JP2012064386A - Fuel cell and fuel cell system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To apply a sufficient pressing force to the whole area of a power generating surface by applying a sufficient pressure to a collector plate in a cell plane without adding constraints to a wiring structure for power.SOLUTION: A electrode shaft 31 is provided between an upper support plate 12 and a cathode side collector plate 21, and a penetrating electrode shaft 35 penetrating an anode body 16 is provided between a lower support plate 12 and an anode side collector plate 22. A sufficient pressure is applied to the cathode side collector plate 21 and the anode side collector plate 22 with the electrode shaft 31 and the penetrating electrode shaft 35, and power is extracted to the outside with the electrode shaft 31 and the penetrating electrode shaft 35.

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell device including a fuel cell and a hydrogen storage source.

  The fuel cell has a solid polymer electrolyte membrane provided with a cathode side catalyst and an anode side catalyst on both sides of the electrolyte member, and a cathode side current collector plate and an anode side current collector plate on both sides of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane Is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). A gas diffusion layer made of a conductive fibrous member is interposed between the cathode side catalyst and the anode side catalyst and the cathode side current collecting plate and the anode side current collecting plate.

  The solid polymer electrolyte membrane sandwiched between the cathode side current collector plate and the anode side current collector plate is fixed by the cathode body to which the cathode fluid is supplied and the anode body to which the fuel is supplied to form one cell. . A single cell or a plurality of stacked cells are sandwiched between end plates, and a fuel cell is formed by fixing the end plates together.

  In the fuel cell described above, an oxidant gas containing oxygen such as air is supplied from the cathode body to the cathode side catalyst, and fuel is supplied from the anode body to the anode side catalyst. By supplying the oxidant gas and the fuel, electric power is generated by an electrochemical reaction in the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. As the fuel, hydrogen gas, methanol, or an aqueous solution of a borohydride compound is applied.

  In the conventionally proposed fuel cell, one fuel cell is configured by fastening the periphery of the end plate. For this reason, the central portion of the end plates is curved inward so that the cells are uniformly clamped in the plane, and sufficient pressure is applied to the current collector plates when the end plates are fastened together.

  The cells are uniformly clamped in the plane, and sufficient pressure is applied to the current collector plate, so that a sufficient pressing force can be applied to the entire power generation plane, and the power generation performance in the plane becomes uniform, and the air And leakage of hydrogen can be prevented, and a stable conductive state can be obtained. For this reason, it is possible to maintain the power generation efficiency and prevent the fuel cell from being damaged, thereby extending the battery life.

  In particular, in a structure in which a gas diffusion layer is interposed between the cathode side catalyst and the anode side catalyst and the cathode side current collector plate and the anode side current collector plate, a sufficient pressure can be applied to the current collector plate, The conductivity is improved by applying a sufficient compressive load to the gas diffusion layer. Therefore, when the cells are uniformly clamped in the plane, the role of the electrode can be efficiently performed, and the power generation efficiency can be further improved.

  However, because the structure is such that the pressing force is adjusted by the end plate, when a plurality of cells are stacked, the greater the number of stacked cells, the more the center side cell cannot be pressed, and the current collector plate It was the present situation that there was variation in the pressure state.

  A fuel cell in which a solid polymer electrolyte membrane is sandwiched between a cathode-side current collector plate and an anode-side current collector plate, and the cathode-side current collector plate and the anode-side current collector plate are fixed by the cathode body and the anode body. It is known that a space is provided between the body and the anode current collector for discharging impurities (nitrogen, etc.) in water and air generated by an electrochemical reaction.

  In such a fuel cell, even if the pressing force is adjusted by the end plate, since there is a space, the cathode side current collecting plate and the anode side current collecting plate cannot be evenly pressurized. Even if a structure in which the central portion is curved inward is employed, an appropriate pressing force cannot be applied to the central portion.

  In the structure described above, for example, a boss member is interposed on the surface of the cathode current collector plate or the anode current collector plate, thereby applying sufficient pressure to the current collector plate and pressing the gas diffusion layer with sufficient pressure. You may be able to. On the other hand, the current collector plate requires a wiring structure for connecting power to the external electrode. When a boss member for pressing the gas diffusion layer with sufficient pressure is interposed on the surface of the current collector plate, the power handling structure is restricted due to the presence of the boss member, and the flexibility of the wiring structure and the like is reduced. There is a fear.

JP 2009-163907 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and applies sufficient pressing force to the entire power generation surface by applying sufficient pressure to the current collector plate within the plane of the cell without affecting the power wiring structure. An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell that can be used.

  In addition, the present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and does not affect the power wiring structure, and provides sufficient pressing force to the entire power generation surface by applying sufficient pressure to the current collector plate within the plane of the cell. An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell device including a fuel cell capable of applying

  In order to achieve the above object, a fuel cell of the present invention according to claim 1 includes an electrolyte membrane that generates power by an electrochemical reaction, and a cathode-side collector disposed on a cathode surface side of the electrolyte membrane and fixed to a cathode body. An anode side current collector plate disposed on the anode surface side of the electrolyte membrane and fixed to the anode body; and the anode side current collector plate passing through the anode body and contacting the anode side current collector plate And a conductive support shaft member for guiding the electric power from the outside to the outside.

  In the present invention according to claim 1, when the cathode-side current collector plate and the anode-side current collector plate are fixed to the cathode body and the anode body with the electrolyte membrane interposed therebetween, the support shaft member is sufficient for at least the anode-side current collector plate. At the same time as applying pressure, electric power can be taken out by the support shaft member.

  For this reason, it is possible to apply a sufficient pressing force to the entire power generation surface by applying a sufficient pressure to the current collector plate within the plane of the cell without affecting the power wiring structure.

  The fuel cell of the present invention according to claim 2 is the fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the support shaft member penetrates through the anode body so as to contact a central portion of the anode current collector plate. Since the support shaft member abuts on the central part of the anode current collector plate, electric power can be sent to the support shaft member from the central part of the anode side current collector plate, and the electric resistance during energization can be reduced. It can be minimized.

  The fuel cell of the present invention according to claim 3 is the fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the support shaft member is provided at a plurality of locations with respect to the surface direction of the anode current collector plate. The power can be routed by supporting shaft members at a plurality of locations.

  A fuel cell according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the fuel cell according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the conductive cathode support shaft member that contacts the cathode-side current collector plate is provided. It is characterized in that it is provided, and a sufficient pressure can be applied to the cathode side current collector plate, and at the same time, electric power can be taken out by the support shaft member.

  The fuel cell of the present invention according to claim 5 is the fuel cell according to claim 4, wherein the cathode support shaft member is arranged coaxially with the support shaft member. The electric plate and the anode side current collecting plate can be reliably supported.

  The fuel cell of the present invention according to claim 6 is the fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the material of the anode body includes a non-conductive member. For example, a resin can be used as the non-conductive member to reduce the weight.

  The fuel cell of the present invention according to claim 7 is the fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cathode body and the anode body are sandwiched by a support plate, and the support shaft The axial position of the member is regulated by the support plate, and the support shaft member is regulated and held in the axial direction by the support plate.

  The fuel cell of the present invention according to claim 8 is the fuel cell according to claim 7, characterized in that the support shaft member penetrates the support plate and faces the outside. The support shaft member can be connected to the external electrode.

  The fuel cell of the present invention according to claim 9 is the fuel cell according to claim 7, wherein a conductive member extending in a surface direction of the anode body is connected to the support shaft member. The supporting shaft member can be connected to the external electrode on the side of the body.

  A fuel cell according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the fuel cell according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the fuel cell is disposed between the electrolyte membrane and the cathode current collector plate, and Between the electrolyte membrane and the anode-side current collector plate, a fluid diffusion layer member made of conductive fibers is provided, and a sufficient pressure is applied to the current collector plate in the plane of the cell, A sufficient pressing force of the current collector plate can be applied to the entire fluid diffusion layer member.

  To achieve the above object, a fuel cell device according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the fuel cell according to the tenth aspect, fuel storage means for storing fuel used for power generation of the fuel cell, and the fuel storage. And a fuel supply system for connecting between the anode surface of the electrolyte membrane of the fuel cell and the anode body.

  In the present invention according to claim 11, the fuel that can apply a sufficient pressing force to the entire power generation surface by giving a sufficient pressing force to the current collector plate within the plane of the cell without affecting the wiring structure of the power. A fuel cell device including a battery is obtained.

  The fuel cell of the present invention makes it possible to apply a sufficient pressing force to the entire power generation surface by giving a sufficient pressure to the current collector plate within the plane of the cell without affecting the power wiring structure.

  In addition, the fuel cell device of the present invention can apply a sufficient pressing force to the entire power generation surface by giving a sufficient pressure to the current collector plate within the plane of the cell without affecting the power wiring structure. The fuel cell device includes the fuel cell.

1 is an overall schematic configuration diagram of a fuel cell device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view showing the external appearance of a fuel cell. It is a disassembled perspective view of a fuel cell. It is sectional drawing of a fuel cell. It is a principal part enlarged view. It is sectional drawing of the fuel cell which concerns on another Example. It is sectional drawing of the fuel cell which concerns on another Example. It is sectional drawing of the fuel cell which concerns on another Example. It is sectional drawing of the fuel cell which concerns on another Example.

  An embodiment of the fuel cell device will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration of an entire fuel cell device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side view showing the appearance of the fuel cell, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the fuel cell, and FIG. FIG. 5 shows a detailed state of the through portion of the through electrode in FIG. 4 in a sectional view of the battery.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell device 1 includes a fuel cell 2 including a power generation cell, and a fuel storage source 3 as a fuel storage unit that stores fuel supplied to the anode side of the fuel cell 2. . As the fuel, hydrogen gas, methanol, or an aqueous solution of a borohydride compound can be used. As the fuel storage source 3, one having a function of generating hydrogen inside or one storing hydrogen from outside can be applied. As the fuel storage source 3, one having a function of generating hydrogen inside or one storing hydrogen from outside can be applied.

  The fuel storage source 3 is connected to the fuel cell 2 by a fuel supply system 4. As will be described in detail later, hydrogen is supplied between the anode surface of the electrolyte membrane of the fuel cell 2 and the anode body. The fuel cell device 1 is provided with a control circuit 5 that controls the power generation status of the fuel cell 2 and the output status of the generated power. The fuel cell device 1 is connected to a device 6 to be used via the control circuit 5.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the fuel cell 2 is configured as a single stack by the battery cells 11 being sandwiched and fixed between a pair of support plates 12. That is, support plates 12 are arranged above and below the battery cell 11, the support plates 12 are fastened and fixed by fastening members 13 (for example, bolts, rivets, metal belts, etc.), and the battery cell 11 is sandwiched between a pair of support plates 12. One stack is configured by being held.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the battery cell 11 is configured by disposing a solid polymer film 17 as an electrolyte film between a cathode body 15 and an anode body 16. Gas diffusion layers 18 are disposed on both sides of the solid polymer film 17. A cathode side current collector plate 21 is provided between the gas diffusion layer 18 and the cathode body 15, and an anode side current collector plate 22 is provided between the gas diffusion layer 18 and the anode body 16.

  The cathode body 15 is arranged to fix the peripheral portion of the cathode-side current collector plate 21 and supply air (oxidant: oxygen) to the cathode side of the solid polymer film 17. On the side surface of the cathode body 15, a hole for supplying oxygen to the cathode surface of the solid polymer film 17 is formed. The cathode body 15 may have a closed structure having only an inlet and an outlet to which an oxidant is supplied and a structure in which the oxidant is supplied using a fan or a pump.

  The anode body 16 has a space at the center and fixes the peripheral edge of the anode current collector plate 22. In other words, the chamber structure is such that only hydrogen is supplied to the anode space, and hydrogen is uniformly distributed to the anode side of the solid polymer film 17. Furthermore, a space for transferring impurities such as nitrogen and water is secured. Moreover, the anode body 16 is provided with a sealing means on the contact surface with the solid polymer film 17 at the periphery in order to shut off the anode space and the external atmosphere.

  For example, a catalyst typified by platinum, ruthenium, and cobalt is supported on both surfaces of the solid polymer film 17, and the side to which the oxidizing agent is supplied serves as a cathode, and the side to which fuel is supplied serves as an anode. The gas diffusion layer 18 is made of carbon fiber and diffuses the fluid in a state that does not hinder the flow of the fluid (fuel, oxidant). The gas diffusion layer 18 can move electrons by contacting the catalyst layer of the solid polymer film 17.

  Further, the cathode side current collecting plate 21 and the anode side current collecting plate 22 collect current by being in contact with the gas diffusion layer 18. Since the gas diffusion layer 18 has a higher electrical resistance in the plane direction than that of a metal conductive material and restricts movement of the electrons in the plane direction, the cathode-side current collector plate 21 and An anode side current collecting plate 22 is used.

  Moreover, the cathode side current collecting plate 21 and the anode side current collecting plate 22 have a porous structure so as not to hinder the supply of the oxidant and fuel to the catalyst layer of the solid polymer film 17. As the cathode side current collecting plate 21 and the anode side current collecting plate 22, a conductive member such as a metal plate having a plurality of holes or a fired metal body is used.

  Since the anode side current collecting plate 22 is isolated from the outside by the anode body 16, the anode body 16 is used to energize the anode side current collecting plate 22 and the external load (the use device 6 shown in FIG. 1). In this case, a metal such as aluminum or SUS or a carbon material such as graphite is applied.

  As described above, the solid polymer film 17 having the gas diffusion layers 18 disposed on both sides is sandwiched between the cathode-side current collector plate 21 and the anode-side current collector plate 22, and the cathode-side current collector plate 21 and the anode-side current collector plate 22 is sandwiched between the cathode body 15 and the anode body 16. When the support plates 12 are fastened together, the cathode side current collector plate 21 and the anode side current collector plate 22 are fixed to the cathode body 15 and the anode body 16, and the gas diffusion layer 18 is connected to the cathode side current collector plate 21. The anode side current collecting plate 22 is sandwiched by a predetermined pressing force.

  An electrode shaft 31 is provided as a cathode support shaft member across the cathode side current collector plate 21 and the inner side surface of the upper support plate 12 at the central portion of the cathode side current collector plate 21, and the inner surface side of the upper support plate 12. The external electrode 32 extends outside the cathode body 15. The electrode shaft 31 is made of a metal such as aluminum or SUS, or a carbon material such as graphite. One end (the lower end in the figure) of the electrode shaft 31 is in contact with the cathode-side current collecting plate 21, and the other end portion of the electrode shaft 31 ( The upper end in the drawing is in contact with the external electrode 32.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a through electrode shaft 35 is provided at the central portion of the anode side current collector plate 22 as a support shaft member across the anode side current collector plate 22 and the inner side surface of the lower support plate 12. The through electrode shaft 35 penetrates the anode body 16. On the inner surface of the lower support plate 12, an external electrode 36 is disposed so as to extend to the outside of the cathode body 15. The through electrode shaft 35 is formed of a metal such as aluminum or SUS, or a carbon material such as graphite, and one end (upper end in the drawing) of the through electrode shaft 35 is in contact with the anode current collector plate 22. The end portion (the lower end in the figure) is in contact with the external electrode 36.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a circumferential groove 37 is formed in a portion of the through electrode shaft 35 that penetrates the anode body 16, and a packing 38 is fitted in the circumferential groove 37. The hole of the anode body 16 through which the through electrode shaft 35 penetrates is sealed by the packing 38, and the anode space and the external atmosphere are shut off. As the packing 38, for example, a rubber material such as nitrium rubber, butyl rubber, or silicone rubber can be applied.

  In addition, it is possible to seal the hole of the anode body 16 through which the through electrode shaft 35 penetrates with an adhesive instead of the packing 38. Further, although the circumferential groove 37 is formed in the through electrode shaft 35, the circumferential groove is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the hole of the anode body 16, the packing 38 is fitted into the circumferential groove on the inner circumferential surface of the hole, and the cylindrical surface is It is also possible to penetrate the flat through electrode shaft through the hole of the anode body 16.

  The central portion of the cathode side current collector plate 21 and the anode side current collector plate 22 is supported by the electrode shaft 31 and the through electrode shaft 35, and the bending of the cathode side current collector plate 21 and the anode side current collector plate 22 can be reduced. it can. As a result, in-plane displacement of the cathode side current collector plate 21 and the anode side current collector plate 22 itself is prevented, and a sufficient pressing force can be applied to the cathode side current collector plate 21 and the anode side current collector plate 22. The diffusion layer 18 is pressed with a sufficient pressing force (pressing force toward the solid polymer film), and a sufficient pressing force can be applied to the entire power generation surface.

  The electrode shaft 31 and the through electrode shaft 35 press the center portion in the plane of the cathode-side current collector plate 21 and the anode-side current collector plate 22, and therefore end portions of the cathode-side current collector plate 21 and the anode-side current collector plate 22. It is preferable that they are on the same plane as the portions of the cathode body 15 and the anode body 16 that are in contact with each other or higher.

  Since the electrode shaft 31 and the through electrode shaft 35 are in contact with the external electrode 32 and the external electrode 36, the power generated in the fuel cell is the electrode shaft 31 that supports the cathode-side current collector plate 21 and the anode-side current collector plate 22. And, it is taken out from the through electrode shaft 35 to the outside of the side portion of the support plate 12 through the external electrode 32 and the external electrode 36.

  Therefore, the cathode-side current collector plate 21 and the anode-side current collector are applied with sufficient pressing force to the cathode-side current collector plate 21 and the anode-side current collector plate 22 in the plane of the cell without affecting the power wiring structure. A sufficient pressing force can be applied to the entire power generation surface by the plate 22.

  Since the electric power generated in the fuel cell 2 can be taken out to the outside by the electrode shaft 31 and the through electrode shaft 35, it is not necessary to take out the power through the cathode body 15 and the anode body 16, and the cathode body 15 and the anode body 16 are removed. It can be formed of an insulator (eg, resin). Thereby, the battery cell 11 can be reduced in weight.

  A part of the cathode body 15 and the anode body 16 can be formed of an insulator (for example, resin), and the weight can be reduced by using a part of the insulator. For example, the portion through which the through electrode shaft 35 of the anode body 16 penetrates can be made of resin, the desired portion through which the through electrode shaft 35 of the anode body 16 penetrates is made of metal, and the other portion is made of resin. It is possible to make it. Further, the cathode body 15 and the anode body 16 can be formed of a metal such as aluminum or SUS, or a carbon material such as graphite.

  Another embodiment of the fuel cell will be described with reference to FIGS.

  6 shows a cross section of the fuel cell with electrodes provided on the support plate side, FIG. 7 shows a cross section of the fuel cell with a plurality of electrode shafts and through electrodes, and FIGS. 8 and 9 show a plurality of battery cells. The cross section of the fuel cell which laminated | stacked was shown. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same member as the fuel cell of the Example shown in FIG.

  The configuration of the battery cell 61 of the fuel cell 60 shown in FIG. 6 will be described.

  An electrode shaft 62 is provided as a cathode support shaft member at the central portion of the cathode side current collector plate 21 over the cathode side current collector plate 21 and the inner surface of the upper support plate 12. Is provided with an external electrode shaft 63 that passes through the support plate 12 and faces the outside. One end (lower end in the figure) of the electrode shaft 62 is in contact with the cathode-side current collector plate 21, and the other end (upper end in the figure) of the electrode shaft 62 is connected to the external electrode shaft 63.

  In addition, a through electrode shaft 65 is provided as a support shaft member at the central portion of the anode current collector plate 22 over the anode side current collector plate 22 and the inner surface of the lower support plate 12. It penetrates through the anode body 16. On the support plate 12 side of the through electrode shaft 65, an external electrode shaft 66 that penetrates the support plate 12 and faces the outside is provided. One end (upper end in the figure) of the through electrode shaft 65 is in contact with the anode current collector plate 22, and the other end portion (lower end in the figure) of the through electrode shaft 65 is in contact with the external electrode shaft 66.

  The electrode shaft 62 and the through electrode shaft 65 support the central portions of the cathode-side current collector plate 21 and the anode-side current collector plate 22, thereby reducing the bending of the cathode-side current collector plate 21 and the anode-side current collector plate 22. it can. As a result, in-plane displacement of the cathode side current collector plate 21 and the anode side current collector plate 22 itself is prevented, and a sufficient pressing force can be applied to the cathode side current collector plate 21 and the anode side current collector plate 22. The diffusion layer 18 is pressed with a sufficient pressing force (pressing force toward the solid polymer film), and a sufficient pressing force can be applied to the entire power generation surface.

  Since the electrode shaft 62 and the through electrode shaft 65 are in contact with the external electrode shaft 63 and the external electrode shaft 66, the power generated in the fuel cell is an electrode that supports the cathode-side current collector plate 21 and the anode-side current collector plate 22. The shaft 62 and the through electrode shaft 65 are taken out to the outer side of the surface portion of the support plate 12 through the external electrode shaft 63 and the external electrode shaft 66.

  Accordingly, power can be taken out by a short path, and sufficient pressing force is applied to the cathode-side current collector plate 21 and the anode-side current collector plate 22 in the plane of the cell without affecting the power wiring structure. The cathode-side current collecting plate 21 and the anode-side current collecting plate 22 can apply a sufficient pressing force to the entire power generation surface.

  And since the electric power generated in the fuel cell 60 can be taken out by the electrode shaft 62 and the through electrode shaft 65, it is not necessary to take out the electric power through the cathode body 15 and the anode body 16, and the cathode body 15 and the anode body 16 are removed. It can be formed of an insulator (eg, resin). Thereby, the battery cell 61 can be reduced in weight.

  The configuration of the battery cell 71 of the fuel cell 70 shown in FIG. 7 will be described.

  Electrode shafts 31 serving as cathode support shaft members are provided at a plurality of locations (two locations in the illustrated example) of the cathode-side current collector plate 21 across the cathode-side current collector plate 21 and the inner surface of the upper support plate 12. An external electrode 32 is disposed on the inner surface side of the upper support plate 12 so as to extend outside the cathode body 15. One end (lower end in the figure) of each electrode shaft 31 is in contact with the cathode side current collector plate 21, and the other end portion (upper end in the figure) of each electrode shaft 31 is in contact with the external electrode 32.

  In addition, at a plurality of locations (two locations in the illustrated example) of the anode side current collector plate 22, the through electrode shaft 35 serves as a support shaft member across the anode side current collector plate 22 and the inner side surface of the lower support plate 12. Are provided to face the respective electrode shafts 31, and the through electrode shaft 35 penetrates the anode body 16. On the inner surface of the lower support plate 12, an external electrode 36 is disposed so as to extend to the outside of the cathode body 15. One end (upper end in the figure) of each through electrode shaft 35 is in contact with the anode current collector plate 22, and the other end part (lower end in the figure) of each through electrode shaft 35 is in contact with the external electrode 36.

  The plurality of electrode shafts 31 and the plurality of through electrode shafts 35 support a plurality of portions of the cathode side current collector plate 21 and the anode side current collector plate 22. Deflection can be reduced. As a result, in-plane displacement of the cathode-side current collector plate 21 and the anode-side current collector plate 22 itself is reliably prevented, and a sufficient pressing force can be applied to the cathode-side current collector plate 21 and the anode-side current collector plate 22. The gas diffusion layer 18 is pressed with a sufficient pressing force (pressing force toward the solid polymer film), and a sufficient pressing force can be applied to the entire power generation surface.

  Since the electrode shaft 31 and the through electrode shaft 35 are in contact with the external electrode 32 and the external electrode 36, the power generated in the fuel cell is the electrode shaft 31 that supports the cathode-side current collector plate 21 and the anode-side current collector plate 22. And, it is taken out from the through electrode shaft 35 to the outside of the side portion of the support plate 12 through the external electrode 32 and the external electrode 36.

  Therefore, the cathode side current collector plate 21 and the anode side current collector plate 21 and the anode side current collector plate 22 are surely given a sufficient pressing force within the cell plane without affecting the power wiring structure. A sufficient pressing force can be applied to the entire power generation surface by the current collector plate 22.

  And since the electric power generated in the fuel cell 70 can be taken out by the electrode shaft 31 and the through electrode shaft 35, it is not necessary to take out the electric power through the cathode body 15 and the anode body 16, and the cathode body 15 and the anode body 16 are removed. It can be formed of an insulator (eg, resin). Thereby, the battery cell 71 can be reduced in weight.

  The configuration of the battery cell 81 of the fuel cell 80 shown in FIG. 8 will be described.

  As shown in the figure, the fuel cell 80 is configured as a three-layer stack by fixing three battery cells 81 between a pair of support plates 12. That is, three battery cells 81 are stacked, and support plates 12 are arranged above and below the stacked three battery cells 81, and the support plates 12 are fastening members 13 (for example, bolts, rivets, metal belts, etc.). It is fastened and fixed by.

  The cathode support shaft member spans the cathode side current collector plate 21 and the inner surface of the upper support plate 12 at a plurality of locations (two locations in the illustrated example) of the cathode side current collector plate 21 of the uppermost battery cell 81. An electrode shaft 31 is provided, and an external electrode 32 is disposed on the inner surface side of the upper support plate 12 so as to extend outside the cathode body 15. The upper end portion of each electrode shaft 31 is in contact with the external electrode 32.

  A support shaft member extends over the anode-side current collector plate 22 and the inner surface of the lower support plate 12 at a plurality of locations (two locations in the illustrated example) of the anode-side current collector plate 22 of the lowermost battery cell 81. The through electrode shaft 35 is provided to face each electrode shaft 31, and the through electrode shaft 35 penetrates the anode body 16. On the inner surface of the lower support plate 12, an external electrode 36 is disposed so as to extend to the outside of the cathode body 15. The lower end portion of each through electrode shaft 35 is in contact with the external electrode 36.

  At the plurality of locations (two locations in the illustrated example) of the anode-side current collector plate 22 of the uppermost battery cell 81, the lower surface of the anode-side current collector plate 22 and the cathode-side current collector plate 21 of the middle-stage battery cell 81 are provided. A through electrode shaft 82 serving as a support member and a cathode support member is provided so as to face the respective electrode shafts 31. The through electrode shaft 82 passes through the anode body 16 of the uppermost battery cell 81, and a packing 38 is provided in the through portion of the through electrode shaft 82.

  At the plurality of locations (two locations in the illustrated example) of the cathode-side collector plate 21 of the lowermost battery cell 81, the upper surface of the cathode-side collector plate 21 and the anode-side collector plate 22 of the middle-stage battery cell 81 are provided. A through electrode shaft 82 as a support member and a cathode support member is provided so as to face each through electrode shaft 35 over the lower surface of each. The through electrode shaft 82 passes through the anode body 16 of the battery cell 81 in the middle stage, and a packing 38 is provided in the through portion of the through electrode shaft 82.

  Three batteries are provided by the plurality of electrode shafts 31 of the uppermost battery cell 81, the plurality of through electrode shafts 35 of the lowermost battery cell 81, and the through electrode shafts 82 provided above and below the middle battery cell 81. A plurality of portions of the cathode-side current collector plate 21 and the anode-side current collector plate 22 of the cell 81 are supported, and bending of the cathode-side current collector plate 21 and the anode-side current collector plate 22 can be reduced.

  Thereby, the in-plane displacement of the cathode side current collecting plate 21 and the anode side current collecting plate 22 itself of the three battery cells 81 is reliably prevented, and the cathode side current collecting plate 21 and the anode side current collecting member of the three battery cells 81 are prevented. A sufficient pressing force can be applied to the plate 22, and the gas diffusion layer 18 is pressed with a sufficient pressing force (a pressing force toward the solid polymer membrane), so that the entire power generation surface of the three battery cells 81 is sufficiently pressed. Pressure can be applied.

  The electrode shaft 31 of the uppermost battery cell 81 is in contact with the external electrode 32, the through electrode shaft 35 of the lowermost battery cell 81 is in contact with the external electrode 36, and the anode side current collector of the uppermost battery cell 81 The plate 22 and the cathode-side current collecting plate 21 of the middle-stage battery cell 81, and the anode-side current collecting plate 22 of the middle-stage battery cell 81 and the cathode-side current collecting plate 21 of the lowermost battery cell 81 pass through, respectively. They are connected by an electrode shaft 82.

  As a result, the electric power generated in the fuel cell 80 having a three-layer structure composed of the three battery cells 81 is supplied to the electrode shaft 31 that supports the cathode-side current collector plate 21 and the anode-side current collector plate 22, the through-electrode shaft 35, The electrode shaft 82 is taken out to the outside of the side portion of the support plate 12 through the external electrode 32 and the external electrode 36.

  Therefore, even in the fuel cell 80 having a three-layer structure, a sufficient pressing force is reliably applied to the cathode-side current collector plate 21 and the anode-side current collector plate 22 in the plane of the cell without affecting the power wiring structure. Thus, the cathode-side current collector plate 21 and the anode-side current collector plate 22 can apply a sufficient pressing force to the entire power generation surface.

  Since the electric power generated in the fuel cell 80 can be taken out to the outside by the electrode shaft 31 and the through electrode shaft 35, it is not necessary to take out the electric power through the cathode body 15 and the anode body 16, and the cathode body 15 and the anode body 16 are removed. It can be formed of an insulator (eg, resin). Thereby, the battery cell 81 can be reduced in weight.

  The configuration of the battery cell 91 of the fuel cell 90 shown in FIG. 9 will be described.

  As shown in the figure, the fuel cell 90 is configured as a three-layer stack by fixing three battery cells 91 sandwiched between a pair of support plates 12. That is, three battery cells 91 are stacked, and support plates 12 are arranged above and below the stacked three battery cells 91, and the support plates 12 are fastening members 13 (for example, bolts, rivets, metal belts, etc.). It is fastened and fixed by.

  An electrode screw serving as a cathode support shaft member extends over the cathode side current collector plate 21 and the upper support plate 12 at a plurality of locations (two locations in the illustrated example) of the cathode side current collector plate 21 of the uppermost battery cell 91. A shaft 92 is provided, and the electrode screw shaft 92 is threaded through the upper support plate 12. A head 92 a formed at the upper end of the electrode screw shaft 92 is disposed outside the upper portion of the support plate 12. By adjusting the screwed state of the electrode screw shaft 92 to the support plate 12 via the head portion 92a, the pressing force of the electrode screw shaft 92 against the cathode side current collecting plate 21 can be adjusted.

  A plurality of locations (two locations in the illustrated example) of the anode-side current collector plate 22 of the lowermost battery cell 91 have through-electrodes as support shaft members that span the anode-side current collector plate 22 and the lower support plate 12. A screw shaft 95 is provided to face each electrode screw shaft 92, and the through electrode screw shaft 95 passes through the anode body 16 and further passes through the lower support plate 12 and is screwed together. A head portion 95 a formed at the lower end portion of the through electrode screw shaft 95 is disposed outside the lower portion of the support plate 12. By adjusting the screwing state of the through electrode screw shaft 95 to the support plate 12 through the head 95a, the pressing force of the through electrode screw shaft 95 against the anode-side current collector plate 22 can be adjusted.

  At the plurality of locations (two locations in the illustrated example) of the anode-side current collector plate 22 of the uppermost battery cell 91, the lower surface of the anode-side current collector plate 22 and the cathode-side current collector plate 21 of the middle-stage battery cell 91 are provided. A through electrode shaft 96 as a support member and a cathode support member is provided so as to oppose each electrode screw shaft 92 over the upper surface of the electrode. The through electrode shaft 96 passes through the anode body 16 of the uppermost battery cell 91, and a packing 38 is provided in the through portion of the through electrode shaft 96.

  At the plurality of locations (two locations in the illustrated example) of the cathode-side current collecting plate 21 of the lowermost battery cell 91, the upper surface of the cathode-side current collecting plate 21 and the anode-side current collecting plate 22 of the middle-stage battery cell 91 are provided. A through electrode shaft 96 as a support member and a cathode support member is provided so as to face each of the through electrode screw shafts 95 over the lower surface thereof. The through electrode shaft 96 penetrates through the anode body 16 of the battery cell 91 in the middle portion, and a packing 38 is provided in the through portion of the through electrode shaft 96.

  The plurality of electrode screw shafts 92 of the uppermost battery cell 91, the plurality of through electrode screw shafts 95 of the lowermost battery cell 91, and the through electrode shafts 96 provided above and below the middle-stage battery cell 91 A plurality of portions of the cathode-side current collector plate 21 and the anode-side current collector plate 22 of the two battery cells 91 are supported, and bending of the cathode-side current collector plate 21 and the anode-side current collector plate 22 can be reduced.

  By adjusting the screwed state of the electrode screw shaft 92 to the support plate 12 via the head 92a, the pressing force of the electrode screw shaft 92 against the cathode-side current collecting plate 21 of the uppermost battery cell 91 can be adjusted. By adjusting the screwing state of the through electrode screw shaft 95 to the support plate 12 through the head 95a, the pressing force of the through electrode screw shaft 95 against the anode current collector plate 22 of the lowermost battery cell 91 can be adjusted. Can be adjusted.

  Thereby, the in-plane displacement of the cathode-side current collector plate 21 and the anode-side current collector plate 22 of the three battery cells 91 is reliably prevented, and the cathode-side current collector plate 21 and the anode-side current collector of the three battery cells 91 are reliably prevented. A sufficient pressing force can be applied to the plate 22, and the gas diffusion layer 18 is pressed with a sufficient pressing force (a pressing force toward the solid polymer membrane), so that the entire power generation surface of the three battery cells 91 is sufficiently pressed. Pressure can be applied. The pressing force can be adjusted after the three battery cells 91 are assembled, and the pressing force of the current collector plate against the power generation surface can be adjusted. Even after the fuel cell 90 is assembled, the individual fuel cell 90 can be adjusted. Regardless of the difference, the power generation performance can be optimally adjusted.

  The head 92a of the electrode screw shaft 92 of the uppermost battery cell 91 and the head 95a of the through electrode screw shaft 95 of the lowermost battery cell 91 cause the electrode screw shaft 92 and the through electrode screw shaft 95 (the uppermost battery cell 91). The cathode-side current collector plate 21 and the anode-side current collector plate 22 of the lowermost battery cell 91 are electrically connectable to the outside, and further, the anode-side current collector plate 22 of the uppermost battery cell 91 and the middle stage The cathode side current collecting plate 21 of the battery cell 91 in the middle part, the anode side current collecting plate 22 of the battery cell 91 in the middle stage part, and the cathode side current collecting plate 21 of the lowermost battery cell 91 are respectively connected to the through electrode shaft 96. It is connected.

  As a result, the electric power generated in the fuel cell 90 having a three-layer structure composed of three battery cells 91 is converted into an electrode screw shaft 92 that supports the cathode side current collector plate 21 and the anode side current collector plate 22, the through electrode shaft 96, and The through electrode screw shaft 95 is taken out to the outside of the surface portion of the support plate 12 through the head 92a and the head 95a.

  Therefore, even in the fuel cell 90 having the three-layer structure, it is possible to take out electric power through a short path, and the cathode-side current collecting plate 21 and the anode-side in the cell plane without affecting the electric power wiring structure. A sufficient pressing force can be reliably applied to the current collector plate 22, and a sufficient pressing force can be applied to the entire power generation surface by the cathode side current collector plate 21 and the anode side current collector plate 22.

  The electric power generated in the fuel cell 90 is transferred from the head 92a of the electrode screw shaft 92 and the head 95a of the through electrode screw shaft 95 to the outside using the electrode screw shaft 92, the through electrode screw shaft 95, and the through electrode shaft 96. Since it can be taken out, it is not necessary to take out electric power through the cathode body 15 and the anode body 16, and the cathode body 15 and the anode body 16 can be formed of an insulator (for example, resin). Thereby, the battery cell 91 can be reduced in weight.

  As described above, when the cathode-side current collector plate 21 and the anode-side current collector plate 22 are fixed to the cathode body 15 and the anode body 16, the solid polymer is formed by the shaft member that passes through the anode body 16 and serves as an electrode. The cathode-side current collector 21 and the anode-side current collector 22 can be brought into contact with the membrane 17 (the gas diffusion layer 18) with a sufficient applied pressure. For this reason, sufficient pressure is applied to the cathode side current collector plate 21 and the anode side current collector plate 22 without affecting the power wiring structure, and the surface of the solid polymer film 17 (gas diffusion layer 18) is applied. A sufficient pressing force can be applied to the whole.

  For this reason, it is possible to eliminate variations in the power generation performance in the plane of the battery cell without affecting the power wiring structure, and to improve the battery performance of the fuel cell 2. Further, a sufficient pressing force is applied to the cathode side current collecting plate 21 and the anode side current collecting plate 22 without affecting the power wiring structure, and the entire surface of the solid polymer film 17 (gas diffusion layer 18) is applied. It is possible to provide a fuel cell device including a fuel cell that can apply a sufficient pressing force to the fuel cell.

  Further, since the member for bringing the cathode-side current collector plate 21 and the anode-side current collector plate 22 into contact with each other with sufficient pressure is a shaft member that penetrates the anode body 16 and serves as an electrode, the anode body 16 (including the cathode) The body 15) can be formed of an insulating material. Thereby, by forming the anode body 16 (including the cathode body 15) with a resin or the like, the battery cell can be reduced in weight, and the fuel cell can be reduced in weight.

  The present invention can be used in the industrial field of fuel cells and fuel cell devices.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Fuel cell apparatus 2, 60, 70, 80, 90 Fuel cell 3 Fuel storage source 4 Fuel supply system 5 Control circuit 6 Use apparatus 11, 61, 71, 81, 91 Battery cell 12 Support plate 13 Fastening member 15 Cathode body 16 Anode body 17 Solid polymer film 18 Gas diffusion layer 21 Cathode side current collector plate 31, 62 Electrode shaft 32, 36 External electrode 35 Through electrode shaft 37 Circumferential groove 38 Packing 63, 66 External electrode shaft 65, 82, 96 Through electrode shaft 92 Electrode screw shaft 95 Through electrode screw shaft

Claims (11)

An electrolyte membrane that generates electricity by an electrochemical reaction;
A cathode-side current collector disposed on the cathode surface side of the electrolyte membrane and fixed to the cathode body;
An anode current collector disposed on the anode side of the electrolyte membrane and fixed to the anode body;
A fuel cell comprising: a conductive support shaft member that penetrates through the anode body and contacts the anode-side current collector plate and guides electric power from the anode-side current collector plate to the outside. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein
The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the support shaft member penetrates the anode body so as to contact a central portion of the anode-side current collector plate. The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein
The fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the support shaft member is provided at a plurality of locations with respect to a surface direction of the anode-side current collector plate. The fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein
A fuel cell, comprising: a conductive cathode support shaft member in contact with the cathode side current collecting plate. The fuel cell according to claim 4, wherein
The cathode support shaft member is arranged coaxially with the support shaft member. The fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein
A material for the anode body includes a non-conductive member. The fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein
The cathode body and the anode body are sandwiched by a support plate, and the axial position of the support shaft member is regulated by the support plate. The fuel cell according to claim 7, wherein
The fuel cell, wherein the support shaft member passes through the support plate and faces the outside. The fuel cell according to claim 7, wherein
A fuel cell, wherein a conductive member extending in a surface direction of the anode body is connected to the support shaft member. The fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein
A fluid diffusion layer member made of conductive fibers is provided between the electrolyte membrane and the cathode current collector, and between the electrolyte membrane and the anode current collector. Fuel cell. 11. The fuel cell according to claim 10, a fuel storage means for storing fuel used for power generation of the fuel cell, and a connection between the fuel storage means, an anode surface of the electrolyte membrane of the fuel cell, and an anode body. A fuel cell device comprising a fuel supply system.

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