FUEL CELL

Abstract

The invention relates to a fuel cell (10) which comprises a casing, a stack of electrochemical cells, a stationary end plate and a movable end plate (16) clamping the stack between them, and a guide system (30) for guiding the movable end plate, which guide system limits the movement of the movable end plate perpendicularly to a stacking direction (X). In order to control the positioning of the movable end plate, the guide system comprises at least one compression member (32) exerting a compression force (E32) on the movable end plate in a compression direction (Y), two guide members (36A, 36B) attached to the movable end plate, and two oblique supports (38A, 38B) which are attached to the casing, extend parallel to the stacking direction, and are oblique with respect to the compression direction and with respect to a centring direction (Z). Under the effect of the compression force, the guide members bear against the oblique supports and centre the movable end plate, parallel to the centring direction, with respect to the casing.

Description

[0001] FUEL CELL

[0002] The present invention relates to a fuel cell.

[0003] In the field of fuel cells, it is known to enclose a stack of electrochemical cells between two end plates, located on either side of the stack in a stacking direction, and to protect this assembly in a casing. The end plates allow both to keep the stack compressed, and to accommodate the connectors necessary for the operation of the fuel cell, such as the gas inlets.

[0004] During operation, the stack of electrochemical cells tends to expand in the stacking direction, due to aging and thermal effects. In order for this expansion to occur without degradation of the electrochemical cells, it is known to fix a first end plate relative to the housing and to make a second end plate movable relative to the housing, parallel to the stacking direction. Thus, the second end plate is movable as a function of the expansion of the stack and the compression of the stack is not increased beyond a tolerance threshold by the expansion of the stack.

[0005] It is known to use a guidance system to enable the movable end plate to move parallel to the stacking direction and to prevent it from moving perpendicular to the stacking direction. However, known guidance systems are generally unsatisfactory.

[0006] For example, US-A-2009 / 0004533 describes a fuel cell in which the movable end plate is guided in its movement parallel to the stacking direction by guide shafts extending through openings in the housing, and in which the movement of the movable end plate perpendicular to the stacking direction is prevented by direct contact of the end plate against the walls of the housing. The guidance by the guide shafts is hyperstatic, which leads to a risk of jamming of the movable end plate and complicates assembly of the fuel cell. In addition, in such a fuel cell, it is necessary to provide an operating clearance, i.e. an empty space, between the movable end plate and the walls of the housing, to allow the movable end plate to move parallel to the stacking direction without the risk of jamming or buttressing against the walls of the housing.However, the presence of such operating clearance leaves the movable terminal plate and the electrochemical cells the possibility of vibrating perpendicular to the stacking direction. Such vibrations are detrimental to the service life of the electrochemical cells.

[0007] Another example of guiding the movable end plate is given by CN-A- 112 993 368. In a first direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, the movable end plate is guided by pads, arranged on either side of the movable end plate and bearing against the walls of the housing. Rails are further arranged on four sides of the end plate and cooperate with spring-mounted riders, connected to the walls of the housing, in order to limit the movement of the movable end plate in the first direction as well as in a second direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and to the first direction. This approach, in addition to being complex to implement and having a large footprint, allows lateral movement of the movable end plate parallel to the second direction, since the riders are spring-mounted.Thus, such a fuel cell does not prevent vibrations of the movable end plate, and therefore of the electrochemical cells, in the second direction, which is detrimental to the life of the electrochemical cells.

[0008] US-A-2018 / 0241050, EP-A-3 018 748 and US-A-2009 / 280388 describe other examples of a system for guiding the movable end plate of a fuel cell.

[0009] It is these drawbacks that the invention more particularly intends to remedy, by proposing a fuel cell allowing the movement of the mobile terminal plate parallel to the stacking direction, while controlling the position of the terminal plate perpendicular to the stacking direction.

[0010] To this end, the invention relates to a fuel cell comprising:

[0011] - a casing, a stack of electrochemical cells extending in a stacking direction, a fixed end plate, arranged at a first end of the stack and fixed relative to the casing, a movable end plate, arranged at a second end of the stack and movable relative to the casing parallel to the stacking direction, the fixed and movable end plates enclosing the stack between them, and

[0012] - a movable end plate guidance system, configured to allow the movable end plate to move parallel to the stacking direction and to limit the movable end plate to move perpendicular to the stacking direction.

[0013] According to the invention, the system for guiding the movable end plate comprises: - at least one compression member exerting a compression force on the movable end plate, relative to the casing, in a compression direction perpendicular to the stacking direction,

[0014] - two guide members, fixed relative to a first element among the casing and the movable end plate, and

[0015] - two oblique supports, fixed relative to a second element among the casing and the movable end plate different from the first element, extending parallel to the stacking direction, each oblique support being oblique relative to the compression direction and relative to a centering direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and to the compression direction.

[0016] Furthermore, under the effect of the compression force exerted by the compression member, each guide member bears against one of the two oblique supports and the two guide members center the movable end plate, parallel to the centering direction, relative to the casing.

[0017] By virtue of the invention, the position of the movable end plate perpendicular to the stacking direction is constrained by the guide members pressed against the oblique supports by the compression member. The oblique supports, being oblique to the direction in which the compression forces are exerted, make it possible both to prevent the movable end plate from moving in the compression direction and to center the movable end plate in the centering direction.

[0018] According to advantageous, but not mandatory, aspects of the invention, the fuel cell incorporates one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically admissible combination:

[0019] - Under the effect of the compression force exerted by the compression member, a first guide member tends to cause a displacement of the movable end plate in the centering direction, and the second guide member tends to cause a displacement of the end plate opposite the centering direction.

[0020] - Each oblique support is formed by one face of a rail extending parallel to the stacking direction.

[0021] - Each oblique support is inclined relative to the compression direction at an angle between 30° and 60°, preferably equal to 45°.

[0022] - The guide members are pads with profiles complementary to the profiles of the oblique supports.

[0023] - The compression member is an elastically deformable blade.

[0024] - The elastically deformable blade has two ends and a central part, the two ends of the elastically deformable blade are connected to the first element, and the central part of the elastically deformable blade is supported against the second element.

[0025] - The elastically deformable blade extends in a direction parallel to the stacking direction, the guide system comprises two fixing members, and each fixing member connects one end of the elastically deformable blade to the first element, allowing movement of this end parallel to the stacking direction and preventing movement of this end perpendicular to the stacking direction.

[0026] - The support of a first guide member on a first oblique support generates a first reaction force, the support of the second guide member on the second oblique support generates a second reaction force, each of the first and second reaction forces has a first component directed parallel to the compression direction and a second component directed parallel to the centering direction, the first components of the first and second reaction forces are of equal intensity and orientation and of opposite orientation to the orientation of the compression force, and the second components of the first and second reaction forces are of equal intensity and of opposite orientation.

[0027] - The guide system further comprises two lateral compression members, a first lateral compression member exerting a compression force on the movable end plate, relative to the casing, in the centering direction, and the second lateral compression member exerting a compression force on the movable end plate, relative to the casing, opposite the centering direction.

[0028] - The fuel cell further comprises a clamping system exerting a clamping force on the movable terminal plate, relative to the casing, parallel to the stacking direction, tending to compress the stack of electrochemical cells.

[0029] The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the light of the following description of an embodiment of a fuel cell, in accordance with its principle, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0030] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fuel cell according to the invention;

[0031] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, in which a fuel cell housing is not shown;

[0032] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 is a front view of the fuel cell of Figure 1; and

[0033] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 is a section along plane IV of the fuel cell of Figure 3. A fuel cell 10 is visible in Figures 1 to 4. The fuel cell 10 is, for example, intended to be integrated into an electric motor vehicle in order to produce electrical energy allowing the operation of the engine, possibly in whole or in part via an electric accumulator battery.

[0034] The fuel cell 10 comprises a stack 12 of electrochemical cells, which are not individually represented for the sake of simplification. Each electrochemical cell generally consists of an anode and a cathode separated by a polymer membrane allowing the passage of protons from the anode to the cathode. The anode is supplied with fuel, for example dihydrogen, and the cathode is supplied with oxidant, for example oxygen or air.

[0035] The electrochemical cells are stacked in a stacking direction X to form the stack 12. The stacking direction X is that of the length of the stack 12, in other words the longitudinal direction of this stack. Preferably, when the fuel cell 10 is in operation, for example in a vehicle, the stacking direction X is horizontal.

[0036] In this description, the term direction is used as the sense of orientation of a straight line in a plane. In other words, a direction corresponds to an oriented straight line, therefore to a direction of travel along this straight line.

[0037] The fuel cell 10 comprises a fixed end plate 14 and a movable end plate 16, which are arranged on either side of the stack 12, in the stacking direction X. In the example, the stacking direction X is oriented so as to extend from the fixed end plate 14 towards the movable end plate 16. In practice, the fixed 14 and movable 16 end plates extend perpendicular to the stacking direction X.

[0038] In practice, the fixed end plate 14 is arranged at a first end 12A of the stack 12 and the movable end plate 16 is arranged at a second end 12B of the stack, which corresponds to a free end of the stack. In other words, the movable end plate 16 forms a free end of the assembly formed by the fixed and movable end plates and the stack 12.

[0039] Preferably, the fixed end plate 14 comprises connectors, not shown, intended to be connected to fluid circulation conduits, thus making it possible to supply the stack 12 with combustible and oxidizing gas and possibly with cooling fluid. In a manner known per se, other elements may be interposed between each of the end plates 14, 16 and the stack. In a non-limiting manner, these elements are for example a current collector plate and / or an insulation plate. The fuel cell 10 comprises a casing 18, which surrounds and protects the stack 12 of electrochemical cells. In practice, the casing 18 comprises a bottom 20 and side walls 22. Here, the bottom 20 is perpendicular to the stacking direction X and the side walls 22 extend parallel to the stacking direction X.

[0040] The fixed end plate 14 is, in practice, fixed to the casing 18, more precisely to the bottom 20 of the casing, and the movable end plate 16 is movable in the casing parallel to the stacking direction X, between the side walls 22, as detailed below. The bottom 20 of the casing and the fixed end plate 14 thus form a rigid assembly. In the example, the bottom of the casing and the fixed end plate are two separate parts rigidly connected to each other. In a variant of the invention not shown, the bottom of the casing and the fixed end plate are formed in a single part, the two then being merged.

[0041] The fuel cell 10 comprises a clamping system 24 exerting a clamping force E24 on the movable end plate 16, relative to the casing 18. This clamping force E24 is parallel to and oriented in the opposite direction to the stacking direction X, which is a longitudinal direction of the stack. The clamping force E24 is therefore a longitudinal compressive force exerted on the movable end plate 16. The longitudinal direction X is therefore a clamping direction of the stack 12. The clamping system 24 tends to bring the movable end plate 16 closer to the fixed end plate 14, thus compressing the stack 12 between the fixed and movable end plates. In other words, the fixed and movable end plates clamp the stack 12 between them under the effect of the clamping force E24.The compression of the stack 12 between the fixed 14 and mobile 16 end plates ensures optimum operation of the electrochemical cells, and therefore of the fuel cell 10.

[0042] In the example, the clamping system 24 comprises a clamping flange 26 and compression springs 28 arranged between the clamping flange 26 and the movable end plate 16, for example four or nine compression springs. The compression springs 28 are compressed so as to exert the clamping force E24 on the movable end plate 16, relative to the clamping flange 26, thus compressing the stack 12. Here, the clamping flange 26 is fixed relative to the casing 18, for example by being fixed to the side walls 22 using fixing means not shown. For the sake of simplification, the compression springs 28 are only shown in FIG. 4. The clamping force E24 is divided into several elementary forces which are each exerted at the level of a compression spring and two of which are shown in FIG. 4.

[0043] Other designs are conceivable for the clamping system 24. According to a first variant not shown, the clamping flange 26 may not be fixed to the side walls 22 of the casing 18, but connected to the bottom 20 of the casing using tie rods, allowing movement of the clamping flange perpendicular to the stacking direction X while preventing movement of the clamping flange parallel to the stacking direction X. Furthermore, in the event of significant thermal stresses applying to the fuel cell 10, the tie rods may also tend to expand in the stacking direction X, causing movement of the clamping flange 26 in the stacking direction X.

[0044] According to another variant not shown, the clamping system 24 comprises, instead of the clamping flange and the compression springs, tension springs which are fixed on the one hand to the bottom 20 of the casing 18 and on the other hand to the movable end plate 16.

[0045] During the life of the fuel cell 10, the stack 12 of electrochemical cells tends to expand and / or contract, parallel to the stacking direction X. This variation in length of the stack 12 is for example caused by the aging of the electrochemical cells, by the increase in pressure of the fluids in the channels of the electrochemical cells of the stack 12, or by thermal effects. In practice, the variation in dimension of the stack 12 is of small amplitude compared to the length of the stack, denoted L12. The maximum variation in dimension of the stack 12 is thus for example equal to a percentage in the range from 0.5% to 2% of the length of the stack L12. For example, for a length L12 of stack 12 of the order of 400 mm, measured along the stacking direction X, the maximum variation in dimension of the stack during its life is of the order of a few millimeters, for example 4 mm.

[0046] The end plate 14 being fixed relative to the casing 18, the variation in length of the stack 12 causes a displacement of the movable end plate 16, parallel to the stacking direction X.

[0047] In practice, the compression springs 28 are for example sized so as to absorb the maximum variation in dimension of the stack 12 while maintaining a clamping force whose variation is sufficiently low to remain within a clamping force tolerance range of the stack, regardless of the expansion or contraction of the stack.

[0048] To allow the movement of the movable end plate 16 parallel to the stacking direction X while limiting a movement of the movable end plate perpendicular to the stacking direction, the fuel cell 10 comprises a guidance system 30.

[0049] A transverse direction Y of the fuel cell 10 is defined as a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction X and a centering direction Z of the fuel cell as a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction X and to the transverse direction Y. Preferably, when the fuel cell 10 is in operation, for example in a vehicle, with the stacking direction X horizontal, the transverse direction Y is vertical, and advantageously oriented downwards, and the centering direction Z is horizontal. Here, the centering direction Z is arbitrarily defined as oriented, from the point of view of FIG. 3, from left to right and the directions X, Y and Z are those of the axes of an orthogonal reference frame.

[0050] The guide system 30 comprises at least one compression member 32, which exerts a compression force E32 on the movable end plate 16, relative to the casing 18, in the transverse direction Y. The transverse direction is therefore a compression direction of the movable end plate 16, perpendicular to the compression direction X of the stack 12. In other words, the compression force E32 is transverse relative to the stack 12.

[0051] In the example, the guide system 30 comprises two compression members 32 each exerting a compression force E32 on the movable end plate 16. As a variant, the guide system 30 comprises a different number of compression members 32, for example a single compression member or three compression members.

[0052] A compression member 32 is for example produced in the form of an elastically deformable blade, a portion of which, for example one end, is fixed to one of the casing 18 and the movable end plate 16, and a portion of which bears on the other of the casing and the movable end plate. Here, the compression members 32 are elastically deformable blades. In the example, each elastically deformable blade 32 has a first end 32A, a second end 32B and a central portion 32C. Each elastically deformable blade 32 extends in a direction A32 generally parallel to the stacking direction X and has a curved profile in the compression direction Y, that is to say that, in the compression direction Y of the movable end plate 16, the first end 32A is aligned with the second end 32B but the central part 32C is not aligned with the first and second ends 32A, 32B.The direction A32 is only shown in Figure 2, for one of the two elastically deformable blades 32.

[0053] In the example, the elastically deformable blades 32 are deformable metal blades. Alternatively, the elastically deformable blades are made of another material, for example a polymer material or a composite material.

[0054] In the example, the first and second ends 32A, 32B are connected to the casing 18, in practice to one of the side walls 22 of the casing, and the central part 32C bears against the movable end plate 16. In practice, the guide system 30 comprises, for each metal blade 32, two fixing members 34. Preferably, each fixing member 34 connects one of the two ends 32A, 32B of a metal blade 32 to the casing 18, so as to allow movement of this end parallel to the stacking direction X while preventing movement of this end perpendicular to the stacking direction X.

[0055] Here, each fastening member 34 comprises a retaining plate 34A and two retaining elements 34B. The retaining plate 34A extends parallel to the side wall 22 of the casing 18 to which the ends of the metal blades are connected, that is to say it extends parallel to the centering direction Z and the stacking direction X, and is fixed to the side wall of the casing by the two retaining elements 34B, which are in the example screws. The two screws 34B are aligned along the stacking direction X and offset from each other parallel to the centering direction Z. When the fuel cell 10 is assembled, each end 32A, 32B of each metal blade 32 is arranged, parallel to the compression direction Y, between a side wall 22 of the casing 18 and the retaining sheet 34A of a fixing member 34, and, parallel to the centering direction Z, between the two screws 34B of this fixing member 34.Thus, the displacement of each end of each metal blade parallel to the compression Y and centering Z directions is prevented.

[0056] Furthermore, the fixing members 34 allow a displacement of the metal blades 32 parallel to the stacking direction X. In practice, the permitted displacement of a metal blade 32 parallel to the stacking direction X is of small amplitude, due to the curved shape of the metal blades because, in the event of excessive displacement, the metal blade comes into contact with the retaining sheet 34A of one of the fixing members 34, which prevents further displacement of the metal blade.

[0057] Alternatively, each fixing member 34 fixes one of the two ends 32A, 32B of a metal blade 32 to the casing 18 while preventing any movement of this end in the three directions X, Y and Z.

[0058] When the fuel cell 10 is assembled, each metal blade 32 is constrained between the casing 18 and the movable end plate 16, that is to say that each metal blade is elastically deformed to be placed between the casing and the end plate. This constraining of the metal blades 32 is facilitated by the possibility, for the ends 32A, 32B of the metal blades, to move parallel to the stacking direction X. In practice, the constraining of a metal blade 32 generates a reaction force on the casing 18 and on the movable end plate 16, and thus generates a compression force E32. The metal blades 32 therefore constitute compression springs.

[0059] Preferably, all the compression forces E32 exerted by the metal blades 32 are identical, apart from manufacturing and assembly tolerances.

[0060] The use of metal blades 32 to exert the compressive force E32 on the movable end plate 16 is advantageous, because the metal blades are elongated in the direction of movement of the movable end plate, that is to say parallel to the stacking direction X. Thus, the metal blades 32, and more particularly their central part 32C, maintain contact with the movable end plate 16 independently of the position of the movable end plate in the stacking direction X, within the limit of the expansion amplitude of the stack 12. The compressive force E32 is therefore maintained on the movable end plate 16 throughout the life of the fuel cell 10.

[0061] In a variant of the invention not shown, the metal blades 32 are inverted, that is to say that their ends 32A, 32B are fixed to the movable end plate 16 and that their central part 32C bears against the casing 18. Preferably, in such a variant, the movable end plate 16 comprises a skirt extending parallel to the stacking direction X, making it possible to connect the two ends of the metal blades there.

[0062] In a variant of the invention not shown, other compression members are used instead of the metal blades, such as for example helical springs or spring washers, called “Belleville washers”. The compression members can also each be formed by a compression member comprising one or more helical springs and / or one or more spring washers in association with a deformable blade, in particular with a deformable blade as described above, or with an articulated blade, one end of which is fixed to one of the casing 18 and the movable end plate 16, a portion of which bears on the other of the casing and the movable end plate, and another portion of which serves as a support for one or more helical springs and / or one or more spring washers.

[0063] The guide system 30 further comprises two guide members 36A, 36B and two oblique supports 38A, 38B extending parallel to the stacking direction X.

[0064] The guide members 36A, 36B are, in the example, fixed on the movable end plate 16, opposite the metal blades 32, in the compression direction Y. In other words, the metal blades 32 and the guide members 36A, 36B are located at two opposite edges of the end plate 16. In addition, the guide members 36A and 36B are preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to each other, with respect to the section plane IV, which is a median plane of the fuel cell parallel to the directions X and Y.

[0065] The oblique supports 38A and 38B are, in the example, fixed to the casing 18, and more precisely to the side wall 22 of the casing opposite the side wall to which the metal blades 32 are connected. Thus, in the example where the stacking direction is horizontal and the compression direction is vertical and directed downwards, the oblique supports 38A and 38B are located under the movable end plate 16. In practice, the oblique supports 38A and 38B are oblique with respect to the compression direction Y and with respect to the centering direction Z. In other words, a straight line normal to the oblique supports 38A and 38B is secant with the compression directions Y and centering Z. Furthermore, the oblique support 38A is symmetrical to the oblique support 38B, with respect to the compression direction Y, so that a straight line normal to the oblique support 38A is perpendicular to a straight line normal to the oblique support 38B.

[0066] When the fuel cell 10 is assembled, under the effect of the compression forces E32 generated by the metal blades 32, which cause the end plate 16 to move in the compression direction Y, the guide member 36A is pressed against the oblique support 38A and the guide member 36B is pressed against the oblique support 38B. Thus, the oblique support 38A exerts a reaction force F1 on the guide member 36A, directed perpendicular to the oblique support 38A, and the oblique support 38B exerts a reaction force F2 on the guide member 36B, directed perpendicular to the oblique support 38A.

[0067] The reaction forces F1 and F2 are oriented perpendicular to the stacking direction X and obliquely to the compression directions Y and centering directions Z. Furthermore, the reaction force F1 is symmetrical to the reaction force F2, with respect to the compression direction Y. In other words, the reaction forces F1 and F2 each have a first component directed parallel to the compression direction Y and a second component directed parallel to the centering direction Z, the first components of the reaction forces F1 and F2 are of equal intensity and orientation and the second components of the reaction forces F1 and F2 are of equal intensity and opposite orientation.

[0068] It is then understood that the reaction force F1 tends to cause a displacement of the movable end plate 16 in the centering direction Z and that the reaction force F2 tends to cause a displacement of the movable end plate 16 opposite the centering direction Z. These two opposing forces cause a centering of the movable end plate 16 relative to the oblique supports 38A, 38B, parallel to the centering direction Z. Advantageously, the oblique supports 38A and 38B are themselves centered relative to the fixed end plate 14. The movable end plate 16, under the effect of the reaction forces F1 and F2, is centered relative to the fixed end plate 14, parallel to the centering direction Z.

[0069] Furthermore, in a particularly advantageous manner, the oblique supports 38A and 38B converge opposite the wall 22 of the casing 18 to which the metal blades 32 are connected, that is to say that a vector normal to the oblique support 38A and a vector normal to the oblique support 38B converge towards each other. Thus, the second components of the reaction forces F1 and F2 converge. The centering of the movable end plate 16 is thus improved.

[0070] In a variant of the invention not shown, the oblique supports 38A and 38B diverge away from the wall 22 of the casing 18 to which the metal blades 32 are connected, that is to say that a vector normal to the oblique support 38A and a vector normal to the oblique support 38B diverge from each other, and the second components of the reaction forces F1 and F2 diverge.

[0071] Furthermore, the sum of the compression forces E32 and the reaction forces F1 and F2 is zero, so that, once the guide members 36A, 36B are pressed against the two oblique supports 38A, 38B by the compression members, these forces do not cause any movement of the movable end plate 16, relative to the casing 18, perpendicular to the stacking direction X. In other words, the compression forces E32 and the reaction forces F1 and F2 constrain the position of the movable end plate 16 relative to the casing 18, perpendicular to the stacking direction X.

[0072] Thus, in a particularly advantageous manner, the compression forces E32 and reaction forces F1, F2 constrain the position of the movable end plate 16 parallel to the compression direction Y, so as to press the guide members 36A, 36B against the oblique supports 38A, 38B, that is to say by moving the movable end plate 16 as much as possible in the compression direction Y. Similarly, the compression forces E32 and reaction forces F1, F2 constrain the position of the movable end plate 16 parallel to the centering direction Z, by centering the movable end plate relative to the fixed end plate 14, that is to say relative to the casing 18.

[0073] This support of the movable end plate 16 in the Y direction and this centering of the movable end plate relative to the casing 18, and therefore relative to the fixed end plate 14, parallel to the centering direction Z, are particularly advantageous for avoiding deformation of the stack 12 and for avoiding vibrations of the stack 12, likely to damage the electrochemical cells. The service life of the fuel cell 10 is thus increased. In practice, the guide system 30 limits any movement of the movable end plate 16 in the compression direction Y as well as parallel to the centering direction Z, thanks to the support of the guide members 36A, 36B against the oblique supports 38A, 38B.Furthermore, since the compression forces E32 and reaction forces F1, F2 are perpendicular to the stacking direction X, the guidance system 30 does not oppose the movement of the movable side plate parallel to the stacking direction X.

[0074] In addition, the guidance system 30 limits any movement of the movable end plate 16 opposite the compression forces E32, in other words opposite the compression direction Y, i.e. upwards in the example of FIG. 3, thanks to the compression forces E32 generated by the metal blades 32. Thus, a movement of the movable end plate 16 opposite the compression direction Y is theoretically possible, but such a movement must be caused by a force on the movable end plate directed opposite the compression direction Y, i.e. opposite the compression forces E32, and of greater intensity than the compression forces E32. In practice, during normal use of the fuel cell 10, for example in a vehicle, the forces experienced by the movable end plate 16 come essentially from the vibrations of the vehicle, and their intensity is less than the compression forces E32.Thus, in normal use of the fuel cell 10, the metal blades 32 are advantageously sized to exert compressive forces E32 on the movable end plate 16 sufficient to prevent the movable end plate 16 from moving in the compression direction Y. For example, a sum of the compressive forces E32 approximately equal to 1000 N makes it possible to prevent any vertical upward movement of the movable end plate 16 under normal conditions of use of the fuel cell 10, that is to say as long as the accelerations undergone by the movable end plate parallel to the compression direction Y are less than 15g, with “g” expressing the acceleration of standard gravity.

[0075] Furthermore, the fact that the compression direction Y is preferentially oriented vertically and that the compression forces E2 are directed downwards in this vertical direction means that an upward vertical displacement of the movable end plate 16 is also limited by the self-weight of the movable end plate and of the stack 12, which is added to the compression forces E32 to limit the upward vertical displacement of the movable end plate.

[0076] It is advantageous for the oblique supports 38A, 38B to extend parallel to the stacking direction X because, in this way, the contact between the oblique supports and the guide members 36A, 36B is maintained independently of the expansion of the stack 12. In practice, the oblique supports 38A and 38B extend over a length L38 at least equal to the maximum amplitude of expansion of the stack 12.

[0077] In practice, the oblique supports 38A and 38B are inclined relative to the compression direction Y by an angle α of between 30° and 60°. Preferably, the oblique supports 38A and 38B are inclined by 45° relative to the compression direction Y, and therefore also inclined by 45° relative to the centering direction Z. Thus, for each of the reaction forces F1 and F2, the first component is equal, in intensity, to the second component. This configuration is advantageous for balancing the forces exerted on the movable end plate 16 parallel to the compression direction Y with the forces exerted on the movable end plate 16 parallel to the centering direction Z.

[0078] By means of the guide system 30, the position of the movable end plate 16 is rigidly constrained parallel to the compression Y and centering Z directions. The movements of the movable end plate in these directions are thus practically eliminated, when the fuel cell is in operation, which reduces the mechanical stresses exerted on the electrochemical cells of the stack 12 and thus increases their service life. Advantageously, under normal operating conditions of the fuel cell 10, the guide system 30 prevents the movement of the movable end plate 16 parallel to the compression Y and centering Z directions. In other words, by means of the guide system 30, the movable end plate 16 is movable parallel to the stacking direction X relative to the casing 18 according to a sliding connection, under normal operating conditions of the fuel cell 10.

[0079] An advantage of the guidance system 30 is that it allows, thanks to the oblique supports 38A, 38B which are oblique relative to the compression directions Y and centering directions Z, to constrain the movement of the mobile end plate 16 both parallel to the compression direction Y and parallel to the guidance direction Z, by exerting compressive forces on the mobile end plate only in the compression direction Y, using the metal blades 32. The design of the guidance system 30 is thus particularly simple, reducing the manufacturing cost of the fuel cell 10.

[0080] Another advantage of the guidance system 30 is that it only exerts forces on the movable end plate 16 and on the casing 18, and does not exert forces on the stack 12. The stack 12 is thus suspended between the fixed 14 and movable 16 end plates and the mechanical forces exerted on the electrochemical cells are reduced. Advantageously but not necessarily, the fuel cell 10 is integrated into a vehicle by being connected to a chassis of this vehicle by means of a damping device, such as for example by means of springs and / or elastomer pads, which are advantageously in this case provided between the casing 18 and the chassis of the vehicle. Such a damping device makes it possible in particular to limit the vibrations experienced by the fuel cell.It is particularly advantageous to dampen the relative movements of the fuel cell stack with respect to the chassis of the vehicle in order to reduce the mechanical stresses exerted on the fuel cell stack 10 in general, and on the electrochemical cells of the stack 12 in particular. Such a damping device is furthermore particularly suitable for use with the guidance system 30 of the invention, since the damping device reduces the mechanical stresses exerted on the fuel cell stack and the guidance system ensures that the mechanical stresses remaining after damping do not cause movement of the movable terminal plate 16, with respect to the casing 18, which could damage the electrochemical cells of the stack 12.

[0081] In the example, the two guide members 36A, 36B are two pads, which are fixed to the movable end plate 16, and the two oblique supports 38A, 38B are formed by the faces of two rails 40A, 40B fixed to, or integral with, the casing 18, and more precisely with one of the side walls 22 of the casing. The pads 36A, 36B have profiles complementary to the profiles of the oblique supports 38A, 38B in order to allow optimum contact between the pads and the oblique supports.

[0082] Advantageously, but not necessarily, the pads 36A, 36B may be made of or covered with a material with low coefficient of friction properties, such as, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene, also known under the trade name “Teflon”, or may be made of materials with surface conditions ensuring a low coefficient of friction.

[0083] Here, the two rails 40A, 40B extend parallel to each other and parallel to the stacking direction X and have a triangular profile. The oblique supports 38A, 38B are therefore flat surfaces. In the example, the oblique supports 38A and 38B are formed by faces of the rails 40A, 40B whose normal to the surface is oriented towards the center of the movable end plate 16, as seen in Figure 3.

[0084] In a variant of the invention that is not shown, the oblique supports are formed by faces of the rails 40A, 40B oriented towards the outside of the movable end plate. Thus, the oblique supports 38A and 38B diverge away from the wall 22 of the casing 18 to which the metal blades 32 are connected. In a variant of the invention that is not shown, the two oblique supports 38A, 38B are formed on two separate faces of the same rail.

[0085] In a variant of the invention not shown, the rails 40A, 40B have a profile other than a triangular profile, such as for example a trapezoidal profile or any quadrilateral shape having at least one oblique face so as to form an oblique support 38A, 38B.

[0086] In a variant of the invention not shown, the oblique supports 38A, 38B are not flat, but have another profile, for example an arc-shaped or elliptical profile, this profile being seen perpendicular to the stacking direction X and extending in the stacking direction. In such a variant, the shape of the guide members 36A, 36B is adapted to correspond to the profile of the oblique supports 38A, 38B. For example, the guide members are ball-shaped.

[0087] In a variant of the invention not shown, the guide members 36A, 36B are fixed to the casing 18 and the rails 40A, 40B forming the oblique supports 38A, 38B are fixed to the movable end plate 16.

[0088] In a variant of the invention not shown, the positioning of the compression members 32, on the one hand, and of the guide members 36A, 36B and the oblique supports 38A, 38B, on the other hand are reversed. In such a variant, the compression direction Y is vertical and directed upwards.

[0089] In practice, the fuel cell 10 may also be implemented with other orientations for the stacking directions X, compression Y and centering Z. For example, the stacking direction may be vertical, or the centering direction Z may be vertical.

[0090] In a variant of the invention that is not shown, the guide system 30 also comprises two lateral compression members, arranged on either side of the movable end plate 16, parallel to the centering direction Z, which exert compressive forces on the movable end plate parallel to the centering direction. Thus, a first of the two lateral compression members exerts a compressive force on the movable end plate 16, relative to the casing 18, in the centering direction Z, and a second of the two lateral compression members exerts a compressive force on the movable end plate, relative to the casing, opposite to the centering direction. In such a variant, the centering of the movable end plate relative to the fixed end plate 14 is reinforced.

[0091] Any feature described for one embodiment or variation in the foregoing may be implemented for the other embodiments and variations described above, as long as technically feasible.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Fuel cell (10) comprising: - a casing (18), a stack (12) of electrochemical cells extending along a stacking direction (X), - a fixed end plate (14), disposed at a first end (12A) of the stack and fixed relative to the casing, - a movable end plate (16), disposed at a second end (12B) of the stack and movable relative to the housing parallel to the stacking direction, the fixed end plates (14) and movable end plates (16) clamping the stack (12) between them, and - a guidance system (30) for the movable end plate, configured to allow movement of the movable end plate parallel to the stacking direction (X) and to limit movement of the movable end plate perpendicular to the stacking direction, characterized in that the guidance system (30) for the movable end plate (16) comprises: - at least one compression member (32) exerting a compression force (E32) on the movable end plate (16), relative to the housing (18), along a compression direction (Y) perpendicular to the stacking direction (X), - two guide elements (36A, 36B), fixed relative to a first element (16, 18) between the housing and the movable end plate, and - two oblique supports (38A, 38B), fixed with respect to a second element (16, 18) among the casing and the movable end plate different from the first element, extending parallel to the stacking direction (X), each oblique support being oblique with respect to the compression direction (Y) and with respect to a centering direction (Z) perpendicular to the stacking direction and the compression direction, and in that, under the effect of the compression force (E32) exerted by the compression member (32), each guide member (36A, 36B) is in support against one of the two oblique supports (38A, 38B) and the two guide members center the movable end plate (16), parallel to the centering direction (Z), with respect to the casing (18).

2. Fuel cell (10) according to claim 1, wherein, under the effect of the compressive force (E32) exerted by the compression member (32), a first The guide element (36A) tends to cause a displacement of the movable end plate (16) along the centering direction (Z), and the second guide element (36B) tends to cause a displacement of the end plate opposite to the centering direction.

3. Fuel cell (10) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein each oblique support (38A, 38B) is formed by a face of a rail (40A, 40B) extending parallel to the stacking direction (X).

4. Fuel cell (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each oblique support (38A, 38B) is inclined with respect to the compression direction (Y) by an angle (a) between 30° and 60°, preferably equal to 45°.

5. Fuel cell (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the guiding members (36A, 36B) are pads having profiles complementary to the profiles of the oblique supports (38A, 38B).

6. Fuel cell (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the compression member (32) is an elastically deformable blade.

7. Fuel cell (10) according to claim 6, in which the elastically deformable blade (32) has two ends (32A, 32B) and a central part (32C), in which the two ends of the elastically deformable blade are connected to the first element (16, 18), and in which the central part of the elastically deformable blade is supported against the second element (16, 18).

8. Fuel cell (10) according to claim 7, wherein the elastically deformable blade (32) extends in a direction (A32) parallel to the stacking direction (X), wherein the guiding system (30) comprises two fastening members (34), and wherein each fastening member connects one end (32A, 32B) of the elastically deformable blade to the first element (16, 18) by allowing displacement of this end parallel to the stacking direction (X) and preventing displacement of this end perpendicular to the stacking direction.

9. Fuel cell (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the bearing of a first guide member (36A) on a first oblique support (38A) generates a first reaction force (F1), wherein the bearing of the second guide member (36B) on the second oblique support (38B) generates a second reaction force (F2), wherein each of the first and second reaction forces has a first component directed parallel to the compression direction (Y) and a second component directed parallel to the centering direction (Z), in which the first components of the first and second reaction forces are of equal magnitude and orientation and opposite orientation to the orientation of the compression force (E32), and in which the second components of the first and second reaction forces are of equal magnitude and opposite orientation.

10. Fuel cell (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the guidance system (30) further comprises two lateral compression members, a first lateral compression member exerting a compressive force on the movable terminal plate (16), relative to the casing (18), along the centering direction (Z), and the second lateral compression member exerting a compressive force on the movable terminal plate, relative to the casing, opposite to the centering direction.

11. Fuel cell (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the fuel cell (10) further comprises a clamping system (24) exerting a clamping force (E24) on the movable terminal plate (16), relative to the housing (18), parallel to the stacking direction (X), tending to compress the stack (12) of electrochemical cells.