Integral composite end plate structure and fuel cell

Abstract

This invention provides an integrated composite endplate structure and a fuel cell. The integrated composite endplate structure includes an aluminum alloy endplate and an insulating plate; the aluminum alloy endplate and the insulating plate are integrally injection molded; the composite endplate has multiple flow channels, each having a first flow channel opening and a second flow channel opening; the cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow channel opening is larger than that of the second flow channel opening; the flow channels have a ramp structure and a boss structure; the integrated composite endplate structure also includes a potting line; a potting groove is provided between the aluminum alloy endplate and the insulating plate to accommodate the potting line. This invention integrates the insulating inner plate and the flow channels, and uses a potting line sealing method, resulting in a more stable and robust structure, reducing the number of sealing rings, and lowering the cost of the composite endplate structure. This invention uses the internal ramps and bosses of the flow channels to guide the flow, which is beneficial to fluid flow and avoids turbulence to some extent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fuel cells, and more specifically, to an integrated composite endplate structure and a fuel cell. Background Technology

[0002] As fuel cells are applied in increasingly wider fields, higher demands are being placed on their reliability, lightweight design, and economic efficiency. The composite endplate, as a crucial structural component of the fuel cell, serves a supporting and fixing function while also withstanding the encapsulation forces of the internal components, meeting IP68 protection and insulation requirements. The composite endplate contains fluid to provide a cooling medium for the fuel cell, preventing damage due to overheating. Therefore, the rationality of the composite endplate structural design directly affects the reliability and economic efficiency of the fuel cell.

[0003] Existing composite end plates often employ a detachable assembly structure between the end plate and the insulating plate to achieve insulation requirements. To meet the sealing and protection requirements of the components, a sealing ring needs to be added between the end plate and the insulating plate. The reliability of the components decreases as the number of components increases, and the increased number of components also leads to a higher product price.

[0004] In addition, existing composite end plates also have the problems of being prone to turbulence and inconvenient installation of hand components. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the deficiencies in the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide an integrated composite endplate structure and a fuel cell.

[0006] According to the present invention, an integrated composite end plate structure includes an aluminum alloy end plate and an insulating plate; the aluminum alloy end plate and the insulating plate are integrally formed by injection molding.

[0007] The composite end plate is provided with multiple flow channels, each flow channel having a first flow channel opening and a second flow channel opening; the cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow channel opening is larger than that of the second flow channel opening; the flow channel has a ramp structure and a boss structure.

[0008] The first flow channel, the ramp structure, the boss structure, and the second flow channel are arranged in sequence.

[0009] The insulating plate is provided with a first insulating plate mounting surface and a second insulating plate mounting surface; the aluminum alloy end plate is provided with a first aluminum alloy end plate mounting surface and a second aluminum alloy end plate mounting surface; the first insulating plate mounting surface, the second insulating plate mounting surface, the first aluminum alloy end plate mounting surface, and the second aluminum alloy end plate mounting surface are all used to connect with external components; the height of the first insulating plate mounting surface and the second insulating plate mounting surface is lower than the height of the first aluminum alloy end plate mounting surface and the second aluminum alloy end plate mounting surface.

[0010] Preferably, it also includes a glue-filling wire; a glue-filling groove is provided between the aluminum alloy end plate and the insulating plate, the glue-filling groove being used to accommodate the glue-filling wire.

[0011] Preferably, it also includes a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring;

[0012] The first insulating plate mounting surface and the second insulating plate mounting surface are respectively provided with a first sealing groove and a second sealing groove on their inner circumferential surfaces; the first sealing groove and the second sealing groove are respectively used to accommodate the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring; the first insulating plate mounting surface is connected to the external hand component through the first sealing ring, and the second insulating plate mounting surface is connected to the external hand component through the second sealing ring;

[0013] Both the first and second insulating plate mounting surfaces have bolt holes evenly distributed, and the external support is connected to the external support through the bolt holes.

[0014] Preferably, the insulating board is a uniform wall thickness insulating board, and the insulating board is uniformly wrapped around the aluminum alloy end plate.

[0015] Preferably, a reinforcing rib is provided at the joint surface between the aluminum alloy end plate and the insulating plate.

[0016] Preferably, a weight-reducing groove is provided on the aluminum alloy end plate; the weight-reducing groove is located between the first insulating plate mounting surface and the second insulating plate mounting surface.

[0017] Preferably, the glue-dispensing line meets the IP68 protection requirements.

[0018] Preferably, the number of flow channels is four, and the four flow channels are evenly distributed on the composite end plate.

[0019] Preferably, the mounting surface of the first aluminum alloy end plate is located outside the mounting surface of the first insulating plate, and the mounting surface of the first insulating plate is located outside the two longitudinally distributed flow channels;

[0020] The second aluminum alloy end plate mounting surface is located outside the second insulating plate mounting surface, and the second insulating plate mounting surface is located outside the other two longitudinally distributed flow channels.

[0021] According to the present invention, a fuel cell adopts the aforementioned integrated composite endplate structure.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0023] 1. The insulating inner plate and the flow channel of the present invention are integrally formed, and the present invention adopts the sealing method of the glue-filling line, which makes the structure more stable and firm, and reduces the number of sealing rings, thereby reducing the cost of the composite end plate structure.

[0024] 2. The present invention uses the internal slope and protrusion of the flow channel to guide the flow, which is conducive to the flow of fluid and avoids the generation of turbulence to a certain extent.

[0025] 3. The present invention, by designing the mounting surface of the insulating plate to be lower than the mounting surface of the aluminum alloy end plate, facilitates the installation of the hand component and avoids interference between the hand component and the first mounting surface of the insulating plate, the second mounting surface of the insulating plate, the first mounting surface of the aluminum alloy end plate, and the second mounting surface of the aluminum alloy end plate during the installation of the hand component, thereby reducing the processing difficulty. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Other features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of section AA in the middle;

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the middle BB section;

[0031] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A magnified structural diagram at point c.

[0032] The diagram shows:

[0033] Detailed Implementation

[0034] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments. These embodiments will help those skilled in the art to further understand the present invention, but do not limit the invention in any way. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several changes and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention. These all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0035] This invention provides an integrated composite end plate structure, such as Figures 1-5As shown, the composite end plate includes an aluminum alloy end plate 1 and an insulating plate 2; the aluminum alloy end plate 1 and the insulating plate 2 are integrally injection molded. The insulating plate 2 must meet insulation requirements and is a uniform wall thickness insulating plate, meaning that the thickness of the insulating plate 2 remains consistent throughout. The insulating plate 2 is uniformly wrapped around the aluminum alloy end plate 1, resulting in uniform stress on the composite end plate, improving the overall strength of the composite end plate, reducing the manufacturing scrap rate of the insulating plate 2, and improving production efficiency.

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, the composite end plate is provided with multiple flow channels 8, each flow channel 8 having a first flow channel opening 4 and a second flow channel opening 5; the cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow channel opening 4 is larger than that of the second flow channel opening 5; the flow channel has a ramp structure 6 and a boss structure 7; the first flow channel opening 4, the ramp structure 6, the boss structure 7, and the second flow channel opening 5 are arranged sequentially; that is, the flow channel structure is a gradually expanding structure from small to large, and the ramp C and boss D inside the flow channel play a guiding role, which is conducive to the flow of fluid and avoids the generation of turbulence; in a preferred embodiment, the fluid flows from the first flow channel opening 4 with a larger cross-sectional area to the second flow channel opening A with a smaller cross-sectional area, that is, the fluid flows from the expanding end to the contracting end of the gradually expanding structure.

[0037] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the insulating plate 2 is provided with a first insulating plate mounting surface 204 and a second insulating plate mounting surface 205; the aluminum alloy end plate 1 is provided with a first aluminum alloy end plate mounting surface 101 and a second aluminum alloy end plate mounting surface 102; the first insulating plate mounting surface 204, the second insulating plate mounting surface 205, the first aluminum alloy end plate mounting surface 101, and the second aluminum alloy end plate mounting surface 102 are all used for connecting with external components; for example Figure 5 As shown, the heights of the first insulating plate mounting surface 204 and the second insulating plate mounting surface 205 are lower than the heights of the first aluminum alloy end plate mounting surface 101 and the second aluminum alloy end plate mounting surface 102. This design facilitates the installation of the component and avoids interference between the component and the first insulating plate mounting surface 204, the second insulating plate mounting surface 205, the first aluminum alloy end plate mounting surface 101, and the second aluminum alloy end plate mounting surface 102 during installation, thus reducing processing difficulty.

[0038] The integrated composite end plate structure also includes a potting wire 3, a first sealing ring, and a second sealing ring. A potting groove is provided between the aluminum alloy end plate 1 and the insulating plate 2. The potting groove is used to accommodate the potting wire 3. The potting wire 3 meets the IP68 protection requirements, so that the composite end plate meets the IP68 protection requirements.

[0039] like Figure 2As shown, bolt holes 104 are evenly distributed on both the first insulating plate mounting surface 204 and the second insulating plate mounting surface 205. The external fitting is connected to the external fitting through the bolt holes 104. The first insulating plate mounting surface 204 and the second insulating plate mounting surface 205 do not have bolt holes 104. A first sealing groove 202 and a second sealing groove 203 are respectively provided on the inner circumferential direction of the first insulating plate mounting surface 204 and the second insulating plate mounting surface 205. The first sealing groove 202 and the second sealing groove 203 are respectively used to accommodate the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring. The first insulating plate mounting surface 204 is connected to the external fitting through the first sealing ring, and the second insulating plate mounting surface 205 is connected to the external fitting through the second sealing ring. The design of providing bolt holes 104 on the insulating plate mounting surface, and using sealing grooves instead of bolt holes to connect to the external fitting, increases the assembly reliability of the fitting and ensures the sealing between the fitting and the composite end plate.

[0040] A reinforcing rib 201 is provided at the joint surface of the aluminum alloy end plate 1 and the insulating plate 2 to increase the contact area between the aluminum alloy end plate 1 and the insulating plate 2, ensure the consistency of the movement of the composite end plate after being subjected to force, avoid the separation of the two materials after being subjected to force, ensure that the two materials are subjected to force evenly, and improve the reliability of the composite end plate; in a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing rib 201 is a nested reinforcing rib structure.

[0041] The aluminum alloy end plate 1 is provided with a weight reduction groove 103; the weight reduction groove 103 is located between the first insulating plate mounting surface 204 and the second insulating plate mounting surface 205. The addition of the weight reduction groove 103 and the reinforcing rib 201 to the aluminum alloy end plate 1 ensures the strength of the composite end plate while reducing weight, thereby improving the mass power density of the fuel cell and the efficiency of the fuel cell system.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, there are four flow channels, which are evenly distributed on the composite end plate. The first aluminum alloy end plate mounting surface 101 is located outside the first insulating plate mounting surface 204, which is located outside the two longitudinally distributed flow channels; the second aluminum alloy end plate mounting surface 102 is located outside the second insulating plate mounting surface 205, which is located outside the other two longitudinally distributed flow channels.

[0043] This invention features high integration, reducing the number of parts in the end plate structure. Compared to existing technologies that separate the aluminum alloy outer plate and the insulating inner plate and then connect them with bolts and seal them with O-rings, this invention integrates the insulating inner plate with the flow channel and uses the sealing method of the potting line 3, resulting in a more stable and robust structure. This improves the sealing performance and protection level of the end plate and reduces the number of sealing rings.

[0044] The integrated composite end plate structure has been significantly improved in terms of functionality, assemblability, and manufacturability. Its reasonable design enhances the reliability and production efficiency of the composite end plate and reduces the scrap rate of manufactured parts.

[0045] In summary, compared with the prior art, the present invention is reasonably and reliably designed, improves the strength of the composite end plate and the rationality of fluid movement, and incorporates lightweight and economical design, reducing processing costs and improving fuel cell efficiency.

[0046] The present invention also provides a fuel cell employing the aforementioned integrated composite endplate structure.

[0047] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0048] Specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications within the scope of the claims, which do not affect the essence of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be arbitrarily combined with each other.

Claims

1. An integrated composite end plate structure, characterized in that, Includes an aluminum alloy end plate (1) and an insulating plate (2); the aluminum alloy end plate (1) and the insulating plate (2) are integrally injection molded; The composite end plate is provided with multiple flow channels (8), each flow channel (8) having a first flow channel opening (4) and a second flow channel opening (5); the cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow channel opening (4) is larger than that of the second flow channel opening (5); the flow channel (8) has a ramp structure (6) and a boss structure (7). The first flow channel (4), the ramp structure (6), the boss structure (7), and the second flow channel (5) are arranged in sequence; The insulating plate (2) is provided with a first insulating plate mounting surface (204) and a second insulating plate mounting surface (205); the aluminum alloy end plate (1) is provided with a first aluminum alloy end plate mounting surface (101) and a second aluminum alloy end plate mounting surface (102); the first insulating plate mounting surface (204), the second insulating plate mounting surface (205), the first aluminum alloy end plate mounting surface (101) and the second aluminum alloy end plate mounting surface (102) are all used to connect with external components; the height of the first insulating plate mounting surface (204) and the second insulating plate mounting surface (205) is lower than the height of the first aluminum alloy end plate mounting surface (101) and the second aluminum alloy end plate mounting surface (102); It also includes a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring; The inner circumferential surfaces of the first insulating plate mounting surface (204) and the second insulating plate mounting surface (205) are respectively provided with a first sealing groove (202) and a second sealing groove (203); the first sealing groove (202) and the second sealing groove (203) are respectively used to accommodate the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring; the first insulating plate mounting surface (204) is connected to the external joint through the first sealing ring, and the second insulating plate mounting surface (205) is connected to the external joint through the second sealing ring; Both the first insulating plate mounting surface (204) and the second insulating plate mounting surface (205) have bolt holes (104) evenly distributed, and the external handpiece is connected to the external handpiece through the bolt holes (104).

2. The integrated composite end plate structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a glue-filling line (3); a glue-filling groove is provided between the aluminum alloy end plate (1) and the insulating plate (2), and the glue-filling groove is used to accommodate the glue-filling line (3).

3. The integrated composite end plate structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insulating board (2) is a uniform wall thickness insulating board, and the insulating board (2) is uniformly wrapped on the aluminum alloy end plate (1).

4. The integrated composite end plate structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, A reinforcing rib (201) is provided at the joint surface between the aluminum alloy end plate (1) and the insulating plate (2).

5. The integrated composite end plate structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, A weight-reducing groove (103) is provided on the aluminum alloy end plate (1); the weight-reducing groove (103) is located between the first insulating plate mounting surface (204) and the second insulating plate mounting surface (205).

6. The integrated composite end plate structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The glue-dispensing line (3) meets the IP68 protection requirements.

7. The integrated composite end plate structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of flow channels (8) is 4, and the 4 flow channels (8) are evenly distributed on the composite end plate.

8. The integrated composite end plate structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first aluminum alloy end plate mounting surface (101) is located outside the first insulating plate mounting surface (204), and the first insulating plate mounting surface (204) is located outside the two longitudinally distributed flow channels (8); The second aluminum alloy end plate mounting surface (102) is located outside the second insulating plate mounting surface (205), which is located outside the other two longitudinally distributed flow channels (8).

9. A fuel cell, characterized in that, The integrated composite end plate structure described in any one of claims 1-8 is adopted.

Images