Fuel cell core

Abstract

The utility model relates to a fuel cell core. The purpose of the present invention is to sufficiently guide a fluid in a flow path in a fuel cell in which a part of an internal seal part is configured from an adhesive layer. The fuel cell is provided with a frame that holds the membrane electrode assembly, and a separator that overlaps the frame. The fuel cell is provided with: an internal sealing part for sealing the flow path of the fluid from the outside between the frame and the diaphragm; and an outer sealing part which seals the flow path of the fluid from the outside between the other diaphragm and the diaphragm. The inner sealing part is composed of a part of the diaphragm and an adhesive layer. The diaphragm is provided with a flow path wall that guides the fluid in the flow path between the frame and the diaphragm. The fuel cell is provided with an adhesive layer between the flow path wall and the frame and between a portion of the diaphragm constituting an overlapping portion disposed at a position overlapping the outer seal portion when the frame and the diaphragm are viewed in the overlapping direction, and the frame.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Conventionally, fuel cell stacks exist, consisting of multiple stacked fuel cell cells. In these stacks, fuel gas and oxidizing gas flow through multiple supply paths extending independently along the stacking direction of the fuel cell cells. The fuel gas and oxidizing gas supplied to each fuel cell cell via these paths flow through independently configured paths within each cell. Then, the fuel gas and oxidizing gas used in the reaction within each cell are discharged outside the fuel cell stack through multiple discharge paths extending independently along the stacking direction of the fuel cell cells.

[0003] In order to form independent flow paths for fuel gas and oxidizing gas and to prevent fuel gas and oxidizing gas from flowing out of the fuel cell stack, sealing components are provided between the frame holding the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and the membrane, as well as between adjacent membranes.

[0004] In the technology of Patent Document 1, an annular sealing member surrounding the MEA is provided between each diaphragm disposed on both sides of the MEA and the frame holding the MEA. The sealing member consists of a main part of the sealing member bonded to the diaphragm and an adhesive layer disposed on the surface of the main part of the sealing member. The main part of the sealing member is made of cross-linked foamed rubber material. The adhesive layer uses an acrylic adhesive capable of UV cross-linking, particularly a hydrocarbon acrylate adhesive.

[0005] In the technology of Patent Document 1, during the assembly of the fuel cell cell, the main part of the sealing component made of foamed rubber flexibly deforms, allowing the adhesive layer made of hydrocarbon acrylate adhesive to reliably adhere to the frame, which is the object to be sealed, ensuring initial sealing performance. Even when the reaction force of the foamed rubber material decreases due to long-term use, the adhesive layer made of hydrocarbon acrylate adhesive continues to adhere tightly to the frame, thereby maintaining reliable sealing.

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-18703

[0007] Flow paths are provided within the fuel cell to distribute and circulate the fuel gas and oxidizing gas, delivered along the stacking direction of the fuel cell, to various locations within the fuel cell in appropriate amounts. These flow paths are defined and separated from each other by the walls of the diaphragm.

[0008] Preferably, the fuel cell stack is pressed in the stacking direction, with the upper end of the wall portion defining the flow paths of each fluid within the fuel cell cell tightly attached to the MEA frame, ensuring a tight seal between adjacent membranes and between the MEA frame and the membrane. However, as in the technology of Patent Document 1, if an adhesive layer is provided in addition to the main sealing component, gaps may occur between the upper end of the wall portion defining the flow paths of each fluid and the MEA frame.

[0009] When a gap exists between the upper end of the wall defining the flow paths of each fluid within the fuel cell and the frame holding the MEA (Mechanical Equipment Assembly), fuel gas and oxidizing gas flow across the wall within the fuel cell, making it impossible to adequately control the distribution of fuel gas and oxidizing gas to various locations within the fuel cell. Furthermore, it also hinders the effective drainage of water generated during power generation. As a result, the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell stack decreases.

[0010] Furthermore, the sealing component disposed between the frame and the diaphragm is not located in the same position as the sealing component disposed between the diaphragms. As with the technology in Patent Document 1, if an adhesive layer is provided in addition to the main sealing component in the sealing component disposed between the frame and the diaphragm, a problem arises at the location of the sealing component disposed between the diaphragms when viewed along the stacking direction of the fuel cell cell. Specifically, gaps occur at locations where the MEA frame and diaphragm should be in close contact in the stacking direction, preventing the sealing component disposed between the diaphragms from fully performing its sealing function. As a result, fuel gas and oxidizing gas may leak from adjacent diaphragms to the outside of the fuel cell stack. Utility Model Content

[0011] This disclosure can be implemented in the following ways.

[0012] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a fuel cell cell is provided, comprising a frame for holding a membrane electrode assembly and a diaphragm overlapping the frame. The fuel cell cell includes: an internal seal portion sealing a fluid flow path relative to the outside between the frame and the diaphragm; and an external seal portion sealing a fluid flow path relative to the outside between another diaphragm disposed on the side opposite to the frame relative to the diaphragm. The internal seal portion is composed at least of a portion of the diaphragm and an adhesive layer disposed on the frame side of the portion of the diaphragm and composed of an adhesive. The diaphragm has flow path walls for guiding fluid at different locations within the flow path towards the surface of the membrane electrode assembly between the frame and the diaphragm. The fuel cell cell has adhesive layers composed of the adhesive between the flow path walls and the frame, and between a portion of the diaphragm constituting a repeating portion and the frame, the repeating portion being a portion disposed at a position overlapping the external seal portion when the frame and the diaphragm are viewed along the overlap direction.

[0013] By forming it in this way, a sufficient seal can be ensured over a long period of time between the internal seal and the frame through an adhesive layer. Therefore, it is possible to prevent fluid from flowing out of the fuel cell from between the frame and the diaphragm for an extended period of time.

[0014] Furthermore, an adhesive layer can be used to ensure adequate sealing between the flow path wall and the frame. This suppresses the possibility of fluid flowing across the flow path wall, resulting in sufficient guidance of fluid within the flow path towards different portions of the membrane electrode assembly surface.

[0015] Furthermore, in the above-described manner, an adhesive layer is provided at the position in the inner sealing portion that overlaps with the outer sealing portion when viewed along the overlap direction of the frame and diaphragm. Therefore, the force applied to the diaphragm by the outer sealing portion can be transmitted between the frame and diaphragm via the adhesive layer. As a result, deformation of the frame and diaphragm can be further reduced compared to the case where a gap exists between the frame and diaphragm at the position overlapping with the outer sealing portion. Therefore, sufficient sealing can be ensured between another diaphragm via the outer sealing portion.

[0016] This disclosure can also be implemented in various ways other than centrifugal dehydrators. For example, it can be implemented in methods such as manufacturing fuel cell stacks, fuel cell stacks, or fuel cell cells. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a top view showing the frame 100 that constitutes part of the fuel cell cell 1 of this embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a top view showing the membrane 201 of the oxygen electrode of the fuel cell cell 1 constituting this embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a top view showing the membrane 202 of the hydrogen electrode constituting the fuel cell cell 1 of this embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a top view showing the diaphragm 700, which constitutes part of the fuel cell cell 1 of this embodiment.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0022] 1…Fuel cell; 100…Frame; 110…Membrane electrode assembly; 201…Separator; 202…Separator; 221…Flow path wall; 222…Flow path wall; 226…Flow path wall; 227…Flow path wall; 231…Flow path wall; 236…Flow path wall; 261…Support; 262…Support; 263…Support; 264…Support; 310…Internal seal; 320…Internal seal; 400…External seal; 421…Flow path wall; 422…Flow path wall; 430…Flow path wall; 700…Separator; Aad1…Adhesive layer; Aad2…Adhesive layer; Mhi…Supply manifold; Mho…Discharge manifold; Moi…Supply manifold; Moo…Discharge manifold; Mwi…Supply manifold; Mwo…Discharge manifold. Detailed Implementation

[0023] A. Implementation method:

[0024] The fuel cell 1 of this embodiment constitutes part of a fuel cell stack. The fuel cell 1 is supplied with fuel gas and oxidizing gas to generate electricity. The fuel cell 1 includes a frame 100, membranes 201 and 202, internal sealing portions 310 and 320, an external sealing portion 400, and a membrane 700. In the fuel cell 1, the frame 100, membranes 201 and 202, and membrane 700 are arranged in an overlapping manner.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a top view showing the frame 100 that constitutes a part of the fuel cell cell 1 in this embodiment. For ease of understanding of the technology, in Figure 1 The diagram shows the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes. These axes form a left-handed coordinate system. When using... Figure 1In the description of frame 100, the positive Y-axis direction is also referred to as "up". "Down" is the opposite direction of up. The positive X-axis direction is also referred to as "right". "Left" is the opposite direction of right. For the structure shown in the figure, the side with the positive Z-axis direction is also referred to as "front side". For the structure shown in the figure, the side with the negative Z-axis direction is also referred to as "back side". In fuel cell cell 1, frame 100, membranes 201, 202, and membrane 700 are arranged overlappingly in the Z-axis direction.

[0026] The frame 100 is a plate-like structure with a generally rectangular shape. The frame 100 holds the membrane electrode assembly 110 (see reference 100) in its central portion. Figure 1 (Central part of the middle section). The membrane electrode assembly 110 is exposed on the front and back sides of the frame 100.

[0027] An oxidizing gas supply manifold Moi is disposed at the lower right of the frame 100. The supply manifold Moi is a through hole that penetrates the frame 100. The supply manifold Moi supplies oxidizing gas to the membrane electrode assembly 110. The oxidizing gas is air.

[0028] An oxidizing gas exhaust manifold Moo is disposed in the upper left of the frame 100. The exhaust manifold Moo is a through hole that penetrates the frame 100. The exhaust manifold Moo allows the oxidizing gas used in the reaction in the membrane electrode assembly 110 to flow through.

[0029] A fuel gas supply manifold Mhi is disposed at the lower left of the frame 100. The supply manifold Mhi is a through hole that penetrates the frame 100. The fuel gas supplied to the membrane electrode assembly 110 flows through the supply manifold Mhi. The fuel gas is hydrogen.

[0030] A fuel gas exhaust manifold Mho is disposed on the upper right side of the frame 100. The exhaust manifold Mho is a through hole that penetrates the frame 100. The exhaust manifold Mho allows the fuel gas used in the reaction in the membrane electrode assembly 110 to flow through.

[0031] A coolant supply manifold Mwi is provided on the left side of the middle section of the frame 100. The supply manifold Mwi is a through hole that runs through the frame 100. The supply manifold Mwi supplies coolant for controlling the temperature of the membrane electrode assembly 110. The main component of the coolant is ethylene glycol.

[0032] A coolant drain manifold Mwo is provided on the right side of the middle section of the frame 100. The drain manifold Mwo is a through hole that runs through the frame 100. The drain manifold Mwo is for the flow of coolant that has received heat from the membrane electrode assembly 110 via the diaphragm 202.

[0033] Figure 2This is a top view showing the membrane 201 of the oxygen electrode constituting the fuel cell cell 1 of this embodiment. For ease of understanding of the technology, in Figure 2 The diagram shows the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes. When using... Figure 2 In the description of diaphragm 201, the negative Y-axis direction is also described as "up". "Down" is the opposite direction of up. The positive X-axis direction is also described as "right". "Left" is the opposite direction of right. For the structure shown in the figure, the side with the negative Z-axis direction is also described as "surface side". For the structure shown in the figure, the side with the positive Z-axis direction is also described as "back side". Figure 2 The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis shown are... Figure 1 The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis correspond to the axes shown.

[0034] In fuel cell 1, membrane 201 is drawn from... Figure 2 The posture shown is rotated 180° in the vertical direction and is in harmony with Figure 1 The surfaces of the frame 100 shown overlap. Therefore, in Figure 2 In the diaphragm 201 shown, the upper right represents the oxidizing gas supply manifold Moi, and the lower left represents the oxidizing gas exhaust manifold Moo. Figure 2 In the diaphragm 201 shown, the upper left represents the fuel gas supply manifold Mhi, and the lower right represents the fuel gas discharge manifold Mho. Figure 2 In the diaphragm 201 shown, the left middle section represents the coolant supply manifold Mwi, and the right middle section represents the coolant discharge manifold Mwo.

[0035] The diaphragm 201 has a centrally located plurality of oxidizing gas flow paths for the flow of oxidizing gas along the membrane electrode assembly 110. The oxidizing gas flow paths are defined by a plurality of flow path walls 231 protruding in the negative Z-axis direction on the surface of the diaphragm 201 (see reference). Figure 2 (Central section of the middle section). The flow path wall 231 extends along the X-axis. The oxidizing gas flows in the negative X-axis direction within multiple oxidizing gas flow paths. During this process, the oxidizing gas comes into contact with the membrane electrode assembly 110, which is disposed opposite to the diaphragm 201, for reaction.

[0036] The diaphragm 201 has a connecting flow path on its upper right side that connects the oxidizing gas supply manifold Moi to the oxidizing gas flow path formed by the flow path walls 231. The connecting flow path is divided by multiple flow path walls 221 protruding in the negative Z-axis direction on the surface of the diaphragm 201. The flow path walls 221 are peaks protruding in the negative Z-axis direction, which are formed by stamping.

[0037] The diaphragm 201 has a connecting flow path on its lower left section that connects the oxidizing gas flow path formed by the flow path wall 231 to the oxidizing gas discharge manifold Moo. The connecting flow path is divided by multiple flow path walls 222 protruding in the negative Z-axis direction on the surface of the diaphragm 201. The flow path wall 222 is a peak protruding in the negative Z-axis direction, which is formed by stamping.

[0038] In the diaphragm 201, the flow path walls 221 and 222 are located between the frame 100 and the diaphragm 201, and guide the oxidizing gas at different locations toward the surface of the membrane electrode assembly 110 within the flow path of the oxidizing gas.

[0039] The diaphragm 201 has a support portion 261 (see reference) in the part surrounded by an oxidizing gas flow path defined by multiple flow path walls 231, a connecting flow path defined by multiple flow path walls 221, a fuel gas supply manifold Mhi, and a coolant supply manifold Mwi. Figure 2 (Lower right section). The support portion 261 is a peak protruding in the negative Z-axis direction, formed by stamping. The support portion 261 bears the force in the Z-axis direction from the frame 100 that overlaps with the diaphragm 201. The support portion 261 prevents the frame 100 from deflecting in the Z-axis direction at the part where it overlaps with the diaphragm 201.

[0040] The diaphragm 201 has a support portion 262 (see reference) in the part surrounded by an oxidizing gas flow path defined by multiple flow path walls 231, a connecting flow path defined by multiple flow path walls 222, a fuel gas discharge manifold Mho, and a coolant discharge manifold Mwo. Figure 2 (The upper left section). The support portion 262 is a peak portion protruding in the negative Z-axis direction by stamping. The support portion 262 bears the force in the Z-axis direction from the frame 100 that overlaps with the diaphragm 201. The support portion 262 prevents the frame 100 at the overlapping part of the support portion 262 from deflecting in the Z-axis direction.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a top view showing the membrane 202 of the hydrogen electrode constituting the fuel cell cell 1 of this embodiment. For ease of understanding of the technology, in Figure 3 The diagram shows the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes. When using... Figure 3 In the description of diaphragm 201, the positive Y-axis direction is also described as "up". "Down" is the opposite direction of up. The positive X-axis direction is also described as "right". "Left" is the opposite direction of right. For the structure shown in the figure, the side with the positive Z-axis direction is also described as "surface side". For the structure shown in the figure, the side with the negative Z-axis direction is also described as "back side". Figure 3 The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis shown are... Figure 1 The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis correspond to the axes shown.

[0042] In fuel cell 1, membrane 202 is used as... Figure 3 The posture shown is Figure 1 The back faces of the frame 100 shown overlap. Therefore, in Figure 3 In the diaphragm 202 shown, with Figure 1 Similarly, in the frame 100 shown, the lower right represents the oxidizing gas supply manifold Moi, and the upper left represents the oxidizing gas exhaust manifold Moo. Figure 3 In the diaphragm 202 shown, the lower left represents the fuel gas supply manifold Mhi, and the upper right represents the fuel gas discharge manifold Mho. Figure 3 In the diaphragm 202 shown, the left middle section represents the coolant supply manifold Mwi, and the right middle section represents the coolant discharge manifold Mwo.

[0043] The diaphragm 202 has multiple fuel gas flow paths at its center for allowing fuel gas to flow along the membrane electrode assembly 110. These fuel gas flow paths are defined by multiple flow path walls 236 protruding in the positive Z-axis direction from the surface of the diaphragm 202 (see reference). Figure 3 (Central section of the middle section). The flow path wall 236 extends along the X-axis. Fuel gas flows along the positive X-axis within multiple fuel gas flow paths. During this process, the fuel gas comes into contact with the membrane electrode assembly 110, which is disposed opposite to the diaphragm 202, for reaction.

[0044] The diaphragm 202 has a connecting flow path on its lower left side that connects the fuel gas supply manifold Mhi to the fuel gas flow path formed by the flow path wall 236 (see reference). Figure 3 (Lower left section). The connecting flow path is divided by multiple flow path walls 226 protruding in the positive Z-axis direction on the surface of the diaphragm 202. The flow path walls 226 are peaks protruding in the positive Z-axis direction, which are formed by stamping.

[0045] The diaphragm 202 has a connecting flow path on its upper right side that connects the fuel gas flow path formed by the flow path wall 236 to the fuel gas discharge manifold Mho. The connecting flow path is divided by multiple flow path walls 227 protruding in the positive Z-axis direction on the surface of the diaphragm 202. The flow path wall 227 is a peak protruding in the positive Z-axis direction, which is formed by stamping.

[0046] In the diaphragm 202, the flow path walls 226 and 227 are located between the frame 100 and the diaphragm 202, guiding the oxidizing gas at different locations toward the surface of the membrane electrode assembly 110 within the flow path of the oxidizing gas.

[0047] The diaphragm 202 has a support portion 263 (see reference) at the part surrounded by an oxidizing gas flow path defined by multiple flow path walls 236, a connecting flow path defined by multiple flow path walls 226, an oxidizing gas discharge manifold Moo, and a coolant supply manifold Mwi. Figure 3(The upper left section). The support portion 263 is a peak that protrudes in the positive Z-axis direction and is provided by stamping. The support portion 263 bears the force in the Z-axis direction from the frame 100 that overlaps with the diaphragm 202. The support portion 263 prevents the frame 100 from deflecting in the Z-axis direction at the part where it overlaps with the support portion 263.

[0048] The diaphragm 202 has a support portion 264 (see reference) in the part surrounded by an oxidizing gas flow path defined by multiple flow path walls 236, a connecting flow path defined by multiple flow path walls 227, an oxidizing gas supply manifold Moi, and a coolant discharge manifold Mwo. Figure 3 (Lower right section). The support portion 264 is a peak portion protruding in the positive Z-axis direction, provided by stamping. The support portion 264 bears the force in the Z-axis direction from the frame 100 that overlaps with the diaphragm 202. The support portion 264 prevents the frame 100 from deflecting in the Z-axis direction at the portion that overlaps with the support portion 263.

[0049] Figure 4 This is a top view showing the diaphragm 700, which constitutes part of the fuel cell cell 1 of this embodiment. For ease of understanding of the technology, in Figure 4 The diagram shows the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes. When using... Figure 4 In the description of diaphragm 700, the positive Y-axis direction is also described as "up". "Down" is the opposite direction of up. The positive X-axis direction is also described as "right". "Left" is the opposite direction of right. For the structure shown in the figure, the side with the positive Z-axis direction is also described as "surface side". For the structure shown in the figure, the side with the negative Z-axis direction is also described as "back side". Figure 4 The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis shown are... Figure 1 The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis correspond to the axes shown.

[0050] In fuel cell 1, the membrane 700 is... Figure 4 The posture shown is Figure 3 The back surfaces of the diaphragm 202 shown overlap. Therefore, in Figure 4 In the diaphragm 700 shown, with Figure 1 The frame 100 shown and Figure 3 Similarly, the diaphragm 202 shown has the oxidizing gas supply manifold Moi in the lower right and the oxidizing gas exhaust manifold Moo in the upper left. Figure 4 In the diaphragm 700 shown, the lower left represents the fuel gas supply manifold Mhi, and the upper right represents the fuel gas exhaust manifold Mho. Figure 4 In the diaphragm 700 shown, the left middle section represents the coolant supply manifold Mwi, and the right middle section represents the coolant discharge manifold Mwo.

[0051] The diaphragm 700 has multiple coolant flow paths in its central portion, overlapping with the membrane electrode assembly 110, for coolant flow. These coolant flow paths are defined by multiple flow path walls 430 protruding in the positive Z-axis direction from the surface of the diaphragm 700 (see reference). Figure 4 (Central section of the middle section). The flow path wall 430 extends along the X-axis. The coolant flows in the positive X-axis direction within multiple coolant flow paths. During this process, the coolant comes into contact with the diaphragm 202, which is disposed opposite to the diaphragm 700, and receives heat from the membrane electrode assembly 110 via the diaphragm 202.

[0052] The diaphragm 700 has a connecting flow path on its upper left section, which connects the coolant supply manifold Mwi to the coolant flow path formed by the flow path wall 430. The connecting flow path is divided by a plurality of flow path walls 421 protruding in the positive Z-axis direction on the surface of the diaphragm 700. The flow path wall 421 is a peak protruding in the positive Z-axis direction, which is formed by stamping.

[0053] The diaphragm 700 has a connecting flow path on its lower right side that connects the coolant flow path formed by the flow path wall 430 to the coolant discharge manifold Mwo. The connecting flow path is divided by multiple flow path walls 422 protruding in the positive Z-axis direction on the surface of the diaphragm 700. The flow path wall 422 is a peak protruding in the positive Z-axis direction, which is formed by stamping.

[0054] In the diaphragm 700, the flow path walls 421 and 422 are located between the diaphragm 202 and the diaphragm 700, guiding the coolant towards different parts of the diaphragm 202 within the coolant flow path.

[0055] The internal sealing section 310 seals the flow path of oxidizing gas, fuel gas, and coolant (as fluids) between the frame 100 and the diaphragm 201 relative to the external seal (see reference). Figure 2 ).exist Figure 2 In the diagram, the internal sealing section 310 is shown as a black structure. The internal sealing section 310 is configured to independently surround the fuel gas supply manifold Mhi, the fuel gas discharge manifold Mho, the coolant supply manifold Mwi, and the coolant discharge manifold Mwo.

[0056] The internal sealing section 310 is configured to surround the oxidizing gas supply manifold Moi, the connecting flow path divided by the flow path wall 221, the oxidizing gas flow path divided by the flow path wall 231, the connecting flow path divided by the flow path wall 222, and the oxidizing gas discharge manifold Moo.

[0057] The inner sealing part 310 is disposed at a position that overlaps with the outer sealing part 400 when viewed along the Z-axis. However, there are positions where the outer sealing part 400 is located when viewed along the Z-axis and where the inner sealing part 310 is not disposed.

[0058] The internal sealing portion 310 is composed of a portion of the diaphragm 201 and an adhesive layer. The portion of the diaphragm 201 constituting the internal sealing portion 310 has a peak protruding in the negative Z-axis direction. The adhesive layer is disposed on the frame 100 side of the diaphragm 201 constituting the internal sealing portion 310. In the manufacturing process of the fuel cell cell 1, firstly, the adhesive layer is disposed on the frame 100, and then the diaphragm 201 is overlapped with the frame 100. The adhesive layer is composed of an adhesive. More specifically, the adhesive is an acrylic adhesive.

[0059] The internal sealing section 320 seals the flow path of oxidizing gas, fuel gas, and coolant (as fluids) between the frame 100 and the diaphragm 202 relative to the external seal (see reference). Figure 3 ).exist Figure 3 In the diagram, the internal sealing section 320 is shown as a black structure. The internal sealing section 320 is configured to independently surround the oxidizing gas supply mani, the oxidizing gas discharge manifold Moo, the coolant supply manifold Mwi, and the coolant discharge manifold Mwo.

[0060] The internal sealing section 320 is configured to surround the fuel gas supply manifold Mhi, the connecting flow path divided by the flow path wall 226, the oxidizing gas flow path divided by the flow path wall 236, the connecting flow path divided by the flow path wall 227, and the fuel gas discharge manifold Mho.

[0061] The inner sealing part 320 is disposed at a position that overlaps with the outer sealing part 400 when viewed along the Z-axis. However, there are positions where the outer sealing part 400 is located when viewed along the Z-axis and where the inner sealing part 320 is not disposed.

[0062] The internal sealing portion 320 has the same structure as the internal sealing portion 310. That is, the internal sealing portion 320 is composed of a portion of the diaphragm 202 and an adhesive layer. The portion of the diaphragm 202 constituting a part of the internal sealing portion 320 is a peak protruding in the positive Z-axis direction. The adhesive layer is disposed on the frame 100 side of the diaphragm 202 constituting a part of the internal sealing portion 320. In the manufacturing process of the fuel cell cell 1, firstly, the adhesive layer is disposed on the frame 100, and then the diaphragm 202 is overlapped with the frame 100.

[0063] By forming such a structure, a sufficient seal can be ensured over a long period of time between the internal sealing portions 310, 320 and the frame 100 through the adhesive layer. Therefore, it is possible to prevent fluid from flowing out of the fuel cell 1 from between the frame 100 and the membranes 201, 202 to the outside of the fuel cell 1 for a long period of time.

[0064] The external sealing part 400 is disposed between the diaphragm 700 and the diaphragm 202 on the side opposite to the frame 100, and seals the flow path of the oxidizing gas, fuel gas and coolant as fluids relative to the external seal (see reference). Figure 4 ).exist Figure 4 In the diagram, the external sealing section 400 is represented as a black structure. The external sealing section 400 is configured to independently surround the oxidizing gas supply manifold Moi, the oxidizing gas discharge manifold Moo, the fuel gas supply manifold Mhi, and the fuel gas discharge manifold Mho.

[0065] The external sealing part 400 is configured to surround the coolant supply manifold Mwi, the connecting flow path divided by the flow path wall 421, the coolant flow path divided by the flow path wall 430, the connecting flow path divided by the flow path wall 422, and the coolant discharge manifold Mwo.

[0066] In the fuel cell 1, adhesive layers Aad1 and Aad2, which are made of adhesive, are disposed on the surface and back of the frame 100, including the following areas.

[0067] (i) Between flow path walls 221, 222, 226, 227 and frame 100.

[0068] (ii) Between a portion of the repeating diaphragms 201, 202 that constitute the repeating portion and the frame 100, the repeating portion being disposed at a position that overlaps with the external seal 400 when the fuel cell cell 1 is viewed along the Z-axis direction.

[0069] exist Figure 1 In the diagram, the areas where adhesive layers Aad1 and Aad2 are applied are indicated by shading. For example... Figure 1 As shown, in addition to the adhesive layers attached between the flow path walls 221, 222, 226, and 227 and the frame 100, adhesive layers are also attached between adjacent flow path walls. In this embodiment, adhesive layers Aad1 and Aad2 are formed on the frame 100. On the back side of the frame 100, adhesive layers are also formed at locations corresponding to the aforementioned locations.

[0070] By forming such a structure, sufficient sealing can be ensured between the flow path walls 221, 222, 226, 227 and the frame 100 through adhesive layers Aad1, Aad2. Therefore, the possibility of oxidizing gas and fuel gas flowing across the flow path walls 221, 222, 226, 227 can be suppressed, and the fluid in the flow path can be adequately guided toward different parts of the surface of the membrane electrode assembly 110.

[0071] Furthermore, in the above-described manner, adhesive layers Aad1 and Aad2 are provided at the positions in the inner sealing portions 310 and 320 that overlap with the outer sealing portion 400 when viewed along the overlap direction of the frame 100 and the diaphragms 201 and 202. Therefore, the force applied to the diaphragms 201 and 202 by the outer sealing portion 400 can be transmitted between the frame 100 and the diaphragms 201 and 202 via the adhesive layers Aad1 and Aad2. As a result, the deformation of the frame 100 and the diaphragms 201 and 202 can be further reduced compared to the case where there is a gap between the frame 100 and the diaphragms 201 and 202. Therefore, sufficient sealing can be ensured between another frame or another diaphragm 700 and the diaphragms 201 and 202 through the outer sealing portion 400.

[0072] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various structures without departing from its spirit. For example, in order to solve part or all of the above-described problems, or to achieve part or all of the above-described effects, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in the various methods described in the utility model description section can be appropriately replaced or combined. In addition, any technical feature that is not described as essential in this specification can be appropriately deleted.

Claims

1. A fuel cell cell comprising a frame for holding a membrane electrode assembly and a diaphragm overlapping the frame, wherein, have: An internal seal that seals the fluid flow path relative to the outside between the frame and the diaphragm; and An external sealing section, located between the diaphragm and another diaphragm disposed on the opposite side of the frame, seals the fluid flow path relative to the outside. The internal sealing portion is at least composed of a portion of the diaphragm and an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer being disposed on the frame side of the portion of the diaphragm and being composed of adhesive. The diaphragm has flow path walls for guiding fluid at different locations within the flow path towards the surface of the membrane electrode assembly, between the frame and the diaphragm. The fuel cell cell has an adhesive layer made of the adhesive between the flow path wall and the frame, and between a portion of the membrane constituting the repeating portion and the frame. The repeating portion is the portion disposed at a position that overlaps with the external seal when the frame and the membrane are viewed along the overlap direction.

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