Cartridge for maintaining a stack of electrochemical cells in compression and use thereof - Patent Application 20070122999

Abstract

A fuel cell cartridge (1) comprising: a base (10) that holds a cartridge on opposite sides of a compression direction (X1) when the base is received in a receiving opening; legs (20) that slide relative to the base and abut a fuel cell stack when the base is received in the receiving opening; a spring (30) that abuts on the base to apply a pressing force (F30) to the legs (20); and a retention system (40) having a primary retention portion (41) and a secondary retention portion (42) that are coupled to each other to prevent the legs from sliding when the cartridge is in a preloaded configuration and that are decoupled to allow the legs to slide when the cartridge is in a released configuration. An object of the present invention is to simplify compression of a fuel cell stack while improving the accuracy of this compression.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge and a dimensional compensation system for maintaining a stack of electrochemical cells belonging to a fuel cell in a compressed state. The invention further relates to a fuel cell including such a compression subassembly and to the use of such a cartridge. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of fuel cells, it is known to compress a stack of electrochemical cells between two terminal plates located on either side of the stack along the stacking direction, and to protect this assembly with a casing. During various operational phases, the stack tends to expand and / or contract along the stacking direction for several reasons, particularly due to thermal effects and stack aging. To allow this expansion and contraction without degrading the electrochemical cells, it is known to fix a first terminal plate relative to the casing and to allow a second terminal plate to move parallel to the stacking direction relative to the casing.

[0003] In order to keep the stack in compression despite the mobility of the second terminal board, a compressive force is applied to this second terminal board, in particular by means of a dimensional compensation system including one or more springs. It is known that the spring ensures that the second terminal board is pulled towards the first terminal board using tie rods to achieve the compression of the stack. Another solution is known to interpose a spring in compression between the second terminal board and a fixed plate belonging to the casing, which spring ensures that the second terminal board is compressed towards the first terminal board. In both cases, the mobility of the second terminal board compensates for the expansion and contraction of the stack along the stacking direction, and the stack is kept in compression between the two terminal boards by the action of the spring.

[0004] These known solutions have several drawbacks: the springs are typically designed to exert forces on the stack that can be several tons, making installation of the springs difficult and their presence complicating fuel cell assembly; furthermore, the stack needs to be compressed with a force whose value must fall within a relatively narrow tolerance range, but it is not easy to obtain an accurate value for stack compression using springs, and the possibility of adjusting the springs is further limited, difficult to implement, or non-existent.

[0005] The present invention aims in particular to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a new solution that simplifies the compression of a stack of electrochemical cells and at the same time improves the precision of this compression.

[0006] To this end, the present invention relates to a cartridge for holding a stack of electrochemical cells belonging to a fuel cell in a compressed state in a compressive direction, the cartridge including a base configured to hold the cartridge in a direction opposite to the compressive direction when the base is integral with the fuel cell or is received in a receiving opening belonging to the fuel cell, the cartridge also including legs arranged in the compressive direction relative to the base, slidable relative to the base parallel to the compressive direction, and configured to abut against the stack in the compressive direction when the base is received in the receiving opening, and a spring abutting the base and applying a compressive force to the legs. The cartridge also includes a retention system including a primary retainer integral with the base and a secondary retainer integral with the legs, the primary retainer and the secondary retainer being coupled to one another when the cartridge is in a preload configuration, the primary retainer and the secondary retainer being coupled in this manner to prevent sliding of the legs relative to the base in the compression direction, and when the cartridge is in a released configuration, the primary retainer and the secondary retainer are decoupled to allow sliding of the legs relative to the base in the compression direction.

[0007] According to the present invention, stack compression can be easily achieved in that the action of the spring on the legs is suppressed by the retention system, and while the cartridge is in the preload configuration, the legs of the cartridge can be advantageously supported against the stack and the base can be inserted into the receiving opening and held there. In other words, since the cartridge can be individually preloaded, especially while it is outside the fuel cell, the spring installation in the fuel cell, which is performed by assembling the cartridge, can be performed with the spring already preloaded in the cartridge, and there is no risk of it being accidentally released, unless the cartridge is otherwise interposed between the stack and the receiving opening. Once the cartridge is in place, the cartridge can be easily placed in the released configuration by separating the primary and secondary retention parts, and the compressive force generated by the spring is transmitted to the stack via the legs, while the legs abut against the stack and the cartridge is held by the receiving opening. Furthermore, since the cartridge can be preloaded, the value of the compressive force can be determined in advance and that compressive force will be applied to the stack, and adjustment of the value of the compressive force can be made at the time of preloading the cartridge, i.e., upstream of attachment of the cartridge to the fuel cell.

[0008] According to advantageous but non-essential aspects of the present invention, one or more of the following features may be incorporated individually or in any technically permissible combination.

[0009] Preferably, the retaining system is configured to be defined relative to the base so as to adjust the value of the pressing force applied by the spring, and the retaining position of the leg, at which the retaining system prevents the leg from sliding, can be adjusted from a continuous range of positions of the leg in the compression direction.

[0010] Preferably, the retention system includes a retention member which couples the primary and secondary retention portions together when the cartridge is in a preload configuration.

[0011] Preferably, the retaining member includes a head and a threaded body.

[0012] Preferably, the primary retention portion defines a shoulder.

[0013] Preferably, the secondary retaining portion forms a screw hole parallel to the compression direction, and the primary retaining portion and the secondary retaining portion are coupled to each other when the head abuts the shoulder in the compression direction and the screw body is engaged with the screw hole.

[0014] Preferably, the base forms an external thread, and when the base is received in the receiving opening, the cartridge can be held in a direction opposite to the compression direction by engagement of the external thread with the internal thread formed by the receiving opening.

[0015] Preferably, the spring is a compression spring interposed between the base and the leg in the compression direction.

[0016] The present invention also relates to a dimensional correction system comprising a cartridge as defined above and a support wall separate from the cartridge and forming a receiving opening, the receiving opening being formed to receive the base, and when the base is received in this manner, the legs of the cartridge protrude from the support wall in the compression direction, and the base is accessible from the outer surface of the support wall while facing the legs.

[0017] Preferably, the receiving opening and the base are formed so that the base can be received in the receiving opening by inserting the cartridge into the receiving opening in the compression direction, and the receiving opening, the spring, and the legs are formed so that the spring and the legs can pass through the receiving opening while the base is inserted into the receiving opening in the compression direction.

[0018] Preferably, the receiving opening and the base are configured such that the cartridge can be inserted into the receiving opening in a direction opposite to the compression direction, thereby allowing the base to be received in the receiving opening.

[0019] Preferably, the receiving opening and the base are defined relative to the support wall and are configured so that the support position of the base, at which the base is held when received in the receiving opening, can be adjusted from a continuous range of positions of the base in the compression direction.

[0020] The present invention also relates to a fuel cell including the above-defined dimensional compensation system, wherein the cartridge is in an open configuration and the base is received in the receiving opening so as to be held against the support wall in a direction opposite to the compression direction. The fuel cell also includes an abutment wall, the abutment wall and the support wall being fixedly attached to each other and the abutment wall being disposed in the compression direction relative to the support wall. The fuel cell also includes a stack of electrochemical cells, the stack abutting against the abutment wall in the compression direction and disposed between the support wall and the abutment wall, the spring of the cartridge abutting against the base and applying the pressing force in the compression direction to the stack via the legs, the legs abutting against the stack in the compression direction.

[0021] Preferably, the support wall and the abutment wall belong to a casing of the fuel cell, the stack is received within the casing, and the casing further includes a vertical wall connecting the support wall and the abutment wall.

[0022] The present invention also relates to a use of the cartridge defined above, the use including: applying an initial compression force to the stack in the compression direction using a pressing member separate from the cartridge while the stack is abutting against the abutment wall in the compression direction; inserting the cartridge into the receiving opening while the cartridge is in a preload configuration until the base is received in the receiving opening and is held in the direction opposite to the compression direction; and releasing the cartridge in a configuration in which the base is received in the receiving opening and the legs abut against the stack in the compression direction, such that the spring abutting on the base applies the pressing force in the compression direction to the stack via the legs; and releasing the initial compression force.

[0023] Preferably, if only one cartridge is provided, the initial compression force has a value greater than the value of the pressing force obtained while the cartridge is in a preloaded configuration before the legs abut against the stack. Alternatively, preferably, if other cartridges are provided in addition to the cartridge, the initial compression force has a value greater than the sum of the values ​​of the pressing forces obtained while the cartridges are in a preloaded configuration before the legs abut against the stack.

[0024] Preferably, this use further includes, before the application of the initial compression force, abutting the stack against the abutment wall in the compression direction, and attaching the support wall to the abutment wall, wherein the receiving opening is formed through the support wall, and the attachment of the support wall is performed while the stack is abutting the abutment wall in the compression direction, the abutment wall being positioned relative to the support wall in the compression direction, and the stack being positioned between the support wall and the abutment wall.

[0025] Preferably, the insertion of the cartridge into the receiving opening is carried out while the attachment of the support wall to the abutment wall has already been carried out, and the insertion of the cartridge into the receiving opening is carried out until the legs abut against the stack in the compression direction while the initial compression force is applied.

[0026] Preferably, the attachment of the support wall to the abutment wall is performed while the cartridge is already being inserted into the receiving opening, so that the base is already received in the receiving opening during the attachment of the support wall to the abutment wall.

[0027] Preferably, the insertion of the cartridge into the receiving opening is performed until the base portion is in a retracted position in accordance with the compression direction relative to the support wall.

[0028] Preferably, the use includes displacement of the base in the compression direction relative to the support wall from the retracted position to a docking position, in which the legs abut the stack in the compression direction, and the displacement of the base occurs while the base is received in the receiving opening, while the attachment of the support wall is taking place, while the initial compression force is being applied, and before the release configuration of the cartridge is performed.

[0029] Preferably, this use further comprises preloading the cartridge by combining the primary retaining portion with the secondary retaining portion to provide the desired pressure to hold the stack in compression prior to the insertion of the cartridge.

[0030] The invention will be better understood and other advantages will become more apparent in the light of the following description of illustrative examples in accordance with the principles of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cartridge forming part of a dimensional compensation system according to a first embodiment of the invention, with the cartridge in a preload configuration. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross section of the cartridge of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a longitudinal section of a fuel cell including a plurality of cartridges, particularly the cartridges of FIGS. 1 and 2, with the cartridges in an open configuration. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross section similar to FIG. 3, with a fuel cell in the process of being assembled, according to the first embodiment of the cartridge of the previous figures. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross section similar to FIG. 4 showing a subsequent stage in the manufacture of the first embodiment of the cartridge. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross section similar to FIGS. 4 and 5, showing the dimensional compensation system alone during the manufacturing process of a fuel cell according to the second embodiment of the cartridge of the previous figures, with the cartridge in the retracted position. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a cartridge forming part of a dimensional compensation system according to a second embodiment of the invention, with the cartridge in a preload configuration. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross section of the cartridge of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-section of an assembled fuel cell constituting a dimensional compensation system, comprising a number of cartridges, in particular the cartridges of FIGS. 6 and 7, with the cartridges in the retracted position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] 1 and 2 show a cartridge 1, which includes a base 10, legs 20, a spring 30, and a retention system 40. The cartridge 1 has an orientation of use and defines a compression direction X1, which is fixed relative to the base 10 and directed from the base 10 to the legs 20. A central axis X10, parallel to the compression direction X1, geometrically passes through the cartridge 1.

[0033] Base 10 has proximal end 11, distal end 12, peripheral wall 13, and preferably central duct 14, shown in FIG. 2, which are fixed relative to one another. Axis X10 passes through ends 11 and 12, with end 12 lying in direction X1 relative to end 11. Wall 13 surrounds axis X10 and connects ends 11 and 12. Wall 13 is preferably cylindrical with a circular bottom centered on axis X10. If provided, central duct 14 advantageously passes through the base from end 11 to end 12, centered on axis X10.

[0034] Preferably, base 10 includes a manipulation head 16 formed at proximal end 11. Manipulation head 16 is intended to be manipulated by a person, preferably with a tool, or by a machine to rotate base 10 about axis X10. For example, as shown, manipulation head 16 is formed with a hexagonal end about axis X10 and is adapted to be manipulated with a hex wrench.

[0035] Preferably, the peripheral wall 13 is externally threaded 17, for example from the head 16 to the end 12. The external thread 17 is centered on an axis X10, i.e. points in the direction X1.

[0036] The leg 20 is slidable relative to the base 10 and is guided by the base 10 to slide in the direction X1.

[0037] For this purpose, for example, the leg 20 comprises a sliding foot 21 which is received so as to slide in the sliding duct 18 formed by the central duct 14. The sliding foot 21 and the sliding duct 18 are here arranged around the axis X10. The sliding duct 18 is formed by a part of the central duct 14 which opens at the end 12. The sliding foot 21 enters the duct 18 from the end 12.

[0038] The legs 20 are designed to abut in the direction X1 against a surface to be pressed that is perpendicular to the direction X1.

[0039] For this purpose, for example, the leg 20 includes a contact pad 22. The contact pad 22 is fixed relative to the sliding leg 21 and is formed in the direction X1 relative to the sliding leg 21. Whatever the position of the leg 20 slidably relative to the base 10, the contact pad 22 is disposed in the direction X1 relative to the distal end 12 of the base 10 and forms the distal end of the cartridge 1. The contact pad 22 forms, for example, a disk-shaped axial surface that abuts in the direction X1 and faces in the direction X1. Preferably, the contact pad 22 is substantially disk-shaped. Preferably, the contact pad 22 has an outer diameter that is equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the peripheral wall 13, so that the cartridge 1 can be inserted in the direction X1 during the manufacture of the stack 50, as will be described below. Preferably, and more generally, the leg 20 has a radial dimension about the axis X10 that is smaller than that of the base 10.

[0040] The spring 30 abuts the base 10, and the elastic force of the spring 30 exerts a compressive force F30 on the leg 20 in the direction X1. Preferably, the spring 30 is a spring that acts in a compressed state in the direction X1. Here, the spring 30 is a coil spring centered on an axis X10. The spring 30, whether helical or not, is preferably configured such that the value of the compressive force F30 generated by the spring depends on the elongation of the spring 30 measured along the axis X1, and the value of the compressive force F30 can be adjusted by adjusting the elongation. "Elongation" refers to the change in length of the spring 30 measured from one end to the other end of the spring 30 parallel to the direction X1. In the case of a compression spring, the force F30 increases as the length of the compression spring decreases. Thus, the force F30 increases for negative elongation values.

[0041] For example, it is provided that spring 30 is interposed parallel to direction X1 between distal end 12 of the base and abutment pad 22 to exert force F30 on leg 20 in abutment against base 10. End 12 and pad 22 form opposing abutment walls, each receiving a respective end of spring 30. Spring 30 is arranged, for example, around leg 21.

[0042] In the radial direction relative to the axis X10, the spring 30 advantageously has a radial dimension that is smaller than the radial dimension of the base 10, in particular the wall 13, and in this example also smaller than that of the abutment pad 22. In other words, in the radial direction, the spring 30 and the leg 20 do not protrude from the base 10.

[0043] As described below, cartridge 1 is configured by retention system 40 to switch or move between a preloaded configuration shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5 and a released configuration shown in Figure 3.

[0044] In other words, the cartridge 1 that is the subject of the present invention consists of two configurations, each configuration being defined by design. In the first configuration, called the "pre-loaded configuration," the cartridge 1 is configured to be safely handled outside the fuel cell, in particular by the retention system 40 that keeps the springs 30, 130 compressed, as will be described in more detail below. This pre-loaded configuration is stable. In the second configuration, called the "released configuration," the cartridge 1 is configured to apply a preferably predetermined pressure to the stack of electrochemical cells of the fuel cell, in particular by the force developed by the released springs 30, 130, as will be described in more detail below. This released configuration is stable when the cartridge 1 is installed in the fuel cell.

[0045] Preferably, the duct 14 forms an axial shoulder 41 at the end 11 or between the end 11 and the sliding duct 18, facing away from the direction X1. The shoulder is centred on the axis X10. The shoulder 41 is formed, for example, on an inner neck belonging to the duct 14. The axial shoulder 41 forms a primary retaining part that belongs to the retaining system 40 and is integrated with the base 10.

[0046] Preferably, a threaded hole 42 is provided in the leg 21, the center of which is on the axis X10 and which opens from the leg 21 towards the base 10. In this example, the threaded hole 42 passes through the leg 20 from side to side. The threaded hole 42 is parallel to the direction X1. The threaded hole 42 is arranged on the axis of the shoulder 41. The threaded hole belongs to the retention system 40 and forms a secondary retention part integrated with the leg 20.

[0047] Preferably, the retention system 40 further comprises a screw 43 with a head 44 and a threaded body 45. The screw 43 advantageously constitutes a retention member belonging to the retention system 40 and interacting with the primary and secondary retention parts.

[0048] In the preload configuration, as shown in Figures 2, 3, and 5, the screw 43 is received in the central duct 14 and the threaded hole 42. The screw 43 ensures the interconnection of the primary and secondary retaining parts, with the screw 43 abutting the shoulder 41 in the direction X1 through the head 44, and the threaded body 45 being threaded into the threaded hole 42 by means of a screw-nut connection. The screw-nut connection is preferably non-reversible, i.e., the force exerted by the spring does not result in relative rotation between the screw 43 and the leg 20. In the preload configuration, the threaded body 45 is oriented in the compression direction X1, while the head 44 is oriented in the opposite direction, and the screw is advantageously coaxial with the axis X10. Due to this interconnection of the primary and secondary retention parts via the retention member, retention system 40 prevents leg 20 from sliding in direction X1 relative to base 10, even though the spring is abutting base 10 and exerting a compressive force F30 on leg 20. In this case, threaded body 45 is threadedly engaged with threaded hole 42, thereby integrating screw 43 with the leg, and at the same time, force F30 transmitted to screw 43 via leg 20 keeps head 44 abutting shoulder 41 of the base in compression direction X1. Thus, the preload configuration keeps spring 30 in a loaded state, and spring 30 continues to exert force F30.

[0049] The retention system 40 of this example allows the position of the leg 20 relative to the base 10 in the compression direction X1, referred to as the "retention position," to be adjusted, so that the retention system 40 prevents the leg 20 from sliding. Indeed, by screwing or unscrewing the screw 43 into the threaded hole 42, the retention position at which the screw 43 holds the leg 20 is changed. By screwing, the leg 20 moves closer to the base 10, and by unscrewing, the leg 20 moves away from the base 10. Thus, the retention position at which the retention system 40 holds the leg 20 can be selected from a continuous range of positions of the leg 20 in the direction X1. In this example, this continuous range corresponds to the threading stroke of the screw 43 in the threaded hole 42 parallel to the direction X1.

[0050] By adjusting the holding position of the leg 20 in this way, the value of the pressing force F30 can be adjusted, with each holding position corresponding to a different extension value of the spring 30. In the preload configuration, the value of the force F30 that the spring 30 applies to the leg can be selected by adjusting the holding system 40.

[0051] To place cartridge 1 in the released configuration, the primary holder is decoupled from the secondary holder, preferably by removing the retaining member. In this example, screw 43 is removed, in particular by unscrewing threaded body 45 from threaded hole 42. FIG. 3 shows cartridge 1 in the released configuration without screw 43. In the released configuration, legs 20 are no longer held by retention system 40 and can therefore slide relative to base 10, in particular under force F30. When base 10 is held in the direction opposite direction X1, legs 20 can transmit pressure force F30 to a surface abutting in compression direction X1.

[0052] Preferably, one end of the screw 43 located at the head 44 has a notch 46, for example a concave hexagonal notch, allowing the screw 43 to be rotated about the axis X10 by a person using a tool or by a machine.

[0053] Figure 3 shows a fuel cell 50 fitted with the cartridge 1 of Figures 1 and 2. The fuel cell 50 also includes another cartridge 1' that is identical to the cartridge 1. The fuel cell 50 can be defined as comprising a single cartridge 1 or multiple cartridges 1.

[0054] The fuel cell 50 comprises a stack 51 of electrochemical cells 52, not shown separately for simplicity's sake, and a casing 60. The cartridge 1 serves to maintain the stack 51 in compression in the compression direction X1 during the life of the cell.

[0055] The stack 51 includes, for example, 200 to 500 cells 52. Each electrochemical cell 52 comprises, for example, an anode and a cathode separated by a polymer membrane that allows the passage of protons from the anode to the cathode. During use of the cells 50, each anode of the stack 51 is supplied with a fuel, for example, hydrogen, and each cathode of the stack 51 is supplied with an oxidant, for example, oxygen or air.

[0056] To form the stack 51, the electrochemical cells 52 are stacked, i.e., overlapped, along a stacking direction that is parallel to the compression direction X1 here when the cartridge 1 is assembled into the cell 50. Preferably, when the cell 50 is in operation, for example in a vehicle, the stacking direction and the compression direction X1 are substantially horizontal.

[0057] The casing 60 surrounds and protects the stack 51. The casing 60 includes a horizontal wall 61 called a "support wall," a vertical wall 62, and a horizontal wall 63 called an "abutment wall." Here, the walls 61 and 63 are perpendicular to the direction X1, and the vertical wall 62 is parallel to the direction X1. The vertical wall 62 is a peripheral wall surrounding the stack 51, connecting the walls 61 and 63 to each other and attached to their respective peripheries. The stack 51 is also disposed between the preferably substantially flat walls 61 and 63, and the wall 63 is disposed in the direction X1 relative to the wall 61. Overall, the walls 61, 62, and 63 are arranged so that the casing 60 has a substantially parallelepiped shape.

[0058] In this example, support wall 61 and abutment wall 63 are removable from vertical wall 62. In a variant, support wall 61 is permanently fixed to or integral with vertical wall 62, whereby walls 61 and 62 form a subassembly that is attached to wall 63, and wall 63 can be defined as being removable from this subassembly. In another variant, walls 62 and 63 can be permanently fixed to or integral with vertical wall 62, and wall 61 can be defined as being removably attached to this subassembly. In any situation, it is advantageous to define wall 61 as being removable from wall 63. For example, wall 61 may be removable from wall 62, or wall 62 may be removable from wall 63, or both, as in this example.

[0059] The abutment wall 63 here functions as a fixed terminal plate for the stack 51, which abuts against the abutment wall 63 in the direction X1 without any intervening elastic dimensional compensation elements. However, it may be provided that the stack 51 includes a separate fixed terminal plate by means of which the stack 51 abuts against the abutment wall 63. Preferably, the abutment wall 63 includes openings through which connectors (not shown) can be passed, which are intended to be connected to fluid circulation ducts, by means of which fuel, oxidant and possible cooling fluid can be supplied to the stack 51 and any reaction products can be removed.

[0060] The support wall 61 supports each cartridge 1 via its respective base 10. In particular, for each cartridge 1 to be mounted, the support wall 61 provides a respective receiving opening 64 passing through the support wall 61 from side to side parallel to the compression direction X1. The base 10 of each cartridge 1 is received in one of these openings 64. If multiple cartridges are provided, said cartridges are distributed over the surface area of ​​the support wall 61.

[0061] Preferably, when the base 10 is received in the opening 64, its proximal end 11 is accessible from an outer surface 66 of the support wall 61. The outer surface 66 is advantageously exposed to the outside of the casing 60, opposite the stack 51, and the legs 20 protrude from the wall 61 in the direction X1. The support wall 61 also includes an inner surface 69, opposite the outer surface 66, that is exposed to the inside of the casing 60 facing the stack 51. The outer surface 66 faces in the direction opposite to the direction X1, and the inner surface 69 faces in the direction X1.

[0062] Preferably, each opening 64 has an internal female thread 65. When the base 10 is received in the corresponding opening 64, the external thread 17 of the base 10 threadably engages with the internal thread 65 of the opening 64. In other words, a screw / nut connection is established between the base 10 and the opening 64 via the thread 17 and the thread 65. As a result, when the base 10 is received in the receiving opening 64, the cartridge 1 is held by the support wall 61 at least in the direction opposite to direction X1, here also in direction X1. The screw / nut connection between the base 10 and the opening 64 is preferably non-reversible, in the sense that the force exerted by the spring 30 on the base 10 does not result in relative rotation between the base 10 and the opening 64.

[0063] When screwed together, the screws 17 and 65 allow the support position of the base 10 defined relative to the support wall 61 to be adjusted in the direction X1 in which the base 10 is held by the wall 61. The adjustment of the support position can be effected within a continuous range of positions of the base 10 in the compression direction X1, which range of positions here corresponds to the threading stroke of the screw 17 in the screw 65. In other words, by screwing the base 10 into and out of the opening 64, the support position of the base 10 relative to the wall 61 is adjusted parallel to the direction X1.

[0064] The operating head 16 can advantageously be used from outside the casing 60, in particular from the outer surface 66, to rotate the base about the axis X10 and to screw and / or unscrew it to adjust the support position of the base 10.

[0065] At one end of the stack 51, opposite the abutment wall 63, the stack 51 advantageously comprises a movable terminal plate 53, also called a "spring plate." When the base 10 is received in the opening 64 and the cartridge 1 is in the released configuration, the legs 20 of the cartridge 1 abut against the movable terminal plate 53. Thus, a respective pressing force F30 of each cartridge 1 is exerted on the stack 51 in the direction X1 via the respective legs 20.

[0066] During use of the cell 50, the stack 51 is likely to expand and contract parallel to the direction X1, but the legs 20 are held against the stack in the direction X1 under the action of the springs 30, sliding relative to the base 10 as needed to accommodate this expansion and contraction. The base 10 is held and fixed by the receiving opening 64 into which the base 10 is received. The support wall 61 carrying the opening 64 is itself fixedly attached via a vertical wall 62 to an opposing abutment wall 63. When the stack 51 abuts against the wall 63 in the direction X1, the stack 51 is compressed between the legs 20 and the abutment wall 63 and is subjected to a pressing force F30 exerted by the compressed springs 30 of each cartridge 1.

[0067] The support wall 61 and the cartridge(s) 1 here constitute a dimensional compensation system integrated into the fuel cell 50 .

[0068] Within the stack 51, other elements may be interposed between the plates 53 and the walls 63, such as current collector plates and / or insulating plates.

[0069] To accommodate the base 10 in the opening 64 while the legs 20 protrude beyond the opening 64 and abut against the stack 51, the cartridge 1 and the opening 64 are preferably configured so that the cartridge 1 can be inserted into the opening 64 in the direction X1, i.e., from the outer surface 66 of the support wall 61. This insertion is also possible even if the support wall 61 is already secured to the abutment wall 63, particularly via the wall 62. This insertion of the cartridge 1 is advantageously provided for while the cartridge 1 is in the preloaded configuration, so that the base 10, legs 20, spring 30, and retention system 40 form a unitary assembly, thus facilitating handling. The cartridge 1 is then inserted into the opening 64, but first the legs 20, until the base 10 is received in the opening 64 and is held in place by the threaded engagement of the screws 17 and 65 in the direction opposite to the direction X1. This advantageously allows the cartridge 1 to be installed when the casing 60 is already assembled or partially assembled, the interior of the casing 60 being difficult to access and / or already receiving the stack 51.

[0070] The insertion of cartridge 1 into opening 64 in direction X1 is made possible by the shape of cartridge 1, in particular the fact that legs 20 and spring 30 have a smaller radial bottom surface about axis X10 than that of base 10. In particular, legs 20 are defined as being sufficiently thin so that they pass through opening 64 from outer surface 66 and protrude beyond support wall 61 inside casing 60 when cartridge 1 is inserted through opening 64 in direction X1. In particular, spring 30 is defined as being sufficiently thin so that it passes through opening 64 during insertion of cartridge 1 through opening 64 in direction X1. It is also defined that distal end 12 of base 10 can enter opening 64 by being inserted in direction X1, i.e., from outer surface 66.

[0071] Preferably, when the base 10 is received in the opening 64, it is provided that the cartridge 1 can be in the released configuration if it was in the preloaded configuration, and / or vice versa, from the outer surface 66. For this purpose, it is provided, for example, that when the cartridge 1 is in the preloaded configuration and received in the opening 64, the head 44 of the screw 43, particularly the notch 46, is accessible from the proximal end 11 of the base 10, and thus from the outer surface 66. The screw 43 can therefore be operated from outside the casing 60. In particular, it is possible to remove the screw 43 through the opening of the duct 14 at the end 11, thereby placing the cartridge 1 in the released configuration. Conversely, when the cartridge 1 is in the released configuration, the screw 43 can be inserted into the duct 14 through the opening of the duct 14 at the end 11, and then rotated from the end 11 to thread the threaded body 45 into the threaded hole 42, thus achieving the preloaded configuration, for example, in terms of opening the casing 60 of the cell. This makes maintenance of the fuel cell 50 easier.

[0072] Preferably, it is provided that operation of screw 43 functions only to switch cartridge 1 between the preloaded and released configurations, or alternatively, it is provided that operation of screw 43 adjusts the value of force F30 when cartridge 1 is in the preloaded configuration.

[0073] A first embodiment of the compensation system, and in particular the cartridge 1, is described below. This application can also be seen as a method for manufacturing a fuel cell 50, or a method for setting and maintaining compression in a stack 51.

[0074] Preferably, before inserting the cartridge 1 into the opening 64, it is provided that the cartridge 1 is prepared on the one hand, and the stack 51 and the casing 60 are prepared on the other hand.

[0075] 4, to prepare the stack 51 and the casing 60, the stack 51 is abutted against the abutment wall 63 in the compression direction X1. For this purpose, for example, the abutment wall 63 is arranged horizontally, the cells 52 are stacked, and then the movable terminal plate 53 is stacked.

[0076] 4 , the support wall 61 is also attached to the abutment wall 63, preferably after supporting the stack 51 against the wall 63. In this attachment process, the vertical wall 62 is first attached to the abutment wall 63 using, for example, screws. Thereafter, the wall 61 is attached to the wall 62 using, for example, screws. The abutment wall 63 is then disposed at a predetermined position in the compression direction X1 relative to the support wall 61, and is fixedly attached to the support wall 61 via the wall 62. The stack 51 is housed in the casing 60 between the wall 61 and the wall 63, spaced apart from the wall 61 and surrounded by the wall 62.

[0077] The cartridge 1 is prepared separately from the preparation of the casing 60. This step may occur in parallel with the preparation of the casing 60. In either case, the preparation of the cartridge 1 occurs prior to insertion into the opening 64. To prepare the cartridge 1, once the base 10, legs 20, springs 30, and system 40 are provided or manufactured, they are assembled. This involves positioning the springs 30 so that they abut the base 10 in a direction opposite to the compression direction X1 and abut the legs 20 in the direction X1. At this stage, the cartridge 1 is in the released configuration, and the legs 20 can slide freely relative to the base 10, but are still subject to the compressive force F30 of the springs 30.

[0078] While holding the base 10 in the direction opposite to direction X1, a force is then applied to the leg 20 in the direction opposite to direction X1, for example using a press, causing the leg 20 to slide toward the base 10, thereby stressing the spring 30, i.e., in this case, putting it into compression. The value of the force applied to the leg 20 at this moment is preferably calibrated to correspond to the value of the pressing force F30 that the cartridge 1 is desired to subsequently apply to the stack 51 when the cartridge 1 is received in the opening 64 and in the released configuration. Once the desired force is reached, the cartridge 1 is in the preload configuration, the sliding of the leg 20 relative to the base 10 is prevented, and the value of the pressing force F30 is fixed at the value of the force applied to the leg 20 in the opposite direction. For example, if there is only one cartridge 1, the value of the pressing force F30 in the cartridge 1 in the preload configuration is specified to be comprised between 2 kilonewtons and 3 kilonewtons. If there are multiple cartridges, it is advantageous to divide this pressure value by the number of cartridges used in order to maintain compression of the stack 51 .

[0079] In particular, to set the cartridge 1 in a preload configuration, the screw 43 is inserted into the duct 14 until the threaded body 45 reaches the threaded hole 42. The screw 43 is then threaded by manipulating the notch 46. This operation engages the threaded body 45 with the threaded hole 42 until the head 44 abuts the shoulder 41 in the direction X1. The screw 43 prevents the leg 20 from sliding relative to the base 10 in the direction X1, and the base 10, the leg 20, and the retention system 40 maintain the spring 30 preloaded with the desired value of the pressing force F30. The ability to adjust the pressing force F30 before attaching the spring 30 to the cell 50 facilitates and improves the accuracy of the adjustment.

[0080] If, as in this example, it is planned to mount another cartridge 1' in the cell, that cartridge is prepared in the same way as cartridge 1 in order to set the respective pressing force F30 to the desired value.

[0081] Once the cartridge 1, casing 60, and other cartridges 1' are ready, an initial compression force F70 is applied to the stack 51 using a press 70, or other pressing member different from the cartridges 1 themselves, as shown in FIG. 4. For this purpose, for example, the support wall 61 is provided with secondary openings 67 passing through said wall parallel to the direction X1. These openings 67 are shown in FIG. 3 and are separate from the openings 64. The press 70 advantageously includes one or more compression members 71 which pass through the openings 67 and apply a force F70 to the stack 51 through the wall 61.

[0082] When only one cartridge 1 is installed in the cell 50, the value of the initial compressive force F70 is advantageously defined to be slightly greater than the value of the force F30 contained in the cartridge 1 in the preload configuration. When other cartridges 1' are installed in the cell 50 in addition to the cartridge 1, the value of the initial compressive force F70 is advantageously defined to be slightly greater than the sum of the values ​​of all the cumulative forces F30 contained in the cartridges 1 and 1' in the preload configuration.

[0083] While maintaining the initial compressive force F70 of the stack 51, the cartridge 1 is inserted into the corresponding receiving opening 64. During insertion, the cartridge 1 is in a preloaded configuration. During insertion, the cartridge 1 is inserted from the outside of the casing 60, or at least from the side of the outer surface 66. During insertion, the cartridge 1 moves in the compression direction X1. First, the legs 20 pass through the openings 64, followed by the springs 30. After passing through the openings 64, the legs 20 and then the springs 30 are inside the casing 60, while the base 10, at least for its proximal end 11, is still on the side of the outer surface 66, preferably on the outside. The insertion begins with the movement of the cartridge 1 and continues advantageously by screwing the base 10 into the opening 64 and threading the screws 17 and 65 together. To perform the screwing, the base is preferably manipulated using an operating head 16 accessible from the outside of the casing 60, in particular from the face 66.

[0084] The insertion, which here includes screwing, is carried out until the leg 20 abuts against the stack 51 in the compression direction X1, in particular against the plate 53. When the leg 20 thus abuts against the stack 51, the base 10 is advantageously in a position referred to as the "docking position" in the direction X1 relative to the wall 61. When the leg 20 reaches the stack 51, the base 10 is received in the receiving opening 64 and is held by the opening 64, here by the engagement of the screw 17 with the screw 65, in the direction opposite to the compression direction X1 relative to the support wall 61. During these steps, the cartridge 1 is still in the preload configuration and the initial compression force F70 is maintained.

[0085] When other cartridges 1' are to be attached, they are attached to the respective openings 64 in the same manner as the cartridge 1.

[0086] Once cartridge 1, as well as other cartridges 1′, are mounted with base 10 received and held in opening 64 as described above and legs 20 supported relative to stack 51, cartridge 1, or, where appropriate, each cartridge 1 and 1′, is in the released configuration. To this end, in this example, screws 43 are unscrewed to release leg 20 movement relative to base 10. Retention system 40 is then no longer subjected to force F30, and spring 30 applies force F30 to stack 51 via legs 20 supported on support wall 61 via base 10. When cartridge 1 is in the released configuration, the force F30 generated thereby is added to the initial compressive force F70 applied by press 70 in terms of being subjected to force F70. If multiple cartridges are provided, the force F30 of these cartridges is added to force F70 in terms of being subjected to force F70 collectively. Force F70 can be released once cartridge 1, or, where appropriate, all cartridges 1, are in the released configuration. This results in the situation shown in Figure 3. Then, for cartridge 1, or for each cartridge 1 and 1', the same force F30 as that calibrated when the cartridges were in the preload configuration is applied to stack 51 at the same value or a value very close to it. In this way, the desired compressive force value for stack 51 is applied in a particularly simple, reliable, accurate and safe manner.

[0087] Preferably, throughout the service life of the cell 50, except for maintenance operations, the cartridge or cartridges are maintained in the released configuration, so that the compression of the stack 51 is maintained at the value of the force F30, or, if appropriate, the value of the sum of the forces F30.

[0088] In a variant, the spring 30 of the cartridge 1 can be provided with a type of spring other than a coil spring, for example a spring washer, also known as a Belleville washer.

[0089] In a variant, it is provided that the spring 30 can be designed so that the value of the pressing force F30 of the spring 30 does not change or changes very little over the range of extension values ​​of the spring 30, regardless of whether the spring 30 has a spring washer or not, said range having a certain range centered on the extension value obtained when the cartridge 1 is in the preloaded configuration. This is particularly achieved by a spring with a spring washer. When the cartridge 1 is installed in the cell 50 and in the released configuration, it is advantageously provided that the spring 30 is in this range of extension values, so that the value of the pressing force F30 does not change or changes very little even if the dimensions of the stack 51 change.

[0090] A second embodiment of the compensation system, and in particular of the cartridge 1, is described below. As mentioned above, it is preferably provided for to prepare the cartridge 1 on the one hand and the stack 51 and the casing 60 on the other hand before inserting the cartridge 1 into the opening 64.

[0091] The cartridge 1 is prepared in a similar manner as described above, so that the cartridge 1 is in a preloaded configuration before being inserted into the opening 64 in the wall 61. The value of the force applied to the legs 20 at this moment is preferably calibrated to correspond to the value of the pressing force F30 that the cartridge 1 is desired to subsequently apply to the stack 51 when the cartridge 1 is received in the opening 64 and in the released configuration within the cell 50.

[0092] Separately, as described above, to prepare the stack 51 and the casing 60, the stack 51 is abutted against the abutment wall 63 in the compression direction X1. For this purpose, for example, the abutment wall 63 is arranged horizontally, the cells 52 are stacked, and then the movable terminal plate 53 is stacked.

[0093] 6, unlike the previous embodiment, the cartridge 1 is inserted into the receiving opening 64 of the support wall 61 before the support wall 61 is attached to the wall 63. For this purpose, while the cartridge 1 is in a preloaded configuration and the wall 61 is not yet attached to the rest of the casing 60, the cartridge 1 is inserted into the opening 64 until the base 10 is located in a specific support position, referred to as the "retracted position", in the direction X1 relative to the wall 61. The base 10 received in the retracted position in the opening 64 is thereby held in the direction opposite to the direction X1 by the threaded engagement of the screw 17 and the screw 65. According to this second embodiment, the dimensional compensation system including the wall 61 and the cartridge 1 is therefore pre-assembled before being incorporated into the cell 50.

[0094] According to this second embodiment, it is possible to choose to insert the cartridge 1 from the outer surface 66 of the wall 61 in the direction X1, as described above. Alternatively, since the wall 61 is not yet attached, it is possible to choose to insert the cartridge 1 from the inner surface 69 of the wall 61 in the direction opposite to the direction X1. This second embodiment advantageously allows the cartridge 1 to be inserted from either the outer surface 66 or the inner surface 69, as long as the base 10 and the opening 64 have a shape that allows the cartridge 1 to be inserted into the opening 64 from the inner surface 69 opposite to the direction X1. This second embodiment also allows the insertion of the cartridge 1 into the opening 64 to be carried out independently, in particular before or in parallel with the assembly of the rest of the cell 50, in particular the stack 51 and the rest of the casing 60.

[0095] If there are several cartridges 1 to be mounted, it is advantageously provided that all cartridges 1 are inserted into their respective openings 64 before the wall 61 is attached.

[0096] When the or each cartridge 1 is received in a corresponding opening 64 in support wall 61 in the retracted position, as shown in Figure 6, support wall 61 is attached to abutment wall 63, while cartridge 1 is supported in the retracted position by wall 61 through opening 64, in the preloaded configuration. With cartridge 1 in the retracted position, legs 20 do not abut stack 51, but wall 61 is attached to wall 63, here via wall 62. In other words, with wall 61 attached, cartridge 1 in the preloaded configuration, and base 10 in the retracted position, legs 20 are spaced apart from stack 51 in direction X1. In other words, the retracted position is a standby position in which, when the base 10 is in the retracted position and the cartridge 1 is in the preload configuration, with the support wall 61 attached, a first distance measured along the direction X1 between the inner surface 69 and the pad 22 is shorter than a second distance measured along the direction X1 between the inner surface 69 and the stack 51.

[0097] Preferably, the installation of the wall 61 in the retracted position with the cartridge 1 carried thereon occurs before the initial compressive force F70 is applied to the stack 51. This may facilitate the design of a pressing member that will subsequently apply the force F70.

[0098] The initial compressive force F70 is applied to the stack 51 using a pressing member separate from the cartridge 1.

[0099] While the initial compressive force F70 is applied, the base 10 is manipulated to move in the direction X1 within the opening 64 relative to the wall 61 from the retracted position to a support position, referred to as the "docking position," where the legs 20 abut the stack in the direction X1. This can be done by threading the base 10 into the opening 64 with the screws 17 and 65 engaged, thereby allowing the support position of the base relative to the support wall 61 to be continuously adjusted along the direction X1. In this state, the base 10 is held in the docking position by the opening 64 in the direction X1, while the legs 20 abut the stack 51 in the direction X1, with the cartridge 1 still in the preload configuration.

[0100] If there are other cartridges 1', all are similarly moved to the docking position with their legs 20 supported against the stack 51.

[0101] Once the cartridge 1, as well as, if appropriate, any other cartridges 1', have been placed in the docking position, the or each cartridge 1 is switched to the release configuration. As described above, for this purpose, the screws 43 are unscrewed to release the movement of the legs 20 relative to the base 10. As described above, the initial compression force F70 is finally released. In a variant, the or each cartridge 1 is switched to the release configuration after the initial compression force F70 has been released.

[0102] In a variant, for this second embodiment, it is provided that the fixing of the support wall 61 to the abutment wall 63 with the cartridge 1 carried by the support wall 61 in the retracted position is performed while the initial compression force F70 is already applied to the stack 51. This makes it possible to reduce the stroke made by the base 10 between the retracted position and the docked position.

[0103] In a variant, whatever the intended use, it may be provided that for the spring 30 of the cartridge 1, a different type of spring than a coil spring is used, including, for example, a spring washer.

[0104] Alternatively, the spring 30, whether with a spring washer or of another type, can be designed so that the value of the pressing force F30 of the spring 30 does not change or changes very little over the range of extension values ​​of the spring 30, the range being a certain range centered around the extension value obtained when the cartridge 1 is in the preloaded configuration. This is particularly achieved by springs with spring washers. Springs with spring washers typically have a more linear operating range than coil springs. For example, when the cartridge 1 is installed in the cell 50 and in the released configuration, it can be advantageously specified that the value of the pressing force F30 does not change or changes very little, even if the dimensions of the stack 51 change, because the spring 30 is in the range of extension values.

[0105] 7-9 show a cartridge 101 according to a second embodiment connected to a fuel cell 150, which is identical to cell 50, except that cartridge 1 has been replaced with cartridge 101. Cartridge 101 is identical to cartridge 1, except for differences that will be described below. In FIGS. 1-9, the same reference numerals are used to indicate features or functionality that are common to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-6 and 7-9. In FIGS. 7-9, reference numerals increased by 100 are used to indicate different features that retain similar functionality and / or replace features of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-6.

[0106] 7 and 8, the cartridge 101 includes a base 110 in place of the base 10, legs 120 in place of the legs 20, springs 130 in place of the springs 30, and a retention system 40. The direction of use of the cartridge 101 defines a compression direction X1, which is fixed relative to the base 110 and directed from the base 110 to the legs 120. A central axis X10 parallel to the compression direction X1 geometrically passes through the cartridge 101.

[0107] Like cartridge 1, cartridge 101 is configured to be switched by retention system 40 between a preloaded configuration and a released configuration, as shown in FIGS.

[0108] The base 110 is identical to the base 10, except for the differences described below. Specifically, the base 110 has a proximal end 11 identical to that of the base 10, a distal end 12 identical to that of the cartridge 1, a peripheral wall 13 identical to that of the base 10, and preferably a central duct 14, shown in FIG. 8, identical to that of the cartridge 1. These elements are fixed to one another. An axis X10 passes through the ends 11 and 12, with the end 12 lying in a direction X1 relative to the end 11. The wall 13 surrounds the axis X10 and connects the ends 11 and 12. The central duct 14, if provided, advantageously passes through the base from the end 11 to the end 12, centered on the axis X10.

[0109] Preferably, the base 110 includes an operating head 16 identical to that of the cartridge 1, and the peripheral wall 13 is provided with an external thread 17 identical to that of the cartridge 1. The legs 120 slide relative to the base 110 and are guided by the base 110 in the direction X1. For this purpose, similar to the cartridge 1, the legs 120 include sliding feet 21 received so as to slide in sliding ducts 18 formed by the central duct 14, for example. Similar to the cartridge 1, the legs 120 of the cartridge 101 are designed to abut in the direction X1 against a pressure surface perpendicular to the direction X1 via abutment pads 22 identical to those of the cartridge 1. As mentioned above, the pressure surface is the surface of the stack 51.

[0110] Leg 120 differs from leg 20 in that it includes an optional sleeve 129 that extends from the outer periphery of pad 22 in a direction opposite to direction X1. Sleeve 129 is cylindrical and preferably has a circular base centered on axis X10.

[0111] Preferably, the contact pad 22 of the cartridge 101 is substantially disk-shaped, similar to the cartridge 1.

[0112] While cartridge 1 terminates at end 12 with base 10, cartridge 101's base 110 further includes a skirt 119 that extends base 110 from end 12. Skirt 119 forms an outer flange 181 and, optionally, a sleeve 182.

[0113] The outer flange 181 extends radially outward from the peripheral wall 13 relative to the axis X10 and is formed along the axis X10 at the height of the upper end 12. The outer flange 181 preferably extends around the entire circumference of the base 110.

[0114] The outer flange 181 forms a shoulder facing away from the direction X1. As shown in FIG. 9 , during manufacture of the cell 150, when the base 110 is received in the opening 64 in the retracted position, the base 110 can abut against the support wall 61 in the direction opposite to the direction X1 via the flange 181. Specifically, the flange 181 is planned to rest on the inner surface 69 of the wall 61 when the base 110 is in the retracted position. The flange 181 prevents the cartridge 101 from passing completely through the opening 64 when inserted in the direction opposite to the direction X1.

[0115] The presence of the outer flange 181, which extends radially outward relative to the peripheral wall 13 and is radially larger than the opening 64, advantageously prevents insertion of the cartridge 101 into the opening 64 in the direction X1, allowing only insertion opposite to the direction X1 from the inner surface 69. When the base 110 is received in the opening 64 in the docking position, the outer flange 181 is spaced apart from the wall 61, and in particular from the inner surface 69, in the direction X1.

[0116] If provided, the sleeve 182 extends from the outer periphery of the flange 181 in the direction X1. The sleeve 182 is cylindrical and advantageously has a circular bottom centered on the axis X10. The sleeve 182 surrounds the leg 120 and the spring 130 from the radially outer side. The sleeve 182 also surrounds the sleeve 129. It can be provided that the sleeve 182 contributes to guiding the sliding movement of the leg 120 in the direction X1, since the sleeve 182 receives the sleeve 129 and guides its sliding movement in the direction X1. This improves the guidance of the sliding movement of the leg 120. It can be provided that the sleeve 129 and the sleeve 182 surrounding the spring 130 have a protective function for the spring 130, especially when the cartridge 101 is in the preload configuration.

[0117] Unlike cartridge 1, cartridge 101 is provided to be inserted into opening 64 only from the direction opposite to direction X1, and therefore it can be provided that the outer diameter and / or radial dimension of abutment pad 22 and sleeve 129 of cartridge 101 is equal to or greater than the outer diameter and / or radial dimension of peripheral wall 13. In fact, during insertion of cartridge 101, legs 120 do not have to pass through opening 64, but legs 120, or at least pad 22 and sleeve 129, remain on inner surface 69.

[0118] Spring 130 performs the same function as spring 30, except that instead of being composed of a coil spring, spring 130 is composed of a stack of spring washers, e.g., Belleville washers, centered on axis X10. Spring 130 abuts base 110 so that the spring's elastic force exerts a biasing force F30 on leg 120 in direction X1. Preferably, spring 130 is a spring that acts in compression in direction X1. Spring 130, which is composed of spring washers, is configured so that the biasing force F30 remains constant or barely changes over a range of extension values ​​of spring 130. Preferably, when cartridge 101 is in the preloaded configuration and when cartridge 101 is in the released configuration installed in cell 150, the extension value of spring 130 is in a range in which force F30 is barely dependent on or affected by variations in extension value. This linear operating range is easier to achieve with Belleville washer-type spring 130 than with coil spring 30.

[0119] For example, it is preferable to use spring washers each having a ratio R between 1.3 and 1.5, preferably approximately equal to 1.4, where R is calculated as follows: Ratio R = [washer height - washer thickness] / washer thickness "Washer height" refers to the measurement from one end of the spring washer to the other along axis X10 when the spring washer is in its undeformed state.

[0120] "Washer Thickness" refers to the thickness of the washer's material measured along axis X10.

[0121] Additionally, the spring 130 made of a spring washer has the advantage that the force F30 is highly reproducible, especially compared to a coil spring.

[0122] It is provided that spring 130 is interposed parallel to direction X1 between distal end 12 of base 110 and abutment pad 22 of leg 120 in order to exert force F30 on leg 120 in abutment against base 110. As mentioned above, end 12 and pad 22 form opposing abutment walls, each receiving a respective end of spring 130. Spring 130 is, for example, arranged around sliding leg 21 of leg 120.

[0123] In a variant, the spring 130 can be replaced by the coil spring 30 described above.

[0124] Like the spring 30, the spring 130 is defined here as having a radial dimension, in the radial direction relative to the axis X10, that is smaller than the radial dimension of the base 110, in particular the wall 13, and in this example, smaller than that of the abutment pad 22. In other words, the spring 130 does not extend radially beyond the base 110. However, this is not necessary, since the cartridge 101 is inserted into the opening 64 in the direction opposite to the direction X1, so that the spring does not have to pass through the opening 64 and therefore remains on the inner surface 69 and may even be partially received in the opening 64.

[0125] Similar to cartridge 1, the duct 14 of cartridge 101 preferably forms an axial shoulder 41 at end 11 or between end 11 and sliding duct 18, facing away from direction X1. The axial shoulder 41 forms a primary retaining part that belongs to the retaining system 40 and is integrated with the base 110. Similar to cartridge 1, a threaded hole 42 is preferably provided in the sliding leg 21 of the leg 120 of cartridge 101. The threaded hole 42 forms a secondary retaining part that belongs to the retaining system 40 and is integrated with the leg 120. Similar to cartridge 1, the retaining system 40 of cartridge 101 also preferably includes a screw 43 having a head 44 and a threaded body 45. The screw 43 advantageously constitutes a retaining member that belongs to the retaining system 40 of cartridge 101 and, similar to cartridge 1, interacts with the primary retaining part and the secondary retaining part.

[0126] Similar to cartridge 1, the retention system 40 of cartridge 101 advantageously allows the position of the legs 120 relative to the base 110 in the compression direction X1, referred to as the "retention position," to be adjusted so that the retention system 40 prevents the legs 120 from sliding. Indeed, by screwing or unscrewing the screws 43 into the screw holes 42, the retention position in which the legs 120 are held by the screws 43 is changed. By screwing, the legs 120 move closer to the base 110, and by unscrewing, the legs 120 move away from the base 110. Thus, the retention position in which the legs 120 are held by the retention system 40 can be selected from a continuous range of positions of the legs 120 in direction X1.

[0127] Adjusting the position of the legs 120 can be advantageous to adjust the dimensions of the cartridge 101 in the direction X1 to suit different usage situations of the cartridge 101.

[0128] To switch cartridge 101 into the release configuration, the primary retainer is decoupled from the secondary retainer, preferably by removing the retaining member, as with cartridge 1. As with cartridge 1, one end of screw 43 located in head 44 has knurling 46, e.g., a hexagonal recess, allowing screw 43 to be rotated about axis X10 by a person using a tool or by machine.

[0129] The embodiment of the compensation system of Figures 7 to 9, and in particular the cartridge 101, will now be described. As mentioned above, it may be provided that, preferably before inserting the cartridge 101 into the opening 64, preparations are made for preparing the cartridge 101 on the one hand, and for preparing the stack 51 and the casing 60 on the other hand.

[0130] The cartridge 101 is prepared in a similar manner as described above, with the cartridge 101 in a preloaded configuration prior to insertion into the opening 64 in the wall 61 .

[0131] Separately, as described above, to prepare the stack 51 and the casing 60, the stack 51 is abutted against the abutment wall 63 in the compression direction X1. For this purpose, for example, the abutment wall 63 is arranged horizontally, the cells 52 are stacked, and then the movable terminal plate 53 is stacked.

[0132] The cartridge 101 is inserted into the receiving opening 64 of the support wall 61 before attaching the support wall 61 to the abutment wall 63, with the cartridge 101 in a preloaded configuration and the support wall 61 not yet attached to the rest of the casing 60. The cartridge 101 is inserted from the inner surface 69 in a direction opposite to the direction X1. The cartridge 101 is inserted into the opening 64 until the base 110 is in a retracted position, which is the position of the cartridge where the rim 181 abuts the inner surface 69. The base 110 received in the opening 64 in the retracted position is thereby held in the direction opposite to the direction X1 by the threaded engagement of the screw 17 and the screw 65. The dimensional compensation system including the wall 61 and the cartridge 101 is therefore pre-assembled before the cartridge is installed in the cell 150. While the cartridge 101 is inserted in the direction opposite to the direction X1, the spring 130 and the leg 120 do not pass through the opening 64 but remain on the inner surface 69 side.

[0133] If there are multiple cartridges to be installed, it is advantageously provided that all cartridges are inserted into their respective openings 64 before the wall 61 is similarly attached to the retracted position. The support wall 61 is then attached to the abutment wall 63, while the cartridge 101, in the retracted position, is supported by the wall 61 through the opening 64, in the preloaded configuration. This results in the situation shown in Figure 9. With the cartridge 101 in the retracted position, the legs 120 do not abut the stack 51, but the wall 61 is attached to the abutment wall 63, here via the wall 62. In other words, when the support wall 61 is attached to the support wall, the cartridge 101 is in the preloaded configuration, and the base 110 is in the retracted position, the legs 120 are spaced apart from the stack 51 in the direction X1. As described above, the retracted position is a standby position in which, when the base 110 is in the retracted position and the cartridge 101 is in the preload configuration, with the support wall 61 attached to the support wall, a first distance measured along the direction X1 between the inner surface 69 and the pad 22 is less than a second distance measured along the direction X1 between the inner surface 69 and the stack 51.

[0134] As described above, fixing the wall 61 in the retracted position with the cartridge 101 carried thereon occurs before the initial compressive force F70 is applied to the stack 51. This may facilitate the design of the pressing member that will later apply the force F70.

[0135] Force F70 is applied to stack 51 using a pressure member separate from cartridge 101.

[0136] While the initial compressive force F70 is applied, the base 110 is manipulated to move in the direction X1 within the opening 64 relative to the wall 61 from the retracted position to the docking position, where the legs 120 abut against the stack 51 in the direction X1. This can be achieved by threading the base 110 into the opening 64 with the screws 17 and 65 engaged, thereby allowing the position of the base 110 relative to the wall 61 to be continuously adjusted along the direction X1. This is similar for the other cartridges. In the docking position, the rim 181 is spaced from the inner surface 69. In this state, the base 110 is held in the docking position by the opening 64 in the direction X1, while the legs 120 abut against the stack 51 in the direction X1, and the cartridge 101 is still in the preload configuration.

[0137] Once cartridge 101, as well as any other cartridges, if appropriate, are placed in the docking position, one or each cartridge 1 is switched to the release configuration. As mentioned above, this is achieved by unscrewing screws 43 to release movement of legs 120 relative to base 110. As mentioned above, the initial compressive force F70 is finally released.

[0138] In a variant, it is provided that fixing the support wall 61 to the abutment wall 63 with the cartridge 101 supported on the support wall 61 in the retracted position is carried out while the initial compression force F70 is already applied to the stack 51.

[0139] Features described above for one embodiment or variant also apply to other embodiments or variants described above, insofar as technically possible.

Claims

1. A cartridge (1; 101) for holding in a compressed state, in a compression direction (X1), a stack (51) of electrochemical cells (52) belonging to a fuel cell (50; 150), a base (10; 110) configured to hold the cartridge (1; 101) in a direction opposite to the compression direction (X1) when the base (10; 110) is integral with the fuel cell (50; 150) or is received in a receiving opening (64) belonging to the fuel cell (50; 150); A leg (20; 120), is arranged in the compression direction (X1) relative to the base (10; 110) and is slidable relative to the base (10; 110) parallel to the compression direction (X1); and a leg (20; 120) configured to abut against the stack (51) in the compression direction (X1) when the base (10; 110) is received in the receiving opening (64); a spring (30; 130) mounted on the base (10; 110) to exert a pressure force (F30) on the legs (20; 120) according to the compression direction (X1); A support system (40) comprising a primary support (41) integral with said base (10; 110) and a secondary support (42) integral with said legs (20; 120), said primary support (41) and said secondary support (42) being: are coupled to one another when the cartridge (1; 101) is in a preloaded configuration, the primary retainer (41) and the secondary retainer (42) being thus coupled to prevent sliding of the legs (20; 120) relative to the base (10; 110) according to the compression direction (X1); a retention system (40) configured such that when the cartridge (1; 101) is in a release configuration, the primary retention part (41) and the secondary retention part (42) are decoupled, allowing the legs (20; 120) to slide relative to the base (10; 110) in the compression direction (X1); A cartridge (1;101) comprising:

2. 2. A cartridge (1; 101) according to claim 1, wherein the holding system (40) is configured to be defined relative to the base (10; 110) in order to adjust the value of the pressing force (F30) exerted by the spring (30; 130), and to adjust the holding position of the legs (20; 120) in which the holding system (40) prevents the legs (20; 120) from sliding from a continuous range of positions of the legs (20; 120) according to the compression direction (X1).

3. 10. A cartridge (1; 101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retention system (40) includes a retention member (43) by which the primary retention portion (41) and the secondary retention portion (42) are coupled together when the cartridge (1; 101) is in a preloaded configuration.

4. The retaining member (43) includes a head and a screw body, The primary retainer (41) forms a shoulder; and The secondary holding portion (42) forms a screw hole parallel to the compression direction (X1), and when the head abuts on the shoulder portion in accordance with the compression direction (X1) and the screw body is engaged with the screw hole, the primary holding portion (41) and the secondary holding portion (42) are coupled to each other. A cartridge (1; 101) according to claim 3.

5. A cartridge (1; 101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base (10; 110) forms an external thread (17), and when the base (10; 110) is received in the receiving opening (64), the cartridge (1; 101) can be held in a direction opposite to the compression direction (X1) by engagement of the external thread (17) with an internal thread (65) formed by the receiving opening (64).

6. A cartridge (1; 101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring (30; 130) is a compression spring interposed between the base (10; 110) and the leg (20; 120) in the compression direction (X1).

7. 10. A dimensional compensation system comprising: a cartridge (1; 101) according to any one of the preceding claims; and a support wall (61) spaced from the cartridge (1; 101) and forming the receiving opening (64), the receiving opening (64) being formed to receive the base (10; 110), such that when the base (10; 110) is received in this manner, the legs (20; 120) of the cartridge (1; 101) protrude from the support wall (61) in the compression direction (X1), and the base (10; 110) is accessible from an outer surface (66) of the support wall (61) opposite the legs (20; 120).

8. 8. The dimensional correction system of claim 7, wherein the receiving opening (64) and the base (10) are formed such that the base (10) can be received in the receiving opening (64) by inserting the cartridge (1) into the receiving opening (64) in the compression direction (X1), and the receiving opening (64), the spring (30), and the legs (20) are formed such that the spring (30) and the legs (20) can pass through the receiving opening (64) while the base (10; 110) is inserted into the receiving opening (64) in the compression direction (X1).

9. 9. The dimensional correction system according to claim 7, wherein the receiving opening (64) and the base (10; 110) are formed such that the base (10; 110) can be received in the receiving opening (64) by inserting the cartridge (1; 101) into the receiving opening (64) in a direction opposite to the compression direction (X1).

10. 10. The dimensional correction system according to claim 7, wherein the receiving opening (64) and the base (10; 110) are defined relative to the support wall (61), and wherein a support position of the base (10; 110), at which the base (10; 110) is held when the base (10; 110) is received in the receiving opening (64), can be adjusted from a continuous range of positions of the base (10; 110) according to the compression direction (X1).

11. The dimension correction system according to any one of claims 7 to 10, said cartridge (1; 101) is in an open configuration, a dimensional compensation system, the base (10; 110) being received in the receiving opening (64) so ​​as to be held against the support wall (61) in a direction opposite to the compression direction (X1); an abutment wall (63), the abutment wall (63) and the support wall (61) being fixedly attached to each other, the abutment wall (63) being disposed in the compression direction (X1) relative to the support wall (61); the stack (51) of electrochemical cells (52), which is disposed between the support wall (61) and the abutment wall (63) by abutting against the abutment wall (63) in the compression direction (X1), and the spring (30; 130) of the cartridge (1; 101) is placed on the base (10; 110) to apply the pressing force (F30) to the stack (51) by means of the legs (20; 120) in the compression direction (X1), and the legs (20; 120) abut against the stack (51) in the compression direction (X1); A fuel cell (50; 150) comprising:

12. 12. The fuel cell (50; 150) according to claim 11, wherein the support wall (61) and the abutment wall (63) belong to a casing (60) of the fuel cell (50; 150), the stack (51) is received within the casing (60), and the casing (60) further comprises a vertical wall (62) connecting the support wall (61) and the abutment wall (63).

13. applying an initial compressive force (F70) to the stack (51) in the compression direction (X1) using a pressing member (70) separate from the cartridge (1; 101) while the stack (51) is in contact with the contact wall (63) in the compression direction (X1); inserting said cartridge (1; 101) into said receiving opening (64) while said cartridge (1; 101) is in a preloaded configuration until said base (10; 110) is received in said receiving opening (64) and held in a direction opposite to said compression direction (X1); and a release configuration of the cartridge (1; 101), in which the base (10; 110) is received in the receiving opening (64) and the legs (20; 120) abut against the stack (51) in the compression direction (X1), causing the spring (30; 130) mounted on the base (10; 110) to apply the pressing force (F30) to the stack (51) in the compression direction (X1) via the legs (20; 120); and release of the initial compression force (F70). Use of a cartridge (1; 101) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising:

14. if only one cartridge (1; 101) is provided, the initial compression force (F70) exhibits a value greater than the value of the pressing force (F30) obtained while the cartridge (1; 101) is in a preloaded configuration before the legs (20; 120) abut against the stack (51), or If other cartridges (1') are provided in addition to the cartridge (1; 101), the initial compression force (F70) will be greater than the sum of the values ​​of the pressing forces (F30) obtained while the cartridge (1; 101) is in the preloaded configuration before the respective legs (20; 120) abut against the stack (51).

14. The use according to claim 13.

15. Before applying the initial compressive force (F70), a stack (51) abutting against the abutment wall (63) according to the compression direction (X1); Mounting of the support wall (61) to the abutment wall (63), wherein the receiving opening (64) is formed through the support wall (61), and the support wall (61) is mounted with the stack (51) abutting against the abutment wall (63) in the compression direction (X1), so that the abutment wall (63) is disposed in the compression direction (X1) relative to the support wall (61), and the stack (51) is disposed between the support wall (61) and the abutment wall (63).

15. The use according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising:

16. 16. The use according to claim 15, wherein the insertion of the cartridge (1) into the receiving opening (64) is carried out while the attachment of the support wall (61) to the abutment wall (63) has already taken place, and the insertion of the cartridge (1) into the receiving opening (64) is carried out in the compression direction (X1) while the initial compression force (F70) is being applied until the legs (20) abut against the stack (51).

17. 16. The use according to claim 15, wherein the attachment of the support wall (61) to the abutment wall (63) is performed while the insertion of the cartridge (1; 101) into the receiving opening (64) has already taken place, so that the base (10; 110) is already received in the receiving opening (64) during the attachment of the support wall (61) to the abutment wall (63).

18. The insertion of the cartridge (1; 101) into the receiving opening (64) is carried out until the base (10; 110) is in a retracted position in the compression direction (X1) relative to the support wall (61), and The use comprises a displacement of the base (10; 110) relative to the support wall (61) in the compression direction (X1) from the retracted position to a docking position, in which the legs (20; 120) abut against the stack (51) in the compression direction (X1), the displacement of the base (10; 110) occurring while the base (10; 110) is received in the receiving opening (64), during the mounting of the support wall (61), during the application of the initial compression force (F70) and before the release configuration of the cartridge (1; 101).

18. The use according to claim 17.

19. 19. Use according to any one of claims 13 to 18, further comprising a preloading arrangement of the cartridge (1; 101) by combining the primary retainer (41) with the secondary retainer (42) to achieve a desired value of the pressing force (F30) to hold the stack (51) in compression before the insertion of the cartridge (1; 101).

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