End plate, housing assembly, fuel cell module, method of assembly, and vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses an end plate, a shell assembly, a fuel cell module, an assembling method and a vehicle, and solves the technical problems of complicated structure and complicated and difficult assembling steps of the fuel cell module in the prior art. The end plate is used for connecting a shell body with an opening, the end plate is provided with a mounting position for mounting a fastening assembly of a fuel cell stack and a limiting surface for positioning contact and fixed connection with the shell body, and when the limiting surface is in positioning contact and fixed connection with the shell body, the end plate closes the opening of the shell body. The end plate serves as an air inlet end plate and / or a blind end plate assembly of the fuel cell stack, and is used for closing the shell body with the opening and packaging the fuel cell stack together with the shell body while completing fastening and pressing of the fuel cell stack, so that the number of parts of the fuel cell module is reduced, and the assembling difficulty is lowered.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of fuel cell, in particular to an end plate, a shell assembly, a fuel cell module, an assembling method and a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the structure of fuel cell stack, single cell is the basic component. Single cell is usually composed of membrane electrode, bipolar plate and sealing element. Multiple single cells are connected in series, and then end plates are arranged at both ends to provide fastening and packaging force, and current collecting plates are arranged to collect and output electric energy, and insulating plates are arranged to insulate the current collecting plates from the end plates, so that a complete assembled stack can be formed. The complete assembled stack is wrapped with a corresponding box to fix and protect the internal and external components of the box. High-voltage output structures such as high-voltage copper bars, insulating plates, through terminals, and low-voltage monitoring structures such as voltage patrol detectors, hydrogen concentration sensors, low-voltage connector wire harnesses, and corresponding sealing structures are arranged between the complete assembled stack and the box, so that a fuel cell stack module can be formed.

[0003] The fuel cell module in the prior art has the technical problems of complex structure and complicated and difficult assembling steps, which limits the production and development of fuel cells to some extent. SUMMARY

[0004] To solve the above technical problems, the present application provides an end plate, a shell assembly, a fuel cell module, an assembling method and a vehicle, which reduces the number of parts of the fuel cell module, reduces the assembly difficulty, and improves the assembly efficiency of the fuel cell module.

[0005] To achieve the technical purpose of the present application, the present application provides an end plate for connecting a shell main body with an opening, the end plate being provided with:

[0006] a mounting position for mounting a fastening assembly of a stack of fuel cells;

[0007] a limiting surface for positioning contact and fixed connection with the shell main body, and when the limiting surface is in positioning contact and fixed connection with the shell main body, the end plate closes the opening.

[0008] In some embodiments, the end plate includes an end plate body and a lap joint edge continuously arranged on the periphery of the end plate body, the lap joint edge constitutes the limiting surface, and the mounting position is arranged on the end plate body.

[0009] In some embodiments, the end plate body is rectangular, a pin hole for mounting a positioning pin and a threaded hole for mounting a connecting piece are arranged on a first side surface of the end plate, and the lap joint edge is arranged on at least three remaining side surfaces of the end plate body.

[0010] In some embodiments, the end plate further includes an insulating platform adapted to the shape of the bipolar plate, the insulating platform being connected to the end of the end plate body away from the overlapping edge; the insulating platform is provided with a fluid channel for the flow of a fluid medium, the fluid channel penetrating the end plate body.

[0011] In some embodiments, the end plate body has a boss at one end away from the overlapping edge; the insulating platform includes a connected insulating sleeve and the fluid channel, and the insulating sleeve covers the outer surface of the boss.

[0012] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a fuel cell housing composition, including;

[0013] The main body of the shell has an opening for receiving.

[0014] Furthermore, the end plate mentioned above has a limiting surface that is in positional contact with the housing body and is fixedly connected to the housing body via a connector, so that the end plate closes the opening.

[0015] In some embodiments, the housing body includes a first housing and a second housing, the first housing and the second housing together forming the open receiving cavity.

[0016] In some embodiments, the second housing is a flat plate, and the first housing is a cover; the first housing covers the second housing.

[0017] The end plate is rectangular. The first side of the end plate contacts the second housing and is connected to it through the connector. The limiting surface is located on the remaining side of the end plate and matches the shape of the first housing. The limiting surface of the end plate is connected to the first housing through the connector.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second housing has a protrusion that bulges outward relative to the end plate and / or the outer wall of the first housing.

[0019] In some embodiments, the second housing is provided with a bracket for connecting the blind end plate assembly and a support platform for mounting the bracket.

[0020] In some embodiments, both the second housing and the first housing are covers; the end plate is rectangular, and the four sides of the end plate are stepped structures, with the stepped surfaces of the stepped structures forming the limiting surfaces.

[0021] In some embodiments, the housing assembly further includes a sealing component disposed between the limiting surface of the end plate and the housing body.

[0022] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a fuel cell module, including,

[0023] The aforementioned shell composition;

[0024] The fuel cell stack includes an inlet end plate, a blind end plate assembly, a core, a fastening assembly, and a current collector assembly; the core, fastening assembly, and current collector assembly are located in a receiving cavity; the inlet end plate and / or the blind end plate assembly are the aforementioned end plates; the fastening assembly is disposed in the mounting position and connects the inlet end plate and the blind end plate assembly.

[0025] In some embodiments, the fastening assembly includes at least two fasteners and fastening connectors connected to both ends of the fasteners, the fastening connectors being disposed in the mounting position.

[0026] In some embodiments, the fastener is a pull rod, which is integral with the fastening joint; and / or, the fastener is a steel strip, which is welded to the connection portion.

[0027] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a method for assembling a fuel cell module, including the following steps:

[0028] The fuel cell stacks are stacked in a set order, and the air inlet end plate and blind end plate assemblies of the fuel cell stacks are connected by fastening components to obtain the assembled fuel cell stack.

[0029] The assembled fuel cell stack is placed in the housing body. The air inlet end plate and the blind end plate assembly are connected to the housing body respectively. The air inlet end plate and / or blind end plate assembly constituting the end plate are connected and fixed to the end face of the opening of the housing body through the limiting surface to encapsulate the housing body and obtain the fuel cell module.

[0030] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a vehicle including the aforementioned fuel cell module.

[0031] As can be seen from the above technical solution, the end plate provided in this application is used to connect to a housing body with an opening. The end plate is provided with a mounting position for fastening components of the fuel cell stack and a limiting surface for positioning contact and fixed connection with the housing body. When the limiting surface is in positioning contact and fixed connection with the housing body, the end plate closes the opening of the housing body. That is, the end plate provided in this application also serves as the end plate of the fuel cell stack to bear the fastening force and become part of the fuel cell stack. At the same time, when the fuel cell stack is packaged, it is connected with the housing body with an opening to form a sealed encapsulation cavity, which helps to realize the power output of the fuel cell stack. It realizes the integration of the end plate of the fuel cell stack and the end plate of the fuel cell housing, reduces the types of parts, simplifies the packaging and assembly process of the fuel cell stack and the housing, and compared with the prior art, there is no need to consider the positioning, sealing and fastening of the housing end plate and the air inlet end plate in the prior art.

[0032] The fuel cell housing assembly provided in this application includes the aforementioned end plate and a housing body with an open accommodating cavity. The limiting surface of the end plate is in positional contact with the housing body and is fixedly connected to the housing body through a connector, so that the end plate closes the opening. That is, the end plate constitutes the housing end plate of the housing assembly and is used to install fastening components and bear fastening force for the end plate of the fuel cell stack. Compared with conventional housings for encapsulating fuel cell stacks, the housing assembly provided in this application provides a sealed encapsulation cavity for the fuel cell stack. On the other hand, the housing assembly is connected to at least one end of the fastening components of the fuel cell stack, directly providing fastening force for the fuel cell stack. The housing assembly assists in realizing the power output of the fuel cell stack. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the end plate provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0034] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Side view of the end plate in the middle;

[0035] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A bottom view of the end plate in the middle;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the housing provided in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0037] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A front view diagram of the shell structure in the middle;

[0038] Figure 6 for Figure 4 Side view diagram of the shell structure in the middle.

[0039] Figure 7 for Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the shell structure in the middle;

[0040] Figure 8 for Figure 6 A BB cross-sectional view of the shell structure in the middle;

[0041] Figure 9 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first shell in the middle;

[0042] Figure 10 for Figure 9 Another perspective structural diagram of the first shell in the middle;

[0043] Figure 11 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the second shell in the middle;

[0044] Figure 12 forFigure 11 A top view of the second shell in the structure;

[0045] Figure 13 for Figure 11 A front view of the second shell in the diagram;

[0046] Figure 14 for Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the support structure installed inside the second housing.

[0047] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the housing composition provided in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0048] Figure 16 for Figure 15 A front view diagram of the shell structure in the middle;

[0049] Figure 17 for Figure 4 A side view of the shell structure within the structure;

[0050] Figure 18 for Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of the shell structure in the middle;

[0051] Figure 19 for Figure 17 A BB cross-sectional view of the shell structure in the middle;

[0052] Figure 20 for Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first shell in the middle;

[0053] Figure 21 for Figure 15 Another perspective structural diagram of the first shell in the middle;

[0054] Figure 22 for Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the structure of the second shell in the middle;

[0055] Figure 23 for Figure 15 Another perspective structural diagram of the second shell in the middle;

[0056] Figure 24 for Figure 22 A top view of the second shell in the structure;

[0057] Figure 25 for Figure 22 A front view of the second shell in the diagram;

[0058] Figure 26 for Figure 22 A bottom view of the second shell in the diagram;

[0059] Figure 27 This is an exploded view of the fuel cell module provided in Embodiment 3 of this application with the stack core omitted.

[0060] Figure 28 In another embodiment of the fuel cell module provided in Embodiment 3 of this application, the exploded view of the fuel cell stack core is omitted.

[0061] Figure 29 This is a schematic diagram of the fastening assembly of the fuel cell stack in the fuel cell module provided in Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0062] Figure 30 This is a structural block diagram of the vehicle provided in Embodiment 4 of this application.

[0063] Figure description: 100-end plate, 101-mounting position, 102-limiting surface, 110-end plate body, 111-first side, 112-pin hole, 113-threaded hole, 120-lap edge, 121-mounting groove, 130-insulating platform, 131-insulating sleeve, 132-fluid channel;

[0064] 200-Main body of the housing, 210-First housing, 211-Side plate, 212-Operating cover, 220-Second housing, 221-Protrusion, 230-Connector, 240-Bracket, 250-Support platform, 260-Connecting platform;

[0065] 300 - Current collector assembly; 400 - Blind end plate assembly; 500 - Fastening assembly; 510 - Fastener; 520 - Fastening connector; 530 - Insulating support; 600 - High voltage module; 700 - Low voltage module. Detailed Implementation

[0066] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand this application, the technical solution of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0067] To address the technical problems of complex structure and cumbersome assembly steps in existing fuel cell modules, this application provides an end plate, a housing assembly, a fuel cell module, an assembly method, and a vehicle. By integrating mounting positions for fastening components for mounting the fuel cell stack and limiting surfaces for connecting to the housing body on the end plate, the end plate serves as both the air inlet end plate and / or blind end plate assembly for fastening and press-fitting the fuel cell stack. Simultaneously, it seals the open housing body and encapsulates the fuel cell stack together with the housing body, reducing the number of parts in the fuel cell module and lowering the assembly difficulty. Three specific embodiments are provided below to detail the content of this application:

[0068] Example 1

[0069] like Figures 1-3As shown, this embodiment provides an end plate 100 for connecting to a housing body 200 with an opening. The end plate 100 has a mounting position 101 for mounting a fastening assembly of a fuel cell stack and a limiting surface 102 for positioning and fixing with the housing body 200. When the limiting surface 102 is in positioning contact and fixing with the housing body 200, the end plate 100 closes the opening of the housing body 200. That is, the end plate 100 provided in this application simultaneously serves as the end plate 100 of the fuel cell stack, bearing the fastening force to become part of the fuel cell stack. At the same time, when encapsulating the fuel cell stack, it connects with the housing body 200 with the opening to form a sealed encapsulation cavity, which helps to realize the power output of the fuel cell stack. It realizes the integration of the end plate 100 of the fuel cell stack and the end plate 100 of the fuel cell housing, reduces the types of parts, simplifies the encapsulation and assembly process of the fuel cell stack and the housing, and compared with the prior art, at least one end of the fuel cell stack is directly positioned and fixed with the housing body 200, without considering the positioning, sealing and fastening of the housing end plate and the air inlet end plate in the prior art to ensure the overall sealing performance.

[0070] In order to simultaneously achieve connection with the housing body 200 and connection with the fastening assembly, in some embodiments, the end plate 100 includes an end plate body 110 and an overlapping edge 120 continuously disposed on the periphery of the end plate body 110. The overlapping edge 120 forms a limiting surface 102, and the mounting position 101 is disposed on the end plate body 110, so as to ensure that the connection of the end plate 100 with the housing body 200 and with the fastening assembly do not affect each other.

[0071] To ensure positioning and connection fixation, in some embodiments, the end plate body 110 is rectangular. The first side 111 of the end plate 100 is provided with a pin hole 112 for mounting a positioning pin and a threaded hole 113 for mounting a connector 230. The overlapping edge 120 is located on at least the remaining three sides of the end plate body 110, and the distribution of the overlapping edge 120 can be adapted to the specific structure of the housing body 200. Preferably, the first side 111 is the side with a mounting position 101, and the end plate body 110 is positioned and connected to the housing by extending into the housing body 200.

[0072] Since the endplate serves as the air inlet endplate and / or blind endplate assembly of the fuel cell stack, it needs to be connected to the fastening assembly. To ensure that the press-fitting of the endplate meets the requirements, the number of mounting positions must be at least two, and these mounting positions must be distributed at least along the long side of the endplate, located on two opposite long side surfaces of the endplate. In some embodiments, at least two mounting positions are provided on each of the two long side surfaces of the endplate, and mounting positions can be provided on the short side surface of the endplate as needed to install auxiliary fastening assemblies, ensuring the press-fitting of the fuel cell stack and its internal sealing.

[0073] To limit the positioning freedom of the end plate 100 and ensure the positioning position, preferably, there are at least two pin holes 112 on the end plate 100. This application does not specifically limit the setting of the pin holes 112. Referring to the prior art, as one embodiment, there are two pin holes 112, one of which has a diameter of 6.2 mm and is adapted to an M6 positioning pin, and the other is an oblong hole adapted to the selected positioning pin, the oblong hole extending along the long side of the end plate 100.

[0074] In order to ensure the sealing between the end plate 100 and the housing body 200 during encapsulation, the end plate 100 provided in this embodiment has an installation groove 121 for installing a sealing element on the mating surface of the overlapping edge 120 for contacting the housing body 200.

[0075] In some embodiments, in order to purge and drain the fuel cell module and prevent internal condensation from reducing insulation resistance, the end plate 100 also includes an insulating platform 130 adapted to the shape of the bipolar plate. The insulating platform 130 is connected to the end of the end plate body 110 away from the overlapping edge 120. The insulating platform 130 is provided with a fluid channel 132 for the flow of fluid medium. The fluid channel 132 penetrates the end plate body 110 so as to achieve physical isolation from the end plate body 110 through the insulated fluid channel 132, thereby ensuring the insulation resistance of the fuel cell stack.

[0076] Since the insulation structure is relatively weak, in order to achieve stable setting of the insulation platform 130 and ensure fixed position, in some embodiments, a boss may be provided at the end of the end plate body 110 away from the overlapping edge 120; the insulation platform 130 includes a connected insulation sleeve 131 and a fluid channel 132, the insulation sleeve 131 covers the outer surface of the boss, so as to be fixed and positioned by the rigid end plate body 110.

[0077] This embodiment does not limit the specific shapes of the insulating platform 130 and the end plate body 100, and both can be matched or not matched with the shape of the bipolar plate. For example, when the bipolar plate is I-shaped, that is, along the long side of the bipolar plate, the width of the middle part of the bipolar plate is smaller than the width of the two ends of the bipolar plate, similar to the cross-sectional shape of a dumbbell. In some embodiments, the cross-sections of the end plate body 100 and the insulating platform 130 can both be rectangular; in some embodiments, the end plate body 100 can be rectangular, and the insulating platform can be I-shaped to match the I-shaped bipolar plate, so that the end plate can be adapted to the bipolar plate when fastening the press-fit fuel cell stack. In some embodiments, when the insulating platform is I-shaped, fastening components can be provided at the middle and both ends of the long side of the end plate to make the stress on the core of the fuel cell stack more uniform after press-fitting, which is beneficial to improving the performance of the fuel cell stack.

[0078] This embodiment does not specifically limit the arrangement of the insulating platform 130 on the end plate body 110. For example, in some embodiments, the insulating platform 130 and the end plate body 110 may have the same shape and size. In this case, a structure corresponding to the mounting position 101 should be provided on the circumferential surface of the insulating platform 130 to install the fastening assembly. In some embodiments, the size of the insulating platform 130 is smaller than the size of the end plate body 110 to form a stepped structure on the end plate body 110.

[0079] This embodiment does not specifically limit the material of the end plate 100, as long as the end plate body can simultaneously meet the rigidity requirement of the insulating platform to ensure insulation. In some embodiments, the end plate body 110 and the boss on the end plate body 110 can be aluminum plates, and the insulating platform 130 can be made of a plastic material that meets the requirements, so as to form an aluminum-plastic integrated end plate 100.

[0080] Example 2

[0081] Based on the same inventive concept, this embodiment provides a housing assembly for a fuel cell, including the aforementioned end plate 100 and a housing body 200 with an open receiving cavity; the limiting surface 102 of the end plate 100 is in positional contact with the housing body 200 and is fixedly connected to the housing body 200 through a connector 230, so that the end plate 100 closes the opening, that is, the end plate 100 constitutes the housing end plate of the housing assembly, and at the same time serves to install fastening components and bear fastening force for the end plate 100 constituting the fuel cell stack. Compared with conventional housings for encapsulating fuel cell stacks, the housing assembly provided in this application provides a sealed encapsulation cavity for the fuel cell stack on the one hand, and on the other hand, the housing assembly is connected to at least one end of the fastening components of the fuel cell stack, directly providing fastening force for the fuel cell stack. The housing assembly assists in realizing the power output of the fuel cell stack.

[0082] In order to encapsulate the housing assembly, in some embodiments, the housing assembly further includes a sealing component disposed between the limiting surface 102 of the end plate 100 and the housing body 200.

[0083] For ease of assembly and disassembly, in some embodiments, the housing body 200 includes a first housing 210 and a second housing 220, which together form an open receiving cavity. This embodiment does not limit the number of openings; it can be one or two, allowing for adjustments to the fuel cell stack structure.

[0084] This application does not limit the specific structure of the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. For example, in some embodiments, the second housing 220 can be a flat plate, and the first housing 210 is a cover; the first housing 210 covers the second housing 220. The end plate 100 is generally rectangular, and the first side 111 of the end plate 100 contacts and is positioned with the second housing 220 and is connected by the connector 230. At this time, the limiting surface 102 is located on the remaining side of the end plate 100, and the limiting surface 102 matches the shape of the first housing 210. The limiting surface 102 of the end plate 100 is connected to the first housing 210 by the connector 230.

[0085] In one embodiment, the second housing 220 is a flat plate. The first side 111 of the end plate 100 is positioned to the second housing 220 by two locating pins and connected and fixed by six connectors 230, which are bolts. As shown in the figure, the first side 111 of the end plate 100 has a total of eight holes, including six M6 bolt holes, one locating pin hole 112 with a diameter of 6.2 mm that is adapted to the M6 ​​locating pin, and one oblong hole that is adapted to the locating pin. The end plate 100 is connected to the first housing 210 by twelve M6 bolts provided on the overlapping edge 120.

[0086] When the second housing 220 is a flat plate, in order to achieve a sealed enclosure, in some embodiments, the end plate 100 has overlapping edges 120 on the three sides other than the first side 111, and the overlapping edges 120 have mounting grooves 121. The overlapping gap between the end plate 100 and the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 is sealed by a sealing strip that is rectangular in shape and has an O-shaped cross-section, disposed in the mounting groove 121. The first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are sealed by a sealing ring that is U-shaped in shape and has an O-shaped cross-section.

[0087] In the second housing 220, which is a flat plate, in order to take advantage of the advantages of the flat plate structure in terms of ease of installation and connection, in some embodiments, the second housing 220 has a protrusion 221 that protrudes outward relative to the end plate 100 and / or the outer wall of the first housing 210 for direct connection with the external body system. This design eliminates the need for an additional system mounting frame, and system auxiliary components (air compressor, water pump, etc.) can be directly fixed to the protrusion 221.

[0088] When the intake end plate and the housing end plate are integrated into the end plate 100 in Embodiment 1, there is no need to consider the communication between the medium channel of the intake end plate and the medium channel of the housing end plate, as well as the sealing at the communication point, which greatly reduces the assembly difficulty. Therefore, the beneficial effect of integrating the intake end plate and the housing end plate into the end plate 100 is far greater than the beneficial effect of integrating the blind end plate assembly 400 and the housing end plate into the end plate 100. Preferably, at least one end plate 100 from Embodiment 1 is used as the intake end plate of the fuel cell stack.

[0089] In some embodiments, the second housing 220 can be a cover with four sides, and the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 together form a receiving cavity with an end face opening. The end plate 100 serves as both the housing end plate of the housing assembly and the air inlet end plate of the fuel cell stack. In order to connect and fix the second housing 220 and the blind end plate assembly 400, in some embodiments, a through hole can be opened on the flat second housing 220 for the connector 230 to pass through. In this case, an additional sealing structure is required to ensure the sealing of the encapsulated housing assembly.

[0090] In some embodiments, to avoid increasing assembly difficulty, the second housing 220 may also be provided with a bracket 240 for connecting the blind end plate assembly 400 and a support platform 250 for mounting the bracket 240. The support platform 250 can increase the plate thickness of the mounting connector 230 portion. By providing threaded blind holes on the support platform 250 and fixing the bracket 240 to the support platform 250 with bolts, the bracket 240 and the blind end plate assembly 400 are then connected. The blind end plate assembly 400 is vertically fixed to the second housing 220 by the bracket 240 connected to the second housing 220, which increases the thread engagement thickness of the second housing 220 on the one hand, and avoids the need to open through holes on the other.

[0091] In some embodiments, a side window is provided on the side of the first housing 210 near the blind end of the fuel cell stack to facilitate operation and connection of the blind end current collector to the high-voltage copper busbar, and the side window is closed by the side plate 211.

[0092] In other embodiments, both the second housing 220 and the first housing 210 can be enclosures; the end plate 100 is rectangular, and all four sides of the end plate 100 are stepped structures. The stepped surfaces of the stepped structures form limiting surfaces 102, and the larger sections of the stepped structures form overlapping edges 120. A mounting groove 121 for installing the sealing ring is also provided on the limiting surfaces 102. The overlapping gap between the end plate 100 and the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 is sealed by a sealing strip that is rectangular in shape and has an O-shaped cross-section, located within the mounting groove 121. The first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are sealed by a sealing ring that is U-shaped in shape and has an O-shaped cross-section. The connection and positioning structure between the end plate 100 and the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 can refer to the design where the second housing 220 is a flat plate, and will not be described further here.

[0093] In some embodiments, in order to facilitate the connection of high-voltage copper busbars and high-voltage output terminals, an operation window is provided on the first housing 210 along the stacking direction of the fuel cell stack; the first housing 210 also includes an operation cover plate 212 for closing the operation window.

[0094] In some embodiments, in order to facilitate the installation of CVM, manifold, wire harness and other structures, the second housing 220 may also be provided with a connecting platform 260 protruding from the surface of the second housing 220. The connecting platform 260 is provided with a threaded hole 113, which on the one hand increases the thread engagement thickness of the second housing 220, and on the other hand avoids the opening of a through hole on the second housing 220.

[0095] Example 3

[0096] Based on the same inventive concept, this embodiment provides a fuel cell module, comprising a stack and the housing shown in Embodiment 2; as Figures 27-29 As shown, the fuel cell stack includes an inlet end plate, a blind end plate assembly 400, a core (obtained by stacking and connecting multiple single cells in series, not shown in the figure), a fastening assembly 500, and a current collector assembly 300. The core, fastening assembly 500, and current collector assembly 300 are located in the receiving cavity. The inlet end plate and / or blind end plate assembly 400 adopt the end plate 100 in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2. The fastening assembly 500 is disposed in the mounting position 101 and connects the inlet end plate and the blind end plate assembly 400. This fuel cell module naturally possesses all the beneficial effects of the end plate 100 of Embodiment 1 and the housing composition of Embodiment 2. Unlike the housing in the prior art, this housing composition integrates the end plate 100 of the fuel cell stack with the housing end plate, reducing the types of parts, simplifying the assembly process, and reducing the assembly difficulty. Other unmentioned structures of this fuel cell module can refer to the prior art, and will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0097] In order to form a modular connection between the fastening assembly 500 and the intake end plate / blind end plate assembly 400, and to ensure consistency and facilitate assembly, in some embodiments, the fastening assembly 500 includes n fasteners 510 and fastening connectors 520 connected to both ends of the fasteners 510, where n≥2. The intake end plate and the blind end plate assembly 400 are both provided with mounting positions 101 on their sides, and the fastening connectors 520 are located in the mounting positions 101.

[0098] To achieve universality of different fastening schemes on the end plate 100 and the fuel cell stack, in some embodiments, the fastener 510 can be a tie rod, with the tie rod and fastening joint 520 being an integral structure; or the fastener 510 can be a steel strip, welded to the connection part. By using the same fastening joint 520, both tie rod and steel strip fastening schemes can be implemented. Appropriate fastening methods and layouts can be selected according to the fastening requirements of the fuel cell stack, enhancing the applicability of the fuel cell stack. This allows the same set of non-repeating parts to be used for both tie rod and steel strip welding types, improving the flexibility of fastening scheme selection in fuel cell stack design and facilitating compatibility and switching between tie rod and steel strip welding types.

[0099] It should be noted that the fastening assembly 500 can be constructed entirely of fasteners 510 as tie rods, or it can be constructed of fasteners 510 as steel strips, or it can be constructed with some fasteners 510 as tie rods and the remaining fasteners 510 as steel strips. It can be adapted to meet the actual fastening requirements.

[0100] In some embodiments, the fastening connector 520 includes a mounting portion and a connecting portion, the connecting portion being connected to the fastener 510; both the intake end plate and the blind end plate assembly have a recessed groove matching the shape of the fastening connector 520 on their sides, the recessed groove forming a mounting position. The mounting portion is disposed in the recessed groove and is connected to the intake end plate or the blind end plate assembly through a connector.

[0101] To ensure electrical insulation and electrical safety between the fastening assembly 500 and the reactor core, in some embodiments, the fastening assembly 500 further includes an insulating support 530 disposed between the fastener 510 and the reactor core. The insulating support 530 is relatively limited to the fastener 510, for example by interference fit or by matching bosses / locating pins and countersunk holes.

[0102] Example 4

[0103] Based on the same inventive concept, this embodiment provides a method for assembling a fuel cell module, including the following steps:

[0104] The fuel cell stacks are stacked in a set order, and the air intake end plate and blind end plate assembly 400 of the fuel cell stacks are connected by fastening components to obtain the assembled fuel cell stack. At this time, the air intake end plate and / or blind end plate assembly 400 can both adopt the end plate 100 structure described above.

[0105] The assembled fuel cell stack is placed in the housing body 200. The inlet end plate and the blind end plate assembly 400 are connected to the housing body 200 respectively. The inlet end plate and / or blind end plate assembly 400 constituting the end plate 100 are connected and fixed to the end face of the opening of the receiving cavity of the housing body 200 through the limiting surface 102 to encapsulate the housing body 200, thus obtaining the fuel cell module. The end plate 100 of the obtained fuel cell module serves as the inlet end plate and / or blind end plate assembly 400 of the fuel cell stack, and also serves as the housing end plate of the housing assembly to close the opening. This housing assembly helps to realize the power output of the fuel cell.

[0106] The following describes the assembly sequence of a fuel cell module with a flat second housing 220 and an intake end plate using the end plate 100 from Embodiment 1 as an example:

[0107] The first step involves connecting multiple single-cell batteries in series. A current collector assembly 300, an end plate 100, and a blind-end end plate assembly 400 are installed at both ends of the single-cell batteries. A disc spring support plate connecting the end plate 100 and the blind-end end plate assembly 400 is then connected via a fastening assembly to form a fuel cell stack. The second step involves connecting the second housing 220 to the end plate 100 using bolts. The third step involves connecting the disc spring support plate to the second housing 220 via a bracket 240. The fourth step involves connecting the low-voltage module 700 (voltage detector, wiring harness, connection terminals, low-voltage socket, etc.) and high-voltage... The pressure module 600 (including high-voltage copper busbar, high-voltage through terminal, insulating board, etc.) is installed onto the first housing 210, the second housing 220 or the fuel cell stack as required. In the fifth step, the first housing 210 is installed onto the second housing 220 and connected and fixed. The high-voltage copper busbar and the high-voltage through terminal are connected to the operating window on the side of the first housing 210. The blind end current collector and the corresponding current collector are connected to the side of the first housing 210. Then, the operating cover 212 and the side plate 211 are installed onto the first housing 210 to complete the encapsulation.

[0108] Example 5

[0109] like Figure 30 As shown, based on the same inventive concept, this embodiment provides a vehicle including at least one fuel cell module as in Embodiment 2, the details of which will not be repeated here. This application does not specifically limit the type or kind of vehicle, and it can be any type of vehicle in the prior art, such as a passenger car, bus, or truck.

[0110] To work in conjunction with the fuel cell module, the vehicle also includes a fuel cell auxiliary system. Together, the fuel cell module and the fuel cell auxiliary system constitute the fuel cell system, which can operate normally when connected to an external fuel supply source.

[0111] The fuel cell auxiliary system includes an air supply subsystem, a fuel supply subsystem, a thermal management subsystem, and an automatic control system. The air supply subsystem supplies air to each stack of the fuel cell module and can selectively perform processes such as filtration, humidification, and pressure regulation. This subsystem is connected to the air inlets and outlets of each stack. The fuel supply subsystem supplies fuel to each stack and can selectively perform processes such as humidification and pressure regulation to convert the fuel into a fuel gas suitable for operation within the fuel cell stack. Taking hydrogen as an example, this subsystem is connected to the hydrogen inlets and outlets of each stack. The thermal management subsystem is connected to each stack to provide coolant for cooling and / or heating the stacks, and to recycle water generated from the stacks.

[0112] The automatic control system is electrically connected to the fuel cell module, air supply subsystem, fuel supply subsystem, and thermal management subsystem, respectively. The automatic control system is an assembly including sensors, actuators, valves, switches, and control logic components, ensuring that the fuel cell system can operate normally without manual intervention. In other embodiments, the fuel cell auxiliary system may also include a ventilation system for mechanically venting gases from the fuel cell casing to the outside. In this embodiment, the fuel cell auxiliary system is not modified; therefore, more detailed information can be found in relevant prior art disclosures and will not be elaborated here.

[0113] Secondly, the vehicle also includes a DC / DC converter, a drive motor and its motor controller, and an on-board energy storage device, which together with the fuel cell system constitute a fuel cell power system.

[0114] The DC / DC converter is electrically connected to each stack of the fuel cell system to achieve voltage conversion, regulating the voltage generated by each stack before outputting it to high-voltage devices such as the drive motor, automotive air conditioning compressor, and energy storage devices such as batteries. The drive motor is electrically connected to the DC / DC converter to provide the torque required for vehicle operation. The motor controller is electrically connected to the drive motor to control its start, stop, and torque output. The motor controller is also connected to the vehicle control system, receiving driving signals from the vehicle controller, and can optionally be electrically connected to the fuel cell system's automatic control system. On-board energy storage devices are used to store electrical energy to power other electronic devices within the vehicle. These on-board energy storage devices, such as batteries, are electrically connected to the DC / DC converter.

[0115] In this embodiment, the DC / DC converter, drive motor and its motor controller, and on-board energy storage device in the fuel cell power system have not been modified. Therefore, more detailed information can be found in the relevant disclosures of the prior art, and will not be elaborated here.

[0116] In addition, the vehicle also needs to include a transmission system and a fuel storage device for storing fuel. The transmission system transmits the torque of the drive motor to drive the wheels to rotate. The fuel storage device functions similarly to the fuel tank in a gasoline vehicle. The fuel storage device is connected to the fuel supply subsystem of the fuel cell system through pipelines.

[0117] Therefore, the vehicle can be a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle that combines hydrogen energy with charging. Since this embodiment does not modify the specific structure of the vehicle, the structural aspects of the vehicle that remain unchanged in this embodiment can be referenced from existing technologies, and specific details will not be elaborated here. Thus, the vehicle possesses all the features and advantages described above for the fuel cell module, which will not be repeated here.

[0118] Through the above embodiments, this application has the following beneficial effects or advantages:

[0119] (1) The end plate provided in this application is used to connect to a housing body with an opening. The end plate is provided with a mounting position for fastening components for mounting a fuel cell stack and a limiting surface for positioning contact and fixed connection with the housing body. When the limiting surface is in positioning contact and fixed connection with the housing body, the end plate closes the opening of the housing body. That is, the end plate provided in this application also serves as the end plate of the fuel cell stack to bear the fastening force and become part of the fuel cell stack. At the same time, when the fuel cell stack is packaged, it is connected with the housing body with an opening to form a sealed packaging cavity, which helps to realize the power output of the fuel cell stack. It realizes the integration of the end plate of the fuel cell stack and the end plate of the fuel cell housing, reduces the types of parts, simplifies the packaging and assembly process of the fuel cell stack and the housing, and compared with the prior art, there is no need to consider the positioning, sealing and fastening of the housing end plate and the air inlet end plate in the prior art.

[0120] (2) The fuel cell housing assembly provided in this application includes the aforementioned end plate and a housing body with an open accommodating cavity; the limiting surface of the end plate is in positional contact with the housing body and is fixedly connected to the housing body through a connector so that the end plate closes the opening, that is, the end plate constitutes the housing end plate of the housing assembly, and is also used to install fastening components and bear fastening force for the end plate of the fuel cell stack. Compared with the conventional housing for encapsulating fuel cell stacks, the housing assembly provided in this application provides a sealed encapsulation cavity for the fuel cell stack on the one hand, and on the other hand, the housing assembly is connected to at least one end of the fastening components of the fuel cell stack, directly providing fastening force for the fuel cell stack. The housing assembly assists in realizing the power output of the fuel cell stack.

[0121] (3) The fuel cell module provided in this application includes a stack and the aforementioned housing assembly. The stack includes an inlet end plate, a blind end plate assembly, a core, a fastening assembly, and a current collector assembly. The core, fastening assembly, and current collector assembly are located in a receiving cavity. The inlet end plate and / or the blind end plate assembly are the aforementioned end plates. The fastening assembly is disposed in the mounting position and connects the inlet end plate and the blind end plate assembly, i.e., the fastening assembly is connected to the housing assembly. Unlike the housing in the prior art, this housing assembly can assist in realizing the power output of the fuel cell. At the same time, it realizes the integration of the end plates of the stack and the end plates of the housing, reducing the types of parts, simplifying the assembly process, and reducing the assembly difficulty.

[0122] (4) The present application provides a method for assembling a fuel cell module, in which fuel cell stacks are stacked in a predetermined order, and the inlet end plate and blind end plate assembly of the fuel cell stack are connected by fastening components to obtain an assembled fuel cell stack. At this time, the inlet end plate and / or blind end plate assembly can both adopt the end plate structure described above. The assembled fuel cell stack is placed in the housing body, and the inlet end plate and blind end plate assembly are respectively connected to the housing body. The inlet end plate and / or blind end plate assembly constituting the end plate are connected and fixed to the end face of the opening of the receiving cavity of the housing body through a limiting surface to encapsulate the housing body and obtain the fuel cell module. The end plate of the obtained fuel cell module serves as the inlet end plate and / or blind end plate assembly of the fuel cell stack, and also serves as the housing end plate of the housing assembly to close the opening. This housing assembly assists in realizing the power output of the fuel cell.

[0123] (5) The vehicle provided in this application includes at least one of the above-mentioned fuel cell modules. The fuel cell module integrates mounting positions for fastening components for mounting the stack and limiting surfaces for connecting the housing body on the end plate. This allows the end plate to act as the air intake end plate and / or blind end plate assembly of the stack, while also sealing the housing body with openings and encapsulating the stack together with the housing body. This reduces the number of parts in the fuel cell module and lowers the assembly difficulty.

[0124] Although preferred embodiments of this application have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of this application.

[0125] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. An end plate for connecting to the housing body of a fuel cell having an opening, characterized in that, The end plate is provided with: Mounting position, a fastening assembly for mounting the fuel cell stack; A limiting surface is used for positioning contact and fixed connection with the housing body; and when the limiting surface is in positioning contact and fixed connection with the housing body, the end plate closes the opening; The end plate includes an end plate body, which is rectangular. The first side of the end plate is provided with a pin hole for installing a positioning pin and a threaded hole for installing a connector. The first side of the end plate is fixedly connected to the housing body through the connector.

2. The end plate as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The end plate includes an overlapping edge continuously disposed on the periphery of the end plate body, the overlapping edge forming the limiting surface, and the mounting position being disposed on the end plate body.

3. The end plate as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The overlapping edge is located on at least the remaining three sides of the end plate body.

4. The end plate as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The end plate also includes an insulating platform adapted to the shape of the bipolar plate, the insulating platform being connected to the end of the end plate body away from the overlapping edge; the insulating platform is provided with a fluid channel for the flow of fluid medium, the fluid channel penetrating the end plate body.

5. The end plate as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The end plate body is provided with a boss at one end away from the overlapping edge; the insulating platform includes a connected insulating sleeve and the fluid channel, and the insulating sleeve covers the outer surface of the boss.

6. A shell assembly, characterized in that, include; The main body of the shell has an opening for receiving. And, the end plate according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the limiting surface of the end plate is in positional contact with the housing body and is fixedly connected to the housing body by a connector, so that the end plate closes the opening.

7. The housing composition as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The main body of the housing includes a first housing and a second housing, which together form the open receiving cavity.

8. The housing composition as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The second housing is a flat plate, and the first housing is a cover; the first housing is placed on top of the second housing. The end plate is rectangular. The first side of the end plate contacts the second housing and is connected to it through the connector. The limiting surface is located on the remaining side of the end plate and matches the shape of the first housing. The limiting surface of the end plate is connected to the first housing through the connector.

9. The housing composition as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The second housing has a protrusion that bulges outward relative to the end plate and / or the outer wall of the first housing.

10. The housing composition as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The second housing is provided with a bracket for connecting the blind end plate assembly and a support platform for mounting the bracket.

11. The housing composition as described in claim 7, characterized in that, Both the second housing and the first housing are covers; the end plate is rectangular, and the four sides of the end plate are stepped structures, with the stepped surfaces of the stepped structures forming the limiting surfaces.

12. The housing composition as described in any one of claims 6-11, characterized in that, The housing assembly also includes a sealing component disposed between the limiting surface of the end plate and the housing body.

13. A fuel cell module, characterized in that, include, The housing comprises any one of claims 6-12; The fuel cell stack includes an inlet end plate, a blind end plate assembly, a core, a fastening assembly, and a current collector assembly; the core, the fastening assembly, and the current collector assembly are located in the receiving cavity, and the fastening assembly is disposed in the mounting position and connected to the inlet end plate and the blind end plate assembly; The air intake end plate and / or the blind end plate assembly constitute the end plate in the housing assembly.

14. The fuel cell module as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The fastening assembly includes at least two fasteners and fastening connectors connected to both ends of the fasteners, the fastening connectors being disposed in the mounting position.

15. The fuel cell module as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The fastener is a pull rod, and the pull rod and the fastening joint are an integral structure; and / or, the fastener is a steel strip, and the steel strip is welded to the connecting part.

16. A method for assembling a fuel cell module according to any one of claims 13-15, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The fuel cell stacks are stacked in a set order, and the air inlet end plate and blind end plate assemblies of the fuel cell stacks are connected by fastening components to obtain the assembled fuel cell stack. The assembled fuel cell stack is placed in the housing body, and the air inlet end plate and the blind end plate assembly are connected to the housing body respectively. The air inlet end plate and / or the blind end plate assembly constituting the end plate are connected and fixed to the end face of the opening of the receiving cavity of the housing body through the limiting surface to encapsulate the housing body and obtain the fuel cell module.

17. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the fuel cell module according to any one of claims 13-15.

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