JP2008053006A - Exhaust gas processor of fuel cell - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an exhaust gas processor of a fuel cell capable of exerting excellent use durability after ensuring a sufficient lightweight property, and high productivity and economic efficiency. <P>SOLUTION: This exhaust gas processor of a fuel cell is composed by arranging, in a storage body 10 introducing and storing hydrogen gas exhausted by purge from an anode electrode side, an internal pressure control means 12 controlling the internal pressure of the storage body 10 to restrain an increase amount of the internal pressure when the internal pressure rises as compared with that in introducing the hydrogen gas. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an exhaust gas treatment apparatus for a fuel cell, and in particular, a hydrogen gas exhausted from the anode electrode side is diluted with air exhausted from the cathode electrode side and exhausted into the atmosphere. The present invention relates to an improved structure of a processing apparatus.

  In recent years, fuel cells that are environmentally friendly and have high power generation efficiency have attracted attention and attempts have been made to use them for various purposes. For example, a fuel cell vehicle using such a fuel cell as a drive source is expected as a next-generation vehicle, and a movement toward practical use is in full swing.

  By the way, as is well known, for example, in a fuel cell system using pure hydrogen (hereinafter referred to as hydrogen) as a fuel mounted on a fuel cell vehicle or the like, it is often discharged from the anode electrode side. A circulation device for supplying a gas containing unused hydrogen to the anode electrode side again is provided to improve the utilization efficiency of fuel hydrogen. However, if circulation of the exhaust gas from the anode electrode side by the circulation device is continued for a long time, impurities such as nitrogen and generated water generated during power generation increase in the circulation device. A decrease in efficiency is inevitably caused.

  Therefore, in such a fuel cell system, the purge operation is intermittently performed, and the exhaust gas with increased impurities is periodically discharged into the atmosphere. Since the exhaust gas discharged by purging contains high-concentration hydrogen gas, when discharging such exhaust gas to the atmosphere, the hydrogen gas contained in the exhaust gas is reduced to a level that does not cause a safety problem. Needed to be diluted.

  Under such circumstances, the exhaust gas treatment device (exhaust hydrogen dilution device) of the fuel cell in which the hydrogen gas discharged from the anode electrode side is diluted with the air discharged from the cathode electrode side and discharged into the atmosphere. Various proposals have been made.

  For example, in the apparatus proposed in Patent Document 1 below, a discharge pipe for hydrogen gas discharged from the anode electrode side is connected and has a container for storing such hydrogen gas. In addition, a branch pipe branched from the upstream side portion of the air discharge pipe for discharging the air discharged from the cathode electrode side to the atmosphere is connected to the container, and further, the gas in the container is discharged to the outside. A discharge flow path is connected to communicate the container and the downstream portion of the air discharge pipe. That is, it is set as the structure by which a container is provided in the middle of the bypass flow path provided in the air exhaust pipe.

  In such an exhaust gas processing apparatus, hydrogen gas discharged by purging from the anode electrode side is introduced into the container, and part of the air discharged from the cathode electrode side is taken in, so that the hydrogen gas Is preliminarily diluted to a certain concentration by mixing with air in the container. Then, such a mixed gas of hydrogen gas and air is led out from the container into the air discharge pipe through the discharge flow path, so that the hydrogen gas is further diluted with the air in the air discharge flow pipe. It has become.

  Further, in the apparatus disclosed in the following Patent Document 2, an air discharge pipe is disposed in the housing body so as to extend through the housing body, and in the portion of the air discharge pipe disposed in the housing body, A through hole is formed. The discharged hydrogen gas stored in the container is sucked into the air discharge pipe through the through hole while being limited to the amount corresponding to the size of the through hole, and is mixed with air in the air discharge pipe. It is configured to be.

  As described above, in the conventional exhaust gas processing apparatus, the exhaust hydrogen gas from the anode electrode side is restricted by being mixed with air stepwise in both the container and the air exhaust pipe, or in the air exhaust pipe. By introducing little by little, the hydrogen gas in the exhaust gas can be diluted to a safe concentration.

  However, in these conventional devices, since the concentration of the hydrogen gas stored in the container is still a flammable concentration that is still easy to burn, a fire type is generated in the container for some reason, When present, hydrogen gas burns violently in the container, and at that time, the pressure in the container rapidly increases.

  Therefore, in the conventional exhaust gas treatment apparatus, in order to prevent the container from being damaged or destroyed by a sudden pressure increase due to instantaneous intense combustion of hydrogen gas in the interior, Although it is formed using a metal with high pressure strength (for example, SUS), the use durability is improved. On the other hand, the overall weight is inevitably increased, and productivity and cost are increased. The problem of becoming inferior to that was inherent.

JP 2002-289237 A JP 2004-127666 A

  Here, the present invention has been made in the background as described above, and the problem to be solved is an abrupt pressure (due to instantaneous intense combustion of hydrogen gas in the container ( Damage to or destruction of the container due to an increase in internal pressure) is advantageously prevented, and excellent use durability can be exhibited, and sufficient lightness and excellent productivity and economy can be advantageously ensured. An object of the present invention is to provide an exhaust gas treatment device for a fuel cell having a structure.

  In the present invention, in order to solve such a problem, the gist of the present invention is to have a container for introducing and storing hydrogen gas discharged by purging from the anode electrode side. An exhaust gas processing apparatus for a fuel cell, wherein the hydrogen gas stored in the body is diluted with air discharged from the cathode electrode side and discharged into the atmosphere, and the internal pressure of the container is reduced by the purge. A fuel cell, characterized in that an internal pressure control means for controlling the internal pressure is provided in the container so that the amount of increase in the internal pressure is suppressed when it rises higher than when the discharged hydrogen gas is introduced. In the exhaust gas treatment equipment.

  Further, according to one of the preferred embodiments of the exhaust gas treatment device for a fuel cell according to the present invention, at least a part of the container is an elastic part that can be elastically expanded and contracted, and Thus, when the internal pressure control means is configured and the internal pressure of the container is higher than when the hydrogen gas discharged by the purge is introduced, the volume of the container is increased by the extension of the expansion / contraction part. As a result, the increase amount of the internal pressure is suppressed, and the internal pressure is controlled.

  Furthermore, according to another preferable aspect of the present invention, in the aspect in which the stretchable part is provided in the container, the portion of the container excluding the stretchable part is formed using a synthetic resin material. It becomes.

  Furthermore, according to one of the desirable embodiments of the present invention, the internal pressure of the container is higher than when hydrogen gas discharged by the purge is introduced, and exceeds a preset value. In such an open operation state, a safety valve that is closed when the internal pressure of the container drops and reaches the set value is provided in the container. The safety valve constitutes the internal pressure control means.

  Moreover, according to another desirable aspect of the present invention, in the aspect in which the safety valve is provided in the container, the entire container is formed using a synthetic resin material.

  In the present invention, in order to solve the above-described problems, the hydrogen gas exhausted by the purge from the anode electrode side is introduced and accommodated, and the accommodating body is accommodated in the accommodating body. A fuel cell exhaust gas treatment apparatus for diluting hydrogen gas with air exhausted from the cathode electrode side and exhausting it into the atmosphere, wherein the hydrogen gas contained in the container is contained in the container. An exhaust gas treatment device for a fuel cell, characterized in that the container is formed using a material having a natural frequency lower than the frequency of impact vibration caused by a sudden increase in internal pressure due to combustion, It is a summary.

  The present invention can be suitably implemented in various aspects as listed above in order to solve the problems described above or the problems grasped from the description of the entire specification and the drawings. Each aspect described above can be employed in any combination. It should be noted that the aspects or technical features of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and can be recognized based on the description of the entire specification and the inventive concept disclosed in the drawings. Should be understood.

  Among the exhaust gas treatment devices for a fuel cell according to the present invention, in the case where the internal pressure control means is provided in the container, hydrogen gas is instantaneously vigorously burned in the container, and the pressure in the container is reduced. When rapidly rising, the amount of increase in the internal pressure of the container can be advantageously suppressed by the internal pressure control means. Therefore, even if the container is formed using a material having a pressure resistance lower than that of the metal material, the internal pressure of the container exceeds the pressure strength of the container when hydrogen gas burns in the container. Such a size can be effectively avoided. And, unlike the conventional apparatus, the material used for forming the container is not limited to the metal material having a high pressure resistance, and the container forming material is more than the metal material. Although it is inferior in compressive strength, it is possible to use a material that is lightweight, inexpensive, excellent in moldability, and that can be easily integrated (modularized) with other members, such as a resin material.

  Therefore, in the exhaust gas treatment apparatus for a fuel cell according to the present invention as described above, the internal pressure control of the container by the internal pressure control means causes a sudden increase in the internal pressure due to instantaneous and intense combustion of hydrogen gas in the container. The container can be advantageously prevented from being damaged or destroyed, and excellent durability can be effectively exhibited. Furthermore, the container can be formed using a metal material by freely selecting the material for forming the container. In this case, sufficient lightness and excellent productivity and economy that cannot be obtained at all can be secured extremely advantageously.

  Further, in the exhaust gas treatment apparatus for a fuel cell according to the present invention, the container is made of a material having a natural frequency lower than the frequency of impact vibration caused by a sudden increase in internal pressure due to combustion of hydrogen gas in the container. When the hydrogen gas burns intensely and momentarily in the container and the pressure in the container rises sharply, the transmission rate of the shock vibration generated at that time to the container Can advantageously be kept low. As a result, damage or destruction of the container due to a sudden increase in internal pressure due to instantaneous and intense combustion of hydrogen gas in the container can be advantageously prevented. Moreover, as a material having a natural frequency lower than the frequency of such shock vibration, for example, a part of the composition that is lighter, cheaper, excellent in formability, and easy to integrate with other members than a metal material. Resin materials, elastomer materials, and the like can be suitably used.

  Therefore, even in such an exhaust gas treatment apparatus for a fuel cell according to the present invention, damage or destruction of the container due to a sudden increase in internal pressure due to instantaneous intense combustion of hydrogen gas in the container is advantageous. Not only can it be effectively prevented, and excellent durability can be effectively exhibited, but it is not possible to obtain it when using a metal material to form a container. Can be ensured extremely advantageously.

  Hereinafter, in order to clarify the present invention more specifically, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  First, FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 schematically show an embodiment of a fuel cell exhaust gas treatment device mounted on a fuel cell vehicle having a structure according to the present invention, in a longitudinal sectional form and a side form, respectively. Is shown in In these drawings, reference numeral 10 denotes a container as a main body of the apparatus, and as a whole, substantially cylindrical with both bottoms extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle (left-right direction in FIG. 1) when mounted on the fuel cell vehicle. It has a shape.

  That is, the container 10 includes a cylindrical tubular wall portion 12 extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, a front opening (left opening in FIG. 1) and a rear opening (FIG. 1). The front side bottom part 14 and the rear side bottom part 16 that respectively close the right side opening part) are integrally formed. The inner space surrounded by the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical wall portion 12 and the inner surfaces of the front and rear bottom portions 14 and 16 facing each other is sealed from the outside and has a sufficiently large volume. It is set to 18. Hereinafter, in order to facilitate understanding of the structure of the exhaust gas processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, for convenience, the front bottom portion 14 side is referred to as the front side, and the rear bottom portion 16 side is referred to as the rear side. I will say.

  Further, in the container 10, a front connection tube portion 20 having a cylindrical shape is located at a position offset from the center portion of the front bottom portion 14 toward the front side from the front surface (outer surface) of the front bottom portion 14 toward the front. It is integrally formed so as to extend the length. In the front connection cylinder portion 20, the opening on the front side is opened toward the outside, while the opening on the rear side is opened toward the inside of the accommodation space 18. The part is a gas inlet 22. Further, an insertion hole 24 penetrating through this portion is formed in a circular shape having a diameter larger than that of the gas inlet port 22 at a portion that is biased toward the lower side of the center portion of the front bottom portion 14.

  On the other hand, on the rear bottom portion 16 of the container 10, a cylindrical rear connection tube portion 26 having substantially the same inner diameter as the insertion hole 24 at a position corresponding to the position in which the insertion hole 24 is formed in the front bottom portion 14 in the front-rear direction. However, they are integrally formed so as to extend a predetermined length rearward from the rear surface (outer surface) of the rear bottom portion 16. In the rear connection tube portion 26, the rear side opening portion is opened toward the outside, while the front side opening portion is opened toward the inside of the accommodation space 18, and the front side opening portion is formed. The gas discharge port 28 is used. Further, in the rear connection cylinder portion 26, the gas discharge pipe 30 communicates with the interior space 18 through the gas discharge port 28 at the one end side opening portion, and opens into the atmosphere at the other end side opening portion. Connected in state.

  A hydrogen gas that extends from the anode electrode side of a fuel cell (not shown) and is exhausted by a purge operation is intermittently circulated in the front connection cylinder portion 20 provided on the front bottom portion 14 of the container 10. An anode side exhaust pipe 32 is connected. As a result, the total amount of hydrogen gas intermittently discharged from the anode electrode side of the fuel cell by the purge operation is guided into the accommodation space 18 of the container 10 through the gas inlet 22 of the front connection cylinder portion 20. The housing space 18 is housed with a pressure corresponding to the purge pressure.

  A cathode-side exhaust pipe that extends from the cathode electrode side of a fuel cell (not shown) and through which air discharged from the insertion hole 24 provided in the front bottom portion 14 of the container 10 together with the gas inlet 22 is circulated. 34 is inserted. The cathode side exhaust pipe 34 has a sufficiently larger inner diameter than the anode side exhaust pipe 32, and the air exhausted from the cathode electrode side of the fuel cell is inside the hydrogen gas exhausted from the anode electrode side. In a sufficiently large amount, it can always be distributed.

  Here, such a cathode side exhaust pipe 34 is inserted into the accommodating space 18 of the accommodating body 10 in a predetermined length under a state where the cathode side exhaust pipe 34 is inserted through the insertion hole 24. Further, the portion of the cathode side exhaust pipe 34 that enters the housing space 18 is coaxial with the gas outlet 28 of the rear connection cylinder portion 26 provided in the rear bottom portion 16 of the container 10. It is extended straight. As a result, the front end opening 36 of the cathode side exhaust pipe 34 is opened toward the gas discharge port 28, so that the air circulated in the cathode side exhaust pipe 34 passes through the front end opening 36. It is always blown straight toward the gas discharge port 28.

  Further, in such a cathode side exhaust pipe 34, the part that enters the accommodation space 18 is located at a position where the front end surface is spaced a predetermined distance from the rear bottom 16 to the front bottom 14 in the accommodation space 18. Arranged in a state of being positioned. Accordingly, the air blown from the tip opening 38 toward the gas outlet 28 between the tip opening 36 of the cathode side exhaust pipe 34 and the gas outlet 28 on the lower side in the accommodating space 18. A gap serving as a path is formed with a predetermined length. This gap is the mixing space 38.

  Thus, in the exhaust gas treatment apparatus of the present embodiment, the gas exhaust port 28 is coaxially positioned with a size substantially the same as or larger than the tip opening 38 of the cathode side exhaust pipe 34. As a result, of the air exhausted from the cathode electrode side and circulated in the cathode side exhaust pipe 34, almost all of the air blown out from the tip opening 36 of the cathode side exhaust pipe 34 enters the mixing space 38. After that, the gas is introduced into the gas discharge port 28 and is further discharged into the atmosphere through the gas discharge pipe 30 connected to the rear connection cylinder portion 26 having the gas discharge port 28.

  On the other hand, a purge operation is provided by providing a gas discharge port 28 in the rear bottom portion 16 opposite to the front bottom portion 14 in which the insertion hole 24 and the gas introduction port 22 of the cathode side exhaust pipe 34 are provided. The hydrogen gas discharged from the anode electrode side, circulated through the anode side exhaust pipe 32, and intermittently introduced into the accommodation space 18 from the gas introduction port 22 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the gas flows smoothly toward the gas discharge port 28 and the mixing space 38, and flows into the mixing space 38 so as to be pushed into the air blown toward the gas discharge port 28. It can be mixed and mixed (mixed).

  Further, since the inside of the mixing space 38 is at a lower pressure than the housing space 18 other than the mixing space 38 due to the flow of air, the hydrogen present in the housing space 18 even after the purge pressure becomes zero. Gas is drawn into the mixing space 38 where it is mixed with air.

  As a result, the total amount of hydrogen gas introduced into the storage space 18 is surely allowed to flow into the mixing space 38, where it is mixed into the air, diluted, and together with the gas outlet 28. It can be discharged into the atmosphere through the gas discharge pipe 30.

  By the way, in such an exhaust gas treatment apparatus of this embodiment, the front bottom 14 and the rear bottom 16 are each made of a synthetic resin material, for example, a glass fiber reinforced resin material using polypropylene as a matrix. It is formed using a general-purpose resin material having heat resistance and strength. And such a front side bottom part 14 and the back side bottom part 16 are shape | molded by the well-known metal mold | die shaping | molding method, for example, the front side connection cylinder part 20 and the front side and back side bottom parts 14 and 16 or The rear connection cylinder portion 26 is easily formed integrally.

  Here, in particular, the cylindrical wall portion 12 of the container 10 is formed using a rubber material that can be elastically expanded and contracted. That is, the cylindrical wall portion 12 is composed of a rubber sleeve having a cylindrical shape as a whole. Further, on the inner peripheral surfaces of the end portions on both sides in the axial direction of the rubber sleeve, there are inner flange portions 40 having a substantially annular plate shape projecting a predetermined height radially inward and continuously extending in the circumferential direction. Each is provided integrally.

  The front bottom portion 14 and the rear bottom portion 16 made of resin are connected to the both end surfaces of the cylindrical wall portion 12 made of such a rubber sleeve and the outer side surfaces of the inner flange portions 40, respectively. On the surface opposite to the formation side of the rear connection tube portion 26, for example, the container 10 is bonded to the tube wall portion 12 made of a rubber sleeve and the resin by being bonded at room temperature or vulcanized. It is configured as an integrated product with the front and rear bottom portions 14 and 16.

  Further, in the cylindrical wall portion 12 made of the rubber sleeve of the container 10, the hydrogen gas discharged from the anode electrode side by the purge operation is purged from the gas inlet 22 into the container 10 (the storage space 18). The amount of increase in the internal pressure of the container 10 when introduced with a pressure corresponding to the pressure does not cause any expansion, but the internal pressure of the container 10 is a pressure that can maintain the pressure resistance of the container 10. The spring constant is set so that when it becomes larger than the time of introduction of hydrogen gas within a range that is smaller than the upper limit value, it is expanded by an amount corresponding to the amount of increase in the internal pressure.

  Thus, here, when hydrogen gas is introduced into the container 10 from the anode side exhaust pipe 32 through the gas inlet 22, the volume of the storage space 18 (volume of the container 10) is not changed. When the hydrogen gas stored in the container 10 is instantaneously violently burned by a fire caused by any cause in the container 10 and the internal pressure of the container 10 is rapidly increased, As shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1, the cylindrical wall portion 12 made of a rubber sleeve is expanded so as to expand outward, and the volume of the accommodating space 18 is divided according to the amount of expansion of the cylindrical wall portion 12. It can only be increased. Thereby, the increase in the internal pressure of the container 10 due to the instantaneous intense combustion of the hydrogen gas in the container 10 is absorbed by the increase in the volume of the storage space 18, and the internal pressure of the container 10 is increased. The amount is configured to be kept as low as possible. As is clear from this, in the present embodiment, the expansion / contraction portion and further the internal pressure control means are configured by the cylindrical wall portion 12 made of a rubber sleeve.

  Therefore, in the exhaust gas treatment apparatus of the present embodiment having such a structure, the container 10 differs from the conventional exhaust gas treatment apparatus container 10 in which the entire container 10 is made of a metal material. However, despite the fact that the front and rear bottom portions 14 and 16 made of resin and the cylindrical wall portion 12 made of a rubber sleeve are integrally formed, the hydrogen gas in the container 10 is instantaneously intense. Even when the pressure in the container 10 suddenly increases due to combustion, the internal pressure of the container 10 exceeds the pressure strength of the front and rear bottom parts 14 and 16 and the cylindrical wall part 12. Can be effectively avoided.

  In such an exhaust gas processing apparatus, as described above, the container 10 is constituted by an integral product of the cylindrical wall portion 12 made of a rubber sleeve and the front and rear bottom portions 14 and 16 made of resin. In the container 10, and thus in the entire exhaust gas treatment device, for example, a metal container using SUS or the like, and a sufficient weight reduction and a reduction in material cost are more advantageous than a conventional exhaust gas treatment device having the same. Can be envisioned. In addition, improvement in manufacturability of the housing 10 including the front bottom 14 and the rear bottom 16 integrally including the front connection cylinder portion 20 and the rear connection cylinder portion 26, and further the entire apparatus is also realized. It has gained.

  Therefore, in the exhaust gas treatment apparatus according to this embodiment, hydrogen gas in the container 10 is instantaneously secured while ensuring sufficient lightness and excellent productivity and cost. Even if the internal pressure is abruptly increased due to violent combustion, excellent use durability without damaging or destroying the container 10 can be ensured extremely effectively.

  Further, in such an exhaust gas processing apparatus, the material for forming the cylindrical wall portion 12 of the container 10 is simply changed from a conventional metal material such as SUS to a rubber material without adding a special device or member. Thus, an excessive increase in the internal pressure of the container 10 can be avoided, so that sufficient use can be made without incurring high costs and complicated structures due to the addition of special devices and members. Durability can be ensured very advantageously and stably. Moreover, since no special device or member is used in particular, there is an advantage that troublesome maintenance work for such a special device or member becomes unnecessary.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the internal pressure of the container 10 is lowered by the end of instantaneous intense combustion of hydrogen gas in the container 10, the cylindrical wall portion 12 made of a rubber sleeve is in a state before extension. Thus, the volume of the accommodation space 18 is also restored to the size before the cylindrical wall portion 12 is expanded. Thus, in a normal state where hydrogen gas is introduced into the container 10 by purging from the anode electrode side, the volume of the storage space 18, in other words, variations in the amount of hydrogen gas stored in the container 10 can be suppressed. Thus, stabilization of the hydrogen gas concentration in the exhaust gas can be advantageously achieved.

  In addition, in this embodiment, although the cylinder wall part 12 of the container 10 was formed using the rubber material, as a formation material of this cylinder wall part 12, if it has a stretching property by elasticity, Well, such an elastic material can be used instead of a rubber material.

  Moreover, the part which should be formed with elastic materials, such as a rubber material, in the container 10 is not specifically limited only to the cylinder wall part 12, The instantaneous of hydrogen gas in the container 10 is not limited. In accordance with the amount of increase in the volume of the housing space 18 when the internal pressure is increased, the spring constant of the rubber material, etc., so that the amount of increase in the internal pressure when the internal pressure is suddenly increased due to intense combustion can be sufficiently suppressed Can be changed. That is, for example, the entire container 10 or at least one of the front bottom part 14 and the rear bottom part 16 of the container 10 can be formed of a rubber material.

  Furthermore, when a part of the container 10 is formed of an elastic material such as a rubber material, a portion other than the portion formed of the elastic material is a resin other than the exemplified glass fiber reinforced resin material. There is no problem even if it is formed using a material or a metal material. Even in such a case, it is possible to achieve a sufficiently light weight, a reduction in material cost, and the like as compared with the case where the entire container 10 is formed of a metal material such as SUS.

  Next, FIG. 3 shows an embodiment in which the structure of the container 10 is different from that of the first embodiment. In addition, regarding the second embodiment shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 to be described later, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. The detailed explanation was omitted.

  As apparent from FIG. 3, in the exhaust gas treatment apparatus of the present embodiment, the cylindrical wall portion 12, the front bottom portion 14, and the rear bottom portion 16 of the container 10 are made of, for example, glass using polypropylene as a matrix. It is integrally formed using a general-purpose resin material having sufficient heat resistance and strength such as a fiber reinforced resin material. That is, the container 10 is configured as an integrated product made of a resin molded product.

  Further, a through-hole 42 having a relatively large diameter circular shape is formed in an upper portion of the rear bottom portion 16 in such a container 10. Here, in particular, a safety valve 44 having a known structure is inserted and fixed in the through hole 42.

  More specifically, the safety valve 44 includes a cylindrical housing 46 with a bottom on one side, and a valve body 48 inserted into the housing 46. The housing 46 further includes a substantially cylindrical mounting tube portion 50 and a one-side bottomed cylindrical support tube portion 52. In the mounting tube portion 50 of the housing 46, the through hole is inserted into the through hole 42 of the rear bottom portion 16 at one end in the axial direction and opened toward the inside of the housing 10. The end surface of the container 10 is fixed to the rear bottom 16 of the container 10 by being bonded to the inner peripheral surface of the container 10, and the end surface opposite to the insertion side to the through hole 42 has a tapered surface shape. The valve seat 54 is used. The support cylinder part 52 is screwed to the end part on the opposite side to the insertion side to the through-hole 42 of the attachment cylinder part 50 in the opening part side edge part, and is attached to the cylinder wall part and the bottom part. On the other hand, a ventilation hole 56 and a circular sliding hole 58 are formed respectively through the holes.

  On the other hand, the valve body 48 as a whole has a stepped columnar shape in which one end side in the axial direction is larger in diameter than the other end side, and this one end side portion in the axial direction is the inner periphery of the support cylinder portion 52 of the housing 46. A large diameter portion 60 having an outer diameter slidable on the surface is provided, and the other end side portion is slidable on an inner peripheral surface of a circular slide hole 58 provided in a bottom portion of the support cylinder portion 52. The small-diameter portion 62 has an outer diameter. Further, in the valve body 48, the distal end surface of the large diameter portion 60 is a tapered contact surface 64 corresponding to the valve seat 54 formed in the mounting tube portion 50 of the housing 46.

  Then, such a valve body 48 makes the contact surface 64 of the large diameter portion 60 contact the valve seat 54 of the mounting cylinder portion 50 and slides the small diameter portion 62 into the slide hole 58 of the support cylinder portion 52. The housing 46 is inserted and arranged in the housing 46 so as to be movable in the axial direction in a state where it can be inserted. Further, in the housing 46 in which the valve body 48 is inserted, the compression coil spring 66 is pre-compressed, and the inner surface of the bottom portion of the support cylinder portion 52 and the large size of the valve body 48 at both end portions in the axial direction. The diameter portion 60 is engaged with the end surface on the opposite side of the contact surface 64 so as to be accommodated.

  Thereby, under the state in which the safety valve 44 is attached to the rear bottom portion 16 of the housing body 10, the valve body 48 is attached from the support cylinder portion 52 side of the housing 46 to the attachment cylinder portion 50 based on the biasing force of the compression coil spring 66. The contact surface 64 of the large-diameter portion 60 is pressed and brought into pressure contact with the valve seat 54 of the mounting cylinder portion 50, so that the through hole 42 of the rear bottom portion 16 in the container 10 is airtightly closed. It is supposed to be squeezed.

  Here, particularly, when the hydrogen gas discharged from the anode electrode side by the purge operation is introduced into the container 10 from the gas introduction port 22 at a pressure corresponding to the purge pressure, it acts on the valve body 48. Although the compression coil spring 66 of the safety valve 44 is not compressed by the pressing force, the closed state of the through hole 42 (the closed operation state of the safety valve 44) is maintained, but the moment of hydrogen gas in the container 10 is maintained. Due to such intense combustion, the internal pressure of the containing body 10 suddenly rises, and the internal pressure of the containing body 10 becomes a pressure corresponding to the purge pressure (when hydrogen gas is stored in a normal state in the containing body 10). The pressure acting on the valve body 48 when the value exceeds a preset value within a range that is larger than the pressure) and smaller than the upper limit value of the pressure at which the pressure resistance performance of the container 10 can be maintained. Compression carp The spring 66 is compressed and the contact surface 64 of the valve body 48 and the valve seat 54 are separated (the safety valve 44 is opened), so that the through hole 42 of the container 10 and the vent hole of the housing 46 are provided. The spring constant of the compression coil spring 66 is set so that 56 can be communicated.

  Thus, in the exhaust gas treatment apparatus of the present embodiment, hydrogen gas is introduced into and accommodated in the container 10 from the anode side exhaust pipe 32 through the gas inlet 22, and the internal pressure of the container 10 corresponds to the purge pressure. The total amount of hydrogen gas is allowed to flow into the mixing space 38, where it is mixed in and diluted with air, through the gas outlet 28 and the gas outlet 30 with the air. It can be discharged into the atmosphere. Then, for example, the hydrogen gas stored in the container 10 is instantaneously violently burned by a fire type generated for some reason in the container 10, and the internal pressure of the container 10 is rapidly increased. 3, a part of the combustion gas in the container 10 is discharged to the outside through the vent 56 of the safety valve 44 as indicated by an arrow A in FIG. 3, thereby increasing the amount of increase in the internal pressure of the container 10. It can be kept as low as possible. As is clear from this, in the present embodiment, the safety valve 44 constitutes the internal pressure control means.

  Therefore, in the exhaust gas treatment apparatus of the present embodiment having such a structure, the container 10 differs from the conventional exhaust gas treatment apparatus container 10 in which the entire container 10 is made of a metal material. Even though the entirety of the container 10 is formed of a resin molded product, the container 10 can be used even when the pressure in the container 10 suddenly increases due to instantaneous and intense combustion of hydrogen gas in the container 10. It can be effectively avoided that the internal pressure of the resin exceeds the pressure resistance strength of the resin molded body constituting the container 10.

  And in this exhaust gas processing apparatus, since the container 10 is comprised by the resin molded product, compared with the conventional exhaust gas processing apparatus which has a metal container, sufficient weight reduction and material cost are sufficient. This can advantageously reduce the manufacturing cost and improve the manufacturability.

  Therefore, even in the exhaust gas treatment apparatus according to this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, after sufficiently securing sufficient lightness and excellent productivity and cost, Even if the internal pressure is abruptly increased due to momentary intense combustion of hydrogen gas in the body 10, excellent use durability is ensured extremely effectively without damaging or destroying the container 10. You will get.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, since the whole container 10 is comprised by the integrally molded product shape | molded using one type of resin material, the productivity of the container 10 and by extension, the whole apparatus is much more effective. Can be enhanced.

  In the present embodiment, one safety valve 44 is attached to the rear bottom portion 16 of the container 10. However, the attachment part and the number of attachments of the safety valve 44 in the container 10 are not limited to this. It is not limited, and can be appropriately changed according to the size of the container 10 and the safety valve 44.

  Further, the structure of the safety valve 44 is not particularly limited to the illustrated spring type, and as the internal pressure of the container 10 increases, the internal pressure is changed to a pressure corresponding to the purge pressure (hydrogen in the container 10). A pressure larger than the upper limit value (a value that does not exceed the pressure resistance strength of the container 10) that is larger than the pressure when the gas is stored in a normal state) and that can maintain the pressure resistance of the container 10. Opening operation is performed when a preset set value is exceeded within a certain range, and closing operation is performed when the internal pressure of the container 10 drops and reaches the above set value in the open operation state. Any structure can be used.

  In addition, a resin material is suitably used as the material for forming the container 10. However, as the resin material, materials other than the exemplified glass fiber reinforced resin material may be appropriately used.

  Next, FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment in which the structure of the container 10 is further different from the first and second embodiments. In the exhaust gas treatment apparatus of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a portion made of an elastic material such as a rubber material, a safety valve (44), or the like is not provided for the container 10. The entire container 10 is reinforced with a material having a natural frequency lower than the frequency of shock vibration generated by a sudden increase in internal pressure due to the combustion of hydrogen gas in the container 10, such as an elastomer material or glass fiber. It is formed using a resin material such as polypropylene that does not contain any material.

  Here, the container 10 is communicated with the atmosphere through the gas discharge port 28 and the gas discharge pipe 30. Therefore, when intense combustion of hydrogen gas occurs in such a container 10, the internal pressure of the container 10 is suddenly increased, and at that time, shocking vibration is generated, which is generated in the container 10. Be transmitted. Further, an article made of a material having a natural frequency higher than the frequency of such shock vibration (for example, a molded product made of a metal material such as SUS) and a natural frequency lower than the frequency of such shock vibration. When compared with an article made of a material (for example, a molded article made of an elastomer or a resin material as described above), the vibration transmissibility of the latter article is significantly lower than the vibration transmissibility of the former article.

  Therefore, in the exhaust gas treatment device of the present embodiment, unlike the conventional exhaust gas treatment device housing 10 in which the entire housing 10 is made of a metal material, the entire housing 10 is a resin molded product. In spite of the configuration, for example, the hydrogen gas stored in the container 10 is burned vigorously and instantaneously by a fire type generated in the container 10 for some reason, Even when the internal pressure is suddenly increased, the transmission of the shocking vibration generated at that time to the container 10 is sufficiently reduced, so that substantially excellent impact resistance can be exhibited.

  Therefore, even in the exhaust gas treatment apparatus according to this embodiment, the excellent actions and effects exhibited in the first embodiment and the second embodiment can be enjoyed extremely effectively. It is.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in particular, the entire housing 10 is formed as an integrally molded product using one kind of resin material without using any special member or part such as a safety valve (44). Therefore, the productivity of the container 10, and thus the entire apparatus, can be further effectively improved.

  The specific configuration of the present invention has been described in detail above. However, this is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited by the above description.

  For example, the method of diluting the hydrogen gas stored in the container 10 is not limited to the one shown in the first to third embodiments, and for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-289237. As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-127666, hydrogen gas is mixed with air stepwise in both the containing body and the air exhaust pipe (cathode side exhaust pipe) and diluted. As described above, hydrogen gas is introduced into the air exhaust pipe through the through hole provided in the portion of the air exhaust pipe that is provided in the housing body. Therefore, a method of mixing with air and diluting can also be appropriately employed.

  In the first to third embodiments, the front-side and rear-side connecting cylinders in which the anode-side exhaust pipe 32 and the gas discharge pipe 30 are integrally formed on the front-side and rear-side bottom portions 14 and 16 of the container 10, respectively. For example, the front and rear connecting cylinders 20 and 26 are omitted, and the gas inlet 22 and the gas exhaust are connected to the container 10. The outlet 28 is drilled, and the anode side exhaust pipe 32 and the gas discharge pipe 30 are inserted and fixed to the gas introduction port 22 and the gas discharge port 28, respectively, so as to be attached to the container 10. Of course, it is also possible.

  Furthermore, for example, a plurality of through holes are provided in the tube wall of the cathode side exhaust pipe 34 that enters the housing 10, and a predetermined sound absorbing material or the like is coated on the outer peripheral surface of the entry portion. Therefore, the silencer function can be exhibited in the container 10.

  In addition, the present invention can be similarly applied to any exhaust gas treatment device for a fuel cell used in various applications in addition to the exhaust gas treatment device for a fuel cell mounted on a fuel cell vehicle. Of course there is.

  In addition, although not enumerated one by one, the present invention can be carried out in a mode to which various changes, modifications, improvements, etc. are added based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. It goes without saying that all are included in the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

It is longitudinal cross-sectional explanatory drawing which shows one Embodiment of the exhaust gas processing apparatus of the fuel cell according to this invention, Comprising: It is a figure equivalent to the II cross section of FIG. It is II arrow explanatory drawing in FIG. It is a figure corresponding to FIG. 1 which shows another embodiment of the exhaust gas processing apparatus of the fuel cell according to this invention. It is a figure corresponding to FIG. 1 which shows another embodiment of the exhaust gas processing apparatus of the fuel cell according to this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Container 12 Cylinder wall part 14 Front side bottom part 16 Rear side bottom part 22 Gas introduction port 28 Gas discharge port 30 Gas discharge pipe 32 Anode side exhaust pipe 34 Cathode side exhaust pipe 38 Mixing space 44 Safety valve

Claims (6)

Introducing hydrogen gas discharged by purging from the anode electrode side, and having a storage body for storing, diluting the hydrogen gas stored in the storage body with air discharged from the cathode electrode side, An exhaust gas treatment device for a fuel cell that is discharged into the atmosphere,
An internal pressure control means for controlling the internal pressure so that the amount of increase of the internal pressure is suppressed when the internal pressure of the storage body is higher than when the hydrogen gas discharged by the purge is introduced. An exhaust gas treatment device for a fuel cell, which is provided in the above.   At least a part of the container is an elastic part that can be elastically expanded and contracted, and the internal pressure control means is configured in the elastic part so that the internal pressure of the container is discharged by the purge. When the gas rises more than when the gas is introduced, the volume of the container is increased by the extension of the expansion / contraction part, so that the amount of increase in the internal pressure is suppressed and the internal pressure is controlled. The exhaust gas treatment device for a fuel cell according to claim 1.   The exhaust gas processing apparatus for a fuel cell according to claim 2, wherein a portion of the container excluding the expansion / contraction portion is formed using a synthetic resin material.   When the internal pressure of the container is higher than that at the time of introduction of the hydrogen gas discharged by the purge and exceeds a preset set value, the container is opened. A safety valve that is closed when the internal pressure of the container drops and reaches the set value is provided in the container, and the internal pressure control means is configured by the safety valve. 2. An exhaust gas treatment device for a fuel cell according to 1.   The exhaust gas processing apparatus for a fuel cell according to claim 4, wherein the entire container is formed using a synthetic resin material. Introducing hydrogen gas discharged by purging from the anode electrode side, and having a storage body for storing, diluting the hydrogen gas stored in the storage body with air discharged from the cathode electrode side, An exhaust gas treatment device for a fuel cell that is discharged into the atmosphere,
Forming the container using a material having a natural frequency lower than the frequency of shock vibration generated by a sudden increase in internal pressure due to combustion of the hydrogen gas contained in the container in the container. A fuel cell exhaust gas treatment apparatus.

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