JP2009087805A - Fuel cell module, its manufacturing method, and fuel cell - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell module capable of improving current collection efficiency while reducing the number of components, its manufacturing method, and a fuel cell having the fuel cell module. <P>SOLUTION: The fuel cell module is provided with an assembly which has a plurality of tube-type fuel battery cells arranged at the top-most vertices of a polygonal and conductors which are arranged so as to contact the plurality of tube-type fuel battery cells in the space surrounded by the plurality of tube-type fuel battery cells, and a current collector member to contact the assembly, and a case member which houses at least the current collector member and a plurality of assemblies. Contact of the plurality of the tube-type fuel battery cells with the conductors, and/or the contact of the assembly with the current collector are maintained by an elastic force that is given from the case member to the current collector member and the plurality of assemblies. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell module including a tubular fuel cell including a hollow membrane electrode structure, a method for manufacturing the same, and a fuel cell including the fuel cell module.

  A fuel cell has a membrane electrode assembly (hereinafter referred to as “MEA”) including an electrolyte layer (hereinafter referred to as “electrolyte membrane”) and electrodes (anode and cathode) respectively disposed on both sides of the electrolyte membrane. ), And an electric energy generated by the electrochemical reaction is taken out to the outside through current collectors arranged on both sides of the MEA. Among fuel cells, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (hereinafter referred to as “PEFC”) used in a home cogeneration system or an automobile has a feature that it can be operated in a low temperature region. This PEFC has been attracting attention as a power source and portable power source for electric vehicles because of its high energy conversion efficiency, short start-up time, and small and light system.

  Recently, for the purpose of increasing the amount of power generation per unit volume, etc., research on a PEFC having a single cell columnar shape (hereinafter referred to as “tube type PEFC”) has been advanced. A unit cell of a tube-type PEFC (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “tube-type fuel cell” or “tube-type cell”) generally has a hollow electrolyte membrane, and an inner peripheral surface side and an outer peripheral surface side of the electrolyte membrane. And a hollow MEA having a hollow catalyst layer disposed on each of the two. For example, an electrochemical reaction is caused by supplying a hydrogen-containing gas to the inner peripheral surface side of the MEA and an oxygen-containing gas to the outer peripheral surface side, and the electric energy generated by the electrochemical reaction is It takes out outside through the electrical power collector currently arrange | positioned at the inner peripheral surface side and the outer peripheral surface side, respectively. Thus, in the tube type PEFC, one reaction gas (for example, hydrogen-containing gas) is provided on the inner peripheral surface side of the hollow MEA provided in each tube type cell, and the other reaction gas (for example, for example, the outer peripheral surface side). Since electric energy is taken out by supplying (oxygen-containing gas), the reaction gas supplied to the outer peripheral surface side of two adjacent tube-type cells can be made the same. Therefore, according to the tube-type PEFC, a separator having gas shielding performance in the conventional flat plate-type PEFC is not required, so that it is easy to increase the power generation amount per unit volume.

  As a technology related to a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) having a single cell columnar shape having a shape similar to a tube type PEFC, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses that a solid oxide fuel cell is at least partially connected. A substantially rectangular parallelepiped held inside, one plane of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped facing the opening end of the fuel cell and one plane in the longitudinal direction are opened, and a fuel supply hole is formed on the surface facing the sealing end of the fuel cell. A conductive outer shell member provided on the longitudinal opening surface of the outer shell member, an insulating insulating member having an opening, and a conductive outer member connected to the fuel cell through the opening. There is disclosed a cartridge structure for a solid oxide fuel cell comprising a lid, in which the outer shell member and the outer lid are fixed by an insulating fixing means. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique related to a cylindrical solid oxide fuel cell.

JP 2003-288913 A JP 2004-152723 A

  However, when the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is applied to the tube-type PEFC, a restraining member for restraining the tube-type cell and the case member is required. For this reason, there is a problem that the number of parts increases, productivity is likely to decrease, and manufacturing cost is likely to increase. Moreover, since the content regarding a current collection structure is not disclosed by patent document 2, even if the technique currently disclosed by patent document 2 is applied to tube type PEFC, the whole structure including a current collection member is optimized. There was a problem that it was difficult.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell module, a method for manufacturing the same, and a fuel cell including the fuel cell module, which can improve current collection efficiency while reducing the number of parts.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention takes the following means. That is,
In the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of tube-type fuel cells arranged at the vertex positions of the polygon and a space surrounded by the plurality of tube-type fuel cells so as to come into contact with the plurality of tube-type fuel cells. An assembly having a conductor disposed thereon, a current collecting member in contact with the aggregate, and a case member containing at least the current collecting member and the plurality of aggregates, and electrically conductive with the plurality of tube-type fuel cells. The fuel is characterized in that the contact with the body and / or the contact between the assembly and the current collecting member is maintained by the elastic force applied from the case member to the current collecting member and the plurality of assemblies. It is a battery module.

  In the first invention and the invention shown below (hereinafter collectively referred to as “the present invention”), the “tube-type fuel cell” includes a hollow ion conductor, an ion conductor. A hollow-shaped structure including a hollow-shaped first electrode disposed on the peripheral surface side and a hollow-shaped second electrode disposed on the outer peripheral surface side of the ion conductor, and an inner periphery of the first electrode It means a single cell comprising a first current collector disposed on the surface side and a second current collector disposed on the outer peripheral surface side of the second electrode. As the tube type fuel cell, a single cell of tube type PEFC can be exemplified. In the present invention, the “conductor” in contact with the plurality of tube-type fuel cells is electrically connected to an external current collector provided in each of the plurality of tube-type fuel cells arranged around the conductor. To touch. In the present invention, the form of the conductor is not particularly limited. However, when a single cell of a tube type PEFC is accommodated in the fuel cell module of the present invention, the number of parts is reduced to generate power per unit volume. From the viewpoint of making the fuel cell module in a form that easily increases the amount, it is preferable that a space for circulating a heat medium is provided inside the conductor. In the case where a space for circulating a heat medium is provided inside the conductor, the conductor can be a tubular member. Furthermore, in the present invention, the “aggregate” is, for example, a regular hexagonal shape in which six tubular fuel cells are arranged at the positions of the respective apexes of the regular hexagon and are surrounded by the six tubular fuel cells. After the conductor is arranged at the center position, a restraining member is further arranged outside the six tube-type fuel cells, and by the restraint member, the outer peripheral surface of the six tube-type fuel cells and the outer circumference of the conductor are arranged. It can be set as the form fixed so that a surface may contact. That is, in the present invention, one assembly is provided with one conductor, a restraining member, and a plurality of tubular fuel cells. Therefore, when n tube fuel cells are provided in one assembly (n is a natural number of 3 or more), for example, n tube fuel cells at each apex of a regular n-gon. Are arranged, and a conductor is arranged at the center position of a regular n-gonal shape surrounded by the n tube-type fuel cells, and further, a restraining member is arranged outside the n tube-type fuel cells, By the said restraining member, it can be set as the form fixed so that the outer peripheral surface of n tube type fuel cells and the outer peripheral surface of a conductor may contact. Further, in the present invention, the “current collecting member in contact with the aggregate” means that the aggregate and the current collector are brought into contact with a plurality of first current collectors or a plurality of second current collectors constituting the aggregate. It means that the member comes into contact in a form that allows energization. Furthermore, in the present invention, the “case member that accommodates at least the current collecting member and the plurality of aggregates” means that at least the current collecting member and the plurality of aggregates are accommodated in the case member. It means that the member can also be accommodated in the case member.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, the first case member that houses at least one longitudinal end of the plurality of aggregates and at least a part of the current collecting member, and the first case member of the plurality of aggregates are accommodated in the first case member. A second case member that accommodates at least a part of the other end in the longitudinal direction and that contacts the first case member is provided in the case member, and a distance between the first case member and the second case member is fixed. Preferably not.

  Here, the first case member that accommodates one end surface in the longitudinal direction (half the longitudinal direction of the plurality of assemblies) from the longitudinal center of the plurality of assemblies, and the other end surface in the longitudinal direction from the center in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of assemblies When the case member of the fuel cell module of the present invention is provided with the second case member that accommodates (the remaining half of the plurality of assemblies in the longitudinal direction) (hereinafter referred to as “first form”). One case member can be used as the first case member in the present invention, and the second case member can be used as the second case member in the present invention. On the other hand, a first case member that accommodates one end in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of assemblies, a second case member that accommodates a central portion in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of assemblies, and the other longitudinal end of the plurality of assemblies When the case member of the fuel cell module of the present invention is provided (hereinafter referred to as “second embodiment”), the first case member and / or the third case is provided. The member may be the first case member in the present invention, and the second case member may be the second case member in the present invention.

  The second aspect of the present invention is a method of manufacturing the fuel cell module according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the first case member and the second case member are provided, and a first step of manufacturing a plurality of assemblies, A second step of fixing the plurality of aggregates and the current collecting member in contact with each other; and a third step of accommodating at least one end of the plurality of aggregates in the longitudinal direction and at least a part of the current collecting member in the first case member. And a fourth step of accommodating at least a part of the plurality of assemblies in the second case member, and the longitudinal direction of the plurality of assemblies to the inside of the first case member elastically deformed in the third step. After accommodating the end portion and at least a part of the current collecting member, contact between the plurality of tubular fuel cells and the conductor and / or by elastic force applied from the first case member recovered from elastic deformation, and / or , Contact between the assembly and the current collector Wherein the but maintained, it is a manufacturing method of a fuel cell module.

  Here, the “third step of accommodating at least one longitudinal end of the plurality of aggregates and at least a part of the current collecting member in the first case member” includes the first case member and the second case member. It means that the step of housing all the members housed in the first case member of the fuel cell module according to the first invention in the first case member is the third step in the second invention. . Further, “at least a part of the current collecting member” means a current collecting member provided on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the aggregate. That is, when the current collecting member is provided only on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of aggregates, “at least a part of the current collecting member” means the whole current collecting member. On the other hand, when the current collecting member is provided on one end side and the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of aggregates, “at least a part of the current collecting member” means a part of the current collecting member. Further, the “fourth step of accommodating at least a part of the plurality of assemblies in the second case member” means that the fuel cell module according to the first aspect of the present invention including the first case member and the second case member is provided. This means that the step of accommodating all the members accommodated in the second case member in the second case member is the fourth step in the second aspect of the present invention. That is, in the case of the first embodiment and when the current collecting member is provided only on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of assemblies, and in the case of the second embodiment, one of the plurality of assemblies is provided. The step of housing the part in the second case member is the fourth step in the second aspect of the present invention. On the other hand, in the case of the first embodiment, when the current collecting members are provided on one end side and the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of assemblies, a part of the plurality of assemblies and one of the current collector members The step of housing the portion in the second case member is the fourth step in the second aspect of the present invention.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fuel, comprising: a laminated body configured by laminating a plurality of fuel cell modules according to the first aspect of the present invention; and an outer case member that accommodates at least the laminated body. It is a battery.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the elastic force applied from the case member to the current collecting member and the plurality of assemblies makes contact between the plurality of tube-type fuel cells and the conductor and / or the assembly. Contact with the current collecting member is maintained. By adopting such a configuration, it becomes possible to fix the tube-type fuel cell and the case member without using a restraining member, and it is possible to reduce the contact resistance between different members, so that current collection is possible. Efficiency can be improved. Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a fuel cell module capable of improving the current collection efficiency while reducing the number of components.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, since the distance between the first case member and the second case member is not fixed, the constituent members accommodated in the case member expand due to heat generated during operation of the fuel cell module. Even when the fuel cell module stops and contracts due to a decrease in temperature, it is possible to absorb the dimensional difference caused by the thermal expansion and thermal contraction.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, after accommodating the plurality of aggregates and the current collecting member inside the elastically deformed first case member, by the elastic force applied from the first case member recovered from the deformation, A third step in which the plurality of aggregates and the current collecting member are constrained is provided. By adopting such a form, it becomes possible to specify the positions of a plurality of assemblies and current collecting members accommodated in the case member without using a restraining member, and to reduce the contact resistance between different members. It becomes possible to improve the current collection efficiency. Therefore, according to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a method of manufacturing a fuel cell module capable of manufacturing a fuel cell module capable of improving the current collection efficiency while reducing the number of parts.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the fuel cell is provided with a plurality of fuel cell modules capable of improving the current collection efficiency while reducing the number of parts, the current collection efficiency is improved while reducing the number of parts. The fuel cell which can be provided can be provided.

  The present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The forms illustrated below are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the illustrated forms. In the case where a plurality of similar members are provided in the structure shown in the drawings, only a part of the plurality of similar members may be provided with a symbol in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention. In the following description, an oxygen-containing gas (hereinafter referred to as “air”) is supplied to the outer peripheral surface side of the hollow MEA provided in the tubular fuel cell, and to the inner peripheral surface side of the MEA. A mode in which a hydrogen-containing gas (hereinafter referred to as “hydrogen”) is supplied and a refrigerant is supplied to the conductor is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this mode. It is also possible to supply hydrogen to the outer peripheral surface side of the hollow MEA and supply air to the inner peripheral surface side of the MEA in the tubular fuel cell. For example, at the time of start-up, a heat medium such as hot water can be supplied to the conductor instead of the refrigerant.

1. Fuel Cell Module FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing an example of a fuel cell module according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a left side view schematically showing an example of the form of the fuel cell module shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a right side view schematically showing an example of the form of the fuel cell module shown in FIG. The vertical direction of the drawing in FIGS. 1 to 3 is the longitudinal direction of the tube-type cell provided in the fuel cell module of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a front view schematically showing a form example of the assembly provided in the fuel cell module shown in FIG. 1, and shows a form before being housed in the case member. The vertical direction of the paper surface of FIG. 4 is the longitudinal direction of the tube-type cell. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VV in FIG. In order to facilitate understanding of the form of the assembly provided in the fuel cell module of the present invention, in FIG. 5, the cross section of the conductor and the tube type cell and the form of the restraining member wound around the tube type cell are shown. Shown schematically. 5 is the longitudinal direction of the tube-type cell. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a tube type cell provided in the fuel cell module shown in FIG. 6 is the longitudinal direction of the tube type cell. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing a VII-VII cross section of the fuel cell module shown in FIG. 1, and a part thereof is omitted. 7 is the longitudinal direction of the tube-type cell provided in the fuel cell module. The straight arrows in FIG. 7 indicate the direction of force applied from the case member to the plurality of internal current collectors via the insulating member. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell module shown in FIG. 1 taken along the dotted line VIII-VIII. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel cell module IX-IX shown in FIG. 8 and 9 is the longitudinal direction of the tube-type cell provided in the fuel cell module. The straight arrows in FIGS. 8 and 9 indicate the direction of the elastic force applied from the first case member.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the fuel cell module 30 of the present invention includes a plurality of tube-type cells 7, 7,... And a plurality of conductors 8, 8,. These may be collectively referred to as “tube-type cell 7 etc.”) and a case member 20 for accommodating the tube-type cells 7,. The case member 20 includes a first case member 20x that accommodates one end in the longitudinal direction of the tube type cell 7, etc., a second case member 20y that accommodates a longitudinal center of the tube type cell 7, etc., the tube type cell 7, etc. A third case member 20z that accommodates the other end in the longitudinal direction of the first and second openings 21 and 21 provided in the first case member 20x and the third case member 20z, and a fitting provided in the second case member 20y. By fitting the claws 22 and 22 together, these are connected, and no adhesive is used when connecting. In other words, the first case member 20x and the second case member 20y, and the second case member 20y and the third case member 20z are connected to each other without using an adhesive. Therefore, the distance (interval) between the end surface of the first case member 20x and the end surface of the second case member 20y and the distance (interval) between the end surface of the second case member 20y and the end surface of the third case member 20z are fixed. In other words, a so-called “play” is provided at these intervals. Therefore, by adopting such a configuration, the dimension when the constituent member expands due to the temperature generated during operation of the fuel cell module 30, and the dimension when the member contracts due to the temperature decreasing during the operation of the fuel cell module 30. Can be absorbed by the “play”.

  The case member 20 is provided with recesses 23, 23 and 23 (see FIG. 1), and on the back side thereof is provided with protrusions 24, 24 and 24 (see FIGS. 2 and 3), and a plurality of fuel cells. When the modules 30, 30,... Are stacked, the convex portions 24, 24, 24 of one adjacent fuel cell module 30 and the concave portions 23, 23, 23 of the other fuel cell module 30 are fitted together. The laminated body 40 is configured (see FIG. 11). In the fuel cell module 30, the first case member 20x is provided with an opening of the refrigerant circulation part 25 and an opening of the hydrogen circulation part 26 (hereinafter, the refrigerant circulation part 25 and the hydrogen circulation provided in the first case member 20x). The part 26 is referred to as “refrigerant circulation part 25x” and “hydrogen circulation part 26x”), and a seal member 27 is disposed in a recess 28 provided around these openings. Similarly, the third case member 20z is also provided with an opening of the refrigerant circulation part 25 and an opening of the hydrogen circulation part 26 (hereinafter, the refrigerant circulation part 25 and the hydrogen circulation part 26 included in the third case member 20z are connected to each other). , “Refrigerant circulation part 25z” and “hydrogen circulation part 26z”), and a recess 28 provided around these openings, a seal member 27 is disposed. 2 and 3, the side surface of the case member 20 is provided with openings 29, 29,..., And the fuel cell module 30 is operated through the openings 29, 29,. The air is supplied to the outer peripheral surfaces of the tube-type cells 7, 7,.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the assembly 10 provided in the fuel cell module 30 of the present invention includes seven tube-type cells 7, 7,... And the seven tube-type cells 7, 7,. And a single conductor 8 arranged in a space surrounded by. .. Are restrained in such a manner that the seven tube-type cells 7, 7... And one conductor 8 are in contact with each other by the restraining members 9 arranged around the seven tube-type cells 7, 7. The both ends of the restraining member 9 are fixed by the end stoppers 9a and 9a, whereby one aggregate 10 is configured.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the tube-type cell 7 provided in the fuel cell module 30 of the present invention includes an internal current collector 1 having grooves 1x, 1x,... On the outer peripheral surface, and an outer peripheral surface of the internal current collector 1. And a hollow MEA 5 formed on the outer periphery of the MEA 5 and an external current collector 6 wound around the outer peripheral surface of the MEA 5. The hollow MEA 5 includes a hollow first catalyst layer 2 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the internal current collector 1, a hollow electrolyte membrane 3 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first catalyst layer 2, and the A hollow second catalyst layer 4 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the electrolyte membrane 3. When the fuel cell module 30 is in operation, for example, hydrogen supplied to the hydrogen circulation part 26z is transferred to the grooves 1x, 1x,... , Hydrogen flows into the grooves 1x, 1x,..., And hydrogen is supplied to the first catalyst layers 2, 2,. When hydrogen is supplied to the first catalyst layers 2, 2,... In this way, under the action of a catalyst (for example, Pt or the like; the same applies hereinafter) contained in the first catalyst layers 2, 2,. The resulting electrochemical reaction separates hydrogen into protons and electrons. The protons generated in the first catalyst layers 2, 2,... Are proton conductive polymers contained in the hollow MEAs 5, 5,... (For example, at least a sulfonic acid group, a phosphonic acid group, And a fluorine-based polymer having one of phosphoric acid groups, the same applies hereinafter) and permeate the electrolyte membranes 3, 3, ... to reach the second catalyst layers 4, 4, .... On the other hand, since electrons generated in the first catalyst layers 2, 2,... Cannot pass through the electrolyte membranes 3, 3,..., The second catalyst layers 4, 4,. To reach. Of the hydrogen supplied through the grooves 1x, 1x,..., The hydrogen remaining unused in the first catalyst layers 2, 2,... Is the longitudinal direction of the internal current collectors 1, 1,. From the end side, it flows out to the hydrogen circulation part 26x, and is discharged out of the fuel cell module 30 and collected from the opening of the hydrogen circulation part 26x.

  On the other hand, during operation of the fuel cell module 30, air flows in through the openings 29, 29,... Provided on the side surface of the case member 20, and the air is supplied to the outer peripheral surfaces of the plurality of tube-type cells 7, 7,. The air reaches the second catalyst layers 4, 4,. The oxygen contained in the air reaching the second catalyst layers 4, 4,... Then passes through the above steps under the action of the catalyst contained in the second catalyst layers 4, 4,. Electrons react with protons and electrons that reach 4, 4,... To produce water. Thus, when hydrogen and air are supplied to the fuel cell module 30 to cause an electrochemical reaction, electrons can be moved. When the fuel cell module 30 is in operation, the current collection on the first catalyst layer 2, 2,... Side is in contact with the internal current collector 1, 1,. The internal current collector plates 1a and 1a and the second internal current collector plates 1b and 1b in contact with the first internal current collector plates 1a and 1a (refer to FIG. 1 and FIGS. 7 to 9). Current collecting member ”). On the other hand, the current collection on the second catalyst layers 4, 4,... Is performed on the external current collectors 6, 6,. And external current collector plates 6a, 6a (see FIGS. 8 and 9) electrically connected to the conductors 8, 8,. Therefore, according to the fuel cell module 30, electric energy can be taken out via the second internal current collector plates 1b and 1b and the external current collector plates 6a and 6a.

  As described above, when the fuel cell module 30 is operated, electrons and protons are conducted. Therefore, when the fuel cell module 30 is operated, heat is generated due to electric resistance, proton conduction resistance, and the like. Here, the proton-conducting polymer contained in the hollow MEAs 5, 5,... Exhibits a proton-conducting performance by being kept in a water-containing state in a temperature environment such as about 80.degree. Therefore, when the fuel cell module 30 is operated, it contacts with the external current collectors 6, 6,... Of the tube cells 7, 7,. A refrigerant (for example, LLC or the like, “LLC” is a registered trademark of Denso Corporation. The same shall apply hereinafter) is supplied to the conductors 8, 8. The refrigerant is supplied to, for example, the refrigerant circulation part 25x, and then branches to the conductors 8, 8,. 8, flows into the interior. The refrigerant flowing into the conductors 8, 8,... In this way moves to the other ends in the longitudinal direction of the conductors 8, 8,. By exchanging, excessive temperature rise of tube type cell 7,7, ... is prevented. Then, the refrigerant warmed by exchanging heat with the tube-type cells 7, 7,... Flows out from the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the conductors 8, 8,. The fuel cell module 30 is discharged from the opening at 25z and collected.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the fuel cell module 30 includes first internal current collecting plates 1 a and 1 a having a plurality of holes into which the plurality of assemblies 10, 10,. , 12,... (For example, low head bolts, etc., the same applies hereinafter) and second internal current collector plates 1b and 1b fastened and fixed to the first internal current collector plates 1a and 1a. And not only at the time of manufacture of the fuel cell module 30 via the insulating members 11, 11, ... disposed between the conductors 8, 8, ... and the plurality of internal current collectors 1, 1, .... During operation for a long period of time, a force in a direction away from the conductors 8, 8,... Is continuously applied to the plurality of internal current collectors 1, 1,. By adopting such a configuration, in the fuel cell module 30, the plurality of internal current collectors 1, 1,... And the first internal current collector plates 1a, 1a are maintained in close contact with each other, and the contact resistance at these interfaces is reduced. Reduced.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the longitudinal center of the aggregates 10, 10,... Is accommodated in the second case member 20 y, and the longitudinal ends of the aggregates 10, 10,. 16, 16, ... and members 17, 17, ... are arranged. And between the members 16, 16, ... and the tube-type cells 7, 7, ... and the conductors 8, 8, ..., and between the members 16, 16, ... and the members 17, 17, ... .. Are provided, air supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the tube-type cells 7, 7,... By the adhesives 18, 18,. Hydrogen supplied via the directional end is isolated.

  In the fuel cell module 30, the first internal current collector plates 1a, 1a respectively disposed on both ends in the longitudinal direction of the assemblies 10, 10, ... are members 16, 16, ..., members 17, 17, ..., and , Disposed so as to be in contact with at least one of the adhesives 18 and 18. The insulating members 11, 11,..., Respectively disposed on the both ends in the longitudinal direction of the aggregates 10, 10,... Are inserted from both ends in the longitudinal direction of the conductors 8, 8,. And a plurality of internal current collectors 1, 1,. On the other hand, the external current collector plates 6a, 6a are respectively inserted from the longitudinal ends of the conductors 8, 8,... Into the longitudinal ends of the conductors 8, 8,. It arrange | positions in the form which contacts 8, 8, .... The external current collector plates 6a, 6a and the conductors 8, 8,... Are brought into close contact with the external current collectors by the connecting washers 13, 13 having a plurality of holes into which the conductors 8, 8,. The positions of the plates 6a and 6a are fixed. The spring washers 14, 14,... Respectively disposed on the longitudinal ends of the aggregates 10, 10,... Are inserted from the longitudinal ends of the conductors 8, 8,. Arranged in form. Further, nuts 15, 15,... As pressure applying members are arranged closer to the longitudinal ends of the conductors 8, 8,. In the fuel cell module 30, the nuts 15, 15,... As pressure applying members are fixed in such a manner that the nuts 15, 15,. The force toward the longitudinal direction center side of the conductors 8, 8, ... is applied to the insulating members 11, 11, ... through the external current collector plates 6a, 6a.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the insulating members 11, 11,... Provided in the fuel cell module 30 have contact surfaces that contact the plurality of internal current collectors 1, 1,. The inclined surface is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction. Therefore, when the above-mentioned force toward the longitudinal center of the conductors 8, 8,... Is applied to the insulating members 11, 11,. The end portions of 1, 1,... Are crushed and force toward the internal current collectors 1, 1,... Away from the conductors 8, 8,. Power). Therefore, according to the fuel cell module 30, the adhesion between the internal current collectors 1, 1,... To which the force is applied via the insulating members 11, 11,. Since it can be improved, the current collection efficiency through the internal current collectors 1, 1,..., The first internal current collector plates 1a and 1a, and the second internal current collector plates 1b and 1b can be improved. . When the fuel cell module 30 is manufactured, the nuts 15, 15,... Are arranged through the above process, and then backed up outside the nuts 15, 15, ... (longitudinal ends of the conductors 8, 8,...). Rings 31, 31,... And seal members 19, 19,. Then, the longitudinal direction one end side etc. of the aggregate | assembly 10,10, ... are accommodated in the 1st case member 20x, and then the longitudinal direction center part of the aggregate | assembly 10,10, ... is accommodated in the 2nd case member 20y, The other ends in the longitudinal direction of the aggregates 10, 10,... Are accommodated in the third case member 20z. And after accommodating edge parts of a plurality of aggregates 10, 10, etc. in the 1st case member 20x and the 3rd case member 20z, the 1st internal current collection board 1a and 1a and the 2nd internal current collection board 1b, 1b is fastened and fixed by fastening members 12, 12,.

  In the fuel cell module 30, grooves 1x, 1x,... Are provided on the outer peripheral surfaces of the internal current collectors 1, 1,. It is considered that the grooves 1x, 1x,... Provided on the contact surface with the insulating members 11, 11,. However, the grooves 1x, 1x,... Provided on the outer peripheral surface of the internal current collectors 1, 1,... On the side not in contact with the insulating members 11, 11,. Therefore, during operation of the fuel cell module 30, hydrogen can be supplied to the first catalyst layers 2, 2,... Via the hydrogen circulation part 26z and the unsealed grooves 1x, 1x,. .

  Here, the case member 20 (particularly, the first case member 20x and the third case member 20z) of the fuel cell module 30 is made of an elastic resin or the like. When the fuel cell module 30 is manufactured, the first case member 20x that is elastically deformed by expanding the opening that opens to the second case member 20y side is connected to one end in the longitudinal direction of the assembly 10, 10,. The internal current collecting plate 1a, the second internal current collecting plate 1b, the external current collecting plate and the like are accommodated. And the position of each structural member accommodated in the 1st case member 20x under the situation where elastic force is given from the 1st case member 20x because the opening part which elastically deformed restored to the original shape. Fixed. In this way, when one end side in the longitudinal direction of the aggregates 10, 10,... Is accommodated in the first case member 20x, the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the aggregates 10, 10,. Is done. Thereafter, the other end in the longitudinal direction of the aggregates 10, 10,..., The first internal current collector plate 1a, the second internal current collector plate 1b, the external current collector plate, and the like are opened to the second case member 20y side. The opened opening portion is expanded and elastically deformed to be accommodated in the third case member 20z. That is, in the fuel cell module 30, an elastic force is applied from the first case member 20x and the third case member 20z toward the center of the space formed inside the case member 20. By the elastic force, (1) contact between the tube-type cells 7, 7,... Constituting the aggregates 10, 10,... And the conductors 8, 8,. Contact with first internal current collector plates 1a, 1a, (3) contact between first internal current collector plates 1a, 1a and second internal current collector plates 1b, 1b, and (4) external current collector 6, 6, ... and the external current collector plate are kept in contact with each other, and the contact resistance between these different members is reduced. As described above, according to the fuel cell module 30, the aggregates 10, 10,... And current collecting members (which are accommodated in the case member 20 by the elastic force applied from the first case member 20x and the third case member 20z) ( The first internal current collector plate 1a, the second internal current collector plate 1b, the external current collector plate, etc.) can be positioned, so that each member accommodated in the case member required in the prior art It is possible to reduce the number of parts for fixing the. Therefore, according to the fuel cell module 30, the number of parts can be reduced. Furthermore, according to the fuel cell module 30, the contact resistance between different types of members can be reduced, so that the current collection efficiency can be improved. That is, according to the fuel cell module 30, it is possible to improve the current collection efficiency while reducing the number of parts.

  In addition, according to the fuel cell module 30, the internal current collectors 1, 1,... And the first internal current collector plates 1a, 1a are applied by continuously applying force through the insulating members 11, 11,. Adhesion with is improved. Therefore, the current collection efficiency through the internal current collectors 1, 1,..., The first internal current collector plates 1a, 1a, and the second internal current collector plates 1b, 1b can be continuously improved. The fuel cell module 30 capable of improving the performance can be provided.

2. Manufacturing Method of Fuel Cell Module FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of steps included in the manufacturing method of the fuel cell module of the present invention. Hereinafter, the manufacturing method of the fuel cell module of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the fuel cell module manufacturing method of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “the manufacturing method of the present invention”) includes a first step (step S11), a second step (step S12), 3 steps (step S13) and a fourth step (step S14) are provided.

<Step S11>
Step S11 is a step of producing a plurality of aggregates 10, 10, ... accommodated in the case member 20. Step S11 can be broadly divided into a step of producing tube-type cells 7, 7,... And a step of disposing conductor 8 in a space surrounded by a plurality of tube-type cells 7, 7,.
In order to produce the tube-type cells 7, 7,..., First, a fluid composition prepared by dispersing a proton conductive polymer and a catalyst (for example, Pt) in a solvent (hereinafter referred to as “catalyst ink”). Are applied to the outer peripheral surfaces of the internal current collectors 1, 1,... Having the grooves 1x, 1x,. First catalyst layers 2, 2, ... are formed. Then, the first catalyst layers 2, 2,... Are each coated with a composition in a fluid state prepared by dispersing a proton conductive polymer in a solvent and dried, for example. The hollow electrolyte membranes 3, 3,... Are formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the layers 2, 2,. Next, by applying catalyst ink to the outer peripheral surfaces of the formed electrolyte membranes 3, 3,... And drying, respectively, the hollow second catalyst layers 4, 4,. Are formed, and hollow MEAs 5, 5,... Are formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the internal current collectors 1, 1,. Then, the external current collectors 6, 6,... Are wound around the outer peripheral surfaces of the MEAs 5, 5,..., Respectively, and both ends of the external current collectors 6, 6,. The external current collectors 6, 6,... The tube-type cells 7, 7,... Can be manufactured through such a process.
When a plurality of tube-type cells 7, 7,... Are produced in this way, these tube-type cells 7, 7,... Are arranged, for example, at the apex positions of regular heptagons, respectively. , 7,... Are disposed in a space surrounded by. And the restraint member 9 is arrange | positioned on the outer side of each tube type cell 7,7, ..., The external collector 6 with which each tube type cell 7,7, ... is equipped with the said restraint member 9, is electrically conductive. By bringing the body 8 into contact with each other and fixing both ends of the restraining member 9 with the end stoppers 9a and 9a, one aggregate 10 can be manufactured. In order to produce a plurality of aggregates 10, 10,..., The same process may be repeated.

<Step S12>
In step S12, the aggregates 10, 10,... Produced in step S11 are brought into contact with current collectors (first internal current collector plates 1a, 1a and external current collector plates 6a, 6a; the same applies hereinafter). It is the process of fixing. Specifically, the first internal current collector plate 1a having a plurality of holes from one end side and the other end side (the both ends in the longitudinal direction of the conductors 8, 8,...) Of the plurality of aggregates 10, 10,. 1a and insulating members 11, 11,... Are inserted. Thereafter, external current collector plates 6a and 6a are inserted from one end side and the other end side of the conductors 8, 8,..., Respectively, and then from one end side and the other end side of the conductors 8, 8,. , And connecting washers 13 and 13, spring washers 14, 14,..., And nuts 15, 15,... Are inserted, and pressure is applied from both longitudinal ends of the conductors 8, 8,. Is granted. Through this process, the internal current collectors 1, 1,... Crushed by the inclined surfaces of the insulating members 11, 11,... Can be brought into close contact with the first internal current collector plates 1a, 1a. The external current collector plates 6a, 6a can be brought into close contact with the conductors 8, 8,.

<Step S13>
Step S13 is a step in which one end side in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of aggregates 10, 10,... Fixed in close contact with the current collecting member in Step S12 is accommodated in the first case member 20x. Specifically, the above-mentioned aggregate is maintained while the opening provided in a form in which the aggregates 10, 10,... Can be inserted into the first case member 20x that can be elastically deformed. .. Are inserted into the first case member 20x in close contact with the one end side in the longitudinal direction of 10, 10,. When the insertion is completed, the expanded opening is returned to its original state, and then the first internal current collector plate 1a and the second internal current collector plate 1b are fastened and fixed by the fastening members 12, 12. It can be. By setting it as process S13 of this form, since elastic force can be provided from the 1st case member 20x to the aggregate | assembly 10,10, ... and a current collection member, (1) Aggregates 10,10, ... Contact resistance of the interface between the tube type cells 7, 7,... And the conductors 8, 8,..., And (2) the interface between the tube type cells 7, 7,. Contact resistance, (3) contact resistance at the interface between the first internal current collector plates 1a, 1a and the second internal current collector plates 1b, 1b, and (4) external current collectors 6, 6,. The contact resistance at the interface with the plate can be reduced.

<Step S14>
Step S14 is a step of housing the longitudinal center portions of the plurality of aggregates 10, 10,... In the second case member 20y after the step S13. Step S14 includes, for example, the opening provided in the first case member 20x after the longitudinal end of the plurality of aggregates 10, 10,... And the current collecting member are accommodated in the first case member 20x in the step S13. 21, 21 and the fitting claws 22, 22 provided in the second case member 20 y are fitted together, and the first case member 20 x and the second case member 20 y are connected to each other, thereby connecting a plurality of pieces to the second case member 20 y. It can be set as the process of accommodating the longitudinal direction center part of the aggregate | assembly 10, 10, ....

  In this way, when the first case member 20x and the second case member 20y accommodate the one end side in the longitudinal direction and the center in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of assemblies 10, 10,. The fuel cell module 30 is completed through a step of accommodating the current collecting members arranged on the other end side in the longitudinal direction and the other end side in the third case member 20z. The process of accommodating the current collection member arrange | positioned in the longitudinal direction other end side and the said other end side of the some aggregate | assembly 10, 10, ... shall be the same form as said process S13. Can do.

  According to the manufacturing method of the present invention, the fuel cell module 30 can be manufactured through the above steps. According to the fuel cell module 30, the current collection efficiency can be improved while reducing the number of parts. Therefore, according to the present invention, the fuel cell module 30 that can improve the current collection efficiency while reducing the number of parts is manufactured. It is possible to provide a method for manufacturing a fuel cell module.

3. Fuel Cell FIG. 11 is a side view showing an embodiment of the fuel cell according to the present invention, including a laminated body constituted by a plurality of stacked fuel cell modules, a cooling pipe and a hydrogen pipe, an end plate, and the like. The arrangement is schematically shown. The vertical direction in FIG. 11 is the longitudinal direction of the tube-type cell provided in the fuel cell of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a plan view showing an embodiment of the fuel cell of the present invention, schematically showing the arrangement of the laminate, the refrigerant pipe, the hydrogen pipe, the outer case member, and the like shown in FIG. Yes. The dotted line arrows in FIG. 12 indicate the air flow direction. The back / front direction in FIG. 12 is the longitudinal direction of the tube-type cell. 11 and 12, components having the same configurations as those in FIGS. 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those used in these drawings, and description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, the fuel cell of the present invention including a plurality of fuel cell modules 30, 30,... Will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, 11, and 12. FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the fuel cell 100 of the present invention includes a stacked body 40 configured by stacking a plurality of fuel cell modules 30, 30,... In a form electrically connected in series. , A manifold-integrated end plate 45 (hereinafter also referred to as “manifold 45”), an end plate 46, and electrode elements 47, 48. The manifold 45 includes refrigerant pipes 41, 42, and Hydrogen pipes 43 and 44 are connected. Then, from both ends in the stacking direction of the plurality of fuel cell modules 30, 30,..., Contact resistance between the fuel cell modules 30, 30,. The contact pressure between the second internal current collector plates 1b and 1b provided in the fuel cell module 30 and the external current collector plates 6a and 6a provided in the other fuel cell module 30 is reduced. Therefore, during operation of the fuel cell 100, the case members 20, 20,... Are not detached from the fuel cell modules 30, 30,... Even if a high-pressure fluid flows inside the fuel cell modules 30, 30,. Absent.

  During operation of the fuel cell 100, for example, hydrogen supplied via the hydrogen pipe 43 is supplied to the hydrogen circulation portions 26z, 26z,... Of the fuel cell modules 30, 30,. The hydrogen supplied to the hydrogen circulation parts 26z, 26z,... Branches into grooves 1x, 1x,. In the fuel cell 100, the grooves 1x, 1x,... Function as hydrogen flow paths, and the hydrogen branched into the grooves 1x, 1x,. To the inner peripheral surface (first catalyst layer 2, 2,...). The hydrogen that has reached the first catalyst layers 2, 2,... Provided on the inner peripheral surfaces of the MEAs 5, 5,... Is generated under the action of the catalyst contained in the first catalyst layers 2, 2,. To separate. The protons generated in this way are conducted through the proton conductive polymer contained in each tube type cell 7, 7,... To thereby provide the second catalyst provided on the outer peripheral surface side of the MEAs 5, 5,. Reach layers 4, 4,. On the other hand, electrons generated in the first catalyst layers 2, 2,... Cannot pass through the hollow electrolyte membranes 3, 3,. It reaches the second catalyst layers 4, 4,. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12, the fuel cell 100 includes an outer case member 50, and each member shown in FIG. 11 is accommodated in the outer case member 50. The outer case member 50 is provided with openings 49, 49,... That allow air to pass therethrough, and when the fuel cell 100 is operated, the air that has passed through the openings 49, 49,. ,... Are supplied to the outer peripheral surfaces of the tube-type cells 7, 7... Through the openings 29, 29,. Then, the air supplied to the tube type cells 7, 7,... Reaches the second catalyst layers 4, 4,. Under the action of the catalyst contained in the catalyst layers 4, 4, ..., electrons and protons that have reached the second catalyst layers 4, 4, ..., and the air supplied to the second catalyst layers 4, 4, ... Water reacts with the oxygen contained in the water to produce water. The hydrogen remaining without being used for the electrochemical reaction in the first catalyst layers 2, 2,..., The grooves 1 x, 1 x,. It is collected via.

  On the other hand, as described above, heat is generated when the fuel cell 100 is operated. Therefore, during the operation of the fuel cell 100, in order to prevent an excessive temperature rise of the tube-type cells 7, 7,..., For example, the refrigerant is supplied via the refrigerant pipe 41 (see FIGS. 11 and 12). . The refrigerant supplied via the refrigerant pipe 41 is supplied to the refrigerant circulation portions 25x, 25x,... Of the fuel cell modules 30, 30,... Via the manifold 45, and to the refrigerant circulation portions 25x, 25x,. And the supplied refrigerant branches off to openings provided on the end faces of the conductors 8, 8,. The refrigerant flowing into the conductors 8, 8,... Is used for temperature control of the tube cells 7, 7,... And is warmed by heat exchange with the tube cells 7, 7,. The refrigerant thus collected is collected through the refrigerant circulation portions 25z, 25z,..., The manifold 45, and the refrigerant pipe 42. Further, in the fuel cell 100, the electrode element 47 is provided in the fuel cell module 30 on the outermost side (the left side in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12) of the fuel cell modules 30, 30,. 2 It is electrically connected to the internal current collector plates 1b and 1b. On the other hand, the electrode element 48 is provided on the outermost fuel cell module 30 on the opposite side to the fuel cell module 30 to which the electrode element 47 is connected (the right side in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12). 6a is electrically connected. Therefore, according to the fuel cell 100, electric energy can be taken out via the electrode element 47 and the electrode element 48.

  As described above, since the fuel cell 100 includes the fuel cell modules 30, 30,... That can improve the current collection efficiency while reducing the number of components, according to the present invention, the number of components can be reduced. Thus, it is possible to provide the fuel cell 100 capable of improving the current collection efficiency.

The tubular cell 7 provided in the fuel cell module of the present invention and the fuel cell of the present invention (hereinafter collectively referred to simply as “the present invention”) can be used in the hollow first catalyst layer 2 and PEFC. A hollow MEA 5 having a hollow electrolyte membrane 3 containing a proton-conducting polymer and a hollow second catalyst layer 4, and an inner peripheral surface side and an outer peripheral surface side of the MEA 5 are disposed respectively. If it has the internal electrical power collector 1 and the external electrical power collector 6, the form will not be specifically limited.
Specific examples of the proton conductive polymer contained in the electrolyte membrane 3 include fluorine-based polymers having at least one of a sulfonic acid group, a phosphonic acid group, and a phosphoric acid group with a fluorine-containing polymer as a skeleton, and polyolefins. Examples thereof include hydrocarbon-based polymers having a hydrocarbon skeleton. Specific examples of the electrolyte membrane containing the fluorine-based polymer include Nafion (“Nafion” is a registered trademark of DuPont, USA) and Flemion (“Flemion” is a registered trademark of Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.). . On the other hand, as a specific example of the electrolyte membrane containing the hydrocarbon-based polymer, there can be mentioned Selemion and the like (“Selemion” is a registered trademark of Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.).

  The first catalyst layer 2 and the second catalyst layer 4 (hereinafter, these may be simply referred to as “catalyst layer”) are substances that function as a catalyst for the electrochemical reaction occurring at the anode or cathode of the tube-type cell 7. The form is not particularly limited as long as it has (catalyst) and a substance (proton conductive substance) capable of conducting protons generated by the electrochemical reaction. Specific examples of the catalyst contained in the catalyst layer include Pt, Co, Ru, Ir, Au, Ag, Cu, Ni, Fe, Cr, Mn, V, Ti, Mo, Pd, Rh, and W. Examples thereof include a Pt alloy having one or more metals selected from the group and Pt. Specific examples of the proton conductive material contained in the catalyst layer include the proton conductive polymer that can be contained in the electrolyte membrane.

  Further, in the present invention, the internal current collector 1 and the external current collector 6 (hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to simply as “current collector”), the first internal current collector plate 1a, the second internal current collector The current collector plate 1b, the external current collector plate 6a, and the conductor 8 are preferably made of a material (conductive material) having good electron conductivity. Specific examples of the conductive material that can constitute these members include metals such as copper, silver, gold, and platinum. When copper is used as a constituent material of the current collector, the surface is preferably covered with silver, gold, platinum, or the like in order to improve acid resistance. In order to avoid electric leakage, it is preferable to circulate an insulating heat medium (for example, LLC or the like) inside the conductor 8.

  In the present invention, from the viewpoint of improving the current collection efficiency via the external current collector 6, the external current collector 6 is preferably provided in a form that presses the MEA 5 toward the internal current collector 1. The said form can be maintained by fixing the longitudinal direction both ends of the external electrical power collector 6 comprised with the wire material etc. of the said conductive material with a fixing member (for example, heat shrinkable tube etc.), for example.

  In the present invention, the first case member 20x and the third case member 20z have properties (heat resistance, water resistance, etc., the same applies hereinafter) that can withstand the environment during operation of the fuel cell 100, and are elastic. As long as it is made of a material that can be deformed, its form is not particularly limited. However, from the standpoint of a form that can be easily manufactured while preventing energization with the accommodated tube-type cells 7, 7,... Furthermore, the constituent material of the second case member 20y is not particularly limited as long as it has a property that can withstand the environment during operation of the fuel cell 100. However, the tube-type cells 7, 7, From the standpoint of providing a form that can be easily manufactured while preventing energization with ..., it is preferable to be made of various insulating resins. Specific examples of the constituent material of the case member 20 include fiber reinforced resin (FRP). On the other hand, in the fuel cell of the present invention, the outer case member 50 has a property that can withstand the environment when the fuel cell 100 is in operation, and can continue to accommodate the laminate 40 and the like for a long period of time. If it has intensity | strength, the constituent material will not be specifically limited.

  Further, in the present invention, the insulating member 11 is made of an insulating material that prevents the internal current collector 1 and the conductor 8 from being energized and can withstand the environment during operation of the fuel cell 100. If it is, the constituent material will not be specifically limited. Specific examples of such materials include a polyimide resin, a phenol resin, and an epoxy resin.

  In the present invention, the connecting washer 13 is arranged in such a manner that the force applied to the central side in the longitudinal direction of the conductor 8 applied via the spring washer 14 or the nut 15 can be transmitted to the external current collector 6a. If provided, the arrangement form is not particularly limited. However, the end face of the spring washer 14 or the connecting washer 13 on the nut 15 side protrudes from the end face of the external current collector plate 6a from the viewpoint of making the shape capable of efficiently transmitting force to the external current collector plate 6a. It is preferably provided in the form. When the connecting washer 13 is disposed in a form protruding toward the spring washer 14 or the nut 15, the height of the step between the end face of the connecting washer 13 and the end face of the external current collector plate 6a is not particularly limited. However, from the viewpoint of providing a fuel cell module that can improve the power generation amount per unit volume while reducing the size, the height is preferably about 20 μm, for example.

  Further, in the present invention, the members 16 and 17 are made of a material that can specify a space in which the adhesive 18 that separates hydrogen and air is disposed and that can withstand the environment during operation of the fuel cell 100. If it is, the constituent material is not particularly limited. Specific examples of such materials include a polyimide resin, a phenol resin, and an epoxy resin.

  Further, in the above description regarding the present invention, the fuel cell module in a form in which the distance between the first case member 20x and the second case member 20y and the distance between the second case member 20y and the third case member 20z are not fixed. Although 30 is illustrated, the fuel cell module of the present invention is not limited to this mode. However, it is excellent in gas sealability and durability by adopting a structure that can absorb the difference between the size when the fuel cell module is thermally expanded during operation and the size when the fuel cell module is thermally contracted when operation is stopped. From the viewpoint of making it possible to provide a fuel cell module, it is preferable to use the fuel cell module of the above embodiment.

  Moreover, in the said description regarding this invention, although the form with which the 1st internal collector 1a fastened and fixed by the fastening members 12 and 12 and the 2nd internal collector 1b was provided was illustrated, this invention is in the said form. However, the present invention is not limited, and it is also possible to adopt a form in which one internal current collector plate in which the first internal current collector and the second internal current collector in the above description are integrally formed is provided.

  Further, in the above description regarding the present invention, the aggregate 10 is exemplified by the configuration in which the seven tube-type cells 7, 7,... Are provided, but the number of tube-type cells provided in the aggregate is limited to this. is not. However, from the viewpoint of providing a fuel cell module in a form that can improve the amount of power generation per unit volume while achieving downsizing, one conductor and 6 to 8 conductors in contact with the conductor It is preferable to use an aggregate having a tube type cell.

  Moreover, in the said description regarding this invention, while the internal collector 1 was arrange | positioned at the inner peripheral surface of MEA5 and the external collector 6 was arrange | positioned at the outer peripheral surface, the tube type cell 7 was illustrated, The tube type cell provided in the present invention is not limited to this form. From the viewpoint of making it possible to uniformly supply the reaction gas to the hollow MEA 5, it is preferable that a hollow diffusion layer is provided on the inner peripheral surface side and / or the outer peripheral surface side of the hollow MEA 5. When the tube-type cell used in the present invention is provided with a hollow diffusion layer, the diffusion layer can be constituted by, for example, carbon paper or carbon cloth.

  In the above description regarding the fuel cell of the present invention, the mode in which the fuel cell modules 30, 30,... Are stacked in a row is illustrated, but the fuel cell of the present invention is not limited to this mode and is electrically It is also possible to stack two or more rows in a form connected in series.

  Further, in the above description regarding the fuel cell of the present invention, the form in which the manifold integrated end plate 45 is provided is illustrated, but the fuel cell of the present invention is not limited to this form, and the manifold and the end plate are separated. It is also possible to adopt a form provided with a manifold and an end plate that are configured in the body and are connected so that refrigerant and hydrogen can flow in and out of each other.

It is a front view which shows schematically the example of a form of the fuel cell module of this invention. It is a left view which shows roughly the example of the form of the fuel cell module of this invention. It is a right view which shows schematically the example of a form of the fuel cell module of this invention. It is a front view which shows the example of a form of an aggregate | assembly schematically. It is VV sectional drawing of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the example of a form of a tube type cell roughly. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel cell module 30. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel cell module 30. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel cell module 30. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a form of the manufacturing method of this invention. It is a side view which shows the example of a form of the fuel cell of this invention. It is a top view which shows the example of a form of the fuel cell of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Internal collector 1a ... 1st internal collector plate (internal collector member)
1b ... Second internal current collector (internal current collector)
1x ... groove 2 ... first catalyst layer 3 ... electrolyte membrane 4 ... second catalyst layer 5 ... MEA
6 ... External current collector 6a ... External current collector plate 7 ... Tube type cell (tube type fuel cell)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 8 ... Conductor 9 ... Restraining member 10 ... Assembly 11 ... Insulating member 12 ... Fastening member 13 ... Connection washer 14 ... Spring washer (elastic body)
15 ... Nut (pressure applying member)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 16, 17 ... Member 18 ... Adhesive 19 ... Seal member 20 ... Case member 20x ... 1st case member 20y ... 2nd case member 20z ... 3rd case member 21 ... Opening part 22 ... Fitting claw 23 ... Concave part 24 ... Convex Part 25: Refrigerant circulation part 26 ... Hydrogen circulation part 27 ... Sealing member 28 ... Recess 29 ... Opening part 30 ... Fuel cell module 31 ... Backup ring 40 ... Laminate 41, 42 ... Refrigerant piping 43, 44 ... Hydrogen piping 45 ... Manifold 46 ... End plate 47, 48 ... Electrode element 49 ... Opening 50 ... Outer case member 100 ... Fuel cell

Claims (4)

A plurality of tube-type fuel cells arranged at the apex position of the polygon, and a conductor arranged so as to come into contact with the plurality of tube-type fuel cells into a space surrounded by the plurality of tube-type fuel cells. And a current collecting member that comes into contact with the aggregate, and a case member that houses at least the current collecting member and a plurality of the aggregates,
Contact between a plurality of the tubular fuel cells and the conductor and / or contact between the assembly and the current collecting member is imparted from the case member to the current collecting member and the plurality of assemblies. The fuel cell module is maintained by an elastic force applied. A first case member that houses at least one longitudinal end of the aggregate and at least a part of the current collecting member, and a longitudinal direction that is not accommodated in the first case member of the multiple aggregates A second case member that accommodates at least a part of the other end side and that contacts the first case member is provided in the case member;
The fuel cell module according to claim 1, wherein an interval between the first case member and the second case member is not fixed. A method for producing the fuel cell module according to claim 2, comprising:
A first step of producing a plurality of the aggregates;
A second step of fixing the plurality of aggregates and the current collecting member in contact with each other; and
At least a third step of accommodating a plurality of the end portions in the longitudinal direction and at least a part of the current collecting member in the first case member;
A fourth step of accommodating at least a part of the plurality of assemblies in the second case member,
From the first case member recovered from the elastic deformation, after accommodating the plurality of longitudinal ends of the aggregate and the current collecting member inside the first case member elastically deformed in the third step. The fuel cell, wherein the contact between the plurality of the tubular fuel cells and the conductor and / or the contact between the assembly and the current collecting member is maintained by the applied elastic force. Module manufacturing method. A fuel cell, comprising: a laminate configured by laminating a plurality of fuel cell modules according to claim 1; and an outer case member accommodating at least the laminate.

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