Gasket for enhancing surface pressure and diaphragm assembly including gasket

Abstract

A gasket for enhancing surface pressure on a diaphragm assembly includes a bridge aligned with a perforation along a sealing region. The double-concave-convex structure of the gasket is designed to adapt to thickness or shape changes, so that shrinkage amount differences are counteracted, and sealing force is improved. The gasket may ensure a consistent seal around both the reaction surface and the cooling surface by placing the bridge within the groove formed by the protrusion. Different bridge sizes are provided for different manifold configurations or injection gate locations such that the seal line can be optimally reinforced even at a portion of the manifold or around the perforation. The design improves the reliability and the uniformity of surface pressure distribution, thereby reducing the risk of leakage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a gasket that enhances surface pressure by providing a bridging portion in a region of weak surface pressure, and a partition assembly including such a gasket. Background Technology

[0002] A fuel cell is a power generation device configured to convert the chemical energy of fuel into electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction within a fuel stack. It can be used to power not only industrial, residential, and vehicle power systems, but also small electronic devices such as portable devices. Recently, fuel cells have gained wider application as a highly efficient and clean energy source.

[0003] Each cell in a typical fuel cell stack has a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) located at the innermost edge. The MEA consists of a polymer electrolyte membrane capable of transporting protons and catalyst layers (i.e., the anode and cathode) applied across the electrolyte membrane to allow hydrogen and oxygen to react.

[0004] A pair of gas diffusion layers (GDLs) are stacked on both outer surfaces of the membrane electrode assembly. A separator assembly with flow channels for supplying fuel and discharging water produced in the reaction is disposed on the outer surface of the gas diffusion layers, with gaskets sandwiched between them. The separator assembly consists of an anode separator disposed on the anode and a cathode separator disposed on the cathode, joined together face to face. The anode and cathode separators are integrated, thereby connecting the manifolds and forming similar shapes, ensuring the reaction surfaces are positioned in the same location. Furthermore, end plates are attached to the two outermost surfaces of the stacked cell to support and secure the components.

[0005] Gaskets are provided on both the reaction and cooling surfaces of the cathode separator. Each gasket is formed by injection molding, and in the case of the cathode separator, a double-sided injection molding process is performed, allowing the gaskets on both the reaction and cooling surfaces to be injection molded simultaneously. For the double-sided injection molding process, perforations are formed along the gasket's mounting lines. Double-sided injection molding of the cathode separator is achieved by transferring material from one surface of the cathode separator to the other surface through these perforations.

[0006] However, due to the presence of the perforation, a difference in shrinkage occurs between the gasket located at the perforation and gaskets at other locations. Furthermore, variations in injection volume after gasket injection molding result in the gasket at the perforation being lower in height than those at other locations. Consequently, the surface pressure at the perforation decreases, thus weakening the overall sealing performance. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a gasket that can enhance the surface pressure between the gasket and the partition by providing a bridging portion in a region with weak surface pressure, and a partition assembly including the gasket.

[0008] Another objective of this disclosure is to provide a gasket that enhances the surface pressure between the gasket and the partition by providing a relatively large bridging portion in the part where the surface pressure is relatively weak, in order to eliminate the surface pressure imbalance between the partition and the gasket.

[0009] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a gasket for enhancing surface pressure. In a gasket disposed on a partition including at least one perforation along a line requiring sealing, the gasket includes a double-faceted structure projecting from the partition and a bridging portion disposed at a position corresponding to the at least one perforation, the bridging portion being disposed in a groove provided by the double-faceted structure.

[0010] In some implementations, with one surface of the partition as a reference, the height of the top of the bridging portion may be less than the height of the top of the double-concave-convex structure.

[0011] In some embodiments, the gasket may include an upper gasket disposed on the reaction surface of the partition and a lower gasket disposed on the cooling surface of the partition, and the bridging portion may include an upper bridging portion disposed on the upper gasket and a lower bridging portion disposed on the lower gasket based on the location of the perforation.

[0012] In some implementations, the thickness of the upper bridging portion may be greater than the thickness of the lower bridging portion based on the extension direction of the gasket, or the height of the top of the upper bridging portion on the reaction surface of the partition may be greater than the height of the top of the lower bridging portion on the cooling surface of the partition.

[0013] In some embodiments, the gasket may include a first gasket disposed between the periphery of the partition and the manifold through which the reactant gas or coolant flows, and a second gasket disposed in the flow path of the reactant gas or coolant exiting from or entering the manifold.

[0014] In some embodiments, the bridging portion may include a first bridging portion disposed on the first washer and a second bridging portion disposed on the second washer.

[0015] In some embodiments, among the plurality of second bridging portions provided on the second washer at any corresponding position in the manifold, the size of the second bridging portions at both ends may be larger than the other second bridging portions.

[0016] In some embodiments, the second gasket may include a plurality of extensions extending along the flow path of the reactant gas or coolant exiting from or flowing into the manifold, and a second bridging portion may be disposed outside the second gasket and at a connection point between the two extensions disposed at either end of the manifold.

[0017] In some embodiments, among the plurality of second bridging portions provided on the second gaskets at their respective locations corresponding to the coolant manifolds in the manifold, at least one second bridging portion provided in the central portion of the second gasket may be smaller than the other second bridging portions.

[0018] In some embodiments, the bridging portion may include a third bridging portion disposed at the point where the second gasket is disposed on the cooling surface of the first gasket and the partition plate, and the size of the third bridging portion may be larger than that of the first bridging portion.

[0019] Another embodiment of this disclosure provides a diaphragm assembly having a gasket for enhancing surface pressure. The diaphragm assembly includes: a cathode diaphragm including a plurality of through-holes disposed along a line to be sealed; and a gasket including a plurality of bridging portions disposed at positions corresponding to the through-holes, wherein each bridging portion is disposed on a double-faceted structure of the gasket protruding from the cathode diaphragm.

[0020] In some implementations, each bridging portion may be disposed in a groove provided by a double-convex-concave structure.

[0021] In some embodiments, the perforation may include a first perforation disposed between the periphery of the cathode separator and the manifold through which the reactant gas or coolant flows, and a second perforation disposed in a direction from the manifold toward the central region of the cathode separator, and the bridging portion may include a first bridging portion disposed at a position corresponding to the first perforation and a second bridging portion disposed at a position corresponding to the second perforation.

[0022] In some embodiments, among the plurality of second bridging portions, the size of the second bridging portion disposed on the second perforations at both ends of the plurality of second perforations corresponding to each manifold may be larger than the size of the other second bridging portions.

[0023] In some embodiments, a third perforation may be provided in the direction from the branch branch associated with the reaction gas in the manifold toward the central region of the cathode partition. This third perforation may be spaced apart from the branch branch compared to the second perforation. Furthermore, among the plurality of second bridging portions, the size of the second bridging portion provided on the third perforation at both ends of the plurality of third perforations corresponding to each branch branch may be larger than the size of the other second bridging portions.

[0024] In some embodiments, the plurality of first perforations may include a fourth perforation disposed on an extension line of the third perforation arrangement direction, and the plurality of bridging portions may include a third bridging portion disposed at a position corresponding to the fourth perforation, and the size of the third bridging portion may be larger than that of the first bridging portion.

[0025] In some embodiments, the gasket may include an upper gasket disposed on the reaction surface of the cathode separator and a lower gasket disposed on the cooling surface of the cathode separator, and the size of the upper bridging portion disposed on the upper gasket in the bridging portion may be larger than the size of the lower bridging portion disposed on the lower gasket in the bridging portion.

[0026] In some embodiments, a diaphragm assembly for enhancing surface pressure at a perforation may include: a diaphragm having at least one perforation disposed along a sealing region; and a gasket disposed on the diaphragm, the gasket including at least one bridging portion aligned with the at least one perforation, the bridging portion being configured to have a selected thickness or shape to compensate for shrinkage differences or increase sealing force relative to the portion surrounding the gasket.

[0027] In some implementations, the gasket can be formed by an injection molding process having one or more gate locations, and the size of the bridging portion can be larger or smaller than other bridging portions of the gasket based on its proximity to the gate location to offset thickness variations that occur during injection molding.

[0028] In some embodiments, the gasket may include a double-faceted structure protruding from the partition, and each bridging portion may be at least partially disposed within a groove defined by the double-faceted structure.

[0029] As described, the methods and systems appropriately include the use of a controller or processor.

[0030] In other embodiments, a vehicle is provided that includes the apparatus disclosed herein. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The above and other features of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which are given illustratively only and therefore do not limit this disclosure, wherein:

[0032] Figure 1 A cathode separator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0033] Figure 2 An upper washer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0034] Figure 3 A lower washer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0035] Figure 4 A bridging portion disposed on a gasket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0036] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken by line A-A' in the diagram;

[0037] Figure 6 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken by line B-B' in the diagram;

[0038] Figure 7 A plurality of bridging portions disposed on the upper washer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown;

[0039] Figure 8 A plurality of bridging portions disposed on the lower washer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown;

[0040] Figure 9 A fourth perforation is shown according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0041] Figure 10 Showing the location with Figure 9 The third bridging portion at the location corresponding to the fourth perforation in the middle; and

[0042] Figure 11 The difference between the upper and lower washers on the cathode separator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The advantages and features of this disclosure, as well as methods for achieving these advantages and features, will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only to complete this disclosure and to fully inform those skilled in the art of its scope, and this disclosure is limited only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same parts.

[0044] Furthermore, the reason for classifying component names into first, second, etc., in this article is to distinguish components with the same name, and the order in the following descriptions need not be limited to this order.

[0045] It should be understood that the terms "vehicle," "of a vehicle," or other similar terms as used herein include motor vehicles in general, such as passenger cars including sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, and various commercial vehicles; watercraft including various boats and vessels; aircraft; and hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other vehicles powered by alternative fuels (e.g., fuels derived from resources other than petroleum). As mentioned herein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle with two or more power sources, such as a vehicle powered by both gasoline and electricity.

[0046] The terminology used herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another, and they do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the constituent components. It should also be understood that, when used in this specification, the words “comprising” and / or “including” specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. As used herein, the word “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Throughout this specification, unless expressly stated to the contrary, the words “comprising” and variations such as “including” or “containing” should be construed as implying inclusion of the stated elements but not excluding any other elements. Furthermore, the terms “unit,” “device,” “piece,” and “module” recorded in the specification refer to a unit for performing at least one function and operation and may be implemented by hardware components or software components and combinations thereof.

[0047] Although exemplary embodiments are described as using multiple units to perform exemplary processes, it should be understood that exemplary processes may also be performed by one or more modules. Furthermore, it should be understood that the term "controller / control unit" refers to a hardware device that includes a memory and a processor and is specifically programmed to perform the processes described herein. The memory is configured to store modules, and the processor is specifically configured to execute said modules to perform one or more processes further described below.

[0048] Furthermore, the control logic of this disclosure can be implemented as a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing executable program instructions that are executed by a processor, controller, etc. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, ROM, RAM, optical disc (CD)-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash drive, smart card, and optical data storage device. The computer-readable medium can also be distributed across a network-connected computer system, such that the computer-readable medium is stored and executed in a distributed manner, for example, by a telematics server or a controller area network (CAN).

[0049] Unless explicitly stated or obvious from the context, the word "about" as used herein should be understood to mean within the normal tolerance range in this field, such as within 2 standard deviations of the mean. "About" can be understood as within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% of the stated value. All numerical values ​​provided herein are modified by the word "about" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0050] The term “perforation” as used herein refers to any opening or through-hole formed in a partition (e.g., by drilling, punching, or molding) that allows gasket forming material to be transferred from one surface of the partition to another during the molding process, or otherwise aligns with the sealing area to accommodate fluid or material flow.

[0051] The term "double rib" as used herein refers to a gasket having a cross-sectional shape with two protruding ribs (or "peaks") defining a trough between them. In some embodiments, these two protrusions and the trough together form the main sealing profile of the gasket.

[0052] The term "bridging portion" as used herein refers to a portion of the gasket that is locally thickened or deformed to compensate for potential shrinkage or loss of sealing force that may occur in or near perforations in the diaphragm or other critical areas. In some embodiments, the bridging portion is arranged within a groove of a double-faceted structure.

[0053] The term "gate" in this article refers to the injection point or channel in the mold into which gasket forming material (e.g., elastomer, rubber, etc.) is injected during the injection molding process.

[0054] The term "partition" as used herein refers to any plate or panel in a fuel cell assembly or similar device having a gasket provided for sealing. While in some embodiments the partition is specifically a cathode partition, in other embodiments it may be an anode partition, a bipolar plate, or other separating element in a fluid system.

[0055] The term “manifold” as used herein refers to an inlet or outlet opening formed in or through a partition for conveying and / or removing reactant (e.g., hydrogen, oxygen) or coolant fluids within a fuel cell stack or other fluid handling assembly.

[0056] The detailed description is intended to illustrate this disclosure. It should also be understood that the foregoing description is intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of this disclosure, and that this disclosure can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments. Specifically, changes or modifications may be made within the scope of the concepts disclosed herein, the scope equivalent to the described disclosure, and / or the scope of skill or knowledge in the art. These embodiments are provided to illustrate the best state for implementing the technical ideas of this disclosure, and various modifications may be made as required for the specific application areas and uses of this disclosure. Therefore, the detailed description is not intended to limit this disclosure to the disclosed embodiments. Furthermore, the appended claims should be construed as including other embodiments.

[0057] Figure 1 A cathode separator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0058] Reference Figure 1The cathode separator 100 constituting the fuel cell stack may include a plurality of perforations 110, 120, 130, and 140. The perforations 110, 120, 130, and 140 may be provided along the sealing line of the cathode separator 100 to allow simultaneous injection molding of gaskets disposed on both the reaction surface and the cooling surface of the cathode separator 100. During the injection molding process, gaskets may be injection molded on one surface of the cathode separator 100, and the material used for gasket injection can be transferred to the other surface of the cathode separator 100 through the perforations 110, 120, 130, and 140. Accordingly, gaskets can be simultaneously injection molded onto both the reaction surface and the cooling surface of the cathode separator 100. The perforations 110, 120, 130, and 140 may be formed for double-sided injection molding of gaskets on the cathode separator 100.

[0059] The cathode partition 100 may include manifolds 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, and 106 for the flow of reactant gases or coolant. Manifolds 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, and 106 may include inlet manifolds 101 and 105 for the inflow of reactant gases, outlet manifolds 102 and 104 for the discharge of reactant gases, and coolant manifolds 103 and 106 for the inflow or discharge of coolant. Inlet manifolds 101 and 105 may include a first inlet manifold 101 for the inflow of hydrogen and a second inlet manifold 105 for the inflow of oxygen. Outlet manifolds 102 and 104 may include a first outlet manifold 104 for the discharge of hydrogen and a second outlet manifold 102 for the discharge of oxygen.

[0060] The cathode separator 100 may include a central region 150. The central region 150 may be a region that overlaps with the reaction region of the cathode separator 100.

[0061] The perforations 110, 120, 130, and 140 may include a first perforation 110, a second perforation 120, a third perforation 130, and a fourth perforation 140.

[0062] The first perforation 110 can be set between the periphery of the cathode partition 100 and the manifolds 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, and 106 through which the reaction gas or coolant flows. Multiple first perforations 110 can be provided.

[0063] The second perforation 120 can be provided in the direction from the manifolds 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106 toward the central region 150 of the cathode partition 100. Specifically, the second perforation 120 can be provided in the flow path of the reactant gas or coolant discharged from or flowing into the manifolds 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106. Therefore, the second perforation 120 can be provided in the space between the manifolds 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106 and the central region 150.

[0064] The third perforation 130 may be provided in the direction from the branch pipes 101, 102, 104, 105 associated with the reaction gas in the manifolds 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106 toward the central region 150 of the cathode partition 100. Specifically, the third perforation 130 may be provided in the flow path of the reaction gas discharged from or flowing into the branch pipes 101, 102, 104, 105. The third perforation 130 may be provided in the space between the branch pipes 101, 102, 104, 105 and the central region 150, and may be spaced apart from the branch pipes 101, 102, 104, 105 compared to the second perforation 120. In short, the third perforation 130 may be located adjacent to the central region 150 compared to the second perforation 120. The second perforation 120 and the third perforation 130 can be arranged in two rows between the branch pipes 101, 102, 104, 105 and the reaction zone 150. Alternatively, the second perforation 120 and the third perforation 130 can each be arranged in one row.

[0065] The first perforation 110 may include a fourth perforation 140 disposed on the extension line of the arrangement direction of the third perforations 130. A hole disposed on the extension line of the arrangement direction of the third perforations 130 in the perforations 110 disposed along the periphery of the cathode separator 100 may be a fourth perforation 140. For example, four fourth perforations 140 may be formed in the cathode separator 100. The fourth perforation 140 may be disposed at the point where the virtual line of the arrangement of the first perforations 110 intersects with the virtual line of the arrangement of the third perforations 130. Furthermore, the first perforations 110, which are substantially parallel to the flow path of the reaction gas or coolant within the reaction region of the cathode separator 100, may be arranged in a row at the upper and lower parts of the central region 150 of the cathode separator 100, and the fourth perforations 140 may be disposed at the bend of the row of first perforations 110. For example, in the cathode diaphragm 100, manifolds 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, and 106 may be provided on the left and right sides of the central region 150, and the first perforation 110 may be provided along the sealing line of the upper and lower parts of the gasket of the central region 150.

[0066] For example, the first perforation 110 may be larger than the second perforation 120 and the third perforation 130. The fourth perforation 140 may be larger than the first perforation 110.

[0067] Figure 2 An upper washer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 A lower washer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0068] Reference Figures 1 to 3Gaskets 200 and 300 may be provided on the cathode separator 100. Gaskets 200 and 300 may include an upper gasket 200 provided on the reaction surface of the cathode separator 100 and a lower gasket 300 provided on the cooling surface of the cathode separator 100.

[0069] The upper gasket 200 may include a first upper gasket 210 disposed between the periphery of the cathode separator 100 and the manifolds 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106 through which the reactant gas or coolant flows, and second upper gaskets 220, 230 disposed on the flow path of the reactant gas or coolant discharged from or flowing into the manifolds 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106. The first upper gasket 210 may be disposed on the sealing line around the central region 150 of the cathode separator 100 and on the sealing line surrounding the manifolds 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106. The second upper gaskets 220 and 230 can be disposed in the space between the manifolds 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106 and the central region 150 of the cathode partition 100. The first upper gasket 210 and the second upper gaskets 220 and 230 can be interconnected. The second upper gaskets 220 and 230 may include: a second-1 upper gasket 220 disposed in the space between the portion of the manifolds 101, 102, 104, 105 and the central region 150 of the cathode partition 100 for the flow of reactant gas in the manifolds 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106; and a second-2 upper gasket 230 disposed in the space between the coolant manifolds 103, 106 and the central region 150 of the cathode partition 100 for the flow of coolant in the manifolds 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106.

[0070] The first upper gasket 210 can be disposed on the first through hole 110 and the fourth through hole 140 formed on the sealing line of the cathode partition 100. The second-1 upper gasket 220 and the second-2 upper gasket 230 can be disposed on the second through hole 120.

[0071] The lower gasket 300 may include a first lower gasket 310 disposed between the periphery of the cathode separator 100 and the manifolds 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106 through which the reactant gas or coolant flows, and a second lower gasket 320 disposed on the flow path of the reactant gas or coolant discharged from or flowing into the manifolds 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106. The first lower gasket 310 may be disposed on the sealing line around the central region 150 of the cathode separator 100 and on the sealing line surrounding the manifolds 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106. The second lower gasket 320 may be disposed in the space between a portion of the manifolds 101, 102, 104, 106 and the central region 150 of the cathode separator 100. The second lower gasket 320 may not be disposed in the space between the coolant manifolds 103, 106 and the central region 150 of the cathode separator 100. The first lower gasket 310 and the second lower gasket 320 may be interconnected.

[0072] The first lower washer 310 may be disposed on the first through hole 110 and the fourth through hole 140 formed along the sealing line of the cathode partition 100. The second lower washer 320 may be disposed on the third through hole 130.

[0073] Figure 4 This illustrates a bridging portion disposed on a gasket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken from line A-A' in the diagram. Figure 6 It is along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view taken by line B-B' in the diagram.

[0074] Reference Figure 1 as well as Figures 4 to 6The gaskets 200 and 300 may include bridging portions 400 disposed at positions corresponding to at least one of the through-holes 110, 120, 130, and 140 disposed in the cathode separator 100. The bridging portions 400 may be formed together with the gaskets 200 and 300 during the injection molding process. The gaskets 200 and 300 are disposed along a sealing line on the cathode separator 100 and may be formed by double-faceted structures 201 and 301. The cross-section of the gaskets 200 and 300, cut in a direction perpendicular to the direction of extension of the gaskets 200 and 300, may have two protruding structures and a groove 205 and 305 located between the two protruding structures. Specifically, the bridging portions 400 may be disposed on the double-faceted structure 201 of the upper gasket 200 disposed on the reaction surface of the cathode separator 100, and the bridging portions 400 may also be disposed on the double-faceted structure 301 of the lower gasket 300 disposed on the cooling surface of the cathode separator 100. The bridging portion 400 may have a thickness d in the extending direction of the washers 200 and 300, and may have a height h from the upper surface of the double-faceted structures 201 and 301 of the washers 200 and 300 to the top of the bridging portion 400. For example, with reference to one surface of the cathode separator 100, the height of the top of the bridging portion 400 may be lower than the height of the top of the double-faceted structures 201 and 301. The bridging portion 400 may be provided on each groove 205 and 305 formed by the double-faceted structures 201 and 301.

[0075] The bridging portion 400 can be provided at a position corresponding to all or part of the perforations 110, 120, 130, and 140. By inserting the bridging portion 400 into the grooves 205 and 305 provided by the double-convex-concave structures 201 and 301, the drop in surface pressure between the cathode separator 100 and the gaskets 200 and 300 that may occur due to the perforations 110, 120, 130, and 140 can be prevented.

[0076] Specifically, the bridging portion 400 may include an upper bridging portion 410 disposed in the double-faceted structure 201 of the upper gasket 200 disposed on the reaction surface of the cathode separator 100, and a lower bridging portion 430 disposed in the double-faceted structure 301 of the lower gasket 300 disposed on the cooling surface of the cathode separator 100. The upper bridging portion 410 may be disposed in the space defined by the double-faceted structure 201, i.e., the upper groove portion 205. The lower bridging portion 430 may be disposed in the space defined by the double-faceted structure 301, i.e., the lower groove portion 305.

[0077] During injection molding of washers 200 and 300, the size of the bridging portion 400 located adjacent to the gate of the mold can be larger than other bridging portions 400. The gate of the mold can be a channel for material delivery during injection molding. Multiple gates can be provided in the mold, and the thickness of the washers 200 and 300 formed between adjacent gates can be greater than the thickness of the washers 200 and 300 at adjacent gate locations. To eliminate the uneven surface pressure caused by different thicknesses of washers 200 and 300, a relatively large bridging portion 400 can be provided near the gate where relatively thinner washers 200 and 300 are provided. That is, the size of the bridging portion 400 can be larger or smaller than other bridging portions 400 of the washers based on its proximity to the gate location to compensate for thickness variations that occur during injection molding. A larger bridging portion 400 can mean that the thickness d of the washers 200 and 300 along the extension direction is thicker, or that the height h on the washers 200 and 300 is higher. Although the height h of each of the multiple bridging sections 400 can be the same during the stacking of fuel cell units, the height h of the bridging sections 400 before the stacking of units can be different from each other.

[0078] The dimensions of the bridging portion 400 can be proportional to the dimensions of the perforations 110, 120, 130, and 140 formed at corresponding locations. The bridging portion 400 is configured to prevent surface pressure imbalances caused by the perforations 110, 120, 130, and 140, and ideally, after the fuel cell unit cells are stacked, the thickness d of the bridging portion 400 should match the width of the perforations 110, 120, 130, and 140. For example, the dimensions of the bridging portion 400 located on the second perforation 120 or the third perforation 130 can be smaller than the dimensions of the bridging portion 400 located on the first perforation 110 or the fourth perforation 140.

[0079] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, although a height difference may occur between the gaskets 200 and 300 after injection molding due to the shrinkage difference between the perforations 110, 120, 130, and 140 and other parts of the cathode separator 100, the bridging portions 400 provided at positions corresponding to the perforations 110, 120, 130, and 140 can prevent the shrinkage difference at the positions where the perforations 110, 120, 130, and 140 are provided. By preventing the shrinkage difference, the problem that the height of the gaskets 200 and 300 at the positions where the perforations 110, 120, 130, and 140 are provided is lower than the height of the gaskets 200 and 300 at other positions can be solved.

[0080] According to the present disclosure, bridging portions 400 are provided on the perforations 110, 120, 130, and 140, which can enhance the surface pressure between the perforations 110, 120, 130, and 140 and the washers 200 and 300.

[0081] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, since a bridging portion 400 is provided on the gaskets 200 and 300 having a double concave-convex structure 201 and 301, the sealing performance can be improved by the gaskets 200 and 300.

[0082] Figure 7 A plurality of bridging portions disposed on the upper washer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown.

[0083] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 7 The upper gasket 200 may be disposed on the reaction surface of the cathode separator 100. The upper gasket 200 may include a first upper gasket 210 disposed between the periphery of the cathode separator 100 and the manifolds 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106; a second upper gasket 220 disposed between the portions of the manifolds 101, 102, 104, 105 through which the reaction gas flows and the central region 150 of the cathode separator 100; and a second upper gasket 230 disposed between the coolant manifolds 103, 106 through which the coolant flows and the central region 150 of the cathode separator 100. The second-1 upper gasket 220 may include a plurality of extensions 225 extending along the flow path of the reactant gas or coolant discharged from or flowing into the branch pipes 101, 102, 104, 105.

[0084] The upper bridging portions 411, 412, and 413 disposed on the upper washer 200 may include a first upper bridging portion 411 disposed at intervals on the first upper washer 210, a second upper bridging portion 412 disposed on the second upper washers 220 and 230, and a third upper bridging portion 413 disposed on the fourth through hole 140. The size of the first upper bridging portion 411 may be larger than that of the second upper bridging portion 412, and the size of the third upper bridging portion 413 may be larger than that of the first upper bridging portion 411.

[0085] In the second upper bridging portions 412 on the second upper washers 220 and 230 corresponding to the manifolds 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, and 106, the size of the second upper bridging portions 412 at both ends can be larger than the other second upper bridging portions 412. Specifically, in the second upper bridging portions 412, the size of the second upper bridging portions 412 on the second through holes 120 corresponding to the manifolds 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, and 106 at both ends can be larger than the other second upper bridging portions 412. Specifically, two second upper bridging portions 412 can be provided on the second upper washers 220 and 230 corresponding to the six manifolds 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, and 106. Correspondingly, twelve second upper bridging portions 412 can be provided on the reaction surface of the cathode separator 100. Due to the presence of the extensions 225, the surface pressure between the second upper washers 220 and 230 and the cathode separator 100 will be unevenly distributed. In particular, the surface pressure at both ends of the second upper washers 220 and 230 corresponding to the manifolds 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, and 106 will be weaker. Therefore, in the second upper bridging portions 412 provided on the second upper washers 220 and 230, the second upper bridging portions 412 provided at both ends are relatively large in size, so as to enhance the weaker surface pressure areas. The second upper bridging portions 412 can be provided on the outside of the connection point between the second upper washers 220 and 230 and the two extensions 225 provided at both ends, with any one of the manifolds 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, and 106 as a reference. The relatively large second upper bridging portions 412 can be offset from the extension line in the extension direction of the extensions 225. However, the relatively large second upper bridging portion 412 can be configured to extend in the same direction as the extension portion 225.

[0086] In the second upper bridging portions 412 provided on the second-2 upper gaskets 230 at positions corresponding to the coolant manifolds 103 and 106 in relation to the coolant, at least one of the second upper bridging portions 412 located in the central portion of the second-2 upper gasket 230 may be smaller than the other second upper bridging portions 412. The material flowing through the mold gate intersects with the central portion of the second-2 upper gasket 230 used to seal the coolant manifolds 103 and 106. Therefore, the thickness of the central portion of the second-2 upper gasket 230 may be greater than the thickness of the other portions of the second-2 upper gasket 230. Therefore, to ensure uniform surface pressure, the size of the second upper bridging portion 412 located in the central portion of the second-2 upper gasket 230 may be smaller than the other second upper bridging portions 412.

[0087] The third upper bridging portion 413 can be disposed in the first upper bridging portion 411, on the fourth through hole 140 disposed on the extension line of the third through hole 130. The third upper bridging portion 413 can be disposed on the first upper washer 210, and also disposed on the extension line of the extension portion 225.

[0088] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, by providing a relatively large bridging portion in the part where the surface pressure is weak during the injection molding process, the surface pressure imbalance between the gaskets 200, 300 and the cathode separator 100 can be eliminated.

[0089] Figure 8 This illustration shows a plurality of bridge connections disposed on the lower washer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 8 The lower gasket 300 may be disposed on the cooling surface of the cathode partition 100. The lower gasket 300 may include a first lower gasket 310 disposed between the periphery of the cathode partition 100 and the manifolds 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, and a second lower gasket 320 disposed between the portion of the manifolds 101, 102, 104, 105 through which the reactant gases flow and the central region 150 of the cathode partition 100. The second lower gasket 320 may include a plurality of extensions 325 extending along the flow path of the reactant gases discharged from or flowing into the portion of the manifolds 101, 102, 104, 105.

[0091] The lower bridging portions 431, 432, and 433 disposed on the lower washer 300 may include a first lower bridging portion 431 disposed at intervals on the first lower washer 310, a second lower bridging portion 432 disposed on the second lower washer 320, and a third lower bridging portion 433 disposed on the fourth through hole 140. The size of the first lower bridging portion 431 may be larger than that of the second lower bridging portion 432, and the size of the third lower bridging portion 433 may be larger than that of the first lower bridging portion 431.

[0092] In the second lower bridging portions 432 on the second lower gaskets 320 corresponding to the positions through which the reactant gases flow in the manifolds 101, 102, 104, and 105 pass, the size of the second lower bridging portions 432 at both ends can be larger than the other second lower bridging portions 432. In the second lower bridging portions 432, the size of the second lower bridging portions 432 on the third through holes 130 corresponding to the manifolds 101, 102, 104, and 105 at both ends can be larger than the other second lower bridging portions 432. Specifically, two second lower bridging portions 432 can be provided on the second lower gaskets 320 corresponding to each of the four manifolds 101, 102, 104, and 105. Therefore, eight second lower bridging portions 432 can be provided on the cooling surface of the cathode separator 100. Due to the presence of the extension 325, the surface pressure distribution between the second lower washer 320 and the cathode diaphragm 100 will be uneven. Specifically, the surface pressure at both ends of the second lower washer 320 corresponding to each of the branch pipes 101, 102, 104, and 105 will be weaker. Therefore, in the second lower bridging portions 432 provided on the second lower washer 320, the second lower bridging portions 432 provided at both ends are relatively large in size, thereby enhancing the areas with weaker surface pressure. The second lower bridging portions 432 can be provided outside the connection point between the second lower washer 320 and the two extensions 325 provided at both ends, with any one of the branch pipes 101, 102, 104, and 105 as a reference. The relatively large second lower bridging portions 432 can be offset from the extension line in the extension direction of the extension 325. However, the relatively large second lower bridging portions 432 can be provided in the same direction as the extension 325.

[0093] The third lower bridging portion 433 can be disposed in the first lower bridging portion 431 on the fourth through hole 140 disposed on the extension line of the arrangement direction of the third through holes 130. The third lower bridging portion 433 can be the bridging portion in the first lower bridging portion 431 that is closest to the point where the first lower washer 310 and the second lower washer 320 intersect.

[0094] Figure 9 A fourth perforation according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown, and Figure 10 Showing the location with Figure 9 The third bridging part is located at the position corresponding to the fourth perforation.

[0095] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 The fourth perforation 140 can be disposed on the extension line of the arrangement direction of the third perforation 130. A third upper bridging portion 413 and a third lower bridging portion 433 can be disposed on the fourth perforation 140. Figure 8The third upper bridging portion 413 may be provided on the first upper washer 210 and provided on the extension line of the continuous arrangement direction at the end of the extension portion 225.

[0096] The dimensions of the first through hole 110, the second through hole 120, and the third through hole 130 can each be smaller than the fourth through hole 140. Therefore, the third upper bridging portion 413 or the third lower bridging portion 433 provided on the fourth through hole 140 Figure 8 The size of the ) can be larger than the bridging portion provided on the first through hole 110, the second through hole 120 and the third through hole 130.

[0097] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, by adjusting the size of the bridging portion provided on the perforation in proportion to the size of the perforation, it is possible to eliminate uneven surface pressure and uneven height of the gasket after the injection molding process.

[0098] Figure 11 The differences between the upper and lower washers on the cathode separator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. For the sake of brevity, redundant descriptions have been omitted.

[0099] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 11 An upper bridging portion 410 may be provided on the upper gasket 200 provided on the reaction surface of the cathode separator 100, and a lower bridging portion 430 may be provided on the lower gasket 300 provided on the cooling surface of the cathode separator 100. When the cathode separators 100 are stacked, the upper gasket 200 contacts the sub-gasket 500, and the lower gasket 300 contacts the cooling surface of the anode separator 600. Thus, since the rigidity of the anode separator 600, which contacts the lower gasket 300, is greater than the rigidity of the sub-gasket 500, the surface pressure between the lower gasket 300 and the anode separator 600 can be made higher under the same conditions. Therefore, by making the size of the upper bridging portion 410 provided on the upper gasket 200 larger than the size of the lower bridging portion 430 provided on the lower gasket 300, the surface pressure between the upper gasket 200 and the sub-gasket 500 can be compensated.

[0100] The fact that the upper bridging portion 410 is larger than the lower bridging portion 430 means that, based on the direction in which the washers 200 and 300 extend, the thickness d of the upper bridging portion 410 is greater than the thickness of the lower bridging portion 430. Furthermore, the fact that the upper bridging portion 410 is larger than the lower bridging portion 430 means that, based on the reaction surface of the cathode separator 100, the height of the top of the upper bridging portion 410 (i.e., the first height h1) is greater than the height of the top of the lower bridging portion 430 based on the cooling surface of the cathode separator 100 (i.e., the second height h2).

[0101] As can be clearly seen from the above, according to the embodiments of this disclosure, although the height difference of the gasket occurs after the gasket is injection molded due to the shrinkage difference between the perforation and other parts of the cathode diaphragm, the shrinkage difference at the location where the perforation is provided can be prevented by the bridging portion provided at the position corresponding to the perforation.

[0102] According to embodiments of this disclosure, by providing a bridging portion on the perforation, the surface pressure between the perforation and the washer can be enhanced.

[0103] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, since the bridging portion is provided on the gasket with a double concave-convex structure, the sealing performance can be improved by the gasket.

[0104] According to embodiments of this disclosure, by providing a relatively large bridging portion in the area where the surface pressure is weak during the injection molding process, the surface pressure imbalance between the gasket and the cathode separator can be eliminated.

[0105] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure may be implemented in other specific forms without altering its technical concept or essential characteristics. Therefore, the above embodiments should be understood as illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects.

Claims

1. A gasket for enhancing surface pressure, disposed on a partition, the partition including at least one through-hole along a line requiring sealing, the gasket comprising: A double-concave-convex structure protruding from the partition; as well as A bridging portion is provided at a position corresponding to the at least one perforation. The bridging portion is disposed in the groove formed by the double concave-convex structure.

2. The washer according to claim 1, wherein, With one surface of the partition as a reference, the height of the top of the bridging portion is less than the height of the top of the double concave-convex structure.

3. The washer according to claim 1, wherein, The gasket includes an upper gasket disposed on the reaction surface of the partition and a lower gasket disposed on the cooling surface of the partition, and the bridging portion includes an upper bridging portion disposed on the upper gasket and a lower bridging portion disposed on the lower gasket according to the perforation position.

4. The washer according to claim 3, wherein, In the extending direction of the gasket, the upper bridging portion is thicker than the lower bridging portion, or the height of the top of the upper bridging portion relative to the reaction surface of the partition is greater than the height of the top of the lower bridging portion relative to the cooling surface of the partition.

5. The washer according to claim 1, wherein, The gasket includes: a first gasket disposed between the periphery of the partition and the manifold through which the reactant gas or coolant flows, and a second gasket disposed on the flow path of the reactant gas or coolant as it exits or flows into the manifold.

6. The washer according to claim 5, wherein, The bridging portion includes a first bridging portion disposed on the first washer and a second bridging portion disposed on the second washer.

7. The washer according to claim 6, wherein, In the second washer provided at a position corresponding to any one of the manifolds, the second bridging portions at both ends are larger than the other second bridging portions.

8. The washer according to claim 7, wherein, The second gasket includes a plurality of extensions extending along the flow path of the reactant gas or coolant discharged from or flowing into the manifold, and, based on any one of the manifolds, the second bridging portion is disposed outside the connection point between the second gasket and the two extensions disposed at both ends.

9. The washer according to claim 6, wherein, In the manifold, among the plurality of second bridging portions provided on the second gasket at a position corresponding to each coolant manifold, at least one second bridging portion provided in the central portion of the second gasket is smaller in size than the other second bridging portions.

10. The washer according to claim 6, wherein, The bridging portion includes a third bridging portion disposed at the point where the first washer connects to the second washer disposed on the cooling surface of the partition plate, and the third bridging portion is larger in size than the first bridging portion.

11. A partition assembly having a gasket for enhancing surface pressure, comprising: A partition comprising a plurality of perforations disposed along a line requiring sealing; as well as A washer, comprising multiple bridging portions disposed at positions corresponding to the perforations. Each of the bridging portions is disposed on the double-convex-concave structure of the gasket protruding from the partition.

12. The partition assembly according to claim 11, wherein, Each of the bridging portions is disposed in a groove formed by the double concave-convex structure.

13. The partition assembly according to claim 11, wherein: The perforation includes: a first perforation disposed between the periphery of the partition and the manifold through which the reactant gas or coolant flows, and a second perforation disposed in a direction from the manifold toward the central region of the partition. The bridging portion includes a first bridging portion disposed at a position corresponding to the first perforation and a second bridging portion disposed at a position corresponding to the second perforation.

14. The partition assembly according to claim 13, wherein, Among the plurality of second bridging portions, the second bridging portion located at both ends of the second perforations corresponding to each of the manifolds is larger in size than the other second bridging portions.

15. The partition assembly according to claim 13, wherein: A third perforation is provided in the direction from a portion of the manifold associated with the reactant gas toward the central region of the partition. Compared to the second perforation, the third perforation is spaced apart from the first branch pipe, and Among the multiple second bridging portions, the second bridging portion located at both ends of the third perforation corresponding to each of the multiple third perforations of the aforementioned branch pipe is larger in size than the other second bridging portions.

16. The partition assembly according to claim 15, wherein: The plurality of first perforations includes a fourth perforation disposed on an extension line of the third perforation arrangement direction. The plurality of bridging portions includes a third bridging portion disposed at a position corresponding to the fourth through hole, and The third bridging portion is larger than the first bridging portion.

17. The partition assembly according to claim 11, wherein, The gasket includes an upper gasket disposed on the reaction surface of the partition and a lower gasket disposed on the cooling surface of the partition, and the size of the upper bridging portion disposed on the upper gasket is larger than the size of the lower bridging portion disposed on the lower gasket.

18. A baffle assembly for enhancing surface pressure at a perforation, comprising: A partition having at least one perforation disposed along the sealing area; as well as A washer disposed on the partition plate, the washer including at least one bridging portion aligned with the at least one perforation. The bridging portion is configured to have a selected thickness or shape to compensate for shrinkage differences or increase the sealing force relative to the surrounding portion of the gasket.

19. The partition assembly according to claim 18, in, The gasket is formed by an injection molding process having one or more gate locations, and The size of the bridging portion is larger or smaller than other bridging portions of the gasket based on its proximity to the gate location, in order to offset thickness variations that occur during injection molding.

20. The partition assembly according to claim 18, in, The gasket includes a double-faceted structure projecting from the partition, and Each bridging portion is at least partially disposed within a groove defined by the double concave-convex structure.

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