Gasket and gasket device

Abstract

A gasket device (30) is provided with a first gasket (40) formed from an elastic body, and a partition plate (32) having a pair of surfaces (32a, 32b) facing away from each other. The first gasket (40) is annular and is attached to the surface (32a) of the partition plate (32) so as to surround the opening (40a). In addition, the first gasket (40) is provided with a lip part (45) which protrudes in the facing direction of the surface (32a) of the partition plate (32) and extends in an annular shape. The height of the lip part (45) is different on the side of the opening (40a) and the opposite side of the side of the opening (40a).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gasket and a gasket device for a water electrolysis device or a fuel cell. Background Art

[0002] In a water electrolysis device for generating hydrogen from water, a gasket is used to ensure internal sealing. The gasket is sandwiched between a separator and a solid polymer membrane layer (Patent Documents 1 to 3).

[0003] In addition, in a fuel cell that generates electricity by reacting oxygen and hydrogen, a gasket is also used to ensure internal sealing. The gasket is sandwiched between a separator and a solid polymer membrane layer.

[0004] Prior Art Documents

[0005] Patent Documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-131954

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-117140

[0008] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-197079 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0010] In a water electrolysis device and a fuel cell, the pressure in the internal space increases. In addition, in recent years, gases supplied to the internal space are required to be at higher pressures. When the internal space to be sealed becomes high pressure, the gasket may deform and the sealing performance may decrease. Therefore, for the gasket of a fuel cell or a hydrogen generation device, a structure that can maintain the sealing performance even when the internal space becomes high pressure is required.

[0011] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a gasket and a gasket device that can exhibit a high sealing function even when the pressure in the internal space of a water electrolysis device or a fuel cell increases.

[0012] Means for Solving the Problems

[0013] The gasket according to the present invention is a gasket formed of an elastomer for closing a space between opposing components in a water electrolysis device or a fuel cell. The gasket is annular and is installed on one of the pair of surfaces of a separator having a pair of surfaces facing away from each other so as to surround the space. The gasket has a lip portion extending annularly, the lip portion protruding in the direction facing one of the pair of surfaces of the separator, and the height of the lip portion is different on one side of the space and the opposite side of one side of the space.

[0014] In the gasket according to one embodiment of the present invention, the height on one side of the space of the lip is higher than the height on the opposite side of the space of the lip.

[0015] In the gasket according to one embodiment of the present invention, an inner side surface and an outer side surface are provided. The inner side surface is an annular surface connected to the lip on one side of the space, and the outer side surface is an annular surface connected to the lip on the opposite side of the space. The height of the lip on the space side is the distance between the front end of the lip and the inner side surface in the protruding direction of the lip, and the height of the lip on the opposite side of the space is the distance between the front end of the lip and the outer side surface in the protruding direction of the lip.

[0016] In the gasket according to one embodiment of the present invention, the inner side surface and the outer side surface extend along one surface of the pair of surfaces of the partition plate.

[0017] The gasket device according to the present invention is a gasket device for sealing the space between opposing components in a water electrolysis device or a fuel cell. The gasket device includes: a gasket formed of an elastomer; and a partition plate having a pair of surfaces facing away from each other. The gasket is annular and is mounted on one surface of the pair of surfaces of the partition plate so as to surround the space, and has an annularly extending lip protruding in the direction facing one surface of the pair of surfaces of the partition plate. The height of the lip is different on one side of the space and on the opposite side of the space.

[0018] In the gasket device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the height on one side of the space of the lip is higher than the height on the opposite side of the space of the lip.

[0019] In the gasket device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the gasket has an inner side surface and an outer side surface. The inner side surface is an annular surface connected to the lip on one side of the space, and the outer side surface is an annular surface connected to the lip on the opposite side of the space. The height of the lip on the space side is the distance between the front end of the lip and the inner side surface in the protruding direction of the lip, and the height of the lip on the opposite side of the space is the distance between the front end of the lip and the outer side surface in the protruding direction of the lip.

[0020] In the gasket device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the inner side surface and the outer side surface extend along one surface of the pair of surfaces of the partition plate.

[0021] In the gasket device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the partition plate has at least one annularly extending recess that is recessed toward one or the other side of the pair of surfaces, and the gasket is mounted on the portion of the partition plate that includes the recess.

[0022] In the gasket device according to one embodiment of the present invention, there is another gasket formed of an elastomer. The other gasket is annular and is mounted on the other surface of the pair of surfaces of the partition plate so as to surround the space and face away from the gasket.

[0023] In the gasket device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the other gasket has an annularly extending lip that protrudes in the direction facing the other surface of the pair of surfaces of the partition plate, and the height of the lip of the other gasket is different on one side of the space and on the opposite side of the space.

[0024] In the gasket device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the height of the lip of the other gasket on the side of the space is higher than the height of the lip of the other gasket on the opposite side of the space.

[0025] In the gasket device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the other gasket has an inner side surface and an outer side surface. The inner side surface is an annular surface that is connected to the lip of the other gasket on one side of the space, and the outer side surface is an annular surface that is connected to the lip of the other gasket on the opposite side of the space. The height of the lip of the other gasket on the space side is the distance between the front end of the lip of the other gasket and the inner side surface of the other gasket in the direction in which the lip of the other gasket protrudes, and the height of the lip of the other gasket on the opposite side of the space is the distance between the front end of the lip of the other gasket and the outer side surface of the other gasket in the direction in which the lip of the other gasket protrudes.

[0026] In the gasket device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the inner side surface of the other gasket and the outer side surface of the other gasket extend along the other surface of the pair of surfaces of the partition plate.

[0027] In the gasket device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the other gasket has a surface that extends annularly along the other surface of the pair of surfaces of the partition plate.

[0028] In the gasket device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the partition plate has a stepped portion that forms a step on the side facing one of the pair of surfaces. The stepped portion extends annularly, and the gasket contacts the step at a portion closer to the opposite side of the space than the lip.

[0029] In the gasket device according to one aspect of the present invention, the partition plate has an annular groove recessed toward one side of the other surface of the pair of surfaces, and the gasket is disposed in the groove.

[0030] Advantages of the Invention

[0031] According to the gasket and the gasket device of the present invention, a high sealing function can be exhibited even when the pressure in the internal space of the water electrolysis device or the fuel cell increases. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a hydrogen generation system using the gasket device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a water electrolysis device using the gasket device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a top view.

[0035] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the gasket device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 5 is Figure 4 an exploded cross-sectional view of the gasket device.

[0037] Figure 6 is a broken perspective view of a part of the partition plate of the gasket device.

[0038] Figure 7 shows Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of a state in which a plurality of the gasket devices are arranged side by side.

[0039] Figure 8 shows Figure 7 a cross-sectional view of a state in which a plurality of the gasket devices are compressed.

[0040] Figure 9 shows Figure 7 a cross-sectional view of a state in which a plurality of the gasket devices are further compressed.

[0041] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of another state in which a plurality of the gasket devices according to the first embodiment of the present invention are arranged side by side.

[0042] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the gasket device according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 12 Is Figure 11 An exploded sectional view of the gasket device.

[0044] Figure 13 Shows the state where multiple Figure 11 Gasket devices are arranged side by side.

[0045] Figure 14 Shows the state where multiple Figure 13 Gasket devices are compressed.

[0046] Figure 15 Is a sectional view showing the gasket device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 16 Is a sectional view for explaining the gasket device Figure 15 In the usage state.

[0048] Figure 17 Is a sectional view showing a modified example of the gasket device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 18 Is a sectional view for explaining the gasket device Figure 17 In the usage state.

[0050] Figure 19 Is a sectional view showing the gasket device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 20 Is a sectional view for explaining the gasket device Figure 19 In the usage state.

[0052] Figure 21 Is a sectional view showing a modified example of the gasket device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 22 Is a sectional view for explaining the gasket device Figure 21 In the usage state.

[0054] Figure 23 Shows a schematic sectional view of a fuel cell using the Figure 11 Gasket device shown.

[0055] Figure 24 Is a sectional view showing the state where multiple gasket devices in the fuel cell are arranged side by side.

[0056] Figure 25 Is a sectional view showing the gasket device in the usage state in the fuel cell.

[0057] Figure 26This is a diagram showing a modified example of the solid polymer membrane layer that can be used in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0058] Symbol Explanation

[0059] 1 Rectifier, 2 Water electrolysis device, 3 Pure manufacturing device, 4 Pure water storage tank, 5 Oxygen-liquid separator, 6 Hydrogen-liquid separator, 7 Dehumidifying device, 8 Hydrogen storage cylinder, 10, 11 End walls, 10a, 11a, 11b Pipelines, 12 Partition board, 12a, 12b Through holes, 13, 13A Solid polymer membrane layer, 13a Reinforcing frame, 14 Solid polymer membrane, 15, 16 Catalysts, 17 Anode current collector, 18 Cathode current collector, 19, 20 Gaskets, 21 Electrolysis unit, 30, 31, 35, 38 Gasket devices, 32, 36, 39 Partition boards, 32a, 32b, 36a, 36b, 39a, 39b Surfaces, 33, 34 Protrusions, 33a, 34a Convex surfaces, 33b, 34b Concave surfaces, 33c, 34c Concave parts, 33d, 34d Protrusions, 37 Step part, 37a Inner part, 37b Outer end part, 37c Side wall part, 39a1 Protruding surface part, 39a2 Flat surface part, 39a3 Concave part, 39c Groove, 39d Bottom surface, 39e Inner side wall surface, 39f Outer side wall surface, 40 First gasket, 40a Opening, 41 First side surface, 41a Inner side surface, 41b Outer side surface, 42 Second side surface, 42a, 42b, 42c Contact surfaces, 43 Inner end surface, 44 Outer end surface, 45 Lip part, 45a Inner inclined surface, 45b Outer inclined surface, 45c Front end surface, 45d Front end, 46, 47 Grooves, 46a, 47a Protrusions, 50, 60 Second gaskets, 50a Opening, 51, 61 First side surfaces, 51a Inner side surfaces, 51b Outer side surfaces, 52 Second side surfaces, 52a, 52b, 52c Contact surfaces, 53 Inner end surface, 54 Outer end surface, 55 Lip part, 55a Inner inclined surface, 55b Outer inclined surface, 55c Front end surface, 55d Front end, 56, 57 Protrusions, 56a, 57a Concave parts, 70, 75 Gaskets, 70a Opening, 71 First side surface, 71a Inner side surface, 71b Outer side surface, 71c Concave surface part, 71d Flat surface part, 72 Second side surface, 73 Inner end surface, 74, 76 Outer end surfaces, 140 Fuel cell, 141, 142 End walls, 141a, 141b, 142a, 142b Pipelines, 143 Partition board, 144 Solid polymer membrane layer, 146 Oxygen electrode membrane, 147 Hydrogen electrode membrane, 148, 149 Gas diffusion layers, 150, 151, 152 Gaskets, 154 Reaction unit, 155 Cooling water layer, 156a, 156b Pipelines, G1, G2, G3, G4 Clearances, h1, h11 Inner heights, h2, h12 Outer heights, P1, P2 Reference planes, S1 Cathode space, S2 Anode space, t1, t2, t11, t12 Heights, w1, w11 Inner widths, w2, w12 Outer widths. Detailed Embodiments

[0060] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The scaling ratio of the drawings is not necessarily accurate, and in some cases, some features are exaggerated or omitted.

[0061] First Embodiment

[0062] As Figure 1 shown, the hydrogen generation equipment using the gasket device according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a rectifier 1, a water electrolysis device 2, a pure water manufacturing device 3, a pure water storage tank 4, an oxygen-liquid separator 5, a hydrogen-liquid separator 6, a hydrogen dryer 7, and a hydrogen storage cylinder 8. In Figure 1 the figure, illustrations of the pump that causes water flow and the valve that restricts water flow are omitted.

[0063] The rectifier 1 converts alternating current into direct current and supplies the direct current to the water electrolysis device 2.

[0064] The pure water manufacturing device 3 removes impurities from tap water to produce pure water and supplies the pure water to the pure water storage tank 4. The pure water storage tank 4 stores pure water.

[0065] The pure water stored in the pure water storage tank 4 is supplied to the water electrolysis device 2 via the oxygen-liquid separator 5. The water electrolysis device 2 electrolyzes pure water to generate hydrogen and oxygen. The pure water containing oxygen is supplied from the water electrolysis device 2 to the oxygen-liquid separator 5, and the oxygen-liquid separator 5 separates the pure water and oxygen and discharges the oxygen. The pure water from which oxygen has been separated in the oxygen-liquid separator 5 is supplied to the water electrolysis device 2 again.

[0066] The pure water containing hydrogen is supplied from the water electrolysis device 2 to the hydrogen-liquid separator 6. The hydrogen-liquid separator 6 separates the pure water and hydrogen and supplies the hydrogen to the hydrogen dryer 7. The hydrogen dryer 7 removes moisture from the hydrogen and supplies it to the hydrogen storage cylinder 8. The pure water from which hydrogen has been separated in the hydrogen-liquid separator 6 is supplied to the oxygen-liquid separator 5 and then supplied to the water electrolysis device 2 again.

[0067] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the water electrolysis device 2. The water electrolysis device 2 includes end walls 10, 11, a plurality of partition plates 12, a plurality of solid polymer membrane layers 13, a plurality of anode current collectors 17, a plurality of cathode current collectors 18, and gaskets 19, 20.

[0068] The end walls 10 and 11 are flat metal plates arranged parallel to each other. The end wall 10 serves as the cathode, and the end wall 11 serves as the anode. On the end wall 11, there are provided: a pipeline 11a for introducing pure water into the water electrolysis device 2; and a pipeline 11b for discharging the pure water containing oxygen from the water electrolysis device 2. On the end wall 10, there is provided a pipeline 10a for discharging the pure water containing hydrogen from the water electrolysis device 2.

[0069] A plurality of partition plates 12 are arranged between the end walls 10 and 11. The partition plates 12 are flat metal plates arranged parallel to each other at equal intervals. The partition plates 12 also serve as electrodes. Specifically, in this water electrolysis device 2, the multi-pole type cell method is used, and the surface of each partition plate 12 on the side of the end wall 10 is used as the cathode, and the surface on the side of the end wall 11 is used as the anode.

[0070] Between the end wall 10 and the adjacent partition plate 12 of the end wall 10, an electrolysis unit 21 for introducing pure water is formed. A solid polymer membrane layer 13 is arranged between the end wall 10 and the adjacent partition plate 12 of the end wall 10. The solid polymer membrane layer 13 has a solid polymer membrane 14 and catalyst membranes 15 and 16 respectively fixed on both sides of the solid polymer membrane 14. The H + generated by the electrolysis of pure water moves to the cathode through the solid polymer membrane layer 13, and at this time, it becomes hydrogen (H2) through a reduction reaction.

[0071] An electrolysis unit 21 for introducing pure water is also formed between two adjacent partition plates 12. A solid polymer membrane layer 13 is also arranged between two adjacent partition plates 12.

[0072] The space between the end wall 11 and the adjacent partition plate 12 of the end wall 11 also forms an electrolysis unit 21 for introducing pure water. A solid polymer membrane layer 13 is also arranged between the end wall 11 and the adjacent partition plate 12 of the end wall 11.

[0073] In this way, the partition plates 12 function as partition walls for dividing the electrolysis units 21. The end walls 10 and 11 also divide the electrolysis units 21, so they can be called partition plates. Through holes 12a and 12b are formed in the partition plates 12, and the through holes 12a and 12b connect the adjacent electrolysis units 21.

[0074] An anode current collector 17 is arranged between the anode and the solid polymer membrane layer 13, and a cathode current collector 18 is arranged between the cathode and the solid polymer membrane layer 13. These current collectors 17 and 18 are formed of porous materials. The pure water is impregnated in the current collectors 17 and 18.

[0075] Between the end wall (separator) 10 and the adjacent solid polymer membrane layer 13 of the end wall 10, a gasket 20 made of an elastomer is sandwiched. The gasket 20 surrounds the cathode current collector 18 over the entire circumference. The gasket 20 is compressed by the end wall 10 and the solid polymer membrane layer 13.

[0076] Between the separator 12 and the solid polymer membrane layer 13 at the upper adjacent part of the separator 12 in the figure, a gasket 19 made of an elastomer is sandwiched. The gasket 19 surrounds the anode current collector 17 over the entire circumference. The gasket 19 is compressed by the separator 12 and the solid polymer membrane layer 13.

[0077] Between the separator 12 and the solid polymer membrane layer 13 at the lower adjacent part of the separator 12 in the figure, a gasket 20 made of an elastomer is sandwiched. The gasket 20 surrounds the cathode current collector 18 over the entire circumference. The gasket 20 is compressed by the separator 12 and the solid polymer membrane layer 13.

[0078] Between the end wall (separator) 11 and the adjacent solid polymer membrane layer 13 of the end wall 11, a gasket 19 made of an elastomer is sandwiched. The gasket 19 surrounds the anode current collector 17 over the entire circumference. The gasket 19 is compressed by the end wall 11 and the solid polymer membrane layer 13.

[0079] In Figure 2 the catalyst membranes 15 and 16 are disposed at the center of the solid polymer membrane 14 in each solid polymer membrane layer 13, and only the solid polymer membrane 14 in each solid polymer membrane layer 13 is clamped by the adjacent gaskets 19 and 20. However, the catalyst membranes 15 and 16 may be disposed on the entire front and back surfaces of the solid polymer membrane 14, or the solid polymer membrane 14 and the catalyst membranes 15 and 16 may be clamped by the adjacent gaskets 19 and 20. That is, each of the gaskets 19 and 20 may contact only the solid polymer membrane 14, or may contact the solid polymer membrane layer 13 including the solid polymer membrane 14 and the catalyst membranes 15 and 16.

[0080] Figure 2 The water electrolysis device 2 is integrated by a clamping device or bolts and nuts so that each element does not fall off.

[0081] In the use of the water electrolysis device 2, in order to promote the supply of hydrogen to the hydrogen storage cylinder 8, the pressure in the internal space of the water electrolysis device 2 can be increased. Preferably, the pressure in the cathode space S1, which is the space on the cathode side of each electrolysis unit 21, can be higher than the pressure in the anode space S2, which is the space on the anode side. In addition, the cathode space S1 is the space in which the cathode current collector 18 is disposed, and the anode space S2 is the space in which the anode current collector 17 is disposed.

[0082] Figure 2The up-down direction is not necessarily consistent with the usage state of the water electrolysis device 2. Generally, the water electrolysis device 2 is used in a state where the end walls 10, 11, the partition 12, and the solid polymer membrane layer 13 are upright.

[0083] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a top view, but considering the normal usage state, it can be regarded as a side view of the water electrolysis device 2. As Figure 3 shown, the gaskets 19, 20 are in an annular rectangular shape and surround the space for pure water in a full circumference.

[0084] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the gasket device 30 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 4 corresponds to Figure 3 the cross-section along the line IV-IV. However, when the gasket device 30 is used, the lips 45 of the gasket 40 (20) and the lips 55 of the gasket 50 (19) are compressed in the thickness direction of the gasket device 30, but Figure 4 shows the state where the gaskets 40, 50 are not compressed. Figure 5 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the gasket device 30. Figure 5 also shows the state where the gaskets 40, 50 are not compressed.

[0085] As Figure 4 , 5 shown, the gasket device 30 according to the present embodiment includes the first gasket 40 formed of an elastomer according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the partition 32 having a pair of surfaces 32a, 32b facing away from each other. The first gasket 40 is annular and is mounted on one surface (surface 32a) of the pair of surfaces of the partition 32 so as to surround the space (opening 40a). In addition, the first gasket 40 has a lip 45 extending in an annular shape and protruding in the facing direction of the surface 32a of the partition 32. The height of the lip 45 is different on one side of the opening 40a and the opposite side of the opening 40a.

[0086] As Figure 4 , 5 shown, the gasket device 30 according to the present embodiment further includes the second gasket 50, which is another gasket formed of an elastomer according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the first gasket 40. The second gasket 50 is annular and is mounted on the other surface (surface 32b) of the pair of surfaces of the partition 32 so as to surround the space (opening 50a) and face away from the gasket 40. The gasket 50 has a lip 55 extending in an annular shape and protruding in the facing direction of the surface 32b of the partition 32. The height of the lip 55 of the gasket 50 is different on one side of the opening 50a and the opposite side of the opening 50a.

[0087] Hereinafter, the structures of the first gasket 40, the second gasket 50, and the gasket device 30 according to this embodiment will be specifically described.

[0088] As Figure 4 , 5 shown, in the first gasket 40, the height (inner height h1) on one side of the opening 40a of the lip portion 45 is higher than the height (outer height h2) on the opposite side of the opening 40a of the lip portion 45. In addition, as Figure 4 , 5 shown, in the second gasket 50, the height (inner height h11) on one side of the opening 50a of the lip portion 55 is higher than the height (outer height h12) on the opposite side of the opening 50a of the lip portion 55. In addition, one side of the opening 40a is Figure 4 the side in the direction of arrow a shown in Figure 3 , and is the side closer to the opening 40a in the direction in which the opening 40a expands. In addition, the direction in which the opening 40a expands is along Figure 4 the plane of the paper of Figure 4 . The opposite side of the opening 40a is Figure 3 the side in the direction of arrow b shown in Figure 4 , and is the side farther from the opening 40a in the direction in which the opening 40a expands. In addition, one side of the opening 50a is

[0089] the side in the direction of arrow a shown in Figure 2 , and is the side closer to the opening 50a in the direction in which the opening 50a expands. In addition, the direction in which the opening 50a expands is along Figure 2 the plane of the paper of Figure 4 . The opposite side of the opening 50a is Figure 2 the side in the direction of arrow b shown in

[0090] , and is the side farther from the opening 50a in the direction in which the opening 50a expands. One side of the opening 40a and one side of the opening 50a are the inner sides in the electrolysis unit 21, and are hereinafter also referred to as "inner sides". In addition, the opposite side of the opening 40a and the opposite side of the opening 50a are the outer sides in the electrolysis unit 21, and are hereinafter also referred to as "outer sides".

[0089] As described above, the gasket device 30 includes a partition plate 32, a first gasket 40, and a second gasket 50. The first gasket 40 is fixed to one surface (surface 32a) of the partition plate 32, and the second gasket 50 is fixed to the other surface (surface 32b) of the partition plate 32. The first gasket 40 corresponds to Figure 2 the gasket 20 of Figure 2 , and the second gasket 50 corresponds to Figure 4 the gasket 19 of Figure 2 . Therefore,

[0090] the upper and lower sides of Figure 2 are opposite to the upper and lower sides of Figure 4As shown, gaskets 40 and 50 (20 and 19) can also be fixed to both sides of the end wall 10 (partition 32). Additionally, in Figure 2 , the end wall 11 does not contact the gasket 20, but as Figure 4 shown, gaskets 40 and 50 (20 and 19) can also be fixed to both sides of the end wall 11 (partition 32).

[0091] The elastomers forming the gaskets 40 and 50 are, for example, elastomers. Examples of elastomers include silicone rubber, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber, and fluororubber. The main material of the partition 32 is metal, such as stainless steel, titanium, and titanium alloy.

[0092] As Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the first gasket 40 has a first side surface 41, a second side surface 42, an inner end surface 43, and an outer end surface 44, and is shaped by the first side surface 41, the second side surface 42, the inner end surface 43, and the outer end surface 44. The first side surface 41 is a ring-shaped surface facing the solid polymer membrane layer 13 in the electrolysis unit 21 (see Figure 2 ), and is the facing direction of the surface 32a of the partition 32 in the gasket device 30. The second side surface 42 is a ring-shaped surface facing the surface 32a of the partition 32 and is fixed to the surface 32a of the partition 32. The inner end surface 43 is a ring-shaped surface facing inward and defines an opening 40a. The opening 40a is the space for arranging the cathode current collector 18 in the electrolysis unit 21 and is a part of the electrolysis unit 21 (see Figure 2 ). The outer end surface 44 is located on the opposite side of the inner end surface 43 and is a ring-shaped surface facing outward and exposed outside the electrolysis unit 21.

[0093] Two grooves (recesses) 46 and 47 are formed on the second side surface 42. The grooves 46 and 47 are grooves for accommodating the protrusions formed on the partition 32 described later. The grooves 46 and 47 extend annularly, for example, along the extending direction of the gasket 40.

[0094] The second side surface 42 is separated by the two grooves 46 and 47 and has three contact surfaces 42a, 42b, and 42c that extend annularly. The three contact surfaces 42a, 42b, and 42c extend along a reference plane P1 that is a hypothetical plane, for example, as Figure 5 shown, and specifically extend on or substantially on the reference plane P1.

[0095] Additionally, for example, as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the first gasket 40 has an inner side surface 41a and an outer side surface 41b. The inner side surface 41a is an annular surface that is connected to the lip 45 on the inner side, and the outer side surface 41b is an annular surface that is connected to the lip 45 on the outer side. The lip 45, together with the inner side surface 41a and the inner end surface 43, defines an opening 40a. The lip 45 extends along the extension direction of the first side surface 41 and extends in an annular shape. In addition, the lip 45 protrudes in a direction orthogonal to the reference plane P1 ( Figure 4 the directions of the arrows c and d shown, hereinafter also referred to as the "compression direction"). As shown in Figure 4 and 5 , for example, the cross-sectional shape of the lip 45 is substantially triangular or substantially trapezoidal. The lip 45 has an inner inclined surface 45a, an outer inclined surface 45b, and a front end surface 45c. In the cross-section, the inner inclined surface 45a and the outer inclined surface 45b, for example, depict straight lines or substantially straight lines that are inclined toward each other, and the front end surface 45c, for example, depicts an arc or an arc that smoothly connects the inner inclined surface 45a and the outer inclined surface 45b. The lip 45 has a front end 45d at the front end surface 45c, which is the end in the compression direction.

[0096] The inner side surface 41a extends along the lip 45 inside the lip 45, is connected to the lip 45 at the outer end, and is connected to the inner end surface 43 at the inner end. In addition, the outer side surface 41b extends along the lip 45 outside the lip 45, is connected to the lip 45 at the inner end, and is connected to the outer end surface 44 at the outer end. The inner side surface 41a extends along a plane and is, for example, parallel or substantially parallel to the contact surfaces 42a, 42b, and 42c. In addition, the outer side surface 41b extends along a plane and is, for example, parallel or substantially parallel to the contact surfaces 42a, 42b, and 42c. In addition, for example, as shown in Figure 4 and 5 , in the compression direction, the inner side surface 41a faces away from the contact surface 42a, and in addition, the outer side surface 41b faces away from the contact surfaces 42b and 42c.

[0097] As described above, the height inside the lip 45 (inner height h1) is higher than the height outside the lip 45 (outer height h2) (inner height h1 > outer height h2). The inner height h1 of the lip 45 is, for example, as shown in Figure 4 and 5 , the distance in the compression direction between the front end 45d of the lip 45 and the inner side surface 41a. The outer height h2 of the lip 45 is, for example, as shown in Figure 4 and 5 , the distance in the compression direction between the front end 45d of the lip 45 and the outer side surface 41b. That is, as shown in Figure 4 and 5As shown, the thickness (thickness t1) of the outer side surface 41b of the gasket 40 is different from the thickness (thickness t2) of the inner side surface 41a of the gasket 40. Specifically, the thickness t1 of the gasket 40 is greater than the thickness t2 of the gasket 40. In addition, the thickness t1 of the gasket 40 is the distance in the compression direction between the contact surfaces 42b, 42c and the outer side surface 41b, and the thickness t2 of the gasket 40 is the distance in the compression direction between the contact surface 42a and the inner side surface 41a. Therefore, as Figure 4 shown, in the gasket device 30, the height of the outer side surface 41b from the partition plate 32 is t1, and the height of the inner side surface 41a from the partition plate 32 is t2. Relative to the partition plate 32, the inner side surface 41a is lower than the outer side surface 41b.

[0098] As described above, the first gasket 40 is fixed to the surface 32a of the partition plate 32 on the second side surface 42. One or more convex portions extending in a ring shape are formed at the peripheral portion of the partition plate 32 for fixing the gaskets 40, 50. For example, as Figure 4 , 5 shown, two convex portions 33, 34 are formed on the partition plate 32. The convex portions 33, 34 protrude from the surface 32a, for example, and convex surfaces 33a, 34a are formed on the surface 32a. On the other hand, the convex portions 33, 34 are formed with concave surfaces 33b, 34b that are recessed toward the surface 32a corresponding to the surface 32b, for example. In this way, the convex portions 33, 34 are also the portions where the concave portions are formed on the surface 32b of the partition plate 32.

[0099] As Figure 4 shown, the convex portions 33, 34 of the partition plate 32 have shapes corresponding to the grooves 46, 47 of the first gasket 40 and are respectively inserted into the grooves 46, 47 of the first gasket 40. In addition, the convex surfaces 33a, 34a of the convex portions 33, 34 of the partition plate 32 are respectively in contact with the grooves 46, 47 of the gasket 40. In addition, when the convex portions 33, 34 of the partition plate 32 are respectively inserted into the grooves 46, 47 of the gasket 40, the contact surfaces 42a, 42b, 42c of the gasket 40 are respectively in contact with the corresponding portions of the surface 32a of the partition plate 32.

[0100] For example, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, on the convex portions 33, 34 of the partition plate 32, a plurality of concave portions (dents) 33c, 34c are formed at intervals on the surface 32a side, and a plurality of convex portions 33d, 34d are formed at intervals corresponding to the surface 32b side. The concave portions 33c, 34c (convex portions 33d, 34d) are arranged at equal intervals, for example.

[0101] On the other hand, as Figure 5As shown, a plurality of protrusions 46a and 47a are respectively formed inside the grooves 46 and 47 of the first gasket 40. The protrusions 46a and 47a are shaped to be respectively embedded in the concave portions 33c and 34c of the convex portions 33 and 34 formed on the partition plate 32.

[0102] Next, the second gasket 50 will be described. Although the second gasket 50 has the same form as the first gasket 40, it has a shape different from that of the second side surface 42 of the first gasket 40 corresponding to the shape of the surface 32b side of the partition plate 32.

[0103] As Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the second gasket 50 has a first side surface 51, a second side surface 52, an inner end surface 53, and an outer end surface 54, and is shaped by the first side surface 51, the second side surface 52, the inner end surface 53, and the outer end surface 54. The first side surface 51 is an annular surface facing the solid polymer membrane layer 13 in the electrolytic cell 21 (refer to Figure 2 ), and in the gasket device 30, it faces the facing direction of the surface 32b of the partition plate 32. The second side surface 52 is an annular surface facing the surface 32b of the partition plate 32 and is fixed to the surface 32b of the partition plate 32. The inner end surface 53 is an annular surface facing inward and defines an opening 50a. The opening 50a is a space for arranging the anode current collector 17 and is a part of the electrolytic cell 21 (refer to Figure 2 ). The outer end surface 54 is located on the opposite side of the inner end surface 53 and is an annular surface facing outward and is exposed outside the electrolytic cell 21.

[0104] Two convex portions 56 and 57 are formed on the second side surface 52. The convex portions 56 and 57 are parts that are received in the concave surfaces 33b and 34b of the convex portions 33 and 34 formed on the partition plate 32. The convex portions 56 and 57 extend annularly along the extending direction of the gasket 50, for example.

[0105] The second side surface 52 is separated by the two convex portions 56 and 57 and has three contact surfaces 52a, 52b, and 52c that extend annularly. The three contact surfaces 52a, 52b, and 52c extend along the reference plane P2 of the imaginary plane, for example, as Figure 5 shown, and specifically, for example, extend on or substantially on the reference plane P2.

[0106] In addition, for example, as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the second gasket 50 has an inner side surface 51a and an outer side surface 51b. The inner side surface 51a is an annular surface that is connected to the lip 55 on the inner side, and the outer side surface 51b is an annular surface that is connected to the lip 55 on the outer side. The lip 55, together with the inner side surface 51a and the inner end surface 53, defines an opening 50a. The lip 55 extends along the extending direction of the first side surface 51 and extends in an annular shape. In addition, the lip 55 protrudes in the direction orthogonal to the reference plane P2, i.e., the compression direction ( Figure 4 the directions of the arrows c and d shown). As Figure 4 , 5 shown, the cross-sectional shape of the lip 55 is, for example, a substantially triangular shape or a substantially trapezoidal shape. The lip 55 has an inner inclined surface 55a, an outer inclined surface 55b, and a front end surface 55c. In the cross-section, the inner inclined surface 55a and the outer inclined surface 55b depict straight lines or substantially straight lines that are inclined toward each other, and the front end surface 55c depicts an arc or an arc that smoothly connects the inner inclined surface 55a and the outer inclined surface 55b. The lip 55 has a front end 55d at the front end surface 55c, which is the end in the compression direction.

[0107] The inner side surface 51a is inside the lip 55, extends along the lip 55, is connected to the lip 55 at the outer end, and is connected to the inner end surface 53 at the inner end. In addition, the outer side surface 51b is outside the lip 55, extends along the lip 55, is connected to the lip 55 at the inner end, and is connected to the outer end surface 54 at the outer end. The inner side surface 51a extends along a plane and is, for example, parallel or substantially parallel to the contact surfaces 52a, 52b, and 52c. In addition, the outer side surface 51b extends along a plane and is, for example, parallel or substantially parallel to the contact surfaces 52a, 52b, and 52c. In addition, for example, as Figure 4 , 5 shown, in the compression direction, the inner side surface 51a faces away from the contact surface 52a, and in addition, the outer side surface 51b faces away from the contact surfaces 52b and 52c.

[0108] As described above, the height inside the lip 55 (inner height h11) is higher than the height outside the lip 55 (outer height h12) (inner height h11 > outer height h12). The inner height h11 of the lip 55 is, for example, as Figure 4 , 5 shown, the distance in the compression direction between the front end 55d of the lip 55 and the inner side surface 51a. The outer height h12 of the lip 55 is, for example, as Figure 4 , 5 shown, the distance in the compression direction between the front end 55d of the lip 55 and the outer side surface 51b. That is, as Figure 4 , 5As shown, the thickness (thickness t11) of the outer side surface 51b of the gasket 50 is different from the thickness (thickness t12) of the inner side surface 51a of the gasket 50. Specifically, the thickness t11 of the gasket 50 is greater than the thickness t12 of the gasket 50. Additionally, the thickness t11 of the gasket 50 is the distance in the compression direction between the contact surfaces 52b, 52c and the outer side surface 51b, and the thickness t12 of the gasket 50 is the distance in the compression direction between the contact surface 52a and the inner side surface 51a. Therefore, in the gasket device 30, as Figure 4 shown, the height of the outer side surface 51b from the partition plate 32 is t11, and the height of the inner side surface 51a from the partition plate 32 is t12. Relative to the partition plate 32, the inner side surface 51a is lower than the outer side surface 51b.

[0109] As described above, the second gasket 50 is fixed to the surface 32b of the partition plate 32 on the second side surface 52. As described above, at the peripheral portion of the partition plate 32 where the gaskets 40, 50 are fixed, two convex portions 33, 34 are formed, and the convex portions 33, 34 have concave surfaces 33b, 34b that are recessed toward the surface 32a on the surface 32b.

[0110] As Figure 4 shown, the concave surfaces 33b, 34b of the convex portions 33, 34 of the partition plate 32 are respectively in the shapes corresponding to the convex portions 56, 57 of the second gasket 50, and the convex portions 56, 57 of the second gasket 50 are respectively embedded in the concave surfaces 33b, 34b. Additionally, the convex portions 56, 57 of the gasket 50 are respectively in contact with the concave surfaces 33b, 34b of the partition plate 32. Additionally, when the convex portions 56, 57 of the gasket 50 are respectively embedded in the concave surfaces 33b, 34b of the partition plate 32, the contact surfaces 52a, 52b, 52c of the gasket 50 are respectively in contact with the corresponding portions of the surface 32b of the partition plate 32.

[0111] As Figure 5 shown, on the tops of the convex portions 56, 57 of the second gasket 50, a plurality of concave portions 56a, 57a are respectively formed. The concave portions 56a, 57a are respectively in the shapes into which the convex portions 33d, 34d formed on the concave surfaces 33b, 34b of the convex portions 33, 34 of the partition plate 32 are embedded.

[0112] The gasket device 30 is manufactured, for example, by combining the first gasket 40, the second gasket 50, and the partition plate 32 that are respectively manufactured separately.

[0113] Specifically, the first gasket 40 is mounted on the partition plate 32 by respectively fitting the convex surfaces 33a, 34a of the convex portions 33, 34 formed on the partition plate 32 into the grooves 46, 47 formed on the second side surface 42 of the first gasket 40. In the first gasket 40 mounted on the partition plate 32, the contact surfaces 42a, 42b, 42c of the gasket 40 contact the surface 32a of the partition plate 32. Thus, in the gasket device 30, the convex portions 33, 34 of the partition plate 32 constrain the gasket 40 in the inner direction and the outer direction ( Figure 4 in the directions of the arrows a, b). Thereby, the gasket 40 can be firmly fixed to the partition plate 32, and even if the pressure in the internal spaces (the cathode space S1 and the anode space S2) of the water electrolysis device 2 increases, the movement of the gasket 40 relative to the partition plate 32 in the inner and outer directions will be suppressed.

[0114] In addition, the grooves 46, 47 of the first gasket 40 and the convex portions 33, 34 of the partition plate 32 can have various shapes and sizes and can be in various forms. In addition, the number of the grooves (grooves 46, 47) and the convex portions (convex portions 33, 34) is not limited to two, and can be one or more than three. For example, as Figure 4 , 5 shown, when the cross-sectional shapes of the grooves 46, 47 of the gasket 40 and the convex portions 33, 34 (convex surfaces 33a, 34a) of the partition plate 32 are tapered shapes facing the surface 32a of the partition plate 32, it is easy to align the gasket 40 relative to the partition plate 32 and easy to fit the convex portion into the concave portion.

[0115] In addition, in the first gasket 40 mounted on the partition plate 32, the protrusions 46a, 47a inside the grooves 46, 47 of the gasket 40 are respectively fitted into the concave portions 33c, 34c of the convex surfaces 33a, 34a of the partition plate 32, whereby the gasket 40 can be more firmly fixed to the partition plate 32.

[0116] As described above, by fitting the convex portions 33, 34 of the partition plate 32 into the grooves 46, 47 of the gasket 40, the gasket 40 can be firmly fixed to the partition plate 32, so that the use of an adhesive can be omitted in fixing the gasket 40 to the partition plate 32. In addition, an adhesive can also be used in fixing the gasket 40 to the partition plate 32.

[0117] In addition, the second gasket 50 is mounted on the partition plate 32 in the same manner as the first gasket 40. That is, the gasket 50 is mounted on the partition plate 32 by fitting the convex portions 56 and 57 formed on the second side surface 52 of the gasket 50 into the concave surfaces 33b and 34b of the convex portions 33 and 34 formed on the partition plate 32, respectively. In the gasket 50 mounted on the partition plate 32, the contact surfaces 52a, 52b, and 52c of the gasket 50 contact the surface 32b of the partition plate 32. In this way, in the gasket device 30, the convex portions 33 and 34 of the partition plate 32 constrain the gasket 50 in the inner direction and the outer direction ( Figure 4 in the directions of the arrows a and b). Thereby, the gasket 50 can be firmly fixed to the partition plate 32, and even if the pressure in the internal spaces (the cathode space S1 and the anode space S2) of the water electrolysis device 2 increases, the movement of the gasket 50 relative to the partition plate 32 in the inner and outer directions is suppressed.

[0118] In addition, the convex portions 56 and 57 of the second gasket 50 and the convex portions 33 and 34 (the concave surfaces 33b and 34b) of the partition plate 32 can have various shapes and sizes and can be in various forms. In addition, the number of the convex portions (the convex portions 56 and 57) and the convex portions (the convex portions 33 and 34) is not limited to two and can be one or more than three. For example, as Figure 4 , 5 shows, when the cross-sectional shapes of the convex portions 56 and 57 of the gasket 50 and the convex portions 33 and 34 (the concave surfaces 33b and 34b) of the partition plate 32 are tapered in the facing direction toward the surface 32a of the partition plate 32, it is easy to align the second gasket 50 with the partition plate 32 and easy to fit the convex portion into the concave portion.

[0119] In addition, in the second gasket 50 mounted on the partition plate 32, the convex portions 33d and 34d of the concave surfaces 33b and 34b of the partition plate 32 are respectively fitted into the concave portions 56a and 57a of the convex portions 56 and 57 of the gasket 50, whereby the second gasket 50 can be more firmly fixed to the partition plate 32.

[0120] As described above, by fitting the convex portions 56 and 57 of the gasket 50 into the concave surfaces 33b and 34b of the convex portions 33 and 34 of the partition plate 32, the second gasket 50 can be firmly fixed to the partition plate 32, so that the use of an adhesive can be omitted in fixing the second gasket 50 to the partition plate 32. In addition, an adhesive can also be used in fixing the second gasket 50 to the partition plate 32.

[0121] Alternatively, the first gasket 40 and the second gasket 50 can be integrally formed on the separator 32 by injection molding or stamping using a mold, thereby fixing the first gasket 40 and the second gasket 50 to the separator 32 to manufacture the gasket device 30. In this case, the separator 32 is fixed inside the mold, and an elastomeric material is disposed in the cavity of the mold by injection molding or stamping. Thus, the gaskets 40 and 50 are fixed to the separator 32.

[0122] Next, the gasket device 30 having the above structure will be described.

[0123] As Figure 7 shown, in order to manufacture the water electrolysis device 2, a solid polymer membrane layer 13 is sandwiched between two adjacent gasket devices 30, and a plurality of gasket devices 30 are arranged in the same orientation. In addition, the orientation of the gasket device 30 is based on the directions in which the surfaces 32a and 32b of the separator 32 face. Further, a cathode current collector 18 or an anode current collector 17 is disposed in the space between the separator 32 of the gasket device 30 and the solid polymer membrane layer 13. Specifically, the cathode current collector 18 is disposed in the space surrounded by the opening 40a of the first gasket 40, and the anode current collector 17 is disposed in the space surrounded by the opening 50a of the second gasket 50. In addition, the positions of the plurality of gasket devices 30 are aligned. Specifically, the positions of the plurality of gasket devices 30 are aligned such that the lips 45 and 55 face each other in the compression direction across the solid polymer membrane layer 13 between two adjacent gasket devices 30. Thus, a structure in which a plurality of gasket devices 30 are arranged and an electrolysis unit 21 is disposed between two adjacent gasket devices 30 is configured to form the water electrolysis device 2.

[0124] As described above, in the Figure 7 example, the plurality of gasket devices 30 are arranged in the same orientation. That is, in any one of the gasket devices 30, the first gasket 40 is disposed on the cathode side and surrounds the cathode current collector 18, and the second gasket 50 is disposed on the anode side and surrounds the anode current collector 17.

[0125] Next, as Figure 8 shown, using components such as bolts that integrate the water electrolysis device 2, the structure as shown in Figure 7The structure of the formed water electrolysis device 2 is shown. Thus, the first gasket 40 is compressed between the separator 32 and the solid polymer membrane layer 13, and the lip portion 45 of the first gasket 40 is pressed against the solid polymer membrane layer 13 and compressed, changing its shape. Here, the inner height h1 of the lip portion 45 is higher than the outer height h2 of the lip portion 45, and the lip portion 45 has a shape that is more likely to tilt inward compared to the outside. In addition, the width (inner width w1) in the compression direction of the gap G1 between the solid polymer membrane layer 13 and the inner side surface 41a, which is the gap inside the lip portion 45, is wider than the width (outer width w2) in the compression direction of the gap G2 between the solid polymer membrane layer 13 and the outer side surface 41b, which is the gap outside the lip portion 45. Therefore, the compressed lip portion 45 is likely to deform in a manner that expands into the inner gap G1. Therefore, the compressed lip portion 45 expands into both the gaps G1 and G2, but as Figure 8 shown, it deforms in a manner that expands more toward the gap G1 side.

[0126] The structure of the water electrolysis device 2 is further compressed in the stacking direction, and the water electrolysis device 2 is assembled. At this time, the lip portion 45 is further compressed, as Figure 9 shown, the lip portion 45 is compressed until the solid polymer membrane layer 13 contacts the outer side surface 41b of the gasket 40. In this way, the water electrolysis device 2 is assembled, and the gasket device 30 is in a use state. In the use state of the gasket device 30, the lip portion 45 is compressed until the solid polymer membrane layer 13 contacts the outer side surface 41b. In the use state of the gasket device 30, as Figure 9 shown, the inner gap G1 of the lip portion 45 still has the inner width w1, and there is a gap G1 inside the lip portion 45. Therefore, in the use state of the gasket device 30, the lip portion 45 deforms in a manner that expands toward the gap G1 side and expands into the gap G1. In this way, in the use state, the gasket 40 contacts the solid polymer membrane layer 13 at the lip portion 45 and the outer side surface 41b, achieving sealing between the separator 32 and the solid polymer membrane layer 13. As described above, since there is a gap G1 inside the lip portion 45 before the sealing device 30 reaches the use state, the lip portion 45 is difficult to be bitten into between the outer side surface 41b and the solid polymer membrane layer 13, thereby suppressing the biting-in.

[0127] When the structure of the formed water electrolysis device 2 as Figure 7 shown is compressed in the stacking direction (the compression direction of the gasket device 30), the second gasket 50 also deforms in the same manner as the above-mentioned first gasket 40. That is, as Figure 8As shown, the second gasket 50 is compressed between the partition plate 32 and the solid polymer membrane layer 13, and the lip 55 of the second gasket 50 is pressed against the solid polymer membrane layer 13 and compressed, changing its shape. Here, the inner height h11 of the lip 55 is higher than the outer height h12 of the lip 55, and the lip 55 is shaped to be more likely to tilt inward than outward. In addition, the width in the compression direction (inner width w11) of the gap G11 between the solid polymer membrane layer 13 and the inner side surface 51a, which is the gap inside the lip 55, is wider than the width in the compression direction (outer width w12) of the gap G12 between the solid polymer membrane layer 13 and the outer side surface 51b, which is the gap outside the lip 55. Therefore, the compressed lip 55 is likely to deform in such a way as to expand into the inner gap G11. Therefore, the compressed lip 55 expands into both the gaps G11 and G12, but as Figure 8 shown, it deforms in such a way as to expand more toward the gap G11 side.

[0128] When the structure of the water electrolysis device 2 is further compressed in the stacking direction and the water electrolysis device 2 is assembled, the lip 55 is also further compressed in the same way as the lip 45. As Figure 9 shown, the lip 55 is compressed until the solid polymer membrane layer 13 contacts the outer side surface 51b of the gasket 50. In this way, in the use state of the sealing device 30, the lip 55 is compressed until the solid polymer membrane layer 13 contacts the outer side surface 51b. In the use state of the gasket device 30, as Figure 9 shown, the inner gap G11 of the lip 55 still has the inner width w11, and there is a gap G11 inside the lip 55. Therefore, in the use state of the gasket device 30, the lip 55 deforms in such a way as to expand toward the gap G11 side and expands into the gap G11. In this way, in the use state, the gasket 50 contacts the solid polymer membrane layer 13 at the lip 55 and the outer side surface 51b, achieving sealing between the partition plate 32 and the solid polymer membrane layer 13. As described above, since there is a gap G11 inside the lip 55 before the sealing device 30 becomes the use state, the lip 55 is difficult to be bitten into between the outer side surface 51b and the solid polymer membrane layer 13, thus suppressing the biting-in.

[0129] The gasket device 30 becomes the use state in the water electrolysis device 2 as described above, achieving sealing between the partition plate 32 and the solid polymer membrane layer 13. In the use state, as Figure 9 shown, the lips 45 and 55 expand in such a way as to expand toward the gaps G1 and G11, and the contact width between the lips 45 and 55 and the solid polymer membrane layer 13 becomes larger. Therefore, the sealing performance of the gasket device 30 is improved.

[0130] In addition, in the operating state, the outer surfaces 41b and 51b on the outer sides of the lips 45 and 55 are in contact with the solid polymer film layer 13. Therefore, in the operating state, even if the cathode space S1 and the anode space S2 respectively surrounded by the gaskets 40 and 50 become high pressure, the lips 45 and 55 do not tilt outward, or the outward tilting is suppressed. In addition, gaps G1 and G11 are formed inside the lips 45 and 55, and the lips 45 and 55 are deformed and expand in a manner of expanding into the gaps G1 and G11. Therefore, when the cathode space S1 and the anode space S2 respectively surrounded by the gaskets 40 and 50 become high pressure, the portions of the lips 45 and 55 that expand into the gaps G1 and G11 are pressed outward and compressed. Thus, the lips 45 and 55 are further pressed against the solid polymer film layer 13. In this way, when the cathode space S1 and the anode space S2 become high pressure, the lips 45 and 55 exhibit a so-called self-sealing function, and the sealing performance is improved.

[0131] In this way, according to the gasket device 30, the width of the contact surface between the gaskets 40 and 50 and the solid polymer film layer 13 can be enlarged, and the sealing performance can be improved. In addition, even if the cathode space S1 and the anode space S2 become high pressure, the movement of the gaskets 40 and 50 relative to the solid polymer film layer 13 is suppressed, and the formation of a gap between the gaskets 40 and 50 and the solid polymer film layer 13, that is, so-called air leakage, is suppressed. In addition, since the lips 45 and 55 exhibit a self-sealing function when the cathode space S1 and the anode space S2 become high pressure, in this regard as well, the formation of a gap between the gaskets 40 and 50 and the solid polymer film layer 13, that is, so-called air leakage, is suppressed.

[0132] As described above, according to the first gasket 40, the second gasket 50, and the gasket device 30 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a high sealing function can be exhibited even when the pressure in the internal space of the water electrolysis device 2 increases.

[0133] In addition, as Figure 8 shown, the gasket device 30 can also be in an operating state in a state where the lips 45 and 55 are compressed to a state where the solid polymer film layer 13 is not in contact with the outer surfaces 41b and 51b. In this case, although gaps G2 and G12 exist outside the lips 45 and 55, the lips 45 and 55 are difficult to tilt toward the outer gaps G2 and G12, thereby suppressing the occurrence of (gas) leakage. In addition, in this operating state, the gasket device 30 also functions in the same manner as the operating state Figure 9 shown above and exhibits the same effect.

[0134] Figure 10It is a cross-sectional view showing another arrangement method of a plurality of gasket devices 30 in the hydrogen electrolysis device 2. In this example, two gasket devices 30 are arranged in opposite directions to each other. That is, in two adjacent gasket devices 30, the first gasket 40 of one faces the first gasket 40 of the other via the solid polymer membrane layer 13, and in addition, the second gasket 50 of one faces the second gasket 50 of the other via the solid polymer membrane layer 13. That is, in two adjacent gasket devices 30, the lip 45 of the first gasket 40 of one faces the lip 45 of the first gasket 40 of the other via the solid polymer membrane layer 13, and in addition, the lip 55 of the second gasket 50 of one faces the lip 55 of the second gasket 50 of the other via the solid polymer membrane layer 13. In this case, it also becomes the usage state in the same way as the above-mentioned usage state shown in Figures 7 - 9 and the gasket device 30 functions in the same way.

[0135] Thus, in the water electrolysis device 2, each gasket device 30 can be used regardless of its orientation. Therefore, the operator assembling the water electrolysis device 2 does not need to pay attention to the orientation of the gasket device 30.

[0136] Figure 11 It is a cross-sectional view showing a gasket device 31 according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. It is the same as Figure 4 and corresponds to the cross-section along line IV-IV of Figure 3 . In addition, Figure 12 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the gasket device 31. In Figure 11 and 12 , it shows the gasket device 31 in a state where no external force is applied, which is the same as Figure 4 and 5 .

[0137] The gasket device 31 according to this modified example is different from the above-mentioned gasket device 30 in that it has a second gasket 60 instead of the second gasket 50. Hereinafter, for the gasket device 31, the same reference numerals are given to the structures having the same structure or the same function as the above-mentioned gasket device 30 and their descriptions are omitted, and the structures different from the gasket device 30 will be described.

[0138] The second gasket 60 is formed of the same elastomer as the gasket 50. The second gasket 60 has a first side surface 61 different from the first side surface 51 of the gasket 50. As shown in Figure 11 and 12 , the first side surface 61 is an annular surface parallel or substantially parallel to the surface 32b of the partition plate 32. Thus, the second gasket 60 does not have a protruding lip.

[0139] Next, the function of the gasket device 31 having the above structure will be described. As Figure 13 shown, in order to manufacture the water electrolysis device 2, the solid polymer membrane layer 13 is sandwiched between two adjacent gasket devices 31, and a plurality of gasket devices 31 are arranged in the same orientation. Further, in the space between the partition plate 32 of the gasket device 31 and the solid polymer membrane layer 13, the cathode current collector 18 or the anode current collector 17 is disposed. Specifically, for example, the cathode current collector 18 is disposed in the space surrounded by the opening 40a of the first gasket 40, and the anode current collector 17 is disposed in the space surrounded by the opening 60a of the second gasket 60. The positions of the plurality of gasket devices 31 are aligned, and in particular, the positions of the lips 45 of the gasket device 31 are aligned with the positions of the lips 45 of the other gasket devices 31.

[0140] Similar to the above-described gasket device 30, the lip 45 is compressed until the solid polymer membrane layer 13 contacts the outer side surface 41b of the first gasket 40. As Figure 14 shown, the gasket device 31 is in a use state. In the use state, the gasket device 31 functions in the same manner as the above-described gasket device 30 to seal the cathode space S1. On the other hand, in the use state, the second gasket 60 is compressed between the partition plate 32 and the solid polymer membrane layer 13, and the entire first side surface 61 is pressed against the solid polymer membrane layer 13. Thus, the width of the contact surface (sealing width) between the second gasket 60 and the solid polymer membrane layer 13 is larger than the sealing width between the second gasket 50 of the gasket device 30 and the solid polymer membrane layer 13. Therefore, the second gasket 60 can improve the sealing performance in the same manner as the second gasket 50.

[0141] In addition, in Figure 13 、 14 the example shown, a plurality of gasket devices 31 are arranged in the same orientation. That is, in any of the gasket devices 31, the first gasket 40 is disposed on the cathode side and surrounds the cathode current collector 18, and the second gasket 60 is disposed on the anode side and surrounds the anode current collector 17. However, the first gasket 40 may be disposed on the anode side and surround the anode current collector 17, and the second gasket 60 may be disposed on the cathode side and surround the cathode current collector 18. Further, the plurality of gasket devices 31 may be arranged in different orientations.

[0142] Second Embodiment

[0143] Next, the gasket device 35 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the gasket device 35 and is the cross-section of the above-described gasket device 30 (refer to Figure 4)The corresponding sectional view. The gasket device 35 includes: a gasket 70 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, which is different from the first gasket 40 of the gasket device 30; and a partition 36, which is different from the partition 32 of the gasket device 30. In addition, the gasket device 35 includes the second gasket 60 of the above gasket device 31. The gasket 70 extends in a ring shape corresponding to the gaskets 19 and 20 of the water electrolysis device 2 in the same manner as the above gasket 40. Hereinafter, for the structure of the gasket device 35, for the structures having the same structure or the same function as the above gasket device 30 or gasket device 31, the same reference numerals are used and their descriptions are omitted, and the different structures from the gasket device 30 will be described.

[0144] As Figure 15 shown, the partition 36 has a pair of surfaces 36a and 36b facing away from each other. At the outer end of the partition 36, a stepped portion 37 is formed, which forms a step in the facing direction of the surfaces 36a and 36b. As Figure 15 shown, the stepped portion 37 forms, for example, a step protruding in the direction facing the surface 36a. The stepped portion 37 extends along the outer end of the partition 36 and extends in a ring shape. In addition, the convex portions 33 and 34 of the partition 32 are also provided on the partition 36.

[0145] As Figure 15 shown, the stepped portion 37 forms an inner portion 37a and an outer end portion 37b on the partition 36, and has a side wall portion 37c extending in a ring shape between the inner portion 37a and the outer end portion 37b. The outer end portion 37b is the outer end of the partition 36, and extends parallel or substantially parallel to the inner portion 37a at a position of a predetermined distance in the direction facing the surface 36a from the inner portion 37a. The side wall portion 37c, for example, as Figure 15 shown, has a shape inclined outward in the direction facing the surface 36a. Specifically, for example, as Figure 15 shown, the side wall portion 37c extends along a straight line inclined outward with respect to the inner portion 37a of the partition 36 in the cross section. In addition, the side wall portion 37 may have other shapes. For example, the side wall portion 37 may extend orthogonally or substantially orthogonally to the inner portion 37a, and may also be inclined inward with respect to the inner portion 37a.

[0146] As Figure 15 shown, the gasket 70 has a first side surface 71, a second side surface 72, an inner end surface 73, and an outer end surface 74, and is formed by the first side surface 71, the second side surface 72, the inner end surface 73, and the outer end surface 74. The first side surface 71 is a ring-shaped surface facing the solid polymer membrane layer 13 in the electrolysis unit 21 (see Figure 2), in the gasket device 35, the facing direction of the surface 36a facing the partition plate 36. The second side surface 72 is an annular surface facing the surface 36a of the partition plate 36 and is fixed to the surface 36a of the partition plate 36. The inner end surface 73 is an annular surface facing the inside and defines the opening 70a. The opening 70a is a space for arranging the anode current collector 17 or the cathode current collector 18 in the electrolytic cell 21 and is a part of the electrolytic cell 21 (see Figure 2 ). The outer end surface 74 is located on the opposite side of the inner end surface 73 and is an annular surface facing the outside.

[0147] As Figure 15 shown, the second side surface 72 has the same shape as the second side surface 42 of the gasket 40, forms grooves 46 and 47 for respectively accommodating the convex portions 33 and 34 of the partition plate 32, and has three contact surfaces 42a, 42b, and 42c that are annularly extended and separated by the grooves 46 and 47. The contact surfaces 42a, 42b, and 42c contact the surface 36a at the inner portion 37a of the partition plate 36. The outer end surface 74 becomes a surface corresponding to the side wall portion 37c of the stepped portion 37 of the partition plate 36 and contacts the surface 36a of the partition plate 36 at the side wall portion 37c. In addition, as Figure 15 shown, the first side surface 71 has: an inner side surface 71a that is the same as the inner side surface 41a of the first side surface 41 of the gasket 40; a lip portion 45; and an outer side surface 71b outside the lip portion 45. As Figure 15 shown, the outer side surface 71b has, for example, a concave surface portion 71c that is recessed toward the partition plate 36 side and a flat surface portion 71d that is planar. The flat surface portion 71d forms a surface parallel or substantially parallel to the second side surface 72. The flat surface portion 71d is, for example, as Figure 15 shown, coplanar or substantially coplanar with the surface 36a of the outer end portion 37b of the partition plate 36. The flat surface portion 71d may also be located on one side in the direction in which the surface 36a faces, closer to the surface 36a than the outer end portion 37b. In addition, the flat surface portion 71d may also be located on one side in the direction in which the surface 36b faces, closer to the surface 36a than the surface 36a of the outer end portion 37b. The concave surface portion 71c is located between the lip portion 45 and the flat surface portion 71d. In addition, the gasket 70 may not have the concave surface portion 71c, the flat surface portion 71d may be connected to the lip portion 45, and the first side surface 71 of the gasket 70 may also have the same shape as the first side surface 41 of the above-described gasket 40. Similar to the above-described gasket 40, the convex portions 33 and 34 of the partition plate 36 are respectively accommodated in the grooves 46 and 47 on the second side surface 72 of the gasket 70, and the gasket 70 is constrained by the partition plate 36 in the inner direction and the outer direction and is fixed to the partition plate 36. In addition, an adhesive may also be used in fixing the gasket 70 to the partition plate 36.

[0148] As Figure 15As shown, the inner height h1 of the lip 45 is higher than the outer height h2 of the lip 45 (inner height h1 > outer height h2). Additionally, the thickness t1 of the outer side surface 71b of the gasket 70 is greater than the thickness t2 of the inner side surface 71a of the gasket 70. Further, the outer height h2 of the lip 45 is, for example, as Figure 15 shown, the distance in the compression direction between the front end 45d of the lip 45 and the flat portion 71d of the outer side surface 71b. Additionally, the thickness t1 of the outer side surface 71b of the gasket 70 is, for example, as Figure 15 shown, the thickness of the flat portion 71d of the outer side surface 71b.

[0149] As Figure 15 shown, a gasket 60 is mounted on the surface 36b of the inner portion 37a of the partition plate 36 in the same manner as in the case of the above-described gasket device 31.

[0150] Next, the operation of the gasket device 35 having the above structure will be described. As Figure 16 shown, in order to manufacture the water electrolysis device 2, the solid polymer membrane layer 13 is sandwiched between two adjacent gasket devices 35, and a plurality of gasket devices 35 are arranged in the same orientation. Further, a cathode current collector 18 or an anode current collector 17 is disposed in the space between the partition plate 36 of the gasket device 35 and the solid polymer membrane layer 13. Specifically, for example, the cathode current collector 18 is disposed in the space surrounded by the opening 70a of the first gasket 70, and the anode current collector 17 is disposed in the space surrounded by the opening 60a of the second gasket 60. Additionally, the positions of the plurality of gasket devices 35 are aligned, particularly the positions of the lips 45 of the gasket device 35 are aligned with the positions of the lips 45 of the other gasket devices 35. Thereby, the structure of the water electrolysis device 2 is aligned.

[0151] Similar to the above-described gasket devices 30 and 31, the structure of the water electrolysis device 2 formed as Figure 16 shown is compressed in the stacking direction by components such as bolts for assembling the water electrolysis device 2. When the lip 45 is compressed by a predetermined tightening margin between the solid polymer membrane layer 13 and the partition plate 36, the gasket device 35 enters the use state. In the use state, the solid polymer membrane layer 13 does not contact the outer end portion 37b of the partition plate 36 of each gasket device 35, and does not contact the outer side surface 71b of the gasket 70. Additionally, in the use state, the solid polymer membrane layer 13 may contact the outer end portion 37b of the partition plate 36 of each gasket device 35. Additionally, in the use state, the solid polymer membrane layer 13 may contact the outer side surface 71b of the gasket 70. In this case, it may be that only the flat portion 71d of the outer side surface 71b of the gasket 70 contacts the solid polymer membrane layer 13, or the flat portion 71d and the concave portion 71c of the outer side surface 71b of the gasket 70 contact the solid polymer membrane layer 13.

[0152] On the other hand, in the use state, the second gasket 60 is compressed between the partition plate 36 and the solid polymer membrane layer 13, similar to the above-described gasket device 31, and the entire first side surface 61 is pressed against the solid polymer membrane layer 13.

[0153] In the use state, the gasket device 70 functions in the same manner as the above-described gasket devices 30 and 31 to seal the cathode space S1 and the anode space S2. That is, when the lip portion 45 is compressed, the lip portion 45 expands in such a manner that it expands between the gap G5 between the inner side surface 71a of the first side surface 71 and the solid polymer membrane layer 13 and the gap G6 between the outer side surface 71b of the first side surface and the solid polymer membrane layer 13. The lip portion 45 is the same as the lip portion 45 of the above-described gasket 40, and is more likely to incline toward the inner gap G5 side than the outer gap G6 side, and is easily deformed in an expanded manner. In addition, the outer gap G6 is narrower than the inner gap G5. Therefore, in the use state, the lip portion 45 functions as a self-sealing function in the same manner as the lip portions 45 of the above-described gasket devices 30 and 31. In addition, since the gasket 70 contacts the side wall portion 37c of the step portion 37 of the partition plate 36 on the outer end surface 74, when an outward force is applied to the gasket 70, a reaction force toward the inside is generated, and this reaction force is applied to the gasket 70. By this reaction force, the sealing performance generated by the self-sealing of the lip portion 45 is improved. In addition, thereby, in addition to the convex portions 33 and 34, the gasket 70 can be firmly fixed to the partition plate 36 by the side wall portion 37c of the step portion 37, and even if the pressure in the internal space (cathode space S1 and anode space S2) of the water electrolysis device 2 increases, the movement of the gasket 70 relative to the partition plate 36 in the inner and outer directions is suppressed.

[0154] In addition, in the use state, when a part (for example, the flat portion 71d) of the outer side surface 71b of the first side surface 71 of the lip portion 45 also contacts the solid polymer membrane layer 13, or when the flat portion 71d and the concave surface portion 71c of the outer side surface 71b of the first side surface 71 of the lip portion 45 also contact the solid polymer membrane layer 13, the sealing performance based on the self-sealing function exhibited by the lip portion 45 can be further improved.

[0155] As described above, according to the gasket 70 and the gasket device 35 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, a high sealing function can be exhibited even if the pressure in the internal space of the water electrolysis device 2 increases.

[0156] Next, a modification of the gasket device 35 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 17 It is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the gasket device 35 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As Figure 17As shown, the partition plate 36 of the gasket device 35 may not have the convex portions 33 and 34. Correspondingly, the gasket 70 of the gasket device 35 may not have the grooves 46 and 47, and further, the second gasket 60 of the gasket device 35 may not have the convex portions 56 and 57.

[0157] Figure 18 It is a cross-sectional view of the gasket device 35 related to a modified example in the use state. To manufacture the water electrolysis device 2, the gasket device 35 related to the modified example is arranged in the same manner as the gasket device 35 related to the second embodiment of the present invention. That is, as Figure 18 shown, to manufacture the water electrolysis device 2, the solid polymer membrane layer 13 is sandwiched between two gasket devices 35 related to the modified examples adjacent to each other, and the plurality of gasket devices 35 related to the modified examples are arranged in the same orientation. The gasket device 35 related to the modified example also forms the water electrolysis device 2 and becomes the use state in the same manner as the gasket device 35 related to the second embodiment of the present invention above, and functions in the same manner as the gasket device 35 related to the second embodiment of the present invention above.

[0158] In the gasket device 35 related to the modified example, there is no engagement caused by the convex portions 33 and 34 being received in the grooves 46 and 47 between the gasket 70 and the partition plate 36, but the outer end surface 74 of the gasket 70 contacts the side wall portion 37c of the stepped portion 37 of the partition plate 36. In this way, the side wall portion 37c of the partition plate 36 restricts the gasket 70 in the inner direction and the outer direction (refer to the directions of arrows a and b in Figure 4 ). Thereby, the gasket 70 can be firmly fixed to the partition plate 36, and even if the pressure in the internal space (the cathode space S1 and the anode space S2) of the water electrolysis device 2 increases, the movement of the gasket 70 relative to the partition plate 36 in the inner and outer directions will be suppressed.

[0159] Third Embodiment

[0160] Next, the gasket device 38 related to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 19 It is a cross-sectional view of the gasket device 38, which is the same as the cross-section of the above gasket device 30 (refer to Figure 4)The corresponding sectional view. The gasket device 38 includes: a gasket 75 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, which is different from the gasket 70 of the gasket device 35; and a partition 39, which is different from the partition 36 of the gasket device 35. In addition, the gasket device 38 includes the second gasket 60 of the gasket device 31 described above. The gasket 75 extends in a ring shape corresponding to the gaskets 19 and 20 of the water electrolysis device 2 in the same manner as the gasket 70 described above. Hereinafter, for the structure of the gasket device 38, the same reference numerals are assigned to the structures having the same structure or the same function as the gasket devices 30, 31, and 35 described above, and the description thereof is omitted, and the structures different from the gasket devices 30 and 35 are described.

[0161] The partition 39 is, for example, a plate-shaped partition formed of a porous carbon material. As Figure 19 shown, the partition 39 has a pair of surfaces 39a and 39b facing away from each other. The surface 39a forms a protruding surface portion 39a1 that protrudes more on the outer end of the partition 39 than on the inner side, and a flat or substantially flat surface portion 39a2 is formed inside the protruding surface portion 39a1. The protruding surface portion 39a1 extends in a ring shape and surrounds the surface portion 39a2, and the surface 39a forms a concave portion 39a3 surrounded by the protruding surface portion 39a1. The surface 39b is flat or substantially flat, and the surface portion 39a2 of the surface 39a and the surface 39b are parallel or substantially parallel to each other. A groove 39c that is recessed from the protruding surface portion 39a1 is formed on the protruding surface portion 39a1 of the surface 39a of the partition 39. The groove 39c extends along the outer end of the partition 39 and extends in a ring shape. In addition, the convex portions 33d and 34d of the partition 32 are not provided on the partition 39.

[0162] As Figure 19 shown, the groove 39c has a bottom surface 39d, an inner side wall surface 39e, and an outer side wall surface 39f. The inner side wall surface 39e is a surface that extends from the inner end of the bottom surface 39d toward the surface 39a, and the outer side wall surface 39f is a surface that extends from the outer end of the bottom surface 39d toward the surface 39a. The inner side wall surface 39e and the outer side wall surface 39f face each other via the bottom surface 39d. The bottom surface 39d is parallel or substantially parallel to the surface 39a or the surface 39b. The inner side wall surface 39e and the outer side wall surface 39f extend in a direction orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the bottom surface 39d. The inner side wall surface 39e and the outer side wall surface 39f may also be inclined with respect to the bottom surface 39d.

[0163] As Figure 19 shown, concave surfaces 33b and 34b of the partitions 32 and 36 are formed on the surface 39b of the partition 39. The concave surfaces 33b and 34b are formed along the outer end of the partition 39, for example, facing away from the protruding surface portion 39a1.

[0164] As Figure 19As shown, the gasket 75 has the same first side surface 71, second side surface 72, inner end surface 73, and outer end surface 76 as the gasket 70, and the shape is formed by the first side surface 71, second side surface 72, inner end surface 73, and outer end surface 76. As Figure 19 shown, the second side surface 72 contacts the bottom surface 39d of the groove 39c of the partition plate 39. The outer end surface 76 becomes a surface corresponding to the outer side wall surface 39f of the groove 39c of the partition plate 39 and contacts the outer side wall surface 39f. In addition, as Figure 19 shown, the inner end surface 73 does not contact the inner side wall surface 39e of the groove 39c, and a gap is formed between the inner end surface 73 and the inner side wall surface 39e. The flat portion 71d of the first side surface 71 of the gasket 75, for example, as Figure 19 shown, is coplanar or substantially coplanar with the protruding portion 39a1 of the surface 39a of the partition plate 39. The flat portion 71d may also be located on the side in the direction facing the surface 39a that is closer to the protruding portion 39a1. In addition, the flat portion 71d may also be located on the side in the direction facing the surface 39b that is closer to the protruding portion 39a1. In addition, the gasket 75 may not have the concave portion 71c, the flat portion 71d may be connected to the lip portion 45, and the first side surface 71 of the gasket 75 may also be the same shape as the first side surface 41 of the above-mentioned gasket 40. The second side surface 72 of the gasket 75 may not be fixed to the bottom surface 39d of the groove 39c of the partition plate 39, or may be fixed by an adhesive or the like.

[0165] As Figure 19 shown, the inner height h1 of the lip portion 45 is higher than the outer height h2 of the lip portion 45 (inner height h1 > outer height h2). In addition, the thickness t1 of the outer side surface 71b of the gasket 75 is greater than the thickness t2 of the inner side surface 71a of the gasket 75. In addition, the outer height h2 of the lip portion 45, for example, as Figure 19 shown, is the distance in the compression direction between the front end 45d of the lip portion 45 and the flat portion 71d of the outer side surface 71b. In addition, the thickness t1 of the outer side surface 71b of the gasket 75, for example, as Figure 19 shown, is the thickness of the flat portion 71d of the outer side surface 71b.

[0166] As Figure 19 shown, on the surface 39b of the partition plate 39, a gasket 60 is installed in the same manner as in the case of the above-mentioned gasket device 31.

[0167] Next, the operation of the gasket device 38 having the above structure will be described. As Figure 20As shown, in order to manufacture the water electrolysis device 2, the solid polymer membrane layer 13 is sandwiched between two adjacent gasket devices 38, and a plurality of gasket devices 38 are arranged in the same orientation. In addition, a cathode current collector 18 or an anode current collector 17 is disposed in the space (the concave portion 39a3 of the partition plate 39) between the solid polymer membrane layer 13 and the partition plate 39 of the gasket device 38. Specifically, for example, the cathode current collector 18 is disposed in the space surrounded by the opening 75a of the first gasket 75, and the anode current collector 17 is disposed in the space surrounded by the opening 60a of the second gasket 60. In addition, the positions of the plurality of gasket devices 38 are aligned, and in particular, the positions of the lips 45 of the gasket device 38 are aligned with the positions of the lips 45 of the other gasket devices 38. Thereby, the structure of the water electrolysis device 2 is aligned.

[0168] Similar to the above-described gasket devices 30 and 31, components such as bolts for assembling the water electrolysis device 2 are used to compress the structure of the water electrolysis device 2 formed as shown in Figure 20 As shown. When the lip 45 is compressed by a predetermined tightening margin between the solid polymer membrane layer 13 and the partition plate 39, the gasket device 38 is in a use state. In the use state, the solid polymer membrane layer 13 does not contact the protruding surface portion 39a1 of the partition plate 39 of each gasket device 38, and does not contact the outer side surface 71b of the gasket 75. In addition, in the use state, the solid polymer membrane layer 13 may also contact the protruding surface portion 39a1 of the partition plate 39 of each gasket device 38. In addition, in the use state, the solid polymer membrane layer 13 may also contact the outer side surface 71b of the gasket 75. In this case, it may be that only the flat portion 71d of the outer side surface 71b of the gasket 75 contacts the solid polymer membrane layer 13, or the flat portion 71d and the concave portion 71c of the outer side surface 71b of the gasket 75 contact the solid polymer membrane layer 13.

[0169] On the other hand, in the use state, the second gasket 60 is compressed between the partition plate 39 and the solid polymer membrane layer 13 in the same manner as in the case of the above-described gasket device 31, and the entire first side surface 61 is pressed against the solid polymer membrane layer 13.

[0170] In the use state, the gasket device 38 functions in the same manner as the above-described gasket device 30, sealing the cathode space S1 and the anode space S2. That is, when the lip 45 is compressed, the lip 45 expands in such a way that it expands between the gap G5 between the inner side surface 71a of the first side surface 71 and the solid polymer membrane layer 13, and the gap G6 between the outer side surface 71b of the first side surface and the solid polymer membrane layer 13. The lip 45 is the same as the lip 45 of the above-described gasket 40, and is more likely to lean toward the inner gap G5 side than the outer gap G6 side, and is also likely to deform in an expanded manner. In addition, the outer gap G6 is narrower than the inner gap G5. Therefore, in the use state, the lip 45 functions as a self-sealing function in the same manner as the lips 45 of the above-described gasket devices 30, 31, and 35. In addition, since the outer end surface 76 of the gasket 75 contacts the outer side wall surface 39f of the groove 39c of the separator 39, when an outward force is applied to the gasket 75, a reaction force toward the inside is generated, and this reaction force is applied to the gasket 75. Due to this reaction force, the sealing performance generated by the self-sealing of the lip 45 is improved. In addition, thereby, the gasket 75 can be firmly fixed to the separator 39, and even if the pressure in the internal space (cathode space S1 and anode space S2) of the water electrolysis device 2 increases, the movement of the gasket 75 relative to the separator 39 in the inner and outer directions is suppressed.

[0171] In addition, in the use state, when a part (for example, the flat portion 71d) of the outer side surface 71b of the first side surface 71 of the lip 45 also contacts the solid polymer membrane layer 13, or when the flat portion 71d and the concave portion 71c of the outer side surface 71b of the first side surface 71 of the lip 45 also contact the solid polymer membrane layer 13, the sealing performance based on the self-sealing function exhibited by the lip 45 can be further improved.

[0172] As described above, according to the gasket 75 and the gasket device 38 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, a high sealing function can be exhibited even when the pressure in the internal space of the water electrolysis device 2 increases.

[0173] Next, a modification of the gasket device 38 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 21 It is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the gasket device 38 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As Figure 21 shown, the separator 39 of the gasket device 38 may not have the concave surfaces 33b and 34b. Correspondingly, the second gasket 60 of the gasket device 38 may not have the convex portions 56 and 57.

[0174] Figure 22It is a cross-sectional view of the gasket device 38 related to the deformation example in the use state. In order to manufacture the water electrolysis device 2, the gasket device 38 related to the deformation example is arranged in the same manner as the gasket device 38 related to the third embodiment of the present invention. That is, as Figure 22 shown, in order to manufacture the water electrolysis device 2, the solid polymer membrane layer 13 is sandwiched between two gasket devices 38 related to adjacent deformation examples, and the gasket devices 38 related to multiple deformation examples are arranged in the same orientation. The gasket device 38 related to the deformation example also forms the water electrolysis device 2 to be in the use state in the same manner as the gasket device 38 related to the third embodiment of the present invention described above, and functions in the same manner as the gasket device 38 related to the third embodiment of the present invention described above.

[0175] Next, other applicable objects of the gasket device or gasket related to the present invention will be described. The gasket device or gasket related to the present invention can also be used for a fuel cell, for example. Figure 23 It is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic structure of a fuel cell 140 using the gasket device related to the present invention. As Figure 23 shown, the fuel cell 140 has end walls 141, 142, a plurality of separators 143, a plurality of solid polymer membrane layers 144, a plurality of gas diffusion layers 148, a plurality of gas diffusion layers 149, and a plurality of gaskets 150, 151, 152. The fuel cell 140 is a solid polymer fuel cell.

[0176] The end walls 141, 142 are flat metal plates arranged in parallel to each other. However, minute recesses (not shown) serving as gas flow paths are formed on the end walls 141, 142. A pipe 141a for introducing the atmosphere containing oxygen into the fuel cell 140 is provided on the end wall 141; and a pipe 141b for discharging the atmosphere containing oxygen and moisture from the fuel cell 140 is provided. A pipe 142a for introducing hydrogen into the fuel cell 140 is provided on the end wall 142; and a pipe 142b for discharging hydrogen from the fuel cell 140 is provided.

[0177] A plurality of separators 143 are arranged between the end walls 141, 142. The separators 143 are flat metal plates arranged parallel to each other. The separators 143 are also flat metal plates, but minute recesses (not shown) serving as gas flow paths are also formed on the separators 143.

[0178] A reaction unit 154 that causes a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen is formed between the end wall 141 and the adjacent partition plate 143 of the end wall 141. A polymer electrolyte membrane layer 144 is disposed between the end wall 141 and the adjacent partition plate 143 of the end wall 141. The polymer electrolyte membrane layer 144 has a polymer electrolyte membrane 145, an oxygen electrode membrane 146 and a hydrogen electrode membrane 147 respectively fixed on both sides of the polymer electrolyte membrane 145. Therefore, the polymer electrolyte membrane layer 144 is a CCM (catalyst coated membrane). The oxygen electrode membrane 146 and the hydrogen electrode membrane 147 are porous, and a catalyst that promotes the reaction is coated on the oxygen electrode membrane 146 and the hydrogen electrode membrane 147. The catalyst includes, for example, platinum. The catalyst coated on the oxygen electrode membrane 146 may be different from the catalyst coated on the hydrogen electrode membrane 147.

[0179] Among the hydrogen introduced from the pipeline 142a, H + Passes through the polymer electrolyte membrane layer 144 from the hydrogen electrode membrane 147 toward the oxygen electrode membrane 146, and reacts with the oxygen introduced from the pipeline 141a to generate pure water. The electric energy generated at this time can be taken out from the hydrogen electrode membrane 147 and the oxygen electrode membrane 146. The generated pure water and the excess oxygen that did not react with H + Are discharged from the pipeline 141b. In addition, the excess hydrogen that did not react with oxygen is discharged from the pipeline 142b.

[0180] A reaction unit 154 is also formed between two adjacent partition plates 143. A polymer electrolyte membrane layer 144 is also disposed between two adjacent partition plates 143.

[0181] A reaction unit 154 is also formed between the end wall 142 and the adjacent partition plate 143 of the end wall 142. A polymer electrolyte membrane layer 144 is also disposed between the end wall 142 and the adjacent partition plate 143 of the end wall 142.

[0182] In this way, the partition plate 143 functions as a partition wall that divides the reaction unit 154. The end walls 141 and 142 also divide the reaction unit 154, so they can be called partition plates. The adjacent reaction units 154 are connected by pipes 156a and 156b.

[0183] A gas diffusion layer 148 is disposed between the hydrogen electrode membrane 147 and the partition plate 143, and a gas diffusion layer 149 is disposed between the oxygen electrode membrane 146 and the partition plate 143. These gas diffusion layers 148 and 149 are formed of a porous material such as non-woven fabric.

[0184] However, a cooling water layer 155 is provided between two adjacent reaction units 154. Cooling water flows inside the cooling water layer 155 to cool the reaction unit 154 that generates heat during the chemical reaction. Each cooling water layer 155 is clamped by two adjacent partition plates 143.

[0185] An elastomeric gasket 151 is sandwiched between the end wall (separator) 141 and the adjacent solid polymer membrane layer 144 of the end wall 141. The gasket 151 surrounds the gas diffusion layer 149 over the entire circumference. The gasket 151 is compressed by the end wall 141 and the solid polymer membrane layer 144.

[0186] An elastomeric gasket 150 is sandwiched between the separator 143 and the solid polymer membrane layer 144 at the upper adjacent position of the separator 143 in the figure. The gasket 150 surrounds the gas diffusion layer 148 over the entire circumference. The gasket 150 is compressed by the separator 143 and the solid polymer membrane layer 144.

[0187] An elastomeric gasket 151 is sandwiched between the separator 143 and the solid polymer membrane layer 144 at the lower adjacent position of the separator 143 in the figure. The gasket 151 surrounds the gas diffusion layer 149 over the entire circumference. The gasket 151 is compressed by the separator 143 and the solid polymer membrane layer 144.

[0188] An elastomeric gasket 150 is sandwiched between the end wall (separator) 142 and the adjacent solid polymer membrane layer 144 of the end wall 142. The gasket 150 surrounds the gas diffusion layer 148 over the entire circumference. The gasket 150 is compressed by the end wall 142 and the solid polymer membrane layer 144.

[0189] In Figure 23 , only the solid polymer membrane 145 of the solid polymer membrane layer 144 contacts the gaskets 150 and 151, but it is also possible to make the solid polymer membrane 145, the oxygen electrode membrane 146, and the hydrogen electrode membrane 147 of the solid polymer membrane layer 144 contact the gaskets 150 and 151.

[0190] An elastomeric gasket 152 is sandwiched between two adjacent separators 143. The gasket 152 surrounds the cooling water layer 155 over the entire circumference. The gasket 152 is compressed by the two adjacent separators 143.

[0191] Figure 23 The fuel cell 140 of is integrated by a clamping device or bolts and nuts, and each element will not fall off.

[0192] Figure 23 The up-down direction of does not necessarily coincide with the usage state of the fuel cell 140. The fuel cell 140 can also be used in a state where the end walls 141 and 142, the separators 143, and the solid polymer membrane layer 144 are upright.

[0193] Figure 24This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which multiple gasket devices according to the second embodiment of the present invention are arranged. Here, the gasket device 31 described above is used. When the gasket device 31 is used, the lip portion 45 of the gasket 40 is compressed in the compression direction, but Figure 24 represents the state in which the gaskets 40 and 60 are not compressed.

[0194] Figure 23 The gasket 150 surrounding the gas diffusion layer 148 corresponds to the second gasket 60. The gasket 151 surrounding the gas diffusion layer 149 corresponds to the first gasket 40. The gasket 152 surrounding the cooling water layer 155 corresponds to the second gasket 60 of one gasket device 31 and the first gasket 40 of another adjacent and connected gasket device 31. That is, the gasket 152 is a combination of the second gasket 60 and the first gasket 40. Figure 24 The upper and lower sides of Figure 23 are opposite to the upper and lower sides of

[0195] The partition plate 32 corresponds to any one of the above-mentioned end walls 141, 142, and the partition plate 143. In Figure 23 , the gasket 151 is provided only on one side of the end wall 141, but the gasket can also be fixed on both sides of the end wall 141 (partition plate 32). In addition, in Figure 23 , the gasket 151 is provided only on one side of the end wall 142, but the gasket can also be fixed on both sides of the end wall 142 (partition plate 32).

[0196] As Figure 24 shown, multiple gasket devices 31 are arranged such that the solid polymer membrane layer 144 is sandwiched between two specific gasket devices 31. The gas diffusion layer 149 is disposed in the space surrounded by the opening 40a of the first gasket 40, and the gas diffusion layer 148 is disposed in the space surrounded by the opening 60a of the second gasket 60. However, since the cooling water layer 155 is provided between the reaction units 154, the solid polymer membrane layer 144 is not provided between adjacent reaction units 154, and between adjacent reaction units 154, the first gasket 40 is in direct contact with the second gasket 60.

[0197] The positions of multiple gasket devices 31 are aligned, particularly the positions of the lip portions 45 of the gasket devices 31 are aligned with the positions of the lip portions 45 of other gasket devices 31. In this way, multiple gasket devices 31 are arranged such that the solid polymer membrane layer 144 is sandwiched between the gaskets 40 and 60 of two specific gasket devices 31, and the gaskets 40 and 60 of the two specific gasket devices 31 are in direct contact, thereby configuring the structure of the fuel cell 140.

[0198] In Figure 24In the example, multiple gasket devices 31 are arranged in the same orientation. That is, in any one of the gasket devices 31, the first gasket 40 is arranged on the side of the end wall 142 (refer to Figure 23 ), and the second gasket 60 is arranged on the side of the end wall 141.

[0199] In the reaction unit 154, the solid polymer membrane layer 144 is sandwiched between the lip 45 of the first gasket 40 and the first side surface 61 of the second gasket 60 of two adjacent gasket devices 31. The first side surface 61 is in surface contact with the solid polymer membrane layer 144.

[0200] The lips 45 of the first gaskets 40 of two adjacent gasket devices 31 around the cooling water layer 155 are in direct contact with the first side surface 61 of the second gasket 60.

[0201] Next, using components such as bolts that integrate the fuel cell 140, the structure of the fuel cell 140 formed as shown is compressed in the stacking direction (the compression direction of the gasket device 31). Thereby, the lip 45 of the first gasket 40 is compressed between the separator 32 and the solid polymer membrane layer 144, changing its shape. As shown in Figure 24 , when the lip 45 is compressed until the solid polymer membrane layer 144 contacts the outer side surface 41b of the gasket 40, the fuel cell 140 is assembled, and the gasket device 31 becomes the use state. In this way, in the use state of the sealing device 31, the lip 45 is compressed until the solid polymer membrane layer 144 contacts the outer side surface 41b. On the other hand, in the use state, the second gasket 60 is compressed between the separator 32 and the solid polymer membrane layer 144, and the entire first side surface 61 is pressed against the solid polymer membrane layer 144. Figure 25 , when the lip 45 is compressed until the solid polymer membrane layer 144 contacts the outer side surface 41b of the gasket 40, the fuel cell 140 is assembled, and the gasket device 31 becomes the use state. In this way, in the use state of the sealing device 31, the lip 45 is compressed until the solid polymer membrane layer 144 contacts the outer side surface 41b. On the other hand, in the use state, the second gasket 60 is compressed between the separator 32 and the solid polymer membrane layer 144, and the entire first side surface 61 is pressed against the solid polymer membrane layer 144.

[0202] In the use state, the gasket device 31 in the fuel cell 140 functions in the same way as the gasket device 31 in the above-mentioned water electrolysis device 2, sealing the space where the gas diffusion layers 148 and 149 are arranged and the cooling water layer 155. In addition, in the fuel cell 140, the gasket device 31 also has the same self-sealing function as the gasket device 31 in the above-mentioned water electrolysis device 2. In this way, the gasket device 31 can also improve the sealing performance in the fuel cell 140.

[0203] As described above, according to the gasket device 31 according to the modification of the first embodiment of the present invention, even when the pressure in the internal space of the fuel cell 140 increases, a high sealing function can be exerted.

[0204] In addition, in Figure 13 , 14In the example shown, multiple gasket devices 31 are arranged in the same orientation. That is, in any of the gasket devices 31, the first gasket 40 is arranged on the cathode side to surround the cathode current collector 18, and the second gasket 60 is arranged on the anode side to surround the anode current collector 17. However, it is also possible to arrange the first gasket 40 on the anode side to surround the anode current collector 17 and arrange the second gasket 60 on the cathode side to surround the cathode current collector 18. Additionally, the multiple gasket devices 31 can also be arranged in different orientations.

[0205] In addition, in Figure 24 and Figure 25 the example shown, multiple gasket devices 31 are arranged in the same orientation. That is, in any of the gasket devices 31, the first gasket 40 is arranged on the side of the end wall 142 (refer to Figure 23 ), and the second gasket 60 is arranged on the side of the end wall 141. However, in the fuel cell 140, the orientation of the gasket device 31 can also be the opposite direction, or the first gasket 40 can be arranged on the side of the end wall 141 and the second gasket 60 can be arranged on the side of the end wall 142. In this case, the first gasket 40 surrounds the gas diffusion layer 148, and the second gasket 60 surrounds the gas diffusion layer 149 or the cooling water layer 155. Additionally, the multiple gasket devices 31 can also be arranged in such a way that two adjacent gasket devices 31 have different orientations.

[0206] Regarding the fuel cell 140, the case of using the gasket device 31 has been described, but the gasket device used in the fuel cell 140 is not limited to the gasket device 31. The fuel cell 140 can use other types of gasket devices. That is, in the fuel cell 140, the gasket devices 30, 35, and 38 can also be used in the same way as the above-mentioned gasket device 31.

[0207] As described above, the present invention has been described through the above embodiments, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes or improvements to the above embodiments. It can be clearly seen from the description of the claims that such changed or improved methods can also be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0208] The embodiments described above are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and are not used to limit or interpret the present invention. Additionally, the above embodiments do not limit the objects to which the present invention is applied, and the present invention can be applied to all objects. Each component, its configuration, material, conditions, shape, size, etc. included in the above embodiments are not limited to the illustrations and can be appropriately changed. For example, the present invention includes differences generated during the implementation such as manufacturing tolerances. Additionally, within the scope where there is no technical contradiction, the components shown in different embodiments can be partially replaced or combined with each other. Additionally, each structure can be appropriately and selectively combined to achieve at least a part of the above problems and effects.

[0209] For example, the gasket devices 30, 31 may not have the convex portions 33, 34, the grooves 46, 47, and the convex portions 56, 57, and the first gasket 40 and the partition plate 32 may be bonded with an adhesive, and the second gaskets 50, 60 and the partition plate 32 may be bonded with an adhesive.

[0210] The shapes of the lips 45, 55 of the gaskets 40, 50, 70, 75 are not limited to the substantially triangular shape with a bent front end shown in the figure, and other shapes are also possible.

[0211] Additionally, instead of the solid polymer membrane layer 13 of the water electrolysis device 2, Figure 26 the solid polymer membrane layer 13A shown can be used. The solid polymer membrane layer 13A has the above-mentioned solid polymer membrane layer 13 and a reinforcing frame 13a that is installed at the peripheral portion of the solid polymer membrane layer 13 and covers both sides of the peripheral portion of the solid polymer membrane layer 13. The reinforcing frame 13a is formed of a resin film, reinforces the weak solid polymer membrane layer 13, and makes the processing of the solid polymer membrane layer 13 easier. The material of the reinforcing frame 13a is, for example, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN). The peripheral portion of the solid polymer membrane layer 13 with the reinforcing frame 13a installed may be composed only of the solid polymer membrane 14 (refer to Figure 2 ), or may include the solid polymer membrane 14 and the catalyst membranes 15 and / or 16.

[0212] In this case, as Figure 26 shown, the first gasket 40 and the second gasket 50 can respectively contact the reinforcing frames on both sides of the solid polymer membrane layer 13A. Figure 26 The solid polymer membrane layer 13A used in the example of Figure 7 is shown, but the solid polymer membrane layer 13A can also be used in other examples.

[0213] Although not shown, a reinforcing frame covering both sides of the solid polymer membrane layer 144 may also be installed at the peripheral portion of the solid polymer membrane layer 144 that can be used in the second embodiment to strengthen the weak solid polymer membrane layer 144. In this case, the gasket of the present embodiment may be in contact with the reinforcing frame. The peripheral portion of the solid polymer membrane layer 144 with the reinforcing frame installed may be composed only of the solid polymer membrane 145 (see Figure 23 ), or may include the solid polymer membrane 145 and the oxygen electrode membrane 146 and / or the hydrogen electrode membrane 147.

Claims

1. A gasket, which is a gasket formed of an elastomer for sealing the space between facing components in a water electrolysis device or a fuel cell, The gasket is annular and is installed on one of the pair of surfaces of a separator having a pair of surfaces facing away from each other in a manner that surrounds the space, The gasket has a lip portion extending annularly, The lip portion protrudes in the direction facing one of the pair of surfaces of the separator, The height of the lip portion is different on one side of the space and on the opposite side of one side of the space.

2. The gasket according to claim 1, wherein, The height of the lip portion on one side of the space is higher than the height of the lip portion on the opposite side of the space.

3. The gasket according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The gasket has an inner side surface and an outer side surface. The inner side surface is an annular surface connected to the lip portion on one side of the space, and the outer side surface is an annular surface connected to the lip portion on the opposite side of the space, The height of the lip portion on the space side is the distance between the front end of the lip portion and the inner side surface in the direction in which the lip portion protrudes, The height of the lip portion on the opposite side of the space is the distance between the front end of the lip portion and the outer side surface in the direction in which the lip portion protrudes.

4. The gasket according to claim 3, wherein, The inner side surface and the outer side surface extend along one of the pair of surfaces of the separator.

5. The gasket according to claim 1, wherein, The gasket has one or a plurality of annular recesses for accommodating one or respectively accommodating one or more annular protrusions formed on one of the pair of surfaces of the separator.

6. The gasket according to claim 1, wherein, The gasket has one or a plurality of annular protrusions to be accommodated in one or respectively accommodated in one or more annular recesses formed on one of the pair of surfaces of the separator.

7. A gasket device, which is a gasket device for sealing the space between facing components in a water electrolysis device or a fuel cell. The gasket device includes: A gasket formed of an elastomer; and A separator having a pair of surfaces facing away from each other, The gasket is annular and is installed on one of the pair of surfaces of the separator in a manner that surrounds the space, and has an annularly extending lip portion protruding in the direction facing one of the pair of surfaces of the separator, The height of the lip portion is different on one side of the space and on the opposite side of one side of the space.

8. The gasket device according to claim 7, wherein, The height of the lip portion on one side of the space is higher than the height of the lip portion on the opposite side of the space.

9. The gasket device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The gasket has an inner side surface and an outer side surface. The inner side surface is an annular surface connected to the lip portion on one side of the space, and the outer side surface is an annular surface connected to the lip portion on the opposite side of the space, The height of the lip portion on the space side is the distance between the front end of the lip portion and the inner side surface in the direction in which the lip portion protrudes, The height on the opposite side of the space of the lip is the distance between the front end of the lip and the outer side surface in the direction in which the lip protrudes.

10. The gasket device according to claim 9, wherein The inner side surface and the outer side surface extend along one surface of the pair of surfaces of the partition plate.

11. The gasket device according to claim 7, wherein The partition plate has at least one recess extending in a ring shape, The recess is formed on one surface or the other surface of the pair of surfaces, The gasket is installed on the portion of the partition plate including the recess.

12. The gasket device according to claim 7, wherein The gasket device includes another gasket formed of an elastomer, The other gasket is ring-shaped and is installed on the other surface of the pair of surfaces of the partition plate in a manner surrounding the space, facing away from the gasket.

13. The gasket device according to claim 12, wherein The other gasket has a lip extending in a ring shape protruding in the direction facing the other surface of the pair of surfaces of the partition plate, The height of the lip of the other gasket is different on one side of the space and on the opposite side of the space.

14. The gasket device according to claim 13, wherein The height of the lip of the other gasket on the side of the space is higher than the height of the lip of the other gasket on the opposite side of the space.

15. The gasket device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein The other gasket has an inner side surface and an outer side surface. The inner side surface is a ring-shaped surface connected to the lip of the other gasket on one side of the space, and the outer side surface is a ring-shaped surface connected to the lip of the other gasket on the opposite side of the space. The height of the lip of the other gasket on the side of the space is the distance between the front end of the lip of the other gasket and the inner side surface of the other gasket in the direction in which the lip of the other gasket protrudes. The height of the lip of the other gasket on the opposite side of the space is the distance between the front end of the lip of the other gasket and the outer side surface of the other gasket in the direction in which the lip of the other gasket protrudes.

16. The gasket device according to claim 15, wherein The inner side surface of the other gasket and the outer side surface of the other gasket extend along the other surface of the pair of surfaces of the partition plate.

17. The gasket device according to claim 12, wherein The other gasket has a surface extending in a ring shape along the other surface of the pair of surfaces of the partition plate.

18. The gasket device according to claim 7, wherein The partition plate has a stepped portion forming a step on the side facing one surface of the pair of surfaces, The stepped portion extends in a ring shape, The gasket contacts the step at a portion closer to the opposite side of the space than the lip.

19. The gasket device according to claim 7, wherein The partition plate has a ring-shaped groove recessed on one side of the other surface of the pair of surfaces, The gasket is disposed in the groove.

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