Membrane humidifier for fuel cells

Abstract

The present invention relates to a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, comprising: a humidification module for humidifying gas supplied to a fuel cell stack; and an end cap coupled to one or other side of the humidification module; wherein the humidification module comprises an inner case in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes are disposed; a cartridge including a fixing portion for fixing the plurality of hollow fiber membranes on one side of the inner case; an intermediate case in which the cartridge is disposed; and a first packing member sandwiched in a first insertion groove formed between the cartridge and the intermediate case to seal the gap between the cartridge and the intermediate case, and wherein a first inclined portion is provided on the outer side of the cartridge that comes into contact with the first packing member.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, and more particularly to a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell that can improve the sealing force of a packing member by forming inclined portions on a fixing portion of a cartridge, an inner case, and an intermediate case. [Background technology]

[0002] A fuel cell is a power generating cell that generates electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen. Unlike ordinary chemical cells such as dry batteries and storage batteries, fuel cells continue to generate electricity as long as hydrogen and oxygen are supplied, and because there is no heat loss, they have the advantage of being twice as efficient as internal combustion engines. The fuel cell system includes a stack, which is an electricity generating assembly of unit fuel cells each consisting of a cathode and an anode, an air supply device for supplying air to the cathode of the fuel cell, and a hydrogen supply device for supplying hydrogen to the anode of the fuel cell. The polymer fuel cell in a fuel cell system requires an appropriate amount of moisture for the ion exchange membrane of the membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) to function smoothly, and for this reason, the air supply device of the fuel cell system is equipped with a humidifier to humidify the air supplied to the fuel cell. The humidifier uses moisture in the hot, humid air discharged from the cathode of the fuel cell to humidify the dry air supplied via the air compressor of the air supply device, and supplies the humidified air to the cathode of the fuel cell. The humidifier for the fuel cell uses a membrane humidification method, which uses a gas-to-gas moisture exchange method between the hot and humid exhaust gas discharged from the cathode of the fuel cell and the dry air supplied via an air compressor. A membrane humidifier exchanges moisture between hot, humid exhaust gas and dry air through a hollow fiber membrane with a hollow space inside. To increase the efficiency of moisture exchange between hot, humid exhaust gas and dry air, the moisture exchange must occur while the hot, humid exhaust gas and dry air pass through the hollow fiber membrane. If the hot and humid exhaust gas and dry air come into direct contact without passing through the hollow fiber membrane, the moisture exchange efficiency will decrease. To address this issue, a packing member is used to separate the points where the hot and humid exhaust gas enters or exits from the points where the dry air enters or exits. By separating the point where hot and humid exhaust gas flows in or out from the point where dry air flows in or out through the packing member, it is possible to prevent the hot and humid exhaust gas and the dry air from coming into immediate contact without passing through the hollow fiber membrane. On the other hand, if the sealing strength of the packing member is weakened, leakage may occur from the packing member, causing the hot and humid exhaust gas and dry air to come into direct contact with each other without passing through the hollow fiber membrane. Therefore, when exchanging moisture between hot and humid exhaust gas and dry air through a membrane humidifier, the sealing force of the packing member that separates the point where hot and humid exhaust gas flows in or out and the point where dry air flows in or out must be improved. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and more specifically, to provide a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell that can improve the sealing force of the packing member by forming inclined portions on the fixing portion of the cartridge, the inner case, and the intermediate case. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The membrane humidifier for a fuel cell of the present invention, which solves the above-mentioned problems, comprises: a humidification module for humidifying gas supplied to a fuel cell stack; and an end cap attached to one or other side of the humidification module; wherein the humidification module comprises an inner case in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes are disposed; a cartridge including a fixing portion for fixing the plurality of hollow fiber membranes on one side of the inner case; an intermediate case in which the cartridge is disposed; and a first packing member sandwiched in a first insertion groove formed between the cartridge and the intermediate case to seal the gap between the cartridge and the intermediate case, and wherein the cartridge has a first inclined portion on the outer side that comes into contact with the first packing member. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the first inclined portion of the membrane humidifier for a fuel cell of the present invention may be formed on one side of the cartridge in a direction toward the inside of the cartridge so as to narrow the width of the first insertion groove. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the first inclined portion of the membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention may be provided on the fixing portion of the cartridge or on the inner case of the cartridge. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the first packing member of the membrane humidifier for a fuel cell of the present invention may be provided with a first packing protrusion that protrudes outward from the first packing member and contacts the first inclined portion, and the first inclined portion may be provided with a first inclined groove into which the first packing protrusion is inserted. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the first inclined portion of the membrane humidifier for a fuel cell of the present invention may be provided with a first inclined protrusion that protrudes outward from the first inclined portion and contacts the first packing member, and the first packing member may be provided with a first packing groove into which the first inclined protrusion is inserted. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an adhesive is provided between the first packing member and the first inclined portion of the membrane humidifier for a fuel cell of the present invention, and the adhesive may be applied to one or more points selected from one side of the first packing member, the other side of the first packing member, and the area between the first packing member and the first inclined portion. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a first reinforcing member may be inserted inside the first packing member of the membrane humidifier for a fuel cell of the present invention, and the first reinforcing member may have a higher hardness than the first packing member. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the end cap of the membrane humidifier for a fuel cell of the present invention is provided with a pressurizing portion that protrudes into the inner space of the end cap, and when the end cap is coupled to the humidification module, the pressurizing portion can contact the first packing member and pressurize the first packing member.

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a plurality of cartridges are disposed inside the intermediate case of the membrane humidifier for a fuel cell of the present invention, and the humidification module includes a second packing member sandwiched in a second insertion groove formed between the plurality of cartridges to seal the spaces between the plurality of cartridges, and a second inclined portion may be provided on the outer side of the cartridge that comes into contact with the second packing member. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the second inclined portion of the membrane humidifier for a fuel cell of the present invention may be formed on one side of the cartridge in a direction toward the inside of the cartridge so as to narrow the width of the second insertion groove. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the second inclined portion of the membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention may be provided on the fixing portion of the cartridge or on the inner case of the cartridge. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the second packing member of the membrane humidifier for a fuel cell of the present invention may be provided with a second packing protrusion that protrudes outward from the second packing member and contacts the second inclined portion, and the second inclined portion may be provided with a second inclined groove into which the second packing protrusion is inserted. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the second inclined portion of the membrane humidifier for a fuel cell of the present invention may be provided with a second inclined protrusion that protrudes outward from the second inclined portion and contacts the second packing member, and the second packing member may be provided with a second packing groove into which the second inclined protrusion is inserted. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an adhesive is provided between the second packing member and the second inclined portion of the membrane humidifier for a fuel cell of the present invention, and the adhesive may be applied to one or more points selected from one side of the second packing member, the other side of the second packing member, and a portion between the second packing member and the second inclined portion. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a second reinforcing member may be inserted inside the second packing member of the membrane humidifier for fuel cells of the present invention, and the second reinforcing member may have a higher hardness than the second packing member.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the membrane humidifier for a fuel cell of the present invention includes a humidification module for humidifying gas supplied to a fuel cell stack; and a first cap coupled to one end of the humidification module, wherein the humidification module includes an inner case in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes are disposed, a cartridge including a fixing portion for fixing the plurality of hollow fiber membranes to one side of the inner case, an intermediate case to which the cartridge is coupled, and a first packing member sandwiched in a first insertion groove formed between the cartridge and the intermediate case to seal the gap between the cartridge and the intermediate case, and the intermediate case may have a sloped portion on the outer side that comes into contact with the first packing member. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the inclined portion of the membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention may be formed on one side of the intermediate case in a direction toward the inside of the intermediate case, so as to narrow the width of the first insertion groove. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the first packing member of the membrane humidifier for a fuel cell of the present invention may be provided with a packing protrusion that protrudes outward from the first packing member and contacts the inclined portion, and the inclined portion may be provided with an inclined groove into which the packing protrusion is inserted. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the inclined portion of the membrane humidifier for a fuel cell of the present invention may be provided with an inclined protrusion that protrudes outward from the inclined portion and contacts the first packing member, and the first packing member may be provided with a packing groove into which the inclined protrusion is inserted. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an adhesive is provided between the first packing member and the inclined portion of the membrane humidifier for a fuel cell of the present invention, and the adhesive may be applied to at least one point of the other side of the first packing member or between the first packing member and the inclined portion. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a first reinforcing member may be inserted into the first packing member of the membrane humidifier for a fuel cell of the present invention, and the first reinforcing member may have a higher hardness than the first packing member. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the end cap of the membrane humidifier for a fuel cell of the present invention is provided with a pressurizing portion that protrudes into the inner space of the end cap, and when the end cap is coupled to the humidification module, the pressurizing portion can contact the first packing member and pressurize the first packing member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The present invention relates to a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, and by forming inclined portions on the fixing portion of the cartridge, the inner case, and the intermediate case, the sealing force of the packing member can be improved. The present invention allows the packing member to be tightly attached between the cartridge and the intermediate case and between the cartridges via the fixing portion of the cartridge and the inclined portion formed on the inner case and intermediate case, thereby improving the sealing force of the packing member. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to the embodiment of the present invention taken along line AA in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a combined cross-sectional view of a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention taken along line AA in FIG. 1; [Figure 4] 10 is a view showing that a first inclined portion is provided on a fixing portion of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] 10 is a view showing that a first inclined portion is provided in an inner case of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10 is a view showing that a first inclined portion is provided on a fixing portion and an inner case of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 10 is a view showing an intermediate case having a sloped portion according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] 10 is a view showing that a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with a first inclined portion and an intermediate case is provided with a second inclined portion. [Figure 9] 1 is a view showing a plurality of cartridges disposed inside an intermediate case according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] 10 is a view showing that a second inclined portion is provided on a fixing portion of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10 is a view showing that a second inclined portion is provided on a fixing portion and an inner case of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 12] 1 is a diagram showing that a first packing member according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with a first packing protrusion and a first inclined groove in a first inclined portion, that a second packing member is provided with a second packing protrusion and a second inclined groove in a second inclined portion, and that the first packing member is provided with a packing protrusion and a inclined groove in the inclined portion. [Figure 13] 10 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention in which a first inclined protrusion is provided on a first inclined portion and a first packing groove is provided in a first packing member, a second inclined protrusion is provided on a second inclined portion and a second packing groove is provided in a second packing member, and an embodiment of the present invention in which a inclined protrusion is provided on the inclined portion and a packing groove is provided in the first packing member. [Figure 14] 10 is a view showing that an adhesive according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to one side and the other side of a first packing member and one side and the other side of a second packing member. [Figure 15]10 is a diagram showing that an adhesive according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied between a first packing member and a first inclined portion, between a second packing member and a second inclined portion, and between the first packing member and an inclined portion. [Figure 16] 1 is a view showing a first packing member provided with a first reinforcing member and a second packing member provided with a second reinforcing member according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 17] 10 is a view showing that a pressure member is provided in an end cap according to an embodiment of the present invention and one side of a first packing member is pressed through the pressure member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] This specification explains the principles of the present invention and discloses embodiments so as to clarify the scope of the present invention and enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. The disclosed embodiments may be embodied in various forms. The terms "comprise" or "may comprise" as used in various embodiments of the present invention indicate the presence of the disclosed feature, operation, or component, etc., and do not limit the presence of one or more additional features, operations, or components, etc. Furthermore, in various embodiments of the present invention, the terms "comprise" or "have" as used herein are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof as described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the presence or possibility of adding one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or coupled to the other component, but that there may be other components between the component and the other component. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component, it should be understood that there is no other components between the component and the other component. As used herein, terms such as "first," "second," etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. The present invention relates to a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, and more particularly to a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell that can improve the sealing force of a packing member by forming sloped portions on a fixing portion of a cartridge, an inner case, and an intermediate case. Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The membrane humidifier 10 for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a humidification module 110 and an end cap 120 . 1, the humidification module 110 can humidify gas supplied to a fuel cell stack. The humidification module 110 includes a cartridge 130 in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 151 are arranged, and the humidification module 110 can humidify gas supplied to the stack through the hollow fiber membranes 151. The humidification module 110 may include an exhaust gas inlet 111 through which hot and humid exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack is introduced, and an exhaust gas outlet 112 through which the exhaust gas can be discharged.

[0010] The end caps 120 are coupled to one side and the other side of the humidification module 110. The end caps 120 may include an air inlet 121 for supplying dry air to the humidification module 110 and an air outlet 122 for discharging the air humidified by the humidification module 110. Specifically, the end cap 120 coupled to one side of the humidification module 110 may be provided with the air outlet 122, and the end cap 120 coupled to the other side of the humidification module 110 may be provided with the air inlet 121. The air outlet 122 is connected to a fuel cell stack, and humidified air discharged through the air outlet 122 may be supplied to the fuel cell stack. Hot and humid exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack may flow into the humidification module 110 through the exhaust gas inlet 111 provided in the humidification module 110. The exhaust gas flowing into the humidification module 110 supplies moisture to dry air supplied to the humidification module 110 through the air inlet 121 of the end cap 120. The exhaust gas containing moisture in the dry air may be discharged to the outside through the exhaust gas outlet 112 provided in the humidification module 110. The dry air humidified through the humidification module 110 is discharged through the air outlet 122, and the humidified air is supplied to the fuel cell stack. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the humidification module 110 may include a cartridge 130 , an intermediate case 160 , and a first packing member 240 . 1 and 2, the cartridge 130 may include an inner case 140 in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 151 are disposed, and a fixing part 150 at one side of the inner case 140 for fixing the plurality of hollow fiber membranes. The inner case 140 may be a case having an internal space, and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 151 may be disposed in the internal space of the inner case 140. The fixing part 150 fixes the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 151 to the inner case 140 on one side of the inner case 140, and the fixing part 150 may be formed of a potting layer. The fixing part 150 is formed on one side of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 151 , and one side of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 151 can be fixed to one side of the inner case 140 via the fixing part 150 .

[0011] In addition, the fixing part 150 may fix the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 151 to the inner case 140 on the other side of the inner case 140. The fixing part 150 may also be formed on the other side of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 151, and the other side of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 151 may be fixed to the other side of the inner case 140 via the fixing part 150. The fixing part 150 separates the internal space of the inner case 140, and by providing the fixing part 150 on one side and the other side of the inner case 140, dry air can move through the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane 151. 1 and 2, the cartridge 130 is disposed inside the intermediate case 160. The intermediate case 160 may be a case having an internal space, and the cartridge 130 may be disposed in the internal space of the intermediate case 160. 2 and 3, the first packing member 240 is sandwiched in a first insertion groove 131 formed between the cartridge 130 and the intermediate case 160 to seal the gap between the cartridge 130 and the intermediate case 160. The first packing member 240 may prevent the dry air supplied through the end cap 120 and the exhaust gas supplied to the humidification module 110 from being directly mixed with each other. Referring to FIG. 3, the first packing member 240 is provided on one side and the other side of the cartridge 130, and separates and separates the points where dry air is introduced and discharged from the points where exhaust gas is introduced and discharged. The first packing members 240 may be inserted into the first insertion grooves 131 formed between the cartridge 130 and the middle case 160 at one and the other sides of the cartridge 130 . The first packing member 240 is inserted into the first insertion groove 131 formed between the cartridge 130 and the intermediate case 160 to separate the point where dry air flows in and is discharged from the point where exhaust gas flows in and is discharged, thereby preventing direct mixing of the dry air supplied through the end cap 120 and the exhaust gas supplied to the humidification module 110. The first packing member 240 may be made of, but is not limited to, a rubber material, and may include various materials, such as a soft material, a hard material, or a metal material. When the first packing member 240 is inserted into the first insertion groove 131, the first packing member 240 may be connected to and fixed to the intermediate case 160. Specifically, the first packing member 240 may have a coupling portion 245 that is inserted into a coupling groove 161 provided in the intermediate case 160.

[0012] Specifically, the coupling portion 245 of the first packing member 240 is inserted into the coupling groove 161 of the intermediate case 160 , so that the first packing member 240 can be connected to and fixed to the intermediate case 160 . When the point where dry air flows in and is discharged and the point where exhaust gas flows in and is discharged are separated through the first packing member 240, if leakage occurs between the first packing member 240 and the cartridge 130 or between the first packing member 240 and the intermediate case 160, the dry air and the exhaust gas may be mixed together. To prevent this, the sealing force of the first packing member 240 must be improved. In order to improve the sealing force of the first packing member 240, the membrane humidifier 10 for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first inclined portion 210 on the outside of the cartridge 130 that comes into contact with the first packing member 240. Referring to FIG. 4, the first inclined portion 210 forms an inclination on one side of the cartridge 130 along the inner side of the cartridge 130 to narrow the width of the first insertion groove 131 . Since the first inclined portion 210 is formed on the cartridge 130, the width of the first insertion groove 131 becomes narrower as it goes toward the inside of the cartridge 130 on one side of the cartridge 130. Since the first insertion groove 131 has a narrow width, the first packing member 240 can be fitted into the first insertion groove 131 when inserted into the first insertion groove 131. In addition, since the first insertion groove 131 has a narrow width, the inner surface of the first insertion groove 131 presses the first packing member 240, thereby improving the sealing force of the first packing member 240. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first inclined portion 210 may be provided on the outer side of the fixing portion 150 of the cartridge 130. Referring to Fig. 4, the first inclined portion 210 may be formed on the outer side of the fixing portion 150 made of a potting layer and may narrow the width of the first insertion groove 131. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first inclined portion 210 may be provided on the inner case 140 of the cartridge 130. Referring to Fig. 5, the first inclined portion 210 may be formed on the outer side of the inner case 140 and may narrow the width of the first insertion groove 131. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first inclined portion 210 may be provided simultaneously on the fixing portion 150 and the inner case 140 of the cartridge 130. Referring to Fig. 6, the first inclined portion 210 may be formed on the outer side of the fixing portion 150 made of a potting layer and the outer side of the inner case 140, thereby narrowing the width of the first insertion groove 131. When the first inclined portion 210 is formed on the outer side of the fixing portion 150 and the outer side of the inner case 140, the first inclined portion 210 may form a continuous inclination. The membrane humidifier 10 for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a slope 230 on the outer side of the intermediate case 160 that contacts the first packing member 240 . Referring to FIG. 7, since the inclined portion 230 is formed on the intermediate case 160, the width of the first insertion groove 131 becomes narrower as it goes toward the inside of the intermediate case 160 on one side of the intermediate case 160.

[0013] Since the first insertion groove 131 has a narrow width, the first packing member 240 can be fitted into the first insertion groove 131 when inserted into the first insertion groove 131. In addition, since the first insertion groove 131 has a narrow width, the inner surface of the first insertion groove 131 presses the first packing member 240, thereby improving the sealing force of the first packing member 240. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first inclined portion 210 may be provided only on the outer side of the cartridge 130 as shown in Figures 4 to 6. Also, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the inclined portion 230 may be provided only on the outer side of the middle case 160 as shown in Figure 7. Also, according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 8, the first inclined portion 210 may be provided on the outer side of the cartridge 130, and the inclined portion 230 may be provided on the outer side of the middle case 160. The membrane humidifier 10 for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of the cartridges 130. According to an embodiment, a plurality of the cartridges 130 may be disposed inside the intermediate case 160. 9, two cartridges 130, 130a may be disposed inside the intermediate case 160. However, the number of cartridges 130 disposed inside the intermediate case 160 is not limited thereto, and may be changed. When a plurality of cartridges 130 are disposed inside the intermediate case 160, the humidification module 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a second packing member 250 that is sandwiched in a second insertion groove 132 formed between the plurality of cartridges 130 to seal the gap between the plurality of cartridges 130. 9 and 10, the second packing member 250 is sandwiched in the second insertion groove 132 formed between the two cartridges 130, 130a so as to seal the space between the two cartridges 130, 130a. The second packing member 250 may prevent the dry air supplied through the end cap 120 and the exhaust gas supplied to the humidification module 110 from being directly mixed with each other.

[0014] 9 and 10, the second packing member 250 may be provided on one side and the other side of the cartridge 130 to separate and isolate the point where dry air is introduced and discharged from the point where exhaust gas is introduced and discharged. The second packing member 250 may be inserted into the second insertion groove 132 formed between the two cartridges 130, 130a on one side and the other side of the cartridge 130. The second packing member 250 is inserted into the second insertion groove 132 formed between the two cartridges 130, 130a to separate the point where dry air flows in and is discharged from the point where exhaust gas flows in and is discharged, thereby preventing direct mixing of the dry air supplied through the end cap 120 and the exhaust gas supplied to the humidification module 110. The second packing member 250 may be made of, but is not limited to, a rubber material, and may include various materials, such as a soft material, a hard material, or a metal material. When the point where dry air flows in and is discharged and the point where exhaust gas flows in and is discharged are separated through the second packing member 250, there is a risk of the dry air and the exhaust gas being mixed if leakage occurs between the second packing member 250 and the plurality of cartridges 130. To prevent this, the sealing force of the second packing member 250 must be improved. In order to improve the sealing force of the second packing member 250, the membrane humidifier 10 for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a second inclined portion 220 on the outside of the cartridge 130 that comes into contact with the second packing member 250. 10, the second inclined portion 220 forms an inclination on one side of the cartridge 130 to narrow the width of the second insertion groove 132 toward the inside of the cartridge 130. The second inclined portions 220 and 220a may be provided on each of the two cartridges 130 and 130a. Since the second inclined portion 220 is formed on the cartridge 130, the second insertion groove 132 narrows in width toward the inside of the cartridge 130 on one side of the cartridge 130.

[0015] The second insertion groove 132 has a narrow width, so that the second packing member 250 can be fitted when inserted into the second insertion groove 132. In addition, the narrow width of the second insertion groove 132 allows the inner surface of the second insertion groove 132 to press the second packing member 250, so that the sealing force of the second packing member 250 can be improved. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second inclined portion 220 may be provided on the outer side of the fixing portion 150 of the cartridge 130. In this case, the second inclined portions 220 and 220a may be provided on each of the two fixing portions 150 and 150a provided on the two cartridges 130 and 130a. Referring to FIG. 10, the second inclined portion 220 may be formed on the outer side of the fixing portion 150 made of a potting layer and may narrow the width of the second insertion groove 132 . According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second inclined portion 220 may be provided on the inner case 140 of the cartridge 130. In this case, the second inclined portion 220, 220a may be provided on each of the two inner cases 140, 140a provided on the two cartridges 130, 130a. The second inclined portion 220 may be formed on the outer side of the inner case 140 and may narrow the width of the second insertion groove 132. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second inclined portion 220 may be provided simultaneously on the fixing portion 150 and the inner case 140 of the cartridge 130. In this case, the second inclined portions 220, 220a may be provided on each of the two fixing portions 150, 150a and the two inner cases 140, 140a of the two cartridges 130, 130a. The second inclined portion 220 may be formed on the outer side of the inner case 140 and may narrow the width of the second insertion groove 132. Referring to FIG. 11, the second inclined portion 220 may be formed on the outer side of the fixing portion 150 made of a potting layer and the outer side of the inner case 140 to narrow the width of the second insertion groove 132 .

[0016] When the second inclined portion 220 is formed on the outer side of the fixing portion 150 and the outer side of the inner case 140, the second inclined portion 220 may form a continuous inclination. The membrane humidifier 10 for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a slope 230 on the outer side of the intermediate case 160 that contacts the first packing member 240 . According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first inclined portion 210 and the second inclined portion 220 may be provided only on the outer side of the cartridge 130. Also, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the inclined portion 230 may be provided only on the outer side of the middle case 160, as shown in FIG. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first inclined portion 210 and the second inclined portion 220 may be provided on the outer side of the cartridge 130, and the inclined portion 230 may be provided on the outer side of the middle case 160, as shown in FIG. 12, the first packing member 240 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a first packing protrusion 241 that protrudes outward from the first packing member 240 and contacts the first inclined portion 210. In addition, the first inclined portion 210 may include a first inclined groove 211 into which the first packing protrusion 241 is inserted. The first packing protrusion 241 protrudes outward from the outer surface of the first packing member 240. The first inclined groove 211 is a groove formed on the outer surface of the first inclined portion 210, and the first inclined groove 211 is also a groove into which the first packing protrusion 241 is inserted. When the width of the first insertion groove 131 is reduced via the first inclined portion 210 and the first packing member 240 is inserted into the first insertion groove 131, there is a risk that the first packing member 240 may slide due to the first inclined portion 210 and be removed. The first packing protrusion 241 and the first inclined groove 211 are provided to prevent this, and when the first packing member 240 is inserted into the first insertion groove 131, the first packing protrusion 241 is inserted into the first inclined groove 211. The first packing protrusion 241 is inserted into the first inclined groove 211, so that the first packing member 240 can be prevented from sliding off the first inclined portion 210 via the first packing protrusion 241 and the first inclined groove 211. 13, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first inclined portion 210 may have a first inclined protrusion 212 that protrudes outward from the first inclined portion 210 and contacts the first packing member 240. In addition, the first packing member 240 may have a first packing groove 242 into which the first inclined protrusion 212 is inserted. The first inclined protrusion 212 protrudes outward from the outer surface of the first inclined portion 210. The first packing groove 242 is also a groove formed on the outer surface of the first packing member 240, and the first packing groove 242 is also a groove into which the first inclined protrusion 212 is inserted.

[0017] When the width of the first insertion groove 131 is reduced via the first inclined portion 210 and the first packing member 240 is inserted into the first insertion groove 131, there is a risk that the first packing member 240 may slide due to the first inclined portion 210 and be removed. The first inclined protrusion 212 and the first packing groove 242 are provided to prevent this, and when the first packing member 240 is inserted into the first insertion groove 131, the first inclined protrusion 212 is inserted into the first packing groove 242. The first inclined protrusion 212 is inserted into the first packing groove 242, so that the first packing member 240 can be prevented from sliding off due to the first inclined portion 210 via the first inclined protrusion 212 and the first packing groove 242. 12, the second packing member 250 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a second packing protrusion 251 that protrudes outward from the second packing member 250 and contacts the second inclined portion 220. In addition, the second inclined portion 220 may include a second inclined groove 221 into which the second packing protrusion 251 is inserted. The second packing protrusion 251 protrudes outward from the outer surface of the second packing member 250. The second inclined groove 221 is also a groove formed on the outer surface of the second inclined portion 220, and the second inclined groove 221 is also a groove into which the second packing protrusion 251 is inserted. When the width of the second insertion groove 132 is reduced via the second inclined portion 220 and the second packing member 250 is inserted into the second insertion groove 132, there is a risk that the second packing member 250 may slide due to the second inclined portion 220 and be removed. The second packing protrusion 251 and the second inclined groove 221 are provided to prevent this, and when the second packing member 250 is inserted into the second insertion groove 132, the second packing protrusion 251 is inserted into the second inclined groove 221. The second packing protrusion 251 is inserted into the second inclined groove 221, so that the second packing member 250 can be prevented from sliding off the second inclined portion 220 via the second packing protrusion 251 and the second inclined groove 221. 13, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the second inclined portion 220 may have a second inclined protrusion 222 that protrudes outward from the second inclined portion 220 and contacts the second packing member 250. In addition, the second packing member 250 may have a second packing groove 252 into which the second inclined protrusion 222 is inserted. The second inclined protrusion 222 protrudes outward from the outer surface of the second inclined portion 220. The second packing groove 252 is a groove formed on the outer surface of the second packing member 250, and the second packing groove 252 is also a groove into which the second inclined protrusion 222 is inserted.

[0018] When the width of the second insertion groove 132 is reduced via the second inclined portion 220 and the second packing member 250 is inserted into the second insertion groove 132, there is a risk that the second packing member 250 may slide due to the second inclined portion 220 and be removed. The second inclined protrusion 222 and the second packing groove 252 are provided to prevent this, and when the second packing member 250 is inserted into the second insertion groove 132, the second inclined protrusion 222 is inserted into the second packing groove 252. The second inclined protrusion 222 is inserted into the second packing groove 252, so that the second packing member 250 can be prevented from sliding off due to the second inclined portion 220 via the second inclined protrusion 222 and the second packing groove 252. 12, the first packing member 240 according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a packing protrusion 243 that protrudes outward from the first packing member 240 and contacts the inclined portion 230 of the intermediate case 160. In addition, the inclined portion 230 of the intermediate case 160 may have an inclined groove 231 into which the packing protrusion 243 is inserted. The packing protrusion 243 protrudes outward from the outer surface of the first packing member 240. The inclined groove 231 is a groove formed on the outer surface of the inclined portion 230, and the inclined groove 231 is also a groove into which the packing protrusion 243 is inserted. When the width of the first insertion groove 131 is reduced through the inclined portion 230 of the intermediate case 160 and the first packing member 240 is inserted into the first insertion groove 131, there is a risk that the first packing member 240 may slide and be removed due to the inclined portion 230. The packing protrusion 243 and the inclined groove 231 are provided to prevent this, and when the first packing member 240 is inserted into the first insertion groove 131, the packing protrusion 243 is inserted into the inclined groove 231. The packing protrusion 243 is inserted into the inclined groove 231, so that the first packing member 240 can be prevented from sliding off due to the inclined portion 230 of the intermediate case 160 via the packing protrusion 243 and the inclined groove 231. 13, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the inclined portion 230 of the intermediate case 160 may have an inclined protrusion 232 that protrudes outward from the inclined portion 230 and contacts the first packing member 240. In addition, the first packing member 240 may have a packing groove 244 into which the inclined protrusion 232 is inserted.

[0019] The inclined protrusion 232 protrudes outward from the outer surface of the inclined portion 230 of the intermediate case 160. The packing groove 244 is also a groove formed on the outer surface of the first packing member 240, and the packing groove 244 is also a groove into which the inclined protrusion 232 is inserted. When the width of the first insertion groove 131 is reduced through the inclined portion 230 of the intermediate case 160 and the first packing member 240 is inserted into the first insertion groove 131, there is a risk that the first packing member 240 may slide and be removed due to the inclined portion 230. The inclined protrusion 232 and the packing groove 244 are provided to prevent this, and when the first packing member 240 is inserted into the first insertion groove 131, the inclined protrusion 232 is inserted into the packing groove 244. The inclined protrusion 232 is inserted into the packing groove 244, so that the first packing member 240 can be prevented from sliding off due to the inclined portion 230 of the intermediate case 160 via the inclined protrusion 232 and the packing groove 244. 14 and 15, an adhesive 260 may be provided between the first packing member 240 and the first inclined portion 210 according to an embodiment of the present invention. By providing the adhesive 260 between the first packing member 240 and the first inclined portion 210, the first packing member 240 may be firmly attached to the cartridge 130. The adhesive 260 may be, but is not limited to, a sealant, and may be any of a variety of adhesives. 14 and 15, the adhesive 260 may be applied to one or more points among one side of the first packing member 240, the other side of the first packing member 240, and the area between the first packing member 240 and the first inclined portion 210. Here, one side of the first packing member 240 refers to the direction from the first packing member 240 toward the end cap 120, and the other side of the first packing member 240 refers to the direction from the first packing member 240 toward the cartridge 130. 14, when the adhesive 260 is applied to one side or the other side of the first packing member 240, the adhesive 260 may flow into a gap generated between the first packing member 240 and the first inclined portion 210. Thus, the adhesive 260 may be provided between the first packing member 240 and the first inclined portion 210.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 15, the adhesive 260 may be applied directly between the first packing member 240 and the first inclined portion 210, thereby providing the adhesive 260 between the first packing member 240 and the first inclined portion 210. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the adhesive 260 is applied to one or more points selected from one side of the first packing member 240, the other side of the first packing member 240, and the area between the first packing member 240 and the first inclined portion 210, thereby providing the adhesive 260 between the first packing member 240 and the first inclined portion 210. 14 and 15, an adhesive 260 may be provided between the second packing member 250 and the second inclined portion 220 according to an embodiment of the present invention. By providing the adhesive 260 between the second packing member 250 and the second inclined portion 220, the second packing member 250 may be firmly attached to the cartridge 130. The adhesive 260 may be, but is not limited to, a sealant, and may be any of a variety of adhesives. 14 and 15, the adhesive 260 may be applied to one or more points of one side of the second packing member 250, the other side of the second packing member 250, or between the second packing member 250 and the second inclined portion 220. Here, one side of the second packing member 250 refers to the direction from the second packing member 250 toward the end cap 120, and the other side of the second packing member 250 refers to the direction from the second packing member 250 toward the cartridge 130. 14, when the adhesive 260 is applied to one side or the other side of the second packing member 250, the adhesive 260 may flow into a gap generated between the second packing member 250 and the second inclined portion 220. Thus, the adhesive 260 may be provided between the second packing member 250 and the second inclined portion 220. Referring to FIG. 15, the adhesive 260 is directly applied between the second packing member 250 and the second inclined portion 220, thereby providing the adhesive 260 between the second packing member 250 and the second inclined portion 210. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the adhesive 260 is applied to one or more points selected from one side of the second packing member 250, the other side of the second packing member 250, and a portion between the second packing member 250 and the second inclined portion 220, thereby providing the adhesive 260 between the second packing member 250 and the second inclined portion 220. 14 and 15, an adhesive 260 may be provided between the first packing member 240 and the inclined portion 230 according to an embodiment of the present invention. By providing the adhesive 260 between the first packing member 240 and the inclined portion 230, the first packing member 240 may be firmly attached to the intermediate case 160. The adhesive 260 may be, but is not limited to, a sealant, and may be any of a variety of adhesives.

[0021] 14 and 15, the adhesive 260 may be applied to one or more points on the other side of the first packing member 240 or between the first packing member 240 and the inclined portion 230. Here, one side of the first packing member 240 refers to the direction from the first packing member 240 toward the end cap 120, and the other side of the first packing member 240 refers to the direction from the first packing member 240 toward the cartridge 130. 14, when the adhesive 260 is applied to the other side of the first packing member 240, the adhesive 260 may flow into a gap generated between the first packing member 240 and the inclined portion 230. Thus, the adhesive 260 may be provided between the first packing member 240 and the inclined portion 230. Referring to FIG. 15, the adhesive 260 is directly applied between the first packing member 240 and the inclined portion 230, so that the adhesive 260 can be provided between the first packing member 240 and the inclined portion 230. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the adhesive 260 is applied to at least one point of the other side of the first packing member 240 or between the first packing member 240 and the inclined portion 230, so that the adhesive 260 can be provided between the first packing member 240 and the inclined portion 230. 16, a first reinforcing member 246 may be inserted into the first packing member 240 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The first reinforcing member 246 has a higher hardness than the first packing member 240. The first reinforcing member 246 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be made of metal, but is not limited thereto. The first reinforcing member 246 may be made of various materials as long as it has a higher hardness than the first packing member 240. If a load is concentrated on the first packing member 240, the first packing member 240 may be deformed and the sealing force of the first packing member 240 may be reduced. The first reinforcing member 246 is provided to prevent this, and by inserting the first reinforcing member 246, which has a higher hardness than the first packing member 240, into the first packing member 240, the deformation of the first packing member 240 can be prevented. By preventing the deformation of the first packing member 240, the sealing force of the first packing member 240 can be prevented from being reduced.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the cartridge 130 is provided with the first inclined portion 210 and the first packing member 240 is sandwiched in the first insertion groove 131, the first reinforcing member 246 can be inserted inside the first packing member 240. Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the intermediate case 160 is provided with the inclined portion 230 and the first packing member 240 is sandwiched in the first insertion groove 131, the first reinforcing member 246 can be inserted inside the first packing member 240. 16, a second reinforcing member 253 may be inserted into the second packing member 250 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The second reinforcing member 253 may have a higher hardness than the second packing member 250. The second reinforcing member 253 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be made of metal, but is not limited thereto. The second reinforcing member 253 may be made of various materials as long as it has a higher hardness than the second packing member 250. If a load is concentrated on the second packing member 250, deformation of the second packing member 250 may occur, and the sealing force of the second packing member 250 may decrease. The second reinforcing member 253 is provided to prevent this, and the second reinforcing member 253, which has a higher hardness than the second packing member 250, is inserted inside the second packing member 250 to prevent deformation of the second packing member 250. By preventing deformation of the second packing member 250, a decrease in the sealing force of the second packing member 250 may be prevented.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the cartridge 130 is provided with the second inclined portion 220 and the second packing member 250 is sandwiched in the second insertion groove 132, the second reinforcing member 253 can be inserted inside the second packing member 250. 17, the end cap 120 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a pressure member 123 protruding into the inner space of the end cap 120. When the end cap 120 is coupled to the humidification module 110, the pressure member 123 comes into contact with the first packing member 240 and applies pressure to the first packing member 240. Specifically, when the end cap 120 is coupled to the humidification module 110, the pressurizing member 123 may contact a side surface of the first packing member 240. Referring to Figure 17, the other side of the first packing member 240 may contact at least one of the first inclined portion 210 of the cartridge 130 and the inclined portion 230 of the middle case 160. In this manner, the other side of the first packing member 240 may be supported by the first inclined portion 210 and the inclined portion 230. When the end cap 120 is coupled to the humidification module 110 , the pressurizing portion 123 of the end cap 120 may contact one side of the first packing member 240 and press the one side of the first packing member 240 . According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first packing member 240 is supported at its other side by the first inclined portion 210 and the inclined portion 230, and is pressed at its one side by the pressing portion 123 of the end cap 120, thereby being tightly fitted between the cartridge 130 and the intermediate case 160, thereby improving the sealing force of the first packing member 240. The pressure member 123 may be in the shape of a plate protruding into the inner space of the end cap 120, but is not limited thereto. The pressure member 123 may be in various shapes as long as it can come into contact with the first packing member 240 and apply pressure to the first packing member 240.

[0024] The membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention has the following advantages. The membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention may improve the sealing force of the packing member by forming inclined portions on the fixing portion of the cartridge, the inner case, and the intermediate case. In addition, the membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention allows the packing member to be tightly attached between the cartridge and the intermediate case and between the cartridges via the fixing portion of the cartridge and the inner case and the inclined portion formed on the intermediate case, thereby improving the sealing force of the packing member. As mentioned above, the present invention has been described based on one embodiment shown in the drawings, but this is merely an example, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and variations of the embodiment are possible. Therefore, the true technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the claims.

Claims

1. a humidification module for humidifying gas supplied to the fuel cell stack; an end cap coupled to one or the other side of the humidification module; The humidification module comprises: a cartridge including an inner case in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes are disposed, and a fixing portion that fixes the plurality of hollow fiber membranes on one side of the inner case; an intermediate case in which the cartridge is disposed; a first packing member that is sandwiched in a first insertion groove formed between the cartridge and the intermediate case so as to seal the gap between the cartridge and the intermediate case, The membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, wherein a first inclined portion is provided on an outer side of the cartridge that contacts the first packing member.

2. 2. The membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the first inclined portion is provided on the fixing portion of the cartridge or on an inner case of the cartridge.

3. The first packing member has a first packing protrusion that protrudes outward from the first packing member and contacts the first inclined portion, 2. The membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the first inclined portion has a first inclined groove into which the first packing protrusion is inserted.

4. The first inclined portion has a first inclined protrusion that protrudes outward from the first inclined portion and contacts the first packing member, 2. The membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the first packing member has a first packing groove into which the first inclined protrusion is inserted.

5. an adhesive is provided between the first packing member and the first inclined portion; 2. The membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive is applied to at least one of one side of the first packing member, the other side of the first packing member, and a portion between the first packing member and the first inclined portion.

6. A first reinforcing member is inserted into the first packing member, 2. The membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the first reinforcing member has a higher hardness than the first packing member.

7. The end cap is provided with a pressure portion that protrudes into an inner space of the end cap, 2. The membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the pressurizing portion contacts the first packing member and pressurizes the first packing member when the end cap is coupled to the humidification module.

8. A plurality of the cartridges are disposed inside the intermediate case, the humidification module includes a second packing member sandwiched in a second insertion groove formed between the plurality of cartridges to seal the spaces between the plurality of cartridges; 2. The membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein a second inclined portion is provided on an outer side of the cartridge that contacts the second packing member.

9. The second inclined portion is 9. The membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 8, wherein a slope is formed on one side of the cartridge so as to narrow the width of the second insertion groove in a direction toward the inside of the cartridge.

10. 9. The membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 8, wherein the second inclined portion is provided on the fixing portion of the cartridge or on an inner case of the cartridge.

11. The second packing member has a second packing protrusion that protrudes outward from the second packing member and contacts the second inclined portion, 9. The membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 8, wherein the second inclined portion has a second inclined groove into which the second packing protrusion is inserted.

12. The second inclined portion is provided with a second inclined protrusion that protrudes outward from the second inclined portion and contacts the second packing member, 9. The membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 8, wherein the second packing member has a second packing groove into which the second inclined protrusion is inserted.

13. an adhesive is provided between the second packing member and the second inclined portion; 9. The membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 8, wherein the adhesive is applied to at least one of one side of the second packing member, the other side of the second packing member, and a portion between the second packing member and the second inclined portion.

14. A second reinforcing member is inserted into the second packing member, 9. The membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 8, wherein the second reinforcing member has a higher hardness than the second packing member.

15. a humidification module for humidifying gas supplied to the fuel cell stack; a first cap coupled to one end of the humidification module; The humidification module comprises: a cartridge including an inner case in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes are disposed, and a fixing portion for fixing the plurality of hollow fiber membranes to one side of the inner case; an intermediate case to which the cartridge is coupled; a first packing member that is sandwiched in a first insertion groove formed between the cartridge and the intermediate case so as to seal the gap between the cartridge and the intermediate case, The membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, wherein an inclined portion is provided on an outer side of the intermediate case that contacts the first packing member.

16. The first packing member has a packing protrusion that protrudes outward from the first packing member and contacts the inclined portion, 16. The membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 15, wherein the inclined portion has an inclined groove into which the packing protrusion is inserted.

17. The inclined portion is provided with an inclined protrusion that protrudes outward from the inclined portion and contacts the first packing member, 16. The membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 15, wherein the first packing member has a packing groove into which the inclined protrusion is inserted.

18. an adhesive is provided between the first packing member and the inclined portion; 16. The membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 15, wherein the adhesive is applied to at least one of the other side of the first packing member and a portion between the first packing member and the inclined portion.

19. A first reinforcing member is inserted into the first packing member, 16. The membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 15, wherein the first reinforcing member has a higher hardness than the first packing member.

20. The end cap is provided with a pressure portion that protrudes into an inner space of the end cap, 16. The membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 15, wherein when the end cap is coupled to the humidification module, the pressurizing portion contacts the first packing member and pressurizes the first packing member.

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