A hydrogen fuel cell stack manifold end plate structure

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of hydrogen fuel cell stack's manifold end plate structure, belongs to hydrogen fuel cell stack manifold end plate technical field, to solve the problem that traditional hydrogen fuel cell stack manifold end plate is not convenient to form air, hydrogen, water partition structure by sealed structure, so that air, hydrogen, cooling liquid inflow and outflow are independent cavity, traditional hydrogen fuel cell stack manifold end plate is not convenient to support end plate by its own attached structure when not bolted, and it is not convenient to make this attached structure not protrude product plane after bolted;Air, hydrogen, cooling liquid enters by first partition inlet, hollow embedded body and second partition inlet, then passes through the inside of inner fixed part, flows out by second partition outlet and first partition outlet, the setting of countersunk assembly can make high-strength aluminum alloy part be empty when not bolted, after bolted, bolt does not protrude the plane of high-strength aluminum alloy part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of manifold endplate technology for hydrogen fuel cell stacks, specifically to a manifold endplate structure for a hydrogen fuel cell stack. Background Technology

[0002] A hydrogen fuel cell stack is composed of multiple fuel cell cells stacked in series, with bipolar plates and membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) stacked alternately. Seals are embedded between the cells, and the stack is secured with screws after being pressed together by the front and rear end plates.

[0003] Traditional hydrogen fuel cell stack manifold endplates, when introducing air, hydrogen, and coolant, do not readily form a sealed partition structure for air, hydrogen, and water, ensuring that the inflow and outflow of air, hydrogen, and coolant are all independent cavities. Furthermore, when not bolted, traditional hydrogen fuel cell stack manifold endplates do not readily support the endplate using their attached structures to prevent damage, and after bolting, it is difficult to ensure that this attached structure does not protrude from the product's surface.

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, a manifold endplate structure for a hydrogen fuel cell stack is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a manifold end plate structure for a hydrogen fuel cell stack, which solves the problem in the prior art that the manifold end plate of a hydrogen fuel cell stack is not convenient to form a partitioned structure for air, hydrogen, and water through a sealed structure, so that the inflow and outflow of air, hydrogen, and coolant are all independent cavities.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a manifold end plate structure for a hydrogen fuel cell stack, comprising a plastic part and a high-strength aluminum alloy part disposed at the lower end of the plastic part. The upper end of the plastic part is provided with a first partition inlet and a first partition outlet. The lower end of the interior of the high-strength aluminum alloy part is provided with an internal fixing part. One end of the internal fixing part is provided with a second partition inlet, and the other end is provided with a second partition outlet. The plastic part is fitted inside the upper end of the high-strength aluminum alloy part. The lower end of the plastic part is provided with a hollow fitting, and the lower outer side of the hollow fitting is provided with a first sealing structure. Air, hydrogen, and coolant enter through the first partition inlet, the hollow fitting, and the second partition inlet, and then flow out through the interior of the internal fixing part, the second partition outlet, and the first partition outlet.

[0007] Furthermore, three sets of inlets, outlets, inlets, and outlets are provided for the first and second zones. The lower ends of the inlets and outlets of the three sets are provided with hollow fittings and first sealing structures. The inlets and sealing structures of the three sets are used to divide the incoming air, hydrogen, and coolant into zones. That is, air enters the inner fixed part through one set of corresponding inlets and outlets, hydrogen enters the inner fixed part through another set of corresponding inlets and outlets, and coolant enters the inner fixed part through the last set of corresponding inlets and outlets. Air, hydrogen, and coolant flow out separately through the outlets of the second and first zones of the three sets in the above manner. The inflow and outflow of air, hydrogen, and coolant are independent cavities.

[0008] Furthermore, each of the internal fixation parts has a hollowed-out cavity, and multiple sets of hollowed-out cavities are provided. A separation cover is provided inside the hollowed-out cavity and welded to the inside of the internal fixation part. The three sets of second partition inlets have horizontal channels arranged in layers, and multiple sets of horizontal channels are provided. The horizontal channels provided in the second partition inlets of the three sets are not interconnected. The multiple sets of horizontal channels provided in the second partition inlet of one set are connected to the multiple sets of hollowed-out cavities and the corresponding set of second partition outlets.

[0009] Furthermore, vertical partitions are provided inside the horizontal channel, and multiple sets of vertical partitions are provided. Some sets of vertical partitions are located at the lower end of the separation cover. The cavity is filled with the same substance flowing in from different horizontal channels, which is one of air, hydrogen, or coolant.

[0010] Furthermore, the upper outer side of the high-strength aluminum alloy part is provided with a limiting core hole, and multiple sets of limiting core holes are provided. The positions of the multiple sets of limiting core holes are all located on the outer side of the plastic part. The upper end of the high-strength aluminum alloy part is provided with a first packaging box mounting hole, and multiple sets of the first packaging box mounting hole are provided.

[0011] Furthermore, a second sealing structure is provided inside the second partition inlet, and the second sealing structure is a component with the same construction as the first sealing structure. The second sealing structure is an integral sealing ring and is a component made of EPDM material. A countersunk assembly is provided directly below the mounting hole of the first packaging box, and multiple countersunk assemblies are provided.

[0012] Furthermore, the high-strength aluminum alloy part has four outer sides with second packaging box mounting holes, and multiple sets of second packaging box mounting holes are provided. The second packaging box mounting holes and the first packaging box mounting holes are components with the same structure. The plastic part is processed and formed by injection molding.

[0013] Furthermore, the countersunk assembly includes a threaded groove inside the high-strength aluminum alloy part, and the threaded groove is connected to the mounting hole of the first packaging box. A threaded hollow column is provided inside the threaded groove, and a threaded post is provided inside the threaded hollow column. A bolt head is provided at one end of the threaded post. The length of the threaded post is greater than the thickness of the high-strength aluminum alloy part, and a limit ring is provided on the outer side of the upper end of the threaded hollow post.

[0014] Furthermore, a limiting groove is provided at the upper end of the threaded groove, and a hidden groove is provided at the lower end of the threaded groove. The bolt head matches the hidden groove, the limiting ring is threadedly connected to the inside of the limiting groove, and the upper end of the threaded column is threadedly connected to the inside of the mounting hole of the first packaging box.

[0015] Furthermore, a snap-fit ​​groove is provided inside one end of the threaded hollow column, and two sets of snap-fit ​​grooves are provided. A fixing groove is provided on the outer side of the threaded column near the bolt head. A spring guide post and a semi-circular locking block are fitted inside the fixing groove, and one end of the spring guide post is connected to the semi-circular locking block. The semi-circular locking block matches the snap-fit ​​groove. Two sets of fixing groove, spring guide post, and semi-circular locking block are provided.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: 1. This invention provides a manifold endplate structure for a hydrogen fuel cell stack. Air, hydrogen, and coolant enter through a first partition inlet, a hollow interlocking body, and a second partition inlet, then flow out through the internal fixing part, the second partition outlet, and the first partition outlet. The countersunk assembly allows the high-strength aluminum alloy section to be suspended when not bolted, and after bolting, the bolts will not protrude from the plane of the high-strength aluminum alloy section. This solves the problem that traditional hydrogen fuel cell stack manifold endplates, when introducing air, hydrogen, and coolant, are not suitable for forming a sealed partition structure for air, hydrogen, and water, ensuring that the inflow and outflow of air, hydrogen, and coolant are all independent cavities. Furthermore, traditional hydrogen fuel cell stack manifold endplates, when not bolted, are not suitable for supporting the endplate with their attached structure to prevent damage, and after bolting, the attached structure is not suitable for preventing protrusion from the product plane. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the first packaging box mounting hole and the limiting core hole structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the hollowed-out cavity and the second sealing structure of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the plastic part and the high-strength aluminum alloy part of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a side view of the countersunk head assembly of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the threaded column and threaded hollow column structure of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a side view of the high-strength aluminum alloy component of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a top view of the high-strength aluminum alloy component of the present invention.

[0018] In the diagram: 1. Plastic part; 11. First zone inlet; 12. First zone outlet; 13. Hollow interlocking body; 14. First sealing structure; 2. High-strength aluminum alloy part; 21. Internal fixing part; 211. Hollow cavity; 2111. Separation cover; 22. Second zone inlet; 221. Second sealing structure; 222. Horizontal channel; 223. Vertical partition; 23. Second zone outlet; 24. Limiting core hole; 25. First packaging box mounting hole; 26. Countersunk assembly; 261. Bolt head; 262. Threaded post; 2621. Fixing groove; 2622. Spring guide post; 2623. Semi-circular locking block; 263. Threaded hollow post; 2631. Snap-fit ​​groove; 264. Limiting ring; 265. Threaded groove; 2651. Limiting groove; 2652. Hidden groove; 27. Second packaging box mounting hole. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] To address the technical challenge of traditional hydrogen fuel cell stack manifold endplates not readily adopting a sealed structure to create separate air, hydrogen, and water zones for air, hydrogen, and coolant flow, thus ensuring independent inflow and outflow ports for each, such as... Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figures 7-8 As shown, the following preferred technical solutions are provided: A manifold end plate structure for a hydrogen fuel cell stack includes a plastic part 1 and a high-strength aluminum alloy part 2 disposed at the lower end of the plastic part 1. The upper end of the plastic part 1 is provided with a first partition inlet 11 and a first partition outlet 12. The lower end of the interior of the high-strength aluminum alloy part 2 is provided with an internal fixing part 21. One end of the internal fixing part 21 is provided with a second partition inlet 22, and the other end is provided with a second partition outlet 23. The plastic part 1 is fitted inside the upper end of the high-strength aluminum alloy part 2. The lower end of the plastic part 1 is provided with a hollow fitting 13, and the outer side of the lower end of the hollow fitting 13 is provided with a first sealing structure 14. Air, hydrogen, and coolant enter through the first partition inlet 11, the hollow fitting 13, and the second partition inlet 22, and then flow out through the interior of the internal fixing part 21, the second partition outlet 23, and the first partition outlet 12.

[0021] Each of the three sections—first section inlet 11, first section outlet 12, second section inlet 22, and second section outlet 23—is equipped with three sets of inlets and outlets. The lower ends of the first section inlets 11 and outlets 12 in each of the three sets are equipped with hollow fittings 13 and first sealing structures 14. These inlets and sealing structures are used to separate the incoming air, hydrogen, and coolant. Air enters the inner fixed section 21 through one set of corresponding first section inlets 11 and outlets 12; hydrogen enters through another set of corresponding first section inlets 11 and outlets 12; and coolant enters through the last set of corresponding first section inlets 11 and outlets 12. Air, hydrogen, and coolant then flow out separately through the second section outlets 23 and first section outlets 12 in the same manner. The inflow and outflow of air, hydrogen, and coolant are through independent cavities. Each part 21 has a hollowed-out cavity 211 inside, and multiple sets of hollowed-out cavities 211 are provided. A separation cover 2111 is provided inside the hollowed-out cavity 211 and welded to the inside of the inner fixed part 21. The three sets of second partition inlets 22 have horizontally layered horizontal channels 222 inside, and multiple sets of horizontal channels 222 are provided. The horizontal channels 222 provided in the three sets of second partition inlets 22 are not interconnected. The multiple sets of horizontal channels 222 provided in one set of second partition inlets 22 are connected to the multiple sets of hollowed-out cavities 211 and the corresponding set of second partition outlets 23. Vertical partitions 223 are provided inside the horizontal channels 222, and multiple sets of vertical partitions 223 are provided. Some sets of vertical partitions 223 are located at the lower end of the separation cover 2111. The hollowed-out cavity 211 is mixed with the same substance flowing in from different horizontal channels 222. The substance is one of air, hydrogen and coolant.

[0022] Specifically, air, hydrogen, or coolant flows into the corresponding set of first partition inlets 11. Through these first partition inlets 11, the corresponding hollow interlocking body 13, and the second partition inlet 22, the substance enters the inner fixed part 21. At this point, because the first sealing structure 14 and the second sealing structure 221 are in contact, the sealing during the inflow of the substance is ensured. The substance entering the second partition inlet 22 is horizontally stratified by multiple sets of horizontal channels 222. That is, some of the stratified substances are transported at a higher position inside the inner fixed part 21, and some are transported at a lower position inside the inner fixed part 21. Because vertical partitions 223 are provided inside the horizontal channels 222, the substances transported in the same horizontal layer are divided vertically. Furthermore, under this transport method, different... The substance can come into contact with the inner walls of multiple sets of horizontal channels 222 and vertical partitions 223, effectively increasing the reaction area of ​​the substance. The substance is transported in a sealed manner. After the substance is transported through the horizontal channels 222 and vertical partitions 223 into a set of hollowed-out cavities 211, due to the setting of the separation cover 2111, the substances inside the two sets of vertical partitions 223 at different horizontal heights and in the same vertical direction can mix, which is beneficial to the subsequent process of further increasing the reaction area of ​​the substance. The outflow and inflow of air, hydrogen, and coolant inside the high-strength aluminum alloy part 2 are all through separate cavities, and there will be no mixing. The plastic part 1 plays a good insulating role, while the high-strength aluminum alloy part 2 ensures the structural strength and stability of the plastic part 1, especially at the cavity position.

[0023] To address the technical challenges of traditional hydrogen fuel cell stack manifold endplates, where the attached structure is inconvenient to support the endplate when not bolted, thus preventing damage, and ensuring the attached structure does not protrude from the product surface after bolting, such as... Figures 2-6 As shown, the following preferred technical solutions are provided: The upper outer side of the high-strength aluminum alloy part 2 is provided with a limiting core hole 24, and multiple sets of limiting core holes 24 are provided. The positions of the multiple sets of limiting core holes 24 are all located on the outer side of the plastic part 1. The upper end of the high-strength aluminum alloy part 2 is provided with a first packaging box mounting hole 25, and multiple sets of the first packaging box mounting hole 25 are provided. The second partition inlet 22 is provided with a second sealing structure 221, and the second sealing structure 221 is a component with the same structure as the first sealing structure 14. The second sealing structure 221 is an integral sealing ring, and the second sealing structure 221 is a component made of EPDM material. A countersunk assembly 26 is provided directly below the first packaging box mounting hole 25, and multiple sets of countersunk assemblies 26 are provided.

[0024] The high-strength aluminum alloy part 2 has four outer sides with second packaging box mounting holes 27, and multiple sets of second packaging box mounting holes 27 are provided. The second packaging box mounting holes 27 and the first packaging box mounting holes 25 are components with the same structure. The plastic part 1 is processed by injection molding. The countersunk head assembly 26 includes a threaded groove 265 opened inside the high-strength aluminum alloy part 2, and the threaded groove 265 is connected to the first packaging box mounting hole 25. A threaded hollow column 263 is provided inside the threaded groove 265, and a threaded column 262 is provided inside the threaded hollow column 263. A bolt head 261 is provided at one end of the threaded column 262. The length of the threaded column 262 is greater than the thickness of the high-strength aluminum alloy part 2. A limit ring 264 is provided on the outer side of the upper end of the threaded hollow column 263. A bolt head 261 is provided at one end of the threaded column 262. The limiting groove 2651 and the threaded groove 265 have a hidden groove 2652 at the lower end. The bolt head 261 matches the hidden groove 2652. The limiting ring 264 is threadedly connected to the limiting groove 2651. The upper end of the threaded column 262 is threadedly connected to the first packaging box mounting hole 25. One end of the threaded hollow column 263 has a snap-fit ​​groove 2631, and two sets of snap-fit ​​grooves 2631 are provided. The outer side of the threaded column 262 near the bolt head 261 has a fixing groove 2621. The fixing groove 2621 is fitted with a spring guide post 2622 and a semi-circular locking block 2623. One end of the spring guide post 2622 is connected to the semi-circular locking block 2623. The semi-circular locking block 2623 matches the snap-fit ​​groove 2631. Two sets of fixing groove 2621, spring guide post 2622, and semi-circular locking block 2623 are provided.

[0025] Specifically, the high-strength aluminum alloy part 2 is installed through multiple sets of first packaging box mounting holes 25 and second packaging box mounting holes 27. The function of the limiting core hole 24 is to limit the plastic part 1 by cooperating with the external structure. When it is necessary to suspend the high-strength aluminum alloy part 2 to avoid damage, the threaded hollow column 263 is threaded inside the high-strength aluminum alloy part 2, and one end of the threaded hollow column 263 is in contact with the ground, thus suspending the high-strength aluminum alloy part 2. When it is necessary to install the high-strength aluminum alloy part 2, the threaded column 262 is rotated by turning the bolt head 261. At this time, the threaded column 262 is threadedly connected inside the limiting ring 264 until the relative... Under the action of the spring guide post 2622, the two sets of semi-circular locking blocks 2623 are pushed and engaged inside the locking groove 2631. At this time, the bolt head 261, the threaded post 262, and the threaded hollow post 263 form a whole. When the bolt head 261 is continued to be tightened, the threaded hollow post 263, the limiting ring 264, and one end of the threaded post 262 rise threadedly inside the high-strength aluminum alloy part 2 until one end of the threaded post 262 is threadedly connected to an external object through the first encapsulation box mounting hole 25. At this time, the threaded hollow post 263 is entirely inside the high-strength aluminum alloy part 2, and the bolt head 261 is inside the hidden groove 2652, so that the countersunk head assembly 26 structure will not protrude from the plane of the high-strength aluminum alloy part 2.

[0026] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0027] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A manifold end plate structure for a hydrogen fuel cell stack, comprising a plastic portion and a high-strength aluminum alloy portion disposed at the lower end of the plastic portion, characterized in that: The upper end of the plastic part has a first partition inlet and a first partition outlet. The lower end of the high-strength aluminum alloy part has an internal fixing part. One end of the internal fixing part has a second partition inlet and the other end has a second partition outlet. The plastic part is fitted into the upper end of the high-strength aluminum alloy part. The lower end of the plastic part has a hollow fitting body, and the lower outer side of the hollow fitting body has a first sealing structure. Air, hydrogen, and coolant enter through the first partition inlet, the hollow fitting body, and the second partition inlet, and then flow out through the interior of the internal fixing part, the second partition outlet, and the first partition outlet. The first partition inlet, the first partition outlet, the second partition inlet, and the second partition outlet are all provided in three sets. The lower ends of the first partition inlets and first partition outlets of the three sets are provided with hollow fittings and first sealing structures. The first partition inlets and first sealing structures of the three sets are used to divide the incoming air, hydrogen, and coolant into zones. That is, air enters the inner fixed part through one set of corresponding first partition inlets and first partition outlets, hydrogen enters the inner fixed part through another set of corresponding first partition inlets and first partition outlets, and coolant enters the inner fixed part through the last set of corresponding first partition inlets and first partition outlets. Air, hydrogen, and coolant flow out separately through the second partition outlets and first partition outlets of the three sets in the above manner. The inflow and outflow of air, hydrogen, and coolant are independent cavities. The internal fixation part has a hollowed-out cavity, and multiple hollowed-out cavities are provided. A separation cover is provided inside the hollowed-out cavity and welded to the inside of the internal fixation part. The three sets of second partition inlets have horizontal channels arranged in layers, and multiple sets of horizontal channels are provided. The horizontal channels provided in the second partition inlets of the three sets are not interconnected. The multiple sets of horizontal channels provided in the second partition inlet of one set are connected to the multiple sets of hollowed-out cavities and the corresponding set of second partition outlets. The second section inlet is equipped with a second sealing structure, and the second sealing structure is a component with the same construction as the first sealing structure. The second sealing structure is an integral sealing ring and is a component made of EPDM material. A countersunk assembly is provided directly below the mounting hole of the first packaging box, and multiple countersunk assemblies are provided. The countersunk assembly includes a threaded groove inside the high-strength aluminum alloy part, and the threaded groove is connected to the mounting hole of the first packaging box. A threaded hollow column is provided inside the threaded groove, and a threaded post is provided inside the threaded hollow column. A bolt head is provided at one end of the threaded post. The length of the threaded post is greater than the thickness of the high-strength aluminum alloy part. A limit ring is provided on the outer side of the upper end of the threaded hollow post.

2. The manifold end plate structure of a hydrogen fuel cell stack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The horizontal channel has vertical partitions inside, and multiple sets of vertical partitions are set. Some sets of vertical partitions are located at the lower end of the separation cover. The cavity is filled with the same substance flowing in from different horizontal channels. The substance is one of air, hydrogen, or coolant.

3. The manifold end plate structure of a hydrogen fuel cell stack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper outer side of the high-strength aluminum alloy part is provided with a limiting core hole, and multiple sets of limiting core holes are provided. The positions of the multiple sets of limiting core holes are all located on the outer side of the plastic part. The upper end of the high-strength aluminum alloy part is provided with a first packaging box mounting hole, and multiple sets of the first packaging box mounting hole are provided.

4. The manifold end plate structure of a hydrogen fuel cell stack according to claim 3, characterized in that: The high-strength aluminum alloy part has four outer sides with second packaging box mounting holes, and multiple sets of second packaging box mounting holes are provided. The second packaging box mounting holes and the first packaging box mounting holes are components with the same structure. The plastic part is processed and formed by injection molding.

5. The manifold end plate structure of a hydrogen fuel cell stack according to claim 3, characterized in that: A limiting groove is provided at the upper end of the threaded groove, and a hidden groove is provided at the lower end of the threaded groove. The bolt head matches the hidden groove, the limiting ring is threadedly connected to the inside of the limiting groove, and the upper end of the threaded column is threadedly connected to the inside of the mounting hole of the first packaging box.

6. The manifold end plate structure of a hydrogen fuel cell stack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The threaded hollow column has a snap-fit ​​groove inside one end, and there are two sets of snap-fit ​​grooves. The threaded column has a fixing groove on the outer side of the end near the bolt head. A spring guide post and a semi-circular locking block are fitted inside the fixing groove. One end of the spring guide post is connected to the semi-circular locking block. The semi-circular locking block matches the snap-fit ​​groove. There are two sets of fixing groove, spring guide post and semi-circular locking block.

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