Fuel Cells

Abstract

The present invention discloses a fuel cell, which includes: a battery stack, including unit batteries stacked in a first direction; a first end plate and a second end plate, respectively arranged at the first end and the second end of the battery stack, the first end plate and the second end plate each including a metal part and a resin part; an outer shell, combined with the first end plate and the second end plate to surround the battery stack; a first outer gasket, arranged between the resin part of the first end plate and the outer shell; and a second outer gasket, arranged between the resin part of the second end plate and the outer shell, each resin part including a plurality of cut-off parts spaced apart from each other, and each cut-off part extends in a second direction intersecting with the first direction or a third direction intersecting with each of the first direction and the second direction to expose the metal part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments relate to a fuel cell. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a fuel cell includes a cell stack and an enclosure. In order to protect the cell stack, the enclosure is combined with end plates provided at each side end of the cell stack. If the gasket provided between the enclosure and the end plates to protect the cell stack from the external environment does not fully play its role, external air may enter the cell stack from the outside, thereby causing the performance and durability of the fuel cell to decrease. Summary of the invention

[0003] Accordingly, embodiments are directed to a fuel cell that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

[0004] Embodiments provide a fuel cell with improved performance.

[0005] A fuel cell according to an embodiment may include: a battery stack including a plurality of unit cells stacked in a first direction; an end plate provided at each of the two ends of the battery stack, the end plate including a metal portion and a resin portion; a housing combined with the end plate to surround the battery stack; and an outer gasket provided between the resin portion of the end plate and the housing. The resin portion may include a plurality of cut-off portions spaced apart from each other. Each of the plurality of cut-off portions may extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction or in a third direction intersecting each of the first direction and the second direction to expose the metal portion.

[0006] For example, the fuel cell may further include: an end cell heater provided between the cell located at each of both ends of the cell stack and the end plate; and an inner gasket provided around the manifold between the resin portion of the end plate and the end cell heater.

[0007] For example, among the plurality of cut-off portions, the cut-off portion extending in the second direction may overlap with the manifold in the third direction. Among the plurality of cut-off portions, the cut-off portion extending in the third direction may overlap with the manifold in the second direction.

[0008] For example, the plurality of cutout portions may have a shape that is symmetrical in at least one of the second direction and the third direction.

[0009] For example, the manifold may include: a hydrogen inlet and an oxygen inlet, which are arranged opposite to each other in a state of being spaced apart from each other in a second direction; an oxygen outlet, which is arranged below the hydrogen inlet in a state of being spaced apart from the hydrogen inlet in a third direction; and the hydrogen outlet, which is arranged below the oxygen inlet in a state of being spaced apart from the oxygen inlet in the third direction.

[0010] For example, the multiple cut-off portions included in the end plate provided at one of the two ends of the battery stack may include: a first cut-off portion overlapping in the second direction with one of the hydrogen inlet and the oxygen inlet having a larger length in the third direction; a second cut-off portion overlapping in the second direction with one of the hydrogen outlet and the oxygen outlet having a larger length in the third direction; a third cut-off portion overlapping in the third direction with one of the hydrogen inlet and the oxygen outlet having a larger length in the second direction; and a fourth cut-off portion overlapping in the third direction with one of the oxygen inlet and the hydrogen outlet having a larger length in the second direction.

[0011] For example, the plurality of cutting portions may further include: a fifth cutting portion, disposed between the first cutting portion and the third cutting portion; a sixth cutting portion, disposed between the first cutting portion and the fourth cutting portion; a seventh cutting portion, disposed between the second cutting portion and the third cutting portion; and an eighth cutting portion, disposed between the second cutting portion and the fourth cutting portion.

[0012] For example, the plurality of cutting portions may further include: a ninth cutting portion disposed between the first cutting portion and the second cutting portion.

[0013] For example, the manifold may further include: a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

[0014] For example, the multiple cut-off portions included in the end plate of the other end of the battery stack may include: a tenth cut-off portion overlapping with the coolant inlet in the third direction; an eleventh cut-off portion overlapping with the coolant outlet in the third direction; and a twelfth cut-off portion overlapping in the second direction with one of the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet having a larger length in the third direction.

[0015] For example, the twelfth cut-off portion may have a shape overlapping the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet in the second direction.

[0016] For example, the plurality of cutting portions may further include: a thirteenth cutting portion disposed between the tenth cutting portion and the twelfth cutting portion; and a fourteenth cutting portion disposed between the eleventh cutting portion and the twelfth cutting portion.

[0017] For example, the metal part may include: a first inner surface facing the housing in a first direction; and a second inner surface located below the first inner surface and facing the end battery heater in the first direction. The second inner surface may have a cross-sectional shape that protrudes more than the first inner surface in the first direction.

[0018] For example, the resin part may include: an outer resin part embedded inside the first inner surface of the metal part, and the outer gasket is disposed on the outer resin part; and an inner resin part disposed on the second inner surface of the metal part, and the inner gasket is disposed on the inner resin part. A plurality of cut-off parts may be located between the outer resin part and the inner resin part.

[0019] For example, the fuel cell may further include: an outer groove accommodating an outer protrusion protruding from the outer gasket toward the housing; and an inner groove accommodating an inner gasket protruding toward the end cell heater.

[0020] For example, a length by which the outer protrusion protrudes from the first inner surface of the metal part in the first direction may be less than or equal to a predetermined length, and an outer groove may be formed in the outer resin part.

[0021] For example, the length of the outer protrusion protruding from the first inner surface of the metal part in the first direction may be greater than a predetermined length, and the outer groove may be formed in the housing.

[0022] For example, an inner groove may be formed in the terminal cell heater.

[0023] For example, the outer gasket may include: a first outer surface facing the housing in a first direction; a first inner surface facing the outer resin part and arranged opposite to the first outer surface; and a first fixing part having a protrusion shape protruding from the first inner surface toward the outer resin part.

[0024] For example, the inner gasket may include: a second outer surface facing the end battery heater in a first direction; a second inner surface facing the inner resin portion and arranged opposite to the second outer surface; and a second fixing portion having a protrusion shape protruding from the second inner surface toward the inner resin portion.

[0025] For example, the resin portion, the outer gasket, and the inner gasket may be formed integrally with each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] 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:

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a fuel cell according to an embodiment;

[0028] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing one example of a cell stack included in a fuel cell;

[0029] Figure 3 is a view showing a portion of a fuel cell according to an embodiment;

[0030] Figure 4 is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA′ in the fuel cell shown;

[0031] Figure 5 is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line BB′ in the fuel cell shown;

[0032] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 4 A plan view of a portion of a fuel cell is shown;

[0033] Figure 7 is a view showing a portion of a fuel cell according to another embodiment;

[0034] Figure 8 is a view showing a portion of a fuel cell according to still another embodiment;

[0035] Fig. 9 is a view showing a portion of a fuel cell according to still another embodiment;

[0036] Fig.10 is along Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view taken along line CC′ in the fuel cell shown;

[0037] Fig.11 is a view showing a portion of a fuel cell according to still another embodiment;

[0038] Fig.12 is a view showing a portion of a fuel cell according to still another embodiment;

[0039] Fig.13 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a fuel cell according to an embodiment to explain an outer groove;

[0040] Fig.14 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a fuel cell according to another embodiment to explain an outer groove;

[0041] Fig.15 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a fuel cell according to an embodiment to explain an inner groove;

[0042] Fig.16 is a cross-sectional view showing a first fixing portion of a fuel cell according to an embodiment;

[0043] Fig.17 is a cross-sectional view showing a second fixing portion of a fuel cell according to an embodiment;

[0044] Fig.18A and Fig.18B It is shown Figure 3 and Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a method of manufacturing a first end plate as shown; and

[0045] Fig.19It is an exploded perspective view of a fuel cell according to a comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The present disclosure will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments are shown. However, the 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 disclosure more thorough and complete, and will more fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0047] 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 other element, or one or more intervening elements may also be present.

[0048] When an element is referred to as “on” or “under”, “under the element” as well as “on the element” can be included based on the element.

[0049] Furthermore, relational terms such as “first,” “second,” “upper / upper,” and “lower / lower / lower” are merely used to distinguish one object or element from another object or element and do not necessarily require or involve any physical or logical relationship or order between the objects or elements.

[0050] Hereinafter, a fuel cell 100 (100A to 100F) 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 100 (100A to 100F), but other coordinate systems may also be used to describe the fuel cell 100 (100A to 100F). In the Cartesian coordinate system, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are orthogonal to each other, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis may intersect each other obliquely. Hereinafter, for ease of description, the +x-axis direction or the -x-axis direction is referred to as a "first direction", the +y-axis direction or the -y-axis direction is referred to as a "second direction", and the +z-axis direction or the -z-axis direction is referred to as a "third direction".

[0051] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a fuel cell 100 according to the embodiment, and Figure 2 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cell stack 122 included in the fuel cell 100. Figure 2 Not shown Figure 1 The housing 300 is shown, as well as outer and inner gaskets which will be described later.

[0052] The fuel cell 100 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.

[0053] The fuel cell 100 may include end plates (or pressure plates or compression plates) 110A and 110B, a cell stack 122 , and a housing 300 .

[0054] Figure 1 The housing 300 shown may be combined with the end plates 110A and 110B, and may be configured to surround at least a portion of the side of the battery stack 122 disposed between the end plates 110A and 110B. For example, the housing 300 may surround all sides of the battery stack 122. Alternatively, the housing 300 may surround some of the sides of the battery stack 122, and other members may surround the remaining sides of the battery stack 122. The housing 300 may be used to clamp a plurality of unit cells in a first direction together with the end plates 110A and 110B. In other words, the clamping pressure of the battery stack 122 may be maintained by the housing 300 having a rigid structure and the end plates 110A and 110B.

[0055] Each of the end plates 110A and 110B may be disposed at a corresponding one of the two side 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 side end of the battery stack 122, and the second end plate 110B may be disposed at the opposite side end of the battery stack 122.

[0056] The fuel cell 100 may include a plurality of manifolds MF. The manifold may include a first inflow communication portion (or a first inlet manifold) IN1, a second inflow communication portion (or a second inlet manifold) IN2, a third inflow communication portion (or a third inlet manifold) IN3, a first outflow communication portion (or a first outlet manifold) OUT1, a second outflow communication portion (or a second outlet manifold) OUT2, and a third outflow communication portion (or a third outlet manifold) OUT3.

[0057] One of the first inflow communication portion IN1 and the second inflow communication portion IN2 may correspond to a hydrogen inlet, and the other of the first inflow communication portion IN1 and the second inflow communication portion IN2 may correspond to an oxygen inlet, hydrogen as a reaction gas is introduced into the battery stack 122 from the outside through the hydrogen inlet, and oxygen as a reaction gas is introduced into the battery stack 122 from the outside through the oxygen inlet. In addition, one of the first outflow communication portion OUT1 and the second outflow communication portion OUT2 may correspond to an oxygen outlet, and the other of the first outflow communication portion OUT1 and the second outflow communication portion OUT2 may correspond to a hydrogen outlet, oxygen as a reaction gas and condensed water are discharged to the outside of the battery stack 122 through the oxygen outlet, and hydrogen as a reaction gas and condensed water are discharged to the outside of the battery stack 122 through the hydrogen outlet. In addition, the third inflow communication portion IN3 may correspond to a coolant inlet, and the third outflow communication portion OUT3 may correspond to a coolant outlet, a cooling medium (e.g., coolant) is introduced from the outside through the coolant inlet, and the cooling medium is discharged to the outside through the coolant outlet.

[0058] The first outflow communication portion OUT1 and the second outflow communication portion OUT2 may be disposed below the first inflow communication portion IN1 and the second inflow communication portion IN2, the first inflow communication portion IN1 and the first outflow communication portion OUT1 may be disposed at positions separated from each other in the diagonal direction, and the second inflow communication portion IN2 and the second outflow communication portion OUT2 may be disposed at positions separated from each other in the diagonal direction. In the case where the first inflow communication portion IN1 and the second inflow communication portion IN2 and the first outflow communication portion OUT1 and the second outflow communication portion OUT2 are disposed as described above, condensed water may be discharged from the lower portion of the unit cells included in the battery stack 122 due to gravity or may remain in the lower portion of the unit cells.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the first inflow communication portion IN1 and the second inflow communication portion IN2 and the first outflow communication portion OUT1 and the second outflow communication portion OUT2 may be included in any one of the first end plate 110A and the second end plate 110B (for example, Figure 1 The first end plate 110A shown in FIG. 10A), and the third inflow communication portion IN3 and the third outflow communication portion OUT3 may be included in the other of the first end plate 110A and the second end plate 110B (for example, as shown in FIG. 10A). Figure 1 In the second end plate 110B shown.

[0060] According to another embodiment, all of the first to third inflow communication portions IN1 to IN3 and the first to third outflow communication portions OUT1 to OUT3 may be included in any one of the first end plate 110A and the second end plate 110B.

[0061] Reference Figure 2, the battery stack 122 may include a plurality of unit cells 122-1 to 122-N stacked in a first direction. Here, "N" is a positive integer greater than 1, and "N" may range from tens to hundreds. "N" may be determined according to the intensity of the power to be supplied from the fuel cell 100 to the load. Here, "load" may refer to a component that requires power in a vehicle using a fuel cell.

[0062] 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. Here, 1≤n≤N.

[0063] 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 may include a polymer electrolyte membrane (or proton exchange membrane) 212, a fuel electrode (or hydrogen electrode or anode) 214, and an air electrode (or oxygen electrode or cathode) 216. In addition, the membrane electrode assembly 210 may further include a subgasket 238.

[0064] The polymer electrolyte membrane 212 is provided between the fuel electrode 214 and the air electrode 216 .

[0065] Hydrogen as a fuel in the fuel cell 100 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 .

[0066] 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 separators 242 and 244 and the gas diffusion layers 222 and 224 as conductors. In order 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, due to the electrochemical reaction between the hydrogen as a fuel and the oxygen contained in the air, the fuel cell 100 can generate electricity.

[0067] 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 to generate water (hereinafter referred to as "condensed water" or "product water"). The condensed water generated in the air electrode 216 can penetrate the polymer electrolyte membrane 212 and can be transferred to the fuel electrode 214.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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 can be disposed on the corresponding sides of the membrane electrode assembly 210. That is, the first gas diffusion layer 222 can be disposed on the left side of the fuel electrode 214, and the second gas diffusion layer 224 can be disposed on the right side of the air electrode 216.

[0070] The first gas diffusion layer 222 may serve to diffuse and uniformly distribute hydrogen as a reaction gas supplied through the first separator 242 , and may be conductive.

[0071] The second gas diffusion layer 224 may serve to diffuse and uniformly distribute air as a reaction gas supplied through the second separator 244 , and may be conductive.

[0072] Each of the first gas diffusion layer 222 and the second gas diffusion layer 224 may be a microporous layer incorporating fine carbon fibers. However, embodiments are not limited to any specific form of the first gas diffusion layer 222 and the second gas diffusion layer 224.

[0073] The gaskets 232, 234, and 236 can be used to maintain air tightness of the reaction gas and coolant and an appropriate level of clamping pressure of the battery stack, disperse stress when the separators 242 and 244 are stacked, and seal the flow path independently. In this way, since the gaskets 232, 234, and 236 maintain air tightness and water tightness, the flatness of the surface adjacent to the battery stack 122 that generates electricity can be ensured, so that the surface pressure can be evenly distributed on the reaction surface of the battery stack 122.

[0074] Separators 242 and 244 may be used to move reactant gases and cooling media and 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 collect the generated current and transfer the collected current to a current collecting plate (not shown).

[0075] The separators 242 and 244 may be disposed at the outer sides of the gas diffusion layers 222 and 224 , respectively. That is, the first separator 242 may be disposed at the left side of the first gas diffusion layer 222 , and the second separator 244 may be disposed at the right side of the second gas diffusion layer 224 .

[0076] 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 (i.e., a passage or a flow path) is formed so that hydrogen can flow through the channel.

[0077] 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 is formed so that air containing oxygen can flow through the channel. In addition, each of the first separator 242 and the second separator 244 may be formed with a channel through which a cooling medium can flow.

[0078] 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.

[0079] For example, each of the first separator 242 and the second separator 244 may include first to third inflow communication portions IN1 , IN2 , and IN3 and first to third outflow communication portions OUT1 , OUT2 , and OUT3 .

[0080] That is, the reaction gas required by the membrane electrode assembly 210 can be introduced into the battery through the first inlet connecting portion IN1 and the second inlet connecting portion IN2, and the gas or liquid formed by the reaction gas supplied to the battery after humidification combined with the condensed water generated inside the battery can be discharged to the outside of the fuel cell 100 through the first outflow connecting portion OUT1 and the second outflow connecting portion OUT2.

[0081] Each of the first end plate 110A and the second end plate 110B may be configured such that a metal insert (hereinafter referred to as a "metal portion") is surrounded by a resin product (hereinafter referred to as a "resin portion"). Here, the resin portion may be made of a synthetic resin-rubber based material or plastic, but the embodiment is not limited to any specific material of the resin portion. The metal portion of each of the first end plate 110A and the second end plate 110B may have high rigidity to withstand the inner surface pressure, and may be formed by machining a metal material. For example, the first end plate 110A and the second end plate 110B may be formed by combining a plurality of plates, but the embodiment is not limited to any specific configuration of the first end plate 110A and the second end plate 110B.

[0082] The current collecting plate may be disposed between the first and second end plates 110A and 110B facing the battery stack 122 and the battery stack 122. The current collecting plate serves to collect electric energy generated by the flow of electrons in the battery stack 122 and supply the collected electric energy to a load of a vehicle using the fuel cell 100.

[0083] The first end battery heater 112A may be disposed between the battery 122-1 at one end of the battery stack 122 and the inner surface 110AI of the first end plate 110A, and the second end battery heater 112B may be disposed between the battery 122-N at the opposite end of the battery stack 122 and the inner surface 110BI of the second end plate 110B.

[0084] In addition, the fuel cell 100 ( 100A to 100F) according to the embodiment may further include an outer gasket.

[0085] Figure 3 is a view showing a part of a fuel cell 100A according to the embodiment, Figure 4 is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA′ in the fuel cell 100A shown in FIG. Figure 5 is along Figure 3 The fuel cell 100A is shown in a cross-sectional view taken along line BB′.

[0086] For ease of description, Figures 3 to 5 Only the first end plate EP1 , the outer gasket 410A, and the inner gaskets 420A and 420B of the fuel cell 100A are shown.

[0087] Figures 3 to 5 The first end plate EP1, hydrogen inlet IN1, oxygen inlet IN2, hydrogen outlet OUT1 and oxygen outlet OUT2 shown correspond to Figure 1 and Figure 2The first end plate 110A, the first inflow connection portion IN1, the second inflow connection portion IN2, the first outflow connection portion OUT1 and the second outflow connection portion OUT2 are shown. Figure 3 , “IN1” may correspond to the oxygen inlet, “IN2” may correspond to the hydrogen inlet, “OUT1” may correspond to the oxygen outlet, and “OUT2” may correspond to the hydrogen outlet.

[0088] The hydrogen inlet IN1 and the oxygen inlet IN2 may be disposed opposite to each other in a state of being spaced apart from each other in the second direction. The hydrogen outlet OUT1 may be disposed below the oxygen inlet IN2 in a state of being spaced apart from the oxygen inlet IN2 in the third direction. The oxygen outlet OUT2 may be disposed below the hydrogen inlet IN1 in a state of being spaced apart from the hydrogen inlet IN1 in the third direction.

[0089] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first end plate EP1 may include a metal portion M and a resin portion R.

[0090] The metal portion M of the first end plate EP1 may include a first inner surface MIS1 and a second inner surface MIS2. The first inner surface MIS1 is a surface facing the housing 300 in the first direction, and the second inner surface MIS2 is a surface located below the first inner surface MIS1 and facing the first end battery heater 112A in the first direction. The second inner surface MIS2 may have a cross-sectional shape that protrudes further toward the unit battery 122-1 of the battery stack 122 than the first inner surface MIS1 in the first direction.

[0091] The resin part R may include an outer resin part OR and an inner resin part IR. The outer resin part OR may be embedded inside the first inner surface MIS1 of the metal part M, and the inner resin part IR may be disposed on the second inner surface MIS2 of the metal part M.

[0092] The outer gasket 410A may be inserted between the first end plate 110A and the housing 300 to perform waterproof and dustproof functions, thereby protecting the battery stack 122 from external influences. The outer gasket 410A may also prevent the internal environment of the battery stack 122 from being exposed to the outside. To this end, the outer gasket 410A may be disposed between the resin portion R of the first end plate EP1, i.e., the outer resin portion OR, and the housing 300. For example, Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the outer gasket 410A may be embedded in the outer resin portion OR.

[0093] The inner gaskets 420A and 420B are used to maintain the airtightness of the flow path of the reaction gas and the coolant between the first end plate 110A and the first end battery heater 112A. To this end, the inner gaskets 420A and 420B can be arranged between the inner resin part IR of the first end plate EP1 and the first end battery heater 112A. The inner gaskets 420A (422, 424, 426 and 428) and 420B can be arranged on the inner resin part IR around the manifold. For example, the first inner gasket 420A can be arranged around the hydrogen inlet IN1 and the oxygen outlet OUT2, and the second inner gasket 420B can be arranged around the oxygen inlet IN2 and the hydrogen outlet OUT1.

[0094] In addition, according to an embodiment, the resin portion R of the first end plate EP1 may further include a plurality of cutout portions CO (or cutout portions) spaced apart from each other. Each cutout portion CO may extend in the second direction or the third direction and may expose the metal portion M. Here, the second direction may be a direction intersecting the first direction, and the third direction may be a direction intersecting each of the first direction and the second direction.

[0095] Figure 5 The resin portion R shown does not include the cut-off portion, and Figure 4 The illustrated resin portion R includes a cut-off portion CO. The cut-off portion CO may be formed by cutting off a portion of the resin portion R between the outer resin portion OR and the inner resin portion IR.

[0096] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 4 A plan view of a portion of a fuel cell 100A is shown.

[0097] like Figure 6 As shown, the first end plate EP1 of the fuel cell 100A includes a metal portion M, an inner resin portion IR, and a cut-off portion CO. For better understanding of the cut-off portion CO, the outer gasket 410A is indicated by a dotted line.

[0098] Reference Figure 6 , it can be seen that the cut-off portion CO is located between the outer resin portion OR and the inner resin portion IR and exposes the metal portion M.

[0099] According to an embodiment, Figure 3 As shown, the cut-off parts may include first cut-off parts CO11 and CO12 , second cut-off parts CO21 and CO22 , third cut-off parts CO31 and CO32 , and fourth cut-off parts CO41 and CO42 .

[0100] exist Figure 3 and will be described later Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the figure, the cutout portion CO is not visible. However, for better understanding, a region where the cutout portion is provided is shown in each of the drawings.

[0101] The first cut-off portions CO11 and CO12 may have a shape overlapping in the second direction with one of the hydrogen inlet IN1 and the oxygen inlet IN2 having a greater length in the third direction. For example, the length of the first cut-off portions CO11 and CO12 in the third direction may be less than or equal to the length of one of the hydrogen inlet IN1 and the oxygen inlet IN2 having a greater length in the third direction. Figure 3 , it is shown that the length of the hydrogen inlet IN1 in the third direction is the same as the length of the oxygen inlet IN2 in the third direction. However, when the length of the hydrogen inlet IN1 in the third direction is greater than the length of the oxygen inlet IN2 in the third direction, the first cut-off portions CO11 and CO12 may have a shape overlapping the hydrogen inlet IN1 in the second direction. The 1-1 cut-off portion CO11 may be located between z1 and z2, and the 1-2 cut-off portion CO12 may be located between z5 and z6.

[0102] The second cut-off portions CO21 and CO22 may have a shape overlapping one of the hydrogen outlet OUT1 and the oxygen outlet OUT2 having a greater length in the third direction in the second direction.

[0103] For example, the length of the second cut-off portions CO21 and CO22 in the third direction may be less than or equal to the length of the one of the hydrogen outlet OUT1 and the oxygen outlet OUT2 having a greater length in the third direction. Figure 3 , it is shown that the length of the hydrogen outlet OUT1 in the third direction is the same as the length of the oxygen outlet OUT2 in the third direction. However, when the length of the oxygen outlet OUT2 in the third direction is greater than the length of the hydrogen outlet OUT1 in the third direction, the second cut-off portions CO21 and CO22 may have a shape overlapping with the oxygen outlet OUT2 in the second direction. The 2-1 cut-off portion CO21 may be located between z3 and z4, and the 2-2 cut-off portion CO22 may be located between z7 and z8.

[0104] The third cut-off portions CO31 and CO32 may have a shape overlapping with one of the hydrogen inlet IN1 and the oxygen outlet OUT2 having a greater length in the second direction in the third direction. For example, the length of the third cut-off portions CO31 and CO32 in the second direction may be less than or equal to the length of one of the hydrogen inlet IN1 and the oxygen outlet OUT2 having a greater length in the second direction. Figure 3, it is shown that the length of the hydrogen inlet IN1 in the second direction is the same as the length of the oxygen outlet OUT2 in the second direction. However, when the length of the hydrogen inlet IN1 in the second direction is greater than the length of the oxygen outlet OUT2 in the second direction, the third cut-off portions CO31 and CO32 may have a shape overlapping the hydrogen inlet IN1 in the third direction. The 3-1 cut-off portion CO31 may be located between y1 and y2, and the 3-2 cut-off portion CO32 may be located between y5 and y6.

[0105] The fourth cut-off portions CO41 and CO42 may have a shape overlapping with one of the oxygen inlet IN2 and the hydrogen outlet OUT1 having a greater length in the second direction in the third direction. For example, the length of the fourth cut-off portions CO41 and CO42 in the second direction may be less than or equal to the length of one of the oxygen inlet IN2 and the hydrogen outlet OUT1 having a greater length in the second direction. Figure 3 , it is shown that the length of the oxygen inlet IN2 in the second direction is the same as the length of the hydrogen outlet OUT1 in the second direction. However, when the length of the oxygen inlet IN2 in the second direction is greater than the length of the hydrogen outlet OUT1 in the second direction, the fourth cut-off portions CO41 and CO42 may have a shape overlapping the oxygen inlet IN2 in the third direction. The 4-1 cut-off portion CO41 may be located between y3 and y4, and the 4-2 cut-off portion CO42 may be located between y7 and y8.

[0106] Figure 7 is a view showing a part of a fuel cell 100B according to another embodiment.

[0107] and Figure 3 Different from the ones shown, Figure 7 The resin portion R of the first end plate EP1 shown further includes fifth to eighth cut-off portions. In addition, Figure 7 The fuel cell 100B shown is Figure 3 The fuel cell 100A shown is the same. The same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description of the same parts will be omitted.

[0108] The fifth cutoff portion CO5 may be provided between one of the first cutoff portions CO11 and CO12 and one of the third cutoff portions CO31 and CO32. That is, the fifth cutoff portion CO5 may be located between y1 and z5.

[0109] The sixth cutoff portion CO6 may be provided between the other of the first cutoff portions CO11 and CO12 and one of the fourth cutoff portions CO41 and CO42. That is, the sixth cutoff portion CO6 may be located between y4 and z1.

[0110] The seventh cutoff portion CO7 may be provided between one of the second cutoff portions CO21 and CO22 and the other of the third cutoff portions CO31 and CO32. That is, the seventh cutoff portion CO7 may be located between y5 and z8.

[0111] The eighth cutoff portion CO8 may be provided between the other second cutoff portion CO21 of the second cutoff portions CO21 and CO22 and the other fourth cutoff portion CO42 of the fourth cutoff portions CO41 and CO42. That is, the eighth cutoff portion CO8 may be located between y8 and z4.

[0112] Figure 8 is a view showing a part of a fuel cell 100C according to still another embodiment.

[0113] and Figure 7 Different from the ones shown, Figure 8 The resin portion R of the first end plate EP1 shown further includes a ninth cut-off portion. Figure 8 The fuel cell 100C shown is Figure 7 The fuel cell 100B shown is the same. The same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description of the same parts will be omitted.

[0114] The ninth cutting parts CO91 and CO92 may be provided between the first cutting parts CO11 and CO12 and the second cutting parts CO21 and CO22. That is, the 9-1st cutting part CO91 may be provided between the 1-1st cutting part CO11 and the 2-1st cutting part CO21, and the 9-2nd cutting part CO92 may be provided between the 1-2nd cutting part CO12 and the 2-2nd cutting part CO22. The 9-1st cutting part CO91 may be provided between z2 and z3, and the 9-2nd cutting part CO92 may be provided between z6 and z7.

[0115] Fig. 9 is a view showing a portion of a fuel cell 100D according to still another embodiment, Fig.10 is along Fig. 9 The fuel cell 100D is shown in a cross-sectional view taken along line CC'.

[0116] Due to the Fig. 9 The cross-sectional view taken along line DD′ in the fuel cell 100D shown is similar to Figure 5 , and thus a repeated description of this cross-sectional view will be omitted.

[0117] For ease of description, Fig. 9 and Fig.10 Only the second end plate EP2 , the outer gasket 410B, and the inner gaskets 420C and 420D of the fuel cell 100D are shown.

[0118] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The second end plate EP2, the coolant inlet IN3 and the coolant outlet OUT3 shown correspond to the second end plate 110B, the third inflow connection portion IN3 and the third outflow connection portion OUT3 described above, respectively. Fig. 9 , “IN3” may correspond to the coolant outlet, and “OUT3” may correspond to the coolant inlet.

[0119] The coolant inlet IN3 and the coolant outlet OUT3 may be disposed opposite to each other while being spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

[0120] Reference Fig. 9 and Fig.10 , the second end plate EP2 may include a metal portion M and a resin portion R.

[0121] The metal portion M of the second end plate EP2 may include a first inner surface MIS1 and a second inner surface MIS2. The first inner surface MIS1 is a surface facing the housing 300 in the first direction, and the second inner surface MIS2 is a surface located below the first inner surface MIS1 and facing the second end battery heater 112B in the first direction. The second inner surface MIS2 may have a cross-sectional shape that protrudes further toward the unit battery 122-N of the battery stack 122 than the first inner surface MIS1 in the first direction.

[0122] The resin part R may include an outer resin part OR and an inner resin part IR. The outer resin part OR may be embedded inside the first inner surface MIS1 of the metal part M, and the inner resin part IR may be disposed on the second inner surface MIS2 of the metal part M.

[0123] The outer gasket 410B may be inserted between the second end plate 110B and the housing 300 to perform waterproof and dustproof functions, thereby protecting the battery stack 122 from external influences. The outer gasket 410B may also prevent the internal environment of the battery stack 122 from being exposed to the outside. To this end, the outer gasket 410B may be disposed between the resin portion R of the second end plate EP2, i.e., the outer resin portion OR, and the housing 300. For example, Fig.10 As shown, the outer gasket 410B may be embedded in the outer resin portion OR.

[0124] The inner gaskets 420C and 420D are used to maintain the airtightness of the flow path of the reaction gas and the coolant between the second end plate 110B and the second end battery heater 112B. To this end, the inner gaskets 420C and 420D can be arranged between the inner resin portion IR of the second end plate EP2 and the second end battery heater 112B. The inner gaskets 420C (423 and 425) and 420D can be arranged on the inner resin portion IR around the manifold. For example, the third inner gasket 420C can be arranged at a position corresponding to the oxygen inlet IN2 and the hydrogen outlet OUT1 of the first end plate 110A and around the coolant inlet IN3, and the fourth inner gasket 420D can be arranged at a position corresponding to the hydrogen inlet IN1 and the oxygen outlet OUT2 of the first end plate 110A and around the coolant outlet OUT3.

[0125] In addition, according to the embodiment, similar to the first end plate EP1, the resin portion R of the second end plate EP2 may further include a plurality of cutout portions CO (or cutout portions) spaced apart from each other. Each cutout portion CO may extend in the second direction or the third direction and may expose the metal portion M.

[0126] Each of the cutout portions included in the resin portion R of the second end plate EP2 has Figure 6 The cut-off portion shown has the same shape and may be located between the outer resin portion OR and the inner resin portion IR to expose the metal portion M.

[0127] According to an embodiment, Fig. 9 As shown, the cutout portions included in the resin portion R of the second end plate EP2 may include tenth cutout portions CO101 and CO102 , eleventh cutout portions CO111 and CO112 , and twelfth cutout portions CO121 and CO122 .

[0128] exist Fig. 9 and will be described later Fig.11 and Fig.12 In the figure, the cutout portion CO is not visible. However, for better understanding, a region where the cutout portion is provided is shown in each of the drawings.

[0129] The tenth cut-off portions CO101 and CO102 may have a shape overlapping the coolant inlet IN3 in the third direction. For example, the lengths of the tenth cut-off portions CO101 and CO102 in the second direction may be less than or equal to the length of the coolant inlet IN3 in the second direction. The 10-1st cut-off portion CO101 may be located between y11 and y12, and the 10-2nd cut-off portion CO102 may be located between y15 and y16.

[0130] The eleventh cut-off portions CO111 and CO112 may have a shape overlapping the coolant outlet OUT3 in the third direction. For example, the lengths of the eleventh cut-off portions CO111 and CO112 in the second direction may be less than or equal to the length of the coolant outlet OUT3 in the second direction. The 11-1st cut-off portion CO111 may be located between y9 and y10, and the 11-2nd cut-off portion CO112 may be located between y13 and y14.

[0131] The twelfth cut-off portions CO121 and CO122 may have a shape overlapping in the second direction with one of the coolant inlet IN3 and the coolant outlet OUT3 having a greater length in the third direction. For example, the length of the twelfth cut-off portions CO121 and CO122 in the third direction may be less than or equal to the length of one of the coolant inlet IN3 and the coolant outlet OUT3 having a greater length in the third direction. Fig. 9 , it is shown that the length of the coolant inlet IN3 in the third direction is the same as the length of the coolant outlet OUT3 in the third direction. However, when the length of the coolant inlet IN3 in the third direction is greater than the length of the coolant outlet OUT3 in the third direction, the twelfth cut-off portions CO121 and CO122 may have a shape overlapping the coolant inlet IN3 in the second direction.

[0132] exist Fig. 9 and will be described later Fig.11 and Fig.12 In the embodiment, the oxygen inlet IN2 and the hydrogen outlet OUT1 are located above and below the coolant inlet IN3, respectively, and the hydrogen inlet IN1 and the oxygen outlet OUT2 are located above and below the coolant outlet OUT3, respectively. Fig. 9 , Fig.11 and Fig.12 The oxygen inlet IN2, hydrogen outlet OUT1, hydrogen inlet IN1 and oxygen outlet OUT2 are respectively arranged at Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The oxygen inlet IN2, hydrogen outlet OUT1, hydrogen inlet IN1 and oxygen outlet OUT2 are at the same positions as shown, and have the same Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 However, to help understand another embodiment, the positions and shapes of the oxygen inlet IN2, the hydrogen outlet OUT1, the hydrogen inlet IN1 and the oxygen outlet OUT2 are shown as the same. Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The positions and shapes of the hydrogen outlet OUT1, hydrogen inlet IN1 and oxygen outlet OUT2 shown are different.

[0133] Alternatively, if Fig. 9 As shown, the twelfth cut-off portions CO121 and CO122 may have a shape that overlaps not only the coolant inlet IN3 but also the coolant outlet OUT3 in the second direction. That is, when the coolant inlet IN3 is located between z9 and z10 and the coolant outlet OUT3 is located between z11 and z12, the twelfth cut-off portions CO121 and CO122 may be located between z9 and z12. Each of the 12-1st cut-off portion CO121 and the 12-2nd cut-off portion CO122 may be located between z9 and z12.

[0134] Fig.11 is a view showing a portion of a fuel cell 100E according to still another embodiment.

[0135] and Fig. 9 Different from the ones shown, Fig.11 The resin portion R of the second end plate EP2 shown further includes a 13-1 cut portion and a 14-1 cut portion. Fig.11 The fuel cell 100E shown is Fig. 9 The fuel cell 100D shown is the same. The same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description of the same parts will be omitted.

[0136] The 13-1st cutting portion CO131 may be disposed between one of the 12th cutting portions CO121 and CO122 and one of the 10th cutting portions CO101 and CO102. That is, the 13-1st cutting portion CO131 may be located between y16 and z12.

[0137] The 14-1st cutting portion CO141 may be disposed between one of the 11th cutting portions CO111 and CO112 and the other of the 12th cutting portions CO121 and CO122. That is, the 14-1st cutting portion CO141 may be located between y9 and z9.

[0138] Fig.12 is a view showing a part of a fuel cell 100F according to still another embodiment.

[0139] and Fig.11 Different from the ones shown, Fig.12 The resin portion R of the second end plate EP2 shown further includes a 13-2 cut portion and a 14-2 cut portion. Fig.12 The fuel cell 100F shown is Fig.11 The fuel cell 100E shown is the same. The same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description of the same parts will be omitted.

[0140] The 13-2nd cutting portion CO132 may be provided between one of the 12th cutting portions CO121 and CO122 and the other of the 10th cutting portions CO101 and CO102. That is, the 13-2nd cutting portion CO132 may be located between y12 and z9.

[0141] The 14-2nd cutting portion CO142 may be provided between the other of the 11th cutting portions CO111 and CO112 and the other of the 12th cutting portions CO121 and CO122. That is, the 14-2nd cutting portion CO142 may be located between y13 and z12.

[0142] In short, Figure 3 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.11 and Fig.12 In the cut-off portions shown, the cut-off portion extending in the second direction overlaps with the manifold MF (IN1, IN2, IN3, OUT1, OUT2 and OUT3) in the third direction, and the cut-off portion extending in the third direction overlaps with the manifold MF (IN1, IN2, IN3, OUT1, OUT2 and OUT3) in the second direction.

[0143] In addition, according to an embodiment, the cut-off portion may have a shape symmetrical in at least one of the second direction and the third direction. Alternatively, the cut-off portion may have a shape symmetrical about the central axis CX of the fuel cells 100A to 100F.

[0144] As described above, when the cutout portions are symmetrical, the resin portions R included in the end plates 110A and 110B, that is, the outer resin portions 410A and 410B and the inner resin portions 420A to 420D can be manufactured in a uniform form. Fig.18A and Fig.18B This is described in detail in the manufacturing method.

[0145] For example, refer to Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The 1-1 cutting portion CO11 and the 1-2 cutting portion CO12 are symmetrical in the second direction, the 2-1 cutting portion CO21 and the 2-2 cutting portion CO22 are symmetrical in the second direction, the 3-1 cutting portion CO31 and the 3-2 cutting portion CO32 are symmetrical in the third direction, and the 4-1 cutting portion CO41 and the 4-2 cutting portion CO42 are symmetrical in the third direction.

[0146] In addition, refer to Figure 7The fifth cut portion CO5 and the sixth cut portion CO6 are symmetrical in the second direction, and the fifth cut portion CO5 and the seventh cut portion CO7 are symmetrical in the third direction. In addition, the eighth cut portion CO8 and the seventh cut portion CO7 are symmetrical in the second direction, and the eighth cut portion CO8 and the sixth cut portion CO6 are symmetrical in the third direction.

[0147] In addition, refer to Figure 8 , the 9-1 cutting portion CO91 and the 9-2 cutting portion CO92 are symmetrical in the second direction.

[0148] In addition, refer to Fig. 9 , Fig.11 and Fig.12 The 10-1st cutting portion CO101 and the 10-2nd cutting portion CO102 are symmetrical in the third direction, the 11-1st cutting portion CO111 and the 11-2nd cutting portion CO112 are symmetrical in the third direction, and the 12-1st cutting portion CO121 and the 12-2nd cutting portion CO122 are symmetrical in the second direction.

[0149] The fuel cell 100 according to the embodiment may further include an outer groove and an inner groove.

[0150] Fig.13 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the fuel cell 100 according to the embodiment to explain the outer groove OH, Fig.14 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a fuel cell 100 according to another embodiment to explain an outer groove OH.

[0151] Fig.13 and Fig.14 The illustrated outer housing 510 , outer gasket 520 , outer resin portion 530 , and metal portion M may correspond to the above-described outer housing 300 , outer gaskets 410A and 410B, outer resin portion OR, and metal portion M, respectively.

[0152] The outer protrusion 520P in the outer gasket 520 may protrude toward the housing 510 and may be received in the outer groove OH.

[0153] like Fig.13 As shown, when the length X1 of the outer protrusion 520P protruding from the first inner surface MIS1 of the metal part M in the first direction is less than or equal to a predetermined length, an outer groove OH may be formed in the outer resin part 530 .

[0154] Alternatively, if Fig.14 As shown, when the length X2 of the outer protrusion 520P protruding from the first inner surface MIS1 of the metal part M in the first direction is greater than a predetermined length, an outer groove OH may be formed in the housing 510 .

[0155] For example, the predetermined length may be 1 mm, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0156] Fig.15 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the fuel cell 100 according to the embodiment to explain the inner groove IH. Fig.15 The illustrated end cell heater 540 , inner gasket 550 , and inner resin portion 560 may correspond to the above-described end cell heaters 112A and 112B, inner gaskets 420A to 420D, and inner resin portion IR, respectively.

[0157] The inner groove 1H is used to accommodate the inner gaskets 420A to 420D protruding toward the end battery heaters 112A and 112B. Fig.15 As shown, an inner groove IH may be formed in the terminal battery heater 540 .

[0158] Similar to the configuration in which the outer groove OH is formed in the outer resin part OR, the inner groove IH may be formed in the inner resin part 560 according to the height by which the inner gasket 550 protrudes in the first direction.

[0159] Fig.16 is a cross-sectional view showing a first fixing portion of the fuel cell 100 according to the embodiment.

[0160] Fig.16 The outer gasket 600 and the outer resin portion 610 shown may correspond to the outer gaskets 410A and 410B and the outer resin portion OR described above, respectively.

[0161] The outer gasket 600 may include a first outer surface S1 , a first inner surface S2 , and a first fixing portion PP1 .

[0162] The first outer surface S1 may be defined as a surface facing the housing 300 in the first direction, and the first inner surface S2 may be defined as a surface opposite to the first outer surface S1 and facing the outer resin part 610 .

[0163] The first fixing portion PP1 may have a protrusion shape that protrudes from the first inner surface S2 toward the outer resin portion 610. Fig.16 2 and 3 , it is shown that the first fixing portion PP1 protrudes from the first inner surface S2 in the first direction, but the embodiment is not limited to a specific direction in which the first fixing portion PP1 protrudes.

[0164] When the outer gasket 600 and the outer resin part 610 are made of materials having chemical bonding properties (or adhesion) to each other, the first fixing part PP1 can be omitted. However, when the outer gasket 600 and the outer resin part 610 are not made of materials having bonding properties to each other, the first fixing part PP1 is formed to increase the contact area between the outer gasket 600 and the outer resin part 610, thereby increasing the bonding force between the outer gasket 600 (410A and 410B) and the outer resin part 610 (OR).

[0165] Fig.17 is a cross-sectional view showing a second fixing portion of the fuel cell 100 according to the embodiment.

[0166] Fig.17 The inner gasket 700 and the inner resin portion 710 shown correspond to the inner gaskets 420A to 420D and the inner resin portion IR described above, respectively.

[0167] The inner gasket 700 may include a second outer surface S3 , a second inner surface S4 , and a second fixing portion PP2 .

[0168] The second outer surface S3 may be defined as a surface facing the end battery heaters 112A and 112B in the first direction, and the second inner surface S4 may be defined as a surface opposite to the second outer surface S3 and facing the inner resin portion 710 .

[0169] The second fixing portion PP2 may have a protrusion shape protruding from the second inner surface S4 toward the inner resin portion 710 .

[0170] When the inner gasket 700 (420A to 420D) and the inner resin part 710 (IR) are made of materials having chemical bonding properties (or adhesion) to each other, the second fixing part PP2 can be omitted. However, when the inner gasket 700 (420A to 420D) and the inner resin part 710 (IR) are not made of materials having bonding properties to each other, the second fixing part PP2 is formed to increase the contact area between the inner gasket 700 (420A to 420D) and the inner resin part 710 (IR), thereby increasing the bonding force between the inner gasket 700 (420A to 420D) and the inner resin part 710 (IR).

[0171] In the following, reference will be made to Fig.18A , Fig.18B and Figure 4 A method of manufacturing the fuel cell 100 according to the above-described embodiment is described.

[0172] Fig.18A and Fig.18B It is shown Figure 3 and Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the manufacturing process of the first end plate 110A (EP1) is shown.

[0173] First, manufacture Fig.18A The metal portion M has a cross-sectional shape as shown.

[0174] Then, if Fig.18B As shown, the resin portion R including the outer resin portion OR, the inner resin portion IR and the cut-off portion CO is formed on the metal portion M through a one-time injection molding process.

[0175] Then, if Figure 4As shown, an outer gasket 410A is formed on the outer resin portion OR, and an inner gasket 420A is formed on the inner resin portion IR by a two-shot injection molding process. In this case, when the inner gasket 420A is formed, the inner gasket 420B is also formed at the same time. That is, it can be seen that the inner resin portion IR, the outer resin portion OR, the outer gasket 410A, and the inner gaskets 420A and 420B are formed by a double injection molding process.

[0176] In addition, like the outer resin portion OR, inner resin portion IR, outer gasket 410A and inner gaskets 420A and 420B, the outer resin portion OR, inner resin portion IR, outer gasket 410B and inner gaskets 420C and 420D of the second end plate 110B can also be formed by a double injection molding process.

[0177] As described above, when formed by the dual injection molding process, the resin portion R (OR and IR), the outer gaskets 410A and 410B, and the inner gaskets 420A to 420D may be integrated.

[0178] In addition, in order to form the resin portion R, the injection resin may be heated and may be injected into six points through the gates of the injection mold to fill in the mold (the position and number of the gates may vary depending on the design of the mold).

[0179] In the case where the cut-off portion is asymmetrical, a sink mark or the like is likely to be generated at a point where the resins injected through different gates meet, which increases the time required to set the injection molding conditions. In addition, if the injected resin does not flow smoothly, air may be introduced therein after the mold is removed, or the injection molded product may be defective.

[0180] However, according to the embodiment, since the cutouts are symmetrical, the resins injected through different gates flow the same distances in the same filling time, so the fluidity thereof is improved, thereby being able to achieve high uniformity of the injection molded product.

[0181] Hereinafter, a fuel cell according to a comparative example and a fuel cell according to an embodiment are compared.

[0182] Fig.19 It is an exploded perspective view of a fuel cell 10 according to a comparative example.

[0183] Fig.19 The fuel cell 10 according to the comparative example shown includes housings 30, 32 and 34 and a generator. The housings 30, 32 and 34 include an upper cover 30, a side cover 32 and a lower cover 34, and serve to protect the generator from the outside of the fuel cell 10.

[0184] The generator includes a battery stack 22, end plates EP disposed on both sides of the battery stack 22, and a clamping rod 42. Fig.19 As shown, the battery stack 22 can function as Figure 2 The end plate EP may play the same role as the end plates 110A and 110B according to the embodiment, and may include a manifold MF.

[0185] The battery stack 22 in which a plurality of unit cells are stacked is placed between the end plates EP. Thereafter, a clamping load is applied to the battery stack 22 to compress the battery stack 22. In the compressed state of the battery stack 22, the clamping rod 42 is assembled into the end plates EP, and bolts are tightened into the end plates EP, thereby maintaining a force that clamps the battery stack 22 disposed in the space between the end plates EP and maintaining the compressed state of the battery stack 22.

[0186] In addition, Fig.19 Unlike the example shown, in the case where the fuel cell 10 according to the comparative example includes two cell stacks stacked in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction, i.e., the cell stacking direction, the fuel cell 10 may further include a manifold block that serves as a fluid supply channel and controls the flow of fluids, i.e., reactant gas and coolant, to the two cell stacks. In the fuel cell 10 according to the comparative example, the inflow / outflow of reactant gas and coolant into / from the two cell stacks and the insulation, protection, and watertightness of the two cell stacks may be achieved by the housing 30 surrounding the two cell stacks and the manifold block.

[0187] In the fuel cell 10, a sealing gasket is provided at the joint interface between the manifold block and the housing 30 to achieve waterproof and dustproof functions, thereby protecting the cell stack 22 from external influences. To this end, a gasket receiving groove is formed in the manifold block, and the sealing gasket is inserted into the receiving groove. In the case of the fuel cell according to the comparative example, in the process of manufacturing the gasket, the inner part of the gasket is cut off in proportion to the volume of the cell stack, and the cut-off part of the gasket is discarded instead of being recycled, so that the material cost increases.

[0188] In contrast, in the case of the embodiment, the outer gaskets 410A and 410B and the inner gaskets 420A to 420D are not inserted into the resin portions R of the end plates 110A and 110B by a cutting process, but are formed as shown in FIG. Fig.18A and Fig.18B The shim is formed integrally with the resin portion R by a dual injection molding process. Therefore, unlike the comparative example, the portion without the shim is cut off and discarded, so that the material cost is reduced.

[0189] Furthermore, in the case of the comparative example, the sealing gasket corresponding to the outer gasket of the embodiment is separately provided with the end plate, and when the housing 30 is inserted between the end plates EP in a compressed state, the sealing gasket may be pushed and separated from the end plates, thereby causing incorrect assembly. In addition, since the separate sealing gasket is manually inserted into the end plate, the manufacturing process may be delayed, and the separate sealing gasket may be lost during transportation and may be separated during assembly.

[0190] On the contrary, in the embodiment, the outer gaskets 410A and 410B and the inner gaskets 420A to 420D are formed integrally with the resin portion R by a dual injection molding process, without relying on a manual assembly process. Therefore, unlike the comparative example, the gasket will not be pushed and will not be separated from the resin portion, there is no possibility of incorrect assembly of the fuel cell and separation of the gasket, and the process of inserting the gasket is omitted. Therefore, according to the embodiment, the manufacturing process of the fuel cell is simplified, the manufacturing time is shortened, and the above-mentioned problems that may occur during transportation and assembly are prevented. Therefore, the quality of the fuel cell 100 is guaranteed.

[0191] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, when the outer gaskets 410A and 410B and the inner gaskets 420A to 420D need to be replaced due to defects or degradation, the outer gaskets 410A and 410B and the inner gaskets 420A to 420D are scraped off from the resin portion R so that the resin portion R has Fig.18B After that, new outer gaskets 410A and 410B and inner gaskets 420A to 420D are formed by injection molding. In this way, the outer gaskets 410A and 410B and the inner gaskets 420A to 420D can be reused. Fig.18B The resin portion R shown. In this case, the outer gaskets 410A and 410B and the inner gaskets 420A to 420D may be separately manufactured and inserted into the resin portion R. Due to the repeated use of the resin portion R, maintenance and repair costs can be reduced.

[0192] In addition, according to the comparative example, since the manifold block is implemented in various forms through the injection molding process of insulating plastic, it is easy to form a receiving groove for accommodating the gasket in the manifold block. However, in the case of implementing the battery stack in a single-layer form, the housing 30 is combined with the end plate EP instead of the manifold block. In this case, since the end plate EP used as the manifold block needs to have structural rigidity, a metal material is used to manufacture the end plate EP. Therefore, a receiving groove for accommodating the sealing gasket is formed by machining the metal portion of the end plate EP. Therefore, the processing time spent on forming the gasket receiving groove is increased, thereby reducing the manufacturing efficiency. That is, the processing time (Cycle Time, CT) of the gasket receiving groove will be increased. In addition, generally, since the gasket receiving groove matching the size of the sealing gasket has a thin and deep cross-section, the tool used to form the gasket receiving groove will wear out in a very short time and is therefore often replaced.

[0193] In contrast, according to the embodiment, the outer gaskets 410A and 410B and the inner gaskets 420A to 420D are formed integrally with the resin portion R of the end plates 110A and 110B by a dual injection molding process, rather than being formed integrally with the metal portion M of the end plates 110A and 110B. Therefore, according to the embodiment, compared with the comparative example, the cycle required for the process of manufacturing the fuel cell can be shortened, the manufacturing efficiency can be improved, and problems such as wear of processing tools can be prevented.

[0194] In addition, as described above, the resin portion R of the embodiment includes a plurality of cut-off portions CO. When the cut-off portions CO are present, the area of ​​the metal portion M can be increased compared to when the cut-off portions are not present. Therefore, the rigidity of the end plates 110A and 110B can be increased. In addition, due to the presence of the cut-off portions, the resin portion R, i.e., the outer resin portion OR and the inner resin portion IR, can be prevented from floating. In addition, due to the presence of the cut-off portions, the bonding (or combination) between the metal portion M and the resin portion R can be enhanced in the injection molding process of the resin portion R of the end plates 110A and 110B. The reason for this is that when the cut-off portions are present, a groove or a step portion into which the resin is to be introduced is formed, and thus the shape becomes complicated.

[0195] It is obvious from the above description that according to the fuel cell of the embodiment, the outer resin part and the inner resin part can be manufactured in a uniform form. Even when the outer gasket and the outer resin part are not made of materials having bonding properties to each other, the bonding force between the outer gasket and the outer resin part can be increased, and even when the inner gasket and the inner resin part are not made of materials having bonding properties to each other, the bonding force between the inner gasket and the inner resin part can be increased. In addition, the manufacturing cost can be reduced, the manufacturing process can be simplified, the manufacturing cycle can be shortened, and the transportation efficiency and assembly efficiency can be improved, so the quality of the fuel cell can be guaranteed. In addition, the maintenance and repair costs can be reduced, problems such as wear of processing tools can be prevented, the rigidity of the end plate can be increased, the floating of the outer resin part and the inner resin part can be prevented, and the bonding between the metal part and the resin part can be enhanced.

[0196] Without departing from the purpose of the present disclosure, the above-mentioned various embodiments can be combined with each other unless they are incompatible with each other. In addition, for any element not described in detail in any one of the various embodiments, the description of the element with the same reference numeral in another embodiment can be referred to.

[0197] Although the present disclosure has been specifically shown and described with reference to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, these embodiments are presented for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the present disclosure, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the basic features of the embodiments set forth herein. For example, the various configurations 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 first end plate and a second end plate, the first end plate being disposed at a first end of the battery stack, the second end plate being disposed at a second end of the battery stack, the first end plate and the second end plate each comprising a metal portion and a resin portion; a housing combined with the first end plate and the second end plate to surround the battery stack; a first outer gasket disposed between the resin portion of the first end plate and the housing; a second outer gasket disposed between the resin portion of the second end plate and the housing; and A first end battery heater is disposed between a first battery at a first end of the battery stack and the first end plate, wherein the resin portion of the first end plate and the resin portion of the second end plate each include a plurality of cutout portions spaced apart from each other, Each of the plurality of cut-off portions extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction or in a third direction intersecting each of the first direction and the second direction to expose the metal portion of the first end plate and the metal portion of the second end plate, respectively. The metal portion of the first end plate comprises: a first inner surface facing the housing in the first direction; and a second inner surface located below the first inner surface and facing the first end battery heater in the first direction, The resin portion of the first end plate includes: an outer resin portion embedded inside the first inner surface of the metal portion of the first end plate, and wherein the first outer gasket is disposed on the outer resin portion; and an inner resin portion provided on a second inner surface of the metal portion of the first end plate, and A cut-off portion among the plurality of cut-off portions is located between the outer resin portion and the inner resin portion of the first end plate to expose the metal portion of the first end plate.

2. The fuel cell according to claim 1, further comprising: a second end battery heater disposed between a second battery located at a second end of the battery stack and the second end plate; as well as A first inner gasket and a second inner gasket are provided around the manifold between the resin portion of the first end plate and the first end battery heater, and a second inner gasket is provided around the manifold between the resin portion of the second end plate and the second end battery heater.

3. The fuel cell according to claim 2, wherein: The resin portion of the first end plate, the first outer gasket, and the first inner gasket are formed integrally with each other.

4. The fuel cell according to claim 2, wherein: Among the plurality of cut-off portions, the cut-off portion extending in the second direction overlaps the manifold in the third direction, and Among the plurality of cut-off portions, a cut-off portion extending in the third direction overlaps the manifold in the second direction.

5. The fuel cell according to claim 4, wherein: The plurality of cutout portions have a shape that is symmetrical in at least one of the second direction and the third direction.

6. The fuel cell according to claim 4, wherein: The manifold comprises: a hydrogen inlet and an oxygen inlet, spaced apart from each other in the second direction and arranged opposite to each other; an oxygen outlet spaced apart from the hydrogen inlet in the third direction and disposed below the hydrogen inlet; a hydrogen outlet spaced apart from the oxygen inlet in the third direction and disposed below the oxygen inlet; and The coolant inlet and the coolant outlet are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

7. The fuel cell according to claim 6, wherein: The plurality of cut-off portions included in the first end plate include: a first cut-off portion overlapping in the second direction with one of the hydrogen inlet and the oxygen inlet having a greater length in the third direction; a second cut-off portion overlapping in the second direction with one of the hydrogen outlet and the oxygen outlet having a greater length in the third direction; a third cut-off portion overlapping in the third direction with one of the hydrogen inlet and the oxygen outlet having a greater length in the second direction; and The fourth cut-off portion overlaps in the third direction with one of the oxygen inlet and the hydrogen outlet having a greater length in the second direction.

8. The fuel cell according to claim 7, wherein: The plurality of cutting parts further include: a fifth cutting portion, disposed between the first cutting portion and the third cutting portion; a sixth cutting portion, disposed between the first cutting portion and the fourth cutting portion; a seventh cutting portion, provided between the second cutting portion and the third cutting portion; and The eighth cutting portion is provided between the second cutting portion and the fourth cutting portion.

9. The fuel cell according to claim 8, wherein: The plurality of cutting parts further include: The ninth cutting portion is provided between the first cutting portion and the second cutting portion.

10. The fuel cell according to claim 6, wherein: The plurality of cut-off portions included in the second end plate include: a tenth cut-off portion overlapping the coolant inlet in the third direction; an eleventh cut-off portion overlapping the coolant outlet in the third direction; and A twelfth cut-off portion overlaps in the second direction with one of the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet having a greater length in the third direction.

11. The fuel cell according to claim 10, wherein: The twelfth cut-off portion has a shape overlapping the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet in the second direction.

12. The fuel cell according to claim 11, wherein The plurality of cutting parts further include: a thirteenth cutting portion, disposed between the tenth cutting portion and the twelfth cutting portion; and The fourteenth cutting portion is provided between the eleventh cutting portion and the twelfth cutting portion.

13. The fuel cell according to claim 4, wherein: The second inner surface has a cross-sectional shape that protrudes more than the first inner surface in the first direction.

14. The fuel cell according to claim 13, wherein: The inner resin portion is provided on the second inner surface of the metal portion of the first end plate so that the first inner gasket is provided on the inner resin portion.

15. The fuel cell according to claim 14, further comprising: an outer groove for receiving an outer protrusion protruding from the first outer gasket toward the housing; as well as The inner groove accommodates the first inner gasket protruding toward the first end battery heater.

16. The fuel cell according to claim 15, wherein The length of the outer protrusion protruding from the first inner surface of the metal portion of the first end plate in the first direction is less than or equal to a predetermined length, and The outer groove is formed in the outer resin portion.

17. The fuel cell according to claim 15, wherein The length of the outer protrusion protruding from the first inner surface of the metal portion of the first end plate in the first direction is greater than a predetermined length, and The outer groove is formed in the housing.

18. The fuel cell according to claim 15, wherein The inner groove is formed in the first end battery heater.

19. The fuel cell according to claim 14, wherein: The first outer gasket comprises: a first outer surface facing the housing in the first direction; a first inner surface facing the outer resin portion and disposed opposite to the first outer surface; and The first fixing portion has a protrusion shape protruding from the first inner surface toward the outer resin portion.

20. The fuel cell according to claim 14, wherein The first inner gasket comprises: a second outer surface facing the first end battery heater in the first direction; a second inner surface facing the inner resin portion and disposed opposite to the second outer surface; and The second fixing portion has a protrusion shape protruding from the second inner surface toward the inner resin portion.

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