JP3111166B2 - Fuel cell - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a fuel cell having an oxygen electrode on one side of an electrolyte layer and a fuel electrode on the other side, wherein an oxygen-containing gas is provided on a side facing the oxygen electrode. In a state where the flow path is formed and the fuel gas flow path is formed on the side facing the fuel electrode, and the adjacent ones are connected to each other in a conductive state, the cells are held apart from each other by the cell holding member. The present invention relates to a fuel cell that has been assembled in a stacked state.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In such a fuel cell, since the electromotive force per cell is small, a large number (for example, 100 to 300) of cells are electrically connected in series in order to obtain a desired output power. Assembled in a laminated state. In this connection, in order to obtain desired output power, a large number of cells are electrically connected in series and assembled in a stacked state, and may be referred to as a cell stacked body in the following description. conventionally,
All the cells constituting the cell stack are assembled in a stacked state while being held at once by a cell holding member, and power extraction terminals are provided at both ends in the cell stacking direction. Inspection has been performed by causing an oxygen-containing gas to flow through each of the oxygen-containing gas flow paths, causing the fuel gas to flow through each of the fuel gas flow paths, thereby generating power, and extracting power from the terminals. In the following description, such an inspection will be described.
Sometimes abbreviated as power generation inspection.

[0003]

However, some of the cells have defective cells for which the expected performance cannot be obtained, and the cells are formed to form an oxygen-containing gas flow path and a fuel gas flow path.
When assembling in a state where the cells are held at a distance from each other by the cell holding member, for example, there is a possibility that a defective portion such as gas leaking from the oxygen-containing gas passage or the fuel gas passage may occur. If a defective cell is present in the cells constituting the cell stack, or if there is a defective portion in the cell stack, the desired performance cannot be obtained from the fuel cell. Therefore, in such a case, it is necessary to specify and replace a defective cell or to specify and repair a defective portion.

[0004] However, conventionally, since all the cells constituting the cell stack are assembled at once, there is a high possibility that defective cells are mixed or defective parts are generated, and the production yield is low. In addition, when the expected performance cannot be obtained by the power generation inspection, it is not easy to specify a defective cell or a defective portion, and moreover, the work of replacing the defective cell and the work of repairing the defective portion are complicated. Productivity was low.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its objects the production yield of a fuel cell, and
The purpose is to improve productivity.

[0006]

According to a feature configuration of the present invention, a plurality of cells constituting a cell stack are divided into a plurality of groups, and the plurality of cells in each of the divided groups is divided into a plurality of groups. assembled in a state of being held by the cell holding member, and, by the terminal portion of the power take-out is provided at both ends of the cell lamination direction, the cell module is formed, the plurality of the cell module, adjacent end
Flexible conductive material that connects them between conductive parts
Adjacent cell modules are placed side by side in a loaded state
By being juxtaposed in a state of being connected to a conducting state at the terminal portions adjacent the cell stack is formed. Since the number of cells constituting the cell module is smaller than the number of cells constituting the cell stack, in the cell module, compared to the conventional case where all the cells constituting the cell stack are assembled at once. , Bad cells are mixed,
The possibility of occurrence of a defective portion is low, and therefore, the yield of the cell module is high. Then, a power generation test is performed on a cell module basis, and only the cell modules having the expected performance can be juxtaposed as described above, so that the production yield can be improved as compared with the related art.

[0007] Even when the expected performance cannot be obtained in the power generation inspection of the cell module, the number of cells constituting the cell module is smaller than the number of cells constituting the cell stack, so that compared with the conventional case, Identifying a defective cell or a defective portion is simplified, and replacement of the defective cell and repair of the defective portion are also simplified. Therefore, the productivity can be improved as compared with the related art.

By the way, some cells have a slightly lower performance than a normal cell, and a cell whose performance deteriorates faster than a normal cell (hereinafter, referred to as a potentially defective cell). However, conventionally, even if such potential defective cells are mixed, the influence of the potential defective cells on the performance of the cell stack as a whole is very small.
In power generation inspection, it was difficult to find a state in which such potentially defective cells were mixed. On the contrary,
In a cell module, if the potential defective cell is mixed, the potential defective cell greatly affects the performance of the cell module. Can be easily found, and countermeasures such as replacement of such a potentially defective cell can be taken.
Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to solve a problem such as a mixture of potentially defective cells, so that the reliability of the fuel cell can be further improved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the plurality of cells constituting the cell module are divided into a plurality of groups, and the plurality of cells in each of the divided groups are held by the cell holding member. The cell unit is formed by assembling in a state in which the cell module is assembled, and the cell module is formed by juxtaposing the plurality of cell units. Since the number of cells constituting the cell unit is smaller than the number of cells constituting the cell module, the occurrence rate of the defective portion in the cell unit is lower than the occurrence rate of the defective portion in the cell module. Then, a gas leak inspection is performed for each cell unit, and only the cell units having no defective portions need to be juxtaposed as described above to form a cell module. The yield can be further improved.

Further, even if a failure occurs in the gas leak inspection of the cell unit, the location of the failure can be more easily specified than in the cell module. Can be improved.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the power generation inspection of the cell module, the oxygen-containing gas is supplied to each of the oxygen-containing gas flow paths using the oxygen-side gas passage provided in the cell module. The fuel gas can be supplied to each of the fuel gas flow paths using the fuel gas flow path provided in the cell module or the fuel gas flow path provided in the cell module. In addition to the above, there is an effect that the power generation inspection can be easily performed. Also, in the cell stack, using the oxygen-side gas passage provided in each cell module, a structure for supplying an oxygen-containing gas to each of the oxygen-containing gas passages is assembled, or A configuration for supplying a fuel gas to each of the fuel gas flow paths can be assembled using the provided fuel-side gas passage, so that a gas for supplying an oxygen-containing gas or a fuel gas to the fuel cell can be provided. There is an effect that the supply configuration can be simplified.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the cell stack, the oxygen-side gas passages or the fuel-side gas passages of the adjacent cell modules are connected to each other. Since the configuration can be such that the oxygen-containing gas or the fuel gas is supplied from one location, the gas supply configuration can be further simplified as compared with the configuration according to the third aspect.

According to the characteristic structure of the present invention, the cell with the flow path member for forming the oxygen-containing gas flow path is attached to the cell, and the cell with the flow path member provided with the flow path member is held in the cell. By the member, assembled in a stacked state in a state where they are held apart from each other, and between the cells with flow path members, filled with a flexible conductive material formed to allow gas flow, In addition, the space between the cells with the flow path member filled with the flexible conductive material is caused to function as a fuel gas flow path. Since the work of attaching the flow path member is performed on a cell-by-cell basis, the work can be reliably performed without gas leakage from the oxygen-containing gas flow path. Then, since the cell with the flow path member provided with the flow path member is assembled in a state where the cell is held by the cell holding member, the occurrence rate of defective portions can be further reduced, and as a result, The production yield can be further improved as compared with the configuration described in 2, 3, or 4.

Even if the temperature of the cell stack rises with the operation of the fuel cell and the cell with the flow path member or the cell holding member is warped, the flexible conductive material and the flow path on each side thereof are provided. Since the contact state with the member-equipped cell can be kept good and the electric connection state between the adjacent cells can always be kept good, it is obtained by the characteristic configuration according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4. In addition to the effect, there is an effect that the power loss in the fuel cell can be suppressed. Also, as the temperature of the cell stack increases, even if the cells with flow path members or the cell holding members expand or warp, the generation of stress by the flexible conductive material can be suppressed,
The reliability of the fuel cell can be further improved as compared with the configuration according to the first, second, third, or fourth aspect.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, at the same time when the cell module is formed, the holes of the cell holding members and the holes of the terminal portion holding members form a passage continuously connected in the cell stacking direction. The passage can function as an oxygen-side gas passage for supplying an oxygen-containing gas to each of the oxygen-containing gas passages and discharging the oxygen-containing gas from each of the oxygen-containing gas passages. Can be.
Further, since the oxygen-side gas passages are open at both end surfaces in the cell stacking direction of the cell modules, the oxygen-side gas passages of adjacent cell modules can be easily connected to each other. Therefore, in addition to the effect obtained by the characteristic configuration of the fifth aspect, the gas supply configuration for supplying the oxygen-containing gas to the fuel cell can be simplified.

According to the characteristic structure of the present invention, at the same time when the cell module is formed, a pair of wall portions extending in the cell stacking direction are formed by the plurality of cell holding members. The oxygen-side gas passage or the fuel-side gas passage can be defined by simply providing a plate-shaped member with its edge connected to the wall. In other words, the oxygen-side gas passage can be formed by partitioning the plate-shaped member by connecting both end edges of the plate-shaped member to both end portions of one wall. By providing the member by connecting both end edges thereof to each of the pair of wall portions,
Compartments can be formed. Further, since the oxygen-side gas passage or the fuel-side gas passage is open at both end surfaces in the cell stacking direction in the cell module, the oxygen-side gas passages of the adjacent cell modules or the fuel-side gas passages can be easily connected. Communication can be established. Therefore, claim 5 or 6
In addition to the effects obtained by the features described in (1), there is an effect that the gas supply configuration for supplying the oxygen-containing gas or the fuel gas to the fuel cell can be simplified.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the current collector is supported by the support member, and the support member supporting the current collector is provided in contact with and supported on the end face of the cell module. Therefore, the strength of the current collector can be made weaker than a structure in which the current collector is directly attached to the cell module. The current collector formed of metal or the like to have conductivity, if the strength is increased, due to its own weight,
There is a risk of deformation as the temperature rises. When the current collector is deformed, the connection state of the conductive state to the cell with the flow path member deteriorates, and the power loss increases. Therefore, in addition to the effect obtained by the characteristic configuration according to claim 6 or 7, by reducing the strength of the current collector, the above-described deformation can be suppressed, and the power loss can be suppressed. To play. In addition, since the power extraction members are exposed at the end faces of the cell modules, by connecting the power extraction members of adjacent cell modules to a conductive state, it is possible to easily connect the adjacent cell modules to a conductive state. it can.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the oxygen-side gas passage or the fuel-side gas passage is opened at both end surfaces in the cell stacking direction of the cell module by the gas passage connection holes formed in the support member. doing. Therefore,
By using the gas passage connection holes, the oxygen-side gas passages or the fuel-side gas passages of the adjacent cell modules can be easily connected to each other, so that the oxygen-containing gas or the fuel gas can be supplied to the fuel cell. The gas supply configuration can be simplified.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, each of the pair of terminal holding members is provided at each of both ends in the cell stacking direction of the cell module so as to overlap with each of the pair of cell holding members. The support member is provided in a state where the positioning means is linked to the positioning means of the terminal portion holding member and held by the pair of terminal portion holding members. Then, the current collector is electrically connected to the cell with the flow path member in a state where the current collector is positioned at an appropriate position in a direction orthogonal to the cell stacking direction. That is, since the terminal portion can be assembled by the same operation as the operation of assembling the cells with the flow path members in a stacked state, the cell module assembling operation can be performed in addition to the effect obtained by the characteristic configuration according to claim 8. Can be simplified.

Also, since the current collector is electrically connected to the cell with the flow path member in a state where the current collector is positioned at an appropriate position in the direction perpendicular to the cell stacking direction, power loss can be suppressed. This has the effect that it can be performed.

According to the eleventh aspect, the oxygen-side gas passage is opened by a hole formed in the terminal portion holding member on both end faces in the cell stacking direction of the cell module. Therefore, it is possible to easily connect and connect the oxygen-side gas passages of the adjacent cell modules using the holes formed in the terminal portion holding member, and thus a gas supply configuration for supplying the oxygen-containing gas to the fuel cell. Can be simplified.

Incidentally, a fuel cell is basically constructed by assembling a plurality of cells in a stacked state in a state of being electrically connected in series. As the cell area increases, the output power of the fuel cell increases. Can be large. On the other hand, increasing the cell area has a limit in terms of manufacturing or cost. Therefore, a plurality of cells with flow path members are arranged side by side in a row in a state where the opening end faces face each other to form a cell row, and a plurality of the cell rows are electrically connected to each other in series. By assembling them in a stacked state, it is possible to increase the output of the fuel cell while avoiding an increase in cell area.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the effect obtained by the fifth aspect of the invention can be obtained even in a fuel cell having a large output as described above.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the deformation of the current collector is suppressed by reducing the strength of the current collector even in the fuel cell having a large output as described above. In addition, power loss can be suppressed. In addition, since the current collecting unit is electrically connected to the cell with the flow path member in a state where the current collecting unit is positioned at an appropriate position in a direction orthogonal to the cell stacking direction, power loss can be suppressed.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, at the same time when the cell module is formed, the holes of the end cell holding members and the ends of the end terminal holding members are formed in series in the cell stacking direction. The oxygen-side gas for supplying the oxygen-containing gas to each of the oxygen-containing gas passages and discharging the oxygen-containing gas from each of the oxygen-containing gas passages can be formed. It can function as a passage. Further, since the oxygen-side gas passages are open at both end surfaces in the cell stacking direction of the cell modules, the oxygen-side gas passages of adjacent cell modules can be easily connected to each other. Therefore, in addition to the effect obtained by the characteristic configuration of the thirteenth aspect, the gas supply configuration for supplying the oxygen-containing gas to the fuel cell can be simplified.

[0026]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[First Embodiment] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. A plurality of cells C 'of a fuel cell having an oxygen electrode 2 on one surface of the solid electrolyte layer 1 and a fuel electrode 3 on the other surface are formed with an oxygen-containing gas flow path s on the side facing the oxygen electrode 2. In a state where the fuel gas flow path f is formed on the side facing the fuel electrode 3 and in a state where adjacent ones are connected to each other in a conductive state, the cells are held at an interval from each other by the cell holding member F. By assembling in a stacked state, a cell stacked body NC is formed.

A plurality of cells C 'constituting the cell stack NC
Is divided into a plurality of groups, assembled in a state where the plurality of cells C ′ of each of the divided groups are held by the cell holding member F, and terminal portions L for power extraction are provided at both ends in the cell stacking direction. Thereby, the cell module CM is formed, and the plurality of cell modules CM are juxtaposed in a state where the adjacent ones are electrically connected to the adjacent terminal portions L to form the cell stacked body NC. It is.

Further, the plurality of cells C 'in the cell module CM are divided into a plurality of groups, and the plurality of divided cells C' are assembled in such a manner that the plurality of cells C 'are held by the cell holding members F. CU
And a plurality of cell units CU are juxtaposed to form a cell module CM.

First, the cell C 'of the fuel cell will be described with reference to FIG. On one surface of the solid electrolyte layer 1 having a rectangular plate-like planar shape, each of a pair of opposed side edges of the solid electrolyte layer 1 is provided with an electrolyte layer exposed portion 1 extending over the entire length of the side edge.
a, a film-shaped or plate-shaped fuel electrode 3 is integrally adhered thereto, and a film-shaped or plate-shaped fuel electrode 3 is formed on the other surface.
On the whole or almost the whole surface,
A rectangular three-layer plate-shaped cell C ′ for obtaining an electromotive force from the oxygen electrode 2 and the fuel electrode 3 is formed.

On the side of the cell C 'facing the oxygen electrode 2, a conductive separator 4 is provided as a flow path member to form an oxygen-containing gas flow path s. A cell C with a separator as a cell is formed.

To further explain, the conductive separator 4
Are a plate-like portion 4a, a pair of band-like protrusions 4b respectively located at both ends of the plate-like portion 4a, and a pair of the band-like protrusions 4b.
and a plurality of protruding ridges 4c positioned between the conductive members. The conductive separator 4
In a state in which each of the plurality of ridges 4c is in contact with the oxygen electrode 2 of the cell C ′, a pair of band-shaped projections 4b are attached to each of the electrolyte layer exposed portions 1a to form the cell C with separator. I have. Then, the oxygen electrode 2 and the conductive separator 4 are connected in a conductive state, and an oxygen-containing gas flow opened between the oxygen electrode 2 and the conductive separator 4 at one of a pair of opposite end faces of the cell C with separator. A path s is formed. That is, in the cell C with separator, one pair of opposed end surfaces is an open end surface in which the oxygen-containing gas flow path s is opened by the conductive separator 4, and the other pair of opposed end surfaces is the oxygen-containing gas flow path s.
Is a closed closed end face. In the following description, in the cell C with separator, the edge where the oxygen-containing gas flow path s is open is the open edge, the end face where the oxygen-containing gas flow path s is open is the open end face, and the oxygen-containing gas flow The end faces where the path s is closed are abbreviated as closed end faces.

The four corners of the conductive separator 4, the solid electrolyte layer 1, and the fuel electrode 3 are cut off and inclined so that the closed end face of the cell C with separator will be described in detail later. At both ends of the sloping part Cs
Is formed. The solid electrolyte layer 1 contains about 3 mol% of Y
The tantalum solid solution is made of tetragonal ZrO ₂ or other suitable material, the oxygen electrode 2 is made of LaMnO ₃ or other suitable material, and the fuel electrode 3 is made of Ni and ZrO ₂ cermet or other suitable material. Become. In addition, the conductive separator 4
It is made of LaCrO ₃ having excellent resistance to oxidation and reduction, and other suitable materials.

Hereinafter, a method of forming the cell stack NC using the cell C with separator formed as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. Reference numeral 5 in the drawing denotes a rectangular plate-shaped cell holding member disposed at each of a pair of opening edges of the cell C with separator. This cell holding member 5 includes:
A notch portion 5a functioning as an insertion portion for inserting an opening edge of the cell C with a separator; and a hole 5 facing the notch portion 5a and penetrating in the thickness direction of the cell holding member 5.
b is formed. The notch 5a is provided with a pair of contact surfaces 5c which are respectively brought into close contact with the closed end faces adjacent to both ends of the opening edge of the cell C with separator to be inserted into the notch 5a. Is
It is formed at substantially the same depth as the thickness of the cell C with separator. Further, the pair of contact surfaces 5c are formed so as to be closer to each other as the distance from the opening edge of the cell C with separator is increased in the thickness direction of the cell holding member 5,
Each of both ends of the closed end face of the cell with separator C is provided so as to be able to adhere to the inclined contact surface 5c.
An inclined portion Cs is formed.

Further, a groove 5e for filling a sealing material, which will be described later, is formed on the inner surface of the cut portion 5a of the cell holding member 5. Further, although not shown, a similar groove 5e is also formed on the surface of the cell holding member 5 opposite to the surface on which the cut portion 5a is formed so as to overlap the groove 5e on the inner surface of the cut portion 5a in the thickness direction. It is formed. In addition, the end face of the cell holding member 5 where the cutout portion 5a is formed,
A concave groove 5f for forming a supply-side fuel gas passage Y1 described later is formed.

A method for forming the cell unit CU will be described with reference to FIG. 5 cells with separator C
With the respective fuel electrodes 3 directed outside the cutout portion 5a,
In a state where the opening edges on both sides are inserted into the notches 5a of each of the pair of cell holding members 5, they are held by the pair of cell holding members 5 and juxtaposed in a stacked state, and are adjacent to each other in the cell stacking direction. The space between the cells C with separators is filled with a flexible conductive material 7 formed to allow gas flow.
Furthermore, in the cell stacking direction, a pair of cell holding members located at the end where the fuel electrode 3 is exposed at the end where the fuel electrode 3 is exposed to form a fuel gas flow path f for the fuel electrode 3. A pair of cell holding members 8 are provided so as to be superimposed on each of the five. The cell holding member 8 is formed in a rectangular plate shape having the same outer shape as the cell holding member 5 when viewed in the cell stacking direction, and is overlapped with the hole 5b of the cell holding member 5 when viewed in the cell stacking direction. The groove 8f is formed so as to overlap the hole 8b and the groove 5f.

When forming the cell stack NC, the groove 5e of the cell holding member 5, between the cell holding members 5 adjacent in the cell stacking direction, and between the cell holding member 5 and the cell holding member 8, As shown by a broken line 6 in FIG. 2, a sealing material is filled. When the opening edge of the cell C with separator is inserted into the notch 5a of the cell holding member 5, the cell holding member 5 is pressed against the opening edge of the cell C with separator, whereby the cell C with separator is pressed. The contact surfaces 5c are brought into close contact with the respective inclined portions Cs of the closed end surfaces on both sides.

The flexible conductive material 7 is made of a Ni felt-like material having excellent heat resistance and reduction resistance, and other suitable materials.
It is formed to allow gas flow. The cell holding members 5 and 8 are made of a ceramic material having heat resistance and electrical insulation. Further, the sealing material is mainly composed of a glass material or a ceramic material, has heat resistance and electric insulation, and is configured to have an adhesive effect and airtightness by heating to about 1000 ° C. is there. Then, the laminated structure assembled as described above is heated to about 1000 ° C. in a nitrogen gas atmosphere to be integrated by the adhesive action of the seal member to form the cell unit CU.

That is, the thin portion 5d of the cell holding member 5 which is left by forming the cut portion 5a is thin.
By maintaining the interval between the cells C with separators adjacent in the cell stacking direction, the fuel gas flow path f is formed between the cells C with separators by partitioning both side surfaces between the cells C with separators by the thin portion 5d. Formed and flexible conductive material 7
Thereby, the cells C with separator adjacent in the cell stacking direction are connected in a conductive state. In addition, a thin portion 5d and a pair of contact surfaces 5c of the cell holding member 5 containing the cell C with separator are provided around the open end of the cell C with separator where the oxygen-containing gas flow path s is open. The oxygen-containing gas flow path s and the fuel gas flow path f are hermetically sealed by bringing the back surface of the adjacent cell holding member 5 into close contact with a sealing material interposed therebetween. Fuel gas flow path f
Are closed on both open end faces of the cell C with separator and open on both closed end faces of the cell C with separator. Therefore, the pair of cell holding members 5 and the pair of cell holding members 8 function as a cell holding member F that holds the cells C ′ at a distance from each other.

In the cell unit CU, two passages are formed in which the holes 5b of the cell holding members 5 and the holes 8b of the cell holding members 8 are continuously formed in the cell stacking direction.
One of the passages is used as a supply oxygen-side gas passage X1 communicating with each of the oxygen-containing gas passages s, and the other passage is a discharge oxygen-side gas passage X2 communicating with each of the oxygen-containing gas passages s.
Use as

Then, an oxygen-containing gas is supplied from the supply oxygen-side gas passage X1 to each of the oxygen-containing gas passages s to perform a gas leak inspection.

Next, a method for forming the cell module CM will be described with reference to FIGS. A plurality of (for example, five) cell units CU are juxtaposed with each other in a state where the flexible conductive material 7 is filled therebetween, and the terminal units L are provided at both ends in the cell stacking direction.
To form The terminal portion L will be described. The terminal portion L is provided as a plate-shaped current collector that has conductivity and is provided with one surface facing the cell C with separator, and is connected to the cell C with separator in a conductive state. A conductive plate 11, a plate-shaped support member 13 provided on the side opposite to the separator-attached cell C side of the current collecting plate 11 for supporting the current collecting plate 11, and having conductivity. ,
In addition, one side is connected to the current collector plate 11 and the other side is constituted by a power extraction member T provided in a state in which the support member 13 is located on a side opposite to the current collector plate 11 side.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the current collector plate 11 is formed in a rectangular plate shape having a columnar projection 11a at the center, and a female portion is formed on the inner surface of the projection 11a. A screw hole having a screw portion is formed.

The support member 13 is formed in a plate shape whose outer shape in the cell stacking direction is substantially the same as that of the cell C with separator, and has a central portion into which the protruding portion 11a of the current collector plate 11 is inserted. Holes are formed. Then, the protruding portion 11a of the current collector 11 is inserted into the hole of the support member 13, the current collector 11 is overlapped on one surface of the support member 13, and an output extraction plate having conductivity and a hole is formed. 14 is superimposed on the other surface of the support member 13 in a state where the hole overlaps the screw hole of the projection 11a of the current collector plate 11, and in this state, the conductive bolt 15 is removed from the output take-out plate 1
The support member 13, the current collecting plate 11, and the output take-out plate 14 are integrated by screwing the screw holes of the projections 11a of the current collecting plate 11 through the holes of No. 4. That is, the power take-out member T is composed of the bolt 15 and the output take-out plate 14.

At both ends in the cell stacking direction, a pair of terminal holding members 9 are provided so as to overlap with the pair of cell holding members 5 or in a state where they overlap with the pair of cell holding members 8 respectively. The terminal portion holding member 9 is formed in the same plate shape as the outer shape of the cell holding member 5 when viewed in the cell stacking direction. Further, the terminal portion holding member 9 is formed with a cutout portion 9 a for inserting the edge of the support member 13. Further, the terminal portion holding member 9 is formed with a concave groove 9f so as to overlap the concave groove 5f of the cell holding member 5 when viewed in the cell stacking direction. The terminal portion holding member 9 is formed with a hole 9b having the same shape and overlapping with the hole 5b of the cell holding member 5 when viewed in the cell stacking direction. The concave groove 5f of each cell holding member 5, the cell holding member 8
The concave groove 8f and the concave groove 9f of the terminal portion holding member 9 are connected in series in the cell stacking direction to form a pair of concave grooves M1 for forming a supply-side fuel gas passage Y1 described later.

Then, the current collecting plate 11 and the output take-out plate 1
The support member 13 to which the support member 4 is attached is provided so as to be held by the pair of terminal portion holding members 9 in a state where the respective edges on both sides thereof are inserted into the cut portions 9a of the pair of terminal portion holding members 9, respectively. In addition, between the collector plate 11 and the cell C with a separator,
A conductive felt material 12 is provided in contact with the current collector plate 11 and the cell C with separator.

As described above, in a state where the support member 13 is provided with the respective edges on both sides thereof being inserted into the notches 9a of the pair of terminal portion holding members 9, the current collector plate 11 is connected to the cell C with separator. In contrast, a notch 9a is formed in the terminal portion holding member 9 so as to be located at an appropriate position in a direction orthogonal to the cell stacking direction.

Therefore, the pair of terminal portion holding members 9 function as terminal portion holding members G for holding the terminal portions L. or,
The edge of the support member 13 and the cutout 9a of the terminal holding member 9 function as a fitting-type positioning means for positioning in a direction orthogonal to the cell stacking direction when the support member 13 is provided.

The terminal portion holding member 9 and the supporting member 13 are made of a ceramic material having heat resistance and electric insulation. The current collecting plate 11, the output take-out plate 14 and the bolt 15 are made of Ni
Consists of The conductive felt material 12 is made of a Ni felt material having excellent heat resistance and reduction resistance.

As shown also in FIGS. 5 and 6, a gap is formed between the notch 9a and the end face of the portion of the support member 13 cut into the notch 9a. It is formed in such a shape. The gap between the end face of the cut 9a and the end face of the support member 13 is filled with a sealing material 16 having flexibility.

In the current collecting plate 11, the length of the pair of terminal holding members 9 in the arrangement direction is smaller than the distance between the pair of terminal holding members 9 and the distance between the pair of cell holding members 5. It is like that. That is, the current collector 11
Is located between the pair of terminal portion holding members 9 and between the pair of cell holding members 5. In this state, even if the current collecting plate 11 thermally expands with a rise in temperature. , So that no stress is generated.

In the cell module CM, two passages are formed in which the holes 5b of the cell holding members 5, the holes 8b of the cell holding members 8 and the holes 9b of the terminal portion holding members 9 are continuously connected in the cell stacking direction. One passage is used as a supply oxygen side gas passage X1, and the other passage is used as a discharge oxygen side gas passage X2.

Next, a method for performing a power generation inspection of the cell module CM will be described. The cell module CM formed as described above is placed on the inspection base 17q. Subsequently, each of the pair of closing plates 24 is detachably provided in a state of being superimposed on each of the pair of terminal portion holding members 9 on the upper part of the cell module CM, and further, the partition plate 25 having the same thickness as the closing plate 24 is provided.
Is provided over both closing plates 24. A groove 24f is formed in the closing plate 24 so as to overlap with the groove 9f of the terminal portion holding member 9 when viewed in the cell stacking direction. Subsequently, an inspection partition member 18q having an L-shaped side wall portion 18a and a lid portion 18b is inserted into the pair of concave grooves M1 at edges of the side wall portion 18a, and the lid portion 18b is connected to a pair of concave grooves M1. Obstruction plate 2
4, and the fuel gas flow path f is provided in a state of being superimposed on the partition plate 25 to form a supply fuel-side gas passage Y1 communicating with each of the fuel gas flow paths f.

That is, the oxygen gas passages X1 and X2 on both sides
Each lower opening is closed by the inspection base 17q, and the upper opening is closed by the closing plate 24. Further, the opening formed by the pair of closing plates 24, the lid 18 b of the inspection partition member 18 q and the support member 13 is closed by the partition plate 25.

Subsequently, with the cell module CM installed therein, the inspection bottomed rectangular cylindrical body 19q is placed on the inspection base 17q. That is, the inspection base 17q and the inspection bottomed rectangular cylindrical body 19q form an inspection box Bq,
The cell module CM is provided inside the inspection box Bq. One opening of the fuel gas flow path f of each cell C with a separator faces the inside of the inspection box Bq. In other words, the fuel gas flow path f is located inside the inspection box Bq. It is open to the space. The internal space of the inspection box Bq is configured to be used as a discharge fuel gas passage Y2 that communicates with each of the fuel gas flow paths f.

An oxygen-containing gas is supplied to the supply oxygen-side gas passage X1 and a fuel gas is supplied to the supply fuel-side gas passage Y1 to generate electric power. Perform power generation inspection. After performing the power generation inspection, the cell module CM is taken out of the inspection box-shaped body Bq, and the pair of the closing plate 24, the partition plate 25, and the inspection partition member 18q are further removed.

Next, the overall structure of the fuel cell will be described with reference to FIGS. A plurality (for example, five) of the cell modules CM formed as described above are juxtaposed in such a manner that adjacent ones are electrically connected to each other by the adjacent terminal portions L to form a cell stack NC. In addition, adjacent cell modules CM are connected by a pair of module connecting members 26 provided in a state of being overlapped with the pair of terminal portion holding members 9 respectively. The thickness of the module connection member 26 in the cell stacking direction is the same as that of the adjacent cell module CM.
Each terminal portion L is set to a thickness that can be accommodated between adjacent cell modules CM, and the space between adjacent terminal portions L is filled with a flexible conductive material 27 that connects them in a conductive state.

The module connecting member 26 has a hole 26b in the same shape and overlapping with the hole 9b of the terminal portion holding member 9 as viewed in the cell stacking direction, and a concave groove 26f in a state overlapping the concave groove 9f. Each is formed. Accordingly, the supply oxygen-side gas passages X1 and the discharge oxygen-side gas passages X2 of the adjacent cell modules CM are connected to each other by the holes 26b of the module connection member 26, respectively. The groove 5f of each cell holding member 5, the groove 8f of the cell holding member 8, the groove 9f of the terminal holding member 9, and the groove 26f of the module connecting member 26 are continuously connected in the cell stacking direction. Groove M1 for forming fuel-side gas passage Y1 for supply
Are formed as a pair.

When a plurality of cell modules CM are juxtaposed, the module connecting member 26 and the terminal holding members 9 on both sides are used.
A seal member is filled between each of them. In addition, between the module connection member 26 and each of the terminal portion holding members 9 on both sides,
Grooves 9i and 26i for storing the seal member are provided so as to surround the entire periphery of the hole 26b of the module connection member 26. Two passages are formed in which the holes 5b of the cell holding members 5, the holes 8b of the cell holding members 8, the holes 9b of the terminal portion holding members 9, and the holes 26b of the module connecting members 26 are continuously connected in the cell stacking direction. One passage is used as a supply oxygen side gas passage X1, and the other passage is used as a discharge oxygen side gas passage X2.

The module connecting member 26 is made of a ceramic material having heat resistance and electrical insulation. The flexible conductive material 27 is made of a Ni felt material.

The cell stack NC formed as described above is placed on the base 17. Note that the uppermost cell module CM
Has a pair of closing plates 24 and partition plates 25 as described above. A concave groove 17a is formed on the upper surface of the base 17 in a state where both ends are connected to the concave grooves 9f of the pair of terminal portion holding members 9, respectively. A partition member 18 having an L-shaped side wall portion 18a and a lid portion 18b is inserted into the pair of concave grooves M1 and the concave groove 17a of the base 17 with the end edges of the side wall portion 18a. By providing the portion 18b in a state of being superimposed on the pair of closing plates 24 and the partition plate 25, the supply-side fuel gas passage Y1 communicating with the fuel gas flow passage f is formed. The groove M1 and the groove 17a are filled with a sealing material.

Further, the bottomed rectangular cylindrical body 19 is placed on the base 17 in a state in which the cell laminate NC is installed. That is, the box-shaped body B is formed by the base 17 and the bottomed rectangular cylindrical body 19, and the cell laminate NC is provided inside the box-shaped body B. The internal space of the box-shaped body B is configured to be used as a discharge fuel side gas passage Y2 communicating with each of the fuel gas flow paths f.

An oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 20 is connected to the supply oxygen-side gas passage X 1, and an oxygen-containing gas discharge pipe 21 is connected to the discharge oxygen-side gas passage X 2 via the base 17. . A fuel gas supply pipe 22 is connected to the supply fuel-side gas passage Y1, and a fuel gas discharge pipe 23 is connected to the discharge fuel-side gas passage Y2 via the base 17, respectively.

[Second Embodiment] Hereinafter, FIGS.
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIG. The cell C with a separator is configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Except that the cell holding member 31 has a pair of concave grooves 31g formed on the end face on the side opposite to the separator-attached cell C side, and that no equivalent to the hole 5b is formed.
It is formed similarly to the cell holding member 5 in the first embodiment. That is, the cell holding member 31 includes the cell holding member 5.
Notch 31 functioning as an insertion portion
a, a contact surface 31c, a thin portion 31d, a groove 31e, and a concave groove 31f are formed. The cell holding member 32 according to the first embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment except that a pair of concave grooves 32g is formed on the end face on the side opposite to the separator-attached cell C side, and that no equivalent to the hole 8b is formed. It is formed similarly to the cell holding member 8.

Next, based on FIG.
A method for forming M will be described. In the second embodiment, the cell module CM is directly formed without forming the cell unit CU. That is, in the same manner as the cell unit CU is formed in the first embodiment, the cells C with separators constituting the cell module CM are formed by using the cell holding members 31 and 32 so that adjacent cells are separated from each other. Assemble in a laminated state while being connected in a conductive state.

Further, at both ends in the cell stacking direction, each of the pair of terminal holding members 33 is connected to the pair of cell holding members 3.
It is provided in a state of being superposed on two cells or a state of being superposed on each of the pair of cell holding members 31. Further, each of the pair of cover plates 34 is provided so as to overlap with each of the pair of terminal portion holding members 33 on the upper side, and the partition plate 25 having the same thickness as the cover plate 34 is provided over both the cover plates 34.

The terminal portion holding member 33 has the same outer shape as the cell holding member 31 as viewed in the cell stacking direction, and the cover plate 34 has the outer shape in the cell stacking direction as the terminal portion holding member 33. It is formed in a shape protruding outward from the cell C with separator. Terminal part holding member 3
3, a cutout 33a that functions as a positioning means is formed in the same manner as the cutout 9a of the terminal holding member 9 in the first embodiment. Also, the terminal holding member 3
3, a groove 33f is formed in a state of overlapping with the groove 31f of the cell holding member 31 in the cell stacking direction, and a groove 34f is similarly formed in the cover plate 34. Further, a pair of concave grooves 33g are formed in the terminal portion holding member 33 so as to overlap with the pair of concave grooves 31g of the cell holding member 31 when viewed in the cell stacking direction.

If the groove 31f of each cell holding member 31, the groove 32f of the cell holding member 32, the groove 33f of the terminal part holding member 33, and the groove 34f of the cover plate 34 are continuously connected in the cell stacking direction. Thus, a pair of concave grooves M1 for forming the gas passage Y1 for the supply inter-cell flow path is formed. Further, the pair of concave grooves 31g of each of the cell holding members 31, the pair of concave grooves 32g of the cell holding member 32, and the pair of concave grooves 33g of the terminal portion holding member 33 are continuously connected in the cell stacking direction. A pair of concave grooves M2 are formed for forming oxygen side gas passages X1 and X2, respectively, which will be described later.

The cover plate 34 is formed with a U-shaped slit 34h as viewed in the cell stacking direction.
The slit 34h is formed such that both end portions thereof overlap with the pair of concave grooves 33g of the terminal portion holding member 33 when viewed in the cell stacking direction.

As in the first embodiment, the terminal portion L is formed by integrally assembling the current collector 11, the support member 13, and the output take-out plate 14. Then, the support member 13 to which the current collecting plate 11 and the output take-out plate 14 are attached is inserted into the notch 33a of each of the pair of terminal portion holding members 33 with the respective edges on both sides thereof, in a direction orthogonal to the cell stacking direction. In a state where it is positioned at a position, it is provided to be held by a pair of terminal portion holding members 33.

Next, a method of performing a power generation inspection of the cell module CM will be described. Although not shown, the cell module CM formed as described above is mounted on the inspection base 17q as in the first embodiment. Subsequently, the inspection partition member 18q is provided in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the supply fuel-side gas passage Y1 is defined. Further, by providing the inspection partition member 35q having a U-shaped cross-sectional shape by inserting the peripheral portion into the slit 34h of the cover plate 34 and the pair of concave grooves M2, respectively, the oxygen-side gas passage X1 is provided. , X2 are defined. Each of the slit 34h and the concave groove M2 is filled with a sealing material. Subsequently, although not shown, the inspection bottomed rectangular cylindrical body 19q is provided in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the power generation inspection is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. After performing the power generation inspection, the cell module CM is inserted into the inspection box B
q, and further, a pair of lid plate 34, partition plate 25,
The inspection partition member 18q and the inspection partition member 35q are removed.

Next, the overall structure of the fuel cell will be described with reference to FIGS. A plurality of the cell modules CM formed as described above are juxtaposed in such a manner that adjacent ones are connected to each other in a conductive state by adjacent terminal portions L,
The cell stack NC is formed. In addition, adjacent cell modules CM are connected to each other by a pair of module connecting members 36 provided in a state of being overlapped with the pair of terminal holding members 33, respectively, as in the first embodiment. The space between L is filled with the flexible conductive material 27 as in the first embodiment. When juxtaposing the cell modules CM, a seal member is filled between the module connection member 36 and the terminal portion holding member 33. In addition, between the module connecting member 36 and the terminal portion holding member 33, grooves 36i, 33i for storing the sealing member are formed over the entire length between the pair of concave grooves 36g.

A groove 36f is formed in the module connecting member 36 so as to overlap the groove 33f of the terminal holding member 33 in the cell stacking direction, and a pair of grooves 33g of the terminal holding member 33 are respectively formed. In an overlapping state, a pair of concave grooves 3
6 g are formed.

The groove 31f of each cell holding member 31, the groove 32f of the cell holding member 32, the groove 33f of the terminal holding member 33, the groove 36f of the module connecting member 36, and
The concave grooves 34f of the cover plate 34 are connected in series in the cell stacking direction to form a pair of concave grooves M1 for forming the supply-side gas passage Y1. Further, a pair of concave grooves 31g of each of the cell holding members 31, a pair of concave grooves 32g of the cell holding member 32, and
The pair of concave grooves 36g of the module connecting member 36 are connected in series in the cell stacking direction to form the oxygen-side gas passages X1, X2.
A pair of concave grooves M2 is formed for each of them.

The cell stack NC formed as described above is placed on the base 17. Note that the uppermost cell module CM
Is provided with a pair of cover plates 34 and a partition plate 25 as described above. On the upper surface of the base 17, in addition to the concave groove 17a similar to that of the first embodiment, a slit 33h of the terminal portion holding member 33 and a pair of concave grooves of the terminal portion holding member 33 in the cell stacking direction. A pair of U-shaped concave grooves 17b are formed so as to overlap with 33g. And
The partition member 18 is provided in the same manner as in the first embodiment to partition and form the supply-side fuel gas passage Y1. Further, a partition member 35 having a U-shaped cross section and a peripheral portion thereof
34h, each of the pair of concave grooves M2, and the base 1
The oxygen-side gas passages X1 and X2 are defined by being inserted into the concave groove 17b of FIG. Slit 33
h, the groove M2, and the groove 17b are filled with a sealing material.

Further, similarly to the first embodiment, the internal space of the box-shaped body B is configured to be used as a discharge fuel side gas passage Y2 communicating with each of the fuel gas flow paths f.
As in the first embodiment, an oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 20, an oxygen-containing gas discharge pipe 21, a fuel gas supply pipe 22, and a fuel gas discharge pipe 23 are provided.

Therefore, the pair of cell holding members 31 and
The pair of cell holding members 32 function as a cell holding member F. Further, the pair of terminal portion holding members 33 function as the terminal portion holding member G.

[Third Embodiment] Hereinafter, FIGS.
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
First, a method for forming the cell module CM will be described with reference to FIG. Also in the third embodiment,
The cell module CU is directly formed without forming the cell unit CU.
Form M. The cell C with a separator is configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The cell holding member F is provided with one end cell holding member 5A provided with one notch 5a, and one notch 5a provided at each of a pair of edges facing each other when viewed in the cell stacking direction. Part 5
This is constituted by an inter-cell holding member 5B provided with a communication connecting portion 5j for communicating a.

The end cell holding member 5A is formed similarly to the cell holding member 5 in the first embodiment. The inter-cell holding member 5B retreats one end in the direction along the opening edge of the cell C with separator from the end of the end cell holding member 5A on the side of the concave groove 5f, and follows the opening edge. The length in the direction is shorter than the end cell holding member 5A. In the inter-cell holding member 5B, a groove extending between a pair of opposing edges is formed in the cell stacking direction, and the groove forms a pair of cut portions 5a and a communication connection portion 5j that connects them. is there. The cut portion 5a of the inter-cell holding member 5B is provided with a pair of contact surfaces 5c and a groove 5e, like the end cell holding member 5A.

The two cells C with separator are juxtaposed in a row with their opening end faces facing each other, and the two cells C with separators juxtaposed in a row are arranged outside the respective cells C in the column direction. With the opening edges being cut into the notches 5a of the end cell holding member 5A, and the opening edges on the inner side in the respective column directions being cut into the pair of notches 5a of the inter-cell holding member 5B, the ends are cut. The cell row is formed by being held by the cell holding member for use 5A and the cell holding member for use 5B. Then, a plurality of cell rows are juxtaposed in a stacked state with the flexible conductive material 7 being filled between cells C with separators adjacent in the cell stacking direction. Therefore, the oxygen-containing gas flow path s of each cell C with separator is connected by the communication connection portion 5j.

Further, in the cell stacking direction, the pair of end cell holding members 8A are overlapped with the pair of end cell holding members 5A at the ends where the fuel electrode 3 of the cell C with separator is exposed, and The inter-cell holding member 8B is provided so as to overlap the inter-cell holding member 5B. Further, at both ends in the cell stacking direction, a pair of end terminal portion holding members 9A are provided.
Each of them is provided in a state of being superimposed on each of the pair of end cell holding members 5A, or in a state of being superposed on each of the pair of end cell holding members 8A, and the intermediate terminal portion holding member 9B is attached to the intermediate cell holding member 5B. It is provided in a state of being overlapped or in a state of being overlapped on the intermediate cell holding member 8B.

The end cell holding member 8A is formed in the same manner as the cell holding member 8 in the first embodiment. The outer shape of the inter-cell holding member 8B when viewed in the cell stacking direction is as follows.
It is formed in the same plate shape as the inter-cell holding member 5B. The end terminal holding member 9A is formed in the same manner as the terminal holding member 9A in the first embodiment. The outer shape of the intermediate terminal portion holding member 9B in the cell stacking direction is
The notch 9a is formed in the same plate shape as the inter-cell holding member 5B, and the inter-terminal holding member 9B is provided with one notch 9a that functions as a positioning means at each of a pair of opposing edges in the cell stacking direction. It is provided for each.

Therefore, the pair of end cell holding members 8A and the pair of end cell holding members 8B also function as cell holding members F. The terminal holding member G is composed of a pair of end terminal holding members 9A and an intermediate terminal holding member 9B.

As in the first embodiment, the terminal portion L is constructed by integrally assembling a current collector 11, a support member 13, and an output take-out plate 14. Then, the two terminal portions L are juxtaposed in a line in the surface direction with the edges of the support member 13 facing each other, and the two terminal portions L juxtaposed in a line are
The outer edges in the column direction of the respective support members 13 are cut into the cut portions 9a of the end terminal portion holding members 9A, and the respective inner edges in the column direction are formed as a pair of the inter-terminal portion holding members 9B. The cut-out portions 9a are held in the end terminal portion holding members 9A and the intermediate terminal portion holding members 9B in a state where they are positioned in a direction perpendicular to the cell stacking direction.

Next, a method of performing a power generation inspection of the cell module CM formed as described above will be described. Although not shown, the cell module CM is mounted on the inspection base 17q as in the first embodiment. The pair of end closing plates 24A are provided in a state of being superimposed on the pair of end terminal portion holding members 9A, respectively, the intermediate closing plate 24B is provided in a state of being superposed on the intermediate terminal portion holding member 9B, and the partition plate 25 is provided. And the end terminal portion holding member 9A and the inter-terminal portion holding member 9B. Subsequently, the inspection partition member 18q is provided in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the supply fuel-side gas passage Y1 is defined. Further, although not shown, a power generation test is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, by providing a bottomed rectangular tubular body for inspection 19q as in the first embodiment. After performing the power generation inspection, the cell module CM is taken out of the inspection box-shaped body Bq, and further, the pair of end closing plates 24A, the intermediate closing plate 24B, the partition plate 25, and the inspection partition member 18q are removed.

Next, the overall structure of the fuel cell will be described with reference to FIGS. A plurality of the cell modules CM formed as described above are juxtaposed so that adjacent ones are connected to each other in a conductive state by the adjacent terminal portions L to form a cell stack NC. In addition, the adjacent cell modules CM overlap with the pair of end module connecting members 26A and the inter-terminal terminal holding member 9B provided so as to overlap with the pair of end terminal portion holding members 9A, respectively. The flexible conductive material 27 is filled between the adjacent terminal portions L in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The end module connecting member 26A is formed in the same manner as the module connecting member 26 in the first embodiment.
6B is formed in a plate shape whose outer shape in the cell stacking direction is the same as that of the intermediate terminal portion holding member 9B. Therefore, the supply oxygen-side gas passages X1 and the discharge oxygen-side gas passages of the adjacent cell modules CM are connected to each other through the holes 26b of the end module connection member 26A.

The cell stack NC formed as described above is placed on the base 17. Note that the uppermost cell module CM
Is provided with a pair of end closing plates 24A, intermediate closing plates 24B, and partition plates 25. The partition member 18 is provided in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the supply fuel-side gas passage Y1 is provided.
Is formed. Further, similarly to the first embodiment, the internal space of the box-shaped body B is configured to be used as a discharge fuel side gas passage Y2 communicating with each of the fuel gas flow paths f. Further, similarly to the first embodiment, the oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 2
0, an oxygen-containing gas discharge pipe 21, a fuel gas supply pipe 22, and a fuel gas discharge pipe 23 are provided.

[Fourth Embodiment] Hereinafter, FIGS.
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described based on 0.
First, a method for forming the cell module CM will be described with reference to FIG. Also in the fourth embodiment,
The cell module CU is directly formed without forming the cell unit CU.
Form M. The cell C with a separator is configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The cell holding member 5 is formed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, except that concave grooves 5f for forming fuel-side gas passages Y1 and Y2 to be described later are formed on both sides of the cut portion 5a. The cell holding member 8 is formed in the same manner as the first embodiment except that the pair of concave grooves 8f are formed so as to overlap with the pair of concave grooves 5f of the cell holding member 5, respectively.

In the first embodiment, as in the case of forming the cell unit CU, the number of cells C with separators constituting the cell module CM is changed to the cell holding member 5.
Is used to assemble them in a stacked state in a state where adjacent ones are connected in a conductive state. A pair of cell holding members 8 are respectively attached to a pair of cell holding members 5 at both ends in the cell stacking direction.
It is provided in a state of being overlapped on each. Further, by providing each of the two plate-like members 28 with their respective edges inserted into each of the pair of concave grooves M1, the supply fuel-side gas passage Y1 and the discharge fuel-side gas passage Y2 are partitioned. I do. That is, in the cell module CM, the plurality of cell holding members 5 and the cell holding members 8 are juxtaposed in a stacked state in the cell stacking direction, thereby forming a pair of wall portions W extending in the cell stacking direction.
By providing the plate-like body 28 with both side edges connected to each of the pair of wall portions W, the supply fuel-side gas passage Y1 and the discharge fuel-side gas passage Y2 are separately formed.

As shown in FIG. 20, the terminal portion L has a support member 13 formed as described below,
3, the current collecting plate 11, the bolt 15, and the output take-out plate 14.
It is formed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, except that the electrical insulating material 29 is filled in the contact portion with the insulating material. The support member 13 is formed of a heat-resistant metal in the shape of a rectangular plate having an area overlapping the entire surface of each of the pair of cell holding members 8, and is provided with a supply oxygen side gas passage X1 and a discharge oxygen side gas passage X2. , Four gas passage connection holes 13a facing the openings at the ends in the cell stacking direction of the supply fuel side gas passage Y1 and the discharge fuel side gas passage Y2, respectively, and both ends respectively overlap a pair of concave grooves M1. A pair of slits 13b are formed. The support member 13 is provided so as to be in contact with and supported by each of the pair of cell holding members 8 with the edge of the plate 28 inserted into the slit 13b. As in the first embodiment, a conductive felt material 12 is filled between the current collector plate 11 and the cell C with the separator.

Further, a support member 13 provided at one end in the cell stacking direction is provided with four cylindrical module connection members 3.
0 is provided so that each opening communicates with each of the gas passage connection holes 13a.

Next, a method of performing a power generation inspection of the cell module CM will be described. The cell module CM formed as described above is placed on an inspection base (not shown) with the module connection member 30 facing downward, and the four gas passages of the upper support member 13 are connected. A closing plate 24 for closing the hole 13a is provided detachably. Although not shown, the inspection base includes an oxygen-containing gas supply pipe communicating with the supply oxygen-side gas passage X1 of the mounted cell module CM, and an oxygen-containing gas communicating with the discharge oxygen-side gas passage X2. An exhaust pipe, a fuel gas supply pipe communicating with the supply fuel-side gas passage Y1, and a fuel gas exhaust pipe communicating with the discharge fuel-side gas passage Y2 are provided, and the oxygen-containing gas supply pipe is provided with an oxygen-containing gas. And a fuel gas is supplied to the fuel gas supply pipe to perform a power generation test. After performing the power generation inspection, the cell module CM is removed from the inspection base, and the closing plate 24 is further removed.

Next, the overall structure of the fuel cell will be described with reference to FIGS. A plurality of the cell modules CM formed as described above are juxtaposed so that adjacent ones are connected to each other in a conductive state by the adjacent terminal portions L to form a cell stack NC. In addition, the adjacent cell modules CM are connected by the four module connecting members 30 and the adjacent cell modules C
Supply oxygen side gas passages X1 of M, discharge oxygen side gas passages X2, supply fuel side gas passages Y1 and
The discharge fuel side gas passages Y2 are connected to each other by the module connecting member 30. The flexible conductive material 27 is filled between the adjacent terminal portions L as in the first embodiment.

The cell stack NC formed as described above is placed on the base 17. A closing plate 24 is provided in the uppermost cell module CM. Further, similarly to the first embodiment, the oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 20 and the oxygen-containing gas discharge pipe 2
1. A fuel gas supply pipe 22 and a fuel gas discharge pipe 23 are provided.

[Another Embodiment] Next, another embodiment will be described.

(B) The specific structure of the cell holding member F includes a pair of cell holding members 5 and a pair of cell holding members 8 exemplified in the first embodiment, and a pair of the cell holding members 8 exemplified in the second embodiment. Various configurations other than the cell holding member 31 and the pair of cell holding members 32 are possible.
For example, one cell holding member F may be configured to hold the peripheral portion of the cell C with separator.

(C) In each of the above embodiments, the cut portions 5a and 31a are formed in the cell holding member F, and the cut portions 5a and 31a function as insertion portions for inserting the opening edges of the cell C with separator. By doing so, the case where the cell holding member F has an integrated structure having an insertion portion is illustrated. Instead of this, FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 3, the cell holding member F is connected to the cell C with the separator.
An interval maintaining plate member 41 for maintaining an interval therebetween and a pair of abutting plate members 42 respectively applied to the closed end faces on both sides of the separator-attached cell C are separately provided. The insertion portion for inserting the opening edge of the cell C with separator may be formed by the shape member 41 and the pair of contact plate members 42. The thickness of the abutting plate-like member 42 is formed to be the same or substantially the same as the thickness of the cell C with separator. In this case, it is not necessary to form the inclined portion Cs in the cell C with the separator.

FIGS. 21 to 23 illustrate a case where the cell unit CU is formed by using the cell holding member F configured as described above. In the cell unit CU, a state in which a pair of interval holding plate members 43 functioning as the cell holding members F are respectively superimposed on the pair of contact plate members 42 and the cells C with separators at both ends in the cell stacking direction. To be provided. In the cell unit NC, a pair of wall portions W extending in the cell stacking direction are formed by arranging the space holding plate member 41, the pair of attaching plate members 42, and the plate member 43 in the cell stacking direction. You.

Then, when viewed in the cell stacking direction, a plate-like member 44 bent in a U-shape is provided by connecting both ends of the plate-like member 44 to each of the pair of wall portions W, thereby providing the fuel-side gas passage Y1. Is formed. Also, the plate-like member 44
Is provided by connecting both ends thereof to both ends of one wall portion W, respectively, thereby forming the oxygen-side gas passages X1 and X2. In this case, since the fuel gas passage Y1 and the oxygen gas passages X1 and X2 are provided in the cell unit CU, a gas leak inspection can be easily performed by using them.

In the cell module CM, a plurality of the cell units CU configured as described above are juxtaposed with each other in a state where the flexible conductive material 7 is filled therebetween, and terminal portions L are provided at both ends in the cell stacking direction. Is formed. that time,
The adjacent fuel-side gas passages Y1, the adjacent oxygen-side gas passages X1, and the adjacent oxygen-side gas passages X2 are connected to each other. Therefore, a cell module CM including the fuel-side gas passage Y1 and the oxygen-side gas passages X1 and X2 can be formed.

(D) The structure for forming the fuel-side gas passages Y1, Y2 and the oxygen-side gas passages X1, X2 can be various structures other than the structures exemplified in the above embodiments. For example, in the first, third, and fourth embodiments, the frame forming member has the same thickness in the cell stacking direction as the cell holding member 5 and has a U-shape or the like in the cell stacking direction. The fuel-side gas passages Y1 and Y2 may be formed by juxtaposing both ends in a stacked state in the cell stacking direction in a state where each end is in close contact with each end of the pair of cell holding members 5, respectively. Further, in the second embodiment, the frame-forming member is juxtaposed in the cell stacking direction in a state where both ends thereof are in close contact with both ends of the cell holding member 5 in a cell stacking direction, so that the oxygen-side gas is formed. The passages X1 and X2 may be formed.

(E) The specific configuration of the terminal portion L can be various configurations other than the configuration exemplified in each of the above embodiments. For example, in the first to third embodiments,
The support member 13 may be made of metal, and the contact portion between the support member 13 and the current collecting plate 11, the bolt 15, and the output take-out plate 14 may be configured by interposing the electric insulating material 29 as in the fourth embodiment. Good.

(F) The specific structure of the terminal portion holding member G is as follows.
Various configurations are possible in addition to the pair of terminal holding members 9 illustrated in the first embodiment and the pair of terminal holding members 33 illustrated in the second embodiment. For example, one terminal portion holding member G may be configured to contact and support the support member 13.

(G) As the specific configuration of the positioning means, various configurations other than the configuration exemplified in each of the above embodiments are possible. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a positioning pin is erected on one of the terminal holding member G and the support member 13 and a hole for inserting the positioning pin is formed on the other. Alternatively, a convex engaging portion and a concave engaging portion engaged with the convex engaging portion may be separately provided on the terminal portion holding member G and the supporting member 13.

(H) In the first embodiment, the cell module CM is directly formed without forming the cell unit CU.
May be formed. Further, in the second and third embodiments, the cell unit CU is formed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the cell module CM is formed by juxtaposing a plurality of the cell units CU. Good.

(I) In the first embodiment, the number of cells C with separators constituting the cell unit CU is not limited to five, but can be changed as appropriate. Also, the cell unit C constituting the cell module CM
The number of U is not limited to five and can be changed as appropriate. Further, the number of cell units CU constituting the cell module CM may be different between the cell modules CM. Further, the number of cell modules CM constituting the cell stack NC is not limited to five but can be changed as appropriate.

(V) In the above second embodiment, the number of cells C with separator constituting the cell module CM can be set as appropriate. Further, a cell C with a separator constituting the cell module CM is provided between the cell modules CM.
May be made different. Also, the number of cell modules CM constituting the cell stack NC can be set as appropriate.

(G) In the above third embodiment, the number of cells C with separators constituting a cell row can be set as appropriate. Also, the number of cell rows constituting the cell module CM can be set as appropriate. Also, the number of cell modules CM constituting the cell stack NC can be set as appropriate.

(ヲ) In the third embodiment described above, each of the inter-cell holding member 5B, the inter-cell holding member 8B, the inter-terminal holding member 9B, and the inter-module connecting member 26B is viewed in the cell stacking direction. By forming holes in a state of being overlapped with each other and penetrating in the cell stacking direction, a series of passages in the cell stacking direction is formed. The passage is formed by the hole 5b of the end cell holding member 5A, the hole 8b of the end cell holding member 8A, and the end terminal portion holding member of the supply oxygen side gas passage X1 and the discharge oxygen side gas passage X2. 9A hole 9b and end module connecting member 26A
Each of the holes 26b may be used as a gas passage different from a gas passage used by a passage formed in a series in the cell stacking direction. Further, the cell rows may be formed by mixing the inter-cell holding members 5B having the holes formed therein and the inter-cell holding members 5B having no holes formed therein.

(W) In the first embodiment, the cell stacking direction when forming the cell unit CU or when forming the cell module CM is not limited to the vertical direction. Direction. Further, in each of the above embodiments, the case where the cell integrated body NC is provided inside the box-shaped body B with the cell stacking direction oriented in the vertical direction has been described. May be provided.

(F) In the fourth embodiment, the cell module CM is not provided with the discharge fuel-side gas passage Y2, and the internal space of the box-shaped body B is made similar to the first embodiment. It may be configured to be used as the discharge fuel side gas passage Y2.

(Y) In the fourth embodiment,
Although the case where the four cylindrical module connection members 30 are formed separately from each other has been exemplified, the four cylindrical module connection members 30 may be integrally formed.

(T) In each of the above embodiments, the case where the separator C is formed by attaching the conductive separator 4 to the side facing the oxygen electrode 2 of the cell C ′ has been exemplified.
Instead, on the side facing the fuel electrode 3 in the cell C ′,
A conductive separator 4 may be provided to form the fuel gas flow path f.

(D) The oxygen-side conductive separator for forming the oxygen-containing gas flow path s on the side facing the oxygen electrode 2 of the cell C ′, and the fuel gas flow path f for forming the fuel gas flow path f on the side facing the fuel electrode 3. The fuel-side conductive separators may be arranged respectively, and the oxygen-side conductive separator and the fuel-side conductive separator may function as the spacing member G.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a cell of a fuel cell according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a cell unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the cell module according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration for performing a power generation inspection of the cell module in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional plan view showing the entire configuration of the fuel cell according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a view as viewed from the direction of the arrows in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a view as seen from the direction of the arrow in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of a cell module according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional plan view showing the entire configuration of a fuel cell according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a view as viewed from the direction indicated by the arrows in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a view as seen from the direction of the arrows in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a cell module according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional plan view showing the overall configuration of a fuel cell according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a view taken in the direction of arrows in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a view taken in the direction of arrows in FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a cell module according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional plan view showing the entire configuration of a fuel cell according to a fourth embodiment.

18 is a view as viewed from the direction of a toe arrow in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a view as seen in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a terminal section according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a cell unit in another embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a cell unit in another embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a partially cutaway plan view showing the configuration of a cell unit in another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electrolyte layer 2 Oxygen electrode 3 Fuel electrode 4 Flow path member 5a, 31a Insertion part 5b, 8b hole 5j Communication connection part 5A Cell holding member for end 5B Cell holding member between 5 7 Flexible conductive material 9a, 33a Positioning means 9b hole 9A End terminal holding member 9B Inter-terminal holding member 11 Current collector 13 Support member 13a Gas passage connection hole 27 Flexible conductive material 28, 44 Plate member f Fuel gas flow path s Oxygen-containing gas flow path C Cell with flow path member C 'Cell CM Cell module CU Cell unit F Cell holding member G Terminal holding member L Terminal T Power extraction member X1, X2 Oxygen-side gas passage Y1, Y2 Fuel-side gas passage

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H01M 8/00-8/24

Claims (14)

(57) [Claims] An oxygen-containing gas flow path is formed on a side of a plurality of cells of a fuel cell having an oxygen electrode on one surface of an electrolyte layer and a fuel electrode on the other surface, and a side facing the oxygen electrode. In a state where a fuel gas flow path is formed on the side facing the fuel electrode,
And, in a state where adjacent things are connected in a conductive state,
A fuel cell, which is held at a distance from each other by a cell holding member and assembled in a stacked state, wherein the plurality of cells are divided into a plurality of groups, and the plurality of cells in each of the divided groups is the cell holding member. A cell module is formed by being assembled while being held by the member, and by providing terminal portions for power extraction at both ends in the cell stacking direction, a plurality of cell modules are formed between adjacent terminal portions. It
Filled with flexible conductive material that connects them in a conductive state
A fuel cell in which adjacent cell modules are juxtaposed in such a manner that adjacent cell modules are electrically connected to each other by adjacent terminal portions. 2. A cell unit is formed by dividing a plurality of cells in the cell module into a plurality of groups, and assembling the plurality of cells in each of the divided groups while being held by the cell holding member. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the cell module is formed by juxtaposing the plurality of cell units. 3. The cell module according to claim 1, wherein an oxygen-side gas passage communicating with each of the oxygen-containing gas passages or a fuel-side gas passage communicating with each of the fuel gas passages is provided. The fuel cell as described. 4. The fuel cell according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of cell modules are juxtaposed such that the oxygen-side gas passages or the fuel-side gas passages of adjacent cell modules are connected to each other. 5. A flow path member having a conductive portion is provided on a side of the cell facing the oxygen electrode to form the oxygen-containing gas flow path, and the flow path is provided with the flow path member. The member-equipped cell is formed in a rectangular plate shape, and by the flow path member, one of a pair of opposed end faces in the flow path member-equipped cell becomes an open end face in which the oxygen-containing gas flow path is opened, and
The other pair of end faces is configured to be a closed end face in which the oxygen-containing gas flow path is closed, and the cell holding member is an open edge where the oxygen-containing gas flow path in the cell with the flow path member is open. In order to be arranged respectively, a pair of provided, the cell holding member is formed with the same or substantially the same thickness of the cell with the flow path member, provided with an insertion portion into which the opening edge is inserted, the flow path A plurality of the member-equipped cells are held by the cell holding member with the respective opening edges inserted into the insertion portions, and are assembled in a stacked state at an interval to form the fuel gas flow path. The fuel gas flow path is configured to be closed by the pair of cell holding members on the pair of open end faces and to be opened on the pair of closed end faces, and in the cell stacking direction. Between adjacent flow path members with cells, fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4, flexible conductive material which is formed in a state that allows the flow of gas is filled. 6. The cell module, wherein the cell holding member has a hole facing the insertion portion and penetrating in the cell stacking direction. In the cell module, each of the holes of the cell holding member is the cell. 6. A structure in which a passage formed in a series in the stacking direction functions as an oxygen-side gas passage communicating with each of the oxygen-containing gas passages.
The fuel cell as described. 7. In the cell module, a plurality of cell holding members are juxtaposed in a stacked state in the cell stacking direction to form a pair of wall portions extending in the cell stacking direction. Since the edge is provided in a state of being connected to the wall portion, an oxygen-side gas passage communicating with each of the oxygen-containing gas passages, or a fuel-side gas passage communicating with each of the fuel gas passages is formed. Claim 5 or 6
The fuel cell as described. 8. The terminal section is provided with conductivity, and is provided with one surface facing the cell with a flow path member, and is connected to the cell with a flow path member in a conductive state. A plate-like current collector, a plate-like support member provided on the side opposite to the cell side with the flow path member in the current collector to support the current collector, and having conductivity, and And a power extraction member provided in a state where the other side is connected to the power collection unit and the other side is located on the opposite side of the support member from the power collection unit side, and the support member includes the power collection unit. 8. The fuel cell according to claim 6, wherein the portion is provided in a state where the portion is electrically connected to the cell with the flow path member and is supported in contact with an end surface of the cell module in the cell stacking direction. 9. . 9. A gas passage connecting hole facing an opening at the cell stacking direction end of the oxygen-side gas passage, or an opening at the cell stacking direction end of the fuel-side gas passage, in the support member. 9. The fuel cell according to claim 8, wherein a gas passage connecting hole facing the fuel cell is formed. 10. A pair of terminal portion holding members for contacting and supporting the supporting member in a state where the current collecting portion is electrically connected to the cell with the flow path member, wherein each of the pair of terminal portion holding members contacts the cell in the cell module. At each of both ends in the stacking direction, provided in a state of being superimposed on each of the pair of cell holding members, the support member and the terminal portion holding member are each provided with the support member, in a direction orthogonal to the cell stacking direction. 9. The fuel cell according to claim 8, further comprising positioning means for performing positioning of the fuel cell. 11. The terminal portion holding member is configured to have a hole penetrating in the cell stacking direction so as to overlap with the hole of the cell holding member when viewed in the cell stacking direction. The fuel cell as described. 12. The cell holding member includes an end cell holding member provided with one insertion portion, and one cell insertion member provided at each of a pair of edges facing the insertion portion in the cell stacking direction. And a communication cell holding member provided with a communication connecting portion for communicating the pair of insertion portions, and a plurality of the cells with flow path members face each other with the opening end faces facing each other. The plurality of cells with flow path members, which are arranged in a row in a row, are arranged such that the outer opening edges of the cells with the flow path members at both ends in the column direction are inserted into the end cell holding member. The cell holding member for the end is placed in a state where the opening edges facing each other in the cell with the flow path member adjacent in the row direction are inserted into each of the pair of insertion portions of the cell holding member for the interval. And before The oxygen-containing gas flow paths of the cells with flow path members, which are held by the inter-cell holding members and are adjacent in the column direction, are communicatively connected by the communication connection portion, and the terminal portion is an end in the cell stacking direction. 6. The fuel cell according to claim 5, wherein said fuel cell is provided for each of said plurality of cells with flow path members. 13. The terminal section has conductivity, and
A plate-shaped current collector provided with one surface facing the cell with the flow path member and connected to the cell with the flow path member in a conductive state; and the flow path member in the current collector A plate-shaped support member provided on the opposite side to the attached cell side and supporting the current collecting portion, and having conductivity, and one side is connected to the current collecting portion, and the other side is in the support member. A power take-out member provided in a state opposite to the side of the current collector, and an end terminal unit holding member is provided at each end of the cell module in the cell stacking direction. In the state of being superimposed on the holding member, the intermediate terminal portion holding member is provided in a state of being superimposed on the intermediate cell holding member, and the support member is such that the current collector is in a conductive state with respect to the cell with the flow path member. In the connected state, both ends are The terminal member holding member and the intermediate terminal member holding member, or a pair of the intermediate terminal member holding members are provided so as to be in contact with each other, and the support member, the end terminal member holding member, and the intermediate member are provided. 13. The fuel cell according to claim 12, wherein each of the terminal holding members is provided with positioning means for performing positioning in a direction orthogonal to the cell stacking direction when providing the support member. 14. The end cell holding member is configured to have a hole facing the insertion portion and penetrating in the cell stacking direction, and the end terminal portion holding member is viewed in the cell stacking direction. In a state overlapping with the hole of the end cell holding member, and having a hole penetrating in the cell stacking direction, the hole of each of the end cell holding members, and the end terminal portion 14. The configuration according to claim 13, wherein a passage formed by connecting the holes of the holding members in the cell stacking direction in series is configured to function as an oxygen-side gas passage communicating with each of the oxygen-containing gas passages. Fuel cell.