WO2018131330A1

WO2018131330A1 - Fuel cell

Info

Publication number: WO2018131330A1
Application number: PCT/JP2017/043665
Authority: WO
Inventors: 貴行杉森
Original assignee: 住友精密工業株式会社
Priority date: 2017-01-11
Filing date: 2017-12-05
Publication date: 2018-07-19
Also published as: JP6363817B1; JPWO2018131330A1

Abstract

This fuel cell (100) is provided with fastening members (40) that, accompanying a rise in temperature, expand and stretch more in the stacking direction than a cell stack (20), wherein the fastening members (40) have locking parts (43c) that reduce or release the tensile force brought about by the stretching.

Description

Fuel cell

This invention relates to a fuel cell.

Conventionally, fuel cells are known. Such fuel cells are disclosed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication Nos. 2009-54415 and 2009-245622. The fuel cell described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-54415 includes a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of power generation cells are stacked, a housing that houses the fuel cell stack, an upper end portion and / or a side portion of the fuel cell stack. And a fixing member to be fixed. The fixing member is made of foamed polystyrene, and is burned down when the fuel cell is used. Thereby, when the fuel cell is assembled and then transported, the fixing member prevents the power generation cell from being laterally displaced and falling off. In addition, since the fixing member is burned off when the fuel cell is used, it is suppressed that the fixing member becomes a factor that hinders the power generation operation.

The fuel cell described in JP 2009-245622 A includes a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of power generation cells are stacked, a weight disposed above the fuel cell stack, and a housing that houses the fuel cell stack. ing. This fuel cell includes a support plate provided above a housing (weight) and a spring (coil spring) provided between the support plate and the weight. The spring has a spring function (spring function) at a normal temperature and is configured so that the spring function is lost due to a rise in temperature in the housing when the fuel cell is used. Thereby, when the fuel cell is transported (at normal temperature), the spring has a spring function, so that the power generation cell is prevented from being laterally displaced and dropped during transportation. In addition, when the fuel cell is used, the spring function is lost due to a rise in the temperature in the housing, so that only the weight is applied to the fuel cell stack, and excessive power is applied to the fuel cell stack. Is inhibited from being inhibited. Note that the spring is made of, for example, iron, and is configured such that the spring is oxidized due to a temperature rise in the housing during use and the spring function is lost. Alternatively, the spring is made of a synthetic resin, and is configured such that the spring melts due to a temperature rise in the housing during use and the spring function is lost.

JP 2009-54415 A JP 2009-245622 A

However, in the fuel cell described in JP-A-2009-54415, the fixing member is burned out when the fuel cell is used, and in the fuel cell described in JP-A-2009-245622, the spring is oxidized (or dissolved). ) For this reason, when the fuel cell is transported again after using the fuel cell, there is no fixed member (spring). Alternatively, the spring remains in an oxidized state (the spring function is lost). Therefore, when the fuel cell is transported again after using the fuel cell, there is a problem that a new fixing member or spring (fastening member) needs to be provided again.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell that can be re-transported after use without providing a new fastening member. It is to be.

In order to achieve the above object, a fuel cell according to an aspect of the present invention includes a cell stack in which a plurality of cells are stacked, and an upper plate provided on each of an upper surface side and a lower surface side of the cell stack so as to sandwich the cell stack. The upper plate member and the lower plate member are fastened together with the cell-like member and the lower plate-like member sandwiched between the cell stacks, and a plurality of cells are stacked in the stacking direction with respect to the cell stack by the tensile force accompanying the fastening. The upper plate member and the lower plate member for applying pressure are fixed, and a fastening member that expands and expands in the stacking direction more than the cell stack as the temperature rises is provided. It has a locking part that reduces the force or releases the tensile force.

In the fuel cell according to one aspect of the present invention, as described above, the fastening member includes a fastening member that expands and expands more in the stacking direction than the cell stack as the temperature rises, and the fastening member reduces the tensile force by stretching or It has a locking part that releases the tensile force. Here, the cell stack and the fastening member expand (elongate) in the stacking direction of the plurality of cells due to the temperature rise during use. Then, the upper plate member and the lower plate member are separated from each other by extension of the fastening member. At this time, when the degree of extension of the fastening member is larger than the degree of extension of the cell stack, the sealing portion of the cells (fuel) constituting the cell stack is accompanied by the separation of the upper plate member and the lower plate member from each other. The part sealed to prevent gas and air from leaking will peel off. As a result, appropriate use (power generation) cannot be performed. Therefore, as described above, the fastening member has a locking portion that reduces or releases the tensile force by extension, so that the tensile force is reduced or pulled by extension of the fastening member at a high temperature such as in use. Since the force is released, peeling of the sealing portion of the cell caused by the upper plate member and the lower plate member being separated from each other is suppressed. Thereby, inhibition of the power generation operation by the fastening member is suppressed. In addition, after the fuel cell is used, when the temperature of the fuel cell is changed from a high temperature to a normal temperature, the extended fastening member returns to the original length. Accordingly, the upper plate member and the lower plate member are fixed again by the tensile force of the fastening member. As a result, even when the fuel cell is transported again after using the fuel cell, it is not necessary to newly provide a member (fastening member) for suppressing the lateral displacement of the cell. In this way, the fuel cell can be transported again after use without providing a new fastening member.

In the fuel cell according to the above aspect, preferably, a plurality of cell stacks are provided, and an upper plate member, a lower plate member, and a fastening member are provided for each cell stack. If comprised in this way, since a cell stack is fixed by a fastening member for every cell stack, the lateral shift | offset | difference of the cell at the time of conveyance can be suppressed more. When a plurality of cell stacks are fixed by one fastening member, it is necessary to fix the plurality of cell stacks with a relatively large tensile force in order to suppress the lateral displacement of the cells. For this reason, an excessive force may be applied to a plurality of cell stacks (cells). Therefore, by providing the upper plate member, the lower plate member, and the fastening member for each cell stack, it is possible to suppress an excessive force from being applied to the plurality of cell stacks (cells).

In the fuel cell according to the above aspect, preferably, the fastening member includes a first fastening portion attached to the lower plate-like member, a second fastening portion attached to the upper plate-like member, a first fastening portion, and a second fastening. A portion is inserted, and includes a connection portion that connects the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion and has a locking portion, and one of the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion is fastened to the connection portion. Or, the upper plate member and the lower plate member are fixed by a tensile force while sandwiching the cell stack by being clamped to the lower plate member or the upper plate member, and the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion At least the other of the fastening portions is configured to be able to release the locked state of the connecting portion with respect to the locking portion. If comprised in this way, since at least the other of a 1st fastening part and a 2nd fastening part is comprised so that the latching state with respect to the latching | locking part of a connection part can be cancelled | released, a fastening member is the time of use of a cell stack. Even when extended with respect to the temperature rise, it is possible to reduce the tensile force or release the tensile force by releasing the locking state of at least the other of the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion by extension.

In this case, preferably, it is provided between at least the other of the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion and the connection portion, and insulates the connection portion from at least the other of the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion. An insulating member is further provided. Here, the upper surface side and the lower surface side of the cell stack have different potentials (for example, positive potential or negative potential). In this case, when the upper plate member and the lower plate member are fixed by the fastening member, the upper surface side and the lower surface side of the cell stack may be electrically connected (short-circuited). Therefore, in the present invention, by providing the insulating member, it is possible to suppress conduction (short circuit) between the upper surface side and the lower surface side of the cell stack.

In the fuel cell in which the fastening member includes the first fastening part and the second fastening part, preferably, one of the first fastening part and the second fastening part is fastened to the connection part, While fixing a cell stack between lower plate-shaped members, the other of the 1st fastening part and the 2nd fastening part is constituted so that the locked state to the locking part of a connection part can be canceled. If comprised in this way, the latching state with respect to the latching | locking part of the other connection part of a 1st fastening part and a 2nd fastening part will be cancelled | released by the expansion | extension of a 1st fastening part and a 2nd fastening part by temperature rise. Thereby, peeling of the seal | sticker part resulting from an upper plate-shaped member and a lower plate-shaped member separating from each other can be suppressed.

In the fuel cell in which the fastening member includes the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion, preferably, the first fastening portion is fastened to the lower plate-like member, and the second fastening portion is fastened to the upper plate-like member. The cell stack is fixed between the upper plate member and the lower plate member, and both the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion are engaged with the locking portion of the connection portion. The stop state can be released. If comprised in this way, when a 1st fastening part and a 2nd fastening part extend | expand by temperature rise, both the 1st fastening parts and the 2nd fastening parts will cancel the latching state with respect to the latching | locking part of a connection part. The Thereby, peeling of the seal | sticker part resulting from an upper plate-shaped member and a lower plate-shaped member separating from each other can be suppressed more.

In the fuel cell in which the fastening member includes the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion, preferably, both the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion have a substantially columnar shape. If comprised in this way, unlike the case where a 1st fastening part and a 2nd fastening part are comprised by a spring etc., since the mechanical strength of a 1st fastening part and a 2nd fastening part is comparatively high, a fuel cell at the time of conveyance Even when is moved in the vertical direction (when pushed up), deformation of the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion is suppressed. Thereby, it can suppress that a cell shifts | deviates laterally at the time of conveyance resulting from a deformation | transformation of a 1st fastening part and a 2nd fastening part.

In the fuel cell in which the fastening member includes the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion, preferably, the connecting portion has a substantially cylindrical shape, a substantially U-shape, or a substantially ring shape, The two fastening portions are inserted into the connection portion from one end side and the other end side of the connection portion having a substantially cylindrical shape, a substantially U shape, or a substantially ring shape, respectively. Here, when the connection portion has a substantially cylindrical shape, one of the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion is easily fastened to the connection portion by gripping and rotating the connection portion having the substantially cylindrical shape. be able to. In addition, when the connection portion has a substantially U shape or a substantially ring shape, the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion inserted through the connection portion are exposed, so that the tightening operation for the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion is performed. It can be done easily.

In the fuel cell according to the above aspect, the one-side power extraction unit and the other-side electrode extraction unit that are provided on the upper surface side and the lower surface side of the cell stack so as to sandwich the cell stack, respectively, and extract electric power from the cell stack The upper plate member and the lower plate member are provided separately from the one-side power extraction portion and the other-side electrode extraction portion. If comprised in this way, it can suppress that the tensile force from a fastening member is directly added to the one side electric power extraction part and the other side electrode extraction part.

In the fuel cell according to the above aspect, the one-side power extraction portion and the other-side electrode extraction portion that are provided on the upper surface side and the lower surface side of the cell stack so as to sandwich the cell stack, respectively, and for extracting electric power from the cell stack The one-side power extraction portion and the other-side electrode extraction portion also serve as an upper plate member and a lower plate member, respectively. If comprised in this way, since the one side electric power extraction part and the other side electrode extraction part serve as the upper side plate-shaped member and the lower side plate-shaped member, respectively, the number of parts can be reduced.

In the fuel cell according to the above aspect, preferably, when the cell stack is used, an upper pressing member and a lower pressing member respectively provided on the upper surface side and the lower surface side of the cell stack so as to sandwich and press the cell stack, and the cell A fixing member that fixes the upper pressing member and the lower pressing member in a state where the stack is sandwiched, and the upper plate member, the lower plate member, and the fastening member include the upper pressing member, the lower pressing member, and the fixing member. Are provided separately. If comprised in this way, since the load applied to a cell stack at the time of use of a fuel cell and the load applied to a cell stack in order to suppress the lateral displacement of a cell at the time of conveyance can be adjusted separately, use of a fuel cell ( It is possible to appropriately perform both (power generation) and suppression of the lateral displacement of the cell.

According to the present invention, as described above, the fuel cell can be transported again after use without providing a new fastening member.

1 is an exploded perspective view of a fuel cell according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of a fuel cell according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of a cell stack of a fuel cell according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view (sectional view) of the fastening member of the fuel cell according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the fastening member of the fuel cell by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the fastening member of the fuel cell by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the fastening member of the fuel cell by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the cell stack of the fuel cell by 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the fastening member of the fuel cell by the modification of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the fastening member of the fuel cell by the modification of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the fastening member of the fuel cell by the modification of 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the cell stack of the fuel cell by the modification of 4th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a view showing a fuel cell according to a modification of the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
(Configuration of fuel cell)
The configuration of the fuel cell 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The fuel cell 100 is, for example, a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). The fuel cell 100 is configured by stacking a plurality of cell units 10. The cell unit 10 is configured to flow so that the fuel gas and the air intersect (cross flow).

First, the configuration of the cell unit 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The cell unit 10 includes a cell 11. The cell 11 includes a cathode 11a, a solid electrolyte layer 11b, and an anode 11c.

The cell unit 10 includes a cathode / anode plate 12. The cell 11 is arranged on the upper surface (fuel gas flow path 12 c) of the cathode / anode plate 12. The cathode / anode plate 12 has an opening 12a (121a) for the fuel gas to flow into the fuel gas flow path 12c and an opening 12a (121b) for the fuel gas to flow out of the fuel gas flow path 12c. And are provided. The cathode / anode plate 12 is provided with a plurality of openings 12b through which air gas flows. The fuel gas channel 12c is configured to communicate with the opening 12a.

The cell unit 10 includes a cell presser 13 and a cell holder ring 14. The cell retainer 13 and the cell holder ring 14 are arranged below the cathode / anode plate 12 (Z2 direction side). The cell retainer 13 is provided with a plurality of openings 13a through which fuel gas flows in and out and a plurality of openings 13b through which air gas flows. The cell retainer 13 is provided with an opening 13c in which the cell 11 of the lower cell unit 10 is disposed. The cell holder ring 14 is provided with a plurality of openings 14a through which fuel gas flows in and out and a plurality of openings 14b through which air gas flows. The cell holder ring 14 is provided with an opening 14c in which the cell 11 of the lower cell unit 10 is disposed.

The cell stack 20 is configured by stacking a plurality of cell units 10. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of cell stacks 20 are provided in the fuel cell 100. The plurality of cell stacks 20 are provided in the fuel cell 100 in a stacked state.

As shown in FIG. 1, a cathode plate 31 is provided above the cell stack 20. The cathode plate 31 has a function of taking out the electric power generated by the cell stack 20 (the plurality of cell units 10). The cathode plate 31 is provided with a plurality of openings 31a through which fuel gas flows in and out and a plurality of openings 31b through which air gas flows. In addition, an air gas passage 31c communicating with the opening 31b is provided on the back surface side (Z2 direction side) of the cathode plate 31. Further, the air gas flow path 31 c contacts the cathode 11 a of the cell 11 (not shown) exposed on the upper surface of the cell stack 20. The cathode plate 31 is an example of the “one side power extraction portion” in the claims.

Further, an insulating plate 32 is provided above the cathode plate 31. The insulating plate 32 is made of mica (mica), for example. The insulating plate 32 is provided with a plurality of openings 32a through which fuel gas flows in and out and a plurality of openings 32b through which air gas flows. The insulating plate 32 is provided with an opening 32c in which a ceramic mat 37 described later is disposed.

Further, an anode plate 33 is provided below the cell stack 20. The anode plate 33 has a function of taking out the electric power generated by the cell stack 20 (the plurality of cell units 10). The anode plate 33 has a fuel gas passage 33c in which the cells 11 are disposed, an opening 33a (331a) for allowing the fuel gas to flow into the fuel gas passage 33c, and the fuel gas from the fuel gas passage 33c. An opening 33a (331b) for flowing out is provided. The anode plate 33 is provided with a plurality of openings 33b through which air gas flows. Further, the fuel gas flow path 33c is configured to communicate with the opening 33a. The anode plate 33 is an example of the “other-side power extraction unit” in the claims.

Further, an insulating plate 34 is provided below the anode plate 33. The insulating plate 34 is made of mica (mica), for example. The insulating plate 34 is provided with a plurality of openings 34a through which fuel gas flows in and out and a plurality of openings 34b through which air gas flows.

The cathode / anode plate 12, the cathode plate 31, and the anode plate 33 are made of, for example, ferrite SUS430 (stainless steel 430).

Further, an upper plate member 35 and a lower plate member 36 are respectively provided on the upper surface side and the lower surface side of the cell stack 20 so as to sandwich the cell stack 20. The upper plate member 35 is made of, for example, ferrite SUS430. The upper plate member 35 is provided with a plurality of openings 35a through which fuel gas flows in and out and a plurality of openings 35b through which air gas flows. The upper plate member 35 is provided with an opening 35c in which the ceramic mat 37 is disposed.

The lower plate member 36 is made of, for example, ferrite SUS430. The lower plate-like member 36 is provided with a plurality of openings 36a through which fuel gas flows in and out and a plurality of openings 36b through which air gas flows.

Thus, in the first embodiment, the upper plate member 35 and the lower plate member 36 are provided separately from the cathode plate 31 and the anode plate 33. Specifically, the upper plate member 35 is stacked above the cathode plate 31, and the lower plate member 36 is stacked below the anode plate 33.

Here, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the upper plate member 35 and the lower plate member 36 are fastened together with the cell stack 20 sandwiched therebetween, and the cell stack 20 is pulled by a tensile force accompanying the fastening. The upper plate member 35 and the lower plate member 36 that apply pressure in the stacking direction of the plurality of cell units 10 are fixed, and expand and expand more in the stacking direction than the cell stack 20 as the temperature rises. A fastening member 40 is provided. The fastening member 40 is made of, for example, austenitic SUS310 (stainless steel 310). The austenite SUS310 has a larger expansion (elongation) with respect to temperature rise than the cathode / anode plate 12 made of ferrite SUS430. Accordingly, the degree of expansion (extension in the stacking direction of the cell units 10) with respect to the temperature rise of the fastening member 40 is the degree of expansion (extension in the stacking direction of the cell units 10) with respect to the temperature rise of the cell stack 20 (cell unit 10). Bigger than.

And in 1st Embodiment, the fastening member 40 has the inner surface 43c which reduces a tension | tensile_strength or cancels | releases a tension | tensile_strength by expansion | extension by expanding largely in the lamination direction rather than the cell stack 20 with a temperature rise. The cell stack 20 has a structure capable of absorbing the extended portion with respect to the temperature rise during use (power generation). For example, the temperature when the cell stack 20 is used (power generation) is about 750 ° C. The inner side surface 43c is an example of the “locking portion” in the claims. The detailed configuration of the fastening member 40 will be described later.

In the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the upper plate member 35, the lower plate member 36, and the fastening member 40 are provided for each cell stack 20. For example, six cell stacks 20 are provided in the fuel cell 100. Each of the six cell stacks 20 is provided with an upper plate member 35, a lower plate member 36, and a fastening member 40. Also, a plurality of fastening members 40 are provided for one cell stack 20 (four in the first embodiment, see FIG. 1). The four fastening members 40 are provided at the four corners of the substantially rectangular upper plate member 35 (lower plate member 36).

As shown in FIG. 2, a ceramic mat 37 is disposed above the stacked cell stacks 20. The ceramic mat 37 is disposed inside the opening 35 a of the upper plate member 35. A top plate 38 is disposed above the ceramic mat 37 (upper plate member 35). A ceramic mat 39 is disposed above the top plate 38.

Further, an upper pressing member 51 and a lower pressing member 52 are provided on the upper surface side (above the top plate 38) and the lower surface side of the cell stack 20, respectively. In addition, a tie rod 53 that fixes the upper pressing member 51 and the lower pressing member 52 in a state where the cell stack 20 is sandwiched is provided. The upper end side of the tie rod 53 is fixed to the upper pressing member 51 by the nut 54, and the lower end side of the tie rod 53 is fixed to the lower pressing member 52 by the nut 54, whereby the cell unit 10 is pressed (pressurized) from above and below. Is done. The tie rod 53 is an example of the “fixing member” in the claims.

In the first embodiment, the upper plate member 35, the lower plate member 36, and the fastening member 40 are provided separately from the upper pressing member 51, the lower pressing member 52, and the tie rod 53. That is, the pressure against the cell stack 20 when the fuel cell 100 is in use (during operation and high temperature) is performed by the upper pressing member 51, the lower pressing member 52, and the tie rod 53. On the other hand, the pressure on the cell stack 20 during the transportation of the fuel cell 100 (at room temperature) is performed by the upper plate member 35, the lower plate member 36, and the fastening member 40.

(Detailed configuration of fastening member)
In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the fastening member 40 includes a first fastening portion 41 attached to the lower plate member 36, a second fastening portion 42 attached to the upper plate member 35, The fastening portion 41 and the second fastening portion 42 are inserted, and include a connection portion 43 that connects the first fastening portion 41 and the second fastening portion 42. In addition, the 1st fastening part 41, the 2nd fastening part 42, and the connection part 43 are comprised by SUS310, for example. Further, a nut 44 and a nut 44a described later are also formed of SUS310.

The first fastening portion 41 has a substantially columnar shape. Specifically, threads are provided on the upper end side (Z1 direction side) and the lower end side (Z2 direction side) of the first fastening portion 41, respectively. The lower end side of the first fastening portion 41 is fastened (screwed) to the screw fastening hole 36 c of the lower plate-like member 36. A nut 44 is provided on the lower end side of the first fastening portion 41, and the lower end side of the first fastening portion 41 is fixed to the lower plate member 36 by the nut 44. Further, the upper end side of the first fastening portion 41 is fastened (screwed) to the connection portion 43. A nut 44 is provided on the upper end side of the first fastening portion 41, and the upper end side of the first fastening portion 41 is fixed to the connection portion 43 by the nut 44.

The second fastening portion 42 has a substantially columnar shape. Specifically, the second fastening portion 42 has a bolt shape. A screw thread is provided on the upper end side (Z1 direction side) of the second fastening portion 42. The upper end side of the second fastening portion 42 is fastened (screwed) to the screw fastening hole 35 d of the upper plate member 35. A nut 44 is provided on the upper end side of the second fastening portion 42, and the upper end side of the second fastening portion 42 is fixed to the upper plate member 35 by the nut 44. The lower end side of the second fastening portion 42 (Z2 direction side, the bolt head portion 42 a portion) is disposed inside the connection portion 43. The diameter of the head portion 42a of the second fastening portion 42 is larger than the hole 43a of the connection portion 43 through which the second fastening portion 42 is inserted. As a result, the second fastening portion 42 is prevented from slipping upward from the connection portion 43 by the head portion 42 a of the second fastening portion 42.

In the first embodiment, the connection portion 43 has a substantially cylindrical shape. And the 1st fastening part 41 and the 2nd fastening part 42 are penetrated by the connection part 43 from the one end side and the other end side of the connection part 43 which respectively have a substantially cylindrical shape. Specifically, a nut 44 a is welded to the lower end of the connection portion 43. The upper end side of the first fastening portion 41 is fastened (screwed) to the nut 44 a and the hole 43 b of the connection portion 43.

In the first embodiment, when the first fastening portion 41 is fastened to the connection portion 43, the upper plate member 35 and the lower plate member 36 are fixed by a tensile force while sandwiching the cell stack 20. . Specifically, by rotating the connection portion 43 having a substantially cylindrical shape, the upper end side of the first fastening portion 41 is tightened (screwed) into the nut 44 a and the hole 43 b of the connection portion 43. Note that the lower end side (the head portion 42 a side) of the second fastening portion 42 is disposed inside the connection portion 43 so as not to be pulled upward from the connection portion 43. Thereby, by rotating the connection portion 43 having a substantially cylindrical shape, a tensile force acts on the upper plate member 35 and the lower plate member 36 in a direction approaching each other. As a result, the upper plate member 35 and the lower plate member 36 are fixed by the tensile force of the fastening member 40 with the cell stack 20 interposed therebetween. That is, when the connection portion 43 having a substantially cylindrical shape is rotated, the lower end side (the head portion 42a side) of the second fastening portion 42 is locked by the inner side surface 43c on the Z1 direction side of the connection portion 43, and the upper plate A tensile force acts in a direction approaching each other with respect to the member 35 and the lower plate member 36.

Further, in the first embodiment, the second fastening portion 42 is configured to be able to release the locked state with respect to the inner side surface 43 c of the connection portion 43. That is, the second fastening portion 42 is fastened (screwed) to the connection portion 43 only by being inserted through the connection portion 43 with the head portion 42a of the second fastening portion 42 disposed inside the connection portion 43. Not) That is, the cell stack 20 extends with respect to the temperature rise during use, and the locked state of the connection portion 43 with respect to the inner side surface 43c is released.

Moreover, in 1st Embodiment, as shown to Fig.5 (a), between the 2nd fastening part 42 and the connection part 43, the insulating member for insulating the 2nd fastening part 42 and the connection part 43 45 is provided. The insulating member 45 is made of ceramic, for example. The insulating member 45 has a substantially annular shape, and is configured such that the second fastening portion 42 passes through the substantially annular insulating member 45. A gap 46 a is provided between the side surface of the insulating member 45 and the inner side surface of the substantially cylindrical connection portion 43. In addition, a gap 46 b is provided between the head portion 42 a of the second fastening portion 42 and the inner side surface of the substantially cylindrical connecting portion 43. The width W1 of the gap 46a along the horizontal direction is smaller than the width W2 of the gap 46b along the horizontal direction. Thereby, even when the head portion 42a of the second fastening portion 42 moves in the horizontal direction, the side surface of the insulating member 45 is moved before the head portion 42a of the second fastening portion 42 contacts the inner surface of the connection portion 43. Abuts against the inner surface of the connecting portion 43. Even when the second fastening portion 42 is inclined with respect to the central axis of the hole 43 a of the connection portion 43, the second fastening portion is provided before the head portion 42 a abuts against the inner surface of the connection portion 43. The side surface of the insulating member 45 comes into contact with the inner side surface of the connection portion 43 before 42 comes into contact with the inner side surface of the hole 43a. Thereby, the 2nd fastening part 42 and the connection part 43 contact (electricity), and it is prevented that the upper side plate-shaped member 35 and the lower side plate-shaped member 36 short-circuit.

(State of fastening member during transport and use)
Next, the state of the fastening member 40 at the time of conveyance and at the time of use will be described.

<During transport>
During transportation, the temperature of the fuel cell 100 is relatively low (normal temperature), so that the fastening member 40 is not expanded (elongated). Then, by rotating the connecting portion 43 of the fastening member 40, the upper plate member 35 and the lower plate member 36 are fixed by the tensile force of the fastening member 40 while sandwiching the cell stack 20. In this state, the lower end side (head portion 42a side) of the second fastening portion 42 is locked to the inner side surface 43c of the connection portion 43 on the Z1 direction side, and the second fastening portion 42 cannot move. As a result, since the cell stack 20 is fixed (pressurized) by the upper plate member 35 and the lower plate member 36, lateral displacement of the cell unit 10 during conveyance is suppressed.

<while using it>
When the fuel cell 100 is used (during operation), the temperature of the fuel cell 100 is relatively high. Due to this temperature rise, the second fastening portion 42 extends in the vertical direction (Z direction). The cell stack 20 also expands in the vertical direction (Z direction) due to the temperature rise, while the cell stack 20 extends less than the fastening member 40. As a result, the head portion 42a of the second fastening portion 42 is moved downward (see FIG. 5B). That is, the state in which the head portion 42a of the second fastening portion 42 is locked to the inner side surface 43c is released. Further, when the first fastening portion 41 extends in the vertical direction (Z direction) due to the temperature rise, the connection portion 43 is upward (Z1 direction) by the difference between the extension of the first fastening portion 41 and the extension of the cell stack 20. Move to the side (lifted). Further, when the connection portion 43 extends in the vertical direction (Z direction) due to the temperature rise, the connection portion 43 moves upward (Z1 direction) by the difference between the extension of the connection portion 43 and the extension of the cell stack 20. (Lifted). That is, the tensile force is reduced or the tensile force is released by the extension of the connecting portion 43.

Here, since the head portion 42a of the second fastening portion 42 is not fixed to the connection portion 43, even if the first fastening portion 41, the second fastening portion 42, and the connection portion 43 extend, the upper plate-like member The distance between 35 and the lower plate member 36 does not change. Since the cell stack 20 also expands (extends) in the vertical direction due to a temperature rise when the fuel cell 100 is used (during operation), the distance between the upper plate member 35 and the lower plate member 36 accordingly. Will grow. The extension of the fastening member 40 is larger than the extension of the cell stack 20. On the other hand, the extension of the fastening member 40 is absorbed into the connection portion 43. The distance between the upper plate member 35 and the lower plate member 36 is not increased more than the extension. As a result, the seal portion of the cell stack 20 (cell unit 10) is prevented from being peeled off, so that power generation can be performed appropriately.

(Effect of 1st Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

In the first embodiment, as described above, the fastening member 40 that expands and expands more in the stacking direction than the cell stack 20 as the temperature rises is provided, and the fastening member 40 reduces the tensile force or the tensile force by stretching. An inner side surface 43c for releasing Here, the cell stack 20 and the fastening member 40 expand (elongate) in the stacking direction of the plurality of cell units 10 due to a temperature rise during use. The upper plate member 35 and the lower plate member 36 are separated from each other by the extension of the fastening member 40. At this time, when the degree of extension of the fastening member 40 is greater than the degree of extension of the cell stack 20, the cells constituting the cell stack 20 as the upper plate member 35 and the lower plate member 36 are separated from each other. The seal part of the unit 10 is peeled off. As a result, appropriate use (power generation) cannot be performed. Therefore, as described above, the fastening member 40 has the inner surface 43c that reduces or releases the tensile force by extension, so that the tensile force is reduced by extension of the fastening member 40 at a high temperature such as in use. Alternatively, since the tensile force is released, peeling of the seal portion of the cell unit 10 due to the separation of the upper plate member 35 and the lower plate member 36 from each other is suppressed. Thereby, inhibition of the power generation operation by the fastening member 40 is suppressed. In addition, after the fuel cell 100 is used, when the temperature of the fuel cell 100 changes from high temperature to room temperature, the extended fastening member 40 returns to its original length. Accordingly, the upper plate member 35 and the lower plate member 36 are fixed again by the tensile force of the fastening member 40. As a result, even when the fuel cell 100 is transported again after using the fuel cell 100, it is not necessary to newly provide a member (fastening member 40) for suppressing the lateral displacement of the cell unit 10. In this way, the fuel cell 100 can be transported again after use without providing a new fastening member 40.

In the first embodiment, as described above, a plurality of cell stacks 20 are provided, and the upper plate member 35, the lower plate member 36, and the fastening member 40 are provided for each cell stack 20. . Thereby, since the cell stack 20 is fixed by the fastening member 40 for every cell stack 20, the lateral shift of the cell unit 10 at the time of conveyance can be suppressed more. Further, when the plurality of cell stacks 20 are fixed by one fastening member 40, it is necessary to fix the plurality of cell stacks 20 with a relatively large tensile force in order to suppress the lateral displacement of the cell unit 10. For this reason, an excessive force may be applied to the plurality of cell stacks 20 (cell units 10). Thus, by providing the upper plate member 35, the lower plate member 36, and the fastening member 40 for each cell stack 20, it is possible to suppress an excessive force from being applied to the plurality of cell stacks 20 (cell units 10). it can.

In the first embodiment, as described above, when the first fastening portion 41 is fastened to the connection portion 43, the upper plate member 35 and the lower plate member 36 are pulled by a tensile force with the cell stack 20 interposed therebetween. The second fastening portion 42 is configured to be able to release the locked state with respect to the inner side surface 43c of the connecting portion 43. Thereby, since the 2nd fastening part 42 is comprised so that cancellation | release state with respect to the inner surface 43c of the connection part 43 can be cancelled | released, when the fastening member 40 is extended with respect to the temperature rise at the time of use of the cell stack 20 However, the locked state of the second fastening portion 42 can be released by extension, and the tensile force can be reduced or the tensile force can be released.

In the first embodiment, as described above, the insulating member 45 is provided between the second fastening portion 42 and the connection portion 43 to insulate the second fastening portion 42 and the connection portion 43. . Here, the upper surface side and the lower surface side of the cell stack 20 have different potentials (for example, positive potential or negative potential). In this case, when the upper plate member 35 and the lower plate member 36 are fixed by the fastening member 40, the upper surface side and the lower surface side of the cell stack 20 may be electrically connected (short-circuited). Therefore, in the first embodiment, by providing the insulating member 45, it is possible to suppress conduction (short circuit) between the upper surface side and the lower surface side of the cell stack 20.

In the first embodiment, as described above, the first fastening portion 41 is fastened to the connection portion 43, thereby fixing the cell stack 20 between the upper plate member 35 and the lower plate member 36. In addition, the second fastening portion 42 is configured to be able to release the locked state with respect to the inner side surface 43 c of the connection portion 43. As a result, the first fastening portion 41 and the second fastening portion 42 extend due to the temperature rise, and the locked state of the second fastening portion 42 with respect to the inner side surface 43c of the connection portion 43 is released. Thereby, peeling of the seal | sticker part resulting from separating the upper side plate-shaped member 35 and the lower side plate-shaped member 36 mutually can be suppressed.

In the first embodiment, as described above, both the first fastening portion 41 and the second fastening portion 42 have a substantially columnar shape. As a result, unlike the case where the first fastening portion 41 and the second fastening portion 42 are configured by springs or the like, the mechanical strength of the first fastening portion 41 and the second fastening portion 42 is relatively high, so that the fuel cell is transported. Even when 100 moves in the vertical direction (when pushed up), deformation of the first fastening portion 41 and the second fastening portion 42 is suppressed. Thereby, it can suppress that the cell unit 10 shifts | deviates laterally at the time of conveyance resulting from a deformation | transformation of the 1st fastening part 41 and the 2nd fastening part 42.

In the first embodiment, as described above, the connection portion 43 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and each of the first fastening portion 41 and the second fastening portion 42 has one of the substantially cylindrical shapes. The connecting portion 43 is inserted from the end side and the other end side. Accordingly, the first fastening portion 41 can be easily fastened to the connecting portion 43 by gripping and rotating the connecting portion 43 having a substantially cylindrical shape.

In the first embodiment, as described above, the upper plate member 35 and the lower plate member 36 are provided separately from the cathode plate 31 and the anode plate 33. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the tensile force from the fastening member 40 from being directly applied to the cathode plate 31 and the anode plate 33.

In the first embodiment, as described above, the upper plate member 35, the lower plate member 36, and the fastening member 40 are provided separately from the upper pressing member 51, the lower pressing member 52, and the tie rod 53. Yes. Accordingly, the load applied to the cell stack 20 when the fuel cell 100 is used and the load applied to the cell stack 20 to suppress the lateral displacement of the cell unit 10 during transportation can be individually adjusted. Both (power generation) and suppression of lateral deviation of the cell unit 10 can be appropriately performed.

[Second Embodiment]
(Configuration of fuel cell)
With reference to FIG. 6, the structure of the fuel cell 200 by 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated. In the fuel cell 200 according to the second embodiment, the connection portion 243 has a substantially U shape.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the fuel cell 200 according to the second embodiment, the connection portion 243 of the fastening member 240 has a substantially U-shape. And the 2nd fastening part 242 is penetrated by the one end side (upper side) of the connection part 243 of a substantially U shape. The first fastening portion 241 is inserted through the other end side (downward side) of the connection portion 243. Thereby, the substantially U-shaped connection portion 243 is arranged such that the bottom portion connecting the one end side and the other end side is along the Z direction.

The second fastening portion 242 has a substantially columnar shape (bolt shape). The upper end side (portion where the thread is provided) of the second fastening portion 242 is fastened (screwed) to the upper plate member 35 and is fixed to the upper plate member 35 by a nut 244. The lower end side (bolt-shaped head portion 242a) of the second fastening portion 242 is disposed inside the connection portion 243. That is, the second fastening portion 242 is inserted through the hole 243a of the connection portion 243 from below, while the second fastening portion 242 is not fixed to the connection portion 243. That is, the 2nd fastening part 242 is comprised so that cancellation | release state with respect to the inner surface 243c of the connection part 243 can be cancelled | released. Specifically, at the time of conveyance, the lower end side (bolt-shaped head portion 242a) of the second fastening portion 242 is locked to the inner side surface 243c of the connection portion 243 via the insulating member 245. Further, during power generation, the second fastening portion 242 extends in the stacking direction, and the locked state of the lower end side (bolt-shaped head portion 242a) of the second fastening portion 242 with respect to the inner side surface 243c of the connection portion 243 is released. . Thereby, the tensile force is reduced or the tensile force is released. An insulating member 245 is provided between the head portion 242a and the inner side surface 243c of the connection portion 243. The inner side surface 243c is an example of the “locking portion” in the claims.

The first fastening portion 241 has a substantially columnar shape. The lower end side of the first fastening portion 241 (the portion where the screw thread is provided) is fastened (screwed) to the lower plate-like member 36 and is fixed to the lower plate-like member 36 by a nut 244. Further, the upper end side of the first fastening portion 241 is inserted into the hole portion 243 b of the connection portion 243 and is fixed to the connection portion 243 by the nut 244.

In addition, the other structure of 2nd Embodiment is the same as that of the said 1st Embodiment.

(Effect of 2nd Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

In the second embodiment, as described above, the connection portion 243 has a substantially U shape, and the second fastening portion 242 and the first fastening portion 241 have one end side of the connection portion 243 having a substantially U shape. And it is penetrated by the connection part 243 from the other end side. Thereby, since the 2nd fastening part 242 and the 1st fastening part 241 which were penetrated by the connection part 243 are exposed, the fastening operation | work with respect to the 2nd fastening part 242 and the 1st fastening part 241 can be performed easily.

[Third Embodiment]
(Configuration of fuel cell)
With reference to FIG. 7, the structure of the fuel cell 300 by 3rd Embodiment is demonstrated. In the fuel cell 300 according to the third embodiment, both the second fastening portion 342 and the first fastening portion 341 are configured to be able to release the locked state with respect to the inner side surface 343c and the inner side surface 343d of the connection portion 343, respectively. .

As shown in FIG. 7, in the fuel cell 300 according to the third embodiment, the connection portion 343 has a substantially annular shape. And the 2nd fastening part 342 is penetrated by the one end side (upper side) of the connection part 343 of a substantially annular shape. The first fastening portion 341 is inserted through the other end side (downward side) of the connection portion 343.

The second fastening portion 342 has a substantially columnar shape (bolt shape). The upper side of the second fastening portion 342 (the portion where the screw thread is provided) is fastened (screwed) to the upper plate member 35 and is fixed to the upper plate member 35 by a nut 344. The lower end side (bolt-shaped head portion 342a) of the second fastening portion 342 is disposed inside the connection portion 343. That is, the second fastening portion 342 is inserted through the hole 343a of the connection portion 343 from below, while the second fastening portion 342 is not fixed to the connection portion 343. That is, the second fastening portion 342 is configured to be able to release the locked state with respect to the inner side surface 343c of the connection portion 343. An insulating member 345 is provided between the head portion 342a and the inner side surface 343c of the connection portion 343.

The first fastening portion 341 has a substantially columnar shape (bolt shape). The lower end side of the first fastening portion 341 (the portion where the screw thread is provided) is fastened (screwed) to the lower plate-like member 36 and is fixed to the lower plate-like member 36 by a nut 344. Further, the upper end side (bolt-shaped head portion 341 a) of the first fastening portion 341 is disposed inside the connection portion 343. That is, the first fastening portion 341 is inserted through the hole 343b of the connection portion 343 from above, while the first fastening portion 341 is not fixed to the connection portion 343. That is, the first fastening portion 341 is configured to be able to release the locked state with respect to the inner side surface 343d of the connection portion 343.

In the third embodiment, the second fastening portion 342 (upper end side) is fastened to the upper plate member 35, and the first fastening portion 341 (lower end side) is fastened to the lower plate member 36. The cell stack 20 is fixed between the upper plate member 35 and the lower plate member 36 by at least one of them. Moreover, both the 2nd fastening part 342 and the 1st fastening part 341 are comprised so that the latching state with respect to the inner surface 343c and the inner surface 343d of the connection part 343 can respectively be cancelled | released. Specifically, at the time of conveyance, the second fastening portion 342 (upper end side) is fastened to the upper plate member 35 and / or the first fastening portion 341 (lower end side) is attached to the lower plate member 36. The cell stack 20 is fixed between the upper plate member 35 and the lower plate member 36 by being tightened. That is, the second fastening portion 342 (lower end side) is locked to the inner side surface 343c of the connection portion 343 via the insulating member 345, and the first fastening portion 341 (upper end side) is locked to the inner side surface 343d of the connection portion 343. Is done. Thereby, the lateral shift of the cell unit 10 at the time of conveyance is suppressed. Further, even if the second fastening portion 342, the first fastening portion 341, and the connection portion 343 extend in the Z direction due to a temperature rise during use (operation) of the fuel cell 300, the second fastening portion 342 and the first fastening are performed. Since both of the portions 341 are configured to be able to release the locked state with respect to the inner side surface 343c and the inner side surface 343d of the connection portion 343, the second fastening portion 342, the first fastening portion 341, and the connection portion 343 are extended. As a result, peeling of the seal portion of the cell stack 20 is suppressed. The inner side surface 343c and the inner side surface 343d are examples of the “locking portion” in the claims.

The remaining configuration of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

(Effect of the third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

In the third embodiment, as described above, both the second fastening portion 342 and the first fastening portion 341 are configured to be able to release the locked state with respect to the inner side surface 343c and the inner side surface 343d of the connection portion 343, respectively. Yes. Accordingly, even when the second fastening portion 342 and the first fastening portion 341 are extended due to the temperature rise, both the second fastening portion 342 and the first fastening portion 341 are respectively connected to the inner side surface 343c and the inner side surface of the connection portion 343. The locked state with respect to 343d is released. Thereby, peeling of the seal part resulting from the upper plate member 35 and the lower plate member 36 being separated from each other can be further suppressed.

[Fourth Embodiment]
(Configuration of fuel cell)
With reference to FIG. 8, the structure of the fuel cell 400 by 4th Embodiment is demonstrated. In the fuel cell 400 according to the fourth embodiment, the cathode plate 431 and the anode plate 433 also serve as an upper plate member and a lower plate member, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the fuel cell 400, a cathode plate 431 and an anode plate 433 for taking out electric power from the cell stack 20 are provided on the upper surface side and the lower surface side of the cell stack 20 so as to sandwich the cell stack 20, respectively. It has been. The cathode plate 431 and the anode plate 433 are fixed by the tensile force of the fastening member 440 with the cell stack 20 interposed therebetween. That is, in the fuel cell 400, unlike the first to third embodiments, the cathode plate 431 and the anode plate 433 serve as an upper plate member and a lower plate member to which the fastening member 440 is fixed. The cathode plate 431 and the anode plate 433 are examples of “one side power extraction portion” and “the other side electrode extraction portion” in the claims, respectively. The configuration of the fastening member 440 is the same as the configuration of any of the fastening members of the first to third embodiments.

(Effect of 4th Embodiment)
In the fourth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

In the fourth embodiment, as described above, the cathode plate 431 and the anode plate 433 also serve as an upper plate member and a lower plate member, respectively. Thereby, since the cathode plate 431 and the anode plate 433 also serve as the upper plate member and the lower plate member, respectively, the number of parts can be reduced.

[Modification]
The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the embodiment but by the scope of claims for patent, and further includes all modifications (modifications) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims for patent.

For example, in the first to fourth embodiments, the fuel cell is a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the fuel cell is a fuel cell other than a solid oxide fuel cell, such as a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC), a phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC), a molten carbonic acid fuel cell. A salt fuel cell (MCFC: Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell) may be used.

In the first embodiment, the example in which the insulating member 45 is provided between the second fastening portion 42 and the connection portion 43 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the insulating member 45 may not be provided like the fastening member 540 of the fuel cell 500 according to the modification of the first embodiment shown in FIG. In the fastening member 540, the head portion 542a of the second fastening portion 542 has a substantially hemispherical shape. Further, in the fastening member 540, the diameter of the substantially cylindrical connection portion 543 can be reduced by the amount that the insulating member 45 is not provided. The other configuration of the fuel cell 500 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

In the first embodiment, the example in which the first fastening portion 41 is fastened to the lower plate-like member 36 and the second fastening portion 42 is fastened to the upper plate-like member 35 has been described. Not limited. For example, the fastening member 40 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 may be disposed between the upper plate member 35 and the lower plate member 36 in a state where the fastening member 40 is turned upside down. Similarly, the fastening member 240 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 6 may be disposed between the upper plate member 35 and the lower plate member 36 in a state where the fastening member 240 is turned upside down.

In the second embodiment, an example in which the connection portion 243 has a substantially U shape is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, like the fastening member 740 of the fuel cell 700 according to the modification of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the connection portion 743 may have a substantially annular shape. The other configuration of the fuel cell 700 is the same as that of the second embodiment.

In the third embodiment, the connection portion 343 has a substantially annular shape, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, like the fastening member 840 of the fuel cell 800 according to the modification of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the connection portion 843 may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The other configuration of the fuel cell 800 is the same as that of the third embodiment.

In the first to fourth embodiments, the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion both have substantially columnar shapes, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion may have a shape other than a substantially columnar shape.

In the fourth embodiment, the cathode plate 431 and the anode plate 433 have been shown to serve as the upper plate member and the lower plate member, respectively, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, like the fuel cell 900 according to the modification of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 12, only the anode plate 433 may also serve as the lower plate member. Further, only the cathode plate 431 (see FIG. 8) may also serve as the upper plate member.

In the first to fourth embodiments, the upper plate member, the lower plate member, and the fastening member are provided separately from the upper pressing member, the lower pressing member, and the fixing member. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, the fastening member 1040 may be provided on the tie rod 1001 that fixes the upper pressing member 51 and the lower pressing member 52 as in the fuel cell 1000 according to the modification of the first to fourth embodiments shown in FIG. The configuration of the fastening member 1040 is the same as that of any of the fastening members of the first to third embodiments (and modifications).

10 cells 20

cell stacks

31 and 431 Cathode plate (one side power extraction part)
33, 433 Anode plate (extraction part on the other side)
35 Upper plate-like member 36 Lower plate-

like member

40, 240, 340, 440, 540, 740, 840, 940, 1040

Fastening member

41, 241, 341, 641

First fastening portion

42, 242, 342, 542

Second fastening Portions

43, 243, 343, 543, 743, 843

Connection portions

43c, 243c, 343c, 343d Inner side surface (locking portion)
45, 245, 345 Insulating member 51 Upper pressing member 52 Lower pressing member 53 Tie rod (fixing member)
100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900, 1000 Fuel cell

Claims

A cell stack in which a plurality of cells are stacked;
An upper plate member and a lower plate member provided on the upper surface side and the lower surface side of the cell stack, respectively, so as to sandwich the cell stack;
The upper plate member and the lower plate member are fastened with the cell stack sandwiched therebetween, and a pressing force is applied to the cell stack in the stacking direction of the cells by a tensile force accompanying the fastening. Fixing the upper plate member and the lower plate member, and a fastening member that expands and expands more in the stacking direction than the cell stack as the temperature rises,
The said fastening member is a fuel cell which has the latching | locking part which reduces the said tensile force or cancels | releases the said tensile force by the said expansion | extension.
A plurality of the cell stacks are provided,
The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the upper plate member, the lower plate member, and the fastening member are provided for each cell stack.
The fastening member is inserted through the first fastening portion attached to the lower plate-like member, the second fastening portion attached to the upper plate-like member, the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion, A connection portion that connects the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion and has the locking portion,
One of the first fastening part and the second fastening part is clamped to the connection part, or clamped to the lower plate member or the upper plate member, thereby sandwiching the cell stack The upper plate member and the lower plate member are fixed by the tensile force in a state, and at least the other of the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion is locked to the locking portion of the connection portion. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the fuel cell is configured to be able to be released.
Provided between at least the other of the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion and the connecting portion, and for insulating at least the other of the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion from the connecting portion. The fuel cell according to claim 3, further comprising an insulating member.
One of the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion is fastened to the connection portion, thereby fixing the cell stack between the upper plate member and the lower plate member, and 4. The fuel cell according to claim 3, wherein the other of the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion is configured to be able to release the locked state of the connecting portion with respect to the locking portion.
One of the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion is fastened to the upper plate-like member or the lower plate-like member, so that the upper plate-like member and the lower plate-like member are interposed between the upper plate-like member and the lower plate-like member. The fuel according to claim 3, wherein the cell stack is fixed, and both the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion are configured to be able to release the locked state of the connection portion with respect to the locking portion. battery.
The fuel cell according to claim 3, wherein both the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion have a substantially columnar shape.
The connecting portion has a substantially cylindrical shape, a substantially U-shape, or a substantially ring shape,
The first fastening portion and the second fastening portion are respectively inserted into the connection portion from one end side and the other end side of the connection portion having a substantially cylindrical shape, a substantially U shape, or a substantially ring shape. The fuel cell according to claim 3.
Provided on each of the upper surface side and the lower surface side of the cell stack so as to sandwich the cell stack, further comprising a one-side power extraction unit and another electrode extraction unit for extracting power from the cell stack,
2. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the upper plate member and the lower plate member are provided separately from the one-side power extraction portion and the other-side electrode extraction portion.
Provided on each of the upper surface side and the lower surface side of the cell stack so as to sandwich the cell stack, further comprising a one-side power extraction unit and another electrode extraction unit for extracting power from the cell stack,
2. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the one-side power extraction portion and the other-side electrode extraction portion also serve as the upper plate member and the lower plate member, respectively.
When using the cell stack, an upper pressing member and a lower pressing member respectively provided on the upper surface side and the lower surface side of the cell stack so as to sandwich and press the cell stack,
In a state of sandwiching the cell stack, further comprising a fixing member that fixes the upper pressing member and the lower pressing member,
The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the upper plate member, the lower plate member, and the fastening member are provided separately from the upper pressing member, the lower pressing member, and the fixing member.