Fuel cells and vehicles

Abstract

This utility model discloses a fuel cell and a vehicle. The fuel cell includes: a stack body; a busbar assembly, the busbar assembly including: a cathode busbar and a water busbar, the cathode busbar being connected to the stack body, the water busbar being connected to the cathode busbar and communicating with the stack body; and a sealing element, the sealing element being sealed at the communication point between the water busbar and the stack body. By setting up the busbar assembly, the problem of insufficient overall space causing difficulties in overall layout can be solved. The sealing element is sealed at the communication point between the water busbar and the stack body. Through clever design of tolerances, reliable sealing can be achieved while solving the assembly and positioning problem of the water busbar. The overall design structure is ingenious, which can meet the sealing requirements of the water circuit while solving the overall layout difficulty.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to a fuel cell and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, fuel cells are based on the stack body and other accessories are arranged. Because there are many accessories in a fuel cell, and the top of the whole machine is generally equipped with a DC power supply, and the part in contact with the longitudinal beam is suspended, most of the parts are arranged in the front and rear directions and the lower side of the fuel cell, and the arrangement space is limited.

[0003] However, existing fuel cells also have significant drawbacks: insufficient overall space for fuel cells, limited space for components, conflicts in the spatial arrangement of components, difficulty in fixing them, and considerable difficulty in arranging various parts. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a fuel cell that can meet the sealing requirements of the water passage while addressing the overall layout challenges.

[0005] This utility model further proposes a vehicle.

[0006] The fuel cell according to this utility model includes: a stack body; a busbar assembly, the busbar assembly including: a cathode busbar and a water busbar, the cathode busbar being connected to the stack body, the water busbar being connected to the cathode busbar and communicating with the stack body; and a sealing member, the sealing member being sealed at the communication between the water busbar and the stack body.

[0007] According to the present invention, the fuel cell can solve the problem of insufficient overall space and the difficulty of overall layout by setting up a manifold assembly. The sealing element is set at the connection between the water manifold and the stack body. By cleverly designing the tolerance, the assembly and positioning problem of the water manifold can be solved while achieving reliable sealing. The overall design structure is ingenious and can meet the sealing requirements of the water circuit while solving the overall layout difficulty.

[0008] In some examples of this utility model, the water manifold is provided with a first connection port, the fuel cell body is provided with a second connection port, the first connection port and the second connection port are connected, and the sealing element is used to seal the first connection port and the second connection port.

[0009] In some examples of this utility model, the water manifold is provided with a first connecting pipe, the first connecting pipe is provided with a first communication port, the fuel cell body is provided with a second connecting pipe, the second connecting pipe is provided with a second communication port, the second connecting pipe extends into the first connecting pipe, and the sealing element seals between the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe.

[0010] In some examples of this utility model, the cathode busbar is provided with a clearance opening, and the first connecting pipe communicates with the second connecting pipe through the clearance opening.

[0011] In some examples of this utility model, the sealing element is a Y-shaped sealing ring structure.

[0012] In some examples of this utility model, the sealing element is a rubber structural component.

[0013] In some examples of this utility model, the fuel cell further includes: a first fixing member, the cathode busbar having a first through hole, the stack body having a first fixing hole, the first fixing member passing through the first through hole, and the first fixing member being fixed to the first fixing hole.

[0014] In some examples of this utility model, the fuel cell further includes: a second fixing member, the cathode manifold is further provided with a second through hole, the water manifold is provided with a second fixing hole, the second fixing member passes through the second through hole, and the second fixing member is fixed to the second fixing hole.

[0015] In some examples of this utility model, both the cathode manifold and the water channel manifold are metal structural components.

[0016] The vehicle according to this utility model includes: the fuel cell described above.

[0017] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure label:

[0021] 1. Fuel cells;

[0022] 10. Fuel cell stack body; 100. Second connection port; 101. Second connecting pipe; 102. First fixing hole; 20. Busbar assembly; 200. Cathode busbar; 201. Water busbar; 202. First connection port; 203. First connecting pipe; 204. Clearance opening; 205. First through hole; 206. Second through hole; 30. Sealing element; 40. First fixing element; 50. Second fixing element. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. The embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary. The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below.

[0024] The following is for reference. Figure 1 Fuel cell 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the fuel cell 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a stack body 10, a busbar assembly 20, and a sealing element 30. The stack body 10 is the core part of the fuel cell 1, which is composed of multiple stacked single cells. The busbar assembly 20 can connect the individual cells and is responsible for distributing fuel gas and oxidant to the corresponding electrodes, while collecting and discharging the generated current. The sealing element 30 can perform a sealing function to prevent fluid leakage or external contaminants from entering the system.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the busbar assembly 20 includes a cathode busbar 200 and a water busbar 201, with the cathode busbar 200 connected to the fuel cell stack body 10. The cathode busbar 200 and the water busbar 201 are components of the busbar assembly 20. The cathode busbar 200 is located on the cathode side of the fuel cell stack 10. It can connect the individual cells to form a circuit, collect the current generated in the fuel cell stack 10 and conduct it to an external circuit. It can also supply oxygen to the cathode of the fuel cell stack 10 and help remove water and other byproducts generated during the reaction. At the same time, it can assist the fuel cell stack 10 in heat dissipation. The water busbar 201 can facilitate the flow of coolant and effectively cool the fuel cell stack 10, thereby maintaining the operating temperature of the fuel cell stack 10 within a suitable range. The cathode busbar 200 is connected to the fuel cell stack 10. At this time, the cathode busbar 200 can supply the required oxygen to the fuel cell stack 10 and help remove water and other byproducts generated during the reaction. It can also ensure that the current can be effectively conducted and the gas can be correctly distributed, thereby ensuring the stability of the entire fuel cell system.

[0027] The water manifold 201 is connected to the cathode manifold 200 and communicates with the fuel cell stack body 10. A sealing element 30 is installed at the connection between the water manifold 201 and the fuel cell stack body 10. The connection of the water manifold 201 to the cathode manifold 200 facilitates the installation and setup of the manifold assembly 20, reducing the overall volume and complexity of the fuel cell 1 and solving the problem of insufficient space causing layout difficulties. It also enables effective cooling and reactant distribution. Furthermore, it allows the coolant to be closer to the electrochemical reaction site, enabling more effective temperature control of the fuel cell stack body 10 and improving overall efficiency. Additionally, it reduces the number of individual components, making the assembly process of the fuel cell 1 simpler and faster. Moreover, the communication between the water manifold 201 and the fuel cell stack body 10 allows the coolant to effectively circulate within the fuel cell stack body 10. The circulation ensures that the fuel cell stack 10 operates within the optimal temperature range, avoiding efficiency loss or material damage due to overheating, thus ensuring the efficient and stable operation of the fuel cell 1. The sealing element 30 is installed at the connection between the water manifold 201 and the fuel cell stack 10, which can prevent coolant leakage into the electrochemical reaction area and also prevent gas leakage or other contaminants from entering the cooling system, thereby ensuring the safety and efficiency of the system. Through clever design of tolerance matching, reliable sealing can be achieved while solving the assembly and positioning problem of the water manifold 201. This design structure is ingenious and bold, which can meet the sealing requirements of the water circuit while solving the overall layout difficulty.

[0028] Therefore, by setting up the manifold assembly 20, the problem of insufficient overall space causing difficulties in overall layout can be solved. The sealing element 30 is sealed at the connection between the water manifold 201 and the fuel cell body 10. By cleverly designing the tolerance, reliable sealing can be achieved while solving the assembly and positioning problem of the water manifold 201. The overall design structure is ingenious and can meet the sealing requirements of the water circuit while solving the overall layout difficulty.

[0029] Specifically, such as Figure 1As shown, the water manifold 201 is provided with a first connecting port 202, and the fuel cell stack body 10 is provided with a second connecting port 100. The first connecting port 202 and the second connecting port 100 are connected. The sealing element 30 is used to seal the first connecting port 202 and the second connecting port 100. The first connecting port 202 is provided on the water manifold 201 and can serve as a connection, allowing the water manifold 201 to connect with other components. The fuel cell stack body 10 is provided with the second connecting port 100 and can serve as a connection, allowing the fuel cell stack body 10 to connect with other components. When the first connecting port 202 and the second connecting port 100 are connected, the water manifold 201 and the fuel cell stack body 10 can be connected. This allows the coolant to circulate effectively inside the fuel cell stack body 10, ensuring that the fuel cell stack body 10 operates within the optimal temperature range and avoiding performance issues caused by overheating. To prevent a decrease in efficiency or material damage, the seal 30 is used to seal the first connection port 202 and the second connection port 100. That is, the seal 30 is installed at the connection between the water manifold 201 and the stack body 10. This prevents coolant from leaking into the electrochemical reaction area and also prevents gas leakage or other contaminants from entering the cooling system, thereby ensuring the safety and efficiency of the system. Through clever design of tolerance matching, reliable sealing can be achieved while solving the assembly and positioning problem of the water manifold 201. This design structure is ingenious and bold, which can meet the sealing requirements of the water circuit while solving the overall layout difficulty.

[0030] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the water manifold 201 is provided with a first connecting pipe 203, the first connecting pipe 203 is provided with a first connecting port 202, the fuel cell stack body 10 is provided with a second connecting pipe 101, the second connecting pipe 101 is provided with a second connecting port 100, the second connecting pipe 101 extends into the first connecting pipe 203, and the sealing member 30 seals between the first connecting pipe 203 and the second connecting pipe 101.

[0031] It should be noted that the first connecting pipe 203 is disposed on the water manifold 201. The first connecting pipe 203 serves a connecting function, allowing the water manifold 201 to connect with other components. The first connecting pipe 203 is provided with a first connecting port 202, which also serves a connecting function, allowing the water manifold 201 to connect with other components. The fuel cell stack body 10 is provided with a second connecting pipe 101, which serves a connecting function, allowing the fuel cell stack body to connect with other components. The second connecting pipe 101 is provided with a second connecting port 100, which also serves a connecting function, allowing the fuel cell stack body 10 to connect with other components. The second connecting pipe 101 extends into the first connecting pipe 203, thus achieving communication between the second connecting pipe 101 and the first connecting pipe 203, while ensuring sealing and smooth fluid flow. The connection between the second connecting pipe 101 and the first connecting pipe 203 enables the water manifold 201 to connect with the fuel cell stack 10. This allows the coolant to circulate effectively within the fuel cell stack 10, ensuring that the fuel cell stack 10 operates within its optimal temperature range and preventing efficiency loss or material damage due to overheating. This ensures the efficient and stable operation of the fuel cell 1. The seal 30 is located between the first connecting pipe 203 and the second connecting pipe 101. In other words, the seal 30 is positioned at the connection between the water manifold 201 and the fuel cell stack 10. This prevents coolant leakage into the electrochemical reaction area and also prevents gas leakage or other contaminants from entering the cooling system, thus ensuring the safety and efficiency of the system. Through clever tolerance matching design, reliable sealing can be achieved while solving the assembly and positioning problem of the water manifold 201. This design is ingenious and bold, satisfying the sealing requirements of the water circuit while addressing the overall layout challenges.

[0032] Of course, such as Figure 1 As shown, the cathode busbar 200 is provided with a clearance port 204, through which the first connecting pipe 203 is connected to the second connecting pipe 101. The clearance port 204 mainly serves to avoid interference between different components. When the first connecting pipe 203 is connected to the second connecting pipe 101 through the clearance port 204, the cathode busbar 200 will not interfere with the connection between the first connecting pipe 203 and the second connecting pipe 101, thereby enabling the connection between the water busbar 201 and the fuel cell stack body 10.

[0033] Furthermore, such as Figure 1As shown, the seal 30 is a Y-shaped sealing ring structure. The Y-shaped sealing ring structure has a Y-shaped cross-section, which allows it to automatically open under pressure and tightly fit the sealing surface. The Y-shaped sealing ring structure typically has two sealing lips: one to prevent media leakage and the other to block external contaminants from entering the system. During operation, as the internal system pressure increases, the Y-shaped sealing ring structure experiences greater pressure, resulting in a tighter fit to the sealing surface and improved sealing performance. Setting the seal 30 as a Y-shaped sealing ring structure better suits actual operating conditions. The seal 30 has excellent sealing performance and a long service life, providing a good seal at the connection between the water manifold 201 and the fuel cell stack 10. This prevents coolant leakage into the electrochemical reaction area and also avoids gas leakage or other contaminants entering the cooling system, ensuring system safety and efficiency.

[0034] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the seal 30 is a rubber structural component. Rubber structural components have advantages such as good elasticity, chemical corrosion resistance, wide temperature adaptability, wear resistance, and cost-effectiveness. By setting the seal 30 as a rubber structural component, the seal 30 is more in line with actual working conditions. The seal 30 has good sealing performance and a long service life, and can play a good sealing role at the connection between the water manifold 201 and the fuel cell body 10. This can prevent coolant from leaking into the electrochemical reaction area, and at the same time, it can prevent gas leakage or other contaminants from entering the cooling system, thus ensuring the safety and efficiency of the system.

[0035] It should be noted that, as Figure 1As shown, the fuel cell 1 also includes: a first fixing member 40, a cathode busbar 200 having a first through hole 205, a stack body 10 having a first fixing hole 102, the first fixing member 40 passing through the first through hole 205, and the first fixing member 40 being fixed to the first fixing hole 102. The first fixing member 40 serves a fixing function and can be used for fixing and connecting different components. The cathode busbar 200 is provided with a first through hole 205, which serves a fixing and connecting function and can be used to fix the water cathode busbar 200 to other components. The fuel cell stack body 10 is provided with a first fixing hole 102, which can achieve precise positioning between different components, enhance the stability of the structure, and facilitate assembly and disassembly. The first fixing member 40 passes through the first through hole 205 and is fixed to the first fixing hole 102. By passing the first fixing member 40 through the first through hole 205 and inserting its end into the first fixing hole 102, the cathode busbar 200 and the fuel cell stack body 10 can be fixedly connected. At this time, the cathode busbar 200 can provide the required oxygen to the fuel cell stack body 10 and help remove water and other by-products generated during the reaction process. At the same time, it can ensure that the current can be effectively conducted and the gas can be correctly distributed, thereby ensuring the stability of the entire fuel cell system. The first fixing member 40 can be set with eight fixing bolts, which makes installation convenient, disassembly easy, practical and reliable.

[0036] In addition, such as Figure 1As shown, the fuel cell 1 also includes: a second fixing member 50; the cathode manifold 200 is further provided with a second through hole 206; the water manifold 201 is provided with a second fixing hole; the second fixing member 50 passes through the second through hole 206 and is fixed to the second fixing hole. The second fixing member 50 can serve a fixing function and can be used for fixing and connecting different components. The cathode manifold 200 is further provided with a second through hole 206, which can serve a fixing and connecting function, and can be used to fix and connect the water cathode manifold 200 to other components. The water manifold 201 is provided with a second fixing hole, which can achieve precise positioning between different components, enhance structural stability, and facilitate assembly and disassembly. The second fixing member 50 passes through the second through hole 206 and is fixed to the second fixing hole. The end of the cathode manifold 200 is inserted into the second fixing hole, thus achieving a fixed connection between the cathode manifold 200 and the water manifold 201. This facilitates the installation and setup of the manifold assembly 20, reducing the overall size and complexity of the fuel cell 1 and solving the problem of insufficient overall space causing difficulties in overall layout. Simultaneously, it enables effective cooling and reactant distribution. Furthermore, it allows the coolant to be closer to the location where the electrochemical reaction occurs, enabling more effective control of the temperature of the stack body 10 and improving overall efficiency. Additionally, it reduces the number of individual components, making the assembly process of the fuel cell 1 simpler and faster. The second fixing member 50 can be configured with five fixing bolts, which facilitates installation and disassembly, enhancing practicality and ensuring structural reliability.

[0037] Optionally, such as Figure 1 As shown, both the cathode busbar 200 and the water busbar 201 are metal structural components. Metal structural components have excellent electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, and corrosion resistance. Using metal structural components for both the cathode busbar 200 and the water busbar 201 better suits actual operating conditions. The cathode busbar 200 can connect the individual cells to form a circuit, collect the generated current from the fuel cell stack 10, and guide it to an external circuit. It can also supply oxygen to the cathode of the fuel cell stack 10 and help remove water and other byproducts generated during the reaction. Simultaneously, it assists in heat dissipation from the fuel cell stack 10. The water busbar 201 allows for the flow of coolant, effectively cooling the fuel cell stack 10 and maintaining its operating temperature within a suitable range. This ensures the efficient operation and long-term reliability of the fuel cell 1.

[0038] The vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: the fuel cell 1 described in the above embodiments.

[0039] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0040] In the description of this utility model, "first feature" and "second feature" may include one or more of the features. In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means two or more. In the description of this utility model, "above" or "below" the second feature may include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. In the description of this utility model, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature.

[0041] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0042] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A fuel cell (1) characterized by, include: Stack body (10); The busbar assembly (20) includes a cathode busbar (200) and a water busbar (201). The cathode busbar (200) is connected to the fuel cell stack body (10), and the water busbar (201) is connected to the cathode busbar (200) and communicates with the fuel cell stack body (10). A sealing element (30) is provided at the connection between the water channel manifold (201) and the fuel cell body (10).

2. The fuel cell (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The water channel manifold (201) is provided with a first connection port (202), and the fuel cell stack body (10) is provided with a second connection port (100). The first connection port (202) and the second connection port (100) are connected. The sealing element (30) is used to seal the first connection port (202) and the second connection port (100).

3. The fuel cell (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The water manifold (201) is provided with a first connecting pipe (203), the first connecting pipe (203) is provided with a first connecting port (202), the fuel cell stack body (10) is provided with a second connecting pipe (101), the second connecting pipe (101) is provided with a second connecting port (100), the second connecting pipe (101) extends into the first connecting pipe (203), and the sealing element (30) seals between the first connecting pipe (203) and the second connecting pipe (101).

4. The fuel cell (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that The cathode busbar (200) is provided with a clearance opening (204), and the first connecting pipe (203) is connected to the second connecting pipe (101) through the clearance opening (204).

5. The fuel cell (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The sealing element (30) is a Y-shaped sealing ring structure.

6. The fuel cell (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing element (30) is a rubber structural component.

7. The fuel cell (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The first fixing member (40) is provided with a first through hole (205) in the cathode busbar (200) and a first fixing hole (102) in the fuel cell body (10). The first fixing member (40) passes through the first through hole (205) and is fixed to the first fixing hole (102).

8. The fuel cell (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The second fixing member (50) is provided with a second through hole (206) in the cathode busbar (200) and a second fixing hole in the water busbar (201). The second fixing member (50) passes through the second through hole (206) and is fixed to the second fixing hole.

9. The fuel cell (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the cathode manifold (200) and the water manifold (201) are metal structural components.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, include: The fuel cell (1) according to any one of claims 1-9.

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