Package structure

Abstract

The utility model provides a packaging structure which is arranged between bipolar plates of a fuel cell stack. The packaging structure comprises a catalyst coating film, a packaging frame, a packaging piece and a connecting piece, wherein the packaging frame is fixedly arranged on one surface of the catalyst coating film; the edge of the packaging frame extends to the outer side of the catalyst coating film; the outer end of the connecting piece is connected with the packaging piece, and the inner end of the connecting piece is connected with the packaging frame. In the process of forming the packaging piece through glue injection, the catalyst coating film can be prevented from entering the glue injection mold, that is, only the connecting piece needs to be placed in the glue injection mold, and the catalyst coating film does not need to be placed in the glue injection mold together, so that the influence of the glue injection environment of the glue injection mold on the catalyst coating film is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and more specifically, to a packaging structure. Background Technology

[0002] Fuel cells, as a highly efficient energy conversion device, have attracted widespread attention due to their zero emissions and high energy density.

[0003] A fuel cell stack is a unit composed of multiple bipolar plates and membrane electrode assemblies connected in series to form a single cell. By increasing the number of single cells, the voltage and power output can be improved, making it a key structure for realizing power conversion.

[0004] Bipolar plates are key structural components of the fuel cell stack. They provide gas distribution channels, ensuring that the hydrogen and oxygen required for electrochemical reactions are separated on both sides of the membrane electrode assembly. At the same time, they conduct current and provide mechanical support, playing a vital role in battery performance and durability.

[0005] A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) consists of two electrodes: an anode (positive electrode) and a cathode (negative electrode). It is the key site for electrochemical reactions. The anode catalyzes the hydrogen oxidation reaction, and the cathode catalyzes the oxygen reduction reaction. Protons are transferred through the proton exchange membrane to generate current.

[0006] The electrode consists of a catalyst layer, a gas diffusion layer, and a catalyst coating film. The catalyst layer promotes the redox reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, the gas diffusion layer provides mechanical strength and gas transport channels, and the catalyst coating film is responsible for conducting protons and separating the reaction gases.

[0007] The common flow channel refers to the channel in the fuel cell stack used to uniformly distribute fluids such as hydrogen, air, and coolant to each individual cell. It ensures the uniform distribution of reactant gases and coolant and plays an important role in the performance and durability of the fuel cell stack.

[0008] As the core component of a fuel cell, the stack consists of dozens to hundreds of bipolar plates and membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) alternating between them. The bipolar plates and MEAs must be sealed to prevent hydrogen or air from leaking out of the space between the bipolar plates and MEAs into the atmosphere, or from leaking from one side of the MEA to the other side through the edge.

[0009] The medium flowing through the hydrogen or air common channel of the fuel cell stack has a complex composition, including hydrogen, air, nitrogen, acidic water, etc. The hydrogen or air flow velocity is as high as tens to hundreds of meters per second, and the total length of a single interface seal is as high as several kilometers. Its sealing performance directly affects the safety, reliability and service life of the fuel cell. Utility Model Content

[0010] The main purpose of this invention is to provide a packaging structure to avoid the influence of the injection environment of the injection mold on the catalyst coating film.

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an encapsulation structure for placement between bipolar plates in a fuel cell stack. The encapsulation structure includes: a catalyst coating membrane; an encapsulation frame fixedly disposed on one surface of the catalyst coating membrane; the edge of the encapsulation frame extending to the outer side of the catalyst coating membrane; an encapsulation component and a connector, the outer end of the connector being connected to the encapsulation component and the inner end of the connector being connected to the encapsulation frame.

[0012] Furthermore, the outer end of the connector passes through the encapsulation.

[0013] Furthermore, the package is an injection-molded component, so that the package is fixed to the connector during the injection molding process.

[0014] Furthermore, the inner end of the connector is stacked with the encapsulation frame along the thickness direction of the catalyst coating film.

[0015] Furthermore, the contact surface between the inner end of the connector and the packaging frame is a sealed contact surface.

[0016] Furthermore, the inner end of the connector is bonded to the packaging frame.

[0017] Furthermore, the connectors extend circumferentially along the catalyst coating film and are connected end to end.

[0018] Furthermore, the encapsulation is arranged to extend circumferentially along the catalyst coating film and is connected end to end.

[0019] Furthermore, the package includes a first package portion and a second package portion that are interconnected, with the first package portion surrounding the second package portion; the second package portion is connected to the outer end of the connector; and the first package portion has a protrusion for contacting the bipolar plate.

[0020] Furthermore, there are multiple protrusions, which are distributed along the distribution direction of the first encapsulation part and the second encapsulation part.

[0021] Furthermore, the protrusion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the protrusion directions of the first protrusion and the second protrusion being opposite.

[0022] Furthermore, the protrusions extend circumferentially along the catalyst coating film and are connected end to end.

[0023] Furthermore, there is one encapsulation frame; or, there are two encapsulation frames, which are respectively fixedly disposed on two surfaces of the catalyst coating film; the inner end of the connector is connected to one of the encapsulation frames.

[0024] Furthermore, the catalyst coating film includes an interconnected edge film and a middle film, with the edge film surrounding the middle film and the middle film being disposed opposite to the hollow portion of the encapsulation frame; the encapsulation structure also includes two gas diffusers; along the thickness direction of the catalyst coating film, the two gas diffusers are respectively located on both sides of the catalyst coating film.

[0025] When there is one encapsulation frame, the two gas diffusers are a first gas diffuser and a second gas diffuser, respectively; the first gas diffuser and the encapsulation frame are located on the same side of the catalyst coating film, the first gas diffuser is fixed on the encapsulation frame and / or the middle film, and the first gas diffuser completely covers the middle film; the second gas diffuser is fixed on the catalyst coating film, the second gas diffuser completely covers the middle film, and the second gas diffuser covers at least a portion of the edge film;

[0026] When there are two encapsulation frames, the gas diffuser is fixed on the encapsulation frame and / or the middle membrane, and the gas diffuser completely covers the middle membrane.

[0027] By applying the technical solution of this utility model and the packaging structure of this application, the catalyst coating film can be prevented from entering the injection mold during the process of forming the package by injection. That is, only the connector needs to be placed in the injection mold, and the catalyst coating film does not need to be put into the injection mold together, thereby avoiding the injection environment of the injection mold from affecting the catalyst coating film. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the packaging structure according to the present invention is shown;

[0030] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the package and connector according to the packaging structure of this utility model is shown;

[0031] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the catalyst coating film, encapsulation frame, and gas diffuser structure according to the present invention is shown.

[0032] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0033] 10. Catalyst-coated membrane; 11. Edge membrane; 12. Middle membrane;

[0034] 20. Encapsulation frame;

[0035] 30. Package; 31. First package portion; 311. Protrusion; 312. First protrusion; 313. Second protrusion; 32. Second package portion;

[0036] 40. Gas diffuser;

[0037] 50. Connector; 51. First connecting part; 52. Second connecting part. Detailed Implementation

[0038] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0039] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of this application. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.

[0040] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0041] This invention provides a packaging structure for placement between bipolar plates in a fuel cell stack, wherein the bipolar plates consist of two plates.

[0042] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 The encapsulation structure includes a catalyst coating membrane 10, an encapsulation frame 20, an encapsulation component 30, and a connector 50. The bipolar plates are distributed in a direction parallel to or the same as the thickness direction of the catalyst coating membrane 10. The catalyst coating membrane 10 includes a proton exchange membrane and catalyst layers coated on both surfaces of the proton exchange membrane; the catalyst coating membrane 10 is abbreviated as CCM.

[0043] The encapsulation frame 20 is fixedly disposed on one surface of the catalyst coating film 10; the edge of the encapsulation frame 20 extends to the outer side of the catalyst coating film 10.

[0044] The catalyst-coated membrane 10 includes an interconnected edge membrane 11 and a central membrane 12, with the edge membrane 11 surrounding the central membrane 12. Optionally, the catalyst layer is coated only on both surfaces of the proton exchange membrane of the central membrane 12.

[0045] The body of the encapsulation frame 20 forms its hollow portion; the central membrane 12 is disposed opposite to the hollow portion of the encapsulation frame 20. The body of the encapsulation frame 20 and the edge membrane 11 are disposed opposite to each other and fixedly connected.

[0046] Optionally, there may be one or two encapsulation frames 20. When there are two encapsulation frames 20, the two encapsulation frames 20 are respectively fixedly disposed on two surfaces of the catalyst coating film 10 along the thickness direction of the catalyst coating film 10; the edges of the two encapsulation frames 20 extend to the outer side of the catalyst coating film 10.

[0047] Optionally, the encapsulation frame 20 is made of plastic, that is, the encapsulation frame 20 is a plastic frame.

[0048] Optionally, the encapsulation border 20 is a polygonal structure. Alternatively, it can be a rectangular or approximately rectangular structure. For example, the encapsulation border 20 has a structure similar to a picture frame.

[0049] Optionally, the encapsulation frame 20 is bonded to the catalyst coating film 10, that is, the encapsulation frame 20 and the edge film 11 are bonded together.

[0050] In this application, the outer end of the connector 50 is connected to the package 30, and the inner end of the connector 50 is connected to the package frame 20.

[0051] Optionally, when there are two package frames 20, the inner end of the connector 50 is connected to one of the package frames 20.

[0052] Specifically, the connector 50 extends circumferentially along the catalyst coating film 10 and is connected end to end. That is, the connector 50 has a ring structure.

[0053] Specifically, the encapsulation component 30 extends circumferentially along the catalyst coating film 10 and is connected end to end; that is, the encapsulation component 30 has a ring structure.

[0054] In this application, the outer end of the connector 50 passes through the encapsulation 30.

[0055] Optionally, the package 30 is an injection-molded part, so that during the injection molding process of the package 30, the package 30 is fixed on the connector 50, that is, the package 30 is clamped on the connector 50.

[0056] Optionally, the encapsulation 30 is formed by injection molding.

[0057] Specifically, the connector 50 includes a first connecting portion 51 and a second connecting portion 52 that are connected to each other. The first connecting portion 51 is disposed around the second connecting portion 52. The first connecting portion 51 passes through the encapsulation 30, and the second connecting portion 52 is located outside the encapsulation 30.

[0058] In this application, the inner end of the connector 50 is stacked with the encapsulation frame 20 along the thickness direction of the catalyst coating film 10.

[0059] Optionally, when there are two encapsulation frames 20, one of the two encapsulation frames 20 is a predetermined encapsulation frame, the inner end of the connector 50 is connected to the predetermined encapsulation frame, and the inner end of the connector 50 and the predetermined encapsulation frame are stacked along the thickness direction of the catalyst coating film 10.

[0060] Optionally, when there is only one encapsulation frame 20, the connector 50 is located on the side of the encapsulation frame 20 away from the catalyst coating film 10 along the thickness direction of the catalyst coating film 10.

[0061] Optionally, when there are two encapsulation frames 20, the connector 50 is located on the side of the predetermined encapsulation frame away from the catalyst coating film 10 along the thickness direction of the catalyst coating film 10.

[0062] In this application, the contact surface between the inner end of the connector 50 and the encapsulation frame 20 is a sealed contact surface.

[0063] Optionally, when there are two encapsulation frames 20, the contact surface between the inner end of the connector 50 and the predetermined encapsulation frame is a sealed contact surface.

[0064] In this application, the inner end of the connector 50 is bonded to the encapsulation frame 20. Optionally, the inner end of the connector 50 and the encapsulation frame 20 are bonded using pressure-sensitive adhesive or photosensitive adhesive.

[0065] Optionally, when there are two encapsulation frames 20, the inner end of the connector 50 is bonded to the predetermined encapsulation frame.

[0066] In this application, the package 30 includes a first package portion 31 and a second package portion 32 connected to each other. The first package portion 31 is disposed around the second package portion 32. The second package portion 32 is connected to the outer end of the connector 50. The first package portion 31 is provided with a protrusion 311 for contacting the bipolar plate. The protrusion direction of the protrusion 311 is perpendicular to the distribution direction of the first package portion 31 and the second package portion 32.

[0067] Specifically, the second encapsulation part 32 is clamped onto the connector 50.

[0068] Optionally, there are multiple protrusions 311, and the multiple protrusions 311 are distributed along the distribution direction of the first encapsulation portion 31 and the second encapsulation portion 32.

[0069] Optionally, along the distribution direction of the bipolar plates, the protrusion 311 includes a first protrusion 312 and a second protrusion 313. The first protrusion 312 protrudes toward one electrode plate, and the second protrusion 313 protrudes toward the other electrode plate. The protrusion direction of the first protrusion 312 is opposite to that of the second protrusion 313.

[0070] Optionally, the surface of the first protrusion 312 is a part of a first spherical surface or an arcuate surface, and the surface of the second protrusion 313 is a part of a second spherical surface or an arcuate surface.

[0071] Optionally, the encapsulation component 30 is made of rubber.

[0072] Optionally, along the distribution direction of the bipolar plates, the thickness of the first encapsulation portion 31 is less than the thickness of the second encapsulation portion 32.

[0073] Optionally, the protrusion 311 extends circumferentially along the catalyst coating film 10 and is connected end to end; that is, the protrusion 311 has a ring structure.

[0074] In this application, the encapsulation structure also includes two gas diffusers 40; along the thickness direction of the catalyst coating film 10, the two gas diffusers 40 are respectively located on both sides of the catalyst coating film 10.

[0075] When there is one encapsulation frame 20, the two gas diffusers 40 are respectively the first gas diffuser and the second gas diffuser; the first gas diffuser and the encapsulation frame 20 are located on the same side of the catalyst coating film 10, and the second gas diffuser is located on the other side of the encapsulation frame 20; the first gas diffuser is fixed on the encapsulation frame 20 and / or the middle film 12, and the first gas diffuser completely covers the middle film 12; the second gas diffuser is fixed on the catalyst coating film 10, and the second gas diffuser completely covers the middle film 12, and the second gas diffuser covers at least a portion of the edge film 11.

[0076] When there are two encapsulation frames 20, the two encapsulation frames 20 are set one-to-one with the two gas diffusers 40, and each encapsulation frame 20 and the corresponding gas diffuser 40 are located on the same side of the catalyst coating film 10; for each encapsulation frame 20 and the corresponding gas diffuser 40, the gas diffuser 40 is fixed on the encapsulation frame 20 and / or the middle film 12, and the gas diffuser 40 completely covers the middle film 12.

[0077] Specifically, the gas diffuser 40 has a porous structure and is also called a gas diffusion layer.

[0078] Specifically, along the thickness direction of the catalyst coating film 10, hydrogen and air are located on both sides of the catalyst coating film 10; both hydrogen and air are reactive gases; the reactive gases contact the surface of the central film 12 through the gas diffuser 40, that is, hydrogen and air contact the two surfaces of the central film 12 respectively, and hydrogen and air react on the two surfaces of the central film 12 to form protons; the protons formed on the two surfaces of the central film 12 are conducted through the proton exchange membrane; that is, protons are transferred through the central film 12 to generate an electric current.

[0079] Optionally, when there is only one encapsulation frame 20, the first gas diffuser is bonded to the encapsulation frame 20 and / or the middle membrane 12 so that the first gas diffuser is fixed on the encapsulation frame 20 and / or the middle membrane 12; the second gas diffuser is bonded to the catalyst coating membrane 10 so that the second gas diffuser is fixed on the catalyst coating membrane 10.

[0080] Optionally, when there are two encapsulation frames 20, for each encapsulation frame 20 and the corresponding gas diffuser 40, the gas diffuser 40 is bonded to the encapsulation frame 20 and / or the central membrane 12 so that the gas diffuser 40 is fixed on the encapsulation frame 20 and / or the central membrane 12.

[0081] It should be noted that the portion of the encapsulation frame 20 located outside the gas diffuser 40 and the second connecting portion 52 can isolate the gas on both sides of the catalyst coating film 10. Based on the arrangement of the encapsulation component 30, the connecting component 50, and the encapsulation frame 20, the gas on both sides of the catalyst coating film 10 can be well isolated, preventing the gas on both sides of the catalyst coating film 10 from flowing to the other side.

[0082] In the specific implementation process, the encapsulation structure is placed between the two electrodes; the two electrodes are compressed along the distribution direction of the two electrodes so that the encapsulation component 30 is in sealed contact with both electrodes, and the two gas diffusers 40 are in sealed contact with the two electrodes respectively.

[0083] On the one hand, the first encapsulation portion 31 and the second encapsulation portion 32 of the encapsulation component 30 together provide a large area of ​​flexible support, thereby improving the stability and vibration and shock resistance of the fuel cell stack. On the other hand, based on the arrangement of the encapsulation component 30, the connector 50, and the encapsulation frame 20, the reactive gases on both sides of the catalyst coating film 10 cannot flow through the gaps around the catalyst coating film 10, thus preventing hydrogen and air from flowing to the other side of the catalyst coating film 10 through the gaps around the catalyst coating film 10. Thirdly, based on the arrangement of the encapsulation component 30, especially the arrangement of the first encapsulation portion 31, fluid in the common flow channel on the left side of the encapsulation structure can be prevented from entering the right space of the first encapsulation portion 31, and at the same time, fluid can be prevented from scouring the protrusion 311, thereby preventing wear or aging of the protrusion 311 caused by scouring, and thus preventing the worn protrusion 311 from affecting the sealing effect. That is, the first encapsulation portion 31 can play a sealing role.

[0084] As can be seen from the above description, the embodiments of this utility model achieve the following technical effects:

[0085] Based on the encapsulation structure of this application, during the process of forming the encapsulation 30 by injection, the catalyst coating film 10 can be prevented from entering the injection mold. That is, only the connector 50 needs to be placed in the injection mold, and the catalyst coating film 10 and the encapsulation frame 20 do not need to be placed into the injection mold together. This avoids the injection environment of the injection mold from affecting the catalyst coating film 10, so that the catalyst coating film 10 is not affected by heat during the injection process.

[0086] In the specific implementation process Figure 2 The structure and Figure 3 The structure within is processed separately; Figure 2 The structure and Figure 3 The structures in the package are connected to form the encapsulation structure of this application.

[0087] The encapsulation structure, in conjunction with the bipolar plates, forms different sealing and support areas, improving the fuel cell stack's sealing performance, stability, and resistance to vibration and shock.

[0088] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented, for example, in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0089] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0090] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A packaging structure for use between bipolar plates in a fuel cell stack; characterized in that, The packaging structure includes: Catalyst coating film (10); An encapsulation frame (20) is fixedly disposed on one surface of the catalyst coating film (10); the edge of the encapsulation frame (20) extends to the outside of the catalyst coating film (10); The package (30) and the connector (50) are provided, wherein the outer end of the connector (50) is connected to the package (30) and the inner end of the connector (50) is connected to the package frame (20).

2. The packaging structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer end of the connector (50) passes through the encapsulation (30).

3. The packaging structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The encapsulation component (30) is an injection-molded component, which is used to fix the encapsulation component (30) onto the connector (50) during the injection molding process of the encapsulation component (30).

4. The packaging structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner end of the connector (50) is stacked with the encapsulation frame (20) along the thickness direction of the catalyst coating film (10).

5. The packaging structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inner end of the connector (50) and the contact surface of the encapsulation frame (20) are sealed contact surfaces.

6. The packaging structure according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The inner end of the connector (50) is bonded to the encapsulation frame (20).

7. The packaging structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector (50) extends circumferentially along the catalyst coating film (10) and is connected end to end; and / or The encapsulation component (30) extends circumferentially along the catalyst coating film (10) and is connected end to end.

8. The packaging structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The package (30) includes a first package portion (31) and a second package portion (32) connected to each other. The first package portion (31) is disposed around the second package portion (32). The second package portion (32) is connected to the outer end of the connector (50). The first package portion (31) is provided with a protrusion (311) for contacting the bipolar plate.

9. The packaging structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The protrusions (311) are multiple, and the multiple protrusions (311) are distributed along the distribution direction of the first encapsulation portion (31) and the second encapsulation portion (32); and / or The protrusion (311) includes a first protrusion (312) and a second protrusion (313), wherein the first protrusion (312) and the second protrusion (313) protrude in opposite directions; and / or The protrusion (311) extends circumferentially along the catalyst coating film (10) and is connected end to end.

10. The packaging structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The encapsulation border (20) is one; or There are two encapsulation frames (20), and the two encapsulation frames (20) are respectively fixedly disposed on the two surfaces of the catalyst coating film (10); the inner end of the connector (50) is connected to one of the encapsulation frames (20).

11. The packaging structure according to claim 10, characterized in that, The catalyst coating film (10) includes an interconnected edge film (11) and a middle film (12), the edge film (11) surrounding the middle film (12), and the middle film (12) being disposed opposite to the hollow portion of the encapsulation frame (20); the encapsulation structure also includes two gas diffusers (40); along the thickness direction of the catalyst coating film (10), the two gas diffusers (40) are respectively located on both sides of the catalyst coating film (10); When there is one encapsulation frame (20), the two gas diffusers (40) are respectively a first gas diffuser and a second gas diffuser; the first gas diffuser and the encapsulation frame (20) are located on the same side of the catalyst coating film (10), the first gas diffuser is fixed on the encapsulation frame (20) and / or the middle film (12), and the first gas diffuser completely covers the middle film (12); the second gas diffuser is fixed on the catalyst coating film (10), the second gas diffuser completely covers the middle film (12), and the second gas diffuser covers at least a portion of the edge film (11); When there are two encapsulation frames (20), the gas diffuser (40) is fixed on the encapsulation frame (20) and / or the middle membrane (12), and the gas diffuser (40) completely covers the middle membrane (12).

Images