Housing for a fuel cell stack

Abstract

Housing (12) for a fuel cell stack (14), comprising at least one housing wall (16, 18, 20, 22, 24) and an interior (26), wherein the interior (26) is designed to receive the fuel cell stack (14), and wherein the housing (12) is substantially rectangular, characterized in that the substantially rectangular housing (12) is a single piece and has five housing walls (16, 18, 20, 22, 24) and a free side (28) at which the housing (12) is in contact with a plate (30) to which the fuel cell stack (14) is fixed in the arranged state, and that at least one electrical connection (40) for contacting the fuel cell stack (14) is formed on at least one outer surface (38) of one of the five housing walls (16, 18, 20, 22, 24) of the housing (12).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a housing for a fuel cell stack according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] It is already known that motor vehicles with a fuel cell or fuel cell stack can generate electrical energy, which can then be used, for example, to power the vehicle's drive system. For this purpose, several fuel cells are often stacked together to form a fuel cell stack, in order to increase the electrical output accordingly. Stable housings are necessary for this, with the aim of protecting the fuel cell stack against accidental contact and improper intrusion of objects.

[0003] DE 11 2006 002 637 B4 relates to a fuel cell stack housing which accommodates a fuel cell stack in it, wherein the fuel cell stack housing has a wall which contains a resin and an electromagnetic wave damping material for damping an electromagnetic wave, wherein the wall of the fuel cell stack housing has a plurality of openings for ventilation which are spaced apart from each other, each of which has a smaller size than a size at which electromagnetic shielding is no longer maintained.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to create a housing for a fuel cell stack which enables easy access and easy installation in a motor vehicle or other mobile system or a stationary system, while simultaneously protecting the fuel cell stack from environmental influences.

[0005] This problem is solved by a housing according to the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0006] One aspect of the invention relates to a housing for a fuel cell stack, comprising at least one housing wall and an interior space, wherein the interior space is designed to accommodate the fuel cell stack, and wherein the housing is essentially rectangular in shape.

[0007] It is intended that the essentially rectangular housing is a single piece and has five housing walls and one free side, on which the housing is contacted with a plate to which the fuel cell stack is fixed in the arranged state.

[0008] In particular, this provides a self-supporting cover for the fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stacks, also known as "strap stacks," which are held in position by straps, require an enclosure to protect them from accidental contact or the ingress of foreign objects. However, such an enclosure can make accessing the stack very cumbersome, especially in prototypes and during testing. The presented enclosure, or housing, enables protection against accidental contact combined with quick assembly and disassembly.

[0009] The housing is designed so that, through a clever choice of shape, it fits precisely on the fuel cell stack, preventing unintentional slippage, shifting, or spatial changes caused by vibration. It also allows for quick assembly and disassembly of the fuel cell stack without additional tools. The resulting advantages can be utilized during final assembly as well as during testing and demonstration operations.

[0010] In particular, this allows for quick and easy assembly and disassembly of the housing on the fuel cell stack without the need for tools. Furthermore, it provides protection against accidental contact or the ingress of objects.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment, the housing is designed to be fitted over the fuel cell stack arranged on the plate.

[0012] It is also advantageous if at least one of the five housing walls is wedge-shaped.

[0013] It is further advantageous if at least one electrical connection for contacting the fuel cell stack is provided on at least one outer side of the housing of one of the five housing walls and / or at least one nameplate is arranged.

[0014] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous to have a gas sensor for monitoring the interior on at least one of the five housing walls.

[0015] Another aspect of the invention relates to an arrangement with a housing according to the preceding aspect and with a fuel cell stack. A further aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle with an arrangement according to the preceding aspect.

[0016] Advantageous designs of the housing are to be regarded as advantageous designs of the arrangement and of the motor vehicle.

[0017] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those mentioned below in the figure description and / or shown in the figures alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0018] This shows: Fig. 1 a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of an arrangement with an embodiment of a housing; Fig. 2 a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the housing; and Fig. 3 Another perspective view of an embodiment of the housing.

[0019] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0020] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of an arrangement. 10 with a case 12 The casing 12 is for a fuel cell stack 14 designed for a motor vehicle not shown. The housing 12 at least one case wall has 16 , 18 , 20 , 22 , 24 as well as an interior 26 open. The interior 26 is for receiving the fuel cell stack 14 trained. The housing 12 Furthermore, it is essentially rectangular in shape.

[0021] It is intended that the essentially rectangular housing 12 is one piece and has five housing walls 16 , 18 , 20 , 22 , 24 , as in the following Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is shown, as well as a blank page. 28 features, on which the housing 12 with a plate 30 , at which of the fuel cell stack 14 is fixed to the vehicle or to a support of a stationary system, and is contacted in the arranged state.

[0022] The Fig. Figure 1 further shows in particular that the housing 12 to plug over the one on the plate 30 arranged fuel cell stack 14 is formed. Furthermore, it has been shown that at least one of the five housing walls is formed. 16 , 18 , 20 , 22 , 24 is wedge-shaped. In particular, as shown here, a first housing wall 16 as well as a third case wall 20 wedge-shaped. A second housing wall. 18 , which, for example, serve as the roof of the housing 12It can be described as having a roof-like shape. A fourth housing wall 22 ( Fig. 2) and a fifth housing wall ( 24 ) can also be wedge-shaped. In particular, the wedge-shaped housing walls touch ( 16 , 18 , 20 , 22 , 24 ) in the arranged state the fuel cell stack 14 at least in some areas, so that a holding force exists between the fuel cell stack 14 and the case 12 arises.

[0023] The second case wall 18 For example, it has a recess. 32 on, in which a gas sensor 34 at least partially immersed in the gas sensor. 34 is particularly useful for monitoring a gas indoors 26 formed. In particular, the apex of the roof shape of the second housing wall is 18in the area of ​​the recess, so that the gas sensor can reliably detect particularly hot gases.

[0024] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the housing. 12 In particular, the Fig. 2 a front view of the case 12 In particular, it has been shown that on the fourth case wall 22 present is a type plate 36 can be trained. (See nameplate.) 36 For example, information regarding the fuel cell stack can be provided. 14 It should be printed on it so that it is visible from the outside what type of fuel cell stack it is. 14 is located there. Furthermore, logos or names of the fuel cell stack manufacturer may also be displayed there. 14 or the casing 12 be printed.

[0025] Fig. Figure 3 shows another schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the housing. 12 . In Fig.Figure 3 shows, in particular, a rear view. It is shown, in particular, that on at least one outer side... 38 of the case 12 at least one electrical connection 40 , present two electrical connections 40 , on one of the five case walls 16 , 18 , 20 , 22 , 24 is trained. The electrical connections 40 are especially for contacting the fuel cell stack 14 trained.

[0026] It has thus been shown in particular that the fuel cell stack held in position by means of belts 14 to protect against unintentional contact or ingress of foreign objects, the housing 12 features the case 12 However, this makes access to the fuel cell stack more difficult. 14 , which is very cumbersome, for example, in a test environment. The housing according to the invention 12It enables protection against unintentional contact combined with quick assembly or disassembly of the housing. 12 as well as the possibility, for example, of a type plate 36 or to implement a nameplate there.

[0027] The case 12 is designed in such a way that, through the clever selection of respective contours, for example through the wedge-shaped housing wall 16 , 18 , 20 , 22 , 24 , a perfect fit on the fuel cell stack 14 This creates a mechanism that prevents unintentional slippage or sliding of the spatial change caused by vibration, but also allows for quick assembly or disassembly on the fuel cell stack. 14 This is possible without additional tools. Reference symbol list 10 Arrangement 12 cases 14 fuel cell stacks 16 first case wall 18 second case wall 20 third case wall 22 fourth case wall 24 fifth case wall 26 Interior 28 free pages 30 plates 32 Exclusion 34 Gas sensor 36 Type plate 38 Outside 40 electrical connection QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 112006002637 B4

[0003]

Claims

[1] Housing (12) for a fuel cell stack (14), comprising at least one housing wall (16, 18, 20, 22, 24) and an interior space (26), wherein the interior space (26) is designed to accommodate the fuel cell stack (14), and wherein the housing (12) is substantially rectangular in shape, characterized by , that the essentially rectangular housing (12) is a single piece and has five housing walls (16, 18, 20, 22, 24) and a free side (28) on which the housing (12) is contacted in the arranged state with a plate (30) on which the fuel cell stack (14) is fixed. [2] Housing (12) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the housing (12) is designed to be fitted over the fuel cell stack (14) arranged on the plate (30). [3] Housing (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that at least one of the five housing walls (16, 18, 20, 22, 24) is wedge-shaped. [4] Housing (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one electrical connection (40) for contacting the fuel cell stack (14) is provided on at least one outer surface (38) of the housing (12) of one of the five housing walls (16, 18, 20, 22, 24) and / or at least one nameplate (36) is arranged. [5] Housing (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a gas sensor (34) for monitoring the interior (26) is arranged on at least one of the five housing walls (16, 18, 20, 22, 24).

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