Fuel cell stacks and assembly methods for them

Abstract

Fuel cell stack, which includes: a fuel cell arrangement (10) in which a plurality of fuel cells (11) are stacked between an upper and a lower current collector (15), and an encapsulation (50) which prestresses and seals the fuel cell arrangement (10) in a stacking direction of the fuel cells (11), wherein the encapsulation (50) comprises a housing (61) in which a surface is open, and a cover (71) which closes an opening end of the housing (61), wherein the fuel cell arrangement (10) is inserted into the housing (61) through the opening end in a plane direction that is perpendicular to the stacking direction of the fuel cells (11), wherein the fuel cell assembly (10) is inserted into the housing (61) in a state in which it is pre-tensioned by means of a push fork (91), and a fork guide unit (85) is formed on an interior surface of both side plates and allows the pre-tensioning to be released and the push fork (91) to be withdrawn, and wherein the housing (61) has: both side plates of a first direction (63), which hold the current collectors (15) by means of a first set of side surfaces of the fuel cell arrangement (10) and absorb a preload counterforce of the fuel cell arrangement (10), both side plates of a second direction (65) which are connected to the two side plates of the first direction (63) and hold a second set of side surfaces of the fuel cell arrangement (10), and a base plate (67) which is connected to both side plates of the first direction (63) and both side plates (65) of the second direction and holds a surface of an insertion direction of the fuel cell arrangement (10).

Description

Background of the invention(a) Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel cell stack and in particular to a fuel cell stack for sealing and protecting the fuel cells using an encapsulation. (b) Description of related technology

[0002] As is known, a fuel cell stack is a type of power generation device that produces electrical power through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen using fuel cells and is used, for example, in fuel cell vehicles. The fuel cell stack consists of a power generation arrangement in which fuel cells (element cells) are continuously arranged in units of several hundred. The fuel cell has a configuration in which separator plates are arranged on / at both sides of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), with the MEA positioned between them. The fuel cells can be coupled in a pre-tensioned state by means of an end plate and a fastening mechanism.

[0003] The aforementioned fuel cell stack can be manufactured as a modular unit by stacking the fuel cells one after the other, pressing the stacked fuel cells together with a press while they are positioned between an upper and a lower end plate, and securing the end plate using the fastening mechanism. Furthermore, the fuel cell stack can be assembled by sealing the stack module, which contains the fuel cells secured by the end plate and the fastening mechanism, using encapsulation.

[0004] In particular, during conventional stack-module assembly, when the fuel cells stacked between end plates are pre-tensioned using a press, the fastening band is attached to the upper and lower end plates using a screw or a bolt and nut. Furthermore, the end plates pre-tension and insulate the fuel cells, which are repeatedly stacked at both ends of the fuel cell stack, and provide an inlet and outlet for the reaction gas / coolant. However, in conventional technology, the stack module is assembled using the end plates and the fastening mechanism, and therefore the number of assembly operations and components increases.

[0005] The above information disclosed in this section is intended only to improve the understanding of the background of the invention and may therefore contain information that does not constitute the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art in this country.

[0006] DE 10 2008 040 869 A1 discloses a fuel cell stack clamping device.

[0007] US 2006 / 0 093 890 A1 discloses fuel cell stack compression systems as well as fuel cell stacks and fuel cell systems which incorporate these. Explanation of the invention

[0008] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a fuel cell stack and an assembly method for the same in order to reduce assembly operations and assembly components by pre-tensioning and connecting (e.g. combining) fuel cells using an encapsulation which protects the fuel cells.

[0009] To solve this problem, the invention provides a fuel cell stack according to claim 1, a fuel cell stack according to claim 6, and an assembly method for a fuel cell stack according to claim 9. Further embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0010] A fuel cell stack can comprise a fuel cell assembly in which a plurality of fuel cells are stacked between an upper and a lower current collector (e.g., an upper and a lower current collector), and an encapsulation that prestresses (e.g., pressurizes) and seals the fuel cell assembly in one stacking direction of the fuel cells. Furthermore, the encapsulation in the fuel cell assembly can comprise a housing in which one area is open and the remaining areas are closed (e.g., sealed), and a cover that closes the open end (e.g., the opening end, the open area) of the housing.

[0011] Furthermore, in the fuel cell assembly, the fuel cell assembly can be inserted into the housing through the opening end in a plane direction (e.g., a direction perpendicular (e.g., vertical) to the stacking direction of the fuel cells. Both side plates of the housing can accommodate a preload counterforce of the fuel cell assembly, and the fuel cell assembly can be inserted into the housing when it is preloaded by means of a push fork.

[0012] Furthermore, a fork guide unit, which allows the release of pressure (e.g., preload) and the withdrawal of the pressure fork to the outside (e.g., to an external surface), can be arranged (e.g., formed) on (e.g., at) an internal surface (e.g., inner surface) of the two side plates. The housing can have both (e.g., two) side plates of a first direction (e.g., first-direction side plates), which hold (e.g., support) the current collectors by means of both side surfaces of the fuel cell assembly and absorb a preload counterforce of the fuel cell assembly; and both (e.g., two) side plates of a second direction (e.g., second-direction side plates), which are connected to the two side plates of the first direction and hold the other two side surfaces of the fuel cell assembly (e.g.,support), and a base plate connected to the two side plates of the first direction and the two side plates of the second direction, holding (e.g., supporting) a surface of an insertion direction (e.g., an insertion direction surface) of the fuel cell arrangement.

[0013] In the fuel cell assembly, both side plates of the first direction can have an interior holding surface (e.g., inner holding surface) which holds the current collector, on which a preload counterforce of the fuel cell assembly is applied (e.g., on which a preload counterforce of the fuel cell assembly acts), and a plurality of fork grooves formed on (e.g., at) the interior holding surface to be connected from an opening end to a closing end of the housing along the insertion direction of the fuel cell assembly (e.g., to represent / form a connection from an opening end to a closing end of the housing along the insertion direction of the fuel cell assembly).The fork groove can be formed so that the pressure fork, which is formed as a single-arm weir shape, which pre-tensions the current collectors on both sides, can be inserted into the interior of the housing in the stacking direction of the fuel cells (e.g., the fork groove can be formed so that the pressure fork, which is formed as a single-arm weir shape, which pre-tensions the current collectors on both sides in the stacking direction of the fuel cells, can be inserted into the interior of the housing).

[0014] Furthermore, the fork groove can be designed to have a greater depth than the thickness of the push fork. A current collector connection can be installed on (e.g., at) the current collector. A connection groove, parallel to the fork groove, into which the current collector connection can be inserted, can be formed on (e.g., at) the inner mounting surface.

[0015] Furthermore, a fuel cell stack can comprise an encapsulation, which has a housing and a cover that are coupled (e.g., combined, connected), and a fuel cell array in which a plurality of stacked fuel cells are pre-tensioned within the housing (e.g., by means of the housing) by means of a predetermined pressure along a stacking direction. The cover can close the interior of the housing, and the housing can accommodate a pre-tensioning counterforce of the fuel cell array in a vertical direction to the closing direction of the cover (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the closing direction of the cover). The housing can also have an open end (e.g., an open side) to which the cover is coupled (e.g., to which the cover is connected / combined).

[0016] The fuel cell assembly can be inserted into the housing through the opening end in a vertical plane direction (e.g., a vertical / perpendicular direction) relative to the stacking direction of the fuel cells (e.g., in a plane direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the fuel cells), provided the fuel cell assembly is pre-tensioned by means of a fork along the stacking direction of the fuel cells. The housing can have two side plates, which absorb a counter-force of the pre-tensioning force applied by the fuel cell assembly. Furthermore, multiple fork grooves, which allow the release of the pre-tensioning and the fork to be pulled outwards towards the outside of the pressure force, can be arranged within the surface of the two side plates (e.g., on an interior surface of both side plates).In particular, each fork groove can be formed to connect from an open end to a closed end of the housing along an insertion direction of the fuel cell assembly (e.g., to form / represent a connection from an open end to a closed end of the housing along an insertion direction of the fuel cell assembly). The push fork, formed as a single-arm weir shape that preloads the fuel cell assembly, can be formed to be inserted into the interior of the housing in the stacking direction (e.g., insertion direction) of the fuel cells (e.g.,The pressure fork, which is formed as a single-arm weir shape that pre-tensions the fuel cell arrangement in the stacking direction of the fuel cells, can be designed to be inserted into the interior of the housing.

[0017] Furthermore, an assembly method for a fuel cell stack may include providing a housing, one surface of which is open and the remaining surfaces are closed, and a cover coupled to an opening end of the housing; stacking fuel cells between current collectors from (e.g., on) both side surfaces of the fuel cell assembly; applying force to the current collectors (e.g., pre-tensioning them) by means of a push fork along a stacking direction of the fuel cells on (e.g., at) both sides thereof; and inserting the current collector and the fuel cell assembly (e.g., with the fuel cells) pre-tensioned by means of the push fork into the housing through the opening end in a vertical direction to the stacking direction of the fuel cells (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the fuel cells).

[0018] Furthermore, the method may also include releasing (e.g., loosening) the pressure on the push fork (e.g., pre-tensioning the push fork), inserting the push fork into a fork groove in the inner surface of the housing in a stacking direction (e.g., insertion direction) of the fuel cells (inward), and withdrawing the push fork to an outer surface of the housing (outward) through the fork groove. The fork groove may have a greater depth than the thickness of the push fork and may be formed on (e.g., at) an inner surface (e.g., inner surface) corresponding to the current collector. The push fork may be configured to exert force on the current collector by means of a greater pre-tension force than a predetermined pre-tension force of the fuel cell assembly (e.g., to exert a greater pre-tension force on the current collector than a predetermined pre-tension force of the fuel cell assembly).Furthermore, a section or the entire thickness of the pressure fork can be inserted into the fork groove along the insertion direction of the fuel cell assembly. When the pressure of the pressure fork is released, the interior surface of the housing can absorb the preload counterforce of the fuel cell assembly, and the opening end of the housing can be closed by means of the cover.

[0019] Furthermore, in this method, the interior surface of the housing can absorb the preload counterforce of the fuel cell assembly in a perpendicular direction to the closing direction of the cover (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the closing direction of the cover). The fuel cell assembly can be preloaded and connected (e.g., combined, coupled) by means of a predetermined preload force using an encapsulation that seals the fuel cell assembly, and therefore fastening elements for preloading and securing the fuel cells, such as an end plate, a fastening strap, a screw rod (e.g., a threaded rod), and a nut, can be omitted.

[0020] Accordingly, the total number of assembly operations required to manufacture (e.g., assemble) the fuel cell stack and the number of assembly components (e.g., the components to be assembled) can be reduced, and the weight of the fuel cell stack can be reduced. Furthermore, effects that can be obtained or expected from exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described directly or indirectly in the following detailed description. That is, various effects expected from exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in the following detailed description. Brief description of the characters

[0021] The drawings are provided for reference when describing exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and the technical content of the present invention should not be interpreted solely by means of the accompanying drawings. Fig. Figure 1 is a detailed perspective view showing a fuel cell stack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a detailed perspective partial view showing a fuel cell stack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a fuel cell stack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 4 to Fig. Figure 9 shows an assembly method for a fuel cell stack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed description

[0022] It should be understood that the terms "vehicle" or "vehicle-..." or any other similar term used herein include motor vehicles in general, such as passenger cars, including sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, numerous commercial vehicles, watercraft, including a variety of boats and ships, as well as aircraft and the like, and hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other vehicles powered by alternative fuels (e.g., fuels produced from resources other than petroleum). A hybrid vehicle, as referred to herein, is a vehicle that has two or more energy sources, e.g., vehicles that can be powered by both gasoline and electricity.

[0023] The terminology used herein serves only to describe certain embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that the terms "have" and / or "having" as used in this description specify the presence of the aforementioned features, (integers), steps, processes, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more further features, (integers), steps, processes, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes each and all combinations of one or more of the related items listed.

[0024] Unless specifically stated or evident from the context, the term "approximately" as used herein means within a range of usual tolerances for this technique, for example, within 2 standard deviations from the mean. "Approximately" may be understood as within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% of the stated value. Unless otherwise clear from the context, all numerical values ​​provided herein are modified by the term "approximately".

[0025] The present invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments of the invention. To explain the present invention (e.g., to illustrate it clearly), parts not related to the description are omitted, and the same elements or equivalents are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the description.

[0026] The size and thickness of each component are shown arbitrarily in the drawings, and the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. In the drawings, the thickness of layers, films, panels, areas, etc., is exaggerated for clarity. Furthermore, in the following detailed description, names of components related in the same way are divided into "the first," "the second," and the like, but the invention is not limited to the order in the following description. Moreover, the terminology disclosed in the description, such as "... unit," "... means," "... part," or "... element," denotes a unit of a contained component that performs at least one of the functions or operations.

[0027] Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows detailed perspective views depicting a fuel cell stack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a fuel cell stack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 is a fuel cell stack 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a collective structure of element cells (e.g. individual fuel cells) which generates electrical energy by means of an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen, which is a fuel, and air, which is an oxidizing agent.

[0028] For example, the fuel cell stack 100 is mounted on a fuel cell vehicle and can be configured to drive a drive motor (electric motor) using electrical energy generated from the electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and air. The fuel cell stack 100 has a structure in which a plurality of fuel cells are stacked and prestressed (e.g., subjected to pressure) for assembly. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the structure of the fuel cell stack 100 is designed to reduce the assembly processes (e.g., assembly steps) and assembly components (e.g., components to be assembled).

[0029] An example in which the fuel cell stack 100 is mounted in the upper and lower directions is described below, based on the drawings. Sections relating to the upper side are defined as an upper section, an upper surface, an upper end, and an upper region, and sections relating to the lower side are defined as a lower section, a lower surface, a lower end, and a lower region. However, the above definition of direction is relative, and the direction may be changed according to the mounting direction of the fuel cell stack 100 and a reference position; therefore, the above direction is not definitively limited to the reference direction of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] The fuel cell stack 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can comprise a fuel cell assembly 10 and an encapsulation (e.g., a casing, enclosure) 50. The fuel cell assembly 10 can comprise a plurality of fuel cells 11 and a current collector (e.g., a current collector) 15, which is arranged on (e.g., at) an upper and a lower side of the fuel cell assembly 10, with the fuel cells 11 arranged (e.g., inserted) between them. The fuel cell 11 has an element-cell configuration in which separator plates are arranged on (e.g., at) both sides of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), with the MEA being arranged (e.g., inserted) between them.

[0031] The current collector 15 can be configured to receive (e.g., absorb, collect) electricity generated by the fuel cells 11 and can be arranged on (e.g., at) an upper and a lower side of the fuel cells 11, with a plurality of stacked fuel cells 11 arranged (e.g., inserted) between them, and is an end structure that is electrically connected to the fuel cells 11.

[0032] In particular, a plurality of passages (e.g., openings) for supplying (e.g., providing) hydrogen and air to the fuel cells 11 and for removing (e.g., draining, venting) hydrogen, air, and water from / to the fuel cells 11 can be formed in the current collector 15. Furthermore, a current collector connection 17, which is electrically connected to the current collector 15, can be installed on (e.g., at) the current collector 15. The encapsulation 50 is a housing structure that encapsulates (e.g., encloses, surrounds, encases) and seals the fuel cell assembly 10 to protect it, and is a housing structure component that has functions of protecting / holding (e.g., carrying, supporting, receiving) / insulating the fuel cell assembly 10. For example, the encapsulation 50 can be mounted on a fuel cell vehicle body.The encapsulation 50 provides protection, such as airtightness, watertightness, etc., for the fuel cell assembly.

[0033] Furthermore, the encapsulation 50 pre-tensions the fuel cell assembly 10 (e.g., the encapsulation 50 exerts a pressure / force on the fuel cell assembly 10) and seals it by means of a predetermined pre-tensioning force in a stacking direction of the fuel cells 11. The encapsulation 50 pre-tensions the upper and lower current collector 15 of the fuel cell assembly 10 in a stacking direction of the fuel cells 11 (e.g., the encapsulation 50 exerts a force / pressure on the upper and lower current collector 15 of the fuel cell assembly 10) and supports the application of the pre-tensioning counterforce in the stacking direction of the fuel cells 11 of the fuel cell assembly 10. In other words, the encapsulation 50 has a strength (e.g., stiffness) which prestresses the fuel cell arrangement 10 contained within it by means of (e.g., with) a predetermined prestressing force (e.g.,which exerts a predetermined preload force on the fuel cell arrangement 10 contained within the interior). The upper and lower current collectors 15 can be preloaded from either side, and a force that compresses (e.g., squeezes) the fuel cells 11 is defined as a preload force. Furthermore, a compression counterforce of the fuel cells 11, which is applied to the upper and lower current collectors 15, that is, a force applied in the opposite direction to the preload direction of the fuel cells, is defined as a preload counterforce.

[0034] The encapsulation 50 can comprise a housing 61 and a cover 71, which are combined (e.g., connected) or coupled to each other to seal the fuel cell assembly 10. The housing 61 contains the fuel cell assembly 10 and can be formed as a rectangular body shape (e.g., a rectangular body shape) of which one surface is open and the remaining surfaces are closed (e.g., sealed). Hereinafter, the opening section (e.g., the open section) of the housing 61 is referred to as an opening end (an upper end in the figures). The housing 61 can have two (e.g., both) side plates 63 of a first direction (e.g., two first-direction side plates 63), which hold (e.g., support) the current collectors 15 by means of both side surfaces of the fuel cell assembly 10, and two (e.g., both) side plates 65 of a second direction (e.g.,The housing comprises two second-direction side plates 65, which are connected to the two first-direction side plates 63 and hold (e.g., support) the other side surfaces of the fuel cell assembly 10, and a base plate 67, which is connected to the two first-direction side plates 63 and the two second-direction side plates 65. In other words, the housing has a first set of side plates 63 that hold (e.g., support) a first set of side surfaces of the fuel cell assembly, and a second set of side plates 65 that hold (e.g., support) a second set of side surfaces of the fuel cell assembly. The first direction refers to a stacking direction of the fuel cells 11, and the second direction refers to a stacking direction of the fuel cells 11.refers to) a perpendicular direction to the stacking direction of the fuel cells 11 in the XY plane (e.g. a direction in the XY plane that is perpendicular to the stacking direction of the fuel cells 11).

[0035] Furthermore, the first and second sets of side surfaces of the fuel cell assembly 10 are surfaces of the fuel cell assembly 10 that are prestressed (e.g., by) a predetermined pressure by means of the encapsulation 50. Therefore, the base plate 67 holds (e.g., supports) a lower surface of the fuel cell assembly 10 that is prestressed (e.g., by) the predetermined pressure. The upper surface of the fuel cell assembly 10, which is prestressed (e.g., by) the predetermined pressure, can be exposed towards the opening end of the housing 61. A terminal block 19 can be connected to the current collector terminal 17 of the current collector 15, as described above.

[0036] Furthermore, the housing 61 can include a cathode oxygen depletion (COD) heater, a terminal block (e.g., distribution block) connected to a line (e.g., a pipe, a connecting line, a supply line) of the fuel cell assembly 10, and a busbar electrically connected to the terminal block 19, etc. The COD heater, the terminal block, and the busbar are well-known in the art, and therefore a detailed description of them is omitted. The housing 61 can also include mounting means, such as a plate, a block, a shoulder / collar, etc., for mounting surrounding components, such as the COD heater, the terminal block, and the busbar, etc. The fasteners and mounting means are used to attach the surrounding components to the housing 61 and the housing 61 to (e.g.,to be mounted on a vehicle body. Therefore, the fastening elements and mounting means are referred to as the housing 61, except in exceptional cases in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The cover 71 closes (e.g., seals) the opening end of the housing 61 in which the fuel cell assembly 10 is mounted and can be coupled to the opening end of the housing 61. In other words, the cover 71 can accommodate the fuel cell assembly 10 and can be coupled to the opening end of the housing 61, which preloads the fuel cell assembly 10.

[0037] The following describes in more detail an assembly structure of the fuel cell arrangement 10. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cells 11 can be stacked between an upper and a lower current collector 15, and the fuel cell arrangement 10 (e.g., with the fuel cells 11) and the current collector 15 can be inserted into the housing 61 through the opening end of the housing 61, when the current collectors 15 are pre-tensioned from both sides in a stacking direction of the fuel cells 11 by means of a pressing mechanism.

[0038] In particular, the fuel cell assembly 10 can be inserted into the housing 61 through the opening end of the housing 61 in a surface direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the fuel cells 11. The surface direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the fuel cells 11 denotes a direction in which the lower surface of the prestressed fuel cell assembly 10 is arranged on the base plate 67. The base plate 67 supports the insertion surface of the fuel cell assembly 10.

[0039] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pressure of the pressing mechanism can be eliminated when the fuel cell assembly 10, which is pre-tensioned by means of the pressing mechanism, is inserted into the housing 61 in the plane direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the fuel cells. Then, both side plates 63 of the first direction of the housing 61 hold (e.g., support) the current collector 15 of the fuel cell assembly 10 and absorb the pre-tensioning counterforce of the fuel cell assembly 10. In other words, both side plates 63 of the first direction pre-tension the fuel cell assembly 10 in the stacking direction of the fuel cells 11 and hold (e.g., support) the current collector 15, on which the pre-tensioning counterforce of the fuel cell assembly 10 is applied.

[0040] The push mechanism features a push fork 91 (described below). Fig. 4 (referencing) to which is configured to pre-tension the current collector 15, with the fuel cells 11 arranged (e.g., inserted) between (e.g., between two current collectors 15). The pressure fork 91 can be provided as a pair on (e.g., at) both sides of the fuel cell arrangement 10 and can be formed to be a fork shape having a predetermined thickness and configured to exert pressure on the surface holding (e.g., supporting) the current collector 15. The pressure fork 91 can be formed as a single-arm weir shape, having a first side as a fixed end and a second side as a free end.

[0041] Furthermore, the components of the pressure fork 91 (e.g., the components of the pressure fork 91) can be configured to come into contact with each other (e.g., to touch each other) when pressure is applied, and can be configured to exert pressure on the current collector 15 of the fuel cell assembly 10. The components of the pressure fork 91 can be configured to separate from each other by means of the preload counterforce of the fuel cell assembly 10 when the pressure is released (e.g., loosened, relieved), and can therefore be configured to release (e.g., loosen) the preload of the fuel cell assembly 10. The two side plates 63 of the first direction can have an interior holding surface (e.g., an inner holding surface) 81, which holds (e.g., supports) the current collector 15, on which a preload counterforce of the fuel cell arrangement 10 is applied, and a fork guide unit 85, which facilitates the release (e.g.,The release (reducing, dismantling) of the pressure and the pulling out (e.g. an extraction) of the pressure fork 91 to the outside (towards) is permitted, can be formed on (e.g. at) an interior surface (e.g. inner surface) of the two side plates 63.

[0042] The internal retaining surface 81 holds (e.g., supports) the current collector 15 of the fuel cell assembly 10 and absorbs (e.g., receives) the preloading counterforce of the fuel cell assembly 10 when the preload of the push fork 91 is released (e.g., loosened). In other words, the internal retaining surface 81 can be a preloading surface configured to preload the fuel cell assembly 10 in the housing 61 in a stacking direction of the fuel cells 11. The fork guide unit 85 can be a guide that guides the push fork 91. The fork guide unit 85 can have a plurality of fork grooves 87 which are formed on (e.g. at) the interior holding surface 81 in order to be connected (e.g. formed) from an opening end to a closing end of the housing 61 (towards) along the insertion direction of the fuel cell arrangement 10.

[0043] The fork groove 87 can be formed so that the push fork can be inserted into the interior of the housing 61 in the stacking direction (e.g., the insertion direction) of the fuel cells 11 when the preloading of the push fork 91 exerts pressure on the current collector 15 of the fuel cell arrangement 10 from both sides in the housing 61. Furthermore, the fork groove 87 can have a width corresponding to the width of the push fork 91, or a greater width than the width of the push fork 91, and can be formed as a greater depth than the thickness of the push fork 91. In particular, the push fork 91 can be removed from the fork groove 87 (e.g., pushed out) and inserted into the housing 61 when the fuel cell assembly 10 is inserted into the housing 61 in a state in which the fuel cell assembly 10 is preloaded.Furthermore, a section of the push fork 91 can be inserted into the fork groove 87 and can be inserted into the housing 61 while being guided along the fork groove 87.

[0044] As described above, when the pressure fork 91 is released (e.g., loosened) in the housing 61, both side plates 63 of the first direction of the housing 61 hold (e.g., support) the preload counterforce of the fuel cell assembly 10 through the internal holding surface 81. Accordingly, both side plates 63 of the first direction absorb the preload counterforce of the fuel cell assembly 10 through the internal holding surface 81 and act (e.g., exert) as preload plates, which preload the fuel cell assembly 10 along the stacking direction of the fuel cells 11.

[0045] Furthermore, the cover 71 of the encapsulation 50 can be coupled to the opening end of the housing 61 and can close the interior of the housing 61 in a state in which the fuel cell assembly 10 is housed within the housing 61. In particular, both side plates 63 of the first direction of the housing 61 receive the preload counterforce of the fuel cell assembly 10 in a direction perpendicular to the closing direction of the cover 71 (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the closing direction of the cover 71) and can preload the fuel cell assembly 10 in the stacking direction of the fuel cells. In addition, the connection groove 89, into which the current collector connection 17 can be inserted, is formed on the interior retaining surface 81 in both side plates 63 of the first direction of the housing 61.The connecting groove 89 can be formed to be parallel to the fork groove 87 and connected (e.g. extending) from the opening end to the closing end of the housing 61.

[0046] The following describes in detail an assembly method for the fuel cell stack 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with reference to the figures shown above. Fig. 4 to Fig. Figure 9 shows drawings illustrating the assembly method for a fuel cell stack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Referring to Fig. 4. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an encapsulation 50 can be provided, comprising a housing 61, one surface of which is open and the remaining surfaces are closed, and a cover 71 coupled to an opening end of the housing. In particular, both side plates 63 of a first direction of the housing 61 can have an interior retaining surface 81, and a fork groove 87 and a connecting groove 89 can be connected to the housing 61 from an opening end to a closing end (e.g., at) the interior retaining surface 81.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, fuel cells arranged between current collectors on both sides can be stacked, and pressure can be exerted on the current collectors along the stacking direction of the fuel cells 11 on both sides (e.g., at) a pressure fork 91. In particular, the fuel cell assembly 10 of the current collector 15 and the fuel cells 11 (e.g., the fuel cell assembly 10 with the current collector 15 and the fuel cells 11), on which pressure is exerted by means of the pressure fork 91, can be inserted into the housing 61 through the opening end in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the fuel cells 11 (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the fuel cells 11).The fuel cell assembly 10 can be inserted into the housing 61 by means of the pressure fork 91 in a perpendicular / vertical surface direction of the fuel cells 11 (e.g., a direction that is vertical / perpendicular to a surface of the fuel cells 11). The fuel cell assembly 10 can be compressed (e.g., squeezed) by means of a preload force of the pressure fork 91 and can be configured to apply the compression counterforce (e.g., preload counterforce) to the pressure fork 91.

[0049] In particular, the push fork 91 can be inserted into the housing 61 with the fuel cell arrangement 10, and as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the push fork 91 can be released (e.g., loosened) or pushed out (e.g., slid out) from the fork groove 87 of both side plates 63 in the first direction and can be inserted into the housing 61. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the pressing fork 91 can be inserted into the fork groove 87 to the extent (e.g., the extension) of a thickness section along the stacking direction of the fuel cells 11 and can be inserted into the housing 61. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the push fork 91 can be inserted into the fork groove 87 to the extent (e.g., the extension) of a total thickness (e.g., a total thickness) along the stacking direction of the fuel cells 11, and can be inserted into the housing 61.

[0050] Furthermore, a greater preload force than a predetermined preload force can be exerted on the current collector 15 by the push fork 91. Accordingly, the state in which the fuel cell assembly 10 is preloaded by (e.g., by means of) the predetermined preload force can be maintained when the push fork 91 releases the pressure. The preload (e.g., the pressure) of the push fork 91 can be released in the housing 61, and the push fork 91 can move to be released by means of the counterload force of the fuel cell assembly 10, and the preload of the fuel cell assembly 10 can be released. In particular, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the push fork 91 can be inserted into the fork groove 87 of both side plates 63 of the first direction in the housing 61 in the stacking direction of the fuel cells 11. In this process, the current collector connection 17 of the current collector 15 can be inserted into the connection groove 89 of both side plates 63.

[0051] Accordingly, both side plates 63 of the housing 61 absorb the preload counterforce of the fuel cell assembly 10 via the internal mounting surface 81. The internal mounting surface 81 of both side plates 63 holds (e.g., supports) the current collector 15 and can absorb the preload counterforce of the fuel cell assembly 10. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell assembly 10 can be preloaded by means of the predetermined preload force through the two side plates 63 in the stacking direction of the fuel cells.

[0052] Furthermore, as in Fig.As shown in Figure 9, the push fork 91 can be / be extended to an outside (e.g., out of the housing) through the fork groove 87 of the interior retaining surface 81, and the cover 71 can be / be coupled to the opening end of the housing in a state in which components, such as the connection block 19, are mounted on the fuel cell assembly 10. Accordingly, the assembly of the fuel cell stack 100 is / will be completed according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In particular, both side plates 63 of the housing 61 receive the preload counterforce of the fuel cell assembly 10 in a direction perpendicular to the closing direction of the cover 71 (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the closing direction of the cover 71), and the fuel cell assembly 10 can be / be preloaded in the stacking direction of the fuel cells.

[0053] According to the fuel cell stack 100 and the assembly method therefor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell stack 100 can be provided in which the fuel cell assembly 10 is pre-tensioned and combined (e.g., assembled, connected) by means of a predetermined pre-tensioning force using an encapsulation that seals the fuel cell assembly 10. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, fastening elements for pre-tensioning and securing the fuel cells, such as an end plate, a fastening band, a screw rod (e.g., a threaded rod), and a nut, can be omitted. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the entire assembly process (e.g., the total number of assembly processes) for assembling the fuel cell stack 100 and the assembly components (e.g., the mounting hardware, fasteners, and nuts) can be omitted.B. the components to be assembled) may be / will be reduced and the weight of the fuel cell stack may be / will be reduced. Reference symbol list 10 Fuel cell arrangement 11 Fuel cell 15 power collector 17 Power collector connection 19 connection block 50 Encapsulation 61 cases 63 Side plate of a first direction (e.g. two / both side plates of a first direction) 65 Side panel of a second direction (e.g. two / both side panels of a second direction) 67 Base plate 71 Coverage 81 Interior holding area 85 Fork guide unit 87 Fork groove 89 connection slot 91 Push-fork

Claims

[1] Fuel cell stack, which includes: a fuel cell arrangement (10) in which a plurality of fuel cells (11) are stacked between an upper and a lower current collector (15), and an encapsulation (50) which prestresses and seals the fuel cell arrangement (10) in a stacking direction of the fuel cells (11), wherein the encapsulation (50) comprises a housing (61) in which a surface is open, and a cover (71) which closes an opening end of the housing (61), wherein the fuel cell arrangement (10) is inserted into the housing (61) through the opening end in a plane direction that is perpendicular to the stacking direction of the fuel cells (11), wherein the fuel cell assembly (10) is inserted into the housing (61) in a state in which it is pre-tensioned by means of a push fork (91), and a fork guide unit (85) is formed on an interior surface of both side plates and allows the pre-tensioning to be released and the push fork (91) to be withdrawn, and wherein the housing (61) has: both side plates of a first direction (63), which hold the current collectors (15) by means of a first set of side surfaces of the fuel cell arrangement (10) and absorb a preload counterforce of the fuel cell arrangement (10), both side plates of a second direction (65) which are connected to the two side plates of the first direction (63) and hold a second set of side surfaces of the fuel cell arrangement (10), and a base plate (67) which is connected to both side plates of the first direction (63) and both side plates (65) of the second direction and holds a surface of an insertion direction of the fuel cell arrangement (10). [2] Fuel cell arrangement according to claim 1, wherein both side plates of the first direction (63) have: an interior mounting surface (81) which holds the current collectors (15) to which a biasing counterforce of the fuel cell arrangement (10) is applied, and a plurality of fork grooves (87) formed on the interior holding surface (81) to be connected from an opening end to a closing end of the housing (61) along the insertion direction of the fuel cell assembly (10). [3] Fuel cell arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the push fork (91) is formed as a single-arm weir shape which pre-tensions the current collectors (15) on both sides and is to be inserted into the interior of the housing (61) in the stacking direction of the fuel cells (11). [4] Fuel cell stack according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fork groove (87) is formed to have a greater depth than the thickness of the push fork (91). [5] Fuel cell stack according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein a current collector connection (17) is installed on the current collector (15), and a connection groove (89) is formed on the interior holding surface (81) and is formed parallel to the fork groove (87) and into which the current collector connection (17) is inserted. [6] Fuel cell stack, which includes: an encapsulation (50) which has a housing (61) and a cover (71) which are coupled together, and a fuel cell arrangement (10) in which a plurality of stacked fuel cells (11) are prestressed in the housing (61) by means of a predetermined pressure along a stacking direction, wherein the cover (71) closes the interior of the housing (61), and wherein the housing (61) receives a preload counterforce of the fuel cell arrangement (10) in a direction perpendicular to the closing direction of the cover (71), wherein the housing (61) has: both side plates, which absorb a preload counterforce of the fuel cell arrangement (10), and a plurality of fork grooves (87) which allow the release of the preload and the pulling out to the outside of the pressing force, wherein the fork grooves (87) are arranged on an interior surface of both side plates. [7] Fuel cell stack according to claim 6, wherein the housing (61) has an opening end with which the cover (71) is coupled, and the fuel cell arrangement (10) is inserted into the housing (61) in a plane direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the fuel cells (11) through the opening end in a state in which the fuel cell arrangement (10) is pre-tensioned by means of a pressure fork (91) along the stacking direction of the fuel cells (11). [8] Fuel cell stack according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the fork groove (87) is formed to be connected from an opening end to a closing end of the housing (61) along an insertion direction of the fuel cell assembly (10), and the push fork (91) is formed as a single-arm weir shape, which pre-tensions the fuel cell arrangement (10), which is to be inserted into the interior of the housing (61), in the stacking direction of the fuel cells (11). [9] Assembly method for a fuel cell stack which includes: Providing a housing (61) which has an open surface and a cover (71) which is coupled to an opening end of the housing (61), Stacking fuel cells (11) between current collectors (15) on both sides and applying force to the current collectors (15) by means of a push fork (91) along a stacking direction of the fuel cells (11) on both sides thereof, Inserting the current collectors (15) and a fuel cell arrangement (10) of the fuel cells (11), which is pre-tensioned by means of the push fork (91), into the housing (61) through the opening end in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the fuel cells (11), Releasing the preload of the push-fork (91), Inserting the push fork (91) into a fork groove (87) of the interior surface of the housing (61) in a stacking direction of the fuel cells (11) and Pulling the push fork out to an outside of the housing (61) through the fork groove (87). [10] Method according to claim 9, wherein the fork groove (87) has a greater depth than the thickness of the push fork (91) and is formed on an interior surface corresponding to the current collector (15). [11] Method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the push fork (91) exerts force on the current collector (15) by means of a greater preload force than a predetermined preload force of the fuel cell arrangement (10). [12] Method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein a thickness section or total thickness of the push fork (91) is introduced into the fork groove (87) along an insertion direction of the fuel cell arrangement (10). [13] Method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the interior surface of the housing (61) accommodates the preload counterforce of the fuel cell arrangement (10). [14] Method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the opening end of the housing (61) is closed by means of the cover (71) after the push fork (91) has been pulled out of the housing (61). [15] Method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the interior surface of the housing (61) receives the preload counterforce of the fuel cell arrangement (10) in a direction perpendicular to the closing direction of the cover (71).

Images