Ａの角部（セル積層体に近い側の角部）がセル積層体４１の外周面をこすりながら移動すると、連結部材２４Ａがセル１０の外周部を損傷するおそれがある。連結部材２４Ａは金属、たとえばＳＵＳで、セル１０の外周部はカーボン、または薄板のメタルプレートであるから、干渉すると、セル１０の外周部の方が損傷する。   On the outer peripheral surface of the cell stack 41, there may be a minute step between cells in the stacked structure of the cells 10 and a gap in the outer peripheral portion between adjacent cells for arranging the gasket between the cells. Therefore, when the stack fastening member 24 includes the connecting member 24A, the connecting member 24A of the stack fastening member 24 is relatively small relative to the outer peripheral surface of the cell stack 41 due to a difference in thermal expansion from the cell stack 41 and the like. When moved, if the corner of the connecting member 24 </ b> A (the corner near the cell stack) moves while rubbing the outer peripheral surface of the cell stack 41, the connecting member 24 </ b> A may damage the outer periphery of the cell 10. The connecting member 24A is made of metal, for example, SUS, and the outer peripheral portion of the cell 10 is carbon or a thin metal plate. Therefore, when the interference occurs, the outer peripheral portion of the cell 10 is damaged.

それを防止するために、図１、および図２の（ロ）に示すように、連結部材２４Ｂの薄肉部２４Ｂｂを、テンションプレート２４Ａよりもスタック積層体４１から遠い側に配置してある。
もしも、連結部材２４Ｂの薄肉部２４Ｂｂが、テンションプレート２４Ａよりもスタック積層体から近い側にあると（図２の（イ））、図４の（イ）、（ロ）に示すように、テンションプレート２４Ａおよび連結部材２４Ｂにセル積層方向の引張力がかかった時に、テンションプレート２４Ａおよび連結部材２４Ｂが、スポット溶接５１等の固定部で反り、かつエンドプレート２２がエンドプレート端部がエンドプレート中央部よりセル積層方向にセル積層体４１に近づく方向に曲げ変形し、図３（イ）に示すように、薄肉部２４Ｂｂの角部５２がセル積層体４１に近づく方向に連結部材２４Ｂが傾いて連結部材２４Ｂの薄肉部２４Ｂｂの角部５２がセル積層体４１の外周面に当たるおそれがある。 In order to prevent this, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2B, the thin portion 24Bb of the connecting member 24B is disposed on the side farther from the stack stack 41 than the tension plate 24A.
If the thin-walled portion 24Bb of the connecting member 24B is closer to the stack stack than the tension plate 24A (FIG. 2 (A)), as shown in FIGS. 4 (A) and 4 (B), tension is applied. When a tensile force in the cell stacking direction is applied to the plate 24A and the connecting member 24B, the tension plate 24A and the connecting member 24B warp at the fixed portion such as the spot weld 51, and the end plate 22 has the end plate end at the center of the end plate. 3B, the connecting member 24B is inclined in the direction in which the corner 52 of the thin portion 24Bb approaches the cell stack 41, as shown in FIG. There is a possibility that the corner portion 52 of the thin portion 24Bb of the connecting member 24B may hit the outer peripheral surface of the cell stack 41.

しかし、連結部材２４Ｂの薄肉部２４Ｂｂが、テンションプレート２４Ａよりもセル積層体４１から遠い側に配置してあると、荷重付与部４０がセル積層体４１に荷重を付与して、テンションプレート２４Ａおよび連結部材２４Ｂにセル積層方向の引張力がかかった時に、テンションプレート２４Ａおよび連結部材２４Ｂが、スポット溶接５１等の固定部で反っても、かつエンドプレート２２がエンドプレート端部がエンドプレート中央部よりセル積層方向にセル積層体４１に近づく方向に曲げ変形しも、図３（ロ）に示すように、連結部材２４Ｂの薄肉部２４Ｂｂの角部５２とセル積層体４１の外周面との間にテンションプレート２４Ａが介在するので、連結部材２４Ｂの薄肉部２４Ｂｂの角部５２がセル積層体４１の外周面に当たるおそれはないか、当たるおそれが抑制される。   However, if the thin portion 24Bb of the connecting member 24B is disposed on the side farther from the cell stack 41 than the tension plate 24A, the load applying section 40 applies a load to the cell stack 41, and the tension plate 24A and When a tensile force in the cell stacking direction is applied to the connecting member 24B, the tension plate 24A and the connecting member 24B warp at a fixed portion such as a spot weld 51, and the end plate 22 has an end portion at the end plate center portion. Even if it is bent and deformed in a direction closer to the cell stack 41 in the cell stacking direction, as shown in FIG. 3 (b), between the corner 52 of the thin portion 24Bb of the connecting member 24B and the outer peripheral surface of the cell stack 41. Since the tension plate 24A is interposed between the thin plate portion 24Bb of the connecting member 24B, the corner portion 52 of the connecting member 24B may come into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cell stack 41. Or not is risk of hitting is suppressed.

テンションプレート２４Ａの端部のうち、荷重付与部４０が存在する側の端部は、その内側にセル積層体４１が存在しないので、連結部材２４Ｂとテンションプレート２４Ａとの結合部近傍やエンドプレート２２が変形しても、連結部材２４Ｂの薄肉部２４Ｂｂの角部５２がセル積層体４１の外周面に当たるおそれがないので、連結部材２４Ｂの薄肉部２４Ｂｂはテンションプレート２４Ａより内側にあってもよいし、あるいはテンションプレート２４Ａより外側にあってもよい。   Of the end portions of the tension plate 24A, the end portion on the side where the load applying portion 40 is present does not have the cell laminated body 41 on the inside thereof, so the vicinity of the connecting portion between the connecting member 24B and the tension plate 24A or the end plate 22 Since the corner portion 52 of the thin portion 24Bb of the connecting member 24B may not hit the outer peripheral surface of the cell stack 41, the thin portion 24Bb of the connecting member 24B may be inside the tension plate 24A. Alternatively, it may be outside the tension plate 24A.

燃料電池スタック２３に接続された電気配線、たとえば、高電圧ケーブル５３の少なくとも一部が、燃料電池スタック２３の連結部材２４Ｂの角部５５と干渉する位置に配索される場合は、図５に示すように、角部５５および／またはボルト２４等の突出部（セル積層方向と直交する方向に突出する突出部）の角部を連結部材２４Ｂの外側（セル積層体４１と反対側）から覆うカバー（プロテクターといってもよい）５４が設けられることが望ましい。このカバー５４は、望ましくは非導電性材料（たとえば、樹脂）から構成され、カバー５４の、ケーブル５３との当たり部は、望ましくは角落としされている（丸められている）。カバー５４は、連結部材２４Ｂの全長のうち、ケーブル５３と干渉する部位にだけ設けられればよい。カバー５４は連結部材２４Ｂに両面テープ５５等によって固定される。   When the electrical wiring connected to the fuel cell stack 23, for example, at least part of the high voltage cable 53 is routed at a position where it interferes with the corner portion 55 of the connecting member 24B of the fuel cell stack 23, FIG. As shown, the corners of the corners 55 and / or the projections such as the bolts 24 (projections protruding in the direction perpendicular to the cell stacking direction) are covered from the outside of the connecting member 24B (on the side opposite to the cell stack 41). It is desirable that a cover (which may be called a protector) 54 is provided. The cover 54 is preferably made of a non-conductive material (for example, resin), and a contact portion of the cover 54 with the cable 53 is preferably cut off (rounded). The cover 54 only needs to be provided in a portion of the entire length of the connecting member 24B that interferes with the cable 53. The cover 54 is fixed to the connecting member 24B with a double-sided tape 55 or the like.

つぎに、本発明の燃料電池スタックの作用、効果を説明する。
上記燃料電池スタック２３は、テンションプレート２４Ａと連結部材２４Ｂを有し、連結部材２４Ｂがエンドプレート２２と係合する構造（たとえば、凹凸５０）を有するので、係合構造の加工（たとえば、削り出し加工）を連結部材２４Ｂに限ることができ、テンションプレート２４Ａのほぼ全長にわたって削り出し加工を行っていた従来構造（テンションプレートと連結部材とが一体であった構造）に比べて、凹凸形成の加工量が少なくなり、加工が簡素化する。
また、連結部材２４Ｂはエンドプレート２２と凹凸５０にてセル積層方向に係合するので、摩擦力でセル積層方向に固定する場合に比べて、ボルト２５の締結力は小で済み、ボルト２５とそのまわりの構造を小型化、簡素化できる。 Next, the operation and effect of the fuel cell stack of the present invention will be described.
The fuel cell stack 23 includes a tension plate 24A and a connecting member 24B, and the connecting member 24B has a structure (for example, unevenness 50) that engages with the end plate 22, so that the engagement structure is processed (for example, cut out). Processing) can be limited to the connecting member 24B, and compared to a conventional structure (a structure in which the tension plate and the connecting member are integrated) that has been machined over almost the entire length of the tension plate 24A The amount is reduced and processing is simplified.
In addition, since the connecting member 24B is engaged in the cell stacking direction by the end plate 22 and the projections and recesses 50, the fastening force of the bolt 25 is small compared with the case where it is fixed in the cell stacking direction by a frictional force. The surrounding structure can be reduced in size and simplified.

また、連結部材２４Ｂはテンションプレート２４Ａと別体に形成されてテンションプレート２４Ａに固定される場合は、連結部材２４Ｂにおける凹凸５０の削り出し加工を行った後に、連結部材２４Ｂをテンションプレート２２にスポット溶接（５１）等により固定することができ、連結部材２４Ｂの係合構造（たとえば、凹凸５０）の加工（たとえば、削り出し加工）が、テンションプレート２４Ａの加工と独立に行われ、容易になる。   When the connecting member 24B is formed separately from the tension plate 24A and is fixed to the tension plate 24A, the connecting member 24B is spotted on the tension plate 22 after the unevenness 50 in the connecting member 24B is cut out. It can be fixed by welding (51) or the like, and the processing (for example, machining) of the engagement structure (for example, the unevenness 50) of the connecting member 24B is performed independently of the processing of the tension plate 24A, which is facilitated. .

また、連結部材２４Ｂの一部がテンションプレート２４Ａと重なっており、連結部材２４Ｂの一部である薄肉部２４Ｂｂがテンションプレート２４Ａよりセル積層体４１から遠い側にある場合は、燃料電池スタック２３にセル積層方向の締結荷重がかかった時に、エンドプレート２２およびテンションプレート２４Ａに曲げ変形が生じて、連結部材２４Ｂがセル積層方向から角部５２がセル積層体に近づく方向に傾いても、燃料電池スタック２３に近い側の連結部材２４Ｂの角部５２とセル積層体４１との間にテンションプレート２４Ａが介在するので、燃料電池スタック２３に近い側の連結部材２４Ｂの角部５２が燃料電池スタック２３のセル積層体４１に干渉することが無いか、あるいは干渉することが抑制され、セル１０の損傷が防止される。その結果、連結部材２４Ｂとセル積層体４１との間に熱膨張差などによりセル積層方向の相対移動が生じても、角部５２がセル積層体４１の外周部を損傷することがない。   Further, when a part of the connecting member 24B overlaps with the tension plate 24A and the thin portion 24Bb which is a part of the connecting member 24B is on the side farther from the cell stack 41 than the tension plate 24A, the fuel cell stack 23 Even when the end plate 22 and the tension plate 24A undergo bending deformation when a fastening load in the cell stacking direction is applied, even if the connecting member 24B is tilted from the cell stacking direction toward the direction in which the corner 52 approaches the cell stack, the fuel cell Since the tension plate 24A is interposed between the corner portion 52 of the connecting member 24B near the stack 23 and the cell stack 41, the corner portion 52 of the connecting member 24B near the fuel cell stack 23 is the fuel cell stack 23. The cell stack 41 is not interfered with or is prevented from interfering, and the cell 10 is prevented from being damaged. It is. As a result, even if relative movement in the cell stacking direction occurs due to a difference in thermal expansion between the connecting member 24B and the cell stack 41, the corner 52 does not damage the outer periphery of the cell stack 41.

また、連結部材２４Ｂの一部がテンションプレート２４Ａよりセル積層体４１から遠い側にある場合は、連結部材２４Ｂの角部５２がテンションプレート２４Ａより外側に露出しその近傍にセル電圧モニタなどのワイヤハーネスケーブル５３が配索されているとケーブル５３が連結部材２４Ｂの角部５２に当たって車両の振動を繰り返し受けたときにケーブル５３の被覆が損傷するおそれがあるが、連結部材２４Ｂを外側から覆うカバー５４を有する場合は、カバー５４がケーブル５３の連結部材角部５２への当たりを阻止するので、ケーブル５３の損傷が防止または抑制される。   When a part of the connecting member 24B is located on the side farther from the cell stack 41 than the tension plate 24A, the corner 52 of the connecting member 24B is exposed to the outside of the tension plate 24A and a wire such as a cell voltage monitor is provided in the vicinity thereof. If the harness cable 53 is routed, the cable 53 may be damaged when the cable 53 hits the corner 52 of the connecting member 24B and repeatedly receives vibration of the vehicle, but the cover covering the connecting member 24B from the outside may be damaged. When the cover 54 is provided, the cover 54 prevents the cable 53 from hitting the connecting member corner 52, so that damage to the cable 53 is prevented or suppressed.

本発明の燃料電池スタックの、連結部材とその近傍における、側面図である。It is a side view in the connection member and its vicinity of the fuel cell stack of this invention. 本発明の燃料電池スタックの、連結部材とその近傍における、側面図であって、（イ）は連結部材の薄肉部がテンションプレートよりもセル積層体側にある場合を示し、（ロ）は連結部材の薄肉部がテンションプレートよりもセル積層体と反対側にある場合を示す。FIG. 4 is a side view of the fuel cell stack of the present invention in the vicinity of the connecting member, in which (a) shows the case where the thin portion of the connecting member is on the cell stack side with respect to the tension plate, and (b) shows the connecting member. This shows a case where the thin-walled portion is on the opposite side of the cell stack from the tension plate. 本発明の燃料電池スタックの側面図であって、 （イ）は連結部材の薄肉部がテンションプレートよりもセル積層体側にある場合を示し、 （ロ）は連結部材の薄肉部がテンションプレートよりもセル積層体と反対側にある場合を、示す。It is a side view of the fuel cell stack of the present invention, wherein (a) shows the case where the thin part of the connecting member is closer to the cell stack than the tension plate, and (b) shows the thin part of the connecting member than the tension plate. The case where it exists on the opposite side to a cell laminated body is shown. 溶接接合された２部材（たとえば、連結部材の薄肉部とテンションプレート）の側面図であって、 （イ）は２部材に引張力がかかる前の状態を示し、 （ロ）は２部材に引張力がかかっている状態を示す。It is a side view of two members (for example, a thin part of a connecting member and a tension plate) welded and joined, (A) shows a state before a tensile force is applied to the two members, and (B) shows a tension on the two members. Indicates a state where force is applied. 本発明の燃料電池スタックの、連結部材およびカバーとその近傍における、側面図である。It is a side view in the fuel cell stack of this invention in a connection member and a cover, and its vicinity. 本発明の燃料電池スタックの平面図である。It is a top view of the fuel cell stack of the present invention. 図６の一部の拡大断面図である。It is a partial expanded sectional view of FIG. 図６のセル部位の正面図である。It is a front view of the cell site | part of FIG.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１０ （固体高分子電解質型）燃料電池
１１ 電解質膜
１３、１６ 拡散層
１４ アノード
１７ カソード
１８ セパレータ
１９ ＭＥＡ
２０ ターミナル
２１ インシュレータ
２２ エンドプレート
２３ 燃料電池スタック
２４ 締結部材
２４Ａ テンションプレート
２４Ｂ 連結部材
２４Ｂａ 厚肉部
２４Ｂｂ 薄肉部
２５ ボルト
２６ 冷媒流路（冷却水流路）
２７ 燃料ガス流路
２８ 酸化ガス流路
２９ 冷媒マニホールド
３０ 燃料ガスマニホールド
３１ 酸化ガスマニホールド
３２ 第１のシール部材
３３ 第２のシール部材
４０ 荷重付与部
４１ セル積層体
４２ 隙間
５０ 凹凸
５０Ａ 凸部
５０Ｂ 凹部
５１ スポット溶接部
５２ 角部
５３ ケーブル
５４ カバー
５５ 両面テープ 10 (Solid Polymer Electrolyte Type) Fuel Cell 11 Electrolyte Membranes 13 and 16 Diffusion Layer 14 Anode 17 Cathode 18 Separator 19 MEA
20 Terminal 21 Insulator 22 End plate 23 Fuel cell stack 24 Fastening member 24A Tension plate 24B Connection member 24Ba Thick part 24Bb Thin part 25 Bolt 26 Refrigerant flow path (cooling water flow path)
27 Fuel gas channel 28 Oxidizing gas channel 29 Refrigerant manifold 30 Fuel gas manifold 31 Oxidizing gas manifold 32 First seal member 33 Second seal member 40 Load applying portion 41 Cell stack 42 Clearance 50 Concavity and convexity 50A Convex portion 50B Concavity 51 Spot welded portion 52 Corner portion 53 Cable 54 Cover 55 Double-sided tape

Claims (4)

テンションプレートと、該テンションプレートに固定されエンドプレートと係合することによりエンドプレートとのセル積層方向の相対移動を制限された連結部材とを、有する燃料電池スタック。   A fuel cell stack comprising: a tension plate; and a connecting member fixed to the tension plate and engaged with the end plate and restricted in relative movement in the cell stacking direction with the end plate. 前記連結部材はテンションプレートと別体に形成されてテンションプレートに固定され、エンドプレートとの係合部がテンションプレートと連結部材のうち連結部材のみに形成されている請求項１記載の燃料電池スタック。   2. The fuel cell stack according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member is formed separately from the tension plate and fixed to the tension plate, and an engaging portion with the end plate is formed only on the connecting member of the tension plate and the connecting member. . 連結部材の一部はテンションプレートと重なっており、前記連結部材の一部はテンションプレートよりセル積層体から遠い側にある請求項１または請求項２記載の燃料電池スタック。   3. The fuel cell stack according to claim 1, wherein a part of the connecting member overlaps with the tension plate, and a part of the connecting member is located on a side farther from the cell stack than the tension plate. 連結部材を外側から覆うカバーを有する請求項１〜請求項３の何れかに記載の燃料電池スタック。   The fuel cell stack according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a cover that covers the connecting member from the outside.
JP2005333657A 2005-11-18 2005-11-18 Fuel cell stack Withdrawn JP2007141637A (en)

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Cited By (6)

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JP2009163912A (en) * 2007-12-28 2009-07-23 Toyota Motor Corp Fuel battery unit, and fuel battery
JP2015207422A (en) * 2014-04-18 2015-11-19 トヨタ自動車株式会社 fuel cell stack
WO2019130936A1 (en) * 2017-12-25 2019-07-04 三洋電機株式会社 Power supply device, vehicle equipped with power supply device, and power storage device
WO2020202669A1 (en) * 2019-03-29 2020-10-08 三洋電機株式会社 Power supply device and electric vehicle and power storage device using same, fastening member for power supply device, production method for power supply device, and production method for fastening member for power supply device
US11063287B2 (en) 2018-02-13 2021-07-13 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Fuel cell stack having fixing mechanisms
CN113646958A (en) * 2019-03-29 2021-11-12 三洋电机株式会社 Power supply device, electrically powered vehicle provided with same, power storage device, fastening member for power supply device, method for manufacturing fastening member for power supply device, and method for manufacturing power supply device

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2009163912A (en) * 2007-12-28 2009-07-23 Toyota Motor Corp Fuel battery unit, and fuel battery
JP2015207422A (en) * 2014-04-18 2015-11-19 トヨタ自動車株式会社 fuel cell stack
JPWO2019130936A1 (en) * 2017-12-25 2020-12-10 三洋電機株式会社 Vehicles equipped with power supply devices and power supply devices and power storage devices
CN111527621A (en) * 2017-12-25 2020-08-11 三洋电机株式会社 Power supply device, vehicle provided with power supply device, and power storage device
WO2019130936A1 (en) * 2017-12-25 2019-07-04 三洋電機株式会社 Power supply device, vehicle equipped with power supply device, and power storage device
CN111527621B (en) * 2017-12-25 2022-09-20 三洋电机株式会社 Power supply device, vehicle provided with power supply device, and power storage device
JP7284710B2 (en) 2017-12-25 2023-05-31 三洋電機株式会社 Power supply device, vehicle equipped with power supply device, and power storage device
US11901582B2 (en) 2017-12-25 2024-02-13 Panasonic Holdings Corporation Power supply device, vehicle equipped with power supply device, and power storage device
US11063287B2 (en) 2018-02-13 2021-07-13 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Fuel cell stack having fixing mechanisms
WO2020202669A1 (en) * 2019-03-29 2020-10-08 三洋電機株式会社 Power supply device and electric vehicle and power storage device using same, fastening member for power supply device, production method for power supply device, and production method for fastening member for power supply device
JPWO2020202669A1 (en) * 2019-03-29 2020-10-08
CN113646958A (en) * 2019-03-29 2021-11-12 三洋电机株式会社 Power supply device, electrically powered vehicle provided with same, power storage device, fastening member for power supply device, method for manufacturing fastening member for power supply device, and method for manufacturing power supply device
CN113646958B (en) * 2019-03-29 2023-10-24 三洋电机株式会社 Power supply device, electric vehicle provided with same, power storage device, power supply device fastening member manufacturing method, and power supply device manufacturing method
JP7489376B2 (en) 2019-03-29 2024-05-23 三洋電機株式会社 Power supply device, electric vehicle using same, and power storage device, fastening member for power supply device, method for manufacturing power supply device, and method for manufacturing fastening member for power supply device

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