JP2007257865A - Fuel cell stack device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell stack device capable of stably receiving a load by a load applying element with an end plate for a long time though the end plate is made of resin. <P>SOLUTION: The fuel cell stack device has a first end plate 13 installed at one end of a cell stack 11, a second end plate 12 installed at the other end in the stacking direction, and a load applying element 8 applying a load in the cell stacking direction and making approach cells 10. At least one of the first end plate 13 and the second end plate 12 is equipped with metal members 131, 121, and resin material parts 135, 125 holding the metal members 131, 121. The metal members 131, 121 come in contact with the load applying element 8. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell stack device in which a plurality of cells are stacked.

  The fuel cell stack device includes a cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of cells in the thickness direction, a first end plate provided on one end side in the stacking direction of the cell stack, and a stacking direction of the cell stack. A second end plate provided on the other end side and a load application element for applying a load in the cell stacking direction of the cell stack to bring the cells closer to each other (Patent Document 1). The load application element is formed of a bolt that penetrates the cell in the cell stacking direction and a nut that fastens the bolt. The end plate described above is formed of a conductive metal conductive plate and a resin material portion that holds the current collector plate. The conductive plate performs a current collecting function.

Further, Patent Documents 2 and 3 disclose fuel cell stack devices having end plates.
FIG. 4 of JP2003-331905A JP 2004-311084 A JP-A-10-270066

  According to the technique according to Patent Document 1 described above, the end plate is formed using a resin, which is advantageous for reducing the weight. If the nut is fastened to the bolt, the cells are assembled in a stacked state. However, since the end plate is made of resin, the load acts directly on the resin. Therefore, when the service period is long, there is a risk that the resin will partially sag and the resin will partially creep. In this case, the load applied by the load application element may fluctuate, and the pressure contact force between the cells may change. Therefore, it is not preferable for improving the durability and improving the quality of the fuel cell stack device.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances. Despite the fact that the end plate is formed using a resin, the load applied by the load application element can be stably received by the end plate over a long period of time, and the durability can be improved. It is an object of the present invention to provide a fuel cell stack device that is advantageous for improving the quality and improving the quality.

A fuel cell stack device according to the present invention includes a cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of cells in the thickness direction,
A first end plate provided on one end side in the stacking direction of the cell stack;
A second end plate provided on the other end side in the stacking direction of the cell stack;
A pressure plate provided between the first end plate and the cell stack, or between the second end plate and the cell stack,
In a fuel cell stack device comprising a load applying element that is provided between a first end plate or a second end plate and a pressure plate and applies a load in the cell stacking direction of the cell stack to bring the cells close to each other.
At least one of the first end plate, the second end plate, and the pressure plate includes a metal member that is made of metal and is in contact with the load application element, and a resin material portion that holds the metal member. It is characterized by.

  In the resin material portion, local creep deformation and local sag are likely to occur as compared with the metal member. In this regard, according to the present invention, at least one of the first end plate, the second end plate, and the pressure plate includes a metal member formed of metal and a resin material portion that holds the metal member. . Therefore, the weight of the end plate is reduced.

  And the metal member which is a component of an end plate or a pressure plate contacts a load application element. For this reason, it is suppressed that the load by a load application element acts on a resin material part directly. Therefore, even if the use period of the fuel cell stack device is extended, local creep deformation, local sag, etc. of the resin material portion are suppressed. Therefore, fluctuations in the load applied by the load application element are suppressed, and changes in the pressure contact force between the cells are suppressed. Therefore, even though the end plate is formed using a resin, the load applied by the load applying element can be stably received by the end plate over a long period of time.

  According to the present invention, although the end plate and / or the pressure plate are formed using a resin, the load applied by the load applying element is directly applied to the resin material portion of the end plate and / or the pressure plate. Acting is suppressed. For this reason, even if the usage period of the fuel cell stack device is prolonged, local creep deformation, local sag, and the like of the resin material portion are suppressed. Therefore, the end plate and / or the pressure plate can stably receive the load from the load application element over a long period of time. This is advantageous for improving the durability and quality of the fuel cell stack device.

  The fuel cell stack device includes a cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of cells in the thickness direction, a first end plate provided on one end side in the stacking direction of the cell stack, and a stacking direction of the cell stack. A second end plate provided on the other end side, a pressure plate provided at a predetermined distance from the first end plate, and a cell of the cell stack provided between the pressure plate and the first end plate The form which comprises the load application element which applies a load to a lamination direction and makes cells approach is illustrated.

  The cells may be stacked along the height direction or may be stacked along the horizontal direction. The load applying element may be anything as long as it applies a load in the cell stacking direction of the cell stack to bring the cells close to each other, and a spring element is exemplified as the load applying element. Examples of the spring element include a disc spring, a coil spring, and a leaf spring. As a load application element, the combination with the volt | bolt which penetrates a cell laminated body in a lamination direction, and the nut which fastens a bolt is illustrated.

  At least one of the first end plate, the second end plate, and the pressure plate includes a metal member and a resin material portion that holds the metal member. The metal member is in contact with the load application element. The metal member means a member formed using a metal as a base material, and its shape and structure are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a flat plate shape and a disk shape. The resin material portion means a member formed using resin as a base material, and the shape and structure thereof are not particularly limited.

  The material of the metal member, the material of the resin material part, the thickness of the metal member, and the thickness of the resin material part are appropriately selected according to the use of the fuel cell stack device. Examples of the metal constituting the metal member include, but are not limited to, carbon steel, alloy steel (including stainless steel), aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, titanium alloy, and the like. The metal member may be subjected to a curing process such as a quenching process. In particular, a hardening process may be performed on a region of the metal member to which a load by a load applying element is applied.

  The resin that forms the resin material part may be a thermoplastic resin, a thermosetting resin, or a reinforced resin by a reinforcing material, and examples of the reinforcing material include reinforcing fibers and reinforcing particles, such as glass fiber, metal fiber, and carbon. Examples thereof include fibers, ceramic fibers, glass particles, metal particles, carbon particles, and ceramic particles. As the resin, a known resin can be adopted, and a resin having high strength and hard resin is preferable. Therefore, an engineer plastic excellent in strength and impact resistance may be used. For example, phenol resin, epoxy resin, unsaturated polyester resin, urea resin, melamine resin, diallyl phthalate resin, polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyacetal (POM), polyphenylene ether (PPE), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyarylate (PAR), and one or more of ABS resins are exemplified, but are not limited thereto.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the metal member is embedded in the resin material portion of the end plate and / or the pressure plate so as to be exposed to the outer surface. In this case, the resin material portion is disposed on the opposite side to the load application element, and the resin material portion supports the metal member that has received a load from the load application element from the back surface of the metal member. When the load application element is a spring element, the metal member can function as a spring seat for seating the spring element.

  The pressure plate may be interposed between the cell stack and the first end plate, or may be interposed between the cell stack and the second end plate. The load application element may be interposed between the first end plate and the cell stack, or may be interposed between the second end plate and the cell stack, or It may be interposed between the two. Specifically, the load application element may be interposed between the pressure plate and the first end plate, or may be interposed between the pressure plate and the second end plate.

  The form by which the spring seat is being fixed to the metal member, or is integrally molded is illustrated. The shape of the spring seat is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the type of the spring. The metal member is exemplified by a form in which reinforcing ribs are provided. The reinforcing rib may be formed on the surface of the metal member that directly receives the load applied by the load applying element, or may be formed on the opposite side.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the tension member is provided so as to extend in the stacking direction of the cell stack, and the fixture for attaching the tension member to the first end plate and / or the second end plate. A mounting bolt is illustrated as an attachment tool. A metal member has a to-be-attached part to which a fixture is attached. A female screw part is illustrated as a to-be-attached part.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the tension member may be a plate or a shallow box. The tension member has an end surface flange that can be engaged with the end surface in the stacking direction of the first end plate and / or the second end plate, and a side flange that faces the side surface of the cell stack. The side collar can reinforce the end collar.

  Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. The fuel cell stack apparatus is provided with a stack 1 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape formed by laminating a plurality of cells 10 of a solid polymer electrolyte type having a substantially rectangular planar shape in the thickness direction. Each cell 10 is stacked along the horizontal direction, that is, the arrow X direction. The stack 1 has a cell stack 11 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape in which a plurality of cells 10 are stacked in the thickness direction, and a substantially rectangular flat plate shape disposed at one end in the stacking direction (arrow X direction) of the cell stack 11. A first end plate 13 formed, and a second end plate 12 having a substantially rectangular flat plate disposed at the other end in the stacking direction (arrow X direction) of the cell stack 11.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a spring 8 is provided. The spring 8 functions as a load application element having an urging force in a direction (arrow F1 direction) in which the cells 10 of the stack 1 are brought into close contact with each other via the tension member 2. The spring 8 is a coil spring having a biasing force in the stacking direction (arrow X direction) of the stack 1 and has an axis PA. The spring 8 is interposed between the pressure plate 16 and the first end plate 13. The pressure plate 16 is urged toward the second end plate 12 by the urging force of the spring 8, and the cells 10 of the stacked body 11 are in close contact with each other.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first end plate 13 includes a flat plate-shaped first metal member 131 and a disk-shaped first resin material portion 135 formed of an electrically insulating material that holds the first metal member 131. And is formed. The first metal member 131 is made of a metal such as an iron alloy such as carbon steel or alloy steel, or an aluminum alloy, and is embedded in the first resin material portion 135 so as to be exposed to the outer surface. The first resin material portion 135 is formed using a resin as a base material, and has a first engagement portion 137 that engages with an end portion of the first metal member 131 and prevents the first metal member 131 from coming off. The first metal member 131 has less creep deformation than the resin material constituting the first resin material portion 135.

  The first resin material portion 135 is disposed on the opposite side to the spring 8 and supports the first metal member 131 that has received a load in the direction of arrow F2 by the spring 8 from the back surface 131r of the first metal member 131. For this reason, a load (in the direction of arrow F <b> 2) by the spring 8 acts on the first end plate 13. At this time, the load due to the spring acts directly on the first metal member 131 and is prevented from acting directly on the first resin material portion 135. For this reason, partial creep deformation, partial sag, and the like of the first resin material portion 135 are suppressed. Therefore, although the first end plate is formed using resin, the load from the spring 8 is stably received by the first end plate over a long period of time.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the second end plate 12 is formed of a plate-like second metal member 121 and a second resin material portion 125 that holds the second metal member 121. The second metal member 121 is made of a metal such as an iron alloy such as carbon steel or alloy steel, or an aluminum alloy, and is embedded in the second resin material portion 125 so as to be exposed to the outer surface. The second resin material portion 125 is formed using a resin as a base material and has an electrical insulating function. The second metal member 121 has less creep deformation than the resin material constituting the second resin material portion 125. The second resin material portion 125 has a second engagement portion 127 that engages with an end portion of the second metal member 121 to prevent the second metal member 121 from coming off. In the second end plate 12, the second resin material part 125 is disposed on the opposite side to the stack 1.

  The second metal member 121 receives the urging force (in the direction of arrow F1) of the stack 1 that receives the load from the spring 8, and the second resin material portion 125 moves the second metal member 121 from the back surface 121r of the second metal member 121. To support. For this reason, although the load by the spring 8 acts on the 2nd end plate 12 via the stack 1, it is suppressed that the load by the spring 8 acts on the 2nd resin material part 125 directly. Therefore, partial creep deformation, partial sag, and the like of the second resin material portion 125 are suppressed. Therefore, although the second end plate 12 is formed using resin, the load from the spring 8 is stably received by the second end plate 12 over a long period of time.

  The second metal member 121 of the second end plate 12 is formed of a conductive metal such as iron such as carbon steel or alloy steel, or aluminum alloy, and is electrically insulated by the second resin material portion 125. Yes. Therefore, the second metal member 121 is used as a terminal that functions as an electric energy extraction element that extracts electric energy generated by the stack 1. For this reason, while using the second metal member 121 of the second end plate 12 as a terminal, it is not necessary to provide the conventionally used electric insulation insulator, and the number of parts can be reduced. That is, the second end plate 12 has a function as a terminal of the stack 1 and a function as an electrical insulation insulator, and has a hybrid function.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pressure plate 16 has a plate-like third metal member 161, a plate-like fourth metal member 167, and electrical insulation that holds the third metal member 161 and the fourth metal member 167. And a third resin material portion 164. The third resin material portion 164 has an electrical insulation function. The third resin material portion 164 is engaged with the end portion of the third metal member 161 to be prevented from coming off, and is engaged with the end portion of the fourth metal member 167 to be prevented from coming off. A fourth engaging portion 169.

  The third metal member 161 is formed of a metal such as carbon steel, an alloy such as alloy steel, or an aluminum alloy, and is embedded in the third resin material portion 164 so as to be exposed on the outer surface on the spring 8 side. It faces the other end of the spring 8. The fourth metal member 167 is formed of a metal such as iron such as carbon steel or alloy steel, or an aluminum alloy, and the third resin material portion 164 is exposed on the outer surface opposite to the third metal member 161. And is facing the stack 1. The third metal member 161 and the fourth metal member 167 are less prone to creep deformation than the resin material constituting the third resin material portion 164.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the pressure plate 16, the third metal member 161 and the fourth metal member 167 are not in contact with each other and are not electrically connected to each other. This is because the third resin material part 164 having electrical insulation is disposed between the third metal member 161 and the fourth metal member 167. The fourth metal member 167 is formed of a conductive metal (for example, carbon steel or alloy steel), and is used as a terminal that functions as an electrical energy extraction element that extracts the electrical energy of the stack 1.

  Here, as described above, the third resin material portion 164 of the pressure plate 16 has an electrical insulation function and functions as an electrical insulation insulator. For this reason, while using the fourth metal member 167 of the pressure plate 16 as a terminal, it is not necessary to interpose the conventionally used electric insulation insulator between the pressure plate 16 and the stack 1, and the number of parts can be reduced. Can be planned. That is, the pressure plate 16 functions as a terminal and a function as an electrical insulation insulator.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a tension member 2 extending along the stacking direction (arrow X direction) of the stack 1 is provided. The tension member 2 receives a load from the spring 8.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the nut-like first attached portion 5 is held in an embedded state by insert molding inside the first resin material portion 135 of the first end plate 13. The first attached portion 5 has a first screw hole 53 having a first female screw portion 51. The first screw hole 53 of the first attached portion 5 communicates with the outside through the communication hole 139 of the first resin material portion 135. The tension member 2 is formed with an insertion hole 23 penetrating in the thickness direction so as to communicate with the communication hole 139.

  Then, as can be understood from FIG. 2, the bolt-shaped fixture 60 is inserted into the insertion hole 23 of the tension member 2, and the first male screw portion 63 of the fixture 60 is inserted into the communication hole 139 and the first attached portion. 5 to the first female screw part 51. Thereby, the one end 2a of the tension member 2 is detachably attached to the first end plate 13. The nut-like first attached portion 5 is embedded in the first resin molding portion 135 of the first end plate 13 but is not in contact with the first metal member 131.

  Similarly, as shown in FIG. 2, the nut-like second attached portion 5 </ b> B is held in an embedded state by insert molding inside the second resin material portion 125 of the second end plate 12. The second attached portion 5B has a second screw hole 53B having a second female screw portion 51B. The second screw hole 53B of the second attached portion 5B communicates with the outside through the communication hole 139B of the second resin material portion 125. An insertion hole 23 penetrating in the thickness direction is formed in the tension member 2 so as to communicate with the communication hole 139B. 2, at the other end 2c of the tension member 2, a bolt-shaped fixture 60 is inserted into the insertion hole 23 of the tension member 2, and the second male screw portion 63 of the fixture 60 is 2 It is screwed into the second female screw portion 51B of the mounted portion 5B. Thus, the other end 2c of the tension member 2 is detachably attached to the second end plate 12.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the first end plate 13 is formed of the plate-like first metal member 131 and the first resin material portion 135 that holds the first metal member 131. The first resin material part 135 supports the first metal member 131 that receives a load from the spring 8 from the back surface 131 r of the first metal member 131. For this reason, although the load by the spring 8 acts on the 1st end plate 13, it is suppressed that the load by the spring 8 acts on the 1st resin material part 135 directly. Partial creep deformation, partial sag, and the like of the first resin material portion 135 are suppressed. Therefore, although the first end plate 13 is formed using a resin, the load from the spring 8 is stably received by the first end plate 13 over a long period of time.

  Regarding the pressure plate 16 as well, the third metal member 161 and the fourth metal member 167 are heavier than the resin material constituting the third resin material portion 164 and have less creep deformation. Therefore, although the pressure plate 16 is formed using resin, the load by the spring 8 is stably received by the pressure plate 16 over a long period of time.

  The second end plate 12 is formed of a plate-like second metal member 121 and a second resin material portion 125 that holds the second metal member 121. The second resin material part 125 receives the urging force of the stack 1 that receives the load from the spring 8 on the second metal member 121, and further the second resin material part 125 from the back surface 121 r of the second metal member 121 The member 121 is supported. For this reason, although the load by the spring 8 acts on the 2nd end plate 12 via the stack 1, it is suppressed that the load by the spring 8 acts on the 2nd resin material part 125 directly. Creep deformation, sag, etc. of the second resin material part 125 are suppressed. Therefore, although the second end plate 12 is formed using resin, the load from the spring 8 is stably received by the second end plate 12 over a long period of time.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even when the usage period is long, the change in the load due to the spring 8 can be suppressed, and the seal between the cells 10 constituting the cell stack 11 is well maintained.

  According to the present embodiment, the setting is as follows. That is, for the second end plate 12, the projected area of the second metal member 121 is set larger than the projected area of the end surface in the stacking direction of the stack 1. Therefore, the projected contact area between the second metal member 121 and the resin material portion 125 is set to be larger than the projected contact area between the metal member 121 and the stack 1 (projected area of the end surface in the stacking direction of the stack 1). . Thereby, even when the spring load of the spring 8 is large, the surface pressure to the resin material portion 125 is reduced. The projected area of the second metal member 121 refers to a projected area when projected from a direction orthogonal to the surface of the second metal member 121 facing the stack 1. The same applies to other metal members. The projected contact area between the second metal member 121 and the resin material part 125 refers to a projected area when projected from a direction orthogonal to the contact surface between the second metal member 121 and the resin material part 125. .

  For the pressure plate 16, the projected area of the fourth metal member 167 is set larger than the projected area of the end face in the stacking direction of the stack 1. Therefore, the projected contact area between the fourth metal member 167 and the resin material portion 164 is set larger than the projected contact area between the metal member 167 and the stack 1 (projected area of the end surface in the stacking direction of the stack 1). . Thereby, even when the spring load of the spring 8 is large, the surface pressure on the resin material portion 164 is reduced.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, for the first end plate 13, the projected area of the first metal member 131 is preferably larger than the projected area of the end surface of the stack 1 in the stacking direction. Therefore, it is desirable that the projected contact area between the first metal member 131 and the resin material portion 135 is larger than the projected area of the end surface of the stack 1 in the stacking direction. Therefore, it is set as such. Regarding the pressure plate 16, it is desirable that the projected area of the third metal member 161 is larger than the projected area of the end surface of the stack 1 in the stacking direction. Therefore, it is desirable that the projected contact area between the third metal member 161 and the resin material portion 164 is larger than the projected area of the end surface of the stack 1 in the stacking direction. For this reason, it is set as such. In this case, the surface pressure on the resin material portions 135 and 164 is reduced.

  As can be understood from FIG. 1, for the first end plate 13, the projected area of the first metal member 131, that is, the projected contact area between the first metal member 131 and the resin material part 135 is the same as that of the metal member 131 and the load. It is larger than the contact area (sitting area of the load application element) with the spring 8 as the application element. In this case, even when the spring load of the spring 8 is large, the surface pressure on the resin material part 135 is reduced. For the pressure plate 16, the projected area of the third metal member 161, that is, the projected contact area between the third metal member 161 and the resin material portion 164, is between the metal member 161 and the spring 8 that is a load application element. It is larger than the contact area (sitting area of the load application element). Thereby, even when the spring load of the spring 8 is large, the surface pressure on the resin material portion 164 is reduced.

  Here, the metal members 131 and 161 are those on which the springs 8 serving as load applying elements are seated. The ratio of the seating area of the load application element to the cross-sectional area along the surface direction of the metal members 131 and 161 can be 20% (5: 1) or 14.3% (7: 1). . The ratio of the seating area of the load application element to the cross-sectional area along the surface direction of the metal members 131 and 161 is preferably 50% or less. In particular, 30% or less and 20% or less are desirable.

  3 to 6 show the second embodiment. The present embodiment basically has the same configuration and operational effects as the first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first metal member 131 of the first end plate 13 has a first bent portion 138 bent approximately 90 degrees into an L shape, and has a U-shaped cross section. Has been. A resin layer 135 c is formed between the first bent portion 138 and the tension member 2. The first bent portion 138 has a first female screw portion 51X (attached portion).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the bolt-shaped fixture 60 is inserted into the insertion hole 23 of the tension member 2, and the first male screw portion 63 of the fixture 60 is further connected to the first metal member of the first end plate 13. The first female screw portion 51X (attached portion) of the first bent portion 138 formed in 131 is screwed. Thereby, the one end 2a of the tension member 2 is detachably attached to the first end plate 13.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the second metal member 121 of the second end plate 12 has a second bent portion 128 bent approximately 90 degrees into an L shape, and has a U-shaped cross section. Yes. A resin layer 125 c is formed between the second bent portion 128 and the tension member 2. The second bent portion 128 has a second female screw portion 51X. As shown in FIG. 5, the bolt-shaped fixture 60 is inserted into the insertion hole 23 of the tension member, and the second male screw portion 63 of the fixture 60 is attached to the second metal member 121 of the second end plate 12. The second female screw portion 51X of the second bent portion 128 is screwed. Thus, the other end 2c of the tension member 2 is detachably attached to the second end plate 12.

  FIG. 6 shows a process of insert-molding the first metal member 131 of the first end plate 13. As shown in FIG. 6, the first metal member 131 is disposed in the cavity 701 of the mold 700. In this case, the first male screw portion 63 of the bolt-shaped fixture 60 is screwed in advance with the first female screw portion 51X of the first bent portion 138 of the first metal member 131. The reason for this is to prevent the resin from flowing into the first female screw portion 51X. Then, a resin material having fluidity is loaded into the cavity 701 of the mold 700 so as to cover the first metal member 131 and solidified. As a result, the first metal member 131 is insert-molded into the first resin material portion 135, and the first end plate 13 is formed. In this case, since the first metal member 131 itself of the first end plate 13 has a fastening function for fastening the fixture 60, the number of parts can be reduced. The second end plate 12 can be similarly formed.

  FIG. 7 shows a third embodiment. The present embodiment basically has the same configuration and operational effects as the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the first metal member 131 of the first end plate 13 has a first bent portion 138 and has a U-shaped cross section. A nut-like attached portion 5C having a first female screw portion 51C is fixed to the first bent portion 138 by welding, soldering, bonding, press fitting, or the like. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the bolt-shaped fixture 60 is inserted into the insertion hole 23 of the tension member 2 and the communication hole 139 of the first resin material portion 135, and further, the first male screw portion 63 of the fixture 60. Is screwed into the first female screw portion 51C (attached portion) of the nut-like attached portion 5C. Thereby, the one end 2a of the tension member 2 is detachably attached to the first end plate 13. The other end 2c of the tension member 2 can be fixed to the second end plate 12 with the same structure.

  FIG. 8 shows a fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, a cylindrical body 85 functioning as a spring seat is fixed to the surface 131a of the first metal member 131 of the first end plate 13 facing the spring 8 by welding, soldering or bonding, press fitting, or the like. Has been. Similarly, the cylinder body 85B is fixed to the surface 161a of the third metal member 161 of the pressure plate 16 facing the spring 8 by welding, soldering or bonding, press fitting, or the like. The cylinder 85 and the cylinder 85B are made of metal or hard resin, and are arranged coaxially or substantially coaxially with the spring 8 around the axis PA of the coiled spring 8.

  Since the cylindrical body 85 and the cylindrical body 85B guide and hold the coiled spring 8, it is possible to improve the holding performance with respect to the spring 8. In addition, the effect which reinforces the 1st metal member 131 and the 3rd metal member 161 by the cylinder 85 and the cylinder 85B is also expectable. A cylinder may be provided on the second end plate 12.

  FIG. 9 shows a fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, a cylindrical body 85C is fixed to the surface 131c of the first metal member 131 of the first end plate 13 facing the spring 8 by welding, soldering, bonding, press-fitting, etc. It is embedded in the first resin material part 135. A cylindrical body 85D is fixed to the surface 161c of the third metal member 161 of the pressure plate 16 facing the spring 8 by welding, soldering, bonding, press-fitting, etc., and is embedded in the third resin material portion 164. ing.

  The cylinder 85C and the cylinder 85D are made of metal or hard resin, and are arranged coaxially or substantially coaxially with the spring 8 around the axis PA of the coiled spring 8. It receives a load based on the load. In addition, the effect which reinforces the 1st metal member 131 and the 3rd metal member 161 by cylinder 85C and cylinder 85D can also be anticipated. A cylinder may be provided so as to be embedded in the second resin material portion 125 of the second end plate 12.

  10A and 10B show the sixth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10A, the wall 131m of the portion of the first metal member 131 of the first end plate 13 that faces the spring 8 projects into a cylindrical shape toward the coiled spring 8 by press molding. Has been. Thus, a cylindrical body 85E having a cylindrical shape is formed coaxially or substantially coaxially with the spring 8 around the axis PA of the spring 8. Since the overmolded portion is reinforced by work hardening, the load of the spring 8 can be received well.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, the wall 161 m of the portion of the third metal member 161 of the pressure plate 16 that faces the spring 8 is projected toward the spring 8 in a cylindrical shape by press molding. Thereby, a cylindrical body 85F having a cylindrical shape is formed around the axis PA of the spring 8 coaxially or substantially coaxially with the spring 8. Since the overmolded portion is reinforced by work hardening, the load of the spring 8 can be received well. The cylindrical body 85E increases the bonding area between the first metal member 131 and the first resin material portion 135 that constitute the first end plate 13, and thus improves the integrity. The cylindrical body 85F increases the bonding area between the third metal member 161 and the third resin material portion 164 constituting the pressure plate 16, and thus improves the integrity.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, the wall 131m of the metal first metal member 131 is pressed around the axis PA of the spring 8 so as to be coaxial with or substantially coaxial with the spring 8. A cylindrical body 86H is formed by projecting. One end portion of the spring 8 in the length direction is accommodated in the cylindrical body 86H and used as a spring seat. Further, the wall 161m of the metal third metal member 161 of the pressure plate 16 is projected by press molding so as to be coaxial with or substantially coaxial with the spring 8 around the axis PA of the spring 8. A body 86K is formed. The other end of the spring 8 in the length direction is accommodated inside the cylindrical body 86K and used as a spring seat. Even when the thickness of the first metal member 131 and the third metal member 161 is small, the overhang-molded walls 131m and 161m are strengthened by work hardening, so that the load of the spring 8 can be favorably received. .

  11 to 13 show a seventh embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, a first reinforcing rib 87f is fixed to the surface 131c of the first metal member 131 of the first end plate 13 facing the spring 8 by welding, soldering, or the like. A second reinforcing rib 87 s is fixed to the surface 121 c of the second metal member 121 of the second end plate 12 facing the stack 1 by welding, soldering, or the like. A third reinforcing rib 87t is fixed to the surface 161c of the third metal member 161 of the pressure plate 16 facing the spring 8 by welding, soldering or the like.

  Accordingly, even when the load of the spring 8 is large, or even when the thickness of the first metal member 131, the second metal member 121, and the third metal member 161 is reduced, the first metal member 131, Excessive deformation of the second metal member 121 and the third metal member 161 is suppressed.

  Further, FIG. 13 shows a plan view of the tension member 2M. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the tension member 2M viewed from below. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the tension member 2 </ b> M receives a load from the spring 8, and has a tension member body 20 having a flat plate shape extending along the stacking direction (arrow X direction) of the stack 1. A hook-like engagement portion 4 integrally provided on one end side of the tension member main body 20, and a hook-like engagement portion 3 integrally provided on the other end side of the tension member main body 20. Have

  As shown in FIG. 14, two engagement portions 4 are formed in a hook shape on one side of the tension member 2 in the arrow X direction. Two engaging portions 3 are formed in a hook shape on the other side of the tension member 2 in the arrow X direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the engaging portion 3 can be engaged with a corner portion 12 m of the second end plate 12 corresponding to the end portion of the stack 1. The engaging portions 4 are respectively engageable with corner portions 13m of the first end plate 13 corresponding to the end portions of the stack 1. The engaging portion 3 and the engaging portion 4 are formed in a hook shape in a bent state with respect to the tension member main body 20.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the engaging portion 3 has an end surface flange portion 31 and a side surface flange portion 32. The engaging part 4 has an end face collar 41 and a side collar 42. The side flange 32 has a hypotenuse 32x. The side collar 42 has a hypotenuse 42x. The oblique side portion 32x and the oblique side portion 42x are inclined so as to approach each other toward the tension member main body 20. In FIG. 14, an arrow H direction indicates a direction perpendicular to the surface of the tension member main body 20 of the tension member 2. When one engaging part 3 is visually recognized along the direction parallel to the arrow H direction, the end face collar 31 and the side collar 32 constituting the engaging part 3 are L-shaped. The end face flanges 31 of the two engaging portions 3 are integrally connected and are arranged on the short side 2s side of the tension member 2. Accordingly, when the two engaging portions 3 are visually recognized along the direction parallel to the arrow H direction, the end surface flange portions 31 and the side surface flange portions 32 constituting the two first engagement portions 3 are U-shaped. I am doing.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, when one engaging portion 4 is viewed along the direction parallel to the arrow H direction, the end face collar 41 and the side collar 42 constituting the engaging section 4 are It has a letter shape. The end face flanges 41 of the two engaging portions 4 are integrally connected to each other and are arranged on the short side 2s side of the tension member 2. Therefore, when the two engaging portions 3 are visually recognized along the direction parallel to the arrow H direction, the end surface flange portions 41 and the side surface flange portions 42 constituting the two engagement portions 4 have a U-shape. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 13, a notch-shaped opening 2 r is formed on each long side 2 p side of the tension member 2. Due to the opening 2r, the width D1 of the tension member main body 20 is made smaller than the width D2 of the short side 2s of the tension member 2. The material of the tension member 2 is not particularly limited, and may be metal or resin.

  At the time of assembly, first, as shown in FIG. 11, the cell stack 11, the end plates 12, 13 and the like are assembled to form the stack 1. Thereafter, the two tension members 2 are fitted into and attached to the stack 1 from above and below the stack 1 (in the direction of the arrow S1 shown in FIG. 11). As a result, the tension member 2 is attached to the upper surface 1 u side and the lower surface 1 d side of the stack 1.

  According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, when one tension member 2 is mounted on the stack 1, the stack 1 is formed by the end face flanges 31 of the two engaging portions 3 formed on the tension member 2. The two corner portions 12m of the second end plate 12 on the other side in the stacking direction (arrow X direction) can be respectively held. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the end face flange 41 of the two engaging portions 4 formed on the tension member 2 causes the first end plate 13 on one side in the stacking direction of the stack 1 (arrow X direction). Two corner portions 13m can be held.

  According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, since the end surface flange 31 and the side surface flange 32 are integrally joined in the engaging portion 3 of the tension member 2, the end surface flange 31 is reinforced by a side flange 32. As a result, the side surface flange 32 can suppress the displacement of the end surface flange 31 in the expanding direction (the arrow X1 direction shown in FIG. 11). Further, in the engaging portion 4 of the tension member 2, since the end surface flange 41 and the side flange 42 are integrally joined, the end surface flange 41 is reinforced by the side flange 42. As a result, the side face collar 42 can suppress the displacement of the end face collar 41 in the expanding direction (arrow X2 direction). This is advantageous in providing an appropriate pressure contact force to the cells 10 of the stack 1.

  FIG. 15 shows an eighth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, the first end plate 13 is formed of a plate-like first metal member 131 and a first resin material portion 135 that holds the first metal member 131. The first metal member 131 is embedded in the first resin material portion 135 so as to be exposed on the outer surface on the spring 8E side. The first resin material portion 135 is disposed on the opposite side to the spring 8E, and supports the first metal member 131 that receives a load from the spring 8E from the back surface 131r of the first metal member 131. For this reason, although the load by the spring 8E acts on the 1st end plate 13, it is suppressed that the load by the spring 8E acts on the 1st resin material part 135 directly. Creep deformation, sag, etc. of the first resin material part 135 are suppressed. Therefore, although the first end plate 13 is formed using resin, the load by the spring 8E is stably received by the first end plate 13 over a long period of time. The spring 8E has a leaf spring structure in which a plurality of leaf springs 8 are stacked.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the first metal member 131 of the first end plate 13 is formed with a first attached portion 5E formed by a screw hole 53E having a female screw portion 51E. The screw hole 53E penetrates the first metal member 131 in the thickness direction. The first resin material portion 135 of the first end plate 13 is also formed with a communication hole 139E that communicates with the screw hole 53E. An insertion hole 23 </ b> E is also formed in the end face flange 41 of the tension member 2. The insertion hole 23E, the communication hole 139E, and the screw hole 53E penetrate in the stacking direction (arrow X direction).

  As shown in FIG. 15, the bolt-shaped fixture 60 is inserted into the insertion hole 23E of the tension member 2M, and the first male screw portion 63 of the fixture 60 is inserted into the first metal member 131 through the communication hole 139E. 1 Threaded into the screw hole 53E of the attached portion 5E. Thus, the one end 2a of the tension member 2M is detachably attached to the first metal member 131 of the first end plate 13. The other end portion of the tension member 2M can be similarly attached to the second end plate 12.

  As shown in FIG. 15, two corner angles of the first end plate 13 on one side in the stacking direction (arrow X direction) of the stack 1 by the end face flange 41 of the engaging portion 4 formed on the tension member 2M. The portion 13m can be held. Also in this example, the same pressure plate 16 as that in the first embodiment is provided. A short circuit between the anode and the cathode is prevented by the third resin material portion 164 of the pressure plate 16.

  FIG. 16 shows a ninth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, the first end plate 13 is formed of a plate-like first metal member 131 and a first resin material portion 135 </ b> F that holds the first metal member 131. The first resin material portion 135F is formed of a resin blended with reinforcing fibers such as glass fibers and is reinforced.

  When the load of the spring 8 is large or when the thickness of the first metal member 131 is thin, the load of the spring 8 causes the first metal member 131 and thus the first end plate 13 to warp in the direction of bending (the direction of the arrow R1). Tend. Therefore, a reinforcing rib 89 is provided on the surface 131 a of the first metal member 131 that faces the spring 8. In this case, when the first end plate 13 is bent in the direction of the arrow R1, a compressive force is applied to the reinforcing rib 89 in a direction in which the length of the reinforcing rib 89 contracts. In general, members are stronger against compressive forces than tensile forces. For this reason, even when the load of the spring 8 is large, it is advantageous to suppress the warp of the first end plate 13 by the reinforcing rib 89. The reinforcing rib 89 is provided at a position where it does not interfere with the spring 8. The second end plate 12 may have a similar structure.

(Other)
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings, and can be implemented with appropriate modifications within the scope not departing from the gist. In the above-described embodiment, a structure in which the pressure plate 16 and the spring 8 (load application element) are provided between the first end plate 13 and the cell stack 11 is employed. Or it is good also as a structure where the pressure plate 16 and the spring 8 are provided between the 2nd end plate 12 and the cell laminated body 11 with this structure.

The following technical idea from the above description is also grasped.
A cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of cells in the thickness direction, a first end plate provided on one end side in the stacking direction of the cell stack, and provided on the other end side in the stacking direction of the cell stack Provided between the second end plate, the first end plate and the cell stack, and / or between the second end plate and the cell stack, and applying a load in the cell stack direction of the cell stack. In the fuel cell stack device including the load applying element that brings the cells close to each other, at least one of the first end plate and the second end plate is formed of metal and is in contact with the load applying element And a resin material part for holding a metal member. A pressure plate can be provided between the cell stack and the first end plate.

  The present invention can be used for fuel cell systems for vehicles, stationary devices, electric devices, electronic devices, and the like.

1 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel cell stack device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows the structure which concerns on Example 1 and has attached the tension member to the end plate. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel cell stack device according to Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 6 is a plan view of a tension member according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a structure according to Embodiment 2 in which a tension member is attached to a first end plate. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a structure according to Embodiment 2 in which a tension member is attached to a second end plate. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a process of insert molding the first end plate according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a structure according to Embodiment 3 in which a tension member is attached to a first end plate. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing, in an enlarged manner, the vicinity of a spring disposed between a first end plate and a pressure plate according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing, in an enlarged manner, the vicinity of a spring disposed between a first end plate and a pressure plate according to a fifth embodiment. (A) and (B) relate to Example 6, and are partial sectional views showing in an enlarged manner the vicinity of a spring disposed between a first end plate and a pressure plate. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel cell stack device according to Embodiment 7. FIG. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a structure according to Embodiment 7 in which a tension member is attached to an end plate. FIG. 10 is a plan view of a tension member according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a tension member according to Embodiment 7. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a structure according to Embodiment 8 in which a tension member is attached to an end plate. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a first end plate according to Example 9.

Explanation of symbols

  1 is a stack, 10 is a cell, 11 is a laminate, 12 is a second end plate, 121 is a second metal member, 125 is a second resin material portion, 128 is a bent portion, 13 is a first end plate, 131 is The first metal member, 135 is a first resin material part, 138 is a bent part, 16 is a pressure plate, 161 is a third metal member, 164 is a third resin material part, 167 is a fourth metal member, and 2 is a tension member Reference numeral 5 denotes a mounted portion, 60 denotes a fixture, 8 denotes a spring (load application element), and 85 denotes a cylindrical body (spring seat).

Claims (5)

A cell laminate formed by laminating a plurality of cells in the thickness direction;
A first end plate provided on one end side in the stacking direction of the cell stack;
A second end plate provided on the other end side in the stacking direction of the cell stack;
A pressure plate provided between the first end plate and the cell stack or between the second end plate and the cell stack;
A load applying element that is provided between the first end plate or the second end plate and the pressure plate and applies a load in the cell stacking direction of the cell stack to bring the cells close to each other. In the fuel cell stack device,
At least one of the first end plate, the second end plate, and the pressure plate is:
A fuel cell stack device, comprising: a metal member made of metal and in contact with the load application element; and a resin material portion for holding the metal member.   In Claim 1, The said metal member is embed | buried under the said resin material part so that it may expose to an outer surface, The said resin material part is arrange | positioned on the opposite side with respect to the said load application element, The said load application element A fuel cell stack device, wherein the metal member that receives a load is supported from a back surface of the metal member.   3. The fuel cell stack device according to claim 1, wherein the load application element is a spring element, and the metal member has a spring seat on which the spring element is seated.   4. The fuel cell stack device according to claim 1, wherein a reinforcing rib is provided on the metal member. 5. The tension member extended in the lamination direction of the said cell laminated body and the attachment which attaches the said tension member to the said 1st end plate and / or the said 2nd end plate in any one of Claims 1-4 And equipped with
The fuel cell stack device, wherein the metal member has a mounted portion to which the mounting tool is mounted.

Images