Fuel Cells

Abstract

A fuel cell is disclosed. The fuel cell includes: a cell stack including a plurality of unit cells stacked in a first direction; a housing surrounding a side of the cell stack and including at least one opening to expose at least one of opposite ends of the cell stack; a first end plate and a second end plate respectively disposed at opposite ends of the cell stack; and a gasket disposed between a target end plate of the first end plate and the second end plate and the housing to seal the cell stack, wherein the target end plate is disposed in at least one opening in the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments relate to fuel cells. Background Art

[0002] Generally, in a fuel cell for a vehicle, each of a plurality of unit cells generates electric energy using air supplied to one surface of a polymer electrolyte membrane and hydrogen supplied to an opposite surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane, and supplies the generated electric energy to a vehicle system. To clamp the plurality of unit cells, the fuel cell may include a clamping device having an end plate and a clamping rod.

[0003] In addition, the unit stacking module may include a battery stack and a clamping device in which a plurality of unit cells are stacked on each other. The stacking module may be arranged in a singular or plural number. In the case of arranging a plurality of stacking modules, the fuel cell requires a separation device capable of distributing hydrogen, air and cooling water. Therefore, it is preferred to include a fuel cell of a single stacking module to reduce manufacturing costs and simplify the structure of the fuel cell. In addition, in the case of a vehicle (such as a car, a high-performance vehicle, etc.) in which the packaging of the components is strictly restricted, it is further preferred to include a fuel cell of a single stacking module to minimize its height.

[0004] Meanwhile, various sealing technologies have been developed to protect the cell stack in the fuel cell from external water, dust or heat. Summary of the invention

[0005] Accordingly, embodiments are directed to a fuel cell that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

[0006] The embodiment provides a fuel cell having excellent sealing performance.

[0007] In one embodiment, a fuel cell may include: a battery stack including a plurality of unit cells stacked in a first direction, and a housing configured to surround a side of the battery stack. The housing includes at least one opening to expose at least one of the opposite ends of the battery stack. A first end plate and a second end plate are respectively disposed at opposite ends of the battery stack, and a gasket is disposed between a target end plate of the first end plate and the second end plate and the housing, wherein the target end plate is disposed in at least one opening in the housing. The gasket is configured to seal the battery stack.

[0008] For example, the target end plate may include a body including an inner surface facing the cell stack and an outer surface opposite the inner surface.

[0009] For example, the fuel cell may further include a partition wall disposed to face at least a portion of the outer surface of the body in the first direction, and the partition wall may seal the cell stack with the housing using a gasket.

[0010] For example, the fuel cell may further include a connection portion connecting the body and the partition wall to each other.

[0011] For example, the main body and the partition wall may be formed integrally with each other. In this case, the main body, the partition wall and the connecting portion may be formed integrally with each other.

[0012] Alternatively, for example, the main body and the partition wall may be formed separately from each other. In this case, the connecting portion may be formed integrally with the main body and may be formed separately from the partition wall. Alternatively, the connecting portion may be formed integrally with the partition wall and may be formed separately from the main body.

[0013] For example, the fuel cell may further include a clamping member configured to clamp the cell stack with the first end plate and the second end plate.

[0014] For example, the fuel cell may further include a coupling screw configured to penetrate the partition wall and the clamping member and be inserted into the interior of the body.

[0015] For example, the fuel cell may further include a cover configured to cover the coupling screw.

[0016] For example, the body of the target end plate may include an insert having a first stiffness and a shell portion having a stiffness lower than the first stiffness and configured to surround the insert, the shell portion may include a blind hole into which a connecting screw is fastened, and the blind hole may penetrate the shell portion and extend to the insert.

[0017] For example, the insertion portion may include a metal material, and the housing portion may include an insulating resin.

[0018] For example, the outer surface of the body may include a non-manifold area in which the manifold is not provided and to which the partition wall is coupled, and a manifold area in which the manifold is provided.

[0019] For example, the fuel cell may further include a gasket groove provided in at least one of the housing and the partition wall to accommodate the gasket.

[0020] For example, the gasket groove may include a first groove disposed in the target end plate, and the first groove may include at least one of: a 1-1 groove disposed in a portion of the partition wall opposite to the shell in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a 1-2 groove extending from the 1-1 groove, the 1-2 groove being disposed in a portion of the manifold area of ​​the body opposite to the shell in the second direction.

[0021] For example, the gasket groove may include a second groove disposed in the housing, and the second groove may include at least one of: a 2-1 groove disposed on a portion of the housing opposite to the partition wall in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a 2-2 groove extending from the 2-1 groove, the 2-2 groove being disposed in a portion of the housing opposite to the manifold area of ​​the body in the second direction.

[0022] For example, the partition wall may include an end portion coupled to the housing, and a first through hole through which the coupling screw passes.

[0023] For example, the cover may include a covering portion configured to cover the coupling screw, and a supporting portion extending from the covering portion in the first direction to be inserted into the first through hole.

[0024] For example, the clamping member may include a first portion disposed on an upper portion of the battery stack and an upper portion of a target end plate, and a second portion bent from the first portion and extending to an outer surface of the main body, and the second portion may include a second through hole through which a connecting screw passes, and the second through hole is opposite to a portion of the first through hole.

[0025] For example, the second portion of the clamping member may be received in the space between the body and the partition wall.

[0026] For example, the cover may be formed of rubber or a moisture permeable material. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Arrangements and embodiments may be described in detail with reference to the following drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and in which:

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a fuel cell according to an embodiment;

[0029] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an end plate and a cell stack of a fuel cell;

[0030] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a housing according to an embodiment;

[0031] Figure 4 For along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line II′ is shown;

[0032] Figure 5 To show in an enlarged manner Figure 4 A partial exploded cross-sectional view of portion "A" in FIG.

[0033] Figure 6 Based on Figure 1 A top view and a front view of a fuel cell of the illustrated embodiment;

[0034] Figure 7is a perspective view showing the appearance of a fuel cell according to another embodiment;

[0035] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a housing according to another embodiment;

[0036] Fig. 9 Based on Figure 7 A top view and a front view of a fuel cell of another embodiment are shown;

[0037] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B is a cross-sectional view for illustrating the connection relationship between the connecting portion, the main body and the partition wall;

[0038] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel cell according to a first comparative example; and

[0039] Fig.12 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel cell according to a second comparative example. Specific embodiments

[0040] The present disclosure will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings showing various embodiments. However, examples may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the present disclosure more thorough and complete and to more fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0041] 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.

[0042] When an element is referred to as being 'on' or 'under', 'under the element' as well as 'on the element' can be included based on the element.

[0043] Furthermore, relational terms such as "first," "second," "upper / upper," and "lower / lower / lower" are used merely to distinguish one subject or element from another subject or element without necessarily requiring or relating to any physical or logical relationship or order between the subjects or elements.

[0044] Hereinafter, a fuel cell 100A or 100B according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For ease of description, a Cartesian coordinate system (x-axis, y-axis, z-axis) will be used to describe the fuel cell 100A or 100B. However, other different coordinate systems may 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, the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis may intersect each other.

[0045] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a fuel cell 100A according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the end plates (pressing plates or compression plates) 110A and 110B of the fuel cell 100A and the cell stack 122, Figure 3 is a perspective view of a housing 300A according to an embodiment, Figure 4 For along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken along line II′ is shown. Figure 5 To show in an enlarged manner Figure 4 a partially exploded cross-sectional view of portion "A" of Figure 6 Based on Figure 1 A top view of a fuel cell 100A of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 at a portion marked with (a) and a front view at a portion marked with (b).

[0046] The fuel cell 100A may be, for example, a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (or proton exchange membrane fuel cell) (PEMFC), which has been most widely studied as a power source for driving vehicles. However, embodiments are not limited to any specific form of fuel cell.

[0047] The fuel cell 100A may include end plates 110A and 110B and a cell stack 122 .

[0048] The battery stack 122 may include a plurality of unit batteries stacked in a first direction (eg, an x-axis direction). Figure 2 , the battery stack 122 may include a plurality of unit cells 122-1 to 122-N stacked in a first direction (e.g., an x-axis direction). Here, "N" is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1, and may be in the range of tens to hundreds. "N" may be, for example, in the range of 100 to 300, and may preferably be 220. However, embodiments are not limited to any particular value of "N".

[0049] Each unit cell 122-n (where 1≤n≤N) can generate electricity of 0.6V to 1.0V, averaging 0.7V. Therefore, "N" can be determined according to the intensity of the power provided to the load from the fuel cell 100A. Here, "load" may refer to a part of a vehicle that requires power.

[0050] Each unit cell 122 - n may include a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) 210 , gas diffusion layers (GDL) 222 and 224 , first to third gaskets 232 , 234 , and 236 , and separators (or bipolar plates) 242 and 244 .

[0051] The membrane electrode assembly 210 has a structure in which a catalyst electrode layer in which an electrochemical reaction occurs is attached to both sides of an electrolyte membrane through which hydrogen ions move. Specifically, the membrane electrode assembly 210 may include 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. The polymer electrolyte membrane 212 is disposed between the fuel electrode 214 and the air electrode 216. Hydrogen as a fuel in the fuel cell 100A 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.

[0052] 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 transferred to the air electrode 216 through the polymer electrolyte membrane 212, and at the same time, electrons can be transferred to the air electrode 216 through the gas diffusion layers 222 and 224 and the separators 242 and 244 as conductors. To achieve the above operation, a catalyst layer can be applied to each of the fuel electrode 214 and the air electrode 216. The movement of the above-mentioned electrons causes the electrons to flow through the external wires, thereby generating an electric current. That is, the fuel cell 100A can generate electricity due to the electrochemical reaction between hydrogen as a fuel and oxygen contained in the air.

[0053] In some cases, the fuel electrode 214 may be referred to as an anode, and the air electrode 216 may be 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.

[0054] The gas diffusion layers 222 and 224 are used to uniformly distribute hydrogen and oxygen as reaction gases and transfer the generated electrical energy. To this end, the gas diffusion layers 222 and 224 may be disposed on the respective sides of the membrane electrode assembly 210. That is, the first gas diffusion layer 222 may be disposed on the left side of the fuel electrode 214, and the second gas diffusion layer 224 may be disposed on the right side of the air electrode 216. 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.

[0055] The first to third gaskets 232, 234, and 236 can be used to maintain the airtightness and clamping pressure of the cell stack at an appropriate level with respect to the reaction gas and the coolant, to disperse the stress when the separators 242 and 244 are stacked, and to independently seal the flow paths. Thus, since the airtightness and watertightness are maintained by the first to third gaskets 232, 234, and 236, the flatness of the surface adjacent to the cell stack 122 for power generation can be ensured, and thus the surface pressure can be evenly distributed on the reaction surface of the cell stack 122.

[0056] Separators 242 and 244 may be used to move reactant gases and cooling media and separate each of the unit cells 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 collect the generated current and transfer the collected current to a current collector (not shown).

[0057] The current collector may be disposed between the battery stack 122 and inner surfaces 110AI and 110BI of the first and second end plates 110A and 110B opposite to the battery stack 122. The current collector is used to collect electric energy generated by the flow of electrons in the battery stack 122 and supply the electric energy to a load of a vehicle using the fuel cell 100A.

[0058] Separators 242 and 244 may be disposed outside gas diffusion layers 222 and 224, respectively. That is, the first separator 242 may be disposed on the left side of the first gas diffusion layer 222, and the second separator 244 may be disposed on the right side of the second gas diffusion layer 224. 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. To this end, the first separator 242 may include an anode plate (AP) in which a channel (passage or flow path) through which hydrogen flows is formed. 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. To this end, the second separator 244 may include a cathode plate (CP) in which a channel through which air containing oxygen flows is formed. In addition, each of the first separator 242 and the second separator 244 may form a channel through which a cooling medium (e.g., a coolant) flows. In addition, the separators 242 and 244 may be formed of a graphite-based material, a composite graphite-based material, or a metal-based material. However, embodiments are not limited to any specific material for the separators 242 and 244.

[0059] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, the fuel cell 100A may further include: a first end battery heater 112A disposed between the battery stack 122 and the first end plate 110A, and a second end battery heater 112B disposed between the battery stack 122 and the second end plate 110B.

[0060] Each of the first end plate 110A and the second end plate 110B may be disposed at a corresponding one of both ends of the battery stack 122 and may support and fix the unit cells. That is, the first end plate 110A may be disposed at one end of the battery stack 122, and the second end plate 110B may be disposed at the opposite end of the battery stack 122.

[0061] The first end plate 110A may include a plurality of manifolds (or communication portions). Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, the first end plate 110A may include a plurality of manifolds IN 11 , IN 12 ,OUT 11 and OUT 12 .

[0062] Through the first inflow connection IN 11 and the second inflow communication portion IN 12 The reaction gas required by the membrane electrode assembly 210 is introduced and can be discharged through the first outflow connection portion OUT 11 and the second outflow communication portion OUT 12 The gas or liquid to which the humidified and supplied reaction gas and the condensed water generated in the cell are added is discharged to the outside of the fuel cell 100A.

[0063] In addition, the second end plate 110B may further include a plurality of manifolds (or communication portions). For example, although not shown, the second end plate 110B may include a plurality of manifolds (or communication portions) IN 13 and OUT 13 . Through the third inflow connection IN 13 The cooling medium is introduced into the battery stack 122 from the outside and can be discharged through the third outflow connection portion OUT 13 The cooling medium is discharged from the inside of the battery stack 122 to the outside. Alternatively, unlike the configuration shown in the drawings, the third inflow communication portion IN 13 The first inflow communication portion IN may be provided in the first end plate 110A. 11 With the second outflow connection portion OUT 12 and the third outflow communication portion OUT 13 The second inflow communication portion IN12 and the first outflow communication portion OUT that may be provided in the first end plate 110A 11 between.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the fuel cell 100A may further include an insulating plate 140. The insulating plate 140 is disposed between the cell stack 122 and the clamping member 130, and serves to electrically insulate the cell stack 122 and the clamping member 130 from each other.

[0065] In addition, the fuel cell 100A may further include a housing 300A and a fourth gasket 150 .

[0066] According to one embodiment, the housing 300A may be a tetrahedral housing that covers the sides of the battery stack 122 and includes a first opening OP1 and a second opening OP2 to expose therefrom opposite ends of the battery stack 122. In this case, the first end plate 110A may be disposed in the first opening OP1 in the housing 300A, and the second end plate 110B may be disposed in the second opening OP2 in the housing 300A.

[0067] According to another embodiment, the housing 300A may be a pentahedral housing that covers the side of the battery stack 122 and any one of the opposite ends of the battery stack 122 and includes only any one of the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2. In this case, one of the first end plate 110A and the second end plate 110B may be disposed at an end of the battery stack 122 opposite to one of the openings OP1 and OP2 in the housing 300A, and the other of the first end plate 110A and the second end plate 110B may be disposed between the opposite end of the battery stack 122 and the housing 300A.

[0068] Despite Figure 3 300A is shown to be formed as a single piece, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. According to another embodiment, the housing 300A may be formed such that at least two bodies are coupled to each other. For example, one of the two bodies of the housing 300A may have shape, and the other of the two bodies may have an "L" shape so as to be connected to Alternatively, one of the two bodies of the housing 300A may have shape, and the other of the two bodies may have a "-" shape to connect to Shape subject.

[0069] Hereinafter, among the first end plate 110A and the second end plate 110B, the end plate disposed in the opening in the housing 300A will be referred to as a "target end plate". That is, when the housing 300A is a tetrahedral housing, each of the first end plate 110A and the second end plate 110B disposed in a corresponding one of the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 corresponds to the target end plate. Alternatively, when the housing 300A is a pentahedral housing, among the first end plate 110A and the second end plate 110B, the end plate disposed in any one of the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 corresponds to the target end plate.

[0070] Hereinafter, a case where each of the first end plate 110A and the second end plate 110B is a target end plate will be described. However, the following description may also be applied to a case where only one of the first end plate 110A and the second end plate 110B is a target end plate.

[0071] In this case, the fourth gasket 150 is disposed between the housing 300A and the target end plate, and thus the battery stack 122 is sealed from at least one of external water, dust, and heat. For example, the fourth gasket 150 may be disposed between the housing 300A and the first end plate 110A (e.g., a body BA described later) and between the housing 300A and the second end plate 110B (e.g., a body BB described later).

[0072] Hereinafter, the configuration of the fuel cell 100A for sealing the cell stack 122 will be described in detail.

[0073] The first end plate 110A may include a body BA, and the second end plate 110B may include a body BB. In addition, the fuel cell 100A according to the embodiment may further include partition walls SWA and SWB. In addition, the fuel cell 100A according to the embodiment may further include connection parts CA and CB.

[0074] The body BA may include an inner surface 110AI facing the battery stack 122 and an outer surface 110AO opposite to the inner surface 110AI. The body BB may include an inner surface 110BI facing the battery stack 122 and an outer surface 110BO opposite to the inner surface 110BI.

[0075] In addition, each of the main bodies BA and BB of the first end plate 110A and the second end plate 110B may include an insert portion 114 and a shell portion 116. The insert portion 114 may have a first rigidity, and the shell portion 116 may have a second rigidity less than the first rigidity, and may be formed to cover the insert portion 114. For example, the insert portion 114 may include a metal material, and the shell portion 116 may include an insulating resin such as plastic. The metal insert portion 114 of each of the first end plate 110A and the second end plate 110B may have a high rigidity characteristic to withstand the inner surface pressure, and may be realized by machining the metal material.

[0076] Alternatively, in the first end plate 110A and the second end plate 110B, only the body BA or BB of the target end plate may be formed so that the metal insert portion 114 is surrounded by the injection-molded plastic 116. When the metal insert portion 114 has higher rigidity than the housing portion 116, the coupling screw 160 may be more securely fastened to the metal insert portion 114 of the target end plate in the first end plate 110A and the second end plate 110B, which will be described later.

[0077] Each of the first end plate 110A and the second end plate 110B may be formed by combining a plurality of plates.

[0078] When the housing 300A is a tetrahedral housing including the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2, the partition wall SWA may face at least a portion of the outer surface 110AO of the body BA in the first direction (e.g., the x-axis direction), the partition wall SWB may face at least a portion of the outer surface 110BO of the body BB in the first direction (e.g., the x-axis direction), and the partition walls SWA and SWB may seal the battery stack 122 with the housing 300A using the fourth gasket 150. To this end, the fourth gasket 150 may be provided between the bodies BA and BB and the housing 300A, and between the partition walls SWA and SWB and the housing 300A.

[0079] When the housing 300A is a pentahedral housing including only the first opening OP1, the first end plate 110A disposed in the first opening OP1 corresponds to the target end plate. In this case, the partition wall SWA may face at least a portion of the outer surface 110AO of the main body BA in a first direction (e.g., the x-axis direction), and the partition wall SWA may seal the battery stack 122 with the housing 300A using the fourth gasket 150. To this end, the fourth gasket 150 may be disposed between the main body BA and the housing 300A and between the partition wall SWA and the housing 300A.

[0080] Alternatively, when the housing 300A is a pentahedral housing including only the second opening OP2, the second end plate 110B disposed in the second opening OP2 corresponds to the target end plate. In this case, the partition wall SWB may face at least a portion of the outer surface 110BO of the main body BB in the first direction (e.g., the x-axis direction), and the partition wall SWB may seal the battery stack 122 with the housing 300A using the fourth gasket 150. To this end, the fourth gasket 150 may be disposed between the main body BB and the housing 300A and between the partition wall SWB and the housing 300A.

[0081] Hereinafter, a fuel cell 100B according to another embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0082] Figure 7 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a fuel cell 100B according to another embodiment. Figure 8 is a perspective view of a housing 300B according to another embodiment, and Fig. 9 Based on Figure 7 A fuel cell 100B according to another embodiment is shown in a top view in the portion marked (a) and in a front view in the portion marked (b).

[0083] According to one embodiment, the body BA or BB and the partition wall SWA or SWB may be formed integrally with each other. Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the body BA (e.g., the shell portion 116), the partition wall SWA and the connection portion CA may be formed integrally with each other, and the body BB (e.g., the shell portion 116), the partition wall SWB and the connection portion CB may be formed integrally with each other. In this case, the body BA, the partition wall SWA and the connection portion CA may be included as components of the first end plate 110A, and the body BB, the partition wall SWB and the connection portion CB may be included as components of the second end plate 110B.

[0084] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B 1 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the connection relationship between the connecting portion CA, the main body BA and the partition wall SWA. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B The following description of the coupling relationship shown among the connection portion CA, the main body BA, and the partition wall SWA can also be applied to the coupling relationship between the connection portion CB, the main body BB, and the partition wall SWB.

[0085] According to another embodiment, Figure 5 Different from the illustrated configuration, the main body BA or BB and the partition wall SWA or SWB may be formed separately from each other.

[0086] In one example, the connection portion CA or CB may be integrally formed with the body BA or BB, and may be separately formed from the partition wall SWA or SWB. Fig. 10A As shown, the connection portion CA may be integrally formed with the body BA, and may be formed separately from the partition wall SWA. In this case, the connection portion CA protruding from the body BA may be coupled to the partition wall SWA.

[0087] In another example, the connection portion CA or CB may be formed integrally with the partition wall SWA or SWB, and may be formed separately from the body BA or BB. Fig. 10B As shown, the connection portion CA may be integrally formed with the partition wall SWA, and may be formed separately from the body BA. In this case, the connection portion CA protruding from the partition wall SWA may be coupled to the body BA.

[0088] In yet another example, the connection portion CA or CB may be omitted. In this case, the partition wall SWA or SWB may be directly coupled to the body BA or BB.

[0089] The outer surface 110AO or 110BO of the body BA or BB may include a “non-manifold area” and a “manifold area.” The “non-manifold area” may be an area of ​​the body BA or BB where no manifold is provided, and the “manifold area” may be an area of ​​the body BA or BB where a manifold is provided.

[0090] The partition wall SWA or SWB is coupled to the non-manifold area of ​​the body BA or BB, but is not coupled to the manifold area of ​​the body BA or BB. The reason for this is to prevent the partition wall SWA or SWB from obstructing the flow of fluid through the manifold.

[0091] For example, in the fuel cell 100A or 100B according to the above-described embodiment, the central region CR may correspond to the non-manifold region, and the peripheral region PR located outside the central region CR may correspond to the non-manifold region. 1 and PR 2 Thus, the partition wall SWA or SWB is coupled to the central region CR of the body BA or BB but not to the peripheral region PR. 1 and PR 2 However, the manifold may be located at any of various positions in the separator and the end plate. Considering this, in the fuel cell 100A or 100B according to the embodiment, the partition wall SWA or SWB may be connected to any of the non-manifold regions of the body BA or BB where the manifold is not provided. That is, Figure 1 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Fig. 9 Different from the configuration shown, when the central region CR of the body BA or BB is the manifold region and the peripheral region PR 1 and PR 2 In the case of a non-manifold area, the partition wall SWA or SWB may be connected to the peripheral area PR of the body BA or BB 1 and PR 2 .

[0092] Therefore, for the convenience of description, the central region CR corresponds to the non-manifold region and the peripheral region PR is described below by way of example. 1 and PR 2 However, the following description is also applicable to the case where the central region CR corresponds to the manifold region and the peripheral region PR 1 and PR 2 Corresponds to the situation in the non-manifold area.

[0093] In addition, in the case of the fuel cell 100A according to the embodiment, the first top surface BTC of the center region CR of the body BA or BB of the first end plate 110A or the second end plate 110B is 1 (refer to Figure 5 ) and the peripheral area PR of the main body BA or the main body BB1 and PR 2 The second top surface BTP 1 (refer to Figure 6 ) may have a height difference Δh. That is, based on the ground, the first top surface BTC 1 Comparable second top surface BTP 1 Similarly, the first bottom surface BTC of the center area CR of the main body BA or BB of the first end plate 110A or the second end plate 110B is 2 The peripheral area PR of the main body BA or BB 1 and PR 2 The second bottom surface BTP 2 (refer to Figure 6 ) may have a height difference Δh. That is, based on the ground, the first bottom surface BTC 2 Comparable second bottom surface BTP 2 Higher than the height difference Δh.

[0094] In the case of a fuel cell 100B according to another embodiment, as Fig. 9 As shown, the first top surface BTC of the central area CR of the main body BA of the first end plate 110A or the main body BB of the second end plate 110B 1 and the peripheral area PR of the main body BA or BB 1 and PR 2 The second top surface BTP 1 There may be no height difference Δh between the first top surface BTC and the second top surface BTC. 1 and the second top surface BTP 1 Similarly, the first bottom surface BTC of the center area CR of the main body BA or BB of the first end plate 110A or the second end plate 110B may have the same height. 2 and the peripheral area PR of the main body BA or BB 1 and PR 2 The second bottom surface BTP 2 There may be no height difference Δh between the first bottom surface BTC and the second bottom surface BTC. 2 and the second bottom surface BTP 2 May have the same height.

[0095] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, Figure 3 As shown, each of the upper inner surface (hereinafter referred to as the "upper surface") 300U and the lower inner surface (hereinafter referred to as the "lower surface") 300L of the outer shell 300A included in the fuel cell 100A may not have a step portion in a third direction (for example, the y-axis direction) intersecting the first direction.

[0096] According to another embodiment, Figure 8As shown, each of an upper surface 300U and a lower surface 300L of a housing 300B included in the fuel cell 100B may have a stepped portion.

[0097] That is, the first upper surface 300U of the housing 300B contacts the partition wall SWA or SWB coupled to the central area CR of the body BA or BB. 1 and the peripheral area PR of the housing 300B and the body BA or BB 1 and PR 2 The second upper surface 300U in contact 2 There may be a step portion (ie, a height difference Δh) therebetween.

[0098] In addition, the first lower surface 300L of the housing 300B contacts the partition wall SWA or SWB coupled to the central area CR of the body BA or BB. 1 and the peripheral area PR of the housing 300B and the body BA or BB 1 and PR 2 The second lower surface 300L of the contact 2 There may be a step portion (i.e., a height difference Δh) therebetween. Since the fuel cell 100B according to another embodiment is the same as the fuel cell 100A according to one embodiment except for the above-mentioned differences, repeated descriptions will be omitted. In the case where the description of the fuel cell 100B according to another embodiment is omitted, the description of the fuel cell 100A according to one embodiment may be applied thereto.

[0099] Furthermore, the partition wall SWA or SWB may be manufactured in any of various forms.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the body BA or BB (eg, the housing portion 116 ) and the partition wall SWA or SWB may be integrally formed with each other through a single injection molding process using insert overmolding and a mold.

[0101] According to another embodiment, the partition wall SWA or SWB may be physically coupled to the body BA or BB by welding the partition wall SWA or SWB to the body BA or BB via a vibration welding or laser welding method. In this case, a conventional body without the partition wall may be recycled to manufacture a fuel cell including the partition walls SWA and SWB.

[0102] As a first example, a method of manufacturing a fuel cell 100A according to an embodiment in which the body BA or BB (eg, the case portion 116 ) and the partition wall SWA or SWB are not integrally formed but are formed separately from each other will be described below.

[0103] As described above, before the partition wall SWA or SWB is coupled to the body BA or BB, the first top surface BTC is 1 Comparable second top surface BTP 1 The height difference Δh is low, and the first bottom surface BTC 2 Comparable second bottom surface BTP 2 Then, when the partition wall SWA or SWB is coupled to the central region CR of the body BA of the first end plate 110A or the body BB of the second end plate 110B, the upper surface HS of the partition wall SWA or SWB coupled to the central region CR of the body BA or BB and the peripheral region PR of the body BA or BB are 1 and PR 2 The second top surface BTP 1 The partition wall SWA or SWB may be placed on the same horizontal plane, and the lower surface LS of the central region CR of the main body BA or BB and the peripheral region PR of the main body BA or BB are coupled to the partition wall SWA or SWB. 1 and PR 2 The second bottom surface BTP 2 can be placed on the same horizontal plane. That is, the height of the upper surface HS is the same as that of the second top surface BTP. 1 The height of the lower surface LS is the same as that of the second lower surface BTP. 2 The height of is the same. Therefore, Figure 6 The upper surface HS and the second top surface BTP are shown 1 Airtight contact Figure 3 The upper surface 300U of the housing 300A shown does not have an uneven portion, that is, does not have a stepped portion. Figure 6 The lower surface LS and the second bottom surface BTP are shown 2 Airtight contact Figure 3 The illustrated housing 300A has a lower surface 300L without an uneven portion, ie, without a stepped portion.

[0104] As a second example, a method of manufacturing a fuel cell 100B according to another embodiment in which the main body BA or BB and the partition wall SWA or SWB are formed separately from each other will be described below.

[0105] As described above, before the partition wall SWA or SWB is coupled to the body BA or BB, the first top surface BTC 1 and the second top surface BTP 1 may have the same height, and the first bottom surface BTC 2 and the second bottom surface BTP 2Subsequently, when the partition wall SWA or SWB is coupled to the central area CR of the body BA or BB of the first end plate 110A or the second end plate 110B, the upper surface HS of the partition wall SWA or SWB coupled to the central area CR of the body BA or BB and the second top surface BTP of the peripheral areas PR1 and PR2 of the body BA or BB 1 The upper surface HS may have a height difference Δh. That is, based on the ground, the upper surface HS may be higher than the second top surface BTP. 1 The height difference Δh is higher, and the lower surface LS is higher than the second bottom surface BTC 2 However, since the first upper surface 300U of the housing 300B 1 and the second upper surface 300U 2 The height difference Δh corresponds to the upper surface HS and the second top surface BTP 1 The height difference Δh between the upper surface HS and the second top surface BTP 1 The upper surface 300U of the housing 300B having an uneven portion, ie, a stepped portion, can be airtightly contacted. In addition, since the first lower surface 300L of the housing 300B 1 and the second lower surface 300L 2 The height difference Δh corresponds to the lower surface LS and the second bottom surface BTP 2 The height difference Δh between the lower surface LS and the second bottom surface BTP 2 The lower surface 300L of the housing 300B having the uneven portion, ie, the step portion, may be airtightly contacted.

[0106] The fuel cell 100A according to the embodiment may further include a coupling screw 160. The coupling screw 160 may penetrate each of the partition walls SWA and SWB and the clamping member 130, and may be inserted and fixed to the inside of each of the main bodies BA and BB. To this end, each of the main bodies BA and BB may include a blind hole BH formed therein. The coupling screw 160 may be fastened to the blind hole BH. The blind hole BH may penetrate the housing portion 116 and may extend to the insertion portion 114. Each of the partition walls SWA and SWB may include a first through hole TH 1 The connecting screw 160 passes through the first through hole TH 1 .

[0107] If the bodies BA and BB are formed of plastic so as to electrically insulate the housing 300A from the first end plate 110A and the second end plate 110B, or if the blind hole BH into which the connecting screw 160 is fastened is formed only in the shell portion 116 instead of extending to the insertion portion 114 of each of the bodies BA and BB, the connecting force between the connecting screw 160 and each of the first end plate 110A and the second end plate 110B can be reduced.

[0108] However, according to the embodiment, the blind hole BH into which the coupling screw 160 is fastened extends to the metal insertion part 114 , thereby increasing the coupling force between the coupling screw 160 and each of the first and second end plates 110A and 110B.

[0109] In addition, the fuel cell 100A may further include a cover 170. Figure 6 , the cover 170 may be provided to cover the coupling screw 160. Therefore, the coupling screw 160 is covered by the cover 170 and thus is not visible from the outside. However, to help understand the embodiment, the first through hole TH 1 exist Figure 6 and Fig. 9 In the figure, the connecting screw 160 is shown by a solid line. Figure 6 and Fig. 9 Thus, when the cover 170 is provided to cover the coupling screw 160, the cover 170 can prevent external foreign matter from being introduced into the fuel cell 100A or 100B through a gap between the coupling screw 160 and each of the partition walls SWA and SWB, thereby further improving the sealing structure.

[0110] According to an embodiment, the cover 170 may include a support portion 172 and a covering portion 174. The covering portion 174 is used to cover the coupling screw 160. The support portion 172 may extend from the covering portion 174 in a first direction (eg, an x-axis direction) and may be inserted into the first through hole TH. 1 middle.

[0111] According to the embodiment, the cover 170 may be formed of rubber or a moisture permeable material. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the cover 170 may be formed of EPDM, VQM, fluorine-based rubber, etc.

[0112] Alternatively, the cover 170 may be formed of a moisture permeable material such as Gore-Tex. In this case, moisture in the fuel cell 100A or 100B is discharged to the outside, while external moisture is prevented from being introduced into the fuel cell 100A or 100B, thereby maximizing the ventilation effect.

[0113] In addition, if Figure 6 and Fig. 9 As shown, the front side of the cover 170 may have an oval shape, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, according to another embodiment, the front side of the cover 170 may have a circular or polygonal shape.

[0114] like Figure 3 and Figure 8As shown, since the housing 300A or 300B needs to be connected to the upper surface HS and the lower surface LS of each of the partition walls SWA and SWB, the central area CR of the housing 300A or 300B can be formed to protrude in a first direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) when viewed in a plan view, which will be described below.

[0115] According to an embodiment, the fuel cell 100A may further include a gasket groove The gasket groove is provided in at least one of the housing 300A and the partition walls SWA and SWB and is used to accommodate the fourth gasket 150 .

[0116] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , a gasket groove (hereinafter referred to as a “first groove”) provided in each of the first end plate 110A and the second end plate 110B GH 1 Can include 1-1 slot GH 11 And slot 1-2 GH 121 and GH 122 At least one of the partition walls SWA and SWB may be provided in a portion of each of the partition walls SWA and SWB opposite to the housing 300A in a second direction (e.g., z-axis direction) intersecting the first direction (e.g., x-axis direction) and the third direction (e.g., y-axis direction). 11 GH slot 1-2 121 and GH 122 Available from slot 1-1 GH 11 The outer peripheral region PR of each of the main bodies BA and BB may be provided in the second direction (eg, the z-axis direction). 1 and PR 2 The first groove GH may be in a portion opposite to the housing 300A. For example, each of the partition walls SWA and SWB may include an end portion EP. 1 The fourth gasket 150 may be disposed in the end portion EP of each of the partition walls SWA and SWB and may provide a space for accommodating the fourth gasket 150 so that the battery stack 122 may be sealed by the housing 300A and the first and second end plates 110A and 110B.

[0117] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , a gasket groove (hereinafter referred to as a "second groove") GH provided in the housing 300A 2 Can include slot 2-1 GH 21 And slot 2-2 GH 221 and GH 222 At least one of the following. Slot 2-1 GH 21The second groove GH may be disposed in a second direction (e.g., z-axis direction) intersecting the first direction (e.g., x-axis direction) and the third direction (e.g., y-axis direction) in the housing 300A in a portion opposite to each of the partition walls SWA and SWB of the first end plate 110A and the second end plate 110B. 221 and GH 222 Available from slot 2-1 GH 21 The outer peripheral region PR of the housing 300A and the outer peripheral region PR of the main bodies BA and BB may extend in the second direction (eg, the z-axis direction). 1 and PR 2 In the relative part.

[0118] As described above, according to the embodiment, the fuel cell 100A may include only the first tank GH. 1 , may include only the second groove GH 2 , or may include both the first groove GH 1 Also includes the second slot GH 2 .

[0119] To help understand the embodiments, Figure 6 The first groove GH is shown by the dotted line in FIG. 1 or the second slot GH 2 part.

[0120] The fuel cell 100A includes a first tank GH 1 and the second slot GH 2 In both cases, the first slot GH 1 The depth d1 may be greater or less than the second groove GH. 2 The depth d2.

[0121] The fuel cell 100A includes only the first tank GH 1 But not including the second slot GH 2 In the case of the fourth gasket 150, the fourth gasket 150 may be attached so as to protrude toward the upper surface 300U of the housing 300A, and the fourth gasket 150 may be received in the first groove GH. 1 Alternatively, in the fuel cell 100A, only the second tank GH is included. 2 But not including the first slot GH 1 In the case of, the fourth gasket 150 may be attached so as to protrude toward the upper surface HS of each of the partition walls SWA and SWB, and the fourth gasket 150 may be received in the second groove GH. 2 middle.

[0122] Similar to the first groove GH formed in at least one of the upper surface 300U of the housing 300A and the upper surface HS of each of the partition walls SWA and SWB, the fourth gasket 150 is disposed. 1 and the second slot GH2 In the configuration in, a fifth gasket (not shown) may be disposed in a hole formed in at least one of the lower surface 300L of the housing 300A and the lower surface LS of each of the partition walls SWA and SWB.

[0123] Therefore, in the fuel cell 100A according to the embodiment, the first groove GH is provided 1 And the second slot GH 2 The fourth gasket 150 in at least one of the end plates 110A and 110B blocks a gap between the housing 300A and each of the end plates 110A and 110B, thereby forming a continuous sealing line (eg, a watertight line).

[0124] The fuel cell 100A or 100B may further include a clamping member 130. The clamping member 130 is used to clamp the plurality of unit cells together with the first and second end plates 110A and 110B in a first direction (eg, x-axis direction).

[0125] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the clamping member 130 and the housing 300A may be spaced apart from each other. This is to electrically insulate the clamping member 130 and the housing 300A from each other. For example, the upper surface of the clamping member 130 and the upper surface 300H of the housing 300A may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance SD.

[0126] For example, as in Figure 6 and Fig. 9 As shown by the dotted line in FIG. 1 , the clamping member 130 may have a rod shape, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, according to another embodiment, the clamping member 130 may be formed in a long bolt shape, a belt shape, or a rigid rope shape to clamp the unit battery. When the clamping member 130 is formed in a rod shape, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 and Fig. 9 As shown, the height of the fuel cell 100A or 100B in a second direction (e.g., z-axis direction) intersecting the first direction (e.g., x-axis direction) and the third direction (e.g., y-axis direction) can be reduced compared to when the clamping member 130 is formed into a long bolt shape.

[0127] An example of fastening the clamp member 130 to the fuel cell 100A or 100B will now be described.

[0128] The first end plate 110A and the second end plate 110B may be provided on respective ends of a battery stack 122 in which a plurality of unit batteries are repeatedly stacked. The assembly may be placed in a clamping device and an appropriate load may be applied thereto. In this state, the battery stack 122 may be clamped to the first end plate 110A and the second end plate 110B using the clamping member 130.

[0129] The clamping member 130 may include a first portion P 1and the second P 2 . The first P 1 The second portion P may be disposed on the upper portion of the battery stack 122 and the upper portions of the target end plates, such as the main bodies BA and BB of the first end plate 110A and the second end plate 110B. 2 Bendable and from the first P 1 The second portion P of the clamping member 130 extends to the outer surfaces 110AO and 110BO of the main bodies BA and BB. 2 The outer surfaces 110AO and 110BO of the bodies BA and BB may be accommodated in the space between the partition walls SWA and SWB.

[0130] Furthermore, according to an embodiment, the second part P 2 A second through hole TH may be included 2 The second through hole TH 2 The first through hole TH may be formed to allow the coupling screw 160 to pass therethrough and may be disposed to be aligned with the first through hole TH. 1 Thus, since the connecting screws 160 pass through the first through holes TH opposite to each other, 1 and the second through hole TH 2 Both, therefore, the fixing force of the coupling screw 160 can be further increased.

[0131] Hereinafter, a fuel cell according to a comparative example and a fuel cell according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0132] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel cell according to a first comparative example, which includes a first stacking module and a second stacking module stacked in a second direction (eg, z-axis direction), a housing 302 , a manifold block 510 , and a side cover 520 .

[0133] Fig.11 The first stack module shown comprises a battery stack CS 1 , first end plate EP 11 and the second end plate EP 12 and clamping members 132 and 134, and the second battery stack module includes a battery stack CS 2 , first end plate EP 21 and the second end plate EP 22 and clamping members 136 and 138. Battery Stack CS 1 and CS 2 , clamping members 132, 134, 136 and 138, first end plate EP 11 and EP 21 , the second end plate EP 12 and EP 22and the housing 302 respectively perform the same functions as the cell stack 122 , the clamping member 130 , the first end plate 110A, the second end plate 110B, and the housing 300A or 300B of the fuel cell 100A or 100B according to the embodiment.

[0134] Available through Fig.11 The manifold block 510 shown supplies hydrogen and air to the cell stack CS 1 and CS 2 , and the coolant can be supplied to the battery stack CS through the side cover 520 1 and CS 2 In addition, according to Fig.11 In the case of the fuel cell of the first comparative example shown, high-voltage wiring for series connection (or parallel connection) may be further provided.

[0135] refer to Fig.11 A watertight line 600 is formed between the manifold block 510 and the housing 302 and between the side cover 520 and the housing 302. To form the watertight line 600, a space having a size of about 100 mm or more, which corresponds to the first thickness L of the manifold block 510, may not necessarily be required. 1 and the second thickness L of the side cover 520 2 sum.

[0136] In addition, Fig.11 In the fuel cell shown in the figure, the U-shaped clamping members 132 to 136 can be arranged in the cell stack CS. 1 and CS 2 The dead zone can be eliminated, but when the connecting bolts are tightened therein, it will be difficult to ensure a watertight structure.

[0137] Fig.12 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel cell according to a second comparative example, which includes a single stack module, a housing 302 , and side covers 530 and 540 .

[0138] Fig.12 The stack module shown includes a battery stack CS, a first end plate EP 1 and the second end plate EP 2 and clamping members 133 and 135. The cell stack CS, the clamping members 133 and 135, the first end plate EP1, the second end plate EP2, and the housing 302 respectively perform the same functions as the cell stack 122, the clamping member 130, the first end plate 110A, the second end plate 110B, and the housing 300A or 300B of the fuel cell 100A or 100B according to the embodiment.

[0139] To minimize the additional space required to install the fuel cell in the vehicle, a Fig.12 The fuel cell structure shown replaces Fig.11 In this case, the number of components constituting the fuel cell can be reduced. Fig.12 The fuel cell of the second comparative example shown requires separate side covers 530 and 540 to seal the fuel cell. When separate side covers 530 and 540 are provided, a space having a size of about 100 mm or more, which corresponds to the distance L between the side cover 530 and the clamping members 133 and 135, may not be necessarily required. 3 and the distance L between the side cover 540 and the clamping members 133 and 135 4 sum.

[0140] Unlike the first and second comparative examples described above, the fuel cell 100A or 100B according to the embodiment includes partition walls SWA and SWB, connection parts CA and CB, and a cover 170 to seal the cell stack 122. In this case, the length of the fuel cell 100A or 100B can be increased by a first length D in a first direction (e.g., x-axis direction) by the partition walls SWA or SWB and the connection parts CA or CB. 1 , and the thickness D of the covering portion 174 of the cover 170 may be further increased in the first direction (eg, the x-axis direction) 2 That is, the length of each end portion of the fuel cell 100A or 100B increases by D due to the first end plate 110A and the second end plate 110B and the corresponding one of the cover 170. 1 and D 2 For example, when D 1 About 10mm, D 2 When the length of the fuel cell 100A or 100B is 6mm to 8mm, the total length of the fuel cell 100A or 100B increases to 32mm to 36mm. Therefore, it can be seen that the length of the fuel cell according to the embodiment in the first direction is smaller than the fuel cell according to the first comparative example and the second comparative example. That is, since the partition walls SWA and SWB formed integrally with the main bodies BA and BB of the end plates 110A and 110B and extending from the main bodies BA and BB, or the partition walls SWA and SWB formed separately from the main bodies BA and BB and connected to the main bodies BA and BB are connected to the housing 300A or 300B, the fuel cell 100A or 100B according to the embodiment does not require a separate side cover (reference Fig.12 530 and 540), and thus the length of the fuel cell in the first direction can be reduced.

[0141] When the washer groove GH is formed in the clamp member 130 1 and GH 2However, in the fuel cell 100A or 100B according to the embodiment, the gasket groove GH is formed in at least one of the partition walls SWA and SWB, the bodies BA and BB, and the housing 300A or 300B. 1 and GH 2 , and the space between the housing 300A or 300B and the end plates 110A and 110B can be sealed by the fourth gasket 150 without any leakage points, such as Figure 6 and Fig. 9 As shown, it exhibits excellent sealing performance.

[0142] Furthermore, the fuel cell 100A or 100B according to the embodiment may use the cover 170 to further maximize the sealing effect thereof.

[0143] As is apparent from the above description, a fuel cell according to an embodiment may have a reduced length in a direction in which a plurality of cells are stacked, and may have excellent sealing performance.

[0144] Unless otherwise stated, the various embodiments described above may be combined with each other without departing from the purpose of the present disclosure. In addition, for any element not described in detail in the various embodiments, reference may be made to the description of the element with the same reference numeral in another embodiment.

[0145] Although the present disclosure has been specifically shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments, these embodiments are presented for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the present disclosure, and it is apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made to form and detail without departing from the basic features of the embodiments set forth herein. For example, the corresponding constructions set forth in the embodiments may be modified and applied. In addition, differences in such modifications and applications should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fuel cell, comprising: A battery stack including a plurality of unit batteries stacked in a first direction; a housing surrounding a side of the battery stack, the housing including at least one opening to expose at least one of opposite ends of the battery stack therefrom; A first end plate and a second end plate, respectively disposed at the opposite ends of the battery stack; as well as a gasket disposed between a target end plate of the first end plate and the second end plate and the housing, the target end plate being disposed in the at least one opening in the housing, the gasket being configured to seal the battery stack, wherein the target end plate comprises a main body, the main body comprising an inner surface facing the battery stack and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface, wherein the gasket is disposed between the main body and the housing; and a partition wall, the partition wall being arranged to face at least a portion of the outer surface of the body in the first direction, the partition wall sealing the battery stack with the housing using the gasket, wherein the gasket is arranged between the partition wall and the housing, Wherein, the outer surface of the main body comprises: a non-manifold region in which no manifold is provided; and a manifold region in which a manifold is arranged, The non-manifold region is coupled to the partition wall, the manifold region is not coupled to the partition wall, wherein a portion of the gasket is disposed between the body and the housing in the manifold region, Wherein, the other part of the gasket is arranged between the partition wall and the housing in the non-manifold area. 2 . The fuel cell according to claim 1 , further comprising a connection portion connecting the body and the partition wall to each other.

3. The fuel cell according to claim 2, wherein: The body and the partition wall are formed integrally with each other.

4. The fuel cell according to claim 3, wherein: The body, the partition wall, and the connection portion are formed integrally with each other.

5. The fuel cell according to claim 2, wherein: The body and the partition wall are formed separately from each other.

6. The fuel cell according to claim 5, wherein: The connection portion is formed integrally with the body, and the connection portion is formed separately from the partition wall.

7. The fuel cell according to claim 5, wherein: The connection portion is formed integrally with the partition wall and is formed separately from the main body.

8. The fuel cell according to claim 2, further comprising a clamping member clamping the cell stack together with the first end plate and the second end plate. 9 . The fuel cell according to claim 8 , further comprising a coupling screw penetrating through the partition wall and the clamping member and inserted into an interior of the body.

10. The fuel cell according to claim 9, further comprising a cover covering the coupling screw.

11. The fuel cell according to claim 10, wherein: The partition wall comprises: an end portion coupled to the housing; and A first through hole through which the coupling screw passes.

12. The fuel cell according to claim 11, wherein The cover comprises: a covering portion configured to cover the coupling screw; and A support portion extends from the cover portion in the first direction to be inserted into the first through hole.

13. The fuel cell according to claim 11, wherein The clamping member comprises: a first portion disposed on an upper portion of the battery stack and an upper portion of the target end plate; and A second portion is bent from the first portion and extends to the outer surface of the body, wherein the second portion includes a second through hole through which the coupling screw passes, and the second through hole is opposite to a portion of the first through hole.

14. The fuel cell according to claim 9, wherein The main body of the target end plate includes: an insert portion having a first stiffness and a shell portion having a second stiffness lower than the first stiffness, the shell portion surrounding the insert portion; wherein the body comprises a blind hole into which the coupling screw is fastened; and The blind hole penetrates the housing portion and extends to the insertion portion.

15. The fuel cell according to claim 1, further comprising a gasket groove provided in the housing or the partition wall to accommodate the gasket.

16. The fuel cell according to claim 15, wherein The gasket groove includes a first groove disposed in the target end plate, and Wherein, the first slot includes at least one of the following: A 1-1th groove provided in a portion of the partition wall opposite to the housing in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and A 1-2 groove extends from the 1-1 groove, and the 1-2 groove is provided in a portion of the manifold region of the body opposite to the housing in the second direction.

17. The fuel cell according to claim 15, wherein The gasket groove includes a second groove disposed in the housing, and Wherein, the second slot includes at least one of the following: a 2-1st groove provided on a portion of the housing opposite to the partition wall in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and A 2-2 groove extends from the 2-1 groove, the 2-2 groove being provided in a portion of the housing opposite to the manifold region of the body in the second direction.

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