Patent Description:
A fuel cell has advantages in that it is possible to continuously generate electricity as long as hydrogen and oxygen are supplied, unlike a general chemical cell, such as a dry cell or a storage cell, and in that there is no heat loss, whereby efficiency of the fuel cell is about twice as high as efficiency of an internal combustion engine.

In addition, the fuel cell directly converts chemical energy generated by combination of hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy, whereby the amount of contaminants that are discharged is small. Consequently, the fuel cell has advantages in that the fuel cell is environmentally friendly and in that a concern about depletion of resources due to an increase in energy consumption can be reduced.

Based on the kind of an electrolyte that is used, such a fuel cell may be classified as a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), a phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC), a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC), a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), or an alkaline fuel cell (AFC).

These fuel cells are operated fundamentally by the same principle, but are different from each other in terms of the kind of fuel that is used, operating temperature, catalyst, and electrolyte. Among these fuel cells, the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is known as being the most favorable to a transportation system as well as small-scale stationary power generation equipment, since the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell is operated at a lower temperature than the other fuel cells and the output density of the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell is high, whereby it is possible to miniaturize the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell.

One of the most important factors in improving the performance of the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is to supply a predetermined amount or more of moisture to a polymer electrolyte membrane or a proton exchange membrane (PEM) of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) in order to retain moisture content. The reason for this is that, if the polymer electrolyte membrane or the proton exchange membrane is dried, power generation efficiency is abruptly reduced.

<NUM>) A bubbler humidification method of filling a pressure-resistant container with water and allowing a target gas to pass through a diffuser in order to supply moisture, <NUM>) a direct injection method of calculating the amount of moisture to be supplied that is necessary for fuel cell reaction and directly supplying moisture to a gas stream pipe through a solenoid valve, and <NUM>) a membrane humidification method of supplying moisture to a gas fluid bed using a polymer separation membrane are used as methods of humidifying the polymer electrolyte membrane or the proton exchange membrane.

Among these methods, the membrane humidification method, which provides water vapor to air that is supplied to the polymer electrolyte membrane or the proton exchange membrane using a membrane configured to selectively transmit only water vapor included in off-gas in order to humidify the polymer electrolyte membrane or the proton exchange membrane, is advantageous in that it is possible to reduce the weight and size of a humidifier.

When a module is formed, a hollow fiber membrane having large transmission area per unit volume is suitable for a permselective membrane used in the membrane humidification method. That is, when a humidifier is manufactured using a hollow fiber membrane, high integration of the hollow fiber membrane having large contact surface area is possible, whereby it is possible to sufficiently humidify the fuel cell even at a small capacity, it is possible to use a low-priced material, and it is possible to collect moisture and heat included in off-gas discharged from the fuel cell at a high temperature and to reuse the collected moisture and heat through the humidifier.

<FIG> is a schematic exploded perspective view of a conventional humidifier for fuel cells.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a conventional membrane humidification type humidifier <NUM> includes a humidifying module <NUM>, in which moisture exchange is performed between air supplied from the outside and off-gas discharged from a fuel cell stack (not shown), and caps <NUM> coupled respectively to opposite ends of the humidifying module <NUM>.

One of the caps <NUM> transmits air supplied from the outside to the humidifying module <NUM>, and the other cap transmits air humidified by the humidifying module <NUM> to the fuel cell stack.

The humidifying module <NUM> includes a mid-case <NUM> having an off-gas inlet 111a and an off-gas outlet 111b and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes <NUM> in the mid-case <NUM>. Opposite ends of a bundle of hollow fiber membranes <NUM> are potted in fixing layers <NUM>. In general, each of the fixing layers <NUM> is formed by hardening a liquid polymer, such as liquid polyurethane resin, using a casting method.

Air supplied from the outside flows along hollow parts of the hollow fiber membranes <NUM>. Off-gas introduced into the mid-case <NUM> through the off-gas inlet 111a comes into contact with the outer surfaces of the hollow fiber membranes <NUM>, and is discharged from the mid-case <NUM> through the off-gas outlet 111b. When the off-gas comes into contact with the outer surfaces of the hollow fiber membranes <NUM>, moisture contained in the off-gas is transmitted through the hollow fiber membranes <NUM> to humidify air flowing along the hollow parts of the hollow fiber membranes <NUM>.

Inner spaces of the caps <NUM> must fluidly communicate with only the hollow parts of the hollow fiber membranes <NUM> in a state of being completely isolated from an inner space of the mid-case <NUM>. If not, air leakage due to pressure difference occurs, whereby the amount of humidified air that is supplied to the fuel cell stack is reduced and power generation efficiency of a fuel cell is lowered.

In general, as illustrated in <FIG>, the fixing layers <NUM>, in which opposite ends of the hollow fiber membranes <NUM> are potted, and resin layers <NUM> provided between the fixing layers <NUM> and the mid-case <NUM> isolate the inner spaces of the caps <NUM> from the inner space of the mid-case <NUM>. Similarly to the fixing layers <NUM>, each of the resin layers <NUM> is generally formed by hardening a liquid polymer, such as liquid polyurethane resin, using a casting method.

However, a casting process for forming the resin layers <NUM> requires a relatively long process time, whereby productivity of the humidifier <NUM> is lowered. <CIT> relates to a fuel cell membrane humidifier, and more particularly, to a fuel cell membrane humidifier capable of performing an airtight function in a high temperature / high pressure / high humidity environment by a mechanical assembly structure.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a humidifier for fuel cells capable of preventing lowering in productivity of the humidifier due to formation of a resin layer through a casting process.

In order to accomplish the above object, the present invention proposes a humidifier as defined in claim <NUM>.

A humidifier for fuel cells according to the present disclosure may include a humidifying module configured to humidify dry gas supplied from outside using wet gas discharged from a fuel cell stack and a first cap coupled to one end of the humidifying module. The humidifying module may include a mid-case and at least one cartridge disposed in the mid-case, the cartridge being configured to receive a plurality of hollow fiber membranes. The humidifier for fuel cells according to the present disclosure may further include a first packing member airtightly coupled to at least one end of the humidifying module through mechanical assembly such that the first cap fluidly communicates with only the hollow fiber membranes. The first packing member may include a first soft member configured to contact each of the cartridge and the mid-case and a first hard member coupled to the first soft member. The first soft member may include a first insertion groove configured to allow the first hard member to be inserted thereinto. The first hard member may be deformed so as to extend in a separation direction in which the cartridge and the mid-case are separated from each other in a state of being inserted into the first insertion groove, whereby the first soft member may be brought into tight contact with the cartridge.

The present disclosure is implemented such that a casting process for hermetically sealing an inner space of a cap and an inner space of a mid-case is omitted. In the present disclosure, therefore, it is possible to improve productivity through reduction in process time for production.

The present disclosure is implemented such that a packing member including a combination of a hard member and a soft member is provided, whereby the soft member is brought into tight contact with a cartridge through deformation of the hard member. In the present disclosure, therefore, it is possible to increase the force of hermetic sealing between the mid-case and the cartridge, whereby it is possible to improve humidification performance.

Hereinafter, embodiments of a humidifier for fuel cells according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to <FIG>, a humidifier <NUM> for fuel cells according to the present disclosure humidifies dry gas supplied from the outside using wet gas discharged from a fuel cell stack (not shown). The dry gas may be fuel gas or air. After being humidified by the wet gas, the dry gas may be supplied to the fuel cell stack.

The humidifier <NUM> for fuel cells according to the present disclosure includes a humidifying module <NUM> configured to humidify gas and a first cap <NUM> coupled to one end of the humidifying module <NUM>. The humidifying module <NUM> includes a cartridge <NUM>, to which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes <NUM> is coupled, a mid-case <NUM>, to which the cartridge <NUM> is coupled, and a first packing member <NUM> disposed between the cartridge <NUM> and the mid-case <NUM> to hermetically seal between the cartridge <NUM> and the mid-case <NUM>. The first packing member <NUM> may hermetically seal between the cartridge <NUM> and the mid-case <NUM> through coupling without a casting process. Consequently, the first packing member <NUM> may hermetically seal an inner space of the first cap <NUM> and an inner space of the mid-case <NUM>. In the humidifier <NUM> for fuel cells according to the present disclosure, therefore, the casting process, which requires a relatively long process time, may be omitted, whereby it is possible to improve productivity through reduction in process time for production.

Hereinafter, the humidifying module <NUM> and the first cap <NUM> will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to <FIG>, the humidifying module <NUM> humidifies dry gas supplied from the outside using wet gas discharged from the fuel cell stack. The first cap <NUM> may be coupled to one end of the humidifying module <NUM>. A second cap <NUM> may be coupled to the other end of the humidifying module <NUM>. The first cap <NUM> may transmit dry gas supplied from the outside to the humidifying module <NUM>. The second cap <NUM> may transmit the dry gas humidified by the humidifying module <NUM> to the fuel cell stack. The second cap <NUM> may transmit dry gas supplied from the outside to the humidifying module <NUM>, and the first cap <NUM> may transmit the dry gas humidified by the humidifying module <NUM> to the fuel cell stack.

The humidifying module <NUM> includes the cartridge <NUM>, the mid-case <NUM>, and the first packing member <NUM>.

The cartridge <NUM> includes the plurality of hollow fiber membranes <NUM>. The hollow fiber membranes <NUM> may be implemented as the cartridge <NUM> so as to be modularized. Consequently, the hollow fiber membranes <NUM> may be installed in the mid-case <NUM> through a process of coupling the cartridge <NUM> to the mid-case <NUM>. In the humidifier <NUM> for fuel cells according to the present disclosure, therefore, ease in installation, separation, and replacement of the hollow fiber membranes <NUM> may be improved. The cartridge <NUM> may include an inner case <NUM> configured to receive the hollow fiber membranes <NUM>. The hollow fiber membranes <NUM> may be disposed in the inner case <NUM> so as to be modularized. Each of the hollow fiber membranes <NUM> may include a polymer membrane made of polysulfone resin, polyethersulfone resin, sulfonated polysulfone resin, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) resin, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) resin, polyimide resin, polyamide imide resin, polyester imide resin, or a mixture of two or more thereof.

The cartridge <NUM> may include a first potting portion <NUM>. The first potting portion <NUM> fixes the hollow fiber membranes <NUM>. The first potting portion <NUM> may fix one side of each of the hollow fiber membranes <NUM>. In this case, the first potting portion <NUM> may be formed so as not to block hollow portions of the hollow fiber membranes <NUM>. The first potting portion <NUM> may be formed by hardening a liquid resin, such as liquid polyurethane resin, using a casting process. The first potting portion <NUM> may fix the inner case <NUM> and one side of each of the hollow fiber membranes <NUM> to each other.

The cartridge <NUM> may include a second potting portion <NUM>. The second potting portion <NUM> fixes the other side of each of the hollow fiber membranes <NUM>. In this case, the second potting portion <NUM> may be formed so as not to block the hollow portions of the hollow fiber membranes <NUM>. Consequently, gas to be supplied to the fuel cell stack may be supplied to the hollow portions of the hollow fiber membranes <NUM>, may be humidified, and may be supplied to the fuel cell stack without being disturbed by the second potting portion <NUM> and the first potting portion <NUM>. The second potting portion <NUM> may be formed by hardening a liquid resin, such as liquid polyurethane resin, using a casting process. The second potting portion <NUM> may fix the inner case <NUM> and the other side of each of the hollow fiber membranes <NUM> to each other.

The cartridge <NUM> is coupled to the mid-case <NUM>. The cartridge <NUM> may be disposed in the mid-case <NUM> such that a space is defined between the inner surface of the mid-case <NUM> and the outer surface of the cartridge <NUM>. The mid-case <NUM> may include an inlet <NUM> and an outlet <NUM>. Wet gas containing moisture may be supplied into the mid-case <NUM> through the inlet <NUM>, and may then come into contact with the outer surfaces of the hollow fiber membranes <NUM>. During this process, the moisture contained in the wet gas may be transmitted through the hollow fiber membranes <NUM>, whereby the gas flowing along the hollow portions of the hollow fiber membranes <NUM> may be humidified. The humidified gas may be discharged from the hollow fiber membranes <NUM>, and may then be supplied to the fuel cell stack. After humidifying the gas, the wet gas may be discharged from the mid-case <NUM> through the outlet <NUM>. The inlet <NUM> may be connected to the fuel cell stack. In this case, the wet gas may be off-gas discharged from the fuel cell stack.

Meanwhile, the cartridge <NUM> may be provided with an introduction hole (not shown) configured to allow the wet gas to be introduced therethrough and a discharge hole (not shown) configured to allow the wet gas, after humidifying the gas flowing along the hollow portions of the hollow fiber membranes <NUM>, to be discharged therethrough. In this case, the wet gas may be supplied between the inner surface of the mid-case <NUM> and the outer surface of the cartridge <NUM> through the inlet <NUM>, may be supplied into the cartridge <NUM> through the introduction hole, may humidify the gas flowing along the hollow portions of the hollow fiber membranes <NUM>, may be discharged between the inner surface of the mid-case <NUM> and the outer surface of the cartridge <NUM> through the discharge hole, and may be discharged from the mid-case <NUM> through the outlet <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first packing member <NUM> hermetically seals between the cartridge <NUM> and the mid-case <NUM>. The first packing member <NUM> may be airtightly coupled to at least one end of the humidifying module <NUM> through mechanical assembly. Consequently, the first packing member <NUM> allows the first cap <NUM> to fluidly communicate with only the hollow fiber membranes <NUM>. Consequently, the first packing member <NUM> may prevent direct mixing between gas to be supplied to the fuel cell stack and wet gas supplied into the mid-case <NUM>. The first packing member <NUM> may be inserted between the cartridge <NUM> and the mid-case <NUM>. In this case, the cartridge <NUM> may be inserted into a first passing hole 23a formed in the first packing member <NUM>. The first packing member <NUM> may contact each of an inner wall of the mid-case <NUM>, an outer wall of the cartridge <NUM>, and the first potting portion <NUM>. Through such contact, the first packing member <NUM> may be airtightly coupled to one end of the humidifying module <NUM>. In this case, the first packing member <NUM> may contact each of a portion of the inner wall of the mid-case <NUM>, a portion of the outer wall of the cartridge <NUM>, and a portion of the first potting portion <NUM>.

The humidifier <NUM> for fuel cells according to the present disclosure may include a plurality of first packing members <NUM>. The first packing members <NUM> and <NUM>' may be airtightly coupled to opposite ends of the humidifying module <NUM>, respectively. In this case, the first packing members <NUM> and <NUM>' may be disposed at opposite sides of the cartridge <NUM>. The first packing member <NUM>' may contact each of the inner wall of the mid-case <NUM>, the outer wall of the cartridge <NUM>, and the second potting portion <NUM>, whereby the first packing member <NUM>' may be airtightly coupled to the other end of the humidifying module <NUM>. In this case, the first packing member <NUM>' may contact each of a portion of the inner wall of the mid-case <NUM>, a portion of the outer wall of the cartridge <NUM>, and a portion of the second potting portion <NUM>. Since the first packing members <NUM> and <NUM>' are implemented so as to have the same structure except that the positions thereof are different from each other, a description will be given based on the first packing member <NUM> disposed at one end of the humidifying module <NUM>. It is obvious to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains that the first packing member <NUM>' disposed at the other end of the humidifying module <NUM> is derived therefrom.

The first packing member <NUM> may include a first soft member <NUM> and a first hard member <NUM>.

The first soft member <NUM> contacts each of the cartridge <NUM> and the mid-case <NUM>. The first soft member <NUM> may be made of an elastically deformable material. For example, the first soft member <NUM> may be made of rubber. The first soft member <NUM> may be formed in a ring shape so as to hermetically seal between the cartridge <NUM> and the mid-case <NUM>.

The first soft member <NUM> may include a first insertion groove 231a (shown in <FIG>). The first hard member <NUM> may be inserted into the first insertion groove 231a. The first insertion groove 231a may be formed in the surface of the first soft member <NUM> that faces the first cap <NUM>. The first insertion groove 231a may be formed in a ring shape.

The first hard member <NUM> is coupled to the first soft member <NUM>. The first hard member <NUM> may be inserted into the first insertion groove 231a. In the state in which the first hard member <NUM> is inserted into the first insertion groove 231a, the first hard member <NUM> may be deformed so as to extend in a separation direction in which the cartridge <NUM> and the mid-case <NUM> are separated from each other (X-axis direction), as shown in <FIG>, whereby the first soft member <NUM> may be brought into tight contact with the cartridge <NUM>. Consequently, the first hard member <NUM> may increase the force of hermetic sealing between the first soft member <NUM> and the cartridge <NUM>. In this case, the portion of the first soft member <NUM> located between the first hard member <NUM> and the cartridge <NUM> may be elastically deformed and compressed by the first hard member <NUM>. When the first hard member <NUM> is extended in the separation direction (X-axis direction), the portion of the first soft member <NUM> located between the first hard member <NUM> and the cartridge <NUM> may also be elastically deformed and compressed, whereby the portion of the first soft member <NUM> may be brought into tight contact with the mid-case <NUM>. The first hard member <NUM> may be formed in a ring shape corresponding to the first insertion groove 231a.

In the invention, the first hard member <NUM> is plastically deformed so as to extend in the separation direction (X-axis direction). Consequently, the first hard member <NUM> is maintained in the state in which the first soft member <NUM> is in tight contact with the cartridge <NUM>. In addition, the first hard member <NUM> may be maintained in the state in which the first soft member <NUM> is in tight contact with the mid-case <NUM>. Consequently, the first packing member <NUM> may be firmly maintained in a state of hermetically sealing between the cartridge <NUM> and the mid-case <NUM>. The first hard member <NUM> may be made of a plastically deformable material. For example, the first hard member <NUM> may be made of metal or plastic.

In the invention, the first hard member <NUM> includes a first outer wall member <NUM>, a first connection member <NUM>, and a first pressing member <NUM>.

The first outer wall member <NUM> is disposed so as to face the mid-case <NUM>. When the first hard member <NUM> is extended in the separation direction (X-axis direction), the first outer wall member <NUM> may be deformed toward the mid-case <NUM>. Consequently, the first outer wall member <NUM> may bring the portion of the first soft member <NUM> located between the first hard member <NUM> and the mid-case <NUM> into tight contact with the mid-case <NUM>.

The first connection member <NUM> connects the first outer wall member <NUM> and the first pressing member <NUM> to each other. The first connection member <NUM>, the first outer wall member <NUM>, and the first pressing member <NUM> may be integrally formed.

The first pressing member <NUM> is disposed so as to face the cartridge <NUM>. When the first hard member <NUM> is extended in the separation direction (X-axis direction), the first pressing member <NUM> may be deformed toward the cartridge <NUM>. Consequently, the first pressing member <NUM> may press the portion of the first soft member <NUM> located between the first hard member <NUM> and the cartridge <NUM> so as to come into tight contact with the cartridge <NUM>.

A first extension groove 232a is disposed between the first pressing member <NUM> and the first outer wall member <NUM> in the present invention.

In the state in which the first soft member <NUM> is inserted between the mid-case <NUM> and the cartridge <NUM> and the first hard member <NUM> is inserted into the first insertion groove 231a, an extension tool (not shown) may be inserted into the first extension groove 232a. As the extension tool is inserted into the first extension groove 232a, the first pressing member <NUM> may be deformed toward the cartridge <NUM> to press the first soft member <NUM> toward the cartridge <NUM>. In the humidifier <NUM> for fuel cells according to the present disclosure, therefore, the first packing member <NUM> may be installed in the state in which the first hard member <NUM> is not extended, whereby it is possible to improve ease in installing the first packing member <NUM>. Also, in the humidifier <NUM> for fuel cells according to the present disclosure, the first hard member <NUM> may be easily extended using the extension tool after the first packing member <NUM> is installed such that the first soft member <NUM> is brought into tight contact with the cartridge <NUM>, whereby it is possible to improve ease in increasing hermetic sealing force. The extension tool may be a tool configured to be inserted into the first extension groove 232a in order to extend the first hard member <NUM> in the separation direction (X-axis direction). The portion of the extension tool that is inserted into the first extension groove 232a may be formed so as to be gradually decreased in size in a direction in which the extension tool is inserted into the first extension groove 232a. While being inserted into the first extension groove 232a, the extension tool may deform the first outer wall member <NUM> toward the mid-case <NUM>.

The first pressing member <NUM> may be formed so as to have a larger thickness than the first outer wall member <NUM>. Consequently, the first pressing member <NUM> may be plastically deformed toward the cartridge <NUM>, whereby the first pressing member may be more firmly maintained in the state in which the first soft member <NUM> is brought into tight contact with the cartridge <NUM>. Consequently, the humidifier <NUM> for fuel cells according to the present disclosure is implemented to further increase the force of hermetic sealing between the first packing member <NUM> and the cartridge <NUM>.

Here, there is a possibility of the first packing member <NUM> being too deeply inserted between the mid-case <NUM> and the cartridge <NUM> during insertion of the extension tool into the first extension groove 232a in order to deform the first hard member <NUM>. In order to prevent this, the first soft member <NUM> may be coupled to the mid-case <NUM> by catching. The structure of the first soft member <NUM> will be described below in detail.

The first soft member <NUM> may include a first soft body <NUM>, an extension member <NUM>, a catching groove <NUM>, and a catching member <NUM>.

The first soft body <NUM> is disposed between the cartridge <NUM> and the mid-case <NUM>. The first insertion groove 231a may be formed in the first soft body <NUM>. When the first hard member <NUM> is extended in the separation direction (X-axis direction), the first pressing member <NUM> may press the portion of the first soft body <NUM> located between the first hard member <NUM> and the cartridge <NUM>. The first outer wall member <NUM> may press the portion of the first soft body <NUM> located between the first hard member <NUM> and the mid-case <NUM>.

The extension member <NUM> extends from the first soft body <NUM> toward the mid-case <NUM>. The extension member <NUM> may be supported by the mid-case <NUM>. The extension member <NUM> may connect the catching member <NUM> and the first soft body <NUM> to each other. The extension member <NUM>, the catching member <NUM>, and the first soft body <NUM> may be integrally formed.

The catching groove <NUM> is formed in the extension member <NUM>. The catching groove <NUM> may be disposed between the first soft body <NUM> and the catching member <NUM>. The mid-case <NUM> may be inserted into the catching groove <NUM>.

The catching member <NUM> is coupled to the extension member <NUM>. The catching member <NUM> may be disposed outside of the mid-case <NUM> inserted into the catching groove <NUM>. In this case, the mid-case <NUM> may be disposed between the catching member <NUM> and the first soft body <NUM>.

Since the first soft member <NUM> is coupled to the mid-case <NUM> by catching, as described above, the depth by which the first packing member <NUM> is inserted between the mid-case <NUM> and the cartridge <NUM> may be limited during deformation of the first hard member <NUM>. In the humidifier <NUM> for fuel cells according to the present disclosure, therefore, it is possible to improve stability in the first soft member <NUM> being brought into tight contact with the cartridge <NUM> through deformation of the first hard member <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first soft member <NUM> may include a first supporting member <NUM>. The first supporting member <NUM> protrudes toward the first potting portion <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM>. The first supporting member <NUM> may be supported by the first potting portion <NUM>. During deformation of the first hard member <NUM>, therefore, the first supporting member <NUM> may be supported by the first potting portion <NUM>, whereby it is possible to limit the depth by which the first packing member <NUM> is inserted between the mid-case <NUM> and the cartridge <NUM>.

The first supporting member <NUM> may protrude from the first soft body <NUM>. The first supporting member <NUM> may protrude by a length that does not block the hollow portions of the hollow fiber membranes <NUM> coupled to the first potting portion <NUM>. The first supporting member <NUM> and the first soft body <NUM> may be integrally formed.

Referring to <FIG>, the first soft member <NUM> may include a first reinforcement member <NUM>. The first reinforcement member <NUM> may be disposed in the first soft body <NUM>. The first reinforcement member <NUM> may be made of a material that has higher rigidity than the first soft body <NUM>. For example, the first reinforcement member <NUM> may be made of metal or plastic. The first reinforcement member <NUM> may be implemented so as to be disposed in the first soft body <NUM> by insert molding.

Referring to <FIG>, the first cap <NUM> is coupled to one end of the humidifying module <NUM>. The space between the first cap <NUM> and the cartridge <NUM> may be isolated from the space between the cartridge <NUM> and the mid-case <NUM> in a hermetically sealed state by the first packing member <NUM>.

The first cap <NUM> may include a first pushing member <NUM>. When the first cap <NUM> is coupled to one end of the humidifying module <NUM>, the first pushing member <NUM> may push the extension member <NUM> toward the mid-case. Consequently, the first pushing member <NUM> may further increase fixing force necessary for the first packing member <NUM> to be maintained in a state of hermetically sealing between the cartridge <NUM> and the mid-case <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the second cap <NUM> is coupled to the other end of the humidifying module <NUM>. The space between the second cap <NUM> and the cartridge <NUM> may be isolated from the space between the cartridge <NUM> and the mid-case <NUM> in a hermetically sealed state by the first packing member <NUM>'. The first packing member <NUM>' is approximately identical to the first packing member <NUM> described above, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, the humidifier <NUM> for fuel cells according to the present disclosure may be implemented such that a plurality of cartridges <NUM> is coupled in the mid-case <NUM>. In this case, the mid-case <NUM> may include a partition member (not shown) disposed between the cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>'. The cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>' may be individually detachably coupled to the mid-case <NUM> in a state of being disposed between the partition members. Meanwhile, in <FIG>, each of the cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>' is shown with omission of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes, although each of the cartridges includes the hollow fiber membranes.

When the humidifying module <NUM> is implemented such that the plurality of cartridges <NUM> is coupled to the mid-case <NUM>, the humidifying module may include a second packing member <NUM>.

The second packing member <NUM> is disposed between the cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>' to hermetically seal between the cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>'. The second packing member <NUM> may prevent direct mixing between gas to be supplied to the fuel cell stack and wet gas supplied between the cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>'. The humidifier <NUM> for fuel cells according to the present disclosure may include a plurality of second packing members <NUM>. The second packing members <NUM> and <NUM>' may be disposed at opposite sides of the cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>'. Since the second packing members <NUM> and <NUM>' are implemented so as to have the same structure except that the positions thereof are different from each other, a description will be given based on the second packing member <NUM> disposed at one side of each of the cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>'. It is obvious to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains that the second packing member <NUM>' disposed at the other side of each of the cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>' is derived therefrom.

The second packing member <NUM> may include a second soft member <NUM> and a second hard member <NUM>.

The second soft member <NUM> contacts each of the cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>'. The second soft member <NUM> may be made of an elastically deformable material. For example, the second soft member <NUM> may be made of rubber. The second soft member <NUM> may include a second insertion groove 241a (shown in <FIG>). The second hard member <NUM> may be inserted into the second insertion groove 241a. The second insertion groove 241a may be formed in the surface of the second soft member <NUM> that faces the first cap <NUM>.

The second hard member <NUM> is coupled to the second soft member <NUM>. The second hard member <NUM> may be inserted into the second insertion groove 241a. In the state in which the second hard member <NUM> is inserted into the second insertion groove 241a, the second hard member <NUM> may be deformed so as to extend in a separation direction in which the cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>' are separated from each other (X-axis direction), as shown in <FIG>, whereby the second soft member <NUM> may be brought into tight contact with the cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>'. Consequently, the second hard member <NUM> may increase the force of hermetic sealing between the second soft member <NUM> and the cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>'. In this case, the portion of the second soft member <NUM> located between the second hard member <NUM> and the cartridge <NUM> may be elastically deformed and compressed by the second hard member <NUM>. The portion of the second soft member <NUM> located between the second hard member <NUM> and the cartridge <NUM>' may be elastically deformed and compressed by the second hard member <NUM>.

The second hard member <NUM> may be plastically deformed so as to extend in the separation direction (X-axis direction). Consequently, the second hard member <NUM> may be maintained in the state in which the second soft member <NUM> is in tight contact with the cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>'. Consequently, the second packing member <NUM> may be firmly maintained in a state of hermetically sealing between the cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>'. The second hard member <NUM> may be made of a plastically deformable material. For example, the second hard member <NUM> may be made of metal or plastic.

The second hard member <NUM> may include a second connection member <NUM> and a plurality of second pressing members <NUM> and <NUM>'.

The second connection member <NUM> connects the second pressing members <NUM> and <NUM>' to each other. The second connection member <NUM> and the second pressing members <NUM> and <NUM>' may be integrally formed.

The second pressing members <NUM> and <NUM>' are disposed so as to face the cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>'. When the second hard member <NUM> is extended in the separation direction (X-axis direction), the second pressing members <NUM> and <NUM>' may be deformed toward the cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>'. Consequently, the second pressing members <NUM> and <NUM>' may press the portion of the second soft member <NUM> located between the cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>' so as to come into tight contact with the cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>'.

A second extension groove 242a may be disposed between the second pressing members <NUM> and <NUM>'. In the state in which the second soft member <NUM> is inserted between the cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>' and the second hard member <NUM> is inserted into the second insertion groove 241a, the extension tool may be inserted into the second extension groove 242a. As the extension tool is inserted into the second extension groove 242a, the second pressing members <NUM> and <NUM>' may be deformed toward the cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>' to press the second soft member <NUM> toward the cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>'. In the humidifier <NUM> for fuel cells according to the present disclosure, therefore, the second packing member <NUM> may be installed in the state in which the second hard member <NUM> is not extended, whereby it is possible to improve ease in installing the second packing member <NUM>. Also, in the humidifier <NUM> for fuel cells according to the present disclosure, the second hard member <NUM> may be easily extended using the extension tool after the second packing member <NUM> is installed such that the second soft member <NUM> is brought into tight contact with the cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>', whereby it is possible to improve ease in increasing hermetic sealing force.

The second hard member <NUM> may be formed so as to have a larger thickness than the first hard member <NUM>. The average thickness of the entirety of the second hard member <NUM> may be greater than the average thickness of the entirety of the first hard member <NUM>. In this case, each of the second pressing members <NUM> and <NUM>' may be formed so as to have a larger thickness than the first outer wall member <NUM>. Each of the second pressing members <NUM> and <NUM>' may be formed so as to have the same thickness as the first pressing member <NUM>. Consequently, the humidifier <NUM> for fuel cells according to the present disclosure is implemented to further increase the force of hermetic sealing between the second packing member <NUM> and the cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>'.

Here, the second soft member <NUM> and the first soft member <NUM> may be integrally formed. Consequently, it is possible to install the second soft member <NUM> and the first soft member <NUM> through a single insertion operation. In this case, the second hard member <NUM> and the first hard member <NUM> may be individually manufactured.

Referring to <FIG>, there is a possibility of the second packing member <NUM> being too deeply inserted between the cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>' during insertion of the extension tool into the second extension groove 242a in order to deform the second hard member <NUM>. In order to prevent this, the second soft member <NUM> may include a plurality of second supporting members <NUM> and <NUM>' protruding from a second soft body <NUM>.

The second soft body <NUM> is disposed between the cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>'. The second insertion groove 241a may be formed in the second soft body <NUM>.

The second supporting members <NUM> and <NUM>' protrude toward first potting portions <NUM> and <NUM>' of the cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>'. The second supporting members <NUM> and <NUM>' may be supported by the first potting portions <NUM> and <NUM>'. During deformation of the second hard member <NUM>, therefore, the second supporting members <NUM> and <NUM>' may be supported by the first potting portions <NUM> and <NUM>', whereby it is possible to limit the depth by which the second packing member <NUM> is inserted between the cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>'.

The second supporting members <NUM> and <NUM>' may protrude from opposite sides of the second soft body <NUM>. The second supporting members <NUM> and <NUM>' may protrude by a length that does not block the hollow portions of the hollow fiber membranes <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) coupled to the first potting portions <NUM> and <NUM>'. The second supporting members <NUM> and <NUM>' and the second soft body <NUM> may be integrally formed.

Referring to <FIG>, the second soft member <NUM> may include a second reinforcement member <NUM>. The second reinforcement member <NUM> may be disposed in the second soft body <NUM>. The second reinforcement member <NUM> may be made of a material that has higher rigidity than the second soft body <NUM>. For example, the second reinforcement member <NUM> may be made of metal or plastic. The second reinforcement member <NUM> may be disposed in the second soft body <NUM> by insert molding.

<FIG> show that two cartridges <NUM> are coupled to the mid-case <NUM>. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. As shown in <FIG>, the humidifier <NUM> for fuel cells according to the present disclosure may be implemented such that three cartridges <NUM>, <NUM>', and <NUM>" are coupled to the mid-case <NUM>. In this case, two second packing members <NUM> may be provided at one side of the humidifying module <NUM>, and two second packing members <NUM>' may be provided at the other side of the humidifying module <NUM>. Although not shown, the humidifier <NUM> for fuel cells according to the present disclosure may be implemented such that four or more cartridges <NUM> are coupled to the mid-case <NUM>. In this case, the number of second packing members <NUM> may be increased in proportion to the number of cartridges <NUM> coupled to the mid-case <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A humidifier (<NUM>) for fuel cells, the humidifier comprising:
a humidifying module configured to humidify dry gas supplied from outside using wet gas discharged from a fuel cell stack; and
a first cap (<NUM>) coupled to one end of the humidifying module, wherein
the humidifying module comprises: a mid-case (<NUM>) and at least one cartridge (<NUM>) disposed in the mid-case, the cartridge being configured to receive a plurality of hollow fiber membranes,
the humidifier further comprises a first packing member (<NUM>) airtightly coupled to at least one end of the humidifying module through mechanical assembly such that the first cap fluidly communicates with only the hollow fiber membranes,
the first packing member comprises: a first soft member (<NUM>) configured to contact each of the cartridge and the mid-case; and a first hard member (<NUM>) coupled to the first soft member,
the first soft member comprises a first insertion groove (231a) configured to allow the first hard member to be inserted thereinto,
the first hard member is deformed so as to extend in a separation direction in which the cartridge and the mid-case are separated from each other in a state of being inserted into the first insertion groove, whereby the first soft member is brought into tight contact with the cartridge,
wherein the first hard member is plastically deformed so as to extend in the separation direction, whereby the first hard member is maintained in a state in which the first soft member is in tight contact with the cartridge, and
wherein the first hard member comprises:
a first pressing member (<NUM>) disposed so as to face the cartridge;
a first outer wall member (<NUM>) disposed so as to face the mid-case;
a first connection member (<NUM>) configured to connect the first pressing member and the first outer wall member to each other; and
a first extension groove (232a) disposed between the first pressing member and the first outer wall member.