Gaskets and gasket devices

Abstract

This gasket device (30) comprises a first gasket (40) formed of an elastomer and a separator (32) having one pair of faces (32a, 32b) arranged back to back. The first gasket (40) has an annular shape and is attached to the face (32a) of the separator (32) so as to surround an opening (40a). The first gasket (40) has a lip (45) that protrudes in the direction facing the face (32a) of the separator (32) and extends annularly. The height of the lip (45) on the opening (40a) side is different from that on the side opposite to the opening (40a) side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gasket and a gasket device used in a water electrolysis apparatus or a fuel cell.

Background Art

[0002] In a water electrolysis apparatus for generating hydrogen from water, a gasket is used to ensure internal sealing. The gasket is sandwiched between a separator and a solid polymer membrane layer (Patent Documents 1 to 3).

[0003] Also, in a fuel cell that generates electricity by reacting oxygen and hydrogen, a gasket is used to ensure internal sealing. The gasket is sandwiched between a separator and a solid polymer membrane layer.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In a water electrolysis apparatus and a fuel cell, the pressure in the internal space is increased. In recent years, it has been required to make the gas supplied to the internal space at a higher pressure. When the internal space, which is the sealing target space, becomes high pressure, the gasket may deform and the sealing performance may deteriorate. Therefore, for the gaskets of fuel cells and hydrogen generation devices, a configuration that can maintain the sealing performance even when the internal space becomes high pressure is required.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a gasket and a gasket device that can exhibit a high sealing function even when the pressure in the internal space of a water electrolysis device or fuel cell is increased. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The gasket according to the present invention is an elastic gasket for sealing a space between opposing members in a water electrolysis device or fuel cell, and is annular in shape and is attached to one of a pair of faces of a separator having a pair of faces facing each other so as to surround the space, and is provided with an annularly extending lip, the lip protruding in the direction facing one of the pair of faces of the separator, and the height of the lip is different on the side of the space and the side opposite to the space.

[0008] In a gasket according to one aspect of the present invention, the height of the lip on the side facing the space is higher than the height of the lip on the opposite side of the space.

[0009] A gasket according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an inner surface which is an annular surface connected to the lip on the side of the space, and an outer surface which is an annular surface connected to the lip on the side opposite to the space, wherein the height of the lip on the side of the space is the distance between the tip of the lip and the inner surface in the direction in which the lip protrudes, and the height of the lip on the side opposite to the space is the distance between the tip of the lip and the outer surface in the direction in which the lip protrudes.

[0010] In a gasket according to one aspect of the present invention, the inner surface and the outer surface extend along one of the pair of surfaces of the separator.

[0011] The gasket device according to the present invention is a gasket device for sealing a space between opposing members in a water electrolysis device or fuel cell, comprising a gasket formed from an elastic material and a separator having a pair of surfaces facing each other, wherein the gasket is annular and attached to one of the pair of surfaces of the separator so as to surround the space, and has an annular lip that extends in the direction facing one of the pair of surfaces of the separator, and the height of the lip is different on the side facing the space and on the side opposite to the space.

[0012] In a gasket device according to one aspect of the present invention, the height of the lip on the side facing the space is higher than the height of the lip on the opposite side of the space.

[0013] In a gasket device according to one aspect of the present invention, the gasket has an inner surface which is an annular surface connected to the lip on the side of the space, and an outer surface which is an annular surface connected to the lip on the side opposite to the space, wherein the height of the lip on the side of the space is the distance between the tip of the lip and the inner surface in the direction in which the lip protrudes, and the height of the lip on the side opposite to the space is the distance between the tip of the lip and the outer surface in the direction in which the lip protrudes.

[0014] In a gasket device according to one aspect of the present invention, the inner surface and the outer surface extend along one of the pair of surfaces of the separator.

[0015] In a gasket device according to one aspect of the present invention, the separator has at least one annular recess, the recess is recessed on one or the other side of the pair of surfaces, and the gasket is attached to the portion of the separator including the recess.

[0016] A gasket device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises another gasket formed from an elastic material, the other gasket being annular in shape and attached to the other of the pair of surfaces of the separator, facing away from the gasket, so as to enclose a space.

[0017] In a gasket device according to one aspect of the present invention, the other gasket has an annular lip that protrudes in the direction facing the other of the pair of surfaces of the separator, and the height of the lip of the other gasket is different on the side facing the space and on the side opposite to the space.

[0018] In a gasket device according to one aspect of the present invention, the height of the lip of the other gasket on the side facing the space is higher than the height of the lip of the other gasket on the side facing the space.

[0019] In a gasket device according to one aspect of the present invention, the other gasket has an inner surface which is an annular surface connected to the lip of the other gasket on the side of the space, and an outer surface which is an annular surface connected to the lip of the other gasket on the side opposite to the space, the height of the lip of the other gasket on the side of the space is the distance between the tip of the lip of the other gasket and the inner surface of the other gasket in the direction in which the lip of the other gasket protrudes, and the height of the lip of the other gasket on the side opposite to the space is the distance between the tip of the lip of the other gasket and the outer surface of the other gasket in the direction in which the lip of the other gasket protrudes.

[0020] In a gasket device according to one aspect of the present invention, the inner surface of the other gasket and the outer surface of the other gasket extend along the other of the pair of surfaces of the separator.

[0021] In a gasket device according to one aspect of the present invention, the other gasket has a surface that extends in an annular manner along the other of the pair of surfaces of the separator.

[0022] In the gasket device according to one aspect of the present invention, the separator has a stepped portion that forms a step on one side of the pair of surfaces, the stepped portion extends annularly, and the gasket is in contact with the step at a portion on the opposite side of the space from the lip.

[0023] In the gasket device according to one aspect of the present invention, the separator has an annular groove recessed on the other side of the pair of surfaces, and the gasket is provided in the groove.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] According to the gasket and the gasket device of the present invention, a high sealing function can be exhibited even when the pressure in the internal space of the water electrolysis device or the fuel cell is increased.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a hydrogen production plant in which the gasket device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is used. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a water electrolysis device in which the gasket device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is used. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the gasket device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the gasket device of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a broken perspective view showing a part of the separator of the gasket device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a plurality of the gasket devices of FIG. 4 are arranged side by side. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a plurality of the gasket devices of FIG. 7 are compressed. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a plurality of the gasket devices of FIG. 7 are further compressed. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another configuration in which multiple gasket devices according to the first embodiment of the present invention are arranged in a row. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a gasket device according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the gasket assembly shown in Figure 11. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing multiple gasket devices from Figure 11 arranged in a row. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the compressed state of the multiple gasket devices shown in Figure 13. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a gasket device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the gasket assembly of Figure 15 in use. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of a gasket device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the gasket assembly of Figure 17 in use. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a gasket device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the gasket assembly of Figure 19 in use. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of a gasket device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the gasket assembly of Figure 21 in use. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a fuel cell in which the gasket device shown in Figure 11 is used. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a fuel cell with multiple gasket devices arranged in a row. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view showing a gasket device in operation in a fuel cell. [Figure 26] Figure 26 shows a modified example of a solid polymer film layer that can be used in an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] Various embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. The scale of the drawings is not necessarily accurate, and some features may be exaggerated or omitted.

[0027] First Embodiment As shown in Figure 1, a hydrogen production plant using the gasket device according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a rectifier 1, a water electrolyzer 2, a pure water production device 3, a pure water storage tank 4, an oxygen separator 5, a hydrogen separator 6, a hydrogen dryer 7, and a hydrogen storage cylinder 8. In Figure 1, the pump that causes the water flow and the valve that regulates the water flow are not shown.

[0028] Rectifier 1 converts alternating current to direct current and supplies the direct current to water electrolysis device 2.

[0029] The pure water production device 3 removes impurities from tap water to produce pure water and supplies it to the pure water storage tank 4. The pure water storage tank 4 stores the pure water.

[0030] The pure water stored in the pure water storage tank 4 is supplied to the water electrolysis device 2 via the oxygen vapor-liquid separator 5. The water electrolysis device 2 electrolyzes the pure water to produce hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. The pure water containing oxygen gas is supplied from the water electrolysis device 2 to the oxygen vapor-liquid separator 5, which separates the pure water from the oxygen gas and releases the oxygen gas. The pure water from which the oxygen gas has been separated in the oxygen vapor-liquid separator 5 is supplied back to the water electrolysis device 2.

[0031] Pure water containing hydrogen gas is supplied from the water electrolysis device 2 to the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 6. The hydrogen gas-liquid separator 6 separates the pure water from the hydrogen gas and supplies the hydrogen gas to the dehumidifier 7. The dehumidifier 7 removes moisture from the hydrogen gas and supplies it to the hydrogen storage cylinder 8. The pure water from which the hydrogen gas has been separated in the hydrogen gas-liquid separator 6 is supplied to the oxygen gas-liquid separator 5 and then supplied back to the water electrolysis device 2.

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the water electrolysis apparatus 2. The water electrolysis apparatus 2 has end walls 10, 11, a plurality of separators 12, a plurality of solid polymer film layers 13, a plurality of anode current collectors 17, a plurality of cathode current collectors 18, and gaskets 19, 20.

[0033] The end walls 10 and 11 are flat metal plates arranged parallel to each other. End wall 10 is used as the cathode, and end wall 11 is used as the anode. End wall 11 is provided with a conduit 11a for introducing pure water into the water electrolysis device 2, and a conduit 11b for discharging pure water containing oxygen gas from the water electrolysis device 2. End wall 10 is provided with a conduit 10a for discharging pure water containing hydrogen gas from the water electrolysis device 2.

[0034] Multiple separators 12 are arranged between the end walls 10 and 11. The separators 12 are flat metal plates, arranged parallel to each other at equal intervals. The separators 12 are also used as electrodes. Specifically, this water electrolysis apparatus 2 uses a bipolar cell system, where the side of each separator 12 facing the end wall 10 is used as the cathode, and the side facing the end wall 11 is used as the anode.

[0035] An electrolytic cell 21 into which pure water is introduced is formed between the end wall 10 and the separator 12 adjacent to the end wall 10. A solid polymer membrane layer 13 is placed between the end wall 10 and the separator 12 adjacent to the end wall 10. The solid polymer membrane layer 13 has a solid polymer membrane (polymer electrolyte membrane) 14 and catalyst membranes 15 and 16 fixed to both sides of the solid polymer membrane 14, respectively. H is generated by the electrolysis of pure water. +It moves towards the cathode through the solid polymer film layer 13, and at this time, it is converted into hydrogen gas (H2) by a reduction reaction.

[0036] An electrolytic cell 21 into which pure water is introduced is formed between two adjacent separators 12. A solid polymer film layer 13 is also placed between two adjacent separators 12.

[0037] The space between the end wall 11 and the separator 12 adjacent to the end wall 11 also forms one electrolytic cell 21 into which pure water is introduced. A solid polymer film layer 13 is also placed between the end wall 11 and the separator 12 adjacent to the end wall 11.

[0038] Thus, the separator 12 functions as a partition wall that divides the electrolytic cells 21. The end walls 10 and 11 also divide the electrolytic cells 21 and can therefore be called separators. Through holes 12a and 12b are formed in the separator 12, and these through holes 12a and 12b connect adjacent electrolytic cells 21.

[0039] An anode current collector 17 is positioned between the anode and the solid polymer film layer 13, and a cathode current collector 18 is positioned between the cathode and the solid polymer film layer 13. These current collectors 17 and 18 are formed from a porous material. Pure water is impregnated into the current collectors 17 and 18.

[0040] An elastomer gasket 20 is sandwiched between the end wall (separator) 10 and the adjacent solid polymer film layer 13. The gasket 20 surrounds the cathode current collector 18 all around. The gasket 20 is compressed between the end wall 10 and the solid polymer film layer 13.

[0041] An elastomer gasket 19 is sandwiched between the separator 12 and the solid polymer film layer 13 located above and adjacent to the separator 12 in the diagram. The gasket 19 surrounds the anode current collector 17 all around. The gasket 19 is compressed between the separator 12 and the solid polymer film layer 13.

[0042] An elastomer gasket 20 is sandwiched between the separator 12 and the solid polymer film layer 13 located below the separator 12 in the diagram. The gasket 20 surrounds the cathode current collector 18 all around. The gasket 20 is compressed between the separator 12 and the solid polymer film layer 13.

[0043] An elastomer gasket 19 is sandwiched between the end wall (separator) 11 and the adjacent solid polymer film layer 13. The gasket 19 surrounds the anode current collector 17 all around. The gasket 19 is compressed between the end wall 11 and the solid polymer film layer 13.

[0044] In Figure 2, catalyst films 15 and 16 are positioned in the center of the solid polymer film 14 in each solid polymer film layer 13, and only the solid polymer film 14 in each solid polymer film layer 13 is sandwiched between adjacent gaskets 19 and 20. However, the catalyst films 15 and 16 may be positioned over the entire front and back surfaces of the solid polymer film 14, or the solid polymer film 14 and the catalyst films 15 and 16 may be sandwiched between adjacent gaskets 19 and 20. In other words, each of the gaskets 19 and 20 may be in contact only with the solid polymer film 14, or it may be in contact with the solid polymer film layer 13 containing the solid polymer film 14 and the catalyst films 15 and 16.

[0045] The water electrolysis apparatus 2 in Figure 2 is integrated using a clamping device or bolts and nuts to prevent each element from coming loose.

[0046] In the use of the water electrolysis device 2, the pressure in the internal space of the water electrolysis device 2 is increased to facilitate the supply of hydrogen gas to the hydrogen storage cylinder 8. Preferably, the pressure in the cathode space S1, which is the space on the cathode side of each electrolysis cell 21, is higher than the pressure in the anode space S2, which is the space on the anode side. The cathode space S1 is the space in which the cathode current collector 18 is located, and the anode space S2 is the space in which the anode current collector 17 is located.

[0047] The vertical direction in Figure 2 does not necessarily correspond to the operating state of the water electrolysis device 2. Normally, the water electrolysis device 2 is used with the end walls 10, 11, separator 12, and solid polymer film layer 13 in an upright position.

[0048] Figure 3 is a top view of Figure 2, but considering the normal operating conditions, it can be considered a side view of the water electrolysis device 2. As shown in Figure 3, the gaskets 19 and 20 are rectangular in shape and surround the space in which the pure water is placed all around.

[0049] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a gasket device 30 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 4 corresponds to the cross-sectional view along line IV-IV in Figure 3. However, when the gasket device 30 is in use, the lip 45 of gasket 40 (20) and the lip 55 of gasket 50 (19) are compressed in the thickness direction of the gasket device 30, but Figure 4 shows the state in which gaskets 40 and 50 are not compressed. Figure 5 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the gasket device 30. Figure 5 also shows the state in which gaskets 40 and 50 are not compressed.

[0050] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the gasket device 30 according to this embodiment comprises a first gasket 40 formed from an elastic material, and a separator 32 having a pair of faces 32a and 32b facing each other, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The first gasket 40 is annular and is attached to one of the pair of faces (face 32a) of the separator 32 so as to surround the space (opening 40a). The first gasket 40 also has an annular lip 45 that protrudes in the direction facing the face 32a of the separator 32. The height of the lip 45 is different on the side facing the opening 40a and on the side opposite to the opening 40a.

[0051] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the gasket device 30 according to this embodiment includes, in addition to the first gasket 40, a second gasket 50 which is another gasket formed from an elastic material according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The second gasket 50 is annular and is attached to the other of a pair of faces (face 32b) of the separator 32, facing away from the gasket 40, so as to surround the space (opening 50a). The gasket 50 has an annular lip 55 that extends in the direction facing face 32b of the separator 32. The height of the lip 55 of the gasket 50 is different on the side facing the opening 50a and on the side opposite to the opening 50a.

[0052] The configurations of the first gasket 40, the second gasket 50, and the gasket device 30 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0053] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, in the first gasket 40, the height on the side of the lip 45 facing the opening 40a (inner height h1) is higher than the height on the opposite side of the lip 45 facing the opening 40a (outer height h2). Also, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, in the second gasket 50, the height on the side of the lip 55 facing the opening 50a (inner height h11) is higher than the height on the opposite side of the lip 55 facing the opening 50a (outer height h12). The side facing the opening 40a is the side in the direction of arrow a in Figure 4, which is the side approaching the opening 40a in the direction in which the opening 40a expands. The direction in which the opening 40a expands is the direction along the plane of the paper in Figure 3. The side opposite to the opening 40a is the side in the direction of arrow b in Figure 4, which is the side moving away from the opening 40a in the direction in which the opening 40a expands. The side facing the opening 50a is the side in the direction of arrow a in Figure 4, which is the side approaching the opening 50a in the direction in which the opening 50a expands. The direction in which the opening 50a expands is along the plane of the paper in Figure 3. The side opposite to the opening 50a is the side in the direction of arrow b shown in Figure 4, which is the side away from the opening 50a in the direction in which the opening 50a expands. The side with opening 40a and the side with opening 50a are on the inside of the electrolytic cell 21 and will hereinafter be referred to as the "inside". The side opposite to the opening 40a and the side opposite to the opening 50a are on the outside of the electrolytic cell 21 and will hereinafter be referred to as the "outside".

[0054] As described above, the gasket device 30 includes a separator 32, a first gasket 40, and a second gasket 50. The first gasket 40 is fixed to one side (side 32a) of the separator 32, and the second gasket 50 is fixed to the other side (side 32b) of the separator 32. The first gasket 40 corresponds to gasket 20 in Figure 2, and the second gasket 50 corresponds to gasket 19 in Figure 2. Therefore, the upper and lower sides of Figure 4 are the opposite of the upper and lower sides of Figure 2.

[0055] The separator 32 corresponds to either the end walls 10, 11 or the separator 12 described above. In Figure 2, the end wall 10 is not in contact with the gasket 19, but as shown in Figure 4, gaskets 40, 50 (20, 19) may be fixed to both sides of the end wall 10 (separator 32). Also, in Figure 2, the end wall 11 is not in contact with the gasket 20, but as shown in Figure 4, gaskets 40, 50 (20, 19) may be fixed to both sides of the end wall 11 (separator 32).

[0056] The elastic material forming the gaskets 40 and 50 is, for example, an elastomer. Examples of elastomers include silicone rubber, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber, and fluororubber. The main material of the separator 32 is a metal, such as stainless steel, titanium, or titanium alloy.

[0057] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first gasket 40 has a first side surface 41, a second side surface 42, an inner end surface 43, and an outer end surface 44, and is formed by the first side surface 41, the second side surface 42, the inner end surface 43, and the outer end surface 44. The first side surface 41 is an annular surface facing the solid polymer film layer 13 in the electrolytic cell 21 (see Figure 2), and faces the direction of the surface 32a of the separator 32 in the gasket device 30. The second side surface 42 is an annular surface facing the surface 32a of the separator 32 and is fixed to the surface 32a of the separator 32. The inner end surface 43 is an annular surface facing inward and defines an opening 40a. The opening 40a is the space in the electrolytic cell 21 where the cathode current collector 18 is located, and is part of the electrolytic cell 21 (see Figure 2). The outer end surface 44 is located on the opposite side of the inner end surface 43, is an annular surface facing outwards, and is exposed to the outside of the electrolytic cell 21.

[0058] Two grooves (recesses) 46 and 47 are formed on the second side surface 42. The grooves 46 and 47 are grooves that accommodate the protrusions formed on the separator 32, which will be described later. The grooves 46 and 47 extend in an annular shape, for example, along the direction of extension of the gasket 40.

[0059] The second side surface 42 is separated by two grooves 46, 47 and has three annularly extending contact surfaces 42a, 42b, 42c. The three contact surfaces 42a, 42b, 42c extend along a reference plane P1, which is a virtual plane, as shown in Figure 5, for example; specifically, they extend on or approximately on the reference plane P1.

[0060] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, for example, the first gasket 40 comprises an inner surface 41a, which is an annular surface connected to the lip 45 on the inside, and an outer surface 41b, which is an annular surface connected to the lip 45 on the outside. The lip 45 and the inner surface 41a, together with the inner end surface 43, define an opening 40a. The lip 45 extends along the extension direction of the first surface 41 and extends in an annular shape. The lip 45 also protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane P1 (directions of arrows c and d shown in Figure 4, hereinafter also referred to as the "compression direction"). As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the cross-sectional shape of the lip 45 is, for example, approximately triangular or approximately trapezoidal, and the lip 45 has an inner inclined surface 45a, an outer inclined surface 45b, and a tip surface 45c. In cross-section, the inner inclined surface 45a and the outer inclined surface 45b form, for example, straight or nearly straight lines inclined toward each other, and the tip surface 45c forms, for example, a circular arc or arc that smoothly connects the inner inclined surface 45a and the outer inclined surface 45b. The lip 45 has a tip 45d on the tip surface 45c, which is the end in the compression direction.

[0061] The inner surface 41a extends along the lip 45 on the inside of the lip 45, connects to the lip 45 at its outer end, and connects to the inner end surface 43 at its inner end. The outer surface 41b extends along the lip 45 on the outside of the lip 45, connects to the lip 45 at its inner end, and connects to the outer end surface 44 at its outer end. The inner surface 41a extends along a plane, for example, parallel or approximately parallel to the contact surfaces 42a, 42b, and 42c. The outer surface 41b also extends along a plane, for example, parallel or approximately parallel to the contact surfaces 42a, 42b, and 42c. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, for example, in the compression direction, the inner surface 41a faces away from the contact surface 42a, and the outer surface 41b faces away from the contact surfaces 42b and 42c.

[0062] As described above, the inner height of the lip 45 (inner height h1) is greater than the outer height of the lip 45 (outer height h2) (inner height h1 > outer height h2). The inner height h1 of the lip 45 is the distance in the compression direction between the tip 45d of the lip 45 and the inner surface 41a, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The outer height h2 of the lip 45 is the distance in the compression direction between the tip 45d of the lip 45 and the outer surface 41b, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. In other words, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the thickness of the outer surface 41b of the gasket 40 (thickness t1) is different from the thickness of the inner surface 41a of the gasket 40 (thickness t2). Specifically, the thickness t1 of the gasket 40 is greater than the thickness t2 of the gasket 40. The thickness t1 of the gasket 40 is the distance in the compression direction between the contact surfaces 42b, 42c and the outer surface 41b, and the thickness t2 of the gasket 40 is the distance in the compression direction between the contact surface 42a and the inner surface 41a. Therefore, in the gasket device 30, as shown in Figure 4, the height of the outer surface 41b from the separator 32 is t1, and the height of the inner surface 41a from the separator 32 is t2, so the inner surface 41a is lower than the outer surface 41b relative to the separator 32.

[0063] As described above, the first gasket 40 is fixed to the surface 32a of the separator 32 on the second side surface 42. One or more annularly extending protrusions are formed on the peripheral edge of the separator 32 to which the gaskets 40 and 50 are fixed. For example, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the separator 32 has two protrusions 33 and 34. The protrusions 33 and 34 protrude from the surface 32a, for example, forming convex surfaces 33a and 34a on the surface 32a. On the other hand, the protrusions 33 and 34 form concave surfaces 33b and 34b that are recessed toward the surface 32a, for example, corresponding to the surface 32b. Thus, the protrusions 33 and 34 also form recesses on the surface 32b of the separator 32.

[0064] As shown in Figure 4, the protrusions 33 and 34 of the separator 32 are shaped to correspond to the grooves 46 and 47 of the first gasket 40, and are fitted into the grooves 46 and 47 of the first gasket 40, respectively. The convex surfaces 33a and 34a of the protrusions 33 and 34 of the separator 32 are in contact with the grooves 46 and 47 of the gasket 40, respectively. When the protrusions 33 and 34 of the separator 32 are fitted into the grooves 46 and 47 of the gasket 40, the contact surfaces 42a, 42b, and 42c of the gasket 40 are in contact with the corresponding parts of the surface 32a of the separator 32, respectively.

[0065] For example, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, on the surface 32a side of the convex portions 33 and 34 of the separator 32, a number of recesses (dimples) 33c and 34c are formed at intervals, and on the surface 32b side, a number of corresponding convex portions 33d and 34d are formed at intervals. The recesses 33c and 34c (convex portions 33d and 34d) are arranged, for example, at equal intervals.

[0066] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5, numerous protrusions 46a and 47a are formed inside the grooves 46 and 47 of the first gasket 40, respectively. The protrusions 46a and 47a are shaped to fit into the recesses 33c and 34c formed in the convex portions 33 and 34 of the separator 32, respectively.

[0067] Next, the second gasket 50 will be described. The second gasket 50 has a similar shape to the first gasket 40, but it has a different shape from the second side surface 42 of the first gasket 40, corresponding to the shape of the surface 32b of the separator 32.

[0068] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the second gasket 50 has a first side surface 51, a second side surface 52, an inner end surface 53, and an outer end surface 54, and is formed by the first side surface 51, the second side surface 52, the inner end surface 53, and the outer end surface 54. The first side surface 51 is an annular surface facing the solid polymer film layer 13 in the electrolytic cell 21 (see Figure 2), and faces the direction of the surface 32b of the separator 32 in the gasket device 30. The second side surface 52 is an annular surface facing the surface 32b of the separator 32 and is fixed to the surface 32b of the separator 32. The inner end surface 53 is an annular surface facing inward and defines an opening 50a. The opening 50a is the space in which the anode current collector 17 is located and is part of the electrolytic cell 21 (see Figure 2). The outer end surface 54 is located on the opposite side of the inner end surface 53, is an annular surface facing outwards, and is exposed to the outside of the electrolytic cell 21.

[0069] Two protrusions 56 and 57 are formed on the second side surface 52. The protrusions 56 and 57 are portions that are accommodated in the concave surfaces 33b and 34b of the protrusions 33 and 34 formed on the separator 32. The protrusions 56 and 57 extend, for example, in an annular shape along the elongation direction of the gasket 50.

[0070] The second side surface 52 is divided by two protrusions 56, 57 and has three annularly extending contact surfaces 52a, 52b, 52c. The three contact surfaces 52a, 52b, 52c extend along a reference plane P2, which is a virtual plane, as shown in Figure 5, for example, specifically on or approximately on the reference plane P2.

[0071] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, for example, the second gasket 50 comprises an inner surface 51a, which is an annular surface connected to the lip 55 on the inside, and an outer surface 51b, which is an annular surface connected to the lip 55 on the outside. The lip 55 and the inner surface 51a, together with the inner end surface 53, define an opening 50a. The lip 55 extends along the elongation direction of the first surface 51 and extends in an annular shape. The lip 55 also protrudes in the compression direction (directions of arrows c and d shown in Figure 4), which is perpendicular to the reference plane P2. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the cross-sectional shape of the lip 55 is, for example, approximately triangular or approximately trapezoidal, and the lip 55 has an inner inclined surface 55a, an outer inclined surface 55b, and a tip surface 55c. In cross-section, the inner inclined surface 55a and the outer inclined surface 55b form, for example, straight or nearly straight lines inclined toward each other, and the tip surface 55c forms, for example, a circular arc or arc that smoothly connects the inner inclined surface 55a and the outer inclined surface 55b. The lip 55 has a tip 55d on the tip surface 55c, which is the end in the compression direction.

[0072] The inner surface 51a extends along the lip 55 on the inside of the lip 55, connects to the lip 55 at its outer end, and connects to the inner end surface 53 at its inner end. The outer surface 51b extends along the lip 55 on the outside of the lip 55, connects to the lip 55 at its inner end, and connects to the outer end surface 54 at its outer end. The inner surface 51a extends along a plane, for example, parallel or approximately parallel to the contact surfaces 52a, 52b, and 52c. The outer surface 51b also extends along a plane, for example, parallel or approximately parallel to the contact surfaces 52a, 52b, and 52c. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, for example, in the compression direction, the inner surface 51a faces away from the contact surface 52a, and the outer surface 51b faces away from the contact surfaces 52b and 52c.

[0073] As described above, the inner height of the lip 55 (inner height h11) is higher than the outer height of the lip 55 (outer height h12) (inner height h11 > outer height h12). The inner height h11 of the lip 55 is the distance in the compression direction between the tip 55d of the lip 55 and the inner surface 51a, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The outer height h12 of the lip 55 is the distance in the compression direction between the tip 55d of the lip 55 and the outer surface 51b, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. In other words, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the thickness of the outer surface 51b of the gasket 50 (thickness t11) is different from the thickness of the inner surface 51a of the gasket 50 (thickness t12). Specifically, the thickness t11 of the gasket 50 is greater than the thickness t12 of the gasket 50. The thickness t11 of the gasket 50 is the distance in the compression direction between the contact surfaces 52b, 52c and the outer surface 51b, and the thickness t12 of the gasket 50 is the distance in the compression direction between the contact surface 52a and the inner surface 51a. Therefore, in the gasket device 30, as shown in Figure 4, the height of the outer surface 51b from the separator 32 is t11, and the height of the inner surface 51a from the separator 32 is t12, so the inner surface 51a is lower than the outer surface 51b relative to the separator 32.

[0074] As described above, the second gasket 50 is fixed to the surface 32b of the separator 32 on the second side surface 52. Two protrusions 33 and 34 are formed on the peripheral edge of the separator 32 to which the gaskets 40 and 50 are fixed, as described above, and the protrusions 33 and 34 form concave surfaces 33b and 34b on the surface 32b that are recessed toward the surface 32a side.

[0075] As shown in Figure 4, the concave surfaces 33b and 34b of the convex portions 33 and 34 of the separator 32 correspond to the convex portions 56 and 57 of the second gasket 50, respectively, and the convex portions 56 and 57 of the second gasket 50 are fitted into the concave surfaces 33b and 34b, respectively. Furthermore, the convex portions 56 and 57 of the gasket 50 are in contact with the concave surfaces 33b and 34b of the separator 32, respectively. When the convex portions 56 and 57 of the gasket 50 are fitted into the concave surfaces 33b and 34b of the separator 32, respectively, the contact surfaces 52a, 52b, and 52c of the gasket 50 come into contact with the corresponding portions of the surface 32b of the separator 32, respectively.

[0076] As shown in Figure 5, numerous recesses 56a and 57a are formed on the tops of the protrusions 56 and 57 of the second gasket 50, respectively. The recesses 56a and 57a are shaped so that the protrusions 33d and 34d formed on the concave surfaces 33b and 34b of the protrusions 33 and 34 of the separator 32 are fitted into them, respectively.

[0077] The gasket assembly 30 is manufactured, for example, by combining a first gasket 40, a second gasket 50, and a separator 32, each manufactured separately.

[0078] Specifically, the first gasket 40 is attached to the separator 32 by fitting the convex surfaces 33a and 34a of the protrusions 33 and 34 formed on the separator 32 into grooves 46 and 47 formed on the second side surface 42 of the first gasket 40. In the first gasket 40 attached to the separator 32, the contact surfaces 42a, 42b, and 42c of the gasket 40 are in contact with the surface 32a of the separator 32. In this way, in the gasket device 30, the protrusions 33 and 34 of the separator 32 restrain the gasket 40 in the inward and outward directions (directions of arrows a and b in Figure 4). As a result, the gasket 40 can be firmly fixed to the separator 32, and even if the pressure in the internal space (cathode space S1 and anode space S2) of the water electrolysis device 2 is increased, movement of the gasket 40 inward and outward relative to the separator 32 is suppressed.

[0079] Furthermore, the grooves 46, 47 of the first gasket 40 and the protrusions 33, 34 of the separator 32 can be of various shapes and sizes, and can be in various forms. Also, the number of grooves (grooves 46, 47) and protrusions (protrusions 33, 34) is not limited to two, but can be one or three or more. For example, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, if the cross-sectional shape of the grooves 46, 47 of the gasket 40 and the protrusions 33, 34 (convex surfaces 33a, 34a) of the separator 32 tapers toward the direction facing the surface 32a of the separator 32, the gasket 40 is easier to align with the separator 32, and the protrusions are easier to fit into the recesses.

[0080] Furthermore, in the first gasket 40 attached to the separator 32, the projections 46a and 47a inside the grooves 46 and 47 of the gasket 40 are fitted into the recesses 33c and 34c of the convex surfaces 33a and 34a of the separator 32, respectively, thereby allowing the gasket 40 to be more firmly fixed to the separator 32.

[0081] As described above, by fitting the protrusions 33 and 34 of the separator 32 into the grooves 46 and 47 of the gasket 40, the gasket 40 can be firmly fixed to the separator 32, thus eliminating the need to use adhesive to fix the gasket 40 to the separator 32. However, adhesive may be used to fix the gasket 40 to the separator 32.

[0082] Furthermore, the second gasket 50 is attached to the separator 32 in the same way as the first gasket 40. That is, the gasket 50 is attached to the separator 32 by fitting the protrusions 56 and 57 formed on the second side surface 52 of the gasket 50 into the concave surfaces 33b and 34b of the protrusions 33 and 34 formed on the separator 32. In the gasket 50 attached to the separator 32, the contact surfaces 52a, 52b, and 52c of the gasket 50 are in contact with the surface 32b of the separator 32. In this way, in the gasket device 30, the protrusions 33 and 34 of the separator 32 restrain the gasket 50 in the inward and outward directions (directions of arrows a and b in Figure 4). As a result, the gasket 50 can be firmly fixed to the separator 32, and even if the pressure in the internal space of the water electrolysis device 2 (cathode space S1 and anode space S2) is increased, movement of the gasket 50 inward and outward relative to the separator 32 is suppressed.

[0083] Furthermore, the protrusions 56, 57 of the second gasket 50 and the protrusions 33, 34 (concave surfaces 33b, 34b) of the separator 32 can be of various shapes and sizes, and can be in various forms. Also, the number of protrusions (protrusions 56, 57) and protrusions (protrusions 33, 34) is not limited to two, but can be one or three or more. For example, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, if the cross-sectional shape of the protrusions 56, 57 of the gasket 50 and the protrusions 33, 34 (concave surfaces 33b, 34b) of the separator 32 tapers toward the direction facing the surface 32a of the separator 32, the second gasket 50 is easier to align with the separator 32, and the protrusions are easier to fit into the concave surfaces.

[0084] Furthermore, in the second gasket 50 attached to the separator 32, the protrusions 33d and 34d of the concave surfaces 33b and 34b of the separator 32 are fitted into the recesses 56a and 57a of the protrusions 56 and 57 of the gasket 50, respectively, thereby allowing the second gasket 50 to be more firmly fixed to the separator 32.

[0085] As described above, the second gasket 50 can be firmly fixed to the separator 32 by fitting the protrusions 56 and 57 of the gasket 50 into the concave surfaces 33b and 34b of the protrusions 33 and 34 of the separator 32, so that the use of adhesive can be omitted for fixing the second gasket 50 to the separator 32. However, adhesive may be used to fix the second gasket 50 to the separator 32.

[0086] Alternatively, the gasket device 30 may be manufactured by integrally forming the first gasket 40 and the second gasket 50 on the separator 32 using injection molding or press molding with a mold, thereby fixing the first gasket 40 and the second gasket 50 to the separator 32. In this case, the separator 32 is fixed inside the mold, and the elastomer material is placed in the mold cavity using injection molding or press molding. In this way, the gaskets 40 and 50 are fixed to the separator 32.

[0087] Next, a gasket device 30 having the above-described configuration will be explained.

[0088] As shown in Figure 7, in order to manufacture the water electrolysis apparatus 2, a solid polymer film layer 13 is interposed between two adjacent gasket apparatuses 30, and multiple gasket apparatuses 30 are arranged in the same orientation. The orientation of the gasket apparatuses 30 is based on the direction that the surfaces 32a and 32b of the separator 32 face. A cathode current collector 18 or an anode current collector 17 is placed in the space between the separator 32 of the gasket apparatus 30 and the solid polymer film layer 13. Specifically, the cathode current collector 18 is placed in the space surrounded by the opening 40a of the first gasket 40, and the anode current collector 17 is placed in the space surrounded by the opening 50a of the second gasket 50. The positions of the multiple gasket apparatuses 30 are also aligned. Specifically, the positions of the multiple gasket apparatuses 30 are aligned such that the lips 45 and 55 of two adjacent gasket apparatuses 30 face each other in the compression direction via the solid polymer film layer 13. In this way, multiple gasket devices 30 are arranged side by side, with the configuration of one electrolytic cell 21 placed between two adjacent gasket devices 30, and the configuration of the water electrolytic device 2 placed between them.

[0089] As described above, in the example of Figure 7, the multiple gasket devices 30 are arranged in the same orientation. That is, in each gasket device 30, the first gasket 40 is positioned on the cathode side and surrounds the cathode current collector 18, and the second gasket 50 is positioned on the anode side and surrounds the anode current collector 17.

[0090] Next, as shown in Figure 8, the water electrolysis device 2, formed as shown in Figure 7, is compressed in the stacking direction (compression direction of the gasket device 30) by members such as bolts that integrate the water electrolysis device 2. As a result, the first gasket 40 is compressed between the separator 32 and the solid polymer film layer 13, and the lip 45 of the first gasket 40 is pressed against the solid polymer film layer 13 and compressed, changing its shape. Here, the inner height h1 of the lip 45 is higher than the outer height h2 of the lip 45, and the lip 45 is shaped to bend inward more easily than outward. Also, the width in the compression direction of the gap G1 between the solid polymer film layer 13 and the inner surface 41a, which is the gap inside the lip 45 (inner width w1), is wider than the width in the compression direction of the gap G2 between the solid polymer film layer 13 and the outer surface 41b, which is the gap outside the lip 45 (outer width w2). For this reason, the compressed lip 45 is easily deformed to bulge into the inner gap G1. Therefore, the compressed lip 45 expands into both gaps G1 and G2, but deforms to expand more towards gap G1, as shown in Figure 8.

[0091] The components of the water electrolysis device 2 are further compressed in the stacking direction to assemble the water electrolysis device 2. At this time, the lip 45 is further compressed until, as shown in Figure 9, the lip 45 is compressed until the solid polymer film layer 13 contacts the outer surface 41b of the gasket 40. In this way, the water electrolysis device 2 is assembled and the gasket device 30 is ready for use. In the use state of the gasket device 30, the lip 45 is compressed until the solid polymer film layer 13 contacts the outer surface 41b. In the use state of the gasket device 30, as shown in Figure 9, the gap G1 inside the lip 45 still has an inner width w1, and a gap G1 exists inside the lip 45. Therefore, in the use state of the gasket device 30, the lip 45 deforms to bulge towards the gap G1 and expands into the gap G1. In this way, in the use state, the gasket 40 contacts the solid polymer film layer 13 at the lip 45 and the outer surface 41b, providing a seal between the separator 32 and the solid polymer film layer 13. As described above, since a gap G1 exists inside the lip 45 until the gasket device 30 is in use, the lip 45 is less likely to get caught between the outer surface 41b and the solid polymer film layer 13, and thus, pinching is suppressed.

[0092] As shown in Figure 7, when the configuration of the water electrolysis apparatus 2 is compressed in the stacking direction (compression direction of the gasket apparatus 30), the second gasket 50 also deforms in the same way as the first gasket 40 described above. That is, as shown in Figure 8, the second gasket 50 is compressed between the separator 32 and the solid polymer film layer 13, and the lip 55 of the second gasket 50 is pressed against the solid polymer film layer 13 and compressed, changing its shape. Here, the inner height h11 of the lip 55 is higher than the outer height h12 of the lip 55, and the lip 55 is shaped to bend inward more easily than outward. Also, the width in the compression direction of the gap G11 between the solid polymer film layer 13 and the inner surface 51a, which is the gap inside the lip 55 (inner width w11), is wider than the width in the compression direction of the gap G12 between the solid polymer film layer 13 and the outer surface 51b, which is the gap outside the lip 55 (outer width w12). Therefore, the compressed lip 55 is prone to deforming so as to bulge into the inner gap G11. Consequently, the compressed lip 55 expands into both gaps G11 and G12, but as shown in Figure 8, it deforms to expand more towards gap G11.

[0093] As the components of the water electrolysis device 2 are further compressed in the stacking direction and the water electrolysis device 2 is assembled, the lip 55 is also further compressed, similar to the lip 45, until, as shown in Figure 9, the lip 55 is compressed until the solid polymer film layer 13 contacts the outer surface 51b of the gasket 50. Thus, in the operating state of the gasket device 30, the lip 55 is compressed until the solid polymer film layer 13 contacts the outer surface 51b. In the operating state of the gasket device 30, as shown in Figure 9, the gap G11 inside the lip 55 still has an inner width w11, and a gap G11 exists inside the lip 55. Therefore, in the operating state of the gasket device 30, the lip 55 deforms to bulge towards the gap G11 and expands into the gap G11. In this way, in the operating state, the gasket 50 contacts the solid polymer film layer 13 at the lip 55 and the outer surface 51b, thereby sealing the space between the separator 32 and the solid polymer film layer 13. As described above, since a gap G11 exists inside the lip 55 until the gasket device 30 is in use, the lip 55 is less likely to get caught between the outer surface 51b and the solid polymer film layer 13, and thus the pinching is suppressed.

[0094] The gasket device 30 is in use in the water electrolysis apparatus 2 as described above, and provides a seal between the separator 32 and the solid polymer film layer 13. In use, as shown in Figure 9, the lips 45 and 55 expand outwards towards the gaps G1 and G11, increasing the contact width between the lips 45 and 55 and the solid polymer film layer 13. As a result, the sealing performance of the gasket device 30 is enhanced.

[0095] Furthermore, in use, the outer surfaces 41b and 51b of the lips 45 and 55 are in contact with the solid polymer film layer 13. Therefore, even if the cathode space S1 and anode space S2 surrounded by the gaskets 40 and 50 become high pressure in use, the lips 45 and 55 will not collapse outward, or their collapse will be suppressed. In addition, gaps G1 and G11 are formed inside the lips 45 and 55, and the lips 45 and 55 deform and expand into the gaps G1 and G11. Therefore, when the cathode space S1 and anode space S2 surrounded by the gaskets 40 and 50 become high pressure, the portions of the lips 45 and 55 that are expanded into the gaps G1 and G11 are pushed outward and compressed, thereby further pressing the lips 45 and 55 against the solid polymer film layer 13. Thus, when the cathode space S1 and anode space S2 become high pressure, the lips 45 and 55 exhibit a so-called self-sealing function, thereby improving sealing performance.

[0096] Thus, the gasket device 30 allows for a wider contact surface between the gaskets 40, 50 and the solid polymer film layer 13, thereby improving sealing performance. Furthermore, even when the cathode space S1 and anode space S2 are under high pressure, the movement of the gaskets 40, 50 relative to the solid polymer film layer 13 is suppressed, and a gap is formed between the gaskets 40, 50 and the solid polymer film layer 13, preventing so-called blow-through. Additionally, the lips 45, 55 exhibit a self-sealing function when the cathode space S1 and anode space S2 are under high pressure, so in this respect as well, a gap is formed between the gaskets 40, 50 and the solid polymer film layer 13, preventing so-called blow-through.

[0097] As described above, according to the first gasket 40, the second gasket 50, and the gasket device 30 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a high sealing function can be achieved even when the pressure in the internal space of the water electrolyzer 2 is increased.

[0098] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the gasket device 30 may be used in a state where the lips 45 and 55 are compressed to the point where the solid polymer film layer 13 does not come into contact with the outer surfaces 41b and 51b. In this case, although gaps G2 and G12 exist outside the lips 45 and 55, the lips 45 and 55 are less likely to tilt towards the outer gaps G2 and G12, thereby suppressing the occurrence of blow-through. In this usage state as well, the gasket device 30 operates and produces the same effects as in the usage state shown in Figure 9 above.

[0099] Figure 10 shows water electricity This is a cross-sectional view showing another arrangement of the gasket devices 30 in the disassembly device 2. In this example, the two gasket devices 30 are arranged in opposite directions. That is, in two adjacent gasket devices 30, one first gasket 40 faces the other first gasket 40 via the solid polymer film layer 13, and one second gasket 50 faces the other second gasket 50 via the solid polymer film layer 13. In other words, in two adjacent gasket devices 30, the lip 45 of one first gasket 40 faces the lip 45 of the other first gasket 40 via the solid polymer film layer 13, and the lip 55 of one second gasket 50 faces the lip 55 of the other second gasket 50 via the solid polymer film layer 13. In this case as well, the usage state is the same as described above as shown in Figures 7-9, and the gasket devices 30 function in the same way.

[0100] Thus, in the water electrolysis apparatus 2, each gasket device 30 can be used in any orientation. Therefore, workers assembling the water electrolysis apparatus 2 do not need to pay attention to the orientation of the gasket devices 30.

[0101] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified gasket device 31 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and, like Figure 4, corresponds to the cross-section along line IV-IV in Figure 3. Figure 12 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the gasket device 31. In Figures 11 and 12, as with Figures 4 and 5, the gasket device 31 is shown in a state where no external force is applied.

[0102] The gasket device 31 according to this modified example differs from the gasket device 30 described above in that it has a second gasket 60 instead of the second gasket 50.Hereafter, for the gasket device 31, components that have the same configuration or function as the gasket device 30 described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted, while components that differ from the gasket device 30 will be described.

[0103] The second gasket 60 is formed from the same elastomer as the gasket 50. The second gasket 60 has a first side surface 61 that is different from the first side surface 51 of the gasket 50. The first side surface 61 is an annular surface that is parallel or substantially parallel to the surface 32b of the separator 32, as shown in Figures 11 and 12. Thus, the second gasket 60 does not have a protruding lip.

[0104] Next, the operation of the gasket apparatus 31 having the above-described configuration will be explained. As shown in Figure 13, in order to manufacture the water electrolysis apparatus 2, a solid polymer film layer 13 is interposed between two adjacent gasket apparatuses 31, and multiple gasket apparatuses 31 are arranged in the same orientation. In addition, a cathode current collector 18 or an anode current collector 17 is placed in the space between the separator 32 of the gasket apparatus 31 and the solid polymer film layer 13. Specifically, for example, the cathode current collector 18 is placed in the space surrounded by the opening 40a of the first gasket 40, and the anode current collector 17 is placed in the space surrounded by the opening 60a of the second gasket 60. The positions of the multiple gasket apparatuses 31 are aligned, and in particular, the position of the lip 45 of one gasket apparatus 31 is aligned with the position of the lip 45 of the other gasket apparatuses 31.

[0105] Similar to the gasket device 30 described above, the lip 45 is compressed until the solid polymer film layer 13 contacts the outer surface 41b of the first gasket 40, and the gasket device 31 enters a working state as shown in Figure 14. In the working state, the gasket device 31 operates in the same way as the gasket device 30 described above, sealing the cathode space S1. On the other hand, in the working state, the second gasket 60 is compressed between the separator 32 and the solid polymer film layer 13, and the entire first surface 61 is pressed against the solid polymer film layer 13. Thus, the width of the contact surface (seal width) between the second gasket 60 and the solid polymer film layer 13 is larger than the seal width between the second gasket 50 and the solid polymer film layer 13 of the gasket device 30. For this reason, the second gasket 60 can improve its sealing performance, similar to the second gasket 50.

[0106] In the example shown in Figures 13 and 14, the multiple gasket devices 31 are arranged in the same orientation. That is, in each gasket device 31, the first gasket 40 is positioned on the cathode side, surrounding the cathode current collector 18, and the second gasket 60 is positioned on the anode side, surrounding the anode current collector 17. However, the first gasket 40 may be positioned on the anode side, surrounding the anode current collector 17, and the second gasket 60 may be positioned on the cathode side, surrounding the cathode current collector 18. Furthermore, the multiple gasket devices 31 may be arranged in different orientations.

[0107] Second Embodiment Next, a gasket device 35 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the gasket device 35, which corresponds to the cross-section of the gasket device 30 described above (see Figure 4). The gasket device 35 includes a gasket 70 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which is different from the first gasket 40 of the gasket device 30, and a separator 36, which is different from the separator 32 of the gasket device 30. The gasket device 35 also includes a second gasket 60 of the gasket device 31 described above. The gasket 70, like the gasket 40 described above, corresponds to the gaskets 19 and 20 of the water electrolysis device 2 and extends in an annular shape.Hereafter, regarding the configuration of the gasket device 35, components that have the same configuration or similar function as the gasket device 30 or gasket device 31 described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted, while components that are different from those of the gasket device 30 will be described.

[0108] As shown in Figure 15, the separator 36 has a pair of surfaces 36a and 36b facing away from each other. A stepped portion 37 is formed at the outer end of the separator 36, forming a step in the direction facing the surfaces 36a and 36b. As shown in Figure 15, the stepped portion 37 forms a step that protrudes in the direction facing surface 36a, for example. The stepped portion 37 extends along the outer end of the separator 36 and extends in an annular shape. The separator 36 is also provided with the same convex portions 33 and 34 as the separator 32.

[0109] As shown in Figure 15, the stepped portion 37 forms an inner portion 37a and an outer end portion 37b on the separator 36, and has a side wall portion 37c that extends in an annular shape between the inner portion 37a and the outer end portion 37b. The outer end portion 37b is the outer end of the separator 36 and extends parallel or substantially parallel to the inner portion 37a at a predetermined distance from the inner portion 37a in the direction that the surface 36a faces. The side wall portion 37c has a shape that inclins outward in the direction that the surface 36a faces, as shown in Figure 15, for example. Specifically, the side wall portion 37c extends along a straight line that inclins outward with respect to the inner portion 37a of the separator 36 in cross-section, as shown in Figure 15, for example. cIt may have other shapes. For example, the side wall portion 37 c It may extend perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the inner portion 37a, and may also be inclined inward with respect to the inner portion 37a.

[0110] As shown in Figure 15, the gasket 70 has a first side surface 71, a second side surface 72, an inner end surface 73, and an outer end surface 74, and is formed by the first side surface 71, the second side surface 72, the inner end surface 73, and the outer end surface 74. The first side surface 71 is an annular surface facing the solid polymer film layer 13 in the electrolytic cell 21 (see Figure 2), and faces the direction of the surface 36a of the separator 36 in the gasket device 35. The second side surface 72 is an annular surface facing the surface 36a of the separator 36 and is fixed to the surface 36a of the separator 36. The inner end surface 73 is an annular surface facing inward and defines an opening 70a. The opening 70a is a space in the electrolytic cell 21 where the anode current collector 17 or the cathode current collector 18 is located, and is part of the electrolytic cell 21 (see Figure 2). The outer end face 74 is located on the opposite side of the inner end face 73 and is an annular surface facing outwards.

[0111] As shown in Figure 15, the second side surface 72 has the same shape as the second side surface 42 of the gasket 40, and grooves 46 and 47 are formed therein, which accommodate the protrusions 33 and 34 of the separator 32, respectively, and it has three annularly extending contact surfaces 42a, 42b, and 42c separated by the grooves 46 and 47. The contact surfaces 42a, 42b, and 42c contact the surface 36a on the inner part 37a of the separator 36. The outer end surface 74 is a surface corresponding to the side wall portion 37c of the stepped portion 37 of the separator 36, and contacts the surface 36a of the separator 36 on the side wall portion 37c. Also, as shown in Figure 15, the first side surface 71 has an inner surface 71a similar to the inner surface 41a of the first side surface 41 of the gasket 40, a lip 45, and an outer surface 71b outside the lip 45. As shown in Figure 15, the outer surface 71b has, for example, a concave portion 71c that recesses toward the separator 36 side and a flat portion 71d. The flat portion 71d forms a surface parallel or substantially parallel to the second surface 72. The flat portion 71d is flush or substantially flush with the surface 36a at the outer end portion 37b of the separator 36, as shown in Figure 15. The flat portion 71d may be located on the side of the outer end portion 37b that the surface 36a faces. The flat portion 71d may also be located on the side of the outer end portion 37b that the surface 36a faces. The concave portion 71c is located between the lip 45 and the flat portion 71d. Note that the gasket 70 does not have to have a concave portion 71c, the flat portion 71d may be connected to the lip 45, and the first surface 71 of the gasket 70 may have the same shape as the first surface 41 of the gasket 40 described above. Similar to the gasket 40 described above, the protrusions 33 and 34 of the separator 36 are accommodated in the grooves 46 and 47 of the second side surface 72 of the gasket 70, respectively, and the gasket 70 is restrained by the separator 36 in both the inward and outward directions, and is fixed to the separator 36, just like the gasket 40. An adhesive may also be used to fix the gasket 70 to the separator 36.

[0112] As shown in Figure 15, the inner height h1 of the lip 45 is higher than the outer height h2 of the lip 45 (inner height h1 > outer height h2). Also, the thickness t1 of the outer surface 71b of the gasket 70 is greater than the thickness t2 of the inner surface 71a of the gasket 70. The outer height h2 of the lip 45 is the distance in the compression direction between the tip 45d of the lip 45 and the flat portion 71d of the outer surface 71b, as shown in Figure 15, for example. The thickness t1 of the outer surface 71b of the gasket 70 is the thickness of the flat portion 71d of the outer surface 71b, as shown in Figure 15, for example.

[0113] As shown in Figure 15, a gasket 60 is attached to the surface 36b of the inner portion 37a of the separator 36, similar to the case of the gasket device 31 described above.

[0114] Next, the operation of the gasket apparatus 35 having the above-described configuration will be explained. As shown in Figure 16, in order to manufacture the water electrolysis apparatus 2, a solid polymer film layer 13 is interposed between two adjacent gasket apparatuses 35, and multiple gasket apparatuses 35 are arranged in the same orientation. In addition, a cathode current collector 18 or an anode current collector 17 is placed in the space between the separator 36 of the gasket apparatus 35 and the solid polymer film layer 13. Specifically, for example, the cathode current collector 18 is placed in the space surrounded by the opening 70a of the first gasket 70, and the anode current collector 17 is placed in the space surrounded by the opening 60a of the second gasket 60. Furthermore, the positions of the multiple gasket apparatuses 35 are aligned, and in particular, the position of the lip 45 of one gasket apparatus 35 is aligned with the position of the lip 45 of the other gasket apparatuses 35. This completes the configuration of the water electrolysis apparatus 2.

[0115] Similar to the gasket devices 30 and 31 described above, the structure of the water electrolysis device 2, formed as shown in Figure 16, is compressed in the stacking direction by bolts and other components used to assemble the water electrolysis device 2. When the lip 45 is compressed by a predetermined amount between the solid polymer film layer 13 and the separator 36, the gasket device 35 enters a usable state. In the usable state, the solid polymer film layer 13 does not contact the outer end 37b of the separator 36 of each gasket device 35, nor does it contact the outer surface 71b of the gasket 70. However, in the usable state, the solid polymer film layer 13 may contact the outer end 37b of the separator 36 of each gasket device 35. Also, in the usable state, the solid polymer film layer 13 may contact the outer surface 71b of the gasket 70. In this case, only the flat portion 71d of the outer surface 71b of the gasket 70 may be in contact with the solid polymer film layer 13, or both the flat portion 71d and the concave portion 71c of the outer surface 71b of the gasket 70 may be in contact with the solid polymer film layer 13.

[0116] On the other hand, in the operating state, the second gasket 60 is compressed between the separator 36 and the solid polymer film layer 13, similar to the case of the gasket device 31 described above, and the entire first side surface 61 is pressed against the solid polymer film layer 13.

[0117] In use, the gasket device 70 operates in the same manner as the gasket devices 30 and 31 described above, sealing the cathode space S1 and the anode space S2. That is, when the lip 45 is compressed, the lip 45 expands into the gap G5 between the inner surface 71a of the first side surface 71 and the solid polymer film layer 13, and into the gap G6 between the outer surface 71b of the first side surface and the solid polymer film layer 13. The lip 45, like the lip 45 of the gasket 40 described above, is more prone to collapsing towards the inner gap G5 than towards the outer gap G6, and is also more prone to deformation by expanding. Furthermore, the outer gap G6 is narrower than the inner gap G5. For this reason, in use, the lip 45 performs a self-sealing function in the same manner as the lip 45 of the gasket devices 30 and 31 described above. Furthermore, since the gasket 70 is in contact with the side wall portion 37c of the stepped portion 37 of the separator 36 at its outer end surface 74, when an outward force is applied to the gasket 70, an inward reaction force is generated, and this reaction force is applied to the gasket 70. This reaction force improves the sealing performance of the lip 45 through self-sealing. In addition, as a result, the gasket 70 can be firmly fixed to the separator 36 not only by the protrusions 33 and 34 but also by the side wall portion 37c of the stepped portion 37, and even if the pressure in the internal space of the water electrolysis device 2 (cathode space S1 and anode space S2) is increased, movement of the gasket 70 inward and outward relative to the separator 36 is suppressed.

[0118] Furthermore, in the operating state, if a portion of the outer surface 71b of the first side surface 71 of the lip 45 (for example, the flat portion 71d) is also in contact with the solid polymer film layer 13, or if both the flat portion 71d and the concave portion 71c of the outer surface 71b of the first side surface 71 of the lip 45 are in contact with the solid polymer film layer 13, the sealing performance due to the self-sealing function of the lip 45 can be further improved.

[0119] As described above, according to the gasket 70 and gasket device 35 of the second embodiment of the present invention, a high sealing function can be achieved even when the pressure in the internal space of the water electrolysis device 2 is increased.

[0120] Next, a modified example of the gasket device 35 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the gasket device 35 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 17, the separator 36 of the gasket device 35 does not have to have protrusions 33 and 34. Correspondingly, the gasket 70 of the gasket device 35 does not have to have grooves 46 and 47, and the second gasket 60 of the gasket device 35 does not have to have protrusions 56 and 57.

[0121] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modified gasket device 35 in use. To manufacture the water electrolysis apparatus 2, the modified gasket devices 35 are arranged in the same manner as the gasket device 35 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. That is, as shown in Figure 18, to manufacture the water electrolysis apparatus 2, a solid polymer film layer 13 is interposed between two adjacent modified gasket devices 35, and multiple modified gasket devices 35 are arranged in the same orientation. The modified gasket devices 35 also form the water electrolysis apparatus 2 and enter a use state, similar to the gasket device 35 according to the second embodiment of the present invention described above, and operate in the same manner as the gasket device 35 according to the second embodiment of the present invention described above.

[0122] In the modified gasket device 35, there is no locking between the gasket 70 and the separator 36 by the protrusions 33 and 34 being accommodated in grooves 46 and 47, but the outer end surface 74 of the gasket 70 is in contact with the side wall portion 37c of the stepped portion 37 of the separator 36. In this way, the side wall portion 37c of the separator 36 restrains the gasket 70 in the inward and outward directions (see arrows a and b in Figure 4). As a result, the gasket 70 can be firmly fixed to the separator 36, and even if the pressure in the internal space of the water electrolysis device 2 (cathode space S1 and anode space S2) is increased, movement of the gasket 70 inward and outward relative to the separator 36 is suppressed.

[0123] Third Embodiment Next, a gasket device 38 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the gasket device 38, which corresponds to the cross-section of the gasket device 30 described above (see Figure 4). The gasket device 38 includes a gasket 75 according to a third embodiment of the present invention, which is different from the gasket 70 of the gasket device 35, and a separator 39, which is different from the separator 36 of the gasket device 35. The gasket device 38 also includes the second gasket 60 of the gasket device 31 described above. The gasket 75, like the gasket 70 described above, corresponds to the gaskets 19 and 20 of the water electrolysis device 2 and extends in an annular shape.Hereafter, regarding the configuration of the gasket device 38, components that have the same configuration or similar function as the gasket devices 30, 31, and 35 described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted, while components that are different from those of the gasket devices 30 and 35 will be described.

[0124] The separator 39 is a plate-shaped separator formed from, for example, a porous carbon material. As shown in Figure 19, the separator 39 has a pair of surfaces 39a and 39b facing away from each other. Surface 39a forms a protruding surface portion 39a1 at the outer end of the separator 39, which protrudes more than the inner surface, and forms a planar or substantially planar surface portion 39a2 inside the protruding surface portion 39a1. The protruding surface portion 39a1 extends in an annular shape and surrounds the planar surface portion 39a2, and surface 39a forms a recess 39a3 surrounded by the protruding surface portion 39a1. Surface 39b is planar or substantially planar, and the planar surface portion 39a2 of surface 39a and surface 39b are parallel or substantially parallel to each other. A groove 39c is formed in the protruding surface portion 39a1 of surface 39a of the separator 39, recessing from the protruding surface portion 39a1. The groove 39c extends along the outer end of the separator 39 and extends in an annular shape. The protrusions 33d and 34d of the separator 32 are not provided on the separator 39.

[0125] As shown in Figure 19, the groove 39c has a bottom surface 39d, an inner wall surface 39e, and an outer wall surface 39f. The inner wall surface 39e is a surface extending from the inner end of the bottom surface 39d to surface 39a, and the outer wall surface 39f is a surface extending from the outer end of the bottom surface 39d to surface 39a. The inner wall surface 39e and the outer wall surface 39f face each other via the bottom surface 39d. The bottom surface 39d is parallel or approximately parallel to surface 39a or surface 39b. The inner wall surface 39e and the outer wall surface 39f extend perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the bottom surface 39d. The inner wall surface 39e and the outer wall surface 39f may be inclined with respect to the bottom surface 39d.

[0126] As shown in Figure 19, the concave surfaces 33b and 34b of the aforementioned separators 32 and 36 are formed on the surface 39b of separator 39. The concave surfaces 33b and 34b are along the outer edge of separator 39 and are formed, for example, facing away from the protruding surface portion 39a1.

[0127] As shown in Figure 19, the gasket 75 has a first side surface 71, a second side surface 72, an inner end surface 73, and an outer end surface 76, similar to the gasket 70, and is formed by the first side surface 71, the second side surface 72, the inner end surface 73, and the outer end surface 76. As shown in Figure 19, the second side surface 72 contacts the bottom surface 39d of the groove 39c of the separator 39. The outer end surface 76 is a surface corresponding to the outer wall surface 39f of the groove 39c of the separator 39 and contacts the outer wall surface 39f. Also, as shown in Figure 19, the inner end surface 73 does not contact the inner wall surface 39e of the groove 39c, and a gap is formed between the inner end surface 73 and the inner wall surface 39e. The flat portion 71d of the first side surface 71 of the gasket 75 is flush or substantially flush with the protruding surface portion 39a1 of the surface 39a of the separator 39, as shown in Figure 19, for example. The flat portion 71d may be located on the side facing the surface 39a rather than the protruding surface 39a1. Alternatively, the flat portion 71d may be located on the side facing the surface 39b rather than the protruding surface 39a1. The gasket 75 does not necessarily have a concave portion 71c, the flat portion 71d may be connected to the lip 45, and the first side surface 71 of the gasket 75 may have the same shape as the first side surface 41 of the gasket 40 described above. The second side surface 72 of the gasket 75 does not necessarily have to be fixed to the bottom surface 39d of the groove 39c of the separator 39, but may be fixed by adhesive or the like.

[0128] As shown in Figure 19, the inner height h1 of the lip 45 is higher than the outer height h2 of the lip 45 (inner height h1 > outer height h2). Also, the thickness t1 of the outer surface 71b of the gasket 75 is greater than the thickness t2 of the inner surface 71a of the gasket 75. The outer height h2 of the lip 45 is the distance in the compression direction between the tip 45d of the lip 45 and the flat portion 71d of the outer surface 71b, as shown in Figure 19, for example. The thickness t1 of the outer surface 71b of the gasket 75 is the thickness of the flat portion 71d of the outer surface 71b, as shown in Figure 19, for example.

[0129] As shown in Figure 19, a gasket 60 is attached to the surface 39b of the separator 39, similar to the case of the gasket device 31 described above.

[0130] Next, the operation of the gasket apparatus 38 having the above-described configuration will be explained. As shown in Figure 20, in order to manufacture the water electrolysis apparatus 2, a solid polymer film layer 13 is interposed between two adjacent gasket apparatuses 38, and multiple gasket apparatuses 38 are arranged in the same orientation. In addition, a cathode current collector 18 or an anode current collector 17 is placed in the space between the solid polymer film layer 13 and the separator 39 of the gasket apparatus 38 (the concave portion 39a3 of the separator 39). Specifically, for example, the cathode current collector 18 is placed in the space surrounded by the opening 75a of the first gasket 75, and the anode current collector 17 is placed in the space surrounded by the opening 60a of the second gasket 60. Furthermore, the positions of the multiple gasket apparatuses 38 are aligned, and in particular, the position of the lip 45 of one gasket apparatus 38 is aligned with the position of the lip 45 of the other gasket apparatuses 38. This completes the configuration of the water electrolysis apparatus 2.

[0131] Similar to the gasket devices 30 and 31 described above, the configuration of the water electrolysis device 2, formed as shown in Figure 20, is compressed in the stacking direction by bolts and other components used to assemble the water electrolysis device 2. When the lip 45 is compressed by a predetermined amount between the solid polymer film layer 13 and the separator 39, the gasket device 38 is ready for use. In the ready for use state, the solid polymer film layer 13 does not contact the protruding surface portion 39a1 of the separator 39 of each gasket device 38, nor does it contact the outer surface portion 71b of the gasket 75. However, in the ready for use state, the solid polymer film layer 13 may contact the protruding surface portion 39a1 of the separator 39 of each gasket device 38. Also, in the ready for use state, the solid polymer film layer 13 may contact the outer surface portion 71b of the gasket 75. In this case, only the flat portion 71d of the outer surface 71b of the gasket 75 may be in contact with the solid polymer film layer 13, or both the flat portion 71d and the concave portion 71c of the outer surface 71b of the gasket 75 may be in contact with the solid polymer film layer 13.

[0132] On the other hand, in the operating state, the second gasket 60 is compressed between the separator 39 and the solid polymer film layer 13, similar to the case of the gasket device 31 described above, and the entire first side surface 61 is pressed against the solid polymer film layer 13.

[0133] In operation, the gasket device 38 operates in the same manner as the gasket device 30 described above, sealing the cathode space S1 and the anode space S2. That is, when the lip 45 is compressed, the lip 45 seals the gap G5 between the inner surface 71a of the first side surface 71 and the solid polymer film layer 13, and the first side surface 71 The lip 45 expands and bulges into the gap G6 between the outer surface 71b and the solid polymer film layer 13. Similar to the lip 45 of the gasket 40 described above, the lip 45 is more likely to tilt towards the inner gap G5 than towards the outer gap G6, and is also more likely to deform in a bulging manner. Furthermore, the outer gap G6 is narrower than the inner gap G5. For this reason, in use, the lip 45 performs a self-sealing function similar to the lip 45 of the gasket devices 30, 31, and 35 described above. In addition, since the gasket 75 is in contact with the outer wall surface 39f of the groove 39c of the separator 39 at its outer end surface 76, when an outward force is applied to the gasket 75, an inward reaction force is generated, and this reaction force is applied to the gasket 75. This reaction force improves the sealing performance of the lip 45 due to its self-sealing action. Furthermore, this allows the gasket 75 to be firmly fixed to the separator 39, and even if the pressure in the internal space of the water electrolysis device 2 (cathode space S1 and anode space S2) is increased, movement of the gasket 75 inward and outward relative to the separator 39 is suppressed.

[0134] Furthermore, in the operating state, if a portion of the outer surface 71b of the first side surface 71 of the lip 45 (for example, the flat portion 71d) is also in contact with the solid polymer film layer 13, or if both the flat portion 71d and the concave portion 71c of the outer surface 71b of the first side surface 71 of the lip 45 are in contact with the solid polymer film layer 13, the sealing performance due to the self-sealing function of the lip 45 can be further improved.

[0135] As described above, according to the gasket 75 and gasket device 38 of the third embodiment of the present invention, a high sealing function can be achieved even when the pressure in the internal space of the water electrolysis device 2 is increased.

[0136] Next, a modified example of the gasket device 38 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the gasket device 38 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 21, the separator 39 of the gasket device 38 does not have to have concave surfaces 33b, 34b. Correspondingly, the second gasket 60 of the gasket device 38 does not have to have convex portions 56, 57.

[0137] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modified gasket device 38 in use. To manufacture the water electrolysis apparatus 2, the modified gasket devices 38 are arranged in the same manner as the gasket device 38 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. That is, as shown in Figure 22, to manufacture the water electrolysis apparatus 2, a solid polymer film layer 13 is interposed between two adjacent modified gasket devices 38, and multiple modified gasket devices 38 are arranged in the same orientation. The modified gasket devices 38 also form the water electrolysis apparatus 2 and enter use, and operate in the same manner as the gasket device 38 according to the third embodiment of the present invention described above.

[0138] Next, other applications of the gasket device or gasket according to the present invention will be described. The gasket device or gasket according to the present invention can be used, for example, in a fuel cell. Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of a fuel cell 140 in which the gasket device according to the present invention is used. As shown in Figure 23, the fuel cell 140 has end walls 141, 142, a plurality of separators 143, a plurality of solid polymer film layers 144, a plurality of gas diffusion layers 148, a plurality of gas diffusion layers 149 and a plurality of gaskets 150, 151, 152. The fuel cell 140 is a solid polymer fuel cell.

[0139] The end walls 141 and 142 are flat metal plates arranged parallel to each other. However, minute recesses (not shown) that serve as gas passages are formed in the end walls 141 and 142. End wall 141 is provided with a conduit 141a for introducing oxygen-containing air into the fuel cell 140, and a conduit 141b for releasing oxygen gas and moisture-containing air from the fuel cell 140. End wall 142 is provided with a conduit 142a for introducing hydrogen gas into the fuel cell 140, and a conduit 142b for releasing hydrogen gas from the fuel cell 140.

[0140] Multiple separators 143 are arranged between the end walls 141 and 142. The separators 143 are flat metal plates and are arranged parallel to each other. Although the separators 143 are flat metal plates, tiny recesses (not shown) that serve as gas passages are formed in the separators 143 as well.

[0141] The space between the end wall 141 and the adjacent separator 143 forms a reaction cell 154 where a chemical reaction between hydrogen gas and oxygen gas occurs. A solid polymer film layer 144 is positioned between the end wall 141 and the adjacent separator 143. The solid polymer film layer 144 has a solid polymer film (polymer electrolyte membrane) 145 and oxygen electrode films 146 and hydrogen electrode films 147 fixed to both sides of the solid polymer film 145, respectively. Therefore, the solid polymer film layer 144 is a CCM (catalyst coated membrane). The oxygen electrode films 146 and hydrogen electrode films 147 are porous, and they are coated with a catalyst that promotes the reaction. The catalyst includes, for example, platinum. The catalyst coated on the oxygen electrode film 146 may be different from the catalyst coated on the hydrogen electrode film 147.

[0142] Of the hydrogen gas introduced from pipeline 142a, H +The solid polymer film layer 144 passes from the hydrogen electrode film 147 to the oxygen electrode film 146, reacting with oxygen gas introduced from the pipe 141a to produce pure water. The electrical energy generated at this time can be extracted from the hydrogen electrode film 147 and the oxygen electrode film 146. The produced pure water and H + Any excess oxygen that did not react with the oxygen is discharged through pipe 141b. Similarly, any excess hydrogen that did not react with the oxygen is discharged through pipe 142b.

[0143] A reaction cell 154 is also formed between two adjacent separators 143. A solid polymer film layer 144 is also positioned between two adjacent separators 143.

[0144] A reaction cell 154 is also formed between the end wall 142 and the separator 143 adjacent to the end wall 142. A solid polymer film layer 144 is also positioned between the end wall 142 and the separator 143 adjacent to the end wall 142.

[0145] Thus, the separator 143 functions as a partition wall that divides the reaction cell 154. The end walls 141 and 142 also divide the reaction cell 154 and can therefore be called separators. Adjacent reaction cells 154 are connected by tubes 156a and 156b.

[0146] A gas diffusion layer 148 is positioned between the hydrogen electrode film 147 and the separator 143, and a gas diffusion layer 149 is positioned between the oxygen electrode film 146 and the separator 143. These gas diffusion layers 148 and 149 are formed from a porous material, such as a nonwoven fabric.

[0147] However, a cooling water layer 155 is provided between two adjacent reaction cells 154. Cooling water flows within the cooling water layer 155, cooling the reaction cells 154 that have generated heat through the chemical reaction. Each cooling water layer 155 is sandwiched between two adjacent separators 143.

[0148] An elastomer gasket 151 is sandwiched between the end wall (separator) 141 and the adjacent solid polymer film layer 144. The gasket 151 surrounds the gas diffusion layer 149 all around. The gasket 151 is compressed between the end wall 141 and the solid polymer film layer 144.

[0149] An elastomer gasket 150 is sandwiched between the separator 143 and the solid polymer film layer 144 located above and adjacent to the separator 143 in the diagram. The gasket 150 surrounds the gas diffusion layer 148 all around. The gasket 150 is compressed between the separator 143 and the solid polymer film layer 144.

[0150] An elastomer gasket 151 is sandwiched between the separator 143 and the solid polymer film layer 144 located below the separator 143 in the diagram. The gasket 151 surrounds the gas diffusion layer 149 all around. The gasket 151 is compressed between the separator 143 and the solid polymer film layer 144.

[0151] An elastomer gasket 150 is sandwiched between the end wall (separator) 142 and the adjacent solid polymer film layer 144. The gasket 150 surrounds the gas diffusion layer 148 all around. The gasket 150 is compressed between the end wall 142 and the solid polymer film layer 144.

[0152] In Figure 23, only the solid polymer film 145 of the solid polymer film layer 144 is in contact with the gaskets 150 and 151. However, the solid polymer film 145, oxygen electrode film 146, and hydrogen electrode film 147 of the solid polymer film layer 144 may also be in contact with the gaskets 150 and 151.

[0153] An elastomer gasket 152 is sandwiched between two adjacent separators 143. The gasket 152 surrounds the coolant layer 155 all around. The gasket 152 is compressed by the two adjacent separators 143.

[0154] The fuel cell 140 in Figure 23 is integrated by a clamping device or bolts and nuts to prevent each element from coming loose.

[0155] The vertical direction in Figure 23 does not necessarily correspond to the operating state of the fuel cell 140. The fuel cell 140 may be used with the end walls 141, 142, separator 143, and solid polymer film layer 144 in an upright position.

[0156] Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a plurality of gasket devices according to the second embodiment of the present invention arranged in a row. In this view, the above-described gasket device 31 is being used. When the gasket device 31 is in use, the lip 45 of the gasket 40 is compressed in the compression direction, but Figure 24 shows the state in which the gaskets 40 and 60 are not compressed.

[0157] The gasket 150 surrounding the gas diffusion layer 148 in Figure 23 corresponds to the second gasket 60. The gasket 151 surrounding the gas diffusion layer 149 corresponds to the first gasket 40. The gasket 152 surrounding the cooling water layer 155 corresponds to the second gasket 60 of one gasket device 31 and the first gasket 40 of another gasket device 31 adjacent to it. In other words, gasket 152 is a combination of the second gasket 60 and the first gasket 40. The upper and lower sides of Figure 24 are the opposite of the upper and lower sides of Figure 23.

[0158] Separator 32 corresponds to any of the end walls 141, 142 and separator 143 described above. In Figure 23, a gasket 151 is provided on only one side of end wall 141, but gaskets may be fixed to both sides of end wall 141 (separator 32). Also, in Figure 23, a gasket 151 is provided on only one side of end wall 142, but gaskets may be fixed to both sides of end wall 142 (separator 32).

[0159] As shown in Figure 24, multiple gasket devices 31 are arranged in a row, with a solid polymer film layer 144 interposed between two specific gasket devices 31. A gas diffusion layer 149 is placed in the space surrounded by the opening 40a of the first gasket 40, and a gas diffusion layer 148 is placed in the space surrounded by the opening 60a of the second gasket 60. However, since a cooling water layer 155 is provided between the reaction cells 154, the solid polymer film layer 144 is not provided between adjacent reaction cells 154, and the first gasket 40 is in direct contact with the second gasket 60 between adjacent reaction cells 154.

[0160] The positions of the multiple gasket devices 31 are aligned, and in particular, the position of the lip 45 of one gasket device 31 is aligned with the position of the lip 45 of another gasket device 31. In this way, the multiple gasket devices 31 are arranged side by side, with a solid polymer film layer 144 sandwiched between the gaskets 40 and 60 of two specific gasket devices 31, and the gaskets 40 and 60 of two specific gasket devices 31 in direct contact, thus arranging the components of the fuel cell 140.

[0161] In the example shown in Figure 24, the multiple gasket devices 31 are arranged in the same orientation. That is, in each gasket device 31, the first gasket 40 is positioned on the end wall 142 side (see Figure 23), and the second gasket 60 is positioned on the end wall 141 side.

[0162] In the reaction cell 154, a solid polymer film layer 144 is sandwiched between the lip 45 of the first gasket 40 and the first side surface 61 of the second gasket 60 of two adjacent gasket devices 31. The first side surface 61 is in surface contact with the solid polymer film layer 144.

[0163] The lip 45 of the first gasket 40 of two adjacent gasket devices 31 surrounding the cooling water layer 155 is brought into direct contact with the first side surface 61 of the second gasket 60.

[0164] Next, the structure of the fuel cell 140, as shown in Figure 24, is compressed in the stacking direction (compression direction of the gasket device 31) by members such as bolts that integrate the fuel cell 140. As a result, the lip 45 of the first gasket 40 is compressed between the separator 32 and the solid polymer film layer 144, changing its shape. As shown in Figure 25, when the lip 45 is compressed until the solid polymer film layer 144 contacts the outer surface 41b of the gasket 40, the fuel cell 140 is assembled and the gasket device 31 is ready for use. Thus, in the ready-to-use state of the gasket device 31, the lip 45 is compressed until the solid polymer film layer 144 contacts the outer surface 41b. Meanwhile, in the ready-to-use state, the second gasket 60 is compressed between the separator 32 and the solid polymer film layer 144, and the entire first side surface 61 is pressed against the solid polymer film layer 144.

[0165] In operation, the gasket device 31 in the fuel cell 140 functions similarly to the gasket device 31 in the water electrolysis device 2 described above, sealing the space where the gas diffusion layers 148 and 149 are located and the cooling water layer 155. Furthermore, in the fuel cell 140, the gasket device 31 also performs a self-sealing function similar to the gasket device 31 in the water electrolysis device 2 described above. In this way, the gasket device 31 can improve sealing performance in the fuel cell 140 as well.

[0166] As described above, the gasket device 31 according to a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention can exhibit a high sealing function even when the pressure in the internal space of the fuel cell 140 is increased.

[0167] In the example shown in Figures 13 and 14, the multiple gasket devices 31 are arranged in the same orientation. That is, in each gasket device 31, the first gasket 40 is positioned on the cathode side, surrounding the cathode current collector 18, and the second gasket 60 is positioned on the anode side, surrounding the anode current collector 17. However, the first gasket 40 may be positioned on the anode side, surrounding the anode current collector 17, and the second gasket 60 may be positioned on the cathode side, surrounding the cathode current collector 18. Furthermore, the multiple gasket devices 31 may be arranged in different orientations.

[0168] In the examples shown in Figures 24 and 25, the multiple gasket devices 31 are arranged in the same orientation. That is, in each gasket device 31, the first gasket 40 is positioned on the end wall 142 side (see Figure 23), and the second gasket 60 is positioned on the end wall 141 side. However, in the fuel cell 140, the orientation of the gasket devices 31 may be reversed, with the first gasket 40 positioned on the end wall 141 side and the second gasket 60 on the end wall 142 side. In this case, the first gasket 40 surrounds the gas diffusion layer 148, and the second gasket 60 surrounds the gas diffusion layer 149 or the cooling water layer 155. Furthermore, the multiple gasket devices 31 may be arranged so that two adjacent gasket devices 31 are oriented in different directions.

[0169] While the case in which gasket device 31 is used with respect to the fuel cell 140 has been described, the gasket device used in the fuel cell 140 is not limited to gasket device 31. Other forms of gasket devices may be used with the fuel cell 140. In other words, gasket devices 30, 35, and 38 may be used with the fuel cell 140 in the same way as the gasket device 31 described above.

[0170] Although the present invention has been described above through the embodiments described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the embodiments above. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be made to the embodiments described above. It will be clear from the claims that such modified or improved forms may also be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0171] The embodiments described above are for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit its interpretation. Furthermore, the embodiments described above do not limit the scope of application of the present invention, and the present invention may encompass anything as its target application. The components of the above embodiments, as well as their arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, and sizes, are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. For example, the present invention includes differences that arise in the implementation of manufacturing tolerances, etc. Furthermore, components shown in different embodiments can be partially substituted or combined to the extent that they do not contradict each other in a technical sense. In addition, each configuration can be selectively combined as appropriate to achieve at least some of the problems and effects described above.

[0172] For example, the gasket devices 30 and 31 do not necessarily have protrusions 33 and 34, grooves 46 and 47, and protrusions 56 and 57. The first gasket 40 and the separator 32 may be bonded together with an adhesive, and the second gaskets 50 and 60 and the separator 32 may be bonded together with an adhesive.

[0173] The shape of the lips 45 and 55 of gaskets 40, 50, 70, and 75 is not limited to the approximately triangular shape with a curved tip shown in the illustration, but may be of other shapes.

[0174] Alternatively, instead of the solid polymer film layer 13 of the water electrolysis apparatus 2, the solid polymer film layer 13A shown in Figure 26 may be used. The solid polymer film layer 13A comprises the solid polymer film layer 13 described above and a reinforcing frame 13a attached to the periphery of the solid polymer film layer 13, covering both sides of the periphery of the solid polymer film layer 13. The reinforcing frame 13a is formed from a resin film and reinforces the soft solid polymer film layer 13, making it easier to handle. The material of the reinforcing frame 13a is, for example, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN). The periphery of the solid polymer film layer 13 to which the reinforcing frame 13a is attached may consist only of the solid polymer film 14 (see Figure 2), or it may include the solid polymer film 14 and catalyst films 15 and / or 16.

[0175] In this case, as shown in Figure 26, the first gasket 40 and the second gasket 50 may be in contact with the reinforcing frames on both sides of the solid polymer film layer 13A, respectively. Figure 26 shows the use of the solid polymer film layer 13A in the example of Figure 7, but the solid polymer film layer 13A may be used in other examples as well.

[0176] Although not shown, a reinforcing frame covering both sides of the solid polymer film layer 144 may be attached to the periphery of the solid polymer film layer 144 used in the second embodiment to reinforce the weak solid polymer film layer 144. In this case, the gasket of this embodiment may be in contact with the reinforcing frame. The periphery of the solid polymer film layer 144 to which the reinforcing frame is attached may consist only of the solid polymer film 145 (see Figure 23), or it may include the solid polymer film 145 and the oxygen electrode film 146 and / or the hydrogen electrode film 147. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0177] 1 rectifier, 2 water electrolyzer, 3 pure water Manufacturing equipment, 4. Pure water storage tank, 5. Oxygen gas-liquid separator, 6. Hydrogen gas-liquid separator, 7. Dehumidifier, 8. Hydrogen storage cylinder, 10,11 End wall, 10a,11a,11b Pipeline, 12 Separator, 12a,12b Through hole, 13,13A Solid polymer film layer, 13a Reinforcement frame, 14 Solid polymer film, 15,16 Catalyst, 17 Anode current collector, 18 Cathode current collector, 19,20 Gasket, 21 Electrolytic cell, 30,31,35,38 Gasket device, 32,36,39 Separator, 32a,32b,36a,36b,39a,39b Surface, 33,34 Convex part, 33a,34a Convex surface, 33b,34b Concave surface, 33c,34c Recess, 33d,34d Convex part, 37 Stepped part, 37a Inner part, 37b Outer end, 37c Side wall portion, 39a1 Protruding surface portion, 39a2 Flat portion, 39a3 Recess, 39c Groove, 39d Bottom surface, 39e Inner wall surface, 39f Outer wall surface, 40 First gasket, 40a Opening, 41 First side surface, 41a Inner side surface, 41b Outer side surface, 42 Second side surface, 42a, 42b, 42c Contact surface, 43 Inner end surface, 44 Outer end surface, 45 Lip, 45a Inner inclined surface, 45b Outer inclined surface, 45c Tip surface, 45d Tip, 46, 47 Grooves, 46a, 47a Projections, 50, 60 Second gasket, 50a Opening, 51, 61 First side surface, 51a Inner side surface, 51b Outer side surface, 52 Second side surface, 52a, 52b, 52c Contact surface, 53 54 Inner end face, 55 Outer end face, 55 Lip, 55a Inner inclined surface, 55b Outer inclined surface, 55c Tip surface, 55d Tip, 56, 57 Convex portion, 56a, 57a Recessed portion, 70, 75 Gasket, 70a Opening, 71 First side surface, 71a Inner side surface, 71b Outer side surface, 71c Concave portion, 71d Flat portion, 72 Second side surface, 73 Inner end face, 74, 76 Outer end face, 140 Fuel cell, 141, 142 End wall, 141a, 141b, 142a, 142b Pipeline, 143 Separator, 144 Solid polymer film layer, 146 Oxygen electrode film, 147 Hydrogen electrode film, 148, 149 Gas diffusion layer, 150, 151, 152 Gasket, 154 Reaction cell, 155 Cooling water layer, 156a, 156b Pipeline, G1, G2, G3, G4 Gap, h1, h11 Inner height, h2, h12 Outer height, P1, P2 Reference plane, S1 Cathode space, S2 Anode space, t1, t2, t11, t12 Height, w1, w11 Inner width, w2, w12 Outer width

Claims

1. A gasket made of an elastic material for sealing the space between opposing members in a water electrolysis device or fuel cell, It is annular and has a pair of faces that face away from each other, and is fixed to one of the two faces of the separator. The lip extends in a ring shape, On the side of the aforementioned space, the inner surface is an annular surface that connects to the lip, An outer surface which is an annular surface connected to the lip on the opposite side of the aforementioned space, The inner end surface is an annular surface facing inward, The outer end surface is an annular surface facing outwards, It is equipped with, The lip is configured to protrude in the direction facing one of the pair of surfaces of the separator. The height of the lip on the side facing the space is higher than the height of the lip on the opposite side of the space. The aforementioned inner surface is connected to the aforementioned inner end surface, The outer surface is connected to the outer end surface. gasket.

2. The height of the lip on the space side is the distance between the tip of the lip and the inner surface in the direction in which the lip protrudes, The height of the lip on the side opposite to the space is the distance between the tip of the lip and the outer surface in the direction in which the lip protrudes. The gasket according to claim 1.

3. The lip is configured to contact a member facing the separator, The outer surface is in contact with the member. The gasket according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The inner surface and the outer surface extend along one of the pair of surfaces of the separator. The gasket according to claim 1.

5. The separator has one or more annular protrusions formed on the pair of surfaces of the separator, each having one or more annular recesses that accommodate them. The gasket according to claim 1.

6. The separator has one or more annular protrusions that are housed in one or more annular recesses formed on the pair of surfaces of the separator. The gasket according to claim 1.

7. A gasket device for sealing the space between opposing members in a water electrolysis device or fuel cell, A gasket formed from an elastic material, It comprises a separator having a pair of surfaces facing away from each other, The gasket is annular in shape and fixed to one of the pair of surfaces of the separator so as to enclose the space, and has an annular lip projecting in the direction facing one of the pair of surfaces of the separator, an inner surface which is an annular surface connected to the lip on the side of the space, an outer surface which is an annular surface connected to the lip on the opposite side of the space, an inner end surface which is an annular surface facing inward, and an outer end surface which is an annular surface facing outward. The height of the lip on the side facing the space is higher than the height of the lip on the opposite side of the space. The aforementioned inner surface is connected to the aforementioned inner end surface, The outer surface is connected to the outer end surface. Gasket device.

8. The height of the lip on the space side is the distance between the tip of the lip and the inner surface in the direction in which the lip protrudes, The height of the lip on the side opposite to the space is the distance between the tip of the lip and the outer surface in the direction in which the lip protrudes. The gasket device according to claim 7.

9. The lip is configured to contact a member facing the separator in the direction in which one of the pair of surfaces of the separator faces, The outer surface is in contact with the member. The gasket device according to claim 7 or 8.

10. The inner surface and the outer surface extend along one of the pair of surfaces of the separator. The gasket device according to claim 9.

11. The separator has at least one annular recess, The recess is formed on one or the other of the pair of surfaces, The gasket is attached to the portion of the separator that includes the recess. The gasket device according to claim 7.

12. With other gaskets formed from an elastic material, The other gasket is annular and is attached to the other of the pair of surfaces of the separator, facing away from the gasket, so as to enclose the space. The gasket device according to claim 7.

13. The other gasket has an annular lip that protrudes in the direction facing the other of the pair of surfaces of the separator, an inner surface which is an annular surface that connects to the lip on the side of the space, an outer surface which is an annular surface that connects to the lip on the side opposite to the space, an inner end surface which is an annular surface that faces inward, and an outer end surface which is an annular surface that faces outward. The height of the lip of the other gasket on the side facing the space is greater than the height of the lip of the other gasket on the opposite side of the space. In the other gasket, the inner surface is connected to the inner end surface, In the other gasket, the outer surface is connected to the outer end surface. The gasket device according to claim 12.

14. The height of the lip of the other gasket on the space side is the distance between the tip of the lip of the other gasket and the inner surface of the other gasket in the direction in which the lip of the other gasket protrudes. The height of the lip of the other gasket on the side opposite to the space is the distance between the tip of the lip of the other gasket and the outer surface of the other gasket in the direction in which the lip of the other gasket protrudes. The gasket device according to claim 13.

15. The lip of the other gasket is in contact with the separator and with another member facing the other of the pair of surfaces of the separator, The outer surface is in contact with the other member. The gasket device according to claim 13 or 14.

16. The inner surface and outer surface of the other gasket extend along the other of the pair of surfaces of the separator. The gasket device according to claim 15.

17. The other gasket has a surface that extends annularly along the other of the pair of surfaces of the separator. The gasket device according to claim 12.

18. The separator has a stepped portion that forms a step on one of the pair of surfaces facing each other. The aforementioned stepped portion extends in an annular shape, The gasket is in contact with the step in the portion of the lip that is opposite to the space. The gasket device according to claim 7.

19. The separator has an annular groove recessed into the other side of the pair of surfaces, The gasket is provided in the groove, The gasket device according to claim 7.

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