A connector for a fuel cell stack inspection line, fuel cell

Abstract

This utility model discloses a connector for a fuel cell stack inspection line and a fuel cell, aiming to solve the technical problems of complex assembly, poor reliability, and unsuitability for mass production in existing inspection connection methods. The connector consists of a connector block, a limiting block, and an inspection line. It employs an elastic clamping plate and a limiting channel, utilizing a gold-plated copper elastic clamping material and a "7-shaped" locking structure to achieve a reliable mechanical connection while ensuring low contact resistance, effectively eliminating the risk of detachment under vibration conditions. The modular connector block and limiting block are snap-fitted together, and with a side-opening clamping plate mechanism, the inspection plates of 250 bipolar plates can be quickly blindly inserted and positioned, effectively improving assembly efficiency. The standardized limiting channel and staggered wiring design ensure no cross-interference in the inspection line, significantly reducing the difficulty of manual operation and perfectly adapting to the requirements of mass production processes. This utility model, through optimized connector structural design, achieves the technical effect of both locking function and convenient insertion / removal, suitable for mass production, effectively solving the key technical problems of fuel cell stack inspection line connection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of fuel cell technology, specifically relating to a connector for a fuel cell stack inspection line and a fuel cell. Background Technology

[0002] A fuel cell stack, such as a 100kW stack, has about 250 bipolar plates. Each bipolar plate is equipped with a monitoring plate, and the voltage of each bipolar plate needs to be monitored in real time to understand its performance.

[0003] One existing technology is the pin-type, where a socket is pre-drilled on the bipolar plate and the pin is inserted into the bipolar plate using conductive adhesive. This method is only suitable for laboratory use because it cannot pass the vibration test of mature products. Another method is to solder the inspection line and the inspection plate with tin solder and then cover them with a plastic-sealed tube. This method is cumbersome to operate, has poor consistency, high labor costs, and is not suitable for mass production.

[0004] For example, the utility model with authorization announcement number CN220357122U discloses a fuel cell stack inspection device, including a power strip and an inspection box. The power strip has a socket, and the socket has a terminal that mates with the pins on the fuel cell stack. The terminal is connected to the inspection box through an inspection line.

[0005] For example, regarding the second scenario, utility model patent CN214280037U discloses a terminal block comprising: a clamping part, a clamping part, and a wire. The clamping part has a first clamping piece and a second clamping piece. A first end of the clamping part is electrically connected to each of the first and second clamping pieces. A portion of the wire is covered by the clamping part, and the remaining portion of the wire extends from the second end of the clamping part, and the wire is electrically connected to the clamping part. The clamping part is used to clamp the bipolar plate, and the clamping part is used to clamp the wire, tightly covering the portion of the wire within the clamping part. In this utility model, the electrical connection between the wire and the clamping part is simple and reliable, solving the problem of loose wires and weak connections often caused by welding connections, improving the structural stability of the terminal block, and ensuring its conductivity. Utility Model Content

[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a connector for a fuel cell stack inspection line and a fuel cell. This invention solves two problems in the market, offering both locking functionality and convenient plug-and-play operation, making it suitable for mass production and resolving previous pain points.

[0007] The specific technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0008] This utility model provides a connector for a fuel cell stack inspection line. The fuel cell stack includes multiple stacked bipolar plates, each bipolar plate having a corresponding inspection plate. One end of the inspection plate extends out from the side of the bipolar plate. The connector includes:

[0009] The plug-in block has a plug-in surface, on which plug-in interfaces corresponding to the inspection pieces are provided one by one. The plug-in block also has a mounting groove on one side of the back of the plug-in surface, and each of the plug-in interfaces is connected to the mounting groove.

[0010] A limiting block, at least one end of which is installed in the mounting groove, is provided with multiple limiting channels, each limiting channel corresponding to one of the plug interfaces;

[0011] The inspection line includes multiple inspection plates that correspond one-to-one. Each inspection line has a clamping plate at its end, and the end face of the clamping plate has a clamping opening. Each inspection line extends into one of the limiting channels and the clamping plate extends into the insertion interface. The clamping opening of the clamping plate faces the side where the insertion surface is located.

[0012] The inspection plate is made of gold-plated copper and embedded in the bipolar plate. It is held in place by clamping plates (also gold-plated copper) inside the connector, and secured with a "7-shaped clamping plate" to prevent it from falling off. Each clamping plate is connected to an inspection line that flows to the junction box to collect voltage signals. This connector design is easy to assemble, prevents incorrect installation, is low-cost, and provides a secure connection, making it suitable for mass production.

[0013] In some implementations, the bipolar plates are stacked in the height direction, the height of the clamping plate is greater than the height of the connector, the width of the clamping plate is less than the width of the connector, and the connector has a height-enlarged area for mounting the clamping plate, which can increase the contact area and clamping force between the clamping plate and the inspection plate, and ensure the stability and reliability of the electrical connection.

[0014] Furthermore, the clamping plate includes two elastic clamping plates, which are distributed vertically. Partial areas of the two elastic clamping plates come together to form a clamping area. The elastic design facilitates the insertion and removal of the inspection plate.

[0015] Furthermore, the plug block has side openings on both sides perpendicular to the direction of insertion and mating of the plug interface and the inspection piece, and the side openings expose the plug interface from the side; the plug block is also provided with a clamping plate mechanism for clamping and fixing the inspection piece from the side openings, which simplifies the installation process, improves production efficiency, and at the same time ensures the stability of the inspection piece in the plug interface and prevents the inspection piece from falling off.

[0016] Furthermore, the clamping mechanism includes clamping plates that are respectively hinged to opposite sides of the insertion block. One end of the clamping plate near the insertion surface is bent into the side opening to form a clamping end for clamping the side of the inspection piece. The other end of the clamping plate away from the insertion surface serves as an operating end. The middle part of the clamping plate is hinged to the insertion block via a hinge. The hinge is also provided with a return spring for keeping the clamping plate in a clamping state.

[0017] The end of the inspection piece that extends into the connector has a clamping and limiting part that protrudes to both sides and is limited by the clamping end. The clamping mechanism includes a clamping plate, a hinge, and a return spring. The clamping and limiting part at the end of the inspection piece can prevent the inspection piece from falling off under vibration or external force, improve the connection's firmness, and facilitate operation and maintenance.

[0018] In some implementations, the limiting block and the plug-in block are snap-fit ​​connected. The limiting block is provided with snap points, and the plug-in block is provided with corresponding snap holes on the side wall of the mounting groove. This can simplify the assembly process, improve production efficiency, facilitate the replacement and repair of parts, and reduce maintenance costs.

[0019] In some implementations, each of the limiting channels is provided with openings on both sides along the extension direction of the inspection line. At the same time, the limiting channel has an installation port on one side perpendicular to the extension direction of the inspection line for installing the inspection line into the limiting channel, which can prevent the inspection line from shaking or falling off, ensuring the stability of the electrical connection. The design of the installation port also facilitates the quick installation of the inspection line.

[0020] Furthermore, the adjacent clamping plates are staggered, and the mounting ports of the adjacent limiting channels are located on opposite sides, reducing the error rate in the production process.

[0021] This utility model also provides a fuel cell, including a stack, which includes multiple stacked bipolar plates. Each bipolar plate is provided with a corresponding inspection plate, one end of which extends out of the side of the bipolar plate. The fuel cell also includes a connector for the fuel cell stack inspection line, and the inspection plate and the connector are connected in a one-to-one manner.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0023] 1) The elastic clamping plate and the limiting channel are combined, and the elastic clamping of the gold-plated copper material and the "7" locking structure are used to achieve a reliable mechanical connection while ensuring low contact resistance, effectively solving the risk of falling off under vibration conditions.

[0024] 2) The modular plug-in block and the limit block are snapped together, and with the side opening clamping plate mechanism, the inspection pieces of 250 bipolar plates can be quickly blindly inserted and positioned, and the assembly efficiency is effectively improved.

[0025] 3) Standardized limit channels and staggered wiring design ensure no cross-interference between inspection lines, significantly reducing the difficulty of manual operation and perfectly adapting to the requirements of mass production processes.

[0026] This invention achieves a technical effect that combines locking function with convenient plug-in and unplugging, making it suitable for mass production, by optimizing the structural design of the connector. It effectively solves the key technical problem of connecting fuel cell stack inspection lines. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the insertion of the connector and the bipolar plate of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the bipolar plate and corresponding inspection plate of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connector of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a top view of the connector of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a front view of the connector of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 6 for Figure 5 AA section diagram;

[0033] Figure 7 for Figure 5 BB cross-section diagram;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a top view of the connector of this utility model without a clamping mechanism;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a rear view schematic diagram of the plug-in component of this utility model without a clamping mechanism;

[0036] Figure 10 This is a front view of the connector of this utility model without a clamping mechanism;

[0037] Figure 11 for Figure 10 AA section diagram;

[0038] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the inspection line, clamping plate, and limiting channel of this utility model.

[0039] The diagram shows: 1-Inspection plate, 11-Clamping and limiting part, 2-Plug-in block, 21-Plug-in surface, 22-Plug-in interface, 23-Mounting groove, 231-Snap hole, 24-Side opening, 25-Clamping plate mechanism, 251-Clamping plate, 2511-Clamping end, 2512-Operating end, 2513-Hinge, 3-Limiting block, 31-Limiting channel, 311-Mounting port, 32-Snap point, 4-Inspection line, 5-Clamping piece, 51-Elastic clamping piece. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Depend on Figure 1-12 As shown, this utility model provides a connector for a fuel cell stack inspection line. The fuel cell stack includes multiple stacked bipolar plates, each bipolar plate having a corresponding inspection plate 1. One end of the inspection plate 1 extends out from the side of the bipolar plate. The connector includes:

[0041] The plug-in block 2 has a plug-in surface 21, on which plug-in interfaces 22 are provided that correspond one-to-one with the inspection piece 1. The plug-in block 2 also has an installation groove 23 on one side of the back of the plug-in surface 21, and each plug-in interface 22 is connected to the installation groove 23.

[0042] The limiting block 3 is installed in the mounting slot 23 at least at one end. The limiting block 3 is provided with multiple limiting channels 31, and each limiting channel 31 corresponds to a plug interface 22.

[0043] Inspection line 4 includes multiple inspection plates 1 corresponding to each other. The end of inspection line 1 is provided with clamping plate 5. The end face of clamping plate 5 has a clamping opening. Each inspection line 1 extends into a limiting channel 31 and clamping plate 5 extends into the insertion interface 22. The clamping opening of clamping plate 5 faces the side where the insertion surface 21 is located.

[0044] The inspection plate (optionally gold-plated copper) of this utility model is embedded in the bipolar plate. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The inspection plate is held in place by a clamping plate (gold-plated copper) inside the connector, and locked with a "7-shaped clamping plate" to prevent it from falling off. Each clamping plate is connected to an inspection line that flows to the junction box to collect voltage signals.

[0045] In this invention, the bipolar plates are stacked in the height direction. The height of the clamping plate 5 is greater than the height of the insertion interface 22, and the width of the clamping plate 5 is less than the width of the insertion interface 22. The insertion interface 22 has a height expansion area for installing the clamping plate 5, which can ensure that the clamping plate can be fully expanded and stably clamped within the insertion interface, while preventing the clamping plate from shaking or falling off within the insertion interface.

[0046] Specifically, the clamping plate 5 includes two elastic clamping plates 51, which are distributed vertically. Parts of the two elastic clamping plates 51 are brought together to form a clamping area. The elastic design facilitates the insertion and removal of the inspection plate.

[0047] In this utility model, the plug-in block 2 has side openings 24 on both sides of the vertical plug-in interface 22 and the inspection piece 1 in the plug-in mating direction. The side openings 24 expose the plug-in interface 22 from the side. The plug-in block 2 is also provided with a clamping plate mechanism 25 for clamping and fixing the inspection piece 1 from the side openings 24. The plug-in interface is exposed from the side, which facilitates the insertion of the inspection piece. The clamping plate mechanism fixes the inspection piece and prevents the inspection piece from falling off.

[0048] Specifically, the clamping mechanism 25 includes clamping plates 251 that are respectively hinged to the opposite side of the insertion block 2. The end of the clamping plate 251 near the insertion surface is bent into the side opening 24 to form a clamping end 2511 for clamping the side of the inspection piece. The end of the clamping plate 251 away from the insertion surface 21 serves as the operating end 2512. The middle part of the clamping plate 251 is hinged to the insertion block 2 via a hinge 2513. The hinge 2513 is also provided with a return spring for keeping the clamping plate 251 in the clamping state.

[0049] The end of the inspection piece 1 that extends into the insertion interface 22 has a clamping and limiting part 11 that protrudes to both sides and is limited by the clamping end 2511. The clamping mechanism includes a clamping plate, a hinge, and a return spring. The clamping and limiting part at the end of the inspection piece can prevent the inspection piece from falling off under vibration or external force, thus achieving a firm clamping of the inspection piece.

[0050] In this utility model, the limiting block 3 and the plug-in block 2 are connected by a snap-fit. The limiting block 3 is provided with a snap-fit ​​point 32, and the plug-in block 2 is provided with a snap-fit ​​hole 231 on the side wall of the mounting groove 23, which can realize the quick connection and disassembly of the limiting block and the plug-in block.

[0051] In this utility model, each limiting channel 31 is provided with openings on both sides along the extension direction of the inspection line 4. At the same time, the limiting channel 31 has an installation port 311 on one side perpendicular to the extension direction of the inspection line 4 for installing the inspection line 4 into the limiting channel 31. This can prevent the inspection line from shaking or falling off, provide a stable installation path for the inspection line, and facilitate the installation and fixing of the inspection line.

[0052] Specifically, adjacent clamping plates are staggered, and the mounting ports of adjacent limiting channels are located on opposite sides, optimizing space utilization, reducing interference between clamping plates and limiting channels, and reducing the error rate in the production process.

[0053] This utility model also provides a fuel cell, including a stack, which includes multiple stacked bipolar plates. Each bipolar plate is provided with a corresponding inspection plate 1. One end of the inspection plate 1 extends out of the side of the bipolar plate. The fuel cell also includes the plug-in of the above-mentioned fuel cell stack inspection line 4. The inspection plate 1 and the plug-in interface 22 are plugged in one-to-one.

[0054] In use, this invention first stacks bipolar plates pre-embedded with inspection plates 1 into a stack, ensuring that each inspection plate 1 extends from the side of the bipolar plate and is aligned. Next, the connectors are assembled: the limiting block 3 is fixed in the mounting groove 23 of the connector 2 via a snap-fit ​​connection, so that the limiting channel 31 corresponds one-to-one with the connector interface 22. Then, the inspection lines 4 are installed: the clamping plates 5 at the ends of each inspection line 4 are horizontally pushed into the mounting opening 311 of the limiting channel 31, and the opening of the elastic clamping plates 51 of the clamping plates 5 is used to accurately align the clamping openings with the connector interface 22. Then, the connectors are inserted: the assembled connectors are pressed vertically downwards along the stacking direction of the bipolar plates, causing the inspection plates 1 to pass through the side opening 24 and enter the connector interface 22, inserting into the clamping openings of the clamping plates 5. At this time, the clamping limiting part 11 triggers the clamping end 2511 of the clamping plate mechanism 25, achieving automatic locking under the action of the return spring. Finally, perform signal connection: combine all inspection lines 4 into the junction box to complete the deployment of the voltage signal acquisition system. For disassembly, simply press the operating end 2512 of the clamp 251 to release the lock, and then vertically pull out the connector for quick and non-destructive separation.

Claims

1. A fuel cell stack inspection line connector, a fuel cell stack comprising a plurality of stacked bipolar plates, each bipolar plate being provided with a corresponding inspection tab, the inspection tab extending from a side of the bipolar plate, characterized in that, The connector includes: The plug-in block has a plug-in surface, on which plug-in interfaces corresponding to the inspection pieces are provided one by one. The plug-in block also has a mounting groove on one side of the back of the plug-in surface, and each of the plug-in interfaces is connected to the mounting groove. A limiting block, at least one end of which is installed in the mounting groove, is provided with multiple limiting channels, each limiting channel corresponding to one of the plug interfaces; The inspection line includes multiple inspection plates that correspond one-to-one. Each inspection line has a clamping plate at its end, and the end face of the clamping plate has a clamping opening. Each inspection line extends into one of the limiting channels and the clamping plate extends into the insertion interface. The clamping opening of the clamping plate faces the side where the insertion surface is located.

2. The fuel cell stack inspection line connector of claim 1, wherein, The bipolar plates are stacked in the height direction. The height of the clamping plate is greater than the height of the insertion interface, and the width of the clamping plate is less than the width of the insertion interface. The insertion interface has a height-enlarged area for mounting the clamping plate.

3. The fuel cell stack inspection line connector of claim 2, wherein, The clamping plate includes two elastic clamping plates, which are distributed vertically, and a portion of the two elastic clamping plates are brought together to form a clamping area.

4. The fuel cell stack inspection line connector of claim 2, wherein, The plug block has side openings on both sides perpendicular to the direction of insertion and mating of the plug interface and the inspection piece, and the side openings expose the plug interface from the side; the plug block is also provided with a clamping plate mechanism for clamping and fixing the inspection piece from the side openings.

5. The fuel cell stack inspection line connector of claim 4, wherein, The clamping mechanism includes clamping plates that are respectively hinged to opposite sides of the plug-in block. One end of the clamping plate near the plug-in surface is bent into the side opening to form a clamping end for clamping the side of the inspection piece. The other end of the clamping plate away from the plug-in surface serves as an operating end. The middle part of the clamping plate is hinged to the plug-in block via a hinge. The hinge is also provided with a return spring for keeping the clamping plate in a clamping state. The end of the inspection piece that extends into the connector has a clamping and limiting portion that protrudes to both sides and is limited by the clamping end.

6. The fuel cell stack inspection line connector of claim 1, wherein, The limiting block and the plug-in block are connected by a snap-fit ​​connection. The limiting block is provided with a snap-fit ​​point, and the plug-in block is provided with a corresponding snap-fit ​​hole on the side wall of the mounting groove.

7. The fuel cell stack inspection line connector of claim 1, wherein, Each of the limiting channels is provided with openings on both sides along the extension direction of the inspection line. At the same time, the limiting channel has an installation port on one side perpendicular to the extension direction of the inspection line for installing the inspection line into the limiting channel.

8. The fuel cell stack inspection line connector of claim 7, wherein, The two adjacent clamping plates are staggered, and the installation ports of the adjacent limiting channels are located on opposite sides.

9. A fuel cell comprising a stack comprising a plurality of stacked bipolar plates, each bipolar plate having a corresponding one of a plurality of inspection tabs, the inspection tabs extending from a side of the bipolar plates, characterized in that, The fuel cell further includes a connector for the fuel cell stack inspection line as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the inspection plate and the connector are connected in a one-to-one manner.

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