Gasket device and gasket

Abstract

A gasket device (1) is provided with a gasket (2) and a spacer (3). The separator (3) supports the separators (101, 102) and the electrolyte membrane (104) between the separators (101, 102) and the electrolyte membrane (104) such that the separators (101, 102) and the electrolyte membrane (104), which are members facing each other, face each other with spaces (100a, 100b) therebetween. The gasket (2) encloses a space (100a) or a space (100b) between the separator (101) or the separator (102) and the electrolyte membrane (104). The spacer (3) surrounds the gasket (2) from the outside between the separators (101, 102) and the electrolyte membrane (104). The gasket (2) and the spacer (3) are in contact with each other in the expansion direction of the spaces (100a, 100b).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sealing gasket device and a sealing gasket. Background Art

[0002] Each cell of a hydrogen generator or a fuel cell is provided with a gasket that is compressed between a separator and an electrolyte membrane to seal the interior of the cell and prevent gas leakage from the cell (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Invention patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-19116 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] As the interior of the cell, the sealed space, becomes high pressure, the gasket may deform or move, reducing its sealing performance. Therefore, the gaskets in fuel cells or hydrogen generators require a structure that can maintain sealing performance even when the cell interior reaches high pressure.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gasket device and a gasket capable of maintaining sealing performance even when a sealed space reaches a high pressure.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the sealing gasket device involved in the present invention is a sealing gasket device for sealing the space between opposing parts, which comprises: a sealing gasket, which is formed by an elastomer; and a spacer, which is a rigid component, used to support the opposing parts between the opposing parts in a manner that the opposing parts face each other across the space, the sealing gasket surrounds the space between the opposing parts, the spacer surrounds the sealing gasket from the outside or the inside between the opposing parts, and the sealing gasket and the spacer are in contact with each other in the expansion direction of the space.

[0011] In the gasket device according to one aspect of the present invention, the gasket and the spacer have engaging portions for engaging with each other at the portions in contact with each other.

[0012] In a sealing gasket device involved in one embodiment of the present invention, the locking portion includes a recessed portion and an accommodated portion, the recessed portion is a sunken portion, and the accommodated portion is a portion accommodated in the recessed portion, the spacer has at least one of the recessed portion and one side of the accommodated portion at the end portion on one side of the sealing gasket in the expansion direction of the space, and the sealing gasket has at least one of the recessed portion and the other side of the accommodated portion at the end portion on one side of the spacer in the expansion direction of the space.

[0013] In the gasket device according to one aspect of the present invention, the recessed portion is recessed in the facing direction, and the accommodated portion extends in the facing direction.

[0014] In the gasket device according to one aspect of the present invention, the recessed portion is recessed in the direction in which the space expands, and the accommodated portion extends in the direction in which the space expands.

[0015] In a sealing gasket device involved in one embodiment of the present invention, the spacer has a step portion at the end of the part serving as the end on one side of the sealing gasket, and the step portion of the spacer has a first step surface and a second step surface, the first step surface is a surface facing the side of the sealing gasket, and the second step surface is a surface facing the side of the sealing gasket that is located closer to the sealing gasket than the first step surface, and the peripheral end portion of the part of the sealing gasket serving as the end on one side of the spacer contacts the first step surface and the second step surface of the step portion of the spacer, at least in a state of use.

[0016] In a sealing gasket device involved in one embodiment of the present invention, the sealing gasket has a sealing rib portion on the side opposite to the side of the spacer in the expansion direction of the space than the contact portion, and the sealing rib portion is a portion protruding toward one side of the opposing parts, and the sealing rib portion extends in a ring shape.

[0017] In the gasket device according to one aspect of the present invention, the gasket is provided on a side of the sealed object with respect to the spacer.

[0018] In the gasket device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the opposing members are a separator and an electrolyte membrane used in a cell of a water electrolysis device.

[0019] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the sealing gasket involved in the present invention is a sealing gasket formed by an elastomer, which is supported by a spacer which is a rigid component and is used to seal the space between the opposing components, surrounds the space between the opposing components, is surrounded by the spacer from the outside or the inside, and is in contact with the spacer in the expansion direction of the space.

[0020] In the gasket according to one aspect of the present invention, the portion in contact with the spacer includes an engagement portion for engaging the gasket with the spacer.

[0021] In a sealing gasket involved in one embodiment of the present invention, the spacer has at least one recess and one side of the accommodated portion as the portion accommodated in the recess at a portion at an end of one side of the sealing gasket in the expansion direction of the space, and the locking portion of the sealing gasket has at least one recess and the other side of the accommodated portion at a portion at an end of one side of the sealing gasket in the expansion direction of the space.

[0022] In the gasket according to one aspect of the present invention, the recessed portion is recessed in the facing direction, and the accommodated portion extends in the facing direction.

[0023] In the gasket according to one aspect of the present invention, the recessed portion is recessed in the direction in which the space expands, and the accommodated portion extends in the direction in which the space expands.

[0024] In a sealing gasket involved in one embodiment of the present invention, the spacer has a step portion at the end of a portion serving as an end on one side of the sealing gasket, the step portion of the spacer has a first step surface and a second step surface, the first step surface is a surface facing the side of the sealing gasket, and the second step surface is a surface facing the side of the sealing gasket that is located closer to the sealing gasket than the first step surface, and the peripheral end portion of the portion of the sealing gasket serving as an end on one side of the spacer contacts the first step surface and the second step surface of the step portion of the spacer, at least in a state of use.

[0025] In a sealing gasket involved in one embodiment of the present invention, the sealing gasket has a sealing rib portion on the side opposite to the side of the spacer in the expansion direction of the space than the contact portion, and the sealing rib portion is a portion protruding toward one side of the opposing parts, and the sealing rib portion extends in a ring shape.

[0026] In the gasket according to one aspect of the present invention, the gasket is provided on a side of the sealed object with respect to the spacer.

[0027] In the gasket according to one embodiment of the present invention, the opposing members are a separator and an electrolyte membrane used in a cell of a water electrolysis device.

[0028] Effects of the Invention

[0029] According to the gasket device and the gasket according to the present invention, the sealing performance can be maintained even when the sealed space becomes high pressure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 It is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a unit of a water electrolysis device to which the sealing gasket device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0031] Figure 2 Yes Figure 1 Diagram of the spacer and gasket arrangement in the unit shown.

[0032] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the gasket device, and is a cross-sectional view along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the section along line AA.

[0033] Figure 4 It is a partial perspective view showing a part of the gasket device.

[0034] Figure 5 It is a partial perspective view showing a part of a spacer included in the gasket device.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a partial perspective view showing a portion of a gasket included in the gasket device.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a partial perspective view showing a part of a modified example of the gasket device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 8 A second embodiment of the present invention is provided with a gasket device. Figure 1 A diagram of a separator and gasket assembly in a unit of a water electrolysis device is shown.

[0038] Figure 9 Yes Figure 8 A partial perspective view of a portion of a gasket assembly is shown.

[0039] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A top view of a spacer in a gasket assembly is shown.

[0040] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 A top view of the gasket in the gasket assembly is shown.

[0041] Figure 12 It is a partial perspective view showing a part of a modified example of the gasket device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 13This is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing another example of the structure of a unit of a water electrolysis device to which the sealing gasket device according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention is applied.

[0043] Explanation of symbols

[0044] 1, 5 sealing gasket device, 2, 6 sealing gasket, 2a, 6a outer peripheral end, 3, 7 spacer, 3a, 3b surface, 3c, 3d inner peripheral edge, 4, 8 engaging portion, 10, 30 accommodated portion, 11 sealing portion, 12, 31 connecting portion, 12a, 32a surface, 13, 32 base, 13a surface, 13b side, 14 sealing rib portion, 15, 33 sealing surface, 15a, 15b end, 16, 17, 18, 34 contact surface, 19 flow path sealing portion, 20, 40 recessed portion, 21 , 41 inner circumferential end portion, 22 step portion, 22a outer step surface, 22b inner step surface, 22c connecting step surface, 23 locking portion, 42 inner circumferential end surface, 100 unit, 100a, 100b space, 101, 102 partitions, 101a, 102a surfaces, 101b, 102b outer peripheral edges, 103 membrane assembly, 104 electrolyte membrane, 104a outer peripheral edge, 105, 106 catalyst, 107 gas diffusion membrane, 108 flow path, 109 resin frame, S sealed object space. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] The gasket device of the present invention is used to seal the space between opposing components. These opposing components are, for example, separators and electrolyte membranes used in units of a hydrogen generator or fuel cell. As an example, an embodiment of the present invention involves a gasket device used to seal the space between opposing separators and electrolyte membranes in a unit of a water electrolysis device in a hydrogen generator. The gasket device of the present invention is not limited to these devices and may also be used in other applications.

[0047] Figure 1 1 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a unit of a water electrolysis device to which the sealing gasket device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied. Figure 1As shown, the gasket assembly 1 is provided in the cell 100 between the separator 101 and the electrolyte membrane 104 of the membrane assembly 103, and between the separator 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104 of the membrane assembly 103, thereby sealing the space 100a between the separator 101 and the electrolyte membrane 104, and the space 100b between the separator 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104. The membrane assembly 103 includes the electrolyte membrane 104 and a pair of catalyst layers, namely, catalysts 105 and 106, provided on both sides of the electrolyte membrane 104. The electrolyte membrane 104 is, for example, an ion exchange membrane, specifically, a solid polymer membrane. A gas diffusion layer 107 is provided on each surface of the catalyst 105 and the catalyst 106. The catalyst layers 105, 106, and the gas diffusion layer 107 are surrounded by the gasket assembly 1 and are located within the sealed space S sealed by the gasket assembly 1.

[0048] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing the separators 101, 102 and the gasket device 1 in the unit 100. That is, Figure 2 The separator 101 and the separator 102, the membrane assembly 103 and the gasket device 1 between them are removed. Figure 1 FIG. 100 is a top view of the unit 100. Figure 2 As shown, the sealing gasket device 1 is provided along the outer edges (outer peripheral edges 101 b , 102 b ) of the partition plates 101 , 102 .

[0049] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the gasket device 1, taken along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the cross section along line AA. Figure 4 This is a partial perspective view showing a portion of the gasket device 1. The gasket device 1 includes a gasket 2 formed of an elastomer and a spacer 3 as a rigid component. The spacer 3 is a component used to support the separator 101 or separator 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104 between the separator 101 or separator 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104 so that the separator 101 or separator 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104, which are opposing components, face each other across the space 100a or space 100b. The gasket 2 surrounds substantially the entire space 100a or space 100b between the separator 101 or separator 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104. In addition, the spacer 3 surrounds the gasket 2 from the outside or inside between the separator 101 or separator 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104. The gasket 2 and the spacer 3 contact each other in the direction in which the space 100a or space 100b expands. The structure of the gasket device 1 is described in detail below.

[0050] like Figure 3 、 4As shown, the gasket 2 and the spacer 3 have, for example, an engaging portion 4 at the portion in contact with each other, which engages them with each other. The engaging portion 4 includes a recessed portion 20, which is a concave portion, and a received portion 10, which is a portion received in the recessed portion 20. The spacer 3 has at least one recessed portion 20 or received portion 10 on one side of the gasket 2 in the direction of expansion of the spaces 100a, 100b. In addition, the gasket 2 has at least one recessed portion 20 on one side of the spacer 3 and received portion 10 on the other side in the direction of expansion of the spaces 100a, 100b. As described above, the spacer 3 surrounds the gasket 2 from the outside or inside, and the side of the spacer 3 relative to the gasket 2 in the direction of expansion of the spaces 100a, 100b is the outside or inside, and the side of the gasket 2 relative to the spacer 3 in the direction of expansion of the spaces 100a, 100b is the inside or outside. The direction in which the spaces 100a and 100b extend refers to a direction intersecting the direction in which the separators 101 and 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104 face each other, for example, a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the separators 101 and 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104 face each other. Furthermore, the inner side (inner peripheral side) refers to one side of the space enclosed by the gasket 2 itself between the separators 101 and 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104 in the direction in which the spaces 100a and 100b extend. On the other hand, the outer side (outer peripheral side) refers to the side opposite to one side of the space enclosed by the gasket 2 itself between the separators 101 and 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104 in the direction in which the spaces 100a and 100b extend.

[0051] In this embodiment, if Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the spacer 3 surrounds the gasket 2 from the outside. Therefore, the space surrounded by the gasket 2 itself between the separator 101 or the separator 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104, that is, the space inside the gasket 2 becomes the sealed object space S. Therefore, in the above-mentioned unit 100, the gasket 2 is subjected to high pressure from the inside, and the spacer 3 surrounds the gasket 2 from the outside opposite to the inside subjected to the high pressure. In addition, the spacer 3 has at least one recess 20 at the end portion on the inside (inner peripheral end portion 21), and in addition, the gasket 2 has at least one accommodated portion 10 at the end portion on the outside (outer peripheral end portion 2a). The recess 20 of the spacer 3 is in the direction in which the separators 101, 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104 face each other, that is, in the facing direction ( Figure 1 The accommodated portion 10 of the sealing gasket 2 extends in the opposite direction.

[0052] Alternatively, the spacer 3 may surround the gasket 2 from the inside. In this case, the space outside the space enclosed by the gasket 2 itself between the separator 101 or separator 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104 (the space inside the gasket 2) becomes the sealed space S. Therefore, in this case, in the cell 100, the gasket 2 is subjected to high pressure from the outside, and the spacer 3 surrounds the gasket 2 from the inside, opposite to the outside subjected to this high pressure. Furthermore, in this case, the outer end portion of the spacer 3 has at least one recess 20, and the inner end portion of the gasket 2 has at least one accommodated portion 10. A gasket device 1 in which the spacer 3 surrounds the gasket 2 from the inside has a reversed configuration of the inside and outside compared to a gasket device 1 in which the spacer 3 surrounds the gasket 2 from the outside. In the description of the configuration of the gasket 1 in which the spacer 3 surrounds the gasket 2 from the outside, the inner and outer sides are reversed to describe a configuration in which the spacer 3 surrounds the gasket 2 from the inside. Therefore, detailed description of the structure of the gasket device 1 in which the spacer 3 surrounds the gasket 2 from the inside will be omitted.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG, the sealing gasket 2 extends in an annular shape and has a shape that surrounds a space on the inside to form a sealed space S. Figure 2 As shown, spacer 3 extends in an annular shape, surrounding gasket 2 on the inside. Spacer 3 is formed to extend along the outer edges (outer peripheral edges 101b, 102b) of separators 101 and 102. The outer peripheral portion of gasket 2 and the inner peripheral portion of spacer 3 contact each other, and in this contact portion, gasket 2 and spacer 3 engage with each other.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, specifically, the spacer 3 has a certain or approximately certain thickness in the extension direction, for example, in the portion other than the step portion 22 described later. In addition, specifically, the spacer 3 has a certain or approximately certain width in the extension direction, for example. In addition, the extension direction of the spacer 3 refers to the direction in which the spacer 3 extends, which is the direction along the outer peripheral edges 101b, 102b of the partitions 101, 102. The thickness of the spacer 3 is the width of the spacer 3 in the opposing directions, which is the distance between the surface 3a and the surface 3b of the spacer 3. The surfaces 3a, 3b of the spacer 3 are the surfaces of the spacer 3 facing the opposing directions, as shown in FIG. Figure 1As shown, surface 3a is the surface facing the electrolyte membrane 104, and surface 3b is the surface facing the separators 101 and 102. Surfaces 3a and 3b extend, for example, parallel or substantially parallel to each other. Furthermore, the width of the spacer 3 is the width of the spacer 3 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the spaces 100a and 100b extend. Furthermore, the direction in which the spaces 100a and 100b extend is the direction in which the spaces 100a and 100b extend, and is a direction along the surfaces 101a and 102a of the separators 101 and 102.

[0055] Figure 5 3 is a partial perspective view showing a portion of the spacer 3. Figures 3-5 As shown, for example, a step portion 22 is formed at the inner peripheral end portion 21 of the spacer 3. The step portion 22 is formed with steps in the opposite directions. Specifically, the step portion 22 has, for example: an outer step surface (first section) 22a, which is a surface facing the inner side of one side serving as the sealing gasket 2; and an inner step surface (second section) 22b, which is a surface facing the inner side located further inward than the outer step surface 22a. The outer step surface 22a extends from the inner edge (inner peripheral edge 3c) of the surface 3a of the spacer 3, and the inner step surface 22b extends from the inner edge (inner peripheral edge 3d) of the surface 3b of the spacer 3. The outer step surface 22a extends in a ring shape, for example, Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the inner step surface 22b extends in parallel or substantially parallel to the opposite direction in cross section. Figure 3 As shown, the step portion 22 extends parallel or substantially parallel to the facing direction in cross section. Furthermore, the step portion 22 includes a connecting step surface 22c connecting the outer step surface 22a and the inner step surface 22b. The connecting step surface 22c faces toward the electrolyte membrane 104 in the facing direction and extends, for example, parallel or substantially parallel to the surface 3a or 3b.

[0056] The recess 20 of the spacer 3 is recessed in the opposite direction. Figure 3 、 5 As shown, the recess 20 is formed on the connecting step surface 22c of the step portion 22 of the spacer 3, and is recessed from the connecting step surface 22c to the inside. The recess 20 is, for example, a through hole that passes through the connecting step surface 22c and the surface 3b. In addition, the recess 20 may not pass through the connecting step surface 22c and the surface 3b. Figure 3 As shown, the concave portion 20 is located in the width direction of the spacer 3 ( Figure 3The size of the recess 20 in the extension direction of the spacer 3 (in the left-right direction) is smaller than the size of the connecting step surface 22c in the width direction of the spacer 3. In addition, the size of the recess 20 in the extension direction of the spacer 3 is, for example, the same as or approximately the same as the size of the recess 20 in the width direction of the spacer 3. In addition, the size of the recess 20 in the extension direction of the spacer 3 may also be different from the size of the recess 20 in the width direction of the spacer 3. The shape of the cross section of the recess 20 perpendicular to the facing direction (cross-sectional shape) is, for example, circular or approximately circular. The cross-sectional shape of the recess 20 is not limited to this, and may also be other shapes such as rectangular or triangular. A plurality of recesses 20 are provided at intervals on the connecting step surface 22c of the spacer 3. For example, a plurality of recesses 20 are provided at equal intervals or approximately equal intervals.

[0057] In addition, the spacer 3 may not be an endless ring as described above, but may be a plurality of spacers 3 arranged in a ring. For example, the spacer 3 may be a member with an end extending along one side of the outer periphery 101b, 102b of the partitions 101, 102. Figure 2 As shown, the spacer 3 may also be formed with a locking portion 23 for aligning with the partitions 101 and 102. The locking portion 23 is, for example, a recessed portion or a convex portion, and is locked with a convex portion or recessed portion (not shown) formed on the partitions 101 and 102. The locking portion 23 is, for example, a through hole.

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown, specifically, the sealing gasket 2 has a certain or approximately certain width in most of the extension direction, for example. In addition, the extension direction of the sealing gasket 2 refers to the direction in which the sealing gasket 2 extends, which is the direction along the outer peripheral edges 101b, 102b of the partitions 101, 102. The width of the sealing gasket 2 is the width of the sealing gasket 2 in the direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the sealing gasket 2 in the expansion direction of the spaces 100a, 100b. In addition, in order to seal the sealing object space S with respect to the flow path for guiding pure water to the sealing object space S of the unit 100 or the flow path (flow path 108) for leading hydrogen or oxygen generated from the sealing object space S of the unit 100, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the gasket 2 includes, for example, a flow path sealing portion 19 as a portion surrounding the flow path 108 .

[0059] Figure 6 This is a partial perspective view showing a portion of the gasket 2. Figure 4 A perspective view of the gasket 2 viewed from the opposite side. Figure 6 The portion of the gasket 2 shown is the non-flow path sealing portion 19. Figure 3 、 4As shown in FIG6 , the gasket 2 includes, for example, a sealing portion 11 and a connecting portion 12. The sealing portion 11 is mainly used to seal the spaces 100a and 100b, and the connecting portion 12 is mainly used to engage the gasket 2 with the spacer 3.

[0060] like Figure 3 、 4 As shown in FIG. 6 , the sealing portion 11 extends in the extending direction of the gasket 2 and has a base 13 and a sealing rib 14. The cross-section perpendicular to the extending direction of the base 13 is, for example, rectangular or substantially rectangular. The base 13 has a sealing surface 15 and a surface (surface 13a) facing away from the sealing surface 15. The sealing surface 15 is a surface of the base 13, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 、 6 As shown, the sealing rib 14 is formed into a flat or substantially flat surface and is in continuous contact with the surfaces 101a and 102a of the separators 101 and 102 in the extending direction of the base 13 in the cell 100. The sealing rib 14 is a sealing rib that contacts the electrolyte membrane 104 in the cell 100 and protrudes from the surface 13a of the base 13. The shape of the cross section of the sealing rib 14 perpendicular to the extending direction of the gasket 2 is, for example, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 The shape of the sealing rib 14 is not limited to a wedge shape, but may be other shapes. In the illustrated example, the sealing rib 14 is located outside the surface 13a, but the sealing rib 14 may be located in the middle of the surface 13a or inside the surface 13a.

[0061] like Figure 3 、 6 As shown, contact surface 16 extends from the outer end (end 15a) of sealing surface 15. Contact surface 16 extends toward sealing rib 14 and in the direction of extension of base 13. Contact surface 16 is shaped to contact inner step surface 22b of step 22 of spacer 3. Furthermore, side surface 13b, which faces away from contact surface 16, extends from the inner end (end 15b) of sealing surface 15 and is connected to surface 13a.

[0062] like Figure 3 、 4As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the connecting portion 12 is a portion extending outward from the base portion 13. The cross-section of the connecting portion 12, taken orthogonally to the direction of extension, is, for example, rectangular or substantially rectangular, and includes a surface 12a, a contact surface 17, and a contact surface 18. The contact surface 17 extends outward from the end of the contact surface 16 of the base portion 13 and is shaped to contact the connecting step surface 22c of the step portion 22 of the spacer 3. The surface 12a is the surface facing away from the contact surface 17 in the opposing direction. The contact surface 18 is an outwardly facing surface extending between the contact surface 17 and the surface 12a and is shaped to contact the outer step surface 22a of the step portion 22 of the spacer 3.

[0063] The contact surface 16 between the connection portion 12 and the base portion 13 is the outer peripheral end portion 2a of the gasket 2. The outer peripheral end portion 2a contacts the outer step surface 22a and the inner step surface 22b of the step portion 22 of the spacer 3 at least in the state of use described later. In addition, the receiving portion 10 is provided on the connection portion 12, which is the outer peripheral end portion 2a of the gasket 2. Specifically, Figure 6 As shown, the accommodated portion 10 is provided on the contact surface 17 of the connecting portion 12, and the accommodated portion 10 protrudes from the contact surface 17. As described above, the accommodated portion 10 is shaped to be accommodated in the recess 20 of the spacer 3, for example, Figure 6 As shown, the accommodated portion 10 has a cylindrical shape extending in the facing direction, and the cross-section of the accommodated portion 10 perpendicular to the extending direction (facing direction) is, for example, circular or substantially circular. Furthermore, the accommodated portion 10 is accommodated in the recess 20 with an interference fit. Alternatively, the accommodated portion 10 may be accommodated in the recess 20 with a transition fit or a clearance fit. The cross-sectional shape of the accommodated portion 10 is not limited to a circular or substantially circular shape.

[0064] The surface 12a of the connection portion 12 and the surface 13a of the sealing portion 11 are located on the same or substantially the same surface. Specifically, for example, in the facing direction, the position of the surface 12a of the connection portion 12 and the position of the surface 13a of the sealing portion 11 are the same or substantially the same. In addition, in the assembled state of the gasket 2 and the spacer 3, the sealing rib portion 14 is located on the side facing the electrolyte membrane 104 (electrode side, Figure 3In addition, in the assembled gasket device 1, the surface 12a of the connecting portion 12 of the gasket 2 is in a form that does not protrude from the surface 3a of the spacer 3 toward the electrode side in the opposing direction. That is, in the assembled gasket device 1, the position of the surface 12a of the connecting portion 12 of the gasket 2 in the opposing direction is the same as the position of the surface 3a of the spacer 3 in the opposing direction, or is closer to the partition side than the position of the surface 3a of the spacer 3 in the opposing direction. In addition, the partition side is the side of the partition 101 or the partition 102 that the gasket device 1 contacts in the opposing direction. Figure 3 The lower side is indicated in the middle. Furthermore, in the assembled gasket device 1, the sealing surface 15 of the sealing portion 11 of the gasket 2 and the surface 3b of the spacer 3 are located on the same or substantially the same plane. Specifically, for example, in the facing direction, the position of the sealing surface 15 is the same or substantially the same as the position of the surface 3b of the spacer 3.

[0065] For example, Figure 2 As shown, the flow path sealing portion 19 of the gasket 2 is formed with the sealing surface 15 and surface 13a of the sealing portion 11 extending so as to cover the flow path 108. Furthermore, a sealing rib 14 is formed on the surface 13a of the flow path sealing portion 19, extending in an annular shape and surrounding the flow path 108. Furthermore, the sealing rib 14 of the flow path sealing portion 19 of the gasket 2 is not limited to being an annular member that extends and surrounds the flow path 108. For example, the sealing rib 14 of the flow path sealing portion 19 may be connected to the sealing rib 14 of the sealing portion 11, thereby surrounding the flow path 108 together with the sealing rib 14 of the sealing portion 11.

[0066] As described above, the sealing gasket 2 has a sealing portion 11, a connecting portion 12, and a flow path sealing portion 19, and the sealing portion 11 and the flow path sealing portion 19 have a base portion 13 and a sealing rib portion 14. These portions are portions of the sealing gasket 2 formed integrally from the same material and become one body. The elastomer of the sealing gasket 2 is, for example, rubber. Specifically, the elastomer of the sealing gasket 2 uses, for example, fluororubber (FKM), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), silicone rubber (VMQ), etc. In addition, the spacer 3 is a rigid component, and the material of the spacer 3 is, for example, metal or resin. Specifically, the material of the spacer 3 is, for example, SUS, Al, Ti, etc., and further, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), glass epoxy resin, etc.

[0067] As described above, the contact surface 16 of the base 13 of the sealing gasket 2 is shaped to contact the inner step surface 22b of the step portion 22 of the spacer 3, and the contact surfaces 17 and 18 of the connecting portion 12 of the sealing gasket 2 are respectively formed to contact the connecting step surface 22c and the outer step surface 22a of the step portion 22 of the spacer 3, and the connecting portion 12 is formed into a shape corresponding to the step portion 22.

[0068] like Figure 3 、 4 As shown, the gasket device 1 is used in an assembled state in which the gasket 2 and the spacer 3 are assembled. Specifically, the engaging portion 4 (the accommodated portion 10 and the recessed portion 20) engages, the connecting portion 12 of the gasket 2 and the stepped portion 22 of the spacer 3 are connected to each other, and the gasket device 1 is in an assembled state. In the assembled gasket device 1, the accommodated portion 10 of the gasket 2 is accommodated in the corresponding recessed portion 20 of the spacer 3, and the engaging portion 4 engages. In addition, in the assembled gasket device 1, the contact surface 17 of the connecting portion 12 of the gasket 2 and the connecting stepped surface 22c of the stepped portion 22 of the spacer 3 are in contact with each other.

[0069] In the assembled gasket device 1, the contact surface 16 of the sealing portion 11 of the gasket 2 may or may not contact the inner step surface 22b of the step portion 22 of the spacer 3, but may face each other across a space. In the assembled gasket device 1, even when the contact surface 16 of the sealing portion 11 does not contact the inner step surface 22b of the step portion 22, but faces each other across a space, the contact surface 16 of the sealing portion 11 and the inner step surface 22b of the step portion 22 are in contact when the gasket device 1 is in use, as described below. Furthermore, the contact surface 16 of the sealing portion 11 and the inner step surface 22b of the step portion 22 may not contact each other when the gasket device 1 is in use, as described below.

[0070] Furthermore, in the assembled gasket device 1, the contact surface 18 of the connection portion 12 of the gasket 2 may or may not be in contact with the outer step surface 22a of the step portion 22 of the spacer 3, but may face each other across a space. In the assembled gasket device 1, even if the contact surface 18 of the connection portion 12 does not contact the outer step surface 22a of the step portion 22, but faces each other across a space, the contact surface 18 of the connection portion 12 and the outer step surface 22a of the step portion 22 are in contact when the gasket device 1 is in use, as described below. Furthermore, the contact surface 18 of the connection portion 12 and the outer step surface 22a of the step portion 22 may not be in contact when the gasket device 1 is in use, as described below.

[0071] Next, the function of the gasket device 1 having the above-mentioned structure will be described. Figure 1As shown, the gasket assembly 1 is installed between the separators 101 and 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104 in the water splitter unit 100, sealing the spaces 100a and 100b. When the gasket assembly 1 is installed in the unit 100 and in use, the spacer 3 is sandwiched between the separators 101 and 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104 in the opposing direction, maintaining the separators 101 and 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104 facing each other with a certain distance between them. Furthermore, the sealing portion 11 of the gasket 2 is sandwiched between the separators 101 and 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104 in the opposing direction, compressing them in the opposing direction. This seals the space between the separators 101 and 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104. The gasket assembly 1 is similarly installed between the separator 101 and the electrolyte membrane 104, and functions similarly between the separator 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104. Therefore, the function of the gasket assembly 1 between the separator 101 and the electrolyte membrane 104 will be described in detail below.

[0072] Between the separator 101 and the electrolyte membrane 104, the surface 3b of the spacer 3 is in contact with the surface 101a of the separator 101 along the outer peripheral edge 101b of the separator 101. Furthermore, the surface 3a of the spacer 3 is in contact with the surface of the electrolyte membrane 104 along the outer peripheral edge of the electrolyte membrane 104. Thus, the separator 101 and the electrolyte membrane 104 are maintained facing each other with a certain distance therebetween.

[0073] Furthermore, between the separator 101 and the electrolyte membrane 104, which are supported by the spacer 3, the gasket 2 is compressed in the opposing directions. The sealing ribs 14 of the gasket 2 contact the surface of the electrolyte membrane 104 along the spacer 3. Furthermore, the sealing surface 15 of the base 13 of the gasket 2 contacts the surface 101a of the separator 101 along the spacer 3. This seals the space between the separator 101 and the electrolyte membrane 104 along the outer peripheral edge 101b of the separator 101. Furthermore, in the flow path sealing portion 19, the gasket 2 is also compressed in the opposing directions. The sealing ribs 14 of the flow path sealing portion 19 surround the flow path 108 and contact the surface of the electrolyte membrane 104. Furthermore, the sealing surface 15 of the flow path sealing portion 19 surrounds the flow path 108 and contacts the surface 101a of the separator 101. This seals the space between the separator 101 and the electrolyte membrane 104 around the flow path 108. Alternatively, the gasket device 1 may be used in the cell 100 in a posture where the sealing rib 14 of the gasket 2 contacts the separator 101 and the sealing surface 15 of the gasket 2 contacts the electrolyte membrane 104 .

[0074] As described above, in the used state, the contact surface 16 of the sealing portion 11 of the gasket 2 contacts the inner step surface 22b of the step portion 22 of the spacer 3 (see FIG. 2 ). Figure 3 ). In addition, the contact surface 18 of the connection portion 12 of the gasket 2 contacts the outer step surface 22a of the step portion 22 of the spacer 3 (see Figure 3). Therefore, when the sealed space S reaches a high pressure, the gasket 2 is pressed toward the spacer 3, expanding in the opposite direction. This increases the surface pressure between the sealing rib 14 and the surface of the electrolyte membrane 104. Similarly, the surface pressure between the sealing surface 15 and the surface 101a of the separator 101 increases. Consequently, the sealing performance of the gasket 2 is improved. Thus, in the gasket device 1, the gasket 2 performs a self-sealing function.

[0075] On the other hand, as described above, when in use, the gasket 2 is compressed in the opposing directions, thus deforming to expand in the direction of the space 100a. Consequently, when the gasket assembly 1 is sandwiched between the separator 101 and the electrolyte membrane 104, a portion of the base portion 13 of the gasket 2 passes over the inner step surface 22b of the step portion 22 of the spacer 3. During use, a portion of the base portion 13 of the gasket 2 becomes sandwiched between the surface 3b of the spacer 3 and the surface 101a of the separator 101, potentially causing bites. Similarly, when the gasket assembly 1 is sandwiched between the separator 101 and the electrolyte membrane 104, a portion of the connecting portion 12 of the gasket 2 passes over the outer step surface 22a of the step portion 22 of the spacer 3. During use, a portion of the connecting portion 12 of the gasket 2 becomes sandwiched between the surface 3a of the spacer 3 and the surface of the electrolyte membrane 104, potentially causing bites. Therefore, the shapes of the gasket 2 and spacer 3 are adjusted to prevent or suppress bites, within a range that allows the aforementioned self-sealing function to be achieved. Specifically, the adjusted shape is the structure of the gap of the deformed gasket 2. This structure includes, for example, the size of the gap between the contact surface 16 of the sealing portion 11 and the inner step surface 22b of the step portion 22, the size of the gap between the contact surface 18 of the connecting portion 12 and the outer step surface 22a of the step portion 22, the size of the step in the facing direction between the surface 3a of the spacer 3 and the surface 12a of the connecting portion 12, and the size of the step in the facing direction between the surface 3b of the spacer 3 and the sealing surface 15 of the base 13. By adjusting any one, any combination, or all of these structures, the gasket device 1 can achieve a self-sealing effect without causing biting. In addition, the gasket device 1 may not achieve a self-sealing effect, and may not prevent or suppress biting.

[0076] In unit 100, if Figure 1 、 2As shown, the gasket 2 is located inside the spacer 3 and is in contact with the space S to be sealed. In addition, in the gasket device 1 in use, the contact surface 16 of the sealing portion 11 of the gasket 2 contacts the inner step surface 22b of the step portion 22 of the spacer 3, and the contact surface 18 of the connecting portion 12 of the gasket 2 contacts the outer step surface 22a of the step portion 22 of the spacer 3. In this way, in the gasket device 1 in use, the gasket 2 is supported from the outside by the spacer 3 in the expansion direction of the space 100a. Therefore, even if the pressure in the space S to be sealed becomes high pressure and a force toward the outside in the expansion direction of the space 100a is applied to the gasket 2, the gasket 2 is supported by the spacer 3 in the expansion direction of the space 100a. Therefore, deformation or movement of the gasket 2 can be prevented, the sealing performance of the gasket 2 can be prevented from being reduced, and the gasket 2 can be prevented from detaching from the unit 100. Furthermore, in use, even when the contact surface 16 of the gasket 2 is not in contact with the inner step surface 22b of the spacer 3, the gasket 2 is supported by the spacer 3 as described above. For example, if the gap between the contact surface 16 and the inner step surface 22b is small, then even if the pressure in the sealed space S becomes high and a force is applied to the gasket 2 in the direction of expansion of the space 100a, the gasket 2 will be supported by the spacer 3 in the direction of expansion of the space 100a after slight movement or deformation. The same applies to the contact surface 18 and the outer step surface 22a.

[0077] Furthermore, as described above, when the pressure in the sealed space S becomes high, the sealing gasket device 1 exerts its self-sealing function as the sealing gasket 2, and the surface pressure of the sealing gasket 2 relative to the separator 101 and the electrolyte membrane 104 increases. Therefore, even if the pressure in the sealed space S becomes high and a force outward in the direction of expansion of the space 100a is applied to the sealing gasket 2, this increased surface pressure can prevent or suppress the sealing gasket 2 from detaching from the cell 100.

[0078] Furthermore, in the gasket assembly 1, since the gasket 2 and the spacer 3 are engaged and retained, adhesive bonding between the gasket 2 and the spacer 3 is not necessary. Furthermore, since the gasket assembly 1 has a self-sealing structure as described above, adhesive bonding between the gasket 2 and the spacer 3 is not necessary to improve sealing performance. Furthermore, since the gasket 2 and the spacer 3 are engaged and retained, replacement of the gasket 2 or the spacer 3 is facilitated. Furthermore, assembly of the gasket 2 and the spacer 3 is facilitated, and assembly of the gasket assembly 1 to the unit 100 is facilitated.

[0079] As described above, according to the gasket device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, even when the sealed space S becomes high pressure, the sealing performance can be maintained.

[0080] Even if the spacer 3 surrounds the gasket 2 from the inside, the gasket device 1 functions in the same manner as the above-described gasket device 1 and exhibits the same effects.

[0081] like Figure 7 As shown, the gasket 2 may have a recessed portion 20 instead of the accommodated portion 10, and the spacer 3 may have an accommodated portion 10 instead of the recessed portion 20. In this case, the recessed portion 20 is arranged on the connecting portion 12 of the gasket 2 in the same manner as the accommodated portion 10, and is recessed from the contact surface 17 of the connecting portion 12 and passes through the connecting portion 12. The recessed portion 20 may not pass through the connecting portion 12. In addition, the accommodated portion 10 is arranged on the connecting step surface 22c of the spacer 3 in the same manner as the recessed portion 20, and protrudes from the connecting step surface 22c. In this case, the gasket device 1 also functions in the same manner as the gasket device 1 described above and has the same effect.

[0082] Next, a gasket device 5 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 8 1 is a diagram showing separators 101 and 102 and a gasket device 2 in a cell 100 of a water electrolysis device of a hydrogen generator equipped with a gasket device 5 . Figure 9 It is a partial perspective view showing a part of the gasket device 5 . Figure 8 Corresponding to Figure 2 The gasket assembly 5 differs from the gasket assembly 1 in the contact and engagement method between the gasket and the spacer. Hereinafter, regarding the structure of the gasket assembly 5, components identical to or having the same functions as those of the gasket assembly 1 will be designated with the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted, while components differing from those of the gasket assembly 1 will be described.

[0083] like Figure 8 、 9 As shown, the gasket assembly 5 includes a gasket 6 and a spacer 7, which are arranged similarly to the gasket 2 and spacer 3 of the gasket assembly 1. Specifically, the spacer 7 surrounds the gasket 6 from the outside between the separator 101 or 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104. Furthermore, the gasket 6 and spacer 7 are in contact with each other in the direction of expansion of the space 100a or 100b. Furthermore, the gasket 6 and spacer 7 are arranged on the cell 100 in the same manner as the gasket 2 and spacer 3 of the gasket assembly 1. Furthermore, the gasket assembly 5 has the same dimensions as the gasket assembly 1.

[0084] In addition, the gasket 6 and the spacer 7 have an engaging portion 8 corresponding to the engaging portion 4 of the gasket 2 and the spacer 3 of the gasket device 1. The engaging portion 8 includes a recessed portion 40, which is a recessed portion, and a received portion 30, which is a portion received in the recessed portion 40. The spacer 7 has at least one recessed portion 40 at its inner end portion (inner peripheral end portion 41), and the gasket 6 has at least one received portion 30 at its outer end portion (outer peripheral end portion 6a). The recessed portion 40 of the spacer 7 is recessed in the direction of expansion of the spaces 100a and 100b (the direction of the space), and the received portion 30 of the gasket 6 extends in the direction of expansion of the spaces 100a and 100b.

[0085] Figure 10 7 is a top view of the spacer 7. Figure 9 、 10 As shown, the difference between the spacer 7 and the spacer 3 is that the spacer 7 has an inner peripheral end 41 instead of the inner peripheral end 21. The spacer 7 has surfaces 3a and 3b in the same manner as the spacer 3. In the inner peripheral end 41 of the spacer 7, a plurality of recesses 40 are arranged in the extending direction of the spacer 7. For example, the plurality of recesses 40 are arranged at equal intervals or substantially equal intervals. Figure 10 As shown, the recessed portion 40 is a portion recessed from the inner peripheral end surface 42 of the spacer 7. In addition, the inner peripheral end surface 42 is a surface facing the inner side of the spacer 7, extending between the surface 3a and the surface 3b, and extending in an annular shape. Figure 10 As shown, the recess 40 is a rectangular or substantially rectangular recess when viewed from above. The shape of the recess 40 may also be other shapes. In addition, the recess 40 penetrates between the surface 3a and the surface 3b, but the recess 40 may not penetrate between the surface 3a and the surface 3b.

[0086] Figure 11 6 is a top view of the sealing gasket. Figure 9 、 11 As shown, the difference between the gasket 6 and the gasket 2 is that the gasket 6 has a connecting portion 31 instead of the connecting portion 12. The gasket 6 has a sealing portion 11 in the same manner as the gasket 2. Figure 9 、 11 As shown, the connecting portion 31 has a base 32, which is formed by extending the base 13 of the sealing portion 11 outward. The base 32 has a sealing surface 33, which is formed by extending the sealing surface 15 of the base 13, and a surface 32a, which is the surface of the base 32 facing away from the sealing surface 33 in the opposing direction. The base 32 also has a contact surface 34, which extends between the sealing surface 33 and the surface 32a and serves as an outward-facing surface.

[0087] The outer peripheral end portion 6a of the sealing gasket 6 is an end portion on the outer peripheral side of the connecting portion 31, and the accommodated portion 30 is provided at the outer peripheral end portion 6a of the connecting portion 31. Specifically, as Figure 9 、 11 As shown, the accommodated portion 30 is formed on the contact surface 34 and protrudes outward from the contact surface 34. On the contact surface 34, a plurality of accommodated portions 30 are arranged side by side in the extension direction of the sealing gasket 6. For example, a plurality of accommodated portions 30 are arranged at equal intervals or approximately equal intervals. The accommodated portion 30, like the accommodated portion 10, has a shape that can be accommodated in the recess 40. The accommodated portion 30 has a shape corresponding to the recess 40, for example, a rectangular shape or an approximately rectangular shape when viewed from above. The shape of the accommodated portion 30 may also be other shapes. In addition, as Figure 9 As shown, the surfaces 30a and 30b of the accommodated portion 30 facing each other in the opposite direction are respectively connected to the surface 32a of the connecting portion 32 and the sealing surface 33 in a coplanar manner. In addition, the surfaces 30a and 30b of the accommodated portion 30 can also be stepped to connect to the surface 32a of the connecting portion 32 and the sealing surface 33.

[0088] The contact surface 34 contacts the inner peripheral end surface 42 of the spacer 7 when the accommodated portion 30 is accommodated in the recess 40. In the gasket 6, the surface 32a of the base 32 of the connecting portion 31 and the surface 13a of the sealing portion 11 are located on the same or substantially the same surface. Specifically, for example, in the facing direction, the position of the surface 32a of the base 32 is the same or substantially the same as the position of the surface 13a of the sealing portion 11. In addition, in the gasket device 5 in the assembled state in which the gasket 6 and the spacer 7 are assembled, the surface 32a of the base 32 of the gasket 6 and the surface 30a of the accommodated portion 30 are in a state that does not protrude from the surface 3a of the spacer 7 toward the electrode side in the facing direction. In addition, in the gasket device 5 in the assembled state, the sealing surface 15 of the sealing portion 11 of the gasket 6 and the sealing surface 33 of the base 32 are located on the same or substantially the same surface as the surface 3b of the spacer 7.

[0089] As described above, the sealing gasket 6 has a sealing portion 11, a connecting portion 31, and a flow path sealing portion 19. The sealing portion 11 and the flow path sealing portion 19 have a base 13 and a sealing rib portion 14. In addition, the connecting portion 31 has a base 32 and a accommodated portion 30. These parts are parts of the sealing gasket 6 that are integrally formed of the same material and become one body. The elastomer of the sealing gasket 6 is, for example, rubber. Specifically, the elastomer of the sealing gasket 6 uses, for example, fluororubber (FKM), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), silicone rubber (VMQ), etc. In addition, the spacer 7 is a rigid component, and the material of the spacer 7 is, for example, metal or resin. Specifically, the material of the spacer 7 is, for example, SUS, Al, Ti, etc., and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), glass epoxy resin, etc.

[0090] like Figure 8 、 9As shown, the gasket device 5 is used in an assembled state in which the gasket 6 and the spacer 7 are assembled. Specifically, the engaging portion 8 (the accommodated portion 30 and the recessed portion 40) are engaged, the connecting portion 31 of the gasket 6 and the inner peripheral end portion 41 of the spacer 7 are connected to each other, and the gasket device 5 is in an assembled state. In the assembled gasket device 5, the accommodated portion 30 of the gasket 6 is accommodated in the corresponding recessed portion 40 of the spacer 7, and the engaging portion 8 is engaged. In addition, in the assembled gasket device 5, the contact surface 34 of the connecting portion 31 of the gasket 6 and the inner peripheral end surface 42 of the spacer 7 are in contact with each other. In the assembled gasket device 5, the contact surface 34 of the gasket 6 may also not be in contact with the inner peripheral end surface 42 of the spacer 7 but may face each other across a space. In the assembled gasket device 5, even when the contact surface 34 of the gasket 6 is not in contact with the inner peripheral end surface 42 of the spacer 7 but faces each other with a space therebetween, the contact surface 34 of the gasket 6 and the inner peripheral end surface 42 of the spacer 7 are in contact when the gasket device 5 is in use. Alternatively, the contact surface 34 of the gasket 6 and the inner peripheral end surface 42 of the spacer 7 may not be in contact when the gasket device 5 is in use.

[0091] The sealing gasket device 5 is arranged on the unit 100 in the same manner as the sealing gasket device 1 and is in a state of use. When the sealing gasket device 5 is in use, the spacer 7, like the spacer 3, keeps the partitions 101, 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104 facing each other at a certain distance. In addition, the sealing gasket 6, like the sealing gasket 2, seals the space between the partitions 101, 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104. In addition, in the sealing gasket device 5, the sealing gasket 6, like the sealing gasket 2 of the sealing gasket device 1, exerts a self-sealing effect based on contact with the spacer 7. In addition, as with the sealing gasket device 1, the shapes of the sealing gasket 6 and the spacer 7 are adjusted within the range that can exert the self-sealing effect to prevent or suppress biting. Specifically, the adjusted shape is a structure that forms a space-avoiding portion of the expanded sealing gasket 6. This structure includes, for example, the size of the gap between the contact surface 34 of the connection portion 31 of the gasket 6 and the inner peripheral end surface 42 of the spacer 7 in the assembled gasket device 5, the size of the gap between the accommodated portion 30 and the recessed portion 40, the size of the step in the facing direction between the surface 3a of the spacer 6 and the surfaces 30a and 32a of the gasket 6, and the size of the step in the facing direction between the surface 3b of the spacer 6 and the surface 30b of the gasket 6 and the sealing surfaces 15 and 33. By adjusting any one, any combination, or all of these structures, the gasket device 5 can achieve a self-sealing effect while preventing biting. Alternatively, the gasket device 5 may not achieve a self-sealing effect, or may not prevent or suppress biting.

[0092] Furthermore, in the unit 100, the contact surface 34 of the gasket 6 contacts the inner peripheral end surface 42 of the spacer 7 located on the outside of the gasket 6. Thus, similarly to the gasket device 1, in the gasket device 5 in use, the gasket 6 is supported from the outside in the expansion direction of the space 100a by the spacer 7. Therefore, even if the pressure in the sealed object space S becomes high pressure and a force toward the outside in the expansion direction of the space 100a is applied to the gasket 6, the gasket 6 is supported by the spacer 7 in the expansion direction of the space 100a. Therefore, deformation or movement of the gasket 6 can be prevented, a reduction in the sealing performance of the gasket 6 can be prevented, and separation of the gasket 6 from the unit 100 can be prevented. Furthermore, in the use state, even when the contact surface 34 of the gasket 6 is not in contact with the inner peripheral end surface 42 of the spacer 7, the gasket 6 is supported by the spacer 7 as described above. For example, if the gap between the contact surface 34 and the inner peripheral end surface 42 is small, even if the pressure in the sealed object space S becomes high pressure and a force toward the outside in the expansion direction of the space 100a is applied to the sealing gasket 6, the sealing gasket 6 is supported by the spacer 7 in the expansion direction of the space 100a after a slight movement or deformation.

[0093] Furthermore, as described above, when the pressure in the sealed space S becomes high, the gasket device 5 exerts its self-sealing function as the gasket 6, and the surface pressure of the gasket 6 relative to the separators 101, 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104 increases. Therefore, even if the pressure in the sealed space S becomes high and an outward force in the direction of expansion of the spaces 100a, 100b is applied to the gasket 6, this increased surface pressure can prevent or suppress the gasket 6 from separating from the cell 100. Furthermore, the gasket device 5 functions in the same manner as the gasket device 1.

[0094] As described above, according to the gasket device 5 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, even when the sealed space S becomes high pressure, the sealing performance can be maintained.

[0095] In addition, similar to the above-mentioned gasket 1, the spacer 7 may also surround the gasket 6 from the inside. In this case, the space outside the space (the inner space of the gasket 6) surrounded by the gasket 6 itself between the separator 101 or the separator 102 and the electrolyte membrane 104 becomes the sealed object space S. Therefore, in this case, in the unit 100, the gasket 6 is subjected to high pressure from the outside, and the spacer 7 surrounds the gasket 6 from the inside opposite to the outside subjected to the high pressure. In addition, in this case, the portion of the outer end of the spacer 7 has at least one recess 40, and the portion of the inner end of the gasket 6 has at least one accommodated portion 30. The gasket device 5 in which the spacer 7 surrounds the gasket 6 from the inside is different from the gasket device 5 in which the spacer 7 surrounds the gasket 6 from the outside ( Figure 8 ), becoming a structure with the inside and outside reversed.

[0096] In addition, if Figure 12 As shown, the gasket 6 may have a recessed portion 40 instead of the accommodated portion 30, and the spacer 7 may have an accommodated portion 30 instead of the recessed portion 40. In this case, the recessed portion 40 is arranged on the connecting portion 32 of the gasket 6 in the same manner as the accommodated portion 30, and is recessed from the contact surface 34 of the connecting portion 32. In addition, the recessed portion 40 may or may not penetrate the connecting portion 132 in the opposing direction. In addition, the accommodated portion 30 is arranged on the inner peripheral end surface 42 of the spacer 7 in the same manner as the recessed portion 40, and protrudes from the inner peripheral end surface 42. In this case, the gasket device 5 also functions in the same manner as the gasket device 5 described above and has the same effect.

[0097] The present invention has been described above through the above embodiments. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes or improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It is obvious from the description of the claims that such changes or improvements are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0098] The embodiment described above is intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. In addition, the above embodiment does not limit the applicable objects of the present invention, and all objects that the present invention can utilize can be used as its applicable objects. The various components and their configurations, materials, conditions, shapes and sizes possessed by the above embodiment are not limited to examples and can be appropriately changed. For example, the present invention includes differences arising from the implementation of manufacturing tolerances, etc. In addition, within the scope of technical non-contradiction, the components shown in different embodiments can be partially replaced or combined with each other. In addition, each structure can be appropriately and selectively combined to achieve at least a part of the above-mentioned topics and effects.

[0099] For example, the configuration of the received portions 10, 30 and recesses 20, 40 of the engaging portions 4, 8 is not limited to that described above. Furthermore, while the sealing surface 15 of the sealing portion 11 of the gaskets 2, 6 is formed as a flat or substantially flat surface, the sealing surface 15 may also be formed as a non-flat surface, such as a curved surface. For example, the sealing surface 15 may be formed as a sealing rib, similar to the sealing rib portion 14. Furthermore, a groove may be formed on the sealing surface 15.

[0100] In addition, in order to facilitate assembly to the spacers 3 and 7, a film may be installed on the gaskets 2 and 6. In this case, for example, the gaskets 2 and 6 are in the shape or posture of the gasket device 1 and 5 (assembled state) (see Figure 2 、 8) is placed on a sheet-like film. Alternatively, for example, the film can be detachably attached to the sealing surface 15. Thus, by unfolding the film, the gaskets 2 and 6 can be brought into the shape or posture of the assembled state, which can facilitate the assembly of the gaskets 2 and 6 and the spacers 3 and 7.

[0101] In addition, if Figure 13 As shown, the electrolyte membrane 104 of the membrane assembly 103 may be attached to the outer peripheral side of a resin frame 109 as a ring-shaped member made of resin to stabilize the shape of the electrolyte membrane 104. In this case, in the unit 100, as shown in FIG. Figure 13 As shown, the gasket device 1 may also be in contact with the resin frame 109. That is, the sealing rib portion 14 of the gasket 2 may be in contact with the resin frame 109, and the surface 3a of the spacer 3 may also be in contact with the resin frame 109. For example, Figure 13 As shown, the resin frame 109 is connected to the edge of the outer peripheral side of the electrolyte membrane 104 (the outer peripheral edge 104a), and extends around the entire circumference of the outer peripheral edge 104a. In addition, the resin frame 109 extends in the expansion direction of the electrolyte membrane 104, for example, coplanar or approximately coplanar with the electrolyte membrane 104. The resin frame 109 is bonded to the electrolyte membrane 104, for example, by an adhesive. In addition, the resin frame 109 can also be made, for example, by an integral molding method. Specifically, for example, the electrolyte membrane 104 can also be pre-arranged in the mold, and the resin serving as the material of the resin frame 109 can be flowed into the mold, and the resin frame 109 can be integrally molded on the electrolyte membrane 104. In the unit 100, as Figure 13 As shown, the outer peripheral edge 104a of the electrolyte membrane 104, which serves as the boundary between the electrolyte membrane 104 and the resin frame 109, may be located inside the gasket 2 or between the two gaskets 2 in the facing direction. Furthermore, the catalysts 105 and 106 are not sandwiched between the gaskets 2 and are located inside the gaskets 2. The electrolyte membrane 104 attached to the resin frame 109 is also used in the gasket device 5.

Claims

1. A sealing gasket device for sealing a space between opposing components, comprising: a sealing gasket formed of an elastomer; and a spacer, the spacer being a rigid member for supporting the opposing members between the opposing members in such a manner that the opposing members face each other with the space interposed therebetween; The sealing gasket surrounds the space between the opposing components. The spacer surrounds the gasket from the outside or the inside between the opposing components. The sealing gasket and the spacer are in contact with each other in an expansion direction of the space.

2. The sealing gasket device according to claim 1, wherein The gasket and the spacer have engaging portions for engaging with each other at the portions where they contact each other.

3. The sealing gasket device according to claim 2, wherein: The engaging portion includes a recessed portion and a received portion, wherein the recessed portion is a concave portion and the received portion is a portion received in the recessed portion. The spacer has at least one of the recess and the accommodated portion at an end portion on one side of the gasket in the direction of expansion of the space. The sealing gasket has at least one of the recessed portions and the other of the accommodated portions at a portion of one end of the spacer in the direction in which the space extends.

4. The sealing gasket device according to claim 3, wherein: The recessed portion is recessed in the facing direction, The accommodated portion extends in the facing direction.

5. The sealing gasket device according to claim 3, wherein: The recessed portion is recessed in the expansion direction of the space, The accommodated portion extends in an expansion direction of the space.

6. The sealing gasket device according to claim 4, wherein: The spacer has a stepped portion at an end portion of a portion serving as one end of the gasket. The step portion of the spacer has a first step surface and a second step surface, wherein the first step surface is a surface facing the gasket, and the second step surface is a surface located closer to the gasket than the first step surface and facing the gasket. A peripheral end portion of the gasket, which is one end of the spacer, contacts the first step surface and the second step surface of the step portion of the spacer at least in a state of use.

7. The sealing gasket device according to claim 1, wherein The sealing gasket has a sealing rib portion on the side opposite to the side of the spacer in the direction of expansion of the space relative to the contact portion, wherein the sealing rib portion is a portion protruding toward one side of the opposing member. The sealing rib portion extends in a ring shape.

8. The sealing gasket device according to claim 1, wherein The gasket is provided on a side of the sealed object relative to the spacer.

9. The sealing gasket device according to claim 1, wherein: The facing components are separators and electrolyte membranes used in cells of a water electrolysis device.

10. A sealing gasket formed of an elastic body, supported by a spacer which is a rigid member, and used to seal a space between opposing members. enclosing the space between the opposing components, is surrounded by the spacer from the outside or the inside, and The spacer is in contact with the spacer in the expansion direction of the space.

11. The sealing gasket according to claim 10, wherein: An engaging portion for engaging the gasket with the spacer is provided at a portion in contact with the spacer.

12. The sealing gasket according to claim 11, wherein The spacer has at least one recess and a received portion as a portion received in the recess at an end portion on one side of the gasket in the direction of expansion of the space. The engaging portion of the gasket has at least one of the recessed portion and the other of the accommodated portions at a portion of one end of the gasket in the direction in which the space expands.

13. The sealing gasket according to claim 12, wherein: The recessed portion is recessed in the facing direction, The accommodated portion extends in the facing direction.

14. The sealing gasket according to claim 12, wherein: The recessed portion is recessed in the expansion direction of the space, The accommodated portion extends in an expansion direction of the space.

15. The sealing gasket according to claim 13, wherein The spacer has a stepped portion at an end portion of a portion serving as one end of the gasket. The step portion of the spacer has a first step surface and a second step surface, wherein the first step surface is a surface facing the gasket, and the second step surface is a surface located closer to the gasket than the first step surface and facing the gasket. A peripheral end portion of the gasket, which is one end of the spacer, contacts the first step surface and the second step surface of the step portion of the spacer at least in a state of use.

16. The sealing gasket according to claim 10, wherein The sealing gasket has a sealing rib portion on the side opposite to the side of the spacer in the direction of expansion of the space relative to the contact portion, wherein the sealing rib portion is a portion protruding toward one side of the opposing member. The sealing rib portion extends in a ring shape.

17. The sealing gasket according to claim 10, wherein The gasket is provided on a side of the sealed object relative to the spacer.

18. The sealing gasket according to claim 10, wherein The facing components are separators and electrolyte membranes used in cells of a water electrolysis device.

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