Connector components

The connector component with a detachment prevention wall and insertion holes for wires provides a stable connection to fuel cell stacks, preventing disconnection and protecting wires while enhancing manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.

JP2026065306AActive Publication Date: 2026-04-15株式会社水素パワー
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-10-03
Publication Date
2026-04-15

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing connectors for fuel cells lack stability in connection with cell stacks, are prone to disconnection, and do not adequately protect electric wires, especially when made of materials that can be damaged by heat.

Method used

A connector component with a main body and mounting portions that include a detachment prevention wall and insertion holes for wires, allowing for stable attachment to the stack case without special processing, and incorporating a buffer member to absorb shocks and vibrations.

Benefits of technology

Ensures a stable connection between multiple cells and connectors, prevents disconnection, protects electric wires, and improves manufacturability by ensuring dimensional accuracy and reducing costs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention provides a connector component that can easily ensure a stable connection between multiple cells and a connector, preventing disconnection while also protecting the electrical wires. [Solution] A connector member X is attached to a plurality of connectors B connected in parallel to a stack S of a fuel cell A, comprising a main body 1 extending along the stacking direction of the cells in the stack S, and an attachment part 2 connected to the main body 1, wherein the main body 1 is provided with a detachment prevention wall W that prevents the housing B1 of each connector B from detaching, and an insertion hole H through which the electric wire B2 of each connector B is inserted, and the attachment part 2 is provided at both ends of the main body 1 so as to be detachably attached to end plates E provided at both ends of the stack S, and the detachment prevention wall W is positioned adjacent to each housing B1 along the connection direction of each connector B when each attachment part 2 is attached to each end plate E with each electric wire B2 inserted through the insertion hole H, so as to each housing B1.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a member attached to a connector for measuring the voltage of a fuel cell.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, against the backdrop of the world becoming more active in efforts to reduce environmental impact, the advantages of fuel cells have drawn attention.

[0003] Fuel cells can generate electricity as long as hydrogen and oxygen are available, and since they emit only water during power generation, they have a low environmental impact. In addition, fuel cells have many advantages, such as generating no noise because they generate electricity only through chemical reactions, having low power transmission losses, and being easily accessible for fuel.

[0004] By the way, a fuel cell is generally composed of a plurality of substantially plate-shaped components called cells, which can react hydrogen and oxygen alone to generate electricity, stacked together. And in the manufacture of fuel cells, etc., since it is necessary to perform condition control according to the power generation status of each cell, a connector for monitoring the voltage of each cell is used.

[0005] When this connector is formed of a material that can ensure heat resistance, for example, it may be damaged or cracked due to its material properties, so a structure (locking mechanism) for preventing detachment from the cell cannot be added to the connector itself. In such a case, there was a problem that the connector and the cell were connected only by the clamping force of the terminals inside the connector to the separator constituting the cell, and the connection state became unstable.

[0006] Regarding the above problem, Patent Document 1 discloses an invention related to a fuel cell unit for easily attaching a plurality of cell monitors (connectors) to a plurality of fuel cells.

[0007] This fuel cell unit consists of a cell stack having multiple fuel cell cells stacked along a first direction, a stack case housing the cell stack, and multiple cell monitors having a pair of contacts for voltage detection that are electrically connected to each fuel cell. Furthermore, each of the multiple cell monitors is equipped with a fixing member that is detachably attached to the stack case and secures each cell monitor together.

[0008] This allows for the easy and reliable installation of multiple cell monitors, and ensures that this installation state is maintained stably. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-176901 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] However, the invention described in Patent Document 1 uses a clamping portion protruding from the housing, which is not provided in general connectors, to fix the connector to the stack case, and therefore lacks versatility. Furthermore, the invention described in Patent Document 1 only involves attaching a fixing member to the clamping portion to secure it to the stack case; therefore, the electric wires are not protected, and there is a risk of them breaking at the connection point with the housing, etc.

[0011] This invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and aims to provide a connector component that can easily ensure a stable connection between multiple cells and a connector, prevent disconnection, and protect the electric wires. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The present invention, which solves the above problem, is a connector member that is attached to a plurality of connectors connected in parallel to a fuel cell stack, The stack comprises a main body portion extending along the stacking direction of the cells in the stack, and a mounting portion connected to the main body portion, The main body is provided with a detachment prevention wall for preventing the housing of each connector from detaching, and an insertion hole through which the wires of each connector are inserted. The mounting portions are provided at both ends of the main body, and are detachably attached to the end plates provided at both ends of the stack. The anti-detachment wall is positioned adjacent to each housing along the connection direction of each connector, with each of the mounting parts attached to each of the end plates when the electric wires are inserted through the insertion holes.

[0013] According to the present invention, by attaching the connector component to the fuel cell, without requiring any special processing of the connector, it is possible to prevent each connector (housing) from coming loose with the anti-detachment wall, while protecting each wire with the insertion hole. Furthermore, compared to mounting the connector in a stack case, it becomes easier to ensure dimensional accuracy in the relative position of the connector component with respect to the stack and each connector, eliminating the need for unnecessary machining, thus improving manufacturability and contributing to cost reduction.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the main body comprises a first component that forms the detachment prevention wall and a second component that forms the insertion hole. The second component includes a base connected to the first component and forming a recess in which each of the electric wires is placed, and an auxiliary component that is detachably attached to the base and covers the recess, thereby forming the insertion hole together with the recess.

[0015] With this configuration, each wire is placed in the recess and the auxiliary part is attached to cover them, making installation easier. Furthermore, the inner surface of the insertion hole can be designed to be close to or in contact with the outer surface of each wire, ensuring stable protection for each wire.

[0016] In a preferred form of the present invention, a plurality of the concave portions are provided corresponding to the respective electric wires.

[0017] With such a configuration, the protection state of each electric wire becomes more stable.

[0018] In a preferred form of the present invention, each of the mounting portions is provided with a positioning hole through which a positioning pin provided on each of the end plates is inserted.

[0019] With such a configuration, the mounting operation of the member for this connector becomes easy, and the dimensional accuracy of the relative position between the member for this connector and each connector is further improved.

[0020] In a preferred form of the present invention, the positioning hole provided in the one mounting portion of the main body portion is configured as an elongated hole that is long in the stacking direction, so that in a state where each mounting portion is attached to each end plate, together with each mounting portion, it is configured to allow displacement in the stacking direction of the stack.

[0021] With such a configuration, after the member for this connector is attached to the fuel cell, expansion in the stacking direction due to thermal expansion of the stack is allowed, and a stable connection state of each connector is ensured.

[0022] In a preferred form of the present invention, each of the mounting portions is provided with a communication hole that communicates with a penetration hole provided in each of the end plates. The communication hole provided in the one mounting portion is configured as an elongated hole that is long in the stacking direction. Inside the one communication hole, a sleeve that fits onto a fastening member inserted through this communication hole is provided. The length of the sleeve along the connection direction of each connector is longer than the length of the communication hole along the connection direction.

[0023] This configuration ensures a certain gap between the fastening member and the connector member through the sleeve. As a result, if the stack attempts to expand in the stacking direction due to thermal expansion after the connector component is attached to the fuel cell, the fastening member (and end plate) slides against the connector component, thereby allowing the expansion in the stacking direction to occur.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a metal collar is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the communication hole. The length of the metal collar along the connection direction of each connector is longer than the length of the communication hole along the connection direction.

[0025] This configuration makes it possible to suppress the loosening of bolts due to thermal creep in the mounting area caused by temperature changes. In other words, if the connector components are manufactured from resin, there is a risk that the above-mentioned thermal creep phenomenon may occur due to temperature changes if the bolts come into direct contact with the surface of the mounting part. However, with the above configuration, when the bolts are inserted into the communication holes (and penetration holes) and fastened, the bolts will come into contact with the metal collar. This prevents thermal creep between the bolt and the mounting part, even when temperature changes occur, and suppresses the loosening of the bolt that results from this.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connector member further comprises a buffer member interposed between each of the connectors and the anti-detachment wall.

[0027] With this configuration, even if vibrations and shocks are applied due to unwanted external forces, the cushioning material absorbs them, and the connection state of the connector and the protection state of the electric wires can be stably maintained.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connector member further comprises a buffer member interposed between each of the electric wires and the insertion hole.

[0029] With this configuration, even if vibrations and shocks are applied due to unwanted external forces, the cushioning material absorbs them, and the connection state of each connector and the protection state of each wire can be stably maintained. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connector component that can easily ensure a stable connection between multiple cells and a connector, prevent disconnection, and protect the electric wires. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a connector member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a connector member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the assembly flow of a connector component according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows the assembled state of the connector component according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a modification of a connector component according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a modification of a connector component according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a modification of a connector component according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a modification of a connector component according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a modification of a connector component according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a modification of a connector component according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a modification of a connector component according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of a modification of a connector component according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13]This figure shows an example of a modification of a connector component according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Hereinafter, connector components according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 10. The embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. In these figures, the symbol X indicates a connector component according to this embodiment, the symbol A indicates a fuel cell according to this embodiment, and the symbol B indicates a connector according to this embodiment.

[0033] Hereafter, for the sake of explanation, the x-axis direction in Figure 1, etc., will be referred to as the connection direction or front-to-back direction, the y-axis direction as the stacking direction or left-to-right direction, and the z-axis direction as the height direction.

[0034] <Structure> The configuration of the connector component X will be explained below using Figures 1 and 2. The connector B (see Figure 3, etc.) used for measuring the voltage of each cell in fuel cell A has a resin housing B1 that houses terminals (not shown) that clamp each cell, and an electric wire B2 extending from the rear surface of the housing B1. Furthermore, Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the connector component X as seen from the front, and Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the connector component X as seen from the rear.

[0035] As shown in Figure 1, the connector member X is attached to a plurality of connectors B connected in parallel to the stack S (see Figure 3, etc.) of the fuel cell A (see Figure 3, etc.), and comprises a main body portion 1 extending along the stacking direction of the cells in the stack S, a mounting portion 2 connected to the main body portion 1, and a buffer member 3 interposed between each housing B1 and the detachment prevention wall W described later.

[0036] The main body 1 includes a first component 11 that forms a detachment prevention wall W to prevent each housing B1 from detaching, and a second component 12 that forms an insertion hole H (see Figure 4, etc.) through which each electric wire B2 is inserted.

[0037] The first component 11 is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped-shaped component, and its front side surface is configured as a detachment prevention wall W.

[0038] The second component 12 is connected to the first component 11 and includes a base portion 12a that forms a recess p in which each electric wire B2 is placed, and an auxiliary portion 12b that is detachably attached to the base portion 12a to cover the recess p, thereby forming the insertion hole H together with the recess p.

[0039] The base portion 12a is a component connected to the rear side surface of the first component 11, and a recess p is formed on its upper surface. The recess p is a rounded, curved depression that curves downward, and multiple recesses are provided adjacent to each electric wire B2, giving the whole structure a wave-like shape.

[0040] The auxiliary portion 12b has recesses q on its lower surface, which are curved inward and rounded upwards, corresponding to each recess p, and attachment / detachment means J for the base portion 12a are formed at both ends thereof.

[0041] In this embodiment, the attachment / detachment means J is a locking claw portion that extends downward from each end of the auxiliary portion 12b and has a claw at its lower end. Then, each locking claw contacts the left and right sides of the base 12a, and the lower claw engages with the lower surface of the base 12a, thereby allowing the auxiliary part 12b to be detachably attached to the base 12a. Furthermore, this causes each recess p to align with each recess q, forming a plurality of substantially circular insertion holes H.

[0042] The mounting sections 2 are provided at both ends of the main body section 1, and can be detachably attached to the end plates E provided at both ends of the stack S. More specifically, each mounting portion 2 includes a first component 21 through which a positioning pin k (see Figure 3, etc.) provided in each end plate E is inserted, and a second component 22 through which a communication hole T2 communicates with an insertion hole t (see Figure 3, etc.) provided in the end plate E.

[0043] The first component 21 is a roughly rectangular block connected to both ends of the first component 11 of the main body 1.

[0044] The second component 22 is a roughly rectangular block connected to the upper surface of each of the first components 21 of the mounting section 2. Furthermore, each second component 22 is positioned so that its front surface coincides with the front surface of each first component 21, so that the entire mounting portion 2 has a roughly L-shape when viewed from the side.

[0045] In this embodiment, the positioning hole T1 and the communication hole T2 are configured as substantially circular holes in the left mounting portion 2, while the configurations provided in the right mounting portion 2 are configured as elongated holes that are long in the stacking direction. The elongated holes may also be the communication hole T2 and positioning hole T1 provided in the left mounting portion 2. In this embodiment, the left communication hole T2 and positioning hole T1 serve as reference holes when attaching the connector member X to the fuel cell A (end plate E).

[0046] The buffer member 3 is an elongated member having approximately the same length as the detachment prevention wall W, and is sandwiched between the detachment prevention wall W and the housing B1 when the connector member X is assembled. Furthermore, as the material for the cushioning member 3, materials with high cushioning properties, such as polyurethane or polyethylene, are preferably used.

[0047] <Assembly Instructions> The assembly method for connector component X will be explained below using Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3(a) is an overall perspective view showing the entire assembly method, and Figures 3(b-1) to (b-3) are cross-sectional views along line AA' illustrating the assembly sequence.

[0048] Here, as shown in Figure 3(a), each end plate E has a pre-drilled penetration hole t that communicates with each communication hole T2, and a positioning pin k that is inserted into each positioning hole T1 is pre-protruding from the rear side surface. The worker assembles the connector component X using these components.

[0049] First, the worker inserts the housing B1 into the cell in the stack S, as shown by arrow d1 in Figure 3(a) or Figure 3(b-1), and connects the connector B to the stack S by clamping the cell with the terminal. Furthermore, the worker connects multiple connectors B by arranging adjacent connectors B closely together.

[0050] Next, the worker attaches the connector member X, excluding the auxiliary part 12b, to the fuel cell A via the mounting part 2, as shown by arrow d2 in Figure 3(a) or Figure 3(b-2).

[0051] In other words, the worker inserts each positioning pin k into each positioning hole T1, thereby connecting each penetration hole t with each communication hole T2. Furthermore, the worker inserts fastening members (bolts) v through each of the connected penetration holes t and each connecting hole T2. At this time, the worker will interpose the cushioning member 3 between the detachment prevention wall W and the rear side surface of each housing B1, as shown by arrow d3 in Figure 3(a) or Figure 3(b-2).

[0052] Then, when the worker fastens each fastening member v, the connector members X, excluding the auxiliary part 12b, are attached to the fuel cell A with the buffer member 3 sandwiched between the detachment prevention wall W and each housing B1, as shown in Figure 3(b-3). Furthermore, one end of each wire B2 is positioned in each recess p.

[0053] Finally, the worker attaches the auxiliary part 12b to the base part 12a via the attachment means J, as shown by arrow d4 in Figure 3(a). In other words, the worker attaches the auxiliary part 12b to the base 12a by engaging the claws of each attachment / detachment means J (locking claw part) with the lower surface of the base 12a, so that the auxiliary part 12b covers each recess p. At this time, the recesses p and q form through holes H that cover one end of each electric wire B2.

[0054] Figure 4 shows the completed assembly process as described above, where (a) is an overall perspective view of the completed assembly, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of (a) along line BB'.

[0055] Here, the interior of each communication hole T2 is configured as shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 is a front view showing the completed assembly, with the upper left and lower right showing cross-sectional views along lines CC' and DD', respectively, illustrating the interior of the communication hole T2.

[0056] In other words, a metal collar M is provided on the inner circumferential surface of each communication hole T2. Furthermore, each metal collar M has a fitting groove m formed along its circumferential direction on its outer surface, which fits with a fitting projection (not shown) provided on the inner surface of each communication hole T2, thereby integrating it with each mounting portion 2.

[0057] Furthermore, the length of each metal collar M along its connection direction (front-to-back direction) is longer than the length of each communication hole T2 along its connection direction (front-to-back direction). As a result, each open end of each metal collar M protrudes slightly from each communication hole T2.

[0058] Furthermore, a sleeve s is fitted to the fastening member v, which is inserted through the elongated communication hole T2 on the right, to prevent damage to the fastening member v and the metal collar M.

[0059] Furthermore, the length of the sleeve s along the connection direction (front-to-back direction) is longer than the length of the communication hole T2 on the right along the connection direction (front-to-back direction). As a result, each open end of the sleeve s protrudes slightly from the communication hole T2 on the right.

[0060] With the above configuration, even when the fastening member v on the right is firmly fastened, the back surface of its head and the open end of the sleeve s come into contact, ensuring a certain gap between the head and the surface of the mounting part 2. Therefore, the fastening member v (and end plate E) can be displaced along the stacking direction relative to the connector member X.

[0061] <Effects> According to this embodiment, each connector B (each housing B1) is prevented from coming loose by the anti-detachment wall W which is positioned adjacent to each housing B1 along the connection direction of each connector B, while each wire B2 is also protected by the insertion hole H which covers each wire B2.

[0062] Furthermore, since each mounting section 2 can be detachably attached to each end plate E, it becomes easier to ensure dimensional accuracy in the relative position of the connector component X and the stack S and each connector B, eliminating the need for unnecessary cutting and thus improving manufacturability and contributing to cost reduction.

[0063] Furthermore, since the insertion hole H is formed by the base portion 12a and the auxiliary portion 12b which can be detachably attached thereto, the installation work is made easier, and the inner surface of the insertion hole H can be designed to be close to or in contact with the outer surface of each electric wire B2, thereby ensuring a stable protective state for each electric wire B2.

[0064] Furthermore, the provision of multiple recesses q (through holes H) corresponding to each wire B2 further stabilizes the protection of each wire B2.

[0065] Furthermore, the communication holes T2 and positioning holes T1 provided in each mounting portion 2 facilitate the installation of the connector member X, and improve the dimensional accuracy of the relative position between the connector member X and each connector B.

[0066] Furthermore, the communication hole T2 and positioning hole T1 provided in the right-side mounting portion 2 are configured as elongated holes that are long in the stacking direction, and a sleeve s is provided inside the communication hole T2, which allows the fastening member v (and end plate E) to be displaced in the stacking direction relative to the connector member X, and allows the stack S to expand in the stacking direction due to thermal expansion.

[0067] Furthermore, the metal collars M, each with an open end that slightly protrudes from each communication hole T2, can suppress loosening of the fastening member v due to thermal creep of the mounting portion 2.

[0068] Furthermore, the cushioning member 3 absorbs vibrations and shocks caused by unwanted external forces, thereby stably maintaining the connection state of each connector B and the protected state of each wire B2.

[0069] <Example of changes> The shapes and dimensions of the components shown in the above embodiment are merely examples and can be modified in various ways based on design requirements, etc.

[0070] For example, the buffer member 3 is not necessarily required; the housing B1 may be prevented from coming loose simply by placing the detachment prevention wall W adjacent to the housing B1. Furthermore, it is not necessary to provide a recess q on the auxiliary part 12b side. The recess p may be made into a depression large enough to accommodate the electric wire B2, and the insertion hole H may be formed by covering it with a flat side surface. Furthermore, the insertion holes H do not need to be multiple; they may be configured as a single elongated hole that is long in the stacking direction, enclosing each of the electric wires B2 together.

[0071] Furthermore, as described above, the metal collar M is particularly suitable when the connector member X is made of a resin material, as it suppresses loosening of the fastening member v due to thermal creep. However, it is not necessary to provide it when the connector member X is made of a metal material or the like.

[0072] Furthermore, the cushioning member 3 may have the configuration shown in Figure 6.

[0073] In other words, the buffer member 3 may be configured as a pair of elongated members that fit into each recess p and each recess q, thereby interposing between each electric wire B2 and each insertion hole H, and eliminating any play in each electric wire B2. Furthermore, the connector component X may have either the buffer member 3 shown in Figure 1 or Figure 6, or it may have both.

[0074] Furthermore, the attachment / detachment means J may be configured as shown in Figures 7 to 10.

[0075] The attachment / detachment means J shown in Figure 7 has screw holes J1 formed on the upper surfaces of both ends of the base portion 12a, communication holes J2 formed at both ends of the auxiliary portion 12b that communicate with each screw hole J1, and fastening members J3 that are screwed into each screw hole J1 via each communication hole J2.

[0076] As a result, the auxiliary part 12b is attached to the base part 12a, as shown in Figures 7(a) to (b). This configuration allows the auxiliary part 12b to be attached more securely to the base part 12a.

[0077] The attachment / detachment means J shown in Figure 8 includes a screw hole J1 formed on the upper left end surface of the base portion 12a, a communication hole J2 formed at the left end of the auxiliary portion 12b and communicating with the screw hole J1, a fastening member J3 that is screwed into the screw hole J1 via the communication hole J2, and a hinge portion J4 that hinge-connects the base portion 12a and the auxiliary portion 12b at the right end.

[0078] As a result, as shown in Figures 8(a) to 8(b), the left end of the auxiliary part 12b is attached to the left end of the base part 12a. This configuration integrates the auxiliary part 12b and the base part 12a, improving ease of assembly and handling of the connector component X.

[0079] The attachment / detachment means J shown in Figure 9 is configured at the left end of the auxiliary part 12b and has an engaging claw J1 that locks onto the lower surface of the base part 12a, and a hinge part J2 that hinges together with the base part 12a and the auxiliary part 12b at the right end.

[0080] As a result, as shown in Figures 9(a) to (b), the left end of the auxiliary part 12b is attached to the left end of the base part 12a. This configuration improves the ease of assembly compared to the example in Figure 8, which uses fastening member J3.

[0081] The attachment / detachment means J shown in Figure 10 has a plurality of through holes J1 that are curved to conform to the shape of each recess p of the base 12a, and a plurality of cable ties J2 that are inserted through each through hole J1 so that both ends protrude. In this example, each cable tie J2, together with each recess p, constitutes an auxiliary part 12b that forms the insertion hole H. As a result, each wire B2 is secured by each cable tie J2, as shown in Figure 10(b). This configuration allows for low manufacturing costs for the connector component X while firmly securing each wire B2 inside the insertion hole H.

[0082] Furthermore, each recess p and q may be configured as shown in Figure 11.

[0083] Specifically, as shown in Figure 11(a), in this modification, a roughly U-shaped groove is formed in both the base portion 12a and the auxiliary portion 12b, and recess pieces n that form recesses p and q are detachably attached to each of these grooves.

[0084] An equal number of recess pieces n are attached to the base 12a and the auxiliary part 12b, and adjacent recess pieces n in the stacking direction abut against each other and are attached to the base 12a or the auxiliary part 12b. In this modified example, the attachment / detachment means J is the same as in the example shown in Figure 7.

[0085] As a result, as shown in Figure 11(b), when the base portion 12a and the auxiliary portion 12b are connected, the recess pieces n attached to each come into contact, forming multiple insertion holes H through which each electric wire B2 is inserted.

[0086] With this configuration, the worker can remove each recess piece n depending on the usage environment, etc., and make the insertion hole H into a single elongated hole that is long in the stacking direction so as to surround all the electric wires B2 together, or into a circular hole for each electric wire B2 as shown in the figure. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the through hole H may be configured to expand in diameter as its end approaches the open end.

[0087] Furthermore, one of the mounting parts 2 may be configured as shown in Figures 12 and 13.

[0088] In other words, one of the mounting parts 2 is composed only of a first component 21 that is roughly rectangular in shape, as shown in Figure 12. Furthermore, in this modified example, a cover member c is provided that surrounds and is attached to the first component 21.

[0089] The cover member c has a roughly U-shaped cover member body c1 and extensions c2 that extend from each front end of the cover member body c1 along the rear surface of the end plate E.

[0090] In the cover member body c1, a recessed portion d is provided on the surface facing the rear surface of the first component 21, which abuts against this rear surface. Each extension section c2 is provided with a communication hole u that communicates with a penetration hole t provided in the end plate E.

[0091] Furthermore, the front surface of the first component 21 is provided with an insertion hole (not shown) through which a positioning pin k is inserted. Furthermore, in this modified example, the attachment / detachment means J is the same as in the example shown in Figure 7.

[0092] The connector component X configured as described above is attached to the fuel cell A, as shown in Figure 13.

[0093] In particular, the worker attaches one of the mounting parts 2 to the end plate E by inserting a positioning pin k through the front insertion hole (not shown) and bringing it into contact with the end plate E, and then surrounding it with the cover member c. In other words, the worker brings each extension c2 into contact with the end plate E, connecting its respective communication hole u to each penetration hole t of the end plate E, and then inserts the fastening member v into each communication hole u and each penetration hole t to fasten it.

[0094] As a result, one of the mounting portions 2 is attached to the end plate E in such a manner that it is pressed against the recessed portion d of the cover member body c1. With this configuration, when the stack S attempts to expand in the stacking direction due to thermal expansion, the contact state of the recess d with the first component 21 is maintained, while the cover member c (and end plate E) slides against the connector member X.

[0095] In other words, according to this modification, even without providing a communication hole T2 in one of the mounting portions 2, the end plate E can be displaced in the stacking direction when the connector member X is attached to the fuel cell A.

[0096] In application documents, the term "abbreviated" is a concept that includes shapes that have been chamfered or rounded, or shapes whose constituent elements have been modified or altered in length to the extent that it does not impede the purpose of the shape. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] Components for X connectors 1. Main body 11 First construct W Detachment prevention wall H insertion hole 12 Second construct J Detachable means 2 Mounting part 21 First construct T1 Positioning Hole 22 Second construct T2 communication hole 3. Cushioning member M Metallic Color A fuel cell S stack E End Plate B connector B1 Housing B2 electric wire

Claims

1. A connector component that is attached to multiple connectors connected in parallel to a fuel cell stack, The stack comprises a main body portion extending along the stacking direction of the cells in the stack, and a mounting portion connected to the main body portion, The main body is provided with a detachment prevention wall for preventing the housing of each connector from detaching, and an insertion hole through which the wires of each connector are inserted. The mounting portions are provided at both ends of the main body, and are detachably attached to the end plates provided at both ends of the stack. The detachment prevention wall is a connector component that is positioned adjacent to each housing along the connection direction of each connector, with each of the electric wires inserted through the insertion holes and each of the mounting portions attached to each of the end plates.

2. The main body comprises a first component that forms the detachment prevention wall and a second component that forms the insertion hole. The connector member according to claim 1, wherein the second component includes a base connected to the first component and forming a recess in which each of the electric wires is arranged, and an auxiliary component that is detachably attached to the base and covers the recess, thereby forming the insertion hole together with the recess.

3. The connector member according to claim 2, wherein the recesses are provided in multiple locations corresponding to each of the electric wires.

4. The connector member according to claim 1, wherein each mounting portion is provided with a positioning hole through which a positioning pin provided in each end plate is inserted.

5. The connector member according to claim 4, wherein the main body is configured such that the positioning hole provided in one of the mounting portions is an elongated hole that is long in the stacking direction, so that when each mounting portion is attached to each end plate, the stack can be displaced in the stacking direction together with each mounting portion.

6. Each of the aforementioned mounting portions is provided with a communication hole that communicates with the penetration hole provided in each of the aforementioned end plates. The communication hole provided in one of the mounting portions is configured as an elongated hole that is long in the stacking direction. A sleeve is provided inside one of the aforementioned communication holes, which is fitted onto a fastening member inserted through the communication hole. The connector member according to claim 5, wherein the length of the sleeve along the connection direction of each connector is longer than the length of the communication hole along the connection direction.

7. A metal collar is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the aforementioned communication hole. The connector member according to claim 6, wherein the length of the metal collar along the connection direction of each connector is longer than the length of the communication hole along the connection direction.

8. The connector member according to claim 1, further comprising a buffer member interposed between each of the connectors and the detachment prevention wall.

9. The connector member according to claim 1, further comprising a buffer member interposed between each of the aforementioned electric wires and the insertion hole.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Fuel battery unit

    JP2023176901A