Fuel cell metal structure

Abstract

The invention provides a fuel cell metal structure which comprises a cell shell, side covers are arranged at two ends of the cell shell, embedding seats are arranged in two sides of the cell shell, and a plurality of uniformly distributed anode plates and cathode plates are respectively inserted in the embedding seats. The cell shell and the side cover are matched to form the metal fuel cell, the metal fuel cell is filled with the electrolyte to realize conversion of electrochemical energy, the positive plate and the negative plate are stably mounted by matching with the embedding seat, the embedding seat can be conveniently and quickly mounted through the structure of the cell shell, and the stable performance after the negative plate and the positive plate are fixed is ensured; the battery shell is protected by arranging the covered edge, so that circuit protection is realized, the overall performance of the fuel battery after subsequent production can be ensured, overall assembly is facilitated, the production cost of the fuel battery is reduced, further protection is realized by arranging the base, the fuel battery is convenient to mount and fix during use, the side cover can be closed, and the service life of the fuel battery is prolonged. And the service life of the metal fuel cell is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a metal structure for fuel cells, belonging to the field of fuel cell technology. Background Technology

[0002] Metal fuel cells are a type of device that uses metals (such as zinc, aluminum, magnesium, and lithium) as fuel to directly generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction. Unlike traditional hydrogen fuel cells, metal fuel cells utilize the redox reaction of metals to release energy, offering advantages such as high energy density and ease of storage and transportation.

[0003] The main types include metal-air batteries: using metals (such as zinc and aluminum) as the negative electrode and oxygen from the air as the positive electrode oxidant, with the electrolyte being either water-based or non-water-based. For example: zinc-air batteries are low-cost and highly safe, used in hearing aids or as backup power for electric vehicles; aluminum-air batteries have a high theoretical energy density (approximately 8.1 kWh / kg), but the problem of anode corrosion needs to be addressed; metal-other oxidant batteries, such as lithium-sulfur batteries (non-aqueous electrolyte), generate electricity through the chemical reaction of lithium and sulfur, but suffer from polysulfide shuttle effects; rechargeable and non-rechargeable types: most metal fuel cells are disposable (such as aluminum-air batteries), but metals like zinc can be "recharged" through mechanical replacement or electrolytic regeneration. The volumetric energy density of metal fuels is generally higher than that of hydrogen. Metals are easy to store, have no risk of volatilization or explosion, and are suitable for long-term backup power. The reaction products of some metals (such as zinc and iron) can be recycled and reused.

[0004] Fuel cells are a type of battery that uses the redox reaction of metals to release energy. They are mainly divided into two types: water-based and non-water-based. For non-water-based fuel cells, there are currently problems such as side reactions between the metal anode or intermediate products and the electrolyte. A passivation layer is easily formed on the metal surface, which affects the performance transmission and reduces the lifespan of the fuel cell. This is often accompanied by problems such as insufficient energy output or performance degradation, which in turn affects the performance of the metal fuel cell. The production of fuel cells is difficult, and structural instability can easily cause safety problems, affecting the stability and safety of the fuel cell. Furthermore, long-term use of fuel cells can lead to severe electrolyte evaporation, which in turn greatly reduces the battery performance and affects the lifespan of the fuel cell. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the technical problems of low performance and short service life of fuel cells, the present invention provides a metal structure for fuel cells.

[0006] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solutions: This invention provides a fuel cell metal structure, the fuel cell metal structure comprising: The battery casing has side covers at both ends to form a fuel cell body that can be filled with electrolyte. The battery casing has a socket on each side, and multiple evenly distributed anode plates and cathode plates are inserted into the sockets on both sides of the battery casing. The multiple anode plates and cathode plates are arranged alternately, and the electrolyte is filled between the cathode plates and anode plates.

[0007] In this technical solution, the battery casing is a square hollow structure with rounded chamfers on all four sides. The inner walls on both sides of the battery casing have multiple evenly distributed protrusions. An insert is provided on the inner wall of the battery casing at the protrusion position. One side of the insert has an arc edge that fits into the inside of both ends of the battery casing. The surface of the insert has multiple grooves that correspond to the protrusions. Each protrusion is engaged in the corresponding groove.

[0008] In this technical solution, metal blocks are fixedly connected to the inner walls on both sides of the battery casing. The metal blocks are located in the middle of the mounting base. The mounting base has a recessed groove for inserting the metal blocks. The recessed groove has a square structure. A conductive post is also fitted and fixed inside the mounting base. The conductive post has a dumbbell-shaped structure and corresponds to the recessed groove. After the square metal block enters the recessed groove, the metal block contacts the conductive post.

[0009] In this technical solution, a socket is provided on the other side of the socket, and multiple openings communicating with the socket are provided on the adjacent surfaces of the two sockets. The anode plate and the cathode plate are slidably connected to the inside of the openings. A conductive plate is movably inserted into the socket. The conductive plate is in contact with one end of the conductive post. There are two conductive plates, which are respectively disposed in the two sockets. The two conductive plates are fixedly connected to the anode plate and the cathode plate respectively.

[0010] In this technical solution, the anode plate and the cathode plate are fixedly connected to corresponding spacers at their distal ends. The spacers are made of insulating material. The spacers located on both sides of the battery casing are in contact with the inner wall of the battery casing. The anode plate and the cathode plate are evenly distributed inside the battery casing between the two sockets.

[0011] In this technical solution, there are two side covers, which are respectively attached to both sides of the battery casing. The side covers have the same structure as the battery casing. The adjacent surfaces of the two side covers are integrally formed with a straight groove structure. The side covers are attached to the inner wall of the battery casing, and both sides of the side covers are inserted into the surface of the mounting base.

[0012] In this technical solution, the side cover edges are respectively fixedly connected with a first edge and a second edge. The first edge and the second edge are respectively connected to the two side covers. The first edge and the second edge are both U-shaped structures and wrap around the surface of the battery shell. The adjacent sides of the first edge and the second edge are provided with flanges for welding and fixing.

[0013] In this technical solution, the second edge is provided with a U-shaped protruding edge, which is integrally formed with the second edge. A guide groove is provided on the inner wall of the second edge located at the protruding edge. The guide groove is provided on the surface of the battery shell. Guide lines are connected through both sides of the battery shell. The guide lines are embedded in the guide groove and are attached to the surface of the battery shell.

[0014] In this technical solution, an embedded block is fixedly connected inside one side of the convex edge, and both ends of the embedded block are fixedly connected to the guide line. An electrode post is fitted and installed on the surface of the convex edge, and the electrode post is fixedly connected to the embedded block of the metal structure.

[0015] In this technical solution, the bottom of the battery casing is provided with a base. The base is a U-shaped structure and is respectively attached to the two side walls of the side cover. Both sides of the base are fixedly connected to the side cover. The bottom of the side cover is provided with a sealing hole for electrolyte replenishment, and the sealing hole is located on the inner wall of the base.

[0016] The present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: According to the fuel cell metal structure of the present invention, a metal fuel cell is composed of a battery casing and side covers. Electrolyte is filled inside to achieve electrochemical energy conversion. Anode and cathode plates are stably installed using mounting brackets. The structure of the battery casing facilitates convenient installation of the mounting brackets, ensuring the stability of the cathode and anode plates after fixation. The staggered arrangement ensures sufficient contact area, improving the chemical performance of the fuel cell. An edge is provided for the protection of the battery casing, not only protecting the circuitry but also ensuring the overall performance of the fuel cell after production, improving the structural stability of the fuel cell, minimizing the risk of damage from external impacts, facilitating overall assembly, reducing the production cost of the fuel cell, and providing further protection with a base. This facilitates installation and fixation of the fuel cell during use and also allows for sealing of the side covers, facilitating electrolyte replenishment after prolonged use and extending the service life of the metal fuel cell. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall three-dimensional structure of a fuel cell metal structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a half-sectional schematic diagram of a fuel cell metal structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 To show Figure 2 A magnified schematic diagram of the structure at point A in the middle.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the second edge of the metal structure of a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal front view of a fuel cell metal structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 To show Figure 5 A magnified schematic diagram of the structure at point B in the middle.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the separator block of a fuel cell metal structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a partial three-dimensional structural diagram of the guide line of the metal structure of the fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the external top view of a fuel cell metal structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the external front view of a fuel cell metal structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1. Battery casing; 2. Mounting base; 3. Anode plate; 4. Cathode plate; 5. Conductive plate; 6. Metal block; 7. Conductive post; 8. Spacer block; 9. Groove; 10. Protrusion; 11. Side cover; 12. Edge; 13. First edge; 14. Second edge; 15. Flange; 16. Protruding edge; 17. Guide groove; 18. Guide wire; 19. Embedding block; 20. Electrode post; 21. Base; 22. Sealing hole. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. However, this description is exemplary and does not limit the present invention to the scope of the described embodiments.

[0029] Figure 1-10 This illustration shows a metal structure for a fuel cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] like Figure 1-3As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the metal structure of the fuel cell includes: a battery casing 1, with side covers 11 at both ends of the battery casing 1 to form a fuel cell body that can be filled with electrolyte; and recesses 2 on both sides of the battery casing 1, with multiple evenly distributed anode plates 3 and cathode plates 4 inserted into the recesses 2 on both sides of the battery casing 1, the multiple anode plates 3 and cathode plates 4 being arranged alternately, and the electrolyte filling the space between the cathode plates 4 and anode plates 3. The battery casing 1 is a square hollow structure with rounded chamfers on all four sides. Multiple evenly distributed protrusions 10 are provided on the inner walls of both sides of the battery casing 1. Recesses 2 are provided on the inner walls of the battery casing 1 at the positions of the protrusions 10. One side of the recess 2 has an arc edge that fits into the interior of both ends of the battery casing 1. Multiple grooves 9 corresponding to the protrusions 10 are opened on the surface of the recess 2, and each protrusion 10 is engaged in the corresponding groove 9. Setting the battery casing 1 as a square hollow structure allows for easy installation of the mounting base 2 by utilizing the deformation of the battery casing 1. The rounded chamfers ensure that the wear on the edges and corners is reduced, effectively alleviating metal fatigue and improving the structural strength of the battery casing 1.

[0031] The arc edge on one side of the insert 2 can fit with the round chamfer, improving the fit between the insert 2 and the battery casing 1. When the battery casing 1 is wrapped around the surface of the insert 2, the multiple protrusions 10 on the battery casing 1 are embedded in the groove 9, thereby achieving a tight installation between the battery casing 1 and the insert 2 and ensuring the stability of the insert 2 after installation.

[0032] Specifically, during assembly, the two inserts 2 can be placed inside the two sides of the battery casing 1 respectively, and the battery casing 1 can be stamped using a stamping machine to form a square hollow structure. Then, the protrusion 10 is embedded in the groove 9 to fix the insert 2. Then, the conductive plate 5 is inserted into the insert 2 to install the cathode plate 4 and the anode plate 3.

[0033] Metal blocks 6 are fixedly connected to the inner walls of both sides of the battery casing 1. The metal blocks 6 are located in the middle of the mounting base 2. The mounting base 2 has a recessed groove for inserting the metal blocks 6. The recessed groove has a square structure. A conductive post 7 is also fitted and fixed inside the mounting base 2. The conductive post 7 has a dumbbell-shaped structure and corresponds to the recessed groove. After the square metal block 6 enters the recessed groove, the metal block 6 contacts the conductive post 7. An insertion port is opened on the other side of the mounting base 2. Multiple openings communicating with the insertion port are opened on the adjacent surfaces of the two mounting bases 2. The anode plate 3 and the cathode plate 4 are both connected to the insertion port. The opening has an internal sliding connection, and a conductive plate 5 is movably inserted into the socket. The conductive plate 5 contacts one end of the conductive post 7. There are two conductive plates 5, which are respectively disposed in two sockets 2. The two conductive plates 5 are fixedly connected to the anode plate 3 and the cathode plate 4, respectively. The distal ends of the anode plate 3 and the cathode plate 4 are fixedly connected to corresponding spacers 8. The spacers 8 are made of insulating material. The spacers 8 located on both sides of the battery casing 1 are in contact with the inner wall of the battery casing 1. The anode plate 3 and the cathode plate 4 are evenly distributed inside the battery casing 1 between the two sockets 2.

[0034] The metal block 6 can be used for current transmission. At the same time, the square structure of the metal block 6 is used for positioning when installing the socket 2, which can realize the convenient assembly of the socket 2. During assembly, the socket 2 is placed inside the battery shell 1 and inserted into the surface of the metal block 6, thereby driving the conductive post 7 to fit with the metal block 6, achieving a stable electrical connection.

[0035] When installing the cathode plate 4 and anode plate 3, after installing the mounting base 2 into the battery casing 1, insert the conductive plate 5 from the side cover 11 on one side. The conductive plate 5 drives the cathode plate 4 and anode plate 3 to be inserted into the two mounting bases 2 respectively. After the conductive plate 5 is installed in place, it will abut against the other side of the mounting base 2, thereby achieving stable installation of the conductive plate 5. The conductive plate 5 abuts against the conductive post 7, thereby achieving connection with the metal block 6, which can achieve quick installation.

[0036] Furthermore, after the cathode plate 4 and anode plate 3 are installed in place, the spacers 8 on their surfaces come into contact with each other. At this time, the cathode plate 4 and anode plate 3 are separated by the spacers 8. By setting multiple staggered cathode plates 4 and anode plates 3, the ion migration efficiency and the electro-conversion efficiency can be improved.

[0037] like Figure 4As shown, there are two side covers 11, which are respectively attached to both sides of the battery casing 1. The side covers 11 have the same structure as the battery casing 1. The adjacent surfaces of the two side covers 11 are integrally formed with a straight groove structure of the surrounding edge 12. The surrounding edge 12 is attached to the inner wall of the battery casing 1, and both sides of the surrounding edge 12 are fitted and inserted into the surface of the insert 2. The edges of the side covers 11 are respectively fixedly connected with a first edge 13 and a second edge 14. The first edge 13 and the second edge 14 are respectively connected to the two side covers 11. All four are U-shaped structures and wrap around the surface of the battery casing 1. The adjacent sides of the first edge 13 and the second edge 14 are provided with flanges 15 for welding and fixing. The surface of the second edge 14 is provided with a U-shaped protruding edge 16. The protruding edge 16 is integrally formed with the second edge 14. A guide groove 17 is opened on the inner wall of the second edge 14 located at the protruding edge 16. The guide groove 17 is provided on the surface of the battery casing 1. Guide lines 18 are connected through both sides of the battery casing 1. The guide lines 18 are embedded in the guide groove 17 and are attached to the surface of the battery casing 1.

[0038] like Figure 5-8 As shown, after the mounting base 2 and conductive plate 5 are installed, the side cover 11 is installed on both sides of the battery casing 1. The side cover 11 is fitted with the inner wall of the battery casing 1 by the surrounding edge 12, and the surrounding edge 12 is inserted into both sides of the mounting base 2 to achieve a tight installation. The side cover 11 can move the first edge 13 and the second edge 14 to the surface of the battery casing 1. The second edge 14 is used to wrap and protect the guide wire 18. Before the side cover 11 is installed in place, the second edge 14 is pulled up so that the protruding edge 16 moves to the guide wire 18. After the side cover 11 is installed in place, the second edge 14 is released. The deformation of the second edge 14 makes the guide wire 18 located inside the guide groove 17. The protruding edge 16 is used to press the guide wire 18 to achieve protection of the guide wire 18. When the free ions of the electrolyte move between the cathode plate 4 and the anode plate 3, the current generated is transmitted through the conductive plate 5, the conductive column 7, the metal block 6 and the guide wire 18, thereby realizing current transmission.

[0039] An embedded block 19 is fixedly connected to one side of the protruding edge 16. Both ends of the embedded block 19 are fixedly connected to the guide line 18. An electrode post 20 is fitted and installed on the surface of the protruding edge 16, and the electrode post 20 is fixedly connected to the embedded block 19 of the metal structure. A base 21 is provided at the bottom of the battery casing 1. The base 21 has a U-shaped structure and is respectively attached to the two side walls of the side cover 11. Both sides of the base 21 are fixedly connected to the side cover 11. A sealing hole 22 for electrolyte replenishment is opened at the bottom of the side cover 11, and the sealing hole 22 is located on the inner wall of the base 21.

[0040] The electrode post 20 can be fixed to the surface of the protruding edge 16 of the second edge 14 by the cooperation of the embedding block 19 and the electrode post 20. The electrode post 20 is connected to the guide wire 18 through the embedding block 19, thereby realizing current transmission and stable installation of the electrode post 20. After installation, the fuel cell is formed as a whole, ensuring the convenience of subsequent use and improving the service life of the metal fuel cell.

[0041] After the side cover 11 is installed, the two side covers 11 are installed together using the base 21. While the base 21 is installed on the side cover 11, the sealing hole 22 can be sealed to ensure the use of the fuel cell. When the electrolyte needs to be replenished after long-term use, the fuel cell can be removed by disassembling the base 21 and the electrolyte can be replenished through the sealing hole 22. The fuel cell is installed using the base 21, and the sealing hole 22 can be sealed to ensure that the electrolyte does not leak. It also allows for subsequent addition to extend the service life of the fuel cell.

[0042] The present invention has been described in detail above with reference to specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes or modifications can be made to these embodiments. However, without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, all such changes and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the present invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A metal structure for a fuel cell, characterized in that, The fuel cell metal structure includes: The battery casing (1) has side covers (11) at both ends to form a fuel cell body that can be filled with electrolyte. The battery casing (1) has a socket (2) on both sides. Multiple anode plates (3) and cathode plates (4) are inserted into the sockets (2) on both sides of the battery casing (1). The multiple anode plates (3) and cathode plates (4) are arranged in an alternating manner, and the electrolyte is filled between the cathode plates (4) and the anode plates (3).

2. The fuel cell metal structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The battery casing (1) is a square hollow structure. The battery casing (1) has rounded chamfers on all four sides. The inner walls of both sides of the battery casing (1) have multiple evenly distributed protrusions (10). The inner wall of the battery casing (1) located at the protrusions (10) is provided with a seat (2). The side edge of the seat (2) is provided with an arc edge and fits into the inner ends of the battery casing (1). The surface of the seat (2) is provided with multiple grooves (9) corresponding to the protrusions (10). Each protrusion (10) is engaged in the corresponding groove (9).

3. The fuel cell metal structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Metal blocks (6) are fixedly connected to the inner walls on both sides of the battery casing (1). The metal blocks (6) are located in the middle of the insert (2). The insert (2) has a recess for inserting the metal blocks (6). The recess is square. A conductive post (7) is also fitted and fixed inside the insert (2). The conductive post (7) is dumbbell-shaped and corresponds to the recess. After the square metal block (6) enters the recess, the metal block (6) contacts the conductive post (7).

4. The fuel cell metal structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The other side of the socket (2) is provided with an insertion port. The adjacent surfaces of the two sockets (2) are provided with multiple openings that communicate with the insertion port. The anode plate (3) and the cathode plate (4) are slidably connected to the inside of the opening. A conductive plate (5) is movably inserted into the insertion port. The conductive plate (5) is in contact with one end of the conductive post (7). There are two conductive plates (5) and they are respectively located in the two sockets (2). The two conductive plates (5) are fixedly connected to the anode plate (3) and the cathode plate (4) respectively.

5. The fuel cell metal structure as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The anode plate (3) and cathode plate (4) are fixedly connected to each other with corresponding spacer blocks (8). The spacer blocks (8) are made of insulating material. The spacer blocks (8) located on both sides of the battery casing (1) are in contact with the inner wall of the battery casing (1). The anode plate (3) and cathode plate (4) are evenly distributed inside the battery casing (1) between the two sockets (2).

6. The fuel cell metal structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The number of side covers (11) is two and they are respectively attached to both sides of the battery casing (1). The side covers (11) have the same structure as the battery casing (1). The adjacent surfaces of the two side covers (11) are integrally formed with a straight groove structure of the surrounding edge (12). The surrounding edge (12) is attached to the inner wall of the battery casing (1), and both sides of the surrounding edge (12) are inserted into the surface of the mounting base (2).

7. The fuel cell metal structure as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The side cover (11) is fixedly connected to a first edge (13) and a second edge (14) respectively. The first edge (13) and the second edge (14) are respectively connected to the two side covers (11). The first edge (13) and the second edge (14) are both U-shaped structures and wrap around the surface of the battery shell (1). The adjacent sides of the first edge (13) and the second edge (14) are provided with flanges (15) for welding and fixing.

8. The fuel cell metal structure as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The second edge (14) has a U-shaped protruding edge (16) on its surface. The protruding edge (16) is integrally formed with the second edge (14). The inner wall of the second edge (14) located at the protruding edge (16) has a guide groove (17). The guide groove (17) is set on the surface of the battery shell (1). Guide lines (18) are connected through both sides of the battery shell (1). The guide lines (18) are embedded in the guide groove (17) and are attached to the surface of the battery shell (1).

9. The fuel cell metal structure as described in claim 8, characterized in that: An embedded block (19) is fixedly connected inside one side of the protruding edge (16). Both ends of the embedded block (19) are fixedly connected to the guide line (18). An electrode post (20) is fitted onto the surface of the protruding edge (16), and the electrode post (20) is fixedly connected to the embedded block (19) of the metal structure.

10. The fuel cell metal structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The battery casing (1) has a base (21) at the bottom. The base (21) is a U-shaped structure and is attached to the two side walls of the side cover (11). Both sides of the base (21) are fixedly connected to the side cover (11). The bottom of the side cover (11) has a sealing hole (22) for electrolyte replenishment, and the sealing hole (22) is located on the inner wall of the base (21).

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