Fuel cell

Abstract

A fuel cell includes a cell stack including a plurality of unit cells stacked in a first direction, a first end plate provided at a first end portion of the cell stack, a second end plate provided at a second end portion of the cell stack, a fastening strip fastened to at least one of the first end plate or the second end plate, and a case coupled to the first end plate and the second end plate to surround the cell stack at a position outside the fastening strip. The cell stack includes a side portion having a receiving groove formed therein by a recess included in the plurality of unit cells to extend in the first direction, and at least a portion of the fastening strip is disposed in the receiving groove.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to fuel cells. Background Technology

[0002] A fuel cell is a power generation device that generates electricity through a chemical reaction of fuel using a catalyst. These fuel cells are used as power sources in various fields.

[0003] Examples of materials used as fuel include hydrogen, hydrocarbons, and hydrocarbon compounds. Among these materials, hydrogen reacts with oxygen to produce water, heat, and electricity.

[0004] Typically, a fuel cell comprises a single cell consisting of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), which includes: an oxidation electrode (fuel electrode, hydrogen electrode, or anode) through which hydrogen is oxidized; a reduction electrode (air electrode, oxygen electrode, or cathode) through which a reduction reaction occurs when oxygen is supplied; and a polymer electrolyte membrane through which hydrogen ions are transported between the oxidation and reduction electrodes.

[0005] The output voltage of a single cell is only 0.6V to 1V. Therefore, single cells are stacked in series to obtain the actual output, and a group of stacked cells is called a battery stack.

[0006] This type of fuel cell stack requires fastening devices to secure the individual cells. To ensure the stack is airtight, the individual cells need to be compressed with a certain surface pressure. For this purpose, the two ends of the stack are pressed down by end plates, which act as rigid objects, and fastening strips are assembled while the stack is under pressure from the end plates, thus securing the individual cells and preventing the stack's length from increasing. For ease of description, the combination of the stack, end plates, and fastening strips can be referred to as a "stacked module." Fuel cells consist of a structure in which multiple stacked modules are stacked and combined to generate a greater amount of energy.

[0007] The statements in this background section are provided only as background information relevant to this disclosure and do not constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Various aspects of this disclosure provide a fuel cell that substantially solves one or more problems caused by the limitations and drawbacks of related technologies.

[0009] Various aspects of this disclosure provide a fuel cell with an improved structure in which fastening strips are fastened to end plates and individual cells are directly stacked on the end plates, thereby establishing a multi-level stacked module without stacking multiple stacked modules.

[0010] Furthermore, various aspects of this disclosure provide a fuel cell having a structure in which current collector terminals are embedded in an end plate, thereby allowing all electrical components to be housed within the casing.

[0011] However, the objects to be implemented by various aspects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other objects not mentioned herein based on the following description.

[0012] Further advantages, objects, and features of this disclosure are set forth in part in the description which follows, and some will be obvious to those skilled in the art or may be learned from practice of this disclosure. The objects and other advantages of this disclosure are realized and attained through the structures expressly pointed out in this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0013] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a fuel cell may include: at least one battery stack comprising a plurality of individual cells stacked in a first direction; a first end plate disposed at a first end of the battery stack; a second end plate disposed at a second end of the at least one battery stack; at least one fastening strip fastened to at least one of the first end plate and the second end plate; and a housing coupled to the first end plate and the second end plate and surrounding the battery stack at a location outside the fastening strip. The at least one battery stack may include a side portion having a receiving groove formed by recesses contained within the plurality of individual cells and extending in the first direction. At least a portion of the at least one fastening strip may be disposed within the receiving groove.

[0014] In one embodiment, at least one fastening strip may have a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the recess.

[0015] In one embodiment, at least one fastening strip may include a plurality of fastening strips, and among the plurality of fastening strips, the fastening strip located at the corner of at least one battery stack may include a protective portion configured to cover the corner of at least one battery stack.

[0016] In one embodiment, the housing may be attached to at least a portion of at least one fastening strip in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0017] In one embodiment, at least one battery stack may include multiple battery stacks arranged in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0018] In one embodiment, the receiving slot for each of the plurality of battery stacks may include: an outer receiving slot formed on the outer side of each of the plurality of battery stacks facing the housing; and an inner receiving slot formed on the inner side of each of the plurality of battery stacks facing the adjacent battery stack.

[0019] In one embodiment, at least one fastening strip may include: at least one first fastening strip disposed in the outer receiving groove; and at least one second fastening strip disposed in the inner receiving groove.

[0020] In one embodiment, at least one second fastening strip may include a plurality of second fastening strips, and the fuel cell may also include an alignment strip disposed between the plurality of second fastening strips and extending in a first direction between the first end plate and the second end plate.

[0021] In one embodiment, the thickness of the alignment strip in the second direction may be equal to or greater than the maximum or widest spacing between one of the battery stacks and its adjacent battery stacks.

[0022] In one embodiment, the alignment strip may include: one end, which is attached to at least one of a first end plate and a second end plate; and another end, which has a tapered cross-sectional shape.

[0023] In one embodiment, the fuel cell may further include: a first current collector disposed between one of a first end and a second end of at least one fuel cell stack and a first end plate; a second current collector disposed between the other of the first end and the second end of at least one fuel cell stack and a second end plate; a first current collector terminal electrically connected to the first current collector and embedded in the first end plate; and a second current collector terminal electrically connected to the second current collector and embedded in the second end plate.

[0024] In one embodiment, the first end plate may include: a first body; and a first protrusion projecting from the first body toward at least one battery stack. The second end plate may include: a second body; and a second protrusion projecting from the second body toward at least one battery stack. A first current collector terminal may be embedded in the first protrusion, and a second current collector terminal may be embedded in the second protrusion.

[0025] In one embodiment, the housing may be coupled to a first body and a second body at both ends (e.g., the housing may have a first housing end and a second housing end coupled to the first body and the second body, respectively) and surround the side of at least one fuel cell stack. The fuel cell may also include a busbar disposed in the housing to interconnect a first current collector terminal and a second current collector terminal.

[0026] In one embodiment, the protrusion thickness of at least one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion can be determined based on the internal pressure of at least one battery stack.

[0027] In one embodiment, the first collector terminal connected to the busbar can be connected to one of the multiple battery stacks, and the second collector terminal connected to the busbar can be connected to another of the multiple battery stacks.

[0028] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a fuel cell configured as described above may include the following steps: fastening at least one fastening strip to a first end plate; stacking a plurality of battery stacks inside the first end plate; attaching an alignment strip to a second end plate; inserting the alignment strip into a region between the plurality of battery stacks; and attaching the second end plate to the fastening strip.

[0029] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, a fuel cell may include: at least one battery stack comprising a plurality of individual cells stacked in a first direction; a first end plate disposed at a first end of the at least one battery stack; a second end plate disposed at a second end of the at least one battery stack; at least one fastening strip fastened to the first end plate and the second end plate; a first current collector disposed between one of the first end and the second end of the at least one battery stack and the first end plate; a second current collector disposed between the other of the first end and the second end of the at least one battery stack and the second end plate; a first current collector terminal electrically connected to the first current collector and embedded in the first end plate; and a second current collector terminal electrically connected to the second current collector and embedded in the second end plate. The at least one battery stack may include a side having a receiving groove formed by a recess contained in the plurality of individual cells and extending in the first direction, and at least a portion of the at least one fastening strip may be disposed in the receiving groove.

[0030] In one embodiment, at least one battery stack may include a plurality of battery stacks disposed in a direction perpendicular to a first direction. The receiving slots for each battery stack in the plurality of battery stacks may include: an outer receiving slot formed on the outer side of each battery stack in the plurality of battery stacks; and an inner receiving slot formed on the inner side of each battery stack facing an adjacent battery stack. At least one fastening strip may include: at least one first fastening strip disposed in the outer receiving slot; and at least one second fastening strip disposed in the inner receiving slot.

[0031] In one embodiment, a plurality of fastening strips may be provided, and among the plurality of fastening strips, the fastening strip located at the corner of at least one battery stack may include a protective portion formed to cover or configured to cover the corner of at least one battery stack.

[0032] In one embodiment, at least one second fastening strip may include a plurality of second fastening strips, and the fuel cell may also include an alignment strip disposed between the second fastening strips and extending in a first direction between the first end plate and the second end plate. The alignment strip may include: one end, coupled to at least one of the first and second end plates; and another end, having a tapered cross-sectional shape. Multiple fuel cell stacks may be provided, and the thickness of the alignment strip in the second direction may be equal to or greater than the maximum (or widest) spacing between one of the multiple fuel cell stacks and adjacent fuel cell stacks.

[0033] In one embodiment, the first end plate may include: a first body; and a first protrusion projecting from the first body toward at least one battery stack. The second end plate may include: a second body; and a second protrusion projecting from the second body toward at least one battery stack. A first current collector terminal may be embedded in the first protrusion, and a second current collector terminal may be embedded in the second protrusion.

[0034] In one embodiment, the fuel cell may further include a busbar interconnecting a first current collector terminal and a second current collector terminal. The first current collector terminal connected to the busbar can be connected to one of a plurality of fuel cell stacks, and the second current collector terminal connected to the busbar can be connected to another fuel cell stack. The busbar can connect the first current collector terminal connected to one of the plurality of fuel cell stacks and the second current collector terminal connected to another fuel cell stack.

[0035] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of this disclosure are exemplary and explanatory, and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0036] The accompanying drawings, which are included and constitute a part of this application, are used to further understand this disclosure and illustrate embodiments of the disclosure, and are used in conjunction with the specification to explain the principles of the disclosure. In the drawings:

[0037] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The image shown is a 3D view of the fuel cell, with the casing removed.

[0039] Figure 3A and Figure 3B When viewing a fuel cell according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure in the y-axis direction, Figure 3A This is a side view of a fuel cell showing the process of attaching the battery stack and the second end plate to the first end plate. Figure 3B This is a side view of a fuel cell showing the first end plate, the battery stack, and the second end plate connected together.

[0040] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a view showing a first end plate or a second end plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the second end plate and the alignment strip are joined together according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 6This is a view illustrating the manufacturing process of a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 7A and 7B It shows the corresponding Figure 6 View of cross section B shown in S104;

[0044] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7B The view shows a magnified cross-sectional view of part D, where the left view shows the state before the alignment bar is inserted, and the right view shows the state after the alignment bar is inserted.

[0045] Figure 9 Reference along Figure 8 The cross-sectional view taken by line E-E' in the figure illustrates the process of aligning the battery stack;

[0046] Figure 10 It shows Figure 2 The front and back views of the three-dimensional view (three-dimensional view F) of the fuel cell are shown.

[0047] Figure 11A An exploded front view of the fuel cell according to the first comparative example is shown. Figure 11B Its combined front view is shown; and

[0048] Figure 12 This is a view showing the structure of the current collector terminal and the fuel cell according to the first comparative example, the second comparative example, and embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way. Detailed Implementation

[0050] In the following detailed description, embodiments of the present disclosure are given with reference to the accompanying drawings, enabling those skilled in the art to readily perform the embodiments. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. In the drawings, portions unrelated to the description of the present disclosure have been omitted for clarity. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0051] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form "a" is also intended to include the plural form. It should also be understood that the terms "comprising," "including," or "having" as used herein specify the presence of the stated feature, number, step, operation, element, component, or combination thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0052] The terms “-part,” “-unit,” and “-module” used in this specification refer to a unit for performing at least one function or operation, and can be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0053] Ordinal terms such as “first” and “second” may be used in this document to describe various elements, but these elements are not limited to these terms. Terms may be used only as names to distinguish one element from another, and their sequential meaning is determined not by name but by the context of the corresponding description.

[0054] The term "and / or" is used to include any combination of multiple items as objects. For example, "A and / or B" includes three cases such as "A", "B", and "A and B". In this disclosure, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", "at least one of A, B or C", and "at least one of A, B or C or a combination thereof" can include any or all possible combinations of the items listed in the corresponding phrases of the multiple phrases.

[0055] When components, devices, elements, apparatuses, etc., of this disclosure are described as having a purpose or performing an operation or function, they shall be considered herein to be "configured" to satisfy that purpose or perform that operation or function.

[0056] When an element is referred to as being "connected" or "joined" to another element, the element can be directly connected or joined to the other element. However, it should be understood that another element may exist between them.

[0057] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Terms such as those defined in a general dictionary shall be interpreted as having the same meaning as the term in the context of the relevant art, and shall not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning, unless clearly defined in the specification.

[0058] In the following description, a fuel cell 10 according to an embodiment is described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0059] For ease of description, the fuel cell 10 is described using a Cartesian coordinate system (x-axis, y-axis, z-axis), but other coordinate systems can also be used. In a Cartesian coordinate system, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are perpendicular to each other, but the embodiment is not limited to this. In other words, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis can intersect at an angle.

[0060] The x-axis direction can be a concept that includes both the +x-axis direction and the -x-axis direction, the y-axis direction can be a concept that includes both the +y-axis direction and the -y-axis direction, and the z-axis direction can be a concept that includes both the +z-axis direction and the -z-axis direction.

[0061] In this embodiment, the x-axis direction can be the direction in which the battery stacks 300 are stacked. The y-axis and z-axis directions can be directions perpendicular to the x-axis direction. The z-axis direction can be the direction in which multiple battery stacks 300 are arranged in this embodiment of the disclosure. The y-axis direction can be a direction perpendicular to both the x-axis and z-axis directions, or it can be the direction in which multiple alignment bars 250 or multiple fastening bars 150 are arranged.

[0062] In the following text, see references Figures 1 to 5 The structure of a fuel cell 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0063] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a fuel cell 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a combined perspective view of the fuel cell 10, in which the housing 400 has been removed, and Figure 3A and 3B When viewed in the y-axis direction (in the direction indicated by arrows A and A'), Figure 2 The side view of fuel cell 10 shown in the figure. Figure 3A This is a view showing the process of attaching the battery stack 300 and the second end plate 200 to the first end plate 100, and Figure 3B This is a view showing the first end plate 100, the battery stack 300, and the second end plate 200 fully connected to each other. Figure 4A and 4B This is a view showing either the first end plate 100 or the second end plate 200. Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the second end plate 200 and the alignment strip 250 are joined together according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fuel cell 10 includes a battery stack 300, a first end plate 100 and a second end plate 200, and includes a housing 400, a fastening strip 150 and a busbar 600 disposed between the first end plate 100 and the second end plate 200.

[0065] The battery stack 300 is configured such that multiple individual cells are stacked in the x-axis direction. The battery stack 300 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided individually or in multiples. Multiple battery stacks 300 may be arranged in the y-axis direction or the z-axis direction, or in both the y-axis and z-axis directions. The number of battery stacks 300 may be two or more. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, two battery stacks 300 are shown in the figures arranged in the z-axis direction.

[0066] The first end plate 100 and the second end plate 200 are disposed on the outer sides of both ends of each battery stack 300 (e.g., on the outer sides in the vertical direction or on the outer sides in the x-axis direction), and the housing 400 is disposed on the outer side of the battery stack 300 in the horizontal direction (or on the outer side in the direction perpendicular to the x-axis direction). The first end plate 100, the second end plate 200, and the housing 400 are used to protect the battery stack 300 from the influence of the surrounding environment.

[0067] The fastening strip 150 is a structural device used to prevent the battery stack 300 from returning to its compressed state due to reaction force, thereby ensuring the airtightness of the battery. The two ends of the fastening strip 150 can be respectively attached to the first end plate 100 and the second end plate 200. In this disclosure, the fastening strip 150 can also be used to guide the stacking of multiple individual cells constituting the battery stack 300. Additionally, the fastening strip 150 can serve as an impact beam to protect the batteries from lateral impacts and secure them.

[0068] refer to Figure 3A The fastening strip 150 can be fastened to the first end plate 100, and the individual battery stacks 300 can be stacked inside the first end plate 100 in the x-axis direction. In this case, when multiple individual cells constituting the battery stack 300 are stacked, the fastening strip 150 can act as a guide. Furthermore, the battery stack 300 can be initially aligned (pre-positioned) using the fastening strip 150 and protected from external impacts. See below for reference. Figure 7A and 7B Please describe this in detail.

[0069] The first end plate 100 and the second end plate 200 each include a main body, a protrusion, and may further include or have a current collector and a current collector terminal disposed thereon. These common components of the first end plate 100 and the second end plate 200... Figure 4A and 4B As shown in [the image]. Figure 4A and 4B In the figures, the reference numerals outside the brackets indicate the components of the first end plate 100, and the reference numerals inside the brackets indicate the components of the second end plate 200. Consider... Figure 4A The direction of the end plate shown. Figure 4A The end plate shown can correspond to Figure 2The second end plate 200 of the fuel cell 10 shown. In this case, by... Figure 4A The end plate shown is obtained by rotating the end plate 180 degrees relative to the yz plane, and the end plate obtained can correspond to Figure 2 The first end plate 100 of the fuel cell 100 shown.

[0070] The first end plate 100 includes a first body 110 and a first protrusion 130 protruding from the first body 110 toward the battery stack 300, and the second end plate 200 includes a second body 210 and a second protrusion 230 protruding from the second body 210 toward the battery stack 300.

[0071] The number of each of the first protrusion 130 and the second protrusion 230 can correspond to the number of battery stacks 300 included in the fuel cell 10. As described above, since the embodiment shown in the figure includes two battery stacks 300 arranged in the z-axis direction, the first protrusion 130 may include 1-1 arranged in the z-axis direction. st Protrusions 131 and 1-2 nd The protrusion 132 and the second protrusion 230 may include 2-1 protrusions disposed in the z-axis direction. st Protrusions 231 and 2-2 nd Protrusion 232.

[0072] Furthermore, the first end plate 100 and the second end plate 200 may include current collectors disposed between each protrusion and its corresponding battery stack 300. The current collectors are used to collect electrons generated by the battery stack 300 during power generation. Therefore, the current collectors may be disposed at both ends of each battery stack 300.

[0073] The current collector may include a first current collector 120 disposed between one end of each battery stack 300 and the first protrusion 130, and a second current collector 220 disposed between the other end of each battery stack 300 and the second protrusion 230.

[0074] The first current collector 120 included in the first end plate 100 may include a current collector disposed at 1-1 st 1-1 between protrusion 131 and first battery stack 301 st Current collector 121 and set in 1-2 nd 1-2 between the protrusion 132 and the second battery stack 302 nd Current collector 122, and the second current collector 220 included in the second end plate 200 may include a current collector disposed at 2-1 st 2-1 between protrusion 231 and first battery stack 301 st Current collector 221 and set at 2-2 nd 2-2 between protrusion 232 and second battery stack 302 ndCollector 222.

[0075] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 4B As shown, the first end plate 100 may include collector terminals 141 and 142 connected to the first collector 120, and the second end plate 200 may include collector terminals 241 and 242 connected to the second collector 220.

[0076] Each collector terminal can be configured to be embedded in a corresponding protrusion. Specifically, connected to 1-1 st 1-1 of current collector 121 st The collector terminal 141 can be embedded in 1-1 st In protrusion 131, it is connected to 1-2 nd 1-2 of current collector 122 nd The collector terminal 142 can be embedded in 1-2 nd In protrusion 132, it is connected to 2-1 st 2-1 of current collector 221 st The collector terminal 241 can be embedded in 2-1 st In the protrusion 231, and connected to 2-2 nd 2-2 of current collector 222 nd The collector terminal 242 can be embedded in 2-2 nd Protrusion 232.

[0077] In this case, 1-1 is included in the first end plate 100. st collector terminals 141 and 1-2 nd The collector terminal 142 can be formed in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction (in the y-axis direction) in an opposite direction. In other words, 1-1 st The collector terminal 141 can be configured from 1 to 1 st One side of the protrusion 131 is exposed, and 1-2 nd The collector terminal 142 can be configured from 1 to 2 nd The orientation of protrusion 132 and 1-1 st One side of the protrusion 131 is exposed in the opposite direction to the side it faces. This construction is similarly applied to the second end plate 200. 2-1 st collector terminals 241 and 2-2 nd The collector terminal 242 can be formed in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction (in the y-axis direction) in such a way that it extends in opposite directions. In other words, 2-1 st The collector terminal 241 can be configured from 2-1 st One side of the protrusion 231 is exposed, and 2-2 nd The collector terminal 242 can be configured from 2-2nd The orientation of protrusion 232 and 2-1 st One side of the protrusion 231 is exposed in the opposite direction to the side it faces.

[0078] Busbar 600 can electrically interconnect the collector terminals 141 and 142 of the first end plate 100 with the collector terminals 241 and 242 of the second end plate 200. Busbar 600 can interconnect 1-1 st collector terminals 141 and 2-2 nd Collector terminal 242, and can interconnect 1-2 nd collector terminals 142 and 2-1 st Collector terminal 241. This is given by way of example only, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. Reference is made below. Figure 10 Provide a detailed description related to this.

[0079] In cases involving multiple battery stacks 300, the fuel cell 10 may further include alignment strips 250 disposed between the multiple battery stacks 300 to align (align) the respective individual cells. Figure 5 As shown, one end 251 of the alignment strip 250 is attached to the second end plate 200 and is disposed at 2-1 of the second end plate 200. st Protrusions 231 and 2-2 nd Between the protrusions 232. Furthermore, the alignment strip 250 may include 1-1 extending in the x-axis direction and located on the first end plate 100. st Protrusions 131 and 1-2 nd The other end 252 between the protrusions 132.

[0080] However, this is given merely as an example. Instead, alignment strip 250 may be included in the first end plate 100 at position 1-1. st Protrusions 131 and 1-2 nd The protrusion 132 is joined to the end 251 of the first end plate 100 and to the 2-1 located on the second end plate 200. st Protrusions 231 and 2-2 nd The other end 252 between the protrusions 232.

[0081] Additionally, the other end 252 of the alignment strip 250 may include a tapered cross-sectional shape. The tapered cross-sectional shape may be located in the xz plane. For example... Figure 3A As shown, when the second end plate 200 is engaged, the alignment strip 250 can be inserted between the first battery stack 301 and the second battery stack 302. In this case, the tapered cross-sectional shape can be inserted between the first battery stack 301 and the second battery stack 302 while pushing the multiple unit cells constituting the first battery stack 301 and the second battery stack 302 to align them. (Refer to below...) Figure 9 Please describe this in detail.

[0082] In the following text, see references Figure 6 The manufacturing process of a fuel cell 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0083] First, the first end plate 100 and the fastening strip 150 are fastened to each other in the x-axis direction by a first bolt 510 (S101). At this time, the fastening strip 150 can be positioned outside the first protrusion 130. Then, the housing 400 can be attached to the first body 110 of the first end plate 100 by a second bolt 520 (S102). The housing 400 can be positioned outside the fastening strip 150. Then, the fastening strip 150 facing the housing 400 can be fastened to the housing 400 in a direction perpendicular to the x-axis direction by a third bolt 530 (S103). Therefore, bending of the fastening strip 150 extending in the x-axis direction at its distal end can be prevented, and it can remain perpendicular to the first end plate 100.

[0084] Subsequently, multiple individual cells can be stacked on the first end plate 100 at position 1-1. st 1-1 at protrusion 131 st collector terminals 141 and 1-2 nd 1-2 at protrusion 132 nd Above the collector terminal 142 (in the x-axis direction) (S104). For better understanding, the housing 400 is omitted from the figures corresponding to S104 and S105. Stacked in 1-1 st The battery stack 300 above the current collector terminal 141 can be referred to as the first battery stack 301, and is stacked on 1-2 nd The battery stack 300 above the collector terminal 142 can be referred to as the second battery stack 302.

[0085] Due to the combined structure of the first end plate 100 and the fastening strip 150, multiple unit cells constituting the first battery stack 301 and the second battery stack 302 can be directly and simultaneously stacked on the first end plate 100. Therefore, it is not necessary to stack multiple stacked modules, thereby reducing the number of manufacturing process steps and reducing the risk of damage caused by the transportation of heavy components (e.g., battery stack 300).

[0086] In this configuration, when multiple individual cells are stacked, they can be guided by recessed portions and fastening strips 150 included within the cells. (See reference...) Figure 7A and Figure 7B To describe, Figure 7A and Figure 7B Each shows the corresponding Figure 6 The figure shows the cross section B of S104.

[0087] like Figure 7A and 7B As shown, each individual cell may include a recess formed on its side 310. When the surfaces of the individual cells facing the stacking direction are defined as upper and lower surfaces, the side 310 may be a portion corresponding to the side surface of the individual cell. Figure 7A and 7B In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-section of the recess can have a shape similar to half of a hexagon, or it can have a U-shape or a V-shape.

[0088] When multiple individual cells are stacked, the recesses in the side 310 of the individual cells can form receiving grooves 320 in the side 310 of the battery stack 300. Because the individual cells are stacked in the x-axis direction, the receiving grooves 320 can extend in the x-axis direction.

[0089] The cross-section of the fastening strip 150, cut in a direction perpendicular to the x-axis, can have a shape corresponding to the recess in the battery stack 300. Therefore, as... Figure 7A and 7B As shown, the cross-section of the fastening strip 150 cut in a direction perpendicular to the x-axis can have a shape similar to half a hexagon, or it can have a U-shape or a V-shape. However, the cross-section of the fastening strip 150 can have a smaller dimension than the cross-section of the recess of the single cell.

[0090] Because the cross-sectional shape of the fastening strip 150 corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the recessed portion of the individual cell, the individual cells can be guided and initially aligned by the fastening strip 150 when stacking individual cells. At least a portion of the fastening strip 150 can be accommodated in the receiving groove 320 of the side 310 of the battery stack 300 formed by stacking individual cells.

[0091] like Figure 7A As shown, if multiple battery stacks 300 are provided, the side portion 310 of each battery stack 300 can be divided into an outer side portion 310-1 facing the housing 400 and an inner side portion 310-2 facing the adjacent battery stack 300. In this case, the receiving groove 320 may include an outer receiving groove 320-1 formed on the outer side portion 310-1 and an inner receiving groove 320-2 formed on the inner side portion 310-2. Furthermore, the fastening strip 150 may include a first fastening strip 150-1 provided on the outer receiving groove 320-1 and a second fastening strip 150-2 provided on the inner receiving groove 320-2.

[0092] lie in Figure 7AIn region P, the side portion 310, the receiving groove 320, and the fastening strip 150 correspond to the inner side portion 310-2, the inner receiving groove 320-2, and the second fastening strip 150-2, respectively. The side portion 310, the receiving groove 320, and the fastening strip 150 located outside region P correspond to the outer side portion 310-1, the outer receiving groove 320-1, and the first fastening strip 150-1, respectively. If the battery stack 300 is provided separately, the fuel cell may have a configuration that excludes region P.

[0093] The fastening strip 150 can contact the corresponding individual cell. Therefore, if the fastening strip 150 is made of metal, it can conduct electricity between the individual cells. Thus, insulation treatment is required for the fastening strip 150, such as coating or insert injection molding. If multiple battery stacks 300 are provided, an insulating gap can be ensured between the multiple battery stacks 300 due to the second fastening strip 150-2 located on the mutually facing surfaces of the battery stacks 300. In other words, the second fastening strip 150-2 can serve as an insulating plate between adjacent battery stacks 300.

[0094] Multiple fastening strips 150 may be provided, and the fastening strip 151 located at the corner of the battery stack 300 may include a protective portion 152 formed to cover the corner of the battery stack 300. (See reference) Figure 7B The fastening strip 150 located in region Q corresponds to the fastening strip 151 located at the corner of the battery stack 300. "Located at the corner" includes not only being strictly located at the corner, but also being as close as possible to the corner. As shown in region R, the fastening strip 151 located at the corner of the battery stack 300 may include a protective portion 152. The protective portion 152 may be formed to cover and secure the corner of the battery stack 300, thereby preventing the battery from detaching due to external impact.

[0095] Refer again Figure 6 After the individual cells are stacked on the first end plate 100 (S104), as Figure 5 The second end plate 200, which incorporates the alignment strip 250, is joined (S105).

[0096] The second end plate 200 can push the battery stack 300 until the second body 210 contacts the other end of the housing 400 or the fastening strip 150 and is engaged in the x-axis direction.

[0097] In other words, both ends of the housing 400 (at Figure 6(The figure corresponding to S105 is omitted.) The first body 110 of the first end plate 100 and the second body 210 of the second end plate 200 can be respectively attached. Therefore, the battery stack 300 can be pressed by the first protrusion 130 and the second protrusion 230. The degree of pressure applied to the battery stack 300 can be adjusted using the thickness of the first protrusion 130 and the second protrusion 230 in the x-axis direction, and the target pressing amount can be determined based on the internal pressure of the battery stack 300. Therefore, the protrusion thickness of at least one of the first protrusion 130 and the second protrusion 230 can be determined depending on the internal pressure of the battery stack 300.

[0098] The alignment strip 250 and the second end plate 200 may not be coupled to each other in step S105, but may be coupled to each other in any of the preceding steps. The alignment strip 250 may extend between the first end plate 100 and the second end plate 200 in the x-axis direction, and the other end 252 of the alignment strip 250 may reach 1-1 st Protrusions 131 and 1-2 nd The area between protrusions 132.

[0099] In the following text, see references Figure 8 Description of alignment bar 250. Figure 8 yes Figure 7B An enlarged cross-sectional view of part D in the diagram. Figure 8 The left image is a view showing the state before the alignment bar 250 is inserted (i.e., Figure 6 The region corresponding to region B in the diagram of S104, and Figure 8 The right image shows the state after the alignment bar 250 is inserted (i.e., Figure 6 The view corresponding to region C in the diagram of S105. (See reference) Figure 8 Alignment bar 250 can extend in the x-axis direction, can be positioned between the first battery stack 301 and the second battery stack 302 in the z-axis direction, and can be positioned between adjacent second fastening bars 150-2 in the y-axis direction.

[0100] Alignment strip 250 can be formed of a non-metallic material (e.g., plastic) to block contact between batteries, thereby preventing short circuits. Furthermore, because alignment strip 250 is positioned between adjacent second fastening strips 150-2 located between battery stacks 300, alignment strip 250 can be used together with fastening strip 150 as an insulating plate.

[0101] The thickness of the alignment strip 250 in the z-axis direction can be equal to or greater than the maximum spacing between adjacent battery stacks 300, i.e. Figure 8The maximum gap between the first battery stack 301 and the second battery stack 302 in. Alternatively, the thickness of the alignment bar 250 in the z-axis direction may be equal to or greater than the maximum gap between the single cells constituting the first battery stack 301 and the single cells constituting the second battery stack 302. Therefore, after the alignment bar 250 is inserted, the gap between adjacent battery stacks 300 (i.e., the first battery stack 301 and the second battery stack 302) is greater than the gap between them before the alignment bar 250 is inserted (L < L'). In this way, when the alignment bar 250 is inserted between the battery stacks 300, the alignment bar 250 can finally align the single cells in a row (finally neatly arranged in a row), and can increase the gap between the battery stacks 300, thereby ensuring an additional insulation gap between the battery stacks 300.

[0102] In Figure 9 shows a cross-section taken along the Figure 8 The line E-E' in, and the figure corresponding to S201 is a figure showing a part of the battery stack 300 stacked in a state preliminarily aligned by the fastening bar 150 before the alignment bar 250 is inserted. The battery stack 300 is finally aligned through steps S202 and S203.

[0103] As shown in the figure corresponding to S202, the other end portion 252 of the alignment bar 250 may have a tapered cross-section. When the other end portion 252 of the alignment bar 250 with a tapered cross-section is inserted in the x-axis direction, the single cells constituting the first battery stack 301 and the second battery stack 302 can move in the z-axis direction and can be located in the x-z plane and arranged in a row when viewed in the x-axis direction. The other end portion 252 of the alignment bar 250 with a tapered cross-section can push the single cells in the z-axis direction when inserted, so that, as shown in the figure corresponding to S203 in Figure 9 , the first battery stack 301 and the second battery stack 302 are finally aligned.

[0104] Referring again to Figure 6 , after the second main body 210 of the second end plate 200 contacts the housing 400 or the fastening bar 150, the second end plate 200 can be coupled to at least one of the housing 400 and the fastening bar 150 by the fourth bolt 540 in the x-axis direction (S106).

[0105] Since both ends of the housing 400 are respectively coupled to the first end plate 100 and the second end plate 200 in the x-axis direction, and the side surface of the housing 400 and the fastening bar 150 are coupled to each other in a direction perpendicular to the x-axis direction, the battery stack 300 surrounded by the first end plate 100, the second end plate 200 and the fastening bar 150 can be protected from external impacts and the surrounding environment.

[0106] Because the fastening strip 150 is attached to the first end plate 100 and the second end plate 200 at both ends, the fastening strip 150 can be used to fix the length of the pressurized battery stack 300 in the x-axis direction. Furthermore, as described above, because the fastening strip 150 includes a cross-section with a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the receiving groove 320 (or the recess in a single cell) in the battery stack 300, the fastening strip 150 can be used to initially align the batteries during battery stacking. Additionally, the protective portion 152 of the fastening strip 151 located at the corner of the battery stack 300 can be used as an impact beam to protect the batteries from external impacts.

[0107] In this disclosure, the term "first end plate 100" is used only to refer to an end plate on which multiple individual cells are stacked, and the term "second end plate 200" is used only to refer to the end plate of a pressed-stacked battery stack 300. Therefore, the end plates constituting the fuel cell 10 should not be construed as limited to the terms "first end plate 100" and "second end plate 200". In other words, a fastening strip 150 may be attached to the second end plate 200, and multiple individual cells may be stacked on the second end plate 200. Furthermore, an alignment strip 250 may be attached to the first end plate 100, and the first end plate 100 may be assembled into a structure in which the second end plate 200, the fastening strip 150, and the battery stack 300 are joined together.

[0108] The following is for reference Figure 10 The connection structure of the busbar 600 of the fuel cell 10 disclosed herein is described. Figure 10 It shows Figure 2 The front and back views of the perspective view (perspective F) of the fuel cell 10 are shown.

[0109] refer to Figure 10 In the first battery stack 301, the first individual cell can be located at ①, and multiple individual cells can be stacked on top of the first individual cell in the x-axis direction, such that the 100th individual cell is located at ②. Similarly, in the second battery stack 302, the 101st individual cell can be located at ③, and multiple individual cells can be stacked on top of the 101st individual cell in the x-axis direction, such that the 200th individual cell is located at ④. Assuming each individual cell generates 1 volt of power, then each of the first battery stack 301 and the second battery stack 302 can generate 100 volts of power. As shown in the front view, a busbar 600 can connect cells 1-1 located adjacent to ①. st 1-1 of protrusion 131 st Current collector 121 or 1-1 st collector terminal 141 and 2-2 located adjacent to ④ nd 2-2 of protrusion 232 nd Current collector 222 or 2-2 ndThe collector terminals 242 are interconnected, and as shown in the rear view, another busbar 600 can connect 2-1 located adjacent to ②. st 2-1 of protrusion 231 st Current collector 221 or 2-1 st collector terminal 241 and 1-2 located adjacent to ③ nd 1-2 of protrusion 132 nd Current collector 122 or 1-2 nd The current collector terminals 142 are interconnected. In this case, it is possible to achieve the effect of connecting the first battery stack 301 and the second battery stack 302, which are arranged in parallel, in series with each other. Therefore, Figure 10 The fuel cell 10 shown can generate 200 volts of electricity. However, this is given merely as an example, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. The structure of the busbar 600 that interconnects the current collector terminals can be determined based on the number and location of the battery stacks 300 included in the fuel cell 10.

[0110] Figure 11A This is an exploded front view of the fuel cell of the first comparative example. Figure 11B This is a front view of the fuel cell according to the first comparative example. As described above, the fuel cell according to the first comparative example is configured such that multiple stacked modules (each stacked module includes a battery stack formed by stacked individual cells, inner end plates disposed on both sides of the battery stack, and fastening strips that interconnect two opposing inner end plates when the battery stack is pressed) are stacked in the z-axis direction, and outer end plates are coupled to both ends of the stacked modules to support and secure the stacked modules. Furthermore, an impact beam is disposed between the stacked modules stacked in the z-axis direction and coupled to two opposing outer end plates or inner end plates in the x-axis direction, thereby preventing the battery from detaching when the fuel cell is subjected to an impact from outside the vehicle.

[0111] In the fuel cell according to the first comparative example, an inner end plate is required in proportion to the number of stacked modules included in the fuel cell, and the fuel cell is difficult to manufacture due to the heavy stacked modules stacked in the vertical direction.

[0112] Conversely, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the fastening strip is preferentially attached to the first end plate, enabling multiple individual cells to be directly stacked on the first end plate, and also to be stacked simultaneously to form multiple cell stacks. Furthermore, the fastening strip simultaneously functions as a cell alignment guide and a collision beam, as well as the fastening strip of the first comparative example.

[0113] Compared to the first comparative example, embodiments according to this disclosure can reduce the number of end plates (in particular, no additional end plates are required even when the number of battery stacks increases), and eliminate the need for additionally configured battery alignment guides or impact beams, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and achieving compact packaging by reducing the number of components. Furthermore, since stacking modules is not required, the risk of injury when stacking heavier modules is reduced, and the number of manufacturing process steps is decreased.

[0114] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, since the current collector terminals are embedded in the first and second end plates, the busbar 600 can be installed in the housing. Hereinafter, reference will be made to... Figure 12 Description based on

[0115] The structure of the current collector terminal and the fuel cell in the first comparative example, the second comparative example, and an embodiment of the present disclosure. Reference Figure 12 The first comparative example is configured such that the outer end plate is attached to the outside of a plurality of stacked modules. Therefore, although the current collector terminals of the current collector connecting the inner end plate and the battery stack pass perpendicularly through the inner end plate, the housing is attached to the outer end plate, and a busbar interconnecting the current collector terminals at both ends is located between the inner and outer end plates. Thus, the busbar can be located within the housing.

[0116] The second comparative example has the same current collector terminal structure as the first comparative example (a structure in which the current collector terminal penetrates the end plate perpendicularly to the current collector), but like the embodiments of this disclosure, it employs a structure in which the inner end plate is removed and multiple individual cells are stacked simultaneously. In this second comparative example, the busbar is mounted on the outside of the first and second end plates, and therefore cannot be located within the housing. If the busbar, which serves as a high-voltage section, is exposed to the outside, a safety accident may occur, and the fuel cell may be susceptible to the influence of the surrounding environment.

[0117] In contrast, in the fuel cell according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the current collector terminals are embedded in the first and second end plates, and thus the busbar 600 interconnecting the current collector terminals can be located within the housing. Therefore, the problems of the second comparative example, namely the safety incident problem and the vulnerability problem, can be solved.

[0118] As described above, the fuel cell 10 according to the embodiment has an improved structure in which fastening strips are attached to end plates and individual cells are directly stacked on the end plates, thereby enabling the establishment of multi-level stacked modules without stacking multiple stacked modules.

[0119] Therefore, the risk of injury caused by stacking multiple heavy modules can be prevented, and the additional peripheral components used to combine multiple stacked modules can be eliminated. As a result, the package can be made more compact, manufacturing costs can be reduced, and process time can be shortened.

[0120] Furthermore, the fastening strip of the fuel cell 10 according to the embodiment can be used to guide the stacking of individual cells and can also serve as an impact beam to protect the cells from external impacts. The alignment strip of the fuel cell according to the embodiment can perform final alignment of the cell stack and can ensure the insulation spacing between cells, thereby preventing short circuits between cells.

[0121] Furthermore, in the fuel cell 10 according to the embodiment, since the current collector terminals are embedded in the end plate, all electrical components can be housed in the casing, thereby preventing safety accidents caused by the high voltage section being exposed to the outside.

[0122] As is evident from the above description, in the fuel cell according to the embodiment, the fastening strip can be attached to the end plate, and individual cells can be directly stacked on the end plate, thereby enabling the creation of multi-level stacked modules without stacking multiple stacked modules.

[0123] Therefore, it can prevent the risk of damage due to stacking heavy modules, and reduces the package size, manufacturing cost and process time, in addition to the additional peripheral components used to combine multiple stacked modules.

[0124] In addition, when individual cells are stacked, the fastening strips can serve as guides and also as impact beams to protect the cells from external impacts. Alignment strips can be used for final alignment of the cell stack and can also be used to ensure insulation spacing between cells, thereby preventing short circuits between cells.

[0125] Furthermore, the current collector terminals can be embedded in the end plate, and all electrical components can therefore be housed within the housing, thereby preventing safety accidents caused by the high-voltage components being exposed to the outside.

[0126] However, the effects achievable through this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other effects not mentioned herein based on the above description.

[0127] Although only a limited number of embodiments have been described above, various other embodiments are possible. The technical content of the above embodiments can be combined in various forms, as long as they do not conflict with each other, and therefore can be implemented in new embodiments.

[0128] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the spirit and essential characteristics of this disclosure set forth herein. Therefore, the detailed description above should not be construed as limiting in any respect, but should be considered as exemplary. The scope of this disclosure includes all equivalent modifications made without departing from this disclosure.

Claims

1. A fuel cell, comprising: At least one battery stack, comprising multiple individual cells stacked in a first direction; A first end plate is disposed at a first end of the at least one battery stack; A second end plate is disposed at the second end of the at least one battery stack; At least one fastening strip is fastened to at least one of the first end plate and the second end plate; as well as The housing is attached to the first end plate and the second end plate, and surrounds the at least one battery stack at a location outside the at least one fastening strip. The at least one battery stack includes a side portion having a receiving groove, the receiving groove being formed by a recess contained in the plurality of individual cells and extending in the first direction. At least a portion of the at least one fastening strip is disposed in the receiving groove.

2. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one fastening strip has a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the recess.

3. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one fastening strip includes a plurality of fastening strips, and Among the plurality of fastening strips, the fastening strip located at the corner of the at least one battery stack includes a protective portion configured to cover the corner of the at least one battery stack.

4. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein, The housing is attached to at least a portion of the at least one fastening strip in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

5. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one battery stack includes multiple battery stacks arranged in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, and The receiving slots for each of the plurality of battery stacks include: An outer receiving groove is formed on the outer side of each of the plurality of battery stacks facing the housing; and An inner receiving groove is formed on the inner side of each of the plurality of battery stacks, facing the adjacent battery stack.

6. The fuel cell according to claim 5, wherein, The at least one fastening strip includes: At least one first fastening strip is disposed in the outer receiving groove; and At least one second fastening strip is provided in the inner receiving groove.

7. The fuel cell according to claim 6, wherein, The at least one second fastening strip includes a plurality of second fastening strips, and The fuel cell also includes an alignment strip disposed between the plurality of second fastening strips and extending in the first direction between the first end plate and the second end plate.

8. The fuel cell according to claim 7, wherein, The thickness of the alignment strip in the second direction is equal to or greater than the maximum interval between one of the plurality of battery stacks and its adjacent battery stack.

9. The fuel cell according to claim 7, wherein, The alignment bar includes: One end, coupled to at least one of the first end plate and the second end plate; and The other end has a tapered cross-sectional shape.

10. The fuel cell according to claim 1, further comprising: A first current collector is disposed between one of the first end and the second end of the at least one battery stack and the first end plate; A second current collector is disposed between the other of the first end and the second end of the at least one battery stack and the second end plate; The first collector terminal is electrically connected to the first collector body and embedded in the first end plate; as well as The second collector terminal is electrically connected to the second collector and embedded in the second end plate.

11. The fuel cell according to claim 10, wherein, The first end plate includes: The first subject; and A first protrusion extending from the first body into the at least one battery stack. The second end plate includes: The second subject; and A second protrusion extending from the second body into the at least one battery stack. The first collector terminal is embedded in the first protrusion, and The second collector terminal is embedded in the second protrusion.

12. The fuel cell according to claim 11, wherein, The protrusion thickness of at least one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is determined based on the internal pressure of the at least one battery stack.

13. The fuel cell according to claim 10, further comprising: A busbar is disposed within the housing and interconnects the first collector terminal and the second collector terminal.

14. The fuel cell according to claim 13, wherein, The at least one battery stack includes multiple battery stacks, and The busbar is connected to a first collector terminal of one of the plurality of battery stacks and a second collector terminal of another of the plurality of battery stacks.

15. A fuel cell, comprising: Multiple battery stacks are arranged in a direction perpendicular to a first direction, wherein each battery stack comprises multiple individual cells stacked in the first direction. A first end plate is disposed at the first end of the plurality of battery stacks; A second end plate is disposed at the second end of the plurality of battery stacks; The first current collector is disposed between the first end of each of the plurality of battery stacks and the first end plate; The second current collector is disposed between the second end of each of the plurality of battery stacks and the second end plate; The first collector terminal is electrically connected to the first collector body and embedded in the first end plate; and The second collector terminal is electrically connected to the second collector and embedded in the second end plate.

16. The fuel cell according to claim 15, wherein, The first end plate includes: The first subject; and A first protrusion extending from the first body into the at least one battery stack. The second end plate includes: The second subject; and A second protrusion extending from the second body into the at least one battery stack. The first collector terminal is embedded in the first protrusion, and The second collector terminal is embedded in the second protrusion.

17. The fuel cell according to claim 16, wherein, The protrusion thickness of at least one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is determined based on the internal pressure of the at least one battery stack.

18. The fuel cell of claim 15, further comprising: A busbar is disposed within the housing and interconnects the first collector terminal and the second collector terminal.

19. The fuel cell according to claim 18, wherein, The busbar is connected to a first collector terminal of one of the plurality of battery stacks and a second collector terminal of another of the plurality of battery stacks.

20. A method for manufacturing a fuel cell according to claim 7, the method comprising the following steps: Secure the at least one fastening strip to the first end plate; The plurality of battery stacks are stacked on the inside of the first end plate; The alignment strip is attached to the second end plate; Insert the alignment strip into the area between the plurality of battery stacks; as well as The second end plate is attached to the fastening strip.

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