Support member for fuel cell and support member for water electrolysis device

Abstract

To improve the sealing performance of a gasket while maintaining the flow path of an object to be sealed.SOLUTION: A support member 1 supports opposing components in a fuel cell 100 in which a plurality of fuel cell units 50 are stacked. The support member 1 has a communication passage 2. A gasket 10 has communication portions 16 and 17 that communicate the through holes 51a, 51b and through holes 54a, 54b of the fuel cell units 50 with the fuel gas flow passage 71. The support member 1 extends to the communication portions 16 and 17 of the gasket 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a support member for a fuel cell and a support member for a water electrolysis system. [Background technology]

[0002] A fuel cell is composed of a plurality of stacked fuel cell units. Each fuel cell unit is composed of, for example, a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) in which a solid polymer electrolyte membrane is sandwiched between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode, and separators that sandwich the membrane electrode assembly. In each fuel cell unit, a reactant gas flow path is formed between the separator and the membrane electrode assembly. In addition, a cooling medium flow path is formed between the separator of a fuel cell unit and the separator of another stacked fuel cell unit. Each fuel cell unit is formed with a plurality of through-holes through which the reactant gas and the cooling medium flow, respectively. Communication sections are provided between these through-holes and the flow paths that connect the through-holes to the flow paths. This allows the reactant gas and the cooling medium to be supplied from the through-holes to the flow paths, and excess reactant gas and cooling medium to be discharged from the flow paths to the through-holes.

[0003] Some fuel cells are provided with gaskets to seal the supplied or discharged reactant gases and cooling medium. The gaskets are sandwiched and compressed between the separator and the membrane electrode assembly, and between the separators. The gaskets are provided with notches to connect the through-holes with the flow paths to form the flow paths to be sealed, such as the reactant gases and cooling medium, and the notches form communication sections (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-354142 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, gaskets exert their sealing properties due to the reaction force generated by compression, and a low reaction force of the gasket results in poor sealing performance. In a fuel cell or fuel cell, the communication portion that connects the through-hole and the flow path overlaps with a portion of the gasket on the opposite side, via the electrolyte membrane or separator, when viewed in the stacking direction. Therefore, the electrolyte membrane or separator that contacts the portion of the gasket on the opposite side that overlaps with the communication portion is not supported from the back side, which may reduce the reaction force of the gasket and reduce the sealing performance of the gasket. For this reason, a configuration that can improve sealing performance while maintaining the flow path of the sealed object is required for conventional fuel cell or fuel cell gaskets. Similarly, a configuration that can improve sealing performance while maintaining the flow path of the sealed object is required for water electrolysis devices having a configuration similar to that of a fuel cell.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a support member for a fuel cell and a support member for a water electrolysis system that can improve the sealing performance of a gasket while maintaining the flow path of an object to be sealed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the fuel cell support member of the present invention is a fuel cell support member for supporting opposing members in a fuel cell in which multiple fuel cell cells are stacked, and is provided with a communicating passage that extends to the communicating portion of a gasket, the gasket being a gasket for sealing either a reactant gas or a cooling medium in the fuel cell cell or between the fuel cell cell and another fuel cell cell, and the communicating portion being a portion in the gasket that communicates two of the through holes of the fuel cell cell with each of the flow paths of the sealed object.

[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, a support member for a fuel cell protrudes in the direction in which the gasket protrudes, and has a support surface facing the direction in which the gasket protrudes, and the support surface is configured to contact the opposing member.

[0009] In the fuel cell support member according to one aspect of the present invention, the communication path has at least one recess recessed from the support surface.

[0010] A fuel cell support member according to one aspect of the present invention has a base portion extending into the communication portion, and the base portion defines the bottom of the recess portion.

[0011] A fuel cell support member according to one embodiment of the present invention has a plurality of protruding portions that protrude in the direction in which the gasket protrudes, and the plurality of protruding portions are arranged at intervals along the communicating portion to form the communicating passage.

[0012] In the fuel cell support member according to one aspect of the present invention, the plurality of protrusions are adapted to come into contact with the opposing member.

[0013] In the fuel cell support member according to one aspect of the present invention, the height of the protruding portion in the direction in which the gasket protrudes is greater than the height of the gasket in the direction in which the gasket protrudes.

[0014] In one aspect of the fuel cell support member of the present invention, a convex portion is formed at the tip of the protrusion, extending along the protrusion, and the convex portion protrudes in the direction in which the gasket protrudes.

[0015] In one aspect of the present invention, the protruding portion has a width that increases in a direction in which the gasket protrudes.

[0016] A fuel cell support member according to one aspect of the present invention is integrated with the gasket.

[0017] The fuel cell support member according to one aspect of the present invention is separate from the gasket and is made of the same material as the gasket.

[0018] The fuel cell support member according to one aspect of the present invention is configured to face another gasket in the stacking direction with the facing member interposed therebetween.

[0019] In one embodiment of the fuel cell support member of the present invention, the fuel cell comprises a membrane electrode assembly, an insulating member surrounding the membrane electrode assembly, and a first separator and a second separator sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly and the insulating member in the stacking direction, and the gasket is provided on either the first separator or the second separator.

[0020] In order to achieve the above object, the support member for a water electrolysis apparatus according to the present invention is a support member for a water electrolysis apparatus for supporting opposing components in a water electrolysis apparatus in which a plurality of water electrolysis cells are stacked, the support member having a communicating passage extending to a communicating portion of a gasket, the gasket being a gasket for sealing at least one of an electrolytic solution and a product of the electrolytic solution in the water electrolysis cell or between the water electrolysis cell and another water electrolysis cell, and the communicating portion being a portion of the gasket that communicates two of the through holes of the water electrolysis cell with each of the flow paths of the sealed object.

[0021] A support member for a water electrolysis apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention protrudes in the direction in which the gasket protrudes, and has a support surface facing the direction in which the gasket protrudes, and the support surface is configured to come into contact with the opposing member.

[0022] In the support member for a water electrolysis apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the communication passage has at least one recess recessed from the support surface.

[0023] A water electrolysis apparatus support member according to one aspect of the present invention has a base portion extending into the communication portion, the base portion defining the bottom of the recess portion.

[0024] A support member for a water electrolysis apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention has a plurality of protruding portions that protrude in the protruding direction of the gasket, and the plurality of protruding portions are arranged at intervals along the communication portion to form the communication passage.

[0025] In the support member for a water electrolysis apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the plurality of protrusions are adapted to come into contact with the opposing member.

[0026] In the water electrolysis apparatus support member according to one aspect of the present invention, the height of the protruding portion in the direction in which the gasket protrudes is greater than the height of the gasket in the direction in which the gasket protrudes.

[0027] In one aspect of the present invention, the support member for a water electrolysis apparatus has a tip end of the protruding portion, which has a convex portion extending along the protruding portion, and the convex portion protrudes in the direction in which the gasket protrudes.

[0028] In the support member for a water electrolysis apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the protruding portion has a width that increases in a direction in which the gasket protrudes.

[0029] A support member for a water electrolysis apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is integrated with the gasket.

[0030] A support member for a water electrolysis apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is separate from the gasket and is made of the same material as the gasket.

[0031] The water electrolysis apparatus support member according to one aspect of the present invention is configured to face another gasket in the stacking direction, with the facing member interposed therebetween.

[0032] In one aspect of the support member for a water electrolysis apparatus of the present invention, the water electrolysis cell includes a membrane electrode assembly, an insulating member surrounding the membrane electrode assembly, and a first separator and a second separator sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly and the insulating member in the stacking direction, and the gasket is provided on either the first separator or the second separator. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] The support member for a fuel cell and the support member for a water electrolysis system according to the present invention can improve the sealing performance of the gasket while maintaining the flow path of the object to be sealed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a fuel cell in which fuel cells are stacked as an example of a fuel cell to which a fuel cell support member according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a fuel cell in which fuel cells are stacked as an example of a fuel cell to which a fuel cell support member according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 3] 4 is a plan view showing the vicinity of the through-hole on the end side of the surface of the first separator of the fuel cell. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a plan view showing the vicinity of the through-hole on the end side of the surface of the second separator of the fuel cell. FIG. [Figure 5] 4 is a plan view showing the vicinity of the through-hole on the end side of the rear surface of the first separator. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a support member provided in a communication portion of a gasket attached to the first separator. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a fuel cell. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the support member. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the support member. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the support member. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the support member. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the support member. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the support member. [Figure 15] FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a first separator to illustrate the general configuration of a support member for a fuel cell according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a first separator to illustrate the general configuration of a support member for a fuel cell according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a water electrolysis device in which water electrolysis cells are stacked as an example of a water electrolysis cell to which a support member for a water electrolysis device according to the present invention is applied. FIG. [Figure 18] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a water electrolysis device in which water electrolysis cells are stacked as an example of a water electrolysis cell to which a support member for a water electrolysis device according to the present invention is applied. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that in the drawings, not all of the components are labeled with reference numerals, and some of the components may be omitted.

[0036] The fuel cell support member according to the present invention (hereinafter also simply referred to as the support member) is a member for supporting opposing components in a fuel cell in which a plurality of fuel cells are stacked. FIGS. 1 and 2 are exploded perspective views of a fuel cell 100 in which fuel cells 50 are stacked as an example of a fuel cell to which the fuel cell support member according to the present invention is applied. FIGS. 1 and 2 show one fuel cell 50 and a portion of an adjacent fuel cell 50. In FIG. 1, the fuel cell 50 is viewed from one side in the direction in which the fuel cells 50 are stacked (hereinafter also referred to as the stacking direction) (the direction of arrow a in FIGS. 1 and 2), while in FIG. 2, the fuel cell 50 is viewed from the other side in the stacking direction. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fuel cell 50 includes a membrane electrode assembly 61, an insulating member 62 surrounding the membrane electrode assembly 61, and a first separator 70 and a second separator 80 sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly 61 and the insulating member 62 in the stacking direction (the direction of arrow a). The insulating member 62 is a frame-shaped member that supports the membrane electrode assembly 61 on its inner circumferential side, and the membrane electrode assembly 61 and the insulating member 62 are integrated to form the electrode member 60, which is a plate-shaped member.

[0037] The membrane electrode assembly 61 includes an electrolyte membrane 63 and a pair of catalyst layers, an anode catalyst layer 64 serving as an anode (anode) side electrode and a cathode catalyst layer 65 serving as a cathode (cathode) side electrode, respectively, provided on both sides of the electrolyte membrane 63. The electrolyte membrane 63 is, for example, an ion exchange membrane, specifically, a solid polymer electrolyte membrane. Gas diffusion layers 66, 67 are provided on the surfaces of the anode catalyst layer 64 and the cathode catalyst layer 65, respectively. The insulating member 62 is a frame-shaped insulating member made of, for example, resin. As described above, the insulating member 62 supports the membrane electrode assembly 61 on its inner circumferential side, and the membrane electrode assembly 61 is joined to, for example, the inner circumferential end of the insulating member 62. The insulating member 62 is, for example, rectangular or approximately rectangular frame-shaped, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The electrode member 60 is, for example, a rectangular or approximately rectangular plate-shaped member, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and has a pair of opposing surfaces, a front surface 60a and a back surface 60b. The electrode member 60 also has four outer peripheral ends 60c, 60d, 60e, and 60f. The ends 60c and 60e face each other, and the ends 60d and 60f face each other. For example, the ends 60d and 60f extend longer than the ends 60c and 60e. The ends 60c, 60d, 60e, and 60f are outer peripheral ends of the insulating member 62. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an anode catalyst layer 64 and a gas diffusion layer 66 are provided on the front surface 60a of the electrode member 60, and a cathode catalyst layer 65 and a gas diffusion layer 67 are provided on the back surface 60b of the electrode member 60.

[0038] 1 and 2, the insulating member 62 has six through holes 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a, 55a, and 56a. The six through holes 51a to 56a are through holes for forming a fuel gas supply channel, a coolant supply channel, an oxidant gas supply channel, a fuel gas discharge channel, a coolant discharge channel, and an oxidant gas discharge channel, respectively, in the fuel cell 50. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, for example, the through holes 51a, 52a, and 53a are lined up in order along the end 60c of the electrode member 60 (insulating member 62), and the through holes 54a, 55a, and 56a are lined up in order along the end 60e of the electrode member 60 (insulating member 62).

[0039] The membrane electrode assembly 61 does not have to be supported by the insulating member 62. In this case, the electrolyte membrane 63 of the membrane electrode assembly 61 extends to the same size as the electrode member 60, has a portion of the insulating member 62, and has four ends 60c, 60d, 60e, and 60f. The electrolyte membrane 63 also has through-holes 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a, 55a, and 56a formed therein.

[0040] In the fuel cell 50, the first separator 70 faces the membrane electrode assembly 61 in the stacking direction and forms a flow path for fuel gas. Meanwhile, in the fuel cell 50, the second separator 80 faces the membrane electrode assembly 61 from the side opposite the first separator 70 in the stacking direction and forms a flow path for oxidant gas. In addition, in the fuel cell, between two adjacent fuel cell units 100 out of the stacked fuel cell units 100, the first separator 70 and the second separator 80 face each other in the stacking direction and form a flow path for a coolant therebetween. The fuel gas is, for example, a hydrogen-containing gas, the oxidant gas is, for example, an oxygen-containing gas, and the coolant is, for example, water.

[0041] 1 and 2, the first separator 70 is a rectangular or approximately rectangular plate-like member having a pair of opposing surfaces, namely, a front surface 70a and a back surface 70b, and four ends 70c, 70d, 70e, and 70f. The ends 70c and 70e face each other, and the ends 70d and 70f face each other. For example, the ends 70d and 70f extend longer than the ends 70c and 70e. In this example, in the fuel cell 50, the front surface 70a of the first separator 70 faces the front surface 60a of the electrode member 60, and faces the anode catalyst layer 64 and the gas diffusion layer 66. For example, the outer peripheral ends 70c to 70f of the first separator 70 face and coincide or approximately coincide with the outer peripheral ends 60c to 60f of the electrode member 60 in the stacking direction.

[0042] 1 and 2, the first separator 70 has six through holes 51b, 52b, 53b, 54b, 55b, and 56b. The six through holes 51b to 56b are through holes for forming a fuel gas supply channel, a coolant supply channel, an oxidant gas supply channel, a fuel gas discharge channel, a coolant discharge channel, and an oxidant gas discharge channel, respectively, in the fuel cell 50. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, the through holes 51b, 52b, and 53b are lined up in order along the end 10c of the first separator 70, and the through holes 54b, 55b, and 56b are lined up in order along the end 70e of the first separator 70.

[0043] A fuel gas channel portion 71, which is a channel through which the fuel gas flows and which connects the fuel gas supply channel and the fuel gas discharge channel, is formed on the surface 70a of the first separator 70 facing the membrane electrode assembly 61. The fuel gas channel portion 71 extends along the ends 70d and 70f, for example, as shown in FIG. 2. Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 1, a coolant channel portion 72, which forms a channel through which the coolant flows and connects the coolant supply channel and the coolant discharge channel, is formed on the back surface 70b of the first separator 70. The coolant channel portion 72 extends along the ends 70d and 70f, for example, as shown in FIG. 2. The fuel gas channel portion 71 and the coolant channel portion 72 are formed, for example, by forming grooves in the surface 70a and the back surface 70b, respectively.

[0044] 1 and 2, the second separator 80 is a rectangular or approximately rectangular plate-like member having a pair of opposing surfaces, a front surface 80a and a back surface 80b, and four ends 80c, 80d, 80e, and 80f. The end 80c and the end 80e face each other, and the end 80d and the end 80f face each other. For example, the ends 80d and 80f extend longer than the ends 80c and 80e. In this example, in the fuel cell 50, the front surface 80a of the second separator 80 faces the back surface 60b of the electrode member 60 and faces the cathode catalyst layer 65 and the gas diffusion layer 67. For example, the outer peripheral ends 80c to 80f of the second separator 80 face each other, coinciding or approximately coinciding with the outer peripheral ends 60c to 60f of the electrode member 60 in the stacking direction.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 1, the second separator 80 has six through holes 51c, 52c, 53c, 54c, 55c, and 56c. The six through holes 51c to 56c are through holes for forming a fuel gas supply channel, a coolant supply channel, an oxidant gas supply channel, a fuel gas discharge channel, a fuel gas discharge channel, a coolant discharge channel, and an oxidant gas discharge channel in the fuel cell, respectively. As shown in Fig. 1, for example, the through holes 51c, 52c, and 53c are lined up in order along the end 80c of the second separator 80, and the through holes 54c, 55c, and 56c are lined up in order along the end 80e of the second separator 80.

[0046] An oxidant gas flow path portion 81, which is a flow path through which the oxidant gas flows and which connects the oxidant gas supply path and the oxidant gas discharge path, is formed on the surface 80a of the second separator 80 facing the membrane electrode assembly 61. The oxidant gas flow path portion 81 extends along the end portions 80d and 80f, for example, as shown in FIG. 1. Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 2, a coolant flow path portion 82, which forms a flow path through which the coolant flows and connects the coolant supply path and the coolant discharge path, is formed on the back surface 80b of the second separator 80. The coolant flow path portion 82 extends along the end portions 80d and 80f, for example, as shown in FIG. 1. The oxidant gas flow path portion 81 and the coolant flow path portion 82 are formed, for example, by forming grooves on the surface 80a and the back surface 80b, respectively. In the fuel cell, between two adjacent fuel cell cells 50 among the stacked fuel cell cells 50, the cooling medium flow path section 72 of the first separator 70 and the cooling medium flow path section 82 of the second separator 80 face each other in the stacking direction, and a cooling medium flow path is formed therebetween.

[0047] The first separator 70 and the second separator 80 are made of a metal material, such as a thin metal plate such as a steel plate, a stainless steel plate, a titanium plate, an aluminum plate, a plated steel plate, etc. Furthermore, for example, the metal surfaces of the first separator 70 and the second separator 80 are subjected to a surface treatment for corrosion prevention.

[0048] The through holes 51a-56a of the electrode member 60, the through holes 51b-56b of the first separator 70, and the through holes 51c-56c of the second separator 80 are formed to overlap each other when viewed in the stacking direction in the fuel cell 100. As a result, the fuel gas supply channels, the coolant supply channels, and the oxidant gas supply channels are formed by the through holes 51a, 51b, and 51c, the through holes 52a, 52b, and 52c, and the through holes 53a, 53b, and 53c, respectively. Furthermore, the fuel gas discharge channels, the coolant discharge channels, and the oxidant gas discharge channels are formed by the through holes 54a, 54b, and 54c, the through holes 55a, 55b, and 55c, and the through holes 56a, 56b, and 56c, respectively. In addition, in a fuel cell, fuel cell cells 50 are stacked, and the fuel gas supply path, oxidant gas supply path, coolant supply path, fuel gas discharge path, oxidant gas discharge path, and coolant discharge path of each fuel cell 50 are connected to each other, thereby forming a fuel gas supply manifold, an oxidant gas supply manifold, a coolant supply manifold, a fuel gas discharge manifold, an oxidant gas discharge manifold, and a coolant discharge manifold.

[0049] 1 and 2, the first separator 70 and the second separator 80 are provided with gaskets 10, 20, and 30. The gaskets 10, 20, and 30 are made of an elastic material. The elastic material forming the gaskets 10, 20, and 30 is, for example, an elastomer such as rubber. Examples of elastomers include silicone rubber such as VQM, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber, and fluororubber (FKM). The cross-sectional shapes of the gaskets 10, 20, and 30 perpendicular to the extension direction are the same or approximately the same.

[0050] The gasket 10 is provided on the surface 70a of the first separator 70, protruding from the surface 70a and facing the surface 60a of the electrode member 60. The gasket 10 protrudes from the surface 70a by a distance greater than the height of the fuel gas flow field 71 formed in the first separator 70 in the stacking direction. The gasket 10 contacts the surface 62a of the insulating member 62 of the electrode member 60 in the fuel cell 50 to seal in the fuel gas. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2 , the gasket 10 extends on the surface 70a of the first separator 70 so as to surround the six through-holes 51b to 56b and the fuel gas flow field 71, and also surround the through-holes 52b, 53b, 55b, and 56b. The surface 62a of the insulating member 62 is the portion of the insulating member 62 that corresponds to the surface 60a of the electrode member 60.

[0051] 2, the gasket 10 includes a rectangular or substantially rectangular annular gasket portion 11 that extends to or near the ends 70c to 70f of the first separator 70, a gasket portion 12 that surrounds the through hole 52b, a gasket portion 13 that surrounds the through hole 53b, a gasket portion 14 that surrounds the through hole 55b, and a gasket portion 15 that surrounds the through hole 56b. The gasket portions 11 to 15 are connected together, forming a single unit of the gasket 10. Specifically, the gasket portion 12 has ends 12a and 12b that extend between the ends 12a and 12b, and the ends 12a and 12b are connected to the gasket portion 11 so as to surround the through hole 52b. In this way, through hole 52b is surrounded by gasket portion 12 and the portion of gasket portion 11 between ends 12a and 12b of gasket portion 12. Gasket portion 13 has ends 13a and 13b, and is connected to gasket 11 with respect to through hole 53b in the same manner as gasket portion 12, so that through hole 53b is surrounded by gasket portion 13 and the portion of gasket portion 11 between ends 13a and 13b of gasket portion 13. Gasket portion 14 has ends 14a and 14b, and is connected to gasket 11 with respect to through hole 55b in the same manner as gasket portion 12, so that through hole 55b is surrounded by gasket portion 14 and the portion of gasket portion 11 between ends 14a and 14b of gasket portion 14. Further, gasket portion 15 has ends 15a and 15b, and is connected to gasket 11 with respect to through hole 56b in the same manner as gasket portion 12, so that through hole 56b is surrounded by gasket portion 15 and the portion of gasket portion 11 between ends 15a and 15b of gasket portion 15. As shown in Fig. 2, for example, gasket portion 12 and gasket portion 13 partially overlap, and similarly, gasket portion 14 and gasket portion 15 partially overlap.

[0052] As described above, in the fuel cell 100, the surface 70a of the first separator 70 faces the surface 60a of the electrode member 60, the membrane electrode assembly 61 faces the fuel gas flow path portion 71, and the through holes 51a to 56a of the electrode member 60 face the through holes 51b to 56b of the first separator 70 in the stacking direction, respectively. Therefore, each component of the electrode member 60 is similarly surrounded by the gasket 10 in contact with the surface 62a of the insulating member 62 of the electrode member 60. That is, the membrane electrode assembly 61 and the through-holes 51 a to 56 a are surrounded by the gasket portion 11, the through-hole 52 a is surrounded by the gasket portion 12 and a portion of the gasket portion 11, the through-hole 53 a is surrounded by the gasket portion 13 and a portion of the gasket portion 11, the through-hole 55 a is surrounded by the gasket portion 14 and a portion of the gasket portion 11, and the through-hole 56 a is surrounded by the gasket portion 15 and a portion of the gasket portion 11. As a result, the gasket 10 seals the fuel gas flow path between the fuel gas supply path (through-holes 51 a, 51 b), the fuel gas flow path portion 71, and the fuel gas discharge path (through-holes 54 a, 54 b) between the electrode member 60 and the first separator 70, sealing in the fuel gas. Note that the gasket 10 also seals in excess fuel gas that remains unreacted and is discharged from the fuel gas discharge path.

[0053] The shape of the gasket 10 is not limited to the above-described shape. The gasket 10 may have other shapes as long as the fuel gas is sealed between the electrode member 60 and the first separator 70 as described above. For example, the gasket portion 12 and the gasket portion 13 may not overlap partially, and similarly, the gasket portion 14 and the gasket portion 15 may not overlap partially. The gasket 10 may also be partially separate. For example, any or all of the gasket portions 12 to 15 may be separate from the gasket portion 11. In this case, any or all of the gasket portions 12 to 15 separate from the gasket portion 11 may be, for example, endless annular, and surround the corresponding through-holes 52a, 53a, 55a, and 56a.

[0054] The gasket 10 has the shape described above, and as shown in FIG. 2, the first separator 70 has a communicating portion 73 that connects the through holes 51 a, 51 b with the fuel gas flow field portion 71, and a communicating portion 74 that connects the through holes 54 a, 54 b with the fuel gas flow field portion 71. Specifically, the communicating portions 73, 74 are located on the surface 70 a of the first separator 70 corresponding in the stacking direction to positions on the surface 70 a of the first separator 70 that correspond to positions in the gasket 20 (described later) that surround the through holes 51 a and 54 a. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the communicating portion 73 is located between the gasket portion 11 and the gasket portion 12 along the end 70 d of the first separator 70, in the direction along the end 70 d, in the surface 70 a of the first separator 70 between the through hole 51 b and the fuel gas flow field portion 71. 2, the communication portion 74 is a portion of the surface 70a of the first separator 70 between the through-hole 54b and the fuel gas flow field portion 71 in the direction along the end portion 70f, between the gasket portion 14 and the portion of the gasket portion 11 that is along the end portion 70f of the first separator 70. The gasket 10 does not extend to the communication portions 73, 74, and the gasket 10 has, at the positions of the communication portions 73, 74 of the first separator 70, a communication portion 16 that connects the through-holes 51a, 51b with the fuel gas flow field portion 71, and a communication portion 17 that connects the through-holes 54a, 54b with the fuel gas flow field portion 71, respectively.

[0055] A support member 1 serving as a support member for a fuel cell according to the first embodiment of the present invention is provided in the communication portions 16 and 17 of the gasket 10. The support member 1 is integrally connected to the gasket 10. Details of the support member 1 will be described later.

[0056] The gasket 20 is provided on the surface 80a of the second separator 80, protruding from the surface 80a and facing the back surface 60b of the electrode member 60. The gasket 20 protrudes from the surface 80a by a distance greater than the height of the oxidant gas flow field 81 formed in the second separator 80 in the stacking direction. The gasket 20 contacts the back surface 62b of the insulating member 62 of the electrode member 60 in the fuel cell 50 to seal in the oxidant gas. Specifically, the gasket 20 extends on the surface 80a of the second separator 80 so as to surround the six through-holes 51c to 56c and the oxidant gas flow field 81, and also surround the through-holes 51c, 52c, 54c, and 55c. The back surface 62b of the insulating member 62 is the portion of the insulating member 62 that faces the back surface 60b of the electrode member 60.

[0057] 1, the gasket 20 includes a rectangular or substantially rectangular annular gasket portion 21 that extends to or near the ends 80c to 80f of the second separator 80, a gasket portion 22 that surrounds the through-hole 51c, a gasket portion 23 that surrounds the through-hole 53c, a gasket portion 24 that surrounds the through-hole 54c, and a gasket portion 25 that surrounds the through-hole 55c. The gasket portions 21 to 25 are connected together, forming a single unit of the gasket 20. Specifically, for example, the gasket portion 22 has ends 22a and 22b, and extends between the ends 22a and 22b. The ends 22a and 22b are connected to the gasket portion 21 so as to surround the through-hole 52b. In this way, through hole 51c is surrounded by gasket portion 22 and the portion of gasket portion 21 between ends 22a and 22b of gasket portion 22. Gasket portion 23 has ends 23a and 23b, and is connected to gasket 21 at through hole 52c in the same manner as gasket portion 22, so that through hole 52c is surrounded by gasket portion 23 and the portion of gasket portion 21 between ends 23a and 23b of gasket portion 23. Gasket portion 24 has ends 24a and 24b, and is connected to gasket 21 at through hole 54c in the same manner as gasket portion 22, so that through hole 54c is surrounded by gasket portion 24 and the portion of gasket portion 21 between ends 24a and 24b of gasket portion 24. Gasket portion 25 has ends 25a and 25b and is connected to gasket 21 with respect to through-hole 55c, similar to gasket portion 22, so that through-hole 55c is surrounded by gasket portion 25 and the portion of gasket portion 21 between ends 25a and 25b of gasket portion 25. As shown in Fig. 1, for example, gasket portion 22 and gasket portion 23 partially overlap, and similarly, gasket portion 24 and gasket portion 25 partially overlap.

[0058] As described above, in the fuel cell 100, the surface 80a of the second separator 80 faces the back surface 60b of the electrode member 60, the membrane electrode assembly 61 faces the oxidant gas channel section 81, and the through holes 51a to 56a of the electrode member 60 face the through holes 51c to 56c of the second separator 80 in the stacking direction, respectively. Therefore, each component of the electrode member 60 is similarly surrounded by the gasket 20 in contact with the back surface 62b of the insulating member 62 of the electrode member 60. That is, the membrane electrode assembly 61 and the through-holes 51a to 56a are surrounded by the gasket portion 21, the through-hole 51a is surrounded by the gasket portion 22 and a portion of the gasket portion 21, the through-hole 52a is surrounded by the gasket portion 23 and a portion of the gasket portion 21, the through-hole 54a is surrounded by the gasket portion 24 and a portion of the gasket portion 21, and the through-hole 55a is surrounded by the gasket portion 25 and a portion of the gasket portion 21. As a result, the gasket 20 seals the oxidant gas flow path between the oxidant gas supply path (through-holes 53a, 53c), the oxidant gas flow path portion 81, and the oxidant gas discharge path (through-holes 56a, 56c) between the electrode member 60 and the second separator 80, thereby sealing off the oxidant gas. The gasket 20 also seals in the excess oxidant gas that remains unreacted and H2O and the like that are produced by the reaction, and these are discharged from the oxidant gas discharge path.

[0059] The shape of the gasket 20 is not limited to the above-described shape. The gasket 20 may have other shapes as long as the oxidant gas is sealed between the electrode member 60 and the second separator 80 as described above. For example, the gasket portion 22 and the gasket portion 23 may not overlap partially, and similarly, the gasket portion 24 and the gasket portion 25 may not overlap partially. The gasket 20 may also be partially separate. For example, any or all of the gasket portions 22 to 25 may be separate from the gasket portion 21. In this case, any or all of the gasket portions 22 to 25 separate from the gasket portion 21 may be, for example, endless annular, and surround the corresponding through-holes 51c, 52c, 54c, and 55c by themselves.

[0060] 1, the second separator 80 has a communicating portion 83 that connects the through holes 53a, 53c with the oxidant gas flow field portion 81, and a communicating portion 84 that connects the through holes 56a, 56c with the oxidant gas flow field portion 81. Specifically, the communicating portions 83, 84 are located on the surface 80a of the second separator 80 corresponding in the stacking direction to the positions of the gasket 10 that surround the through holes 53a and 56a. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the communicating portion 83 is located on the surface 80a of the second separator 80 between the through hole 53c and the oxidant gas flow field portion 81 in the direction along the end portion 80f, between the gasket portion 23 and the portion of the gasket portion 21 that is located along the end portion 80f of the second separator 80. 1 , for example, the communication portion 84 is a portion of the surface 80a of the second separator 80 between the through-hole 56c and the oxidant gas flow field portion 81 in the direction along the end portion 80d, between the gasket portion 25 and the portion of the gasket portion 21 that is along the end portion 80d of the second separator 80. The gasket 20 does not extend to the communication portions 83, 84, and the gasket 20 has, at the positions of the communication portions 83, 84 of the second separator 80, communication portions 26 that connect the through-holes 53a, 53c with the oxidant gas flow field portion 81 and communication portions 27 that connect the through-holes 56a, 56c with the oxidant gas flow field portion 81.

[0061] A support member 1 serving as a support member for a fuel cell according to the first embodiment of the present invention is provided in the communication portions 26 and 27 of the gasket 20. The support member 1 is integrally connected to the gasket 20. Details of the support member 1 will be described later.

[0062] The gasket 30 is provided on the back surface 70b of the first separator 70, protruding from the back surface 70b to face the back surface 80b of the second separator 80 of the adjacent fuel cell 50. The gasket 30 protrudes from the back surface 70b by a distance greater than the sum of the height in the stacking direction of the coolant flow fields 72 formed in the first separator 70 and the height in the stacking direction of the coolant flow fields 82 formed in the second separator 80. In the fuel cell 100, the gasket 30 comes into contact with the back surface 80b of the second separator 80 of the adjacent fuel cell 50 to seal in the coolant. Specifically, the gasket 30 extends on the back surface 70b of the first separator 70 to surround the six through holes 51b to 56b and the coolant flow fields 72, and also surrounds the through holes 51b, 53b, 54b, and 56b.

[0063] 1, the gasket 30 includes a rectangular or substantially rectangular annular gasket portion 31 that extends to or near the ends 70c to 70f of the first separator 70, a gasket portion 32 that surrounds the through-hole 51b, a gasket portion 33 that surrounds the through-hole 53b, a gasket portion 34 that surrounds the through-hole 54b, and a gasket portion 35 that surrounds the through-hole 56b. The gasket portions 31 to 35 are connected together, forming a single unit. Specifically, the gasket portion 32 has ends 32a and 32b, and extends between the ends 32a and 32b. The ends 32a and 32b are connected to the gasket portion 31 so as to surround the through-hole 51b. In this way, through hole 51b is surrounded by gasket portion 32 and the portion of gasket portion 31 between ends 32a and 32b of gasket portion 32. Gasket portion 33 has ends 33a and 33b, and is connected to gasket 31 with respect to through hole 53b in the same manner as gasket portion 32, so that through hole 53b is surrounded by gasket portion 33 and the portion of gasket portion 31 between ends 33a and 33b of gasket portion 33. Gasket portion 34 has ends 34a and 34b, and is connected to gasket 31 with respect to through hole 54b in the same manner as gasket portion 32, so that through hole 54b is surrounded by gasket portion 34 and the portion of gasket portion 31 between ends 34a and 34b of gasket portion 34. In addition, gasket portion 35 has ends 35a and 35b, and is connected to gasket 31 with respect to through hole 56b in the same manner as gasket portion 32, so that through hole 56b is surrounded by gasket portion 35 and the portion of gasket portion 31 between ends 35a and 35b of gasket portion 35.

[0064] As described above, in the fuel cell, the back surface 70b of one of the first separators 70 of two adjacent fuel cell units 100 faces the back surface 80b of the second separator 80 of the other of the two adjacent fuel cell units 100, the coolant channel section 72 faces the coolant channel section 82, and the through holes 51c to 56c of the second separator 80 face the through holes 51b to 56b of the first separator 70 in the stacking direction, respectively. Therefore, each component of the second separator 80 is similarly surrounded by the gasket 30 in contact with the back surface 80b of the second separator 80. That is, the coolant flow path 82 and the through holes 51c to 56c of the second separator 80 are surrounded by the gasket portion 31, the through hole 51c is surrounded by the gasket portion 32 and a portion of the gasket portion 31, the through hole 53c is surrounded by the gasket portion 33 and a portion of the gasket portion 31, the through hole 54c is surrounded by the gasket portion 34 and a portion of the gasket portion 31, and the through hole 56c is surrounded by the gasket portion 35 and a portion of the gasket portion 31. As a result, the gasket 30 seals the coolant flow paths between the coolant supply paths (through holes 52b, 52c), the coolant flow path portions 72, 82, and the coolant discharge paths (through holes 55b, 55c) between the first separator 70 and the second separator 80, thereby sealing the coolant.

[0065] The shape of the gasket 30 is not limited to the above-described shape. As long as the cooling medium is sealed between the first separator 70 and the second separator 80 as described above, the shape of the gasket 30 may be other. For example, a portion of the gasket 30 may be separate. For example, any or all of the gasket portions 32 to 35 may be separate from the gasket portion 31. In this case, any or all of the gasket portions 32 to 35 separate from the gasket portion 31 may be, for example, endless annular, and surround the corresponding through-holes 51a, 53a, 54a, and 56a by themselves.

[0066] 1, the first separator 70 has a communicating portion 75 that communicates the through holes 52b, 52c with the coolant flow field portion 72, and a communicating portion 76 that communicates the through holes 55b, 55c with the coolant flow field portion 72. Specifically, the communicating portions 75, 76 are located on the back surface 70b of the first separator 70 corresponding in the stacking direction to positions on the back surface 70b of the first separator 70 where the portions surrounding the through holes 52c and 55c are located in the gasket 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the communicating portion 75 is located on the back surface 70b of the first separator 70 between the gasket portion 32 and the gasket portion 33 and between the through hole 52b and the coolant flow field portion 72 in the direction along the ends 70d, 70f. 1 , the communication portion 76 is a portion of the back surface 70b of the first separator 70 between the through hole 55b and the coolant flow field portion 72 in the direction along the ends 70d, 70f, between the gasket portion 34 and the gasket portion 35. The gasket 30 does not extend to the communication portions 75, 76, and the gasket 30 has, at the positions of the communication portions 75, 76 of the first separator 70, communication portions 36 that communicate between the through holes 52b, 52c and the coolant flow field portions 72, 82, and communication portions 37 that communicate between the through holes 55b, 55c and the coolant flow field portions 72, 82.

[0067] A support member 1 serving as a support member for a fuel cell according to the first embodiment of the present invention is provided in the communication portions 36 and 37 of the gasket 30. The support member 1 is integrally connected to the gasket 30. Details of the support member 1 will be described later.

[0068] The gasket 30 may be provided on the back surface 80b of the second separator 80 in the same manner as when it is provided on the back surface 70b of the first separator 70. In this case, the gasket portion 31 is provided so as to extend to the ends 80c to 80f of the second separator 80 or near the ends 80c to 80f, the gasket portion 32 is provided so as to surround the through hole 51c, the gasket portion 33 is provided so as to surround the through hole 53c, the gasket portion 34 is provided so as to surround the through hole 54c, and the gasket portion 35 is provided so as to surround the through hole 56c.

[0069] Next, a description will be given of the support member 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As described above, the support member 1 is provided in each of the communicating portions 73 and 74 of the first separator 70, the communicating portions 83 and 84 of the second separator 80, and the communicating portions 75 and 76 of the first separator 70, and is integrated with each of the gaskets 10, 20, and 30. Fig. 3 is a plan view showing the vicinity of the through-holes 51b, 52b, and 53b on the end 70c side of the front surface 70a of the first separator 70. Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the vicinity of the through-holes 51c, 52c, and 53c on the end 80c side of the front surface 80a of the second separator 80. Fig. 5 is a plan view showing the vicinity of the through-holes 51b, 52b, and 53b on the end 70c side of the back surface 70b of the first separator 70.

[0070] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the support member 1 is integrated with each of the gaskets 10, 20, and 30, and is provided with a communication passage 2. The support member 1 extends to the communication portions 16, 17, 26, 27, and 36, 37 of the gaskets 10, 20, and 30, respectively. The configuration of the support member 1 will be described in detail below. Note that although Figures 3 to 5 show the support member 1 at the communication portions 16, 26, and 36, the support member 1 is similarly connected to the gaskets 10, 20, and 30 and functions similarly even when the support member 1 is at the communication portions 17, 27, and 37.

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the support member 1 protrudes in the same direction as the gaskets 10, 20, and 30 protrude. The support member 1 has a support surface 3 that faces the direction in which the gaskets 10, 20, and 30 protrude. The support surface 3 is adapted to come into contact with a member that the support member 1 faces in the fuel cell 50 or in the fuel cell. Specifically, the support surface 3 of the support member 1 provided in the communication portions 16 and 17 of the gasket 10 is adapted to come into contact with a surface 62a of the insulating member 62 of the electrode member 60 in the fuel cell 50. The support surface 3 of the support member 1 provided in the communication portions 26 and 27 of the gasket 20 is adapted to come into contact with a back surface 62b of the insulating member 62 of the electrode member 60 in the fuel cell 50. Furthermore, the support surface 3 of the support member 1 provided in the communication portions 36, 37 of the gasket 30 is adapted to come into contact with the back surface 80b of the second separator 80 of the adjacent fuel cell 50 in the fuel cell.

[0072] FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the support member 1 provided in the communication portion 16 of the gasket 10. As shown in FIG. 6, the support member 1 is connected to the gasket 10 and is integral with the gasket 10. Specifically, the support member 1 is made of the same material as the gasket 10 and is formed integrally with the gasket 10. As shown in FIG. 6, the support member 1 is connected to a portion of the gasket portion 11 of the gasket 10 that is along the edge 70d of the first separator 70, and is also connected to the gasket portion 12 that surrounds the through-hole 52b of the gasket 10. Furthermore, the support member 1 is located in the communication portion 73 of the surface 70a of the first separator 70 and is attached to the communication portion 73.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 6 , the support member 1 has, for example, a base 4 extending to the communicating portion 16. The base 4 is fixed to the communicating portion 73 of the surface 70a of the first separator 70. The base 4 has ends 4a and 4b and extends between the ends 4a and 4b. The base 4 has, for example, a plate-like shape with a rectangular or approximately rectangular cross section. The base 4 is connected to the gasket 10 and is integrated with the gasket 10. Specifically, the end 4a of the base 4 is connected to a portion of the gasket portion 11 of the gasket 10 that is along the end 70d of the first separator 70, and the end 4b of the base 4 is connected to the gasket portion 12 of the gasket 10.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 6 , the support member 1 has a plurality of protrusions 5 that protrude in the protruding direction of the gasket 10. The protrusions 5 are arranged at intervals along the communicating portion 16 to define the communicating passages 2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6 , the protrusions 5 protrude from the base 4 in the stacking direction and are arranged at intervals between the ends 4a and 4b of the base 4. The plurality of protrusions 5 are arranged, for example, at equal or approximately equal intervals. As a result, a gap is defined between two adjacent protrusions 5 that penetrates the support member 1 in the flow path direction, and this gap forms the communicating passage 2. The flow path direction is the direction in which the sealed object flows. The base 4 is exposed in the communicating passage 2, and the exposed surface 4c, which is the exposed portion of the base 4, defines the bottom of each communicating passage 2. The surfaces of the plurality of protrusions 5 facing the protruding direction form the contact surface 3.

[0075] As described above, the contact surface 3 of the support member 1 is configured to contact the surface 62a of the insulating member 62 of the electrode member 60 in the fuel cell 50. The protruding height of the contact surface 3 of the support member 1 from the surface 70a of the first separator 70 is set to a height such that, when the gasket 10 is pressed against and compressed against the surface 62a of the insulating member 62 in the fuel cell 50, the contact surface 3 of the support member 1 comes into contact with the surface 62a of the insulating member 62. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 , the protruding height (height h1) of the contact surface 3 of the support member 1 from the surface 70a of the first separator 70 is the same as or approximately the same as the protruding height (height h2) of the gasket 10 from the surface 70a of the first separator 70. The protruding height of the contact surface 3 of the support member 1 from the surface 70a of the first separator 70 is the width in the protruding direction of the protrusion 5 between the support surface 3 of the support member 1 and the lower surface 4d of the base 4.

[0076] In the fuel cell 50, the support member 1 provided on the gasket 10 faces the gasket 20 in the stacking direction with the opposing insulating member 62 interposed therebetween. Specifically, in the fuel cell 50, the support member 1 faces, in the stacking direction, a portion of the gasket 20 extending to a position on the surface 80a of the second separator 80 that faces the communicating portion 73 of the first separator 70 in the stacking direction, i.e., the gasket portion 22 that surrounds the through-hole 51c of the gasket 20, with the insulating member 62 interposed therebetween. Specifically, for example, when viewed in the stacking direction, the support member 1 is aligned or approximately aligned with the gasket portion 22, with the insulating member 62 interposed therebetween.

[0077] Although not shown, the support member 1 is provided integrally with the gasket 10 in the communicating portion 17 of the gasket 10, similar to the support member 1 in the communicating portion 16 described above (see FIG. 2). In this support member 1, the end 4a of the base 4 is connected to a portion of the gasket portion 11 of the gasket 10 that is aligned with the end 70f of the first separator 70, and the end 4b of the base 4 is connected to the gasket portion 14 that surrounds the through-hole 55b of the gasket 10. The support member 1 of the communicating portion 17 is fixed to the communicating portion 74 of the first separator 70. In the fuel cell 50, the support member 1 of the communicating portion 17 faces, in the stacking direction, a portion of the gasket 20 that extends to a position on the surface 80a of the second separator 80 that faces the communicating portion 74 of the first separator 70 in the stacking direction, i.e., the gasket portion 24 that surrounds the through-hole 54c of the gasket 20, via the insulating member 62. Specifically, for example, when viewed in the stacking direction, the support member 1 is configured to coincide or approximately coincide with the gasket portion 24 with the insulating member 62 interposed therebetween.

[0078] 4, the support member 1 is provided integrally with the gasket 20 in the communicating portion 26 of the gasket 20, similar to the support member 1 in the communicating portion 16 of the gasket 10 described above. In this support member 1, the end 4a of the base 4 is connected to a portion of the gasket portion 21 of the gasket 20 that is along the end 70f of the second separator 80, and the end 4b of the base 4 is connected to the gasket portion 23 that surrounds the through-hole 52c of the gasket 20. The support member 1 in the communicating portion 26 is fixed to the communicating portion 83 of the second separator 80. In the fuel cell 50, the support member 1 of the communication portion 26 is configured to face, in the stacking direction, a portion of the gasket 10 extending to a position on the surface 70a of the first separator 70 that faces the communication portion 83 of the second separator 80 in the stacking direction, i.e., the gasket portion 13 that surrounds the through-hole 53b of the gasket 10, via the insulating member 62. Specifically, for example, when viewed in the stacking direction, the support member 1 is configured to coincide or approximately coincide with the gasket portion 13 via the insulating member 62.

[0079] Although not shown, the support member 1 is provided integrally with the gasket 20 in the communicating portion 27 of the gasket 20, similar to the support member 1 in the communicating portion 26 described above (see FIG. 1). In this support member 1, the end 4a of the base 4 is connected to a portion of the gasket portion 21 of the gasket 20 that is aligned with the end 80d of the second separator 80, and the end 4b of the base 4 is connected to the gasket portion 25 that surrounds the through-hole 55c of the gasket 20. The support member 1 of the communicating portion 27 is fixed to the communicating portion 84 of the second separator 80. In the fuel cell 50, the support member 1 of the communicating portion 27 faces, in the stacking direction, a portion of the gasket 10 that extends to a position on the surface 70a of the first separator 70 that faces the communicating portion 84 of the second separator 80 in the stacking direction, i.e., the gasket portion 15 that surrounds the through-hole 56b of the gasket 10, via the insulating member 62. Specifically, for example, when viewed in the stacking direction, the support member 1 is configured to coincide or approximately coincide with the gasket portion 15 with the insulating member 62 interposed therebetween.

[0080] 5, the support member 1 is provided integrally with the gasket 10 in the communication portion 36 of the gasket 30, similar to the support member 1 in the communication portion 16 of the gasket 10 described above. In this case, the end 4a of the base 4 is connected to the gasket portion 32 surrounding the through-hole 51b of the gasket 30, and the end 4b of the base 4 is connected to the gasket portion 33 surrounding the through-hole 53b of the gasket 30. The support member 1 in the communication portion 36 is fixed to the communication portion 75 of the first separator 70. In the fuel cell 100, the support member 1 in the communication portion 36 faces, in the stacking direction, a portion of the gasket 20 extending to the position of the surface 80a of the second separator 80 of the adjacent fuel cell 50 that faces the communication portion 75 of the first separator 70 in the stacking direction, i.e., the gasket portion 23 surrounding the through-hole 52c of the gasket 20, via the second separator 80. Specifically, for example, when viewed in the stacking direction, the support member 1 is configured to coincide or substantially coincide with the gasket portion 23 with the insulating member 62 interposed therebetween.

[0081] Although not shown, the support member 1 is provided integrally with the gasket 30 in the communication portion 37 of the gasket 30, similar to the support member 1 in the communication portion 36 described above (see FIG. 2). In this case, the end 4a of the base 4 is connected to the gasket portion 34 surrounding the through-hole 54b of the gasket 30, and the end 4b of the base 4 is connected to the gasket portion 35 surrounding the through-hole 56b of the gasket 30. The support member 1 in the communication portion 37 is fixed to the communication portion 76 of the first separator 70. In the fuel cell 100, the support member 1 in the communication portion 37 faces, in the stacking direction, a portion of the gasket 20 extending to the position of the surface 80a of the second separator 80 of the adjacent fuel cell 50 that faces the communication portion 76 of the first separator 70 in the stacking direction, i.e., the gasket portion 25 surrounding the through-hole 55c of the gasket 20, via the second separator 80. Specifically, for example, when viewed in the stacking direction, the support member 1 is configured to coincide or approximately coincide with the gasket portion 25 with the insulating member 62 interposed therebetween.

[0082] Next, the function of the support member 1 having the above-described configuration will be described. Fig. 7 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a fuel cell 50, showing a cross section of the support member 1 provided in the communication portion 16 of the gasket 10 in the fuel cell 50. The function of the support member 1 will be described below using the support member 1 provided in the communication portion 16 of the gasket 10 as an example. Note that support members 1 provided in other portions also function in the same way.

[0083] 7, the support member 1 provided in the communication portion 16 of the gasket 10 faces, in the stacking direction, the gasket portion 22 surrounding the through-hole 51c of the gasket 20 attached to the surface 80a of the second separator 80 in the fuel cell 50, via the insulating member 62. The support member 1 also contacts a portion of the surface 62a that faces away from the portion of the back surface 62b of the insulating member 62 that contacts the gasket portion 22. The support member 1 also contacts the surface 62a of the insulating member 62 at the support surface 3, and the communication path 2 forms a flow path that connects the fuel gas supply path (through-holes 51a, 51b) and the fuel gas flow path portion 71 between the first separator 70 and the insulating member 62.

[0084] In this way, even the portion of the insulating member 62 that faces the communicating portions 16 and 73 in the stacking direction, which provide communication between the fuel gas supply channel (through holes 51a, 51b) and the fuel gas flow path portion 71, is supported by the support member 1 from the communicating portions 16, 73 side. Therefore, even if the gasket portion 22 of the gasket 20 comes into contact with and is pressed against the portion of the insulating member 62 that faces the communicating portions 16, 73 in the stacking direction from the side opposite the communicating portions 16, 73, this portion of the insulating member 62 is supported from the opposite side by the support member 1, and therefore this portion of the insulating member 62 is prevented from deforming toward the communicating portions 16, 73. Therefore, the portion of the gasket 20 that faces the communicating portions 16, 73 is pressed and compressed against the insulating member 62, just like the other portions, generating a reaction force and allowing the desired sealing performance to be exhibited.

[0085] Furthermore, the support member 1 is formed from the same elastic material as the gasket 10. Therefore, in the fuel cell 50, the support member 1 can equalize the support force that the support member 1 applies to the insulating member 62 of the electrode member 60 when it comes into contact with the support member 1, and the reaction force that the gasket 10 applies to the insulating member 62 of the electrode member 60 when it comes into contact with the support member 1. Similarly, the support member 1 of the gasket 20 and the support member 1 of the gasket 30 can equalize the force that they apply to the insulating member 62 of the electrode member 60 and the force that they apply to the second separator 80, respectively. This makes it possible to suppress deformation of the insulating member 62 of the electrode member 60, the first separator 70, and the second separator 80 in the fuel cell 50 or the fuel cell 100, and improve the sealing performance of the gaskets 10, 20, and 30.

[0086] Furthermore, the support member 1 is provided integrally with each of the gaskets 10, 20, and 30. This simplifies the manufacture of the fuel cell compared to when the support member 1 is manufactured as a separate member, and facilitates the manufacture of the fuel cell. In other words, by positioning and fixing each of the gaskets 10, 20, and 30 at a desired position on the first separator 70 or the second separator 80, the support member 1 can be positioned and fixed at a desired position. In this way, the support member 1 is easy to handle when manufacturing the fuel cell 50, and is also easy to attach.

[0087] Furthermore, since the support member 1 is provided integrally with each of the gaskets 10, 20, 30, the number of parts of the fuel cell 50 can be reduced compared to when the support member 1 is manufactured as a separate member.

[0088] As described above, according to the fuel cell support member 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the sealing performance of the gasket 1 can be improved while maintaining the flow path of the object to be sealed.

[0089] The shape of the protrusion 5 of the support member 1 is not limited to the above-described shape, and other shapes may be used. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, the height h1 of the contact surface 3 of the protrusion 5 may be greater than the height h2 of the gaskets 10, 20, and 30. In this case, in the fuel cell 50 or the fuel cell 100, it is possible to more easily generate a supporting force that the support member 1 applies to the opposing members (the insulating member 62 of the electrode member 60, the first separator 70, and the second separator 80).

[0090] Furthermore, the shape of the protrusion 5 of the support member 1 is not limited to the above-described shape, and other shapes may be used. For example, as shown in Figs. 10 to 13, a convex portion 6 may be formed at the tip of the protrusion 5, extending along the protrusion 5, i.e., extending in the extension direction of the protrusion 5. Specifically, as shown in Figs. 10 and 11, the support member 1 may have, at its tip, a convex portion 6 that protrudes in the protruding direction of the protrusion 5. In this case, the tip surface of the convex portion 6 forms the support surface 3. For example, as shown in Fig. 10, the convex portion 6 forms the support surface 3 having a pointed tip, and as shown in Fig. 11, the convex portion 6 forms the support surface 3 that is a curved surface with an arc-shaped or circular cross section.

[0091] 12 and 13, the protrusion 5 may have one or more convex portions 6 on the support surface 3. The convex portions 6 protrude from the support surface 3 and extend in the same direction as the protrusion 5.

[0092] In this way, when the protrusion 5 has the convex portion 6, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the support force that the support member 1 applies to the opposing members (the insulating member 62 of the electrode member 60, the first separator 70, and the second separator 80) in the fuel cell 50 or the fuel cell 100 can be more easily generated. Furthermore, the convex portion 6 acts like a bead or a lip, and the support force that the support member 1 applies to the opposing members can be made to approximate the reaction force that the gaskets 10, 20, and 30 apply to the members with which they come into contact. Therefore, the support member 1 can more uniformly apply the support force that the support member 1 applies to the opposing members and the reaction force that the gaskets 10, 20, and 30 apply to the members with which they come into contact.

[0093] 14, the protrusion 5 may be wider in the direction in which the gaskets 10, 20, and 30 protrude. In other words, the width w1, which is the width in the direction perpendicular to the protrusion direction of the protrusion 5, may be wider in the protrusion direction of the protrusion 5. In this case, when the protrusion 5 is compressed, the width w1 of the upper part of the protrusion 5, which has a wider width w1, becomes wider, and the contact area of ​​the support member 1 with the opposing member can be increased. This increases the support force of the support member 1.

[0094] Next, a support member 7 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the support member 7 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 15 shows, as an example, the support member 7 provided in the communication portion 16 of the gasket 10. In the following, regarding the configuration of the support member 7 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, components having the same or similar functions as the support member 1 described above will be assigned the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted, and different components will be described.

[0095] 15, the support member 7 is integrated with the gasket 10 at one of its ends 4a, 4b. For example, the end 4a of the support member 7 is not connected to the gasket portion 12 of the gasket 10, and only the end 4b is connected to the gasket portion 11 of the gasket 10.

[0096] As described above, the support member 7 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is integrated at one end of the end portions 4a and 4b with the gaskets 10, 20 and 30. The support member 7 according to the second embodiment of the present invention can also achieve the same effect as the support member 1 described above.

[0097] Next, a support member 8 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the support member 8 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 16 shows, as an example, a support member 8 provided in the communication portion 16 of the gasket 10. In the following, regarding the configuration of the support member 8 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, components having the same or similar functions as the support member 1 described above will be assigned the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted, and different components will be described.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 16, the support member 8 is not integrated with the gasket 10 but is separate from the gasket 10. Specifically, the support member 8 is not connected to the gasket 10 at the ends 4a and 4b. Because the support member 8 is made of the same material as the gaskets 10, 20, and 30, the support member 8 can be manufactured simultaneously with the gaskets 10, 20, and 30. This simplifies the manufacture of the fuel cell, and facilitates the manufacture of the fuel cell.

[0099] As described above, the support member 8 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is separate from the gaskets 10, 20, and 30. The support member 3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention can also achieve the same effects as the support member 1 described above.

[0100] The support member for a fuel cell according to the present invention can also be applied to a water electrolysis system as a support member for a water electrolysis system, in the same manner as the above-described support members 1, 7, and 8. That is, the support member for a fuel cell according to the present invention, for example, the support members 1, 7, and 8, can be provided, in the water electrolysis cell of the water electrolysis system, between the membrane electrode assembly and insulating member and the first separator, and between the membrane electrode assembly and insulating member and the second separator, either integrally with or separately from the gasket that seals the electrolyte, in the same manner as the above-described support member for a fuel cell.

[0101] 17 and 18 are exploded perspective views of a water electrolysis apparatus 110 in which water electrolysis cells 57, which are an example of a water electrolysis cell to which a support member for a water electrolysis apparatus according to the present invention is applied, are stacked. Each of FIGS. 17 and 18 shows one water electrolysis cell 57 and a portion of an adjacent water electrolysis cell 57. In FIG. 17, the water electrolysis cell 57 is viewed from one side in the direction in which the water electrolysis cells 57 are stacked (hereinafter also referred to as the stacking direction) (the direction of arrow a in FIGS. 17 and 18), while in FIG. 18, the water electrolysis cell 57 is viewed from the other side in the stacking direction.

[0102] A water electrolysis apparatus is provided with four manifolds: two electrolyte supply manifolds and two product discharge manifolds. Furthermore, in a water electrolysis cell, a membrane electrode assembly is sandwiched between separators having the same configuration. Therefore, when the support member 1 is used as a support member for a water electrolysis apparatus, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 , the insulating member 62 does not have the through-holes 52a and 55a, the first separator 70 does not have the through-holes 52b and 55b, and the gasket 30, and the second separator 80 becomes the first separator 70. Therefore, the back surface 70b of the first separator 70 is provided with the oxidant gas flow field portion 81 instead of the coolant flow field portion 72, the gasket 20 is provided on the back surface 70b of the first separator 70, the gasket 10 does not have the gasket portions 12 and 14, and the gasket 20 does not have the gasket portions 23 and 25.

[0103] As in the case of the fuel cell 50 described above, the support members 1, 7, and 8 are provided integrally with or separately from the gasket 10 and the gasket 20 of the first separator 70. Therefore, in the water electrolysis cell, too, the support members 1, 7, and 8 provided at the communicating portions 16 and 17 of the gasket 10 face, in the stacking direction, the gasket portion 22 surrounding the through hole 51 b of the gasket 20, with the insulating member 62 interposed therebetween, and face, in the stacking direction, the gasket portion 24 surrounding the through hole 54 b of the gasket 20, with the insulating member 62 interposed therebetween. Furthermore, the support members 1, 7, and 8 provided at the communicating portions 26 and 27 of the gasket 20 face, in the stacking direction, the gasket portion 13 surrounding the through hole 53 b of the gasket 10, with the insulating member 62 interposed therebetween, and face, in the stacking direction, the gasket portion 15 surrounding the through hole 56 b of the gasket 10, with the insulating member 62 interposed therebetween. Therefore, the gaskets 10 and 20 are pressed and compressed by the insulating member 62 in the portions facing the communicating portions 16, 73, 17, 73, 26, 83, 27, and 84, as in the other portions, generating a reaction force and achieving the desired sealing performance.

[0104] Furthermore, the water electrolysis apparatus support members 1, 7, 8 function in the same manner as the fuel cell support members 1, 7, 8 described above, and can achieve the same effects.

[0105] As described above, the support members 1, 7, and 8 for a water electrolysis apparatus according to the embodiments of the present invention can improve the sealing performance of the gaskets 10, 20, and 30 while maintaining the flow path of the object to be sealed.

[0106] Although the present invention has been described above through the above embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It is clear from the claims that such modifications and improvements can also be included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0107] The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention, and the present invention may include any and all applications. The components of the above-described embodiments, as well as their arrangement, materials, conditions, shape, size, etc., are not limited to those illustrated and may be modified as appropriate. For example, the present invention includes differences that arise during implementation due to manufacturing tolerances, etc. Furthermore, components illustrated in different embodiments may be partially substituted or combined within the scope of technical inconsistency. Furthermore, the various configurations may be selectively combined as appropriate to achieve at least some of the above-described problems and effects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1,7,8 Support member, 2 communication passages, 3,6 Support surface, 4 base, 4a, 4b end, 4c exposed surface, 4d bottom surface, 5 protrusion, 10 gasket, 11,12,13,14,15 gasket part, 12a,12b,13a,13b,14a,14b,15a,15b End, 16,17 Communication section, 20 Gasket, 21,22,23,24,25 Gasket section, 22a,22b,23a,23b,24a,24b,25a,25b End, 26,27 Communication section, 30 Gasket, 31,32,33,34,35 Gasket part, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, 34b, 35a, 35b Ends, 36, 37: communicating portions, 50: fuel cell cells, 51a, 51b, 51c, 52a, 52b, 52c, 53a, 53b, 53c, 54a, 54b, 54c, 55a, 55b, 55c, 56a, 56b, 56c: through holes, 60: electrode members, 60a: surface, 60b: back surface, 60c, 60d, 60e, 60f: ends, 61: membrane electrode assembly, 62: insulating member, 62a: surface, 62b: back surface, 63: electrolyte membrane, 64: anode catalyst layer, 65: cathode catalyst layer, 66, 67: gas diffusion layers, 70: first separator, 70a: surface, 70b: back surface, 70c, 70d, 70e, 70f: ends, 71: fuel gas flow path portion, 72 Cooling medium flow path portion, 73, 74, 75, 76 communication portion, 80 second separator, 80a surface, 80b back surface, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f end portion, 81 oxidizing gas flow path portion, 82 cooling medium flow path portion, 83, 84 communication portion, 100 fuel cell, h1, h2 height, w1 width

Claims

1. A fuel cell support member for supporting opposing members in a fuel cell in which a plurality of fuel cell units are stacked, Equipped with a connecting passage, It extends to the communication part of the gasket, the gasket is a gasket for sealing either a reaction gas or a cooling medium in the fuel cell or between the fuel cell and another fuel cell, the communication portion is a portion of the gasket that communicates two through holes of the fuel cell with a flow path of the object to be sealed, Support member for fuel cells.

2. The gasket protrudes in a protruding direction, The gasket has a support surface facing in a protruding direction, The support surface is adapted to contact the opposing member. The fuel cell support member according to claim 1 .

3. The communication passage has at least one recess recessed from the support surface. The fuel cell support member according to claim 2 .

4. a base portion extending to the communication portion, The base defines the bottom of the recess. The fuel cell support member according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The gasket has a plurality of protruding portions protruding in a protruding direction thereof, The plurality of protrusions are arranged at intervals along the communication portion to form the communication passage. The fuel cell support member according to claim 1 .

6. The plurality of protrusions are adapted to contact the opposing member. The fuel cell support member according to claim 5 .

7. a height of the protruding portion in a direction in which the gasket protrudes is greater than a height of the gasket in the direction in which the gasket protrudes; The fuel cell support member according to claim 5 .

8. a protrusion extending along the protrusion is formed at the tip of the protrusion, The protrusion protrudes in a direction in which the gasket protrudes. The fuel cell support member according to claim 5 .

9. The protruding portion widens in a direction in which the gasket protrudes. The fuel cell support member according to claim 5 .

10. integral with the gasket, The fuel cell support member according to claim 1 .

11. It is separate from the gasket, Made of the same material as the gasket. The fuel cell support member according to claim 1 .

12. In the stacking direction, the gasket faces another gasket via the facing member. The fuel cell support member according to claim 1 .

13. the fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly, an insulating member surrounding the membrane electrode assembly, and a first separator and a second separator sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly and the insulating member in the stacking direction, The gasket is provided on either the first separator or the second separator. The fuel cell support member according to claim 1 .

14. A support member for a water electrolysis apparatus for supporting opposing members in a water electrolysis apparatus in which a plurality of water electrolysis cells are stacked, comprising: Equipped with a connecting passage, It extends to the communication part of the gasket, the gasket is a gasket for sealing at least one of an electrolyte and a product from the electrolyte in the water electrolysis cell or between the water electrolysis cell and another water electrolysis cell; the communication portion is a portion of the gasket that communicates two of the through holes of the water electrolysis cell with a flow path of the sealed object. Support member for water electrolysis device.

15. The gasket protrudes in a protruding direction, The gasket has a support surface facing in a protruding direction, The support surface is adapted to contact the opposing member. The support member for a water electrolysis apparatus according to claim 14.

16. The communication passage has at least one recess recessed from the support surface. The support member for a water electrolysis apparatus according to claim 15.

17. a base portion extending to the communication portion, The base defines the bottom of the recess. The support member for a water electrolysis apparatus according to claim 15 or 16.

18. The gasket has a plurality of protruding portions protruding in a protruding direction thereof, The plurality of protrusions are arranged at intervals along the communication portion to form the communication passage. The support member for a water electrolysis apparatus according to claim 14.

19. The plurality of protrusions are adapted to contact the opposing member. The support member for a water electrolysis apparatus according to claim 18.

20. a height of the protruding portion in a direction in which the gasket protrudes is greater than a height of the gasket in the direction in which the gasket protrudes; The support member for a water electrolysis apparatus according to claim 18.

21. a protrusion extending along the protrusion is formed at the tip of the protrusion, The protrusion protrudes in a direction in which the gasket protrudes. The support member for a water electrolysis apparatus according to claim 18.

22. The protruding portion widens in a direction in which the gasket protrudes. The support member for a water electrolysis apparatus according to claim 18.

23. integral with the gasket, The support member for a water electrolysis apparatus according to claim 14.

24. It is separate from the gasket, Made of the same material as the gasket. The support member for a water electrolysis apparatus according to claim 14.

25. In the stacking direction, the gasket faces another gasket via the facing member. The support member for a water electrolysis apparatus according to claim 14.

26. the water electrolysis cell includes a membrane electrode assembly, an insulating member surrounding the membrane electrode assembly, and a first separator and a second separator sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly and the insulating member in the stacking direction; The gasket is provided on either the first separator or the second separator. The support member for a water electrolysis apparatus according to claim 14.

Images