Humidifier for fuel cell with easy cartridge replacement

Abstract

The present invention relates to a humidifier for a fuel cell with easy cartridge replacement. The humidifier for a fuel cell comprises: a mid-case including an exhaust gas inlet through which exhaust gas discharged from a fuel cell stack is introduced and an exhaust gas outlet for discharging the exhaust gas; and a cartridge disposed inside the mid-case and comprising an inner case and a humidification membrane disposed inside the inner case. The mid-case comprises a first mid-case having a space into which the cartridge is inserted, and a second mid-case coupled to the first mid-case so as to be opened and closed with respect to the first mid-case.

Description

Fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel cell humidifier in which a cartridge can be easily replaced, and more particularly, to a fuel cell humidifier in which a cartridge placed inside a mid-case can be easily replaced through a second mid-case that is openable and closable and coupled to a first mid-case.

[0002] A fuel cell is a power-generating battery that combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity. Unlike conventional chemical cells like batteries or accumulators, fuel cells can continuously produce electricity as long as hydrogen and oxygen are supplied. They also have the advantage of no heat loss, making them about twice as efficient as internal combustion engines.

[0003] A fuel cell system includes a stack, which is an electricity-generating assembly of unit fuel cells composed of an air electrode and a fuel electrode, an air supply device for supplying air to the air electrode of the fuel cell, and a hydrogen supply device for supplying hydrogen to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell.

[0004] In order for the ion exchange membrane of the membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) of the polymer fuel cell of the fuel cell system to function smoothly, an appropriate amount of moisture is required, and for this purpose, a humidifier is provided in the air supply device of the fuel cell system to humidify the air supplied to the fuel cell.

[0005] The humidifier uses the moisture in the high-temperature, humid exhaust gas discharged from the cathode of the fuel cell to humidify the dry gas supplied through the air compressor of the air supply device, and supplies the humidified air to the cathode of the fuel cell.

[0006] Fuel cell humidifiers utilize a membrane humidification method. These humidifiers achieve membrane humidification through a gas-to-gas moisture exchange process between the high-temperature, humid exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell's cathode and the dry gas supplied by the air compressor.

[0007] A fuel cell humidifier may include a cartridge in which a humidifying membrane composed of hollow fiber membranes is arranged as a unit module. Drying gas passes through the hollow fiber membranes through one side and the other side of the cartridge, and an opening (window) is provided on the side of the cartridge that opens to the outside.

[0008] Exhaust gas flows into the cartridge through the above-mentioned opening of the cartridge, and the exhaust gas flowing into the cartridge exchanges moisture with the dry gas passing through the hollow fiber membrane.

[0009] However, fuel cell humidifiers using these cartridges have the following problems: There is a risk of damage to the humidifying membrane inside the cartridge as the fuel cell humidifier is used. If the humidifying membrane inside the cartridge becomes shorted or damaged, humidifying performance deteriorates, requiring replacement of the cartridge.

[0010] However, conventional fuel cell humidifiers suffer from the problem of cartridges being difficult to remove from the housing due to their rigid attachment to the housing through potting and packing. Furthermore, the rigid attachment of the cartridge to the housing through potting and packing poses a risk of product damage during cartridge replacement.

[0011] In cases where it is difficult to replace the cartridge in the housing of a fuel cell humidifier, the entire fuel cell humidifier must be replaced to replace the humidifying membrane inside the cartridge, which increases the production cost of the fuel cell humidifier.

[0012] The present invention is intended to solve the above-described problem, and more particularly, relates to a fuel cell humidifier capable of easily replacing a cartridge placed inside a mid-case through a second mid-case that is openable and closable and coupled to a first mid-case.

[0013] According to one embodiment, a fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement is a fuel cell humidifier, comprising: a mid-case having an exhaust gas inlet for introducing exhaust gas discharged from a fuel cell stack and an exhaust gas outlet for discharging the exhaust gas; an inner case and a humidifying film disposed inside the inner case; and a cartridge disposed inside the mid-case; wherein the mid-case may include a first mid-case having a space into which the cartridge is inserted, and a second mid-case that is coupled to the first mid-case so as to be openable and closable.

[0014] The second mid-case of the fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement according to one embodiment can be rotatably coupled to the first mid-case.

[0015] According to one embodiment, one side of the second mid-case and one side of the first mid-case of a fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement can be connected via a hinge.

[0016] A fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement according to one embodiment includes a first packing member arranged between the first mid-case and the second mid-case, and the first packing member can be arranged at a connection point where the first mid-case and the second mid-case are connected when the first mid-case and the second mid-case are combined.

[0017] In one embodiment, at the connection point where the first mid-case and the second mid-case of a fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement are connected, a first fixing groove dug inward is provided on the outside of the first mid-case or the second mid-case, and the first packing member can be inserted into the first fixing groove.

[0018] In one embodiment, a fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement may have a catch provided at both ends of the first fixing groove, and a catch portion that contacts the catch may be provided at both ends of the first packing member.

[0019] A fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement according to one embodiment includes an end cap coupled to one side and the other side of the mid-case, and the engaging portion can be in contact with a pressurizing portion provided in the end cap.

[0020] In one embodiment, the cartridge of a fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement may be provided on the outside of the cartridge with an insertion protrusion protruding outward from the cartridge, and the first mid-case or the second mid-case may be provided with an insertion groove into which the insertion protrusion can be inserted.

[0021] The insertion groove of the fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement according to one embodiment may extend along the vertical direction of the first mid-case or the second mid-case.

[0022] A fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement according to one embodiment may include a second packing member disposed between the cartridge and the mid-case.

[0023] In one embodiment, the cartridge of a fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement is provided with an insertion protrusion protruding outward from the cartridge, and the first mid-case or the second mid-case is provided with an insertion groove into which the insertion protrusion can be inserted, and the second packing member can be inserted into the insertion groove while being coupled to the insertion protrusion.

[0024] In one embodiment, the second packing member of the fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement may be provided with a fixed wing portion protruding outward from the second packing member, and the first mid-case or the second mid-case may be provided with a second fixed groove into which the fixed wing portion is inserted.

[0025] The second fixing groove of the fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement according to one embodiment may be provided at the connection point where the first mid-case and the second mid-case are connected.

[0026] One side of the second packing member of the fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement according to one embodiment may be bandable.

[0027] A fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement according to one embodiment may include an end cap coupled to one side and the other side of the mid-case, and a third packing member disposed between the mid-case and the end cap.

[0028] One side of the third packing member of the fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement according to one embodiment may be bandable.

[0029] The present invention relates to a fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement, and has the advantage of allowing easy replacement of a cartridge placed inside a mid-case through a second mid-case that is openable and closable and coupled to a first mid-case.

[0030] In addition, the present invention has an advantage in that it can improve the convenience of the cartridge replacement method by opening the second mid-case with respect to the first mid-case, banding the second packing member and the third packing member, and then taking out the cartridge.

[0031] In addition, the present invention has the advantage of reducing maintenance costs by improving the convenience of the cartridge replacement method, and has the advantage of reducing production costs by developing a fuel cell humidifier with a cartridge replacement method.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a second mid-case according to an embodiment of the present invention being open to a first mid-case.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the inside of a first mid-case according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a first packing member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a first packing member and a first fixing groove according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a hook portion of a first packing member and a hook step of a first fixing groove according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing an insertion protrusion provided on the outside of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention and an insertion groove provided in a first mid-case.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a second packing member according to an embodiment of the present invention being coupled to an insertion projection of a cartridge.

[0040] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a third packing member arranged between a mid-case and an end cap according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing one side of a third packing member banded for cartridge extraction according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing one side of a second packing member banded for cartridge extraction according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing an end cap having a pressing portion that contacts a catch portion of a first packing member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] This specification clarifies the scope of the present invention and explains the principles of the invention and discloses embodiments thereof to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. The disclosed embodiments may be implemented in various forms.

[0045] Expressions such as “includes” or “may include” that may be used in various embodiments of the present invention indicate the existence of the disclosed function, operation, or component, etc., and do not limit one or more additional functions, operations, or components, etc. In addition, in various embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that terms such as “includes” or “has” are intended to specify the existence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and do not exclude in advance the possibility of the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0046] When a component is referred to as being "connected, coupled" to another component, it should be understood that while the component may be directly connected or coupled to the other component, there may also be a new component between the component and the other component. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component, it should be understood that no new component exists between the component and the other component.

[0047] The terms "first," "second," etc., used herein may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0048] The present invention relates to a fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement, and relates to a fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement arranged inside a mid-case through a second mid-case that is openable and closable and coupled to a first mid-case.

[0049] A fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement according to an embodiment of the present invention can easily replace the cartridge within the mid-case by easily removing and inserting the cartridge placed within the mid-case. Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0050] A fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a mid-case (110) and a cartridge (130).

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the mid-case (110) may be an external housing of a humidifier, and the cartridge (130) having a humidifying film may be placed inside the mid-case (110).

[0052] The above mid-case (110) may be provided with an exhaust gas inlet (111) and an exhaust gas outlet (112). The above mid-case (110) may be provided with an exhaust gas inlet (111) through which high-temperature and humid exhaust gas discharged from a fuel cell stack may be introduced, and an exhaust gas outlet (112) through which the exhaust gas may be discharged.

[0053] A fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an end cap (120). The end cap (120) is coupled to the mid-case (110), and the end cap (120) may be coupled to one side and the other side of the mid-case (110).

[0054] The above end cap (120) may be provided with an air inlet (121) capable of supplying dry air to the mid-case (110) and an air outlet (122) capable of discharging humidified air from the mid-case (110).

[0055] Specifically, the end cap (120) coupled to one side of the mid-case (110) may be provided with the air outlet (122), and the end cap (120) coupled to the other side of the mid-case (110) may be provided with the air inlet (121). The air outlet (122) is connected to a fuel cell stack, and humidified air discharged through the air outlet (122) may be supplied to the fuel cell stack.

[0056] High temperature and humid exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack can be introduced into the mid-case (110) through the exhaust gas inlet (111) provided in the mid-case (110).

[0057] The exhaust gas flowing into the mid-case (110) supplies moisture to the dry air supplied to the mid-case (110) through the air inlet (121) of the end cap (120).

[0058] The exhaust gas that has supplied moisture to the dry air can be discharged to the outside through the exhaust gas discharge port (112) provided in the mid-case (110). The dry air humidified through the mid-case (110) is discharged through the air discharge port (122), and the humidified air is supplied to the fuel cell stack.

[0059] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the end cap (120) may be coupled to one side and the other side of the mid-case (110), but the end cap (120) may also be formed integrally with the mid-case (110).

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the cartridge (130) includes an inner case (131) and a humidifying film disposed inside the inner case (131). The cartridge (130) may be disposed inside the mid-case (110). Referring to FIG. 2, the inner case (131) may be a case having a space therein, and one or more inner cases (131) may be disposed inside the mid-case (110).

[0061] The above humidifying film may be placed inside the inner case (131). The above humidifying film may be a humidifying film that exchanges moisture between exhaust gas and dry air, and one or more humidifying films may be provided inside the inner case (131).

[0062] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the humidifying membrane may be formed of a hollow fiber membrane. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the humidifying membrane may be formed of various types of humidifying membranes as long as they can exchange moisture between exhaust gas and dry air.

[0063] The above humidifying film can be fixed to the inner case (131) through a fixing part. The fixing part fixes the humidifying film to the inner case (131) on one side of the inner case (131), and the fixing part can be formed of a potting layer.

[0064] The above-mentioned fixing member can be formed on one side of the plurality of the above-mentioned humidifying films, and one side of the plurality of the above-mentioned humidifying films can be fixed to one side of the inner case (131) through the above-mentioned fixing member.

[0065] In addition, the fixing member can fix a plurality of the humidifying films to the inner case (131) on the other side of the inner case (131). The fixing member can also be formed on the other side of the plurality of the humidifying films, and the other side of the plurality of the humidifying films can be fixed to the other side of the inner case (131) through the fixing member.

[0066] The above-mentioned fixed part can isolate the internal space of the inner case (131), and by providing the fixed part on one side and the other side of the inner case (131), dry air can move only through the inside of the humidifying film or the hollow space of the humidifying film.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the mid-case (110) may include a first mid-case (113) and a second mid-case (114). The mid-case (110) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include two separable members. If necessary, the mid-case (110) may be separated into two or more members.

[0068] The first mid-case (113) is provided with a space into which the cartridge (130) is inserted. The first mid-case (113) may be placed at the bottom of the mid-case (110), and one or more cartridges (130) may be placed inside the first mid-case (113).

[0069] The second mid-case (114) is coupled to the first mid-case (113) so that it can be opened and closed. By coupling the second mid-case (114) to the first mid-case (113) so that it can be opened and closed, the cartridge (130) can be easily withdrawn from the first mid-case (113).

[0070] Specifically, in order to withdraw the cartridge (130) placed in the first mid-case (113), the second mid-case (114) can be placed in an open state with respect to the first mid-case (113) as shown in FIG. 2.

[0071] After replacing the cartridge (130) in the first mid-case (113), the second mid-case (114) can be placed in a closed state with respect to the first mid-case (113) as shown in FIG. 1.

[0072] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second mid-case (114) can be rotatably coupled to the first mid-case (113). Specifically, one side of the second mid-case (114) and one side of the first mid-case (113) can be connected via a hinge (116), and the second mid-case (114) can be rotatably coupled to the first mid-case (113) via the hinge (116).

[0073] By rotating the second mid-case (114) through the hinge (116), the second mid-case (114) can be opened and closed with respect to the first mid-case (113).

[0074] However, the second mid-case (114) according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to being coupled to the first mid-case (113) via the hinge (116). As long as the second mid-case (114) can be coupled to the first mid-case (113) in an open and closed manner, the second mid-case (114) can be coupled to the first mid-case (113) in various ways.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first packing member (140). The first packing member (140) may be positioned between the first mid-case (113) and the second mid-case (114).

[0076] When the second mid-case (114) is connected and closed to the first mid-case (113), there is a risk of air leakage at the connection point (115) where the second mid-case (114) and the first mid-case (113) are connected and joined. The first packing member (140) is intended to prevent air leakage at the connection point (115) where the second mid-case (114) and the first mid-case (113) are connected and joined.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, the first packing member (140) can be placed at the connection point (115) where the first mid-case (113) and the second mid-case (114) are connected when the first mid-case (113) and the second mid-case (114) are combined.

[0078] Specifically, when the first mid-case (113) and the second mid-case (114) are combined, the first packing member (140) can be placed at the connection point (115) where the first mid-case (113) and the second mid-case (114) come into contact.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 5, at the connection point (115) where the first mid-case (113) and the second mid-case (114) are connected, a first fixing groove (150) dug inward may be provided on the outside of the first mid-case (113) or the second mid-case (114).

[0080] The first fixing groove (150) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the first packing member (140), and the first fixing groove (150) may be formed in each of the first mid-case (113) and the second mid-case (114) at the connection point (115) where the first mid-case (113) and the second mid-case (114) are connected.

[0081] The first packing member (140) can be inserted into the first fixing groove (150). By inserting the first packing member (140) into the first fixing groove (150), the connection point (115) where the first mid-case (113) and the second mid-case (114) are connected can be sealed.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 5, a catch (151) may be provided at both ends of the first fixing groove (150), and a catch (141) that contacts the catch (151) may be provided at both ends of the first packing member (140).

[0083] Referring to Fig. 4, the catch portion (141) of the first packing member (140) may be a portion that widens at both ends of the first packing member (140). The catch protrusion (151) of the first fixing groove (150) may be a protrusion provided at both ends of the first fixing groove (150), and when the catch portion (141) comes into contact with the catch protrusion (151), the first packing member (140) may be fixed to the first fixing groove (150).

[0084] Specifically, the catch (141) of the first packing member (140) can contact the catch (151) on the outside of the catch (151) of the first fixing groove (150). This prevents the first packing member (140) from moving when inserted into the first fixing groove (150).

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, an insertion protrusion (132) protruding outward from the outside of the cartridge (130) may be provided on the outside of the cartridge (130), and an insertion groove (117) into which the insertion protrusion (132) may be inserted may be provided on the first mid-case (113) or the second mid-case (114).

[0086] Referring to Fig. 7, the insertion protrusion (132) may be a protrusion protruding outward from the cartridge (130), and the insertion protrusion (132) may extend along the outer circumferential surface of the cartridge (130). In addition, the insertion protrusion (132) may extend in the vertical direction of the cartridge (130) with reference to Fig. 6.

[0087] The above insertion groove (117) can be provided in each of the first mid-case (113) and the second mid-case (114), and the insertion projection (132) can be inserted into the above insertion groove (117).

[0088] By inserting the insertion projection (132) into the insertion groove (117) provided in the first mid-case (113) and the second mid-case (114), the cartridge (130) can be placed in the designated position of the first mid-case (113) and the second mid-case (114).

[0089] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the insertion groove (117) may extend along the vertical direction of the first mid-case (113) or the second mid-case (114). Specifically, the insertion groove (117) may extend along the vertical direction of the first mid-case (113) with reference to FIG. 7.

[0090] By extending the insertion groove (117) in the vertical direction of the first mid-case (113), the cartridge (130) can be easily withdrawn from the first mid-case (113). In addition, by extending the insertion groove (117) in the vertical direction of the first mid-case (113), the cartridge (130) can be easily inserted into the first mid-case (113).

[0091] Specifically, the insertion protrusion (132) provided on the outside of the cartridge (130) functions as a rail, and the insertion groove (117) provided in the first mid-case (113) functions as a rail groove, so that the cartridge (130) can be easily withdrawn or inserted into the first mid-case (113).

[0092] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a second packing member (160) disposed between the cartridge (130) and the mid-case (110).

[0093] The second packing member (160) can pack between the cartridge (130) and the mid-case (110) when the cartridge (130) is placed in the mid-case (110).

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the second packing member (160) according to an embodiment of the present invention can be inserted into the insertion groove (117) while being coupled to the insertion projection (132) provided in the cartridge (130).

[0095] Specifically, after the second packing member (160) is coupled to the insertion protrusion (132) provided in the cartridge (130), when the insertion protrusion (132) and the second packing member (160) are inserted into the insertion groove (117), the space between the cartridge (130) and the first mid-case (113) or the second mid-case (114) can be firmly sealed.

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the second packing member (160) may be provided with a fixed wing portion (161) that protrudes outward from the second packing member (160). In addition, the first mid-case (113) or the second mid-case (114) may be provided with a second fixed groove (152) into which the fixed wing portion (161) is inserted.

[0097] The second fixing groove (152) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the fixed wing part (161) of the second packing member (160), so that the second packing member (160) can be fixed when the fixed wing part (161) is inserted into the second fixing groove (152).

[0098] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second fixing groove (152) may be provided at the connection point (115) where the first mid-case (113) and the second mid-case (114) are connected.

[0099] When the second fixing groove (152) is provided at the connecting point (115) and the fixed wing part (161) is inserted into the second fixing groove (152), the first mid-case (113) and the second mid-case (114) are coupled to each other and the fixed wing part (161) is pressed, thereby firmly fixing the second packing member (160).

[0100] Referring to FIG. 7, the second fixing groove (152) can be formed in the first mid-case (113) or the second mid-case (114) at the connection point (115) where the first mid-case (113) and the second mid-case (114) are connected.

[0101] Referring to Fig. 7, the second fixing groove (152) may be in communication with the first fixing groove (150). The first fixing groove (150) and the second fixing groove (152) may be provided at the connection point (115), and the first fixing groove (150) and the second fixing groove (152) may be formed as grooves that are connected to each other.

[0102] A fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an end cap (120). The end cap (120) is coupled to the mid-case (110), and the end cap (120) may be coupled to one side and the other side of the mid-case (110).

[0103] Referring to FIG. 9, a fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a third packing member (170) disposed between the mid-case (110) and the end cap (120).

[0104] The third packing member (170) can be placed at a point where the mid-case (110) and the end cap (120) are connected and joined, and the space between the mid-case (110) and the end cap (120) can be sealed through the third packing member (170).

[0105] The above end cap (120) can be coupled to one side and the other side of the mid-case (110), and the third packing member (170) can also be placed between the mid-case (110) and the end cap (120) on one side and the other side of the mid-case (110).

[0106] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first packing member (140), the second packing member (160), and the third packing member (170) may be made of an elastic rubber material. However, this is not limited to the first packing member (140), the second packing member (160), and the third packing member (170) may be made of various materials as long as they can seal the gaps that occur between the members.

[0107] Referring to Fig. 10, one side of the third packing member (170) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be bendable. In addition, referring to Fig. 11, one side of the second packing member (160) may be bendable.

[0108] Specifically, the third packing member (170) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be made of a material capable of bending one side of the third packing member (170). In addition, the second packing member (160) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be made of a material capable of bending one side of the second packing member (160).

[0109] As described above, the cartridge (130) can be easily replaced by opening and closing the second mid-case (114) and connecting it to the first mid-case (113). When replacing the cartridge (130), one side of the third packing member (170) can be banded to easily replace the cartridge (130) in the first mid-case (113).

[0110] Referring to FIG. 10, when the cartridge (130) is withdrawn from the first mid-case (113), one side of the third packing member (170) can be banded, thereby enabling the cartridge (130) to be withdrawn from the first mid-case (113) without interference from the third packing member (170).

[0111] Additionally, when replacing the cartridge (130), one side of the second packing member (160) may be banded to easily replace the cartridge (130) in the first mid-case (113).

[0112] Referring to FIG. 11, when the cartridge (130) is withdrawn from the first mid-case (113), one side of the second packing member (160) can be banded, thereby enabling the cartridge (130) to be withdrawn from the first mid-case (113) without interference from the second packing member (160).

[0113] In this way, by making one side of the third packing member (170) bendable and one side of the second packing member (160) bendable, the cartridge (130) can be easily withdrawn from the first mid-case (113).

[0114] In addition, when inserting the cartridge (130) into the first mid-case (113), one side of the third packing member (170) can be banded, thereby allowing the cartridge (130) to be inserted into the first mid-case (113) without interference from the third packing member (170).

[0115] In addition, when inserting the cartridge (130) into the first mid-case (113), one side of the second packing member (160) can be banded, thereby allowing the cartridge (130) to be inserted into the first mid-case (113) without interference from the second packing member (160).

[0116] In this way, by making one side of the third packing member (170) bendable and one side of the second packing member (160) bendable, the cartridge (130) can be easily inserted into the first mid-case (113).

[0117] Referring to FIG. 12, the catch (141) of the first packing member (140) according to an embodiment of the present invention can be in contact with the end cap (120), and the first packing member (140) can also seal between the mid-case (110) and the end cap (120).

[0118] Referring to Fig. 12, the end cap (120) may be provided with a pressing portion (123) that comes into contact with the catch portion (141). The pressing portion (123) may be a member that protrudes toward the inside of the end cap (120), and when the mid-case (110) and the end cap (120) are combined, the pressing portion (123) comes into contact with the outside of the catch portion (141) and presses the catch portion (141).

[0119] Specifically, the above-mentioned catch (141) may be provided on the outside of the first fixing groove (150) while having a cross-section in the shape of a T, so that when the mid-case (110) and the end cap (120) are combined, the catch (141) may come into contact with the pressing portion (123) provided in the end cap (120).

[0120] By pressing the catch (141) of the first packing member (140) through the pressing portion (123) of the end cap (120), the first packing member (140) can be firmly fixed.

[0121] The first packing member (140) can be firmly fixed to the first fixing groove (150) by the first mid-case (113) and the second mid-case (114) as the first mid-case (113) and the second mid-case (114) are coupled at the upper and lower portions of the first packing member (140). In addition, when the mid-case (110) and the end cap (120) are coupled, the first packing member (140) can be firmly fixed to the first fixing groove (150) by pressing the engaging portion (141) of the first packing member (140) through the pressing portion (123) of the end cap (120).

[0122] A fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement according to an embodiment of the present invention can simultaneously seal two points through the first packing member (140). By arranging the first packing member (140) in the first mid-case (113) and the second mid-case (114), the point where the first mid-case (113) and the second mid-case (114) are connected can be primarily sealed.

[0123] In addition, when the mid-case (110) and the end cap (120) are combined, the point where the mid-case (110) and the end cap (120) are connected can be secondarily sealed by bringing the pressurizing portion (123) provided in the end cap (120) into contact with the engaging portion (141) through the first packing member (140).

[0124] That is, the point where the first mid-case (113) and the second mid-case (114) are connected can be primarily sealed through the first packing member (140), and the point where the mid-case (110) and the end cap (120) are connected can be secondarily sealed through the first packing member (140).

[0125] More specifically, the upper and lower points of the connection point (115) where the first mid-case (113) and the second mid-case (114) are connected can be primarily sealed through the first packing member (140), and the points on both sides of the connection point (115) where the mid-case (110) and the end cap (120) are connected can be secondarily sealed through the catch (141) of the first packing member (140).

[0126] In this way, by sealing both the upper and lower points and both side points of the connecting point (115) through the first packing member (140), the connecting point (115) can be firmly sealed.

[0127] The fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement according to the embodiment of the present invention described above has the following effects.

[0128] A fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement according to an embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of being able to easily replace a cartridge placed inside a mid-case through a second mid-case that is openable and closable and coupled to the first mid-case.

[0129] In addition, the fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement according to an embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of improving the convenience of the cartridge replacement method by opening the second mid-case with respect to the first mid-case, banding the second packing member and the third packing member, and then taking out the cartridge.

[0130] In addition, the fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement according to an embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of reducing maintenance costs by improving the convenience of the cartridge replacement method, and has the advantage of reducing production costs by developing a fuel cell humidifier with a cartridge replacement method.

[0131] While the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, these are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations of the embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of technical protection of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. In a humidifier for fuel cells, A mid-case having an exhaust gas inlet for receiving exhaust gas discharged from a fuel cell stack and an exhaust gas outlet for discharging the exhaust gas; It includes an inner case and a humidifying film disposed inside the inner case, and a cartridge disposed inside the mid case; The above mid-case is, A first mid-case having a space into which the above cartridge is inserted, A fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement, characterized in that it includes a second mid-case that can be opened and closed with respect to the first mid-case.

2. In paragraph 1, A fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement, characterized in that the second mid-case is rotatably coupled to the first mid-case.

3. In paragraph 2, A fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement, characterized in that one side of the second mid-case and one side of the first mid-case are connected via a hinge.

4. In paragraph 1, It includes a first packing member arranged between the first mid-case and the second mid-case, A fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement, characterized in that the first packing member is disposed at a connection point where the first mid-case and the second mid-case are connected when the first mid-case and the second mid-case are combined.

5. In paragraph 4, At the connection point where the first mid-case and the second mid-case are connected, a first fixing groove dug inward is provided on the outside of the first mid-case or the second mid-case, A fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement, characterized in that the first packing member is inserted into the first fixing groove.

6. In paragraph 5, A catch is provided at both ends of the first fixed groove above, A fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement, characterized in that a catch portion that contacts the catch jaw is provided on both sides of the first packing member.

7. In paragraph 6, Includes an end cap coupled to one side and the other side of the above mid-case, A fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement characterized in that the above-mentioned catch is in contact with a pressurizing portion provided in the above-mentioned end cap.

8. In paragraph 1, The outer side of the cartridge is provided with an insertion projection protruding outward from the cartridge, A fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement, characterized in that the first mid-case or the second mid-case is provided with an insertion groove into which the insertion protrusion can be inserted.

9. In paragraph 8, A fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement, characterized in that the insertion groove extends along the vertical direction of the first mid-case or the second mid-case.

10. In paragraph 1, A fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement, characterized in that it includes a second packing member disposed between the cartridge and the mid-case.

11. In paragraph 10, The outer side of the cartridge is provided with an insertion protrusion protruding outward from the cartridge, and the first mid-case or the second mid-case is provided with an insertion groove into which the insertion protrusion can be inserted. A fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement, characterized in that the second packing member is inserted into the insertion groove while being coupled to the insertion projection.

12. In paragraph 10, The second packing member is provided with a fixed wing portion protruding outward from the second packing member, A fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement, characterized in that the first mid-case or the second mid-case is provided with a second fixed groove into which the fixed wing part is inserted.

13. In paragraph 12, A fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement, characterized in that the second fixed home is provided at the connection point where the first mid-case and the second mid-case are connected.

14. In paragraph 10, A fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement, characterized in that one side of the second packing member is bandable.

15. In paragraph 1, An end cap coupled to one side and the other side of the above mid-case, A fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement, characterized by including a third packing member disposed between the mid-case and the end cap.

16. In paragraph 15, A fuel cell humidifier with easy cartridge replacement, characterized in that one side of the third packing member is bandable.

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