A bipolar plate positive and negative pole gas sealing structure

Abstract

The application provides a bipolar plate anode and cathode gas sealing structure, which comprises a cathode plate, a membrane electrode and an anode plate arranged in sequence, a cathode sealing element is arranged between the cathode plate and the membrane electrode, and an anode sealing element is arranged between the membrane electrode and the anode plate; a plurality of through holes corresponding to each other are arranged on the shell of the cathode plate and the anode plate; the cathode sealing element comprises a cathode alignment sealing end arranged on the cathode plate and a cathode misalignment sealing end arranged on the cathode plate; the anode sealing element comprises an anode alignment sealing end arranged on the shell of the anode plate and an anode misalignment sealing end arranged on the shell of the anode plate. The thickness of the sealing ring at different positions is different, so that the thickness of the sealing ring can be ensured even if there is machining error, and the problem of excessive compression rate can be avoided within the design range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates primarily to the technical field of fuel cells, and specifically to a bipolar plate anode and cathode gas sealing structure. Background Technology

[0002] Fuel cells are attracting increasing attention due to their clean and environmentally friendly advantages. The fuel cell stack is the core reaction unit of the fuel cell system, and the bipolar plate is one of the core components of the fuel cell stack. Currently, the common method of fuel cell stack assembly is to stack the bipolar plates and membrane electrode assembly in sequence. Therefore, the sealing structure between the bipolar plates and the membrane electrode assembly has a great impact on the overall fuel cell stack.

[0003] The sealing of the anode and cathode gases in a fuel cell is achieved by using adhesive sealing rings. The sealing rings have a uniform thickness, but due to the design of the electrode plates to ensure the total thickness of the plates, the groove depth at the sealing position is not uniform. When the stack is assembled and a certain stacking force is applied, the sealing rings are subjected to uneven force at different positions, i.e., the compression ratio varies. In order to ensure that the airtightness meets the required indicators, some seals will have an excessively high compression ratio. The seals are fine at the initial assembly, but after a period of time, the rebound rate of the high-compression seals deteriorates, and the airtightness requirements cannot be met. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a bipolar plate anode-cathode gas sealing structure to solve the technical problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows:

[0006] A bipolar plate anode and cathode gas sealing structure includes a cathode plate, a membrane electrode, and an anode plate arranged in sequence. A cathode sealing element is provided between the cathode plate and the membrane electrode, and an anode sealing element is provided between the membrane electrode and the anode plate.

[0007] Both the cathode plate and the anode plate have multiple corresponding through holes on their shells.

[0008] The cathode seal includes a cathode alignment sealing end mounted on the cathode plate and a cathode misalignment sealing end mounted on the cathode plate and integrally formed with the cathode alignment sealing end. The cathode alignment sealing end and the cathode misalignment sealing end are connected end to end to form an annulus surrounding the through hole.

[0009] The anode seal includes an anode alignment seal end mounted on the anode plate housing and an anode misalignment seal end mounted on the anode plate housing and integrally formed with the anode alignment seal end. The anode alignment seal end corresponds to the cathode alignment seal end, and the anode misalignment seal end and the cathode misalignment seal end are intersected. The anode alignment seal end and the anode misalignment seal end are connected end to end to form an annulus surrounding the through hole. The thickness of the cathode misalignment seal end is greater than the thickness of the cathode alignment seal end. The thickness of the anode alignment seal end is greater than the thickness of the anode misalignment seal end.

[0010] Furthermore, the cathode plate housing is provided with a cathode sealing groove for the cathode seal to be embedded, and the cathode sealing groove is provided with a first protrusion inside the groove.

[0011] Furthermore, the housing of the anode plate is provided with an anode sealing groove for the anode seal to be embedded, and a second protrusion is provided in the groove of the anode sealing groove.

[0012] Furthermore, locking portions are provided on both sides of the first protrusion and the corresponding second protrusion that are close to each other.

[0013] Furthermore, both the cathode alignment sealing end and the cathode misalignment sealing end are provided with a first slot that matches the first protrusion at the end away from the cathode plate. The first slot is provided with a first locking groove that is symmetrically arranged at the end away from the cathode plate. The first locking groove matches the locking part.

[0014] Furthermore, both the anode alignment sealing end and the anode misalignment sealing end are provided with a second slot that matches the second protrusion at the end away from the anode plate. The second slot is provided with a symmetrically arranged second locking groove at the end away from the anode plate, and the second locking groove matches the locking part.

[0015] Furthermore, the draft angle of the cathode sealing groove and the anode sealing groove in the vertical direction is 5-10°.

[0016] Furthermore, the cross-sections of the first protrusion and the second protrusion are circular, and the diameters of the first protrusion and the second protrusion are equal in length.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0018] This invention utilizes the thickness difference between the anode alignment sealing end and the anode misalignment sealing end, as well as the thickness difference between the cathode misalignment sealing end and the cathode alignment sealing end, to ensure that the thickness of the same sealing ring varies at different locations. This ensures that even if there are processing errors, the thickness of the sealing ring will remain within the design range and will not result in excessive compression.

[0019] The present invention will be explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a top view of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A sectional view along line AA.

[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of the structure of area A in the middle;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first protrusion and the cathode alignment sealing end of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged view of the structure of area A in the image;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the anode alignment sealing end of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Enlarged view of the structure of area A in the image.

[0028] In the figure: 10, cathode plate; 11, through hole; 12, cathode sealing groove; 13, first protrusion; 14, locking part; 20, cathode seal; 21, cathode alignment sealing end; 211, first slot; 212, first locking groove; 22, cathode misalignment sealing end; 30, membrane electrode; 40, anode seal; 41, anode alignment sealing end; 411, second slot; 412, second locking groove; 42, anode misalignment sealing end; 50, anode plate; 51, anode sealing groove; 52, second protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more comprehensive description of the present invention will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described in the text. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the disclosure of the present invention more thorough and complete.

[0030] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly associated with those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the specification of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0032] Example 1, please refer to the appendix. Figure 1-8 A bipolar plate anode and cathode gas sealing structure includes a cathode plate 10, a membrane electrode 30 and an anode plate 50 arranged in sequence. A cathode sealing element 20 is provided between the cathode plate 10 and the membrane electrode 30, and an anode sealing element 40 is provided between the membrane electrode 30 and the anode plate 50.

[0033] Both the cathode plate 10 and the anode plate 50 have a plurality of corresponding through holes 11 on their housings.

[0034] The cathode seal 20 includes a cathode alignment sealing end 21 installed on the cathode plate 10, and a cathode misalignment sealing end 22 installed on the cathode plate 10 and integrally formed with the cathode alignment sealing end 21. The cathode alignment sealing end 21 and the cathode misalignment sealing end 22 are connected end to end to form an annulus surrounding the through hole 11.

[0035] The anode seal 40 includes an anode alignment seal end 41 mounted on the housing of the anode plate 50, and an anode misalignment seal end 42 mounted on the housing of the anode plate 50 and integrally formed with the anode alignment seal end 41. The anode alignment seal end 41 corresponds to the cathode alignment seal end 21, and the anode misalignment seal end 42 is intersected with the cathode misalignment seal end 22. The anode alignment seal end 41 and the anode misalignment seal end 42 are connected end to end to form an annulus surrounding the through hole 11.

[0036] For details, please refer to the appendix. Figure 3 and 5 The thickness of the cathode misaligned sealing end 22 is greater than the thickness of the cathode aligned sealing end 21.

[0037] The thickness of the anode alignment sealing end 41 is greater than the thickness of the anode misalignment sealing end 42;

[0038] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the ratio of h1 after compression to H1 after compression is 20%~25%.

[0039] The ratio of h2 after compression to H2 after compression is 20%~25%.

[0040] The ratio of H3 after compression to H3 after compression is 20%~25%.

[0041] The ratio of H4 after compression to H4 after compression is 20%~25%.

[0042] Wherein, H1 is the distance between the corresponding position of the cathode plate 10 near the cathode alignment sealing end 21 and the membrane electrode 30;

[0043] H2 is the distance between the corresponding position of the anode plate 50 near the anode alignment sealing end 41 and the membrane electrode 30;

[0044] H3 is the distance between the cathode misaligned sealing end 22 and the anode plate 50;

[0045] H4 is the distance between the anode misalignment sealing end 42 and the cathode plate 10.

[0046] h1 is the thickness of the cathode alignment sealing end 21;

[0047] h2 is the thickness of the anode alignment sealing end 41;

[0048] h3 is the thickness of the cathode misalignment sealing end 22;

[0049] h4 is the thickness of the anode misalignment sealing end 42;

[0050] The above calculation formulas can be used to obtain the different design thicknesses of h1, h2, h3, and h4. That is, the thickness of the same sealing ring is different at different positions. This ensures that even if there are processing errors, the thickness of the sealing ring will be within the design range and there will be no problem of excessive compression ratio.

[0051] By using the thickness difference between the anode alignment sealing end 41 and the anode misalignment sealing end 42, and the thickness difference between the cathode misalignment sealing end 22 and the cathode alignment sealing end 21, it can be ensured that even if there is a processing error, the thickness of the sealing ring will be within the design range and there will be no problem of excessive compression ratio.

[0052] For details, please refer to the appendix. Figure 3 and 5 The cathode plate 10 has a cathode sealing groove 12 for the cathode sealing member 20 to be embedded in its housing, and the cathode sealing groove 12 has a first protrusion 13 inside the groove.

[0053] The housing of the anode plate 50 is provided with an anode sealing groove 51 for the anode sealing element 40 to be embedded, and the anode sealing groove 51 is provided with a second protrusion 52 inside the groove.

[0054] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the cathode sealing groove 12 provides guidance and installation position for the installation of the cathode seal 20. The interpenetration between the first protrusion 13 in the cathode sealing groove 12 and the cathode seal 20 restricts the displacement of the cathode seal 20 by blocking the first protrusion 13, thereby reducing the gap formed between the cathode seal 20 and the cathode sealing groove 12 due to displacement, and thus improving the airtightness.

[0055] Furthermore, the anode sealing groove 51 provides guidance and installation position for the anode seal 40. The interpenetration between the second protrusion 52 in the anode sealing groove 51 and the anode seal 40, and the blocking of the first protrusion 13, restricts the displacement of the anode seal 40, reduces the gap formed between the anode seal 40 and the anode sealing groove 51 due to displacement, and thus improves airtightness.

[0056] For details, please refer to the appendix. Figure 3 and 5 Locking portions 14 are provided on both sides of the first protrusion 13 and the corresponding second protrusion 52 that are close to each other;

[0057] The cathode alignment sealing end 21 and the cathode misalignment sealing end 22 are both provided with a first slot 211 that fits with the first protrusion 13 at the end away from the cathode plate 10. The first slot 211 is provided with a first locking groove 212 that is symmetrically arranged at the end away from the cathode plate 10. The first locking groove 212 fits with the locking part 14.

[0058] Both the anode alignment sealing end 41 and the anode misalignment sealing end 42 are provided with a second slot 411 that matches the second protrusion 52 at the end away from the anode plate 50. The second slot 411 is provided with a symmetrically arranged second locking groove 412 at the end away from the anode plate 50. The second locking groove 412 matches the locking part 14.

[0059] The draft angle of the cathode sealing groove 12 and the anode sealing groove 51 in the vertical direction is 5-10°;

[0060] The cross-sections of the first protrusion 13 and the second protrusion 52 are circular, and the diameters of the first protrusion 13 and the second protrusion 52 are equal in length.

[0061] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the first protrusion 13 and the second protrusion 52 provide an installation position for the locking part 14;

[0062] Furthermore, after the cathode seal 20 is inserted outside the first protrusion 13, during the battery assembly process, when the cathode plate 10 and the adjacent cathode plate 10 approach each other, the cathode seal 20 uses the pushing force to make the first locking groove 212 on it slide relative to the locking part 14 until the locking part 14 hooks the first locking groove 212, thereby further reducing the displacement of the cathode seal 20 and improving the sealing performance of the cathode seal 20 after installation.

[0063] Furthermore, after the anode seal 40 is inserted outside the second protrusion 52, during the battery assembly process, when the anode plate 50 and the adjacent anode plate 50 approach each other, the anode seal 40 uses the pushing force to make its second locking groove 412 slide relative to the locking part 14 until the locking part 14 hooks the second locking groove 412, thereby further reducing the displacement of the cathode seal 20 and improving the sealing performance of the cathode seal 20 after installation.

[0064] Example 2: A bipolar plate anode and cathode gas sealing structure includes a cathode plate 10, a membrane electrode 30 and an anode plate 50 arranged in sequence. A cathode sealing element 20 is provided between the cathode plate 10 and the membrane electrode 30, and an anode sealing element 40 is provided between the membrane electrode 30 and the anode plate 50.

[0065] Both the cathode plate 10 and the anode plate 50 have a plurality of corresponding through holes 11 on their housings.

[0066] The cathode seal 20 includes a cathode alignment sealing end 21 installed on the cathode plate 10, and a cathode misalignment sealing end 22 installed on the cathode plate 10 and integrally formed with the cathode alignment sealing end 21. The cathode alignment sealing end 21 and the cathode misalignment sealing end 22 are connected end to end to form an annulus surrounding the through hole 11.

[0067] The anode seal 40 includes an anode alignment seal end 41 installed on the housing of the anode plate 50, and an anode misalignment seal end 42 installed on the housing of the anode plate 50 and integrally formed with the anode alignment seal end 41. The anode alignment seal end 41 corresponds to the cathode alignment seal end 21, and the anode misalignment seal end 42 is intersected with the cathode misalignment seal end 22. The anode alignment seal end 41 and the anode misalignment seal end 42 are connected end to end to form an annulus surrounding the through hole 11.

[0068] Furthermore, the thickness of the cathode misalignment sealing end 22 is equal to the thickness of the cathode alignment sealing end 21;

[0069] Furthermore, the thickness of the anode alignment sealing end 41 is equal to the thickness of the anode misalignment sealing end 42;

[0070] It should be noted that in this embodiment, when the sealing rings of h1 and h2 just come into contact with the MEA, the sealing ring at h3 has not yet come into contact, nor has h4. When h3 reaches a compression ratio of 20% to 25%, the compression ratios of h1 and h2 have far exceeded 25%.

[0071] Where h1 is the thickness of the cathode alignment sealing end 21;

[0072] h2 is the thickness of the anode alignment sealing end 41;

[0073] h3 is the thickness of the cathode misalignment sealing end 22;

[0074] h4 is the thickness of the anode misalignment sealing end 42.

[0075] The specific operation method of this invention is as follows:

[0076] The cathode seal 20 is installed on the cathode plate 10, and the anode seal 40 is installed on the anode plate 50. The cathode sealing groove 12 provides guidance and installation position for the cathode seal 20. The interpenetration between the first protrusion 13 in the cathode sealing groove 12 and the cathode seal 20 restricts the displacement of the cathode seal 20 by blocking the first protrusion 13, reducing the gap formed between the cathode seal 20 and the cathode sealing groove 12 due to displacement, thereby improving airtightness.

[0077] The anode sealing groove 51 provides guidance and installation position for the anode seal 40. The interpenetration between the second protrusion 52 in the anode sealing groove 51 and the anode seal 40, and the blocking of the first protrusion 13, restricts the displacement of the anode seal 40, reduces the gap formed between the anode seal 40 and the anode sealing groove 51 due to displacement, and thus improves airtightness.

[0078] The present invention has been described by way of example in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described manner. Any non-substantial improvement made by adopting the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention, or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention to other occasions without modification, shall be within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A bipolar plate anode-cathode gas-sealed structure, comprising a cathode plate (10), a membrane electrode (30), and an anode plate (50) arranged sequentially, characterized in that, A cathode seal (20) is provided between the cathode plate (10) and the membrane electrode (30), and an anode seal (40) is provided between the membrane electrode (30) and the anode plate (50). Both the cathode plate (10) and the anode plate (50) have a plurality of corresponding through holes (11) on their shells. The cathode seal (20) includes a cathode alignment seal end (21) mounted on the cathode plate (10) and a cathode misalignment seal end (22) mounted on the cathode plate (10) and integrally formed with the cathode alignment seal end (21). The cathode alignment seal end (21) and the cathode misalignment seal end (22) are connected end to end to form an annulus surrounding the through hole (11). The anode seal (40) includes an anode alignment seal end (41) mounted on the housing of the anode plate (50) and an anode misalignment seal end (42) mounted on the housing of the anode plate (50) and integrally formed with the anode alignment seal end (41). The anode alignment seal end (41) corresponds to the cathode alignment seal end (21), and the anode misalignment seal end (42) intersects with the cathode misalignment seal end (22). The anode alignment seal end (41) and the anode misalignment seal end (42) are connected end to end to form an annulus around the through hole (11). The thickness of the cathode misalignment seal end (22) is greater than the thickness of the cathode alignment seal end (21). The thickness of the anode alignment seal end (41) is greater than the thickness of the anode misalignment seal end (42).

2. The bipolar plate anode-cathode gas sealing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cathode plate (10) has a cathode sealing groove (12) on its shell for the cathode seal (20) to be embedded in, and a first protrusion (13) is provided in the groove of the cathode sealing groove (12).

3. The bipolar plate anode-cathode gas sealing structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The housing of the anode plate (50) is provided with an anode sealing groove (51) for the anode seal (40) to be embedded, and a second protrusion (52) is provided in the groove of the anode sealing groove (51).

4. The bipolar plate anode-cathode gas sealing structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, Locking parts (14) are provided on both sides of the first protrusion (13) and the corresponding second protrusion (52) that are close to each other.

5. The bipolar plate anode-cathode gas sealing structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, Both the cathode alignment sealing end (21) and the cathode misalignment sealing end (22) are provided with a first slot (211) that matches the first protrusion (13) at the end away from the cathode plate (10). The first slot (211) is provided with a first locking groove (212) that is symmetrically arranged at the end away from the cathode plate (10). The first locking groove (212) matches the locking part (14).

6. The bipolar plate anode-cathode gas sealing structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, Both the anode alignment sealing end (41) and the anode misalignment sealing end (42) are provided with a second slot (411) that matches the second protrusion (52) at the end away from the anode plate (50). The second slot (411) is provided with a symmetrically arranged second locking groove (412) at the end away from the anode plate (50). The second locking groove (412) matches the locking part (14).

7. The bipolar plate anode-cathode gas sealing structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The draft angle of the cathode sealing groove (12) and the anode sealing groove (51) in the vertical direction is 5-10°.

8. The bipolar plate anode-cathode gas sealing structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cross-sections of the first protrusion (13) and the second protrusion (52) are circular, and the diameters of the first protrusion (13) and the second protrusion (52) are equal.

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