Patent Description:
A fuel cell stack refers to a kind of power generation device that generates electrical energy through a chemical reaction of fuel (e.g., hydrogen), and the fuel cell stack may be configured by stacking several tens or hundreds of fuel cells (unit cells) in series.

More specifically, the fuel cell may include a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and separators (an anode separator and a cathode separator) disposed on two opposite surfaces of the membrane electrode assembly.

The separators have gas flow paths through which fuel (e.g., hydrogen) and reactant gas (e.g., air) are supplied to the membrane electrode assembly, and a cooling flow path along which a coolant flows.

In addition, in order to configure the fuel cell stack by stacking the fuel cells, sealability needs to be maintained between the membrane electrode assembly and reaction surfaces of the separators and between cooling surfaces of the separators.

To this end, gaskets are provided between the membrane electrode assembly and the reaction surfaces of the separators and the cooling surfaces of the separators. That is, the gaskets are provided to prevent the gases (hydrogen and air) flowing to the reaction surfaces of the separators from leaking to the outside of the fuel cell stack and to prevent the coolant flowing to the cooling surfaces of the separators from leaking to the outside of the fuel cell stack.

The gaskets may be integrally provided, by injection molding, on edge portions of two opposite surfaces of the separator and with edge portions of two opposite sides of each manifold for allowing the gas and the coolant to flow in and out. The flow paths for the gases and the coolant may be defined by the gaskets.

Meanwhile, in order to ensure stable performance of the fuel cell and safety and reliability of the fuel cell, coupled and sealed states of the separators needs to be securely maintained.

However, in the related art, because the separators (e.g., an anode separator of a first fuel cell and a cathode separator of a second fuel cell disposed adjacent to the first fuel cell), which constitute adjacent unit cells (fuel cells), are coupled (fastened) to each other by welding, there are problems in that productivity and production efficiency are difficult to improve and production costs are increased.

Moreover, the portions coupled by welding (the coupled portions between the separators) are vulnerable to corrosion, impact, and the like and may be easily deformed or damaged during the process of stacking and fastening the fuel cells. The deformation of and the damage to the coupled portions between the separators cause a problem of a deterioration in sealing performance of the separators.

In addition, after the fuel cell stack is assembled by stacking the plurality of fuel cells, each of the fuel cells (unit cells) needs to be tested for activation and defects, and the fuel cell, which is determined to be defective, needs to be replaced with another fuel cell.

However, in the related art, since the separators (e.g., the anode separator of the first fuel cell and the cathode separator of the second fuel cell) constituting different unit cells (fuel cells) are coupled by welding, all the two sets of separators stacked on the two opposite surfaces of the membrane electrode assembly (a first set of separators stacked on one surface of the membrane electrode assembly and configured by welding the two separators and a second set of separators stacked on the other surface of the membrane electrode assembly and configured by welding the two separators) need to be inevitably replaced in order to replace a defective fuel cell determined to be defective.

In other words, in the related art, because at least four separators (the two sets of separators) need to be disassembled and separated in order to replace a single defective fuel cell, there is a problem in that the time and costs required to replace the fuel cell are increased. <CIT> describes a fuel cell according to the preamble of claim <NUM>. <CIT> discloses a fuel cell stack comprising a membrane electrode assembly, a first and a second separator and a first and a second sealing member.

Therefore, recently, various types of studies have been conducted to stably maintain a state in which separators are coupled in fuel cells and to easily handle the fuel cells, but the study result is still insufficient. Accordingly, there is a need to develop a technology for stably maintaining the state in which the separators are coupled in the fuel cells and easily handling the fuel cells.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description.

In one general aspect, a fuel cell includes: a membrane electrode assembly (MEA); a first separator stacked on a first surface of the membrane electrode assembly; a second separator stacked on a second surface of the membrane electrode assembly; a first sealing member disposed on the first separator and configured to seal a space between the first separator and the membrane electrode assembly; a second sealing member disposed on the second separator and configured to seal a space between the second separator and the membrane electrode assembly; and a fastening part configured to fasten the first sealing member to the second sealing member.

The fastening part includes a first fastening clip disposed on the first sealing member and configured to be fastened to the second sealing member.

The first fastening clip may include a first clip body connected to the first sealing member; and a first clip protrusion connected to the first clip body and defining a first receiving portion that is configured to accommodate the second sealing member in cooperation with the first clip body.

The second sealing member may have a through portion disposed in a thickness direction thereof, and the first fastening clip may be configured to pass through the through portion.

The fuel cell may include an elastic protrusion disposed on a circumferential surface of the first clip body facing an inner wall surface of the through portion, and the elastic protrusion may be elastically compressed between the inner wall surface of the through portion and the circumferential surface of the first clip body.

The first fastening clip may be disposed unitarily with the first sealing member.

The first fastening clip and the first sealing member may be integrally injection molded on the first separator.

The fastening part may include a second fastening clip disposed on the second sealing member and configured to be fastened to the first sealing member.

The second fastening clip may include: a second clip body connected to the second sealing member; and a second clip protrusion connected to the second clip body and defining a second receiving portion that is configured to accommodate the first sealing member in cooperation with the second clip body.

The second fastening clip may be disposed unitarily with the second sealing member.

The second fastening clip and the second sealing member may be integrally injection molded on the second separator.

The fuel cell may include: a first extension portion extending from an end of the first sealing member; and a second extension portion extending from an end of the second sealing member to correspond to the first extension portion, the first fastening clip may be disposed on the first extension portion, and the second fastening clip may be disposed on the second extension portion.

The fuel cell may include: a guide protrusion protruding from a surface of the first sealing member that faces the second sealing member; and a guide hole defined in the second sealing member to correspond to the guide protrusion and configured to accommodate the guide protrusion.

The membrane electrode assembly may have an alignment hole, and the guide protrusion may be configured to pass through the alignment hole to be accommodated in the guide hole.

The fuel cell may include a through hole defined in the second separator to correspond to the guide protrusion and configured to accommodate the guide protrusion.

However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein but may be implemented in various different forms.

In addition, unless otherwise specifically and explicitly defined and stated, the terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be construed as the meaning which may be commonly understood by the person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. The meanings of the commonly used terms such as the terms defined in dictionaries may be interpreted in consideration of the contextual meanings of the related technology.

In addition, the terms used in the embodiment of the present disclosure are for explaining the embodiments, not for limiting the present disclosure.

In the present specification, unless particularly stated otherwise, a singular form may also include a plural form. The expression "at least one (or one or more) of A, B, and C" may include one or more of all combinations that can be made by combining A, B, and C.

In addition, the terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used to describe constituent elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

These terms are used only for the purpose of discriminating one constituent element from another constituent element, and the nature, the sequences, or the orders of the constituent elements are not limited by the terms.

Further, when one constituent element is described as being 'connected', 'coupled', or 'attached' to another constituent element, one constituent element may be connected, coupled, or attached directly to another constituent element or connected, coupled, or attached to another constituent element through still another constituent element interposed therebetween.

In addition, the expression "one constituent element is formed or disposed above (on) or below (under) another constituent element" includes not only a case in which the two constituent elements are in direct contact with each other, but also a case in which one or more other constituent elements are formed or disposed between the two constituent elements. In addition, the expression "above (on) or below (under)" may include a meaning of a downward direction as well as an upward direction based on one constituent element.

Referring to <FIG>, a fuel cell <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) <NUM>, a first separator <NUM> stacked on one surface of the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>, a second separator <NUM> stacked on the other surface of the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>, a first sealing member <NUM> provided on the first separator <NUM> and configured to seal a portion between the first separator <NUM> and the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>, a second sealing member <NUM> provided on the second separator <NUM> and configured to seal a portion between the second separator <NUM> and the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>, and a fastening part <NUM> configured to fasten the first sealing member <NUM> and the second sealing member <NUM>.

For reference, the fuel cell <NUM> including the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>, the first separator <NUM>, and the second separator <NUM> constitutes a single unit cell which is independently modularized. In this case, the configuration in which the fuel cell <NUM> is independently modularized may mean that the fuel cell <NUM> constitutes an independent unit cell so that the adjacent fuel cells <NUM> may be individually separated.

Referring to <FIG>, a fuel cell stack <NUM> may be configured by stacking the plurality of fuel cells <NUM> in a reference direction and then assembling end plates <NUM> to two opposite ends of the plurality of fuel cells <NUM>.

The membrane electrode assembly (MEA) <NUM> is provided to generate electricity by means of an oxidation-reduction reaction between a first reactant gas (e.g., hydrogen) and a second reactant gas (e.g., air).

A structure and a material of the membrane electrode assembly <NUM> may be variously changed in accordance with required conditions and design specifications, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the structure and the material of the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>.

For example, the membrane electrode assembly <NUM> includes the electrolyte membrane through which hydrogen ions move, and the catalyst electrode layers attached to two opposite surfaces of the electrolyte membrane, and the electrochemical reactions occur in the catalyst electrode layers. In addition, gas diffusion layers (GDLs) (not illustrated) may be provided at two opposite sides of the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>, and the gas diffusion layers serve to uniformly distribute the reactant gases and transfer generated electrical energy.

The separators <NUM> are provided to supply the first reactant gas (e.g., hydrogen) and the second reactant gas (e.g., air) to the membrane electrode assembly <NUM> and disposed to be in close contact with one surface and the other surface of the membrane electrode assembly <NUM> in a direction in which the fuel cells <NUM> are stacked.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first separator <NUM> may be one of an anode separator and a cathode separator, and the second separator <NUM> may be the other of the anode separator and the cathode separator. The anode separator defines flow paths for fuel (e.g., hydrogen) which is the first reactant gas, and the cathode separator defines flow paths for an oxidant (e.g., air), which is the second reactant gas.

For example, referring to <FIG>, the first separator <NUM> (the anode separator) for supplying hydrogen may be disposed on a lower surface of the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>, and the second separator <NUM> (the cathode separator) for supplying air may be disposed on an upper surface of the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>.

More specifically, the first separator <NUM> may be in close contact with the lower surface of the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>, first channels (not illustrated) along which the first reactant gas (e.g., hydrogen) flows may be provided on one surface (an upper surface based on <FIG>) of the first separator <NUM> that faces the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>, and cooling channels (not illustrated) along which a coolant flows may be provided on the other surface (a lower surface based on <FIG>) of the first separator <NUM>.

The second separator <NUM> may be in close contact with the upper surface of the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>, second channels (not illustrated) along which the second reactant gas (e.g., air) flows may be provided on one surface (a lower surface based on <FIG>) of the second separator <NUM> that faces the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>, and cooling channels (not illustrated) along which the coolant flows may be provided on the other surface (an upper surface based on <FIG>) of the second separator <NUM>.

The first separator <NUM> and the second separator <NUM> may serve not only to block hydrogen and air, which are the reactant gases, but also to ensure the flow paths for the reactant gas and the air and transmit electric current to an external circuit.

In addition, the separators may also serve to distribute heat, which is generated in the fuel cell <NUM>, to the entire fuel cell <NUM>, and the excessively generated heat may be discharged to the outside by the coolant flowing along the cooling flow paths (not illustrated) between the separators.

For example, each of the first separator <NUM> and the second separator <NUM> may be provided in the form of a thin metal film. The first separator <NUM> and the second separator <NUM>, together with the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>, may constitute the single fuel cell <NUM> (unit cell) and independently define the flow paths for the hydrogen, the air, and the coolant. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the separator may be made of another material such as graphite or a carbon composite.

For reference, hydrogen, which is the fuel, and air, which is the oxidant, are supplied to an anode (not illustrated) and a cathode (not illustrated) of the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>, respectively, through the channels (not illustrated) in the first separator <NUM> and the second separator <NUM>. The hydrogen may be supplied to the anode, and the air may be supplied to the cathode.

The hydrogen supplied to the anode is separated into hydrogen ions (protons) and electrons by catalysts in the electrode layers provided at two opposite sides of the electrolyte membrane. Only the hydrogen ions are selectively delivered to the cathode through the electrolyte membrane which is a positive ion exchange membrane, and at the same time, the electrons are delivered to the cathode through the gas diffusion layer and the separator which are conductors.

At the cathode, the hydrogen ions supplied through the electrolyte membrane and the electrons delivered through the separator meet oxygen in the air supplied to the cathode by an air supply device, thereby creating a reaction of producing water. As a result of the movement of the hydrogen ions, the electrons flow through external conductive wires, and the electric current is produced as a result of the flow of the electrons.

Referring to <FIG>, the first sealing member <NUM> is provided on one surface of the first separator <NUM> that faces the membrane electrode assembly <NUM> and serves to seal the portion between the first separator <NUM> and the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>.

The first sealing member <NUM> may have various structures capable of sealing the portion between the first separator <NUM> and the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the structure and the shape of the first sealing member <NUM>.

The first sealing member <NUM> may be made of an elastic material such as rubber (e.g., EPDM), silicone (or liquid silicone), or urethane, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the material and the property of the first sealing member <NUM>.

For example, the first sealing member <NUM> may include a first-<NUM> sealing portion (not illustrated) provided along an edge of the first separator <NUM>, and a first-<NUM> sealing portion (not illustrated) connected to the first-<NUM> sealing portion and configured to surround a first manifold part (not illustrated) provided in the first separator <NUM>.

For example, the first-<NUM> sealing portion may be provided, by injection molding, on the first separator <NUM> so as to have an approximately quadrangular ring shape along the edge of the first separator <NUM>. The first-<NUM> sealing portion provides sealability to prevent the reactant gas or the coolant from leaking to the outside.

The first-<NUM> sealing portion may be provided, by injection molding, on the first separator <NUM> so as to surround the first manifold part. In this case, the configuration in which the first-<NUM> sealing portion surrounds the first manifold part may means that a hydrogen inlet manifold (not illustrated), a coolant inlet manifold (not illustrated), an air outlet manifold (not illustrated), a hydrogen outlet manifold (not illustrated), a coolant outlet manifold (not illustrated), and an air inlet manifold (not illustrated) are individually sealed by the first-<NUM> sealing portion.

In particular, a sealing pattern (e.g., a sealing protrusion) may be provided on a contact surface (close-contact surface) of the first sealing member <NUM>, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the structure and the shape of the sealing pattern.

Referring to <FIG>, the second sealing member <NUM> is provided on one surface of the second separator <NUM> that faces the membrane electrode assembly <NUM> and is provided to seal the portion between the second separator <NUM> and the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>.

The second sealing member <NUM> may have various structures capable of sealing the portion between the second separator <NUM> and the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the structure and the shape of the second sealing member <NUM>.

The second sealing member <NUM> may be made of an elastic material such as rubber (e.g., EPDM), silicone (or liquid silicone), or urethane, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the material and the property of the second sealing member <NUM>.

For example, the second sealing member <NUM> may include a second-<NUM> sealing portion (not illustrated) provided along an edge of the second separator <NUM>, and a second-<NUM> sealing portion (not illustrated) connected to the second-<NUM> sealing portion and configured to surround a second manifold part (not illustrated) provided in the second separator <NUM>.

For example, the second-<NUM> sealing portion may be provided, by injection molding, on the second separator <NUM> so as to have an approximately quadrangular ring shape along the edge of the second separator <NUM>. The second-<NUM> sealing portion provides sealability to prevent the reactant gas or the coolant from leaking to the outside.

The second-<NUM> sealing portion may be provided, by injection molding, on the second separator <NUM> so as to surround the second manifold part. In this case, the configuration in which the second-<NUM> sealing portion surrounds the second manifold part may mean that a hydrogen inlet manifold (not illustrated), a coolant inlet manifold (not illustrated), an air outlet manifold (not illustrated), a hydrogen outlet manifold (not illustrated), a coolant outlet manifold (not illustrated), and an air inlet manifold (not illustrated) are individually sealed by the second-<NUM> sealing portion.

In particular, a sealing pattern (e.g., a sealing protrusion) may be provided on a contact surface (close-contact surface) of the second sealing member <NUM>, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the structure and the shape of the sealing pattern.

Referring to <FIG>, the fastening part <NUM> is provided to fasten the first sealing member <NUM> and the second sealing member <NUM>, and the first separator <NUM> and the second separator <NUM> may be integrally modularized by means of the fastening part <NUM>.

In this case, the configuration in which the first sealing member <NUM> and the second sealing member <NUM> are fastened to each other may be defined as a concept including both a case in which the second sealing member <NUM> is constrained against the first sealing member <NUM> so that the second sealing member <NUM> is not spaced apart from the first sealing member <NUM> and a case in which the first sealing member <NUM> is constrained against the second sealing member <NUM> so that the first sealing member <NUM> is not spaced apart from the second sealing member <NUM>.

The fastening part <NUM> may have various structures capable of fastening the first sealing member <NUM> and the second sealing member <NUM>.

For example, the fastening part <NUM> may include first fastening clips <NUM> provided on the first sealing member <NUM> and configured to be fastened to the second sealing member <NUM>.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first fastening clip <NUM> may be provided unitarily with the first sealing member <NUM>.

In particular, the first fastening clip <NUM> may be made of the same material as or a similar material to the first sealing member <NUM>.

More particularly, the first fastening clips <NUM> and the first sealing member <NUM> may be integrally provided on the first separator <NUM> by injection molding (e.g., dual injection molding). Since the first fastening clips <NUM> and the first sealing member <NUM> are integrally provided on the first separator <NUM> by injection molding as described above, the first sealing member <NUM> and the first fastening clips <NUM> may be provided together by means of a single injection molding process. As a result, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of simplifying a manufacturing process and improving productivity and production efficiency.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first fastening clips may be manufactured separately from the first sealing member and then attached or coupled to the first sealing member.

The first fastening clip <NUM> may have various structures capable of being fastened to (constrained against) the second sealing member <NUM>.

Hereinafter, an example in which the fastening part <NUM> includes the plurality of first fastening clips <NUM> provided to be spaced apart from one another in a circumferential direction of the first sealing member <NUM> will be described. In this case, the number of first fastening clips <NUM> and a spacing interval between the first fastening clips <NUM> may be variously changed in accordance with required conditions and design specifications.

For example, the first fastening clip <NUM> may include a first clip body <NUM> connected to the first sealing member <NUM>, and a first clip protrusion <NUM> connected to the first clip body <NUM> so as to be elastically flexible and configured to define a first receiving portion <NUM> that accommodates the second sealing member <NUM> in cooperation with the first clip body <NUM>.

The first clip body <NUM> and the first clip protrusion <NUM> may be provided at an outer peripheral end of the first sealing member <NUM> so as to define the first receiving portion <NUM> having an approximately 'U' shape. In the state in which the first separator <NUM> and the second separator <NUM> are in close contact with one surface and the other surface of the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>, a part of an end of the second sealing member <NUM> may be accommodated in the first receiving portion <NUM> so as to be disposed between the first clip body <NUM> and the first clip protrusion <NUM>.

In the state in which a part of the end of the second sealing member <NUM> is accommodated in the first receiving portion <NUM>, the first clip protrusion <NUM> may be disposed to cover an outer surface of the first sealing member <NUM>, and an arrangement state of the first separator <NUM> and the second separator <NUM> may be constrained by interference by the first clip protrusion <NUM>.

In particular, a first extension portion <NUM> may be provided at an end of the first sealing member <NUM> and may protrude from an outer periphery of the first sealing member <NUM> (protrude to the outside of the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>). The first fastening clip <NUM> may be provided on the first extension portion <NUM>.

Since the first fastening clip <NUM> is provided on the first extension portion <NUM> extending from the end of the first sealing member <NUM> as described above, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of minimizing an increase in thickness of the fuel cell <NUM> caused by the first fastening clip <NUM> provided on the first sealing member <NUM>.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first fastening clip may be provided directly on the first sealing member without the first extension portion. However, in the case in which the first fastening clip is provided directly on the first sealing member, a thickness of the first sealing member is inevitably increased due to the first fastening clip, which causes a problem in that an overall thickness of the fuel cell increases. Therefore, the first extension portion <NUM> may extend from the end of the first sealing member <NUM>, and the first fastening clip <NUM> may be provided on the first extension portion <NUM>.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the second sealing member <NUM> has through portions <NUM> each penetrated in a thickness direction thereof, and the first fastening clip <NUM> may be disposed to pass through each of the through portions <NUM>.

Since the first fastening clips <NUM> are fastened to the second sealing member <NUM> by passing through the through portions <NUM> as described above, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of stably maintaining the arrangement state of the first fastening clips <NUM> with respect to the second sealing member <NUM>.

In addition, in a case in which a posture and a position of the first fastening clip <NUM> are misaligned with the through portion <NUM>, the first fastening clip <NUM> cannot pass through the through portion <NUM>, and the first separator <NUM> is spaced apart from the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>. As a result, an operator may easily recognize whether the first separator <NUM> is assembled erroneously.

In particular, the through portion <NUM> may be spaced apart from the end of the second sealing member <NUM> (e.g., an end of the first extension portion). Since the through portion <NUM> is spaced apart from the end of the second sealing member <NUM> as described above, it is possible to minimize the outward exposure of the first fastening clip <NUM> disposed to pass through the through portion <NUM>. As a result, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of inhibiting the fastened state made by the first fastening clip <NUM> from being released by external interference or the like.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the fuel cell <NUM> may include elastic protrusions 342a each provided on a circumferential surface of the first clip body <NUM> that faces an inner wall surface of the through portion <NUM>. The elastic protrusion 342a may be elastically compressed between the inner wall surface of the through portion <NUM> and the circumferential surface of the first clip body <NUM>.

The elastic protrusion 342a may have various structures in accordance with required conditions and design specifications, and the present disclosure is not limited or restricted by the structure and the shape of the elastic protrusion 342a.

For example, a plurality of elastic protrusions 342a each having an approximately hemispheric shape may be provided on the circumferential surface of the first clip body <NUM> so as to be spaced apart from one another. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the elastic protrusion may have a continuously shape (e.g., a 'U' shape) along the circumferential surface of the first clip body.

As described above, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the elastic protrusion 342a is provided on the circumferential surface of the first clip body <NUM>, and the elastic protrusion 342a is elastically compressed between the inner wall surface of the through portion <NUM> and the circumferential surface of the first clip body <NUM> when the first clip body <NUM> is disposed in the through portion <NUM>. As a result, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of more securely and stably maintaining the fastened state made by the first fastening clip <NUM>.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the fastening part <NUM> may include second fastening clips <NUM> provided on the second sealing member <NUM> and configured to be fastened to the first sealing member <NUM>.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the second fastening clip <NUM> may be provided unitarily with the second sealing member <NUM>.

In particular, the second fastening clip <NUM> may be made of the same material as or a similar material to the second sealing member <NUM>.

More particularly, the second fastening clips <NUM> and the second sealing member <NUM> may be integrally provided on the second separator <NUM> by injection molding (e.g., dual injection molding). Since the second fastening clips <NUM> and the second sealing member <NUM> are integrally provided on the second separator <NUM> by injection molding as described above, the second sealing member <NUM> and the second fastening clips <NUM> may be provided together by means of a single injection molding process. As a result, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of simplifying a manufacturing process and improving productivity and production efficiency.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second fastening clips may be manufactured separately from the second sealing member and then attached or coupled to the second sealing member.

The second fastening clip <NUM> may have various structures capable of being fastened to (constrained against) the first sealing member <NUM>.

Hereinafter, an example in which the fastening part <NUM> includes the plurality of second fastenings clip <NUM> provided to be spaced apart from one another in a circumferential direction of the second sealing member <NUM> will be described. In this case, the number of second fastening clips <NUM> and a spacing interval between the second fastening clips <NUM> may be variously changed in accordance with required conditions and design specifications.

For example, the second fastening clip <NUM> may include a second clip body <NUM> connected to the second sealing member <NUM>, and a second clip protrusion <NUM> connected to the second clip body <NUM> so as to be elastically flexible and configured to define a second receiving portion that accommodates the second sealing member <NUM> in cooperation with the second clip body <NUM>.

The second clip body <NUM> and the second clip protrusion <NUM> may be provided at an outer peripheral end of the second sealing member <NUM> so as to define the second receiving portion having an approximately 'U' shape. In the state in which the first separator <NUM> and the second separator <NUM> are in close contact with one surface and the other surface of the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>, a part of an end of the first sealing member <NUM> may be accommodated in the second receiving portion so as to be disposed between the second clip body <NUM> and the second clip protrusion <NUM>.

In the state in which a part of the end of the first sealing member <NUM> is accommodated in the second receiving portion, the second clip protrusion <NUM> may be disposed to cover an outer surface of the first sealing member <NUM>, and an arrangement state of the first separator <NUM> and the second separator <NUM> may be constrained by interference by the second clip protrusion <NUM>.

In particular, a second extension portion <NUM> may be provided at the end of the second sealing member <NUM> so as to correspond to the first extension portion <NUM>, and the second fastening clip <NUM> may be provided on the second extension portion <NUM>.

For example, the second extension portion <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to a shape of the first extension portion <NUM>. The second fastening clip <NUM> may be provided on the second extension portion <NUM> protruding from an outer periphery of the second sealing member <NUM> (protruding to the outside of the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>).

Since the second fastening clip <NUM> is provided on the second extension portion <NUM> extending from the end of the second sealing member <NUM> as described above, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of minimizing an increase in thickness of the fuel cell <NUM> caused by the second fastening clip <NUM> provided on the second sealing member <NUM>.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second fastening clip may be provided directly on the second sealing member without the second extension portion. However, in the case in which the second fastening clip is provided directly on the second sealing member, a thickness of the second sealing member is inevitably increased due to the second fastening clip, which causes a problem in that an overall thickness of the fuel cell increases. Therefore, the second extension portion <NUM> may extend from the end of the second sealing member <NUM>, and the second fastening clip <NUM> may be provided on the second extension portion <NUM>.

In particular, the pair of second fastening clips <NUM> may be disposed on the second extension portions <NUM> so as to be spaced apart from each other, such that the pair of second fastening clips <NUM> are disposed at two opposite sides of the first fastening clip <NUM> with the first fastening clip <NUM> interposed therebetween.

As described above, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first sealing member <NUM> and the second sealing member <NUM> may be fastened to each other by a dual fastening structure including the first fastening clip <NUM> and the second fastening clip <NUM>. As a result, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of more stably constraining the arrangement state of the first separator <NUM> and the second separator <NUM> and stably ensuring sealing performance implemented by the first separator <NUM> and the second separator <NUM>.

In the embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated and described as described above, the example in which the fastening part <NUM> includes both the first fastening clip <NUM> and the second fastening clip <NUM> is described. However, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the fastening part may include only the second fastening clip without the first fastening clip.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the fuel cell <NUM> may include a guide protrusion <NUM> protruding from one surface of the first sealing member <NUM> that faces the second sealing member <NUM>, and a guide hole <NUM> provided in the second sealing member <NUM> so as to correspond to the guide protrusion <NUM> and configured to accommodate the guide protrusion <NUM>.

For example, the guide protrusion <NUM> may be provided in the form of a quadrangular column having a quadrangular cross section, and the guide hole <NUM> may be provided in the form of a quadrangular hole corresponding to the guide protrusion <NUM>. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the guide protrusion may have a circular cross-sectional shape or another cross-sectional shape.

In particular, an alignment hole <NUM> may be penetratively provided in the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>, and the guide protrusion <NUM> may penetrate the alignment hole <NUM> and be accommodated in the guide hole <NUM>.

More particularly, the fuel cell <NUM> may include a through hole <NUM> provided in the second separator <NUM> so as to correspond to the guide protrusion <NUM> and configured to accommodate the guide protrusion <NUM>. The guide protrusion <NUM> may be disposed to sequentially pass through the guide hole <NUM>, the alignment hole <NUM>, and the through hole <NUM>.

As described above, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, since the guide protrusion <NUM> is provided on the first sealing member <NUM>, and the guide protrusion <NUM> sequentially passes through the guide hole <NUM>, the alignment hole <NUM>, and the through hole <NUM>, it is possible to inhibit the second sealing member <NUM> from moving and departing from the first sealing member <NUM>. As a result, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of more stably maintaining the fastened state made by the first fastening clip <NUM> and the second fastening clip <NUM>.

In addition, in a case in which a posture and a position of the second sealing member <NUM> are misaligned with the first sealing member <NUM>, the guide protrusion <NUM> cannot pass through the guide hole <NUM>, and the first separator <NUM> (or the second separator) is spaced apart from the membrane electrode assembly <NUM>. As a result, an operator may easily recognize whether the first separator <NUM> and the second separator <NUM> are assembled erroneously.

For reference, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the example in which only the single guide protrusion <NUM> is provide is described. However, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of guide protrusions may be provided to be spaced apart from one another.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of improving the safety and the reliability of the fuel cell and simplifying the structure and the manufacturing process.

In particular, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of securely fastening the separators without a welding process.

In addition, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of minimizing deformation of and damage to the fastened portions between the separators and securely maintaining the coupled and sealed states of the separators.

In addition, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of simplifying the structure and the process of manufacturing the fuel cell and reducing the manufacturing costs.

In addition, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of easily handling the fuel cell, simplifying the processes of testing and replacing the fuel cell, and reducing the time and costs required to replace the fuel cell.

In addition, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of improving the degree of design freedom and the spatial utilization.

Claim 1:
A fuel cell comprising (<NUM>):
a membrane electrode assembly (<NUM>);
a first separator (<NUM>) stacked on a first surface of the membrane electrode assembly (<NUM>);
a second separator (<NUM>) stacked on a second surface of the membrane electrode assembly (<NUM>);
a first sealing member (<NUM>) disposed on the first separator (<NUM>) and configured to seal a space between the first separator (<NUM>) and the membrane electrode assembly (<NUM>); and
a second sealing member (<NUM>) disposed on the second separator (<NUM>) and configured to seal a space between the second separator (<NUM>) and the membrane electrode assembly (<NUM>);
characterized by
a fastening part (<NUM>) configured to fasten the first sealing member (<NUM>) to the second sealing member (<NUM>), wherein the fastening part (<NUM>) comprises a first fastening clip (<NUM>) disposed on the first sealing member (<NUM>) and configured to be fastened to the second sealing member (<NUM>).