JP2015022970A - Deformation absorption member and fuel cell - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a deformation absorption member capable of absorbing displacement of each lamination member in the lamination direction sufficiently, without inhibiting the flow of a medium.SOLUTION: A deformation absorption member 20 is disposed between an anode side separator 11 and a cathode side separator 12, and absorbs displacement of the anode side separator or cathode side separator, in the lamination direction X, while deforming. The deformation absorption member includes a base material 21, a slit 22, a first standing material 23, and a second standing material 24. The base material is like a thin plate. The slit consists of an elongated opening penetrating the base material from one side 21a to the other side 21b in a grid pattern. The first standing material is provided to stand up in a convex shape from one side between adjacent slits. The second standing material is adjoining the first standing material, and provided to stand up in a convex shape from the other side between adjacent slits.

Description

  The present invention relates to a deformation absorbing member and a fuel cell.

  Conventionally, a fuel cell is configured by alternately laminating a plurality of separators and membrane electrode assemblies. Since the fuel cell can obtain a high output according to the number of laminated layers of the separator and the membrane electrode assembly, it is desirable to increase the number of laminated layers. By sufficiently adhering a plurality of stacked separators and membrane electrode assemblies to each other, the energization resistance can be lowered, and the desired battery performance is achieved.

  By the way, in a separator unit comprising an anode side separator and a cathode side separator, a fuel gas (hydrogen) and cooling water flow path part of the anode side separator and an oxidant gas (air containing oxygen or pure oxygen) of the cathode side separator are used. ) And the flow path portion of the cooling water are formed from fine irregularities, and have large dimensional tolerances.

  For this reason, there is a configuration in which a pressurizing plate corresponding to a deformation absorbing member having a spring function is disposed between the flow path part of the anode side separator of the separator unit and the flow path part of the cathode side separator. . By using such a deformation absorbing member, even when a high pressing force is applied to the separator unit, it is possible to press uniformly without damaging the uneven portion that becomes the flow path (for example, Patent Document 1). reference.).

Japanese Patent No. 4432518

  However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, the entire pressurizing plate is formed in a corrugated plate shape. In such a configuration, there is a possibility that even if the pressurizing plate impedes the flow of the medium and is pressed from each laminated member, there is little bending allowance in the laminating direction and it cannot be sufficiently deformed.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problem, and a deformation absorbing member capable of sufficiently absorbing the displacement along the stacking direction of each stacked member without inhibiting the flow of the medium, and The purpose is to provide a fuel cell.

  The deformation absorbing member according to the present invention that achieves the above object is disposed between the anode side separator and the cathode side separator, and deforms and absorbs the displacement along the stacking direction of the anode side separator or the cathode side separator. The deformation absorbing member includes a base material, a slit, a first upright material, and a second upright material. The substrate is made of a thin plate. A slit consists of a long-shaped opening penetrated in the shape of a lattice from one surface of the substrate to the other surface. The first upright material is provided so as to stand upright from one surface between adjacent slits. The second upright material is adjacent to the first upright material and is provided so as to protrude in a convex shape from the other surface between adjacent slits.

  The fuel cell according to the present invention that achieves the above object includes a separator unit and a deformation absorbing member. The separator unit includes an anode side separator and a cathode side separator. The deformation absorbing member is disposed between the anode side separator and the cathode side separator, and deforms and absorbs the displacement along the stacking direction of the anode side separator or the cathode side separator. The deformation absorbing member includes a base material, a slit, a first upright material, and a second upright material. The substrate is made of a thin plate. A slit consists of a long-shaped opening penetrated in the shape of a lattice from one surface of the substrate to the other surface. The first upright material is provided so as to stand upright from one surface between adjacent slits. The second upright material is adjacent to the first upright material and is provided so as to protrude in a convex shape from the other surface between adjacent slits.

  According to the deformation absorbing member and the fuel cell configured as described above, the first upright material raised in a convex shape from one surface of the base material between adjacent slits and the other surface of the base material between adjacent slits And a second upright material raised in a convex shape. According to such a structure, when a deformation | transformation absorption member is pressed along the lamination direction from each laminated member, in the area | region between the 1st standing material and 2nd standing material provided via the slit. A part of the substrate can be freely deformed. Therefore, the deformation absorbing member provided in the fuel cell can sufficiently absorb the displacement along the stacking direction of each stacked member without hindering the flow of the medium.

1 is a perspective view showing a fuel cell according to an embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view which decomposes | disassembles and shows a part of fuel cell which concerns on embodiment for every structural member. It is sectional drawing which shows a part of separator unit, deformation | transformation absorption member, and membrane electrode assembly of the fuel cell which concerns on embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the principal part of the deformation | transformation absorption member of the fuel cell which concerns on embodiment. It is a perspective view which exaggerates and shows the uneven | corrugated shape in the principal part of the deformation | transformation absorption member of the fuel cell which concerns on embodiment. FIG. 4 is an end view schematically showing a state where the deformation portion is deformed by pressing the deformation absorption member from the anode side separator or the cathode side separator in the main part of the separator unit and the deformation absorption member of the fuel cell according to the embodiment. is there. It is a figure which shows typically the flow of the cooling water in a deformation | transformation absorption member in the case where the deformation | transformation absorption member of the fuel cell which concerns on embodiment is arrange | positioned so that the longitudinal direction of the slit may follow another direction. . In the main part of the deformation absorbing member of the fuel cell according to the embodiment, the first joining portions of the first upright members that are joined to the cathode-side separator so as to face the flow passage portion are arranged in a row along the other direction. It is a perspective view which shows typically the state provided with at least 1 each. The flow of cooling water in the deformation absorbing member when the deformation absorbing member of the fuel cell according to Modification Example 1 of the embodiment is arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the slit is along one direction is schematically illustrated. FIG. In the main part of the deformation absorbing member of the fuel cell according to Modification 2 of the embodiment, the first joining portion of the first upright material joined to the cathode-side separator so as to face the passage portion, the passage portion, It is a perspective view which shows typically the state provided with the 2nd joining part of the 2nd upright material joined to an anode side separator so that it may oppose, respectively for every line along other directions, respectively. .

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. The sizes and ratios of the members in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation and may be different from the actual sizes and ratios.

(Embodiment)
The fuel cell 1 according to the embodiment is disposed between a separator unit 10 including an anode-side separator 11 and a cathode-side separator 12, and the anode-side separator 11 and the cathode-side separator 12. And a deformation absorbing member 20 that deforms and absorbs the displacement along the stacking direction X of the side separator 12. The deformation absorbing member 20 includes a thin plate-like base material 21, a slit 22 formed of a long opening penetrating in a lattice shape from one surface 21 a to the other surface 21 b of the base material 21, and one surface 21 a between adjacent slits 22. The first upright member 23 provided so as to stand up in a convex shape and the second upright material 24 provided up in a convex shape from the other surface 21b between the adjacent slits 22 are provided.

  The deformation absorbing member 20 according to the embodiment and the fuel cell 1 provided with the deformation absorbing member 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8 according to the embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a fuel cell 1. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the fuel cell 1 exploded for each component. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the separator unit 10, the deformation absorbing member 20, and the membrane electrode assembly 30 of the fuel cell 1. FIG. 3 is shown along line 3-3 in FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a main part of the deformation absorbing member 20 of the fuel cell 1. FIG. 5 is a perspective view exaggeratingly showing the uneven shape in the main part of the deformation absorbing member 20 of the fuel cell 1.

  FIG. 6 shows a state in which the deforming portion 27 is deformed by pressing the deformation absorbing member 20 from the anode side separator 11 or the cathode side separator 12 in the main part of the separator unit 10 and the deformation absorbing member 20 of the fuel cell 1. It is an end elevation showing typically. FIG. 7 schematically shows how the cooling water flows in the deformation absorbing member 20 when the deformation absorbing member 20 of the fuel cell 1 is disposed so that the longitudinal direction of the slit 22 extends along the other direction Z. FIG. FIG. 7A is a perspective view, and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view. FIG. 8 shows the first joining portion 25 of the first upright member 23 joined to the cathode-side separator 12 so as to face the flow passage portion 12g in the main part of the deformation absorbing member 20 of the fuel cell 1. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which at least one is provided for each row along the direction Z. FIG.

  The fuel cell 1 according to the embodiment includes a fuel cell 100 that generates power, a pair of current collecting plates 211 and 212 that extract the power generated by the fuel cell 100 to the outside, and a plurality of stacked fuel cells 100 and a pair. The housing 300 holding the current collector plates 211 and 212 is included. Hereinafter, each component of the fuel cell 1 will be described in order.

  The fuel battery cell 100 generates electric power from the supplied fuel gas (hydrogen) and oxidant gas (air containing oxygen or pure oxygen) as shown in FIGS.

  The fuel cell 100 includes a separator unit 10, a deformation absorbing member 20, and a membrane electrode assembly 30. Hereinafter, each member included in the fuel cell 100 will be described.

  The separator unit 10 is shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, energizes the electric power generated in the membrane electrode assembly 30 while isolating adjacent membrane electrode assemblies 30, and uses a fuel gas (hydrogen) or an oxidant gas ( (Air containing oxygen or pure oxygen) and a cooling water flow path are provided. The separator unit 10 includes an anode side separator 11 and a cathode side separator 12. The anode separator 11 is in contact with the anode 32 of the membrane electrode assembly 30. The anode side separator 11 is made of a metal having a conductive material, and is formed in a thin plate shape larger than the anode 32.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of concave and convex shapes are formed at regular intervals in the center of the anode-side separator 11 so as to constitute a flow passage portion 11g through which fuel gas (hydrogen) and cooling water flow. . The anode-side separator 11 uses a closed space formed in contact with the anode 32 among the concavo-convex shape as the anode gas flow path 13 for supplying hydrogen to the anode 32. On the other hand, the anode side separator 11 uses the closed space formed between the cathode side separator 12 via the deformation absorbing member 20 among the concavo-convex shape as the cooling water flow path 14 for supplying cooling water. .

  The anode-side separator 11 has a rectangular shape, and a through hole corresponding to the cathode gas supply port 11a, the cooling fluid supply port 11b, and the anode gas supply port 11c is opened at one end in the longitudinal direction. Similarly, the anode separator 11 has a through hole corresponding to the anode gas discharge port 11d, the cooling fluid discharge port 11e, and the cathode gas discharge port 11f at the other end in the longitudinal direction.

  The cathode separator 12 is in contact with the cathode 33 of the membrane electrode assembly 30. The cathode separator 12 is made of a metal having a conductive material, and is formed in a thin plate shape larger than the cathode 33.

  In the center of the cathode side separator 12, as shown in FIG. 3, the concavo-convex shape is constant so as to constitute a flow path portion 12g through which the oxidant gas (air containing oxygen or pure oxygen) and cooling water flow. A plurality are formed at intervals of. The cathode-side separator 12 uses the closed space formed in contact with the cathode 33 among the concavo-convex shape as the cathode gas flow path 15 for supplying the oxidizing gas to the cathode 33. On the other hand, the cathode side separator 12 uses the closed space formed between the cathode side separator 12 via the deformation absorbing member 20 among the concavo-convex shape as the cooling water flow path 14 for supplying cooling water. . That is, in the adjacent fuel cell 100, the cooling water channel 14 of the anode side separator 11 of one fuel cell 100 and the cooling water channel 14 provided in the cathode side separator 12 of the other fuel cell 100 are 1 One cooling water flow path is formed.

  The cathode-side separator 12 has a rectangular shape, and a through hole corresponding to the cathode gas supply port 12a, the cooling fluid supply port 12b, and the anode gas supply port 12c is opened at one end in the longitudinal direction. Similarly, the cathode separator 12 has a through hole corresponding to the anode gas discharge port 12d, the cooling fluid discharge port 12e, and the cathode gas discharge port 12f at the other end in the longitudinal direction.

  The deformation absorbing member 20 is shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 8, and when the fuel cell 1 is assembled, the manufacturing error of the irregular shape that forms the flow path of the fuel gas and the cooling water of the anode side separator 11 and the cathode side separator 12 is reduced. Deform and absorb. Moreover, the deformation | transformation absorption member 20 deform | transforms and absorbs the displacement of the lamination direction X resulting from absorbing and expanding the medium with which the membrane electrode assembly 30 was supplied. Further, the deformation absorbing member 20 deforms the displacement in the stacking direction X caused by the thermal expansion of the separator unit 10 heated by the adjacent membrane electrode assembly 30 during the operation of the fuel cell 100 by itself. Absorb. Therefore, a high pressure can be applied to the stacked fuel battery cells 100 so that they can adhere to each other. As the plurality of stacked fuel battery cells 100 come into close contact with each other, the energization resistance between the fuel battery cells 100 is lowered, and the power generation efficiency can be improved.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the deformation absorbing member 20 is made of a metal having electrical conductivity and is formed in a thin plate shape. The deformation absorbing member 20 is disposed between the anode side separator 11 and the cathode side separator 12, and deforms and absorbs the displacement along the stacking direction X of the anode side separator 11 or the cathode side separator 12.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the deformation absorbing member 20 includes a base material 21, a slit 22, a first upright material 23, and a second upright material 24. The base material 21 has a thin plate shape. The slit 22 is formed of a long opening that penetrates in a lattice shape from one surface 21 a to the other surface 21 b of the base material 21. The first upright member 23 is provided so as to protrude in a convex shape from one surface 21 a between adjacent slits 22. The second upright material 24 is adjacent to the first upright material 23 and is provided so as to protrude in a convex shape from the other surface 21 b between the adjacent slits 22.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the deformation absorbing member 20 has a plurality of slits 22 formed by punching long openings in a lattice shape with respect to a base material 21 corresponding to one thin plate. . Thereafter, a plurality of first upright members 23 are formed by lifting a part of the base material 21 from the one surface 21a into a corrugated plate shape so as to be a support beam at both ends with the adjacent slits 22 as a boundary. Furthermore, a plurality of second upright members 24 are formed by lifting a part of the base material 21 from the other surface 21b on the back side of the one surface 21a into a corrugated shape so as to be a support beam at both ends with the adjacent slits 22 as a boundary. Forming. The first upright material 23 and the second upright material 24 are erected so as to face each other along the stacking direction X via the base material 21. The first upright member 23 and the second upright member 24 are provided so as to be adjacent along one direction Y and the other direction Z.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the deformation absorbing member 20, the first upright member 23 and the second upright member 24 have a phase difference of 180 ° from each other. Since the first upright member 23 and the second upright member 24 have a double-supported beam structure with respect to the base material 21, they have a spring function that can be elastically deformed. The deformation absorbing member 20 has a load point of the first upright member 23 in contact with the cathode side separator 12 and a load point of the second upright member 24 in contact with the anode side separator 11 in the stacking direction X through the slit 22. Can be dispersed along each other. That is, the deformation absorbing member 20 can receive a load evenly in the plane.

  As shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, when the deformation absorbing member 20 is pressed along the stacking direction X from the anode side separator 11 or the cathode side separator 12, the deformation portion 27 is in one direction. Deforms to rotate around Y. That is, the deformation absorbing member 20 absorbs the displacement along the stacking direction X of the anode side separator 11 or the cathode side separator 12 by deforming it including the deformation portion 27.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the deformation absorbing member 20 is disposed so that the longitudinal direction of the slit 22 intersects with the flow direction of the medium flowing through the anode side separator 11 and the cathode side separator 12. The medium is, for example, cooling water. In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 7, the deformation absorbing member 20 extends along the first base end portion 23 a provided at one end of the first upright member 23, the first upright member 23, and the other direction Z as shown in FIG. 3. And a second base end portion 24a provided at one end of the second upright member 24 adjacent to each other so as to include a deformable deformable portion 27 between them. The deformable portion 27 includes a flow path portion 11g that forms a plurality of concave and convex shapes on the anode side separator 11 and distributes cooling water, and a flow path portion that forms a plurality of concave and convex shapes on the cathode side separator 12 and distributes cooling water. And 12g. The cooling water flows along the one direction Y in the vicinity of the deformation portion 27 of the deformation absorbing member 20 in the flow path portion 11g of the anode side separator 11 and the flow path portion 12g of the cathode side separator 12, while It circulates in the inside along one direction Y. Furthermore, the cooling water also flows in the other direction Z through the slit 22.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the deformation absorbing member 20 includes a first direction Y along the flow direction of the medium in the flow path portions 11 g and 12 g and a first direction Y that intersects the first direction Y. A plurality of upright members 23 and a plurality of second upright members 24 are provided. Here, the first upright member 23 forms a first joint portion 25 that is joined to the flow path portion 12g of the cathode separator 12 in each row along the other direction Z. One or more first joint portions 25 are formed in each row along the other direction Z. The 1st junction part 25 is formed by welding, caulking, or adhesion | attachment.

  The membrane electrode assembly 30 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and generates electric power by chemically reacting the supplied oxygen and hydrogen. The membrane electrode assembly 30 is formed by joining an anode 32 and a cathode 33 so as to face each other with an electrolyte membrane 31 therebetween. The membrane electrode assembly 30 is generally referred to as MEA (membrane electrode assembly). The electrolyte membrane 31 is made of, for example, a solid polymer material and is formed in a thin plate shape. As the solid polymer material, for example, a fluorine-based resin that conducts hydrogen ions and has good electrical conductivity in a wet state is used. The anode 32 is formed by laminating an electrode catalyst layer, a water repellent layer, and a gas diffusion layer, and is formed in a thin plate shape slightly smaller than the electrolyte membrane 31. The cathode 33 is formed by laminating an electrode catalyst layer, a water repellent layer, and a gas diffusion layer, and is formed in a thin plate shape with the same size as the anode 32. The electrode catalyst layers of the anode 32 and the cathode 33 include an electrode catalyst in which a catalyst component is supported on a conductive carrier and a polymer electrolyte. The gas diffusion layers of the anode 32 and the cathode 33 are made of, for example, carbon cloth, carbon paper, or carbon felt woven with yarns made of carbon fibers having sufficient gas diffusibility and conductivity.

  The membrane electrode assembly 30 includes a frame body 34. The frame 34 integrally holds the outer periphery of the laminated electrolyte membrane 31, anode 32, and cathode 33. The frame body 34 is made of, for example, an electrically insulating resin, and is formed with an outer shape similar to the outer shape of the outer peripheral portion of the separator unit 10. The frame body 34 has a through hole corresponding to the cathode gas supply port 34a, the cooling fluid supply port 34b, and the anode gas supply port 34c at one end in the longitudinal direction. Similarly, the frame 34 has a through hole corresponding to the anode gas discharge port 34d, the cooling fluid discharge port 34e, and the cathode gas discharge port 34f at the other end in the longitudinal direction.

  A plurality of the fuel cells 100 need to be stacked in a sealed state. For this reason, the outer periphery of the adjacent fuel cell 100 is sealed by the sealing member. For example, a thermosetting resin is used as the sealing member. The thermosetting resin is selected from, for example, phenol resin, epoxy resin, unsaturated polyester, and the like.

  A pair of current collecting plates 211 and 212 are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and take out the electric power generated in the fuel cell 100 to the outside.

  A pair of current collecting plates 211 and 212 are disposed at both ends of the fuel cell 100 stacked in plurality. The outer shape of the pair of current collector plates 211 and 212 is the same as the outer shape of the membrane electrode assembly 30 with a slightly increased layer thickness, except for some shapes. Of the pair of current collector plates 211 and 212, only the current collector plate 211 has a through hole corresponding to the cathode gas supply port 211a, the cooling fluid supply port 211b, and the anode gas supply port 211c at one end in the longitudinal direction thereof. ing. Similarly, only the current collector plate 211 has a through hole corresponding to the anode gas discharge port 211d, the cooling fluid discharge port 211e, and the cathode gas discharge port 211f at the other end in the longitudinal direction. The pair of current collecting plates 211 and 212 includes a current collecting portion 211h and the like at the center thereof.

  The current collecting portions 211h and the like of the pair of current collecting plates 211 and 212 are made of, for example, a conductive member such as dense carbon that does not allow gas permeation, and are formed in a thin plate shape slightly smaller than the outer shapes of the anode 32 and the cathode 33. ing. The pair of current collectors 211h and the like are in contact with the anode 32 or the cathode 33 of the membrane electrode assembly 30 provided in the outermost fuel cell 100 that is stacked. The current collector 211h and the like are provided with a cylindrical protrusion 211i and the like having conductivity from one surface thereof. The protrusions 211i and the like face the outside through a pair of end plates 311 and a through-hole 311j of a 312 of the casing 300 described later.

  The housing 300 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 holds a plurality of stacked fuel cells 100 and a pair of current collecting plates 211 and 212 in close contact with each other.

  The housing 300 includes a pair of end plates 311 and 312, a pair of fastening plates 320, a pair of reinforcing plates 330, and screws 340. Hereinafter, each member included in the housing 300 will be described. The pair of end plates 311 and 312 sandwich and bias a pair of current collecting plates 211 and 212 disposed at both ends of the plurality of stacked fuel cells 100. The outer shape of the pair of end plates 311 and 312 is the same as the outer shape of the membrane electrode assembly 30 with an increased layer thickness, except for some shapes. The pair of end plates 311 and 312 are made of, for example, metal, and an insulator is provided at a portion that contacts the pair of current collector plates 211 and 212. Of the pair of end plates 311 and 312, only the end plate 311 has a through hole corresponding to the cathode gas supply port 311a, the cooling fluid supply port 311b, and the anode gas supply port 311c at one end in the longitudinal direction thereof. . Similarly, only the end plate 311 has through holes corresponding to the anode gas discharge port 311d, the cooling fluid discharge port 311e, and the cathode gas discharge port 311f at the other end in the longitudinal direction. The pair of end plates 311 and 312 open through-holes 311j and the like through which the protrusions 211i and the like of the pair of current collecting plates 211 and 212 described above are inserted.

  The pair of fastening plates 320 is made of, for example, metal and is formed in a plate shape. The pair of fastening plates 320 hold the pair of end plates 311 and 312 so as to face each other in the longitudinal direction. The pair of reinforcing plates 330 is made of metal, for example, and is formed in a plate shape that is longer than the pair of fastening plates 320. The pair of reinforcing plates 330 holds the pair of end plates 311 and 312 so as to face each other in the lateral direction. The pair of fastening plates 320 and the pair of reinforcing plates 330 are fixed to the pair of end plates 311 and 312 by a plurality of screws 340.

  According to the deformation absorbing member 20 and the fuel cell 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the following operational effects are obtained.

  The deformation absorbing member 20 according to the embodiment is disposed between the anode side separator 11 and the cathode side separator 12, and deforms and absorbs the displacement along the stacking direction X of the anode side separator 11 or the cathode side separator 12. . The deformation absorbing member 20 includes a base material 21, a slit 22, a first upright material 23, and a second upright material 24. The base material 21 has a thin plate shape. The slit 22 is formed of a long opening that penetrates in a lattice shape from one surface 21 a to the other surface 21 b of the base material 21. The first upright member 23 is provided so as to protrude in a convex shape from one surface 21 a between adjacent slits 22. The second upright material 24 is adjacent to the first upright material 23 and is provided so as to protrude in a convex shape from the other surface 21 b between the adjacent slits 22.

  The fuel cell 1 according to the embodiment includes a separator unit 10 and a deformation absorbing member 20. The separator unit 10 includes an anode side separator 11 and a cathode side separator 12. The deformation absorbing member 20 is disposed between the anode side separator 11 and the cathode side separator 12, and deforms and absorbs the displacement along the stacking direction X of the anode side separator 11 or the cathode side separator 12. The deformation absorbing member 20 includes a base material 21, a slit 22, a first upright material 23, and a second upright material 24. The base material 21 has a thin plate shape. The slit 22 is formed of a long opening that penetrates in a lattice shape from one surface 21 a to the other surface 21 b of the base material 21. The first upright member 23 is provided so as to protrude in a convex shape from one surface 21 a between adjacent slits 22. The second upright material 24 is adjacent to the first upright material 23 and is provided so as to protrude in a convex shape from the other surface 21 b between the adjacent slits 22.

  According to the deformation absorbing member 20 of the fuel cell 1 configured as described above, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the first upright member 23 raised in a convex shape from the one surface 21 a of the base material 21 between the adjacent slits 22. And a second upright member 24 raised in a convex shape from the other surface 21 b of the base material 21 between the adjacent slits 22. According to such a structure, when the deformation | transformation absorption member 20 is pressed along the lamination direction X from each laminated member, the 1st upright material 23 and the 2nd upright material 24 which were provided via the slit 22 are provided. A part of the base material 21 (for example, the deforming part 27) can be freely deformed in the region between. Therefore, the deformation absorbing member 20 provided in the fuel cell 1 can sufficiently absorb the displacement along the stacking direction of each stacked member without obstructing the flow of the medium.

  Further, according to the deformation absorbing member 20 of the fuel cell 1 configured as described above, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the cooling water is supplied along the one direction Y through the vicinity of the deformation portion 27 and the slit 22. It can be distributed. Here, the deformation absorbing member 20 can distribute the cooling water in the other direction Z through the slit 22. Therefore, in the flow path part 11g of the cathode side separator 12 and the flow path part 12g of the anode side separator 11, the cooling water is diffused in the surface direction of one direction Y and the other direction Z, so that the separator unit 10 and the membrane The electrode assembly 30 can be cooled uniformly. That is, since the temperature of the separator unit 10 and the membrane electrode assembly 30 may not rise when the flow of the cooling water is stagnant, the cooling water is distributed in the plane direction of the one direction Y and the other direction Z. To diffuse. Therefore, the separator unit 10 and the membrane electrode assembly 30 can stably maintain the power generation efficiency without generating a portion that locally becomes hot.

  Further, according to the deformation absorbing member 20 of the fuel cell 1 configured as described above, the first upright material 23 and the second upright material 24 are erected so as to face each other along the stacking direction X via the base material 21. Each has a double-supported beam configuration. Therefore, the deformation | transformation absorption member 20 can enlarge the electricity supply area | region between the separator units 10 compared with the structure of a cantilever. That is, the deformation absorbing member 20 can sufficiently reduce the electronic resistance even when a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies 30 are stacked via the separator unit 10. Therefore, power loss due to internal resistance in the fuel cell 1 can be suppressed.

  Further, in the deformation absorbing member 20, the first upright member 23 and the second upright member 24 are in one direction along the flow direction of the medium in the flow path portion 11g or 12g of the anode side separator 11 or the cathode side separator 12. It can be set as the structure equipped so that it may adjoin along Y.

  According to such a configuration, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, contact portions or joint portions between the deformation absorbing member 20 and the separator unit 10 can be provided evenly in the most dense state. Therefore, in the deformation absorbing member 20, the spring characteristics related to the load resistance are uniform in the surface of the one surface 21a or the other surface 21b. That is, the deformation absorbing member 20 can stably receive the load applied from the cathode side separator 12 or the anode side separator 11.

  Furthermore, the deformation absorbing member 20 is provided at one end of a first base end portion 23 a provided at one end of the first upright material 23, and a second upright material 24 adjacent to the first upright material 23 along the other direction Z. The second base end portion 24a and the deformable deformable portion 27 can be provided between the second base end portion 24a. Here, in the direction along the stacking direction X, the deformation portion 27 includes a first tip portion 23b provided at the center of the first upright member 23, and a second tip portion 24b provided at the center of the second standup material 24. It is arranged at the center.

  According to such a configuration, for example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, in the deformation absorbing member 20, the protruding portion like the first upright member 23 is brought into contact with the cathode-side separator 12, and the second A protruding portion such as the upright member 24 is brought into contact with the anode-side separator 11. That is, the deformation absorbing member 20 abuts or joins the deformable portion 27 to the cathode side separator 12 and the anode side separator 11 in the state of being spaced apart from each other. Therefore, the deformation absorbing member 20 can sufficiently secure a bending allowance between the cathode side separator 12 and the anode side separator 11. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the deformable portion 27 includes, in the direction along the stacking direction X, the first tip portion 23 b provided at the center of the first upright material 23 and the center of the second upright material 24. It is arrange | positioned in the center with the 2nd front-end | tip part 24b provided in. Therefore, the deformation absorbing member 20 can ensure a uniform bending allowance in consideration of the case where it is pressed from the cathode side separator 12 side and the case where it is pressed from the anode side separator 11 side.

  In the fuel cell 1, the deformation absorbing member 20 can be arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the slit 22 intersects with the flow direction of the medium flowing through the anode side separator 11 and the cathode side separator 12.

  According to such a configuration, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, in the flow path part 11 g of the anode side separator 11 and the flow path part 12 g of the cathode side separator 12, the cooling water is supplied to the deformation part 27 of the deformation absorbing member 20. It can circulate along the one direction Y through the slit 22. Further, the cooling water can be circulated in the other direction Z through the slit 22. Therefore, in the flow path part 11g of the anode side separator 11 and the flow path part 12g of the cathode side separator 12, the cooling water is diffused in the plane direction of one direction Y and the other direction Z, thereby separating the separator unit 10 and The membrane electrode assembly 30 can be cooled uniformly. That is, since the temperature of the separator unit 10 and the membrane electrode assembly 30 may not rise when the flow of the cooling water is stagnant, the cooling water is distributed in the plane direction of the one direction Y and the other direction Z. To diffuse. Therefore, the separator unit 10 and the membrane electrode assembly 30 can stably maintain the power generation efficiency without generating a portion that locally becomes hot.

  Moreover, according to such a structure, the 1st upright material 23 of the deformation | transformation absorption member 20 and the flow-path part 12g of the cathode side separator 12 can fully be made to oppose, and it is easy to mutually contact or join. Similarly, the second upright member 24 of the deformation absorbing member 20 and the flow path portion 11g of the anode separator 11 can be sufficiently opposed to each other, and are easily brought into contact with or joined to each other. Therefore, productivity related to assembly of the fuel cell 1 can be improved.

  Furthermore, in the fuel cell 1, when the deformation absorbing member 20 is disposed so that the longitudinal direction of the slit 22 intersects the flow direction of the medium, it can be configured as follows. That is, the deformation absorbing member 20 is provided at one end of the first base material 23 a provided at one end of the first upright material 23 and the second upright material 24 adjacent to the first upright material 23 along the other direction Z. A deformable portion 27 that is freely deformable is provided between the second base end portion 24a. Here, the deforming portion 27 includes a flow path portion 11g that forms a plurality of concave and convex shapes on the anode side separator 11 and distributes the medium, and a flow path that forms a plurality of concave and convex shapes on the cathode side separator 12 and distributes the medium. It arrange | positions between the parts 12g.

  According to such a configuration, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the distance along the stacking direction X between the one surface 21 a of the base 21 of the deformation absorbing member 20 and the cathode-side separator 12 is increased, and the base 21 The distance along the stacking direction X between the other surface 21b and the anode-side separator 11 can be increased. Therefore, when the deformation absorbing member 20 is pressed from the cathode-side separator 12 side and when pressed from the anode-side separator 11 side, the bending allowance can be sufficiently secured. That is, the deformation absorbing member 20 can receive a larger load via the separator unit 10 as compared with a case where the bending allowance cannot be sufficiently secured.

  Further, in the fuel cell 1, the anode-side separator 11 and the cathode-side separator 12 are provided with flow path portions 11g and 12g that form a plurality of concave and convex shapes and distribute the medium. The deformation absorbing member 20 includes the first upright material 23 and the second upright material in one direction Y along the flow direction of the medium in the flow path portions 11g and 12g and in another direction Z that intersects the one direction Y. A plurality of 24 are provided. Here, at least one first upright member 23 is joined to the flow path portion 12g or 11g of the cathode side separator 12 or the anode side separator 11 in each row along the other direction Z, and joined portions (first A joint 25) is formed.

  According to such a configuration, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, the deformation absorbing member 20 contacts the first upright member 23 with the flow path portion 12 g of the cathode-side separator 12 of the separator unit 10. The electronic resistance can be further reduced as compared with the case of merely making them. That is, since the first upright member 23 is physically joined to the flow path portion 12g of the cathode-side separator 12, it is in a state of being reliably in contact with each other and can be stably energized. Yes. In particular, the deformation absorbing member 20 has sufficient electronic resistance without causing contact failure in each separator unit 10 even when the separator unit 10 and the membrane electrode assembly 30 are laminated over several hundred layers. Can be reduced. Further, it is possible to prevent the displacement of the deformation absorbing member 20 inside the separator unit 10 when the fuel cell 1 is assembled and operated.

  Furthermore, in the fuel cell 1, the joint (the first joint 25 or the second joint 26) can be formed by welding, caulking, or bonding.

  According to such a structure, the deformation | transformation absorption member 20 can be reliably joined with respect to the anode side separator 11 or the cathode side separator 12 using a versatile and simple joining method.

  Furthermore, in the fuel cell 1, the joining portion (the first joining portion 25 or the second joining portion 26) is the first standing material 23 or the second standing material 24 in the flow path portion 12 g or 11 g formed by connecting the uneven shapes. It can be set as the structure formed in the protrusion part 12h or 11h which protruded in the convex direction.

  According to such a configuration, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the portion that protrudes like the first upright member 23 in the deformation absorbing member 20 and the portion that protrudes like the protruding portion 12 h in the cathode-side separator 12. , They are joined together. That is, the deformation absorbing member 20 and the cathode separator 12 are joined to each other with a sufficient space therebetween. Therefore, the deformation absorbing member 20 can sufficiently secure a bending allowance with the cathode separator 12. Similarly, the part which protruded like the 2nd upright material 24 in the deformation | transformation absorption member 20, and the part which protruded like the protrusion part 11h in the anode side separator 11 are joined mutually. That is, the deformation absorbing member 20 and the anode side separator 11 are joined to each other with a sufficient space therebetween. Therefore, the deformation absorbing member 20 can sufficiently secure a bending allowance with the anode-side separator 11.

  Further, the first upright member 23 of the deformation absorbing member 20 is configured to form one or more joint portions (first joint portions 25) in the protruding portions 11h or 12h in each row along the other direction Z. be able to.

  According to such a configuration, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the deformation absorbing member 20 has a cathode at each of the positions where the first standing material 23 and the second standing material 24 are the highest in the stacking direction X. The side separator 12 and the anode side separator 11 can be joined. That is, the deformation absorbing member 20 can improve the workability related to joining the first upright material 23 and the cathode side separator 12 and the workability related to joining the second upright material 24 and the anode side separator 11 respectively. it can. Therefore, productivity related to assembly of the fuel cell 1 can be improved.

(Modification 1 of embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 9, the deformation absorbing member 20 includes a first upright member 23 and a second upright member 24 that are adjacent to each other in a corrugated shape along one direction Y. That is, the deformation absorbing member 20 shown in FIG. 9 corresponds to a configuration rotated from the state shown in FIG. 7 by 90 degrees counterclockwise with the stacking direction X as the rotation axis.

  FIG. 9 schematically shows the flow of cooling water in the deformation absorbing member 20 when the deformation absorbing member 20 of the fuel cell 1 is arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the slit 22 is along the one direction Y. FIG. FIG. 9A is a perspective view, and FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view.

  According to such a configuration, in the flow path part 11 g of the anode side separator 11 and the flow path part 12 g of the cathode side separator 12, the cooling water passes along the one direction Y via the deformation part 27 of the deformation absorbing member 20. Can be distributed along the other direction Z through the slit 22. Therefore, in the flow path part 11g of the anode side separator 11 and the flow path part 12g of the cathode side separator 12, the cooling water is diffused in the plane direction of one direction Y and the other direction Z, thereby separating the separator unit 10 and The membrane electrode assembly 30 can be cooled uniformly. That is, since the temperature of the separator unit 10 and the membrane electrode assembly 30 may not rise when the flow of the cooling water is stagnant, the cooling water is distributed in the plane direction of the one direction Y and the other direction Z. To diffuse. Therefore, the separator unit 10 and the membrane electrode assembly 30 can stably maintain the power generation efficiency without generating a portion that locally becomes hot.

(Modification 2 of embodiment)
The deformation absorbing member 20 is joined to the flow path portion 11 g of the anode side separator 11 in addition to the flow path portion 12 g of the cathode side separator 12.

  FIG. 10 shows the first joint portion 25 of the first upright member 23 joined to the cathode-side separator 12 so as to face the flow passage portion 12g in the main part of the deformation absorbing member 20 of the fuel cell 1, and the flow passage. A state in which at least one second joining portion 26 of the second upright member 24 joined to the anode separator 11 so as to face the portion 11g is provided for each row along the other direction Z. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the second upright member 24, one deformation absorbing member 20 is joined to the flow path portion 11 g of the anode-side separator 11 in each row along the other direction Z to be second joined. The portion 26 can be formed. One or more second joint portions 26 are formed in each row along the other direction Z. Similar to the first joint portion 25, the second joint portion 26 is formed by welding, caulking, or adhesion. The first upright member 23 is joined to the flow path part 12g of the cathode-side separator 12 at one place in each row along the other direction Z to form a first joint part 25.

  As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 3, the deformation absorbing member 20 includes a protruding portion that protrudes in a convex shape in the direction toward the first upright member 23 in the flow path portion 12 g of the cathode separator 12. 12 h. Similarly, the 2nd junction part 26 is formed in the protrusion part 11h which protruded convexly in the direction which goes to the 2nd upright material 24 in the flow-path part 11g of the anode side separator 11. FIG. The deformation absorbing member 20 includes a first base end portion 23 a provided at one end of the first upright material 23, and a second upright material 24 provided at one end of the first upright material 23 along the other direction Z. A deformable portion 27 that is freely deformable is provided between the two base end portions 24a. The deformation part 27 is disposed between the flow path part 11 g of the anode side separator 11 and the flow path part 12 g of the cathode side separator 12. The first joining portion 25 of the first upright member 23 is formed in the protruding portion 12 h of the flow path portion 12 g of the cathode-side separator 12 at one location in each row along the other direction Z. Similarly, the second joining portion 26 of the second upright member 24 is formed in the protruding portion 11 h of the flow path portion 11 g of the anode separator 11, at one location in each row along the other direction Z.

  As described above, in the fuel cell 1, one or more second upright members 24 are joined to the flow path portion 11 g or 12 g of the anode side separator 11 or the cathode side separator 12 in each row along the other direction Z. Thus, a configuration in which a joint portion (second joint portion 26) is formed can be obtained.

  According to such a configuration, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the deformation absorbing member 20 joins the first upright material 23 to the flow path portion 12 g of the cathode-side separator 12 and the second upright material 24 as the anode. It is made to join with the flow path part 11g of the side separator 11. FIG. That is, when the deformation absorbing member 20 is joined to both separators of the separator unit 10, it can be more stably energized compared to the case of joining only one separator of the separator unit 10. Become. In particular, the deformation absorbing member 20 has an electronic resistance without causing a contact failure in both separators of the separator unit 10 even when the separator unit 10 and the membrane electrode assembly 30 are laminated over several hundred layers. Further, it can be sufficiently reduced. Further, it is possible to prevent the displacement of the deformation absorbing member 20 inside the separator unit 10 when the fuel cell 1 is assembled and operated.

  In addition, the present invention can be variously modified based on the configurations described in the claims, and these are also within the scope of the present invention.

  For example, the deformation absorbing member 20 includes a first upright member 23 and a second upright member 24 alternately arranged in a row along one direction Y and a column along the other direction Z, one by one. explained. However, the deformation absorbing member 20 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, after the two or more first upright members 23 are continuously provided in the same row along one direction Y, A configuration in which two or more second upright members 24 are continuously provided can be employed.

1 Fuel cell,
10 Separator unit,
11 Anode-side separator,
12 Cathode side separator,
11g, 12g channel part,
11h, 12h protrusion,
13 Anode gas flow path,
14 Cooling water flow path,
15 cathode gas flow path,
20,1000 deformation absorbing member,
21,1001 substrate,
21a, 1001a,
21b, 1001a other side,
22 slits,
23,1003 first upright,
23a first base end,
23b first tip,
24,1004 second upright,
24a second proximal end,
24b second tip,
25 1st junction part (equivalent to a junction part),
26 2nd junction part (equivalent to junction part),
27 deformation part,
30 Membrane electrode assembly,
31 electrolyte membrane,
32 anode,
33 cathode,
34 Frame,
100 fuel cells,
211, 212 current collector plate,
211h current collector,
211i protrusion,
300 enclosure,
311, 312 end plate,
311j through-hole,
320 fastening plate,
330 reinforcing plate,
340 screws,
11a, 12a, 34a, 211a, 311a cathode gas supply port,
11b, 12b, 34b, 211b, 311b Cooling fluid supply port,
11c, 12c, 34c, 211c, 311c anode gas supply port,
11d, 12d, 34d, 211d, 311d Anode gas outlet,
11e, 12e, 34e, 211e, 311e Cooling fluid outlet,
11f, 12f, 34f, 211f, 311f Cathode gas outlet,
X stacking direction,
Y one direction,
Z Other directions.

Claims (12)

A deformation absorbing member for a fuel cell, which is disposed between an anode side separator and a cathode side separator and deforms and absorbs a displacement along a stacking direction of the anode side separator or the cathode side separator,
A thin substrate,
A slit formed of a long opening penetrating in a lattice form from one surface to the other surface of the substrate;
A first standing member provided in a convex shape from the one surface between the adjacent slits;
A deformation absorbing member comprising: a second upright material provided adjacent to the first upright material and protruding upright from the other surface between the adjacent slits.   In the deformation absorbing member, the first upright material and the second upright material are arranged in one direction along a flow direction of the medium in the flow path portion of the anode side separator or the cathode side separator, or the one upright material. The deformation | transformation absorption member of Claim 1 provided so that it might adjoin along the other direction which cross | intersects a direction. A first base end provided at one end of the first upright, and a second base end provided at one end of the second upright adjacent to the first upright in the other direction. With a deformable part that can be deformed between,
The deformable portion is arranged in the center between a first tip provided at the center of the first upright and a second tip provided at the center of the second upright in the direction along the stacking direction. The deformation | transformation absorption member of Claim 1 or 2 provided. A separator unit comprising an anode separator and a cathode separator;
A deformation-absorbing member disposed between the anode-side separator and the cathode-side separator, and deforming and absorbing displacement along the stacking direction of the anode-side separator or the cathode-side separator,
The deformation absorbing member is
A thin substrate,
A slit formed of a long opening penetrating in a lattice form from one surface to the other surface of the substrate;
A first standing member provided in a convex shape from the one surface between the adjacent slits;
A fuel cell comprising: a second upright material provided adjacent to the first upright material and protruding upright from the other surface between the adjacent slits. The anode-side separator and the cathode-side separator are each provided with a flow path portion that forms a plurality of concavo-convex shapes and distributes the medium,
The deformation absorbing member includes the first upright material and the second upright material in one direction along the flow direction of the medium in the flow path portion and in another direction intersecting the one direction, respectively. Multiple
The said 1st upright material was joined to the flow-path part of the said cathode side separator or the said anode side separator, respectively in each row along the said other direction, and formed the junction part of Claim 4. Fuel cell.   The said 2nd upright material is joined to the said flow-path part of the said anode side separator or the said cathode side separator, respectively in each row along the said other direction, and formed the said junction part. The fuel cell as described.   The fuel cell according to claim 5, wherein the joint portion is formed by welding, caulking, or adhesion.   The said junction part is formed in the protrusion part which protruded in the convex direction in the direction which goes to the said 1st standing material or the said 2nd standing material among the flow-path parts formed connecting the uneven | corrugated shape. The fuel cell according to claim 1.   The fuel according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the deformation absorbing member is disposed so that a longitudinal direction of the slit is along a flow direction of a medium that flows through the anode-side separator and the cathode-side separator. battery.   9. The deformation absorbing member according to claim 4, wherein the deformation absorbing member is disposed so that a longitudinal direction of the slit intersects a flow direction of a medium flowing through the anode-side separator and the cathode-side separator. Fuel cell. The deformation absorbing member includes a first base end provided at one end of the first upright material, and a second base provided at one end of the second upright material adjacent to the first upright material along the other direction. A deformable part that is freely deformable between the base end part and
The deforming portion includes a flow passage portion that forms a plurality of concave and convex shapes on the anode-side separator and distributes the medium, and a flow passage portion that forms a plurality of concave and convex shapes on the cathode-side separator and distributes the medium. The fuel cell according to claim 10, which is disposed between the two.   The fuel cell according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein at least one first upright member is formed in the protruding portion in each row along the other direction.