A fuel cell, a sealing unit, and a fuel cell device

Abstract

The application provides a fuel cell, a sealing unit and a fuel cell device, and relates to the technical field of fuel cells. The fuel cell comprises stacked cell units and sealing units located between adjacent cell units. The sealing unit comprises a first sealing part arranged on one of the two adjacent cell units and abutting against the other cell unit to form a first hollow region. The first sealing part comprises a first main structure extending in a direction surrounding the first hollow region to form the first sealing part. The first main structure comprises a first part and a second part located on both sides of the highest point of the first main structure in a first direction. The first part is closer to the first hollow region. The side walls of the first part and the second part are not equal in angle with a second direction. The first direction is parallel to the plane in which the fuel cell is located, and the second direction is perpendicular to the plane in which the fuel cell is located. That is, the first main structure is an asymmetric structure and is inclined toward the first part or the second part, which can enhance the sealing capacity of the first sealing part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of fuel cell technology, and more particularly to a fuel cell, a sealing unit, and a fuel cell device. Background Technology

[0002] For fuel cells, rubber seals are used to ensure the sealing of individual cells. When the fuel cell is assembled, the rubber seals are compressed along their height between adjacent cells to ensure a tight seal by utilizing the elastic deformation of the rubber seals. However, during compression, the rubber seals often cannot be compressed along their height; instead, they may bend or collapse. Furthermore, the bending direction may differ along the length of the rubber seal, causing the elastic deformation force to be significantly reduced compared to expectations. This makes it difficult to ensure the robustness of the seal and affects the overall sealing performance of the fuel cell. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, this application provides a fuel cell and a sealed unit, as follows:

[0004] A fuel cell, comprising:

[0005] Multiple battery cells are stacked sequentially, and each battery cell includes a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a membrane electrode located between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate.

[0006] A sealing unit is located between adjacent battery cells. The sealing unit includes a first sealing portion disposed on a first or second battery cell in the adjacent battery cells and abutting against the opposite battery cell. The first sealing portion and the opposite battery cell form a first hollow region, and the sealing material of the fuel cell is sealed in the first hollow region.

[0007] The first sealing portion includes a first main body structure, which extends in a direction surrounding the first hollow region to form the first sealing portion. The first main body structure is an elastic protrusion extending toward the opposite battery cell, and the width of the first main body structure gradually decreases in the direction toward the opposite battery cell.

[0008] The first main structure includes a first part and a second part, wherein the first part is closer to the first hollow region than the second part, and the first part and the second part are located on opposite sides of the highest point of the first main structure along a first direction.

[0009] Along the first direction, the side of the first portion facing the first hollow region is the first side, and the side of the second portion away from the first hollow region is the second side. The first side and the second direction have a first angle, and the second side and the second direction have a second angle. The first angle and the second angle are not equal. The first direction is parallel to the plane where the fuel cell is located, and the second direction is perpendicular to the plane where the fuel cell is located.

[0010] Optionally, the first side includes a first position, and the second side includes a second position opposite to the first position along the first direction, and the first position and the second position are at the same height along the second direction;

[0011] The tangent at the first position extends obliquely toward the second part, and the tangent at the second position extends obliquely toward the first part. The tangent at the first position intersects with the tangent at the second position, and the first part and the second part are located on opposite sides of the intersection of the tangent at the first position and the tangent at the second position along the first direction.

[0012] Optionally, the angle between the tangent at the first position and the second direction is the first angle, and the angle between the tangent at the second position and the second direction is the second angle.

[0013] Optionally, the first included angle is smaller than the second included angle;

[0014] The first included angle ranges from 0 to 40°, excluding the left endpoint.

[0015] Optionally, along the direction toward the opposite battery cell, the width of the first portion gradually decreases along the first direction, and the width of the second portion gradually decreases along the first direction.

[0016] Optionally, the sealing unit further includes a second sealing portion, which is disposed on the same battery cell as the first sealing portion and abuts against the battery cell on the opposite side. The second sealing portion and the battery cell on the opposite side form a second hollow region. The first sealing portion is located in the second hollow region and has a gap between the second sealing portion and the first sealing portion along the first direction.

[0017] The second sealing portion includes a second main body structure, which extends in a direction surrounding the second hollow region to form the second sealing portion;

[0018] The second main structure includes a third part and a fourth part, which are located on opposite sides of the highest point along the first direction, with the third part being closer to the first sealing part than the fourth part;

[0019] Along the first direction, the side of the third part facing the first sealing part is the third side, and the side of the fourth part away from the first sealing part is the fourth side. The third side has a third included angle with the second direction, and the fourth side has a fourth included angle with the second direction. The third included angle and the fourth included angle are not equal.

[0020] Optionally, the first included angle is smaller than the second included angle, and the third included angle is smaller than the fourth included angle.

[0021] Optionally, the sealing unit further includes a base, and the first sealing portion is disposed on the base;

[0022] The base includes a first limiting structure and a second limiting structure located on opposite sides of the first sealing portion along the first direction. The first limiting structure and the second limiting structure are elastic protrusions extending toward the battery cell on the opposite side, and along the second direction, the height of the first limiting structure and the second limiting structure is less than the height of the first sealing portion.

[0023] The first limiting structure and the battery cell on the opposite side form a third hollow region. The first limiting structure is located in the first hollow region and along the first direction, there is a gap between the first limiting structure and the first sealing part.

[0024] The second limiting structure and the battery cell on the opposite side form a fourth hollow region, the first sealing part is located in the fourth hollow region, and there is a gap between the second limiting structure and the first sealing part along the first direction.

[0025] Optionally, along the second direction, the height of the sealing unit is H;

[0026] Along the first direction, the distance between the first main structure and the battery cell to which it is located is 3 / 4H, and the width along the first direction ranges from 0.4mm to 0.7mm, including the endpoint value.

[0027] A sealed unit is used in a fuel cell, the fuel cell comprising a plurality of battery cells stacked sequentially, the battery cell comprising a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a membrane electrode assembly located between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate;

[0028] The sealing unit is located between adjacent battery cells. The sealing unit includes a first sealing part, which is disposed on a first or second battery cell in the adjacent battery cells and abuts against the opposite battery cell. The first sealing part and the opposite battery cell form a first hollow region, and the sealing material of the fuel cell is sealed in the first hollow region.

[0029] The first sealing portion includes a first main body structure, which extends in a direction surrounding the first hollow region to form the first sealing portion. The first main body structure is an elastic protrusion extending toward the opposite battery cell, and the width of the first main body structure gradually decreases in the direction toward the opposite battery cell.

[0030] The first main structure includes a first part and a second part, wherein the first part is closer to the first hollow region than the second part, and the first part and the second part are located on opposite sides of the highest point of the first main structure along a first direction.

[0031] Along the first direction, the side of the first portion facing the first hollow region is the first side, and the side of the second portion away from the first hollow region is the second side. The first side and the second direction have a first angle, and the second side and the second direction have a second angle. The first angle and the second angle are not equal. The first direction is parallel to the plane where the fuel cell is located, and the second direction is perpendicular to the plane where the fuel cell is located.

[0032] A fuel cell device comprising the fuel cell described in any of the preceding claims.

[0033] Compared with related technologies, the beneficial effects of the technical solution of this application are as follows:

[0034] The fuel cell includes stacked battery cells and a sealing unit located between adjacent battery cells. The sealing unit includes a first sealing portion disposed on a first or second battery cell in the adjacent battery cells and abutting against the opposite battery cell, forming a first hollow region. The first sealing portion includes a first main structure extending along a direction surrounding the first hollow region to form the first sealing portion. The first main structure is an elastic protrusion extending towards the opposite battery cell, and its width gradually decreases along the direction towards the opposite battery cell. The first main structure includes a first portion and a second portion located on opposite sides at its highest point along a first direction, with the first portion closer to the first hollow region than the second portion. Along the first direction, the side of the first portion facing the first hollow region has a first angle with the second direction, and the side of the second portion away from the first hollow region has a second angle with the second direction. The first and second angles are unequal. The first direction is parallel to the plane of the fuel cell, and the second direction is perpendicular to the plane of the fuel cell. It can be seen that the first main structure is divided into a first part and a second part based on its highest position, and is an asymmetrical structure that tilts towards the first part or the second part. This makes the first main structure tilt only towards the side where the first part or the second part is located when it is compressed, and it is not easy to collapse. This can enhance the sealing ability of the first sealing part, and thus improve the sealing performance of the fuel cell. Attached Figure Description

[0035] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or related technologies, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0036] The structures, proportions, sizes, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings are only for the purpose of assisting those skilled in the art in understanding and reading the content disclosed in the specification, and are not intended to limit the implementation conditions of this application. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in the proportions, or adjustments to the size should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this application, provided that they do not affect the effects and purposes that this application can produce.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sealing element in the prior art;

[0038] Figure 2 A top view of the sealed area of ​​a fuel cell provided in this application;

[0039] Figure 3 for Figure 2Sectional view along AA1;

[0040] Figure 4 This application provides a schematic diagram of the first main structure in a fuel cell.

[0041] Figure 5 A compression diagram of a sealing unit in a fuel cell provided in this application;

[0042] Figure 6 A top view of the sealed area of ​​another fuel cell provided in this application;

[0043] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Sectional view along BB1;

[0044] Figure 8 This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a second main body structure in a fuel cell.

[0045] Figure 9 A compression diagram of a sealing unit in another fuel cell provided in this application;

[0046] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure of another fuel cell provided in this application;

[0047] Figure 11 A compression diagram of a sealing unit in another fuel cell provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The embodiments of this application will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0049] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0050] As described in the background section, rubber seals are prone to bending and collapse when compressed along their height direction. This bending and collapse can make it difficult to ensure the robustness of the rubber seal's seal, thus affecting the sealing performance of the fuel cell.

[0051] Specifically, the inconsistent bending direction of the rubber seal when it falls at different parts along its length can lead to shape changes in the rubber seal in the assembled fuel cell, as well as the risk of changes in the position of contact with the individual cells, making it difficult to ensure sealing.

[0052] The inventors discovered that existing rubber seals typically have a symmetrical structure, specifically as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the seal has a base portion 90 and a lip portion 93. The lip portion 93 is composed of a lower peak portion 91 and an upper peak portion 92, and the curvature centers C1 and C2 of the lower peak portion 91 and the upper peak portion 92 are located on the same central axis, that is, the seal has an axisymmetric structure. Theoretically, when the seal is compressed, the lip portion 93 should not bend and fall down but should be compressed along the height direction, utilizing the elastic deformation force of the rubber component to ensure sealing force. However, in reality, the lip portion 93 often bends and falls down, and the direction of fall varies at different parts along the length of the seal. This can lead to shape changes in the seal in the assembled fuel cell, and the risk of changes in the position where the seal contacts the individual cell, making it difficult to ensure the robustness of the seal and affecting the sealing performance of the fuel cell.

[0053] Based on the above, this application provides a fuel cell, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, Figure 2 This is a top view of the sealed area of ​​a fuel cell provided in this application. Figure 3 for Figure 2 Along the cross-sectional view of AA1, the fuel cell includes: multiple battery cells 100 and a sealing unit 200. It should be noted that, to more clearly illustrate the structure of the sealing unit 200 in the fuel cell, [the following is omitted as it is not part of the cross-sectional view]. Figure 2 The image shows the sealing unit 200, which should be covered by the upper battery unit 100. It should be noted that the aforementioned sealing area refers to the area where the sealing unit 200 is located.

[0054] Multiple battery cells 100 are stacked sequentially, and each battery cell 100 is the aforementioned single battery. Specifically, each battery cell 100 may include a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate, as well as a membrane electrode located between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate. It should be understood that only the necessary components of the battery cell 100 are described herein; in other embodiments, the battery cell 100 may also include other components, depending on the specific circumstances.

[0055] The sealing unit 200 is located between adjacent battery cells 100. The sealing unit 200 includes a first sealing portion 210, which is disposed on either the first or second battery cell in the adjacent battery cells 100. That is, the first sealing portion 210 is disposed on one of the two adjacent battery cells 100, and the sealing unit 200 is disposed on one of the two adjacent battery cells 100. Furthermore, the first sealing portion 210 abuts against the opposite battery cell 100. In other words, if the first sealing portion 210 is disposed on the first battery cell, it abuts against the second battery cell, and vice versa. Since the first sealing portion 210 abuts against the opposite battery cell 100, the first sealing portion 210 and the opposite battery cell 100 can form a first hollow region. The sealing material of the fuel cell is sealed in the first hollow region formed by the first sealing portion 210 and the opposite battery cell 100. That is, the first hollow region can be used to seal the sealing material of the fuel cell, such as water, air, or coolant, which can cause concentration and pressure differences. The first sealing portion 210 can be an annular structure, etc., and the aforementioned first hollow region refers to the sealing region formed by the hollow region of the annular structure and the opposite battery cell 100.

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown, the first sealing portion 210 includes a first main structure 212, which extends in a direction surrounding the first hollow region to form the first sealing portion 210. The first main structure 212 is an elastic protrusion extending toward the opposite battery cell 100, and the width of the first main structure 212 gradually decreases in the direction toward the opposite battery cell 100. That is, the first main structure 212 is an elastic protrusion with a gradually decreasing width in the direction toward the opposite battery cell 100, for example, it can be a lip-shaped elastic protrusion with a gradually decreasing width in the direction toward the opposite battery cell 100.

[0057] The first main structure 212 includes a first part 214 and a second part 216. The first part 214 and the second part 216 are located on opposite sides of the highest point of the first main structure 212 along a first direction, and the first part 214 is closer to the first hollow region than the second part 216, that is, the first part 214 and the second part 216 are respectively the inner and outer sides of the first sealing part 210. Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a first sealing portion 210 of a fuel cell. Along a first direction, the side of the first portion 214 facing the first hollow region is designated as first side 1, and the side of the second portion 216 away from the first hollow region is designated as second side 2. First side 1 has a first angle A1 with the second direction, and second side 2 has a second angle A2 with the second direction. The first angle A1 and the second angle A2 are not equal. The first direction is parallel to the plane of the fuel cell, and the second direction is perpendicular to the plane of the fuel cell; that is, the first direction is parallel to the plane of the battery unit 100 in the fuel cell, and the second direction is perpendicular to the plane of the battery unit 100 in the fuel cell. It should be noted that the aforementioned first main structure 212 includes a first portion 214 and a second portion 216 located on opposite sides at its highest point along the first direction. This can be understood as the plane where the highest point of the first main structure 212 is located in the vertical direction dividing the first main structure 212 into a first portion 214 and a second portion 216 arranged horizontally. It should also be noted that if the side of the first main structure 212 facing the opposite battery unit 100 is a plane, that is, if the top of the first main structure 212 is a plane, and the highest point of the first main structure 212 is located in its top plane, then the center of the top plane of the first main structure 212 can be regarded as the highest point of the first main structure 212. In other words, if the top of the first main structure 212 is a plane, then the center of the top plane of the first main structure 212 can be regarded as the highest point of the first main structure 212.

[0058] As described above, the first main structure 212 is an elastic protrusion extending toward the opposite battery cell 100. The first main structure 212 is divided into a first part 214 and a second part 216 arranged horizontally along a vertical line at its highest point. The angles between the first side 1 of the first part 214 and the second side 2 of the second part 216 and the second direction are not equal; that is, the angles between the inner and outer sides of the first main structure 212 and the second direction are not equal. Therefore, the first main structure 212 is divided into the first part 214 and the second part 216 based on its highest position, and the first main structure 212 is an asymmetrical structure, specifically an asymmetrical structure inclined toward either the first part 214 or the second part 216.

[0059] For example, the first included angle A1 is smaller than the second included angle A2, and the first main structure 212 is an asymmetrical structure inclined towards the first part 214. Figure 5As shown, when the first sealing part 210 is compressed, the first main structure 212 tilts towards the side where the first part 214 is located. The first part 214 mainly bears the pressure on the first sealing part 210, while the second part 216 can provide support for the first part 214. This allows the first main structure 212 to have a strong elastic recovery capability when compressed, based on the elastic recovery force of the first part 214 itself and the support force of the second part 216 for the first part 214. Consequently, the first sealing part 210 can have a better sealing capability, achieving a better seal for the sealing material in the first hollow area, which helps to ensure the airtightness of the fuel cell.

[0060] Furthermore, the first main structure 212 is an asymmetrical structure, specifically an asymmetrical structure that tilts towards one of the first part 214 and the second part 216. This allows the first main structure 212 to tilt only towards the side containing the first part 214 or the second part 216 when the first sealing part 210 is compressed. For example, if the first main structure 212 tilts towards the side containing the first part 214, in addition to allowing the second part 216 to provide support for the first part 214, the second part 216 also exerts a horizontal pulling force on the first part 214, which can prevent the first main structure 212 from tipping over towards the second part 216. Therefore, when the first sealing part 210 is compressed, the first main structure 212 can tilt only towards the side where the first part 214 is located. Furthermore, due to the support and tension of the second part 216 on the first part 214, the first main structure 212 is prevented from collapsing towards the side where the first part 214 is located. That is, when the first sealing part 210 is compressed, the first main structure 212 tilts only in one direction and is not easy to collapse, further improving the sealing ability of the first sealing part 210, thereby effectively ensuring the sealing performance of the fuel cell.

[0061] In addition to the above, when the first hollow region is sealed with a sealing material, the side where the sealing material is located is usually the high-pressure side, that is, the inner side of the first sealing part 210 is usually under high pressure relative to the outer side. At this time, the first part 214 will be subjected to pressure from the sealing material applied to it and towards the second part 216. If the first included angle A1 is smaller than the second included angle A2, that is, the first main structure 212 is tilted towards the side where the first part 214 is located, the first sealing part 210 is compressed. The force exerted by the sealing material sealed in the first hollow region can inhibit the first main structure 212 of the first sealing part 210 from tilting towards the first part 214. Then, it can work together with the second part 216 to support the first part 214, that is, support the first main structure 212, so that the first main structure 212 tilts only to one side and effectively avoids the collapse of the first main structure 212, so that the first sealing part 210 can have a better sealing ability. It should be noted that, based on the above, it should be understood that if the side where the sealing material is located in the first sealing part 210 is the low-pressure side, then the second included angle A2 is smaller than the first included angle A1.

[0062] In summary, the first main structure 212 in this fuel cell is an asymmetrical structure tilted towards either the first portion 214 or the second portion 216. This allows the first main structure 212 to tilt only to one side when compressed, making it less prone to collapse. Compared to the axisymmetric seals described in the prior art, if the sealing unit 200 provided in this application has the same width along the first direction as the aforementioned axisymmetric seals, the first main structure 212 in the first sealing portion 210 of the sealing unit 200 described in this application tilts only to one side and is less prone to collapse. The compressed first main structure 212 is more stable, resulting in better sealing capability and contributing to ensuring the fuel cell's airtightness.

[0063] Based on the above, it can also be seen that the first main structure 212 of the fuel cell only includes a lip-shaped elastic protrusion, that is, only a peak is needed to achieve good sealing performance. Unlike the related technologies mentioned above, the lip part of the seal is composed of two peaks from top to bottom, which is simpler and easier to mold.

[0064] In one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 4As shown, the first side 1 includes a first position B1, and the second side 2 includes a second position B2 opposite to the first position B1 along a first direction. That is, the outer wall of the first part 214 includes the first position B1, and the outer wall of the second part 216 includes the second position B2 opposite to the first position B1 along the first direction. In other words, the first part 214 and the second part 216 respectively include the first position B1 and the second position B2 opposite to each other along their height direction. For example, the heights of the first position B1 and the second position B2 along the second direction are equal, which can be half the height of the first main structure 212. That is, the first position B1 and the second position B2 are the waistline positions of the first part 214 and the second part 216, respectively. However, this application does not limit this. In other embodiments of this application, the heights of the first position B1 and the second position B2 along the second direction can also be higher or lower than half the height of the first main structure 212, depending on the specific circumstances.

[0065] The tangent at the first position B1 extends obliquely toward the second part 216, and the tangent at the second position B2 extends obliquely toward the first part 214. The tangents at the first position B1 and the second position B2 intersect, and the first part 214 and the second part 216 are located on opposite sides of the intersection of the tangents at the first position B1 and the second position B2 along the first direction. That is, based on the intersection of the tangents at the first position B1 and the second position B2, the first main structure 212 can be divided into a first part 214 and a second part 216 arranged along the first direction. This allows the design of the first main structure 212 to be based on the tangents at the first position B1 and the second position B2, as well as their intersection, making it easier to design a first main structure 212 that meets the requirements.

[0066] In one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 4 As shown, the angle between the tangent at the first position B1 and the second direction is the first included angle A1, and the angle between the tangent at the second position B2 and the second direction is the second included angle A2. This allows the first included angle A1 and the second included angle A2 to be designed based on the first position B1 and the second position B2, thereby designing the specific structure of the first main structure 212.

[0067] In one embodiment of this application, the first included angle A1 is smaller than the second included angle A2, meaning that the first main structure 212 is tilted toward the side where the first part 214 is located. The first included angle A1 can range from 0 to 40°, excluding the left endpoint, to ensure that the tilt of the first main structure 212 toward the first part 214 is moderate, i.e., the tilt of the first main structure 212 is moderate when it is not compressed (in its natural state), thus guaranteeing the sealing capability of the first sealing part 210.

[0068] Specifically, if the first included angle A1 is too large, since the second included angle A2 is larger than the first included angle A1, the overall width of the first main structure 212 along the first direction will be wider, and the pressure borne by the first main structure 212 will be more concentrated in the vertical direction (the second direction). CAE simulation shows that this makes it easier for the first main structure 212 to break due to stress concentration in the first sealing part, affecting reliability. If the first main structure 212 is tilted towards the side where the first part 214 is located, and the first included angle A1 is too small, the tilt degree of the first main structure 212 towards the side where the first part 214 is located will be too small. In this case, if the tilt angle of the second part 216 is small, the overall width of the first main structure 212 along the first direction will be thinner, which will make the first main structure 212 more prone to collapse when compressed, resulting in insufficient sealing force.

[0069] It should be noted that, based on the above, if the first main structure 212 is tilted toward the side where the second part 216 is located, then the second included angle A2 is smaller than the first included angle A1, and the value range of the second included angle A2 can be 0~40°, excluding the left endpoint value.

[0070] In one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 3 As shown, along the direction toward the opposite battery cell 100, the width of the first portion 214 gradually decreases along the first direction, and the width of the second portion 216 also gradually decreases along the first direction. That is, the width of the area of ​​the first main structure 212 closer to its bottom is larger, so that the area of ​​the first main structure 212 closer to its bottom has stronger support capacity, thereby suppressing the collapse of the first main structure 212 when compressed and improving reliability.

[0071] In one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, Figure 6 This is a top view of the sealed area of ​​a fuel cell provided in this application. Figure 7 for Figure 6Along the cross-sectional view of BB1, the sealing unit 200 further includes a second sealing portion 220. The second sealing portion 220 and the first sealing portion 210 are disposed on the same battery cell 100 and abut against the opposite battery cell 100. That is, the second sealing portion 220 is disposed on either the first or second battery cell 100 in adjacent battery cells 100, located on the same battery cell 100 as the first sealing portion 210, and abut against the opposite battery cell 100. Specifically, the second sealing portion 220 and the opposite battery cell 100 form a second hollow region, the first sealing portion 210 is located in the second hollow region, and there is a gap between the second sealing portion 220 and the first sealing portion 210 along the first direction. It should be noted that the second sealing portion 220 can also be an annular structure, and the second hollow region is the sealing region formed by the annular structure and the opposite battery cell 100. It should also be noted that... Figure 6 The sealing unit 200, which should be covered by the upper battery unit 100, is shown. In order to show the structure of the sealing unit 200 more clearly, the portion of the sealing unit 200 located between the first sealing portion 210 and the second sealing portion 220 is not shown.

[0072] like Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second sealing part 220. The second sealing part 220 includes a second main body structure 222, which extends along the direction surrounding the second hollow region to form the second sealing part 220. The second main body structure 222 includes a third part 224 and a fourth part 226. The third part 224 and the fourth part 226 are located on opposite sides of their highest point along the first direction, and the third part 224 is closer to the first sealing part 210 than the fourth part 226. That is, the third part 224 extends along the direction surrounding the second hollow region to form the inner side of the second sealing part 220, and the fourth part 226 extends along the direction surrounding the second hollow region to form the outer side of the second sealing part 220. Specifically, the side of the third part 224 facing the first sealing part 210 is the third side 3, and the third side 3 has a third included angle A3 with the second direction. The side of the fourth part 226 away from the first sealing part 210 is the fourth side 4, and the fourth side 4 has a fourth included angle A4 with the second direction. The third included angle A3 and the fourth included angle A4 are not equal. Therefore, it can be seen that, with the same structure as the first main structure 212 described in the previous embodiment, the second main structure 222 is divided into a third part 224 and a fourth part 226 that are opposite to each other along the first direction based on its highest point, and the inclination angles of the sidewalls of the third part 224 and the fourth part 226 are different. That is, the second main structure 222 can also be an asymmetrical inclined structure that is inclined toward the side where the third part 224 or the fourth part 226 is located. This can enhance the sealing ability of the second sealing part 220 and suppress the sealing material in the first hollow area from overflowing outward through the second sealing part 220, thereby further enhancing the sealing ability of the sealing unit 200.

[0073] It should be noted that the principle by which the second main structure 222 enhances the sealing capability of the second sealing part 220 is the same as the principle by which the first main structure 212 enhances the sealing capability of the first sealing part 210, and will not be repeated here. It should also be noted that, similarly, the structure of the second main structure 222 is the same as that of the first main structure 212. For example, based on the vertical direction at its highest point, it is divided into a third part 224 and a fourth part 226 arranged horizontally, and the intersection of the tangents at the waistline of the third part 224 and the fourth part 226 corresponds to the highest point of the second main structure 222, etc., and will not be repeated here.

[0074] In addition, such as Figure 9As shown, the sealing unit 200 includes a first sealing portion 210 and a second sealing portion 220 surrounding the first sealing portion 210, such that the gap between the first sealing portion 210 and the second sealing portion 220 also forms a sealing space 300, which increases the effective sealing area of ​​the sealing unit 200. Simultaneously, the sealing material in the sealing space 300 between the second sealing portion 220 and the first sealing portion 210 exerts a certain pressure on the third portion 224 of the second sealing portion 220. Similarly, this enhances the sealing ability of the second sealing portion 220, thereby further enhancing the sealing ability of the sealing unit 200. It should be noted that although the sealing material in the sealing space 300 between the second sealing portion 220 and the first sealing portion 210 also exerts a certain pressure on the second portion 216 of the first sealing portion 210, the amount of sealing material overflowing from the first hollow region into the sealing space 300 is relatively small. Therefore, the force exerted by the sealing material in the sealing space 300 on the second portion 216 is smaller than the force exerted by the sealing material in the first hollow region on the first main structure 212. That is, the sealing material in the sealed space 300 exerts a relatively small force on the second part 216, so as not to affect the support of the second part 216 on the first part 214, and thus not to affect the sealing ability of the first sealing part 210.

[0075] In one embodiment of this application, the first included angle A1 is smaller than the second included angle A2, and the third included angle A3 is smaller than the fourth included angle A4, that is, the tilting direction of the second main structure 222 is the same as the tilting direction of the first main structure 212.

[0076] In one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 3 As shown, the sealing unit 200 also includes a base 230, and a first sealing part 210 is disposed on the base 230. That is, the first sealing part 210 is disposed on the first battery unit or the second battery unit in the adjacent battery unit 100 through the base 230, and abuts against the opposite battery unit 100. Similarly, as Figure 7 As shown, the sealing unit 200 includes a second sealing part 220, which is also disposed on the base 230.

[0077] In one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 10As shown, the base 230 includes a first limiting structure 232 and a second limiting structure 234 located on opposite sides of the first sealing portion 210 along a first direction. The first limiting structure 232 and the second limiting structure 234 are elastic protrusions extending toward the opposite battery cell 100, and along a second direction, the height of the first limiting structure 232 and the second limiting structure 234 is less than the height of the first sealing portion 210. It should be noted that the heights of the first limiting structure 232 and the second limiting structure 234 are usually equal, but this application does not limit this and it depends on the specific circumstances.

[0078] The first limiting structure 232 forms a third hollow region with the opposite battery unit 100. The first limiting structure 232 is located in the first hollow region, and there is a gap between the first limiting structure 232 and the first sealing part 210 along the first direction. The second limiting structure 234 forms a fourth hollow region with the opposite battery unit 100. The first sealing part 210 is located in the fourth hollow region, and there is a gap between the second limiting structure 234 and the first sealing part 210 along the first direction. It should be noted that the first limiting structure 232 and the second limiting structure 234 are also elastic protrusions extending toward the opposite battery unit 100, and can abut against the opposite battery unit 100 after the fuel cell is compressed, so that the first limiting structure 232 can form a third hollow region with the opposite battery unit 100, and the second limiting structure 234 can form a fourth hollow region with the opposite battery unit 100, thereby suppressing the leakage of sealing material and enhancing the sealing performance of the sealing unit 200.

[0079] It should be understood that the aforementioned first limiting structure 232 and second limiting structure 234 are also formed by extending their main structures along the direction surrounding their corresponding hollow regions, which will not be elaborated further in this application. Furthermore, the aforementioned first limiting structure 232 and second limiting structure 234 can have the same structure as the first sealing part 210, that is, their main structures can be asymmetrical structures tilted to one side. However, this application does not limit this; the main structures of the aforementioned first limiting structure 232 and second limiting structure 234 can also be symmetrical structures, depending on the specific circumstances.

[0080] If the sealing unit 200 includes a second sealing portion 220, the aforementioned second limiting structure 234 surrounds the periphery of the second sealing portion 220, meaning the second sealing portion 220 is located in the fourth hollow region. Furthermore, a sealing region 410 can be formed between the first limiting structure 232 and the first sealing portion 210, and a sealing region 420 can be formed between the second limiting structure 234 and the second sealing portion 220, as shown below. Figure 11 As shown.

[0081] In one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 4 and Figure 8As shown, along the second direction, the height of the sealing unit is H, and the distance between the first main structure 212 and the battery unit 100 it is located at 3 / 4H, the width L of the first main structure 212 along the first direction can range from 0.4mm to 0.7mm, including the endpoint values. For example, if the first sealing part 210 is disposed on the first battery unit in an adjacent battery unit 100 and abuts against the second battery unit, then the distance between the first main structure 212 and the first battery unit is 3 / 4H, and the width of the first main structure 212 along the first direction can range from 0.4mm to 0.7mm, including the endpoint values. Similarly, the width L of the second main structure 222 at the distance of 3 / 4H from the battery unit 100 it is located ranges from 0.4mm to 0.7mm, including the endpoint values.

[0082] It should be noted that the first sealing part 210 and the second sealing part 220 are known to be disposed on the first battery cell or the second battery cell in the adjacent battery cell 100 and to abut against the opposite battery cell 100, so the height of the sealing unit 200 can be the distance between the adjacent battery cells 100.

[0083] This application also provides a sealing unit, which is the sealing unit 200 in the fuel cell described in any of the above embodiments. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the fuel cell includes multiple battery cells 100, which are stacked sequentially. Specifically, each battery cell 100 may include a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate, as well as a membrane electrode assembly located between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate.

[0084] A sealing unit 200 is located between adjacent battery cells 100. The sealing unit 200 includes a first sealing portion 210, which is disposed on the first or second battery cell in the adjacent battery cells 100 and abuts against the opposite battery cell 100 to form a first hollow region. The sealing material of the fuel cell is sealed in the first hollow region, such as water, air, or coolant, which creates a concentration difference and a pressure difference.

[0085] The first sealing portion 210 includes a first main body structure 212, which extends in a direction surrounding the first hollow region to form the first sealing portion 210. The first main body structure 212 is an elastic protrusion extending toward the opposite battery cell 100, and the width of the first main body structure 212 gradually decreases in the direction toward the opposite battery cell 100.

[0086] The first main structure 212 includes a first part 214 and a second part 216. The first part 214 and the second part 216 are located on opposite sides of the highest point of the first main structure 212 along a first direction, with the first part 214 being closer to the first hollow region than the second part 216. Along the first direction, the side of the first part 214 facing the first hollow region is designated as the first side 1, and the side of the second part 216 away from the first hollow region is designated as the second side 2. The first side 1 has a first angle A1 with the second direction, and the second side 2 has a second angle A2 with the second direction. The first angle A1 and the second angle A2 are not equal. The first direction is parallel to the plane where the fuel cell is located, and the second direction is perpendicular to the plane where the fuel cell is located; that is, the first direction is parallel to the plane where the battery unit 100 in the fuel cell is located, and the second direction is perpendicular to the plane where the battery unit 100 in the fuel cell is located.

[0087] As described above, the first main structure 212 in the sealing unit 200 is an asymmetrical structure inclined towards the first portion 214 or the second portion 216. This allows the first main structure 212 to tilt only to one side when compressed, and it is less prone to collapse. Compared to the axisymmetric seals described in the background art, if both have the same width along the first direction, the first main structure 212 is more stable in a compressed state because it tilts only to one side and is less prone to collapse. Therefore, the sealing performance of the first main structure 212 is relatively better, which helps to ensure the sealing performance of the fuel cell.

[0088] This application also provides a fuel cell device comprising the fuel cell described in any of the above embodiments.

[0089] In summary, this application provides a fuel cell, a sealing unit, and a fuel cell device. The fuel cell includes stacked battery cells and a sealing unit located between adjacent battery cells. The sealing unit includes a first sealing portion disposed on a first or second battery cell in the adjacent battery cells, abutting against the opposite battery cell and forming a first hollow region with the opposite battery cell. The first sealing portion includes a first main structure extending along a direction surrounding the first hollow region to form the first sealing portion. The first main structure is an elastic protrusion extending toward the opposite battery cell, and its width gradually decreases along the direction toward the opposite battery cell. The first main structure includes a first portion and a second portion located on opposite sides at its highest point along a first direction, with the first portion being closer to the first hollow region than the second portion. Along the first direction, the side of the first portion facing the first hollow region has a first angle with the second direction, and the side of the second portion away from the first hollow region has a second angle with the second direction. The first and second angles are not equal. The first direction is parallel to the plane of the fuel cell, and the second direction is perpendicular to the plane of the fuel cell. It can be seen that the first main structure is divided into a first part and a second part based on its highest position, and is an asymmetrical structure that tilts towards the first part or the second part. This makes the first main structure tilt only towards the side where the first part or the second part is located when it is compressed, and it is not easy to collapse. This can enhance the sealing ability of the first sealing part, and thus improve the sealing performance of the fuel cell.

[0090] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive, parallel, or combined manner. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments, and the same or similar parts between the embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0091] It should be noted that, in the description of this application, the terms "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. When a component is considered to be "connected" to another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be a component centrally located at the same time.

[0092] It should also be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that an article or apparatus comprising a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such an article or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the article or apparatus that includes the aforementioned element.

[0093] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A fuel cell, characterized in that, include: Multiple battery cells are stacked sequentially, and each battery cell includes a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a membrane electrode located between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate. A sealing unit is located between adjacent battery cells. The sealing unit includes a first sealing portion disposed on a first or second battery cell in the adjacent battery cells and abutting against the opposite battery cell. The first sealing portion and the opposite battery cell form a first hollow region, and the sealing material of the fuel cell is sealed in the first hollow region. The first sealing portion includes a first main body structure, which extends in a direction surrounding the first hollow region to form the first sealing portion. The first main body structure is an elastic protrusion extending toward the opposite battery cell, and the width of the first main body structure gradually decreases in the direction toward the opposite battery cell. The first main structure includes a first part and a second part, wherein the first part is closer to the first hollow region than the second part, and the first part and the second part are located on opposite sides of the highest point of the first main structure along a first direction. Along the first direction, the side of the first portion facing the first hollow region is the first side, and the side of the second portion away from the first hollow region is the second side. The first side and the second direction have a first angle, and the second side and the second direction have a second angle. The first angle and the second angle are not equal. The first direction is parallel to the plane where the fuel cell is located, and the second direction is perpendicular to the plane where the fuel cell is located.

2. The fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first side includes a first position, and the second side includes a second position opposite to the first position along the first direction, and the first position and the second position are at the same height along the second direction; The tangent at the first position extends obliquely toward the second part, and the tangent at the second position extends obliquely toward the first part. The tangent at the first position intersects with the tangent at the second position, and the first part and the second part are located on opposite sides of the intersection of the tangent at the first position and the tangent at the second position along the first direction.

3. The fuel cell according to claim 2, characterized in that, The angle between the tangent at the first position and the second direction is the first angle, and the angle between the tangent at the second position and the second direction is the second angle.

4. The fuel cell according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first included angle is smaller than the second included angle; The first included angle ranges from 0 to 40°, excluding the left endpoint.

5. The fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the direction toward the opposite battery cell, the width of the first portion gradually decreases along the first direction, and the width of the second portion gradually decreases along the first direction.

6. The fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing unit further includes a second sealing part, which is disposed on the same battery unit as the first sealing part and abuts against the battery unit on the opposite side. The second sealing part and the battery unit on the opposite side form a second hollow region. The first sealing part is located in the second hollow region and along the first direction. There is a gap between the second sealing part and the first sealing part. The second sealing portion includes a second main body structure, which extends in a direction surrounding the second hollow region to form the second sealing portion; The second main structure includes a third part and a fourth part, which are located on opposite sides of the highest point along the first direction, with the third part being closer to the first sealing part than the fourth part; Along the first direction, the side of the third part facing the first sealing part is the third side, and the side of the fourth part away from the first sealing part is the fourth side. The third side has a third included angle with the second direction, and the fourth side has a fourth included angle with the second direction. The third included angle and the fourth included angle are not equal.

7. The fuel cell according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first included angle is smaller than the second included angle, and the third included angle is smaller than the fourth included angle.

8. The fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing unit further includes a base, and the first sealing part is disposed on the base; The base includes a first limiting structure and a second limiting structure located on opposite sides of the first sealing portion along the first direction. The first limiting structure and the second limiting structure are elastic protrusions extending toward the battery cell on the opposite side, and along the second direction, the height of the first limiting structure and the second limiting structure is less than the height of the first sealing portion. The first limiting structure and the battery cell on the opposite side form a third hollow region. The first limiting structure is located in the first hollow region and along the first direction, there is a gap between the first limiting structure and the first sealing part. The second limiting structure and the battery cell on the opposite side form a fourth hollow region, the first sealing part is located in the fourth hollow region, and there is a gap between the second limiting structure and the first sealing part along the first direction.

9. The fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the second direction, the height of the sealing unit is H; Along the first direction, the distance between the first main structure and the battery cell to which it is located is 3 / 4H, and the width along the first direction ranges from 0.4mm to 0.7mm, including the endpoint value.

10. A sealing unit, characterized in that, The fuel cell is used in fuel cells, which include multiple battery cells stacked sequentially. Each battery cell includes a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a membrane electrode assembly located between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate. The sealing unit is located between adjacent battery cells. The sealing unit includes a first sealing part, which is disposed on a first or second battery cell in the adjacent battery cells and abuts against the opposite battery cell. The first sealing part and the opposite battery cell form a first hollow region, and the sealing material of the fuel cell is sealed in the first hollow region. The first sealing portion includes a first main body structure, which extends in a direction surrounding the first hollow region to form the first sealing portion. The first main body structure is an elastic protrusion extending toward the opposite battery cell, and the width of the first main body structure gradually decreases in the direction toward the opposite battery cell. The first main structure includes a first part and a second part, wherein the first part is closer to the first hollow region than the second part, and the first part and the second part are located on opposite sides of the highest point of the first main structure along a first direction. Along the first direction, the side of the first portion facing the first hollow region is the first side, and the side of the second portion away from the first hollow region is the second side. The first side and the second direction have a first angle, and the second side and the second direction have a second angle. The first angle and the second angle are not equal. The first direction is parallel to the plane where the fuel cell is located, and the second direction is perpendicular to the plane where the fuel cell is located.

11. A fuel cell device, characterized in that, Includes the fuel cell according to any one of claims 1-9.

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