Power assembly for an electric stack, particularly a fuel cell stack

Abstract

Disclosed is a cell stack assembly (100), particularly a fuel cell stack assembly (100), comprising at least an electrical energy producing cell stack body (2) having a plurality of stacked unit cells, each preferably a unit fuel cell including a bipolar plate (4) and a membrane electrode assembly (4), first and second terminal plates (8) sandwiching the cell stack body (2) and configured to collect electrical energy produced by the cell stack body (2), each terminal plate (8) including a power output terminal (14) connectable to an external connector, and fastening means (20) configured to fasten an external connector to the power output terminal (14) to provide an electrical connection between the external connector and the power output terminal (14). The fastening means (20) includes at least a first nut (22) and a threaded element (24), the threaded element (24) configured to thread a first end (27) onto the first nut (22), and the first nut (22) configured to provide a fastening stop (40) for the threaded element (24).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cell stack assembly, in particular a fuel cell stack assembly, according to the preamble of claim 1. [Background technology]

[0002] A battery stack typically consists of multiple stacked cells, or plates, separated from each other by insulating layers, such that electrical energy is generated by each individual cell and collected throughout the stack by current collector elements or plates.

[0003] In the case of a fuel cell stack, the electrical plates are bipolar plates, and the insulating layers are multilayer membrane electrode assemblies. The bipolar plates themselves are a combination of anode and cathode plates secured together, separated, or sandwiched, by the membrane electrode assembly. The cathode and anode plates that form the bipolar plates are typically conductive metal or graphite plates, so-called flow field plates, with a reactant flow field on one side and a cooling fluid flow field on the other. In an assembled membrane electrode assembly, the flow field plates are positioned on top of each other, with the cooling fluid flow fields facing each other and the reactant flow fields facing the sandwiching membrane electrode assembly. The current generated by the membrane electrode assembly during fuel cell stack operation results in a potential difference across the bipolar plate assembly. Because the voltage difference across a single plate is very small, multiple unit cells are stacked, and the accumulated voltage difference is collected at the terminal plate.

[0004] In order for the generated energy to be used by consumers, the terminal plate is provided with so-called power output terminals, to which external connectors, for example cables, can be fastened to supply electrical energy to external consumers.

[0005] To secure the external connector to the power output terminal, it is known to use screws or a set of bolts and nuts, which are tightened to a predetermined torque to ensure a stable conductive connection between the external connector and the power output terminal.

[0006] To ensure that only the power terminals remain conductive, while ensuring that other parts of the electrical stack sandwiching the terminal plates, e.g., the end plates, remain electrically insulated, and to avoid short circuits due to the stack coming into contact with the screws, and to avoid contamination by dirt and other impurities which would deteriorate the performance of the stack, but to provide easy access to the power output terminals, it is known to place the power output terminals in a plastic housing, or at least to provide a plastic cap covering the screws on the side facing the stack.

[0007] This creates the problem that if the external connector is too thin, the screws may be over-tightened, which can damage, especially crack, the plastic cover or housing, even if the screws are simply tightened to the required torque. This damage to the insulation increases the likelihood that other metal components of the fuel cell stack, such as end plates or compression elements, will become conductive. Furthermore, contaminants may be able to penetrate the interior of the stack. On the other hand, if the external connector is too thick, the screw connections may not be tightened sufficiently, which can lead to loosening, especially if the stack is subjected to vibrations, for example, during use in a vehicle. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a fuel cell stack with power connection possibilities that are customer friendly and easy to adapt to different sized external connectors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This object is solved by a fuel cell stack according to claim 1.

[0010] Disclosed below is a cell stack assembly, particularly a fuel cell stack assembly, which includes an electrical stack comprising at least a plurality of stacked unit cells, i.e., electrical plates, separated from one another by insulating layers, in an electrical energy generating cell stack body.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the fuel cell stack, each unit cell is a unit fuel cell that includes a bipolar plate as an electrode plate and a multilayer membrane electrode assembly as an insulating and energy-generating layer. The bipolar plate itself is a combination of an anode plate and a cathode plate fixed to each other, and the bipolar plate is separated, or in other words, sandwiched, by the membrane electrode assembly. The cathode and anode plates that form the bipolar plate are usually conductive metal or graphite plates, so-called flow field plates, with a flow field for reactants on one side and a flow field for cooling fluid on the other side. In the assembled membrane electrode assembly, the flow field plates are arranged on top of each other with the cooling fluid flow fields facing each other and the reactant flow fields facing the sandwiching membrane electrode assembly. The current generated by the membrane electrode assembly during operation of the fuel cell stack results in a potential difference between the bipolar plate assemblies.

[0012] To collect and output voltage, first and second terminal plates are provided that sandwich the cell stack body and are configured to collect electrical energy generated by the cell stack body, and each terminal plate further includes a power output terminal that can be connected to an external connector.

[0013] Additionally, a fastening means is provided that is configured to fasten the external connector to the power output terminal to provide an electrical connection between the external connector and the power output terminal.

[0014] To provide a securely fixed connection between the power output terminal and the external connector, while at the same time providing the possibility of a connection that is easily adaptable to external connectors of different sizes, the fastening means includes at least a first nut and a screw element, the screw element being configured to thread the first end onto the first nut, and the first nut being configured to provide a fastening stop for the screw element.

[0015] Thereby, the tightening stop provided by the first nut ensures that the screw element is not screwed too far into the first nut to avoid damaging the housing covering the power output terminal and / or contacting the stack body.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the threaded element is a threaded bolt and the fastening means further includes a second nut configured to be screwed onto the second end of the threaded bolt and configured to be tightened with a predetermined torque to secure the external connector to the power output terminal.

[0017] This allows any type of threaded bolt to be used, as no special requirements are imposed on the threaded bolt. The second nut allows the connection to be performed at a predetermined torque, ensuring a stable electrical connection. Therefore, it is particularly preferable for the threaded bolt to be a threaded rod. Because the threaded rod has a thread along its entire length, it offers highly flexible connection possibilities for a wide range of applications and external connector types. Of course, any number of additional elements, such as distance elements, can be placed between the power output terminal and the second nut to fine-tune the electrical connection.

[0018] According to a further preferred embodiment, the screw element is a screw having a threaded body and a screw head of a predetermined length, and the predetermined length of the threaded body is set to a length such that when tightening of the screw is stopped by the tightening stopper, the screw is configured to be tightened with a predetermined torque to secure the external connector to the power output terminal.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the tightening stop of the first nut is provided by a nut having an inner bore, only a portion of which is threaded, and the inner diameter of the bore is equal to the inner diameter of the thread. Alternatively or additionally, the tightening stop of the first nut is provided by a blind nut, e.g., a cap nut, having an inner bore designed as a blind hole with an internal thread. Therefore, the use of an open nut is particularly preferred in applications where the power output terminal is housed in an all-inclusive housing, and the use of a cap nut is also applicable in applications where the power output terminal is only partially separated from the interior of the stack.

[0020] Preferably, the first nut is a square nut, which allows for very good mounting of the tool and / or lateral support by any comprehensive housing, thus providing an anti-rotation function for the first nut.

[0021] In a further preferred embodiment, the fastening means has a vibration locking function. Therefore, the second nut may be a locking nut. Alternatively and / or additionally, the fastening means further includes a vibration locking element, preferably a lock ring or lock washer, preferably disposed between the threaded element, e.g., the second nut or the screw head, and the power output terminal. Alternatively or additionally, the threaded element and / or the first nut and / or the second nut have a self-locking thread. The self-locking thread has a modified thread profile with a ramp surface in the stress direction, thereby providing a self-locking effect. The self-locking thread may also be formed by a thread angle that applies a preload force to the thread when the screw is screwed into a material or corresponding part. This ensures that the external connector remains fixed to the power output terminal with a predetermined torque, even in vibration environments, e.g., in vehicles or mobile applications.

[0022] According to a further preferred embodiment, the electrical stack further includes first and second insulating plates sandwiching the cell stack body and the arrangement of first and second terminal plates, the first and second insulating plates together including a power output terminal housing configured to surround the power output terminal of the corresponding terminal plate and electrically insulate the power output terminal from the outside. By surrounding the power output terminal by the housing, the power output terminal is physically separated from the interior of the stack, providing excellent protection against external contamination while at the same time providing excellent access to the power output terminal from the outside.

[0023] Therefore, the first and second insulating plates and / or the power output terminal housing are preferably manufactured by molding an electrically insulating material, particularly a plastic material. By molding the insulating plates and / or the power output terminal housing, even complex shapes can be easily formed.

[0024] It is therefore particularly preferred that the power output terminal housings are integral parts of the respective first and second insulating plates and are formed during molding of the insulating plates, which allows for very good isolation of the stack against contaminants and simplifies the installation process by reducing the number of parts that need to be assembled.

[0025] According to a further preferred embodiment, the power output terminals are bent 90° from the planar extensions of the terminal plates toward the corresponding insulating plates, and the power output terminal housing further includes slits into which the power output terminals are inserted, so that the power output terminals are surrounded by the power output terminal housing. This also allows for very good insulation of the stack against contaminants and simplifies the installation process by reducing the number of parts that need to be assembled. Furthermore, this design saves space, as the power output terminals do not protrude from the stack.

[0026] Therefore, it is more preferable that the depth of the power output terminal housing and the position of the slit are configured so that the first nut is disposed between the bottom wall of the power output terminal housing and the power output terminal. This also enables a space-saving connection of the external connector. Furthermore, especially when the first nut is designed as a square nut, the wall of the housing can be used as a stop for the first nut to provide an anti-rotation means.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, the power output terminal housing includes a pocket in a bottom region shaped to at least partially accommodate the first nut, which further provides a means for preventing rotation of the first nut and further allows for space-saving placement of the various components of the electrical connection to the external connector. Furthermore, the first nut can be positioned so as to be captured within the pocket.

[0028] More preferably, the power output terminal further includes a through hole through which the threaded bolt is insertable and guideable into the first nut.

[0029] According to a further embodiment, the fastening means may further comprise a distance element for bridging the distance between the slit and the exterior of the power output terminal housing, which may be a square or circular sleeve and a through hole through which the threaded bolt can be inserted and guided into the power output terminal and further into the first nut.

[0030] Further preferred embodiments are defined in the description and drawings as well as in the dependent claims, in which respect an element described or shown in combination with other elements may also be present alone or in combination with other elements without departing from the scope of protection.

[0031] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection, which is defined solely by the appended claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of a cell stack in the form of a fuel cell stack. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the power supply. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the assembled state of the power supply device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a first nut with a tightening stopper. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a first nut with a tightening stopper. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] In the following, identical or similarly functioning elements are designated with the same reference numerals.

[0034] The principles of the present invention are described below in the context of a fuel cell stack. However, the principles are equally applicable to any other type of cell or cell stack. Furthermore, features shown in connection with one embodiment may be included alone or in combination in other embodiments.

[0035] 1 shows a cell stack 100, which in this case is a fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stack 100 includes a fuel cell stack body 2 having a plurality of alternating stacked bipolar plates 4 and a multilayer membrane electrode assembly 6.

[0036] Typically, each bipolar plate 4 is a combination of an anode plate and a cathode plate secured together. Each anode and cathode plate has a front and a back surface, with the front or reactant surface facing the adjacent membrane electrode assembly 6 and the back or coolant surface facing each other. Each bipolar plate 4 also has multiple openings for supplying and discharging reactants and coolant to and from the bipolar plate 4. To distribute the reactants and coolant across the plate, the bipolar plate may also have protruding structures that form the respective reactant / coolant fluid flow fields. To seal the flow fields from the environment, the plate may also have so-called bead seals that protrude from the plate base and may extend the height of the flow field structure.

[0037] The membrane electrode assembly 6 is typically a multi-layer membrane electrode assembly, but for simplicity, is shown in the figures as a single layer. The membrane electrode assembly 6 may have the same or similar shape as the bipolar plate 4 and has an active area (not shown) in the same area as the flow field area of ​​the bipolar plate 4. The active area of ​​the membrane electrode assembly 6 is typically a three-layer membrane electrode assembly consisting of a membrane sandwiched between an anode and a cathode. The active area is preferably surrounded by a subgasket material that surrounds and holds the active area of ​​the three-layer membrane electrode assembly and electrically insulates the sandwiching bipolar plates. In addition, the membrane electrode assembly further includes gas diffusion layers (not shown) on both sides, also positioned in the active area and covering the anode and cathode of the three-layer membrane electrode assembly 6.

[0038] During operation of the fuel cell stack 100, the current generated by the membrane electrode assembly 6 results in a potential difference across the bipolar plate assembly 4. Because the voltage difference across a single plate is very small, multiple unit cells are stacked and the accumulated voltage difference is collected by so-called terminal plates 8 that sandwich the fuel cell stack body 2, as shown in FIG.

[0039] The terminal plate 8 is electrically insulated from the outside by an insulating plate 10 that sandwiches the combination of the fuel cell stack body 2 and the terminal plate 8. The insulating plate 10 is typically made of an electrically insulating material, such as a plastic material, and may be covered with an end plate 12. Alternatively, the end plate 12 and the insulating plate 10 may be integrally formed. The end plate 12 may further include clamping means (not shown) that supplies and maintains pressure to the fuel cell stack body 2 and ensures its fluid-tightness.

[0040] For the consumer to use the generated energy, the terminal plate 8 is provided with a power output terminal 14 to which an external connector, for example a cable, can be attached for supplying electrical energy to an external consumer.

[0041] Figures 2 and 3 show detailed views of such connection possibilities, whereby Figure 2 shows an enlarged exploded view, while Figure 3 shows the assembled state. As can be seen in Figure 2, terminal plate 8 has a power output terminal 14 bent at 90° from a planar extension of terminal plate 8, the planar extension being defined by surface 16. As further shown in the preferred embodiment of Figure 2, power output terminal 14 further comprises a through-hole 18 configured to receive a fastening means 20 or a portion of fastening means 20 for securing an external connector (not shown) to power output terminal 14, as will be described in more detail below.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening means 20 includes a first nut 22 and a threaded element 24 to provide a secure connection between the power output terminal 14 and the external connector while also providing a connection that is easily adaptable to external connectors of different sizes. The fastening element 24 may be a screw (not shown), in which case the length of the screw may be predetermined according to a predetermined torque required to secure the external connector to the power output terminal. Alternatively, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2 , the threaded element is a threaded bolt 24, and the fastening means further includes a second nut 26 for securing the external connector to the power output terminal 14.

[0043] Optionally, as in the illustrated embodiment, the fastening means 20 can further include a distance element 23 for adapting the size of the threaded element to the size of the fuel cell stack and / or the size of the external connector. The fastening means can further include a vibration-resistant function. Therefore, the second nut 26 can be a lock nut. Alternatively and / or additionally, the fastening means 20 can further include a vibration-resistant element, such as a lock ring or lock washer 25. Additionally or alternatively, the threaded element 24 itself and / or the first nut 22 and / or the second nut 26 can include a self-locking thread. This ensures that the external connector remains fixed to the power output terminal with a predetermined torque, even in a vibration environment, for example, in a vehicle or mobile application.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, a threaded bolt 24 is configured to be threaded at a first end 27 into the first nut 22, and a second nut 26 is configured to be threaded at a second end 28 onto the threaded bolt 24 and tightened with a predetermined torque to secure the external connector to the power output terminal 14 (see also FIG. 3 ). Of course, any number of additional elements, such as further distance elements 23 or a locking ring 25, can be arranged between the power output terminal 14 and the second nut 26 to fine-tune the electrical connection. For this reason, it is particularly preferred that the threaded bolt is a threaded rod. A threaded rod has a thread along its entire length, which offers very flexible connection possibilities for a wide variety of applications and external connector types.

[0045] 2 and 3, the insulating plate 10 includes a power output terminal housing 30 configured to accommodate the power output terminal 14 and at least a portion of the fastening means 20. By enclosing the power output terminal 14 with the power output terminal housing 30, the power output terminal 14 is physically separated from the interior of the stack, providing excellent protection against external contamination while at the same time providing excellent external access to the power output terminal 14.

[0046] Therefore, the insulating plate 10 and / or the power output terminal housing 14 are preferably manufactured by molding from an electrically insulating material, in particular a plastic material. Preferably, the power output terminal housing 30 is an integral part of the insulating plate 10 and is formed during molding of the insulating plate. This allows for very good isolation of the stack against contaminants and simplifies the installation process by reducing the number of parts that need to be assembled. Alternatively, of course, the power output terminal housing 30 could be a separate element that can be attached to the insulating plate 10 by any suitable means.

[0047] To accommodate the power output terminal 14, the power output terminal housing 30 preferably includes a slit 32 through which the power output terminal 14 can be inserted. The power output terminal housing 30 further includes a bottom wall 34 and side walls 36 and 38 that are sized such that when inserted into the slit 32, the power output terminal housing 30 forms a box around the power output terminal 14.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3, the bottom wall 34 of the power output terminal housing 30 is dimensioned such that the distance d1 between the bottom wall 34 and the position of the slit 32 will be located between the bottom wall 34 and the power output terminal 14 when at least one element of the fastening means 20, in particular the first nut 22, is inserted into the slit 32 in the assembled state.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the first nut 22 is designed as a square nut. It can further be seen in Figures 2 and 3 that at least the side walls 36 and 38 of the power output terminal housing 30 are dimensioned at a distance such that the square nut 22 abuts the side walls 36 and 38. This allows for an anti-rotational positioning of the first nut 22 within the power output terminal housing 30.

[0050] Additionally or alternatively, the power output terminal housing 30 may include a pocket molded into the bottom wall 34 to at least partially accommodate the first nut 22. This provides additional anti-rotation functionality for the first nut 22, which need not be a square nut. This also allows for a power output terminal housing 30 that is larger and dimensionally incompatible with the size of the first nut 22.

[0051] To ensure that the power output terminal 14 is accommodated in the power output terminal housing 30 without contact problems, the slit 32 is further spaced a distance d2 from the open side of the power output terminal housing 30, as shown in Fig. 3. An optional distance element 23 may be provided to fill this distance d2. The distance element 23 is preferably made of a conductive material.

[0052] As previously mentioned, the threaded bolt 24 is configured to be threaded into the first nut 22 at its first end 27, while the second nut 22 provides a secure connection to ensure a stable electrical connection at a predetermined torque. Because the threaded bolt 24 does not have a stop such as a screw head, it can be threaded into the first nut 22 until it abuts the bottom wall 34. However, even when a screw is used, the thread may be too long and the screw head may not stop the tightening. In these cases, the threaded bolt 24 or screw may be accidentally threaded further into the first nut 22, potentially cracking the bottom wall 34 and compromising the electrical insulating properties and overall stability of the insulating plate 10. To avoid damage to the insulating plate 10 or the power output terminal housing 30, the first nut 22 is configured to provide a tightening stop 40 for the threaded bolt 24.

[0053] 4 and 5 show two different embodiments of a first nut 22 having such a clamping stop 40, with the illustrated nuts 22 shown in cross section. In the embodiment of Fig. 4, the clamping stop 40 is provided by a nut 22 having an inner bore 42, only a portion 44 of which is provided with a thread 46, the inner diameter of the bore and the inner diameter of the thread being equal. As a result, the threaded bolt can only be screwed into the nut 22 until its end abuts the clamping stop 40.

[0054] 5, the tightening stop 40 of the first nut 22 is a blind nut (e.g., a cap nut) having an end wall 48 that functions as the tightening stop 40 and terminates the inner bore 42 at one end. The inner bore 42 is therefore designed as a blind hole with an internal thread 46.

[0055] According to a further preferred embodiment, the fastening means 20 is further configured with a locking function to ensure that the connection does not loosen due to vibration. To this end, the second nut 26 may be designed as a locking nut and / or at least one thread of, for example, the screw or threaded bolt and / or the nut is designed as a self-locking thread. Alternatively or additionally, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the fastening means 20 can include a lock washer 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the lock washer 26 is a wedge lock washer. Such a wedge lock washer is a two-piece washer with radial teeth on one side and a wedge action on both halves at the joint. Although typically more expensive per unit, these washers offer the greatest protection against vibration loosening.

[0056] By providing a fastening means including at least a first nut and a second nut combined with a threaded element (e.g., a screw) or a threaded bolt, if the first nut has a fastening stop for the threaded element, a secure connection between the power output terminal and an external connector can be provided, while at the same time providing a connection that can be easily adapted to external connectors of different sizes. This is because the fastening stop of the first nut does not require the threaded element to meet special requirements, and any type of threaded element (e.g., a screw, threaded bolt, or threaded rod) can be used. The fastening stop of the first nut thereby ensures that the threaded element is not over-threaded into the first nut, thereby avoiding damage to the housing covering the power output terminal. This, in turn, ensures that other parts of the electrical stack (e.g., end plates), which normally do not conduct electricity, remain electrically insulated, minimizing the risk of electric shock. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 100 fuel cell stack 2. Fuel cell stack body 4 Bipolar Plates 6. Membrane Electrode Assembly 8 Terminal Plate 10 Insulation plate 12 End plate 14 Power output terminal 16 Surface 18 Through holes 20 Fastening means 22 First Nut 23 Distance element 24 screw elements / thread bolts 25 lock washer 26 Second Nut 27 First end of threaded bolt 28 Second end of threaded bolt 30 Power output terminal housing 32 Slit 34 Bottom wall 36,38 side wall 40 Tightening stopper 42 Inner hole 44 Part of the inner hole 46 threads

Claims

1. An electric energy generating cell stack body (2) having a plurality of stacked unit cells, each unit cell being a unit fuel cell including a bipolar plate (4) and a membrane electrode assembly (6); first and second terminal plates (8) sandwiching the electric energy generating cell stack body (2) and configured to collect electric energy generated by the electric energy generating cell stack body (2), each terminal plate (8) including a power output terminal (14) connectable to an external connector; a fastening means (20) configured to fasten the external connector to the power output terminal (14) to provide an electrical connection between the external connector and the power output terminal (14); A battery stack assembly (100) comprising at least the fastening means (20) includes at least a first nut (22) and a screw element (24), the screw element (24) is configured to thread a first end (27) onto the first nut (22), and the first nut (22) is configured to provide a fastening stop (40) for the screw element (24).

2. 2. The battery stack assembly of claim 1, wherein the threaded element is a threaded bolt, and the fastening means further includes a second nut configured to be threaded onto a second end of the threaded bolt and configured to be tightened with a predetermined torque to secure the external connector to the power output terminal.

3. The cell stack assembly of claim 2 , wherein the second nut (24) is a lock nut.

4. 2. The battery stack assembly according to claim 1, wherein the screw element (24) is a screw having a threaded body and a screw head of a predetermined length, and the predetermined length of the threaded body is set to a length such that, when tightening of the screw is stopped by the tightening stopper (40), the screw is configured to be tightened with a predetermined torque to fix the external connector to the power output terminal (14).

5. The tightening stopper (40) of the first nut (22) is A nut having an internal bore (42), only a portion (44) of said internal bore (42) being provided with threads (46), the internal diameter of said internal bore (42) being equal to the internal diameter of said threads (46); or 2. The cell stack assembly of claim 1, wherein the cell stack assembly is provided by a cap nut having the inner bore (42) being a blind hole with an internal thread (46).

6. The cell stack assembly of claim 2, wherein the first nut (22) is a square nut and / or the threaded bolt is a threaded rod.

7. 3. The battery stack assembly of claim 2, wherein the fastening means (20) further includes a vibration anti-loosening element, the vibration anti-loosening element being disposed between the threaded element (24) and the power output terminal (14), and / or the threaded element (24) and / or the first nut (22) and / or the second nut (24) are provided with self-locking threads (46).

8. A battery stack assembly as described in claim 1, further comprising first and second insulating plates (10) sandwiching the arrangement of the electrical energy generating cell stack body (2) and the first and second terminal plates (8), wherein the first and second insulating plates (10) together include a power output terminal housing (30) configured to surround the power output terminal (14) of the corresponding first and second terminal plates (8) and electrically insulate the power output terminal (14) from the outside.

9. 9. The cell stack assembly according to claim 8, wherein the first and second insulating plates (10) and / or the power output terminal housing (30) are manufactured by molding from an electrically insulating material.

10. 9. The battery stack assembly of claim 8, wherein the power output terminal housing (30) is an integral part (44) of each of the first and second insulating plates (10) and is formed during molding of the first and second insulating plates (10).

11. 9. The battery stack assembly according to claim 8, wherein the power output terminals (14) are bent 90 degrees from the planar extensions (16) of the first and second terminal plates (8) toward the corresponding first and second insulating plates (10), and the power output terminal housing (30) further includes a slit (32) into which the power output terminals (14) are inserted, so that the power output terminals (14) are surrounded by the power output terminal housing (30).

12. 12. The cell stack assembly of claim 11, wherein a depth of the power output terminal housing and a position of the slit are configured so that the first nut is disposed between a bottom wall of the power output terminal housing and the power output terminal.

13. 13. The battery stack assembly of claim 12, wherein the power output terminal housing (30) includes a pocket shaped in the bottom wall (34) to at least partially accommodate the first nut (22), the pocket having a shape complementary to the shape of the first nut (22).

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