Fuel cell bipolar plate electric pile inspection and collection device

Abstract

The application relates to a fuel cell bipolar plate electric pile inspection collection device, which is suitable for a bipolar plate and comprises an inspection sheet body, an outer convex part, a hollow hole, a limiting part and a spring sheet part. The outer convex part is arranged at one end of the inspection sheet body, and the limiting part is arranged at the other end of the inspection sheet body. The hollow hole is arranged on the limiting part. The spring sheet part is arranged in extension from one end of the hollow hole close to the outer convex part to the limiting part. The outer convex part, the limiting part, the hollow hole and the spring sheet part are integrally formed. The device does not need to be pre-buried in the limiting groove of the bipolar plate, and a protruding part matched with the inspection device does not need to be arranged on the bipolar plate, so that the positioning and transportation of a production line are facilitated, the complexity of an assembly process is greatly reduced, the assembly efficiency is improved, the cost is reduced, the device can be well used for real-time monitoring of the operation of a fuel cell electric pile, and the device has high practicability and economy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a fuel cell bipolar plate stack inspection and data collection device. Background Technology

[0002] Fuel cells are highly efficient power generation devices that directly convert the chemical energy of fuel into electrical energy. Also known as electrochemical energy conversion systems, they represent the fourth generation of power generation technology after hydropower, thermal power, and nuclear power. Before being put into use, fuel cell stacks must undergo factory acceptance testing (FAT) to check the voltage parameters of each individual cell and determine whether the mean, variance, and range of each cell meet design standards. In vehicle applications, a voltage monitoring system is typically configured to monitor the voltage of each cell in real time, preventing thermal runaway (commonly known as "stack burnout") caused by excessively low voltage in a single cell, thus ensuring the safe operation of the fuel cell stack.

[0003] For fuel cell stacks employing proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology, the closed-loop nature of their series structure makes individual cell voltage monitoring exceptionally important. Monitoring individual cell voltage parameters not only directly reflects the stack's operating status but also allows for the optimization of control strategies and operating conditions through dynamic changes, ensuring the fuel cell system operates within its optimal performance range and significantly extending the stack's lifespan. Abnormal drops in individual cell voltage accelerate the degradation of the PEM's electrochemical performance and, in extreme cases, trigger reverse polarization, causing irreversible damage to the stack.

[0004] Currently, the cell voltage monitor (CVM), as the core sensing unit of a fuel cell system, mainly uses mechanical connection methods for connection monitoring, including welding, pin insertion, adhesive bonding, and metal sheet stamping. Among these, the plug-in terminal type occupies a mainstream position in the industry due to its advantages in reliability and ease of maintenance, but it still faces technical challenges such as high assembly complexity and the need to improve long-term stability. Utility Model Content

[0005] Based on this, the present invention provides a fuel cell bipolar plate stack inspection and data acquisition device, which aims to solve the problems of complex assembly process, poor connection reliability, easy deformation of connection parts, difficulty in connector installation, easy misalignment and short circuit, easy poor contact and easy detachment of existing fuel cell inspection and data acquisition structures.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a fuel cell bipolar plate stack inspection and data acquisition device, applicable to bipolar plates, comprising an inspection plate body, an outward protrusion, a hollow hole, a limiting part, and a spring piece; the outward protrusion is disposed at one end of the inspection plate body, and the limiting part is disposed at the other end of the inspection plate body; the hollow hole is disposed on the limiting part; the spring piece extends from the end of the hollow hole near the outward protrusion toward the limiting part; the outward protrusion, the limiting part, the hollow hole, and the spring piece are integrally formed.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the spring portion includes an integrally formed inclined end and a parallel end; the inclined end is connected to the parallel end; the end of the inclined end away from the parallel end is connected to the hollow hole; the parallel end is arranged parallel to the limiting portion.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the inclined end extends from the edge of the hollowed-out hole near the protruding portion toward the limiting portion, and an inclination is provided between the inclined end and the limiting portion. In this application, the inclined end is integrally formed by stamping from the edge of the hollowed-out hole, without the need for welding.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, when the spring portion is in its natural state, a gap is provided between the parallel end and the limiting portion.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, an inspection hole is provided at the end of the protrusion away from the limiting part; the protrusion is connected to the external plug-in, and the protrusion is adapted to the external plug-in.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the inspection plate is a phosphor bronze alloy plate; the protrusion is a phosphor bronze alloy protrusion; the limiting part is a phosphor bronze alloy limiting part; and the spring part is a phosphor bronze alloy spring part.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the surface of the phosphor bronze alloy is provided with a nickel plating layer, a silver plating layer, or a gold plating layer.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, a limiting groove is provided on the anode side of the bipolar plate, and a limiting boss is provided in the limiting groove; the height of the limiting boss is less than the depth of the limiting groove.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the limiting groove and the limiting boss are integrally formed; the limiting groove is adapted to the limiting part; and the limiting boss is adapted to the hollow hole.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, when the fuel cell bipolar plate stack inspection and data acquisition device is in operation, the limiting part is engaged in the limiting groove, and the limiting boss is engaged in the hollow hole.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, when the fuel cell bipolar plate stack inspection and data acquisition device is in operation, the limiting part is interference-fitted with the limiting groove, and the limiting boss is interference-fitted with the hollow hole; the parallel end is respectively abutted against the limiting boss and the cathode surface of the bipolar plate adjacent to the bipolar plate.

[0017] The beneficial effects achieved by this utility model are:

[0018] (1) The device of this application does not need to be pre-filled in the limiting groove of the electrode plate, and there is no need to set a protruding part on the electrode plate that is compatible with the inspection device, which facilitates the positioning and transportation of the production line, greatly reduces the complexity of the assembly process, improves the assembly efficiency, and reduces the cost.

[0019] (2) By setting a spring piece in the limiting part, the limiting part can be effectively prevented from falling off, so that the entire inspection and collection device is tightly attached to the inner wall of the bipolar plate limiting groove; the limiting boss restricts the movement of the inspection and collection device in the pulling direction, while the limiting boss bears the large pulling force of the entire inspection and collection device in the pulling direction, so that the inspection and collection device is stably fixed inside the bipolar plate, effectively avoiding loosening.

[0020] (3) By adapting the hollow hole and the limiting boss, a stable connection can be achieved without applying glue; and since the spring piece extends obliquely from the top edge of the hollow hole of the limiting part and then extends parallel, it is consistent with the outline of the limiting boss, resulting in a higher overall matching degree and no damage to the limiting boss, which facilitates subsequent disassembly and maintenance.

[0021] (4) The external protrusion is adapted to the connection terminal of the external plug, so that the width of the external protrusion is consistent with the width of the connection terminal, making it easier to match and more reliable to connect. This ensures that the fuel cell inspection module can more stably detect the real-time status of the internal voltage, ensure the accuracy and efficiency of the external control strategy, and thus effectively improve the service life of the fuel cell.

[0022] (5) Compared with conventional surface contact voltage acquisition methods, the structure of this application is simple, easy to install, reliable and stable during use, and can be well used for real-time monitoring of the operation of fuel cell stacks. It has high practicality and economy and can be produced and used as a general-purpose product. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a front view structural schematic diagram of a fuel cell bipolar plate stack inspection and data acquisition device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A side view of the fuel cell bipolar plate stack inspection and data acquisition device;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a bipolar plate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Fuel cell bipolar plate stack inspection and data collection device and Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the bipolar plate connection structure;

[0028] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure connecting the external plug-in to the fuel cell bipolar plate stack inspection and data acquisition device.

[0030] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0031] 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.

[0032] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, top, bottom, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0033] In this application, unless otherwise expressly 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 part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; 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, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] It should be noted that when a component is described as "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is described as "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component.

[0035] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0036] Currently, fuel cell voltage monitoring devices face the following technical bottlenecks:

[0037] 1. Structural design level: (1) The assembly process is complex and there are multi-level nested assembly processes, which leads to a significant increase in production time and labor costs; (2) The connector matching accuracy is insufficient, and the accumulation of tolerance of bipolar plate molds can easily cause terminal positioning deviation, increasing the risk of misalignment and short circuit; (3) The connector structure lacks rigidity and is prone to plastic deformation under mechanical stress or temperature load, affecting the assembly fit.

[0038] 2. Electrical performance: (1) The contact interface resistance fluctuates significantly, resulting in voltage signal attenuation and acquisition distortion; (2) The self-locking mechanism of the plug is not reliable enough, and intermittent contact failure or even detachment is likely to occur under vehicle vibration conditions.

[0039] 3. System impact level: (1) High signal acquisition inaccuracy rate, unable to detect abnormal working conditions such as voltage dip in real time, resulting in lagging control strategy; (2) Long-term contact impedance drift will accelerate the degradation of fuel cell performance and shorten the life cycle.

[0040] The device described in this application can solve the following technical problems:

[0041] 1) Abandoning the traditional graphite plate pre-embedded or pin structure design and avoiding metal plate stamping process, ensuring that the electrode plate surface is flat and without protrusions, thereby optimizing production line positioning and transportation convenience, simplifying the assembly process and improving production efficiency; 2) Strengthening the stability and durability of the connection structure between components; 3) Modular and detachable design to improve the efficiency of equipment maintenance; 4) Eliminating the risk of short circuit caused by misalignment through structural interlocking mechanism; 5) Optimizing the matching accuracy of the contact interface to avoid poor contact; 6) Introducing a self-locking retention device to prevent components from falling off unexpectedly; 7) Using highly conductive interface materials and pressure uniform distribution design to significantly reduce contact resistance.

[0042] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the present invention proposes the following technical solution: a fuel cell bipolar plate stack inspection and data acquisition device, applicable to bipolar plate 100, including an inspection plate body 10, an outward protrusion 20, a hollow hole 30, a limiting part 40, and a spring piece part 50; the outward protrusion 20 is disposed at one end of the inspection plate body 10, and the limiting part 40 is disposed at the other end of the inspection plate body 10; the hollow hole 30 is disposed on the limiting part 40; the spring piece part 50 extends from the end of the hollow hole 30 near the outward protrusion 20 toward the limiting part 40; the outward protrusion 20, the limiting part 40, the hollow hole 30, and the spring piece part 50 are integrally formed.

[0043] The device in this application does not require pre-filling the limiting groove of the electrode plate, and there is no need to set a protruding part on the electrode plate to match the inspection device, which facilitates positioning and transportation on the production line, greatly reduces the complexity of the assembly process, improves assembly efficiency, and reduces costs.

[0044] For a preferred embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 The spring piece 50 includes an integrally formed inclined end 51 and a parallel end 52; the inclined end 51 is connected to the parallel end 52; the end of the inclined end 51 away from the parallel end 52 is connected to the hollow hole 30; the parallel end 52 is arranged parallel to the limiting part 40. By setting the inclined end 51 and the parallel end 52, the inclined end 51 can be stamped out from the edge of the hollow hole 30 by stamping, while facilitating the connection between the parallel end 52 and the electrode plate, greatly increasing the contact surface between the inspection piece 10 and the bipolar plate 100, effectively reducing the contact resistance, and greatly increasing the reliability of the connection.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the inclined end 51 extends from the edge of the hollow hole 30 near the protruding portion 20 toward the limiting portion 40, and an inclination is provided between the inclined end 51 and the limiting portion 40. In this application, the inclined end 51 is integrally formed by stamping from the edge of the hollow hole 30, without the need for welding. The magnitude of the inclination can be set according to actual needs.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, when the spring portion 50 is in its natural state, a gap is provided between the parallel end 52 and the limiting portion 40. This facilitates the assembly and fixation of the acquisition device.

[0047] As a preferred embodiment, such as Figures 4 to 6 As shown, an inspection hole 21 is provided at the end of the protruding part 20 away from the limiting part 40; the protruding part 20 is connected to the external plug-in 200, and the protruding part 20 and the external plug-in 200 are adapted to each other. Through the inspection hole 21, the protruding part 20 and the external plug-in 200 can be quickly connected to realize inspection and data collection.

[0048] The protruding part 20 is adapted to the connection terminal of the external plug 200, so that the width of the protruding part is consistent with the width of the connection terminal, making it easier to match and more reliable to connect. This ensures that the fuel cell stack inspection module can more stably detect the real-time status of the internal voltage, ensures the accuracy and efficiency of the external control strategy, and thus effectively improves the service life of the fuel cell stack.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the inspection plate 10 is a phosphor bronze alloy plate; the protruding part 20 is a phosphor bronze alloy protruding part; the limiting part 40 is a phosphor bronze alloy limiting part; and the spring part 50 is a phosphor bronze alloy spring part.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the surface of the phosphor bronze alloy is provided with a nickel plating layer, a silver plating layer, or a gold plating layer. The nickel plating layer, silver plating layer, or gold plating layer can be provided according to actual usage requirements.

[0051] As a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, a limiting groove 101 is provided on the anode side of the bipolar plate 100, and a limiting boss 102 is provided within the limiting groove 101; the height of the limiting boss 102 is less than the depth of the limiting groove 101. This creates a gap between the limiting boss 102 and the cathode plate, providing sufficient space for the spring piece 50. The limiting boss 102 is located at the center of the limiting groove 101, and the limiting groove 101 is located at the center of one end of this side. This allows for good compatibility with the inspection and data acquisition device, facilitates the connection of the inspection and data acquisition device, and ensures a stable and reliable connection.

[0052] By providing a spring clip 50 in the limiting part 40, the limiting part 40 can be effectively prevented from falling off, ensuring that the entire inspection and data acquisition device is firmly abutted against the inner wall of the limiting groove 101. The limiting boss 102 restricts the movement of the inspection and data acquisition device in the pulling direction, while simultaneously bearing a large pulling force on the entire inspection and data acquisition device in the pulling direction, ensuring that the inspection and data acquisition device is stably fixed inside the bipolar plate 100 and will not loosen. In this application, the perforated hole 30 is located at the center of the limiting part 40, which effectively ensures the reliability and stability of the connection.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the limiting groove 101 and the limiting boss 102 are integrally formed; the limiting groove 101 is adapted to the limiting part 40; and the limiting boss 102 is adapted to the hollow hole 30. Through the adapted arrangement of the hollow hole 30 and the limiting boss 102, a stable connection can be achieved without the need for adhesive, making subsequent disassembly and maintenance easier.

[0054] As a preferred embodiment, such as Figures 4 to 5 As shown, when the fuel cell bipolar plate stack inspection and data acquisition device is in operation, the limiting part 40 is engaged in the limiting groove 101, and the limiting boss 102 is engaged in the hollow hole 30.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, when the fuel cell bipolar plate stack inspection and data acquisition device is in operation, the limiting part 40 is interference-fitted with the limiting groove 101, and the limiting boss 102 is interference-fitted with the hollow hole 30; the parallel end 52 is respectively abutted against the limiting boss 102 and the cathode surface of the bipolar plate adjacent to the bipolar plate 100.

[0056] During the process of assembling the fuel cell bipolar plate stack inspection and acquisition device into the limiting groove of the bipolar plate, the compression of the bipolar plate makes the spring part and the entire limiting part firmly adhere to the two plates, which greatly increases the contact surface between the inspection plate and the bipolar plate, effectively reduces the contact resistance, greatly increases the reliability of the connection, and at the same time reduces the complexity of the assembly process and improves efficiency.

[0057] After the fuel cell stack is completed, the fuel cell bipolar plate stack inspection and data acquisition device of this application is installed into the limiting groove of the bipolar plate. The limiting part is connected to the limiting boss on the anode surface of the bipolar plate through a hollow hole, preventing the limiting part from falling off under the action of external tension. The spring piece and the bipolar plate are squeezed to make the limiting part in close contact with the limiting groove of the bipolar plate, and to fix the limiting part within the area of ​​the limiting groove, so that the inspection and data acquisition device is stably installed in the limiting groove of the bipolar plate. The outward protrusion is connected to the limiting part through the inspection plate body and extends outside the limiting groove, which facilitates connection and positioning with external components.

[0058] Compared to conventional surface contact voltage acquisition methods, this application has a simple structure, is easy to install, and is reliable and stable during use. It can be well used for real-time monitoring of the operation of fuel cell stacks, and has high practicality and economy. It can be produced and used as a general-purpose product.

[0059] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0060] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style of the specification is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0061] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made under the inventive concept of the present utility model using the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A fuel cell bipolar plate stack inspection and data collection device, characterized in that, Applicable to bipolar plates, including an inspection plate body, an outward protrusion, a hollow hole, a limiting part, and a spring piece; the outward protrusion is disposed at one end of the inspection plate body, and the limiting part is disposed at the other end of the inspection plate body; the hollow hole is disposed on the limiting part; the spring piece extends from the end of the hollow hole near the outward protrusion toward the limiting part; the outward protrusion, the limiting part, the hollow hole, and the spring piece are integrally formed.

2. The fuel cell bipolar plate stack inspection and data acquisition device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spring piece includes an integrally formed inclined end and a parallel end; the inclined end is connected to the parallel end; the end of the inclined end away from the parallel end is connected to the hollow hole; the parallel end is arranged parallel to the limiting part.

3. The fuel cell bipolar plate stack inspection and data acquisition device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inclined end extends from the edge of the hollow hole near the outer protrusion toward the limiting part, and the inclined end and the limiting part are inclined at an angle.

4. The fuel cell bipolar plate stack inspection and data acquisition device according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the spring piece is in its natural state, there is a gap between the parallel end and the limiting part.

5. The fuel cell bipolar plate stack inspection and data acquisition device according to claim 1, characterized in that, An inspection hole is provided at the end of the protruding part away from the limiting part; the protruding part is connected to the external plug-in, and the protruding part is adapted to the external plug-in.

6. The fuel cell bipolar plate stack inspection and data acquisition device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inspection plate is a phosphor bronze alloy plate; the protruding part is a phosphor bronze alloy protruding part; the limiting part is a phosphor bronze alloy limiting part; the spring part is a phosphor bronze alloy spring part; The surface of the phosphor bronze alloy is provided with a nickel plating layer, a silver plating layer, or a gold plating layer.

7. The fuel cell bipolar plate stack inspection and data acquisition device according to claim 2, characterized in that, A limiting groove is provided on the anode side of the bipolar plate, and a limiting boss is provided in the limiting groove; the height of the limiting boss is less than the depth of the limiting groove.

8. The fuel cell bipolar plate stack inspection and data acquisition device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The limiting groove and the limiting boss are integrally formed; the limiting groove is adapted to the limiting part; the limiting boss is adapted to the hollow hole.

9. The fuel cell bipolar plate stack inspection and data acquisition device according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the fuel cell bipolar plate stack inspection and data acquisition device is in operation, the limiting part is engaged in the limiting groove, and the limiting boss is engaged in the hollow hole.

10. The fuel cell bipolar plate stack inspection and data acquisition device according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the fuel cell bipolar plate stack inspection and data acquisition device is in operation, the limiting part is interference-fitted with the limiting groove, and the limiting boss is interference-fitted with the hollow hole; the parallel end is respectively abutted against the limiting boss and the cathode surface of the bipolar plate adjacent to the bipolar plate.

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