Air cooling type proton exchange membrane fuel cell cavity and installation method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of fuel cells, in particular to an air cooling type proton exchange membrane fuel cell cavity and an installation method thereof.The air cooling type proton exchange membrane fuel cell cavity comprises a main cavity shell and a fan, the two ends of the main cavity shell are fixedly connected with a front cover plate and a rear cover plate respectively, and a limiting boss is fixedly connected into the main cavity shell; an auxiliary clamping assembly is arranged in the limiting boss, a connecting block is slidably connected in the limiting boss, and a fuel cell stack is clamped by the auxiliary clamping assembly; an execution end of a locking assembly is slidably connected into the connecting block. According to the invention, the main cavity is used as a core bearing, functional structures such as the limiting boss and the auxiliary cavity are integrated, stable mounting and positioning are provided for the whole assembly, and integrated assembly is realized. The electric pile is accurately positioned by the limiting boss, and the assembly is simplified; and the auxiliary cavity accommodates the exposed pipeline and the screw rod, so that the integrity and the cleanliness are improved. The front cover plate and the main cavity are accurately embedded, so that smooth airflow is guaranteed; the rear cover plate strengthens connection and sealing, and optimizes heat dissipation and gas conveying safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fuel cell technology, specifically to an air-cooled proton exchange membrane fuel cell cavity and its installation method. Background Technology

[0002] Air-cooled proton exchange membrane fuel cells adopt an open cathode structure, eliminating the need for a water-cooling system and relying on natural air cooling. They also eliminate the need for hydrogen circulation pumps and air compressors, resulting in fewer components and a simple, compact structure. This gives them significant advantages in low-power applications such as backup power, two-wheeled vehicles, and various low-power transportation tools.

[0003] Existing air-cooled proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack assembly has problems with insufficient integration of appearance and structure: the hydrogen input and output pipes of the stack are exposed, the connecting screws of the stack end plates and individual cells are exposed, and the multiple fans used for cooling and supplying oxidant to the fuel cell stack reaction have many connecting wires after installation. The lack of integrated design results in a complicated appearance, poor overall appearance of the fuel cell stack after assembly, and a poor user experience.

[0004] To address these issues, an air-cooled proton exchange membrane fuel cell cavity and its installation method are proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an integrated air-cooled proton exchange membrane fuel cell cavity and its installation method.

[0006] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: an air-cooled proton exchange membrane fuel cell cavity and its installation method, comprising a main cavity shell and a fan, wherein a front cover plate and a rear cover plate are fixedly connected to both ends of the main cavity shell, and a limiting boss is fixedly connected inside the main cavity shell; an auxiliary clamping assembly is provided inside the limiting boss, and a connecting block is slidably connected inside the limiting boss; the auxiliary clamping assembly clamps the fuel cell stack; and an actuating end of a locking assembly is slidably connected inside the connecting block.

[0007] A support is fixedly connected to the bottom of the main cavity shell, and a fan is fixedly connected inside the main cavity shell.

[0008] Furthermore: the auxiliary clamping assembly includes a clamping block, which is fixedly connected to the bottom of the sliding block. The sliding block is slidably connected to the limiting boss, and a sliding groove is provided in the wedge-shaped surface of the sliding block. A trigger block is slidably connected in the sliding groove, and a connecting block is fixedly connected to the top of the trigger block.

[0009] Furthermore: the fan is fixedly connected to the main cavity shell by connecting screws, and a fan baffle is provided inside the main cavity shell to prevent air mixing. The front cover plate and the rear cover plate are respectively provided with air inlet and air outlet at the positions corresponding to the fan.

[0010] Furthermore: the locking assembly includes an unlocking block, which is slidably connected to a fixed shaft, and a locking block abuts against the wedge-shaped surface of the unlocking block; the fixed shaft is fixedly connected to the outer shell of the main cavity; one end of the locking block is slidably connected to the connecting block, and the other end is fixedly connected to a locking spring; the other end of the locking spring is fixedly connected to the outer shell of the main cavity.

[0011] Furthermore: the main cavity shell has several connection holes, and wiring slots are fixedly connected to the inner walls on both sides of the main cavity shell, and connection screws are threaded into the connection holes.

[0012] Furthermore: the front cover plate and the rear cover plate are provided with mounting holes at the corresponding connecting screw positions, the rear cover plate is provided with several fitting protrusions, and the rear cover plate clamps the fuel cell stack together with the fitting protrusions and the limiting protrusion.

[0013] Furthermore, the support member has a weight-reducing hole one and a weight-reducing hole two, and the support member also has several connecting holes, which are connected by screws.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows:

[0015] 1. The main chamber serves as the core load-bearing structure, integrating functional structures such as limiting bosses and auxiliary chambers to provide stable installation positioning for all components, achieving integrated assembly. The limiting bosses precisely position the fuel cell stack, simplifying assembly; the auxiliary chambers house exposed pipes and screws, improving overall integrity and neatness. The front cover plate precisely fits into the main chamber, ensuring smooth airflow; the rear cover plate strengthens the connection seal, optimizing heat dissipation and gas delivery safety. Optional support components can be detachably connected via pre-drilled threaded holes to meet diverse installation needs, while weight-reducing holes balance strength and portability.

[0016] 2. The auxiliary clamping assembly clamps the fuel cell stack end plate by linking the sliding block and the trigger block, enhancing the installation firmness and preventing the end plate from loosening during installation. The connecting block, as the linkage carrier, bears the driving force of the trigger block and transmits it to the sliding block, while providing locking support for the locking block, ensuring smooth transmission and stable maintenance of the clamping action. The locking assembly achieves reliable locking by relying on the preload of the locking spring, maintaining the clamping state, and can be easily unlocked by linking the wedge-shaped surface of the unlocking block, balancing structural stability and ease of disassembly and assembly, and reducing later maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an auxiliary clamping assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a locking component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the rear cover plate and the limiting boss clamping the fuel cell stack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0023] Labeling Explanation: 1-Main cavity shell; 2-Fan; 3-Front cover plate; 4-Rear cover plate; 5-Limiting boss; 6-Auxiliary clamping assembly; 7-Connecting block; 8-Locking assembly; 9-Fuel cell stack; 10-Supporting component; 11-Clamping block; 12-Sliding block; 13-Sliding groove; 14-Trigger block; 15-Connecting screw; 16-Fan partition; 17-Air inlet; 18-Air outlet; 19-Unlocking block; 20-Fixed shaft; 21-Locking block; 22-Locking spring; 23-Connecting hole; 24-Wiring slot; 25-Weight reduction hole one; 26-Weight reduction hole two. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0025] like Figures 1 to 6 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of an embodiment of an air-cooled proton exchange membrane fuel cell cavity and its installation method provided by the present invention.

[0026] refer to Figures 1 to 6An air-cooled proton exchange membrane fuel cell cavity mainly includes a main cavity shell 1, a fan 2, a front cover plate 3, a rear cover plate 4, a support member 10, a fuel cell stack 9, a limiting boss 5, an auxiliary clamping assembly 6, a connecting block 7, and a locking assembly 8. The main cavity shell 1 has an overall rectangular parallelepiped structure, with one end near the front cover plate 3 being a trapezoidal structure with rounded corners. Both ends are fixedly connected to the front cover plate 3 and the rear cover plate 4 respectively by connecting screws 15, and the connecting surfaces fit tightly. The limiting boss 5 is fixedly connected inside the main cavity shell 1, forming an installation gap adapted to the end plate of the fuel cell stack 9. A connecting block is slidably connected inside the limiting boss 5. The main housing 1 includes a connecting block 7 and a limiting boss 5 with an auxiliary clamping component 6. This auxiliary clamping component 6 fits tightly against the end plate of the fuel cell stack 9, achieving precise positioning and clamping of the fuel cell stack 9. Two independent auxiliary cavities are also provided on both sides of the main housing shell 1 to accommodate the hydrogen inlet / outlet right-angle adapter pipe and the extended portion of the connecting screw of the fuel cell stack 9. The bottom of the main housing shell 1 has a pre-drilled threaded connection hole, which is detachably connected to the support member 10 via connecting screws 15. A fan mounting plate and a fan partition 16 are fixedly connected inside the main housing shell 1, and the fan 2 is fixed to the fan mounting plate via connecting screws 15. The main housing shell 1 integrates the limiting boss 5, auxiliary cavities, and fan mounting structure, achieving integrated installation of the fuel cell stack 9, pipelines, and fan 2. The auxiliary cavities conceal exposed pipelines and screws, improving the overall appearance and integrity. The limiting boss 5 and the auxiliary clamping component 6 ensure precise and stable installation of the fuel cell stack 9, preventing displacement during operation. The integrated design of the fan 2 optimizes heat dissipation and aesthetics.

[0027] The auxiliary clamping assembly 6 includes a clamping block 11, a sliding block 12, a trigger block 14, and a connecting block 7. The clamping block 11 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the sliding block 12, and the inner sidewall of the clamping block 11 fits snugly against the side of the end plate of the fuel cell stack 9. The sliding block 12 is slidably connected to the inner groove of the limiting boss 5. A sliding groove 13 extending along the length direction is formed on the wedge-shaped surface of the sliding block 12. The trigger block 14 is slidably connected in the sliding groove 13, and the top of the trigger block 14 is fixedly connected to the connecting block 7. Pushing the connecting block 7 can drive the trigger block 14 to move along the sliding groove 13, thereby driving the sliding block 12 to clamp the clamping block 11 towards the fuel cell stack 9. The clamping action of the clamping block 11 is achieved through the linkage of the sliding block 12 and the trigger block 14, which enhances the firmness and stability of the fuel cell stack 9 installation and prevents the end plate from loosening during installation.

[0028] Fan 2 is fixedly connected to the fan mounting plate inside the main cavity shell 1 through mounting holes. Fan 2 is evenly distributed along the fan mounting plate inside the cavity. Fan partition 16 is fixedly connected inside the main cavity shell 1. Fan partition 16 divides each fan 2 into an independent small compartment, forming a partition structure to prevent airflow interference, ensuring uniform air supply to each cell of the fuel cell stack 9, and reducing the temperature difference during operation. Eight circular air inlets 17 are opened on the front cover plate 3 corresponding to the position of each fan 2. The size of the air inlets 17 is adapted to the specifications of the fan 2. Eight rectangular air outlets 18 are opened on the rear cover plate 4 corresponding to the position of the fan 2. Narrow ribs are provided between the air outlets 18 to ensure smooth airflow when the fan 2 blows and inhales, improving heat dissipation efficiency. The fan 2 is hidden inside the main cavity, and its power cord is stored in the same way to avoid messy external wiring and improve the overall aesthetics and user experience.

[0029] The locking assembly 8 includes an unlocking block 19, a locking block 21, a fixed shaft 20, and a locking spring 22. The fixed shaft 20 is vertically fixed to the main cavity shell 1. The unlocking block 19 is slidably sleeved on the fixed shaft 20 and slides in contact with the main cavity shell 1, and can move axially along the fixed shaft 20. The bottom of the unlocking block 19 has a wedge-shaped surface, which abuts and matches one end of the locking block 21. The other end of the locking block 21 slides through into the internal locking hole of the connecting block 7. The locking spring 22 is fixedly connected to one side of the locking block 21, and the other end of the locking spring 22 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the main cavity shell 1, providing a continuous preload force for the locking block 21. The locking assembly 8 achieves reliable locking of the locking block 21 and the connecting block 7 through the preload force of the locking spring 22, ensuring the stability of the clamping state of the auxiliary clamping assembly 6. Pushing the unlocking block 19 can drive the locking block 21 to disengage from the connecting block 7 through the wedge-shaped surface, achieving convenient unlocking.

[0030] The main housing 1 has several connection holes 23 inside, with the connection holes 23 at both ends used to mate with the mounting holes in the front cover plate 3 and the rear cover plate 4, and fixedly connected by connecting screws 15. Wiring slots 24 extending along the length are fixedly connected to the inner walls on both sides of the main housing 1. The wiring slots 24 are used to store the power cord of the fan 2, control circuit connection wires, etc. Threaded holes are also reserved on the auxiliary cavity walls on both sides of the main housing 1 for installing control circuit components. The connection holes 23 provide reliable connection points for the assembly of various components, ensuring the connection strength of the overall structure; the wiring slots 24 achieve integrated storage of wiring, avoiding exposed and messy wiring and reducing the risk of wiring wear.

[0031] The front cover plate 3 has mounting holes at the positions corresponding to the connecting holes 23 of the main cavity shell 1. It is fixedly connected to the main cavity shell 1 by connecting screws 15. The inner side of the front cover plate 3 has an arc-shaped positioning boss, which fits into the trapezoidal structure end with rounded corners of the main cavity shell 1. The rear cover plate 4 has connecting screw holes at the positions corresponding to the connecting holes 23 of the main cavity shell. The inner side of the rear cover plate 4 has a positioning boss, which fits into the inner wall of the cuboid structure of the main cavity shell 1. The rear cover plate 4 also has hydrogen inlet / outlet pipe inlet holes and rectangular air outlets 18, which are separated by narrow ribs. The arc-shaped positioning boss of the front cover plate 3 and the positioning boss of the rear cover plate 4 are precisely fitted with the outer shell 1 of the main cavity, reducing gaps after assembly and improving installation efficiency and sealing performance; the mounting holes of the front cover plate 3 and the connecting screw holes of the rear cover plate 4 ensure that all components are firmly connected, and the hydrogen inlet / outlet pipe through holes enable orderly access of the pipeline, avoiding pipeline mess and further improving the overall integrity.

[0032] The support component 10 is an optional assembly part. It has two weight reduction holes 25 and 26 inside. The hollow design reduces the weight of the support component 10 itself, thereby reducing the total weight of the entire fuel cell cavity. Several connection holes 23 are opened at the edge of the support component 10. The connection holes 23 correspond to the reserved threaded holes at the bottom of the main cavity shell 1. The support component 10 is fixedly connected to the main cavity shell 1 by connecting screws 15. When the fuel cell cavity needs to be used as an independent power source or installed on other equipment, the support component 10 can provide a stable installation reference, meet the installation requirements of different application scenarios, and enhance the flexibility of use.

[0033] Working principle: The main cavity shell 1 serves as the core load-bearing structure. It is precisely fitted with the end plate of the fuel cell stack 9 through the internal limiting boss 5. The auxiliary clamping component 6 drives the clamping block 11 to clamp towards the stack through the linkage of the sliding block 12 and the trigger block 14. The locking component 8 relies on the preload of the locking spring 22 to reliably lock the locking block 21 and the connecting block 7, forming a double fixation for the fuel cell stack 9 and preventing displacement during operation. The front cover plate 3 is fitted with the corresponding structure of the main cavity through the arc-shaped positioning boss and the rear cover plate 4 is fitted with the positioning boss respectively, and then fastened with the connecting screw 15 to form a sealed whole. The auxiliary cavities on both sides of the main cavity are specially designed to accommodate the hydrogen inlet and outlet pipelines and connecting screws. The wiring slot 24 on the inner wall organizes the power cord of the fan 2, realizing the integrated and standardized assembly of all components.

[0034] During operation, fan 2 is fixed by the fan mounting plate of the main cavity, and fan partition 16 divides it into independent small compartments to effectively avoid airflow interference. Outside air enters through the circular air inlet 17 of the front cover plate 3 and is evenly delivered to each cell of the fuel cell stack 9 through the independent compartments. This provides sufficient oxidant for the electrochemical reaction and simultaneously removes the heat generated by the reaction. The hot airflow is finally discharged through the rectangular air outlet 18 of the rear cover plate 4, forming an efficient "air supply-heat dissipation" cycle. The closed design of the auxiliary cavity, the hidden installation of fan 2, and the orderly storage of the wiring ensure smooth airflow and structural stability during system operation, with no exposed and messy parts affecting operational safety and overall appearance.

[0035] Finally, it should be noted that the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An air-cooled proton exchange membrane fuel cell cavity, comprising a main cavity shell (1) and a fan (2), characterized in that: The two ends of the main cavity shell (1) are respectively fixedly connected to a front cover plate (3) and a rear cover plate (4), and a limiting boss (5) is fixedly connected inside the main cavity shell (1). An auxiliary clamping assembly (6) is provided inside the limiting boss (5), and a connecting block (7) is slidably connected inside the limiting boss (5). The auxiliary clamping assembly (6) clamps the fuel cell stack (9). The actuating end of the locking assembly (8) is slidably connected inside the connecting block (7). A support member (10) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the main cavity shell (1), and a fan (2) is fixedly connected inside the main cavity shell (1).

2. The air-cooled proton exchange membrane fuel cell cavity according to claim 1, characterized in that: The auxiliary clamping assembly (6) includes a clamping block (11), which is fixedly connected to the bottom of the sliding block (12). The sliding block (12) is slidably connected to the limiting boss (5), and a sliding groove (13) is provided in the wedge-shaped surface of the sliding block (12). A trigger block (14) is slidably connected in the sliding groove (13), and a connecting block (7) is fixedly connected to the top of the trigger block (14).

3. The air-cooled proton exchange membrane fuel cell cavity and its installation method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fan (2) is fixedly connected to the main cavity shell (1) by connecting screws (15). The main cavity shell (1) is provided with a fan baffle (16) to prevent mixed flow. The front cover plate (3) and the rear cover plate (4) are respectively provided with air inlet (17) and air outlet (18) at the positions corresponding to the fan (2).

4. The air-cooled proton exchange membrane fuel cell cavity and its installation method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking assembly (8) includes an unlocking block (19), which is slidably connected to a fixed shaft (20), and a locking block (21) abuts against the wedge-shaped surface of the unlocking block (19). The fixed shaft (20) is fixedly connected to the outer shell of the main cavity (1). One end of the locking block (21) is slidably connected to the connecting block (7), and the other end is fixedly connected to a locking spring (22). The other end of the locking spring (22) is fixedly connected to the outer shell of the main cavity (1).

5. The air-cooled proton exchange membrane fuel cell cavity according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main cavity shell (1) and the support member (10) are provided with several connection holes (23), and wiring slots (24) are fixedly connected to the inner walls on both sides of the main cavity shell (1). The connection holes (23) are threadedly connected to the connection screws (15).

6. The air-cooled proton exchange membrane fuel cell cavity according to claim 5, characterized in that: The front cover plate (3) and the rear cover plate (4) are provided with mounting holes at the corresponding connecting screws (15). The rear cover plate (4) is provided with several fitting protrusions, and the rear cover plate (4) clamps the fuel cell stack (9) together with the fitting protrusions and the limiting boss (5).

7. The air-cooled proton exchange membrane fuel cell cavity according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support member (10) has a first weight reduction hole (25) and a second weight reduction hole (26).

8. A method for installing an air-cooled proton exchange membrane fuel cell cavity according to any one of claims 1-7, the method comprising the following steps: S1. Insert the fuel cell stack (9) into the main cavity shell (1) through the mounting port of the rear cover plate (4). The side of the end plate (thickness direction) of the fuel cell stack (9) is embedded into the middle gap of the limiting boss (5) for installation. After installation, the right-angle adapter pipe for hydrogen inlet and outlet of the fuel cell is located in the two auxiliary cavities of the main cavity shell (1). At the same time, the outer extension of the connecting screw of the fuel cell stack (9) is also located in the two auxiliary cavities. S2. Install the rear cover plate (4). After the fuel cell stack (9) is installed on the main cavity shell (1), the end of the front cover plate (3) with the boss faces the main cavity shell (1), the boss fits against the inner wall of the main cavity shell (1), and then the front cover plate (3) is tightened onto the corresponding structure of the main cavity shell (1) with connecting screws (15); S3. Use connecting screws (15) to install the fan (2) at the position of the round hole corresponding to the installation direction of the front cover plate (3) of the main cavity shell (1); S4. After installing the fan (2), install the front cover (3) in the same way as installing the rear cover (4). S5. The bottom of the main cavity shell (1) is fitted with a support (10) by connecting screws (15).

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