Electrochemical cell frame and manufacturing method therefor

Abstract

An electrochemical cell frame and a manufacturing method therefor. The electrochemical cell frame comprises a cathode frame (1) and an anode frame (2) stacked on each other. At least part of the cathode frame (1) and the anode frame (2) comprise a metal material, and the cathode frame (1) and the anode frame (2) are insulated from each other. The electrochemical cell frame is divided into a cathode frame and an anode frame, and the two frames are insulated from each other, thereby meeting the insulation requirements. Moreover, at least part of the cathode frame and the anode frame are made of a metal material; thus, compared with conventional frames completely made of a plastic material, the structural strength of the frame can be further improved, and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

Description

Electrochemical unit framework and its manufacturing method Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrochemical unit device technology. Specifically, this invention relates to an electrochemical unit framework and its manufacturing method. Background Technology

[0002] In electrochemical unit devices, such as proton exchange membrane electrolyzers (PEMWE) and proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), the electrochemical unit group comprises multiple electrochemical units stacked together. Each electrochemical unit includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and an electrochemical unit frame. Typically, ultrapure water is introduced as the initial material at the anode side of the MEA, and the ultrapure water is dissociated into hydrogen and oxygen within the proton exchange membrane (PEM). Specifically, the ultrapure water is dissociated into oxygen at the anode, and protons recombine to form hydrogen at the cathode side after passing through the PEM. The electrochemical unit frame is positioned around the periphery of the MEA for assembling, fixing, and sealing the MEA.

[0003] The insulation performance of electrochemical units is crucial. For example, in PEMWE (Polyethylene Ethernetic Matrix Electrochemical), electrical energy should be transferred to the effective area as much as possible, and the resistance of the electrochemical unit frame should be as high as possible to avoid energy waste. Therefore, insulating materials, such as plastics like polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), or other materials with high resistance, are typically chosen for the electrochemical unit frame. However, the manufacturing performance of materials like PEEK or PPS is inferior to that of metal materials. The tolerances of plastic electrochemical unit frames are larger than those of metal electrochemical unit frames, and manufacturing deformation is also greater. Furthermore, plastic materials are not competitive in terms of price and cost. Alternatively, in related technologies, the electrochemical unit comprises two metal electrochemical unit frames, with PEM acting as insulation between them. However, the structure of two electrochemical unit frames significantly increases the number of components in the entire electrochemical unit assembly, thereby increasing the tolerances during assembly and consequently increasing the risk of leakage. Therefore, the above problems need to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the above technical problems, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrochemical unit framework and the electrochemical unit framework itself. The electrochemical unit framework is applied to an electrochemical unit device, which may be, but is not limited to, PEMWE and PEMFC.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide an electrochemical unit frame, comprising: a cathode frame and an anode frame stacked on top of each other. The cathode frame and the anode frame each comprise at least a portion of a metallic material, and the cathode frame and the anode frame are insulated from each other.

[0006] According to an optional embodiment of the invention, the cathode frame is made of a metallic material, and the anode frame includes metallic components coated with an insulating coating and / or components made of a plastic material.

[0007] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the anode frame includes an anode frame and an anode flow channel plate, the anode flow channel plate being disposed on the inner periphery of the anode frame, the anode frame being made of a metal component or plastic material coated with an insulating coating, and the anode flow channel plate being made of a metal component or plastic material coated with an insulating coating.

[0008] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the electrochemical unit frame further includes an insulating layer disposed in the thickness direction between the cathode frame and the anode frame to insulate the cathode frame from the anode frame.

[0009] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the cathode frame, the insulating layer, and the anode frame are integrally formed by hot pressing.

[0010] According to an optional embodiment of the invention, the insulating layer is made of a polyphenylene sulfide material with adhesive, and the shape of the insulating layer matches the shape of the cathode frame.

[0011] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, a cathode sealing groove and a cathode flow channel are provided on the side of the cathode frame opposite to the anode frame; an anode sealing groove and an anode flow channel are formed on the side of the anode frame opposite to the cathode frame. The electrochemical unit frame further includes a sealing element disposed in the cathode sealing groove and the anode sealing groove.

[0012] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the sealing element includes a first cathode sealing element disposed in the cathode sealing groove and a first anode sealing element disposed in the anode sealing groove, wherein the first anode sealing element is located on the side of the insulating layer opposite to the cathode frame.

[0013] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the sealing element includes a first cathode sealing element disposed in the cathode sealing groove and a first anode sealing element disposed in the anode sealing groove. The first anode sealing element is directly formed on the side of the cathode frame opposite to the cathode flow channel. An opening in the insulating layer corresponding to the anode sealing groove is formed to avoid the first anode sealing element.

[0014] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the anode first seal is provided with a protrusion protruding toward the outer peripheral side and / or the inner peripheral side, and the anode frame and the anode first seal are interference-fitted through the protrusion.

[0015] According to an optional embodiment of the invention, the insulating layer and the projection of the protrusion onto the cathode frame along the thickness direction at least partially coincide.

[0016] According to an optional embodiment of the invention, the seal is made of plastic material and is formed in the cathode sealing groove and the anode sealing groove by a vulcanization process.

[0017] According to an optional embodiment of the invention, the cathode frame is manufactured from cold-rolled steel sheet by laser cutting and grinding.

[0018] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the cathode frame includes a cathode base plate, a cathode frame, and a cathode flow channel plate. The cathode flow channel plate has the cathode flow channel. The cathode frame and the cathode flow channel plate are disposed on the cathode base plate. The cathode flow channel plate is disposed on the inner circumferential side of the cathode frame. The cathode sealing groove is formed between the cathode frame and the cathode flow channel plate.

[0019] According to an optional embodiment of the invention, at least one of the cathode base plate, the cathode frame, and the cathode flow channel plate is made of a component comprising a metallic material.

[0020] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the cathode base plate and the cathode frame are made of metal material, and the cathode flow channel plate is made of metal parts coated with an insulating coating or plastic material.

[0021] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present invention also provide a method for manufacturing an electrochemical unit framework, for manufacturing an electrochemical unit framework as described in any of the above embodiments, the method comprising:

[0022] The cathode frame and the anode frame are stacked on top of each other, wherein at least a portion of the cathode frame and the anode frame comprises a metallic material; and

[0023] The cathode frame and the anode frame are insulated from each other.

[0024] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the manufacturing method includes:

[0025] Provide the cathode frame;

[0026] An insulating layer is provided on the side of the cathode frame facing the anode frame;

[0027] An anode frame is disposed on the side of the insulating layer opposite to the cathode frame;

[0028] The cathode frame, the anode frame, and the insulating layer are integrally formed by hot pressing; and

[0029] Sealing elements are provided on both sides of the electrochemical unit frame in the thickness direction.

[0030] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the manufacturing method includes:

[0031] Provide cathode frame;

[0032] Sealing elements are provided on both sides of the cathode frame;

[0033] An insulating layer is provided on one side of the cathode frame;

[0034] An anode frame is disposed on the side of the insulating layer opposite to the cathode frame; and

[0035] The cathode frame, the anode frame, and the insulating layer are hot-pressed together.

[0036] The present invention divides the electrochemical unit frame into two parts, a cathode frame and an anode frame, which are insulated from each other, thus meeting the insulation requirements. Furthermore, at least a portion of the cathode frame and the anode frame are made of metallic materials, which can further improve the structural strength of the frame and reduce manufacturing costs compared to traditional frames made entirely of plastic materials.

[0037] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the anode first seal is provided with a protrusion extending towards the outer peripheral side and / or the inner peripheral side. The anode frame and the anode first seal are interference-fitted through the protrusion, thereby improving the sealing performance of the seal. The insulating layer extends beyond the edge of the anode sealing groove in the gap between the protrusion and the cathode frame, further ensuring the insulating performance of the insulating layer.

[0038] Furthermore, according to the manufacturing method of the present invention, the electrochemical unit framework is easy to assemble and has a lower cost. Attached Figure Description

[0039] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0040] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the electrochemical unit device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 2 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the electrochemical unit framework according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 3 shows a partial perspective view of the electrochemical unit framework according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the cathode frame according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 5 shows an exploded decomposition diagram of the electrochemical unit framework according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 6 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an electrochemical unit framework according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0046] Figure 7 shows an exploded view of the cathode frame according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0047] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this invention are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0048] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of an electrochemical unit device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an electrochemical unit frame 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electrochemical unit device can be a fuel cell, a water electrolysis cell, or other types of battery, and is not limited thereto. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, for example in a proton exchange membrane water electrolysis cell (PEMWE) and a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), the electrochemical unit device includes an electrochemical unit group 1000 and two end plates 2000 respectively disposed at both ends of the stacking direction of the battery group 1000. The electrochemical unit group 1000 can be referred to as an electrolyzer in a PEMWE and as a stack in a PEMFC.

[0049] The electrochemical unit group 1000 includes multiple electrochemical units 100 stacked together. Each electrochemical unit 100 includes an electrochemical unit frame 10 and a membrane electrode disposed within a receiving space of the electrochemical unit frame 10. The membrane electrode includes a porous transport layer (PTL) and a proton exchange layer (PEM) stacked together, wherein the membrane assembly after coating the PEM with a catalyst forms a catalyst coated membrane (CCM). The electrochemical unit frame 10 is used to mount and fix the membrane electrode. The electrochemical unit frame 10 also has manifold openings 10a and flow channels communicating between the manifold openings 10a and the receiving space within the electrochemical unit frame 10. When multiple electrochemical units 100 are stacked, the multiple manifold openings 10a of the multiple electrochemical units 100 are connected in the thickness direction to form a manifold. More specifically, the flow channels communicate between the manifold and the PTL of the membrane electrode 20 within the receiving space. The manifold opening 10a has sealing structures on its inner and outer circumferential sides to prevent leakage from the manifold. Furthermore, sealing structures are also provided between the electrochemical unit frame 10 and the membrane electrode 20, particularly between the electrochemical unit frame 10 and the PTL, to prevent hydrogen and oxygen from leaking into other layers of the membrane electrode 20. This invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrochemical unit frame and an electrochemical unit frame 10 with improved performance.

[0050] A first aspect of the present invention provides an electrochemical unit framework 10. The electrochemical unit framework 10 is applied in electrochemical unit devices, such as in PEMWE and PEMFC.

[0051] Figure 3 shows a partial perspective view of the electrochemical unit frame 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the cathode frame 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the electrochemical unit frame 10 includes a cathode frame 1 and an anode frame 2 stacked on top of each other. At least a portion of the cathode frame 1 and the anode frame 2 comprises metallic material, and the cathode frame 1 and the anode frame 2 are insulated from each other.

[0052] The present invention divides the electrochemical unit frame 10 into two parts: a cathode frame 1 and an anode frame 2, which are insulated from each other, thus meeting the insulation requirements of the electrochemical unit frame 10. Furthermore, at least a portion of the cathode frame 1 and the anode frame 2 are made of metallic materials, which, compared to conventional frames made entirely of plastic materials, further improves the structural strength of the frame and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0053] In some embodiments, the cathode frame 1 is made of a metallic material, and the anode frame 2 includes a metallic component coated with an insulating coating and / or a component made of a plastic material. The insulating coating may be made of parylene (Pyrelin).

[0054] Because the cathode frame 1 is susceptible to high voltage, it requires higher strength. Therefore, in this embodiment, the cathode frame 1 is made of metal to meet the structural strength requirements. The anode frame 2 is made of metal parts coated with an insulating coating, plastic materials, or both. Thus, the anode frame 1 can provide insulation.

[0055] Of course, in other embodiments, the cathode frame 1 can also be made of a metal component coated with an insulating coating. However, since the anode frame 2 is already made of insulating material, the cathode frame 1 can be made of metal material for the purpose of reducing costs.

[0056] Furthermore, the cathode frame 1 has a cathode manifold opening, and a cathode flow channel 12 is formed on the side of the cathode frame 1 facing away from the anode frame 2. The cathode flow channel 12 connects the outer manifold opening and the inner receiving space. The cathode frame 1 and the above-mentioned structure thereon can be manufactured from cold-rolled steel sheet by laser cutting and grinding, thus the manufacturing process is simple and the cost is low.

[0057] According to some alternative embodiments, FIG5 shows an exploded view of the electrochemical unit frame 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG5, in some embodiments, the anode frame 2 includes an anode frame 2a and an anode flow channel plate 2b, the anode flow channel plate 2b being disposed on the inner peripheral side of the anode frame 2a. An anode flow channel 22 is formed on the side of the anode flow channel plate 2b opposite to the cathode frame 1, the anode flow channel 22 communicating with an outer manifold opening and an inner receiving space.

[0058] The anode frame 2a is made of a metal component or a plastic material coated with an insulating coating, and the anode flow channel plate 2b is also made of a metal component or a plastic material coated with an insulating coating. That is, both the anode frame 2a and the anode flow channel plate 2b can be made of metal components with an insulating coating, or both can be made of plastic materials, or one can be made of a metal component with an insulating coating and the other of a plastic material. Since the pressure on the anode frame 2 is relatively smaller than that on the cathode frame 1, the structural strength requirements for the anode frame 2 are less stringent than those for the cathode frame. Therefore, plastic materials can be used, or partially used, as long as the insulation requirements between the anode frame 2 and the cathode frame 1 are met.

[0059] In some embodiments, the electrochemical unit frame 10 further includes an insulating layer 3. The insulating layer 3 is disposed between the cathode frame 1 and the anode frame 2 in the thickness direction to insulate the cathode frame 1 and the anode frame 2 from each other. The insulating layer 3 is made of polyphenylene sulfide material with adhesive, so that the insulating layer 3 not only has an insulating function but also functions to bond the cathode frame 1 and the anode frame 2, facilitating the thermoforming of the cathode frame 1, the insulating layer 3, and the anode frame 2 into a single structure. Furthermore, the shape of the insulating layer 3 matches the shape of the cathode frame 1, which is more conducive to the stacked arrangement of the cathode frame 1, the insulating layer 3, and the anode frame 2.

[0060] It is understood that in the electrochemical unit frame 10 with insulating layer 3, both the cathode frame 1 and the anode frame 2 can be made of metallic materials to reduce costs. However, the anode frame 2 is preferably made of a metallic component and / or a plastic material coated with an insulating coating to facilitate the subsequent curing of the seal on the cathode frame 1.

[0061] In some embodiments, a cathode sealing groove 11 and a cathode flow channel 12 are provided on the side of the cathode frame 1 opposite to the anode frame 2; an anode sealing groove 21 and an anode flow channel 22 are formed on the side of the anode frame 2 opposite to the cathode frame 1. The electrochemical unit frame 10 also includes a sealing element 4, which is disposed in the cathode sealing groove 11 and the anode sealing groove 21.

[0062] Furthermore, the seal 4 includes a first seal 41 and a second seal 42.

[0063] The first sealing element 41 is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the manifold opening 10a and the inner peripheral side of the partial manifold opening 10a, and extends in the thickness direction to achieve sealing between the manifold openings 10a of the multiple electrochemical units 100 and prevent leakage of the manifold.

[0064] In some embodiments, the first seal 41 includes a cathode first seal 412 disposed in the cathode sealing groove 11 and an anode first seal 411 disposed in the anode sealing groove 21. The cathode first seal 412 and the anode first seal 411 extend beyond the groove height on both sides in the thickness direction to achieve sealing between the plurality of electrochemical units 100 stacked in the thickness direction.

[0065] In some embodiments, an insulating layer 3 is provided between the cathode frame 1 and the anode frame 2, and the anode first seal 411 is located on the side of the insulating layer 3 away from the cathode frame 1.

[0066] Optionally, as shown in Figure 2, the anode sealing groove 21 can be designed as a through-hole structure on the anode frame 2. In this way, the anode first sealing element 411 can be directly set on the side of the insulating layer 3 away from the cathode frame 1. Optionally, as described above, the anode frame 2 includes an anode frame 2a and an anode flow channel plate 2b, with an anode sealing groove 21 forming between the anode frame 2a and the anode flow channel plate 2b in the thickness direction. In this way, during the manufacturing process of the anode frame 2, it is not necessary to perform a grooving process on the anode frame 2, which simplifies the manufacturing process of the anode frame 2.

[0067] The second seal 42 is disposed between the frame 1 and the receiving space. The second seal 42 is used to achieve a seal between the electrochemical unit frame 10 and the membrane electrode. Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the cathode frame 1 and the insulating layer 3 extend inward beyond the anode frame 2, so that the outer peripheral portion of the membrane electrode can be placed on the inwardly extending portion of the insulating layer 3. The second seal 42 can be disposed on the inwardly extending portion of the insulating layer 3. Specifically, the second seal 42 can be disposed on the side of the insulating layer 3 opposite to the cathode frame 1, thus achieving a seal between the electrochemical unit frame 10 and the membrane electrode.

[0068] As shown in Figure 2, the surfaces of the first seal 41 and / or the second seal 42 are wavy with varying heights. By designing the surfaces of the first seal 41 and / or the second seal 42 as wavy, the first seal 41 and / or the second seal 42 can withstand high pressure and achieve a self-sealing function. That is, the greater the pressure in the thickness direction, the more the wavy surface is compressed and deformed, resulting in a better sealing effect of the first seal 41 and / or the second seal 42.

[0069] The seal 4 can be made of rubber material and formed in the cathode sealing groove 11 and the anode sealing groove 21 by a vulcanization process.

[0070] In some embodiments, FIG6 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an electrochemical unit frame 10 according to a second aspect of the present invention. Referring to FIG6, the electrochemical unit frame 10 includes a cathode frame 1, an insulating layer 3, an anode frame 2, and a sealing element 4. Cathode sealing grooves 11 are formed on both sides of the cathode frame 1, with a cathode flow channel 12 formed on one side; the sealing element 4 is disposed on the cathode sealing grooves 11 on both sides of the cathode frame 1; an insulating layer 3 is disposed on the side of the cathode frame 1 facing away from the cathode flow channel 12; the anode frame 2 is disposed on the side of the insulating layer 3 facing away from the cathode frame 1, and the anode frame 2 forms an anode sealing groove 21 and an anode flow channel 22.

[0071] The first sealing element 41 includes a cathode first sealing element 412 and an anode first sealing element 411, respectively disposed on both sides of the cathode frame 1. The cathode first sealing element 412 is disposed within the cathode sealing groove 11. The anode first sealing element 411 is directly disposed on the side of the cathode frame 1 facing away from the cathode flow channel 12; therefore, the anode sealing groove 21 can be designed as a through-hole structure on the anode frame 2, and an insulating layer opening 31 is formed in the region of the insulating layer 3 corresponding to the anode sealing groove 21 to avoid the anode first sealing element 411. The anode first sealing element 411 is directly disposed on the cathode frame 1 through the anode sealing groove 21 and the insulating layer opening 31. In this way, the first sealing element 41 achieves sealing between the multiple electrochemical units 100 stacked along the thickness direction.

[0072] In some alternative embodiments, as shown in FIG6, the anode first seal 411 is provided with a protrusion 411a protruding towards the outer peripheral side and / or the inner peripheral side, and the anode frame 2 and the anode first seal 411 are interference-fitted through the protrusion 411a. Optionally, the insulating layer 3 and the projection of the protrusion 411a on the cathode frame 1 along the thickness direction at least partially coincide, that is, the insulating layer 3 extends beyond the edge of the anode sealing groove 21 in the gap space between the protrusion 411a and the cathode frame 1.

[0073] By providing the protrusion 411a, the anode frame 2 and the anode first seal 411 can achieve an interference fit through the protrusion 411a, which facilitates the assembly and fixation of the anode frame 2 and helps to improve the sealing performance between the anode first seal 411 and the anode frame 2.

[0074] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, there is a small gap between the protrusion 411a and the cathode frame 1. The insulating layer 3 extends into this gap, allowing the protrusion 411a to extend beyond the edge of the anode sealing groove 21. The orthogonal projection of the anode frame 2 in the thickness direction falls completely within the insulating layer 3. Therefore, the insulating layer 3 can better isolate the anode frame 2 and the cathode frame 1, making the insulation performance of the insulating layer 3 more reliable.

[0075] According to some optional embodiments, FIG7 shows an exploded view of a cathode frame 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG7, the cathode frame 1 includes a cathode base plate 1a, a cathode frame 1b, and a cathode flow channel plate 1c. The cathode frame 1b and the cathode flow channel plate 1c are disposed on the cathode base plate 1a. The cathode flow channel plate 1c is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the cathode frame 1b. A cathode flow channel 12 is provided on the cathode flow channel plate 1c. A cathode sealing groove 11 is formed between the cathode frame 1b and the cathode flow channel plate 1c.

[0076] By separating the cathode frame 1 into two parts, there is no need to perform a grooving process on the cathode frame 1. Each part is processed separately, which is easy to assemble and simplifies the manufacturing process of the cathode frame 1.

[0077] In some embodiments, since the cathode channel 12 is susceptible to corrosion, the cathode channel plate 1c can be made of plastic or a metal material coated with an insulating coating (e.g., parylene). The cathode base plate 1a and the cathode frame 1b are made of metal. This ensures that the cathode channel 12 is corrosion-resistant, while providing sufficient structural strength to the cathode frame and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0078] From a cost-saving perspective, the cathode frame is preferably manufactured using the materials described in the above embodiments. Of course, it is also permissible for the cathode base plate 1a, cathode frame 1b, and cathode flow channel plate 1c to all be made of metal materials coated with an insulating coating.

[0079] The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing the above-described electrochemical unit framework 10.

[0080] One method according to the present invention for manufacturing the electrochemical unit frame 10 in any embodiment of the first aspect described above includes:

[0081] A cathode frame 1 and an anode frame 2 are stacked on top of each other, wherein at least a portion of the cathode frame 1 and the anode frame 2 comprises metallic material; and

[0082] The cathode frame 1 and the anode frame 2 are insulated from each other.

[0083] More specifically, in some embodiments, the manufacturing method includes:

[0084] Provide cathode frame 1;

[0085] An insulating layer 3 is provided on the side of the cathode frame 1 facing the anode frame 2;

[0086] An anode frame 2 is provided on the side of the insulating layer 3 that is away from the cathode frame 1;

[0087] The cathode frame 1, anode frame 2, and insulating layer 3 are integrally bonded together by hot pressing; and

[0088] Sealing elements 4 are provided on both sides of the electrochemical unit frame 10 in the thickness direction.

[0089] The manufacturing method of the above embodiments is applicable to the electrochemical unit frame 10 in which the anode first seal 411 is located on the side of the insulating layer 3 away from the cathode frame 1.

[0090] In other embodiments, the manufacturing method includes:

[0091] Provide cathode frame 1;

[0092] Sealing elements 4 are provided on both sides of the cathode frame 1;

[0093] An insulating layer 3 is provided on one side of the cathode frame 1;

[0094] An anode frame 2 is disposed on the side of the insulating layer 3 facing away from the cathode frame 1; and

[0095] The cathode frame 1, anode frame 2, and insulating layer 3 are hot-pressed together.

[0096] The manufacturing method of the above embodiments is applicable to the electrochemical unit frame 10 in which the anode first seal 411 is formed directly on the side of the cathode frame 1 away from the cathode flow channel 12.

[0097] Furthermore, the step of "providing the cathode frame 1" includes: the cathode frame 1 is manufactured from cold-rolled steel sheet by laser cutting and grinding. Selecting cold-rolled steel sheet of the required thickness to manufacture the cathode frame 1 simplifies the process.

[0098] The present invention divides the electrochemical unit frame 10 into two parts: a cathode frame 1 and an anode frame 2, which are insulated from each other, thus meeting the insulation requirements of the electrochemical unit frame 10. Furthermore, at least a portion of the cathode frame 1 and the anode frame 2 are made of metallic materials, which, compared to conventional frames made entirely of plastic materials, further improves the structural strength of the frame and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0099] While possible embodiments have been described exemplarily in the foregoing description, it should be understood that numerous variations of embodiments exist through combinations of all known and readily conceived technical features and implementation methods. Furthermore, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples and do not in any way limit the scope, application, or construction of the invention. The foregoing description is more intended to provide those skilled in the art with technical guidance for transforming at least one exemplary embodiment, wherein various changes, particularly regarding the function and structure of the components, can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An electrochemical cell frame, characterized by, include: A cathode frame (1) and an anode frame (2) are stacked on top of each other; The cathode frame (1) and the anode frame (2) are at least partially made of metallic material, and the cathode frame (1) and the anode frame (2) are insulated from each other.

2. The electrochemical unit framework according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cathode frame (1) is made of metal, and the anode frame (2) includes metal parts coated with an insulating coating and / or parts made of plastic.

3. The electrochemical cell frame of claim 2, wherein, The anode frame (2) includes an anode frame (2a) and an anode flow channel plate (2b). The anode flow channel plate (2b) is disposed on the inner periphery of the anode frame (2a). The anode frame (2a) is made of a metal part or a plastic material coated with an insulating coating, and the anode flow channel plate (2b) is made of a metal part or a plastic material coated with an insulating coating.

4. The electrochemical cell frame of claim 1, wherein, It also includes an insulating layer (3) disposed in the thickness direction between the cathode frame (1) and the anode frame (2) to insulate the cathode frame (1) and the anode frame (2) from each other.

5. The electrochemical cell frame of claim 4, wherein, The cathode frame (1), the insulating layer (3), and the anode frame (2) are integrated into a single structure by hot pressing.

6. The electrochemical cell frame of claim 4, wherein, The insulating layer (3) is made of polyphenylene sulfide material with adhesive, and the shape of the insulating layer (3) matches the shape of the cathode frame (1).

7. The electrochemical unit framework according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cathode frame (1) has a cathode sealing groove (11) and a cathode flow channel (12) on the side opposite to the anode frame (2); the anode frame (2) has an anode sealing groove (21) and an anode flow channel (22) on the side opposite to the cathode frame (1); and The electrochemical unit frame (10) also includes a seal (4) disposed in the cathode sealing groove (11) and the anode sealing groove (21).

8. The electrochemical cell frame of claim 7, wherein, The sealing element (4) includes a cathode first sealing element (412) disposed in the cathode sealing groove (11) and an anode first sealing element (411) disposed in the anode sealing groove (21), wherein the anode first sealing element (411) is located on the side of the insulating layer (3) opposite to the cathode frame (1).

9. The electrochemical cell frame of claim 7, wherein, The sealing element (4) includes a cathode first sealing element (412) disposed in the cathode sealing groove (11) and an anode first sealing element (411) disposed in the anode sealing groove (21). The anode first sealing element (411) is directly formed on the side of the cathode frame (1) away from the cathode flow channel (12). An insulating layer opening (31) is formed in the region of the insulating layer (3) corresponding to the anode sealing groove (21) to avoid the anode first sealing element (411).

10. The electrochemical cell frame of claim 9, wherein, The anode first seal (411) is provided with a protrusion (411a) protruding towards the outer peripheral side and / or the inner peripheral side, and the anode frame (2) and the anode first seal (411) are interference-fitted through the protrusion (411a).

11. The electrochemical cell frame of claim 10, wherein, The insulating layer (3) and the projection of the protrusion (411a) onto the cathode frame (1) along the thickness direction at least partially overlap.

12. The electrochemical cell frame of claim 7, wherein, The seal (4) is made of plastic material and is formed in the cathode sealing groove (11) and the anode sealing groove (21) by a vulcanization process.

13. The electrochemical cell frame of claim 1, wherein, The cathode frame (1) is formed from cold-rolled steel sheet by laser cutting and grinding.

14. The electrochemical cell frame of claim 1, wherein, The cathode frame (1) includes a cathode base plate (1a), a cathode frame (1b), and a cathode flow channel plate (1c). The cathode flow channel plate (1c) has a cathode flow channel (12). The cathode frame (1b) and the cathode flow channel plate (1c) are disposed on the cathode base plate (1a). The cathode flow channel plate (1c) is disposed on the inner circumferential side of the cathode frame (1b). The cathode sealing groove (11) is formed between the cathode frame (1b) and the cathode flow channel plate (1c).

15. The electrochemical cell frame of claim 14, wherein, At least one of the cathode base plate (1a), the cathode frame (1b), and the cathode flow channel plate (1c) is made of a component comprising a metallic material.

16. The electrochemical cell frame of claim 15, wherein, The cathode base plate (1a) and the cathode frame (1b) are made of metal, and the cathode flow channel plate (1c) is made of metal parts or plastic materials coated with an insulating coating.

17. A method for manufacturing an electrochemical unit framework, for manufacturing an electrochemical unit framework as described in any one of claims 1 to 16, the method comprising: The cathode frame (1) and the anode frame (2) are stacked on top of each other, wherein at least a portion of the cathode frame (1) and the anode frame (2) comprises metallic material; and The cathode frame (1) and the anode frame (2) are insulated from each other.

18. The manufacturing method according to claim 17, wherein include: Provide the cathode frame (1); An insulating layer (3) is provided on the side of the cathode frame (1) facing the anode frame (2); An anode frame (2) is provided on the side of the insulating layer (3) opposite to the cathode frame (1); The cathode frame (1), the anode frame (2), and the insulating layer (3) are integrally formed by hot pressing; and Sealing elements (4) are provided on both sides of the electrochemical unit frame (10) in the thickness direction.

19. The manufacturing method according to claim 17, wherein include: Provide a cathode frame (1); Sealing elements (4) are provided on both sides of the cathode frame (1); An insulating layer (3) is provided on one side of the cathode frame (1); An anode frame (2) is disposed on the side of the insulating layer (3) opposite to the cathode frame (1); and The cathode frame (1), the anode frame (2), and the insulating layer (3) are integrally formed by hot pressing.

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