Fuel cell having structure for detachably mounting a battery monitoring connector

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fuel cell having a structure for detachably installing a battery monitoring connector, comprising: a plurality of partitions arranged to be spaced apart from each other along a first direction, each partition comprising a receiving groove arranged on one side thereof; and a plurality of gaskets respectively arranged on the plurality of partitions and located around the receiving grooves, wherein the battery monitoring connector comprises: a shell, at least a portion of which is received in a receiving space defined by the receiving groove of each partition; and a plurality of connecting terminals inserted in the shell, the plurality of connecting terminals being respectively connected to the plurality of partitions, and the shell comprises: a body, which is inserted into the receiving space along a second direction intersecting the first direction, at least a portion of the body being received in the receiving space; and a rod portion comprising a locking protrusion, which is configured to move when pressurized along a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, the locking protrusion being locked to or separated from a corresponding gasket among the plurality of gaskets.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is directed to a fuel cell having a structure on which a cell monitoring connector is detachably mounted. Background Art

[0002] The fuel cell stack is a device that supplies electric power generated by an electrochemical reaction between air supplied to one surface of a polymer electrolyte membrane and hydrogen supplied to the other surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane to an external load.

[0003] A fuel cell stack has a structure in which hundreds of cells are stacked. When the unit cells work normally during the operation of the fuel cell stack, the unit cells may form a voltage of a predetermined size. If any one of the hundreds of cells fails to perform normal performance, the total output of the fuel cell stack may decrease. If the reverse voltage phenomenon continues, the operation of the fuel cell stack needs to be stopped. The battery monitoring connector checks the state of the battery and continuously monitors the voltage of the battery. To this end, the battery monitoring connector may be electrically connected to the battery to check the voltage of each unit cell of the fuel cell stack. Various structures for electrically connecting the battery monitoring connector to the fuel cell stack have been developed. Summary of the invention

[0004] Accordingly, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed to a fuel cell having a structure on which a cell monitoring connector is detachably mounted that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell having a structure on which a cell monitoring connector can be detachably mounted in an easy, quick and simple manner.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a fuel cell having a structure for detachably mounting a battery monitoring connector includes: a plurality of separators arranged to be spaced apart from each other along a first direction, each of the plurality of separators including a receiving groove arranged on one side thereof; and a plurality of gaskets, respectively disposed on the plurality of separators and located around the receiving groove. The battery monitoring connector includes: a housing, at least a portion of which is received in a receiving space defined by the receiving groove of each of the plurality of separators; and a plurality of connection terminals inserted in the housing, the plurality of connection terminals being respectively connected to the plurality of separators. The housing includes: a body, which is inserted into the receiving space along a second direction intersecting the first direction, at least a portion of which is received in the receiving space; and a rod portion including a locking protrusion, the locking protrusion being configured to move when pressurized along a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, the locking protrusion being locked to or separated from a corresponding gasket among the plurality of gaskets.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the rod portion includes a plurality of rod portions respectively connected to opposite sides of the body.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the receiving groove has a shape recessed inward from an outer edge of each of the plurality of partitions.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the accommodating groove includes: a first side and a second side facing each other along a third direction; and a third side arranged between the first side and the second side, the third side facing the battery monitoring connector, and a plurality of partitions are arranged to overlap each other along the first direction, wherein each partition includes a accommodating groove having a first side, a second side and a third side.

[0010] In one exemplary embodiment, the plurality of washers include a first washer and a second washer, wherein the first washer and the second washer are disposed to face each other in a third direction with respect to the accommodation groove.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first gasket and the second gasket has a hook shape, and the hook shape of the first gasket and the hook shape of the second gasket are symmetrical to each other in the third direction with respect to the accommodation groove.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first gasket and the second gasket includes a first end facing the accommodating groove along a third direction and a second end facing the outer edge of the corresponding partition along a second direction, the first end is spaced apart from a corresponding one of the first side and the second side of the accommodating groove, and the second end of each of the first gasket and the second gasket is spaced apart from the outer edge.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of washers includes an anti-displacement component that is disposed on a corresponding partition and is located near a third side of the receiving groove. Each of the plurality of partitions includes: a first region where a first washer is disposed, the first region being adjacent to a first side of the receiving groove; a second region where a second washer is disposed, the second region being adjacent to a second side of the receiving groove; and a third region where the anti-displacement component is disposed, the third region being adjacent to the third side of the receiving groove and surrounding the receiving groove together with the first region and the second region. The body of the housing includes an anti-displacement groove to allow the anti-displacement component to be inserted into the anti-displacement groove along the second direction.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the anti-displacement member may include a third washer disposed in a third region of each of the plurality of partitions, the third washer having a linear shape in the second direction and a protruding protrusion shape in the first direction.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the third gasket includes a third end facing a third side of the accommodation groove, and the third end of the third gasket is spaced apart from the accommodation groove.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, each rod portion may include: a first end portion configured to receive pressure, the first end portion being spaced apart from the upper side of the body in the third direction; a second end portion connected to the lower side of the body; and a wing portion disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion, the wing portion having a curved shape. Each locking protrusion is disposed on an outer side of the wing portion of a corresponding one of the plurality of rod portions, and the first end portion and the wing portion are configured to move in the third direction when pressurized, wherein the second end portion serves as a support shaft.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, each locking protrusion includes a plurality of locking protrusions spaced apart from each other at regular intervals along a first direction, and each of the plurality of partitions is arranged in a corresponding one of the plurality of first slits defined between the plurality of locking protrusions spaced apart from each other along the first direction.

[0018] In one exemplary embodiment, the stem may include an insulating material.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the locking protrusions have the same thickness as one another along the first direction, and the plurality of first slits have the same width as one another along the first direction.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the battery monitoring connector further includes a terminal retainer detachably coupled to the housing, the terminal retainer being configured such that the plurality of connection terminals are coupled to the housing in a press-fit manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Arrangements and exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail in the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, which together with the following detailed description serve to explain certain principles of the present invention, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an end plate and a cell stack of a fuel cell;

[0023] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing connection between a cell monitoring connector and a separator in a fuel cell according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the battery monitoring connector and the partition shown in ;

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A partially exploded (or connected) perspective view of the battery monitoring connector and the separator shown in FIG.

[0026] Figure 5 When viewed along the first direction Figure 2-Figure 4 A view of the bulkhead shown in FIG.

[0027] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B is a view of a battery monitoring connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed along a first direction;

[0028] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B are respectively a perspective view and a plan view of a connection terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B showing a state where the housing is inserted into the accommodation space; and

[0030] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a fuel cell equipped with a cell monitoring connector according to a comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The present invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various exemplary embodiments are shown. However, these examples may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Instead, these embodiments are provided to make the present invention more thorough and complete, and to more fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0032] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being 'on' or "under" another element, it can be directly on / under the element, or one or more intervening elements may also be present.

[0033] When an element is referred to as “on” or “under”, “under the element” as well as “on the element” can be included according to the element.

[0034] Furthermore, relational terms such as "first", "second", "upper / upper", and "lower / lower / below" are merely used to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element and do not necessarily require or involve any physical or logical relationship or sequence between the entities or elements.

[0035] Hereinafter, a fuel cell having a structure for detachably mounting a battery monitoring connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For ease of description, a Cartesian coordinate system (x, y, z) will be used to describe a fuel cell having a structure for detachably mounting a battery monitoring connector. However, other different coordinate systems may also be used. In the accompanying drawings, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis of the Cartesian coordinate system are perpendicular to each other. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. In other words, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis may intersect with each other. In the following description, the x-axis direction may be referred to as a "first direction", the y-axis direction may be referred to as a "second direction", and the z-axis direction may be referred to as a "third direction". The first to third directions may be perpendicular to each other, or may intersect with each other.

[0036] The fuel cell according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be, for example, a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (or proton exchange membrane fuel cell) (PEMFC), which has been widely studied as a power source for driving vehicles. However, this embodiment is not limited to any particular form of fuel cell.

[0037] The fuel cell may include end plates (pressure plates or compression plates) (not shown) and a cell stack (not shown).

[0038] In the following, reference will be made to Figure 1 An example of a battery stack is described. However, the embodiments are not limited to any particular structure of the battery stack.

[0039] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view of the end plate and cell stack of the fuel cell.

[0040] The battery stack 122 may include a plurality of unit cells 122-1 to 122-N stacked along a first direction. Here, "N" is a positive integer of 1 or more, and may be in the range of several tens to several hundreds. The range of "N" may be, for example, 100 to 300, and specifically may be 220. However, the embodiment is not limited to any specific value of "N".

[0041] Each unit cell 122-n (where 1≤n≤N) can generate 0.6V to 1.0V, with an average of 0.7V. Therefore, "N" can be determined according to the intensity of the power provided to the load from the fuel cell. Here, "load" refers to the components of the vehicle that require power when the fuel cell is used in the vehicle.

[0042] Each unit cell 122 - n may include a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) 210 , gas diffusion layers (GDL) 222 and 224 , gaskets 232 , 234 , and 236 , and separators (or bipolar plates) 242 and 244 .

[0043] The membrane electrode assembly 210 has a structure in which a catalyst electrode layer where an electrochemical reaction occurs is attached to both sides of an electrolyte membrane through which hydrogen ions move. Specifically, the membrane electrode assembly 210 includes a polymer electrolyte membrane (or proton exchange membrane) 212, a fuel electrode (hydrogen electrode or anode) 214, and an air electrode (oxygen electrode or cathode) 216. In addition, the membrane electrode assembly 210 may further include a subgasket 238.

[0044] The polymer electrolyte membrane 212 is provided between the fuel electrode 214 and the air electrode 216 .

[0045] Hydrogen as a fuel in the fuel cell may be supplied to the fuel electrode 214 through the first separator 242 , and air containing oxygen as an oxidant may be supplied to the air electrode 216 through the second separator 244 .

[0046] The hydrogen supplied to the fuel electrode 214 is decomposed into hydrogen ions (protons) (H+) and electrons (e-) by the catalyst. Only hydrogen ions can be selectively transmitted to the air electrode 216 through the polymer electrolyte membrane 212, and at the same time, electrons can be transmitted to the air electrode 216 through the separators 242 and 244 as conductors. In order to achieve the above operation, a catalyst layer can be applied to each fuel electrode 214 and the air electrode 216. The movement of the above electrons causes the electrons to flow through the external circuit, thereby generating an electric current. In other words, the fuel cell can generate electricity through the electrochemical reaction between hydrogen as a fuel and oxygen contained in the air.

[0047] In the air electrode 216, hydrogen ions supplied through the polymer electrolyte membrane 212 and electrons transferred through the separators 242 and 244 meet oxygen in the air supplied to the air electrode 216, thereby causing a reaction that produces water ("condensed water" or "product water").

[0048] In some cases, the fuel electrode 214 is referred to as an anode, and the air electrode 216 is referred to as a cathode. Alternatively, the fuel electrode 214 may be referred to as a cathode, and the air electrode 216 may be referred to as an anode.

[0049] The gas diffusion layers 222 and 224 are used to uniformly distribute hydrogen and oxygen as reaction gases and transfer the generated electric energy. To this end, the gas diffusion layers 222 and 224 are disposed on both sides of the membrane electrode assembly 210. In other words, the first gas diffusion layer 222 is disposed on the left side of the fuel electrode 214, and the second gas diffusion layer 224 is disposed on the right side of the air electrode 216.

[0050] The first gas diffusion layer 222 may be used to diffuse and uniformly distribute hydrogen supplied as a reaction gas through the first separator 242 and may be conductive. The second gas diffusion layer 224 may be used to diffuse and uniformly distribute air supplied as a reaction gas through the second separator 244 and may be conductive.

[0051] Each of the first and second gas diffusion layers 222 and 224 may be a microporous layer incorporating fine carbon fibers. However, embodiments are not limited to any specific structure of the first and second gas diffusion layers 222 and 224.

[0052] Gaskets 232, 234, and 236 are used to maintain the air tightness and clamping pressure of the battery stack relative to the reaction gas and coolant at an appropriate level, to disperse stress when the separators 242 and 244 are stacked, and to seal the flow path independently. In this way, since the air tightness and water tightness are maintained by the gaskets 232, 234, and 236, the flatness of the surface adjacent to the battery stack 122 that generates electricity can be ensured, so that the surface pressure is evenly distributed on the reaction surface of the battery stack 122. To this end, the gaskets 232, 234, and 236 may be made of rubber. However, this embodiment is not limited to any specific material of the gasket.

[0053] Separators 242 and 244 may be used to move reactant gases and cooling media and to separate each unit cell from other unit cells. In addition, separators 242 and 244 may be used to structurally support membrane electrode assembly 210 and gas diffusion layers 222 and 224 and to collect generated current and transmit the collected current to current collector 112.

[0054] The separators 242 and 244 are disposed on the outer sides of the gas diffusion layers 222 and 224, respectively. In other words, the first separator 242 is disposed on the left side of the first gas diffusion layer 222, and the second separator 244 is disposed on the right side of the second gas diffusion layer 224.

[0055] The first separator 242 is used to supply hydrogen as a reaction gas to the fuel electrode 214 through the first gas diffusion layer 222. The second separator 244 is used to supply air as a reaction gas to the air electrode 216 through the second gas diffusion layer 224. In addition, each of the first and second separators 242 and 244 may form a channel through which a cooling medium (e.g., a coolant) may flow. In addition, the separators 242 and 244 may be made of a graphite-based material, a composite graphite-based material, or a metal-based material. However, this embodiment is not limited to any specific material of the separators 242 and 244.

[0056] Figure 1The end plates 110A and 110B shown in FIG. 1 are disposed at both ends of the battery stack 122 and can support and fix the unit cells 122 - 1 to 122 -N. In other words, the first end plate 110A is disposed at one end of the battery stack 122 and the second end plate 110B is disposed at the opposite end of the battery stack 122 .

[0057] Each of the first and second end plates 110A and 110B may be configured so that the metal insert is surrounded by the injection molded product. The metal insert of each of the first and second end plates 110A and 110B may have high rigidity to withstand the inner surface pressure and may be formed by machining a metal material. For example, each of the first and second end plates 110A and 110B may be formed by combining a plurality of plates. However, the embodiment is not limited to any particular configuration of the first and second end plates 110A and 110B.

[0058] The current collector 112 is disposed between the battery stack 122 and inner surfaces 110AI and 110BI of the first and second end plates 110A and 110B facing the battery stack 122. The current collector 112 is used to collect electric energy generated by the flow of electrons in the battery stack 122 and provide the electric energy to a load using a fuel cell.

[0059] In addition, the first end plate 110A may include a plurality of manifolds (or communication portions) M. Figure 1 Each of the first and second separators 242 and 244 shown may include a manifold formed in the same shape at the same position as the manifold of the first end plate 110A. Here, the manifold includes an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold. Hydrogen and oxygen, which are required reaction gases in the membrane electrode assembly 210, are introduced into the cell stack 122 from the outside through the inlet manifold. The gas or liquid combined with the reaction gas humidified and supplied to the cell and the condensed water generated in the cell can be discharged to the outside of the fuel cell through the outlet manifold. The cooling medium can flow into the cell stack 122 from the outside through the inlet manifold, and can flow from the cell stack 122 to the outside through the outlet manifold. As described above, the manifold allows fluid to flow into and out of the membrane electrode assembly 210.

[0060] To determine the performance and failure of the battery stack 122, the separators 242 and 244 of each cell are connected to a control circuit using a battery monitoring connector and wires to measure the voltage of each cell. Here, the control circuit refers to the circuit including the measurement device and the electronic control unit for operating the fuel cell in the vehicle.

[0061] Hereinafter, a cell monitoring connector for checking a state (eg, voltage) of each unit cell in a fuel cell, and a fuel cell having a structure for detachably mounting the connector will be described according to an embodiment.

[0062] Figure 2is a perspective view showing the connection between the cell monitoring connector 300 and the separator 600 in the fuel cell according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the battery monitoring connector 300 and the partition 600 shown in FIG. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A partially exploded (or connected) perspective view of the battery monitoring connector 300 and the partition 600 shown in FIG. Figure 5 When observing along the first direction, Figures 2 to 4 A view of the partition 600 is shown in FIG.

[0063] For ease of description, Figures 2 to 5 Only separator 600 and gaskets 410 to 430 are shown, which are components that the cell monitoring connector 300 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is detachably mounted in the fuel cell. In the fuel cell according to the exemplary embodiment, components other than separator 600 and gaskets 410 to 430 may be implemented in various configurations without being limited to any specific configuration of other components.

[0064] The partition 600 may correspond to Figure 1 The spacers 242 and 244 shown in FIG. 1 and the gaskets 410 to 430 may correspond to Figure 1 The washers 232, 234 and 236 shown in FIG. Optionally, the washers 410 to 430 may be Figure 1 The washers 232, 234 and 236 shown in FIG. 2 are different individual washers.

[0065] The partitions 600 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction. Each of the partitions 600 includes a receiving groove H1 formed at one side thereof. The receiving groove H1 has a shape that is recessed inward from an outer edge 600E of each of the partitions 600.

[0066] The accommodation groove H1 includes a first side H1S1 and a second side H1S2 facing each other in the third direction, and a third side H1B formed between the first side H1S1 and the second side H1S2 to face the battery monitoring connector 300 .

[0067] The separators 600 included in the cell stack 122 correspond to a portion of all the separators included in the fuel cell.

[0068] For example, all separators included in the fuel cell may be divided into a plurality of unit groups, and as shown in the figure, each unit group may include a plurality of separators 600. For example, Figures 2 to 4 The cell stack shown in FIG. 6 may include ten separators 600. In this case, the cell monitoring connector can be detachably mounted on each cell stack of the fuel cell.

[0069] The partitions 600 may be arranged to overlap each other along the first direction, wherein each partition is formed with a receiving groove H1 including a first side H1S1, a second side H1S2, and a third side H1B. The receiving groove H1 formed in the partition 600 defines a receiving space in which the battery monitoring connector 300 is installed. In other words, the receiving groove H1 arranged along the first direction forms a receiving space.

[0070] Gaskets are disposed on opposing surfaces of each of the partitions 600 (eg, Figure 7B 600S1 and 600S2 shown in FIG. 600S1 and 600S2, which will be further described later, so as to be located around the receiving groove H1, and may have a hook shape. Here, the hook shape is Fig. 6A The locking protrusions 314M and 316M (described later) shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the hook shape may be an "L" shape, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0071] For example, the gasket may include first and second gaskets 410 and 420. The first gasket 410 and the second gasket 420 may be disposed to face each other in the third direction with respect to the accommodation groove H1.

[0072] The hook shapes of the first gasket 410 and the second gasket 420 may be symmetrical with respect to the receiving groove H1. Figure 5 The “L” shapes of the first gasket 410 and the second gasket 420 may be symmetrical to each other along the third direction with respect to the center line CL of the accommodation groove H1.

[0073] A first end of each of the first and second gaskets 410 and 420 facing the receiving groove H1 may be spaced apart from the receiving groove H1, and a second end of each of the first and second gaskets 410 and 420 facing the outer edge 600E of each partition 600 may be spaced apart from the outer edge 600E. For example, a first end 410E1 of the first gasket 410 facing the receiving groove H1 may be spaced apart from the first side H1S1 of the receiving groove H1 by a first gap G1, and a second end 410E2 of the first gasket 410 facing the outer edge 600E of each partition 600 may be spaced apart from the outer edge 600E by a second gap G2.

[0074] If the first and second ends of each of the first and second washers 410 and 420 are disposed adjacent to the receiving groove H1 and the outer edge 600E without being spaced apart therefrom, the first and

[0075] The second gaskets 410 and 420 may enter the receiving groove H1 or may protrude outward from the outer edge 600E. In addition, it is considered that the process of manufacturing the first and second gaskets 410 and 420 in order to avoid the above-mentioned problems may be complicated. Therefore, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first end and the second end of each of the first gasket 410 and the second gasket 420 are spaced apart from the receiving groove H1 and the outer edge 600E by a first gap G1 and a second gap G2, respectively, so as to prevent the above-mentioned problems.

[0076] Each of the opposing surfaces of each separator 600 may include first to third areas A1 to A3 surrounding the receiving groove H1. The first area A1 is an area where the first gasket 410 is formed and is adjacent to the first side H1S1 of the receiving groove H1. The second area A2 is an area where the first gasket 410 is formed.

[0077] The second gasket 420 is adjacent to the second side H1S2 of the receiving groove H1 while facing the first area A1 in the third direction. The third area A3 is adjacent to the third side H1B of the receiving groove H1 between the first area A1 and the second area A2.

[0078] The fuel cell according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include an anti-displacement component. The anti-displacement component is disposed near the third side H1B of the accommodating groove H1 in the third area A3 of the separator 600. The anti-displacement component may be implemented as a gasket. The third gasket 430 implemented as the anti-displacement component is disposed in the third area A3 of the separator 600 to have an elongated straight line (—) shape extending in the second direction, and may be formed into a protrusion shape protruding in the first direction.

[0079] The third end 430E of the third gasket 430 facing the third side H1B of the receiving groove H1 may be spaced apart from the third side H1B of the receiving groove H1 by a third gap G3 .

[0080] The first to third gaps G1 , G2 , and G3 may be the same as or different from each other.

[0081] If the third end 430E of the third gasket 430 is disposed adjacent to the third side H1B of the receiving groove H1 without being spaced therefrom, the third gasket 430 may enter the receiving groove H1 and exceed the third side H1B of the receiving groove H1. In addition, considering that the process of manufacturing the third gasket 430 to avoid the above problem may be complicated. Therefore, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the third end 430E of the third gasket 430 is spaced apart from the third side H1B of the receiving groove H1 by a third gap G3, thereby preventing the above problem.

[0082] The cell monitoring connector 300 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention has a structure that can be detachably mounted on a fuel cell.

[0083] The battery monitoring connector 300 includes a housing 310 and a connecting terminal 320 , and may further include a terminal position assurance (TPA) 330 .

[0084] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B 2 is a view of a battery monitoring connector 300 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed along a first direction.

[0085] At least a portion of the housing 310 may be received in a receiving space defined by the receiving groove H1 of the partition 600. The housing 310 may include a body 312 and a rod portion.

[0086] The body 312 may be inserted into a receiving space formed by arranging the receiving grooves H1 in the second direction, and at least a portion of the body 312 may be received in the receiving space.

[0087] The rod portion may be connected to at least one of the opposite sides of the body 312, and when the body 312 moves to be inserted into the accommodation space along the second direction, the rod portion may move toward the accommodation space together with the body 312. For example, as shown in the figure, the rod portion may include a plurality of rod portions 314 and 316, which are respectively connected to the opposite sides of the body 312.

[0088] Hereinafter, a configuration in which the rod portion includes a plurality of rod portions 314 and 316 will be described by way of example. However, the following description may also be applied to a configuration in which the rod portion includes any one of the rod portions 314 and 316.

[0089] The rods 314 and 316 may include locking protrusions 314M and 316M, respectively. The locking protrusions 314M and 316M move along a third direction intersecting the first and second directions under the pressure of an external force, and may be locked to or separated from the hook-shaped first and second washers 410 and 420.

[0090] Each of the rod portions 314 and 316 includes a first end portion S1 , a second end portion S2 , and a wing portion S3 .

[0091] The first end S1 may be a portion where pressure is directly applied or a portion where a user touches. The first end S1 may be spaced apart from the upper side of the body 312 by a predetermined distance z1 or z2 along the third direction. When the rods 314 and 316 are not pressurized, the first end S1 of each of the rods 314 and 316 may be spaced apart from the upper side of the body 312 by a first predetermined distance z1, such as Fig. 6A When the rods 314 and 316 are pressurized, the first end S1 of each of the rods 314 and 316 may be spaced apart from the upper side of the body 312 by a second predetermined distance z2, as shown in FIG. Figure 6B As shown, the second predetermined distance z2 is smaller than the first predetermined distance z1.

[0092] The second end portion S2 may be connected to a lower side of the body 312 .

[0093] The wing portion S3 is disposed between the first end portion S1 and the second end portion S2 and may have a curved shape. Each of the locking protrusions 314M and 316M is disposed at an outer side of the wing portion S3 of a corresponding one of the rod portions 314 and 316 .

[0094] When pressurized, the first end S1 of the rods 314 and 316 and the locking projections 314M and 316M of the wing S3 can move in the third direction, with the second end S2 serving as a support shaft. In other words, when pressurized, the first end S1 of the rods 314 and 316 and the locking projections 314M and 316M of the wing S3 can move in the third direction from Fig. 6A The status shown moves to Figure 6B On the other hand, when the applied pressure is removed, the first end S1 of the rods 314 and 316 and the locking protrusions 314M and 316M of the wing S3 can be moved from the third direction to the Figure 6B The status shown moves to Fig. 6A Status shown.

[0095] The locking protrusion of each of the rod portions 314 and 316 may include a plurality of locking protrusions that are spaced apart from each other at regular intervals along the first direction. Figure 4 , the locking protrusion of the rod portion 314 may include a plurality of locking protrusions (eg, 314M1 and 314M2) that are spaced apart from each other at regular intervals along the first direction.

[0096] Each of the partition plates 600 may be fitted into a corresponding one of the first slits (eg, SL11 and SL12) defined between the locking protrusions 314M1 and 314M2. Figure 4 , one of the partitions 600 may be fitted into the first slit SL11 defined between the locking protrusions 314M1 and 314M2. If the rods 314 and 316 are made of an insulating material, the two inner surfaces 314S1 and 314S2 facing each other of the adjacent locking protrusions 314M1 and 314M2 defining the first slit SL11 may have insulating properties. For this purpose, the housing 310 including the locking protrusions 314M1 and 314M2 may be implemented as an injection molded product having insulating properties.

[0097] Generally, each adjacent separator 600 is conductive. Here, the locking protrusions 314M1 and 314M2 having insulating properties serve as insulators for electrically insulating the separators 600 fitted into the corresponding first slits SL11 and SL12, thereby preventing a short circuit between the adjacent separators 600.

[0098] If the locking protrusions 314M1 and 314M2 have the same thickness t along the first direction, and the first slits SL11 and SL12 have the same width w along the first direction, the partitions 600 are regularly or equidistantly spaced from each other along the first direction. Therefore, the stacking tolerance of the partition 600 in the first direction can be eliminated. In this way, when the partition 600 included in the battery stack 122 is in a good alignment state, the receiving groove H1 defining the receiving space can be aligned without positional deviation. Thereby, the battery monitoring connector 300 can be easily mounted to the partition 600. In addition, when the battery monitoring connector 300 is mounted to the partition 600, the inner edge of each partition 600 adjacent to the first, second and third sides H1S1, H1S2 and H1B of the receiving groove H1 can be prevented from bending (deformation) or damage.

[0099] In addition, the body 312 of the housing 310 includes an anti-displacement groove H2 formed therein so that an anti-displacement member (e.g., a third gasket 430) provided on each separator 600 is inserted therein in the second direction. In this way, when the third gasket 430 is inserted into the anti-displacement groove H2, the cell monitoring connector 300 connected to the fuel cell can be prevented from being displaced in the third direction.

[0100] When the fuel cell is installed in a vehicle, if the battery monitoring connector 300 swings in the third direction due to vibration and impact caused by vehicle driving, it is impossible to accurately measure the voltage value. In other words, the measured voltage value changes unstably, so the reliability of the measured value is reduced. In the worst case, the battery monitoring connector 300 may be separated from the partition 600. However, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the third gasket 430 and the anti-displacement groove H2 used as an anti-displacement component are used to prevent the battery monitoring connector 300 from shifting in the third direction, thereby preventing the above-mentioned problem from occurring.

[0101] In addition, the housing 310 includes a plurality of second slits 318 formed on its rear surface. The partition 600 located at the third side H1B of the accommodation groove H1 defining the accommodation space can be assembled into the corresponding second slit 318. The second slit 318 can be divided into two parts 318A and 318B relative to the anti-displacement groove H2. If the anti-displacement groove H2 is omitted, the second slit 318 can be divided into two parts 318A and 318B facing each other along the third direction. One of the two parts 318A and 318B includes a slit in which the partition 600 located at an odd (or even) position is installed, and the other of the two parts 318A and 318B includes a slit in which the partition 600 located at an even (or odd) position is installed. In this way, when adjacent partitions 600 are alternately installed in the second slits of two different parts 318A and 318B, the interval between adjacent partitions 600 along the first direction can be reduced.

[0102] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B 3 are a perspective view and a plan view of a connection terminal 320 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, respectively.

[0103] A plurality of connection terminals 320 may be inserted into the connection terminal insertion holes in the housing 310 and may be connected to the corresponding partitions 600. To this end, the housing 310 may include a connection terminal insertion hole formed in a front surface thereof to communicate with the second slit 318.

[0104] Each connection terminal 320 may include a terminal connection portion 322 and a wire holding portion 324. The terminal connection portion 322 is inserted into a corresponding connection terminal insertion hole to be connected to a corresponding partition 600. The wire holding portion 324 extends from the terminal connection portion 322 to hold a wire (wire), that is, to be wound by the wire.

[0105] The terminal connection portion 322 includes connectors 322a and 322b, which are elastically unfolded and contact the opposite surfaces 600S1 and 600S2 of the partition 600. The connection points P1 and P2 of the connectors 322a and 322b may be arranged to cross each other. In this way, according to the embodiment, since the connection points P1 and P2 of the connectors 322a and 322b cross each other, when the partition 600 is inserted into the third slit 322S defined by the two connectors 322a and 322b, the contact force between the partition 600 and the connectors 322a and 322b may be increased, and the partition 600 may be supported more elastically. Therefore, even when the partition 600 is implemented as an ultra-thin film with a thickness of 0.1 mm or less, the connection terminal 320 may be prevented from being accidentally separated from the partition 600. That is, the force holding the connection terminal 320 on the partition 600 may be increased, which improves the reliability of the product.

[0106] The terminal connection portion 322 of the connection terminal 320 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape opened at the front side, but the present embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0107] In addition, the connection terminal 320 may further include a first locking protrusion 326. The first locking protrusion 326 is provided on the bottom surface of the terminal connection part 322 to be oriented toward the wire holding part 324. The first locking protrusion 326 has a shape bent from the bottom surface of the terminal connection part 322 and extending downward.

[0108] In addition, the connection terminal 320 may further include a connection guide portion 328. The connection guide portion 328 may prevent the connection terminal 320 connected to the diaphragm 600 through the housing 310 from being separated from the diaphragm 600.

[0109] The terminal positioner (TPA) 330 can be detachably assembled into a TPA terminal insertion hole formed on the front surface of the housing 310, and the connection terminal 320 can be press-fitted into the housing 310. In other words, the TPA 330 can increase the insertion force of the connection terminal 320, can prevent incorrect assembly by correctly positioning the connection terminal 320, and can continuously detect voltage values ​​with high electrical reliability despite a small spacing between the partitions 600. To this end, the housing 310 may include a TPA terminal insertion hole formed above the connection terminal insertion hole.

[0110] Reference Figure 3 , TPA 330 includes a top surface fixing member 330U and a bottom surface fixing member 330D. In addition, the housing 310 includes a second locking protrusion 312A and a third locking protrusion (not shown). The second locking protrusion 312A is formed on one side of the body 312 connected to the first rod portion 314, and the third locking protrusion is formed on the opposite side of the body 312 connected to the second rod portion 316.

[0111] The top surface fixing piece 330U of the TPA 330 is connected to the second locking protrusion 312A, and the bottom surface fixing piece 330D of the TPA 330 is connected to the third locking protrusion.

[0112] The TPA 330 may further include a through hole 330T corresponding to the connection terminal insertion hole, and a TPA terminal 330S inserted into the connection terminal insertion hole.

[0113] When the TPA 330 is assembled to the housing 310, the TPA 330 is aligned with the front surface of the housing 310 and moves forward in the second direction, with the result that the top surface fixing piece 330U of the TPA 330 is locked to the second locking protrusion 312A, and the bottom surface fixing piece 330D of the TPA 330 is locked to the third locking protrusion. In addition, the connection terminal 320 is inserted into the through hole 330T in the TPA 330 and the connection terminal insertion hole in the housing 310. At this time, Fig. 7AThe first locking protrusion 326 shown in FIG. 1 is clamped in the housing 310 and is Figure 2 The locking member 330M of the TPA 330 is shown blocking. Thus, even when external vibration or impact is applied, the connection terminal 320 is prevented from being separated from the housing 310, thereby maintaining the connection with the partition 600.

[0114] Hereinafter, a process of mounting and detaching the cell monitoring connector 300 to and from the fuel cell having the above-mentioned structure is described.

[0115] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B A state in which the housing 310 is inserted into the accommodation space defined by the accommodation groove H1 is shown.

[0116] like Figure 6B As shown, when pressurized, the rods 314 and 316 can move toward the body 312 along the third direction, and as shown in FIG. Fig. 8A As shown, at least a portion thereof may be accommodated in the accommodation space together with the body 312. Thereafter, when the applied pressure is removed, as shown in FIG. Fig. 6A As shown, the rods 314 and 316 can move away from the body 312 along the third direction, and as shown in FIG. Figure 8B As shown, the locking protrusions 314M and 316M may be locked to the hook-shaped washers 410 and 420. When the locking protrusions 314M and 316M are locked to the hook-shaped washers 410 and 420, the battery monitoring connector 300 may monitor the state of each battery included in the cell group of the fuel cell. Here, the monitored state refers to the performance and failure of each battery, for example, the voltage of the corresponding battery.

[0117] like Figure 8B As shown, when pressure is applied again in a state where the locking protrusions 314M and 316M are locked to the hook washers 410 and 420, the locking protrusions 314M and 316M of the rods 314 and 316 may be separated from the hook washers 410 and 420, as shown in FIG. Fig. 8A As shown. Thereafter, the housing 310 may be moved in the second direction and may be out of the accommodation space. When the locking protrusions 314M and 316M are separated from the hook washers 410 and 420, the battery monitoring connector 300 and the fuel cell may be electrically disconnected from each other, and the status monitoring of each battery in the cell group may be terminated.

[0118] Hereinafter, a fuel cell according to a comparative example and a fuel cell according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0119] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a fuel cell equipped with a cell monitoring connector 30 according to a comparative example.

[0120] Assumptions Fig. 9 The battery monitoring connector 30 and the partition plate 60 shown in FIG. 1 respectively perform the same functions as the battery monitoring connector 300 and the partition plate 600 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] In the comparative example, Fig. 9 As shown, after the battery monitoring connector 30 is connected to the partition 60, a locking device made of plastic and called a "connector positioner (CPA)" is press-fitted to the upper and lower ends of the battery monitoring connector 30 in the directions indicated by arrows AR1 and AR2, so that the battery monitoring connector 30 is fully installed on the partition 60.

[0122] Since the battery monitoring connector 30 is fixed to the partition 60 using the CPA, the battery monitoring connector 30 can be prevented from being separated from the partition 60 due to external vibration and impact. However, in terms of production and maintenance, since there are steps of assembling and removing two CPAs to and from the upper and lower ends of the battery monitoring connector 30, it takes a long time to mount or detach the battery monitoring connector 30 to or from the partition 60. In addition, since two CPAs are required, the production cost is increased.

[0123] On the other hand, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, since the locking protrusions 314M and 316M of the battery monitoring connector 300 are assembled to be locked to or separated from the hook-shaped first and second washers 410 and 420 by a pressurizing operation, the battery monitoring connector 300 can be mounted on or removed from the partition 600 without the CPA used in the comparative example. In this way, since the CPA is not required, the time required to mount and remove the battery monitoring connector 300 on and from the partition 600 can be shortened in terms of production and maintenance compared to the comparative example, thereby improving assembly efficiency. In addition, since the CPA is not required, the production cost is reduced.

[0124] As apparent from the above description, according to the fuel cell having a structure for detachably mounting a battery monitoring connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the locking protrusions serve as insulators that electrically insulate separators assembled into corresponding first slits from each other, thereby preventing a short circuit between adjacent separators.

[0125] In addition, if the locking protrusions have the same thickness in the first direction and the first slits have the same width in the first direction, the partitions can be regularly or equidistantly spaced from each other in the first direction. Therefore, the stacking tolerance of the partitions in the first direction can be eliminated. In this way, the partitions are in a good alignment state so that the receiving grooves defining the receiving space can be aligned without positional offset. Therefore, the battery monitoring connector can be easily assembled to the partition. In addition, when the battery monitoring connector is mounted on the partition, the inner edge of each partition adjacent to the first, second and third sides of the receiving groove can be prevented from bending (deformation) or damage.

[0126] Furthermore, when the fuel cell according to the comparative example is installed in a vehicle, if the battery monitoring connector swings in the third direction due to vibration and impact caused by the running of the vehicle, it is impossible to accurately measure the voltage value. In other words, the measured voltage value changes unstably, so the reliability of the measured value is reduced. In the worst case, the battery monitoring connector may be separated from the partition. However, according to this embodiment, the use of the third gasket and the anti-displacement groove serving as the anti-displacement component can prevent the battery monitoring connector from being displaced in the third direction, thereby preventing the above-mentioned problem from occurring.

[0127] Furthermore, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, since adjacent separators are alternately fitted into the second slits of two different portions, the interval between the adjacent separators in the first direction may be reduced.

[0128] In addition, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, since the connection points of the connection members connected to each of the partitions intersect with each other, when the partition is inserted into the third slit defined by the two connection members, the contact force between the partition and the connection member can be increased, and the partition can be supported more elastically. Therefore, even when the partition is implemented as an ultra-thin film, the connection terminal can be prevented from being accidentally separated from the partition. In other words, the force holding the connection terminal on the partition is increased, which improves the reliability of the product.

[0129] In addition, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, since the locking protrusion of the battery monitoring connector is assembled to be locked or separated with the hook-shaped first and second washers by a pressurizing operation, the battery monitoring connector can be mounted to or removed from the partition without the need for a separate device such as a connector positioner (CPA). Therefore, in terms of production and maintenance, the time required to mount and remove the battery monitoring connector to and from the partition can be shortened, thereby improving assembly efficiency and reducing production costs.

[0130] Without departing from the purpose of the present invention, unless otherwise stated, the various exemplary embodiments described above may be combined with each other. In addition, for any element not described in detail in any exemplary embodiment, reference may be made to the description of the element with the same reference numeral of another exemplary embodiment.

[0131] Although the present invention has been specifically shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, these exemplary embodiments are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the present invention, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the basic features of the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. For example, the various configurations set forth in the exemplary embodiments may be modified and applied. In addition, the differences in these modifications and applications should be interpreted as falling within the scope of protection of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fuel cell equipped with a battery monitoring connector, the fuel cell having a structure for detachably mounting the battery monitoring connector, the fuel cell comprising: A plurality of partitions are arranged to be spaced apart from each other along a first direction, each of the plurality of partitions comprising a receiving groove arranged at one side thereof; as well as a plurality of gaskets respectively disposed on the plurality of partitions, wherein the gasket disposed on a corresponding one of the plurality of partitions is spaced apart from a receiving groove arranged on the corresponding one of the plurality of partitions and is located around the receiving groove, Wherein, the battery monitoring connector comprises: a housing, at least a portion of which is accommodated in an accommodation space defined by the accommodation groove of each of the plurality of partitions; and A plurality of connection terminals are inserted into the housing, the plurality of connection terminals are respectively connected to the plurality of partitions, and Wherein, the housing comprises: a body inserted into the accommodation space along a second direction intersecting the first direction, at least a portion of the body being accommodated in the accommodation space; and A rod portion including a locking protrusion configured to move when pressurized in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, the locking protrusion being locked to or separated from a corresponding washer among the plurality of washers.

2. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein The rod portion includes a plurality of rod portions respectively connected to opposite sides of the body.

3. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein The receiving groove has a shape recessed inward from an outer edge of each of the plurality of partitions.

4. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein The receiving tank comprises: A first side and a second side facing each other along the third direction; and a third side disposed between the first side and the second side, the third side facing the battery monitoring connector, and The plurality of partitions are arranged to overlap each other along the first direction, wherein each partition comprises the receiving groove having a first side, a second side and a third side.

5. The fuel cell according to claim 4, wherein: The plurality of washers include a first washer and a second washer, wherein the first washer and the second washer are disposed to face each other along the third direction with respect to the accommodation groove.

6. The fuel cell according to claim 5, wherein: Each of the first gasket and the second gasket has a hook shape, and The hook shape of the first gasket and the hook shape of the second gasket are symmetrical to each other along the third direction with respect to the accommodation groove.

7. The fuel cell according to claim 5, wherein: Each of the first gasket and the second gasket includes a first end facing the receiving groove along the third direction and a second end facing an outer edge of each of the plurality of partitions along the second direction, wherein the first end is spaced apart from a corresponding one of the first side and the second side of the receiving groove, and Wherein, the second end is spaced apart from the outer edge.

8. The fuel cell according to claim 5, wherein: The fuel cell further includes an anti-displacement member disposed on each of the plurality of separators and located near a third side of the accommodation groove.

9. The fuel cell according to claim 8, wherein: The anti-displacement component is disposed in a third region of each of the plurality of partitions, the third region being adjacent to a third side of the receiving groove and surrounding the receiving groove together with the first region and the second region of each of the plurality of partitions. wherein the first region is adjacent to a first side of the receiving groove, and the first gasket is disposed in the first region; and The second area is adjacent to the second side of the receiving groove, and the second gasket is arranged in the second area.

10. The fuel cell according to claim 9, wherein: The body of the housing includes an anti-displacement groove to allow the anti-displacement component to be inserted into the anti-displacement groove along the second direction.

11. The fuel cell according to claim 10, wherein: The plurality of washers include a third washer including the anti-displacement member provided in a third region of each of the plurality of separators, the third washer having a linear shape in the second direction and a protruding protrusion shape in the first direction.

12. The fuel cell according to claim 11, wherein The third gasket includes a third end facing a third side of the receiving groove, and Wherein, the third end of the third gasket is spaced apart from the accommodating groove.

13. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein The rod portion comprises: a first end portion configured to receive pressure, the first end portion being spaced apart from an upper side of the body along the third direction; a second end connected to the underside of the body; and a wing portion disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion, the wing portion having a curved shape, Wherein, the locking protrusion is arranged on the outer side of the wing portion of the rod portion, and The first end portion and the locking projection are configured to move along the third direction when pressurized, wherein the second end portion serves as a support shaft.

14. The fuel cell according to claim 13, wherein: The locking protrusions include a plurality of locking protrusions spaced apart from each other at regular intervals along the first direction, and Each of the plurality of partitions is disposed in a corresponding one of a plurality of first slits defined between the plurality of locking protrusions spaced apart from each other along the first direction.

15. The fuel cell according to claim 14, wherein The rod portion includes an insulating material.

16. The fuel cell according to claim 14, wherein The locking protrusions have the same thickness as each other along the first direction, and The plurality of first slits have the same width as each other along the first direction.

17. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein The battery monitoring connector further includes a terminal retainer detachably coupled to the housing, the terminal retainer being configured such that the plurality of connection terminals are coupled to the housing in a press-fit manner.

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