JPH117973A - Fuel cell - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the yield and productivity of fuel cells. SOLUTION: A plurality of cells C' for a fuel cell is divided into groups, each of which forms a stack of cells C' held on cell holding members F and has power take-off terminal parts L at both its ends in the cell-layered direction, which arrangement forms a plurality of stack units CM. These stack units CM define therein oxygen-side gas passages X communicating with oxygen- containing gas passages (s) or fuel-side gas passages (communicating with fuel gas passages (f), respectively. These stack units CM are juxtaposed so that their own terminal parts L are electrically connected to their adjacent terminal parts L and that oxygen-containing gas is fed to the oxygen-side gas passages X in parallel or fuel gas is fed to the fuel-side gas passages in parallel.

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 in a state where the adjacent ones are connected in a conductive state, the cell holding members are spaced apart from each other. The present invention relates to a fuel cell held and 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 the defective cell or the defective portion, and furthermore, 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 such circumstances, and an object thereof is to improve the production yield and productivity of a fuel cell.

[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. A stack unit is formed by being assembled in a state of being held by the cell holding member, and by providing power extraction terminals at both ends in the cell stacking direction, a plurality of stack units are formed. Are juxtaposed in a state where they are connected to each other in a conductive state by adjacent terminal portions, whereby a cell stack is formed. Since the number of cells constituting the stack unit is smaller than the number of cells constituting the cell stack, in the stack unit, compared to the conventional case where all the cells constituting the cell stack are assembled at once. Therefore, the possibility that defective cells are mixed or a defective portion is less likely to occur, and therefore, the yield rate of the stack unit is increased. And
The power generation inspection is performed for each stack unit, and only the stack units having the expected performance can be juxtaposed as described above, so that the production yield can be improved as compared with the related art.

At the time of power generation inspection, an oxygen-containing gas is supplied to the oxygen-containing gas passage of each of the plurality of cells of the stack unit using the oxygen-side gas passage, or the oxygen-containing exhaust gas is supplied from the oxygen-containing gas passage. The fuel gas can be supplied to the fuel gas flow path of each of the plurality of cells of the stack unit using the fuel gas path, or the fuel exhaust gas can be discharged from the fuel gas flow path. So
Power generation inspection can be easily performed.

Further, even when the expected performance cannot be obtained in the power generation inspection of the stack unit, the number of cells constituting the stack unit is smaller than the number of cells constituting the cell stack, so 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, the power generation inspection can be easily performed, and the work of replacing the defective cell and the work of repairing the defective portion can be easily performed. Can be improved.

Further, when the oxygen-side gas passage is provided, the oxygen-side gas passage is provided in a state where the plurality of stack units constituting the fuel cell are partitioned for each stack unit. Since the containing gas is supplied to the plurality of oxygen-side gas passages in parallel, the supply amount of the oxygen-containing gas to each stack unit can be made constant among the stack units. When the fuel-side gas passage is provided, the fuel-side gas passage is provided in a state where the fuel gas is divided into a plurality of stack units constituting the fuel cell for each stack unit. Since it is supplied in parallel to the side gas passage,
The supply amount of the fuel gas to each stack unit can be made constant among the stack units. Therefore, even if the power generation capacity of the fuel cell changes and the number of stack units constituting the fuel cell changes, the same stack unit can be used, so that the stack unit can be standardized regardless of the power generation capacity of the fuel cell. It became so.

By the way, the inventor of the present invention first described FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, each of the stack units CM has a cylindrical gas passage forming portion X opened at both ends in the cell stacking direction.
p, and a plurality of stack units CM are juxtaposed in such a state that the cylindrical gas passage forming portions Xp are connected to each other, so that the cylindrical gas passage forming portions Xp of each stack unit CM are aligned in the cell stacking direction. To form an oxygen-side gas passage X or a fuel-side gas passage Y (a pair of oxygen-side gas passages X in FIG. 14) shared by a plurality of stack units CM constituting a fuel cell. (See Japanese Patent Application No. 8-145728). In FIG. 13, L is a terminal portion. In FIG. 13, an oxygen-side gas supply passage 51 is connected to one of a pair of oxygen-side gas passages X, and the oxygen-side gas passage X is used as a supply oxygen-side gas passage Xi. The other side of the oxygen-side gas passage X is connected to an oxygen-side exhaust passage 52 so that the oxygen-side gas passage X is used as a discharge oxygen-side gas passage Xe. In this case, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to form the oxygen-side gas passage and the fuel-side gas passage for each stack unit, and that the oxygen-containing gas or the fuel gas can be supplied to the fuel cell from one place. However,
In this case, even if the power generation capacity of the fuel cell changes and the number of stack units constituting the fuel cell changes, in order to keep the supply amount of the oxygen-containing gas or the fuel gas to each stack unit constant between the stack units, It is necessary to change the passage cross-sectional area of the cylindrical gas passage forming portion Xp according to the position of the stack unit with respect to one oxygen-side gas passage or fuel-side gas passage, and there is a disadvantage that the stack unit cannot be standardized.

According to the second aspect, the plurality of cells constituting the stack unit 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. To form a cell unit, and a plurality of cell units are juxtaposed to form a stack unit. Since the number of cells constituting the cell unit is smaller than the number of cells constituting the stack unit, the occurrence rate of the defective portion in the cell unit is:
It is lower than the rate of occurrence of defective points in the stack unit. Then, a gas leak inspection is performed for each cell unit,
Since it is sufficient to form the stack unit by juxtaposing only the cell units having no defective portions as described above, the yield rate of the stack unit is further increased, and as a result, the production 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 stack unit. Can be improved.

According to the characteristic configuration of the third aspect, the cell with the flow path member for forming the oxygen-containing gas flow path is provided in the cell, and the rectangular plate-shaped cell with the flow path member is provided with the flow path member. Are assembled in a stacked state in a state where they are held apart from each other by a cell holding member, and a flexible conductive material is formed between the cells with flow path members so as to allow gas to flow therethrough. To make the space between the cells with the flow path member filled with the flexible conductive material 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, Alternatively, the production yield can be further improved as compared with the characteristic configuration described in 2.

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 state of contact with the member-equipped cell can be kept good and the state of electrical connection between adjacent cells can always be kept good, in addition to the effects obtained by the characteristic configuration according to claim 1 or 2, This has the effect that 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 or second aspect.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to form a passage in which the holes of the cell holding members arranged in the cell stacking direction are continuously connected in the cell stacking direction at the same time when the stack unit is formed. By closing both ends of the passage in the cell stacking direction with a closing member, a pair of oxygen-side gas passages defined for each stack unit can be formed. Then, one of the pair of oxygen-side gas passages has an oxygen-side gas supply passage for supplying the oxygen-containing gas into the gas passage, and the other discharges exhaust gas from each of the oxygen-containing gas passages to the outside of the gas passage. The oxygen side exhaust path is connected in communication. Therefore, a supply oxygen-side gas passage for supplying an oxygen-containing gas to each of the oxygen-containing gas passages, and a discharge for discharging the oxygen-side exhaust gas from each of the oxygen-containing gas passages to the stack unit. Both oxygen-side gas passages can be provided with a simple operation.

According to the characteristic configuration of the present invention, in the stack unit, one of a pair of opposed face portions among the four face portions formed on the peripheral portion as viewed in the cell stacking direction is a fuel gas flow path. Is opened, a gas passage forming member is provided on the surface of the gas passage to define a fuel-side gas passage. Therefore, the stack unit is provided with a fuel gas passage in addition to the oxygen gas passage, and the fuel gas is supplied to the fuel gas passage of each of the plurality of cells of the stack unit using the fuel gas passage. Since power can be supplied and the fuel-side exhaust gas can be discharged from the fuel gas flow path, the power generation inspection can be performed more easily.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the oxygen-side air supply passage or the oxygen-side exhaust passage is configured to be connected to the cylindrical portion, it is connected to the stacked cell holding members. The connection configuration is simpler. In addition, as in the case where the cell holding member is connected to the stacked cell holding member, a cell holding member corresponding to a portion to which an oxygen-side air supply passage or an oxygen-side exhaust passage is connected corresponds to another portion. Therefore, the cell holding member can be standardized. Therefore, the productivity can be further improved.

According to the characteristic configuration of the present invention, the stack unit can be formed in a state in which a plurality of cell groups in which a plurality of cells are assembled in a stacked state are juxtaposed. Are arranged side by side in the cell stacking direction, so that a plurality of cell stacks can be formed simultaneously. In other words, 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.The larger the cell area, the larger the output power of the fuel cell. can do. On the other hand, increasing the cell area has a limit in terms of manufacturing or cost. Therefore, when the stack unit is configured as described above, it is possible to increase the output of the fuel cell while avoiding an increase in the cell area. Can be implemented.

Further, in the cell row, since the oxygen-containing gas flow paths of the cells with flow path members adjacent in the row direction communicate with each other by the communication connection portion of the intermediate cell holding member, the oxygen-side gas passage is used. Thus, the fuel gas can be supplied to the oxygen-containing gas passages of all the cells with the passage members in the cell row, and the oxygen-side exhaust gas can be discharged from the oxygen-containing gas passages. Therefore, the supply / discharge configuration of the oxygen-containing gas can be simplified while providing a plurality of cell stacks.

[0020]

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. Thus, a stack unit CM is formed. Those multiple stack units CM
A pair of oxygen-side gas passages X communicating with each of the oxygen-containing gas passages s and a fuel-side gas passage Y communicating with each of the fuel gas passages f are provided so as to be partitioned for each stack unit. And the plurality of stack units CM
Are arranged side by side in such a manner that adjacent ones are connected to each other in a conductive state by adjacent terminal portions L, so that the cell stack NC
Is formed.

Further, the plurality of cells C 'in the stack unit CM are divided into a plurality of groups, and the plurality of cells C' of each of the divided groups are assembled in a state where they are held by the cell holding members F. C
U is formed, and a plurality of cell units CU are juxtaposed to form a stack unit 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 protrusions 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 the 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 is a tetragonal or cubic ZrO _{2 in which} about 3 to 10 mol% of Y ₂ O ₃ is dissolved.
The oxygen electrode 2 is made of LaMnO ₃ and the fuel electrode 3
Consists of a cermet of Ni and ZrO ₂ . Further, the conductive separator 4 is made of La having excellent resistance to oxidation and reduction.
Consisting of CrO _3.

Hereinafter, a method of forming the cell stack NC using the cells 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 portion 5a is provided with a pair of contact surfaces 5c that are respectively brought into close contact with the closed end surfaces adjacent to both ends of the opening edge of the cell C with separator to be inserted into the notch portion 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 described later is formed on the inner surface of the cutout 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 fuel-side gas passage Y 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 the cell unit CU is formed, the inside of 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 members 5 and 8 are formed.
During this time, a sealing material is filled as shown by a broken line 6 in FIG. 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 is formed so as 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 sealing member, thereby forming the cell unit C.
Form U.

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 x 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 connected in the cell stacking direction. Then, an oxygen-containing gas is supplied from one of the passages x to each of the oxygen-containing gas flow paths s to perform a gas leakage inspection.

Next, a method for forming the stack unit CM will be described with reference to FIGS. A stack unit CM is formed by arranging a plurality of (for example, five) cell units CU in a state where the flexible conductive material 7 is filled therebetween, and providing terminal portions L at both ends in the cell stacking direction. .

When a plurality of cell units CU are juxtaposed, a pair of cell holding members 8 are superposed on the pair of cell holding members 5 at the end facing the cell holding member 5 of the two ends in the cell stacking direction. It is provided in. In the stack unit CM, the groove 5f of each of the cell holding members 5 and the groove 8f of each of the cell holding members 8 are connected in series in the cell stacking direction to form a groove M for forming a fuel-side gas passage Y described later. A pair is formed.

The terminal portion L will be described. The terminal portion L includes a plate-like support member 13 having electrical insulation, a current collector plate 11 having conductivity provided in close contact with one surface of the support member 13, and the other surface of the support member 13. Power take-out plate 14 that is placed in close contact with the current collector plate 11 and power take-out plate 14
And a conductive bolt 15 for connecting them to a conductive state and fixing them to the support member 13.

The supporting member 13 is formed in a rectangular plate shape having a size extending between the pair of cell holding members 8 and overlapping substantially the entire surface thereof, and a pair of holes 13a respectively overlapping the holes 8b of the pair of cell holding members 8. A slit 13b whose both ends overlap the pair of concave grooves M, respectively, and a fuel-side gas passage Y described later.
A forming hole 13c is formed.

The support member 13 provided with the current collecting plate 11 and the output take-out plate 14 is provided with a conductive felt between the current collecting plate 11 and the cell C with separator while the current collecting plate 11 faces the cell C with separator. In a state where the material 12 is filled, the material 12 is provided so as to overlap with the pair of cell holding members 8. The metal plate 16 is provided with its peripheral edge inserted into the pair of concave grooves M and the pair of slits 13b. A pair of holes 13 a of one support member 13 are individually closed by a pair of closing plates 17 as closing members D, and the holes 13 c are closed by a closing plate 18. Also, a pair of holes 13a of the other support member 13
A pair of tubular members 19 are provided in a state of communicating with each other,
The tubular member 20 is provided in communication with the hole 13c, and the substrate 21 functioning as the closing member D is closed with the end opening of each of the pair of cylindrical members 19 and the end opening of the cylindrical member 20 closed. It is provided. As described above, a pair of the oxygen-side gas passages X communicating with the oxygen-containing gas passages s and the fuel gas passages f are respectively provided to the plurality of stack units CM.
One of the fuel-side gas passages Y communicating with each is provided so as to be partitioned for each stack unit.

That is, the oxygen-side gas passage X is a passage formed by connecting the holes 5b of the plurality of cell holding members 5 and the holes 8b of the plurality of cell holding members 8 arranged in series in the cell stacking direction. Both ends in the cell stacking direction are closed by a closing plate 17 as a closing member D and a substrate 21. Further, a gas passage forming member R for forming a fuel-side gas passage Y communicating with the fuel gas passage f by the plate-like body 16, the closing plate 18, the tubular member 20, and the substrate 21.
Is composed.

Then, an air supply pipe 22 as an oxygen-side air supply path for supplying an oxygen-containing gas into the gas passage, and an oxygen-side exhaust pipe for discharging exhaust gas from each of the oxygen-containing gas passages s to the outside of the gas passage. The air discharge pipe 23 is connected to the pair of cylindrical members 19 separately, and the oxygen-side gas passage X connected to the air supply pipe 22 is used as the supply oxygen-side gas passage Xi. The oxygen-side gas passage X to which the discharge pipe 23 is connected is used as the supply oxygen-side gas passage Xe. Further, a fuel gas supply pipe 24 for supplying a fuel gas into the gas passage is connected to the cylindrical member 20 so that the fuel gas passage Y is used as a supply gas passage Yi. The air supply pipe 22, the air discharge pipe 23, and the fuel gas supply pipe 24 are each provided with a plurality of small-diameter pipe members on the cylindrical members 19 and 20 in the circumferential direction so that a required amount of gas can be supplied. The outer diameter of the fuel cell is reduced by shortening the length of the tubular members 19 and 20 while enabling supply and discharge.

The support member 13, the cylindrical members 19 and 20, the closing plates 17 and 18, and the substrate 21 are formed of the same material as the cell holding members 5 and 8 to eliminate the difference in thermal expansion between them.
The generation of thermal stress is suppressed. Also, the current collector plate 11,
The output take-out plate 14 and the bolt 15 are made of Ni.
The conductive felt material 12 is made of N having excellent heat resistance and reduction resistance.
i made of felt-like material. Each of the air supply pipe 22, the air discharge pipe 23, and the fuel gas supply pipe 24 is formed of a metal pipe member, and the metal pipe member is inserted into the ceramic tubular members 19, 20 and brazed. And so on.

Next, a method of performing a power generation inspection of the stack unit CM will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the stack unit CM formed as described above is
Provided inside q. The fuel gas flow path f of each cell C with separator is open to the internal space of the inspection box Bq. The inner space of the inspection box Bq is configured to be used as a discharge fuel gas passage Ye that communicates with each of the fuel gas flow paths f.

Then, air as an oxygen-containing gas is caused to flow through the supply oxygen side gas passage Xi through the air supply pipe 22 to supply air to the oxygen-containing gas flow path s of each of the cells C with separator. On the other hand, the fuel gas is supplied to the fuel gas flow path f of each of the cells C with the separator by flowing the fuel gas through the fuel gas supply pipe 24 to the supply fuel-side gas passage Yi. A power generation test is performed by generating power and extracting power from the terminal portions L on both sides.

Next, the overall structure of the fuel cell will be described with reference to FIGS. A plurality (for example, five) of the stack units CM formed as described above are juxtaposed in such a manner that adjacent terminals are electrically connected to each other by the adjacent terminal portions L to form a cell stack NC. To add an explanation, the plurality of stack units CM are placed in a state where the substrate 21 is located below and the stack units C located below are stacked.
The cell stacks NC are formed by stacking on the base 25 while joining the M closing plates 17, 18 and the substrate 21 of the stack unit CM located above. Output take-out plate 14 of adjacent terminal unit L in adjacent stack unit CM
A plurality of the stack units CM are electrically connected in series by electrically connecting them to each other outside of the cell stack NC by a connection member 31 made of Ni. Further, a bottomed rectangular cylindrical body 26 is mounted on a base 25 in a state in which the cell laminate NC is installed. That is, the box-shaped body B is formed by the base 25 and the bottomed rectangular cylindrical body 26, and the cell stacked body N
C is provided inside the box-shaped body B. The inner space of the box-shaped body B is configured to be used as a discharge fuel side gas passage Ye communicating with each of the fuel gas flow paths f.

The air supply pipe 22 of each stack unit CM
Is connected to an air supply header pipe 27 penetrated into the box B through the base 25, and the air discharge pipe 23 of each stack unit CM penetrates into the box B through the base 25. The fuel gas supply pipe 24 of each stack unit CM is connected in communication with the air discharge header pipe 28
The fuel gas supply pipe 30 is connected to the fuel gas supply header pipe 29 penetrated through the base 25 through the inside of the box-shaped body B.
Is connected to a discharge fuel side gas passage Ye inside the box-shaped body B via a base 25. In this case, each of the air supply pipe 22, the air discharge pipe 23, and the fuel gas supply pipe 24
Although not shown, they are connected to each header pipe via a flexible pipe for absorbing thermal expansion and a flow rate adjusting means (orifice or the like).

[Second Embodiment] Hereinafter, FIGS.
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIG. First, a method for forming the stack unit CM will be described with reference to FIG. In the second embodiment, the stack unit C 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 or one notch 5a at each of a pair of edges facing each other when viewed in the cell stacking direction. It is constituted by any of the inter-cell holding members 5B provided with a communication connecting portion 5j for communicating the cut portion 5a.

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 a separator 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 nC is formed by being held by the use cell holding member 5A and the use cell holding member 5B. And
A plurality of cell rows nC 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 paths s of the two cells C with separator in each cell row nC are connected by the communication connection portion 5j.

Further, a pair of end cell holding members 8A is provided at each end of the cell stacking direction.
A, and the inter-cell holding member 8B is provided so as to overlap with the inter-cell holding member 5B, respectively. 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 in the cell stacking direction is formed in a plate shape that is the same as the inter-cell holding member 5B. Accordingly, the pair of end cell holding members 8A and the pair of end cell holding members 8B also function as the cell holding members F.

The terminal portion L is constituted by supporting a pair of combinations of the current collector plate 11, the output extraction plate 14 and the bolts 15 on a single support member 13 as in the first embodiment. The support member 13 is formed in a rectangular plate shape having a size extending between the pair of end cell holding members 8A and overlapping substantially the entire surface thereof, and similarly to the first embodiment, a pair of holes 13a, slits 13b, and Hole 13c for forming fuel-side gas passage Y
Is formed.

Then, the support member 13 is placed in a state where the current collectors 11 face the respective cells C with separators and the conductive felt material 12 is filled between the current collectors 11 and the cells C with separators. It is provided so as to overlap with the pair of end cell holding members 8A.

As in the first embodiment, the plate-like body 16 is provided with its peripheral edge inserted into the pair of concave grooves M and the pair of slits 13b.
a is closed by a closing plate 17 as a pair of closing members D, the hole 13c is closed by a closing plate 18, and a pair of holes 13a of the other support member 13 are communicated with each other. A tubular member 19 is provided, a tubular member 20 is provided in a state of communicating with the hole 13c, and a substrate 21 functioning as a closing member D is provided with an end opening of each of the pair of tubular members 19 and an end of the tubular member 20. It is provided in a state where the opening of the section is closed.
As described above, one of the pair of the oxygen-side gas passages X communicating with the respective oxygen-containing gas passages s and one of the fuel-side gas passages Y communicating with the respective fuel gas passages f are provided to each of the plurality of stack units CM. It is provided in a state where it is partitioned for each stack unit.

Further, similarly to the first embodiment, the air supply pipe 22 and the air discharge pipe 23 are separately connected to the pair of cylindrical members 19, respectively, and the oxygen supply pipe 22 connected to the air supply pipe 22 is connected to the oxygen side. The gas passage X is used as a supply oxygen-side gas passage Xi, and the oxygen-side gas passage X connected to the air discharge pipe 23 is used as a discharge oxygen-side gas passage Xe. The pipe 24 is connected and connected so that the fuel gas passage Y is used as the supply fuel gas passage Yi.

The stack unit C formed as described above
Although not shown, the power generation inspection of M is performed by being provided inside the inspection box-shaped body Bq, as in the first embodiment.

Next, the overall structure of the fuel cell will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. Like the first embodiment, a plurality of the stack units CM formed as described above are positioned above the closing plates 17 and 18 of the stack unit CM positioned below and with the substrate 21 positioned below. By stacking on the base 25 while joining the substrate 21 of the stack unit CM, two cell stacks NC are formed. Further, for each cell stack NC, the first
Similarly to the embodiment, the plurality of output extraction plates 14 of the adjacent terminal units L in the adjacent stack units CM are electrically connected to each other by the connecting members 31 made of Ni outside the cell stack NC. Are electrically connected in series. Further, similarly to the first embodiment, the bottomed rectangular cylindrical body 26 is placed on the base 25 and
5. A box-shaped body B is formed by the bottomed rectangular cylindrical body 26, and the cell laminate NC is provided inside the box-shaped body B, and the internal space of the box-shaped body B is communicated with each of the fuel gas flow paths f. It is configured to be used as a discharge fuel side gas passage Ye.

The air supply pipe 22 of each stack unit CM
Is connected to an air supply header pipe 27 penetrated into the box B through the base 25, and the air discharge pipe 23 of each stack unit CM penetrates into the box B through the base 25. The fuel gas supply pipe 24 of each stack unit CM is connected in communication with the air discharge header pipe 28
The fuel gas supply pipe 30 is connected to the fuel gas supply header pipe 29 penetrated through the base 25 through the inside of the box-shaped body B.
Is connected to a discharge fuel side gas passage Ye inside the box-shaped body B via a base 25.

In each cell row nC, the oxygen-containing gas flow path s of the two cells C with separators is connected to the intermediate cell holding member 5.
Since the connection is established at the communication connection portion 5j of B, the oxygen-containing gas supplied from the supply oxygen side gas passage Xi is:
The gas sequentially flows through the oxygen-containing gas flow path s of the two cells C with separators in each cell row nC, and is discharged to the discharge oxygen-side gas passage Xe. Further, the fuel gas passage f of the two cells C with separator in each cell row nC communicates with one common supply fuel gas passage Yi and one common discharge fuel gas passage Ye. The fuel gas supplied from the supply fuel-side gas passage Yi flows in parallel in the fuel gas passage f of the two cells C with separator in each cell row nC, and is discharged to the discharge fuel-side gas passage Ye. You. Therefore, two cell stacks NC
Is provided, it is only necessary to provide one set of the supply oxygen-side gas passage Xi and the discharge oxygen-side gas passage Xe, and one set of the supply fuel-side gas passage Yi and the discharge fuel-side gas passage Ye. The supply / discharge configuration of the oxygen-containing gas and the fuel gas can be simplified.

[Third Embodiment] Hereinafter, FIGS. 11 and 12 will be described.
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIG. First, a method of forming the stack unit CM will be described. Also in the third embodiment, the stack unit CM is directly formed without forming the cell unit CU. The cell holding member F is placed on each of the gap holding plate members 41 for holding the gap between the cells C with separators, and both ends of the gap holding plate members 41 to close both sides of the cell C with separators. It is constituted by a pair of contact plate members 42 respectively applied to the end faces. In this case, it is not necessary to form the inclined portion Cs in the cell C with the separator. The plurality of cells C with separators are held at a distance from each other by a pair of plate members 41 for maintaining spacing, and the pair of plate members 42 for application are separately closed end faces on both sides of the cells C with separator. Is mounted on both ends of each of the spacing plate-like members 41 in a state where they are abutted, thereby assembling them in a stacked state. It should be noted that a pair of gap holding plate members 41 are provided at both ends in the cell stacking direction of the stack unit CM, and the pair of gap holding plate members 41 are provided to support the terminal portions L.

Further, in a structure in which a plurality of cells C with separators are assembled in a stacked state as described above, a box-shaped member having an open surface on each of the four surface portions in the peripheral portion as viewed in the cell stacking direction. 44 is provided in a state where the periphery of the opening is abutted, and the inside of the box-shaped member 44 functions as either the oxygen-side gas passage X or the fuel-side gas passage Y. That is, the stack unit CM is provided with a pair of partitioned oxygen-side gas passages X and a pair of partitioned fuel-side gas passages Y.
Is provided. Therefore, the gas passage forming member R is constituted by the box-shaped member 44.

The air supply pipe 22 and the air discharge pipe 23 are separately connected to a pair of oxygen gas passages X via a box-shaped member 44, and the oxygen gas passage connected to the air supply pipe 22 is connected. X is used as a supply oxygen side gas passage Xi,
The oxygen-side gas passage X to which the air discharge pipe 23 is connected and connected is used as the discharge-side oxygen gas passage Xe. The fuel gas supply pipe 24 and the fuel gas discharge pipe 30
Are respectively connected to a pair of fuel-side gas passages Y via a box-shaped member 44, and the fuel-side gas passage Y connected to and connected to the fuel gas supply pipe 24 is used as a supply-side fuel-side gas passage Yi. The fuel gas passage Y to which the fuel gas discharge pipe 30 is connected is used as the discharge fuel gas passage Ye. In the third embodiment, in addition to the supply oxygen-side gas passage Xi, the discharge oxygen-side gas passage Xe, and the supply fuel-side gas passage Yi, the stack unit CM is provided with a discharge fuel-side gas passage Ye. Therefore, at the time of the power generation inspection of the stack unit CM, the stack unit CM includes the inspection box B as in the first embodiment.
It is not necessary to provide inside q.

Although not shown, a plurality of the stack units CM configured as described above are juxtaposed in such a manner that adjacent units are connected to each other in a conductive state by adjacent terminal portions L.
The cell stack NC is formed. As shown in FIG. 12, the adjacent stack units CM are joined by a pair of connecting members 45 having a thickness that allows the protruding portion of the terminal portion L from the end face to escape.

[Another Embodiment] Next, another embodiment will be described. (A) In each of the above embodiments, the case where the fuel-side gas passage Y partitioned for each stack unit CM is provided in each of the stack units CM has been described as an example. Instead of providing the fuel-side gas passage Y in each of the stack units CM, a plurality of stack units CM are juxtaposed to form a cell stack NC, and then the plurality of stack units CM are formed.
, A common fuel-side gas passage Y may be provided. In this case, the configuration for power generation inspection of the stack unit CM is somewhat complicated, but the configuration of the entire fuel cell is simplified.

(B) In the first and second embodiments described above, a configuration for connecting adjacent terminal portions L of adjacent stack units CM in a conductive state is provided outside the cell stack NC. The case where the output extraction plates 14 of the adjacent terminal portions L are connected to each other by the connection member 31 has been illustrated. Instead of this, for example, a hole penetrating in the thickness direction is formed in the substrate 21 and the adjacent terminal portion L is formed through the hole.
By filling a flexible conductive material in between, the cell laminate N
Inside C, it may be connected in a conductive state.

(C) In the first and second embodiments, the holes 13a, 13 of one of the pair of support members 13 in the stack unit CM are provided.
Although the case where c is closed by the substrate 21 has been exemplified, instead of this, any of the holes 13a, 13a,
13c may also be closed by the closing plates 17 and 18, and a plurality of stack units CM may be stacked via the support member 13.

(D) The specific configuration of the cell holding member F is not limited to the configuration exemplified in each of the above embodiments, but various configurations are possible. For example, one cell holding member F may be configured to hold the peripheral portion of the cell C with separator. In addition, a plurality of cells C ′ are formed with an oxygen-side conductive separator that defines an oxygen-containing gas flow path s on the side facing the oxygen electrode 2, and a fuel gas flow path f is formed on the side facing the fuel electrode 3. The fuel-side conductive separators may be configured to be assembled in a stacked state with the respective fuel-side conductive separators arranged, and the oxygen-side conductive separator and the fuel-side conductive separator may function as the cell holding member F.

(E) In each of the first and second embodiments, the specific configuration of the gas passage forming member R for defining the fuel-side gas passage Y is not limited to the illustrated one. It is possible. For example, a box-shaped member 44 having an open surface on one side as exemplified in the third embodiment may be used.

(F) As the specific configuration of the terminal portion L, various configurations other than the configuration exemplified in each of the above embodiments are possible. For example, the support member 13 is made of metal, and an electrical insulating material 29 is interposed between the support member 13 and the current collecting plate 11, the bolt 15, and the output take-out plate 14 to electrically insulate them. You may.

(G) In the first embodiment, the stack unit C is directly formed without forming the cell unit CU.
M may be formed. In the second and third embodiments, the cell unit CU is formed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the stack unit CM is formed by juxtaposing a plurality of the cell units CU. Good.

(H) In the above-described first embodiment, the number of cells C with separator constituting the cell unit CU is not limited to five, but can be changed as appropriate. Further, the number of cell units CU constituting the stack unit CM is not limited to five but can be changed as appropriate. Further, the number of cell units CU constituting the stack unit CM may be different between the stack units CM. Further, the number of stack units CM constituting the cell stack NC is not limited to five, and can be changed as appropriate.

(I) In the above-described second embodiment, the number of cells C with separators constituting a cell row can be appropriately set. Further, the number of cell rows constituting the stack unit CM can be set as appropriate. Also, the cell laminate NC
Can be set as appropriate.

(V) In the second embodiment described above, by forming a hole in the inter-cell holding member 5B so as to penetrate in the cell stacking direction, a passage is formed continuously in the cell stacking direction. Then, this passage is connected to the oxygen-side gas passage X.
It may be made to function as. For example, when a pair of oxygen side gas passages X formed by the holes 5b of the end cell holding member 5A are used as the supply oxygen side gas passages Xi, they are formed by the holes of the intermediate cell holding member 5B. Using the oxygen-side gas passage X as a discharge oxygen-side gas passage Xe,
Conversely, when the pair of oxygen-side gas passages X formed by the holes 5b of the end cell holding member 5A are used as the discharge oxygen-side gas passages Xe, they are formed by the holes of the intermediate cell holding member 5B. The supplied oxygen-side gas passage X to the supply oxygen-side gas passage Xi
Use as In this case, the supply oxygen side gas passage Xi
The flow path of the oxygen-containing gas from the gas to the discharge oxygen-side gas passage Xe can be shortened, so that the supply pressure of the oxygen-containing gas can be reduced.

(L) In the first embodiment, the cell stacking direction when forming the cell unit CU or when forming the stack unit CM is not limited to the vertical direction. Direction. or,
In each of the above embodiments, the case where the cell integrated body NC is provided in a state where the cell stacking direction is oriented in the vertical direction is illustrated. However, the cell integrated body NC may be provided in a state where the cell stacked direction is oriented in the horizontal direction.

(ヲ) In each of the first and second embodiments, air is supplied in parallel to a plurality of oxygen-side gas passages X via a flow control valve for each oxygen-side gas passage X. The fuel gas may be supplied in parallel to the plurality of fuel-side gas passages Y via the flow control valves for each of the fuel-side gas passages Y. In this case, the supply amount of air and the supply amount of fuel gas can be adjusted for each stack unit CM. Thereby, for example, it is possible to suppress the variation in the supply amount of air between the stack units CM and the variation in the supply amount of the fuel gas. Alternatively, by adjusting the supply amount of air and the supply amount of fuel gas to be different for each stack unit CM, the output can be adjusted for each stack unit CM.

(W) Air supply pipe 22 and air discharge pipe 23
The method for joining the metal pipe members constituting the fuel gas supply pipes 24 and the ceramic tubular members 19 and 20 is not limited to the brazing described in the above embodiments. Various methods are possible. For example, the metal pipe member is fixed to the tubular members 19 and 20 by a fixing means.
, And the space between the metal pipe member and the tubular members 19 and 20 may be sealed with a sealing material.

(F) 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 described.
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.

[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 a configuration of a stack unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration for performing a power generation inspection of the stack unit 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 showing the configuration of a stack unit according to the 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 an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of a main part of a stack unit according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a stack unit according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional side view showing a configuration of a fuel cell of a comparative example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electrolyte layer 2 Oxygen electrode 3 Fuel electrode 4 Flow path member 5a Insertion part 5b Hole 5j Communication connection part 5A End cell holding member 5B Cell holding member between 7 7 Flexible conductive material 19 Cylindrical member 22 Oxygen side air supply passage 23 Oxygen-side exhaust path f Fuel gas flow path s Oxygen-containing gas flow path nC Cell row C Cell with flow path member C 'Cell CM Stack unit CU Cell unit D Closing member F Cell holding member L Terminal R Gas passage forming member X Oxygen Side gas passage Y Fuel side gas passage

Claims (7)

[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 are the cells. A stack unit is formed by assembling in a state of being held by the holding member, and power extraction terminals are provided at both ends in the cell stacking direction, whereby a stack unit is formed. An oxygen-side gas passage communicating with each of the flow paths, or a fuel-side gas passage communicating with each of the fuel gas flow paths is provided so as to be partitioned for each stack unit, and the plurality of stack units are adjacent to each other. Are placed side by side in a state where they are connected to each other in a conductive state with adjacent terminal parts, and the oxygen-containing gas is connected in parallel to a plurality of oxygen-side gas passages. As supplied, or a fuel cell which fuel gas is configured to be parallel supply to a plurality of fuel-side gas passages. 2. A cell unit is formed by dividing a plurality of cells in the stack unit 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 stack unit is formed by arranging the plurality of cell units in parallel. 3. 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 member 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 with an interval therebetween 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 claim 1 or 2, wherein flexible conductive material which is formed in a state that allows the flow of gas is filled. 4. The cell holding member is provided with a hole facing the insertion portion and penetrating in the cell stacking direction. In the stack unit, each of the plurality of cell holding members arranged in the cell stacking direction is provided. A series of holes are formed in series to form a passage, and both ends of the passage in the cell stacking direction are closed by closing members, thereby forming a pair of the oxygen-side gas passages, and a pair of the oxygen-side gas passages One of them is connected to an oxygen-side air supply passage for supplying an oxygen-containing gas into the gas passage, and the other is connected to an oxygen-side exhaust passage for discharging exhaust gas from each of the oxygen-containing gas passages to the outside of the gas passage. The fuel cell according to claim 3, wherein 5. In the stack unit, a fuel-side gas passage communicating with each of the fuel gas flow paths is formed on a surface of the stack unit where each of the fuel gas flow paths is opened.
The fuel cell according to claim 4, further comprising a gas passage forming member. 6. A pair of cylindrical members are provided at one end of the stack unit in the cell stacking direction separately from a pair of passages formed by the holes of a plurality of cell holding members arranged in the cell stacking direction. The pair of tubular members are provided so as to be in communication with each other, and the closing member is provided so as to close each end opening of the pair of tubular members. The fuel cell according to claim 4, wherein an exhaust path is separately connected, and the plurality of stack units are juxtaposed in the cell stacking direction or a direction orthogonal to the cell stacking direction. 7. An end cell holding member provided with one insertion portion, or one cell holding member is provided at each of a pair of edges facing each other in the cell stacking direction as viewed in the cell stacking direction. And a communication cell connecting member for communicating the pair of insertion portions. The cell connecting member is provided with a plurality of flow path members, and the cells with the flow path members face each other with the opening end faces facing each other. The plurality of cells with flow path members are juxtaposed in a row, and the plurality of cells with flow path members are arranged such that the outer opening edges of the cells with flow path members at both ends in the column direction are inserted into the end cell holding member. Into, and
The end cell holding member and the intercellular cell holding member are placed in a state where the opposing open edges of the cells with flow path members adjacent in the column direction are inserted into a pair of insertion portions of the intervening cell holding member. A cell row is formed, and a plurality of the cell rows are assembled in a stacked state by the end cell holding member and the intermediate cell holding member to form a stack unit. An oxygen-side gas passage is provided for each cell with a flow path member at the end in the cell stacking direction of the cell row, and the oxygen-side gas passage is provided for a cell with a flow path member at the end of the cell row in the row direction. The fuel cell according to claim 3, wherein