Misconnection prevention structure

Abstract

The present invention provides a misconnection prevention structure that can easily prevent misconnections of connectors connected to a single stack. [Solution] The connection auxiliary member X1 is attached to the fuel cell A, and the connector B and connection auxiliary member X1 are connected to the stack S of the fuel cell A via the connection auxiliary member X1. The connector auxiliary member X1 is provided on the connector B and has a fitting portion X2 that extends along the connection direction of the connector B. The connection auxiliary member X1 has a main body X1a through which the connector B is inserted, and the fitting portion X2 has a key groove p (first fitting portion) provided on the connector B and a key projection q (second fitting portion) provided on the inner circumferential surface of the through groove h. The key projection q fits in correspondence with the key groove p provided on one of the connector B.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a structure for detecting incorrect connection of a connector used for voltage measurement of a fuel cell.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, against the background of the world's active efforts to reduce environmental impact, the advantages of fuel cells have attracted attention.

[0003] A fuel cell can generate electricity as long as hydrogen and oxygen are available, and since it emits only water during power generation, it has a low environmental impact. In addition, fuel cells have many advantages such as no noise generation because they generate electricity only through chemical reactions, low power transmission loss, and easy availability of fuel.

[0004] By the way, a fuel cell is generally configured by stacking a plurality of substantially plate-shaped components called cells that can generate electricity by reacting hydrogen and oxygen alone. 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 between each cell is used.

[0005] This connector is to be inserted and connected to a stack in which a plurality of cells are stacked. However, since this connection work is performed by an operator, the risk of incorrect connection increases as the number of connectors increases.

[0006] Regarding the above problem, Patent Document 1 discloses an invention related to an inspection method for correctly performing an inspection for connection failure when a connector is obliquely connected. This inspection method is a method of measuring and comparing the distance from this device to an inspection surface provided on the connector with respect to the distance from this device to a reference surface that is the end surface of a separator (cell) in a state where the connector is connected to the cell using an optical distance measuring device.

[0007] This allows the connection angle of the connector to the cell to be detected based on the compared values, making it possible to determine whether or not it is connected in the correct orientation. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6870493 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] By the way, as mentioned above, multiple connectors are inserted and connected to a single stack, but in order to properly monitor the voltage between all cells, each connector needs to be connected to the stack in a state of contact without any gaps. Recently, because each cell has the same structure, workers can connect adjacent connectors to the stack with gaps between them.

[0010] Furthermore, with this connection configuration, there was a problem in that the voltage of the cells in the areas where gaps occurred could not be monitored, making it difficult to control the conditions according to the power generation status of the cells. Regarding this issue, the invention described in Patent Document 1 merely determines whether the connector is connected in the correct or incorrect direction, and therefore cannot prevent the above-mentioned connection state.

[0011] This invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and aims to provide a misconnection prevention structure that can easily prevent misconnections of connectors connected to a single stack. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] To solve the above problems, the present invention comprises a connecting auxiliary member attached to a fuel cell, a connector connected to the stack of the fuel cell via the connecting auxiliary member, and a fitting portion provided on the connecting auxiliary member and extending along the connection direction of the connector. The aforementioned connecting auxiliary member has a main body portion provided with a through-hole through which the connector is inserted, The mating portion comprises a first mating portion provided on the connector and a second mating portion provided on the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole. The second mating portion is mated to correspond to the first mating portion provided on one of the connectors.

[0013] According to the present invention, a particular connector is connected to a stack through an opening, with a keyway and a corresponding key projection engaging therewith. Therefore, by sliding this particular connector in the connection direction while confirming that the keyway and key projection engage, the worker can ensure a certain degree of straightness and connect it to the correct position on the stack, thus preventing incorrect connections. Furthermore, as described above, since the connector is connected while ensuring a certain degree of straightness, even in the case of a forced connection, it is possible to prevent the end of the connector from coming into contact with the end (contact part) of the separator.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first mating portion is provided on one side of the housing of the connector, The connecting auxiliary member is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole, facing the second fitting portion, and has a rail portion extending in the connection direction. The rail portion is configured to allow the connector to slide and support it.

[0015] With this configuration, as described above, incorrect connection of the connector can be prevented by the operator confirming the engagement between the keyway and the key projection, while the rail section further ensures straightness during the sliding of the connector, and contact between the connector end and the separator end can be more effectively prevented.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the total lengths of the second fitting portion and the rail portion are configured to be longer than the total length of the slit in the connector.

[0017] With such a configuration, the straightness during the sliding of the connector is further ensured, and contact between the end portion of the connector and the end portion of the separator can be more preferably prevented.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of the second fitting portions are provided along the stacking direction of the cells in the stack, thereby forming a second fitting row. The second fitting row is configured such that the first fitting portion corresponds thereto and fits into the second fitting portion forming the second fitting row, so that each connector is closely arranged and connected to the stack.

[0019] With such a configuration, each connector is closely arranged with respect to the stack by being connected to the stack based on the key groove or key projection provided thereon and the corresponding key projection or key groove, so that misconnection in which the connectors are arranged apart from each other is prevented.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first fitting portion forms a first fitting row by connecting each connector to the stack based on a predetermined order. The second fitting row is formed by arranging each second fitting portion forming the second fitting row in an arrangement corresponding to the arrangement of each first fitting portion forming the first fitting row. In the second fitting row, the shapes as viewed from the connection direction of adjacent second fitting portions are configured to be different from each other.

[0021] With such a configuration, when connecting a plurality of connectors sequentially, misconnection in which the connection order of adjacent connectors is interchanged is prevented.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connection auxiliary member has mounting portions provided at both ends of the main body portion, and the mounting portions are detachably attached to end plates provided at both ends of the stack.

[0023] With such a configuration, it becomes easy to ensure dimensional accuracy of the relative positions of the present connection auxiliary member, the stack, and each connector, and unnecessary cutting work is eliminated, so that productivity is improved and cost reduction is achieved.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment 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.

[0025] With such a configuration, the work of attaching the main body portion to the end plate becomes easy, and the dimensional accuracy of the relative positions of the present connector member and each connector is further improved.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connection auxiliary member is configured such that the positioning hole provided in one of the mounting portions is a long hole that is long in the stacking direction, so that in a state where each of the mounting portions is attached to each end plate, displacement of the stack in the stacking direction is configured to be allowable.

[0027] With such a configuration, expansion in the stacking direction due to thermal expansion of the stack after the connection auxiliary member is attached to the fuel cell (before connecting each connector) is allowed.

[0028] 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 one of the mounting portions is configured as a long hole that is long in the stacking direction. Inside the one communication hole, a sleeve that is fitted to a fastening member inserted through the communication hole is provided. The length of the sleeve along the connection direction of each of the connectors is longer than the length of the communication hole along the connection direction.

[0029] This configuration ensures a certain gap between the fastening member and the connecting auxiliary member through the sleeve. As a result, if the stack attempts to expand in the stacking direction due to thermal expansion after the connecting auxiliary member is attached to the fuel cell, the fastening member (and end plate) slides against the connecting auxiliary member, thereby allowing the expansion in the stacking direction to occur.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a metal collar is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the communication hole, and the length of the metal collar in the connection direction is longer than the length of the communication hole in the connection direction.

[0031] 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 this connecting auxiliary member is manufactured from resin, there is a risk that the above-mentioned thermal creep phenomenon may occur due to temperature changes if the bolt comes into direct contact with the surface of the mounting part. However, with the above configuration, when the bolt is inserted through the communication hole (and penetration hole) and fastened, the bolt 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. [Effects of the Invention]

[0032] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a misconnection prevention structure that can easily prevent misconnections of connectors connected to a single stack. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] This figure shows a connection assist member for a misconnection prevention structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows a connection assist member for a misconnection prevention structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows the keyway of a misconnection prevention structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the method of using the misconnection prevention structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the method of using the misconnection prevention structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the method of using the misconnection prevention structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the method of using the misconnection prevention structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the method of using the misconnection prevention structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a modified connecting auxiliary member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a modified connecting auxiliary member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] The misconnection prevention structure according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 7. 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 the misconnection prevention structure according to this embodiment, the symbol A indicates the fuel cell according to this embodiment, and the symbol B indicates the connector according to this embodiment.

[0035] 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.

[0036] <Structure> The configuration of the misconnection prevention structure X will be explained below using Figures 1 to 3. Furthermore, the connector B (see Figure 3, etc.) used for measuring the voltage of each cell C (see Figure 5, etc.) 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 housing B1.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the misconnection prevention structure X comprises a connection auxiliary member X1 attached to the fuel cell A and a fitting portion X2. Figure 1(a) shows a perspective view of the connecting auxiliary member X1 as seen from the front, Figure 1(b) shows a perspective view of the connecting auxiliary member X1 as seen from the rear, and Figure 2 shows an enlarged front view of the through-hole h of the connecting auxiliary member X1, which will be described later.

[0038] The connecting auxiliary member X1 has a main body portion X1a through which a through-hole h is inserted into the connector B, and mounting portions X1b provided at both ends of the main body portion X1a. Furthermore, the connecting auxiliary member X1 is made of an insulating material such as resin, as it comes into contact with the stack S when attached to the fuel cell A.

[0039] The main body X1a is a roughly plate-like body extending along the stacking direction, and is provided with a pair of wall portions w1 and w2 that protrude forward from the upper and lower edges of the through-hole h and extend along substantially the entire length of the upper and lower edges. The through-hole h is a roughly rectangular hole that extends along the stacking direction and has a length approximately equal to the width of the stack S in the fuel cell A in the stacking direction.

[0040] Each mounting portion X1b is a plate-like body and is provided with a positioning hole T1 through which a positioning pin k (see Figure 4, etc.) provided in each end plate E (described later) is inserted, and a communication hole T2 that communicates with a penetration hole t (see Figure 4, etc.) provided in the end plate E.

[0041] In this embodiment, the positioning hole T1 and the communication hole T2 provided in the left mounting portion X1b are configured as substantially circular holes, while the positioning hole T1 and the communication hole T2 provided in the right mounting portion X1b 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 X1b. In this embodiment, the left communication hole T2 and positioning hole T1 serve as reference holes when attaching the connecting auxiliary member X1 to the fuel cell A (end plate E).

[0042] Furthermore, the connecting auxiliary member X1 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole h and has a plurality of key projections q extending along the connection direction, and a rail portion r provided on the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole h, opposite each key projection q, and extending in the connection direction.

[0043] The key projection q is one component of the mating portion X2 (the second mating portion). To elaborate further on the key projection q, it is a pair of protrusions j that extend from the inner lower surface of the through-hole h to the front end of the wall portion w1. Furthermore, the shape of the key projection q is not limited to this; it may consist of multiple protrusions of different lengths, a single protrusion, or a rectangular block with width on both sides, and various other forms can be adopted. In addition, the shape of the keyway p, which will be described later, can naturally be changed accordingly.

[0044] Here, multiple key protrusions q are provided along the stacking direction to form a second mating row Q of key protrusions, and in the key protrusion row Q, the shapes of adjacent key protrusions q as viewed from the connection direction are configured to be different from each other.

[0045] To elaborate, the shape of the key projection q is as shown in Figure 2, within the dotted-dotted rectangle. In this embodiment, although the shape of each projection j forming each key projection q is the same, the distance between each projection j and their arrangement in the left-right direction within the rectangular frame are different, resulting in the shapes of adjacent key projections q as viewed from the connection direction being mutually different. The left and right widths of the above rectangular frame are the same as the left and right widths of each connector B, and hereafter, the area within the through-hole h demarcated by this left and right width will be referred to as the "connection area".

[0046] Each rail section r extends from the inner upper surface of the through-hole h to the front end of the wall section w2, and is a roughly U-shaped structure that opens downward when viewed from the front. Furthermore, each rail section r is arranged at a constant interval in the stacking direction to correspond to each key projection q.

[0047] As shown in Figure 3, connector B is provided with a keyway p that extends along the connection direction.

[0048] The keyway p is the other component of the mating portion X2 (first mating portion). To elaborate further on the keyway p, it is a slit-shaped groove provided on the lower side surface of the housing B1, with its front end open. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a pair of keyways p are provided in each housing B1 to fit into the corresponding key projections q and their corresponding ridges j.

[0049] To elaborate on the configuration of housing B1, housing B1 comprises a housing body B1a to which the electric wire B2 is connected, a guide portion B1b protruding forward from housing body B1a, and a locking mechanism B1c configured on the upper part of housing body B1a.

[0050] As described above, the housing body B1a is provided with a pair of keyways p on its lower side, where the tip of the electric wire B2 and the base of the terminal are stored. Furthermore, the upper side of the housing body B1a protrudes slightly forward so as to cover the base end of the guide part B1b.

[0051] The guide section B1b is composed of multiple plate-like bodies arranged at predetermined intervals in the stacking direction, thereby forming slits n through which each cell C can be inserted between each plate-like body. Furthermore, since each slit n has a pair of terminals exposed, when connecting connector B to stack S, a plate-like body is inserted between each cell C, and each terminal clamps each cell C.

[0052] The locking mechanism B1c is a mechanism that prevents connector B from coming loose by engaging with the inner circumferential surface of each rail section r when connecting connector B to stack S. Furthermore, because the left and right side portions of the housing body B1a protrude upward, a gap f extending in the connection direction is formed between each of these side portions and the housing body B1a.

[0053] <Installation method and usage method> The method for attaching the connection support member X1 to the fuel cell A and the method for using the misconnection prevention structure X will be explained below with reference to Figures 4 to 7. Figure 4(a) is an overall perspective view showing how the connecting auxiliary member X1 is attached to the fuel cell A, (b-1) is a side view of cell C, and (b-2) is a partially enlarged perspective view of stack S.

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4(b-1), each cell C is provided with a roughly U-shaped first notch C1 and an elongated second notch C2 connected to the first notch C1 and extending in the direction of connection of the connector B. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4(b-2), the stack S is provided with a groove G formed by each of the first notches C1 communicating along the stacking direction, and a slit Z formed by each of the second notches C2 communicating along the stacking direction, according to the configuration of each cell C described above.

[0055] First, the worker attaches the connecting support member X1 to the fuel cell A.

[0056] More specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the worker inserts each positioning pin k into each positioning hole T1 while positioning the front side of each mounting portion X1b adjacent to the rear side of each end plate E (arrow d1). At this time, each wall portion w1 and w2 is inserted into the groove portion G such that the upper surface of wall portion w1 is adjacent to the upper surface of the inner circumference of groove portion G, and the lower surface of wall portion w2 is adjacent to the lower surface of the inner circumference of groove portion G.

[0057] Then, the worker inserts each fastening member (bolt) v through each connecting penetration hole t and each connecting hole T2 (arrow d2) and fastens them. As a result, the connecting auxiliary member X1 is attached to the fuel cell A (each end plate E) such that the slit portion Z is exposed along its entire length from the through-hole h when viewed from the front.

[0058] Next, the worker connects each connector B to the stack S via the connecting auxiliary member X1, as shown in Figure 5. Figure 5(a) is an overall perspective view showing how each connector B is connected to the stack S, and Figures 5(b-1) and (b-2) are enlarged cross-sectional views of line AA' in (a).

[0059] More specifically, the worker engages the key groove p provided in one connector B with the corresponding key projection q, and slides this connector B in the connection direction (arrow d3), thereby connecting this connector B to the stack S as shown in Figures 5(b-1) to (b-2). At this time, the pair of protruding portions on the corresponding rail section r fit into the gaps f between the housing body B1a and the locking mechanism B1c, thereby providing sliding support for the connector B. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5(b-1) in particular, the total lengths L1 and L2 of the key projection q and the rail portion r are longer than the total length L3 of the slit n in connector B.

[0060] Here, the worker can prevent incorrect connection of connector B during the process of fitting the keyway p of the specific connector B onto the key projection q.

[0061] In other words, each key projection q is designed to fit into a key groove p provided in each connector, and as described above, the shapes of adjacent key projections q are mutually different when viewed from the connection direction. Therefore, if an operator mistakenly attempts to connect a particular connector B to an adjacent connection area, the keyway p of this connector B will not correspond to the key projection q at that connection position, preventing the connector B from mating and sliding, and thus preventing it from connecting to the stack S. This allows the operator to detect the incorrect connection position and reconnect the connector B in the correct position where the keyway p and key projection q engage, thereby preventing incorrect connection of the connector B.

[0062] Then, following the procedure described above, the worker connects each connector B to the stack S sequentially (arrow d4), fitting the key groove p provided on each connector B into the corresponding key projection q, as shown in Figure 6. Figure 6(a) is a diagram illustrating the above connection procedure, and is an overall perspective view from below. Figure 6(b) is an enlarged perspective view from below of multiple connectors B in a partially connected state.

[0063] Figure 7 is an overall perspective view showing the state after the connection work for each connector B has been completed following the procedure described above.

[0064] As shown in Figure 7, each connector B is connected to the stack S in a predetermined order, and the keyway p provided in each connector B forms a keyway row P as the first mating row. Furthermore, each connector B is connected to the stack S via a through-hole h, with a keyway p and a corresponding key projection q engaging, so that adjacent connectors B are closely arranged together. In this embodiment, "closely arranged" means that each connector B is arranged such that all cells C are sandwiched between any of the connector B (terminals) between the leftmost connector B and the rightmost connector B.

[0065] Here, the interior of each communication hole T2 is configured as shown in Figure 8. Figure 8 is a front view showing the completed installation, with the upper left and lower right showing cross-sectional views along lines BB' and CC', respectively, illustrating the interior of the communication hole T2.

[0066] 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 X1b.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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 portion X1b. Therefore, the fastening member v (and end plate E) can be displaced along the stacking direction relative to the connecting auxiliary member X1.

[0071] <Effects> According to this embodiment, the operator can ensure a certain degree of straightness and connect the connectors to the correct position on the stack S by sliding each connector B in the connection direction while confirming that the keyway p and the key projection q are engaged, thereby preventing incorrect connections.

[0072] Furthermore, since each connector B is connected while ensuring a certain degree of straightness, even in the case of forced connection, it is possible to prevent the ends of each connector B from coming into contact with the ends (contact parts) of the separator.

[0073] Furthermore, the rail portion r further ensures the straight-line movement of each connector B during sliding, and more effectively prevents contact between the ends of each connector B and the ends of the separator.

[0074] Furthermore, by ensuring that the total length of the key projection q and the rail portion r is longer than the total length of the slit n in each connector B, the straight-line movement of each connector B during sliding is further ensured, and contact between the end of each connector B and the end of the separator can be more effectively prevented.

[0075] Furthermore, the row of key protrusions Q ensures that each connector B is positioned closely to the stack S, thereby preventing misconnections where the connectors B are positioned far apart from each other.

[0076] Furthermore, the keyway row P and the key projection row Q are arranged in corresponding configurations, and the shapes of adjacent key projections q when viewed from the connection direction are different from each other. This prevents incorrect connections that would result in reversing the connection order of adjacent connectors B when connecting each connector B sequentially.

[0077] Furthermore, since each mounting portion X1b is detachably attached to each end plate E, it becomes easier to ensure dimensional accuracy in the relative position between the connecting auxiliary member X1 and the stack S and each connector B, eliminating the need for unnecessary cutting, thus improving manufacturability and contributing to cost reduction.

[0078] Furthermore, the communication holes T2 and positioning holes T1 provided in each mounting portion X1b facilitate the installation of the connecting auxiliary member X1, and improve the dimensional accuracy of the relative position between the connecting auxiliary member X1 and each connector B.

[0079] Furthermore, the communication hole T2 and positioning hole T1 provided in the right-side mounting portion X1b are configured as elongated holes that are longer 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 connecting auxiliary member X1, and allows the stack S to expand in the stacking direction due to thermal expansion.

[0080] 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 X1b.

[0081] <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.

[0082] In particular, this embodiment shows an example in which a keyway p is provided as a first mating portion of connector B, and a key projection q is provided as a second mating portion on the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole h of connecting auxiliary member X1. In recent years, connector B may be provided with a key projection q, and a key groove p may be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole h. That is, the first mating portion may be the key projection q, and the second mating portion may be the key groove p. As a result, a row of keyways P is formed on the inner surface of the through-hole h as a second mating row, and each connector B is connected to the stack S via the through-hole h, thereby forming a row of key protrusions Q as a first mating row by each connector B.

[0083] Furthermore, the metal collar M does not necessarily have to be provided in the communication hole T2 on the side where the sleeve s is provided.

[0084] Furthermore, the number of connectors B that can be connected via the connecting auxiliary member X1 is not limited to the number shown in the figure; it may be as little as one. Depending on the number of connectors B, the length of the through-hole h along the stacking direction, and the number of key protrusions q and rail sections r can also be appropriately changed.

[0085] Furthermore, each housing B1 does not necessarily need to have a locking mechanism B1c, and each housing B1 as a whole may be configured as a simple rectangular parallelepiped, with each rail section r being configured to cover the top surface and left and right sides of each housing B1.

[0086] Furthermore, one of the mounting parts X1b may be configured as shown in Figures 9 and 10.

[0087] In other words, as shown in Figure 9, one of the mounting portions X1b does not have a communication hole T2. Furthermore, in this modified example, a cover member c is provided that surrounds and is attached to one of the mounting portions X1b.

[0088] 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.

[0089] In the cover member body c1, the surface facing the rear surface of the first component 21 is provided with a recessed portion d that abuts against the rear surface and a communication hole u1 that communicates with the positioning hole T1. Each extension section c2 is provided with a communication hole u2 that communicates with a penetration hole t provided in the end plate E.

[0090] The connecting auxiliary member X1 configured as described above is attached to the fuel cell A, as shown in Figure 9.

[0091] In particular, the worker attaches one of the mounting parts X1b to the end plate E by inserting a positioning pin k through the positioning hole T1 and the communication hole u1, 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, ensuring that each communication hole u2 of the extension c2 is connected to each penetration hole t of the end plate E, and then inserts the fastening member v into each communication hole u2 and each penetration hole t to fasten it.

[0092] As a result, one of the mounting portions X1b 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 one of the mounting portions X1b is maintained, while the cover member c (and end plate E) slides against the connecting auxiliary member X1.

[0093] In other words, according to this modification, even without providing a communication hole T2 in one of the mounting portions X1b, the end plate E can be displaced in the stacking direction when the connecting auxiliary member X1 is attached to the fuel cell A.

[0094] 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]

[0095] X Misconnection Prevention Structure X1 Connection auxiliary member X1a Main Unit h Through hole r rail section X1b Mounting section T1 Positioning Hole T2 communication hole M Metallic Color X2 Fitting part p Keyway (first fitting section) q Key projection (second mating part) P Keyway Row (First Mating Row) Q Key projection row (second mating row) A fuel cell S stack E End Plate B connector B1 Housing B2 electric wire

Claims

1. The device comprises a connecting auxiliary member attached to a fuel cell, a connector connected to the stack of the fuel cell via the connecting auxiliary member, and a fitting portion provided on the connecting auxiliary member and extending along the connection direction of the connector, The aforementioned connecting auxiliary member has a main body portion provided with a through-hole through which the connector is inserted, The mating portion comprises a first mating portion provided on the connector and a second mating portion provided on the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole. The second mating portion is a misconnection prevention structure that mates with a first mating portion provided on one of the connectors.

2. The first mating portion is provided on one side of the housing of the connector, The connecting auxiliary member is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole, facing the second fitting portion, and has a rail portion extending in the connection direction. The misconnection prevention structure according to claim 1, wherein the rail portion is configured to slidably support the connector.

3. The misconnection prevention structure according to claim 2, wherein the total length of the second fitting portion and the rail portion is longer than the total length of the slit in the connector.

4. The second fitting portion is provided in multiple locations along the stacking direction of the cells in the stack, thereby forming a second fitting row. The misconnection prevention structure according to claim 1, wherein the second mating row is configured such that each connector is closely positioned and connected to the stack by the first mating portion mating with the second mating portion which forms the second mating row.

5. The first mating portion is formed by connecting each of the connectors to the stack in a predetermined order, thereby forming a first mating row. The second fitting row is formed by arranging each of the second fitting portions in an arrangement corresponding to the arrangement of the first fitting portions that make up the first fitting row. The misconnection prevention structure according to claim 4, wherein in the second mating row, the shapes of adjacent second mating portions as viewed from the connection direction are configured to be different from each other.

6. The aforementioned connecting auxiliary member has mounting portions provided at both ends of the main body, The mounting portion is attached to end plates provided at both ends of the stack, the misconnection prevention structure according to claim 1.

7. The misconnection prevention structure according to claim 6, wherein each of the mounting portions is provided with a positioning hole through which a positioning pin provided in each of the end plates is inserted.

8. The connection auxiliary member 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 of the cells in the stack, thereby allowing displacement of the stack in the stacking direction when each mounting portion is attached to each end plate, according to claim 7, which is a misconnection prevention structure.

9. 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 misconnection detection structure according to claim 8, 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.

10. A metal collar is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the aforementioned communication hole. The misconnection prevention structure according to claim 9, wherein the length of the metal collar in the connection direction is longer than the length of the communication hole in the connection direction.

Images