Separator structure
The separator structure addresses miniaturization and rigidity issues by distributing forces through straight-line boundaries and uneven ends, ensuring effective sealing and stability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing separator designs with meandering side portions face challenges in miniaturization due to increased width, compromising rigidity and sealing effectiveness.
A separator structure with a pair of plates joined facing each other, featuring a strip-shaped flat portion and connecting portions with straight-line boundaries and uneven ends, distributing applied forces to enhance rigidity while reducing width.
The structure maintains sealing properties with reduced width, improving rigidity and preventing positional shifting of the separator components under applied loads.
Smart Images
Figure 2026094537000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a separator structure.
Background Art
[0002] Various techniques related to separators used in fuel cells have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a separator provided with a seal structure portion (also referred to as a "bead") for sealing reaction gas and refrigerant along the outer periphery. This seal structure portion includes, in a plan view, a pair of meandering side portions and a flat portion extending linearly and sandwiched between the pair of side portions. The meandering side portions increase the rigidity against compressive loads, while the linearly extending flat portion shortens the seal length of the seal structure portion.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] However, since the side portions are meandering, the width of the seal structure portion increases. As a result, it is difficult to miniaturize the seal structure portion. There is a need for a separator having a seal structure portion that can be configured with a small width while improving rigidity.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0005] The present disclosure can be realized in the following forms.
[0006] (1) According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a separator structure is provided having a structure in which a pair of plates are joined facing each other. Each plate comprises a rectangular plate body portion and a seal structure portion extending along the outer circumference of the plate body portion and projecting from the plate body portion in the thickness direction of the plate body portion, wherein the seal structure portion has a strip-shaped flat portion provided parallel to the plate body portion and away from the plate body portion in the thickness direction, a first connecting portion connecting the plate body portion and one end of the flat portion in the width direction, and a second connecting portion provided closer to the outer edge of the plate body portion than the first connecting portion, and connecting the plate body portion and the other end of the flat portion in the width direction, wherein the boundary between the plate body portion and the first connecting portion and the boundary between the plate body portion and the second connecting portion are formed in a straight line when viewed in the thickness direction, and the other end is formed in an uneven shape when viewed in the thickness direction. With this separator structure, the boundary between the plate body and the first connection part, and the boundary between the plate body and the second connection part, are formed in a straight line when viewed in the thickness direction. Therefore, compared to a configuration where the boundary has a shape other than a straight line, such as an uneven surface, the width of the sealing structure can be reduced while maintaining sealing properties. Furthermore, since the other end of the flat section is formed in an uneven shape when viewed in the thickness direction, the force applied to the seal structure in the thickness direction can be distributed compared to a configuration where the other end is formed in a straight line. This improves the rigidity of the seal structure. (2) In the separator structure of the above form, one end may be formed in an uneven shape when viewed in the thickness direction. In this form of separator structure, both one end and the other end are formed with an uneven surface when viewed in the thickness direction. Compared to a configuration where only the other end is formed with an uneven surface, the force applied to the sealing structure in the thickness direction can be better distributed. This improves the rigidity of the sealing structure. (3) In the separator structure of the above form, both the one end and the other end may be formed in a sinusoidal shape when viewed in the thickness direction. In this form of separator structure, both one end and the other end are formed in a sinusoidal shape when viewed in the thickness direction. Compared to a configuration where one end and the other end are formed in a non-sinusoidal uneven shape such as a rectangular wave, the force applied to the sealing structure in the thickness direction can be better distributed. This improves the rigidity of the sealing structure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0007] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a fuel cell in which a separator structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is used. [Figure 2] This is a plan view of the cell. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the seal structure. [Figure 4] Figures 2 and 3 show cross-sections of cells cut along the IV-IV line. [Figure 5] Figures 2 and 3 show cross-sections of cells cut along the VV line. [Figure 6] This is a plan view of the separator structure of the second embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a plan view of the separator structure of the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0008] A. First Embodiment: <Configuration of Fuel Cell 100> Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fuel cell 100 in which a separator structure 200 in one embodiment of the present disclosure is used. Figure 1 shows mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes. The fuel cell 100 is used, for example, as a power source for an electric vehicle. The fuel cell 100 comprises a cell stack 110 and a pair of terminal plates 120, 130.
[0009] The cell stack 110 is composed of a plurality of cells 10 stacked in the Z direction. Each cell 10 is a polymer electrolyte fuel cell that generates electricity using an oxidizer gas and a fuel gas. Each cell 10 comprises an electrolyte membrane, an anode catalyst layer located on one side of the electrolyte membrane, a cathode catalyst layer located on the other side of the electrolyte membrane, a pair of gas diffusion layers positioned to sandwich the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer, and a pair of separator structures positioned to sandwich the pair of gas diffusion layers.
[0010] The electrolyte membrane is a solid polymer membrane with proton conductivity. For example, the electrolyte membrane is an ion-exchange membrane made of fluororesin. The anode catalyst layer includes a catalyst that promotes the chemical reaction of the fuel gas and carbon particles supporting the catalyst. The cathode catalyst layer includes a catalyst that promotes the chemical reaction of the oxidizer gas and carbon particles supporting the catalyst. The gas diffusion layer is composed of a porous material. The porous material is manufactured from a metal or carbon material. The gas diffusion layer uniformly diffuses the reaction gas to the cathode catalyst layer and the anode catalyst layer. The electrolyte membrane, anode catalyst layer, cathode catalyst layer, and gas diffusion layer together are called a Membrane Electrode Gas Diffusion Layer Assembly (MEGA). A pair of separator structures are arranged to sandwich the Membrane Electrode Gas Diffusion Layer Assembly. Details of the separator structures will be described later.
[0011] Terminal plates 120 and 130 are positioned at both ends of the cell stack 110 in the stacking direction. Terminal plates 120 and 130 are made of conductive materials such as aluminum and copper. Terminal plates 120 and 130 are used to extract the electricity generated by the cell 10 to the outside.
[0012] The fuel cell 100 is formed with oxidizer gas manifolds 11a and 11b, refrigerant manifolds 12a and 12b, and fuel gas manifolds 13a and 13b. Each of these manifolds is composed of manifold holes formed in the separator structure 200 and the terminal plates 120 and 130, respectively. The oxidizer gas manifold 11a is used to supply oxidizer gas to the fuel cell 100. The oxidizer gas manifold 11b is used to discharge oxidizer gas from the fuel cell 100. The refrigerant manifold 12a is used to supply refrigerant to the fuel cell 100. The refrigerant manifold 12b is used to discharge refrigerant from the fuel cell 100. The fuel gas manifold 13a is used to supply fuel gas to the fuel cell 100. The fuel gas manifold 13b is used to discharge fuel gas from the fuel cell 100.
[0013] <Configuration of separator structure 200> Figure 2 is a plan view of cell 10. Figure 2 shows the outermost separator structure 200 of cell 10. Below Figure 2, the seal structure 500, which will be described later, is shown in an enlarged and schematic manner. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the seal structure 500. Figure 4 shows a cross-section of cell 10 cut along the line IV-IV in Figures 2 and 3. Figure 5 shows a cross-section of cell 10 cut along the line VV in Figures 2 and 3. It can also be said that Figures 4 and 5 show cross-sections perpendicular to the direction in which the seal structure 500 extends. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the separator structure 200 has a structure in which a pair of plates 210 and 220 are joined facing each other. The plates 210 and 220 have a symmetrical structure. The plates 210 and 220 are made of carbon material, metal material, etc.
[0014] As shown in Figure 2, each plate 210, 220 comprises a plate body portion 230 and a sealing structure portion 500.
[0015] <Configuration of the main plate section 230> The plate main body 230 has a rectangular shape in plan view. Six manifold holes 221a, 221b, 222a, 222b, 223a, and 223b are formed in the plate main body 230. The manifold hole 221a is part of the oxidant gas manifold 11a, the manifold hole 221b is part of the oxidant gas manifold 11b, the manifold hole 222a is part of the refrigerant manifold 12a, the manifold hole 222b is part of the refrigerant manifold 12b, the manifold hole 223a is part of the fuel gas manifold 13a, and the manifold hole 223b is part of the fuel gas manifold 13b.
[0016] The plate main body 230 has a plurality of grooves GR provided along the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the plate main body 230 on the surface on the side of the membrane electrode gas diffusion layer. Each groove GR is arranged along the short side direction (X direction) of the plate main body 230. The groove GR is used as a flow path for the reaction gas.
[0017] <Configuration of the seal structure portion 500> The seal structure portion 500 is provided along the outer peripheral portion of the plate main body 230. More specifically, the seal structure portion 500 is provided outside the range where the membrane electrode gas diffusion layer is arranged when viewed in the thickness direction (Z direction) of the plate main body 230. Also, the seal structure portion 50 has a portion of the manifold holes 221a, 221b, 223a, and 223b surrounded from the outside of the plate main body 230 and a portion of the manifold holes 222a and 222b surrounded from the inside of the plate main body 230 when viewed in the thickness direction. Further, the seal structure portion 500 protrudes in the thickness direction from the plate main body 230. The seal structure portion 500 prevents leakage of the refrigerant and the reaction gas. The seal structure portion 500 receives the load applied from other adjacent cells.
[0018] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the seal structure portion 500 has a flat portion 510, a first connection portion 521, and a second connection portion 522.
[0019] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the flat portion 510 is separated from the plate body portion 230 in the thickness direction. Furthermore, the flat portion 510 is provided parallel to the plate body portion 230. It can also be said that the flat portion 510 has a flat surface parallel to the plate body portion 230. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the flat portion 510 is provided in a strip shape. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, one end E1 and the other end E2 of the flat portion 510 in the width direction WD are formed in an uneven manner. In a plan view of the plate body portion 230, one end E1 is located inward compared to the other end E2. In this embodiment, one end E1 and the other end E2 are formed in a sinusoidal shape. One end E1 and the other end E2 have approximately the same amplitude, wavelength, and phase. Therefore, the width of the flat portion 510 is approximately constant regardless of location.
[0020] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the first connecting portion 521 connects the plate body portion 230 to one end E1. As shown in Figure 2, the boundary B1 between the first connecting portion 521 and the plate body portion 230 in this disclosure is formed in a straight line when viewed in the thickness direction. It can also be said that the boundary B1 is provided parallel to the outer edge of the plate body portion 230.
[0021] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the second connecting portion 522 connects the plate body portion 230 to the other end E2. The second connecting portion 522 is located closer to the outer edge of the plate body portion 230 compared to the first connecting portion 521. As shown in Figure 2, the boundary B2 between the second connecting portion 522 and the plate body portion 230 in this disclosure is formed in a straight line when viewed in the thickness direction. It can also be said that boundary B2 is provided parallel to the outer edge of the plate body portion 230, similar to boundary B1.
[0022] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the angles α1 and α2 of the first connecting portion 521 and the second connecting portion 522 with respect to the plate body portion 230 differ depending on the part of the seal structure portion 500. More specifically, in Figure 4, which shows a cross-section of the portion of the flat portion 510 that protrudes toward the plate body portion 230, angle α1 is larger than angle α2. In contrast, in Figure 5, which shows a cross-section of the portion of the flat portion 510 that protrudes to the outside of the plate body portion 230, angle α2 is larger than angle α1. As angles α1 and α2 repeatedly increase and decrease within a predetermined range along the extending direction of the seal structure portion 500, a meandering one end E1 and the other end E2 are formed, as shown in Figures 2 and 3.
[0023] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the flat portions 510 of each of the pair of separator structures 200 are indirectly joined to each other via an insulating frame 600 and a gasket 700. The insulating frame 600 insulates the pair of separator structures 200 from each other and suppresses the outflow of reaction gas. A pair of gaskets 700 are provided so as to sandwich the insulating frame 600. The gaskets 700 suppress the outflow of reaction gas.
[0024] According to the separator structure 200 of the first embodiment described above, the boundary B1 between the plate body portion 230 and the first connecting portion 521, and the boundary B2 between the plate body portion 230 and the second connecting portion 522 are formed in a straight line when viewed in the thickness direction. Therefore, the width of the seal structure portion 500 can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the boundaries B1 and B2 have shapes other than straight lines, such as unevenness.
[0025] Furthermore, since one end E1 and the other end E2 of the flat portion 510 are formed in an uneven shape when viewed in the thickness direction, the force applied in the thickness direction can be distributed more evenly compared to a configuration in which one end E1 and the other end E2 are formed in a straight line, thereby improving the rigidity of the seal structure 500. As a result, when a force is applied in the thickness direction, it is possible to suppress the position of the separator structure 200 from shifting from the desired position, or the pair of joined plate body portions 230 from shifting relative to each other.
[0026] Furthermore, since both one end E1 and the other end E2 are formed in an uneven shape when viewed in the thickness direction, the rigidity against force in the thickness direction can be further improved compared to a configuration in which only one of the two ends E1 or E2 is formed in an uneven shape.
[0027] Furthermore, since one end E1 and the other end E2 of the flat portion 510 are formed in a sinusoidal shape when viewed in the thickness direction, the force applied to the seal structure 500 in the thickness direction can be better distributed compared to a configuration in which one end E1 and the other end E2 are formed in an uneven shape other than a sinusoidal shape, such as a rectangular wave. This makes it possible to further improve the rigidity of the seal structure 500.
[0028] B. Second Embodiment: Figure 6 is a plan view of the separator structure 200b of the second embodiment. Figure 6 shows the separator structure 200b at a position corresponding to the enlarged view in Figure 2. The separator structure 200b of the second embodiment differs from the separator structure 200 of the first embodiment in the structure of one end E1b and the other end E2b. The other configurations of the separator structure 200b of the second embodiment are the same as those of the separator structure 200 of the first embodiment, so their explanation is omitted.
[0029] One end E1b and the other end E2b have a plurality of protrusions 550. The protrusions 550 extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the seal structure 500b extends, and in a direction parallel to the plate body 230. Furthermore, the protrusions 550 of one end E1b and the protrusions 550 of the other end E2b are arranged alternately along the direction in which the seal structure 500b extends. Due to the presence of the protrusions 550, it can be said that one end E1b and the other end E2b are formed in an uneven shape when viewed in the thickness direction.
[0030] The separator structure 200b of the second embodiment described above also provides the same effects as the separator structure 200 of the first embodiment.
[0031] Furthermore, according to the separator structure 200b of the second embodiment, the projection 550 at one end E1b and the projection 550 at the other end E2b are arranged alternately along the extending direction of the seal structure 500b. Compared to a configuration in which the projection 550 at one end E1b and the projection 550 at the other end E2b are arranged at the same position along the extending direction of the seal structure 500b, the load applied in the thickness direction can be distributed more evenly. This makes it possible to further improve the rigidity of the seal structure 500b.
[0032] C. Third Embodiment: Figure 7 is a plan view of the separator structure 200c of the third embodiment. Figure 7 shows the separator structure 200c at a position corresponding to the enlarged view in Figure 2. The separator structure 200c of the third embodiment differs from the separator structure 200b of the second embodiment in that the projection 550c is provided at a different location. The other configurations of the separator structure 200c of the third embodiment are the same as those of the separator structure 200b of the second embodiment, so their description is omitted.
[0033] In the separator structure 200c of the third embodiment, one end E1c is formed in a straight line when viewed in the thickness direction, and only the other end E2c has a projection 550c.
[0034] According to the separator structure 200c of the third embodiment described above, since only the other end E2c has the projection 550c, deformation of the sealing structure portion 500c toward the outside of the separator structure 200c as viewed in the thickness direction can be suppressed. More specifically, since structures such as reaction gas flow paths and membrane electrode gas diffusion layers exist on the inside of the fuel cell 100 as viewed in the thickness direction, deformation of the separator structure 200c toward the inside is suppressed. In contrast, since there are relatively few or no structures on the outside, it is more prone to deformation toward the outside than toward the inside. Here, as in the separator structure 200c of the third embodiment, by having the projection 550c only on the other end E2c located on the outside of the plate body portion 230, the rigidity of at least the outer portion of the sealing structure portion 500c can be increased, and deformation of the sealing structure portion 500c toward the outside of the plate body portion 230 can be suppressed.
[0035] D. Other embodiments: (D1) In the first embodiment described above, both one end E1 and the other end E2 were formed in a sinusoidal shape when viewed in the thickness direction, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. Only the other end E2 may be formed in a sinusoidal shape. With such a configuration, the rigidity of at least the outer portion of the seal structure 500 can be increased, and deformation of the seal structure 500 outward can be suppressed. Furthermore, one end E1 and the other end E2 may be formed in any uneven shape. For example, one end E1 and the other end E2 may be formed in a rectangular wave shape.
[0036] (D2) In the second embodiment described above, the projection 550 at one end E1b and the projection 550 at the other end E2b were arranged alternately along the direction in which the seal structure 500b extends, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The projection 550 at one end E1b and the projection 550 at the other end E2b may be provided at the same position along the direction in which the seal structure 500b extends.
[0037] (D3) In each of the above embodiments, the separator structures 200, 200b, and 200c were used in the fuel cell 100, but the separator structures 200, 200b, and 200c may also be used in a water electrolysis cell.
[0038] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various configurations without departing from its spirit. For example, the technical features in the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each form described in the summary of the invention can be replaced or combined as appropriate in order to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or to achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be deleted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]
[0039] 10...Cell, 11a,11b...Oxidizer gas manifold, 12a,12b...Refrigerant manifold, 13a,13b...Fuel gas manifold, 100...Fuel cell, 110...Cell stack, 120,130...Terminal plate, 200,200b,200c...Separator structure, 210,220...Plate, 221a,221b,222a,222b,22 3a, 223b…Manifold holes, 230…Plate body, 500, 500b, 500c…Seal structure, 510…Flat section, 521…First connection section, 522…Second connection section, 550, 550c…Protrusion, 600…Insulating frame, 700…Gasket, B1, B2…Boundary, E1, E1b, E1c…One end, E2, E2b, E2c…Other end, GR…Groove, WD…Width direction
Claims
1. A separator structure having a structure in which a pair of plates are joined together facing each other, Each of the aforementioned plates is A rectangular plate body, A sealing structure is provided along the outer circumference of the plate body and protrudes from the plate body in the thickness direction of the plate body, Equipped with, The aforementioned sealing structure is A strip-shaped flat portion is provided parallel to the plate body, separated from the plate body in the thickness direction, A first connecting portion that connects the plate body portion and one end of the flat portion in the width direction, A second connecting portion is provided on a side closer to the outer edge of the plate body than the first connecting portion, and the second connecting portion connects the plate body and the other end of the flat portion in the width direction, It has, The boundary between the plate body and the first connecting portion, and the boundary between the plate body and the second connecting portion, are formed in a straight line when viewed in the thickness direction. The other end is formed in an uneven shape when viewed in the thickness direction. Separator structure.
2. A separator structure according to claim 1, The aforementioned end is formed in an uneven manner when viewed in the thickness direction. Separator structure.
3. A separator structure according to claim 2, Both the aforementioned end and the aforementioned end are formed in a sinusoidal shape when viewed in the thickness direction. Separator structure.