An end plate for a fuel cell stack

Abstract

The utility model discloses an end plate of fuel cell stack relates to fuel cell technical field, and this end plate of fuel cell stack includes front end plate and rear end plate, is fixedly connected with a plurality of connecting rods on the front end plate, is equipped with the screw thread on the one end of a plurality of connecting rods away from the front end plate, is equipped with the connecting hole corresponding with connecting rod on the rear end plate, is equipped with the nut of screw thread connection with connecting rod at the connecting hole, is equipped with the limiting mechanism of limiting nut at the connecting hole, through setting limiting mechanism, effectively limit nut rotation, even in the vibration environment, can prevent the nut loosening, avoid encapsulation failure, and front end plate sets up cooling liquid passage hole, working gas passage hole, insulating plate and the structure such as current collector plate, realized the integration of various functions such as heat dissipation, gas transmission, insulation and current conduction, improved work efficiency and reliability, and L shape limiting plate and the scale mark on its surface provide the positioning and reference for the installation of electric pile, make installation more convenient, accurate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fuel cell technology, specifically an end plate for a fuel cell stack. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen fuel cells are power generation devices that directly convert the chemical energy of hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy. They are widely used in aerospace, automotive, and power generation fields. The stack is the site of electrochemical reactions and the core part of the hydrogen fuel cell power system. It is composed of multiple individual cells stacked in series, with bipolar plates and membrane electrode assemblies alternately stacked. Seals are embedded between the individual cells, and the stack is secured by front and rear end plates to form a hydrogen fuel cell stack.

[0003] In existing hydrogen fuel cell stacks, the front and rear end plates are usually fixed together with bolts after clamping the middle stack. However, since the stack is in a vibrating environment in a vehicle setting, the bolts may loosen, causing the encapsulation to fail, resulting in a decrease in fuel cell performance or malfunction.

[0004] Based on this, an end plate for a fuel cell stack is now provided, which can eliminate the drawbacks of existing devices. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an end plate for a fuel cell stack to solve the problems in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: An end plate for a fuel cell stack includes a front end plate and a rear end plate. A plurality of connecting rods are fixedly connected to the front end plate, and the ends of the connecting rods away from the front end plate are threaded. The rear end plate is provided with connecting holes corresponding to the connecting rods, and nuts that are threadedly connected to the connecting rods are provided at the connecting holes. A limiting mechanism is provided at the connecting holes to limit the movement of the nuts.

[0007] Based on the above technical solutions, this utility model also provides the following optional technical solutions: In one alternative embodiment: the limiting mechanism includes a movable ring disposed in a movable groove corresponding to the connecting hole, a limiting sleeve fixedly connected to the movable ring, the inner surface of the limiting sleeve contacting the outer end of the nut, four sliding grooves provided on the movable ring, limiting teeth slidably connected in the sliding grooves, one end of a spring fixedly connected to the limiting teeth, the other end of the spring fixedly connected to the inner wall of the sliding groove, a limiting groove corresponding to the limiting teeth provided on the movable groove, and a springback component provided in the movable groove.

[0008] In one alternative: the rebound component includes a sliding plate, which is slidably connected in the moving groove. The sliding plate is in contact with the end of the moving ring away from the limiting sleeve. The sliding plate is fixedly connected to one end of the second spring, and the other end of the second spring is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the moving groove.

[0009] In one alternative: the front end plate is provided with coolant channel holes and working gas channel holes.

[0010] In one alternative: an insulating plate is fixedly connected to the end face between the front end plate and the rear end plate, and the insulating plate is provided with a groove, in which a current collector is provided.

[0011] In one alternative: the lower end of the front panel is provided with two L-shaped limiting plates.

[0012] In one alternative: the current collector is provided with tabs, which bend from the edge of the current collector away from the insulating plate.

[0013] In one alternative: the surface of the L-shaped limiting plate is provided with scale markings.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This invention effectively restricts nut rotation by setting a limiting mechanism, utilizing the cooperation of components such as a moving ring, limiting sleeve, limiting teeth, and limiting groove. Even in a vibration environment, it prevents the nut from loosening, avoids encapsulation failure, and ensures the stable performance of the fuel cell stack. The front end plate is equipped with coolant channel holes and working gas channel holes, and the end plates are equipped with structures such as insulating plates and current collectors, realizing the integration of multiple functions such as heat dissipation, gas transmission, insulation, and current conduction, optimizing the overall structure of the stack, and improving the stack's working efficiency and reliability. The L-shaped limiting plate and its surface scale markings provide positioning and reference for stack installation, making the installation process more convenient and accurate, reducing installation difficulty, and improving installation efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the insulating plate of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure at point A of this utility model.

[0018] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the limiting mechanism of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the limiting mechanism of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the limiting tooth of this utility model.

[0021] Figure reference numerals: 100, front end plate; 101, connecting rod; 200, rear end plate; 201, connecting hole; 202, nut; 301, moving ring; 302, moving groove; 303, limiting sleeve; 304, sliding groove; 305, limiting tooth; 306, spring one; 307, limiting groove; 401, sliding plate; 402, spring two; 501, coolant passage hole; 502, working gas passage hole; 600, insulating plate; 601, groove; 602, manifold; 6021, electrode lug; 700, L-shaped limiting plate; 800, scale marking. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0023] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1-6 As shown, an end plate of a fuel cell stack includes a front end plate 100 and a rear end plate 200. Multiple connecting rods 101 are fixedly connected to the front end plate 100. The ends of the connecting rods 101 away from the front end plate 100 are threaded. The rear end plate 200 has connecting holes 201 corresponding to the connecting rods 101. Nuts 202, threadedly connected to the connecting rods 101, are provided at the connecting holes 201. A limiting mechanism is provided at the connecting holes 201 to limit the movement of the nuts 202. The outer frame of the fuel cell stack assembly is fitted onto the front end plate 100 one by one via the connecting rods 101, ensuring no misalignment between the components. The connecting rods 101 are inserted into the connecting holes 201. By installing the nuts 202, the front end plate 100 and the rear end plate 200 clamp the fuel cell stack assembly. The limiting mechanism restricts the rotation of the nuts 202, effectively preventing loosening of the nuts in a vibration environment and avoiding encapsulation failure.

[0024] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the limiting mechanism includes a movable ring 301, which is disposed in a movable groove 302 corresponding to the connecting hole 201. A limiting sleeve 303 is fixedly connected to the movable ring 301, and the inner surface of the limiting sleeve 303 contacts the outer end of the nut 202. The movable ring 301 is provided with four sliding grooves 304, and limiting teeth 305 are slidably connected in the sliding grooves 304. One end of a spring 306 is fixedly connected to the limiting teeth 305, and the other end of the spring 306 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the sliding groove 304. A limiting groove 307 corresponding to the limiting teeth 305 is provided in the movable groove 302, and a spring-loaded part is provided in the movable groove 302. The nut 202 is rotated onto the connecting rod 101, so that the limiting sleeve 303 is fitted onto the outer end of the nut 202. Rotating the limiting sleeve 303 causes the nut 202 to rotate and tighten. When the limiting sleeve 303 is rotated, it will drive the moving ring 301 to rotate. The limiting tooth 305 cooperates with the inclined surface of the limiting groove 307, so that the limiting tooth 305 retracts into the sliding groove 304 and compresses the spring 306. When it reaches the other limiting groove 307, under the action of the spring, the limiting tooth 305 is re-engaged into the limiting groove 307 and can rotate normally. If the moving ring 301 is rotated in the opposite direction, the moving ring 301 cannot rotate because the limiting tooth 305 is blocked, effectively restricting the loosening of the nut 202.

[0025] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the rebound component includes a sliding plate 401, which is slidably connected in the moving groove 302. The sliding plate 401 is in contact with the end of the moving ring 301 away from the limiting sleeve 303. The sliding plate 401 is fixedly connected to one end of the second spring 402, and the other end of the second spring 402 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the moving groove 302. When maintenance is required, the limiting sleeve 303 is simply pressed into the moving groove 302, the restriction of the nut 202 is removed, and the nut 202 can be loosened. When the limiting sleeve 303 enters the moving groove 302, it will drive the moving ring 301 to move. The moving ring 301 drives the sliding plate 401 to move, thereby compressing the second spring 402. When the limiting sleeve 303 is released, it will reset under the push of the second spring 402.

[0026] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the front end plate 100 is provided with a coolant channel hole 501 and a working gas channel hole 502. The coolant channel hole 501 facilitates the flow of coolant and dissipates heat from the fuel cell stack; the working gas channel hole 502 guides the working gas into the fuel cell stack to ensure normal operation of the fuel cell stack.

[0027] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, an insulating plate 600 is fixedly connected to the end face between the front end plate 100 and the rear end plate 200 respectively. The insulating plate 600 is provided with a groove 601, and a current collector 602 is provided in the groove 601. The insulating plate 600 plays an insulating role to prevent short circuit of the fuel cell stack. The current collector 602 can collect and conduct current, thereby improving the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell stack.

[0028] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the lower end of the front end plate 100 is provided with two L-shaped limiting plates 700. The L-shaped limiting plates 700 can assist in the positioning of the fuel cell stack, which facilitates the installation and fixation of the fuel cell stack.

[0029] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the current collector 602 is provided with a tab 6021. The tab 6021 bends from the edge of the current collector away from the insulating plate 600. The tab facilitates the connection to external circuits and improves the convenience and stability of the connection between the fuel cell stack and external circuits.

[0030] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the L-shaped limiting plate 700 has scale markings 800 on its surface, which facilitates visual calibration of the stack height of the fuel cell assembly and avoids pressing too tightly or too loosely.

[0031] The above embodiment discloses an end plate for a fuel cell stack, wherein the outer frame of the stack assembly is fitted onto the front end plate 100 one by one via connecting rods 101 to ensure that there is no misalignment between the components. The connecting rods 101 are inserted into the connecting holes 201, and the front end plate 100 and the rear end plate 200 clamp the stack assembly by installing nuts 202. When the nut is rotated, a limiting sleeve 303 is fitted onto the outer end of the nut 202. Rotating the limiting sleeve 303 causes the nut 202 to rotate and tighten. When the limiting sleeve 303 is rotated, it will cause the moving ring 301 to rotate, limiting... The positioning tooth 305 engages with the inclined surface of the limiting groove 307, causing the limiting tooth 305 to retract into the sliding groove 304 and compress the spring 306. When moving to the other limiting groove 307, the limiting tooth 305 re-engages in the limiting groove 307 under the action of the spring, allowing normal rotation. If the moving ring 301 is rotated in the opposite direction, the moving ring 301 cannot rotate because the limiting tooth 305 is blocked, effectively restricting the loosening of the nut 202. When maintenance is required, simply press the limiting sleeve 303 into the moving groove 302, and the restriction on the nut 202 will disappear, allowing the nut 202 to be loosened.

[0032] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An end plate of a fuel cell stack, comprising a front end plate (100) and a rear end plate (200), characterized in that, Multiple connecting rods (101) are fixedly connected to the front end plate (100). The ends of the multiple connecting rods (101) away from the front end plate (100) are threaded. The rear end plate (200) is provided with connecting holes (201) corresponding to the connecting rods (101). Nuts (202) that are threadedly connected to the connecting rods (101) are provided at the connecting holes (201). A limiting mechanism for limiting the nut (202) is provided at the connecting holes (201).

2. The end plate of a fuel cell stack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting mechanism includes a moving ring (301), which is located in a moving groove (302) corresponding to the connecting hole (201). A limiting sleeve (303) is fixedly connected to the moving ring (301). The inner surface of the limiting sleeve (303) is in contact with the outer end of the nut (202). The moving ring (301) is provided with four sliding grooves (304). A limiting tooth (305) is slidably connected in the sliding groove (304). One end of a spring (306) is fixedly connected to the limiting tooth (305). The other end of the spring (306) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the sliding groove (304). A limiting groove (307) corresponding to the limiting tooth (305) is provided on the moving groove (302). A springback component is provided in the moving groove (302).

3. The end plate of a fuel cell stack according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rebound component includes a sliding plate (401), which is slidably connected in the moving groove (302). The sliding plate (401) is in contact with the end of the moving ring (301) away from the limiting sleeve (303). The sliding plate (401) is fixedly connected to one end of the second spring (402), and the other end of the second spring (402) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the moving groove (302).

4. The end plate of a fuel cell stack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front end plate (100) is provided with a coolant channel hole (501) and a working gas channel hole (502).

5. The end plate of a fuel cell stack according to claim 1, characterized in that, An insulating plate (600) is fixedly connected to the end face between the front end plate (100) and the rear end plate (200). The insulating plate (600) has a groove (601) and a current collector plate (602) is provided in the groove (601).

6. The end plate of a fuel cell stack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower end of the front end plate (100) is provided with two L-shaped limiting plates (700).

7. The end plate of a fuel cell stack according to claim 5, characterized in that, The current collector (602) is provided with a tab (6021), which bends from the edge of the current collector away from the insulating plate (600).

8. The end plate of a fuel cell stack according to claim 6, characterized in that, The L-shaped limiting plate (700) has scale markings (800) on its surface.

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