JP2010061965A - Assembling method for fuel battery, and the fuel battery - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an assembling method for fuel battery and the fuel battery, capable of easily connecting between an end plate and a tension member of the fuel battery in a simple structure, at assembling of the fuel battery, while an appropriate compression load is given to laminated cells. <P>SOLUTION: In the assembling method for a fuel battery, end plates 2, 3 are arranged on both ends of a module 1, laminating a plurality of cells 10 in the laminating direction of the module; and both end plates 2, 3 are connected with the tension member 4; while a compression load with a designated value is given to the cells 10 in the laminating direction. One end plate 2 and the tension member 4 are connected to each other, in advance, in a removably-connected structure 5; the compression load is measured while the compression load is imparted to the cells 10; and at least one of the end plates 2, 3 and the tension member 4 are fixed firmly, when the compression load becomes a designated value. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell assembling method and a fuel cell, and more specifically, end plates are disposed at both ends of a module formed by stacking a plurality of cells, and a compressive load having a predetermined value in the stacking direction with respect to the cells. A method of assembling a fuel cell in which both end plates are fastened to a tension member in a state where the end plate is applied, and end plates are arranged at both ends of a module formed by stacking a plurality of cells, and a predetermined direction is arranged in the stacking direction with respect to the cells The present invention relates to a fuel cell in which both end plates are fastened to a tension member in a state where a compressive load of a value is applied.

  A fuel cell generally includes a module in which a plurality of cells are stacked. End plates are provided at both ends of the module, and both end plates are coupled by a tension member. In each cell, a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) is configured by stacking electrodes on both sides of the electrolyte membrane, and a gas diffusion layer is stacked on both sides of the MEA to configure a MEGA, and separators are mounted on both sides of the MEGA. It is laminated. Manifold holes for supplying and discharging fuel gas, oxidizing gas, and refrigerant are formed in each cell, and gaskets are provided around these manifold holes. In general, a fuel cell is configured such that fuel gas, oxidant gas, and refrigerant are not leaked from the gasket in a state where the cells are stacked (stacked). The plates are arranged, and both end plates are fastened and held to the tension member in a state where a predetermined compressive load is applied to the cell in the stacking direction. If the compressive load on the cell is too small, leakage of fuel gas, oxidizing gas and refrigerant cannot be prevented, and if it is too large, the MEA or MEGA breaks and breaks. It is necessary to fasten both end plates to the tension member in a state where the compressive load is applied.

  However, in general, each cell constituting the fuel cell has a thickness of MEA, MEGA, or separator that varies depending on processing tolerances. Even if the difference in thickness is slight within the range of tolerance, the length in the stacking direction of the module changes by stacking a large number. In addition, the end plate and the tension member are generally formed by pressing or the like, and the length between the end plates differs depending on the processing tolerance, the fastening state of the end plate and the tension member, and the like. When assembling components having different dimensions, it is difficult to fasten both end plates to the tension member in a state where compressive loads of appropriate values are uniformly applied.

  As a conventional technique for fastening an end plate and a tension member of a fuel cell, Patent Document 1 is known. In Patent Document 1, an end plate provided at both ends in a stacking direction of a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of fuel cells are stacked, and a compressive load in the stacking direction is applied between the end plates. In the fastening structure of the fuel cell stack provided with the tension plate that maintains the state, a part of the end plate is an engagement protrusion shaped to be caught in a recess formed in the tension plate, Further, a fastening structure of the fuel cell stack, characterized in that an elastic member that expands and contracts according to expansion and contraction in the stacking direction of the fuel cell stack is interposed between the engaging protrusion and the recess, and this A fuel cell having a fastening structure is disclosed.

  In Patent Document 1, the stack including the end plates is compressed in the stacking direction with a jig, and the tension plate is arranged so as to be bridged between the end plates in this state. By inserting the mating protrusion into the recess of the tension plate and then releasing the pressure applied by the jig, the stack with the end plate is slightly extended in the stacking direction, and the engaging protrusion is caught in the recess of the tension plate. (0040). 3 and 4 of Patent Document 1, recesses are formed in the vicinity of both ends of the tension plate at regular intervals, and the engagement protrusions of the end plate are engaged with the recesses, respectively. Is shown. Further, in Patent Document 1, “It is also preferable that the connection member includes a screw portion. According to the connection member 13 with the screw portion, the plate-like member 12 and the end plate 8 are rotated by rotating at the position. Since it is possible to change the interval of the cell, by laminating the connecting member 13 with the threaded portion and changing the axial length even when the thickness of the laminated layer varies from one solid to another during cell lamination, It is possible to finely adjust the overall thickness (total length) of the stack 3. For this reason, it is easy to finely adjust the fastening force acting on the stack 3. As the connecting member 13 with the screw part as described above, load adjustment is possible. It is possible to use a screw called a screw or the like (for example, a set screw with a slit) or the like ”(0035).

JP 2007-280890 A

However, in Patent Document 1, a stack formed by stacking a plurality of cells is compressed in the stacking direction with a jig, and in this state, the engagement protrusions of both end plates are attached to the end portions of the tension plate. After being inserted into the recesses arranged at regular intervals, the stack is slightly extended in the stacking direction by releasing the pressure applied by the jig in order to hook the engaging protrusions into the recesses of the tension plate. Because
In order to finely adjust the fastening force acting on the stack (module) and accurately apply a compressive load of an appropriate value to the cell, the configuration is complicated because a connecting member with a thread is required. In addition, there is a problem that it takes time and effort to finely adjust the fastening force, and it is difficult to confirm whether an appropriate fastening force has been applied.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and when assembling a fuel cell, the end plate and the tension member of the fuel cell are attached with a simple configuration and an appropriate compressive load is applied to the stacked cells. It is an object of the present invention to provide a fuel cell assembling method and a fuel cell that can be securely and easily fastened.

In order to achieve the above object, the fuel cell assembling method according to claim 1 has end plates disposed at both ends of a module formed by stacking a plurality of cells, and a predetermined value in the stacking direction with respect to the cells. A fuel cell assembling method in which both end plates are fastened to a tension member in a state where a compressive load is applied, wherein one end plate and the tension member are fastened in advance and a compressive load is applied to the cell. The compressive load is measured while the other end plate and the tension member are fixed when the compressive load reaches a predetermined value.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, end plates are disposed at both ends of a module formed by stacking a plurality of cells, and a predetermined value is set in the stacking direction with respect to the cells. A fuel cell in which both end plates are fastened to a tension member with a compressive load applied, wherein one end plate and the tension member are fastened by a detachable engagement structure, and the other end plate The tension member is fixed by welding.

According to the invention of claim 1,
One end plate and a tension member are fastened in advance, and the compression load is measured while applying a compression load to the cell. When the compression load reaches a predetermined value, the other end plate and the tension member The fuel cell assembly method is capable of reliably and easily fastening the end plate and the tension member of the fuel cell in a state where an appropriate compressive load is accurately applied to the stacked cells. Can be provided.
According to the invention of claim 4, one end plate and the tension member are fastened by a detachable engagement structure, and the other end plate and the tension member are fixed by welding. With the configuration, it is possible to provide a fuel cell having a structure in which the end plate and the tension member of the fuel cell can be fastened reliably and easily in a state where an appropriate compressive load is accurately applied to the stacked cells.

(Aspect of the Invention)
In the following, the invention that is claimed to be claimable in the present application (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “claimable invention”. The claimable invention is at least the “present invention” to the invention described in the claims. Some aspects of the present invention, including subordinate concept inventions of the present invention, superordinate concepts of the present invention, and inventions of other concepts) will be exemplified and described. As with the claims, each aspect is divided into sections, each section is numbered, and is described in a form that cites the numbers of other sections as necessary. This is for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the claimable invention, and is not intended to limit the combinations of the constituent elements constituting the claimable invention to those described in the following sections. In other words, the claimable invention should be construed in consideration of the description accompanying each section, the description of the embodiments, etc., and as long as the interpretation is followed, another aspect is added to the form of each section. In addition, an aspect in which constituent elements are deleted from the aspect of each item can be an aspect of the claimable invention. In each of the following terms, (1) corresponds to claim 1, (2) corresponds to claim 2, (3) corresponds to claim 3, and (4) claims. This corresponds to item 4.

(1) Fuel in which end plates are arranged at both ends of a module formed by stacking a plurality of cells, and both end plates are fastened to a tension member in a state in which a predetermined compressive load is applied to the cells in the stacking direction. A battery assembly method,
One end plate and a tension member are fastened in advance, and the compression load is measured while applying a compression load to the cell. When the compression load reaches a predetermined value, the other end plate and the tension member And a method of assembling the fuel cell.

  In the invention of (1), when one end plate and the tension member are fastened in advance, the compressive load is measured while applying the compressive load to the cell, and the compressive load becomes a predetermined value. By fixing the other end plate and the tension member to each other, the end plate and the tension member of the fuel cell can be reliably and easily fastened with an appropriate compressive load applied to the stacked cells with high accuracy.

  (2) The method of assembling a fuel cell according to (1), wherein the other end plate and the tension member are fixed by welding.

  In the invention of the item (2), in the invention described in the item (1), the compressive load is applied to the cell while applying the compressive load with one end plate and the tension member being fastened in advance. When the compression load reaches a predetermined value, the other end plate and the tension member are fixed to each other by welding so that an appropriate compression load is accurately applied to the stacked cells. The plate and the tension member can be fastened more reliably and easily.

  (3) The method of assembling the fuel cell as described in (2), wherein one end plate and the tension member are fastened in advance by a detachable engagement structure.

  In the invention of the item (3), in the invention described in the item (2), an appropriate compression can be applied to the stacked cells by fastening one end plate and the tension member in advance with a detachable engagement structure. With the load applied accurately, the end plate of the fuel cell and the tension member can be more easily fastened without using a tool, etc., and when disassembling the fuel cell, etc. Can be easily disassembled without using.

(4) End plates are arranged at both ends of a module formed by laminating a plurality of cells, and both end plates are fastened to a tension member in a state where a compression load of a predetermined value is applied to the cells in the laminating direction. A fuel cell comprising
A fuel cell, wherein one end plate and a tension member are fastened by a detachable engagement structure, and the other end plate and the tension member are fixed by welding.

  In the invention of (4), one end plate and the tension member can be easily fastened without using a tool due to the detachable engagement structure, and a compression load is applied to the cell to compress it. When the load reaches a predetermined value, the end plate and tension member are fixed together by welding, so that the fuel cell can be applied to the stacked cells with an appropriate compressive load accurately applied to the end plate and tension. The member can be securely fastened, and can be easily disassembled without using a tool when disassembling such as when the fuel cell is discarded.

First, a schematic structure of a fuel cell assembled according to the present invention will be briefly described with reference to FIGS.
In the fuel cell, generally, end plates 2 and 3 are arranged at both ends in a stacking direction of a module 1 formed by stacking a plurality of cells 10, and a compressive load having a predetermined value is applied to each cell 10 in the stacking direction. In this state, both end plates 2 and 3 are fastened to the tension member 4.

  The module 1 is configured by stacking about 300 to 400 plate-like cells 10, for example, depending on the size and output of the fuel cell. Each cell 10 has a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) formed by laminating electrodes on both sides of an electrolyte membrane, and a gas diffusion layer is laminated on both sides of the MEA to form a MEGA. A separator is laminated on the substrate. Manifold holes for supplying and discharging fuel gas, oxidizing gas, and refrigerant are formed in the separator, and gaskets are provided around these manifold holes.

  As shown in FIG. 2, end plates 2 and 3 are arranged at both ends of the module 1, and a compression spring 6 is interposed between one end plate 2 and the module 1. On the other hand, the end plates 2 and 3 are fastened and held to the tension member 4 in a state in which a compressive load of a predetermined value is applied in the stacking direction. Gas, oxidizing gas, and refrigerant are prevented from leaking.

  One end plate (hereinafter referred to as a first end plate) 2 is a flange portion 21 that extends in a direction perpendicular to the edge of the module receiving surface 20 as shown in FIG. Is formed. The flange portion 21 is provided with a plurality of slit-shaped receiving portions 50 (four in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1) by being formed so as to bulge outward.

  The other end plate (hereinafter referred to as the second end plate) 3 is formed by pressing a plate-like material in the same manner as the first end plate 2, as shown in FIG. The flange part 31 extended in the direction orthogonal to is formed. However, the flange portion 31 of the second end plate 3 is not provided with the receiving portion 50 and is formed flat.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the tension member 4 is formed by pressing a plate-shaped material (hereinafter referred to as tension plate 4), and the horizontal length (width) in FIG. 1 is maintained. In correspondence with the length of the module 1 in the stacking direction and the length of the compression spring 6 interposed on the first end plate 2 side, the flange portions 21 and 31 of the first and second end plates 2 and 3 are sufficient. It is set to a length that can be fastened. A window 51 is perforated at a position corresponding to the receiving portion 50 on the side edge of the tension plate 4 on the side corresponding to the first end plate 2. The engaging tongue piece 52 which protrudes toward the 2 end plate 3 side is formed. The window 51 of the tension plate 4 is overlapped with the slit-shaped receiving portion 50 of the first end plate 2 (see FIG. 3), and the tension plate 4 is placed on the second end plate 3 side with respect to the first end plate 2. (See FIG. 4), the engaging tongue piece 52 of the tension plate 4 is inserted into the slit-like receiving portion 50 of the first end plate 2, and the first end plate 2 and the tension The plate 4 can be easily and reliably engaged without using a tool or the like, and from this engaged state, the tension plate 4 is moved from the second end plate 3 to the first end plate 2. The tension plate 4 is engaged from the slit-shaped receiving portion 50 of the first end plate 2 by sliding relatively in the direction of separation. Piece 52 was drawn off of engagement with the first end plate 2 and the tension plate 4 engaging structure 5 which can be easily and reliably released is constructed without the use of such tools.

Next, an embodiment of the fuel cell assembling method of the present invention will be described in detail mainly based on FIGS. 3 to 6 in the case of assembling the fuel cell having the above structure.
The method for assembling a fuel cell of the present invention generally includes end plates 2 and 3 arranged at both ends in a stacking direction of a module 1 in which a plurality of cells 10 are stacked, and a predetermined value in the stacking direction with respect to the cells 10. The end plates 2 and 3 are fastened to the tension member 4 in a state where a compressive load is applied. One end plate 2 and the tension member 4 are fastened in advance, and a compressive load is applied to the cell 10. However, the load is measured, and when the compressive load becomes a predetermined value, the other end plate 3 and the tension member 4 are fixed.
In the present invention, the other end plate 3 and the tension member 4 are fixed together by welding. Further, the one end plate 2 and the tension member 4 are fastened in advance by a detachable engagement structure 5. Thereafter, the load is measured while applying a compressive load to the cell 10, and when the compressive load reaches a predetermined value, the other end plate 3 and the tension member 4 are fixed.

  When the fuel cell is assembled, the module 1 is configured by stacking a plurality of cells 10. As described above, a gasket is provided around the manifold hole between the cells 10 adjacent to each other. As described above, the thickness of each cell 10 includes a processing tolerance during molding. Moreover, the thickness of the gasket provided around the manifold hole between the cells 10 adjacent to each other also includes a tolerance. Therefore, the length (thickness) in the direction in which the cells 10 of the module 1 are stacked individually varies and changes (individual differences occur). Further, there are individual differences in the molding position of the engagement structure 5 between the first end plate 2 and the tension plate 4 and the length and spring coefficient of the compression spring 6 interposed between the first end plate 2 and the module 1. Has occurred.

  Therefore, in order to assemble each component having these individual differences in a state where a compressive load of an appropriate value is applied to each cell 10 to ensure the sealing function of the gasket and the cell 10 is prevented from being damaged. In the present invention, first, as shown in FIG. 3, the window 51 of the tension plate 4 is overlapped with the slit-shaped receiving portion 20 of the first end plate 2 so as to correspond to the first end plate 2 as shown in FIG. The engagement tongue piece 52 of the tension plate 4 is inserted into the slit-like receiving portion 50 of the first end plate 2 by sliding the tension plate 4 relative to the second end plate 3 side. Engage.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the module 1 is disposed between the first end plate 2 and the second end plate 3, and the compression spring 6 is disposed between the first end plate 2 and the module 1. In this state, the first end plate 2 and the second end plate 3 are moved so as to be relatively close to each other by pressing means such as a hydraulic cylinder (in FIG. 5, the second end plate 3 is made immovable). Although the case where the first end plate 2 is pressed as shown by an arrow is shown in the figure, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the first end plate 2 is held immovably. And the second end plate 3 may be pressed, or both the first and second end plates 2 and 3 may be pressed closer to each other). As a result, each cell 10 constituting the module 1 is given a compressive load via the compression spring 6. The compressive load received by the module 1 at this time is detected by measuring the load received by the pressing means such as a hydraulic cylinder or the second end plate 3 being pressed. Can do. Further, when the first and second end plates 2 and 3 are pressed so as to approach each other, the distal end portion of the tension plate 4 in which the base end portion 40 is fastened to the first end plate 2 in advance (rightward in FIG. 5). The end portion 41 overlaps the flange portion 31 of the second end plate 3 over a sufficient length.

  When it is detected that the compressive load on each cell 10 constituting the module 1 has reached a predetermined value, the first end plate 2 and the second end plate 3 are stopped to move closer to each other, The pressed state is maintained, and as shown in FIG. 6, the tip portion 41 of the tension plate 4 and the flange portion 31 of the second end plate 3 are fixed by, for example, arc spot welding.

  In the fuel cell assembled in this manner, the end plates 2 and 3 are arranged at both ends in the stacking direction of the module 1 formed by stacking a plurality of cells 10, and a compression load having a predetermined value is applied to the module 1. The distal end portion 41 of the tension member 4 to which the base end portion 40 is fastened by the engagement structure 5 detachably attached to one first end plate 2 is fixed to the other second end plate 3 by welding. Therefore, it has a structure that can be assembled in a state where an appropriate value of compressive load is accurately applied to each cell 10 constituting the module 1.

  In the above-described embodiment, since the detachable engagement structure 5 is adopted, the second end plate 3 and the tension plate 4 are fixed when it is necessary to disassemble the fuel cell such as disposal. The first end plate 2 and the tension plate 4 can be easily and reliably removed without using a tool or the like by releasing by fusing or breaking the tension plate 4.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the first end is formed by a plurality of rod-like or belt-like tension members 4 without using the tension member 4 as a single plate-like tension plate 4. The plate 2 and the second end plate 3 may be fastened. Further, the detachable engagement structure 5 between the first end plate 2 and the tension member 4 is not limited to the combination of the engagement receiving portion 50 and the engagement tongue piece 52 described above. The fastening structure disclosed in Document 1 is also included in the present invention as a reference.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the module 1 has a predetermined value without employing the detachable engagement structure 5 between the first end plate 2 and the tension member 4. In addition to fixing one end plate 2 and the tension member 4 in a state where a compressive load is applied, fixing the other end plate 3 and the tension member 4 is also included.

It is the side view shown in order to demonstrate the outline of the fuel cell assembled by the method of this invention. It is sectional drawing of FIG. It is the schematic sectional drawing which showed the state before fastening a tension plate to the 1st end plate in order to demonstrate the assembly method of this invention. It is the schematic sectional drawing which showed the state which fastened the 1st end plate and the tension plate by the engagement structure which can be attached or detached from the state of FIG. It is the schematic sectional drawing which showed the state which pressed the 1st end plate from the state of FIG. 4, and provided the compression load to the module. It is the schematic sectional drawing which showed the state which fixed the tension plate and the 2nd end plate from the state of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  1: module, 2: first end plate (one end plate), 3: second end plate (the other end plate), 4: tension plate (tension member), 5: detachable engagement structure, 10: Cell, 50: slit-shaped receiving part, 52: tongue

Claims (4)

Assembly of a fuel cell in which end plates are arranged at both ends of a module formed by laminating a plurality of cells, and both end plates are fastened to a tension member in a state in which a compressive load having a predetermined value is applied to the cells in the laminating direction. A method,
One end plate and a tension member are fastened in advance, and the compression load is measured while applying a compression load to the cell. When the compression load reaches a predetermined value, the other end plate and the tension member And a method of assembling the fuel cell.   2. The fuel cell assembling method according to claim 1, wherein the other end plate and the tension member are fixed by welding.   3. The fuel cell assembling method according to claim 2, wherein the one end plate and the tension member are fastened in advance by a detachable engagement structure. A fuel cell in which end plates are arranged at both ends of a module formed by stacking a plurality of cells, and both end plates are fastened to a tension member in a state in which a compressive load having a predetermined value is applied to the cells in the stacking direction. Because
A fuel cell, wherein one end plate and a tension member are fastened by a detachable engagement structure, and the other end plate and the tension member are fixed by welding.

Images