Fuel cell stack
The fuel cell stack design with a mounting member between end plates addresses the issue of size and stability by reducing the stacking direction dimensions and enhancing mounting security and adjustability, ensuring stable and efficient installation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-06-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-17
AI Technical Summary
The existing fuel cell stacks have a large physical size in the stacking direction due to the mounting member, which poses challenges in terms of space efficiency and stability during mounting.
A fuel cell stack configuration that includes a stack body with end plates and a block-shaped mounting member positioned between the opposing surfaces of the end plates, allowing for reduced size in the stacking direction and improved stability through the use of relief grooves and adjustable mounting via bolts and nuts.
This configuration effectively suppresses the increase in size while maintaining stability and facilitating secure mounting, reducing stress on fastening bolts, and allowing for precise positional adjustment.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel cell stack.
Background Art
[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a fuel cell stack. The above fuel cell stack includes a laminate, a pair of end plates, and a mounting bracket as a mounting member. The laminate includes a plurality of fuel cell cells. The plurality of fuel cell cells are laminated. The pair of end plates sandwich the laminate in the stacking direction of all the fuel cell cells. The mounting bracket is screwed to the outer surface of each end plate on the side opposite to the laminate. The mounting bracket is fixed to the mounting portion of the vehicle that is the mounting target. Therefore, the fuel cell stack is fixed to the mounting portion of the vehicle.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] By the way, the fuel cell stack of Patent Document 1 has a large physical size in the stacking direction due to the mounting member.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0005] A fuel cell stack that solves the above problems comprises a stack body including a laminate formed by stacking a plurality of fuel cell cells, a first end plate and a second end plate that sandwich the laminate in the stacking direction which is the direction in which all of the fuel cell cells are stacked, and a block-shaped mounting member fixed to the first end plate and for attaching the stack body to an object to be attached, wherein the mounting member is provided between a first opposing surface of the first end plate that faces the second end plate and a second opposing surface of the second end plate that faces the first end plate.
[0006] According to the above configuration, the mounting member is provided between the first opposing surface of the first end plate and the second opposing surface of the second end plate. Therefore, even with the mounting member in place, it is possible to suppress the increase in the size of the fuel cell stack in the stacking direction.
[0007] In the fuel cell stack described above, the stack mount plate for mounting the fuel cell stack onto the mounting frame to be mounted is preferably such that the mounting member is fixed to the first end plate and the first end plate, and to the stack mount plate which is positioned below the first end plate and the second end plate.
[0008] According to the above configuration, in a configuration in which a stack mount plate is used to mount a fuel cell stack to a mounting target, the mounting member is fixed to the first end plate and the stack mount plate. The orientation of the fuel cell stack relative to the stack mount plate is maintained by the mounting member. Therefore, when the stack mount plate is placed on the mounting frame, the orientation of the fuel cell stack relative to the mounting frame is maintained by the mounting member. Thus, the fuel cell stack can be stably mounted to the mounting target.
[0009] The fuel cell stack described above further comprises a bolt that passes through the first end plate and the mounting member, and a nut that is screwed onto the bolt and sandwiches the first end plate and the mounting member together with the bolt, wherein the mounting member has a first through hole through which the bolt passes, and the first end plate has a second through hole through which the bolt passes.
[0010] With the above configuration, since the bolt passes through the first and second through holes, the bolt can move within the first and second through holes. Therefore, once the adjustment of the mounting position of the mounting member relative to the mounting target and the adjustment of the mounting position of the mounting member relative to the first end plate are completed, the mounting member can be fixed to the first end plate by screwing the nut onto the bolt. Thus, the mounting position of the mounting member can be suitably adjusted using the bolt and nut.
[0011] Furthermore, the mounting member is provided between the first opposing surface of the first end plate and the second opposing surface of the second end plate. As a result, when the fuel cell stack is mounted on the target, the mounting member is close to the center of gravity of the fuel cell stack. Compared to the case where the mounting member is screwed to the outer surface of the end plate opposite to the laminate, the stress acting on the bolts that fix the mounting member to the first end plate is reduced. Therefore, deformation of the bolts can also be suppressed.
[0012] In the fuel cell stack described above, stack fastening bolts for fixing the first end plate and the second end plate in the stacking direction are further provided, and the mounting member has relief grooves formed therein, and the stack fastening bolts pass inside the relief grooves.
[0013] According to the above configuration, the fastening force in the stacking direction of the fuel cell stack can be improved by the stack fastening bolts. Furthermore, the relief groove of the mounting member prevents the mounting member from obstructing the installation of the stack fastening bolts. Therefore, it is possible to stabilize the stacked structure of the fuel cell stack while suppressing the increase in the size of the fuel cell stack due to the mounting member. [Effects of the Invention]
[0014] According to this invention, it is possible to suppress the increase in the size of the fuel cell stack in the stacking direction, even while providing mounting members. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0015] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a fuel cell stack. [Figure 2] This is a side view of a fuel cell stack. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the first end plate, the mounting member, and the stack mount plate. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the mounting component. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view showing the fixing structure between the mounting member and the first end plate. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a modified fixing structure between the mounting member and the first end plate. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0016] The following describes an embodiment of the fuel cell stack with reference to Figures 1 and 2. <Fuel cell stack configuration> The fuel cell stack 20 comprises a stack body 30 and a plurality of stack fastening bolts 40. The stack body 30 comprises a laminate 50, a first current collector plate 61, a second current collector plate 62, a stack manifold 70, a first end plate 81, and a second end plate 82. The stack body 30 includes the laminate 50, the first end plate 81, and the second end plate 82.
[0017] The laminate 50 has a plurality of fuel cell units 51. The fuel cell unit 51 has a rectangular plate shape. When the fuel cell unit 51 is viewed in its thickness direction, the fuel cell unit 51 has a pair of first edge portions 51a that extend parallel to each other and a pair of second edge portions 51b that extend parallel to each other. The laminate 50 is configured by laminating a plurality of fuel cell units 51 in its thickness direction. The laminate 50 has a rectangular block shape. The direction in which all the fuel cell units 51 are laminated is defined as the lamination direction A. The laminate 50 has a first surface S1, a second surface S2, a third surface S3, a fourth surface S4, a fifth surface S5, and a sixth surface S6.
[0018] The first surface S1 is a surface of the laminate 50 in the lamination direction A. The first surface S1 is one surface of the fuel cell unit 51 in its thickness direction. The second surface S2 is a surface of the laminate 50 in the lamination direction A. The second surface S2 is one surface of the fuel cell unit 51 in its thickness direction. The first surface S1 and the second surface S2 are located on opposite sides of each other in the lamination direction A in the laminate 50.
[0019] The third surface S3 is formed by laminating one of the pair of first edge portions 51a of all the fuel cell units 51 in the lamination direction A. The fourth surface S4 is formed by laminating the other of the pair of first edge portions 51a of all the fuel cell units 51 in the lamination direction A. The third surface S3 and the fourth surface S4 are surfaces of the laminate 50 in a direction orthogonal to the lamination direction A. The third surface S3 and the fourth surface S4 are located on opposite sides of each other in the laminate 50. In the laminate 50, the direction in which the third surface S3 and the fourth surface S4 are arranged is defined as the first orthogonal direction B.
[0020] The fifth surface S5 is formed by laminating one of the pair of second edges 51b in all the fuel cell units 51 in the lamination direction A. The sixth surface S6 is formed by laminating the other of the pair of second edges 51b in all the fuel cell units 51 in the lamination direction A. The fifth surface S5 and the sixth surface S6 are surfaces in a direction orthogonal to the lamination direction A in the laminate 50. The fifth surface S5 and the sixth surface S6 are located on opposite sides of each other in the laminate 50. In the laminate 50, the direction in which the fifth surface S5 and the sixth surface S6 face each other is defined as the second orthogonal direction C. In this embodiment, the second orthogonal direction is the vertical direction.
[0021] The first current collector 61 is laminated on the first surface S1 of the laminate 50. The second current collector 62 is laminated on the second surface S2 of the laminate 50. The first current collector 61 and the second current collector 62 collect the electric power generated by the laminate 50.
[0022] The stack manifold 70 is laminated on the first current collector 61 via an insulating plate not shown. The first end plate 81 is laminated on the side of the stack manifold 70 opposite to the laminate 50. The second end plate 82 is laminated on the second current collector 62 via an insulating plate not shown. The first end plate 81 and the second end plate 82 are located on the outermost sides of the stack body 30 in the lamination direction A. The first end plate 81 and the second end plate 82 sandwich the laminate 50 in the lamination direction A. Note that the first current collector 61, the second current collector 62, and the insulating plate not shown are the same size as the fuel cell unit 51.
[0023] <Stack manifold, first end plate, second end plate, stack fastening bolt> The stack manifold 70 is a member that constitutes an intake and exhaust path for supplying hydrogen to the laminate 50 and discharging off-gas from the laminate 50. The stack manifold 70 has an intake path 71 and an exhaust path 72.
[0024] The intake path 71 penetrates the first end plate 81 in the thickness direction. The intake path 71 has a supply port H1 exposed on the outer surface of the first end plate 81 opposite to the laminate 50. The supply port H1 is a hydrogen supply port to the laminate 50. The intake path 71 extends through insulating plates and the first current collector plate 61 (not shown) to the laminate 50.
[0025] The exhaust path 72 penetrates the first end plate 81 in the thickness direction. The exhaust path 72 has an outlet H2 exposed on the outer surface of the first end plate 81 opposite to the laminate 50. The outlet H2 is the outlet for off-gas discharged from the laminate 50. The exhaust path 72 extends through insulating plates and the first current collector plate 61 (not shown) to the laminate 50.
[0026] The stack manifold 70 is in the shape of a rectangular plate. The stack manifold 70 has a pair of long sides 70a and a pair of short sides 70b. The pair of long sides 70a extend in a first orthogonal direction B. The pair of short sides 70b extend in a second orthogonal direction C.
[0027] The first end plate 81 is rectangular in shape. The first end plate 81 has a pair of long sides 81a and a pair of short sides 81b. The pair of long sides 81a extend in a first orthogonal direction B. The pair of short sides 81b extend in a second orthogonal direction C.
[0028] The length of the short side 81b of the first end plate 81 in the second orthogonal direction C is longer than the length of the short side 70b of the stack manifold 70 in the second orthogonal direction C. The long side 81a of the first end plate 81 does not overlap with the long side 70a of the stack manifold 70 in the stacking direction A.
[0029] The length of the short side surface 81b of the first end plate 81 in the second orthogonal direction C is longer than the length of the laminate 50 in the second orthogonal direction C. The pair of long side surfaces 81a of the first end plate 81 are located outside the fifth surface S5 and the sixth surface S6 of the laminate 50 in the second orthogonal direction C. Therefore, the pair of long side surfaces 81a of the first end plate 81 are not obstructed by the laminate 50 and the stack manifold 70 in the stacking direction A.
[0030] The second end plate 82 is a rectangular plate with an outer casing larger than that of the laminate 50 when viewed from the stacking direction A. The second end plate 82 has a pair of long sides 82a and a pair of short sides 82b. The pair of long sides 82a extend in the first orthogonal direction B. The pair of short sides 82b extend in the second orthogonal direction C. The length of the short sides 82b of the second end plate 82 in the second orthogonal direction C is longer than the length of the laminate 50 in the second orthogonal direction C. The length of the short sides 82b of the second end plate 82 in the second orthogonal direction C is longer than the length of the short side 81b of the first end plate 81 in the second orthogonal direction C. The leading edge of one long side 81a in the second orthogonal direction C and the leading edge of one long side 82a in the second orthogonal direction C are at the same position in the second orthogonal direction C. The leading edge of the other long side surface 82a in the second orthogonal direction C protrudes outward (downward in the vertical direction) in the second orthogonal direction C than the leading edge of the other long side surface 81a in the second orthogonal direction C. The pair of long sides 82a of the second end plate 82 are located outward from the fifth surface S5 and the sixth surface S6 of the laminate 50 in the second orthogonal direction C. Therefore, the pair of long sides 82a of the second end plate 82 are not obstructed by the laminate 50 in the lamination direction A.
[0031] The first end plate 81 has a first opposing surface 81c. The first opposing surface 81c is the surface of the first end plate 81 that faces the second end plate 82 in the stacking direction A. The first opposing surface 81c is formed along a pair of long sides 81a of the first end plate 81. The second end plate 82 has a second opposing surface 82c. The second opposing surface 82c is the surface of the second end plate 82 that faces the first end plate 81 in the stacking direction A. The second opposing surface 82c is formed along a pair of long sides 82a of the second end plate 82. The first opposing surface 81c and the second opposing surface 82c face each other in the stacking direction A.
[0032] Eight stack fastening bolts 40 are used in this embodiment. Four of the stack fastening bolts 40 are designated as first stack fastening bolts 41, and the remaining stack fastening bolts 40 are designated as second stack fastening bolts 42. The first stack fastening bolts 41 extend from a portion along one long side surface 81a of the first end plate 81 to a portion along one long side surface 82a of the second end plate 82. The first stack fastening bolts 41 are spaced apart in the first orthogonal direction B. The first stack fastening bolts 41 penetrate the portion along one long side surface 81a of the first end plate 81. The head 40a of the first stack fastening bolt 41 is located on the outer surface of the first end plate 81 opposite to the laminate 50. The tip 40b of the first stack fastening bolt 41 is screwed into a portion along one long side surface 82a of the second end plate 82.
[0033] The second stack fastening bolt 42 extends from the portion along the other long side surface 81a of the first end plate 81 to the portion along the other long side surface 82a of the second end plate 82. The second stack fastening bolts 42 are spaced apart in the first orthogonal direction B. The second stack fastening bolt 42 penetrates the portion along the other long side surface 81a of the first end plate 81. The head 40a of the second stack fastening bolt 42 is located on the outer surface of the first end plate 81 opposite to the laminate 50. The tip 40b of the second stack fastening bolt 42 is screwed into the portion along the other long side surface 82a of the second end plate 82.
[0034] Eight stack fastening bolts 40 secure the first end plate 81 and the second end plate 82 in the stacking direction A. When the eight stack fastening bolts 40 are screwed toward the second end plate 82, a fastening force is applied so that the first end plate 81 and the second end plate 82 move toward the stacking direction A. Thus, the laminate 50, the first current collector plate 61, the second current collector plate 62, the stack manifold 70, and the insulating plate (not shown) are tightened toward the stacking direction A by the first end plate 81 and the second end plate 82.
[0035] <Mounting components> As shown in Figure 2, the fuel cell stack 20 is equipped with a mounting member 90. The mounting member 90 is in contact with the first opposing surface 81c on the other long side surface 81a of the first end plate 81. The mounting member 90 is provided between the first opposing surface 81c and the second opposing surface 82c in the stacking direction A. In the second orthogonal direction C, the mounting member 90 protrudes outward (downward in the vertical direction) from the other long side surface 81a of the first end plate 81. A portion of the mounting member 90 faces the stack manifold 70 in the second orthogonal direction C. Another portion of the mounting member 90 faces the sixth surface S6 of the stack 50 in the second orthogonal direction C. The tip surface of the mounting member 90 on the side opposite to the stack 50 and the tip surface of the other long side surface 82a in the second orthogonal direction C are in the same position in the second orthogonal direction C.
[0036] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the mounting member 90 is a long block. The mounting member 90 extends in the first orthogonal direction B along the other long side surface 81a of the first end plate 81. The length of the mounting member 90 in the first orthogonal direction B is shorter than the length between the two outermost stack fastening bolts 40 of the second stack fastening bolts 42 in the first orthogonal direction B. The mounting member 90 is positioned between the two outermost stack fastening bolts 40 of the second stack fastening bolts 42 in the first orthogonal direction B.
[0037] The mounting member 90 has two relief grooves 90a formed therein. The two relief grooves 90a are recessed from the surface of the mounting member 90 facing the stack manifold 70. The two relief grooves 90a penetrate the mounting member 90 in the stacking direction A. Each of the two stack fastening bolts 40 of the second stack fastening bolts 42 that are located on the inside in the first orthogonal direction B passes through the inside of the relief grooves 90a. For the sake of explanation, Figure 3 omits the configuration of the laminate 50 and the second end plate 82, etc.
[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the mounting member 90 has two first through holes 90b formed therein. The two first through holes 90b penetrate the mounting member 90 in the stacking direction A. The two first through holes 90b are positioned to sandwich the two relief grooves 90a in the first orthogonal direction B.
[0039] <Fixing structure of mounting components> As shown in Figure 5, the fuel cell stack 20 includes a bolt 91 and a nut 92. The bolt 91 penetrates the portion of the other long side surface 81a of the first end plate 81. The first end plate 81 has a second through-hole 81d through which the bolt 91 passes. The diameters of the first through-hole 90b and the second through-hole 81d are larger than the diameter of the shaft portion of the bolt 91 in which the screw groove is formed. As a result, a gap is formed between the surface defining the first through-hole 90b and the screw groove of the bolt 91, and between the surface defining the second through-hole 81d and the screw groove of the bolt 91.
[0040] The bolt 91 passes through the first through hole 90b. The bolt 91 passes through the mounting member 90. The head 91a of the bolt 91 is in contact with the outer surface of the first end plate 81 opposite to the laminate 50. The tip 91b of the bolt 91 passes through the mounting member 90. The nut 92 is screwed onto the tip 91b of the bolt 91. The nut 92 is provided on the surface of the mounting member 90 opposite to the first end plate 81.
[0041] The nut 92 attached to the tip 91b of the bolt 91 is continuously rotated toward the surface of the mounting member 90 opposite to the first end plate 81. Eventually, the nut 92 reaches a position where its rotation is restricted relative to the tip 91b. At this point, the first end plate 81 and the mounting member 90 are sandwiched between the nut 92 and the head 91a of the bolt 91. Thus, the nut 92 sandwiches the first end plate 81 and the mounting member 90 together with the bolt 91. As a result, the mounting member 90 is fixed to the first end plate 81 by the bolt 91 and the nut 92.
[0042] As shown in Figure 2, the mounting member 90 is attached to the stack mount plate 100, which is the object to be mounted, via a rubber mount 95. The rubber mount 95 is placed on a plane located in the thickness direction of the stack mount plate 100. The mounting member 90 and the stack mount plate 100 are fixed together by a first fixing bolt 96. The first fixing bolt 96 is screwed into the mounting member 90, passing through the stack mount plate 100 and the rubber mount 95. The mounting member 90 is fixed to the stack mount plate 100 and the first end plate 81. The mounting member 90 is a component for attaching the stack body 30 to the stack mount plate 100.
[0043] The portion of the second end plate 82 along the other long side 82a is attached to the stack mount plate 100 via a rubber mount 95. The rubber mount 95 rests on a plane located in the thickness direction of the stack mount plate 100. The second end plate 82 and the stack mount plate 100 are secured together by a second fixing bolt 97. The second fixing bolt 97 is screwed into the second end plate 82, passing through the stack mount plate 100 and the rubber mount 95.
[0044] The stack mount plate 100 is a plate for mounting on the mounting frame 101 of a fuel cell vehicle, which is the vehicle on which the fuel cell stack 20 is mounted. The vehicle on which the fuel cell stack 20 is mounted includes industrial vehicles such as forklifts and towing tractors. The mounting frame 101 is part of the vehicle body. When the fuel cell stack 20 is mounted on the fuel cell vehicle, the stack mount plate 100 is placed on the mounting frame 101. For this reason, the fuel cell stack 20 is mounted on the fuel cell vehicle with the second orthogonal direction C aligned with the vertical direction and the stack mount plate 100 positioned vertically below it. Thus, the stack mount plate 100 is positioned below the first end plate 81 and the second end plate 82.
[0045] Let's assume that the portion of the first end plate 81 along the other long side 81a is attached to the stack mount plate 100 via a rubber mount 95. In this case, the length of the short side 82b of the second end plate 82 in the second orthogonal direction C is longer than the length of the short side 81b of the first end plate 81 in the second orthogonal direction C, so the second orthogonal direction C no longer coincides with the vertical direction. Therefore, the posture of the stack body 30 relative to the stack mount plate 100 is unstable. In this regard, by employing the mounting member 90, the tip surface of the mounting member 90 located on the opposite side from the laminated body 50 and the tip surface of the portion along the other long side 82a in the second orthogonal direction C can be made to be in the same position in the second orthogonal direction C. The mounting member 90 is a member that stabilizes the posture of the stack body 30 relative to the stack mount plate 100 when the first end plate 81 and the second end plate 82, which have different lengths in the second orthogonal direction C, are employed.
[0046] <Diameter of the first through-hole and diameter of the second through-hole> As shown in Figure 5, the diameter of the first through-hole 90b is larger than the diameter of the second through-hole 81d. Assume that the first end plate 81 and the second end plate 82 are fixed together by stack fastening bolts 40, with the bolts 91 passing through the first through-hole 90b and the second through-hole 81d, and the nuts 92 not in contact with the mounting member 90.
[0047] The diameter of the first through-hole 90b is set to a size that allows a gap to be formed between it and the screw groove of the bolt 91. The size of the gap is such that, even if there is a deviation in the diameter of the second through-hole 81d, a misalignment of the second through-hole 81d, and looseness of the bolt 91 within the second through-hole 81d, the mounting member 90 can be adjusted in the second orthogonal direction C so that it contacts the rubber mount 95. The deviation in the diameter of the second through-hole 81d and the misalignment of the second through-hole 81d are caused by manufacturing errors when the second through-hole 81d is formed in the first end plate 81.
[0048] The diameter of the first through-hole 90b is such that, in the above state, the force pressing the second end plate 82 against the rubber mount 95 and the force pressing the mounting member 90 against the rubber mount 95 are uniform, allowing for positional adjustment in the second orthogonal direction C.
[0049] [Operation and Effects of This Embodiment] The operation and effects of this embodiment will now be explained. (1) According to this embodiment, the mounting member 90 is provided between the first opposing surface 81c of the first end plate 81 and the second opposing surface 82c of the second end plate 82. Therefore, even with the mounting member 90, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the fuel cell stack 20 in the stacking direction A.
[0050] (2) In a configuration in which a stack mount plate 100 is used to mount the fuel cell stack 20 on a fuel cell vehicle, the mounting member 90 is fixed to the first end plate 81 and the stack mount plate 100. The orientation of the fuel cell stack 20 relative to the stack mount plate 100 is maintained by the mounting member 90. Therefore, when the stack mount plate 100 is placed on the mounting frame 101, the orientation of the fuel cell stack 20 relative to the mounting frame 101 is maintained by the mounting member 90. Thus, the fuel cell stack 20 can be stably mounted on the fuel cell vehicle.
[0051] (3) In this embodiment, the diameter of the first through hole 90b and the diameter of the second through hole 81d are larger than the diameter of the bolt 91. Since the bolt 91 passes through the first through hole 90b and the second through hole 81d, the bolt 91 can move inside the first through hole 90b and the second through hole 81d. For this reason, once the adjustment of the mounting position of the mounting member 90 relative to the fuel cell vehicle and the adjustment of the mounting position of the mounting member 90 relative to the first end plate 81 are completed, the mounting member 90 can be fixed to the first end plate 81 by screwing the nut 92 onto the bolt 91. Thus, the mounting position of the mounting member 90 can be suitably adjusted using the bolt 91 and the nut 92.
[0052] Furthermore, the mounting member 90 is provided between the first opposing surface 81c of the first end plate 81 and the second opposing surface 82c of the second end plate 82. As a result, when the fuel cell stack 20 is mounted on a fuel cell vehicle, the mounting member 90 is close to the center of gravity of the fuel cell stack 20. Compared to the case where the mounting member 90 is screwed to the outer surface of the first end plate 81 opposite to the laminate 50, the stress acting on the bolt 91 that fixes the mounting member 90 to the first end plate 81 is reduced. Therefore, deformation of the bolt 91 can also be suppressed.
[0053] (4) The stack fastening bolts 40 can improve the fastening force in the stacking direction A of the fuel cell stack 20. Furthermore, the relief groove 90a of the mounting member 90 prevents the mounting member 90 from obstructing the installation of the stack fastening bolts 40. Thus, it is possible to stabilize the stacked structure of the fuel cell stack 20 while suppressing an increase in the size of the fuel cell stack 20 due to the mounting member 90.
[0054] (5) The diameter of the first through-hole 90b is larger than the diameter of the second through-hole 81d, and the diameter of the first through-hole 90b is set as in this embodiment. Therefore, even if the lengths of the first end plate 81 and the second end plate 82 in the second orthogonal direction C are different, the position of the mounting member 90 in the second orthogonal direction can be adjusted. Thus, the fuel cell stack 20 can be properly attached to the stack mount plate 100. When adjusting the position of the mounting member 90, position adjustment can be easily performed by making the diameter of the first through-hole 90b on the mounting member 90 side larger than the second through-hole 81d, compared to making the diameter of the second through-hole 81d on the second end plate 82 side, which serves as the position reference, larger than the first through-hole 90b.
[0055] [Example of changes] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.
[0056] ○ The length of the mounting member 90 in the first orthogonal direction B may be longer than the length between the two outermost stack fastening bolts 40 of the second stack fastening bolts 42 in the first orthogonal direction B. In this case, the mounting member 90 may be provided with relief grooves 90a to allow the two outermost stack fastening bolts 40 of the second stack fastening bolts 42 in the first orthogonal direction B to pass through.
[0057] ○ The number of stack fastening bolts 40 may be changed as appropriate. Also, the number of relief grooves 90a of the mounting member 90 may be changed as appropriate in accordance with the number of stack fastening bolts 40. ○ The relief groove 90a may be replaced with a through hole that penetrates the mounting member 90 in the stacking direction A. The stack fastening bolt 40 just needs to pass through the inside of the through hole.
[0058] ○ The head 91a of the bolt 91 may be located on the side of the mounting member 90 opposite to the first end plate 81. The nut 92 may be provided on the outer surface of the first end plate 81 opposite to the laminate 50. In other words, the positions of the head 91a of the bolt 91 and the nut 92 may be reversed.
[0059] ○ As shown in Figure 6, the first through hole 90b of the mounting member 90 may be changed to a screw hole 90c, and the nut 92 may be omitted. The screw hole 90c does not penetrate the mounting member 90. A screw groove is formed on the inside of the screw hole 90c. The tip 91b of the bolt 91 is screwed into the screw hole 90c.
[0060] ○ When attaching the fuel cell stack 20 to the stack mounting plate 100, the surface on the stack mounting plate 100 on which the rubber mount 95 is placed does not have to be flat. For example, the surface on the stack mounting plate 100 on which the rubber mount 95 is placed may have some irregularities.
[0061] ○ The mounting member 90 was fixed to the stack mount plate 100, but it may also be fixed to the mounting frame 101, for example. In other words, the mounting frame 101 may be the target of mounting.
[0062] ○ Two mounting members 90 may be used. One mounting member 90 may be fixed to the first end plate 81 as in this embodiment, and the remaining mounting member 90 may be fixed to the second end plate 82. The remaining mounting member 90 may be fixed to the second end plate 82 by bolts 91 and nuts 92 as in this embodiment. In this case, it is preferable that a second through hole 81d is formed in the second end plate 82 through which the bolt 91 passes. According to this embodiment and this modification, it is sufficient that the first end plate 81 has a second through hole 81d. Also, according to this embodiment and this modification, it is sufficient that the bolt 91 passes through the first end plate 81 and the mounting member 90.
[0063] The remaining mounting member 90 may be attached to the stack mount plate 100 via the rubber mount 95. The remaining mounting member 90 and the stack mount plate 100 may be fixed together by a third fixing bolt. The third fixing bolt may be screwed through the stack mount plate 100 and the rubber mount 95 into the remaining mounting member 90. The remaining mounting member 90 only needs to be fixed to the stack mount plate 100 and the second end plate 82. According to this embodiment and this modification, the mounting member 90 only needs to be fixed to at least the first end plate 81 and attached to the stack mount plate 100.
[0064] ○ The first current collector plate 61, the second current collector plate 62, and the insulating plate (not shown) do not have to be the same size as the fuel cell cell 51. The first current collector plate 61, the second current collector plate 62, and the insulating plate (not shown) may be appropriately sized as long as they do not interfere with the stack fastening bolts 40, while forming a first opposing surface 81c on the first end plate 81 and a second opposing surface 82c on the second end plate 82.
[0065] ○ The length of the short side 82b of the second end plate 82 in the second orthogonal direction C may be the same as the length of the short side 81b of the first end plate 81 in the second orthogonal direction C. Furthermore, the tip surface of the other long side 82a in the second orthogonal direction C and the tip surface of the other long side 81a in the second orthogonal direction C may be at the same position in the second orthogonal direction C.
[0066] ○ The tip surface of the mounting member 90 located on the opposite side of the laminate 50 and the tip surface of the other long side surface 82a in the second orthogonal direction C may be in different positions in the second orthogonal direction C.
[0067] ○ The mounting member 90 does not have to be a long block shape. The shape of the mounting member 90 can be changed as appropriate, as long as it is a block shape that can be fixed to the first end plate 81 and the stack mount plate 100.
[0068] ○ The fuel cell stack 20 is not limited to being installed in fuel cell vehicles; for example, it may be installed in a stationary fuel cell. In other words, the location on which the fuel cell stack 20 is installed is not particularly limited. [Explanation of symbols]
[0069] 20...Fuel cell stack, 30...Stack body, 40...Stack fastening bolt, 50...Laminate, 51...Fuel cell cell, 81...First end plate, 81c...First opposing surface, 81d...Second through hole, 82...Second end plate, 82c...Second opposing surface, 90...Mounting member, 90a...Relief groove, 90b...First through hole, 91...Bolt, 92...Nut, 100...Stack mount plate as mounting target, 101...Mounting frame, A...Laminate direction.
Claims
1. A stack body comprising a laminate formed by stacking multiple fuel cell cells, and a first end plate and a second end plate that sandwich the laminate in the stacking direction, which is the direction in which all the fuel cell cells are stacked, A fuel cell stack comprising a block-shaped mounting member fixed to the first end plate and for attaching the stack body to the mounting object, The mounting member is provided between the first opposing surface of the first end plate that faces the second end plate and the second opposing surface of the second end plate that faces the first end plate. A bolt that passes through the first end plate and the mounting member, The system further comprises a nut that is screwed onto the bolt and sandwiches the first end plate and the mounting member together with the bolt, The mounting member has a first through-hole formed through which the bolt passes. A fuel cell stack characterized in that the first end plate has a second through-hole formed through which the bolt passes.
2. A stack body comprising a laminate formed by stacking multiple fuel cell cells, and a first end plate and a second end plate that sandwich the laminate in the stacking direction, which is the direction in which all the fuel cell cells are stacked, A fuel cell stack comprising a block-shaped mounting member fixed to the first end plate and for attaching the stack body to the mounting object, The mounting member is provided between the first opposing surface of the first end plate that faces the second end plate and the second opposing surface of the second end plate that faces the first end plate. The stacking fastening bolts for fixing the first end plate and the second end plate in the aforementioned stacking direction are further provided. The aforementioned mounting member has a relief groove formed therein. A fuel cell stack characterized in that the stack fastening bolts pass inside the relief groove.
Citation Information
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