JP2008078071A - Fuel cell stack - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely apply a desired fastening load in the stacking direction of a stack in simple and compact constitution. <P>SOLUTION: A fuel cell stack 10 has a stack 14 formed by stacking two or more unit cells 12, and end plates 20a, 20b are arranged at both ends in the stacking direction of the stack 14. The end plates 20a, 20b and side plates 22a, 22b are fixed with a fastening mechanism 24. The fastening mechanism 24 includes bracket members 60a-60d for pressing the side plates 22a, 22b by bending or curving their ends against the end plates 20a, 20b; and two or more bolts for fastening and fixing the bracket members 60a-60d to the end plates 20a, 20b. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention comprises a laminate in which an electrolyte / electrode structure provided with a pair of electrodes on both sides of an electrolyte and a separator are laminated, an end plate disposed at both ends in the lamination direction of the laminate, and the laminate The present invention relates to a fuel cell stack that holds a laminated body by fixing a side plate disposed on a side of the body.

  For example, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell employs an electrolyte membrane (electrolyte) made of a polymer ion exchange membrane. By sandwiching an electrolyte membrane / electrode structure having an anode-side electrode and a cathode-side electrode in which a noble metal-based electrode catalyst layer is bonded to a base mainly made of carbon, on both sides of the electrolyte membrane, by a separator A fuel cell is configured.

  Normally, this fuel cell is used as a fuel cell stack in which a predetermined number (for example, several tens to several hundreds) is stacked in order to obtain a desired power generation. In this fuel cell stack, the stacked fuel cells need to be reliably pressurized and held in order to prevent an increase in the internal resistance of the fuel cell and a decrease in the sealing performance of the reaction gas.

  Therefore, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a battery module that aims to reduce the size and weight of the entire fuel cell stack and to apply a desired pressing force to each unit cell.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the battery module includes a battery stack 1 and a module forming member 2. The battery stack 1 includes a power generation layer (MEA) 3, a cooling separator 4, an end separator 5, and central separators 6 arranged alternately with the power generation layer 3 having a sandwich structure.

  The module bending engagement portions 2a and 2b of the module forming member 2 are stepped portions 7 and 8 provided at the stacking end of the battery stack 1 in a state where a pressing force in the stacking direction is applied to the battery stack 1. And are engaged with each other.

  Although not shown, two current collector plates, an insulating plate, and an end plate are disposed at both ends of the stacked body formed by stacking a plurality of battery modules, and these are stacked in a casing shape. The fuel cell is configured by being supported in the body forming member.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-92324 (FIG. 4)

  However, since the fuel cell is configured individually for each battery module, it is difficult to accurately position and hold the battery modules when assembling the fuel cell. In addition, it is necessary to apply a desired tightening load to each battery module, which complicates the configuration and prevents the fuel cell as a whole from obtaining good power generation performance.

  The present invention solves this type of problem, and has an object to provide a fuel cell stack capable of reliably applying a desired tightening load in the stacking direction of a stacked body with a simple and compact configuration. To do.

  The present invention comprises a laminate in which an electrolyte / electrode structure provided with a pair of electrodes on both sides of an electrolyte and a separator are laminated, an end plate disposed at both ends in the lamination direction of the laminate, and the laminate The present invention relates to a fuel cell stack in which a side plate disposed on a side of a body is fixed by a fastening mechanism.

  The fastening mechanism includes a bracket member that bends or curves an end portion of the side plate and presses the end plate against the end plate, and a fastening member that fastens and fixes the bracket member to the end plate.

  The bracket member has a first pressing surface corresponding to a plate surface parallel to the power generation surface direction of the end plate, and a second pressing surface corresponding to a side surface intersecting the plate surface of the end plate, It is preferable that the plate is sandwiched at least between the plate surface and the first pressing surface and between the side surface and the second pressing surface.

  Further, the end plate has a tapered surface inclined toward the stacking direction on the side surface intersecting the power generation surface direction, the bracket member has a tapered portion pressed against the tapered surface, and the side plate has at least It is preferable to be sandwiched between the tapered surface and the tapered portion.

  Furthermore, the end plate is provided with a tapered surface on a plate surface parallel to the power generation surface direction, while the bracket member has a tapered portion pressed against the tapered surface, and the side plate has at least the tapered surface and the It is preferably sandwiched between the tapered portion.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the edge part of a side plate is joined to a bracket member or the said side plate itself.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that an uneven surface is provided at least on the tapered surface or the tapered portion.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the bracket member has a pressing surface corresponding to a side surface intersecting with the power generation surface direction of the end plate, and at least the side surface or the pressing surface is provided with an uneven surface.

  The bracket member has a pressing surface, a first bracket having a first taper surface on the opposite side of the pressing surface, and a second taper surface in contact with the first taper surface. It is preferable to provide the 2nd bracket fixed to an end plate integrally with a 1st bracket.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the bracket member has a tapered surface on the side opposite to the pressing surface, and the fastening member contacts the tapered surface.

  In the present invention, the end portion of the side plate is bent or curved by the bracket member and pressed against the end plate, and the bracket member is fastened and fixed to the end plate via the tightening member.

  For this reason, the side plate is firmly and securely fixed to the end plate, and a desired tightening load is favorably applied to the stacked body through the tension in the stacking direction generated in the side plate.

  Moreover, the end plate and the side plate are fixed via a bracket member and a fastening member. As a result, the configuration of the entire fuel cell stack can be effectively simplified and can be easily made compact.

  FIG. 1 is a partially exploded schematic perspective view of a fuel cell stack 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a partial sectional side view of the fuel cell stack 10. The fuel cell stack 10 is mounted on a vehicle (not shown), for example.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell stack 10 includes a stacked body 14 in which a plurality of unit cells 12 are stacked in the horizontal direction (arrow A direction). A terminal plate 16a, an insulating plate 18a, and an end plate 20a are disposed outward at one end of the stack 14 in the stacking direction (arrow A direction). At the other end in the stacking direction of the stacked body 14, a terminal plate 16b, an insulating plate 18b, and an end plate 20b are disposed outward.

  The fuel cell stack 10 is configured such that the lateral direction (arrow B direction) is longer than the height direction (arrow C direction), and side plates 22a and 22b are provided on the upper and lower sides of the stacked body 14, respectively. Arranged. The side plates 22a and 22b are composed of thin metal panels, and the side plates 22a and 22b and the end plates 20a and 20b are fixed by a fastening mechanism 24.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each unit cell 12 includes an electrolyte membrane / electrode structure (electrolyte / electrode structure) 30 and a thin-plate-shaped first metal that sandwiches the electrolyte membrane / electrode structure 30. A separator 32 and a second metal separator 34 are provided. Instead of the first metal separator 32 and the second metal separator 34, for example, a carbon separator may be used.

  An oxidant gas supply for supplying an oxidant gas, for example, an oxygen-containing gas, communicates with each other in the arrow A direction at one end edge of the unit cell 12 in the long side direction (the arrow B direction in FIG. 3). A communication hole 36a, a cooling medium supply communication hole 38a for supplying a cooling medium, and a fuel gas discharge communication hole 40b for discharging a fuel gas, for example, a hydrogen-containing gas, are provided.

  The other end edge in the long side direction of the unit cell 12 communicates with each other in the direction of arrow A, and a fuel gas supply communication hole 40a for supplying fuel gas, and a cooling medium discharge communication hole for discharging the cooling medium. 38b and an oxidizing gas discharge communication hole 36b for discharging the oxidizing gas are provided.

  The electrolyte membrane / electrode structure 30 includes, for example, a solid polymer electrolyte membrane 42 in which a perfluorosulfonic acid thin film is impregnated with water, and an anode side electrode 44 and a cathode side electrode 46 that sandwich the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 42. With.

  The anode side electrode 44 and the cathode side electrode 46 were formed by uniformly applying a gas diffusion layer made of carbon paper or the like and porous carbon particles carrying a platinum alloy on the surface thereof to the surface of the gas diffusion layer. An electrode catalyst layer. The electrode catalyst layers are formed on both surfaces of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 42.

  A fuel gas flow path 48 that connects the fuel gas supply communication hole 40 a and the fuel gas discharge communication hole 40 b is formed on the surface 32 a of the first metal separator 32 facing the electrolyte membrane / electrode structure 30. The fuel gas channel 48 is constituted by, for example, a plurality of grooves extending in the arrow B direction. On the surface 32b of the first metal separator 32, a cooling medium flow path 50 that connects the cooling medium supply communication hole 38a and the cooling medium discharge communication hole 38b is formed. The cooling medium flow path 50 is configured by a plurality of grooves extending in the arrow B direction.

  The surface 34a of the second metal separator 34 facing the electrolyte membrane / electrode structure 30 is provided with, for example, an oxidant gas flow path 52 composed of a plurality of grooves extending in the direction of arrow B, and this oxidant gas. The flow path 52 communicates with the oxidant gas supply communication hole 36a and the oxidant gas discharge communication hole 36b. A cooling medium flow path 50 is integrally formed on the surface 34 b of the second metal separator 34 so as to overlap the surface 32 b of the first metal separator 32.

  A first seal member 54 is integrally formed on the surfaces 32 a and 32 b of the first metal separator 32 around the outer peripheral end of the first metal separator 32. The first seal member 54 surrounds the fuel gas supply communication hole 40a, the fuel gas discharge communication hole 40b, and the fuel gas flow path 48 on the surface 32a so as to communicate with each other, and on the surface 32b, the cooling medium supply communication hole 38a, The medium discharge communication hole 38b and the cooling medium flow path 50 are surrounded and communicated with each other.

  A second seal member 56 is integrally formed on the surfaces 34 a and 34 b of the second metal separator 34 around the outer peripheral end of the second metal separator 34. The second seal member 56 surrounds and communicates the oxidant gas supply communication hole 36a, the oxidant gas discharge communication hole 36b, and the oxidant gas flow path 52 on the surface 34a, while the cooling medium supply communication hole on the surface 34b. 38a, the cooling medium discharge communication hole 38b, and the cooling medium flow path 50 are surrounded and communicated.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fastening mechanism 24 includes bracket members 60a to 60d that are bent or curved at both ends in the direction of arrow A of the side plates 22a and 22b and pressed against the end plates 20a and 20b, and the bracket member 60a. A fastening member, for example, a plurality of bolts 62, for fastening ˜60d to the end plates 20a, 20b in the direction of arrow C is provided.

  The bracket member 60a is elongated in the direction of the arrow B, is set to have substantially the same width as the side plate 22a, and has a substantially L-shaped cross section. The bracket member 60a includes a first pressing surface 66a corresponding to a plate surface 64a parallel to the power generation surface direction of the end plate 20a and a second pressing surface corresponding to a side surface 64b intersecting the plate surface 64a of the end plate 20a. 66b (see FIG. 2). A plurality of, for example, four holes 70 are provided in the bracket member 60a so as to penetrate the bolt 62 in the vertical direction.

  One end of the side plate 22a is sandwiched between the plate surface 64a and the first pressing surface 66a and between the side surface 64b and the second pressing surface 66b, and is welded to the tip of the first pressing surface 66a. A joint 68 is provided and fixed. A plurality of, for example, four holes 71 through which the bolts 62 are inserted are formed at both ends of the side plate 22a. The holes 70 and 71 may be set to have a diameter larger than the diameter of the bolt 62 in order to allow the bolt 62 to pass therethrough. Although not specifically described below, for example, various shapes such as an oval shape are selected. can do.

  Four screw holes 72 are formed in the upper and lower side surfaces 64b of the end plate 20a for screwing the bolts 62 therein. The other bracket members 60b to 60d are configured in the same manner as the bracket member 60a described above, and the same reference numerals are given to the same components, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. Four holes 69 are formed at both ends of the side plate 22b, and screw holes 72 are formed on both the upper and lower side surfaces 64b of the end plate 20b in the same manner as the end plate 20a.

  The operation of the fuel cell stack 10 configured as described above will be described below.

  First, as shown in FIG. 1, in the fuel cell stack 10, an oxidant gas such as an oxygen-containing gas is supplied to the oxidant gas supply communication hole 36a of the end plate 20a, and hydrogen is contained in the fuel gas supply communication hole 40a. Fuel gas such as gas is supplied. Further, a cooling medium such as pure water, ethylene glycol, or oil is supplied to the cooling medium supply communication hole 38a. For this reason, in the stacked body 14, the oxidant gas, the fuel gas, and the cooling medium are supplied in the arrow A direction to the plurality of sets of unit cells 12 superimposed in the arrow A direction.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the oxidant gas is introduced into the oxidant gas flow path 52 of the second metal separator 34 through the oxidant gas supply communication hole 36 a, and along the cathode side electrode 46 of the electrolyte membrane / electrode structure 30. Move. On the other hand, the fuel gas is introduced into the fuel gas passage 48 of the first metal separator 32 through the fuel gas supply communication hole 40 a and moves along the anode side electrode 44 of the electrolyte membrane / electrode structure 30.

  Therefore, in each electrolyte membrane / electrode structure 30, the oxidant gas supplied to the cathode side electrode 46 and the fuel gas supplied to the anode side electrode 44 are consumed by an electrochemical reaction in the electrode catalyst layer, Power generation is performed.

  Next, the oxidant gas consumed by being supplied to the cathode side electrode 46 flows along the oxidant gas discharge communication hole 36b, and then is discharged to the outside from the end plate 20a. Similarly, the fuel gas consumed by being supplied to the anode side electrode 44 is discharged to the fuel gas discharge communication hole 40b, flows, and is discharged from the end plate 20a to the outside.

  The cooling medium flows in the direction of arrow B after being introduced into the cooling medium flow path 50 between the first and second metal separators 32 and 34 from the cooling medium supply communication hole 38a. The cooling medium cools the electrolyte membrane / electrode structure 30, and then moves through the cooling medium discharge communication hole 38b and is discharged from the end plate 20a.

  In this case, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, both end portions in the direction of arrow A of the side plate 22a are bent via the bracket members 60a and 60b, respectively, and the end plate 20a, It is fixed to 20b via a bolt 62. On the other hand, both end portions in the arrow A direction of the side plate 22b are fixed to the end plates 20a and 20b via bolts 62 while being bent via bracket members 60c and 60d, respectively.

  Specifically, one end of the side plate 22a is located between the first pressing surface 66a of the bracket member 60a and the plate surface 64a of the end plate 20a, and between the second pressing surface 66b of the bracket member 60a and the end plate 20a. Is sandwiched between the side surface 64b of the first and second side surfaces 64b. In that case, the 1st press surface 66a and the 2nd press surface 66b have comprised the angle of about 90 degrees mutually.

  Therefore, one end of the side plate 22a is firmly and securely fixed to the end plate 20a, and the tension in the stacking direction generated on the side plate 22a can be reliably received by the bracket member 60a. Thereby, the effect that the desired tightening load is favorably applied to the laminate 14 is obtained.

  Moreover, the end plate 20a and the side plate 22a are fixed via a bracket member 60a and a bolt 62. Therefore, the structure of the fastening mechanism 24 is simplified easily.

  On the other hand, the other end of the side plate 22a and the end plate 20b are similarly fixed by bracket members 60b and bolts 62. Furthermore, both end portions of the side plate 22b and the end plates 20a and 20b are fixed by bracket members 60c and 60d and a plurality of bolts 62.

  For this reason, under the action of the fastening mechanism 24, the side plates 22a and 22b can be firmly fixed to the end plates 20a and 20b in a state where a desired tension is applied to the side plates 22a and 22b. As a result, it is possible to reliably apply a desired tightening load to the entire laminated body 14, effectively simplify the configuration of the entire fuel cell stack 10, and easily reduce the size of the fuel cell stack 10. It is done.

  Furthermore, one end portion of the side plate 22a is fixed to the distal end side of the first pressing surface 66a of the bracket member 60a via a joint portion 68 by welding or the like, and is opened in a portion sandwiched by the second pressing surface 66b. It is fixed to the end plate 20a through a bolt 62 inserted into the hole 71 formed. Accordingly, one end of the side plate 22a is sandwiched between the end plate 20a and the bracket member 60a, and is firmly and securely fixed.

  FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged explanatory view of a fuel cell stack 80 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those of the fuel cell stack 10 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Similarly, in the third to eighth embodiments described below, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 4 shows only the coupling state between one end of the side plate 22a and the end of the end plate 20a. The other end of the side plate 22a, the end plate 20b, and both ends of the side plate 22b are shown. The end plates 20a and 20b are joined in the same manner, and their illustration is omitted. In the third and subsequent embodiments as well, the illustration is omitted in the same manner.

  The fuel cell stack 80 includes a fastening mechanism 82, and the fastening mechanism 82 includes a bracket member 84 and a bolt 62. One end of the side plate 22a is between the plate surface 64a of the end plate 20a and the first pressing surface 66a of the bracket member 84, and between the side surface 64b of the end plate 20a and the second pressing surface 66b of the bracket member 84. Sandwiched between. One end portion of the side plate 22a further circulates around the outer periphery of the bracket member 84, and then extends in the stacking direction, and the end portion is joined by a joining portion 68 such as welding.

  In the second embodiment configured as described above, one end portion of the side plate 22a is bent and sandwiched between the bracket member 84 and the end plate 20a, and circulates around the outer periphery of the bracket member 84. Yes. The side plate 22a is fixed to the end plate 20a with bolts 62 in a state where the bracket member 84 is sandwiched.

  As a result, one end of the side plate 22a is more firmly and reliably fixed to the end plate 20a via the bolt 62, and the same effects as those of the first embodiment are obtained.

  FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged explanatory view of a fuel cell stack 90 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  The fastening mechanism 92 constituting the fuel cell stack 90 includes a bracket member 94 and a bolt 62. The side surface 64b of the end plate 20a is provided with a tapered surface 96 that is inclined in the stacking direction (arrow A direction). The bracket member 94 has a tapered portion 98 that is pressed against the tapered surface 96.

  One end portion of the side plate 22 a is sandwiched between the tapered surface 96 of the end plate 20 a and the tapered portion 98 of the bracket member 94, and is joined by the joint portion 68 around the bracket member 94.

  The bolt 62 is inserted into the hole 71 of the side plate 22a, the hole 70 of the bracket member 94, and the hole 71 of the side plate 22a, and screwed into the screw hole 72 of the end plate 20a.

  Thus, in the third embodiment, one end portion of the side plate 22a is sandwiched between the tapered surface 96 and the tapered shape portion 98, and the end plate 20a and the bracket member 94 are firmly and reliably secured. The same effects as those of the first and second embodiments described above can be obtained. In addition, the length of the side plate 22a between the end plates 20a and 20b is adjusted by the tapered surface 96, and the tightening force by the side plate 22a can be adjusted.

  FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged explanatory view of a fuel cell stack 100 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  The fuel cell stack 100 is configured in substantially the same manner as the fuel cell stack 90 according to the third embodiment, and the bracket member 104 constituting the fastening mechanism 102 is disposed between the side plate 22a and the tapered surface 96 of the end plate 20a. The taper-shaped part 98 which clamps the one end part is provided.

  The bracket member 104 has a substantially wedge shape, and one end portion of the side plate 22a circulates around the bracket member 104 and is integrally joined to the side plate 22a by a joining portion 68. In addition, the tightening force by the side plate 22 a can be adjusted via the tapered surface 96. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the same effect as in the third embodiment can be obtained.

  FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged explanatory view of the fuel cell stack 110 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

  The fastening mechanism 112 constituting the fuel cell stack 110 includes a bracket member 114 and a bolt 116. The end plate 20a is provided with a tapered surface 118 on the plate surface 64a, and the tapered surface 118 forms an uneven surface by a roughening process or the like.

  The bracket member 114 has a tapered portion 120 corresponding to the tapered surface 118 of the end plate 20a, and the surface of the tapered portion 120 similarly forms an uneven surface. Note that an uneven surface may be provided on only one of the tapered surface 118 or the tapered portion 120. The same applies to the sixth and subsequent embodiments described below.

  One end of the side plate 22a extends toward the plate surface 64a along the side surface 64b of the end plate 20a, and is sandwiched between the tapered surface 118 and the tapered portion 120. The side plate 22a is fixed to the end plate 20a integrally with the bracket member 114 by a bolt 116 in a state in which the bracket member 114 is further circulated. The bolts 116 are tightened in the stacking direction (arrow A direction) of the stacked body 14, and the side plates 22a are doubled and fixed to the end plate 20a.

  In the fifth embodiment configured as described above, the tapered surface 118 and the tapered portion 120 form an uneven surface, and a large frictional force can be generated on the contact surface with the side plate 22a. Therefore, even if a large tension acts on the side plate 22a, the side plate 22a can be more firmly and reliably fixed by the frictional force of the uneven surface.

  FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged explanatory view of the fuel cell stack 130 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

  The fastening mechanism 132 constituting the fuel cell stack 130 includes a bracket member 136 having a first bracket 134 a and a second bracket 134 b, and the bracket member 136 is fixed to the end plate 20 a by bolts 62. The side surface 64b of the end plate 20a constitutes an uneven surface, while the first bracket 134a has a pressing surface 138 corresponding to the side surface 64b, and the pressing surface 138 forms an uneven surface.

  The first bracket 134 a has a first tapered surface 140 on the opposite side of the pressing surface 138, while the second bracket 134 b has a second tapered surface 142 that contacts the first tapered surface 140.

  One end portion of the side plate 22a is sandwiched between the side surface 64b and the pressing surface 138, and between the first bracket 134a and the second bracket 134b, the first tapered surface 140 and the second tapered surface 142 Sandwiched between. In this state, the bolt 62 is inserted into the second bracket 134b, the side plate 22a, the first bracket 134a, and the side plate 22a, and screwed into the screw hole 72 of the end plate 20a.

  Thereby, in 6th Embodiment, while the one end part of the side plate 22a is clamped between the side surface 64b which comprises an uneven | corrugated shaped surface, and the press surface 138, between the 1st taper surface 140 and the 2nd taper surface 142, it is. It is pinched. Therefore, one end portion of the side plate 22a can be more firmly and reliably fixed to the end plate 20a by the fastening mechanism 132, and there is no need to provide a joint portion by welding or the like, for example.

  FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged explanatory view of a fuel cell stack 150 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

  The fastening mechanism 152 constituting the fuel cell stack 150 includes a bracket member 154. Similarly to the sixth embodiment, the side surface 64b of the end plate 20a constitutes an uneven surface, and the bracket member 154 has a pressing surface 156 corresponding to the side surface 64b. The pressing surface 156 preferably constitutes an uneven surface. The bracket member 154 has a tapered surface 158 on the side opposite to the pressing surface 156, and the head of the bolt 62 contacts the tapered surface 158.

  Thus, the end portion of the side plate 22a is sandwiched between the plate surface 64a and the pressing surface 156, and the bolt 62 is disposed on the taper surface 158 around the bracket member 154 and the end plate 20a. The screw hole 72 is screwed. For this reason, the bracket member 154 can move in the direction of arrow A, and the tension in the direction of arrow A is reliably applied to the side plate 22a.

  Therefore, in the seventh embodiment, one end portion of the side plate 22a is sandwiched between the side surface 64b and the pressing surface 156 constituting the concavo-convex shape portion, and the same effect as in the sixth embodiment can be obtained. .

  FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged explanatory view of the fuel cell stack 160 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

  The fastening mechanism 162 constituting the fuel cell stack 160 includes a bracket member 164. A tapered surface 166 is provided on the side surface 64b of the end plate 20a, and the tapered surface 166 forms an uneven surface. The bracket member 164 has a tapered portion 168 corresponding to the tapered surface 166, and the tapered portion 168 can be provided with an uneven surface as necessary.

  One end portion of the side plate 22a is sandwiched between the tapered surface 166 and the tapered portion 168, and is disposed around the bracket member 164. In this state, when the bolt 62 is screwed into the screw hole 72 of the end plate 20a, the side plate 22a is fixed to the side plate 22a via the fastening mechanism 162.

  Therefore, in the eighth embodiment, the side plate 22a can be firmly held by the tapered surface 166 and the tapered portion 168, and the same effects as those of the above embodiments can be obtained.

1 is a partially exploded schematic perspective view of a fuel cell stack according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a partial cross section side view of the said fuel cell stack. It is a disassembled perspective explanatory drawing of the unit cell which comprises the said fuel cell stack. It is a partially expanded explanatory view of a fuel cell stack according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a partially expanded explanatory view of a fuel cell stack according to a third embodiment of the present invention. It is a partially expanded explanatory view of a fuel cell stack according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. It is a partially expanded explanatory view of a fuel cell stack according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. It is a partially expanded explanatory view of a fuel cell stack according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. It is a partially expanded explanatory view of a fuel cell stack according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. It is a partially expanded explanatory view of a fuel cell stack according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of a battery module disclosed in Patent Document 1.

Explanation of symbols

10, 80, 90, 100, 110, 130, 150, 160 ... fuel cell stack 12 ... unit cell 14 ... laminated body 20a, 20b ... end plate 22a, 22b ... side plate 24, 82, 92, 102, 112, 132 , 152, 162 ... fastening mechanism 30 ... electrolyte membrane / electrode structure 32, 34 ... metal separator 42 ... solid polymer electrolyte membrane 44 ... anode side electrode 46 ... cathode side electrode 48 ... fuel gas passage 50 ... cooling medium passage 52 ... Oxidant gas flow paths 60a-60d, 84, 94, 104, 114, 136, 154, 164 ... Bracket members 62, 116 ... Bolts 64a ... Plate surfaces 64b ... Side surfaces 66a, 66b, 138, 156 ... Press surfaces 68 ... Junction part 69-71 ... Hole 72 ... Screw hole 96, 118, 140, 142, 158, 166 ... Taper 98,120,168 ... tapered portion 134a, 134b ... bracket

Claims (9)

An end plate disposed at both ends in the stacking direction of the stack, the stack including an electrolyte / electrode structure in which a pair of electrodes are provided on both sides of the electrolyte, and a separator, and side portions of the stack A side plate disposed on the fuel cell stack fixed by a fastening mechanism,
The fastening mechanism includes a bracket member that bends or curves an end of the side plate and presses the end plate;
A fastening member for fastening and fixing the bracket member to the end plate;
A fuel cell stack comprising: The fuel cell stack according to claim 1, wherein the bracket member includes a first pressing surface corresponding to a plate surface parallel to a power generation surface direction of the end plate;
A second pressing surface corresponding to a side surface intersecting the plate surface of the end plate;
Have
The fuel cell stack, wherein the side plate is sandwiched between at least the plate surface and the first pressing surface and between the side surface and the second pressing surface. 2. The fuel cell stack according to claim 1, wherein the end plate has a tapered surface inclined toward the stacking direction on a side surface intersecting the power generation surface direction.
The bracket member has a tapered portion pressed against the tapered surface,
The fuel cell stack, wherein the side plate is sandwiched at least between the tapered surface and the tapered portion. 2. The fuel cell stack according to claim 1, wherein the end plate is provided with a tapered surface on a plate surface parallel to the power generation surface direction,
The bracket member has a tapered portion pressed against the tapered surface,
The fuel cell stack, wherein the side plate is sandwiched at least between the tapered surface and the tapered portion.   5. The fuel cell stack according to claim 1, wherein an end portion of the side plate is joined to the bracket member or the side plate itself. 6.   5. The fuel cell stack according to claim 3, wherein at least the tapered surface or the tapered portion is provided with an uneven surface. The fuel cell stack according to claim 1, wherein the bracket member has a pressing surface corresponding to a side surface intersecting with a power generation surface direction of the end plate,
A fuel cell stack, wherein at least the side surface or the pressing surface is provided with an uneven surface. 8. The fuel cell stack according to claim 7, wherein the bracket member has the pressing surface and a first bracket having a first taper surface on the opposite side of the pressing surface.
A second bracket that has a second taper surface that contacts the first taper surface and is fixed to the end plate integrally with the first bracket by the fastening member;
A fuel cell stack characterized by comprising: The fuel cell stack according to claim 7, wherein the bracket member has a tapered surface on the side opposite to the pressing surface,
The fuel cell stack, wherein the fastening member is in contact with the tapered surface.

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