JP4498792B2 - Flat stacked fuel cell - Google Patents

Flat stacked fuel cell Download PDF

Info

Publication number
JP4498792B2
JP4498792B2 JP2004089978A JP2004089978A JP4498792B2 JP 4498792 B2 JP4498792 B2 JP 4498792B2 JP 2004089978 A JP2004089978 A JP 2004089978A JP 2004089978 A JP2004089978 A JP 2004089978A JP 4498792 B2 JP4498792 B2 JP 4498792B2
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
separator
reaction gas
fuel
fuel cell
electrode
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
JP2004089978A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Other versions
JP2004319455A (en
Inventor
雅次郎 井ノ上
成利 杉田
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Honda Motor Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Honda Motor Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Honda Motor Co Ltd filed Critical Honda Motor Co Ltd
Priority to JP2004089978A priority Critical patent/JP4498792B2/en
Publication of JP2004319455A publication Critical patent/JP2004319455A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of JP4498792B2 publication Critical patent/JP4498792B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells

Landscapes

  • Fuel Cell (AREA)

Description

本発明は、電解質膜を燃料極と酸化剤極とで挟んで形成した膜電極構造体を備えた燃料電池セルを平面状に並列させてなる平面積層型燃料電池に関する。   The present invention relates to a planar stacked fuel cell in which fuel cells including a membrane electrode structure formed by sandwiching an electrolyte membrane between a fuel electrode and an oxidant electrode are arranged in parallel in a planar shape.

従来、燃料電池として、電解質膜を燃料極と酸化剤極とで挟んで形成した膜電極構造体を、一対のセパレータで挟持して燃料電池セルを構成し、この燃料電池セルを複数積層させた構造のものが一般的に知られている。ただし、この構造の燃料電池では、出力を高めるために燃料電池セルの積層数を増やすと、その分燃料電池の積層寸法が増大するため、車高に制限のある車両に搭載する場合等には適さない。また、この構造の燃料電池では、一つの燃料電池セルで発電不良が発生すると、各々の燃料電池セルが電気的に直列に接続されているため、積層された燃料電池全体に影響が及び、発電出力が大幅に低下してしまう。このような不具合を解消するものとして、膜電極構造体を備えた燃料電池セルを平面状に並列させる平面積層型燃料電池が提案されている。   Conventionally, as a fuel cell, a membrane electrode structure in which an electrolyte membrane is sandwiched between a fuel electrode and an oxidant electrode is sandwiched between a pair of separators to form a fuel cell, and a plurality of the fuel cells are stacked. Structures are generally known. However, in the fuel cell of this structure, if the number of fuel cell stacks is increased in order to increase the output, the stack size of the fuel cells increases accordingly. Not suitable. In addition, in the fuel cell of this structure, when a power generation failure occurs in one fuel cell, each fuel cell is electrically connected in series, which affects the entire stacked fuel cells and generates power. The output will drop significantly. In order to solve such a problem, a planar stacked fuel cell in which fuel cells having a membrane electrode structure are arranged in parallel has been proposed.

例えば、特許文献１に、電解質膜を挟んで酸化剤極と燃料極を対峙させた複数個の燃料電池セルを、同じ面に並ぶように平面に並べ、互いに隣接する一方の燃料電池セルの燃料極の背面と他方の燃料電池セルの酸化剤極の背面とを導電性のＺ字状接続板で電気的に接続する平面積層型燃料電池が開示されている。
特開２００２−５６８５５号公報 For example, in Patent Document 1, a plurality of fuel cells in which an oxidizer electrode and a fuel electrode are opposed to each other with an electrolyte membrane interposed therebetween are arranged in a plane so as to be arranged on the same surface, and the fuel of one fuel cell adjacent to each other A flat stacked fuel cell is disclosed in which the back surface of the electrode and the back surface of the oxidant electrode of the other fuel cell are electrically connected by a conductive Z-shaped connecting plate.
JP 2002-56855 A

しかしながら、従来の技術においては、前記導電性のＺ字状接続板の作製やこの接続板の組み込みに手間がかかって作業上の負担が大きく、また該接続板周辺の剛性を充分に確保しないと車両等に搭載した場合に位置ずれを起こしてしまうことから、搭載性の面で問題があった。   However, in the prior art, it takes a lot of work to manufacture the conductive Z-shaped connecting plate and to incorporate the connecting plate, and the work burden is large, and the rigidity around the connecting plate must be secured sufficiently. When mounted on a vehicle or the like, there is a problem in terms of mountability because a positional shift occurs.

本発明は、上述した事情に鑑みてなされたものであって、作業上の負担を低減するとともに搭載性を向上することのできる平面積層型燃料電池を提供することを目的としている。   The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a planar stacked fuel cell capable of reducing work burden and improving mountability.

上記課題を解決するために、本発明の請求項１に係る発明は、電解質膜（例えば、実施の形態における固体高分子電解質膜７）を燃料極（例えば、実施の形態におけるアノード電極８）と酸化剤極（例えば、実施の形態におけるカソード電極９）とで挟んで形成した膜電極構造体（例えば、実施の形態における膜電極構造体３）を備えた燃料電池セル（例えば、実施の形態における燃料電池セル２）を平面状に配列させてなる平面積層型燃料電池（例えば、実施の形態における平面積層型燃料電池１）において、前記膜電極構造体の前記燃料極または前記酸化剤極に対して反応ガスを供給するための反応ガス通路が形成された導電性のセパレータを有し、前記セパレータが、前記燃料極用の反応ガス通路と前記酸化剤極用の反応ガス通路とが一面に設けられた第１のセパレータ（例えば、実施の形態における第１のセパレータ４）と、前記燃料極用の反応ガス通路と前記酸化剤極用の反応ガス通路のいずれか一方の反応ガス通路のみが設けられた第２のセパレータ（例えば、実施の形態における第２のセパレータ５）とで構成され、異なる前記反応ガス通路が前記膜電極構造体を挟んで対向するように２つの前記第１のセパレータを配置するとともに、前記第１のセパレータが片面のみに配置される前記膜電極構造体の他方の面に、前記膜電極構造体の片面に配置された前記第１のセパレータの反応ガス通路と異なる反応ガス通路が位置するように前記第２のセパレータを配置してなるユニットを有し、前記ユニットが、導電性ケーシング（例えば、実施の形態における導電性ケーシング１３）によって囲繞されたことを特徴とする。 In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention provides an electrolyte membrane (for example, the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 7 in the embodiment) as a fuel electrode (for example, the anode electrode 8 in the embodiment). A fuel cell (for example, in the embodiment) including a membrane electrode structure (for example, the membrane electrode structure 3 in the embodiment) formed between the oxidant electrode (for example, the cathode electrode 9 in the embodiment) In a planar stacked fuel cell (for example, the planar stacked fuel cell 1 in the embodiment) in which fuel cells 2) are arranged in a plane, the fuel electrode or the oxidant electrode of the membrane electrode structure electrically conductive separators that reaction gas passage is formed for supplying a reactant gas Te, the separator, the reaction gas passage for the fuel electrode and the reaction gas passages for the oxidizer electrode The first separator (e.g., a first separator 4 in the embodiment) provided on a surface and, one of the reaction gas passages of reaction gas passages for the reaction gas passage and the oxidant electrode for the fuel electrode Only the second separator (for example, the second separator 5 in the embodiment) provided with only the two first electrodes so that the different reaction gas passages face each other across the membrane electrode structure. with placing of the separator, the film on the other surface of the electrode structure, the reaction gas passages of the first separator disposed on one side of the membrane electrode assembly in which the first separator is arranged only on one side A unit in which the second separator is arranged so that a different reaction gas passage is located, and the unit has a conductive casing (for example, the conductive case in the embodiment). Characterized in that it is surrounded by ring 13).

この発明によれば、前記第１のセパレータに形成された反応ガス通路のそれぞれが、互いに隣合う膜電極構造体に対向して配設されており、前記第１のセパレータが互いに隣合う燃料電池セルの共通の構成要素となるので、該隣合う燃料電池セル同士を前記第１のセパレータにより電気的に接続することができ、これにより、燃料電池セル同士を接続するための特別な部材が不要となり作業上の負担を低減できるとともに、隣合う燃料電池セル同士の接続箇所に十分な剛性を確保させることができ、搭載性を向上させることができる。また、前記第１のセパレータのそれぞれの反応ガス通路には互いに異なる反応ガスが流通することから、隣合う燃料電池セルを直列接続することができ、厚さ寸法を単一の燃料電池セル程度に抑えつつ、燃料電池セルを積層した場合と同様な高い出力電圧や出力電力を得ることができる。   According to the present invention, each of the reaction gas passages formed in the first separator is disposed so as to face the membrane electrode structures adjacent to each other, and the first separator is adjacent to each other. Since it becomes a common component of the cells, the adjacent fuel cells can be electrically connected by the first separator, thereby eliminating the need for a special member for connecting the fuel cells. Thus, the burden on the work can be reduced, and sufficient rigidity can be secured at the connection location between the adjacent fuel cells, thereby improving the mountability. In addition, since different reaction gases flow through each reaction gas passage of the first separator, adjacent fuel cells can be connected in series, and the thickness dimension can be reduced to a single fuel cell. While suppressing, high output voltage and output power similar to the case where fuel cells are stacked can be obtained.

本発明の請求項２に係る発明は、請求項１に記載のものであって、前記電解質膜には、前記燃料極または前記酸化剤極が配設される部位の両外側に、前記反応ガスの供給口または排出口となる複数の連通孔が形成され、前記セパレータには、前記電解質膜の連通孔に対応する連通孔が形成され、平面方向に隣合う前記燃料電池セルのうち、一方の前記燃料電池セルにおいて前記反応ガスの排出口となる前記セパレータの連通孔と、他方の前記燃料電池セルにおいて前記反応ガスの供給口となる前記セパレータの連通孔とが連通していることを特徴とする。 The invention according to claim 2 of the present invention is according to claim 1 , wherein the reaction gas is provided on both outer sides of the electrolyte membrane where the fuel electrode or the oxidant electrode is disposed. A plurality of communication holes serving as supply ports or discharge ports are formed, and in the separator, communication holes corresponding to the communication holes of the electrolyte membrane are formed, and one of the fuel cells adjacent in the plane direction is formed. The separator communication hole serving as the reaction gas discharge port in the fuel cell and the separator communication hole serving as the reaction gas supply port in the other fuel cell communicate with each other. To do.

本発明の請求項３に係る発明は、請求項１に記載のものであって、前記電解質膜には、前記燃料極または前記酸化剤極が配設される部位の両外側に、反応ガスの供給口または排出口となる複数の連通孔が形成され、前記セパレータには、前記電解質膜の連通孔に対応する連通孔が形成され、前記電解質膜の連通孔および前記セパレータの連通孔が、前記燃料電池セルごとで連通することを特徴とする。 The invention according to claim 3 of the present invention is according to claim 1 , wherein the electrolyte membrane is provided with reactive gas on both outer sides of a portion where the fuel electrode or the oxidant electrode is disposed. A plurality of communication holes serving as supply ports or discharge ports are formed, the separator is formed with a communication hole corresponding to the communication hole of the electrolyte membrane, and the communication hole of the electrolyte membrane and the communication hole of the separator are The fuel cell unit communicates with each other.

本発明の請求項４に係る発明は、請求項１〜３のいずれか１項に記載のものであって、前記ユニットが厚さ方向に積層され、積層方向に隣合う前記ユニットの前記第２のセパレータ同士を電気的に接続させるとともに、前記積層方向に隣合うユニットの前記第１のセパレータ間に絶縁板を介装し、前記ユニットは、平面視長方形に形成された奇数個の前記燃料電池セルを有し、前記燃料電池セルが、その長手方向に沿って配列されたことを特徴とする。
この発明によれば、積層方向に隣合うユニットの第１のセパレータ間に介装された絶縁板により短絡を防止できるとともに、第２のセパレータ同士を電気的に接続することで、各ユニットで得られる出力電圧や出力電力を積層数分だけ倍加させることができ、積層寸法を抑えつつ、高い出力電圧や出力電力を得ることが可能となる。
また、燃料電池セル同士を接続するために特別な部材が不要であり、隣合う燃料電池セル同士の接続箇所に十分な剛性を確保させた同一形状のユニット同士を、絶縁板により短絡を防止しつつ、第２のセパレータ同士を電気的に接続するので、各ユニットで得られる出力電圧や出力電力を積層数分だけ倍加させることができ、積層寸法を抑えつつ、高い出力電圧や出力電力を得ることが可能となる。 Invention of Claim 4 of this invention is a thing of any one of Claims 1-3, Comprising: The said unit is laminated | stacked on the thickness direction, and said 2nd of the said unit adjacent to the lamination direction The separators are electrically connected to each other, and an insulating plate is interposed between the first separators of the units adjacent to each other in the stacking direction, and the units are an odd number of the fuel cells formed in a rectangular shape in plan view. It has a cell and the said fuel cell is arranged along the longitudinal direction.
According to this invention, while being able to prevent a short circuit by the insulating plate interposed between the first separators of the units adjacent to each other in the stacking direction, the second separators are electrically connected to each other, thereby obtaining each unit. The output voltage and output power to be generated can be doubled by the number of stacks, and a high output voltage and output power can be obtained while suppressing stacking dimensions.
In addition, no special member is required to connect the fuel cells, and short-circuiting between units of the same shape that ensure sufficient rigidity at the connection location between adjacent fuel cells is prevented by an insulating plate. On the other hand, since the second separators are electrically connected to each other, the output voltage and output power obtained by each unit can be doubled by the number of stacks, and high output voltage and output power can be obtained while suppressing stacking dimensions. It becomes possible.

本発明の請求項５に係る発明は、請求項４に記載のものであって、前記積層方向に隣合うユニット間の前記第２のセパレータ同士が、前記第２のセパレータと同形状のターミナルプレート（例えば、実施の形態におけるターミナル１４）を介して電気的に接続されたことを特徴とする。  The invention according to claim 5 of the present invention is the terminal plate according to claim 4, wherein the second separators between the units adjacent to each other in the stacking direction have the same shape as the second separators. It is characterized in that it is electrically connected via (for example, the terminal 14 in the embodiment).
この発明によれば、各ユニットを配置位置に関係なく同一形状に作製することができるので、搭載性をさらに高めることができる。  According to this invention, since each unit can be produced in the same shape regardless of the arrangement position, the mountability can be further improved.

以上説明したように、請求項１に記載の発明によれば、燃料電池セル同士を接続するために特別な部材が不要となり作業上の負担を低減できるとともに、隣合う燃料電池セル同士の接続箇所に十分な剛性を確保させることができ、搭載性を向上させることができる。また、前記第１のセパレータのそれぞれの反応ガス通路には互いに異なる反応ガスが流通することから、隣合う燃料電池セルを直列接続することができ、厚さ寸法を単一の燃料電池セル程度に抑えつつ、燃料電池セルを積層した場合と同様な高い出力電圧や出力電力を得ることができる。   As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a special member is not required to connect the fuel cells, and the work load can be reduced. In this case, sufficient rigidity can be ensured, and mountability can be improved. In addition, since different reaction gases flow through each reaction gas passage of the first separator, adjacent fuel cells can be connected in series, and the thickness dimension can be reduced to a single fuel cell. While suppressing, high output voltage and output power similar to the case where fuel cells are stacked can be obtained.

また、請求項４に記載の発明によれば、各ユニットで得られる出力電圧や出力電力を積層数分だけ倍加させることができ、積層寸法を抑えつつ、高い出力電圧や出力電力を得ることが可能となる。
また、請求項４に記載の発明によれば、作業上の負担を低減できるとともに搭載性を向上でき、各ユニットで得られる出力電圧や出力電力を積層数分だけ倍加させることができ、積層寸法を抑えつつ、高い出力電圧や出力電力を得ることが可能となる。
また、請求項５に記載の発明によれば、各ユニットを配置位置に関係なく同一形状に作製することができるので、搭載性をさらに高めることができる。 Further, according to the invention described in claim 4 , the output voltage and output power obtained in each unit can be doubled by the number of stacks, and a high output voltage and output power can be obtained while suppressing stacking dimensions. It becomes possible .
In addition , according to the invention described in claim 4 , it is possible to reduce the burden on work and improve the mountability, and it is possible to double the output voltage and output power obtained by each unit by the number of layers. High output voltage and output power can be obtained while suppressing the above.
Further, according to the invention described in claim 5, since each unit can be manufactured in the same shape regardless of the arrangement position, the mountability can be further improved.

以下、本発明の実施の形態について、添付図面を参照しながら説明する。
図１は本発明の実施の形態に係る平面積層型燃料電池の平面図である。図２は図１の平面積層型燃料電池の断面図である。これらに示したように、平面積層型燃料電池１は、平面視略長方形に形成された燃料電池セル２を平面状に並列させて構成されている。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a planar stacked fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the planar stacked fuel cell of FIG. As shown in these figures, the planar stacked fuel cell 1 is configured by arranging fuel cells 2 formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view in parallel in a planar shape.

各燃料電池セル２の膜電極構造体３（３Ａ〜３Ｅ）は、固体高分子電解質膜（以下、単に電解質膜という。）７をアノード電極８およびカソード電極９とで挟んで形成されている。電解質膜７は、例えば、ペルフルオロスルホン酸ポリマーで構成されている。アノード電極８およびカソード電極９は、多孔質カーボンクロスまたは多孔質カーボンペーパー等からなるガス拡散層と、Ｐｔを主体とする合金からなる触媒層とを備え、触媒層の表面を電解質膜７に接触させている。   A membrane electrode structure 3 (3A to 3E) of each fuel cell 2 is formed by sandwiching a solid polymer electrolyte membrane (hereinafter simply referred to as an electrolyte membrane) 7 between an anode electrode 8 and a cathode electrode 9. The electrolyte membrane 7 is made of, for example, a perfluorosulfonic acid polymer. The anode electrode 8 and the cathode electrode 9 include a gas diffusion layer made of porous carbon cloth or porous carbon paper and a catalyst layer made of an alloy mainly composed of Pt, and the surface of the catalyst layer is in contact with the electrolyte membrane 7. I am letting.

電解質膜７には、前記電極８，９が配設される部位の両外側に、複数の連通孔２１ａ〜２１ｆが形成され、それぞれの連通孔２１ａ〜２１ｆが、反応ガス（燃料ガス、酸化剤ガス）や冷却媒体の供給口、排出口となる。これについては後述する。
上記のように構成された各膜電極構造体３は、互いに隣合う電極８，９の向きが互いに異なるように電極８，９の長手方向に沿って配列される。 In the electrolyte membrane 7, a plurality of communication holes 21a to 21f are formed on both outer sides of the portion where the electrodes 8 and 9 are disposed, and each of the communication holes 21a to 21f serves as a reaction gas (fuel gas, oxidant). Gas) and cooling medium supply and discharge ports. This will be described later.
The membrane electrode structures 3 configured as described above are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the electrodes 8 and 9 so that the directions of the electrodes 8 and 9 adjacent to each other are different from each other.

また、各膜電極構造体３を挟持する導電性のセパレータは、異なる反応ガスの通路１０，１１を備える第１のセパレータ４と、該通路１０，１１のいずれか一方のみを備える第２のセパレータ５とで構成されている。
前記セパレータ５（５Ａ、５Ｂ）は、その平面形状を、電解質膜７と略同一な大きさの長方形に形成されている。セパレータ５Ａ，５Ｂの電解質膜７に対向する面には、前記電極８、９に対応する部位に反応ガス通路（燃料ガス通路、酸化剤ガス通路）１０，１１がそれぞれ形成され、アノード電極８に対向するガス通路１０が燃料ガス通路１０、カソード電極９に対向するガス通路１１が酸化剤ガス通路１１となる。また、セパレータ５Ａ，５Ｂには、前記電解質膜７の連通孔２１ａ〜２１ｆに対応する部位に、連通孔２４ａ〜２４ｆが形成される。 The conductive separators sandwiching each membrane electrode structure 3 include a first separator 4 having different reaction gas passages 10 and 11 and a second separator having only one of the passages 10 and 11. And 5.
The separator 5 (5A, 5B) is formed in a rectangular shape having a planar shape substantially the same as that of the electrolyte membrane 7. Reaction gas passages (fuel gas passages, oxidant gas passages) 10, 11 are formed on the surfaces of the separators 5 A, 5 B facing the electrolyte membrane 7 at portions corresponding to the electrodes 8, 9. The gas path 10 facing the fuel gas path 10 and the gas path 11 facing the cathode electrode 9 become the oxidant gas path 11. Further, in the separators 5A and 5B, communication holes 24a to 24f are formed at portions corresponding to the communication holes 21a to 21f of the electrolyte membrane 7.

また、セパレータ４は、２つのセパレータ５、５をガス通路に沿う方向に所定間隔を開けて配列したものと同等な大きさの長方形状に形成されている。この所定間隔は互いに隣合う膜電極構造体３が配置される間隔である。また、セパレータ４は、互いに隣合う膜電極構造体３、３の電極８，９に対応する部位に、それぞれ燃料ガス通路１０、酸化剤ガス通路１１が形成され、前記隣合う膜電極構造体３，３の連通孔２１ａ〜２１ｆ、２１ａ〜２１ｆに対応する部位に、連通孔２２ａ〜２２ｆ、２３ａ〜２３ｆが形成される。なお、セパレータ４、５は金属を折り曲げ成形して形成してもよいし、カーボンを切削して形成してもよい。   Further, the separator 4 is formed in a rectangular shape having a size equivalent to that obtained by arranging the two separators 5 and 5 at a predetermined interval in the direction along the gas passage. This predetermined interval is an interval at which adjacent membrane electrode structures 3 are arranged. In the separator 4, a fuel gas passage 10 and an oxidant gas passage 11 are formed in portions corresponding to the electrodes 8 and 9 of the adjacent membrane electrode structures 3 and 3, respectively. , 3 communication holes 22a to 22f and 23a to 23f are formed at portions corresponding to the communication holes 21a to 21f and 21a to 21f. The separators 4 and 5 may be formed by bending a metal, or may be formed by cutting carbon.

このように形成した第１のセパレータ４，４同士を、互いに異なる反応ガス通路１０、１１が対向するようにして前記膜電極構造体３を挟み込んで配置していく（図１の矢印Ａ、Ｂ）。また、第１のセパレータ４が片面のみに配置される膜電極構造体３Ａ、３Ｅの他方の面に、第２のセパレータ５を互いの反応ガス通路１０，１１が対向するように配置して、ユニット１２を構成している。換言すれば、燃料電池１を構成する燃料電池セル２の始端および終端に位置するセパレータに、第２のセパレータ５、５を用いている。   The first separators 4 and 4 formed in this way are arranged so as to sandwich the membrane electrode structure 3 so that different reaction gas passages 10 and 11 face each other (arrows A and B in FIG. 1). ). Further, the second separator 5 is disposed on the other surface of the membrane electrode structures 3A and 3E where the first separator 4 is disposed only on one side so that the reaction gas passages 10 and 11 face each other, The unit 12 is configured. In other words, the second separators 5 and 5 are used as the separators positioned at the start and end of the fuel cells 2 constituting the fuel cell 1.

このようにすると、第１のセパレータ４が、互いに隣合う燃料電池セル２，２の共通の構成要素となるので、該隣合う燃料電池セル２，２同士を前記第１のセパレータ４により電気的に接続することができる。これにより、燃料電池セル２，２同士を接続するための特別な部材が不要となり作業上の負担を低減できるとともに、隣合う燃料電池セル２，２同士の接続箇所に十分な剛性を確保させることができ、搭載性を向上させることができる。   In this way, the first separator 4 becomes a common component of the adjacent fuel cells 2, 2, so that the adjacent fuel cells 2, 2 are electrically connected to each other by the first separator 4. Can be connected to. This eliminates the need for a special member for connecting the fuel cells 2 and 2, reduces the work burden, and ensures sufficient rigidity at the connection between the adjacent fuel cells 2 and 2. It is possible to improve the mountability.

図４は図１の平面積層型燃料電池における反応ガスの流れを示す説明図である。燃料ガス１７は、セパレータ５Ｂの連通孔２４ｄから膜電極構造体３Ａの連通孔２１ｄ、セパレータ４Ａの連通孔２２ａを介して、膜電極構造体３Ａのアノード電極８に対向する燃料ガス通路１０に供給され、セパレータ４Ａの連通孔２２ａから連通孔２２ｆに向かって流れる。互いに隣合う膜電極構造体３Ａ、３Ｂは、アノード電極８の向きが互いに逆になっており、膜電極構造体３Ｂのアノード電極８は上向きになっている。このため、燃料ガス１７は、前記連通孔２２ｆから膜電極構造体３Ａの連通孔２１ｃ、セパレータ５Ｂの連通孔２４ｃを介して、隣合うセパレータ４Ｂの連通孔２２ａから、膜電極構造体３Ａのアノード電極８に対向する燃料ガス通路１０に供給される。このように、燃料ガス１７は、膜電極構造体３Ａから３Ｅに、それぞれのアノード電極８に対向する燃料ガス通路１０を通過するように流れる。また、酸化剤ガス１８も同様に、膜電極構造体３Ａから３Ｅに、それぞれのカソード電極９に対向する酸化剤ガス通路１１を通過するように流れる。   FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of the reaction gas in the planar stacked fuel cell of FIG. The fuel gas 17 is supplied from the communication hole 24d of the separator 5B to the fuel gas passage 10 facing the anode electrode 8 of the membrane electrode structure 3A through the communication hole 21d of the membrane electrode structure 3A and the communication hole 22a of the separator 4A. And flows from the communication hole 22a of the separator 4A toward the communication hole 22f. In the membrane electrode structures 3A and 3B adjacent to each other, the directions of the anode electrode 8 are opposite to each other, and the anode electrode 8 of the membrane electrode structure 3B is directed upward. For this reason, the fuel gas 17 flows from the communication hole 22f through the communication hole 21c of the membrane electrode structure 3A and the communication hole 24c of the separator 5B, and from the communication hole 22a of the adjacent separator 4B to the anode of the membrane electrode structure 3A. A fuel gas passage 10 facing the electrode 8 is supplied. In this way, the fuel gas 17 flows from the membrane electrode structures 3A to 3E so as to pass through the fuel gas passages 10 facing the respective anode electrodes 8. Similarly, the oxidant gas 18 flows through the membrane electrode structures 3A to 3E so as to pass through the oxidant gas passages 11 facing the respective cathode electrodes 9.

このように、各燃料電池セル２のアノード電極８側に燃料ガスを、カソード電極９側に酸化剤ガスを供給させることで、燃料電池セル２に発電させる。すなわち、アノード電極８の電極反応面に燃料ガスを供給すると、ここで水素がイオン化され、電解質膜７を介してカソード電極９に移動する。この間に生じた電子はターミナル１４Ａ，１４Ｂを介して外部回路に取り出され、直流の電気エネルギとして利用される。
ここで、前記第１のセパレータ４のそれぞれの反応ガス通路１０、１１には互いに異なる反応ガス（燃料ガス、酸化剤ガス）が流通し、第１のセパレータ４が、互いに隣合う燃料電池セル２，２の共通の構成要素となるので、隣合う燃料電池セル２，２を直列接続することができ、出力電圧や出力電圧を高めることができる。 As described above, the fuel cell 2 is caused to generate electric power by supplying the fuel gas to the anode electrode 8 side and the oxidant gas to the cathode electrode 9 side of each fuel cell 2. That is, when fuel gas is supplied to the electrode reaction surface of the anode electrode 8, hydrogen is ionized here and moves to the cathode electrode 9 through the electrolyte membrane 7. Electrons generated during this time are taken out to an external circuit via terminals 14A and 14B and used as direct current electric energy.
Here, different reaction gases (fuel gas, oxidant gas) flow through the reaction gas passages 10 and 11 of the first separator 4, and the first separator 4 is adjacent to the fuel cell 2 adjacent to each other. , 2 can be connected in series, and the output voltage and output voltage can be increased.

また、本実施の形態においては、各ユニット１２の第１のセパレータ４，４同士と第２のセパレータ５同士を対向させ、第１のセパレータ４，４間には絶縁板６を介装するとともに、第２のセパレータ５間にはターミナル１４を介装して、積層配置している。
これにより、各ユニット１２の短絡を絶縁板６により防止できるとともに、第２のセパレータ５，５同士をターミナル１４を介して電気的に接続することで、各ユニット１２で得られる出力電圧や出力電力を積層数分だけ倍加させることができる。また、各ユニット１２同士や外部開路との電気的な接続をターミナル１４を介して行うことで、を配置位置に関係なく同一形状に作製することができるので、搭載性をさらに高めることができる。
また、図３に示したように、各ユニット１２を導電性ケーシング１３にて囲繞することにより、各ユニット１２の剛性を確保して、保護を高めることができ、これにより、取扱い性を向上することができる。 Further, in the present embodiment, the first separators 4 and 4 and the second separators 5 of each unit 12 are opposed to each other, and an insulating plate 6 is interposed between the first separators 4 and 4. The terminals 14 are interposed between the second separators 5 and stacked.
Thereby, while being able to prevent the short circuit of each unit 12 with the insulating board 6, the output voltage and output power which are obtained with each unit 12 by electrically connecting the 2nd separators 5 and 5 via the terminal 14 are obtained. Can be doubled by the number of layers. In addition, by making electrical connection between the units 12 and the external open circuit via the terminal 14, the same shape can be produced regardless of the arrangement position, so that the mountability can be further improved.
Further, as shown in FIG. 3, by surrounding each unit 12 with a conductive casing 13, the rigidity of each unit 12 can be ensured and the protection can be enhanced, thereby improving the handleability. be able to.

図５は本発明の平面積層型燃料電池１を示す斜視図、図６は従来の燃料電池セルを積層してなる燃料電池を示す斜視図である。これらの図に示したように、本実施の形態における平面積層型燃料電池１は、積層された複数のユニット１２……１２の積層寸法（Ｌ１）を従来の燃料電池の高さ寸法（Ｌ２）に比べて十分低く抑えることができるとともに、複数の燃料電池セル２、２を積層した場合と同様な高い出力電圧や出力電力を得ることができる。
従って、車高に制限のある車両等に搭載する場合、特に運転席の床下に搭載する場合にも、好適に用いることができる。 FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a flat stacked fuel cell 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a fuel cell in which conventional fuel cells are stacked. As shown in these drawings, in the planar stacked fuel cell 1 according to the present embodiment, the stacked dimension (L1) of the stacked units 12... 12 is set to the height dimension (L2) of the conventional fuel cell. As compared with the above, it is possible to obtain a sufficiently low output voltage and output power similar to the case where the plurality of fuel cells 2 and 2 are stacked.
Therefore, it can be suitably used when mounted on a vehicle or the like with a limited vehicle height, particularly when mounted under the floor of the driver's seat.

図７は図１の平面積層型燃料電池の変形例における反応ガスの流れを示す説明図である。同図には、各燃料電池セル２毎に反応ガスを個別に流通させる一例を示している。例えば、セパレータ５Ｂとセパレータ４Ａとを備える燃料電池セル２を流通する燃料ガス１７は、セパレータ５Ｂの連通孔２４ｄから膜電極構造体３Ａの連通孔２１ｄ、セパレータ４Ａの連通孔２２ａを介して、膜電極構造体３Ａのアノード電極８に対向する燃料ガス通路１０に供給され、セパレータ４Ａの連通孔２２ａから連通孔２２ｆに向かって流れ、他の燃料電池セル２に流通することなく外部に排出される。この燃料電池セルの酸化剤ガスの流路や、他の燃料電池セル２を流れる燃料ガスや酸化剤ガスの流路も同様に構成されている。
このように、各燃料電池セル２毎に反応ガスを個別に流通させる構成とすると、各燃料電池セル２毎に反応ガスの流量を調節することができるため、各燃料電池セル２の電極反応面（アノード電極８、カソード電極９）に十分な反応ガスを供給することができ、ストイキの低下を防止することができる。 FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of the reaction gas in a modification of the planar stacked fuel cell of FIG. In the figure, an example in which the reaction gas is individually circulated for each fuel battery cell 2 is shown. For example, the fuel gas 17 flowing through the fuel battery cell 2 including the separator 5B and the separator 4A flows from the communication hole 24d of the separator 5B through the communication hole 21d of the membrane electrode structure 3A and the communication hole 22a of the separator 4A. It is supplied to the fuel gas passage 10 facing the anode electrode 8 of the electrode structure 3A, flows from the communication hole 22a of the separator 4A toward the communication hole 22f, and is discharged outside without flowing to the other fuel cells 2. . The flow path of the oxidant gas of the fuel battery cell and the flow path of the fuel gas and oxidant gas flowing through the other fuel battery cells 2 are similarly configured.
Thus, if it is set as the structure which distribute | circulates reaction gas separately for every fuel battery cell 2, since the flow volume of reaction gas can be adjusted for every fuel battery cell 2, the electrode reaction surface of each fuel battery cell 2 is demonstrated. Sufficient reaction gas can be supplied to (the anode electrode 8 and the cathode electrode 9), and a reduction in stoichiometry can be prevented.

なお、本発明は、上述の実施の形態の内容のみには限られないことはもちろんであり、例えばターミナル１４や導電性ケーシング１３を設けなくてもよい。また、実施の形態においては、各燃料電池セルを一列に配列した場合について説明したが、これに限らず複数列に配列するように構成してもよい。   Note that the present invention is not limited to the contents of the above-described embodiment, and for example, the terminal 14 and the conductive casing 13 may not be provided. In the embodiment, the case where the fuel cells are arranged in one row has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the fuel cells may be arranged in a plurality of rows.

本発明の実施の形態に係る平面積層型燃料電池の分解斜視図である。1 is an exploded perspective view of a planar stacked fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. 図１の平面積層型燃料電池の分解断面図である。FIG. 2 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the planar stacked fuel cell of FIG. 1. 図２の平面積層型燃料電池の変形例を示す分解断面図である。FIG. 5 is an exploded cross-sectional view showing a modification of the planar stacked fuel cell in FIG. 2. 図１の平面積層型燃料電池における反応ガスの流れを示す説明図である。FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of a reactive gas in the planar stacked fuel cell of FIG. 1. 本発明の平面積層型燃料電池を示す斜視図である。1 is a perspective view showing a planar stacked fuel cell of the present invention. 従来の燃料電池を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the conventional fuel cell. 図１の平面積層型燃料電池の変形例における反応ガスの流れを示す説明図である。FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of a reactive gas in a modification of the planar stacked fuel cell of FIG.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１ 平面積層型燃料電池
２ 燃料電池セル
３ 膜電極構造体
４ 第１のセパレータ
５ 第２のセパレータ
６ 絶縁板
７ 固体高分子電解質膜
８ アノード電極
９ カソード電極
１０ 燃料ガス通路
１１ 酸化剤ガス通路
１２ ユニット
１４ ターミナルプレート DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Planar laminated type fuel cell 2 Fuel cell 3 Membrane electrode structure 4 1st separator 5 2nd separator 6 Insulating plate 7 Solid polymer electrolyte membrane 8 Anode electrode 9 Cathode electrode 10 Fuel gas passage 11 Oxidant gas passage 12 Unit 14 Terminal plate

Claims (5)

電解質膜を燃料極と酸化剤極とで挟んで形成した膜電極構造体を備えた燃料電池セルを平面状に配列させてなる平面積層型燃料電池において、
前記膜電極構造体の前記燃料極または前記酸化剤極に対して反応ガスを供給するための反応ガス通路が形成された導電性のセパレータを有し、
前記セパレータが、前記燃料極用の反応ガス通路と前記酸化剤極用の反応ガス通路とが一面に設けられた第１のセパレータと、前記燃料極用の反応ガス通路と前記酸化剤極用の反応ガス通路のいずれか一方の反応ガス通路のみが設けられた第２のセパレータとで構成され、
異なる前記反応ガス通路が前記膜電極構造体を挟んで対向するように２つの前記第１のセパレータを配置するとともに、前記第１のセパレータが片面のみに配置される前記膜電極構造体の他方の面に、前記膜電極構造体の片面に配置された前記第１のセパレータの反応ガス通路と異なる反応ガス通路が位置するように前記第２のセパレータを配置してなるユニットを有し、
前記ユニットが、導電性ケーシングによって囲繞されたことを特徴とする平面積層型燃料電池。 In a planar stacked fuel cell in which fuel cell cells having a membrane electrode structure formed by sandwiching an electrolyte membrane between a fuel electrode and an oxidant electrode are arranged in a plane,
A conductive separator having a reaction gas passage for supplying a reaction gas to the fuel electrode or the oxidant electrode of the membrane electrode structure;
The separator includes a first separator in which a reaction gas passage for the fuel electrode and a reaction gas passage for the oxidant electrode are provided on one surface, a reaction gas passage for the fuel electrode, and a oxidant electrode passage. only one of the reaction gas passage of the reaction gas passage is composed of the second separator provided,
The two first separators are arranged so that the different reaction gas passages face each other with the membrane electrode structure interposed therebetween, and the other separator of the membrane electrode structure in which the first separator is arranged only on one side A unit having the second separator disposed on the surface such that a reaction gas passage different from the reaction gas passage of the first separator disposed on one surface of the membrane electrode structure is located;
A flat stacked fuel cell , wherein the unit is surrounded by a conductive casing . 前記電解質膜には、前記燃料極または前記酸化剤極が配設される部位の両外側に、前記反応ガスの供給口または排出口となる複数の連通孔が形成され、  In the electrolyte membrane, a plurality of communication holes serving as a supply port or a discharge port for the reaction gas are formed on both outer sides of the portion where the fuel electrode or the oxidant electrode is disposed,
前記セパレータには、前記電解質膜の連通孔に対応する連通孔が形成され、  In the separator, a communication hole corresponding to the communication hole of the electrolyte membrane is formed,
平面方向に隣合う前記燃料電池セルのうち、一方の前記燃料電池セルにおいて前記反応ガスの排出口となる前記セパレータの連通孔と、他方の前記燃料電池セルにおいて前記反応ガスの供給口となる前記セパレータの連通孔とが連通していることを特徴とする請求項１に記載の平面積層型燃料電池。  Of the fuel cells adjacent to each other in the planar direction, the separator communication hole serving as the reaction gas discharge port in one of the fuel cells, and the reaction gas supply port serving as the reaction gas in the other fuel cell. 2. The planar stacked fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the separator has a communication hole communicating therewith. 前記電解質膜には、前記燃料極または前記酸化剤極が配設される部位の両外側に、反応ガスの供給口または排出口となる複数の連通孔が形成され、  In the electrolyte membrane, a plurality of communication holes serving as a reaction gas supply port or a discharge port are formed on both outer sides of a portion where the fuel electrode or the oxidant electrode is disposed,
前記セパレータには、前記電解質膜の連通孔に対応する連通孔が形成され、  In the separator, a communication hole corresponding to the communication hole of the electrolyte membrane is formed,
前記電解質膜の連通孔および前記セパレータの連通孔が、前記燃料電池セルごとで連通することを特徴とする請求項１に記載の平面積層型燃料電池。  The planar stacked fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the communication hole of the electrolyte membrane and the communication hole of the separator communicate with each other in each fuel cell. 前記ユニットが厚さ方向に積層され、
積層方向に隣合う前記ユニットの前記第２のセパレータ同士を電気的に接続させるとともに、前記積層方向に隣合うユニットの前記第１のセパレータ間に絶縁板を介装し、
前記ユニットは、平面視長方形に形成された奇数個の前記燃料電池セルを有し、
前記燃料電池セルが、その長手方向に沿って配列されたことを特徴とする請求項１〜３のいずれか１項に記載の平面積層型燃料電池。 The units are stacked in the thickness direction,
While electrically connecting the second separators of the units adjacent in the stacking direction , an insulating plate is interposed between the first separators of the units adjacent in the stacking direction ,
The unit has an odd number of the fuel cells formed in a rectangular shape in plan view,
The planar fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fuel cells are arranged along a longitudinal direction thereof . 前記積層方向に隣合うユニット間の前記第２のセパレータ同士が、前記第２のセパレータと同形状のターミナルプレートを介して電気的に接続されたことを特徴とする請求項４に記載の平面積層型燃料電池。 The planar lamination according to claim 4 , wherein the second separators between the units adjacent to each other in the lamination direction are electrically connected via a terminal plate having the same shape as the second separator. Type fuel cell.
JP2004089978A 2003-03-31 2004-03-25 Flat stacked fuel cell Expired - Fee Related JP4498792B2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2004089978A JP4498792B2 (en) 2003-03-31 2004-03-25 Flat stacked fuel cell

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2003097322 2003-03-31
JP2004089978A JP4498792B2 (en) 2003-03-31 2004-03-25 Flat stacked fuel cell

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
JP2004319455A JP2004319455A (en) 2004-11-11
JP4498792B2 true JP4498792B2 (en) 2010-07-07

Family

ID=33478768

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
JP2004089978A Expired - Fee Related JP4498792B2 (en) 2003-03-31 2004-03-25 Flat stacked fuel cell

Country Status (1)

Country Link
JP (1) JP4498792B2 (en)

Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH04206162A (en) * 1990-11-29 1992-07-28 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd Cell unit for solid high polymer electrolyte film fuel cell
JPH05121088A (en) * 1991-10-28 1993-05-18 Toshiba Corp Fuel cell
JPH0652881A (en) * 1992-07-31 1994-02-25 Mitsui Eng & Shipbuild Co Ltd Solid electrolyte fuel cell of internal manifold type
JPH06338342A (en) * 1993-05-31 1994-12-06 Nissan Motor Co Ltd Cell stack structure for solid high polymer electrolytic fuel cell
JPH0729580A (en) * 1993-07-16 1995-01-31 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd Fuel cell
JP2002110215A (en) * 2000-09-27 2002-04-12 Kansai Research Institute Compact fuel cell
JP2002151134A (en) * 2000-11-07 2002-05-24 Sony Corp Flat arranged type electrochemical element unit
JP2002280049A (en) * 2001-03-19 2002-09-27 Hitachi Cable Ltd Integrated type fuel cell
JP2002280016A (en) * 2001-03-16 2002-09-27 Samsung Electronics Co Ltd Single electrode type cell pack for direct methanol fuel cell
JP2003264003A (en) * 2002-03-11 2003-09-19 Yuasa Corp Direct-type fuel cell

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH04206162A (en) * 1990-11-29 1992-07-28 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd Cell unit for solid high polymer electrolyte film fuel cell
JPH05121088A (en) * 1991-10-28 1993-05-18 Toshiba Corp Fuel cell
JPH0652881A (en) * 1992-07-31 1994-02-25 Mitsui Eng & Shipbuild Co Ltd Solid electrolyte fuel cell of internal manifold type
JPH06338342A (en) * 1993-05-31 1994-12-06 Nissan Motor Co Ltd Cell stack structure for solid high polymer electrolytic fuel cell
JPH0729580A (en) * 1993-07-16 1995-01-31 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd Fuel cell
JP2002110215A (en) * 2000-09-27 2002-04-12 Kansai Research Institute Compact fuel cell
JP2002151134A (en) * 2000-11-07 2002-05-24 Sony Corp Flat arranged type electrochemical element unit
JP2002280016A (en) * 2001-03-16 2002-09-27 Samsung Electronics Co Ltd Single electrode type cell pack for direct methanol fuel cell
JP2002280049A (en) * 2001-03-19 2002-09-27 Hitachi Cable Ltd Integrated type fuel cell
JP2003264003A (en) * 2002-03-11 2003-09-19 Yuasa Corp Direct-type fuel cell

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2004319455A (en) 2004-11-11

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
KR101388318B1 (en) Solid oxide fuel cell
JP4630529B2 (en) Fuel cell system
JP5383051B2 (en) Fuel cell and fuel cell stack
JP5227543B2 (en) Fuel cell
JP5180484B2 (en) Fuel cell stack
JP5251062B2 (en) Composite current collector plate for fuel cell and fuel cell
JP2003178775A (en) Fuel cell
US7569301B2 (en) Fuel cell
US20070287053A1 (en) Collecting Plate, Fuel Cell, and Method for Manufacturing Same
JP3968278B2 (en) Fuel cell stack and metal separator for fuel cell stack
JP5095060B2 (en) Fuel cell stack
JP4118123B2 (en) Fuel cell stack
JP4828841B2 (en) Fuel cell
US20090197136A1 (en) High-Volume-Manufacture Fuel Cell Arrangement and Method for Production Thereof
JP5016228B2 (en) Fuel cell
JP4664030B2 (en) Fuel cell stack
JP4498792B2 (en) Flat stacked fuel cell
JP4417204B2 (en) Fuel cell stack
JP2004071230A (en) Fuel cell stack
JP3981578B2 (en) Fuel cell
CN109314264B (en) Fuel cell stack and separator for fuel cell stack
JP5638418B2 (en) Fuel cell
JPH06333582A (en) Solid polyelectrolyte fuel cell
JP2004303651A (en) Planar laminated layer type fuel battery
JP5318458B2 (en) Fuel cell stack

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
A621 Written request for application examination

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A621

Effective date: 20061128

A977 Report on retrieval

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A971007

Effective date: 20090729

A131 Notification of reasons for refusal

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A131

Effective date: 20090804

A521 Written amendment

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A523

Effective date: 20091002

TRDD Decision of grant or rejection written
A01 Written decision to grant a patent or to grant a registration (utility model)

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A01

Effective date: 20100406

A01 Written decision to grant a patent or to grant a registration (utility model)

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A01

A61 First payment of annual fees (during grant procedure)

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A61

Effective date: 20100414

FPAY Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database)

Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20130423

Year of fee payment: 3

R150 Certificate of patent or registration of utility model

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R150

FPAY Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database)

Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20130423

Year of fee payment: 3

FPAY Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database)

Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20140423

Year of fee payment: 4

LAPS Cancellation because of no payment of annual fees