Sealed box and fuel cell system

Abstract

The present utility model relates to a sealed box (1), which includes a box body (10) having a receiving opening (12) open in a first direction (Z); a cover body (20) configured to be arranged on the box body (10) to cover the receiving opening (12); and a seal (30) arranged between the box body (10) and the cover body (20) for fluid sealing of the external environment of the receiving opening (12) relative to the sealed box (1), wherein a step (16) is configured on the edge (14) of the receiving opening (12) in the first direction (Z) and the seal (30) seals between the step (16) and the cover body (20). The present utility model further relates to a fuel cell system having a sealed box. The present utility model effectively prevents the failure of the sealing ring due to electrochemical corrosion, extending the service life and improving the sealing properties of the device as well as the reliability of operation.

Description

[0001] SEALED BOX AND FUEL CELL SYSTEM

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present utility model relates to the field of sealing, in particular to a sealed box, particularly for use in fuel cell systems. The present utility model further relates to a fuel cell system having such a sealed box.

[0004] Background Art

[0005] In the prior art, a sealed box made of metal includes a box body having an opening and a cover body. An opening edge of the box body is configured as a flat surface, the cover body is constructed as a plate and covers the flat surface of the box body in a planar manner, thereby blocking the opening of the box body.

[0006] To achieve a fluid seal between the box body and the cover body at the interface, a sealing ring is generally arranged between the flat surface of the box body and the (inner) surface of the cover body, thereby fluidly sealing the opening of the box body relative to the outside environment of the box through the sealing ring.

[0007] However, when the sealed box operates in a humid or a liquid environment, liquid, such as water and the like, often accumulates between the sealing ring and the opening edge, i.e., at the sealing surface. Accumulation of liquid on the opening edge surface of the metal box body for a long time causes damage to the sealing ring due to electrochemical corrosion and consequently sealing failure. This not only affects the service life of the sealing ring and the sealing effect, but also seriously affects the operational reliability of the components within the sealed box.

[0008] As a result, there is still a need for improvement to address numerous deficiencies in the prior art.

[0009] Summary of Utility Model

[0010] In order to overcome one of the above shortcomings and / or other possible shortcomings in the prior art not mentioned herein, the purpose of the present utility model is to propose an improved sealed box.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present utility model, a sealed box is proposed, the sealed box includes: a box body having a receiving opening open in a first direction; a cover body configured to be arranged on the box body to cover the receiving opening; and a seal arranged between the box body and the cover body for fluid sealing of the receiving opening relative to an external environment of the sealed box, wherein a step is configured on the edge of the receiving opening in the first direction, and the seal seals between the step and the cover body.

[0012] The basic concept of the present utility model is that there will be virtually no liquid left on the sealing surface by disposing the step such that the plane or sealing surface in which the seal is located is higher than the plane where there may be liquid left. This construction effectively reduces or even prevents the failure of the seal due to electrochemical corrosion, thereby improving the sealability of the device and the system as well as the service life and ensuring the operational reliability thereof.

[0013] The advantageous configuration of the technical solution of the present utility model can be obtained from the following optional examples.

[0014] According to an optional example of the sealed box of the present utility model, the step has the same height in the first direction. This example makes it simple to manufacture the box body.

[0015] According to an optional example of the sealed box of the present utility model, the step has a flat surface parallel to the plane in which the edge of the receiving opening is located. This example facilitates the arrangement of the seal and improves sealability.

[0016] According to an optional example of the sealed box of the present utility model, the edge of the receiving opening is recessed relative to the box body to form a recess. On one hand, this example enables the cover to be arranged in the recess, On the other hand, a drainage channel is formed between the inner peripheral wall of the recess and the outer peripheral wall of the step, and water can be temporarily left in the drainage channel without contacting the seal arranged on the step. In the case of high water flow, water can also be drained from the drainage channel in different directions. This further reduces the risk of electrochemical corrosion at the seal or sealing surface.

[0017] According to an optional example of the sealed box of the present utility model, the step has a trapezoidal cross-section in the plane in which the first direction is located. This example achieves the inclination of the outer perimeter of the step relative to the first direction, thereby facilitating the flow of water from the sealing surface into the drainage channel.

[0018] According to an optional example of the sealed box of the present utility model, the cover body is arranged in the recess and has a shape that matches the recess. This example is simple in structure and easy to manufacture.

[0019] According to an optional example of the sealed box of the present utility model, the cover body has a thickness that matches the depth of the recess such that the cover body in the recess is flush with the box body in the first direction. This example achieves a flush appearance.

[0020] According to an optional example of the sealed box of the present utility model, a threaded hole is constructed on the edge of the receiving opening and a through hole corresponding to the threaded hole is constructed on the cover body, where a screw can pass through the through hole and be inserted into the threaded hole to secure the cover body to the box body. This example is simple in structure, compact and the connection between components is highly secure.

[0021] According to an optional example of the sealed box of the present utility model, a water chute for directing liquid is configured on the outer perimeter of the step, the water chute extending from the upper surface of the step to a surface of the edge of the receiving opening. This example further reduces the likelihood of water being left on the step and therefore further reduces the risk of electrochemical corrosion at the sealing surface.

[0022] According to an optional example of the sealed box of the present utility model, the seal is configured to be at least elastically deformable. This example is cost-effective and simple in structure.

[0023] According to an optional example of the sealed box of the present utility model, the seal has a shape that matches the step. This example is simple in structure and easy to assemble.

[0024] According to an optional example of the sealed box of the present utility model, the outer perimeter of the seal has a smooth contour. By disposing a smooth contour, it is easier to drain water from the outer perimeter of the seal, thereby further reducing the risk of electrochemical corrosion at the sealing surface.

[0025] According to an optional example of the sealed box of the present utility model, the cover body is configured as a flat metal cover plate. This example is simple in structure and easy to process.

[0026] According to an optional example of the sealed box of the present utility model, the box body is constructed as a metal die-cast box body. This example has a favorable manufacturing cost and is strong.

[0027] According to an optional example of the sealed box of the present utility model, the seal is a rubber sealing ring. This example has a favorable cost.

[0028] According to a second aspect of the present utility model, a fuel cell system is proposed, the fuel cell system including a sealed box according to any of the above examples.

[0029] More features of the present utility model become apparent from the Claims, the accompanying drawings, and the description of the accompanying drawings. The features and combinations of features referred to in the above description and / or those mentioned in the following description of the accompanying drawings and / or only shown in the accompanying drawings may be used not only in the corresponding designated combinations, but also in other combinations without departing from the scope of the present utility model. Therefore, the following content is also considered to be covered and disclosed by the present utility model: the content is not expressly shown in the accompanying drawings and are not expressly explained, but rather derived from and produced from combinations of separate features in the explained content. The following combinations of content and features are also considered to be disclosed: it does not have all of the features of the original written independent claim. Further, the following combination of content and features is considered to be disclosed particularly above: it exceeds or deviates from the combination of features defined in the citation of the Claims.

[0030] Description of Accompanying Drawings

[0031] Other optional details and features of the present utility model are obtained from the following description of preferred examples shown schematically in the accompanying drawings. Here,

[0032] Figure 1 shows a stereoscopic view of a box body of a sealed box in the prior art;

[0033] Figure 2 shows an A-A cross-sectional view of the sealed box in FIG. 1, wherein the cover body is secured to the box body;

[0034] Figure 3 shows a stereoscopic view of a box body according to an example of a sealed box of the present utility model;

[0035] Figure 4 shows a B-B cross-sectional view of the sealed box in FIG. 3, with the cover body not arranged on the box body;

[0036] Figure 5 shows a B’-B’ cross-sectional view of the sealed box of FIG. 3, with the cover body secured to the box body.

[0037] List of appended drawings

[0038] 1 Sealed box

[0039] 10 Box body

[0040] 12 Receiving opening

[0041] 14 Edge

[0042] 16 Step

[0043] 18 Threaded hole

[0044] 20 Cover body

[0045] 22 Recess

[0046] 24 Through hole

[0047] 30 Seal

[0048] L Drainage direction

[0049] XYZ XYZ coordinates

[0050] Z First direction.

[0051] Specific Embodiments

[0052] In order to make the technical problems to be solved, technical solutions and beneficial technical effects of the present disclosure clearer, the present disclosure will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and various exemplary examples. It should be understood that the specific examples described here are only intended to explain the present utility model and not to limit the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0053] Further, the features in the examples of the present utility model may be combined with one another without conflict. The same components are indicated by the same reference numbers in different accompanying drawings, and other components are omitted for simplicity, but this does not indicate that the technical solutions of the present utility model cannot include other components. It should be understood that the dimensions, the proportional relationship and the number of various components in the accompanying drawings are not a limitation to the present utility model.

[0054] The sealed box 1 in the prior art is described below in connection with Figures 1 and 2. For clarity, the XYZ coordinate system is indicated in the accompanying drawings, where, for example, the X direction represents the length direction when the sealed box 1 is level, the Y direction represents the width direction when the sealed box 1 is level, and the Z direction represents the direction perpendicular to the X-Y plane facing upward when the sealed box 1 is level, i.e. the first direction Z.

[0055] Figure 1 shows a stereoscopic view of the box body 10 of the sealed box 1 in the prior art. Figure 2 shows an A-A cross-sectional view of the sealed box 1 in Figure 1, with the cover body 20 secured to the box body 10. The sealed box 1 is exemplarily used in a fuel cell system.

[0056] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sealed box 1 includes a box body 10 configured as a cast aluminum box body having a receiving opening 12 that is open upwardly in the first direction Z, i.e., in the accompanying drawing, the edge 14 of the receiving opening 12 is recessed relative to the box body 10, i.e., recessed in a direction opposite the first direction Z, forming a recess 22. Relevant components of the fuel cell system are received in the box body 10 (not shown in detail). Further, the sealed box 1 further includes a cover body 20 (refer to Figure 2) that can be arranged on the box body 10 to cover the receiving opening 12. To fluidly seal the receiving opening 12 relative to the exterior environment of the sealed box 1, the sealed box 1 further includes a seal 30 arranged on the edge 14 of the receiving opening 12.

[0057] A threaded hole 18 is provided on the edge 14 of the receiving opening 12, a through hole 24 corresponding to the threaded hole 18 is provided on the cover body 20, where a screw (not shown) can pass through the through hole 24 and be inserted into the threaded hole 18 to secure the cover body 20 to the box body 10 and therefore clamp the seal 30 between the box body 10 and the cover body 20. Generally, when the sealed box 1 is operating in a humid environment, fluid, such as water, accumulates in the gap between the cover body 20 and the box body 10 and is in contact with the outer perimeter of the seal 30 for a long time if it cannot be effectively discharged. As a result, water will be left at the sealing surface. The seal 30 fails due to electrochemical corrosion, which not only affects the service life of the seal 30, but also seriously affects the sealability of the sealed box 1 and therefore the normal operation of the fuel cell system.

[0058] In order to solve the problems in the prior art, the examples of the present utility model are described in detail below in conjunction with Figures 3-5.

[0059] Figure 3 shows a stereoscopic view of the box body 10 according to an example of a sealed box 1 of the present utility model. Figure. 4 shows a B-B cross-sectional view of the sealed box 1 in Figure 3, wherein the cover body 20 is not arranged on the box body 10. Figure 5 shows a B'-B' cross-sectional view of the sealed box 1 in Figure 3, wherein the cover body 20 is secured to the box body 10.

[0060] According to an example, the sealed box 1 is used in a fuel cell system and includes a box body 10 configured as a cast aluminum box body, which also has a receiving opening 12 open in the first direction Z, i.e., open upwardly. The edge 14 of the receiving opening 12 is also recessed relative to the box body 10, i.e., recessed in a direction opposite the first direction Z, forming the recess 22, as shown in Figure 3.

[0061] Unlike in prior art, a step 16 is constructed in the first direction Z on the edge 14 of the receiving opening 12 according to this example of the present utility model. That is, the step 16 protrudes upward relative to the plane in which the edge 14 of the receiving opening 12 is located, as shown in Figure 4 or Figure 5. The seal 30 is arranged on the step 16 and is clamped between the upper plane of the step 16 and the lower plane of the cover body 20 when the cover body 20 is secured to the box body 10, forming a sealing surface for fluidly sealing the receiving opening 12 relative to the outside environment of the sealed box 1. In other words, in this example, the step 16 is disposed such that the plane in which the seal 30 is located is higher than the plane in which the edge 14 of the receiving opening 12 is located. Therefore, water hardly accumulates at the outer perimeter of the seal 30 or at the sealing surface, even when water flows into the recess 22. This effectively reduces the risk of electrochemical corrosion on the seal 30.

[0062] In this example, the seal 30 is configured as a rubber sealing ring and has a shape that matches the receiving opening 12.

[0063] According to an example, the outer perimeter of the seal 30 has a smooth contour. Thus, for example, when the water contacts the outer perimeter of the seal 30 it can more easily flow away without being left on the outer perimeter surface of the seal 30. This further reduces the risk of electrochemical corrosion at the seal 30 or at the sealing surface. In this example, a drainage channel is additionally formed between the inner peripheral wall of the recess 22 and the outer peripheral wall of the step 16 as the step 16 protrudes in the first direction Z relative to the edge 14 of the receiving opening 12.

[0064] As shown in Figure 3, water can be discharged in the drainage channel in the direction of the drainage direction L indicated by the arrow, respectively. This avoids the risk of longterm contact of the sealing surface with water in the event of large volumes of water, thereby also reducing the risk of electrochemical corrosion at the sealing surface.

[0065] According to an example, as shown in Figure 4, the step 16 has the same height in the first direction Z and has a flat surface parallel to the plane in which the edge 14 of the receiving opening 12 is located, i.e. parallel to the X-Y plane. Correspondingly, according to this example, the cover body 20 is configured as a flat aluminum cover plate and has a shape that matches the recess 22. With the cover body 20 covering and secured to the box body 10, the cover body 20 is located in the recess 22. As the cover body 20 also has a thickness that matches the depth of the recess 22, with the cover body 20 being secured to the box body 10, the upper surface of the cover body 20 is flush with the outer surface of the box body 10 in the first direction Z, as shown in Figure 5.

[0066] According to an example, the step 16 has a trapezoidal cross-section in the plane in which the first direction Z is located, or in the direction of the B-B cross-section of Figure 4 or the B’-B’ cross-section of Figure 5. The beveled edge of the trapezoidal cross-section transitions into the plane in which the edge 14 of the receiving opening 12 is located. Such a configuration makes it easier for water to flow from the upper surface of the step 16 along the outer perimeter beveled edge of the step 16 into the drainage channel and be drained. This further reduces the risk of electrochemical corrosion at the sealing surface.

[0067] According to another example that is not shown, a water chute is further configured on the outer perimeter of the step 16, the water chute extending from the upper surface of the step 16 to the surface in which edge 14 of the receiving opening 12 is located, i.e., into the bottom (drainage channel) of the recess 22. This also effectively drains water located at the outer perimeter of the seal 30 into the drainage channel, thereby further reducing the risk of electrochemical corrosion at the sealing surface. In yet another example that is not shown, a concave portion is further configured on the lower surface of the cover body 20 to match the contour of the seal 30 and to partially receive the seal 30 in the first direction Z when arranged on the box body 10. In this case, the gap between the lower surface of the cover body 20 and the upper surface of the step 16 becomes smaller, resulting in less water contacting the outer perimeter of the seal 30 and being left at the sealing surface.

[0068] According to yet another example that is not shown, it is also conceivable that a plurality of steps 16 are disposed, with the plurality of seals 30 arranged separately on the corresponding step 16, thereby forming multi-level seals in the first direction Z, ensuring the sealability of the sealed box 1 and the system even if one seal 30 fails. This in turn improves overall sealability and operational reliability. Of course, in this example, the lower surface of the cover body 20 is also configured to match the shape of the plurality of steps 16. In addition, the present utility model further protects a fuel cell system having the sealed box 1 described above.

[0069] Through the concept of the present utility model and the corresponding examples, the sealability of the sealed box 1 and the system can be improved, which significantly reduces sealing failure of the seal 30 due to electrochemical corrosion, ensuring the integrity and operational reliability of the entire system.

[0070] In this Specification, the terms “arrange,” “connect,” and “coupled” are to be broadly understood unless expressly specified and defined otherwise. For example, it may be a fixed connection, or a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it may be a mechanical connection, or an electrical connection; it may be a direct connection, or it may be an indirect connection through an intermediate, or communication within two elements. For those skilled in the art, the meaning of the above terms in the present utility model may be understood as appropriate.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A sealed box, characterized in that the sealed box (1) includes a box body (10) having a receiving opening (12) open in a first direction (Z); a cover body (20) configured to be arranged on the box body (10) to cover the receiving opening (12); and a seal (30) arranged between the box body (10) and the cover body (20) for fluid sealing of the external environment of the receiving opening (12) relative to the sealed box (1), wherein a step (16) is configured on the edge (14) of the receiving opening (12) in the first direction (Z) and the seal (30) seals between the step (16) and the cover body (20).

2. The sealed box according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the step (16) has the same height in the first direction (Z); and / or the step (16) has a flat surface parallel to the plane in which the edge (14) of the receiving opening (12) is located.

3. The sealed box according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the edge (14) of the receiving opening (12) is recessed relative to the box body (10), forming a recess (22).

4. The sealed box according to Claim 3, characterized in that the step (16) has a trapezoidal cross-section in the plane in which the first direction (Z) is located.

5. The sealed box according to Claim 3, characterized in that the cover body (20) is arranged in the recess (22) and has a shape that matches the recess (22); and / or the cover body (20) has a thickness that matches the depth of the recess (22) such that the cover body (20) is flush with the box body (10) in the first direction (Z).

6. The sealed box according to any one of Claims 1 , 2, 4 and 5, characterized in that a threaded hole (18) is configured on the edge (14) of the receiving opening (12), a through hole (24) corresponding to the threaded hole (18) is configured on the cover body (20), where a screw can pass through the through hole (24) and be inserted into the threaded hole (18) to secure the cover body (20) to the box body (10).

7. The sealed box according to Claim 4, characterized in that a water chute for directing liquid is configured on the outer perimeter of the step (16), the water chute extending from the upper surface of the step (16) to a surface of the edge (14) ofthe receiving opening (12).

8. The sealed box according to any one of Claims 1 , 2, 4, 5 and 7, characterized in that the seal (30) is configured as a seal (30) that is at least elastically deformable; and / or the seal (30) has a shape that matches the step (16); and / or the outer perimeter of the seal (30) has a smooth contour.

9. The sealed box according to any one of Claims 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7, characterized in that the cover body (20) is configured as a flat metal cover plate; and / or the box body (10) is configured as a metal die-cast box body; and / or the seal (30) is a rubber sealing ring.

10. A fuel cell system, characterized in that the fuel cell system comprises a sealed box according to any one of Claims 1 to 9.

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