Misconnection detection structure

Abstract

A misconnection detection structure is provided that can easily detect misconnections of a plurality of connectors connected to one stack. [Solution] The device comprises a key groove row P formed by arranging a plurality of key grooves p along one direction, and a key protrusion row formed by arranging key protrusions q along one direction that fit into each key groove p, wherein the key grooves p are provided on protrusion portions J that protrude from housings B1 of a plurality of connectors B connected in parallel to a stack S of fuel cells so as to face the stack S, and a plurality of key protrusions q are provided on a key protrusion structure W configured to be detachable from the fuel cell along the stacking direction of the cells in the stack S, and the key groove row P is formed by arranging adjacent connectors B closely together and connecting them to the stack S, and the key protrusion row is formed by arranging each key protrusion q in an arrangement that corresponds to the arrangement of each key groove p that constitutes the key groove row P.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a structure for detecting improper connection of a connector used to measure the voltage 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 worldwide to reduce environmental impact.

[0003] Fuel cells can generate electricity using only hydrogen and oxygen, and because they only emit water when generating electricity, they have a low environmental impact. Furthermore, fuel cells have many advantages, such as the fact that they do not generate noise because they generate electricity solely through chemical reactions, there is little transmission loss, and 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 on its own. In the manufacture of fuel cells, it is necessary to control conditions according to the power generation status of each cell, and therefore connectors are used to monitor the voltage between each cell.

[0005] This connector is inserted into a stack of multiple stacked cells and connected to it, but since this connection work is done by a worker, the greater the number of connectors, the greater the risk of incorrect connection.

[0006] Regarding the above problem, Patent Document 1 discloses an invention relating to an inspection method for correctly inspecting for connection defects when a connector is connected at an angle. This inspection method involves using an optical distance measuring device to measure and compare the distance from the connector to the reference surface, which is the end face of the separator (cell), with the connector connected to the cell.

[0007] This allows the connection angle of the connector relative to the cell to be detected based on the compared value, making it possible to determine whether the connection is in the correct orientation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6870493 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] As mentioned above, multiple connectors are inserted into and connected to one stack, but in order to properly monitor the voltage between all cells, each connector needs to be connected to the stack in a state where they are in contact with each other without any gaps. Currently, because each cell has the same structure, workers can connect adjacent connectors to the stack with a gap between them.

[0010] When the cells are connected in this manner, it is not possible to monitor the voltage at the cells where there are gaps, which makes it difficult to control the conditions according to the power generation status of the cells. Regarding this problem, the invention described in Patent Document 1 merely determines whether the connector connection direction is correct or incorrect, and therefore cannot detect the above-mentioned connection state.

[0011] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and its object is to provide an improper connection detection structure that can easily detect improper connections in multiple connectors connected to a single stack. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides a connector comprising: a first fitting row formed by arranging a plurality of first fitting portions along one direction; and a second fitting row formed by arranging second fitting portions along one direction, the second fitting portions being fitted to the first fitting portions in correspondence with each other; the first fitting portion is provided on a protruding portion protruding from a housing of a plurality of connectors connected in parallel to a stack of fuel cells so as to face the stack, the second fitting portion is provided in a plurality of positions along the stacking direction of the cells in the stack on a second fitting portion constituent configured to be detachable from the fuel cell, the first mating row is formed by adjacent connectors being closely arranged and connected to the stack; The second fitting row is formed by arranging the second fitting portions in an arrangement corresponding to the arrangement of the first fitting portions forming the first fitting row.

[0013] According to the present invention, the first mating row is formed by closely arranging and connecting each connector to the stack, so if any connector is connected to the stack while spaced apart from its adjacent connector, the first mating row is not formed. Therefore, unless each connector is closely positioned and connected to the stack, the second mating row cannot be mated with the first mating row, so the worker can detect whether or not a connector is connected at a distance from an adjacent connector based on whether or not this mating is possible.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first mating row is formed by connecting the connectors to the stack in a predetermined order, When viewed from the connecting direction of the connectors, the shapes of the adjacent first fitting portions are configured differently from each other.

[0015] With this configuration, if the connection order of adjacent connectors is swapped, the first mating row will not be formed, and the worker can detect whether or not the connectors are connected based on the predetermined order by whether or not the second mating row can be mated.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the second fitting portions is provided with a notch portion that is aligned along the stacking direction together with the first fitting row when the second fitting portion constituent is attached to the fuel cell, The notch is configured to allow relative displacement of the protrusion along the stacking direction.

[0017] With this configuration, even if each connector is displaced in the stacking direction due to thermal expansion of the stack, each protrusion portion will not interfere with each second mating portion, and the stability of the mating state of the second mating row relative to the first mating row can be maintained.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second fitting portion constituent has a main body portion in which the second fitting row is formed, and attachment portions provided on both ends of the main body portion, The mounting portions are detachably attached to end plates provided on both ends of the stack.

[0019] By adopting such a configuration, it becomes easier to ensure dimensional accuracy in the relative position of the second fitting portion constituent body with the stack and each connector, and unnecessary cutting work is no longer necessary, which improves manufacturability and contributes to cost reduction.

[0020] 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.

[0021] This configuration not only facilitates the attachment of the main body to the end plate, but also improves the dimensional accuracy of the relative positions of the second fitting portion constituent and each connector.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second fitting portion constituent is configured such that 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, it is possible to allow displacement of the stack in the stacking direction.

[0023] With this configuration, after the second fitting component is attached to the fuel cell, expansion in the stacking direction due to thermal expansion of the stack is permitted, and a stable connection state of each connector is ensured.

[0024] 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 an elongated 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 connecting direction of the connectors is longer than the length of the communication hole along the connecting direction.

[0025] With this configuration, the sleeve ensures a certain gap between the fastening member and the second fitting portion constituent. As a result, if the stack attempts to expand in the stacking direction due to thermal expansion after the second fitting component is attached to the fuel cell, the fastening member (and end plate) will slide against the second fitting component, allowing the expansion in the stacking direction.

[0026] 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 the connectors is longer than the length of the communication hole along the connection direction.

[0027] This configuration can prevent the bolts from loosening due to thermal creep at the mounting portion caused by temperature changes. That is, if this second fitting component were manufactured from resin, and the bolt came into direct contact with the surface of the mounting portion, there is a risk that the above-mentioned thermal creep phenomenon would occur due to temperature changes. 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 when temperature changes occur, and suppresses the resulting loosening of the bolt.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connector further includes a buffer member interposed between each of the connectors and the second fitting portion constituent.

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

[0030] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an improper connection detection structure that can easily detect improper connections in a plurality of connectors connected to one stack. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a row of key grooves in the misconnection detection structure according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a key projection row of an incorrect connection detection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing a key projection row of an incorrect connection detection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1A to 1C are explanatory diagrams illustrating a method of using the misconnection detection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1A to 1C are explanatory diagrams illustrating a method of using the misconnection detection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1A to 1C are explanatory diagrams illustrating a method of using the misconnection detection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7]10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating modified examples of the key protrusion structure according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating modified examples of the key protrusion structure according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Hereinafter, a misconnection detection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The following embodiment is an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment. In these figures, the symbol X indicates the misconnection detection structure according to this embodiment, the symbol A indicates the fuel cell according to this embodiment, and the symbol B indicates the connector according to this embodiment.

[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 misconnection detection structure X will be described below with reference to FIGS. The connector B (see Figure 3, etc.) used to measure the voltage of each cell in the fuel cell A has a resin housing B1 that houses terminals (not shown) that clamp each cell, and an electric wire B2 extending from the rear surface of the housing B1.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, the misconnection detection structure X has a key groove row P (first fitting row). FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view showing a state in which a plurality of connectors B are connected to a stack S of a fuel cell A, and FIG. 1(b) is a partially enlarged front view of (a).

[0036] The keyway row P is formed by arranging a plurality of keyways p (first fitting portions) along one direction (stacking direction).

[0037] Each key groove p is provided on a protruding portion J protruding from the housing B1 of a plurality of connectors B connected in parallel to the stack S of the fuel cell A so as to face the stack S. In this embodiment, each protrusion J protrudes downward from the rear end of each housing B1.

[0038] Each protrusion J is partially cut away from its lower end toward the corresponding housing B1, thereby forming a substantially rectangular key groove p in each protrusion J. The shape of the key groove p is not limited to this, and various shapes can be adopted, such as a slit shape. In addition, the shape of the key protrusion q, which will be described later, can naturally be changed accordingly.

[0039] Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the key groove array P is formed by arranging adjacent connectors B closely to each other and connecting them to the stack S in a predetermined order. In this embodiment, "closely arranged" means that the connectors B are arranged so that all cells are sandwiched between the leftmost connector B and the rightmost connector B by one of the connectors B (terminals).

[0040] Moreover, when viewed from the connecting direction of each connector B, the shapes of adjacent key grooves p are configured differently from each other. In this embodiment, the shape of each key groove p is approximately rectangular as described above, but the shapes of adjacent key grooves p are different when viewed from the connection direction because their lengths in the left-right direction are different.

[0041] From the above, for example, if adjacent connectors B are connected to the stack S with a distance of one to several cells between them, and there is even one location where their left and right side surfaces are not abutting (not arranged closely together), then the key groove row P will not be formed. Furthermore, for example, when adjacent connectors B are connected to the stack S in the reverse order to the predetermined order, the key groove row P is not formed.

[0042] In this embodiment, a pair of recessed and projecting fitting rail portions r are provided on the left and right side surfaces of each housing B1, so that they can be fitted and slidably fitted onto the adjacent housing B1. Therefore, when an operator places one connector B close to another connector B already mated to the stack S, the operator can easily place adjacent connectors B close to each other by mating the mating rail portions r and sliding the one connector B.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the misconnection detection structure X includes a key protrusion row Q (second fitting row) provided on a key protrusion constituent body W (second fitting portion constituent body), and a buffer member C. 2 is a perspective view of the key protrusion structure W as seen from the front side, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the key protrusion structure W as seen from the rear side.

[0044] The key protrusion row Q is formed by providing a plurality of key protrusions q (second fitting portions) along the stacking direction on a key protrusion structure W that is configured to be detachable from the fuel cell A.

[0045] Each key projection q is a component that is fitted into a corresponding key groove p. That is, the key protrusions q are arranged from the left end to the right end so that they have shapes corresponding to the key grooves p that make up the key groove row P, including the spacing between adjacent key grooves p.

[0046] As a result, the key projection row Q is formed by arranging the key projections q in accordance with the key grooves p. In this embodiment, each key projection q is a block body having substantially the same left-right width as each corresponding key groove p.

[0047] Each key protrusion q is provided with a notch n (see FIG. 5) formed at the base end of the key protrusion q, which gives each key protrusion q a substantially L-shape in side view.

[0048] The key projection structure W has a main body W1 on which the above-mentioned key projection row Q is formed, and mounting portions W2 provided on both ends of the main body W1.

[0049] The main body W1 is a component that extends in the stacking direction and is substantially L-shaped in side view. Each key projection q is provided on the key projection structure W so as to be embedded in the lower part of the main body W1 (the part that projects in the connecting direction and constitutes approximately L).

[0050] Each mounting portion W2 is an approximately rectangular block, and is provided with a positioning hole T1 through which a positioning pin k (see Figure 4, etc.) provided in each end plate E is inserted, and a communication hole T2 that communicates with a penetration hole t (see Figure 4, etc.) provided in the end plate E.

[0051] In this embodiment, the positioning hole T1 and the communicating hole T2 are configured as approximately circular holes when provided on the left mounting portion W2, and are configured as elongated holes that are long in the stacking direction when provided on the right mounting portion W2. The communicating hole T2 and the positioning hole T1 provided in the left mounting portion W2 may be configured as elongated holes. In this embodiment, the left communicating hole T2 and the positioning hole T1 serve as reference holes when mounting the key protrusion structure W to the fuel cell A (end plate E).

[0052] The buffer member C is an elongated member having approximately the same length as the main body portion W1, and when the key protrusion structure W is attached to the fuel cell A, it is placed on the base end of each key protrusion q and interposed (sandwiched) between the main body portion W1 and the housing B1. As the material for the buffer member C, a highly cushioning material such as polyurethane or polyethylene is preferably used.

[0053] <Installation and detection methods> Hereinafter, a method for attaching the key protrusion structure W to the fuel cell A and a method for detecting improper connection using the improper connection detection structure X performed during this attachment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0054] First, the worker connects each connector B to the stack S so that they are closely spaced as described above, resulting in the state shown in Figure 4 (or Figure 1), thereby forming a key groove row P in the lower part of each housing B1.

[0055] Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the worker attaches the key protrusion structure W to the fuel cell A via the attachment portion W2.

[0056] That is, the worker inserts each positioning pin k into each positioning hole T1, thereby communicating each insertion hole t with each communication hole T2 (arrow d1). At this time, the worker places a buffer member C on the base end of each key protrusion q (the end face forming each notch n), as shown in FIG. 4(b). In FIG. 4(b), the connector B and stack S are shown as a partially enlarged front view, and the key protrusion structure W and buffer member C are shown as a top view, with the two-dot chain line as the boundary.

[0057] Here, the worker can detect any incorrect connection of the connector B during the process of inserting each of the positioning pins k into each of the positioning holes T1 (the process of bringing the key protrusion structure W closer to the fuel cell A). In other words, if the connectors B are connected correctly and the key groove row P is formed, the above operation will result in each key protrusion q in the key protrusion row Q being fitted into each corresponding key groove p.

[0058] Recently, if the connectors B are not arranged closely together, or if they are arranged closely together but are connected in a different order, the key groove row P is not formed as described above. Therefore, when the above work is performed in each of the above cases, one of the key projections q will not be fitted into the key groove p and will interfere with the protruding portion J.

[0059] Therefore, the worker can detect the incorrect connection by the impact transmitted to the key protrusion structure W when the interference occurs. Furthermore, when each connector B is correctly connected and each key protrusion q is fitted into each key groove p, the worker inserts each positioning pin k into each positioning hole T1 while aligning the front side of each mounting portion W2 adjacent to and facing the rear side of each end plate E.

[0060] Finally, the worker inserts each fastening member (bolt) v into each of the communicating penetration holes t and communication holes T2 (arrow d2) and fastens them. As a result, the key protrusion structure W is attached to the fuel cell A (each end plate E) in a state in which the buffer member C is sandwiched between the main body W1 and the housing B1.

[0061] FIG. 5 shows a state in which the attachment has been completed according to the above process, where (a) is an overall perspective view showing the state in which the attachment has been completed, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in (a). As shown in FIG. 5(b), when the key protrusion structure W is attached to the fuel cell A, the notches n are aligned along the stacking direction together with the key groove row P.

[0062] In a cross-sectional view, a gap g is formed between the left and right edge portions and the lower edge portion of the protrusion J and the inner circumferential surface of the main body W1 and the key projection q that forms the notch n. As a result, the notch n is configured to allow relative displacement of the protrusion J along the stacking direction.

[0063] Here, the inside of each communication hole T2 has a configuration shown in FIG. 6 is a front view showing the state after the attachment is completed, and the upper left and lower right show cross-sectional views along lines BB' and CC' showing the inside of the communication hole T2, respectively.

[0064] 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 its circumferential direction, and this is engaged with an engagement protrusion (not shown) provided on the inner peripheral surface of each communicating hole T2, thereby integrating it with each mounting portion W2.

[0065] The length of each metal collar M along the connecting direction (front-rear direction) is longer than the length of each communication hole T2 along the connecting direction (front-rear direction). As a result, the open ends of the metal collars M slightly protrude from the corresponding communication holes T2.

[0066] Furthermore, a sleeve s is fitted to the fastening member v inserted into the right communicating hole T2, which is an elongated hole, to prevent damage to the fastening member v and the metal collar M.

[0067] The length of the sleeve s along the connecting direction (front-rear direction) is longer than the length of the right communication hole T2 along the connecting direction (front-rear direction). As a result, each open end of the sleeve s slightly protrudes from the right communication hole T2.

[0068] With the above configuration, even if the right-side fastening member v is tightly 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 W2. Therefore, the fastening member v (and the end plate E) can be displaced relative to the key projection structure W along the stacking direction.

[0069] <Effects> According to this embodiment, the key protrusion row Q cannot be fitted into the key groove row P unless each connector B is closely positioned and connected to the stack S, so the worker can detect whether or not a connector B is connected at a distance from an adjacent connector B based on whether or not this fitting is possible.

[0070] Furthermore, if the connection order of adjacent connectors B is reversed, the key groove row P is not formed, so the worker can detect whether each connector B is connected based on the predetermined order by whether the key protrusion row Q can be fitted or not.

[0071] Furthermore, each notch n prevents each protrusion J from interfering with each key protrusion q, even if each connector B is displaced in the stacking direction due to thermal expansion of the stack S, thereby maintaining the stability of the mating state of the key protrusion row Q relative to the key groove row P.

[0072] Furthermore, since each mounting portion W2 can be detachably attached to each end plate E, it becomes easier to ensure the dimensional accuracy of the relative position between the key protrusion structure W and the stack S or each connector B, and unnecessary cutting work is no longer necessary, which improves manufacturability and contributes to cost reduction.

[0073] In addition, the communicating holes T2 and positioning holes T1 provided in each mounting portion W2 facilitate the mounting work of the key protrusion structure W, and further improve the dimensional accuracy of the relative position between the key protrusion structure W and each connector B.

[0074] In addition, the communicating hole T2 and positioning hole T1 provided in the right mounting portion W2 are configured as long holes that are long in the stacking direction, and a sleeve s is provided inside this communicating hole T2, which allows the fastening member v (and end plate E) to be displaced in the stacking direction relative to the key protrusion structure W, and allows the stack S to expand in the stacking direction due to thermal expansion.

[0075] Furthermore, each metal collar M is configured so that each open end slightly protrudes from each communicating hole T2, thereby making it possible to prevent loosening of the fastening member v due to the thermal creep phenomenon of the attachment portion W2.

[0076] Furthermore, even if vibrations or shocks are applied due to unnecessary external forces, the buffer members C absorb them, and the connection state of each connector B can be maintained stably.

[0077] <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.

[0078] In particular, in this embodiment, an example has been shown in which the connector B (projection portion J) is provided with the key groove p as the first fitting portion, and the key protrusion structure W is provided with the key protrusion q as the second fitting portion. Recently, the connector B may be provided with a key protrusion q, and the key protrusion structure W may be provided with a key groove p. That is, the first fitting portion may be the key protrusion q, and the second fitting portion may be the key groove p. In this case, the key protrusion structure W becomes a key groove structure W. As a result, a key groove row P is formed in the key groove structure W as a second mating row, and when each connector B is connected to the stack S, a key protrusion row Q is formed by each connector B as a first mating row.

[0079] Furthermore, the buffer member C is not necessarily required, and when the key protrusion structure W is attached to the fuel cell A, the rear end face of the housing B1 and the side wall forming the cutout portion n in the main body portion W1 are adjacent to each other, which effectively prevents each connector B from coming loose.

[0080] Furthermore, 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 key protrusion structure W is made of a resin material, but it does not have to be provided when the key protrusion structure W is made of a metal material or the like.

[0081] Moreover, one of the attachment portions W2 may have a configuration as shown in FIGS.

[0082] That is, as shown in FIG. 7, one of the attachment portions W2 is not provided with a communication hole T2. In this modified example, a cover member c is provided that is attached to surround one of the attachment portions W2.

[0083] The cover member c has a substantially U-shaped cover member main body c1 and extension portions c2 extending along the rear surface of the end plate E from each front end of the cover member main body c1.

[0084] 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 penetration hole t provided in the end plate E.

[0085] The key projection structure W having the above-described structure is attached to the fuel cell A as shown in FIG.

[0086] In particular, the worker attaches one of the attachment portions W2 to the end plate E by inserting the positioning pin k into the positioning hole T1 and bringing it into contact with the end plate E, and then surrounding it with the 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 member v into each communication hole u and each penetration hole t to fasten them.

[0087] As a result, one of the attachment portions W2 is attached to the end plate E in a manner that it is pressed against 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 cover member c (and end plate E) slides against the key protrusion structure W while maintaining the abutment state of the recess portion d against one of the mounting portions W2.

[0088] That is, according to this modified example, even if one of the mounting portions W2 does not have a communication hole T2, when the key protrusion structure W is mounted on the fuel cell A, the end plate E can be displaced in the stacking direction.

[0089] The word "abbreviated" in the application documents is a concept that means that the shape that follows has been chamfered or rounded, and that the elements that make up the shape have been deformed or changed in length within a range that does not impede the purpose of the shape. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] X Misconnection detection structure p Key groove (first fitting part) q Key protrusion (second mating part) P key groove row (first mating row) Q Key projection row (second mating row) W Key protrusion component (second fitting component) W1 Main body W2 mounting part T1 positioning hole T2 communication hole C Buffer member M Metal Color A fuel cell P-Stack E End Plate B Connector B1 Housing B2 electric wire

Claims

1. a first fitting row formed by arranging a plurality of first fitting portions along one direction, and a second fitting row formed by arranging second fitting portions along one direction, the second fitting portions being fitted to correspond to the first fitting portions, the first fitting portion is provided on a protruding portion protruding from a housing of a plurality of connectors connected in parallel to a stack of fuel cells so as to face the stack, the second fitting portion is provided in a plurality of positions along the stacking direction of the cells in the stack on a second fitting portion constituent configured to be detachable from the fuel cell, the first mating row is formed by closely arranging the adjacent connectors and connecting the connectors to the stack in a predetermined order; the second fitting row is formed by arranging the second fitting portions in an arrangement corresponding to an arrangement of the first fitting portions forming the first fitting row, The misconnection detection structure, wherein the shapes of the adjacent first fitting portions when viewed from the connecting direction of the connectors are configured differently from each other.

2. each second fitting portion is provided with a notch portion that is aligned along the stacking direction together with the first fitting row when the second fitting portion constituent is attached to the fuel cell; The misconnection detection structure according to claim 1 , wherein the notch is configured to allow relative displacement of the protrusion along the stacking direction.

3. the second fitting portion constituent has a main body portion in which the second fitting row is formed and attachment portions provided on both ends of the main body portion, The misconnection detection structure according to claim 2 , wherein the mounting portions are detachably attached to end plates provided on both ends of the stack.

4. 4. The misconnection detection structure according to claim 3, wherein each of the mounting portions is provided with a positioning hole through which a positioning pin provided on each of the end plates is inserted.

5. 5. The misconnection detection structure according to claim 4, wherein the second fitting portion constituent is configured such that the positioning hole provided in one of the mounting portions is configured as a long hole that is long in the stacking direction, thereby allowing displacement of the stack in the stacking direction when each mounting portion is attached to each end plate.

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 one of the mounting portions is configured as an elongated 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; 6. The improper connection detection structure 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 misconnection detection structure according to claim 6, wherein a length of the metal collar along the connecting direction of the connectors is longer than a length of the communication hole along the connecting direction.

8. The misconnection detection structure according to claim 1 , further comprising a buffer member interposed between each of the connectors and the second fitting portion constituent.

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