Connector parts

Abstract

To provide a connector member capable of easily ensuring a stable connection state between a plurality of cells and a connector to prevent disconnection and also protecting electric wires. [Solution] A connector member X is attached to multiple connectors B connected in parallel to a stack S of a fuel cell A, and comprises a main body 1 extending along the stacking direction of the cells in the stack S, and an attachment portion 2 connected to the main body 1. The main body 1 is provided with a detachment prevention wall W that prevents detachment of the housing B1 of each connector B, and an insertion hole H through which the electric wire B2 of each connector B is inserted. The attachment portions 2 are provided at both ends of the main body 1, and are removably attached to end plates E provided at both ends of the stack S. The detachment prevention walls W are positioned adjacent to each housing B1 along the connection direction of each connector B, by attaching each attachment portion 2 to each end plate E with each electric wire B2 inserted into the insertion hole H.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a member that is attached to a voltage measurement connector of a fuel cell. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the advantages of fuel cells have been attracting attention against the backdrop of active efforts around the world to reduce the environmental impact.

[0003] Fuel cells can generate electricity using only hydrogen and oxygen, and because they only emit water when generating electricity, they place a low burden on the environment. In addition, fuel cells have many advantages, such as no noise being generated because electricity is generated solely through chemical reactions, there being little transmission loss, and the fuel is easily available.

[0004] Incidentally, a fuel cell is generally constructed by stacking a plurality of generally plate-shaped components called cells, each of which is capable of generating electricity by reacting hydrogen and oxygen. In the manufacture of fuel cells, etc., it is necessary to control conditions according to the power generation status of each cell, and therefore connectors are used to monitor the voltage of each cell.

[0005] If this connector is made from a material that can ensure heat resistance, for example, the material properties will cause it to break or crack, so it is not possible to add a structure (locking mechanism) to the connector itself to prevent it from coming loose from the cell. In such a case, the connector and the cell are connected only by the clamping force of the terminal inside the connector to the separator that constitutes the cell, which poses the problem that the connection state becomes unstable.

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

[0007] This fuel cell unit is composed of a cell stack having a plurality of fuel cell cells stacked along a first direction, a stack case that houses the cell stack, and a plurality of cell monitors each having a pair of contacts for voltage detection that are electrically connected to each fuel cell. The multiple cell monitors are provided with fixing members that are detachably attached to the stack case and that collectively fix the cell monitors.

[0008] This allows multiple cell monitors to be attached simply and reliably, and this attachment state can be maintained stably. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-176901 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] However, the invention described in Patent Document 1 uses a clamping portion that protrudes from the housing, which is not provided on general connectors, to fix the connector to the stack case, and therefore lacks versatility. Furthermore, the invention described in Patent Document 1 fixes the stack case to the clamping portion simply by attaching a fixing member to the clamping portion, so the electric wires are not protected and there is a risk of them breaking at the connection portion with the housing, etc.

[0011] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide a connector member that can easily ensure a stable connection between multiple cells and a connector, prevent loosening, and also protect the electric wires. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a connector member that is attached to a plurality of connectors that are connected in parallel to a stack of fuel cells, comprising: A main body portion extending along a stacking direction of the cells in the stack, and an attachment portion connected to the main body portion, The main body is provided with a detachment prevention wall that prevents detachment of the housing of each of the connectors, and an insertion hole through which an electric wire of each of the connectors is inserted, The mounting portions are provided at both ends of the main body portion, and are detachably attached to end plates provided at both ends of the stack, The anti-detachment walls are positioned adjacent to each housing along the connection direction of each connector by attaching each mounting portion to each end plate with each electric wire inserted into the insertion hole.

[0013] According to the present invention, by attaching this connector component to a fuel cell, the anti-detachment walls can prevent each connector (housing) from coming loose, while the insertion holes can protect each electric wire, without requiring any special processing on the connector. In addition, compared to when attached to a stack case, it is easier to ensure dimensional accuracy in the relative position of this connector component with the stack and each connector, and unnecessary cutting work is no longer necessary, improving manufacturability and contributing to cost reduction.

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

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

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of the recesses are provided corresponding to the electric wires.

[0017] With this configuration, the protection state of each electric wire is more stabilized.

[0018] 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 in each of the end plates is inserted.

[0019] With this configuration, the operation of attaching the connector member is facilitated, and the dimensional accuracy of the relative positions of the connector member and each connector is improved.

[0020] In a preferred form of the present invention, the main body is configured such that the positioning hole provided in one of the mounting parts is configured as a long hole that is long in the stacking direction, so that when each mounting part is attached to each end plate, the main body is configured to allow displacement of the stack in the stacking direction together with each mounting part.

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

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the mounting portions is provided with a communication hole communicating with a through 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, a sleeve is provided inside the one of the communication holes and fitted onto a fastening member that is inserted into the communication hole; The length of the sleeve along the connection direction of the connectors is longer than the length of the communication hole along the connection direction.

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

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

[0025] With this configuration, loosening of the bolts due to the thermal creep phenomenon of the mounting portion caused by temperature changes can be suppressed. In other words, if this connector component were manufactured from resin, there is a risk that the above-mentioned thermal creep phenomenon would occur due to temperature changes if the bolt directly contacted the surface of the mounting portion. However, with the above-mentioned configuration, when the bolt is inserted into the communication hole (and penetration hole) and tightened, the bolt will come into contact with the metal collar. This prevents the occurrence of thermal creep between the bolt and the mounting portion even if temperature changes occur, and suppresses the resulting loosening of the bolt.

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

[0027] With this configuration, even if vibrations or shocks are applied due to unnecessary external forces, the buffer material absorbs them, making it possible to stably maintain the connection state of the connector and the protection state of the electric wires.

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

[0029] With this configuration, even if vibrations or shocks are applied due to unnecessary external forces, the buffer members absorb them, making it possible to stably maintain the connection state of each connector and the protection state of each electric wire. Effect of the Invention

[0030] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connector member that can easily ensure a stable connection state between a plurality of cells and a connector, prevent disconnection, and also protect electric wires. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a connector member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view of a connector member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 5A to 5C are diagrams showing a flow of assembling a connector member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing an assembled state of a connector member according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 5] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating a modified example of the connector member according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating a modified example of the connector member according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating a modified example of the connector member according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating a modified example of the connector member according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating a modified example of the connector member according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating a modified example of the connector member according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating a modified example of the connector member according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating a modified example of the connector member according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13]13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating a modified example of the connector member according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Hereinafter, a connector member according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. It should be noted that the embodiment described below is merely an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below. In these figures, the symbol X indicates a connector member according to this embodiment, the symbol A indicates a fuel cell according to this embodiment, and the symbol B indicates a connector according to this embodiment.

[0033] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the x-axis direction in FIG. 1 etc. will be referred to as the connection direction or front-rear direction, the y-axis direction as the stacking direction or left-right direction, and the z-axis direction as the height direction.

[0034] <Configuration> The configuration of the connector member X will be described below with reference to FIGS. Connector B (see Figure 3, etc.) used to measure the voltage of each cell in fuel cell A has a resin housing B1 that houses terminals (not shown) that clamp each cell, and an electric wire B2 extending from the rear surface of housing B1. 1 is a perspective view of the connector member X as viewed from the front side, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the connector member X as viewed from the rear side.

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

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

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

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

[0039] The base 12a is a component connected to the rear side surface of the first component 11, and has a recess p formed in its upper surface. The recesses p are depressions that are roundly curved downward, and a plurality of recesses p are provided adjacent to each other corresponding to each electric wire B2, thereby presenting a wave shape as a whole.

[0040] The auxiliary portion 12b has recesses q formed on its underside, which are rounded upwardly curved depressions corresponding to the recesses p, and has attachment / detachment means J for attaching to the base portion 12a formed on both ends.

[0041] In this embodiment, the attachment / detachment means J is a locking claw portion that extends downward from each end of the auxiliary portion 12b and has a claw at its lower end. The locking claws come into contact with the left and right side surfaces of the base 12a while the claws at the lower ends lock onto the underside of the base 12a, whereby the auxiliary part 12b is detachably attached to the base 12a. As a result, each recess p and each recess q are matched to form a plurality of insertion holes H having a substantially circular shape.

[0042] The mounting portions 2 are provided on both ends of the main body 1, and are thereby detachably attached to end plates E provided on both ends of the stack S. In detail, each mounting portion 2 has a first component 21 having a positioning hole T1 through which a positioning pin k (see Figure 3, etc.) provided in each end plate E is inserted, and a second component 22 having a communication hole T2 that communicates with a penetration hole t (see Figure 3, etc.) provided in the end plate E.

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

[0044] The second components 22 are substantially rectangular parallelepiped blocks connected to the upper surfaces of the first components 21 of the mounting portion 2 . Moreover, each second component 22 is disposed so that its front surface coincides with the front surface of each first component 21, so that the mounting portion 2 as a whole has a substantially L-shape in side view.

[0045] Regarding the positioning hole T1 and the communicating hole T2, in this embodiment, each of these components provided in the left mounting portion 2 is configured as an approximately circular hole, and each of these components provided in the right mounting portion 2 is configured as an elongated hole that is long in the stacking direction. The long holes may be the communication hole T2 and the positioning hole T1 provided in the left mounting portion 2. In this embodiment, the left communication hole T2 and the positioning hole T1 serve as reference holes when mounting the connector member X to the fuel cell A (end plate E).

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

[0047] <Assembly method> Hereinafter, a method of assembling the connector member X will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3(a) is an overall perspective view showing an overall image of the assembly method, and FIGS. 3(b-1) to 3(b-3) are sectional views taken along line AA' for explaining the assembly sequence.

[0048] Here, as shown in Figure 3(a), a through hole t communicating with each communicating hole T2 is pre-drilled in the rear side of each end plate E, and a positioning pin k to be inserted into each positioning hole T1 is pre-protruding. The worker assembles the connector member X by utilizing each of these components.

[0049] First, the worker inserts the housing B1 into the cell in the stack S and clamps the cell with the terminal, as shown by the arrow d1 in Figure 3 (a) or Figure 3 (b-1), thereby connecting the connector B to the stack S. Further, the worker also places the multiple connectors B close to each other and connects them in the same manner.

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

[0051] That is, the worker inserts each positioning pin k into each positioning hole T1, thereby causing each insertion hole t to communicate with each communication hole T2. In addition, the worker inserts fastening members (bolts) v into each of the communicating penetration holes t and each of the communicating holes T2. At this time, the worker places the buffer members 3 between the detachment prevention walls W and the rear side surfaces of the housings B1, as shown by the arrow d3 in FIG. 3(a) or FIG. 3(b-2).

[0052] Then, by the worker fastening each fastening member v, the connector member X excluding the auxiliary portion 12b is attached to the fuel cell A with the buffer member 3 sandwiched between the detachment prevention wall W and each housing B1, as shown in FIG. 3(b-3). Moreover, one end side of each electric wire B2 is disposed in each recess p.

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

[0054] FIG. 4 shows a state where the assembly is completed according to the above-mentioned flow, (a) being an overall perspective view of the state where the assembly is completed, and (b) being a sectional view taken along the line BB' in (a).

[0055] Here, the inside of each communication hole T2 has a configuration shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a front view showing a state in which assembly is completed, and the upper left and lower right show cross-sectional views taken along lines CC' and DD', respectively, showing the inside of communication hole T2.

[0056] That is, a metal collar M is provided on the inner peripheral surface of each communication hole T2. In addition, an engagement groove m is formed on the outer peripheral surface of each metal collar M along the circumferential direction, and this is integrated with each mounting portion 2 by engaging with an engagement protrusion (not shown) provided on the inner peripheral surface of each communicating hole T2.

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

[0058] Furthermore, a sleeve s is fitted to the fastening member v inserted into the right communicating hole T2, which is an elongated hole, in order to prevent damage to the fastening member v and the metal collar M.

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

[0060] With the above configuration, even if the right-side fastening member v is firmly fastened, the back surface of its head abuts against the open end of the sleeve s, ensuring a certain gap between the head and the surface of the mounting portion 2. Therefore, the fastening member v (and the end plate E) is capable of being displaced relative to the connector member X in the stacking direction.

[0061] <Effects> According to this embodiment, the anti-detachment walls W arranged adjacent to each housing B1 along the connection direction of each connector B prevent each connector B (each housing B1) from coming loose, while the insertion holes H that cover each electric wire B2 also protect each electric wire B2.

[0062] In addition, by allowing each mounting portion 2 to be detachably attached to each end plate E, it becomes easier to ensure the dimensional accuracy of the relative position of the connector member X to the stack S and each connector B, and unnecessary cutting processing is not required, which improves manufacturability and contributes to cost reduction.

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

[0064] Furthermore, by providing a plurality of recesses q (insertion holes H) corresponding to the electric wires B2, the protection state of each electric wire B2 is further stabilized.

[0065] Furthermore, the communication holes T2 and the positioning holes T1 provided in each mounting portion 2 facilitate the mounting operation of the connector member X, and the dimensional accuracy of the relative positions of the connector member X and each connector B is improved.

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

[0067] Furthermore, by virtue of the metal collars M each having an open end slightly protruding from each communicating hole T2, loosening of the fastening member v due to the thermal creep phenomenon of the mounting portion 2 can be suppressed.

[0068] Furthermore, even if vibrations or shocks are applied due to unnecessary external forces, the buffer members 3 absorb them, so that the connection state of each connector B and the protection state of each electric wire B2 can be stably maintained.

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

[0070] For example, the buffer member 3 is not necessarily required, and the housing B1 may be prevented from coming off only by arranging the detachment prevention wall W adjacent to the housing B1. Also, the recess q does not have to be provided on the auxiliary portion 12b side, and the insertion hole H may be formed by making the recess p a depression large enough to accommodate the electric wire B2 and covering this with a flat side surface. Further, the insertion hole H does not need to be plural, and may be configured as a single long hole that is long in the lamination direction so as to collectively surround each of the electric wires B2.

[0071] In addition, as described above, the metal collar M is suitable for preventing the fastening member v from loosening due to the thermal creep phenomenon, particularly when the connector member X is made of a resin material. However, when the connector member X is made of a metal material or the like, the metal collar M does not have to be provided.

[0072] The cushioning member 3 may also be configured as shown in FIG.

[0073] That is, the buffer member 3 may be a pair of elongated members that are fitted into each recess p and each recess q, respectively, to be interposed between each electric wire B2 and each insertion hole H and to eliminate play in each electric wire B2. The connector member X may include either the cushioning member 3 shown in FIG. 1 or the cushioning member 3 shown in FIG. 6, or may include both.

[0074] The attachment / detachment means J may have a configuration as shown in FIGS.

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

[0076] As a result, the auxiliary portion 12b is attached to the base portion 12a as shown in FIGS. 7(a) and (b). With this configuration, the auxiliary portion 12b can be attached more firmly to the base portion 12a.

[0077] The attachment / detachment means J shown in Figure 8 has a screw hole J1 formed on the upper surface of the left end of the base 12a, a communication hole J2 formed on the left end of the auxiliary part 12b and communicating with the screw hole J1, a fastening member J3 screwed into the screw hole J1 via the communication hole J2, and a hinge part J4 hingedly connected to the base 12a and the auxiliary part 12b at their right ends.

[0078] As a result, as shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), the left end of the auxiliary portion 12b is attached to the left end of the base portion 12a. With this configuration, the auxiliary portion 12b and the base portion 12a are integrated, and the ease of assembly work and the ease of handling of the connector member X are improved.

[0079] The attachment / detachment means J shown in FIG. 9 has an engagement claw portion J1 that is formed at the left end of the auxiliary portion 12b and engages with the underside of the base portion 12a, and a hinge portion J2 that is hingedly connected to the base portion 12a and the auxiliary portion 12b at the right end.

[0080] As a result, as shown in FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b), the left end of the auxiliary portion 12b is attached to the left end of the base portion 12a. With this configuration, the ease of assembly work is improved compared to the example of FIG. 8 in which the fastening member J3 is used.

[0081] The attachment / detachment means J shown in Figure 10 has a plurality of through holes J1 curved to follow the shape of each recess p of the base 12a, and a plurality of cable ties J2 inserted into each through hole J1 with both ends protruding. In this example, each cable tie J2 constitutes an auxiliary portion 12b that constitutes an insertion hole H together with each recess p. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10(b), the electric wires B2 are fastened by the cable ties J2. With this configuration, the manufacturing cost of the connector member X can be reduced, and the electric wires B2 can be firmly fixed inside the insertion hole H.

[0082] Moreover, each of the recesses p and q may be configured as shown in FIG.

[0083] That is, in this modification, as shown in FIG. 11(a), a roughly U-shaped groove is formed in each of the base portion 12a and the auxiliary portion 12b, and recess pieces n constituting recesses p, q are removably attached to each groove.

[0084] The recess-forming pieces n are attached to the base portion 12a and the auxiliary portion 12b in equal numbers, and recess-forming pieces n adjacent in the stacking direction are abutted against each other and attached to the base portion 12a or the auxiliary portion 12b. In this modified example, the attachment / detachment means J is similar to that in the example shown in FIG.

[0085] As a result, as shown in FIG. 11(b), when the base portion 12a and the auxiliary portion 12b are connected, the recessed portion pieces n attached to each of them come into contact with each other, forming a plurality of insertion holes H through which the electric wires B2 are inserted.

[0086] With this configuration, the worker can remove each recess piece n depending on the usage environment, etc., and make the insertion hole H a single long hole that is long in the stacking direction so as to surround each electric wire B2 together, or can make it a circular hole for each electric wire B2 as shown in the figure. As shown in FIG. 11, the insertion hole H may be configured so that the end portions thereof increase in diameter toward the opening end.

[0087] Moreover, one of the mounting parts 2 may be configured as shown in FIGS.

[0088] That is, one mounting portion 2 is constituted only by a first component 21 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, as shown in FIG. In this modified example, a cover member c that is attached to surround the first component 21 is provided.

[0089] The cover member c has a substantially U-shaped cover member main body c1 and an extension portion c2 extending along the rear surface of the end plate E from each front end of the cover member main body c1.

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

[0091] The first component 21 has a front surface provided with an insertion hole (not shown) through which a positioning pin k is inserted. In this modified example, the attachment / detachment means J is similar to that in the example shown in FIG.

[0092] The connector member X having the above structure is attached to the fuel cell A as shown in FIG.

[0093] In particular, the worker attaches one of the mounting parts 2 to the end plate E by inserting a positioning pin k into an insertion hole (not shown) on the front surface thereof and bringing it into contact with the end plate E, and then surrounding it with a cover member c. That is, the worker abuts each extension portion c2 against the end plate E while connecting its respective communication holes u with each penetration hole t of the end plate E, and then inserts the fastening members v into each communication hole u and each penetration hole t to fasten them.

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

[0095] That is, according to this modification, even if one of the mounting portions 2 does not have to be provided with a communication hole T2, when the connector member X is attached to the fuel cell A, the end plate E can be displaced in the stacking direction.

[0096] The word "abbreviated" in the application documents is a concept that means that the shape that follows may be chamfered or rounded, and also includes elements that make up the shape being deformed or changed in length within a range that does not impair the purpose of the shape. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] X Connector parts 1 Main unit 11 First construct W Detachment prevention wall H Insertion hole 12 Second construct J Attachment / detachment means 2 Mounting part 21 First construct T1 Positioning hole 22 Second construct T2 communication hole 3. Cushioning materials M Metal Color A fuel cell S Stack E End Plate B Connector B1 Housing B2 electric wire

Claims

1. A connector member to be attached to a plurality of connectors connected in parallel to a stack of fuel cells, comprising: A main body portion extending along a stacking direction of the cells in the stack, and an attachment portion connected to the main body portion, The main body is provided with a detachment prevention wall that prevents detachment of the housing of each of the connectors, and an insertion hole through which an electric wire of each of the connectors is inserted, The mounting portions are provided at both ends of the main body portion, and are detachably attached to end plates provided at both ends of the stack, A connector member in which the anti-detachment walls are positioned adjacent to each housing along the connection direction of each connector by attaching each mounting portion to each end plate with each electric wire inserted into the insertion hole.

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

3. The connector member according to claim 2 , wherein the recesses are provided in a plurality to correspond to the electric wires.

4. The connector member according to claim 1 , 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.

5. The connector member described in claim 4, wherein the positioning hole provided in one of the mounting portions is configured as a long hole that is long in the stacking direction, so that when each mounting portion is attached to each end plate, the main body portion is configured to allow displacement of the stack in the stacking direction together with each mounting portion.

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

7. A metal collar is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the communication hole, 7. The connector member according to claim 6, wherein a length of said metal collar in a connecting direction of said connectors is longer than a length of said communication hole in said connecting direction.

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

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

Images