A membrane electrode frame structure and its membrane electrode assembly
By designing a pressure-regulating component for the membrane electrode frame structure, the compression state of the sealing ring is automatically adjusted, solving the problem of over-compression of the sealing ring caused by temperature fluctuations, improving the sealing performance and stability of the fuel cell, and reducing the risk of gas or liquid leakage.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JIANGSU QIHUI ENERGY TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-30
AI Technical Summary
Temperature fluctuations cause changes in the contact pressure between the membrane electrode and the sealing ring. The sealing ring may be over-compressed, resulting in elastic deformation exceeding the normal range, or even plastic deformation, which weakens the sealing performance and increases the risk of gas or liquid leakage.
A membrane electrode frame structure is designed, including first and second frame components. A pressure-reducing component is provided inside the second frame component. The pressure-reducing component includes a sealing airbag and a spring. Through the cooperation of the airbag and the spring, the compression state of the sealing ring is automatically adjusted to prevent over-compression and ensure the rebound performance of the sealing ring.
To improve the sealing performance and operational stability of fuel cells, prevent the formation of micro-voids, reduce the risk of gas or liquid leakage, and ensure that the sealing rings maintain an effective seal when the temperature changes.
Smart Images

Figure CN224437593U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of membrane electrode technology, specifically to a membrane electrode frame structure and its membrane electrode assembly. Background Technology
[0002] Membrane electrode is a core component in fuel cells and some electrochemical devices. It consists of a proton exchange membrane, a catalyst layer, and a gas diffusion layer. It is a key part for realizing electrochemical reactions. The proton exchange membrane is responsible for conducting protons, the catalyst layer promotes redox reactions, and the gas diffusion layer ensures the uniform distribution of reaction gases and discharges the generated water. The performance of the membrane electrode directly affects the energy conversion efficiency and lifespan of the fuel cell. Therefore, its design and manufacturing process are crucial to the performance of the entire system.
[0003] The membrane electrode itself is usually composed of a proton exchange membrane, a catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer. These materials are relatively soft and easily deformable. The frame can provide physical support for the membrane electrode, ensuring that it maintains a stable structure during installation and operation, and preventing deformation or damage caused by external forces or its own weight.
[0004] During the operation of the membrane electrode frame, temperature fluctuations can significantly change the contact pressure between the membrane electrode and the sealing ring. When the contact pressure increases, the sealing ring may be over-compressed. This over-compression can cause the elastic deformation of the sealing ring to exceed its normal operating range, or even lead to plastic deformation. This not only weakens the resilience of the sealing ring, but also creates tiny gaps between the sealing ring and the membrane electrode, thereby weakening the sealing performance and increasing the risk of gas or liquid leakage. Therefore, a membrane electrode frame structure and its membrane electrode assembly are proposed to address the above problems. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a membrane electrode frame structure and its membrane electrode assembly to solve the problem that temperature fluctuations can significantly change the contact pressure between the membrane electrode and the sealing ring, causing the sealing ring to be over-compressed. This over-compression can cause the elastic deformation of the sealing ring to exceed its normal operating range, or even lead to plastic deformation. This not only weakens the resilience of the sealing ring, but also creates tiny gaps between the sealing ring and the membrane electrode contact surface, thereby weakening the sealing performance and increasing the risk of gas or liquid leakage.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:
[0007] A membrane electrode frame structure and its membrane electrode assembly include a first frame assembly and a membrane electrode assembly. The first frame assembly and a second frame assembly are snapped together. The membrane electrode assembly is inserted into the front end of the second frame assembly. A pressure-reducing assembly is fixedly connected to the inner side of the second frame assembly. The second frame assembly includes a frame plate. The inner side of the frame plate has a mounting groove, a flow channel, and an extension groove. A sealing airbag is fixedly connected to the front end of the mounting groove. A sealing ring body is fixedly connected to the front end of the sealing airbag by adhesive. The pressure-reducing assembly includes a cylindrical shell. The inner side of the cylindrical shell has a column slide and a vent. A spring is fixedly connected to the inner side of the column slide. A rigid plate is fixedly connected to one end of the spring. A rubber plug is fixedly connected to the end of the rigid plate away from the spring. The cylindrical shell is fixedly connected to the inner side of the sealing airbag.
[0008] As a further optimization of this utility model, the membrane electrode assembly includes a proton template, a catalytic layer is fixedly connected to the inner side of the proton template, the front end and the rear end of the catalytic layer are fixedly connected to the diffusion layer, the catalytic layer and the diffusion layer are aligned front to back, and a connection port is provided on the inner side of the proton template.
[0009] As a further optimization of this utility model, the front end of the frame plate is fixedly connected to an arc-shaped plate, the front end of the arc-shaped plate is fixedly connected to a clip, the clip is in the shape of a right-angled triangle, there are multiple arc-shaped plates, and a spacing is provided between the multiple arc-shaped plates.
[0010] As a further optimization of this utility model, the first frame assembly has a card interface on its inner side, the card interface being shaped as two cylinders of different diameters, the arc-shaped plate being inserted into the inner side of the connection port and the pressure-relieving assembly, and the rear end of the card head being fitted with one side of the card interface.
[0011] As a further optimization of this utility model, the following features are provided: the mounting groove is connected to the extension groove, the mounting groove penetrates the front part of the frame plate, the sealing ring body protrudes from the front end of the mounting groove, and the inner side of the sealing airbag is a hollow structure.
[0012] As a further optimization of this utility model, the outer sides of the rigid plate and the rubber plug are both in contact with the inner side of the column slide, the vent is connected to the column slide, and the vent is located outside the sealing airbag.
[0013] As a further optimization of this utility model, the cylindrical shell slides inside the extended groove, the sealing airbag has a fixing hole on the inner side near the cylindrical shell, and the cylindrical shell extends to the inner side of the sealing airbag.
[0014] A membrane electrode assembly includes a membrane electrode frame structure as described in any one of the above claims.
[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0016] In this invention, the second frame assembly and the pressure-reducing assembly significantly improve the sealing performance and operational stability of the fuel cell. When the temperature changes, the compression state of the sealing ring can be automatically adjusted to prevent plastic deformation caused by excessive compression, thereby maintaining the resilience of the sealing ring, preventing the formation of micro-gaps, and effectively reducing the risk of gas or liquid leakage. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;
[0018] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of the entire utility model;
[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the second frame component structure of this utility model;
[0020] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the frame plate of this utility model;
[0021] Figure 5 This utility model Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure at point A;
[0022] Figure 6 This is an exploded structural diagram of the second frame assembly of this utility model;
[0023] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the pressure-relieving component of this utility model.
[0024] In the diagram: 1. First frame component;
[0025] 2. Second frame assembly; 21. Frame plate; 22. Arc plate; 23. Clip head; 24. Mounting groove; 25. Flow channel; 26. Extension groove; 27. Sealing airbag; 28. Sealing ring body;
[0026] 3. Membrane electrode assembly; 31. Proton template; 32. Catalytic layer; 33. Diffusion layer; 34. Connecting port;
[0027] 4. Pressure-relieving assembly; 41. Cylinder shell; 42. Column slide; 43. Spring; 44. Vent; 45. Hard plate; 46. Rubber plug;
[0028] 5. Card interface. Detailed Implementation
[0029] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0030] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.
[0031] Please see Figure 1-7 This utility model provides a technical solution:
[0032] A membrane electrode frame structure and its membrane electrode assembly include a first frame assembly 1 and a membrane electrode assembly 3. The first frame assembly 1 and a second frame assembly 2 are snapped together. The membrane electrode assembly 3 is inserted into the front end of the second frame assembly 2. A pressure-relieving assembly 4 is fixedly connected to the inner side of the second frame assembly 2. The second frame assembly 2 includes a frame plate 21. The inner side of the frame plate 21 has a mounting groove 24, a flow channel 25 and an extension groove 26. A sealing airbag 27 is fixedly connected to the front end of the mounting groove 24. A sealing ring body 28 is fixedly connected to the front end of the sealing airbag 27 by adhesive. The pressure-relieving assembly 4 includes a cylindrical shell 41. The inner side of the cylindrical shell 41 has a column slide 42 and a vent 44. A spring 43 is fixedly connected to the inner side of the column slide 42. A rigid plate 45 is fixedly connected to one end of the spring 43. A rubber plug 46 is fixedly connected to the end of the rigid plate 45 away from the spring 43. The cylindrical shell 41 is fixedly connected to the inner side of the sealing airbag 27.
[0033] As a further implementation of this solution, the membrane electrode assembly 3 includes a proton template 31, a catalyst layer 32 fixedly connected to the inner side of the proton template 31, and both the front and rear ends of the catalyst layer 32 fixedly connected to the diffusion layer 33. The catalyst layer 32 and the diffusion layer 33 are aligned front to back. A connection port 34 is provided on the inner side of the proton template 31. Through the above configuration, this structural design ensures the stability and consistency of the membrane electrode assembly. Through precise alignment and fixed connection, it helps to maintain the stability of the membrane electrode during operation and reduce the performance degradation caused by structural deformation.
[0034] As a further implementation of this solution, an arc-shaped plate 22 is fixedly connected to the front end of the frame plate 21, and a clip head 23 is fixedly connected to the front end of the arc-shaped plate 22. The clip head 23 is in the shape of a right-angled triangle. There are multiple arc-shaped plates 22, and a gap is set between the multiple arc-shaped plates 22. A clip interface 5 is opened on the inner side of the first frame assembly 1. The opening shape of the clip interface 5 is two cylinders with different diameters. The arc-shaped plate 22 is inserted into the inner side of the connection port 34 and the pressure relief assembly 4. The rear end of the clip head 23 is attached to one side of the clip interface 5. Through the above settings, the deformation of the arc-shaped plate 22 and the limiting of the clip head 23 can achieve the function of fixing the first frame assembly 1, the second frame assembly 2 and the membrane electrode assembly 3, and at the same time complete the sealing work.
[0035] As a further implementation of this solution, the placement groove 24 is connected to the extension groove 26. The placement groove 24 penetrates the front part of the frame plate 21. The sealing ring body 28 protrudes from the front end of the placement groove 24. The inner side of the sealing airbag 27 is a hollow structure. Through the above settings, space is provided for installing the sealing airbag 27 and the pressure relief component 4. At the same time, the design of the sealing ring body 28 protruding outward can make the sealing ring body 28 fit with the proton template 31 during installation, thereby forming a sealing effect.
[0036] As a further implementation of this solution, the outer sides of the rigid plate 45 and the rubber plug 46 are both fitted with the inner side of the column slide 42. The vent 44 is connected to the column slide 42 and is located outside the sealing airbag 27. The shell 41 slides inside the extension groove 26. The sealing airbag 27 has a fixing hole on the inner side near the shell 41. The shell 41 extends to the inner side of the sealing airbag 27. The above arrangement helps to facilitate the smooth flow of gas and the release of pressure. This design can ensure that the gas can flow in time when the temperature changes, thereby ensuring the sealing performance and operational stability of the membrane electrode, reducing the performance degradation caused by improper installation or pressure changes during operation, and preventing gas or liquid leakage.
[0037] A membrane electrode assembly, comprising a membrane electrode frame structure according to any one of the above.
[0038] Workflow: During membrane electrode assembly, the connection ports 34 on the proton template 31 are aligned with the clamping heads 23, applying pressure to the clamping heads 23 through the connection ports 34. Under pressure, the clamping heads 23 cause the arc-shaped plate 22 to deform until it is inserted into the connection port 34. Then, the clamping heads 23 are aligned with the locking interface 5 on the first frame assembly 1. The structure of the first frame assembly 1 is identical except for the locking interface 5, the arc-shaped plate 22, and the clamping heads 23. The clamping heads 23 are then engaged with the locking interface 5. During this process, the first frame... The sealing ring body 28 inside the body component 1 and the sealing ring body 28 inside the second frame component 2 are both subjected to a certain amount of compression. The front end of the sealing ring body 28 is in close contact with the rear end of the proton template 31. The sealing ring body 28 surrounds the outside of the catalyst layer 32. The sealing ring body 28 on the first frame component 1 is the same. The sealing ring body 28 compresses the sealing gasbag 27. At this time, the sealing gasbag 27 undergoes a certain deformation. The gas inside the sealing gasbag 27 enters the column slide 42. The rubber plug 46 and the hard plate 45 move under pressure. The spring 43 undergoes deformation, thereby completing the assembly work.
[0039] When the temperature rises, due to expansion, the sealing ring body 28 will compress the sealing airbag 27. The sealing airbag 27 and the sealing ring body 28 seal the space between the frame plate 21 and the proton template 31. At this time, the gas inside the sealing airbag 27 will re-enter the interior of the column slide 42. The outer side of the rubber plug 46 seals the inner side of the column slide 42, preventing the airflow inside the column slide 42 from entering the sealing airbag 27. At this time, the gas in the column slide 42 near the spring 43 will flow out through the vent 44. Under the elastic force of the spring 43, the sealing airbag 27 can be kept in an expanded state, thereby ensuring the tightness of the fit between the sealing ring body 28 and the proton template 31. This can prevent the sealing ring body 28 from being plastically deformed due to excessive contact pressure caused by the temperature rise, significantly reducing the impact on the rebound ability of the sealing airbag 27, ensuring that the sealing performance of the membrane electrode is not affected, and preventing the risk of gas or liquid leakage.
[0040] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art 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 appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A membrane electrode hardware structure comprising a first hardware component (1) and a membrane electrode assembly (3), characterized in that: The first frame assembly (1) and the second frame assembly (2) are snapped together. A membrane electrode assembly (3) is inserted into the front end of the second frame assembly (2). A pressure-relieving assembly (4) is fixedly connected to the inside of the second frame assembly (2). The second frame assembly (2) includes a frame plate (21), and the inner side of the frame plate (21) is provided with a placement groove (24), a flow channel (25) and an extension groove (26). A sealing airbag (27) is fixedly connected to the front end of the placement groove (24), and a sealing ring body (28) is fixedly connected to the front end of the sealing airbag (27) by adhesive. The pressure relief component (4) includes a cylindrical shell (41), with a column slide (42) and a vent (44) provided on the inner side of the cylindrical shell (41). A spring (43) is fixedly connected to the inner side of the column slide (42), and a hard plate (45) is fixedly connected to one end of the spring (43). A rubber plug (46) is fixedly connected to the end of the hard plate (45) away from the spring (43). The cylindrical shell (41) is fixedly connected to the inside of the sealing airbag (27).
2. The membrane electrode assembly structure of claim 1, wherein: The membrane electrode assembly (3) includes a proton template (31), a catalyst layer (32) is fixedly connected to the inside of the proton template (31), the front end and the rear end of the catalyst layer (32) are fixedly connected to the diffusion layer (33), the catalyst layer (32) and the diffusion layer (33) are aligned front to back, and a connection port (34) is opened on the inside of the proton template (31).
3. The membrane electrode assembly structure of claim 1, wherein: The front end of the frame plate (21) is fixedly connected to an arc plate (22), and the front end of the arc plate (22) is fixedly connected to a clip (23). The clip (23) is a right triangle. There are multiple arc plates (22), and a gap is provided between the multiple arc plates (22).
4. The membrane electrode assembly structure of claim 3, wherein: The first frame assembly (1) has a card interface (5) on its inner side. The card interface (5) is shaped as two cylinders with different diameters. The arc plate (22) is inserted into the inner side of the connection port (34) and the pressure relief assembly (4). The rear end of the card head (23) is attached to one side of the card interface (5).
5. The membrane electrode assembly structure of claim 1, wherein: The mounting groove (24) is connected to the extension groove (26). The mounting groove (24) penetrates the front part of the frame plate (21). The sealing ring body (28) protrudes from the front end of the mounting groove (24). The inner side of the sealing airbag (27) is a hollow structure.
6. The membrane electrode assembly structure of claim 1, wherein: The outer sides of the rigid plate (45) and the rubber plug (46) are both in contact with the inner side of the column slide (42), the vent (44) is connected to the column slide (42), and the vent (44) is located outside the sealing airbag (27).
7. The membrane electrode assembly structure of claim 1, wherein: The cylindrical shell (41) slides inside the extended groove (26), and the sealing airbag (27) has a fixing hole on the inner side near the cylindrical shell (41), and the cylindrical shell (41) extends to the inner side of the sealing airbag (27).
8. A membrane electrode assembly characterized by: The membrane electrode frame structure includes any one of claims 1-7.