Separator assembly for a fuel cell and fuel cell stack comprising the same

By employing a mechanical fastening method in the fuel cell separator, and utilizing the assembly of tunnel-shaped fastening parts and insertion parts, the problems of metal burrs and springback caused by welding are solved, thereby improving the assembly efficiency and airtightness of the fuel cell stack and reducing the defect rate.

CN114497638BActive Publication Date: 2026-04-17HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD +1
View PDF 1 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
Filing Date
2021-03-15
Publication Date
2026-04-17

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing fuel cell separators suffer from poor weld surface contact due to metal burrs and springback during the welding process, which affects yield and airtightness. Furthermore, welding costs are high, and improper adjustment of welding strength and position may create voids, resulting in poor airtightness of the flow field.

Method used

Mechanical fastening methods are used to replace welding. By forming tunnel-shaped fastening and insertion parts in the edge area of ​​the separator, the separator is assembled using mechanical structures, eliminating the welding process and improving assembly efficiency and reliability.

Benefits of technology

It reduces separator assembly costs, decreases defect rates, improves the airtightness and durability of fuel cell stacks, and avoids metal burrs and springback issues caused by welding.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN114497638B_ABST
    Figure CN114497638B_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

This application relates to a separator assembly for a fuel cell and a fuel cell stack including the separator assembly, the separator assembly comprising: a first separator having tunnel-shaped fastening portions formed at a plurality of points on its edge region; and a second separator having an insertion portion formed on its edge region at a position corresponding to each fastening portion of the first separator for insertion into the fastening portion, wherein the insertion portion of the second separator is inserted into the fastening portion of the first separator to assemble the first separator and the second separator.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a separator assembly for a fuel cell and a fuel cell stack including the separator assembly. Background Technology

[0002] A fuel cell is a generator that converts the chemical energy of fuel into electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction in a fuel cell stack. Fuel cells can power not only industries, homes, and vehicles, but also small electronic devices such as portable devices. Recently, the applications of fuel cells as a highly efficient and clean energy source have been expanding.

[0003] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a typical fuel cell stack.

[0004] like Figure 1 As shown, a typical fuel cell stack has a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) in its innermost part. The MEA assembly 10 includes a polymer electrolyte membrane 11 capable of transporting protons and catalyst layers, namely an anode 12 and a cathode 13, which are coated on both sides of the electrolyte membrane to allow hydrogen and oxygen to react with each other.

[0005] Furthermore, a pair of gas diffusion layers (GDLs) 20 are stacked on the outside of the membrane electrode assembly 10, i.e., the anode 12 and cathode 13 are located outside therein. A pair of separators 30 defining the flow field are located on the outside of the gas diffusion layers 20 to supply fuel and discharge water produced by the reaction, with gaskets 40 inserted between them. An end plate 50 is attached to the outermost part to securely support the above components.

[0006] Here, the separator 30 includes an anode separator 31 disposed on the anode and a cathode separator 32 disposed on the cathode.

[0007] Meanwhile, a fuel cell stack is manufactured by stacking multiple cell units. Here, the anode separator 31 disposed on any one cell unit and the cathode separator 32 disposed on the adjacent cell unit are stacked facing each other.

[0008] Therefore, in order to smoothly execute the process of stacking cell cells and maintain the alignment of the cell cells, the cathode separator 32 and anode separator 31 of adjacent cell cells facing each other are integrated, and then the cell cells are stacked.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating a conventional separator integrated by welding.

[0010] like Figure 2As shown, the conventional separator 30 includes a reaction surface located in its central region, a membrane electrode assembly disposed on the reaction surface, and multiple inlet manifolds and outlet manifolds formed in opposite regions of the reaction surface. Here, in order to seal the reaction surface, inlet manifolds, and outlet manifolds, gaskets 40 surround the regions forming the reaction surface, inlet manifolds, and outlet manifolds.

[0011] Meanwhile, the method for integrating the anode separator 31 and cathode separator 32 of adjacent cell units employs a method of spot welding predetermined points on the edge regions of the anode separator 31 and cathode separator 32 that face each other. Here, the welding point is represented by the welding point W.

[0012] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A magnified view of part of the letter "A".

[0013] like Figure 3 As shown, when the pair of separators 30 (i.e., anode separator 31 and cathode separator 32) face each other, their edges are spaced apart by the flow fields formed in the respective separators.

[0014] However, due to the characteristics of spot welding, the welding surfaces should be in close contact with each other. Therefore, in order to spot weld the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32, the welding surface 32a is bent so that the welding point of the cathode separator 32 contacts the anode separator 31.

[0015] Furthermore, since it is important to eliminate the metal burrs that are inevitably generated during the manufacturing of the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32, a significant amount of time and cost is invested in the maintenance process, and cleaning must be performed before welding.

[0016] Furthermore, due to the characteristics of the pressing process, springback occurs in the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32. This unavoidable springback increases the defect contact on the weld surface 32a.

[0017] Therefore, during the process of joining the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32, poor weld surface contact caused by phenomena such as metal burrs or springback becomes the main factor reducing the yield of the separator.

[0018] Furthermore, welding is a technique that utilizes the principle of localized melting and adhesion of metal. Therefore, when the weld strength and position are not adjusted, pores may form in the corresponding parts due to the melting of the metal. This results in poor airtightness in the flow field of hydrogen, air, and coolant, which are mainly handled by the separator.

[0019] The foregoing is intended only to help understand the background of the present invention and is not intended to imply that the present invention falls within the scope of related technologies known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0020] This invention relates to a separator assembly for a fuel cell and a fuel cell stack including the separator assembly. Specific embodiments relate to a separator assembly for a fuel cell fastened in a mechanical structure and a fuel cell stack including the separator assembly.

[0021] Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention were made in view of the problems that have occurred in the prior art, and the embodiments of the present invention provide a separator assembly for fastening a fuel cell in a mechanical structure and a fuel cell stack including the separator assembly.

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention provide a separator assembly for a fuel cell, the separator assembly including a pair of separators, the separator assembly including a first separator and a second separator, the first separator having tunnel-like fastening portions formed at a plurality of points on its edge region, and the second separator having insertion portions formed on its edge region at positions corresponding to each fastening portion of the first separator for insertion into the fastening portions, wherein the insertion portions of the second separator can be inserted into the fastening portions of the first separator to assemble the first separator and the second separator.

[0023] The fastening portion of the first separator can extend to bend in the direction facing the second separator, and at least one of the opposite ends of the fastening portion can open to form an inlet.

[0024] The insertion portion of the second separator can extend to bend in the direction facing the first separator and can extend to be inserted into the inlet.

[0025] The fastening portion of the first separator can be formed along the long axis of the first separator, such that a pair of inlets can be formed along the long axis at opposite ends, and the pair of inlets can communicate with each other.

[0026] The insertion portion of the second separator can be formed along the long axis of the second separator, such that the first end relative to the long axis has an extension portion that bends while extending integrally with the body of the second separator, and the second end has a spacer portion spaced apart from the body of the second separator, so that the insertion portion can be inserted into the inlet of the fastening portion through the spacer portion.

[0027] The fastening portion of the first separator can be formed along the short axis of the first separator, such that a pair of inlets can be formed at opposite ends along the short axis, and the pair of inlets can communicate with each other.

[0028] The insertion portion of the second separator can be formed along the short axis of the second separator, such that the first end relative to the short axis can have an extension portion that extends integrally with the body of the second separator while bending, and the second end can have a spacer portion spaced apart from the body of the second separator, so that the insertion portion can be inserted into the inlet of the fastening portion through the spacer portion.

[0029] The fastening portion of the first separator may be formed at each of at least two points on the opposite edge of the short axis of the first separator, and the insertion portion of the second separator may be formed to correspond to the point where the fastening portion is formed.

[0030] The inserts in the fasteners that are inserted into the same long axis can be arranged in the same direction.

[0031] The inserts in the fasteners that are inserted into the same long axis can be arranged in opposite directions.

[0032] The insert portions of the fasteners inserted into the same short shaft can be arranged in the same direction.

[0033] The insert portions of the fasteners inserted into the same short shaft can be arranged in opposite directions.

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention provide a fuel cell stack formed by stacking multiple fuel cells, each fuel cell including a membrane electrode assembly, a pair of gas diffusion layers, a first separator and a second separator, wherein a tunnel-shaped fastening portion can be formed at multiple points on the edge region of the first separator, an insertion portion can be formed on the edge region of the second separator at a position corresponding to the fastening portion of the first separator to be inserted into the fastening portion, and the insertion portion of the second separator can be inserted into the fastening portion of the first separator to assemble the first separator and the second separator.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the process of assembling a pair of separators, the welding process itself is eliminated by applying a mechanical fastening method instead of a welding method, thereby reducing the cost of the process, solving the problem of ion elution in the separator due to welding, and solving the problem of reduced durability due to corrosion resistance.

[0036] Furthermore, due to poor welding of the separator, the defect rate during the stacking of the separator may be reduced, which may also lead to a reduction in the defect rate of the fuel cell stack. Attached Figure Description

[0037] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0038] Figure 1This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a typical fuel cell stack;

[0039] Figure 2 This is an illustration showing a conventional separator integrated by welding;

[0040] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A magnified view of part of the letter "A";

[0041] Figure 4 This is an illustration of a separator assembly for a fuel cell according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a first separator of a separator assembly for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 6A and Figure 6B This is a diagram illustrating a second separator of a separator assembly for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the assembled state of a separator assembly for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A magnified view of part "B";

[0046] Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the fastening direction of a separator assembly for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating a first separator of a separator assembly for a fuel cell according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 12 This is an illustration of a second separator for a separator assembly for a fuel cell according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0049] Figure 13 and Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating the fastening direction of a separator assembly for a fuel cell according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0050] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the invention may be implemented in various forms and is not limited to the embodiments described below. These embodiments are intended to make the invention complete and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In all the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0051] By improving the structure and method of assembling separators facing each other, while maintaining Figure 1 The conventional fuel cell stack structure shown is used to obtain a fuel cell stack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, fastening portions and insertion portions for mechanical fastening are formed on a pair of facing separators of adjacent cells, and the insertion portions are fastened to the fastening portions to assemble the pair of separators. Therefore, the welding process for joining the pair of separators can be eliminated.

[0052] Therefore, as Figure 1 As shown, a fuel cell stack according to an embodiment of the present invention is fabricated by connecting several cell units in series. Each cell unit includes a membrane electrode assembly 10, a pair of gas diffusion layers 20, an anode separator 31 (hereinafter referred to as "first separator 100"), and a cathode separator 32 (hereinafter referred to as "second separator 200"). Thus, the first separator 100 formed on one cell and the second separator 200 formed on adjacent cells are arranged to face each other. In this embodiment, the first separator 100 and the second separator 200 facing each other are mechanically assembled to integrate with each other, thereby forming a separator assembly.

[0053] In the separator assembly of the present invention, if a fastening portion 110 is formed on one separator and an insertion portion 210 is formed on another separator, the formation location is not limited to the anode separator and the cathode separator.

[0054] Therefore, in the pair of separators that form the separator assembly, the anode separator will be referred to as the first separator 100 and the cathode separator will be referred to as the second separator 200.

[0055] Additionally, the separator component will be described.

[0056] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating a separator assembly for a fuel cell according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is an illustration of a first separator of a separator assembly for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6A and Figure 6B This is a diagram illustrating a second separator of a separator assembly for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] As shown in the figure, a separator assembly for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first separator 100 and a second separator 200. The first separator has tunnel-shaped fastening portions 110 formed at multiple points in its edge region, and the second separator has insertion portions 210 disposed in the edge region at positions corresponding to the fastening portions 110 of the first separator 100, for insertion into the fastening portions 110. Therefore, each insertion portion 210 of the second separator 200 is inserted into a corresponding fastening portion 110 of the first separator 100 to assemble the first separator 100 and the second separator 200.

[0058] Here, each of the first separator 100 and the second separator 200 has a reaction surface in its central region, on which a membrane electrode assembly is disposed, and multiple inlet manifolds and outlet manifolds are formed on opposite sides of the reaction surface relative to the long axis. Here, in order to seal the reaction surface, the inlet manifolds, and the outlet manifolds, the regions forming the reaction surface, the inlet manifolds, and the outlet manifolds are surrounded by gaskets.

[0059] Furthermore, the reaction surface, inlet manifold, and outlet manifold of the first separator 100 and the reaction surface, inlet manifold, and outlet manifold of the second separator 200 are formed at corresponding locations.

[0060] A fastening portion 110 formed on the first separator 100 extends to bend in a direction facing the second separator 200, and at least one of the opposite ends of the fastening portion opens to form an inlet 111 or 112. Therefore, the fastening portion 110 is formed in the shape of a tunnel opening at its opposite ends or at one end. In this embodiment, the fastening portion 110 formed on the first separator 100 is implemented in the shape of a tunnel opening at its opposite ends.

[0061] Here, one open end of the fastening portion 110 formed on the first separator 100 is referred to as the first inlet 111, and the other open end of the fastening portion 110 is referred to as the second inlet 112.

[0062] Furthermore, the fastening portion 110 of the first separator 100 is formed along the long axis of the first separator 100, such that a first inlet 111 is formed at a first end along the long axis, and a second inlet 112 is formed at a second end. Therefore, the first inlet 111 and the second inlet 112 are in communication with each other.

[0063] Meanwhile, the cross-section of the fastening portion 110 preferably has a parallelogram shape, which is formed such that the length L2 of its top side is relatively short, the length L1 of its bottom side is relatively long, and the top side and the bottom side are parallel to each other (L1>L2).

[0064] An insertion portion 210 formed on the second separator 200 extends to bend in the direction facing the first separator 100 and extends to be inserted into the inlet 111 or 112.

[0065] Furthermore, the insertion portion 210 of the second separator 200 is formed along the long axis of the second separator 200, such that the first end has an extension portion 212 relative to the long axis, which bends and extends integrally with the body of the second separator 200, and the second end has a spacer portion 211 spaced apart from the body of the second separator 200. Therefore, the cross-section of the insertion portion 210 formed on the second separator 200 has an approximately "L" shape. In the outer periphery of the second separator 200, that is, among the four sides of the second separator 200, similar to the spacer portion 211, two sides other than the sides forming the extension portion 212 and the spacer portion 211 are spaced apart from the body of the second separator 200.

[0066] The assembly state of the first separator 100 and the second separator 200 constructed as described above will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0067] Figure 7 This is an illustration showing the assembled state of a separator assembly for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A magnified view of part "B".

[0068] As shown in the figure, with the spacer portion 211 of the insertion portion 210 formed on the second separator 200 inserted into the second inlet 112 of the fastening portion 110 formed on the first separator 100, the second separator 200 moves along its long axis. Therefore, when the extension portion 212 of the insertion portion 210 formed on the second separator 200 contacts the second inlet 112 of the fastening portion 110 formed on the first separator 100, as... Figure 8 As shown, the assembly is completed when the spacer portion 211 of the insertion portion 210 formed on the second separator 200 is located in the first inlet 111 of the fastening portion 110 formed on the first separator 100.

[0069] Meanwhile, the orientation of the fastening portion 110 formed on the first separator 100 and the insertion portion 210 formed on the second separator 200 can be changed in various ways to facilitate the fastening process of the first separator 100 and the second separator 200, or to increase the fastening force of the first separator 100 and the second separator 200.

[0070] Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the fastening direction of a separator assembly for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] like Figure 9 As shown, by setting the orientation of the insertion portion 210 inserted into the fastening portion 110 on the same long axis to the same direction, it may be convenient to fasten the first separator 100 and the second separator 200.

[0072] Here, in the second separator 200, the spacer portion 211 and the extension portion 212 of the insertion portion 210, which are formed on the same long axis, are formed in the same direction. Therefore, the fastening portion 110 and the insertion portion 210 are assembled in the same direction at a plurality of assembly points C1 where they are fastened to each other.

[0073] Therefore, as Figure 9 As shown, multiple insertion portions 210 can be assembled with multiple fastening portions 110 at multiple assembly points C1 by a single operation.

[0074] At the same time, such as Figure 10 As shown, by setting the orientation of the insertion portion 210 inserted into the fastening portion 110 on the same long axis to opposite directions, the fastening force of the first separator 100 and the second separator 200 can be increased.

[0075] Here, in the second separator 200, the spacer portion 211 and the extension portion 212 of the insertion portion 210, which are formed on the same long axis, are formed in opposite directions. Therefore, the fastening portion 110 and the insertion portion 210 are fastened together at their assembly point (i.e., at... Figure 10 Assemble at assembly points C1 and C2 as shown in the diagram, in opposite directions.

[0076] like Figure 10 As shown, in order to assemble the fastening part and the insertion part in opposite directions at assembly points C1 and C2, firstly, the insertion part 210 is inserted into the fastening part 110 at assembly point C1. Subsequently, the elasticity of the second separator 200 is used to bend the second separator 200 along its long axis, and then the insertion part 210 is inserted into the fastening part 110 at assembly point C2.

[0077] Meanwhile, when the first separator 100 and the second separator 200 are assembled together, the assembly direction is not limited to the long axis direction. By changing the shape of the fastening part 110 and the insertion part 210, the first separator 100 and the second separator 200 can be assembled along the short axis.

[0078] Figure 11 This is an illustration of a first separator of a separator assembly for a fuel cell according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 12 This is an illustration of a second separator for a separator assembly for a fuel cell according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] like Figure 11 As shown, the fastening portion 110 of the first separator 100 is formed along the short axis of the first separator 100, such that the third inlet 113 is formed at the first end relative to the short axis, and the fourth inlet 114 is formed at the second end relative to the short axis. Therefore, the third inlet 113 and the fourth inlet 114 are in communication with each other.

[0080] In addition, such as Figure 12 As shown, the insertion portion 210 of the second separator 200 is formed along the short axis of the second separator 200, such that a first end relative to the short axis has an extension portion 214 that bends while extending integrally with the body of the second separator 200, and a second end has a spacer portion 213 spaced apart from the body of the second separator 200. Similarly, the cross-section of the insertion portion 210 formed on the second separator 200 has an approximately "L" shape.

[0081] Furthermore, in the first separator 100 and the second separator 200 assembled along the short axis, by changing the fastening direction of the fastening portion 110 formed on the first separator 100 and the insertion portion 210 formed on the second separator 200 in various ways, it may be convenient to fasten the first separator 100 and the second separator 200, or to increase the fastening force of the first separator 100 and the second separator 200.

[0082] Figure 13 and Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating the fastening direction of a separator assembly for a fuel cell according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] like Figure 13 As shown, by setting the orientation of the insertion portion 210 inserted into the fastening portion 110 on the same short shaft to the same direction, it may be convenient to fasten the first separator 100 and the second separator 200.

[0084] Here, in the second separator 200, the spacer portion 213 and the extension portion 214 of the insertion portion 210, which are formed on the same short axis, are formed in the same direction. Therefore, the fastening portion 110 and the insertion portion 210 are assembled in the same direction at a plurality of assembly points C3 where they are fastened to each other.

[0085] Therefore, as Figure 13 As shown, multiple insertion portions 210 can be assembled with multiple fastening portions 110 at the multiple assembly points C3 by a single operation.

[0086] At the same time, such as Figure 14 As shown, by setting the orientation of the insertion portion 210 inserted into the fastening portion 110 on the same short shaft to opposite directions, the fastening force of the first separator 100 and the second separator 200 can be increased.

[0087] Here, in the second separator 200, the spacer portion 211 and the extension portion 212 of the insertion portion 210, which are formed on the same short axis, are formed in opposite directions. Therefore, the fastening portion 110 and the insertion portion 210 are fastened together at their assembly point (i.e., at...) Figure 14 Assemble at assembly points C3 and C4 as shown in the diagram, in opposite directions.

[0088] like Figure 14 As shown, in order to assemble the fastening part and the insertion part in opposite directions at assembly points C3 and C4, firstly, the insertion part 210 is inserted into the fastening part 110 at assembly point C3. Subsequently, the elasticity of the second separator 200 is used to bend the second separator 200 along its short axis, and then the insertion part 210 is inserted into the fastening part 110 at assembly point C4.

[0089] Meanwhile, in order to securely assemble the first separator 100 and the second separator 200, preferably, the fastening portion 110 of the first separator 100 is formed at at least two points on opposite edges relative to the short axis of the first separator 100, and the insertion portion 210 of the second separator 200 is formed to correspond to the points where the fastening portion 110 is formed.

[0090] Therefore, the fastening portion 110 formed on the first separator 100 and the insertion portion 210 formed on the second separator 200 are preferably formed at at least four points, respectively.

[0091] Although the invention has been described with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may be changed and modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the invention as described in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A separator assembly for a fuel cell, the separator assembly comprising: A first separator, the first separator having tunnel-shaped fastening portions formed at multiple points in the edge region of the first separator; as well as A second separator has an insertion portion formed on its edge region at a position corresponding to each fastening portion of the first separator, for insertion into the fastening portion, wherein the insertion portion of the second separator is inserted into the fastening portion of the first separator to assemble the first separator and the second separator; In this configuration, one of the fastening portions of the first separator extends out to bend in the direction facing the second separator, and the opposite end of one of the fastening portions opens to form an inlet; and In this embodiment, a corresponding one of the insertion portions of the second separator extends out to bend in the direction facing the first separator and extends to be inserted into the inlet.

2. The separator assembly of claim 1, wherein, One of the fastening portions of the first separator is formed along the long axis of the first separator, such that a pair of inlets are formed along the long axis at opposite ends, the pair of inlets being configured to communicate with each other.

3. The separator assembly of claim 2, wherein, One of the insertion portions of the second separator is formed along the long axis of the second separator, such that a first end relative to the long axis has an extension portion that bends while extending integrally with the body of the second separator, and a second end has a spacer portion spaced apart from the body of the second separator, the insertion portion being inserted into the inlet of the corresponding fastening portion through the spacer portion.

4. The separator assembly of claim 1, wherein, One of the fastening portions of the first separator is formed along the short axis of the first separator, such that a pair of inlets are formed at opposite ends along the short axis, the pair of inlets being configured to communicate with each other.

5. The separator assembly according to claim 4, wherein, One of the insertion portions of the second separator is formed along the short axis of the second separator, such that a first end relative to the short axis has an extension portion that bends while extending integrally with the body of the second separator, and a second end has a spacer portion spaced apart from the body of the second separator, the insertion portion being inserted into the inlet of the corresponding fastening portion through the spacer portion.

6. The separator assembly of claim 1, wherein: The fastening portion of the first separator is formed at each of at least two points on opposite edges relative to the short axis of the first separator; and The insertion portion of the second separator is formed to correspond to the point where the fastening portion is formed.

7. The separator assembly of claim 6, wherein, The insertion portions of the fastening portions inserted into the same long axis are arranged in the same direction.

8. The separator assembly of claim 6, wherein, The insertion portions of the fastening portions, which are inserted into the same long axis, are arranged in opposite directions.

9. The separator assembly of claim 6, wherein, The insertion portions of the fastening portions inserted into the same short shaft are arranged in the same direction.

10. The separator assembly of claim 6, wherein, The insertion portions of the fastening portions inserted into the same short shaft are arranged in opposite directions.

11. A separator assembly for a fuel cell, the separator assembly comprising: A first separator having opposing first and second edges at the end of the long axis of the separator assembly and opposing third and fourth edges at the end of the short axis of the separator assembly, the first separator including a tunnel-shaped first fastening portion extending from the first edge to the second edge and a tunnel-shaped second fastening portion extending from the third edge to the fourth edge; as well as The second separator has opposing first and second edges at the end of the long axis of the separator assembly and opposing third and fourth edges at the end of the short axis of the separator assembly. The second separator includes a first insertion portion formed at a position corresponding to a first end of the first fastening portion, a second insertion portion formed at a position corresponding to a second end of the first fastening portion, a third insertion portion formed at a position corresponding to a first end of the second fastening portion, and a fourth insertion portion formed at a position corresponding to a second end of the second fastening portion, wherein each insertion portion of the second separator is inserted into a corresponding fastening portion of the first separator. In this configuration, one of the fastening portions of the first separator extends out to bend in the direction facing the second separator, and the opposite end of one of the fastening portions opens to form an inlet; and In this embodiment, a corresponding one of the insertion portions of the second separator extends out to bend in the direction facing the first separator and extends to be inserted into the inlet.

12. The separator assembly of claim 11, wherein, The first insertion portion and the second insertion portion are arranged in the same direction.

13. The separator assembly of claim 11, wherein, The first insertion portion and the second insertion portion are arranged in opposite directions.

14. A fuel cell stack, the fuel cell stack comprising: Multiple fuel cells stacked on top of each other, each fuel cell including a membrane electrode assembly, a pair of gas diffusion layers, a first separator and a second separator; A tunnel-shaped fastening portion is formed at multiple points on the edge region of the first separator; as well as An insertion portion is formed on the edge region of the second separator at a position corresponding to the fastening portion of the first separator, for insertion into the fastening portion, wherein the insertion portion of the second separator is inserted into the fastening portion of the first separator to assemble the first separator and the second separator; in: One of the fastening portions of the first separator extends to bend in the direction facing the second separator; One of the fastening parts opens at its opposite end to form an inlet; and A corresponding one of the insertion portions of the second separator extends out to bend in the direction facing the first separator and extends to be inserted into the inlet.

15. The fuel cell stack according to claim 14, wherein: One of the fastening portions of the first separator is formed along the long axis of the first separator, such that a pair of inlets are formed along the long axis at opposite ends; One of the insertion portions of the second separator is formed along the long axis of the second separator, such that a first end relative to the long axis has an extension portion that bends while extending integrally with the body of the second separator, and a second end has a spaced portion spaced apart from the body of the second separator; and For each end, the insertion portion is inserted into the inlet of the corresponding fastening portion through the spacer portion.

16. The fuel cell stack according to claim 14, wherein: One of the fastening portions of the first separator is formed along the short axis of the first separator, such that a pair of inlets are formed along the short axis at opposite ends; One of the insertion portions of the second separator is formed along the short axis of the second separator, such that a first end relative to the short axis has an extension portion that bends while extending integrally with the body of the second separator, and a second end has a spaced portion spaced apart from the body of the second separator; and For each end, the insertion portion is inserted into the inlet of the corresponding fastening portion through the spacer portion.

17. The fuel cell stack according to claim 14, wherein: The fastening portion of the first separator is formed at each of at least two points on opposite edges relative to the short axis of the first separator; and The insertion portion of the second separator is formed to correspond to the point where the fastening portion is formed.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Fuel cell

    KR1020090041798A