A new type of fuel cell graphite bipolar plate with anti-overflowing glue
By designing multiple overflow grooves on the bipolar plate of the fuel cell to form a buffer path, the overflow problem was solved, resulting in a more uniform sealing layer and higher production efficiency, reducing the risk of media leakage and improving the performance stability of the fuel cell.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BOYUAN (SHANDONG) NEW ENERGY TECH DEV CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing fuel cell bipolar plates suffer from adhesive overflow during the dispensing process, resulting in uneven coating or severe overflow, increasing cleaning workload and material waste, and causing pollution to the production environment and other components.
A novel sealing groove structure is designed, comprising multiple parallel and vertical overflow grooves to form a buffer extension path, slowing down the glue discharge speed and increasing flow resistance when passing through multiple overflow grooves, thus preventing glue from flowing out of the electrode plate quickly.
It reduces the pollution of the production environment and other components caused by excess adhesive, reduces cleaning workload and material waste, improves sealing performance and adhesive uniformity, enhances the performance stability and reliability of fuel cells, and reduces the requirements for adhesive amount control.
Smart Images
Figure CN224417755U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application belongs to the field of fuel cell bipolar plates, and particularly relates to a novel graphite bipolar plate for fuel cells that prevents adhesive spillage. Background Technology
[0002] As a key component of hydrogen fuel cells, bipolar plates play a crucial role in mass transfer, heat dissipation, and electrical conductivity of the fuel cell system. Their performance directly affects the service life, hydrogen efficiency, power density, and cost of large-scale manufacturing of the hydrogen fuel cell system.
[0003] In actual production, when using dispensing technology to manufacture bipolar plates, the design characteristics of the coolant flow channel side sealing groove lead to significant glue overflow issues, which negatively impacts the flatness of the bipolar plate during press-fitting. To address this problem, patent application number 202322208694.5 proposes a hydrogen fuel cell anode plate flow channel structure with a glue overflow groove. In this structure, the cooling flow channel sealing groove is equipped with a first glue overflow groove and a second glue overflow groove. The second glue overflow groove is arranged parallel to the outside of the cooling flow channel sealing groove, while the first glue overflow groove is vertically positioned at the cooling flow channel sealing groove and sequentially connects the second glue overflow groove and the cooling flow channel sealing groove. This design prevents glue from overflowing into areas outside the sealing groove during the dispensing process.
[0004] However, this structure has certain limitations. The first overflow groove directly connects the glue application area to the outside of the electrode plate. When the glue application amount is too high, the excess glue will quickly flow out of the electrode plate from the overflow groove. This means that when using the existing overflow groove structure, the glue application position and amount must be precisely controlled. If the glue application amount is insufficient, uneven glue application will occur; if the glue application amount is too high, it will cause serious overflow, thus increasing the workload of cleaning up the overflow. Therefore, the existing technology needs further improvement. Utility Model Content
[0005] This invention provides a novel anti-overflow adhesive graphite bipolar plate for fuel cells, which at least solves or alleviates one or more technical problems in the prior art, or at least provides a beneficial alternative.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:
[0007] A novel graphite bipolar plate for fuel cells with anti-overflow adhesive includes a sealing groove structure that serves as a dispensing path to guide the uniform filling of sealant, forming a continuous sealing layer and preventing media leakage. The sealing groove structure has a first overflow groove parallel to the sealing groove on both its inner and outer sides. A second overflow groove is located on the inner side of the bipolar plate edge, surrounding the edge of the bipolar plate. A third overflow groove connects the first and second overflow grooves, located on the outer side of the sealing groove and close to the edge of the bipolar plate. A fourth overflow groove is located between the second overflow groove and the edge of the bipolar plate, with one end connected to the second overflow groove and the other end having an overflow port. During the adhesive application process in the cooling channel sealing groove, excess adhesive is discharged outwards through a buffered and extended path formed by the overflow groove structure, slowing down the discharge speed and reducing the workload of cleaning up overflow adhesive.
[0008] This application presents a novel anti-overflow adhesive graphite bipolar plate for fuel cells. The first, third, second, and fourth overflow channels form a buffered, extended path. Excess adhesive experiences increased flow resistance as it passes through these channels, significantly slowing the discharge rate. This prevents rapid adhesive outflow from the plate, reducing contamination of the production environment and other components, and minimizing production interruptions and material waste that could result from cleaning up overflow. Applying more adhesive allows for fuller coverage in uneven areas, creating a more continuous and uniform sealing layer, improving the bipolar plate's sealing performance and adhesion. The uniform sealing layer reduces the risk of media leakage, enhancing the fuel cell's performance stability and reliability. Due to the buffering effect of the overflow channel system, the control requirements for adhesive application amount are reduced, increasing process tolerance. This reduces scrap and rework rates caused by improper adhesive application control, improving production efficiency.
[0009] In a preferred implementation, the third overflow trough is perpendicular to the first and second overflow troughs, and the fourth overflow trough is perpendicular to the second overflow trough. When the glue is discharged, it goes through at least two right-angle bends to slow down the discharge speed.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the connection points between the third overflow tank and the first and second overflow tanks, as well as the connection points between the fourth overflow tank and the second overflow tank, are provided with rounded corners.
[0011] In a preferred implementation, multiple third and fourth overflow troughs are provided at intervals.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment, a fifth overflow groove is also included, one end of which is connected to the first overflow groove provided inside the sealing groove, and the other end is a closed arc end.
[0013] In a preferred implementation, the fifth overflow groove is perpendicular to the first overflow groove and multiple such grooves are provided at intervals.
[0014] In a preferred implementation, the first overflow groove located outside the sealing groove and away from the edge of the bipolar plate is connected to the fifth overflow groove.
[0015] In a preferred implementation, the connection point between the fifth overflow groove and the first overflow groove is provided with a rounded corner transition.
[0016] In a preferred implementation, the bottom height of the sealing groove is lower than the plane of the bipolar plate and higher than the bottom height of the overflow groove.
[0017] In a preferred implementation, the cross-sections of the third, fourth, and fifth overflow grooves are S-shaped, arc-shaped, or wavy. Attached Figure Description
[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description thereof, serve to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:
[0019] Figure 1 A schematic three-dimensional structural diagram of one embodiment of the novel anti-overflow adhesive for a fuel cell graphite bipolar plate of this application is shown.
[0020] Figure 2 It is illustrated Figure 1 A partially enlarged structural diagram of one embodiment of Part A;
[0021] Figure 3 It is illustrated Figure 2 A partially enlarged structural diagram of one embodiment of Part B;
[0022] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the sealing groove structure with first overflow grooves on both sides is shown.
[0023] Label Explanation:
[0024] 1. Bipolar plate; 2. Sealing groove structure; 3. First overflow groove; 4. Second overflow groove; 5. Third overflow groove; 6. Fourth overflow groove; 7. Overflow port; 8. Fifth overflow groove; 9. Rounded corner transition. Detailed Implementation
[0025] In the following description, only certain exemplary embodiments are briefly described. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Therefore, the drawings and description are considered exemplary in nature and not restrictive.
[0026] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," and "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 do not 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. In this utility model, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the first feature being "upper" or "lower" than the second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium.
[0027] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral unit; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. However, specifying a direct connection indicates that the two main bodies at the connection point are not connected by an intermediate structure, but are simply connected to form a whole through a connecting structure. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.
[0028] In this utility model, descriptions involving "first," "second," etc., are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features.
[0029] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0030] The specific solution adopted is as follows:
[0031] like Figure 1-4As shown, this utility model provides a novel anti-overflow graphite bipolar plate for fuel cells, including a sealing groove structure 2 that serves as a dispensing path to guide the sealant to fill evenly, forming a continuous sealing layer and preventing media leakage. The sealing groove structure 2 has a first overflow groove 3 parallel to the sealing groove on both its inner and outer sides. A second overflow groove 4 is provided on the inner side of the edge of the bipolar plate 1, surrounding the edge of the bipolar plate 1. A third overflow groove 5 connecting the first overflow groove 3 and the second overflow groove 4 is provided on the outer side of the sealing groove and near the edge of the bipolar plate 1. A fourth overflow groove 6 is provided between the second overflow groove 4 and the edge of the bipolar plate 1, with one end connected to the second overflow groove 4 and the other end having an overflow port 60. During the application of sealant to the cooling channel sealing groove, excess sealant is discharged outward through a buffer extension path formed by the overflow groove structure, slowing down the discharge speed and reducing the workload of cleaning up overflow.
[0032] In this application's structure, during the adhesive dispensing and sealing process, excess adhesive must pass through the first overflow groove 3, the third overflow groove 5, the second overflow groove 4, and the fourth overflow groove 6, forming a buffered and extended path. As the adhesive passes through multiple overflow grooves, the flow resistance increases, significantly slowing down the dispensing speed. This prevents the adhesive from rapidly flowing out of the electrode plate, reducing overflow pollution to the production environment and other components, and minimizing potential production interruptions and material waste caused by cleaning up overflow. More adhesive can be applied, making unevenly coated areas more saturated, forming a more continuous and uniform sealing layer, improving the sealing performance and adhesion of the bipolar plate 1. A uniform sealing layer reduces the risk of media leakage, improving the performance stability and reliability of the fuel cell. Due to the buffering effect of the overflow groove system, the control requirements for the amount of adhesive applied are reduced, increasing process tolerance. This reduces scrap and rework rates caused by improper adhesive application control, improving production efficiency.
[0033] As a preferred embodiment of this application, see [link to application]. Figure 3 The third overflow trough 5 is perpendicular to the first overflow trough 3 and the second overflow trough 4, and the fourth overflow trough 6 is perpendicular to the second overflow trough 4. This means that when the glue is discharged, it needs to go through at least two right-angle bends. This increases the flow resistance of the glue, allowing it to accumulate in the overflow trough for more time during the discharge process, rather than flowing directly out of the electrode plate. This significantly slows down the discharge speed and reduces the amount of overflow. The reduction in the amount of overflow means a reduction in cleaning workload and an increase in production efficiency.
[0034] Furthermore, the connection points between the third overflow tank 5 and the first overflow tank 3 and the second overflow tank 4, as well as the connection point between the fourth overflow tank 6 and the second overflow tank 4, are all equipped with rounded transitions 8. In addition, multiple third overflow tanks 5 and fourth overflow tanks 6 are spaced apart. The rounded transitions 8 make the glue flow more smoothly, reducing flow resistance caused by right-angle turns. Smooth flow helps prevent glue blockage at the overflow tank connection points, ensuring the normal operation of the overflow system. Moreover, the rounded transition design 8 is relatively easy to manufacture, helping to improve manufacturing precision and consistency. The multiple third overflow tanks 5 and fourth overflow tanks 6 spaced apart form multiple overflow buffer points, further enhancing the overflow control capability. The number and position of the overflow tanks can be flexibly adjusted according to actual needs to adapt to different glue application processes and sealing requirements.
[0035] As a preferred embodiment of this application, see [link to application]. Figure 3 It also includes a fifth overflow groove 7, one end of which is connected to the first overflow groove 3 provided inside the sealing groove, and the other end is a rounded closed end.
[0036] First overflow grooves 3 are provided on both the inner and outer sides of the sealing groove, which can more comprehensively control the overflow of glue. No matter which direction the glue overflows from, it can be guided into the overflow groove in a timely manner. The double-sided overflow groove design reduces the risk of glue leakage outside the sealing groove and improves the sealing performance of the bipolar plate 1. The fifth overflow groove 7, as an additional overflow buffer area, can further accommodate excess glue and reduce the risk of glue overflowing to the edge of the electrode plate or other areas. The arc-shaped closed end design of the five overflow grooves ensures that glue will not escape from the groove to the inside of the sealing groove, reducing the workload of cleaning up overflow glue and improving production efficiency.
[0037] Furthermore, the fifth overflow groove is perpendicular to the first overflow groove 3 and is provided in multiple intervals. At the same time, the first overflow groove 3, located outside the sealing groove and away from the edge of the bipolar plate 1, is connected to the fifth overflow groove 7. The communication position between the fifth overflow groove 7 and the first overflow groove 3 is provided with a rounded corner transition 8.
[0038] The spaced arrangement of multiple fifth overflow grooves 7 further optimizes the buffering capacity of the overflow system. Each fifth overflow groove 7 can serve as an independent overflow buffer area. The design of the first overflow groove 3, located outside the sealing groove and away from the edge of the bipolar plate 1, being connected to the fifth overflow groove 7 forms a stable overflow system at this location. By slowing down the glue discharge speed, increasing the overflow buffer capacity, and optimizing the glue flow path, the sealing performance of the bipolar plate 1 is significantly improved, and performance problems caused by overflow are reduced.
[0039] As a preferred embodiment of this application, see [link to application]. Figure 4 The bottom of the sealing groove is lower than the plane of the bipolar plate 1 and higher than the bottom of the overflow groove.
[0040] The design of the sealing groove bottom being lower than the plane of bipolar plate 1 allows the adhesive to flow naturally into the sealing groove area under gravity. When the amount of adhesive exceeds the sealing groove's load-bearing capacity, because the bottom of the sealing groove is still higher than the overflow groove, the adhesive will flow further into the overflow groove, forming a directional path of "sealing groove - overflow groove". This height difference design ensures that the adhesive can only flow in one direction, and this unidirectional flow characteristic significantly improves the reliability of overflow control.
[0041] In a preferred embodiment of this application, the cross-sections of the third overflow groove 5, the fourth overflow groove 6, and the fifth overflow groove 7 are S-shaped, arc-shaped, or wavy. The S-shaped cross-section consists of multiple continuous curved segments, forming a stepped buffer channel. The adhesive needs to undergo multiple changes in direction during the flow process to avoid localized adhesive accumulation.
[0042] The rounded transition reduces dead corners of glue residue, promotes glue layer uniformity, and improves sealing reliability.
[0043] A wavy shape can also cause the adhesive to undergo multiple changes of direction during flow, thus slowing down the flow rate.
[0044] For any parts not mentioned in this utility model, existing technologies can be used or referenced.
[0045] The above are merely specific embodiments of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various variations or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model, and these should all be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A novel anti-overflow adhesive graphite bipolar plate for fuel cells, comprising a sealing groove structure serving as a dispensing path to guide the sealant to fill uniformly, forming a continuous sealing layer and preventing media leakage, characterized in that... The sealing groove structure has a first overflow groove parallel to the sealing groove on both the inner and outer sides. A second overflow groove is provided on the inner side of the bipolar plate edge. The second overflow groove is arranged around the edge of the bipolar plate. A third overflow groove is provided between the first overflow groove and the second overflow groove, which are located on the outer side of the sealing groove and close to the edge of the bipolar plate. A fourth overflow groove is provided between the second overflow groove and the edge of the bipolar plate. One end of the fourth overflow groove is connected to the second overflow groove, and the other end has an overflow port. During the coating process of the cooling channel sealing groove, the excess glue is discharged outward through the buffer extension path formed by the overflow groove structure, which slows down the glue discharge speed and reduces the amount of cleaning overflow.
2. The novel anti-overflow adhesive graphite bipolar plate for fuel cells according to claim 1, characterized in that, The third overflow trough is perpendicular to the first and second overflow troughs, and the fourth overflow trough is perpendicular to the second overflow trough. When the glue is discharged outward, it goes through at least two right-angle bends to slow down the discharge speed.
3. The novel anti-overflow adhesive graphite bipolar plate for fuel cells according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connection points between the third overflow tank and the first and second overflow tanks, as well as the connection points between the fourth overflow tank and the second overflow tank, are all provided with rounded corners.
4. The novel anti-overflow adhesive graphite bipolar plate for fuel cells according to claim 2, characterized in that, Multiple third and fourth overflow troughs are provided at intervals.
5. The novel anti-overflow adhesive graphite bipolar plate for fuel cells according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a fifth overflow groove, one end of which is connected to the first overflow groove set inside the sealing groove, and the other end is a closed arc end.
6. The novel anti-overflow adhesive graphite bipolar plate for fuel cells according to claim 5, characterized in that, The fifth overflow trough is perpendicular to the first overflow trough and multiple troughs are set at intervals.
7. The novel anti-overflow adhesive graphite bipolar plate for fuel cells according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first overflow groove, located outside the sealing groove and away from the edge of the bipolar plate, connects to the fifth overflow groove.
8. The novel anti-overflow adhesive graphite bipolar plate for fuel cells according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that, The fifth overflow groove and the first overflow groove are connected by a rounded corner transition.
9. The novel anti-overflow adhesive graphite bipolar plate for fuel cells according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the sealing groove is lower than the plane of the bipolar plate but higher than the bottom of the overflow groove.
10. The novel anti-overflow adhesive graphite bipolar plate for fuel cells according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cross-sections of the third, fourth, and fifth overflow grooves are S-shaped, arc-shaped, or wavy.