JP5068625B2 - Fuel cell - Google Patents

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JP5068625B2
JP5068625B2 JP2007274360A JP2007274360A JP5068625B2 JP 5068625 B2 JP5068625 B2 JP 5068625B2 JP 2007274360 A JP2007274360 A JP 2007274360A JP 2007274360 A JP2007274360 A JP 2007274360A JP 5068625 B2 JP5068625 B2 JP 5068625B2
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cell
voltage detection
terminal
cell voltage
detection terminal
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JP2008078147A (en
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靖司 金井
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Honda Motor Co Ltd
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    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells

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Description

本発明は、燃料電池を構成する各セルの電圧を検出するために用いる端子と、それが取り付けられるセル側の端子取付部に関するものである。   The present invention relates to a terminal used for detecting the voltage of each cell constituting a fuel cell, and a cell side terminal mounting portion to which the terminal is mounted.

例えば、固定高分子電解質膜を挟んでアノード側電極とカソード側電極とを対設した燃料電池セルを、セパレータにより挟持して複数積層することにより構成された燃料電池が知られている。燃料電池においては、アノード側電極に供給された燃料ガスは、触媒電極上でイオン化され、適度に加湿された電解質膜を介してカソード側電極へと移動する。その間に生じた電子が外部回路に取り出され、直流の電気エネルギとして利用される。こうした電気エネルギを取り出し続けるには、各セルが良好に機能している必要がある。
燃料電池運転時に各セルが正常な状態にあるかどうかを知るには、セル電圧の測定を行えばよく、従来より、セル電圧検出端子装置として、図８に示すような差込式端子を用いた装置が知られている。
この電圧検出端子装置は、燃料電池スタック１を構成するセル２の近くに設けられたセル電圧測定用の回路基板３と、その回路基板３に固定されたセル電圧検出端子４と、セル２に形成された端子取付穴５とを備えて構成されている。 For example, there is known a fuel cell configured by stacking a plurality of fuel cell cells sandwiching a fixed polymer electrolyte membrane between an anode side electrode and a cathode side electrode with a separator interposed therebetween. In the fuel cell, the fuel gas supplied to the anode-side electrode is ionized on the catalyst electrode and moves to the cathode-side electrode through the appropriately humidified electrolyte membrane. Electrons generated in the meantime are taken out to an external circuit and used as direct current electric energy. In order to continue to extract such electric energy, each cell needs to function well.
In order to know whether or not each cell is in a normal state during fuel cell operation, it is only necessary to measure the cell voltage. Conventionally, a plug-in terminal as shown in FIG. 8 has been used as a cell voltage detection terminal device. The device that was found is known.
This voltage detection terminal device includes a cell voltage measurement circuit board 3 provided near a cell 2 constituting the fuel cell stack 1, a cell voltage detection terminal 4 fixed to the circuit board 3, and a cell 2. The terminal mounting hole 5 is formed.

この電圧検出端子装置は、セル２に設けられた端子取付穴５の内壁と、そこに差し込まれたセル電圧検出端子４が接触し、セル電圧がセル電圧検出端子４を経由して回路基板３に伝わるので、回路基板３内で隣り合うセル２の電位差からセル電圧を測定し、燃料電池制御装置（図示略）へと伝える。
従って、セル２の異常は、セル電圧の低下として検知されることになる。
特開平９−２８３１６６号公報 特開平１１−３３９８２８号公報 In this voltage detection terminal device, the inner wall of the terminal mounting hole 5 provided in the cell 2 and the cell voltage detection terminal 4 inserted therein are in contact with each other, and the cell voltage passes through the cell voltage detection terminal 4 and the circuit board 3. Therefore, the cell voltage is measured from the potential difference between the adjacent cells 2 in the circuit board 3 and transmitted to the fuel cell control device (not shown).
Therefore, the abnormality of the cell 2 is detected as a decrease in the cell voltage.
JP-A-9-283166 JP 11-339828 A

しかしながら、上記の構成では、以下に掲げる問題があった。
燃料電池の技術分野においては、設備スペースの小型化の観点から単セルの小型化・薄型化が望まれており、セルの構成要素であるセパレータも例えば２〜５ｍｍ程度と出来うる限り薄く形成されてきている。こうした薄いセパレータに端子取付穴５を設けるためには、高い加工精度が求められる。
また、セル電圧検出端子４を端子取付穴５に差し込む時、各セル２の厚さは薄く隙間が少ないため、セル電圧検出端子４の差し込みが難しくなり、その作業に手間取る。 However, the above configuration has the following problems.
In the technical field of fuel cells, it is desired to reduce the size and thickness of a single cell from the viewpoint of downsizing the equipment space, and the separator as a cell component is formed as thin as possible, for example, about 2 to 5 mm. It is coming. In order to provide the terminal attachment hole 5 in such a thin separator, high processing accuracy is required.
Further, when the cell voltage detection terminal 4 is inserted into the terminal mounting hole 5, since the thickness of each cell 2 is small and there are few gaps, it becomes difficult to insert the cell voltage detection terminal 4, and it takes time to perform the work.

また、単にセル電圧検出端子４を端子取付穴５に差し込むだけであるため、それぞれの寸法誤差によって接触不良が発生したり、セル電圧検出端子４が振動等で端子取付穴５から抜けることがあり、燃料電池運転中にセル電圧が検出できなくなることがある。  Further, since the cell voltage detection terminal 4 is simply inserted into the terminal mounting hole 5, contact failure may occur due to the respective dimensional errors, or the cell voltage detection terminal 4 may come out of the terminal mounting hole 5 due to vibration or the like. The cell voltage may not be detected during fuel cell operation.

本発明は、このような事情に鑑みてなされたものであり、その目的とするところは、簡単な構造で端子の接続状態を良好に維持すること，端子の安易な抜けを効果的に防止すること，及び端子の着脱作業性を向上させることにある。   The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to maintain a good connection state of terminals with a simple structure and to effectively prevent easy disconnection of terminals. And improving the workability of attaching and detaching terminals.

上記課題を解決するために、本発明は以下の構成を採用した。
請求項１の発明は、固体高分子膜の両面に燃料極および空気極をそれぞれ接合して膜電極接合体（１３）を構成し、前記膜電極接合体を一対のセパレータ（１４）により挟持してセル（１２）を構成し、複数の前記セルを積層して構成された燃料電池（燃料電池スタック１１）において、複数のセル電圧検出端子（２１）を前記燃料電池（燃料電池スタック１１）に接続するに際し、前記複数のセル電圧検出端子のうち一の端子を前記燃料電池のうち一のセルのセパレータ（１４）に接続し、他の端子を前記一のセルとは異なるセルの、前記一の端子が接続されるセパレータと同極のセパレータに接続し、前記複数のセルは、水平方向に積層され、前記同極のセパレータには、隣り合うセルに面する側面（１４Ａ）に、前記セパレータの上面（１４Ｂ）に入口部が開口するとともに前記隣り合うセルに面する開口を有する凹部（１５）が形成され、前記端子は、前記凹部に挿入される差込部（２２）を備え、前記差込部を前記凹部に挿入して、前記端子を前記セパレータに接続することを特徴としている。 In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following configuration.
According to the first aspect of the present invention, a fuel electrode and an air electrode are joined to both surfaces of a solid polymer membrane to form a membrane electrode assembly (13), and the membrane electrode assembly is sandwiched between a pair of separators (14). build a cell (12) Te, in a fuel cell formed by stacking a plurality of said cells (fuel cell stack 11), to the fuel cell a plurality of cell voltage detection terminal (21) (fuel cell stack 11) upon connecting, one of terminals of the plurality of cell voltage detection terminal connected to the separator (14) of one cell of the fuel cell, the different cells and the other terminal said one cell, the one The plurality of cells are stacked in a horizontal direction, and the separator having the same polarity is connected to the side surface (14A) facing the adjacent cell. Top surface of 14B) is formed with a recess (15) having an opening and an opening facing the adjacent cell, and the terminal includes an insertion portion (22) to be inserted into the recess, and the insertion portion Is inserted into the recess, and the terminal is connected to the separator .

以下、図面を用いて、本発明の一実施の形態について説明する。
図１は本実施の形態による燃料電池用セル電圧検出端子装置の要部を示す斜視図、図２は同装置の断面図である。 Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a main part of a cell voltage detection terminal device for a fuel cell according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the device.

図１中、符号１１は固体高分子型の燃料電池スタックを示しており、この燃料電池スタック１１は多数のセル１２を積層させて構成される。
各セル１２は、固体高分子膜の両面に燃料極及び空気極をそれぞれ接合してなる膜・電極接合体（以下、「ＭＥＡ」と略記する。）１３と、このＭＥＡ１３を両側から挟持するセパレータ１４とを備えて構成される。 In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a solid polymer type fuel cell stack, and this fuel cell stack 11 is formed by laminating a number of cells 12.
Each cell 12 includes a membrane / electrode assembly (hereinafter abbreviated as “MEA”) 13 in which a fuel electrode and an air electrode are joined to both surfaces of a solid polymer membrane, and a separator that sandwiches the MEA 13 from both sides. 14.

セパレータ１４は、ガスを透過させない緻密質のカーボン板や金属板からなり、その一側面、すなわち、セル構成時にＭＥＡ１３に面することとなる側面には、凹溝状のガス流路（図示略）が形成されている。
そして、燃料極に接するセパレータ１４のガス流路に水素が供給されると共に、空気極に接するセパレータ１４のガス流路に空気が供給されることによって、これら電極間で電気化学反応に基づく発電が行われる。 The separator 14 is made of a dense carbon plate or metal plate that does not allow gas permeation, and has a groove-shaped gas flow path (not shown) on one side thereof, that is, the side surface that faces the MEA 13 when the cell is configured. Is formed.
Then, hydrogen is supplied to the gas flow path of the separator 14 in contact with the fuel electrode and air is supplied to the gas flow path of the separator 14 in contact with the air electrode, so that power generation based on an electrochemical reaction is generated between these electrodes. Done.

セル１２を構成する一方のセパレータ１４の他側面、すなわち、燃料電池スタック構成時に隣り合わせにされる他のセル１２のセパレータ１４に面することとなる側面１４Ａには、上面１４Ｂに入口部である端子挿入口１７が開口する端子取付穴（凹部）１５が形成されている。
この端子取付穴１５は、図２に示すように、縦断面略楔状をなし、端子挿入口１７側の内壁に突出形成された凸部（顎部）１６によって、端子挿入口１７よりも横断面の小さい狭小部１８を備えた構成とされている。 The other side surface of one separator 14 constituting the cell 12, that is, the side surface 14A that faces the separator 14 of the other cell 12 that is adjacent to the fuel cell stack, is a terminal that is an inlet portion on the upper surface 14B. A terminal mounting hole (concave portion) 15 through which the insertion port 17 opens is formed.
As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal mounting hole 15 has a substantially wedge shape in the longitudinal section, and has a cross section that is more transverse than the terminal insertion port 17 by a convex portion (jaw portion) 16 that is formed to project from the inner wall on the terminal insertion port 17 side. The small narrow portion 18 is provided.

符号２１は、導電性を有する銅やステンレス等の線材からなるセル電圧検出端子（端子）を示している。
このセル電圧検出端子２１は、その先端側に前記端子取付穴１５の内壁に係合する（噛み合う）ように折り返し形成されたへアピン型の差込部２２を備えており、根元側はセル電圧測定用の回路基板２３に固定されている。 Reference numeral 21 denotes a cell voltage detection terminal (terminal) made of a conductive wire such as copper or stainless steel.
The cell voltage detection terminal 21 is provided with a hairpin type insertion portion 22 that is folded back so as to be engaged (engaged) with the inner wall of the terminal mounting hole 15 at the tip side, and the cell voltage detection terminal 21 has a cell voltage at the base side. It is fixed to the circuit board 23 for measurement.

差込部２２は、折り返し部２３を起点に弾性揺動可能なかえし部２４と、該かえし部２４から延在し、当該差込部２２が端子差込穴１５に挿入された状態で端子挿入口１７からセパレータ１４の外側に突出する余長部２５とを備えている。
また、セル電圧検出端子２１の中間付近には、セル１２と回路基板２３間の相対変位を吸収するための屈曲部（可撓部）２６が設けられている。 The insertion part 22 extends from the barb part 24 that can be elastically swung with the folded part 23 as a starting point, and is inserted into the terminal insertion hole 15 in a state where the insertion part 22 is inserted into the terminal insertion hole 15. And a surplus length portion 25 protruding from the opening 17 to the outside of the separator 14.
Further, a bent portion (flexible portion) 26 for absorbing a relative displacement between the cell 12 and the circuit board 23 is provided near the middle of the cell voltage detection terminal 21.

セル電圧検出端子２１をセル１２（セパレータ１４）に接続するときは、端子差込穴１５の上方に差込部２２を位置決めして該差込部２２を上から押す。
すると、端子差込穴１５に対応して楔状をなす差込部２２が弾性変形しながら差し込まれていく。
差込部２２が狭小部１８を越える際には、かえし部２４が折り返し部２３を概ね起点として凸部１６の突出方向に弾性変形するため、弾性変形前は狭小部１８よりも幅広な差込部２２も容易に狭小部１８を越えることができる。 When connecting the cell voltage detection terminal 21 to the cell 12 (separator 14), the insertion portion 22 is positioned above the terminal insertion hole 15 and the insertion portion 22 is pushed from above.
Then, the wedge-shaped insertion portion 22 corresponding to the terminal insertion hole 15 is inserted while being elastically deformed.
When the insertion part 22 exceeds the narrow part 18, the barb 24 is elastically deformed in the protruding direction of the convex part 16 with the folded part 23 as a starting point, so that the insertion is wider than the narrow part 18 before elastic deformation. The part 22 can also easily cross the narrow part 18.

差込部２２が所定の位置まで差し込まれると、狭小部１８を越えるために弾性変形させられていたかえし部２４が、折り返し部２３を概ね起点として前記凸部突出方向と逆方向に弾性復帰することによって端子差込穴１５内の凸部１６と接しつつ噛み合うため、セル電圧検出端子２１は振動等ではセル１２から抜けないように接続される。   When the insertion portion 22 is inserted to a predetermined position, the barb portion 24 that has been elastically deformed so as to cross the narrow portion 18 is elastically returned in the direction opposite to the protruding direction of the convex portion with the folded portion 23 as a starting point. As a result, the cell voltage detection terminal 21 is connected so as not to come out of the cell 12 due to vibration or the like.

このとき、セル電圧検出端子２１はかえし部２４が元の形に戻ろうとして生じる弾発力によって常にセル１２と接触するため、抜け止めはもとより、良好な接触状態も確保される。
さらに、燃料電池運転時は、セル電圧検出端子２１の中間付近に設けた屈曲部２６が延びることでセル電圧検出端子２１の利用される長さが変わり得る構成になっているため、回路基板２３とセル１２との相対変位を吸収することができる。 At this time, the cell voltage detection terminal 21 is always in contact with the cell 12 due to the elastic force generated when the barb portion 24 tries to return to its original shape, so that a good contact state is ensured as well as retaining.
Furthermore, during operation of the fuel cell, the length of the cell voltage detection terminal 21 used can be changed by extending the bent portion 26 provided near the middle of the cell voltage detection terminal 21. And the relative displacement between the cells 12 can be absorbed.

複数のセル電圧検出端子２１を複数のセル１２に同時接続するときは、予め複数のセル電圧検出端子２１を固定しておいた回路基板２３を用意する。
このとき、各セル電圧検出端子２１間の間隔は、燃料電池スタック１１が加圧等されていないときのセル１２間の間隔が設計値等から予めわかっているため、その間隔に合わせておく。 When simultaneously connecting a plurality of cell voltage detection terminals 21 to a plurality of cells 12, a circuit board 23 in which the plurality of cell voltage detection terminals 21 are fixed in advance is prepared.
At this time, the interval between the cell voltage detection terminals 21 is adjusted to the interval since the interval between the cells 12 when the fuel cell stack 11 is not pressurized is known in advance from the design value or the like.

そして、この回路基板２３を、燃料電池スタック１１に対して水平方向は所定の位置に、また、垂直方向はセル電圧検出端子２１の差込部２２が端子差込穴１５に軽く差し込まれた状態となるように仮位置決めする。
その後、屈曲部２６と差込部２２の間に接続ジグ３１を上から押し当て、差込部２２が端子差込穴１５に深く差し込まれるようにする。 The circuit board 23 is in a predetermined position in the horizontal direction with respect to the fuel cell stack 11, and the insertion part 22 of the cell voltage detection terminal 21 is lightly inserted into the terminal insertion hole 15 in the vertical direction. Temporarily position so that
Thereafter, the connection jig 31 is pressed from above between the bent portion 26 and the insertion portion 22 so that the insertion portion 22 is inserted deeply into the terminal insertion hole 15.

接続ジグ３１が所定距離移動したら、セル電圧検出端子２１がセル１２に接続されたものと判断して接続ジグ３１をセル電圧検出端子２１から離間させる。これで、接続作業は完了する。
接続ジグ３１には、回路基板２３に固定されたセル電圧検出端子２１間の間隔と等間隔に端子ガイド用の溝を設けておいてもよく、かかる場合には、各セル電圧検出端子２１を一定間隔に保持したままセル１２に接続することができるので、作業性の向上を図ることができる。 When the connection jig 31 moves a predetermined distance, it is determined that the cell voltage detection terminal 21 is connected to the cell 12 and the connection jig 31 is separated from the cell voltage detection terminal 21. This completes the connection work.
The connection jig 31 may be provided with a groove for terminal guides at equal intervals between the cell voltage detection terminals 21 fixed to the circuit board 23. In such a case, each cell voltage detection terminal 21 is connected to the connection jig 31. Since it can be connected to the cell 12 while being held at a constant interval, workability can be improved.

セル電圧検出端子２１の仮差し込み状態を確認する方法としては、差込部２２の位置を確認する方法もある。
回路基板２３が仮位置決めされたとき、セル電圧検出端子２１の差込部２２が端子差込穴１５に正常に仮差し込まれている場合は、仮差し込みされていない場合よりも回路基板２３側に差込部２２が位置することになるから、その位置を検出することにより、セル電圧検出端子２１の仮差し込み状態を判断することができる。 As a method for confirming the temporary insertion state of the cell voltage detection terminal 21, there is a method for confirming the position of the insertion portion 22.
When the circuit board 23 is temporarily positioned, when the insertion portion 22 of the cell voltage detection terminal 21 is normally temporarily inserted into the terminal insertion hole 15, the circuit board 23 is closer to the circuit board 23 than when it is not temporarily inserted. Since the insertion portion 22 is positioned, the temporary insertion state of the cell voltage detection terminal 21 can be determined by detecting the position.

また、その後に差込部２２を端子取付穴１５に押し込むときも同様に、差し込みが不完全である場合は、差し込みが完全である場合よりも回路基板２３側に差込部２２が位置することになるから、この位置の違いによって、セル電圧検出端子２１の差し込み状態を判断することができる。   Similarly, when the insertion portion 22 is pushed into the terminal mounting hole 15 after that, if the insertion is incomplete, the insertion portion 22 is positioned closer to the circuit board 23 than when the insertion is complete. Therefore, the insertion state of the cell voltage detection terminal 21 can be determined from the difference in position.

回路基板２３は、セル電圧検出端子２１の取り付けに合わせて、セル電圧検出端子２１と同方向に移動させ、燃料電池スタック１１に固定する。
セル電圧検出端子２１をセル１２から取り外す時は、取り外しジグ３２を用いて端子挿入口１７からセパレータ１４の外側に突出している余長部２５を前記凸部突出方向に押しながら、回路基板２３を燃料電池スタック１１から離間させることによって、セル電圧検出端子２１をセル１２から切り離す。 The circuit board 23 is moved in the same direction as the cell voltage detection terminal 21 in accordance with the attachment of the cell voltage detection terminal 21 and fixed to the fuel cell stack 11.
When the cell voltage detection terminal 21 is removed from the cell 12, the circuit board 23 is moved while pushing the extra length portion 25 protruding outside the separator 14 from the terminal insertion port 17 using the removal jig 32 in the protruding direction. The cell voltage detection terminal 21 is disconnected from the cell 12 by being separated from the fuel cell stack 11.

すなわち、取り外しジグ３２で余長部２５を押すと、かえし部２４が折り返し部２３を概ね起点として凸部１６から離間する方向に弾性変形して凸部１６との噛み合わせが解除されるため、差込部２２が狭小部１８から抜出可能になる。
従って、そのまま回路基板２３を持ち上げれば、差込部２２は端子差込穴１５から容易に抜ける。 That is, when the extra length portion 25 is pushed with the removal jig 32, the barb portion 24 is elastically deformed in a direction away from the convex portion 16 with the folded portion 23 as a starting point, and the meshing with the convex portion 16 is released. The insertion part 22 can be extracted from the narrow part 18.
Therefore, if the circuit board 23 is lifted as it is, the insertion portion 22 can be easily removed from the terminal insertion hole 15.

以上の方法を用いれば、複数のセル電圧検出端子２１を同時かつ簡単に脱着させることができ、また、自動化も容易になる。
また、本実施の形態による燃料電池用セル電圧検出端子装置によれば、セル電圧検出端子２１に設けた差込部２２のバネ作用を利用してセル電圧検出端子２１を簡単かつ確実にセルに接続し得ると共に、差込部２２の弾発力によって接触不良をも効果的に防止することができる。 If the above method is used, a plurality of cell voltage detection terminals 21 can be detached and attached simultaneously and automation is facilitated.
Further, according to the cell voltage detection terminal device for a fuel cell according to the present embodiment, the cell voltage detection terminal 21 can be easily and surely made into a cell by utilizing the spring action of the insertion portion 22 provided in the cell voltage detection terminal 21. In addition to being able to connect, poor contact can be effectively prevented by the elastic force of the insertion portion 22.

しかも、セル電圧検出端子２１の途中に設けた屈曲部２６によって、回路基板２３とセル１２との間に生じる相対変位を吸収し得るようにしたので、燃料電池運転時のセル１２の位置変化を考慮する必要がなくなり、回路基板２３の燃料電池スタック１１への組み付けが容易になる。
さらに、セル電圧検出端子２１のかえし部２４を端子差込穴１５の凸部１６と噛み合わせることによって、一度接続したセル電圧検出端子２１は接続解除動作を行わない限り、容易に外れることがなくなる。 In addition, since the relative displacement generated between the circuit board 23 and the cell 12 can be absorbed by the bent portion 26 provided in the middle of the cell voltage detection terminal 21, the change in the position of the cell 12 during the operation of the fuel cell can be changed. This eliminates the need for consideration and facilitates the assembly of the circuit board 23 to the fuel cell stack 11.
Further, by engaging the barbed portion 24 of the cell voltage detection terminal 21 with the convex portion 16 of the terminal insertion hole 15, the cell voltage detection terminal 21 once connected is not easily disconnected unless a connection release operation is performed. .

次に、図２及び図３を用いて、セル電圧検出端子２１の着脱自動化システムの一構成例及びその一動作例について概説する。
本システムは、燃料電池スタック１１及び回路基板２３の位置決め工程と、セル電圧検出端子２１の着脱工程を自動化するものであり、前記接続ジグ３１及び取り外しジグ３２の他に、制御部４１，接続ジグ３１等を駆動する駆動部４２，例えば光センサを有する位置検出部４３，及び燃料電池スタック１１が載置される台座４４を備えて構成される。 Next, one configuration example and one operation example of the automated system for attaching and detaching the cell voltage detection terminal 21 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.
This system automates the positioning step of the fuel cell stack 11 and the circuit board 23 and the attachment / detachment step of the cell voltage detection terminal 21. In addition to the connection jig 31 and the removal jig 32, the control unit 41, the connection jig A drive unit 42 for driving the motor 31 and the like, for example, a position detection unit 43 having an optical sensor, and a pedestal 44 on which the fuel cell stack 11 is placed.

以下、本システムの動作例について説明する。
セル電圧検出端子２１をセル１２に接続するには、まず、制御部４１からの制御信号によって駆動部４２を介して台座４４を駆動し、燃料電池スタック１１を位置決めする。この位置決めは、位置検出部４３から制御部４１への出力信号に基づき行われる。 Hereinafter, an operation example of this system will be described.
In order to connect the cell voltage detection terminal 21 to the cell 12, first, the pedestal 44 is driven via the drive unit 42 by the control signal from the control unit 41 to position the fuel cell stack 11. This positioning is performed based on an output signal from the position detection unit 43 to the control unit 41.

同様にして、回路基板２３を燃料電池スタック１１に対して位置決めする。
これら回路基板２３と燃料電池スタック１１との位置関係は、上述した通りである。
次いで、制御部４１からの制御信号によって駆動部４２を介して接続ジグ３１を下方駆動し、セル電圧検出端子２１の差込部２２をセル１２の端子取付穴１５に完全に差し込む。 Similarly, the circuit board 23 is positioned with respect to the fuel cell stack 11.
The positional relationship between the circuit board 23 and the fuel cell stack 11 is as described above.
Next, the connection jig 31 is driven downward via the drive unit 42 by a control signal from the control unit 41, and the insertion part 22 of the cell voltage detection terminal 21 is completely inserted into the terminal mounting hole 15 of the cell 12.

逆に、セル電圧検出端子２１をセル１２から取り外すには、まず、制御部４１からの制御信号によって駆動部４２を介して取り外しジグ３２を駆動し、この取り外しジグ３２によってセル電圧検出端子２１の余長部２５を凸部１６の突出方向に沿って押す。
すると、かえし部２４が凸部１６から離間して、セル電圧検出端子２１の差込部２２が狭小部１８を越えて端子差込穴１５から抜き出し可能な状態になるので、制御部４１からの制御信号によって駆動部４２を介して回路基板２３を上方駆動し、セル電圧検出端子２１をセル１２から離脱させる。 On the contrary, in order to remove the cell voltage detection terminal 21 from the cell 12, first, the removal jig 32 is driven via the drive unit 42 by the control signal from the control unit 41, and the cell voltage detection terminal 21 of the cell voltage detection terminal 21 is driven by this removal jig 32. The surplus part 25 is pushed along the protruding direction of the convex part 16.
Then, the barbed portion 24 is separated from the convex portion 16, and the insertion portion 22 of the cell voltage detection terminal 21 can be extracted from the terminal insertion hole 15 beyond the narrow portion 18. The circuit board 23 is driven upward via the drive unit 42 by the control signal, and the cell voltage detection terminal 21 is detached from the cell 12.

なお、本発明は、上記実施の形態に限られるものではなく、以下の形態をも含むものである。
（１）セル電圧検出端子２１の差込部２２及びセパレータ１４の端子取付穴１５を図２に示す形態に代えて、図４に示す形態の差込部５１及び端子取付穴５２にすること。
この構成によれば、凸部２６とかえし部２４との噛み合わせが二ヶ所において行われるので、抜け及び接触不良をより効果的に防止することができる。 In addition, this invention is not restricted to the said embodiment, The following form is also included.
(1) The insertion part 22 of the cell voltage detection terminal 21 and the terminal attachment hole 15 of the separator 14 are replaced with the insertion part 51 and the terminal attachment hole 52 of the form shown in FIG.
According to this structure, since the engagement between the convex portion 26 and the barb portion 24 is performed at two locations, it is possible to more effectively prevent disconnection and poor contact.

（２）セル電圧検出端子２１の中間に設ける可撓部を図２に示す屈曲部２６に代えて、図５に示す屈曲部５５又は図６に示すコイル状可撓部５６にすること。
なお、屈曲部２６、５５は、セル積層方向のスペースが極めて少ないという事情を考慮して、セル１２と回路基板２３との離間方向（図２の紙面上下方向）に屈曲させておくのが好ましい。
（３）狭小部１８を端子取付穴１５の内部空間のうち横断面が最も小さい部位とすること。例えば、図７に示すように、狭小部１８を端子挿入口（入口部）１７に設けても良い。
この構成によっても、上述と同様な作用により、差込部２２を端子取付穴１５に対して確実に着脱でき、かつ作業性を高めることが可能である。 (2) The flexible portion provided in the middle of the cell voltage detection terminal 21 is replaced with the bent portion 55 shown in FIG. 5 or the coiled flexible portion 56 shown in FIG. 6 instead of the bent portion 26 shown in FIG.
In consideration of the fact that the space in the cell stacking direction is very small, the bent portions 26 and 55 are preferably bent in the direction in which the cells 12 and the circuit board 23 are separated (the vertical direction in FIG. 2). .
(3) The narrow portion 18 is a portion having the smallest cross section in the internal space of the terminal mounting hole 15. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the narrow portion 18 may be provided in the terminal insertion port (entrance portion) 17.
Also with this configuration, the insertion portion 22 can be securely attached to and detached from the terminal mounting hole 15 and the workability can be improved by the same action as described above.

以上の説明から明らかなように、本発明によれば、以下の効果を得ることができる。
（１）請求項１の発明によれば、複数のセルのセパレータに対するセル電圧検出端子の取付構造が簡単になる。また、セル電圧検出端子を簡単かつ確実にセパレータに接続することができる他、簡単な構造で良好な接続状態を維持することができる。 As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) According to the invention of claim 1, the structure for attaching the cell voltage detection terminal to the separator of a plurality of cells is simplified. Further, the cell voltage detection terminal can be easily and reliably connected to the separator, and a good connection state can be maintained with a simple structure.

本発明の一実施の形態による燃料電池用セル電圧検出端子装置の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the cell voltage detection terminal device for fuel cells by one embodiment of the present invention. 同燃料電池用セル電圧検出端子装置の要部断面図である。It is principal part sectional drawing of the cell voltage detection terminal device for the fuel cell. セル電圧検出端子の着脱自動化システムの一構成例を示すシステム構成図である。It is a system configuration diagram showing a configuration example of a cell voltage detection terminal attaching / detaching automation system. 本発明に係る凹部及びかえし部の他の実施の形態を示す要部拡大断面図である。It is a principal part expanded sectional view which shows other embodiment of the recessed part and barbing part which concern on this invention. 本発明に係る可撓部の他の実施の形態を示す要部断面図である。It is principal part sectional drawing which shows other embodiment of the flexible part which concerns on this invention. 本発明に係る可撓部のさらに他の実施の形態を示す要部断面図である。It is principal part sectional drawing which shows other embodiment of the flexible part which concerns on this invention. 本発明に係る凹部のさらに他の実施の形態を示す要部拡大断面図である。It is a principal part expanded sectional view which shows other embodiment of the recessed part which concerns on this invention. 燃料電池用セル電圧検出端子装置の一従来例を示す要部断面図である。 It is principal part sectional drawing which shows one prior art example of the cell voltage detection terminal device for fuel cells .

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１１…燃料電池スタック １２…セル １４…セパレータ １５、５２…端子取付穴（凹部） １６…凸部（顎部） １７…端子挿入口（入口部） １８…狭小部 ２１…セル電圧検出端子（端子） ２３…回路基板 ２４…かえし部 ２５…余長部 ５５、２６…屈曲部（可撓部） ５６…コイル状可撓部（可撓部）   DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Fuel cell stack 12 ... Cell 14 ... Separator 15, 52 ... Terminal attachment hole (concave part) 16 ... Convex part (jaw part) 17 ... Terminal insertion port (inlet part) 18 ... Narrow part 21 ... Cell voltage detection terminal (terminal) 23 ... Circuit board 24 ... Barbed part 25 ... Extra length part 55, 26 ... Bending part (flexible part) 56 ... Coiled flexible part (flexible part)

Claims (1)

固体高分子膜の両面に燃料極および空気極をそれぞれ接合して膜電極接合体を構成し、前記膜電極接合体を一対のセパレータにより挟持してセルを構成し、複数の前記セルを積層して構成された燃料電池において、複数のセル電圧検出端子を前記燃料電池に接続するに際し、前記複数のセル電圧検出端子のうち一の端子を前記燃料電池のうち一のセルのセパレータに接続し、他の端子を前記一のセルとは異なるセルの、前記一の端子が接続されるセパレータと同極のセパレータに接続し、
前記複数のセルは、水平方向に積層され、
前記同極のセパレータには、隣り合うセルに面する側面に、前記セパレータの上面に入口部が開口するとともに前記隣り合うセルに面する開口を有する凹部が形成され、
前記端子は、前記凹部に挿入される差込部を備え、
前記差込部を前記凹部に挿入して、前記端子を前記セパレータに接続することを特徴とする燃料電池。 A fuel electrode and an air electrode are joined to both surfaces of the solid polymer membrane to form a membrane electrode assembly, a cell is formed by sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly with a pair of separators, and a plurality of the cells are stacked. In the fuel cell configured as described above, when connecting a plurality of cell voltage detection terminals to the fuel cell, one terminal of the plurality of cell voltage detection terminals is connected to a separator of one cell of the fuel cell, The other terminal is connected to a separator of the same polarity as the separator to which the one terminal is connected, of a cell different from the one cell ,
The plurality of cells are stacked in a horizontal direction,
In the separator of the same polarity, a concave portion having an opening facing the adjacent cell and an entrance portion is formed on the upper surface of the separator on a side surface facing the adjacent cell,
The terminal includes an insertion portion to be inserted into the recess,
The fuel cell , wherein the insertion portion is inserted into the recess and the terminal is connected to the separator .
JP2007274360A 2007-10-22 2007-10-22 Fuel cell Expired - Lifetime JP5068625B2 (en)

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