Patent ID: 9362585
Filing Date: 2016-06-07
CPC Classification: H01M,Y02E

Claim Text:
1. A fuel cell stack comprising a plurality of fuel cells arranged in a stacked configuration, and a first end plate and a second end plate each having a laterally elongated shape, the first end plate and the second end plate being provided at respective ends, in a stacking direction, of the stacked configuration of fuel cells, the fuel cells each formed by stacking a membrane electrode assembly and a separator horizontally in a stacking direction, the separator having a substantially rectangular shape including two long sides and two short sides, central portions of the long sides of the separator being cut inwardly to form substantially rectangular cutouts, the membrane electrode assembly including a pair of electrodes and an electrolyte membrane interposed between the electrodes, the fuel cell stack further comprising: a first tightening member coupling a long side of the first end plate and a long side of the second end plate, and extending in the stacking direction, the first tightening member configured to fit into one of the cutouts of the separator, and a second tightening member coupling a short side of the first end plate and a short side of the second end plate, and extending in the stacking direction, the second tightening member having a cross-sectional shape which is different from a cross-sectional shape of the first tightening member; wherein, in the fuel cell, an extension is formed inside one of the cutouts on the long side; and the first tightening member has a first recessed groove portion formed therein and engaged with a plurality of the extensions such that the extensions are fitted into the first recessed groove portion, and the first recessed groove portion extends in the stacking direction; wherein, in the fuel cell, a second recessed groove portion is formed on the short side; and the second tightening member has an outwardly extending ridge formed thereon and engaged with a plurality of the second recessed groove portions such that the ridge is fitted into the second recessed groove portions, and the ridge extends in the stacking direction.