Cartridge Assembly

Abstract

To provide a cartridge assembly.SOLUTION: A cartridge assembly includes a cartridge including: a body portion having an upper body opened vertically, and a lower body opened vertically, and coupled to the upper body to define an interior space, in which cells are stacked vertically, together with the upper body; and a cover portion having an upper cover that covers an upper opening formed on an upper side of the upper body, and a lower cover that covers a lower opening formed on a lower side of the lower body. The plurality of cartridges is provided, and is stacked in a vertical direction, and the cartridges may include a connection portion fixedly coupled to another cartridge disposed on an upper side or a lower side thereof to be adjacent thereto.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge assembly.

Background Art

[0002] A fuel cell unit cell is composed of a bipolar plate (air electrode and hydrogen electrode) and an MEA (Membrane Electrode Assembly). The inside of the unit cell is divided into three compartments: a hydrogen part, an air part, and a cooling part. Each fluid (hydrogen, air, cooling water) flows independently due to its airtight structure.

[0003] On the other hand, a single unit cell alone cannot achieve the target output. Therefore, such a plurality of unit cells are repeatedly stacked and fastened to produce a fuel cell stack that can meet the target output.

[0004] Conventional fuel cell stacks have the disadvantage that their repair process is very complicated, and in order to replace a specific cell, the entire stack has to be separated. Also, in the process, deformation of the bipolar plate and damage to the MEA may occur, resulting in loss of function and cost increase. In addition, since the stack has to be replaced in a special environment, there are cases where it is actually more reasonable to replace the entire stack.

[0005] Also, conventional fuel cell stacks have the problem that it is impossible to ensure the airtightness of the unit cell before fastening the stack, and when disassembling during the AS process, the MEA is exposed to the outside, causing performance degradation.

[0006] In addition, conventional fuel cell stacks are prone to buckling during the process of stacking a large number of unit cells, resulting in performance imbalance and insufficient airtight performance due to buckling.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge assembly that is easy to repair in the stack.

[0008] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a cartridge assembly in which airtightness of the unit cells can be ensured before stack fastening.

[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a cartridge assembly that facilitates alignment between cartridges. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In one example, a cartridge assembly includes a body portion having an upper body that opens vertically and a lower body that opens vertically and is connected to the upper body, and together with the upper body, defines an internal space in which cells can be stacked vertically; and a cover portion having an upper cover that covers the upper opening formed on the upper side of the upper body and a lower cover that covers the lower opening formed on the lower side of the lower body, wherein a plurality of cartridges are provided and stacked vertically, and the cartridges may include connecting portions for fixedly connecting to other cartridges arranged adjacent to them above or below.

[0011] In another example, the connecting portion includes an upper convex region having a shape that protrudes upward from the upper side of the upper body and a lower convex region having a shape that protrudes downward from the lower side of the lower body, wherein the upper convex region can protrude from the upper surface of the upper body toward the upper opening side, and the lower convex region can protrude from the lower surface of the lower body toward the lower opening side.

[0012] In yet another example, the connecting portion may include a lower recessed region formed by recessing at the position of the lower body and the lower cover corresponding to the position of the upper protrusion region, into which the upper protrusion region is inserted, and an upper recessed region formed by recessing at the position of the upper body and the upper cover corresponding to the position of the lower protrusion region, into which the lower protrusion region is inserted.

[0013] In yet another example, the upper convex region and the upper concave region may be formed in multiple units and arranged alternately along the upper periphery of the upper body.

[0014] In yet another example, the upper body is positioned to surround the upper side of the lower body, and the body portion may include a coupling recess formed by recessing downward from the upper side of the lower body, and a coupling projection member that protrudes inward from a position on the upper body corresponding to the coupling recess and is provided to be inserted into the coupling recess.

[0015] In yet another example, the body portion may further include an alignment member that protrudes inward from the lower body and has a shape corresponding to the recessed area of ​​the cell.

[0016] In yet another example, the alignment member may include a pair of extensions having an upward-extending shape and spaced apart from each other, an insertion recess formed between the pair of extensions, and a first insertion portion having a shape corresponding to the insertion recess and protruding downward from the position corresponding to the insertion recess, for insertion into the insertion recess of the alignment member of another cartridge located below.

[0017] In yet another example, the body portion further includes a second insertion portion that protrudes inward from the upper side of the upper body and has a shape corresponding to the insertion recess, wherein the second insertion portion is positioned lower than the first insertion portion of another cartridge positioned above it, and the vertical length of the insertion recess can be formed to be longer than the sum of the vertical length of the second insertion portion and the vertical length of the first insertion portion.

[0018] In yet another example, the body portion may further include a lower fastening member that protrudes laterally from the lower body and has a fastening hole that penetrates vertically through its center, and an upper fastening member that protrudes from the upper body and extends downward and is provided to snap-fit ​​into the fastening hole.

[0019] In yet another example, the connecting portion includes a bolt head protruding above the upper body and a bolt body extending downward from the bolt head and inserted into a bolt insertion hole that penetrates the upper body and the lower body, wherein the bolt head is formed to have a larger area than the bolt insertion hole, and the vertical length of the bolt insertion hole can be formed to be longer than the vertical length of the bolt body.

[0020] In yet another example, the cartridge further includes a tension bar provided to surround the periphery of the body portion, the tension bar including an upper contact portion that contacts the upper surface of the upper body, a lower contact portion that contacts the lower surface of the lower body, and an elastic portion that elastically connects the upper contact portion and the lower contact portion to each other.

[0021] In still other examples, the connecting portion may include a connecting convex portion protruding upward from the upper body and a connecting concave portion formed in a shape corresponding to the connecting convex portion at a position corresponding to the connecting convex portion in the lower body. The connecting convex portion may be formed in an upper non-contact region, which is a region in the upper body that does not contact the upper contact portion. The connecting concave portion may be formed in a lower non-contact region, which is a region in the lower body that does not contact the lower contact portion.

[0022] In still other examples, through holes penetrating in the vertical direction may be formed on the side surfaces of the upper body and the lower body. The connecting portion may include a snap-fit member that penetrates the through hole upward and engages in a snap-fit manner. The snap-fit member may include a protruding region protruding above the upper body.

[0023] In still other examples, the connecting portion may be formed below the snap-fit member and further include a connecting opening that opens downward. The connecting opening may be provided such that a protruding region of another cartridge disposed adjacent below can be inserted.

[0024] In still other examples, the vertical length of the connecting opening may correspond to the vertical length of the protruding region.

[0025] In still other examples, the vertical length of the through hole may be shorter than the vertical length of the snap-fit member.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, since 5 to 10 unit cells are stored in one cartridge, replacement and inspection can be performed for each cartridge, stack repair can be facilitated, and airtightness of the cells can be ensured even before fastening the stack.

[0027] Further, according to the present invention, since it includes a connecting portion for aligning and connecting cartridges to each other, stacking of the cartridges becomes easy and the occurrence of buckling can be reduced.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] It is a figure which illustrated the cartridge assembly by Example 1 of this invention. [Figure 2] It is a figure which illustrated the cartridge of the cartridge assembly by Example 1 of this invention. [Figure 3] It is a figure which illustrated a state where the upper cover was removed from FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is a figure which illustrated the upper body of the cartridge assembly by Example 1 of this invention. [Figure 5] It is a figure which illustrated the lower body and the lower cover of the cartridge assembly by Example 1 of this invention. [Figure 6] It is a figure which illustrated the connecting portion when it is a state before two cartridges arranged up and down are connected to each other. [Figure 7] It is a figure which illustrated the connecting portion when it is a state after two cartridges arranged up and down are connected to each other. [Figure 8] It is a figure which illustrated a state seen from above of an alignment member and a cell. [Figure 9] It is a figure which illustrated an alignment member and a second insertion portion in a state before an upper body and a lower body are crimped. [Figure 10] It is a figure which illustrated a state before alignment members of two cartridges arranged up and down are connected to each other. [Figure 11] It is a figure which illustrated a state after alignment members of two cartridges arranged up and down are connected to each other. [Figure 12] It is a conceptual diagram which illustrated the cartridge assembly by Example 2 of this invention. [Figure 13] It is a figure which illustrated the cartridge of the cartridge assembly by Example 2 of this invention. [Figure 14] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating a cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a diagram illustrating the cartridge of a cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 16] This diagram illustrates the cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, with the upper and lower covers removed from the cartridge. [Figure 17] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating a cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 18] This is a diagram illustrating the cartridge of a cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 19] This is a vertically inverted version of Figure 18. [Figure 20] This figure shows Figure 18 with the connecting section removed. [Figure 21] This diagram illustrates the connecting portion of a cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 22] This is a diagram that has been flipped upside down from Figure 21. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to illustrative drawings. When assigning reference numerals to the components in each drawing, efforts have been made to use the same reference numerals for the same component even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known configuration or function would interfere with understanding the embodiments of the present invention, such a detailed description will be omitted.

[0030] In the following, the cartridge assembly according to the present invention is a cartridge assembly comprising multiple cartridges, each containing a fuel cell. Embodiments of the cartridge assembly according to the present invention share the common feature of having an internal space into which cells can be stacked and a structure that allows for alignment between adjacent cartridges.

[0031] According to the present invention, a stack can be manufactured by forming a cartridge assembly on a cartridge basis, and rigidity can be ensured compared to the case where only fuel cell cells are stacked to manufacture the stack. In addition, the fuel cell cells can be kept from being exposed to the outside, and the degradation of battery performance that may occur due to exposure of the MEA can be reduced.

[0032] Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the structure allows for alignment between adjacent cartridges, it is possible to eliminate performance imbalances and insufficient airtightness caused by buckling during the cell stacking process.

[0033] The cartridge assemblies according to Examples 1 to 4 will be described in detail below.

[0034] <Cartridge assembly according to Example 1> The cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention relates to a cartridge assembly in which cartridges capable of containing fuel cell cells are stacked and assembled. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0035] The cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may include cartridge 100. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating cartridge 100 of the cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0036] Multiple cartridges 100 can be provided and stacked along the vertical direction. That is, cartridges 100 can be aligned and stacked vertically to form a cartridge assembly.

[0037] The cartridge 100 may include a body portion 110, a cover portion 120, and a connecting portion 130.

[0038] Body part 110 Figure 3 shows the cartridge assembly with the upper cover (described later) removed from Figure 2. Figure 4 shows the upper body of the cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 5 shows the lower body 112 and lower cover 122 of the cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0039] The body portion 110 may include an upper body 111 and a lower body 112. The upper body 111 may have a shape that opens vertically. The lower body 112 may have a shape that opens vertically.

[0040] As illustrated in Figure 3, the lower body 112 is connected to the upper body 111, and together with the upper body 111, it can define an internal space S in which cells C (Figure 8) can be stacked vertically. Cell C can have a shape corresponding to the shape of the internal space S. Cell C can be a fuel cell.

[0041] For example, 5 to 10 cells can be stacked in the internal space S, but this is not limited to this; the number of cells that can be stacked can be changed according to the user's needs.

[0042] On the other hand, the upper body 111 can be positioned to surround the upper side of the lower body 112. This may mean that the upper body 111 has a shape that surrounds the lower body 112 from the sides.

[0043] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5, a connecting recess 113 can be formed on the upper side of the lower body 112, which is recessed downwards. Multiple connecting recesses 113 can be formed along the upper periphery of the lower body 112.

[0044] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, a connecting projection member 114 can be formed on the upper body 111. The connecting projection member 114 can protrude inward from a position on the inner surface of the upper body 111 corresponding to a connecting recess 113 formed on the lower body 112.

[0045] The connecting projection member 114 can be provided so as to be inserted into the connecting recess 113. By inserting the connecting projection member 114 into the connecting recess 113, the upper body 111 and the lower body 112 can be joined together so as to interlock within the cartridge 100.

[0046] The upper body 111 and the lower body 112 can be crimped together along the vertical direction. Before the cells are fully positioned in the internal space, they can be left uncrimped vertically to stabilize the cell placement. Then, after the cells are fully positioned in the internal space, crimping can be performed to reduce the distance between the upper body 111 and the lower body 112. This can increase the airtightness of the cartridge that stores the cells.

[0047] The body portion 110 may include a lower fastening member 115 and an upper fastening member 116. The lower fastening member 115 may protrude laterally from the lower body 112, and a fastening hole 115' that penetrates vertically may be formed in the center of the lower fastening member 115. The upper fastening member 116 may protrude from the upper body 111 and extend downward, and be provided to snap-fit ​​into the fastening hole 115'. That is, as the upper fastening member 116 approaches the fastening hole 115' from above, and a predetermined portion passes through the fastening hole 115', the upward movement of the upper fastening member 116 may be restricted. For example, the upper fastening member may be elastic so that after passing through the fastening hole 115', its shape returns to its original state and upward movement is restricted, or the upper fastening member may have a retractable projection that is elastically supported along the direction of retraction.

[0048] The approach of the upper fastening member 116 toward the lower fastening member 115 described above can be performed together with the compression of the upper body 111 and the lower body 112. The lower fastening member 115 and the upper fastening member 116 can perform the function of maintaining the compression of the upper body 111 and the lower body 112.

[0049] The lower fastening members 115 and the upper fastening members 116 can be formed in corresponding numbers. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the lower fastening members 115 and the upper fastening members 116 can each be formed with four members.

[0050] Cover part 120 The cover portion 120 can serve to maintain airtightness of the cells located in the internal space S and to facilitate electrical conduction. The cover portion 120 may include an upper cover 121 and a lower cover 122. The upper cover 121 can cover an upper opening. The upper opening can be formed on the upper side of the upper body 111. An upper hole can be formed in the upper cover 121. This provides a path for supplying air and hydrogen to the fuel cell and a path for discharging water after the reaction.

[0051] The lower cover 122 can cover the lower opening. The lower opening can be formed on the underside of the lower body 112. A lower hole can be formed in the lower cover 122. The lower hole can serve the same purpose as the upper hole.

[0052] Connecting part 130 Figure 6 illustrates the connection point when two cartridges, positioned vertically, are not connected to each other. Figure 7 illustrates the connection point when two cartridges, positioned vertically, are connected to each other. The connection point 130 can be configured to fixally connect cartridge 100 to another cartridge 100' positioned adjacent to it above or below.

[0053] The connecting portion 130 can take various forms. That is, the connecting portion 130 only needs to be configured to fixate and connect one cartridge 100 to another cartridge 100' positioned adjacent to it above or below, and does not necessarily need to be separate from the body portion 110 or the cover portion 120. In other words, the connecting portion 130 can be part of the body portion 110 or the cover portion 120.

[0054] The following describes in detail the connecting portion 130 of the cartridge assembly according to Example 1.

[0055] Convex area, concave area The connecting portion 130 may include an upper protruding region 131 and a lower protruding region 132. The upper protruding region 131 may have a shape that protrudes upward from the upper side of the upper body 111. The upper protruding region 131 may also protrude from the upper surface of the upper body 111 toward the upper opening. This may mean that a part of the upper protruding region 131 is located above the upper cover 121. By having a part of the upper protruding region 131 located above the upper cover 121, it is possible to prevent the upper cover 121 from detaching upward.

[0056] The lower convex regions 132 and 132' can have a shape that protrudes downward from the underside of the lower body 112. Furthermore, the lower convex regions 132 and 132' can protrude from the underside of the lower body 112 toward the lower opening. This may mean that a portion of the lower convex regions 132 and 132' is located beneath the lower cover 122. The position of a portion of the lower convex regions 132 and 132' beneath the lower cover 122 prevents the upper cover 121 from detaching downward.

[0057] Furthermore, the upper convex region 131 can be formed integrally with the upper body 111, and the lower convex region 132 can be formed integrally with the lower body 112.

[0058] The connecting portion 130 may include lower recessed regions 133, 133' and an upper recessed region 134. The lower recessed regions 133, 133' may be recessed in the lower body 112 and lower cover 122, corresponding to the position of the upper convex region 131. Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the upper convex region 131 can be inserted into the lower recessed region 133' of one cartridge 100'. Here, the upper convex region 131 may be the upper convex region 131 of a cartridge 100 located below and adjacent to one cartridge 100'.

[0059] The upper recessed region 134 can be formed as a depression in the upper body 111 and upper cover 121, corresponding to the position of the lower convex region 132. Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the lower convex region 132' can be inserted into the upper recessed region 134. Here, the lower convex region 132' can be the lower convex region 132' of another cartridge 100' located above and adjacent, as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7.

[0060] Multiple upper convex regions 131 and upper concave regions 134 can be formed. Furthermore, the upper convex regions 131 and upper concave regions 134 can be arranged alternately along the upper periphery of the upper body 111.

[0061] Multiple lower convex regions 132 and lower concave regions 133 can be formed. Furthermore, the lower convex regions 132 and lower concave regions 133 can be arranged alternately along the lower periphery of the lower body 112.

[0062] Alignment member 117 Figure 8 shows the alignment members and cells as viewed from above.

[0063] The body portion 110 may further include an alignment member 117. The alignment member 117 is formed to protrude inward from the lower body 112 and may have a shape corresponding to the region where the cell C is laterally recessed. For example, if the cell has a shape in which the front left and right corners are recessed inward, the alignment member 117 may protrude in a shape corresponding to the recessed region. The alignment member 117 may be a structure for aligning and stacking the cell C in the internal space S. Figure 8 illustrates how the cell C is aligned by the alignment member 117.

[0064] As an example, as shown in Figure 3, the alignment members 117 can be formed of three, but are not limited to this and can vary depending on the shape of cell C. As shown in Figure 3, two alignment members can be provided at each corner of the side periphery of the lower body 112, and the remaining alignment member can be provided at a position spaced apart from the corner of the side periphery of the lower body 112.

[0065] On the other hand, the alignment member 117 can also function as a connecting part. Figure 9 shows the alignment member and the second insertion part before the upper body and lower body are crimped together. Figure 10 shows the alignment members of two cartridges arranged vertically before they are connected to each other. Figure 11 shows the alignment members of two cartridges arranged vertically after they have been connected to each other. The specific structure that allows the alignment member 117 to function as a connecting part will be described in detail below.

[0066] The alignment member 117 may include an extension portion 117a, an insertion recess 117b, and a first insertion portion 117c. The extension portion 117a may have an upward-extending shape. The extension portions 117a may be integrally provided and can be horizontally separated from each other. An insertion recess 117b may be formed between a pair of separated extension portions 117a. The first insertion portion 117c may be structured to be inserted into the insertion recess 117b of the alignment member 117 of another cartridge 100 located adjacent below. The first insertion portion 117c has a shape corresponding to the insertion recess 117b and can project downward from the position corresponding to the insertion recess 117b. Overall, the alignment member 117 may have a shape similar to a Y.

[0067] On the other hand, the body portion 110 may further include a second insertion portion 118. The second insertion portion 118 may be a portion that protrudes inward from the upper side of the upper body 111 and has a shape corresponding to the insertion recess 117b.

[0068] As illustrated in Figure 11, the second insertion portion 118 can be positioned lower than the first insertion portion 117c' of the other cartridge 100' positioned above it. That is, after the second insertion portion 118 is inserted into the insertion recess 117b, the first insertion portion 117c' of the other cartridge 100' positioned above it can be placed above the second insertion portion 118. In order for both the second insertion portion 118 and the first insertion portion 117c' to be inserted into the insertion recess 117b, the vertical length of the insertion recess 117b can be made longer than the sum of the vertical length of the second insertion portion 118 and the vertical length of the first insertion portion 117c'.

[0069] In summary, in the cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the upper convex region 131 of cartridge 100 is inserted into the lower concave region 133' (Figure 6) of another cartridge 100' positioned adjacent to it on the upper side, while the first insertion portion 117c' of the other cartridge 100' positioned adjacent to it on the upper side is inserted into the insertion recess 117b of the alignment member 117. At this time, the lower convex region 132' of the other cartridge 100' positioned adjacent to it on the upper side can be inserted into the upper concave region 134.

[0070] Similarly, the lower convex region 132 of the cartridge 100 in the cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is inserted into the upper concave region of another cartridge positioned adjacent to it below, while the first insertion portion 117c of the alignment member 117 is inserted into the insertion recess of the alignment member of another cartridge positioned adjacent to it below.

[0071] <Cartridge assembly according to Example 2> Figure 12 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the cartridge of the cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 12 and 13. For reference, in the case of Figure 13, an inverted image is shown for ease of understanding.

[0072] The cartridge assembly according to Example 2 differs from the cartridge assembly according to Example 1, particularly in that the shape of the connecting portion 230 is bolt-shaped. Components identical or equivalent to those in the cartridge assembly according to Example 1 are given the same or equivalent reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0073] The connecting portion 230 can be a bolt structure. The connecting portion 230 may include a bolt head 231 and a bolt body 232. The bolt head 231 may protrude above the upper body 211. The bolt body 232 may extend downward from the bolt head 231.

[0074] The body portion 210 may include a bolt insertion hole 213. The bolt insertion hole 213 may be a hole that penetrates the upper body 211 and the lower body 212. The bolt body 232 can be inserted into the bolt insertion hole 213.

[0075] The bolt head 231 can be formed with a larger area than the bolt insertion hole 213. By forming the bolt head 231 with a larger area than the bolt insertion hole 213, it is possible to prevent the bolt head 231 from being inserted into the bolt insertion hole 213.

[0076] The vertical length of the bolt insertion hole 213 can be made longer than the vertical length of the bolt body 232. By making the vertical length of the bolt insertion hole 213 longer than the vertical length of the bolt body 232, a portion of the lower side of the bolt insertion hole 213 remains as empty space. The bolt head of another cartridge positioned adjacent to the lower side can be inserted into this empty space of the bolt insertion hole 213. With this structure, the cartridges 200 according to Embodiment 2 can be stacked to form the cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 2.

[0077] <Cartridge assembly according to Example 3> Figure 14 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating the cartridge of the cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the cartridge of the cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention with the upper cover and lower cover removed. The cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 14 to 16. For reference, in the case of Figure 15, the image is shown upside down for easier understanding.

[0078] The cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 3 differs from the cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 1, particularly in the shape of the connecting portion 330 and the presence of the tension bar 340. Components identical or equivalent to those in the cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 1 are given the same or equivalent reference numerals, and specific descriptions are omitted.

[0079] The cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention may further include a tension bar 340. The tension bar 340 may be provided so as to surround the periphery of the body portion 310. The tension bar 340 may be a member that maintains the crimping between the upper body 311 and the lower body 312 of the body portion 310.

[0080] The tension bar 340 may include an upper contact portion 341, a lower contact portion 342, and an elastic portion 343. The upper contact portion 341 may be the portion that contacts the upper surface of the upper body 311. The lower contact portion 342 may be the portion that contacts the lower surface of the lower body 312. The elastic portion 343 can elastically connect the upper contact portion 341 and the lower contact portion 342. The elasticity of the elastic portion 343 can maintain the pressure between the upper body 311 and the lower body 312. When the tension bar 340 is cut vertically, the cross-sectional shape of the tension bar 340 may be similar to a "U" shape rotated 90 degrees.

[0081] On the other hand, the connecting portion 330 may include a connecting projection 331 and a connecting recess 332. The connecting projection 331 may project upward from the upper body 311. The connecting recess 332 may be formed in the lower body 312 at a position corresponding to the connecting projection 331 and in a shape corresponding to the connecting projection 331. This may mean that the connecting projection of another cartridge positioned adjacent to it on the lower side can be inserted into the connecting recess 332 of the cartridge 300. With such a structure, the cartridges 300 according to Embodiment 3 can be stacked to form the cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 3.

[0082] On the other hand, the connecting projection 331 can be formed in the upper uncontacted region. The upper uncontacted region may refer to the area of ​​the upper body 311 that is not in contact with the upper contact portion 341. Also, the connecting recess 332 can be formed in the lower uncontacted region. The lower uncontacted region may refer to the area of ​​the lower body 312 that is not in contact with the lower contact portion 342.

[0083] <Cartridge assembly according to Example 4> Figure 17 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating the cartridge of the cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Figure 19 is a view of Figure 18 inverted vertically. Figure 20 is a view of Figure 18 with the connecting part removed. Figure 21 is a diagram illustrating the connecting part of the cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Figure 22 is a view of Figure 21 inverted vertically.

[0084] The cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 17 to 22. The cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 4 differs from the cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 1, particularly in the shape of the connecting portion 430. Components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 1 are given the same or equivalent reference numerals, and specific explanations are omitted.

[0085] The body portion 410 may include through holes 413. The through holes 413 can be formed vertically through the sides of the upper body 411 and the lower body 412. For example, the through holes 413 can be formed to have a long, narrow shape when viewed from above, but this is just one example, and they can have various shapes. Multiple through holes 413 can be formed.

[0086] On the other hand, the through-hole 413 can also be formed to penetrate the cover portion 420. In this case, the cover portion 420 includes a portion that overlaps with the body portion 410, and the through-hole 413 can be formed in the portion where the body portion and the cover portion 420 overlap.

[0087] On the other hand, the upper cover 421 may also be formed with a stepped shape at both ends. Support members 440 may also be placed on the upper side of both ends of the upper cover 421 to be positioned to correspond to the height of the upper cover 421. In this case, the through hole 413 may be formed to pass through the support member 440.

[0088] On the other hand, the lower cover 422 may also have both ends formed in a stepped shape upwards. Connecting parts 430 can be positioned on the underside of both ends of the lower cover 421.

[0089] The connecting portion 430 may include snap-fit ​​members 431. The snap-fit ​​members 431 can snap-fit ​​through the through-hole 413 upwards. For example, the upper end of the snap-fit ​​member 431 may be pressurized by the upper body 411 and lower body 412 that define the through-hole 413 before passing through the through-hole 413, and then restored by a restoring force as it passes through the through-hole 413, preventing it from protruding outwards and moving downwards. The number of snap-fit ​​members 431 may correspond to the number of through-holes 413.

[0090] The snap-fit ​​member 431 may include a protruding region 431'. The protruding region 431' may be a region that protrudes above the upper body 411. The protruding region 431' may be provided to be inserted into a through-hole 413 of another cartridge located adjacent to it above.

[0091] On the other hand, the vertical length of the through hole 413 can be shorter than the vertical length of the snap-fit ​​member 431. By forming the through hole 413 with a vertical length shorter than the vertical length of the snap-fit ​​member 431, a protruding region 431' can be formed. For example, the vertical length of the through hole 413 can correspond to the value obtained by subtracting the vertical length of the protruding region 431' from the vertical length of the snap-fit ​​member 431.

[0092] On the other hand, as illustrated in Figure 22, the connecting portion 430 may include a connecting opening 432 located below the snap-fit ​​member 431 and opening downwards. The protruding region of another cartridge located adjacent to it below can be inserted into the connecting opening 432. Here, the vertical length of the connecting opening 432 can correspond to the vertical length of the protruding region 431'. With such a structure, the cartridges 400 according to Embodiment 4 can be stacked to form the cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 4.

[0093] The above description is merely illustrative of the technical concept of the present invention, and any person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only, not to limit the technical concept of the present invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by such embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted in accordance with the following claims, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the rights of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] 100, 100', 200, 300, 400 cartridges 110, 210, 310, 410 Body section 111, 211, 311, 411 Upper body 112, 212, 312, 412 Lower body 113 Joint recess 114 Joint convex member 115 Lower fastening member 115' fastening hole 116 Upper fastening member 117 Alignment Member 117a Extension 117b Insertion recess 117c, 117c' First insertion 118 Second Insertion 120, 420 Cover section 121, 421 Top cover 122, 422 Lower cover 130, 230, 330, 430 connection part 131 Upper convex area 132, 132' lower convex area 133, 133' lower concave area 134 Upper concave area 213 Bolt insertion holes 231 Bolt Head 232 Bolt Body 331 Connecting protrusion 332 Connecting recess 340 Tension Bar 341 Upper contact part 342 Lower contact part 343 Elastic part 413 Through hole 431 Snap-fit ​​component 431' Projection area 432 Connecting opening 440 Support Member C cell S interior space

Claims

1. A cartridge includes a body portion having an upper body that opens vertically and a lower body that opens vertically and is connected to the upper body, and together with the upper body defines an internal space in which cells can be stacked vertically, and a cover portion having an upper cover that covers the upper opening formed on the upper side of the upper body, and a lower cover that covers the lower opening formed on the lower side of the lower body. The aforementioned cartridges are provided in multiple units and stacked in the vertical direction. The aforementioned cartridge is A cartridge assembly including a coupling for securely connecting to other cartridges positioned adjacent to it above or below.

2. The aforementioned connecting portion is An upper convex region having a shape that protrudes upward from the upper side of the upper body, It includes a lower convex region having a shape that protrudes downward from the lower side of the lower body, The aforementioned upper convex region is, Protruding from the upper surface of the upper body toward the upper opening side, The aforementioned lower convex region is, The cartridge assembly according to claim 1, which protrudes from the lower surface of the lower body toward the lower opening side.

3. The aforementioned connecting portion is A lower recess is formed by recessing at the position of the lower body and the lower cover corresponding to the position of the upper protrusion, and is provided so that the upper protrusion is inserted, The cartridge assembly according to claim 2, comprising an upper recessed region formed in the upper body and upper cover at the positions corresponding to the lower protruding region, and provided so that the lower protruding region is inserted.

4. The cartridge assembly according to claim 3, wherein the upper convex region and the upper concave region are formed in a plurality and are arranged alternately along the upper periphery of the upper body.

5. The upper body is positioned to surround the upper side of the lower body's side surface. The aforementioned body portion is The cartridge assembly according to claim 1, comprising a coupling recess formed by recession downward from the upper side of the lower body, and a coupling protrusion provided on the upper body that protrudes inward from a position corresponding to the coupling recess and is inserted into the coupling recess.

6. The aforementioned body portion is The cartridge assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an alignment member that protrudes inward from the lower body and has a shape corresponding to the region in which the cell is recessed.

7. The alignment member is It has a shape that extends upward and consists of a pair of extensions that are separated from each other, An insertion recess formed between a pair of the aforementioned extension portions, The cartridge assembly according to claim 6, further comprising a first insertion portion having a shape corresponding to the insertion recess and protruding downward from a position corresponding to the insertion recess, for insertion into the insertion recess of an insertion recess of an alignment member of another cartridge located below.

8. The aforementioned body portion is It further includes a second insertion portion that protrudes inward from the upper side of the upper body and has a shape corresponding to the insertion recess, The second insertion portion is, It is located lower than the first insertion portion of the other cartridges which are located higher. The cartridge assembly according to claim 7, wherein the vertical length of the insertion recess is formed to be longer than the sum of the vertical length of the second insertion portion and the vertical length of the first insertion portion.

9. The aforementioned body portion is A lower fastening member protrudes laterally from the lower body and has a fastening hole that penetrates vertically through its center, The cartridge assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an upper fastening member that protrudes from the upper body and extends downward, and is provided to snap-fit ​​into the fastening hole.

10. The aforementioned connecting portion is The bolt head protruding from the upper side of the upper body, The bolt body includes a bolt body that extends downward from the bolt head and is provided to be inserted into a bolt insertion hole that penetrates the upper body and the lower body, The bolt head is formed to have a larger area than the bolt insertion hole. The cartridge assembly according to claim 1, wherein the vertical length of the bolt insertion hole is formed to be longer than the vertical length of the bolt body.

11. The aforementioned cartridge is The body portion further includes a tension bar provided so as to surround the periphery of the body portion, The tension bar mentioned above is The upper contact portion that contacts the upper surface of the upper body, The lower contact portion that contacts the lower surface of the lower body, The cartridge assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an elastic portion that elastically connects the upper contact portion and the lower contact portion to each other.

12. The aforementioned connecting portion is A connecting projection that protrudes upward from the upper body, The lower body includes a connecting recess formed in a shape corresponding to the connecting protrusion at a position corresponding to the connecting protrusion, The connecting protrusion is formed in the upper uncontacted region of the upper body, which is a region that is not in contact with the upper contact portion. The cartridge assembly according to claim 11, wherein the connecting recess is formed in the lower non-contact region, which is a region of the lower body that is not in contact with the lower contact portion.

13. Through holes are formed in the sides of the upper body and the lower body, which are formed to penetrate in the vertical direction. The aforementioned connecting portion is It includes a snap-fit ​​member that penetrates the through hole upward and snaps together, The cartridge assembly according to claim 1, wherein the snap-fit ​​member includes a protruding region that protrudes above the upper body.

14. The aforementioned connecting portion is The snap-fit ​​member further includes a connecting opening formed on the lower side and opening downward, The cartridge assembly according to claim 13, wherein the connecting opening is provided so that the protruding region of another cartridge positioned adjacent to it below is inserted.

15. The cartridge assembly according to claim 14, wherein the vertical length of the connecting opening corresponds to the vertical length of the protruding region.

16. The vertical length of the through hole is, The cartridge assembly according to claim 13, wherein the snap-fit ​​member is formed to be shorter than the vertical length.

Images